Read the entire article on DeskofBrian.com: http://deskofbrian.com/2011/08/president-obama-blames-economy/
There is not an ounce of leadership coming out of the mouth our President these days. Speaking last night at a Democratic fundraiser, where families paid $15,000 to have their picture taken with the celebrity President, Mr Obama defended his economic record and said problems in Europe were affecting the U.S. and still blaming the Bush administration.
‘We do have a serious problem in terms of debt and deficit, and much of it I inherited,’ Mr Obama said
Yep, “inherited” – translation: It was Bush’s fault.
Even though President Obama was in the Senate before campaigning and then taking the lead on the TARP Bill – it was Bush’s fault.
It was Bush’s fault that the $700 billion Stimulus did nothing but add to the debt balance sheets.
It was Bush’s fault that President Obama submitted budgets with $1-3.5 trillion dollar deficits?
Well, let’s be fair…he goes on to blame Europe.
‘What’s absolutely true, even before these last couple days in the stock market, is that recovery wasn’t happening fast enough,’ he said. ‘When you have problems in Europe and in Spain and in Italy and in Greece, those problems wash over into our shores.’
So again, after getting the greenlight to spend, spend, spend with the elevated debt ceiling, the President continues to lay the foundation of blame and accusations.
So, much for leadership….and I thought the last guy was bad.
Showing posts with label Barack Obama. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Barack Obama. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Monday, December 6, 2010
Leftists Delusions of Obama's Accomplishments
Read the complete article here at www.DeskofBrian.com: http://deskofbrian.com/2010/11/the-leftist-delusions-of-president-obamas-accomplishments/
This Facebook post is spreading through Democratic and leftist circles to mobilize support and tighten the buzzwords of support for their glorious leader.
Nancy Lloyd’s list is a utopian wishlist of campaign propaganda designed to program the disciples for the upcoming campaign without any serious analysis to truth or execution.
At the top of the list in “Ethics” is the Obama favorite – “Transparency”
Let’s forget for a moment that Congress pushed healthcare through Christmas sessions at midnight or the series of thousand page bills which were never read –no, let’s look at the President’s most recent move: Bob Bauer.
The “Ethics Czar” (Norm Eisen) has been relocated to ambassador detail for the Czech Republic leaving Bauer to head this “fictional” concept of “transparency” from the Oval Office. Bauer, a Democratic lawyer and opponent to Campaign Finance, has a reputation of ‘pushing the limits of how these rules are interpreted, he’s paved the way for more unethical outcomes.”
On a similar notion is the concept that there are “no lobbyists in the White House” – they use the phrase “placed limits on” them – no matter what color you paint the fence, it’s still designed to keep the chickens on the farm.
From President Obama’s State of the Union: “We’ve excluded lobbyists from policymaking jobs” which translates to “We told a bunch of people no, but we have 40 lobbyists currently working in the White House.” (Read Washington Examiner article here)
Nancy Lloyd Facebook article says: “* Note: After saying he would not hire lobbyists, a few have been hired in the Administration” — yes. “Few” = 40!
Promises broken are so easily redefined or ignored:
* Freedom of Information Act to be repealed – now, “respect” the act and overturn Bush era limits
* Close Guantanamo Bay Prison (“due to opposition”) – even though he’s had a super majority in Congress
* Afghanistan & Iraq: I love the spin here on “intentions and efforts” instead of results
* Ended the Bush-era “blackout” imposed on media coverage of the return of fallen US soldiers (CALVIN GIBBS!?!?!)
* On that same blackout: Wikileaks documents and the mysterious missile off the coast of California
Let’s continue the back and forth with Nancy’s proposed “Accomplishment” and the reality:
* Visited more countries and met with more world leaders than any president in his first six months in office — apologized for America tour, bowed to Saudi and Japanese leadership and dissed Great Britain, our strongest ally on several occasions.
* Spoke on Arab television, spoke at an Egyptian university, and met with Arab leaders in an effort to change the tone of US-Arab relation — We’re Sorry
* Authorized a $789 billion economic stimulus plan – It’s NOT going to work because it was a spending bill for Democrat districts
* Authorized a continuation of the US financial and banking rescue plans initiated at the end of the Bush administration and authorized TARP funds to buy “toxic assets” from failing financial institutions — see Bush gets blamed for the mess, but Obama continued the horrible bailout bill, turning it into a slush fund for bankers
* Ended the Bush-era policy of offering tax benefits to corporations who outsource American jobs – in India he describes outsourcing as having “enormous win-win potential” Read here
The post ends with “Share the Facts” – well, there are a ton of “half-truths” or skewed perspectives to share. So as I prepared for responses: “Let ‘er RIP!”
Read about the Calvin Gibbs case on DOB: http://deskofbrian.com/?s=calvin+gibbs
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=463254009536&id=1229467734&ref=mf
http://emptywheel.firedoglake.com/2010/08/12/the-things-bob-bauer-was-doing-before-taking-over-ethics/
http://washingtonindependent.com/95343/good-government-groups-raise-questions-about-new-white-house-ethics-czar
This Facebook post is spreading through Democratic and leftist circles to mobilize support and tighten the buzzwords of support for their glorious leader.
Nancy Lloyd’s list is a utopian wishlist of campaign propaganda designed to program the disciples for the upcoming campaign without any serious analysis to truth or execution.
At the top of the list in “Ethics” is the Obama favorite – “Transparency”
Let’s forget for a moment that Congress pushed healthcare through Christmas sessions at midnight or the series of thousand page bills which were never read –no, let’s look at the President’s most recent move: Bob Bauer.
The “Ethics Czar” (Norm Eisen) has been relocated to ambassador detail for the Czech Republic leaving Bauer to head this “fictional” concept of “transparency” from the Oval Office. Bauer, a Democratic lawyer and opponent to Campaign Finance, has a reputation of ‘pushing the limits of how these rules are interpreted, he’s paved the way for more unethical outcomes.”
On a similar notion is the concept that there are “no lobbyists in the White House” – they use the phrase “placed limits on” them – no matter what color you paint the fence, it’s still designed to keep the chickens on the farm.
From President Obama’s State of the Union: “We’ve excluded lobbyists from policymaking jobs” which translates to “We told a bunch of people no, but we have 40 lobbyists currently working in the White House.” (Read Washington Examiner article here)
Nancy Lloyd Facebook article says: “* Note: After saying he would not hire lobbyists, a few have been hired in the Administration” — yes. “Few” = 40!
Promises broken are so easily redefined or ignored:
* Freedom of Information Act to be repealed – now, “respect” the act and overturn Bush era limits
* Close Guantanamo Bay Prison (“due to opposition”) – even though he’s had a super majority in Congress
* Afghanistan & Iraq: I love the spin here on “intentions and efforts” instead of results
* Ended the Bush-era “blackout” imposed on media coverage of the return of fallen US soldiers (CALVIN GIBBS!?!?!)
* On that same blackout: Wikileaks documents and the mysterious missile off the coast of California
Let’s continue the back and forth with Nancy’s proposed “Accomplishment” and the reality:
* Visited more countries and met with more world leaders than any president in his first six months in office — apologized for America tour, bowed to Saudi and Japanese leadership and dissed Great Britain, our strongest ally on several occasions.
* Spoke on Arab television, spoke at an Egyptian university, and met with Arab leaders in an effort to change the tone of US-Arab relation — We’re Sorry
* Authorized a $789 billion economic stimulus plan – It’s NOT going to work because it was a spending bill for Democrat districts
* Authorized a continuation of the US financial and banking rescue plans initiated at the end of the Bush administration and authorized TARP funds to buy “toxic assets” from failing financial institutions — see Bush gets blamed for the mess, but Obama continued the horrible bailout bill, turning it into a slush fund for bankers
* Ended the Bush-era policy of offering tax benefits to corporations who outsource American jobs – in India he describes outsourcing as having “enormous win-win potential” Read here
The post ends with “Share the Facts” – well, there are a ton of “half-truths” or skewed perspectives to share. So as I prepared for responses: “Let ‘er RIP!”
