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IT IS NOW TIME TO REMOVE THE CARTER CENTER'S IRS TAX EXEMPTION & PRESIDENTIAL PERKS

UPDATE:  UPSET -- TERRORISTS REFUSE TO MEET WITH JIMMY CARTER

As reported by CNSNews.com ... 

"Former President Jimmy Carter will not meet with Hezbollah during his current visit to Lebanon – not because he changed his mind about sitting down with a terrorist group linked to deadly attacks against Americans, but because Hezbollah refused to meet with him."
 
"Although Carter is widely regarded as a strong critic of Israel and a proponent of talking to leaders and organizations hostile to the U.S., the Iranian-sponsored Shi’ite group viewed his desire for a meeting unfavorably."
 
“'Hezbollah does not meet with anyone from a U.S. administration which supports Zionist terrorism,' Hezbollah’s al-Manar television station quoted Hezbollah lawmaker Mohamad Raad as saying Wednesday."

Original blog entry ...

Once again, ex-President Jimmy Carter is meddling in Middle Eastern politics in such a manner that amounts to aiding and abetting the enemy.

Lest anyone forget, it was President Carter who refused to support the Shah of Iran and openly advocated for the return of the Ayatollah Khomeini and thus brought the subject IslamoFascism to the forefront of American policy.

Now with Iran pursuing nuclear intentions and allowing for the Iranian President’s desire to wipe Israel off the face of the map … it is time to curtail Carter’s ambitious program to rehabilitate his own reputation as the worst president of modern times.

Considering that both Hamas and Hezbollah are proxies for Iran and have engaged American troops, it is now time to stop Carter from lending the prestige of his former office to thugs, terrorists, rapists and worse.

As reported by CNSNews …

“Hezbollah Meeting on the Agenda for Jimmy Carter?”

“Visiting Lebanon this week, former President Jimmy Carter has not ruled out a meeting with representatives of Hezbollah, the Iranian-sponsored terrorist organization which prior to 9/11 was responsible for more American terror-related deaths than any other organization.”

“Carter is due to visit Lebanon and Syria this week, the Carter Center in Atlanta said in a statement on Friday. The center, which monitors elections around the world, is considering observing parliamentary elections in Lebanon scheduled for next spring, and the former president’s visit aims to assess the situation.”

I believe that Jimmy Carter is not a neutral party, has an anti-Israel viewpoint and is not prepared to do much more than inject American cash into a terrorist organization

“During his visit, President Carter will discuss recent developments in Lebanon and the Middle East with officials and representatives of major political blocs in parliament and civil society leaders,” said center representative Hrair Balianion.”

“Asked whether this would include a meeting with Hezbollah, which is part of a pro-Syrian bloc in the Lebanese parliament, the center did not deny that this was a possibility, but told CNSNews.com the schedule was not finalized.”

“Long a fixture on the State Department’s list of foreign terrorist organizations, Hezbollah also operates as a political party in Lebanon. Along with other pro-Syrian groups it has controlling veto power over the pro-Western government of Prime Minister Fouad Siniora.”

It is one thing for Sean Penn to cavort with thuggish dictators like Fidel Castro and Hugo Chavez, for he is a useful tool at best. But to allow an ex-President of the United States to bring media attention and foster internal respect for terrorists is unconscionable.

I suggest, as a gentle reminder that even ex-Presidents represent the people of the United States, that we remove the Carter Institute’s tax exempt status and demand full disclosure of his contributors. Followed by the removal of any and all secret service protection if he travels abroad as well as all perks extended by the United States people to ex-Presidents.

If Carter does not get the hint, perhaps he should surrender his diplomatic passport and be issued a civilian passport which subjects him to the requirements now in effect from our State Department.

A little history …

“Set up with the help of Iran shortly after the Islamic revolution in Tehran, Hezbollah in 1983 was blamed for a series of suicide bombings at the U.S. Embassy and a U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut, and another at a French military barracks. The embassy bombing cost the lives of 60 people, 17 of them Americans. The Marine barracks bombing killed 241 people, mostly U.S. Marines. Sixty French soldiers were also killed in the bombing of the French barracks.

“Hezbollah targeted America again when in 1985 it hijacked TWA flight 847 en route from Athens to Rome, demanding the release of more than 700 Lebanese and Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. The hijackers singled out Robert Stethem, 23, a U.S. Navy diver, tortured and murdered him, and threw his body on the tarmac at the Beirut airport.”

“One of the hijackers, Mohammed Ali Hamadi, was arrested, tried and convicted of Stethem’s murder and sentenced to life in jail in Frankfurt, Germany, but controversially released in 2005. He returned to Lebanon and Hezbollah.
Another of the perpetrators, notorious terrorist mastermind Imad Mugniyah, was killed in an as-yet unclaimed Damascus bomb blast earlier this year.
Hezbollah has also been linked to the bombings of the Israeli Embassy and a Jewish community center in Argentina in the early 1990s, at the cost of 114 lives, and to the 1996 bombing of the Khobar Towers in Saudi Arabia, which killed 19 U.S. servicemen.”

“Other attacks researchers have attributed to Hezbollah include a series of bombings in Paris in 1986, which killed 13; an unsuccessful attempt to carry out attacks in Cyprus in 1988; a plot, foiled by Spanish police, to carry out attacks against Jewish targets in Europe in 1989; an unsuccessful attempt to detonate a car bomb outside a Jewish community building in Romania in 1992; the bombing of a small passenger plane carrying 18 passengers in Panama in 1994; and a planned 1996 attack, also foiled by police, on an Israeli institution in Paris.”

“Richard Armitage, who served as deputy secretary of state from 2001 to 2005, in 2002 called Hezbollah a member of the international terrorist “A-team.” Hezbollah has had a controlling veto in the Lebanese government since the summer.”

“The current policy guidelines of that government imply that Hezbollah can keep its weapons and guarantees “the right of the Lebanon’s people, army, and resistance to liberate” what it calls ‘Israeli-occupied’ areas and ‘defend the country using all legal and possible means.’”

“According to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 Israeli-Hezbollah war, the Lebanese government was meant to disarm Hezbollah. Instead, Israeli official say Hezbollah has tripled its pre-war armaments with Iranian and Syrian help and now possesses some 40,000 short- and medium-range missiles.”

Controversy

“Carter caused controversy when he visited the Middle East in April. Although advised by Washington not to meet with leaders of the Palestinian terrorist organization Hamas – whose charter calls for the destruction of Israel – he did so anyway.”


“He said at the time that Israel and the U.S. ‘refuse to meet with these people who must be involved’ in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.”

“Israeli leaders were furious and most refused to meet with Carter. Israel, the U.S. and other members of the Middle East Quartet have boycotted Hamas since it won a majority of seats in parliamentary elections – also observed by the Carter Center – in 2006.”

“They are demanding that Hamas abandon terrorism, recognize Israel and abide by previous Israeli-Palestinian agreements. Until then, Israel says there is no point in talking to the group.”

Thumbing his nose at Israel and the United States …

“Carter said at the time that Israel’s fierce objections to his meetings with Hamas leaders had added ‘spice and humor’ to his trip to the region.”

“He also laid a wreath at the tomb of former PLO chairman Yasser Arafat, dubbed the ‘godfather of terrorism.’”

“Carter also is scheduled to travel to Damascus, where he will meet with Syrian President Bashar Assad and other officials ‘to discuss the prospects for peace in the Middle East.’”

I wonder what Carter will discuss with despotic dictators and terrorists: democratic elections and allowing the Syrian people constitutional freedoms: including freedom of speech,religion and assembly?

Right!

What can YOU do?

Do not support the Carter Institute or any of its initiatives.