Read about the Calvin Gibbs case on DOB: http://deskofbrian.com/?s=calvin+gibbs
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=463254009536&id=1229467734&ref=mf
http://emptywheel.firedoglake.com/2010/08/12/the-things-bob-bauer-was-doing-before-taking-over-ethics/
http://washingtonindependent.com/95343/good-government-groups-raise-questions-about-new-white-house-ethics-czar
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Tonight is the night…the debut of the Teleprompter in Indian Parliament sponsored by US taxpayers
A new precedent for President Barack Obama today as he will break the barriers and be the first to use a teleprompter in Indian Parliament.
Indian reports say: “Obama’s reliance on the teleprompter is unusual–not only because he is famous for his oratory, but because no other president has used one so consistently and at so many events, large and small.”
Well, here in America, we’ve gotten used to the fact that our President needs a crutch. After President Bush’s series of bumbles and gaffes, most Americans look the other way or naively praise his oratory skills.
The authorities are also leaving no stone unturned to give a red carpet welcome to Obama.
There have been wild rumors about the trip costing $200 or even $300 million per day — EACH DAY!
“The numbers reported in this article have no basis in reality,” said White House spokesman Tommy Vietor. “Due to security concerns, we are unable to outline details associated with security procedures and costs, but it’s safe to say these numbers are wildly inflated.”
So how much will it cost?
If security is such a HUGE issue – why is Michelle and the girls joining the President on the trip? Wouldn’t that be a greater risk, more to protect and again, more expensive?
Daily Mail reports:
One reported comment by a staff member at the Parliament: “Thank god they won’t eat anything or have tea or coffee from our canteen. We would have to go through a tough security drill otherwise.”
Yes indeed.
Historic trip trip – yes. Maybe it’s not the most expensive trip ever, but it should be a nice vacation for the family as the President licks his wounds from the midterm elections.
If nothing else, he’ll have his faithful teleprompter there for comfort.
Read on www.DeskofBrian.com: http://deskofbrian.com/2010/11/tonight-is-the-night-the-debut-of-the-teleprompter-in-parliament/
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_teleprompter-to-make-its-debut-in-parliament-when-obama-speaks_1456549
http://www.usatoday.com/communities/theoval/post/2010/11/obamas-india-trip—-not-as-expensive-as-you-may-have-heard/1
Indian reports say: “Obama’s reliance on the teleprompter is unusual–not only because he is famous for his oratory, but because no other president has used one so consistently and at so many events, large and small.”
Well, here in America, we’ve gotten used to the fact that our President needs a crutch. After President Bush’s series of bumbles and gaffes, most Americans look the other way or naively praise his oratory skills.
The authorities are also leaving no stone unturned to give a red carpet welcome to Obama.
There have been wild rumors about the trip costing $200 or even $300 million per day — EACH DAY!
“The numbers reported in this article have no basis in reality,” said White House spokesman Tommy Vietor. “Due to security concerns, we are unable to outline details associated with security procedures and costs, but it’s safe to say these numbers are wildly inflated.”
So how much will it cost?
If security is such a HUGE issue – why is Michelle and the girls joining the President on the trip? Wouldn’t that be a greater risk, more to protect and again, more expensive?
Daily Mail reports:
“…the trip involves 40 planes, including Air Force One, and six heavily armored cars.Well, it’s easy to see how a price tag in the millions came to be.
The president will be driven around in a Cadillac which has a built-in communications center. The car has the U.S. launch codes and the nuclear switch for the president. It can withstand a chemical, germ warfare or bomb attack.
The president’s entourage has booked the entire Taj Mahal Hotel for two days of his three-day visit, and the property will be a no-go area for non-hotel staff while he is staying there.
A heavy security cordon will surround the hotel. The Secret Service will have two command posts in Delhi and Mumbai for communications purposes. They will eye all movement by the president with real time satellite monitoring. Thirty dogs have been put in service to boost security arrangements during the visit.”
One reported comment by a staff member at the Parliament: “Thank god they won’t eat anything or have tea or coffee from our canteen. We would have to go through a tough security drill otherwise.”
Yes indeed.
Historic trip trip – yes. Maybe it’s not the most expensive trip ever, but it should be a nice vacation for the family as the President licks his wounds from the midterm elections.
If nothing else, he’ll have his faithful teleprompter there for comfort.
Read on www.DeskofBrian.com: http://deskofbrian.com/2010/11/tonight-is-the-night-the-debut-of-the-teleprompter-in-parliament/
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_teleprompter-to-make-its-debut-in-parliament-when-obama-speaks_1456549
http://www.usatoday.com/communities/theoval/post/2010/11/obamas-india-trip—-not-as-expensive-as-you-may-have-heard/1
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Republicans reveal their Big Government side for political gain
Originally posted at The Desk of Brian, www.deskofbrian.com: http://sites.google.com/site/thedeskofbrian/state-of-the-nation/republicansrevealtheirbiggovernmentsideforpoliticalgain
Attention all you Tea Party members, Tea Baggers if you watch MSNBC, this is an update for all of the naive FOX watchers and Republican loyalists -- they are lying to you.
President Obama spoke again this week to support financial regulatory reform. Blaming "lobbyists" and corruption is always at the core of his lectures while proclaiming we can't allow "history to repeat itself"
You may have heard tough language of opposition, especially from Scott Brown: "Shame on the president" as Brown "complained that President Barack Obama was derailing bipartisan negotiations on Wall
Street reform for short-term political gain." (Politico article, see below)
I heard and saw clips as I surfed through the news. Of course, the Republicans hot air will fill a room if it will benefit their political gains.
Because the Massachusetts Senator said this:
All we have to do is look to the former Republican Presidential nominee John McCain, who
primary voters"
Politics...Politics...Politics.
“I’m looking at everything. I have not made any decisions.” - Olympia Snowe
“We need to prevent large financial firms from holding taxpayers hostage. I’m still looking at issues.”
- Susan Collins
“I think we all want to see financial regulation take place; I really do. These things
are very solvable. It just takes a little grind-it-out work.” - Bob Corker
The letter to Harry Reid from the Republicans stated:
Geithner we read how this is a slush fund for the Treasury to use as
they see fit, would encourage bailout over bankruptcy and explain how
this is the government running financial interests.
That is what the Tea Party and many motivated individuals are fighting to stop. Unfortunately, the Republicans are no different that their socialist counterparts on the far Left - power is more important and they don't care what we think.
Do NOT be fooled by the liars on the right. Look at their voting records, read between the lines and find the Constitutionalists that will fight to save this country.
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/04/gop-leaders-echo-luntz-democrats-wall-street-reform-bill.php
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/16/AR2010041603436.html
http://news.yahoo.com/s/politico/20100416/pl_politico/35887
http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/documents/2010/04/sen-richard-shelby-r-al-lays-out-his-objections-to-dems-wall-street-reform-proposal.php?page=2
President Obama spoke again this week to support financial regulatory reform. Blaming "lobbyists" and corruption is always at the core of his lectures while proclaiming we can't allow "history to repeat itself"
You may have heard tough language of opposition, especially from Scott Brown: "Shame on the president" as Brown "complained that President Barack Obama was derailing bipartisan negotiations on Wall
Street reform for short-term political gain." (Politico article, see below)
I heard and saw clips as I surfed through the news. Of course, the Republicans hot air will fill a room if it will benefit their political gains.
Because the Massachusetts Senator said this:
"The bottom line is, where there are problems [on Wall Street], we
should fix them. I’m not
going to vote on anything or make any statements until I read the
bills,” (adding he'd take a hard look at the proposals and get up to speed)
Where's all of Scott Brown's Ronald Reagan language about "government being the problem, not the solution"?should fix them. I’m not
going to vote on anything or make any statements until I read the
bills,” (adding he'd take a hard look at the proposals and get up to speed)
All we have to do is look to the former Republican Presidential nominee John McCain, who
"... formed an unlikely alliance with Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) to
propose reinstating the Depression-era Glass-Steagall Act, which
separated commercial banking from investment banking. That law was
repealed in the late 1990s, and many critics say it allowed for the
growth of mammoth and risky
investment banks. Fully reinstating the law would be further
than the Obama administration has proposed."
-Politico
One aide said McCain's vote on Financial Regulatory Reform will "will depend entirely on his analysis of how it plays among Arizona propose reinstating the Depression-era Glass-Steagall Act, which
separated commercial banking from investment banking. That law was
repealed in the late 1990s, and many critics say it allowed for the
growth of mammoth and risky
investment banks. Fully reinstating the law would be further
than the Obama administration has proposed."
-Politico
primary voters"
Politics...Politics...Politics.