Petition the IRS to remove the Carter Institute’s tax exempt status on the grounds that it aids and abets terrorism.

Petition your elected officials to revoke Carter’s perks as an ex-President and to deny any government-paid protection while he is traveling in hostile territories against the advice of the State Department.

Watch how the upcoming Obama Administration deals with Jimmy Carter to detect any hint of anti-Israel bias or pro-terrorist accommodations.  

-- steve

Quote of the Day: “A watchdog that is friendly to your enemies is not only worthless, he is dangerous.” -- steve

A reminder from OneCitizenSpeaking.com: a large improvement can result from a small change…

The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane. -- Marcus Aurelius

Reference Links:

CNSNews.com - Hezbollah Meeting on the Agenda for Jimmy Carter?

“Nullius in verba”-- take nobody's word for it!
"Acta non verba" -- actions not words

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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The Auto Industry Bailout: Why we can't trust Congress ...

Carl Levin (D-MI) is spearheading the so-called bailout of the American auto industry. However, like almost all democrat-inspired schemes, nothing is ever what it appears to be, and lawyers with their carefully crafted loopholes abound. Hence the democrat party is famously known as the party of lawyers.

But Congress can’t be trusted …

Doing what’s right …

It is an open secret that many municipal and state transit authorities used federal funds and bond proceeds to purchase property, trains, busses and other infrastructure. No problem here, as that was the intended use of the respective funds.

Getting cute …

Enter the financial engineers and Wall Street Wizards. To extend the nature of their available funds, many of these public agencies decided to further “monetize” these infrastructure transactions. They either sold the public’s property to investors to gain “unrestricted” funds that could be used for any purpose that struck there collective fantasy – and then simply leased the property and rolling stock back from the investors to provide services to the public. Albeit at a higher cost.

The problem …

Now comes the fly in the ointment. To guarantee the continuing flow of funds to investors, municipalities and public agencies sought unofficial and unregulated insurance in the form of credit default swaps through companies such as – can you believe – AIG. The very same AIG whose cumulative potential obligations and need for funds to satisfy claims against the credit default swaps threatened the entire financial marketplace. The very same AIG which was semi-nationalized by the United States government with their purchase of 80% of AIG’s equity.  Many of the more profitable parts of AIG may not have been included in the transaction and there will be individuals and corporations making money when the taxpayer is doing nothing but shelling out funds to undeserving third-parties. It should also have been noted that the government could have simply purchased AIG’s stock in the open market for 100% control at a far lower cost than it paid for 80%. But then again, that’s the effect special interests, lawyers and lobbyists have on governmental operations.

The Auto Industry Bailout …

Hidden among the provisions in the auto industry bailout is said to be provisions which …

From the Associated Press …

“Democrats also inserted a provision in the bill to bail out some of the nation's largest transit systems. The bus and rail systems could be on the hook for billions of dollars in payments because exotic deals they entered into with investors — which have since been declared unlawful — have gone sour with the collapse of American International Group Inc. and other financial institutions.” <Source>

Why the bailout is not what it seems …

Why not bankruptcy?

To satisfy those on the right of the political spectrum, the reasons being given for the government’s intervention are all about saving another “American Industry” -- and to satisfy those on the left of the political spectrum it is all about saving “jobs.”

To my way of thinking, both these reasons are media-friendly quick answers – and are somewhat bogus.

The goals of preserving the industry and the labor pool can be easily accomplished under the court’s direction by placing the firms into a “pre-packaged” and structure Chapter 11 (reorganization) bankruptcy. This would allow for the re-structuring of the business model, retention of the labor pool and, most importantly, protect the government’s funding under DIP (Debtor-in Possession) provisions which assure the government that the taxpayer will be paid first should any further unpleasantness and defaults take place.

I am also disgusted because this bailout bill is structured so that the benefits accrue mostly to the unions and private individuals and corporations. Should the bailout succeed: the Ford family still retains about 40% of Ford and Cerberus Capital and its partners/investors own Chrysler.

Truth-be-told, this is more a union bailout, with significant funds accruing to the unions, than an industry bailout. The very same type of unions who are claiming to save the approximately 350,000 jobs in the big three at the same time they are trying to damage Wal-Mart, which employs 1.1 million workers, by forcing their workforce to be unionized.

But most importantly …

What is the status of the $25 BILLION program that Congress created through the Department of Energy to assist the automakers in achieving emission standards?

What can YOU do?

Recognize that most of the actions of Congress remain self-serving, both politically and financially. These people have been bought and paid for by the special interests: whether it is the unions, the financiers or simply corporations seeking competitive advantage.

Tell your elected officials that you do not want to see an auto industry bailout. You want to see the automakers placed in Chapter 11 bankruptcy where all transactions and contracts become open and transparent. Where no party can gain the financial advantage without the court’s explicit permission. This offers the least expensive and most effective method for allowing the automakers to survive without continuing infusions of government funds that would only serve to benefit corrupt unions and those who own a majority interest in big three such as the Ford family and Cerberus Capital. If the unions balk, make them provide 100% transparency for their invested pension funds and other monies held in trust for their members. To avoid this level of transparency and the possible exposure of their leadership to charges of special dealing, I am sure that they will go along with the bankruptcy program.

This illegal conversion of funds involving municipalities playing games with infrastructure acquired through public funding should be investigated and some elected officials and their bureaucratic staff should be going to jail. However, in today’s world, there is little likelihood of that happening.

The rules of life seem to provide: (1) Never throw good money after bad; (2) Never reward destructive behavior unless you want to encourage more of the same; (3) Never withhold punishment from those who have erred, as they begin to think they are infallible.

-- steve

Quote of the day: “Politicians who continually dole out taxpayer funds, often begin to think that it is their money and they should be personally rewarded for funding beneficial programs.” – steve

A reminder from OneCitizenSpeaking.com: a large improvement can result from a small change…

The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane. -- Marcus Aurelius

Reference Links:

“Nullius in verba”-- take nobody's word for it!
"Acta non verba" -- actions not words

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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GLOBAL WARMING: SCIENCE BY POLITICALLY CORRECT VOTING?

According to the Associated Press …

Thousands Negotiate New Climate Treaty

“Scientists studying the changing nature of the Earth's climate say they have completed one crucial task — proving beyond a doubt that global warming is real.”

Now they have to figure out just what to do about it.

"’It is critical for us to get a much better understanding of the impact of climate change in some parts of the world,’ Rajendra Pachauri, chairman of the U.N.'s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, told The Associated Press in an interview Tuesday.”

“Scientific warnings of potential catastrophe have been the backdrop for talks among more than 10,000 delegates and environmentalists negotiating a treaty to control the emission of greenhouse gases, which have grown by 70 percent since 1970. The treaty, due to be completed in one year, would replace the Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012.”

Pachauri said he was concerned that negotiators were sparring and probing — and leaving key decisions for the last moment.

"My concern is that if we leave everything to the end, we might end up with a weak agreement that doesn't really address the problem," he said.

A conclusion based on a literature search is only the beginning …

“Last year, Pachauri's IPCC, which collected the work of more than 2,000 scientists, said climate change is ‘unequivocal, is already happening, and is caused by human activity.’"

What definitive and accepted work was produced by those who collected the work of these 2,000 scientists and then presented at unified theory of climatology which could be further examined and tested by those who doubt the assertions of the IPCC?

“It listed likely effects of global warming: arid regions will grow dryer, rising seas will flood coastal areas, melting glaciers will flood communities downstream and then dry up the source of future water supplies, and up to 30 percent of all plant and animal species may become extinct.”

Likely is not a scientific term, it is a speculative term. Where are the probability studies for each of the presented effects – and were they all based on computer models which have been thoroughly tested, assumptions checked, data reviewed and results studied and reproduced by independent third-party researchers? What is the margin of error for each of the findings? Is that the systemic error of measurement data, systemic error of the mathematical computations and the overall combination of errors?

“Since then, new evidence has emerged showing that ice caps in the Arctic and Antarctic are melting, which threatens to dramatically raise the level of the oceans and flood coastal cities and low-lying islands.”

"Small island states are living in a state of fear," he said.

It’s an emergency I tell you! Sound the alarms!

“But Pachauri said there was no conclusive evidence the world is in imminent danger.”

Not unless you realize that it might take over another 100 years to see the cyclical trend.

Ignore the man behind the curtain…

"’I don't think we should jump to conclusions if we get material that is based on the last one or two years,’ the Indian scientist said. The IPCC issues its reports every five or six years.”

Forget that cooling data that is coming to light. It is all short-term, natural variability of nature stuff. We know what we are talking about and they don’t. (For those who lack a sense of humor: this is sarcasm.)

“The 2007 report cited a scientific consensus that global warming should be limited to 2 degrees Centigrade (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) to avoid the worst scenarios. To contain global warming to that target, carbon emissions must peak by 2015, then begin a rapid decline.”

Their scientific consensus is cherry-picked people with mostly political connections; using science which is extremely limited in scope and may not be extensible over the world’s sphere. Of course, computer models have no such limitations as they are as valid everywhere that their authors claim. Yeah, right.

“Pachauri now says governments should reconsider whether even that goal goes far enough, since it would still raise sea levels from between 15 inches (40 centimeters) to 4.6 feet (1.4 meters).”

Dozens? I expected thousands!

“Dozens of scientists were among the delegations or nongovernment groups attending the Poznan conference, exhibiting some of the latest technologies and scientific studies.”

I wasn’t aware that this was a scientific conference, only a political one.

Oh My God: Deniers and Skeptics …

" ‘The skeptics are doing a good job because they are making us present ironclad proof,’" said Lawrence E. Buja, a climate change researcher for the U.S. National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado.”

Yes, they are doing a good job.  So where is the ironclad proof? You know, the one mentioned in the opening paragraph. “Scientists studying the changing nature of the Earth's climate say they have completed one crucial task — proving beyond a doubt that global warming is real.”

This type of assertion is tantamount to simply declaring “we won the war – mission accomplished” and walking away to your next press conference. Where is that damn report? I want to read the conclusive proof – proving beyond a doubt that there assertions are true, correct and scientifically valid. And, if such ironclad proof did exist, why are those credible scientists still speaking out against global warming. After all, it’s settled according to the United Nations’ nabobs.

The battle is far from over as science is an ongoing affair …

“But since that battle is over, he said scientists need to move on and look at the detailed impact of climate change.”

" ‘That's a much harder question,’ he said.”

“Buja, who contributed to the IPCC report, said scientists are looking at futuristic solutions to halt global warming, such as imitating the cooling effects of a massive volcanic eruption by spreading sulfur in the atmosphere, or scattering billions tiny refractors high in the air to dim the sun and lower the temperature.”

Let’s analyze this stupidity …

We know from actual research that the most prevalent greenhouse gas to be found in nature is moisture: water vapor – like that in clouds.

Now using your junior high school chemistry, let’s add sulfur (S) to water (H2O) and see what happens: H2SO4 – for the uninitiated – that’s sulfuric acid – acid rain – the stuff that corrodes statutes and our lungs.

This is a non-starter.  And should anyone care, Sulfur dioxide is the main byproduct produced when sulfur-containing fuels such as coal or oil are burned – and sent into the atmosphere where it turns to sulfuric acid and then to acid rain.

“But he said such radical solutions involve risks.”

" ‘How are you going to go up and find all those little refractors and pull them down if something bad starts to happen?’" he asked.”

The simple answer, you adjust the computer models and tell the world’s population it’s not really happening and they don’t understand the science. And for those who might be dying from the effects of this type of global experimentation, you might comfort them with the thought that they are martyrs in the great climate jihad.

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THIS SECTION ON DDT UNDER REVIEW

-- SEE COMMENTS SECTION

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The United Nations and Environmentalists have already been complicit in the deaths of millions of people. Remember their global scare tactics over DDT; based on nothing more than screaming activists touting their junk science studies. Well, millions of people have died from disease spread by insects that were handily killed by DDT. And not, to add insult to injury, the World Health Organization (WHO) just revised its opinion on DDT.

“The World Health Organization (WHO) has reversed nearly 30 years of policy and re-approved the use of DDT (dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane) in the fight against malaria. WHO is now recommending the use of indoor residual spraying (IRS) not only in epidemic areas but also in areas with constant and high malaria transmission.
In the announcement of the decision Director of WHO’s Global Malaria Programme Dr Arata Kochi says: "We must take a position based on the science and the data. One of the best tools we have against malaria is indoor residual house spraying. Of the dozen insecticides WHO has approved as safe for house spraying, the most effective is DDT." Full details of WHO decision on DDT...”

Perhaps there should be a joint United Nations’ and Environmental Activist Apology …

Sorry about all your dead relatives and those of you who are feeling pain.

-– the global consortium of activist assholes who rallied around Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring and junk science to bring death, suffering and misery to your lives. 

(PRO DDT USE)  http://www.junkscience.com/ddtfaq.htm

(CAUTIOUS DDT USE)  http://membracid.wordpress.com/2007/06/13/ddt-malaria-insecticide-resistance/

WHY?

The biggest question: “why would the United Nations adopt a policy based on junk science?” is relatively easy to answer.

First, the United Nations is not an impartial arbiter of the world’s internecine disputes. It is a bureaucratic collection of self-interested individuals who are pursuing their own agenda of prestige, power and profits. The majority of the membership of the United Nations does not wish the United States well.

Second, as in the AIDS controversy when the United Nations openly admitted that they fudged the numbers to increase media attention and attract funding, they do virtually the same thing to achieve the same result for every major issue they encounter.

Third, almost all of the dire predictions made by the United Nations are based on an increase in population. It should be noted that for years the United Nations used a linear progression estimate of population. Something which is demonstrably and laughingly wrong. Populations are limited, like plants and animals, by the resources needed to sustain life, the surrounding hospitality of the environment and the prevailing socio-political culture.

Perhaps this gives rise to the ignoble reason why the United Nations bought into the DDT controversy – and as ugly as it sounds, the answer of “population control” may be closer to the truth than you might imagine. Especially in the rapidly growing African areas where disease and the lack of decent food and water kept the population in check. With the use of DDT, disease was reduced and food production was increased – undesirable outcomes according to the United Nations’ “population as a threat” crowd.

And most of all, fourth, it would allow the United Nations to achieve some of its most treasured goals:

  • become the arbiter of what is correct and proper on the world stage;
  • breach international sovereignty in order to tax/fine nation’s that did not adhere to their trumped-up mandates;
  • engage in a form of socialistic wealth distribution (ostensibly to compensate the less developed nations for the pollution produced by the developed nations) and
  • inflict great damage on the United States economy and military.

All-in-all, while there is a phenomenon such as global warming and a phenomenon such as global cooling, both are part and parcel of the natural variability of global climate change. It is doubtful that man’s effects on the climate are even measurable against the background of this natural cyclic function. To allow anyone to manipulate the population based on computer models is not only unconscionable, it is criminal.

What can YOU do?

Demand to see the proof, the single, peer-reviewed, written report, accepted by reputable independent scientists and talented amateurs (who are making an increasing number of important observations) before ceding political control of your money and freedoms.

Wait for the release of a report (scheduled in 24+ hours) to list a number of climate scientists who do not agree with the IPCC position. Remember there was only 52 scientists who authored the 2007 IPCC report.