“I’m looking at everything. I have not made any decisions.” - Olympia Snowe
“We need to prevent large financial firms from holding taxpayers hostage. I’m still looking at issues.”
- Susan Collins
“I think we all want to see financial regulation take place; I really do. These things
are very solvable. It just takes a little grind-it-out work.” - Bob Corker
The letter to Harry Reid from the Republicans stated:
"As currently constructed this bill allows for
endless taxpayer bailouts of Wall Street and establishes new and
unlimited regulatory powers that will stifle small businesses and
community banks."
In Senator Richard Shelby's letter to Treasury Secretary Timothy endless taxpayer bailouts of Wall Street and establishes new and
unlimited regulatory powers that will stifle small businesses and
community banks."
Geithner we read how this is a slush fund for the Treasury to use as
they see fit, would encourage bailout over bankruptcy and explain how
this is the government running financial interests.
That is what the Tea Party and many motivated individuals are fighting to stop. Unfortunately, the Republicans are no different that their socialist counterparts on the far Left - power is more important and they don't care what we think.
Do NOT be fooled by the liars on the right. Look at their voting records, read between the lines and find the Constitutionalists that will fight to save this country.
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/04/gop-leaders-echo-luntz-democrats-wall-street-reform-bill.php
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/16/AR2010041603436.html
http://news.yahoo.com/s/politico/20100416/pl_politico/35887
http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/documents/2010/04/sen-richard-shelby-r-al-lays-out-his-objections-to-dems-wall-street-reform-proposal.php?page=2
Friday, March 19, 2010
Florida Rail not generating Florida jobs
Originally posted at Desk of Brian, DeskofBrian.com: http://sites.google.com/site/thedeskofbrian/hot-topics/florida-high-speed-rail/floridarailgeneratingjobsnotfloridajobsthough
The Kansas City Business Journal reports: Florida's rail received the $1.25 billion from the Federal government for the initial phase to service Tampa to Orlando. The Stimulus Bill funds were thought to create jobs, but this project will be employing companies from other states.
HNTB Corp, a Kansas City firm, will join Wilbur Smith Assoc. from South Carolina under the DOT's newly created "Florida Rail Enterprises."
The article states: "The HNTB/WSA team will provide overall program support and oversight
for planning, design, public outreach, vehicle and systems integration, operations, construction, project controls and procurement of all contracts for the Florida high-speed rail program."
No surprise that Peter Gertler is an Obama supporter and made a donation to his campaign. Wilbur Smith Assoc. is a firm advocating the Obama agenda -- from their site is a link "Five Ways to Speak Like Obama" and tons of links to story defending the President, his agenda and the Democrats.
The Stimulus Bill has proved time and time again that it was more about fulfilling political promises and deepening alliances than creating jobs.
Charlie Crist and Florida supporters of this Rail program should be ashamed of themselves having misled Floridians, cramming this down our throats and not helping the unemployed in their own state.
http://fundrace.huffingtonpost.com/neighbors.php?type=name&lname=Gertler&fname=Peter
The Kansas City Business Journal reports: Florida's rail received the $1.25 billion from the Federal government for the initial phase to service Tampa to Orlando. The Stimulus Bill funds were thought to create jobs, but this project will be employing companies from other states.
HNTB Corp, a Kansas City firm, will join Wilbur Smith Assoc. from South Carolina under the DOT's newly created "Florida Rail Enterprises."
The article states: "The HNTB/WSA team will provide overall program support and oversight
for planning, design, public outreach, vehicle and systems integration, operations, construction, project controls and procurement of all contracts for the Florida high-speed rail program."
"It’s exciting to see the return on the investment we made in
high-speed rail. I’m confident that our momentum will
continue to grow as more funding is released."
- Peter Gertler, HNTB’s high-speed rail services chairman
high-speed rail. I’m confident that our momentum will
continue to grow as more funding is released."
- Peter Gertler, HNTB’s high-speed rail services chairman
No surprise that Peter Gertler is an Obama supporter and made a donation to his campaign. Wilbur Smith Assoc. is a firm advocating the Obama agenda -- from their site is a link "Five Ways to Speak Like Obama" and tons of links to story defending the President, his agenda and the Democrats.
The Stimulus Bill has proved time and time again that it was more about fulfilling political promises and deepening alliances than creating jobs.
Charlie Crist and Florida supporters of this Rail program should be ashamed of themselves having misled Floridians, cramming this down our throats and not helping the unemployed in their own state.
http://kansascity.bizjournals.com/kansascity/stories/2010/03/15/daily40.html
http://fundrace.huffingtonpost.com/neighbors.php?type=name&lname=Gertler&fname=Peter
Fact Checking Kenya sign Irene Sendler & Cohen
Originally posted at Desk of Brian: http://sites.google.com/site/thedeskofbrian/state-of-the-nation/factcheckingmoree-mailsoddnews
Obama's birthplace Kenyan sign.
The email:
100% FALSE - Great photo shop work, but no such sign exists.
In addition, the lettering does not correspond to the language used in Kenya.
For those of you "Birthers" that want the latest: read here http://www.wnd.com/index.php?pageId=105764
Al Gore Wins, beating Irene Sendler
Irena Sendler
Recognize this email:
100% TRUE!
Irena's story is an amazing testament to human history and self sacrifice. It's a tragedy that the Global Warming politics were triumphant and denied her off the recognition she deserved.
Thanks to Chester for reminding me of her tale.
Lastly, a quick nod to a strange story: Australian boy who climbs into a candy machine, trapping himself inside.
From the article by the Telegraph:
Obama's birthplace Kenyan sign.
The email:
This road sign was photographed in Northern Kenya near the Kenya, Sudan border! This is an actual picture, NOT a hoax.
What a LIAR Barack Obama is!!!!!
What a shameful cover-up our government is putting over on its citizens!
We deserve BETTER than lies and deception!
What a LIAR Barack Obama is!!!!!
What a shameful cover-up our government is putting over on its citizens!
We deserve BETTER than lies and deception!
100% FALSE - Great photo shop work, but no such sign exists.
In addition, the lettering does not correspond to the language used in Kenya.
For those of you "Birthers" that want the latest: read here http://www.wnd.com/index.php?pageId=105764
Al Gore Wins, beating Irene Sendler
Irena Sendler
Recognize this email:
There recently was a death of a 98 year-old lady named Irena. During WWII Irena got permission to work in the Warsaw Ghetto as a Plumbing/Sewer specialist. She had an 'ulterior motive'. She KNEW what the Nazi's plans were for the Jews, (being German). Irena smuggled infants out in the bottom of the tool box she carried and she carried in the back of her truck a burlap sack, (for larger kids). She also had a dog in the back that she trained to bark when the Nazi soldiers let her in and out of the ghetto. The soldiers of course wanted nothing to do with the dog and the barking covered the kids/infants noises. During her time of doing this, she managed to smuggle out and save 2500 kids/infants.. She was caught, and the Nazi's broke both her legs, arms and beat her severely. Irena kept a record of the names of all the kids she smuggled out and kept them in a glass jar, buried under a tree in her back yard. After the war, she tried to locate any parents that may have survived it and reunite the family. Most had been gassed. Those kids she helped got placed into foster family homes or adopted.
Last year Irena was up for the Nobel Peace Prize. She was not selected.Al Gore won, for a slide show on Global Warming.
100% TRUE!
Irena's story is an amazing testament to human history and self sacrifice. It's a tragedy that the Global Warming politics were triumphant and denied her off the recognition she deserved.
Thanks to Chester for reminding me of her tale.
Lastly, a quick nod to a strange story: Australian boy who climbs into a candy machine, trapping himself inside.
From the article by the Telegraph:
Cohen Stone, 2, climbed inside the claw grabber machine in an
Italian restaurant, where his mother, Kyra, 24, had brought him to
celebrate a friend's birthday.
Kyra, from Perth, in Western
Australia, said: "I had been playing with him in the children's area
but took my eye off him for two minutes as the food arrived at our
table."
"When I turned back, he was inside the machine. My first thought was "Oh my God."
"I just couldn't believe what he had done in that space of time. He was there one minute, inside it the next, like a magician's trick."AWESOME!!!
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Mass E-Mails: Which are True?
Originally posted on DeskofBrian.com: http://sites.google.com/site/thedeskofbrian/state-of-the-nation/masse-mailswhicharetrue
Seen this one: Barack Obama carrying and reading the book "The Post-American World" with shock factor language to insight our American patriotic spirit.
Reality Check: Picture true.
The disturbing fact is that this was taken in Montana 2008, before the election and completely ignored. The author, Fareed Zakaria, is a huge Obama fan and fan of globalization. To quote Newsweek's review:
It's true China is booming, Russia is
Thanks to Carolyn for sending this to me as we can see that the book does in fact fit the social and foreign policy agenda of the White House.
How about the Andy Rooney email, seen this one:
Seen this one: Barack Obama carrying and reading the book "The Post-American World" with shock factor language to insight our American patriotic spirit.
Reality Check: Picture true.
The disturbing fact is that this was taken in Montana 2008, before the election and completely ignored. The author, Fareed Zakaria, is a huge Obama fan and fan of globalization. To quote Newsweek's review:
It's true China is booming, Russia is
growing more assertive, terrorism is a threat. But if America is losing
the ability to dictate to this new world, it has not lost the ability
to lead.
Thanks to Carolyn for sending this to me as we can see that the book does in fact fit the social and foreign policy agenda of the White House.
How about the Andy Rooney email, seen this one:
CBS
DIDN'T STOP HIM- THIS IS
GREAT
DIDN'T STOP HIM- THIS IS
GREAT
Good
for him!!!
Surprised
CBS let him get away with this even though he's
right
Andy Rooney
for him!!!
Surprised
CBS let him get away with this even though he's
right
Andy Rooney
said
on '60 Minutes' a few weeks
back:
on '60 Minutes' a few weeks
back:
(exerts from the email)
It's 100% false.
The origins date back to 2003 and this email was so widely circulated on and off again for a couple of years, Rooney actually issued a statement in 2005:
I recently received this from Brian, Bill and several others - nope, not true. Andy is intense at times, but this one is complete fabrication.
www.snopes.com
"Guns do not make you a killer. I think killing makes you a killer. You can kill someone with a baseball bat or a car, but no one is trying to ban you from driving to the ball game."
"When 70% of the people who get arrested are black, in cities
where 70% of the population is black, that is not racial profiling; it is the Law of Probability."
"We did not go to the aid of certain foreign countries and risk our lives in wars to defend their freedoms, so that decades later they
could come over here and tell us our constitution is a living document; and open to their interpretations."
"When 70% of the people who get arrested are black, in cities
where 70% of the population is black, that is not racial profiling; it is the Law of Probability."
"We did not go to the aid of certain foreign countries and risk our lives in wars to defend their freedoms, so that decades later they
could come over here and tell us our constitution is a living document; and open to their interpretations."
It's 100% false.
The origins date back to 2003 and this email was so widely circulated on and off again for a couple of years, Rooney actually issued a statement in 2005:
There's a collection of racist and sexist remarks on the Internet under a picture of me with the caption "ANDY ROONEY SAID ON 60 MINUTES" If I could find the person who did write it using my name I would sue them.
I recently received this from Brian, Bill and several others - nope, not true. Andy is intense at times, but this one is complete fabrication.
www.snopes.com
Eric Massa outing Democrats & Obama polarizing in own party
Originally post at DeskofBrian.com: http://sites.google.com/site/thedeskofbrian/state-of-the-nation/ericmassaoutingdemocratsobamapolarizinginownparty
"I was set up for this from the very, very beginning. The leadership of the Democratic Party have become exactly what they said they were running against." - Eric Massa
"I was set up for this from the very, very beginning. The leadership of the Democratic Party have become exactly what they said they were running against." - Eric Massa
Massa has blasted Rahm Emanuel, Congressional leadership and the White House as Massa resigned, facing an investigation in his personal behavior, including incidents during an informal Navy ceremony in '83 on the USS New Jersey and one that occurred in a state room later during his Navy career. He insisted he had done nothing uncommon, insisting his sin was foul language.
"When I voted against the cap and trade bill, the phone rang and it was the chief of staff to the president of the United States of America, Rahm Emanuel, and he started swearing at me in terms and words that I hadn't heard since that crossing the line ceremony on the USS New Jersey in 1983," Massa said. "And I gave it right back to him, in terms and words that I know are physically impossible."
Re: Investigation: "Steny Hoyer has never said a single word to me at all, never, not once," Massa said. "Never before in the history of the House of Representatives has a sitting leader of the Democratic Party discussed allegations of House investigations publicly, before findings of fact. Ever."
So what is happening with the Democrats? Are they truly facing the same allegations that their Republican counterparts faced in recent years? Lastly, why hasn't President Obama provided the unity, not just between parties, but within his own party?
The average difference in Obama's approval ratings between Democrats and Republicans turned out to be 65 percent -- the highest first-year gap of any president so measured.
"The extraordinary level of polarization in Obama's first year in office is a combination of declining support from Republicans coupled with high and sustained approval from Democrats," Gallup's Jeffrey Jones reported.
Obama's 88 percent approval rating from Democrats is the second highest level of party support for a first-year president, trailing only the 92 percent Republican support for George W. Bush in 2001.
On the other hand, Obama's 23 percent rating among Republicans is tied for lowest party rating of a rookie president, matching GOP "backing" of Bill Clinton back in 1993.
"Prior to Ronald Reagan, no president averaged more than a 40-point gap in approval ratings by party during his term," said the Gallup report. "Since then, only the elder George Bush has averaged less than a 50-point gap."
"I think we live in a divided country," White House spokesman Robert Gibbs told USA Today. "Washington has been a polarizing place for quite some time."
As an extension from the Cap-and-Trade fallout, Messa blames the health care debate for the attacks and his resignation.
The average difference in Obama's approval ratings between Democrats and Republicans turned out to be 65 percent -- the highest first-year gap of any president so measured.
"The extraordinary level of polarization in Obama's first year in office is a combination of declining support from Republicans coupled with high and sustained approval from Democrats," Gallup's Jeffrey Jones reported.
Obama's 88 percent approval rating from Democrats is the second highest level of party support for a first-year president, trailing only the 92 percent Republican support for George W. Bush in 2001.
On the other hand, Obama's 23 percent rating among Republicans is tied for lowest party rating of a rookie president, matching GOP "backing" of Bill Clinton back in 1993.
"Prior to Ronald Reagan, no president averaged more than a 40-point gap in approval ratings by party during his term," said the Gallup report. "Since then, only the elder George Bush has averaged less than a 50-point gap."
"I think we live in a divided country," White House spokesman Robert Gibbs told USA Today. "Washington has been a polarizing place for quite some time."
As an extension from the Cap-and-Trade fallout, Messa blames the health care debate for the attacks and his resignation.
"Mine is now the deciding vote on the health care bill and this administration and this House leadership have said, quote-unquote, they will stop at nothing to pass this health care bill, and now they've gotten rid of me and it will pass. You connect the dots."
Obama can't seem to unify the votes in his own party, often blaming Republicans for their opposition.
Back door deals, corruption, sexual misconduct, Congressional investigations....different party, same results.
I personally am not surprised.
Just a footnote too Messa's most cutting characterization of Emanuel:
"Rahm Emanuel is the son of the devil's spawn. He is an individual who would sell his mother to get a vote. He would strap his children to the front end of a steam locomotive."
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Organizing for America encourage Liberals to call Radio Shows
Originally Published "State of the Nation" by Brandon Jones at Desk of Brian.com: http://sites.google.com/site/thedeskofbrian/state-of-the-nation/organizingforamericaencourageliberalstocallradioshows
The latest greatest effort to stir support for Obamacare. The powerhouse activist group Organizing for America launched their new website: http://radio.barackobama.com/
GOAL: "The fate of health reform has been a focus of debate in living rooms
and offices, on TV and online -- and on talk radio. And since millions
of folks turn to talk radio as a trusted source of news and opinions,
we need to make sure OFA supporters are calling in with a pro-reform
message."
It's apparently time give Liberal supporters some Cliff Notes and talking points and send them out to face Conservative Talk Shows. Rush Limbaugh has always identified these individuals as "Seminar Callers" having frequented his show for years.
More from the site:
I personally have always welcomed opposing discussion, but find most people are aligned with the party, believe what they believe and can't or won't back it up.
To the Discussion Poinsts:
More than half of the 31 million people that are uninsured (according to these claims) choose NOT to purchase insurance (earning $50,000 per year or more) or simply don't apply for programs like Medicaid.