Common sense dictates that politicians cannot manage our current economy and therefore should not be allowed to proceed on any major project without a specific purpose, plan and projected cost.

-- steve

Quote of the day: “It’s not my science, it’s not your science – it’s science” -- steve

A reminder from OneCitizenSpeaking.com: a large improvement can result from a small change…

The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane. -- Marcus Aurelius

Reference Links:

Thousands Negotiate New Climate Treaty | LiveScience

U.N. to Cut Estimate Of AIDS Epidemic

“Nullius in verba”-- take nobody's word for it!
"Acta non verba" -- actions not words

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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Public-minded watchdogs or publicity hounds?

The number of public agencies which apparently had abdicated their oversight responsibilities during the run-up to the current fiscal crisis and which are now loudly and publicly proclaiming their role in protecting the public raises an interesting question.

Are these agencies and public officials now attempting to generate self-serving positive media attention to aid their ambitious climb to higher office or are they simply countering the fact that they may have been complicit, or at least apathetic, in ignoring past egregious behavior by the companies and institutions they were sworn to oversee?

While it is admirable that someone appears to be looking out for the public in these economically troubled times, one must also consider the impact of elected officials intruding into the affairs of private corporations – when there is no apparent wrongdoing.

But is it right for an elected official to interfere with a corporation’s contractual matters by releasing “quasi-threatening” media statements which subtly imply that some administrative action may be taken if the public entity does not heed the elected official’s warning?

While I agree with the primary fact that John Thain does not appear, on the surface, to be worth a $10 million dollar “retention” bonus considering the past performance of his company … I am not sure that the letter below should have been released to the media. Perhaps it would have been just as effective if it was kept as a private matter between a public company and a state agency.

My concerns for the increasing propensity of elected officials to insinuate themselves in corporate matters can be amply illustrated by the release of New York Senator Chuck Schumer’s letter to the regulatory agencies overseeing IndyMac Bank. An action which allegedly precipitate a real bank run and destroyed the behind-the-scenes actions of the FDIC to manage an orderly transfer of the banking business and a sale of the remaining assets. In this case, it appears the Schumer’s well-known propensity for seeking out the limelight was extremely damaging.

While I agree with the substance of New York Attorney General Cuomo’s letter, I still think it should have been delivered without media fanfare.

Here is the letter …

Capture12-8-2008-3.19.28 PM

Dear Members of the Board:


As you know, this Office is conducting an ongoing inquiry into various aspects of executive compensation at Wall Street firms, including Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.

On October 29, 2008, we asked you to detail, among other things, your plans for executive bonuses this year,
including the criteria you plan to use in determining what, if any, bonuses are appropriate for your top executives.

On November 5, 2008, the Board responded and stated that any bonuses would be based upon a combination of performance and retention needs. In light of these factors, current reports that the Board is considering giving Merrill's Chief Executive Officer a $10 million bonus are
nothing less than shocking.

Utilizing Merrill's own criteria, a bonus of this size appears unjustified. In terms of performance, Merrill has reported losses for every quarter this year and has lost more than $11 billion for the year as a whole.

Indeed, Merrill's decision to be taken over by Bank of America seems to have been the only thing that saved Merrill from collapse.

Clearly, the performance of Merrill's top executives throughout Merrill's abysmal year in no way justifies significant bonuses for its top executives, including the CEO.

With respect to retention, it is our understanding that Bank of America has already determined that Merrill's CEO will run the merged company's global banking, securities, and
wealth management businesses. Thus, the need for retention does not appear to justify a substantial bonus for him.

As we stated in our letter in October, in this new environment, it is vital that Boards of Directors demonstrate independence and complete devotion to corporate responsibility.

It is imperative that Merrill's Board prevent wasteful expenditures of corporate funds on outsized executive bonuses and other unjustified compensation.

My concern is in no way meant to be a comment on any individual's personal capacity or conduct, but rather is based on an institutional and policy concern. In this context, I represent the taxpayers who demand accountability, transparency, and responsibility. 

Taxpayers are being crushed by the losses on Wall Street and now are paying billions in bailout funds. Bank of America, for example, which is taking over Merrill Lynch', has received approximately $25 billion in TARP funds.

Paying executives at Merrill millions each in "performance" bonuses in this context would be oxymoronic to say the least and certainly a thumb in the eye to taxpayers. Enough is enough.

If the Board does intend to pay its CEO and other top executives significant bonuses, we would like the chance to first meet with you to discuss the justifications behind such expenditures. Please let my Office know as soon as possible what the Board's intentions are.

Capture12-8-2008-3.18.17 PM

<Letter Source>

We elect our officials to perform as effective watchdogs … not as media-mad pundits performing for the camera. The appropriate action, in my opinion, would have been to question the Bank of America for the justification of awarding such a bonus had it been granted. Anything else appears to be a self-serving media ploy to garner attention and burnish a reputation as a “public watchdog.”

-- steve

“Nullius in verba”-- take nobody's word for it!
"Acta non verba" -- actions not words

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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Global warming: a classic case of the blind men examining an elephant and determining the nature of the beast

Once again the media appears to be spinning a scientific finding -- merely to add another impression to the public consciousness of the so-called scientific underpinning of the subject of global climate change. Of course, nothing is mentioned on the likelihood that the fall of certain empires were political in nature rather than nature itself.

“Climate history may explain empires' fall”

“An analysis of rings on a stalagmite from a cave near Jerusalem reveals a drier climate in the region at a time in history when the Roman and Byzantine empires were in decline, scientists reported on Thursday.”

While it is extremely popular, and can’t hurt your funding in these politically correct times, to link scientific findings to global warming, it is a classic case of supposition – possibly based on nothing more than a coincidental finding.

It might be far more plausible to assume that the downfall of empires was more the result of poor governance and misallocation of resources by political leaders (mostly despots) than the climate.

“University of Wisconsin geologists analyzed the chemical composition of individual rings as small as one-hundredth of a millimeter across that formed the stalagmite growing up from the floor of the Soreq Cave near Jerusalem between 200 B.C. and 1100 A.D..”

“Geologists John Valley and Ian Orland concluded the climate was drier in the eastern Mediterranean between 100 A.D. and 700 A.D., with steep drops in rainfall around 100 A.D. and 400 A.D. -- a period of waning Roman and Byzantine power in the region.”

" ‘Whether this is what weakened the Byzantines or not isn't known, but it is an interesting correlation,’ Valley said in a statement.”

Interesting correlation? 

Or can we simply chalk it up to a coincidental finding. To even consider that weather was a causal  factor in the decline of these empires based on this skimpy evidence is beyond science – more like science fiction. 

“The team is now applying the same geochemical technique to examine older samples from the cave from the time of the last glacial retreat roughly 19,000 years ago, to help understand how weather patterns respond to fast-warming temperatures.”

Is this a solid excuse to raise taxes, enlarge government and require ceding personal freedoms?

Again, we are considering basing extremely disruptive public policy on a collection of scientific findings which, while interesting, may not be an acceptable proxy for temperature measurement over long periods of time.

“Researchers from the Geological Survey of Israel and Hebrew University in Jerusalem helped with the study, which was to appear in an upcoming issue of the journal Quaternary Research.”

With all due respect to the individual scientists involved, I am sure that the media reports covering their research were possibly slanted to attract media attention and may not even be representative of their work. It is suggested that you read the original paper to develop a contextual understanding of the science.

What can YOU do?

Common sense dictates that one does not introduce massive disruptions to the nation’s economy and welfare based on a collection of inconclusive musings of scientists.

Common sense dictates that you do not cede the political power to raise taxes and enlarge government to arrogant politicians who have no historical record of managing major projects or even our current economy.

Do your own research and come to your own conclusions.

-- steve

Quote of the day:  “The beginning of knowledge is the discovery of something we do not understand.” -- Frank Herbert

A reminder from OneCitizenSpeaking.com: a large improvement can result from a small change…

The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane. -- Marcus Aurelius

Reference Links:

Climate history may explain empires' fall | Science | Reuters

“Nullius in verba”-- take nobody's word for it!
"Acta non verba" -- actions not words

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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GLOBAL WARMING CRISIS CANCELED: OH NO!

All you global warming proponents are being given advance notice that you can gear up to protest the latest findings of the scientific community as well as loudly shout “DENIER” as you march up and down in front of the conference venue.

Are you willing to discuss the global climate change  issue?

2009 International Conference on Climate Change

From the Heartland Institute website …

“Advocacy groups and most environment reporters claim ‘the scientific debate is over’ and only a ‘fringe’ of scientists or policy experts do not believe global warming is a crisis. But framing the debate in terms of ‘believing’ in global warming is incorrect. Claims that global warming is man-made and will be a crisis are complex arguments that depend on how many other questions are answered. For example:

  • What does the Earth’s climate history tell us about the possible causes of the Modern Warming?
  • How reliable are data showing the size and distribution of the Modern Warming?
  • How much of the Modern Warming is natural and how much is man-made?”

“Until the debate over global warming was politicized in the 1990s, the scientific “consensus” was that the Modern Warming is moderate and natural. Books and recent literature reviews suggest this is still the consensus, even though it contradicts the alarmists’ views.”

“Other questions concern the reliability of predictions of future warming:

  • How reliable are computer models that attempt to replicate the complex processes of the Earth’s climate?
  • How reliable are forecasts of climate 10 years or 100 years in the future?
  • How accurate are forecasts of human emissions 10 years or 100 years from now?”

“If most scientists don’t believe forecasts of future climate are reliable, the entire case for immediate action to ‘stop global warming’ collapses like a house of cards. Yet survey data clearly show most scientists do not believe computer models are able to accurately predict future climate conditions.”

“Still more unanswered questions concern the consequences of moderate warming, whether adaptation rather than emissions mitigation is the best response to climate change, and whether it is even possible to reduce human emissions enough to affect the climate.”

“Obviously these are not small or trivial questions. Depending on the answers to even a few of these questions, the entire scientific or economic case for taking action to ‘stop global warming’ collapses.”

The conference is being billed as …

“The 2009 International Conference on Climate Change will serve as a platform for scientists and policy analysts from around the world who question the theory of man-made climate change. This year's theme, "Global Warming Crisis: Cancelled," calls attention to new research findings that contradict the conclusions of the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report.”

The host …

“Hosting the conference for the second consecutive year will be The Heartland Institute, a 24-year-old national nonpartisan think tank based in Chicago. ‘All of the event's expenses are being covered by individual and foundation donors to Heartland,’ said Dan Miller, executive vice president of the institute. ‘No corporate dollars earmarked for the event were solicited or accepted.’"

Who was at the 2008 conference …

“The 2008 conference featured presentations by more than 100 prominent scientists and economists from the U.S. and around the world, including Dr. Robert Balling (Arizona State University), Dr. Stanley Goldenberg (NOAA), Dr. William Gray (Colorado State University), Dr. Yuri Izrael (IPCC), Dr. Patrick Michaels (University of Virginia), Dr. Paul Reiter (Institut Pasteur, Paris), Dr. S. Fred Singer (Science and Environmental Policy Project), Dr. Willie Soon (Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics), and Dr. Roy Spencer (NASA).”

Who is likely to attend …

Headliners among the 70-plus scientists will be:

  • William Gray, Colorado State University, leading researcher into tropical weather research.
  • Richard Lindzen, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, one of the world's leading students of dynamic meteorology, especially planetary waves.
  • Stephen McIntyre, primary author of Climate Audit, a blog devoted to the analysis and discussion of climate data. He is a devastating critic of the temperature record of the past 1,000 years, particularly the work of Michael E. Mann, creator of the infamous "hockey stick" graph. That graph--thoroughly discredited in scientific circles--supposedly proved that mankind is responsible for a sharp increase in greenhouse gases.
  • Arthur Robinson, curator of the Oregon Institute of Science & Medicine petition signed by more than 32,000 American scientists, including more than 10,000 with doctorate degrees, rejecting the alarmist assertion that global warming has put the Earth in crisis and is caused primarily by mankind.
  • Willie Soon, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.
  • Roy Spencer, University of Alabama at Huntsville, principal research scientist and team leader on NASA's Aqua satellite. <more>

This is the way science is done. By discussing scientific theories and findings in an open forum among peers and interested parties.

It is one thing to write snarky comments in response to other people’s blogs, it is quite another to discuss the matter in an open forum where the response can provoke additional threads of thought.

What can YOU do?

Participate in the discussion about global climate change. Ask the participating scientists questions. Try to refute (respectfully) what they say and let your voice be heard.

We suggest you attend this worthwhile conference. Registration details can be found at The Heartland Institute website. Sign the petition and get a 20% discount. 

-- steve

Quote of the Day: “Recommend to your children virtue; that alone can make them happy, not gold.” --Ludwig van Beethoven

A reminder from OneCitizenSpeaking.com: a large improvement can result from a small change…

The object in life is not to be on the side of the

majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane. -- Marcus Aurelius

Reference Links: (none)

“Nullius in verba”-- take nobody's word for it!
"Acta non verba" -- actions not words

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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OBAMA: He distanced himself from Reverend Wright, Father Phleger, Domestic Terrorists Ayers and Dohrn and political shakedown artist, Rezko -– can Obama outrun the embrace of Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich?

It should come as no surprise …

Illinois, and especially Chicago’s Cook Country, have rich traditions of political corruption – particularly the type that involves democrats, organized crime and the unions. So why should anyone feign surprise that the Governor of Illinois, Rob Blagojevich, was arrested on wide-ranging charges of political corruption and, most notably, trying to sell Barack Obama’s soon-to-be-vacated Senate seat for personal gain?

Is Barack Obama being less than truthful and disingenuous?

" ‘Obviously, like the rest of the people of Illinois, I am saddened and sobered by the news that came out of the U.S. attorney's office today,’ Obama said. ‘But as this is an ongoing investigation involving the governor, I don't think it would be appropriate for me to comment on the issue at this time.’" <Source>

Why should Obama be sad? 

One would think that Obama would be heartened and optimistic that political corruption in his adopted state was routed

Especially since he professes that he had no contact …

“ ‘I had no contact with the governor or his office and so I was not aware of what was happening,’” Obama told reporters today in Chicago. ‘It’s a sad day for Illinois. Beyond that, I don’t think it’s appropriate to comment.’”

Let the lawyerly parsing begin …

I am sure that Senator Obama was well aware of the politics in his adopted state – especially in relationship to the players that comprise the machine that elected him to his state, then Senate and now to the Presidency. He knows the people, he knows the deals – and he is being somewhat hypocritical if he claims a complete lack of knowledge of what might have been going on right under his nose.

But, of course, Obama has no “personal” contact with the governor or his office – which I find hard to believe – but I believe that expendable intermediaries were used; thus providing the President-elect with plausible deniability.

What about Obama staffers?

As reported by the Associated Press…

“' Said Rep. Eric Cantor of Virginia, the new GOP House whip: ‘The serious nature of the crimes listed by federal prosecutors raises questions about the interaction with Gov. Blagojevich, President-elect Obama and other high ranking officials who will be working for the future president.’"

“Added Robert M. ‘Mike’ Duncan, chairman of the Republican National Committee: ‘Americans expect strong leadership, but President-elect Barack Obama's comments on the matter are insufficient at best.’"