Obama solution: force them.
Next, there is no decrease in deficit because of the fuzzy math. This ten year plan yields only six years of benefits. Taxation begins immediately with the coverages starting four years from now -- not real, real urgent after all.
Moreover, if we look at full ten years of coverage, the Congressional Budget Office estimates the cost at $2.5 trillion.
I'd love to have open debates with supporters, but they are few and far between. If you are up for the challenge, let me know.
http://radio.barackobama.com/
The latest greatest effort to stir support for Obamacare. The powerhouse activist group Organizing for America launched their new website: http://radio.barackobama.com/
GOAL: "The fate of health reform has been a focus of debate in living rooms
and offices, on TV and online -- and on talk radio. And since millions
of folks turn to talk radio as a trusted source of news and opinions,
we need to make sure OFA supporters are calling in with a pro-reform
message."
It's apparently time give Liberal supporters some Cliff Notes and talking points and send them out to face Conservative Talk Shows. Rush Limbaugh has always identified these individuals as "Seminar Callers" having frequented his show for years.
More from the site:
CALLING TIPS
- Be polite, respectful, and clear. Remember, you represent Organizing for America.
- How radio stations will connect you will depend on the
show. Some radio shows may connect you right away, but most will take
your name and basic info and put you on hold. You may or may not be
able to hear the broadcast on the show while you're waiting. You may
hear the radio host say something like, "Hello, we have your name on the line with us." - Some hosts may challenge your views. Stay calm and firm. Sharing a
personal story about how health reform affects you and your family is a
great way to show the importance and urgency of health reform. - If you can't get through, don't worry! If the show you call is busy
or not accepting calls at the moment you call in, simply click "Give me
another show" to find another.
DISCUSSION POINTS
These points are only to provide extra information and suggestions. Your personal story will make the most compelling message.
- For
most Americans, their health care plan covers too little and costs too
much. Far too many people delay or even skip the care they need because
they simply can’t afford it. - The plan the President
laid out includes the largest health care tax cut for middle class
families in history and makes coverage more affordable for tens of
millions of families and small business owners and expands coverage to
over 31 million Americans who are currently uninsured.
This plan will give millions of Americans new choices in health
insurance by making coverage more affordable, ending the denial of
coverage for pre-existing conditions, putting power in the hands of
consumers instead of insurance companies and providing one of the
largest tax cuts in history while also reducing our national deficit.- Reform
couldn’t be more urgent – just this month consumers in California were
told their premiums could go up as much as 39 percent. - Too
many in Washington are now saying that we should delay or give up on
reform entirely, but Americans understand the stakes for our economy
and our lives, and we want action.
I personally have always welcomed opposing discussion, but find most people are aligned with the party, believe what they believe and can't or won't back it up.
To the Discussion Poinsts:
More than half of the 31 million people that are uninsured (according to these claims) choose NOT to purchase insurance (earning $50,000 per year or more) or simply don't apply for programs like Medicaid.
Obama solution: force them.
Next, there is no decrease in deficit because of the fuzzy math. This ten year plan yields only six years of benefits. Taxation begins immediately with the coverages starting four years from now -- not real, real urgent after all.
Moreover, if we look at full ten years of coverage, the Congressional Budget Office estimates the cost at $2.5 trillion.
I'd love to have open debates with supporters, but they are few and far between. If you are up for the challenge, let me know.
http://radio.barackobama.com/
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Most Overrated Presidents
Recent "State of the Nation" by Brandon Jones posts this week on Desk of Brian: http://sites.google.com/site/thedeskofbrian/state-of-the-nation/mostoverratedpresidents
A Special Happy President's Day Happy Birthday to Presidents Lincoln and Washington.
For various reasons a President's legacy is defined and ranked in the minds of historians and the American public. Below is a short list of the "Most Overrated" Presidents in our history and why I put them on this list.
Abraham Lincoln: Concerned more with secession and the economy than ending slavery, Lincoln violations of habeus corpus is ignored. Lincoln could not afford to lose the Tariffs from the South and gets to much credit for repairing the damage of James Buchanan and Pierce.
"I have no purpose, directly or indirectly, to interfere with the
institution of slavery in the states where it exists. I believe I have
no lawful right to do so, and I have no inclination to do so." - 1860
"My paramount object in this struggle is to save the Union, and is not
either to save or to destroy slavery. If I could save the Union without
freeing any slave I would do it; and if I could save it by freeing some
and leaving others alone I would also do that. What I do about slavery,
and the colored race, I do because I believe it helps to save the Union." - Letter to Horace Greeley, August 22, 1862
Lincoln is always mentioned in the Top Five Presidents of all-time mostly as a savior of civil rights which was an afterthought - he was certainly no advocate for blacks or ending slavery.
Franklin D. Roosevelt: The icon to leftists, socialist, and Democrats get credit for surviving the Great Depression and turning the country around.
In fact, it was his endless spending, government intrusive programs and massive national debts that prolonged the Great Depression. Calvin Coolidge faced a similar collapse and used a less taxes and smaller government to lead the country to recovery in months.
FDR's legacy was salvaged with World War II as we should realize that we are still paying the price for many of these bankrupt government programs and agencies today.
Ronald Reagan: A hero to modern Republicans and self-proclaimed Conservatives, Reagan's speeches were far superior than his actions and the results.
Compared to liberals that preceded his administration and those that followed, Reagan appears very conservative. Unfortunately, he hardly deserves his iconic reputation.
Reagan raised the national debt, carrying massive deficits, started the ineffective War on Drugs and has an overrated credit for the fall of the Soviet Union.
A selective memory has given modern conservatives a celebrity of their own.
Barak Obama: A Peace Prize and ranking as a contender to have his face added to Mt. Rushmore - all within months of inauguration. The celebrity, rock star meteoric rise as masked the escalating debt, rising unemployment, apologetic and contradicting foreign policy.
Many historians and Democrats would already put Obama in the top five of all-time -- absurd considering his tenure to date.
I believe Obama's race will garner favoritism and loyalty from many supporters who already hold him elevated asteem.
Obama still has plenty of time to rise to the hype and expectations after the failures of his predecessor; however, he's continued most of those mistakes and avoids responsibility on his lack of success to date.
Theodore Roosevelt: Many credit Teddy with shaping the modern persona of the Presidency and I criticize him for it. The arrogance that led to the formation of the Progressive movement and acquisition of land for the "national good" illustrate the origins of the celebrity nature of our commander in chief.
Liberals ignore the Filipino-American War, Roosevelt's steps to exercise international power (particularly on small countries) and has ill-defined the term monopoly for generations to come.
Teddy's role in "Night of the Museum" will likely perpetuate his likable personality without acknowledging his love of war and big government.
These are hardly our worst Presidents, but they all have reputations and legacies that far outweigh all of the facts.
You could easily include John F. Kennedy, whose assassination and incredibly motivating speeches, lends him unfair positive bias a mediocre presidency.
Likewise, the humanitarian reputation of Jimmy Carter to Democrats masks a term full of countless blunders and tragic decisions or Harry Truman for simply "dropping the bomb."
These men would still be in the Top Tier of "Best Presidents" list (well mostly) but we should challenge ourselves, and more importantly, the next generation to scrutinize facts to better learn from our mistakes.
"Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it." - George Santayana
"All history becomes subjective; in other words
there is properly no history, only biography." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
All pictures from Wikipedia:
Emancipation Proclamation painting, 1862
FDR and Hoover: 1933
Reagan and Gorbachev signing INF treaty, 1987
Obama giving his acceptance speech, 2008
Teddy - around turn of century
A Special Happy President's Day Happy Birthday to Presidents Lincoln and Washington.
For various reasons a President's legacy is defined and ranked in the minds of historians and the American public. Below is a short list of the "Most Overrated" Presidents in our history and why I put them on this list.
Abraham Lincoln: Concerned more with secession and the economy than ending slavery, Lincoln violations of habeus corpus is ignored. Lincoln could not afford to lose the Tariffs from the South and gets to much credit for repairing the damage of James Buchanan and Pierce.
"I have no purpose, directly or indirectly, to interfere with the
institution of slavery in the states where it exists. I believe I have
no lawful right to do so, and I have no inclination to do so." - 1860
"My paramount object in this struggle is to save the Union, and is not
either to save or to destroy slavery. If I could save the Union without
freeing any slave I would do it; and if I could save it by freeing some
and leaving others alone I would also do that. What I do about slavery,
and the colored race, I do because I believe it helps to save the Union." - Letter to Horace Greeley, August 22, 1862
Lincoln is always mentioned in the Top Five Presidents of all-time mostly as a savior of civil rights which was an afterthought - he was certainly no advocate for blacks or ending slavery.
Franklin D. Roosevelt: The icon to leftists, socialist, and Democrats get credit for surviving the Great Depression and turning the country around.
In fact, it was his endless spending, government intrusive programs and massive national debts that prolonged the Great Depression. Calvin Coolidge faced a similar collapse and used a less taxes and smaller government to lead the country to recovery in months.
FDR's legacy was salvaged with World War II as we should realize that we are still paying the price for many of these bankrupt government programs and agencies today.
Ronald Reagan: A hero to modern Republicans and self-proclaimed Conservatives, Reagan's speeches were far superior than his actions and the results.
Compared to liberals that preceded his administration and those that followed, Reagan appears very conservative. Unfortunately, he hardly deserves his iconic reputation.
Reagan raised the national debt, carrying massive deficits, started the ineffective War on Drugs and has an overrated credit for the fall of the Soviet Union.
A selective memory has given modern conservatives a celebrity of their own.
Barak Obama: A Peace Prize and ranking as a contender to have his face added to Mt. Rushmore - all within months of inauguration. The celebrity, rock star meteoric rise as masked the escalating debt, rising unemployment, apologetic and contradicting foreign policy.
Many historians and Democrats would already put Obama in the top five of all-time -- absurd considering his tenure to date.
I believe Obama's race will garner favoritism and loyalty from many supporters who already hold him elevated asteem.
Obama still has plenty of time to rise to the hype and expectations after the failures of his predecessor; however, he's continued most of those mistakes and avoids responsibility on his lack of success to date.
Theodore Roosevelt: Many credit Teddy with shaping the modern persona of the Presidency and I criticize him for it. The arrogance that led to the formation of the Progressive movement and acquisition of land for the "national good" illustrate the origins of the celebrity nature of our commander in chief.
Liberals ignore the Filipino-American War, Roosevelt's steps to exercise international power (particularly on small countries) and has ill-defined the term monopoly for generations to come.
Teddy's role in "Night of the Museum" will likely perpetuate his likable personality without acknowledging his love of war and big government.
These are hardly our worst Presidents, but they all have reputations and legacies that far outweigh all of the facts.
You could easily include John F. Kennedy, whose assassination and incredibly motivating speeches, lends him unfair positive bias a mediocre presidency.
Likewise, the humanitarian reputation of Jimmy Carter to Democrats masks a term full of countless blunders and tragic decisions or Harry Truman for simply "dropping the bomb."
These men would still be in the Top Tier of "Best Presidents" list (well mostly) but we should challenge ourselves, and more importantly, the next generation to scrutinize facts to better learn from our mistakes.
"Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it." - George Santayana
"All history becomes subjective; in other words
there is properly no history, only biography." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
All pictures from Wikipedia:
Emancipation Proclamation painting, 1862
FDR and Hoover: 1933
Reagan and Gorbachev signing INF treaty, 1987
Obama giving his acceptance speech, 2008
Teddy - around turn of century
Monday, February 8, 2010
President Obama's disgraceful speech at the National Prayer Breakfast
Please check out the original "State of the Nation" publication at DeskofBrian.com
http://sites.google.com/site/thedeskofbrian/state-of-the-nation/obamasprayerbreakfastdisgrace
There President astounded with his speech at the National Prayer Breakfast.
"There is, of course, a need for prayer even in times of joy and peace
and prosperity. Perhaps especially in such times prayer is needed -- to
guard against pride and to guard against complacency."
Are you kidding?
This is the President who has stepped foot in a church only three times since taking office(that's ABC's count not mine), didn't exhibit any religious observation for Christmas and practices his faith daily through his Blackberry.
Yes his Blackberry.
ABC quotes the President: "My Faith and Neighborhood Initiatives director, Joshua DuBois, he has
a devotional that he sends to me on my BlackBerry every day. That's how I start my morning. You know, he's got a passage,
Scripture, in some cases quotes from other faiths to reflect on."
President Obama dares lecture us, treating us like American plebes, to be mindful of prayer and warns against pride as he practices his "eReligion" through daily devotions from his "iPastor" - is he kidding?
We get the whole story
(full article here) of his families devout Christian faith yet we are constantly reminded NOT all Americans believe in God, but you'd think he'd focus on those of us that do pray AT THE PRAYER BREAKFAST!!!
While appealing for cooperation he humbly become the subject of a joke before jabbing at birthers and those who question if he's a Muslim.
"Now, I am the first to confess I am not always right. Michelle will
testify to that. But surely you can question my policies without
questioning my faith, or, for that matter, my citizenship."
Mr, President, you "preach" civility, then don't bring this up. Don't ridicule or even acknowledge these distractors, because then you're causing the division.
"Empowered by faith, consistently, prayerfully, we need to find our way
back to civility. That begins with stepping out of our comfort zones in
an effort to bridge divisions."
Our comfort zones? Find our civility?
The President that attacks dissent and marginalizes opposing opinions as obstruction dares to lecture the masses at a Prayer Breakfast.
Meanwhile, across the street from the White House sits St. John's Episcopal, where "every president since James Madison has attended a service at St. Johns, where pew 54 is designated as "The President's Pew."
(ABC reminds us)
The President can practice his faith how he likes. He can always be criticized for lecturing others to be "faithful" and "pray" when he doesn't openly exhibit these practices (allegedly outside of Camp David, also from ABC)
"And I'm profoundly mindful that a loyal opposition, a vigorous back and
forth, a skepticism of power, all of that is what makes our democracy
work."
I can only hope so Mr. President.
"Through faith, but not through faith alone, we can unite people to serve the common good."
Mr. President, I agree "not through faith alone", but through the Lord. Through the Lord that we pray to faithfully, that I hope you are indeed reading about on your Blackberry, through the Lord we can be united.
Prayer Breakfast Speech Transcript here.
http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2010/02/04/se-cupp-obama-prayer-breakfast-faith-god-jesus/
Pic: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/02/05/obama-attends-prayer-brea_n_164190.html
http://sites.google.com/site/thedeskofbrian/state-of-the-nation/obamasprayerbreakfastdisgrace
There President astounded with his speech at the National Prayer Breakfast.
"There is, of course, a need for prayer even in times of joy and peace
and prosperity. Perhaps especially in such times prayer is needed -- to
guard against pride and to guard against complacency."
Are you kidding?
This is the President who has stepped foot in a church only three times since taking office(that's ABC's count not mine), didn't exhibit any religious observation for Christmas and practices his faith daily through his Blackberry.
Yes his Blackberry.
ABC quotes the President: "My Faith and Neighborhood Initiatives director, Joshua DuBois, he has
a devotional that he sends to me on my BlackBerry every day. That's how I start my morning. You know, he's got a passage,
Scripture, in some cases quotes from other faiths to reflect on."
President Obama dares lecture us, treating us like American plebes, to be mindful of prayer and warns against pride as he practices his "eReligion" through daily devotions from his "iPastor" - is he kidding?
We get the whole story
(full article here) of his families devout Christian faith yet we are constantly reminded NOT all Americans believe in God, but you'd think he'd focus on those of us that do pray AT THE PRAYER BREAKFAST!!!
While appealing for cooperation he humbly become the subject of a joke before jabbing at birthers and those who question if he's a Muslim.
"Now, I am the first to confess I am not always right. Michelle will
testify to that. But surely you can question my policies without
questioning my faith, or, for that matter, my citizenship."
Mr, President, you "preach" civility, then don't bring this up. Don't ridicule or even acknowledge these distractors, because then you're causing the division.
"Empowered by faith, consistently, prayerfully, we need to find our way
back to civility. That begins with stepping out of our comfort zones in
an effort to bridge divisions."
Our comfort zones? Find our civility?
The President that attacks dissent and marginalizes opposing opinions as obstruction dares to lecture the masses at a Prayer Breakfast.
Meanwhile, across the street from the White House sits St. John's Episcopal, where "every president since James Madison has attended a service at St. Johns, where pew 54 is designated as "The President's Pew."