The Feds are apparently steering clear … at this point in time …

“In Chicago, U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald said prosecutors were making ‘no allegations’ that Obama was aware of any scheming.”

Intimates talks with Obama team … 

“And Blagojevich himself, in taped conversations cited by prosecutors, suggested that Obama wouldn't be helpful to him. Even if the governor was to appoint a candidate favored by the Obama team, Blagojevich said, ‘they're not willing to give me anything except appreciation.’"

How would Governor Blagojevich know that if he had never discussed the matter either with President-elect Obama or members of his team?

“Still, at the very least, the episode amounts to a distraction for Obama at an inopportune time just six weeks before he's sworn into office. It also raises the specter of notorious Chicago politics, an image Obama has tried to distance himself from during his career.”

It’s not over until it’s over …

“There were signs the continuing investigation could still involve him.”

“His statement that he didn't have contact with Blagojevich about the Senate seat seems to conflict with that of top adviser David Axelrod, who told Fox News Chicago on Nov. 23: ‘I know he's talked to the governor, and there are a whole range of names, many of which have surfaced, and I think he has a fondness for a lot of them.’"

Or course the response from the Obama team was immediate …

“Obama transition officials say Axelrod misspoke.”

But did he?

Watch this clip and note how careful David Axelrod is when questioned about Obama’s intentions.

Who might the other players be?

“It also appears that Obama friend Valerie Jarrett, an incoming senior White House adviser, is the person referred to repeatedly in court documents as ‘Candidate 1.’ That individual is described as a female who is ‘an adviser to the president-elect’ and as the person Obama wanted appointed to the Senate seat. Court papers say that ‘Candidate 1’ eventually removed ‘herself’ from consideration for the Senate seat.”

“In a Nov. 11 phone conversation with an aide, Blagojevich talked at length about ‘Candidate 1’ and said he knew that Obama wanted her for the open seat but ‘they're not willing to give me anything except appreciation. (F- word Expletive) them.’"

The dirty little connection …

“Obama's circle of major Illinois political allies and supporters is largely separate from Blagojevich's, with two major exceptions. Both Obama and Blagojevich got extensive money and support from Chicago businessman Antoin ‘Tony’ Rezko, who is now under federal indictment. And Obama is close to Illinois Senate President Emil Jones, who has been the governor's staunchest legislative ally.”

It’s not over, yet …

The Rezko deal that led to Obama allegedly purchasing his home $300,000 under market value in a transaction that included Rezko is about to get a new head of steam. It seems that a whistleblower is suing a Chicago bank for wrongful termination alleging that he was fired for not participating in a cover-up over an altered appraisal dealing with the Rezko/Obama property.

The Washington Times is reporting …

“A former Illinois bank official, now claiming whistleblower status, says bank officials replaced a loan reappraisal that he prepared for a Chicago property that was purchased by the wife of now-convicted felon Tony Rezko, part of which was later sold to next-door neighbor Barack Obama. “

“In a complaint filed Thursday in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Kenneth J. Connor said that his reappraisal of Rita Rezko's property was replaced with a higher one and that he was fired when he questioned the document.”

Critics of Mr. Obama's dealings with Rezko charge that the senator may have gotten a deal on his property purchase, noting that Mrs. Rezko paid the full asking price for her property on an adjacent lot. Both of which were sold by a single seller. Mr. Obama bought his house for $1.65 million - $300,000 below the asking price.

“When the property was sold, Mr. Obama knew Rezko was under investigation on fraud charges.”

“The complaint said the Rezko loan was approved by Mutual Bank President and CEO Amrish Mahajan and others so that Mrs. Rezko could buy a 9,090-square-foot vacant parcel of real estate. It said that in January 2006, Mrs. Rezko and Mr. Obama, along with his wife Michelle, signed an agreement to sell a 10-foot strip of the property to the Obamas. At that point, according to the complaint, Mr. Connor's firm asked him to conduct the reappraisal.”

Like the others, will Obama claim that Rezko was only a casual business acquaintence?

“Rezko was a key supporter and donor throughout Mr. Obama's political career, with the Illinois Democrat estimating that Rezko raised $250,000 for his various political campaigns, though not for his presidential bid. The two were friends who talked frequently about politics and occasionally dined out together with their wives.”

“Rezko was convicted this summer on federal charges of using his clout with state government to squeeze kickbacks out of firms wanting to do business with the state. The charges did not involve Mr. Obama. Rezko is now cooperating with federal prosecutors in a continuing probe of corruption in Illinois government.”

“Mr. Obama consulted Rezko, a real estate developer, before buying his home in 2005. As a state senator, Mr. Obama wrote letters endorsing government support of a Rezko housing project for senior citizens. Obama aides say he was simply supporting a project that would help residents of his district, not doing a favor for a friend.”

Since the case is rapidly developing, we just need to wait and watch. Possibly to learn that the President-elect is not the man people first thought him to be.

What can YOU do?

Abandon corrupt party politics and donate to grassroots-level organizations.

Always be cognizant that politics is a dirty business – filled with special deals and corruption.

Keep an open mind – and don’t be too surprised to find out that President-elect Barack Obama is a Chicago-machine politician with an infinite capacity to duck, dodge and dart as he parses those golden words: “who me?”

-- steve

Quote of the day: “It is one thing to be thought of as corrupt or tolerating corruption, it is quite another to drink deeply of its waters” -- steve

A reminder from OneCitizenSpeaking.com: a large improvement can result from a small change…

The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane. -- Marcus Aurelius

Reference Links:

My Way News - Obama works to distance himself from Ill. governor

Complaint hits Rezko land deal|Washington Times

“Nullius in verba”-- take nobody's word for it!
"Acta non verba" -- actions not words

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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CULTURE OF CORRUPTION: OBAMA'S $ENATE $EAT FOR $ALE

Once again we have an example of corrupt democrat politics in the state that gave us The One, the messiah, the messenger of change…

Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, along with his Chief of Staff, John Harris, were arrested by the FBI under a sworn complaint accusing the Governor, among other things, of attempting to personally profit from his position by offering Obama’s soon to be vacated Senate seat in return for personal gain.

Unfortunately, the United States Attorney overseeing the case is the notorious Patrick Fitzgerald of the Valerie Plame case. 

According to the Chicago Sun Times …

“The complaint contends Blagojevich, a Democrat, threatened to withhold substantial state assistance to the Tribune Co. in connection with the sale of Wrigley to induce the firing of Chicago Tribune editorial board members critical of Blagojevich.”

“The governor is also accused of obtaining campaign contributions in exchange for official actions — in the past and recently in a push before a new state ethics law takes effect January 1.”

“Blagojevich, 51, and Harris, 46, both of Chicago, are each charged with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and solicitation of bribery.”

“They were charged in a two-count criminal complaint that was sworn out on Sunday and unsealed today following their arrests, which occurred without incident, the feds said.”

The arrests were reported to have been done quietly without an media involvement which is most uncharacteristic of the FBI in high profile cases.

“A 76-page FBI affidavit alleges that Blagojevich was intercepted on court-authorized wiretaps during the last month conspiring to sell or trade Illinois’ U.S. Senate seat vacated by Obama for financial and other personal benefits for himself and his wife.”

“At various times, in exchange for the Senate appointment, Blagojevich allegedly discussed obtaining:

    • A substantial salary for himself at a either a non-profit foundation or an organization affiliated with labor unions.
    • Placing his wife on corporate boards where he speculated she might garner as much as $150,000 a year.
    • Promises of campaign funds — including cash up front.
    • A cabinet post or ambassadorship for himself.