(ABC reminds us)
The President can practice his faith how he likes. He can always be criticized for lecturing others to be "faithful" and "pray" when he doesn't openly exhibit these practices (allegedly outside of Camp David, also from ABC)
"And I'm profoundly mindful that a loyal opposition, a vigorous back and
forth, a skepticism of power, all of that is what makes our democracy
work."
I can only hope so Mr. President.
"Through faith, but not through faith alone, we can unite people to serve the common good."
Mr. President, I agree "not through faith alone", but through the Lord. Through the Lord that we pray to faithfully, that I hope you are indeed reading about on your Blackberry, through the Lord we can be united.
Prayer Breakfast Speech Transcript here.
http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2010/02/04/se-cupp-obama-prayer-breakfast-faith-god-jesus/
Pic: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/02/05/obama-attends-prayer-brea_n_164190.html
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Geithner lies to America over Bank fees
Follow "State Of the Nation" original posts at Desk of Brian:
http://sites.google.com/site/thedeskofbrian/state-of-the-nation/geithnermisleadsamericaonbankfeesplantorecoupaigloss
Taxpayers from top to bottom will get a proverbial rear-ending as the government attempts to recoup losses from their bad decisions.
http://sites.google.com/site/thedeskofbrian/state-of-the-nation/geithnermisleadsamericaonbankfeesplantorecoupaigloss
Taxpayers from top to bottom will get a proverbial rear-ending as the government attempts to recoup losses from their bad decisions.
Attempting to save AIG is the latest debacle revisited in Washington
Reuters reports how the White House will spin penalizing large banking and finance firms as Treasury Secretary, Timothy Geithner speaks out:
"Those contracts were outrageous. They should never have been permitted," Geithner said in testimony to the U.S. House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee.
Geithner and the administration fail to acknowledge that these "outrageous contracts" were approved when the "bailout funds" were agreed upon. In fact, most of the executives at AIG were hired to work for a dollar with a bonus plan attached.
"Now, if you join with us in passing this proposed fee on our largest financial institutions, then you'll be able to say, as we do, that the American taxpayer will not pay a penny for what happened at AIG," Geithner said
Most egregious is how the taxpayers will be covering their horrible decisions. These "bank fees" and penalties will be passed on to the consumer. Building up their slush fund by highjacking money from these firms will start the whole cycle over again.
Again, we are treated like morons.
Americans need to grapple with the hard realization that recovering from this financial disaster is a long, painful process and government intervention is not the solution and in fact, deepens the pain for all of us.
Charlie Crist proves he's no Conservative
Follow the original posts are our new website:
http://sites.google.com/site/thedeskofbrian/state-of-the-nation/cristshowstruescolorsforobamamoney
Charlie Crist proves once again that he'll compromise principles for federal funds. Fervor over the $1.25 billion in federal stimulus money has Democrats and train supporters beaming with glee. Ignoring the voice of the people without hesitation as voters have been against the project for years and there's little concern where the rest of the money will come from.
http://sites.google.com/site/thedeskofbrian/state-of-the-nation/cristshowstruescolorsforobamamoney
Charlie Crist proves once again that he'll compromise principles for federal funds. Fervor over the $1.25 billion in federal stimulus money has Democrats and train supporters beaming with glee. Ignoring the voice of the people without hesitation as voters have been against the project for years and there's little concern where the rest of the money will come from.
"We'll have to do some reassessment," said Nazih Haddad, manager for passenger rail development for the Florida Department of Transportation.
Ed Turanchik, a Tampa developer who headed a statewide grass roots campaign for the project, said the $1.25 billion announced today is enough for the first two years. A second infusion will be needed to lay track, install signals, build stations and buy trains for the Tampa-Orlando connection, he said.
"This is testament to people in politics working in the right way," said Republican U.S. Sen. George LeMieux. "Democrats and Republicans, local, state, and federal folks pulled together to get these needed dollars for Florida."
Crist's opponent for the 2010 Senate election Marco Rubio disagrees: "I think we should all be concerned about increased spending on anything at a time when the federal government is borrowing money to function."
Maybe Florida's leaders should STOP behaving like drug addicts ecstatic to get a fix from the federal stimulus drug dealer. Maybe we should be concerned that light rails have been a complete and utter failures all over the country.
Environmentally
So few people actually ride the rails that single car riders leave less of a carbon footprint. The calculations for trains assume maximum capacity (400 per car for the Florida rail) yet in Seattle, a similar sized rail, only average 12 riders per car.
The proposed rail from Chicago to St. Louis will actually run on diesel fuel and the Bellevue rail may be routed through the beautiful wetlands -- neither are particularly green environmentally friendly projects.
Nobody rides them!
Supporters paint a utopian vision of highways free of congestion luring more people to love proposed commuting by train -- well, for other people. Unfortunately, the train costs are so high that DOTs cut other means of mass transit (buses are a common target) and here in Florida, the West Palm to Miami ride, only covers 13% of its operational expenses.
The most damning visual is the famous train riding coyote who boarded a train without fear of interacting with a human.
Randall O'Toole of the Cato Institute has been a vocal adversary to high-speed trains points out that California predicts its 220-mph trains would take 3.5% of cars off of roads while the DOT predicts California highway traffic grows that much every two years.
Similar to the Vegas monorail, which doesn't take you anywhere near the strip, the Florida rail doesn't stop at Lakeland or go into Downtown Orlando.
There's a mixed review of the impact on the environment, the expense project never recoups the cost as few people utilize the train service at the demise of other public services.
So why are politicians so excited about these projects?
The number one rule applies: follow the cash.
Billions for local engineers and contractors which can be levied for political support and votes. $1.25 billion of "free" federal tax money is nothing more than a laundering of funds to predetermined businesses for political equity.
When the well runs dry, the taxpayers will be stuck with the tab. As cited above, the Obama down payment serves only the groundbreaking before we'll be asked to pony up billions and billions, probably through taxation, just to put in the tracks.
To Charlie Crist: if you are part of the problem NOW, why would we put you into the Senate to do more damage to our country and the debt?
http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/national/article1068768.ece
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/11/28/HOTB149A68.DTL
http://www.cato.org/pub_display.php?pub_id=10233
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2010939892_mercerslough31m.html
Thursday, January 28, 2010
New Virgina Gov will get the Spotlight - What are Republicans thinking?
Follow the initial posting of "State of the Nation" on DeskofBrian.com
http://sites.google.com/site/thedeskofbrian/state-of-the-nation/newvirginagovwillgetthespotlight-whatarerepublicansthinking
Maybe I'll be wrong here, but this stinks of a missed opportunity.
Newly elected Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell will be delivering the Republican response to President Obama's State of the Union address.
While the newly elected McDonnell may be high profile in Virginia, he hardly garners the attention of this high profile address.
John Boehner, Senate Minority Leader declared McDonnell was selected for his "common-sense economic policies in stark contrast to Washington Democrats’ job-killing agenda."
So his rhetoric is being promoted as the Republican platform proving once again the "right-wing" in Washington are still clueless.
This is the perfect opportunity for Jim DeMint or John Thune, or another potential 2012 candidate to move into the spotlight. Scott Brown achieved a noteworthy celebrity status after the victory in Massachusetts, now it's time to push a REAL Conservative into the limelight.
The momentum from the Brown win could be perpetuated from a solid, strong voice of fiscal conservatism, reductions in spending, reductions in taxation, and a strong illustration of the economic failures of this Democratic leadership.
Passing that baton to a newly elected Republican Governor indicates the politics and NOT the issues are more important to John Boehner and the Republicans in Washington.
http://sites.google.com/site/thedeskofbrian/state-of-the-nation/newvirginagovwillgetthespotlight-whatarerepublicansthinking
Maybe I'll be wrong here, but this stinks of a missed opportunity.
Newly elected Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell will be delivering the Republican response to President Obama's State of the Union address.
While the newly elected McDonnell may be high profile in Virginia, he hardly garners the attention of this high profile address.
John Boehner, Senate Minority Leader declared McDonnell was selected for his "common-sense economic policies in stark contrast to Washington Democrats’ job-killing agenda."
So his rhetoric is being promoted as the Republican platform proving once again the "right-wing" in Washington are still clueless.