Another example of complicit union corruption …

It is no secret that there is an unholy alliance between democrat politicians and the corrupt trade unions. Not only with the politicians encouraging the unionization of public service employees and rubberstamping wage and benefit raises, but with the employment of relatives and friends in “no-show” jobs that squander the money of the union’s rank and file membership. It is Barack Obama, himself, that is said to be considering signing a bill that would end secret votes in union organizing activities. Thus sanctioning the use of thugs with check-off cards to intimidate workers in all industries to vote the unions into their employer’s workplace. Considering most trade unions have their roots in socialistic activism and more than a passing acquaintance with organized crime, this would be tantamount to legitimizing criminal activities in the workplace.

“On Nov. 10, in a lengthy telephone call with numerous advisors that included discussion about Blagojevich obtaining a lucrative job with a union-affiliated organization — in exchange for appointing a particular Senate candidate whom he believed was favored by the President-elect — Blagojevich and others discussed various ways Blagojevich could “monetize” the relationships he has made as governor to make money after leaving that office, the complain alleges.”

The corruption does not end with the Governor …

“ ‘The breadth of corruption laid out in these charges is staggering,’ U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald said. ‘They allege that Blagojevich put a ‘for sale’ sign on the naming of a United States Senator; involved himself personally in pay-to-play schemes with the urgency of a salesman meeting his annual sales target; and corruptly used his office in an effort to trample editorial voices of criticism.”

A funny joke?

The following statement is a cruel joke considering the long-term criminality of the democrats in Illinois politics. They do not call President-elect Obama’s adopted hometown “Crook County” for no reason.

“The citizens of Illinois deserve public officials who act solely in the public’s interest, without putting a price tag on government appointments, contracts and decisions,” he added.”

The democrat way in Illinois …

“Robert Grant, in charge of the FBI office in Chicago, added: ‘Many, including myself, thought that the recent conviction of a former governor would usher in a new era of honesty and reform in Illinois politics. Clearly, the charges announced today reveal that the office of the Governor has become nothing more than a vehicle for self-enrichment, unrestricted by party affiliation and taking Illinois politics to a new low.’”

When democrats run public infrastructure projects …

Be it the scandal-plagued “BIG DIG” of Teddy Kennedy’s Massachusetts or any other democrat project involving the unions, massive cost overruns, waste, fraud, corruption and political contributions are sure to follow. Something to consider as President-elect Obama proposed one of the largest public work programs in the nation.

“Also on Oct. 6, Blagojevich told Individual A that he expected Highway Contractor 1 to raise $500,000 in contributions and that he was willing to commit additional state money to a Tollway project — beyond $1.8 billion that Blagojevich announced on Oct.15 — but was waiting to see how much money the contractor raised for Friends of Blagojevich.”

“On Oct. 8, Blagojevich told Individual A that he wanted to obtain a $50,000 contribution from Hospital Executive 1, the chief executive officer of Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago, which had recently received a commitment of $8 million in state funds. When the contribution was not forthcoming, Blagojevich discussed with Deputy Governor A the feasibility of rescinding the funding.”

“Throughout the intercepted conversations, Blagojevich also allegedly spent significant time weighing the option of appointing himself to the open Senate seat and expressed a variety of reasons for doing so, according to the affidavit, including:

Frustration at being “stuck” as governor;

  • A belief that he will be able to obtain greater resources if he is indicted as a sitting Senator as opposed to a sitting governor;
  • A desire to remake his image in consideration of a possible run for President in 2016;
  • Avoiding impeachment by the Illinois legislature;
  • Making corporate contacts that would be of value to him after leaving public office;
  • Facilitating his wife’s employment as a lobbyist;
  • And generating speaking fees should he decide to leave public office.”

In one respect, the governor should be commended for opening the window to the multitude of methods employed by today’s current crop of politicians to benefit from their elected office. It somewhat puts in perspective the reason why someone would commit substantial funds to win an office that pays a relative pittance in salary. The ego-stroking perks and privileges may be considerable, but unless the candidate is a personal millionaire, the money to continue that lifestyle once out of office is lacking. Politicians who become accustomed to power and living high on the hog, want desperately to continue the “good times.” And as we have seen countless times, are willing to do almost anything to continue their political lifestyle.

Lobbying? More likely extortion!

“Earlier in that conversation, Blagojevich suggested starting a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization, which he could head and engage in political activity and lobbying. In that conversation with Harris and other discussions with him and others over the next couple of days, Blagojevich suggested by name several well-known, wealthy individuals who could be prevailed upon to seed such an organization with $10 million to $15 million, and suggesting that he could take the organization’s reins when he is no longer governor, according to the affidavit.”

SEIU …

“On Nov. 12, Blagojevich spoke with SEIU Official who was in Washington. This conversation occurred about a week after Blagojevich had met with SEIU Official to discuss the Senate seat, with the understanding that the union official was an emissary to discuss Senate Candidate 1's interest in the Senate seat.”

“During the Nov. 12 conversation, Blagojevich allegedly explained the non-profit organization idea to SEIU Official and said that it could help Senate Candidate 1. The union official agreed to “put that flag up and see where it goes,” although the official also had said he wasn’t certain if Senate Candidate 1 wanted the official to keep pushing her candidacy. Senate Candidate 1 eventually removed herself from consideration for the open seat.”

Once again we find the SEIU, the Service Employee’s International Union, involved in unsavory matters.

My previous blog entry “Unions: Ever wonder what they are doing with their funds when not seeking to buy political influence and change the course of elections?” explains it all.

Yes, it wasn’t political paranoia, they were really listening …

“Blagojevich continued, ‘You gotta be careful how you express that and assume everybody’s listening, the whole world is listening. You hear me?’”

“Blagojevich further directed Fundraiser A to talk to Individual D in person, not by phone, and to communicate the ‘urgency’ of the situation. “

“Blagojevich spoke to Fundraiser A again the next day, Dec. 5, and discussed that day’s Chicago Tribune front page article stating that Blagojevich had recently been surreptitiously recorded as part of the ongoing criminal investigation.”

Is there a rehab facility in the Governor’s future?

Will Blagojevich claim that he is an alcoholic and made all of his deals while impaired? Will he mount an extensive media campaign replete with “crisis counselors and managers” to mitigate the mounting damages? Will he employ known attorneys with reputations as “fixers” and who are said to have the “respect of the investigators, prosecutors and the court?” Or will he simply cut a deal to roll over on everyone involved?

The most honest politician in the United States …

It is quite possible that jailed former politician, Randy “Duke” Cunningham, gets credit for being the most honest politician in the world. He had his published price list for favors, did not discriminate on the basis of political party affiliations, and offered the same deal to everyone. And, amazingly, he did not play bidders against each other or attempt to change the terms of the negotiated deal. He simply took the money and the gifts and delivered the goods. Like I said, probably the most honest and ethical politician in government.

A cautionary tale …

Who knows if President-elect Obama will provide any measure of political cover for the Illinois Governor. Especially since they traveled in the same democrat political circles and shared friendships with one known convicted felon in particular, Tony Rezko. Rezko’s mortgage documents – the very same ones involving the sale of property to Barack Obama, are under investigation for alleged appraisal fraud.

Corruption will continue to rear its ugly head, more so in democrat administrations in areas where public funds are routinely siphoned off by crooked politicians and project administrators while the democrat party bemoans the depth of despair in the impoverished community. Crooks and hypocrites about – and it is our task to insure that known crooks are not elected to office. The mere thought that Governor Blagojevich was contemplating a run at the Presidency should send shivers down your spine.

-- steve

Quote of the day: There is nothing quite as corrupt as a crooked politician who will not uphold the terms of the original crooked deal.” -- steve

Reference Links …

Gov. Blagojevich taken into federal custody :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Gov. Blagojevich and Operation Board Games

“Nullius in verba”-- take nobody's word for it!
"Acta non verba" -- actions not words

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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Plaxico Burress: Another opportunity to support the Second Amendment?

The event: 

“On November 28, 2008 Burress accidentally shot himself in the leg while in a nightclub. He turned himself into police the following day and was charged with criminal possession of a handgun. Burress is scheduled to return to court on March 31, 2009 to enter a plea to the charges."

The consequences:

“Burress was subsequently suspended without pay from the New York Giants. He is currently free on $100,000 bail while awaiting his court date.” Widely criticized as a “moronic oaf,” Burress faces an uncertain job future and his value as a celebrity endorser has been harmed.

Those that may have participated in hiding this shooting from the authorities may face prosecution.

The broader issue:

In the face of rising crime, are New York’s stringent anti-carry handgun laws constitutional.  Especially if it can be shown that NFL players are more likely to be violently assaulted than ordinary citizens.

A clumsy oaf …

Nobody will deny that Plaxico Burress is a clumsy oaf who accidently shot himself in the thigh. Nobody will deny that people who carry firearms should be in complete control of their faculties at all times.

But what the liberal New York press says about using a weapon for self-protection is pure hogwash. Their crime rate attests to the fact that the police simply cannot be everywhere they are needed and that there is no hesitations for criminals to follow one of the most restrictive gun laws in the nation.

I was watching a news program dedicated to the analysis of the prior weeks media coverage when I heard an outrageous assertion by the somewhat disgraced reporter Judith Miller. 

“Well he might have shot someone else when that gun went off and that’s why we have these laws. And I think that its just about as dangerous to smoke a cigarette in an office building here as it is to carry an illegal firearm. We can have a debate about that but that’s not what the news coverage has been focusing on.” (Fox News Watch; 12/06/08) 

An assertion which seems to be prevalent among those elite liberals who want their bodyguards to be armed and effective, but want to deny the rest of us similar protection.

The Moronic Mayor …

New York Mayor, Michael Bloomberg, “urged that Burress be prosecuted to the fullest extent, saying that any punishment short of the minimum 3½ years for unlawful carrying of a handgun would be ‘a mockery of the law.’”

"Our children are getting killed with guns in the street. Our police are getting killed...That's why the state legislature passed the automatic sentence if you get caught with an illegal gun.

"I think it would be an outrage if we didn't prosecute to the fullest extent of the law, particularly people who live in the public domain ... If we didn't prosecute to the fullest extent, then I don't know who on earth you would.”

The mere fact that you are the mayor of the largest city in America, a billionaire and have created a major company does not insulate you from charges of misguided liberalism and stupidity. Especially since you have chosen to disregard the Second Amendment and the God-given right to self-defense and prefer to leave your citizens at risk from armed criminals.

To prosecute anyone and demand a minimum sentence of 3-1/2 years for what might have happened is to make a mockery of light sentences for those convicted of DUI. If the same standard of “what may have happened” were applied, all New York citizens charged with DUI should have been charged with “premeditated manslaughter.”

However, one thing on which Mayor Bloomberg is absolutely 1o0% correct: those who covered up the shooting and those hospital personnel who failed to discharge their duty and report the gunshot wound to the police, should be prosecuted. To the extent Burress participated in the alleged cover-up, he should be prosecuted.

What can YOU do?

Always uphold your Constitutional rights to self-defense and the right to own and bear arms.

Support those who are also fighting to preserve your rights. Join the National Rifle Association.

Elect and re-elect those who support your rights.

-- steve

A reminder from OneCitizenSpeaking.com: a large improvement can result from a small change…

The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane. -- Marcus Aurelius

Reference Links:

Plaxico Antonio Burress|Wikipedia

Judith Miller|Wikipedia

Bloomberg Coverage|New York Post

Full disclosure: I am a life member (Benefactor Level) of the National Rifle Association.

“Nullius in verba”-- take nobody's word for it!
"Acta non verba" -- actions not words

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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Contemplating another Bush Administration: No thanks!

Bush the elder was an out-of-touch Northeastern elitist …

Bush the lesser was an out-of-touch Northeastern elitist posing as a Texan (or as they say: all hat, no cattle) …

And now, thanks to the gracious planned resignation of Bush family crony, Senator Mel Martinez, we are likely to see Bush the younger positioned as a Senator in 2010 with a potential run at the presidency in 2012.

No thanks …

While I do not dispute the patriotic nature of the Bush family, we do not need another political dynasty: be it Kennedy, Clinton, or Bush.

First, the Bushes are RINOs (Republicans in Name Only) who support Rockefeller-style politics and profligate spending over Reagan-style conservatism.

Second, they do not seem to understand the clear and present danger of open borders. Jeb is an avowed open border advocate.

Third, they are highly secretive and do not openly defend the Republican Party against their democrat opposition. While there is something to be said for gentlemanly discourse, we need a vigorous debate over the issues – no more “go along to get along!”

Fourth, and worst of all, there is the matter of cronyism which saw incompetent friends be nominated to positions of great power where they failed. The exaggerated loyalty shown to President Bush by his appointees caused many to step over the bounds of propriety. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson come immediately to mind. Thank God we were spared Harriet Miers’ nomination to the Supreme Court. And we are likely to see this in Mel Martinez, who received Bush support over Katherine Harris who was promised support after her stint as Florida’s Secretary of State.

While I admit that Jeb Bush is more telegenic and probably smarter, more articulate, more conservative and more politically adept than his brother, his chance at the presidency seemed to  have evaporated on the day his brother cut in line.  I still wonder why I voted for  Bush the lesser – except it came down, as it usually does, as a vote for the lesser of two evils.

While Jeb will talk like a conservative Republican, we have been there before. I would much rather nominate a Bobby Jindal for President with Michael Steele as a Vice President than go with another Bush candidacy.

And while I respect the domestic safety and security provided by President Bush and his Administration, I do not appreciate the results of the domestic agenda which saw unprecedented regulatory complacency in the face of clear and present fiscal dangers.

In the final analysis, there are those who believe that Jeb Bush can lead the country back to some form of Republican conservatism and bring back the Hispanics into the fold.

I say, what crap, nobody worked harder on immigration reform than President Bush and John McCain … and we now have a tangible result: the non-voting illegal aliens didn’t matter and the Hispanic vote was tied to the unions. Most blacks voted along racial lines. And those conservative Hispanics and Blacks who voted Republican did so because they believed in the conservative message – not the promise of unbridled immigration or unfettered entitlements.

The way Republicans win elections: stand for principles supported by the majority of America and let those who want to join us enter the tent. There is absolutely no benefit to be gained by acting like democrats or moderating our principled stance to become Bush-like RINOs.

The measuring stick is simple to understand …

  • limited government
  • fiscal responsibility
  • personal responsibility
  • the Constitution as it is written
  • the value of liberty and economic freedom
  • private property rights
  • free enterprise unshackled by over-regulation
  • a strong national defense with the will to strike when necessary
  • secure borders and a comprehensive immigration which gives precedence to those with language and other valuable skills (limited importation of the impoverished and ill-educated)
  • marriage is between a man and a woman
  • freedom to express one’s faith in their own God
  • the guts to stick to principles

Bottom line: while I would have preferred Jeb Bush over his brother – it is now too little, too late. No Messiah is likely to appear to save the Republican party in its presently constituted form. Therefore, it is up to us, the people who function at the grassroots, to push our candidates upward instead of settling for what the so-called leadership is dropping on our heads.

-- steve

“Nullius in verba”-- take nobody's word for it!
"Acta non verba" -- actions not words

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

| Comments (0)

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