This is the perfect opportunity for Jim DeMint or John Thune, or another potential 2012 candidate to move into the spotlight. Scott Brown achieved a noteworthy celebrity status after the victory in Massachusetts, now it's time to push a REAL Conservative into the limelight.
The momentum from the Brown win could be perpetuated from a solid, strong voice of fiscal conservatism, reductions in spending, reductions in taxation, and a strong illustration of the economic failures of this Democratic leadership.
Passing that baton to a newly elected Republican Governor indicates the politics and NOT the issues are more important to John Boehner and the Republicans in Washington.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Science does NOT matter to this administration
This global warming cult predates Obama administration but it's only fair to analyze the comments and status today.
"That is why today, I am also signing a Presidential Memorandum directing the head of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy to develop a strategy for restoring scientific integrity to government decision making. To ensure that in this new Administration, we base our public policies on the soundest science; that we appoint scientific advisors based on their credentials and experience, not their politics or ideology; and that we are open and honest with the American people about the science behind our decisions. That is how we will harness the power of science to achieve our goals – to preserve our environment and protect our national security; to create the jobs of the future, and live longer, healthier lives."1
No they won't.
We are in the middle of the unraveling the greatest scam in the history of science and the Obama administration went to "Plan B" - have the EPA intercede and regulate CO2 as a pollutant (only months after a White House memo stated otherwise)
This science has been led by the UN with the IPCC and has been outed as a fraud and void of honest peer review and viable data.
In May, Lisa Jackson, EPA, said in a memo2
"Science must be the compass guiding our environmental protection decisions. We cannot make the best decisions unless we have confidence in the integrity of the science on which we rely. Therefore, it is my promise that scientific integrity will be the backbone of my leadership of the Agency."
Ms. Jackson, the leading scientists are pending investigation and review of their research and yet the EPA announces regulation of CO2.
People DO NOT have confidence in the science and are questioning the integrity -- unfortunately the Obama administration, the EPA and others don't see that.
1.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/remarks-of-the-president-as-prepared-for-delivery-signing-of-stem-cell-executive-order-and-scientific-integrity-presidential-memorandum/
2. http://www.epa.gov/Administrator/scientificmemo.html
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Obama Now Bows to the Japanese
First the Saudi King, now the Japanese Emperor.
This isn't about respect, a half bow like this is a measure of submission to their superior. Does out President realize the US is greatest country on the planet and he doesn't HAVE to bow?
Back in 1994 the NY Times ran an article explaining how President Clinton DID NOT BOW (exactly). This comical effort (here) included the ridiculous comment by Molly Raiser, chief of protocol:
"It was not a bow-bow, if you know what I mean."
If Clinton's head nod, shoulder slump was NOT a "bow-bow" how will the hypocritical left denounce the Obama bend at the waist.
"Presidents don't bow, and Emperors don't toast," one official said. "So this was a little bit like the cultures meeting each other halfway." (same NY Times article 1994)
We have seen the protective media circle their wagons to shield Obama from slings and arrows, so it'll be interesting to see their contrived tactics in action.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Real Change: Chain E-Mail Should Still Ring Loud and Clear
October 21, 2008 Norma White wrote a guest column on the Armarillo discussing the REAL CHANGE most Americans seek.
"Hope and Change" hasn't exactly gone as many voters anticipated. The hollow rhetoric from both parties has resulted in Townhall outrage and protests over the last several months.
Recently the Norma White circulated through the mass chain e-mails (thanks to Brian for re-sending this my way) and her words still ring loud - or should:
- Limit Congress from serving more than two terms. That is all that presidents are allowed.
- Stop Congress from voting for their own raises. How did that ever get started?
- Stop paying for lawmakers' high-priced insurance premiums. After all, they are only part-time employees. They might pass some law changes on the insurance companies, if they had to find one.
- Stop paying lawmakers their full salary after serving just one term, or at retirement. We need to get rid of that pension plan; they've let other companies get rid of theirs. You were lucky to get 40 to 50 percent of your salary after working somewhere for 35 years, but they get 100 percent.
- Make Congress pay into the Social Security system. They make laws for it. If they spent some of their own money, they might be interested in making it solvent.
- Stop handing out aid to illegal aliens. If we did, then Medicaid and the food stamp program would have enough money to aid the aged and the poor.
- Secure our borders.
- Stop allowing babies born to illegal aliens in the United States automatic U.S. citizenship.
- Stop the abuse of our benevolent welfare system. We feed children free meals three times a day until they are 17. Churches give away good, clean clothes. Companies buy and donate school supplies. Emergency rooms provide health care at taxpayer expense and the food stamp program is buying food at home. What are parents doing for their children?
- Have a computer program that cross checks Social Security numbers with fingerprints to stop fraud on many fronts. Use it on voter registration, too.
- Stop bailing out mortgage companies and banks that give loans to people who cannot afford them.
- Stop companies from paying CEOs and other executives outrageous salaries and bonuses while doing away with workers' pensions.
- Stop all unnecessary spending so we will have the money for our nation's security, and to help needy and elderly Americans.
- Stop permitting anyone to have a photo with their face covered on driver's licenses.
Norma pointed out the most obvious aspect of Presidential election: it was up to Congress to make these changes, not the White House. If John McCain would have won, would things be that different? Would Congress have made "changes" as Norma White suggests or those that would have perpetuated their power and greed?
The real "Hope and Change" is the Norma White way. Not perfect, problematic to some, but better than Washington's version.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Obama's "Pet Goat" Moment in Crisis
The Ft. Hood tragedy reminded us of the power of the President to lead the country through support, sympathy and compassion. President Obama addressed a conference for OVER 2 MINUTES before getting to the Ft. Hood shooting.
This included a shout out for a "Congressional Medal of Honor" winner (Joe Medicine Crow) -- but that's actually incorrect as well -- it is the Medal of Freedom, but who's keeping score in the Obama Nation.
http://online.worldmag.com/2009/11/06/obamas-response-to-fort-hood/
The suave, super intelligent President makes gaffe after gaffe, but compared to his predecessor, anyone would look smooth and smart.
After the shout out, an applause, praising the "productive conference", maintaining the priority of the conference, recognizing the challenges that lay ahead for Native Americans - he finally mentioned the attack.
2:20.....Two Minutes and Twenty seconds....
If he held up a copy of "The Pet Goat" the circle would have been complete.
The former Senator voted present over a hundred times, can't decided how to handle the advice from his handpicked general in Afghanistan, so it shouldn't surprise any of us that he would fumble this situation.
To me this the real story was NOT the tragedy of the shooting because the motives of Major Hassan will be revealed at a later date: insanity, terrorism or otherwise.
The immediate fact we can observe is the President's inability or trepidation to deal with tragedy and difficult decisions. What the President should have done was say: "Before I get started, let me first speak to the tragedy that is unfolding in Texas as we speak..."
Nope.
Instead our President had a "Pet Goat" moment, playing to his comfort zone as a Community Organizer for nearly 2 and half minutes. Our leader rambled about a conference instead of speaking quickly and directly to the country.
Michael Moore railed on President Bush for reading with the children "My Pet Goat" as the news of 9/11 unfolded. Well, now we'll see if Moore and other extreme Obama supporters will recognize this President's "Pet Goat Moment"
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Doug Hoffman & the 3 GOP Victories!
Yes, the 3 BIG GOP victories.
Overcoming the antics of ACORN, SEIU et al. and the visits by Obama, Biden, the races in New Jersey and Virgina went the Repubican's way. The powerful campaigning of the Obamanation and the luster from the Presidential election may finally be wearing off.
But the real story is the no name accountant in New York, Doug Hoffman, who survived smear campaigns by BOTH the Democrats and the Republican candidates. Both the Democrat and Republican candidates were pro-stimulus, pro-choice, pro-spending, supported by ACORN -- what was the difference?
That's when Hoffman through his hat in the ring two months ago and came within 3 points of defeating the politcal machine. As support began to pour in from Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh, Sarah Palin and others, Hoffman seemed to be shooting past the competition.
So why is this a victory?
The media will overanalyze the words of Rush Limbaugh:
"If Hoffman wins -- and polls suggest that he will -- the race there will be dismissed as an outlier... Folks, I want you to print these words out. I want you to get the transcript off my website. I want you to print these out, I want you to distribute them, I want you to carry them with you, and we'll just see how close I am to being right. (When Hoffman wins) the State-Run Media will say, "New York-23, the race is more about the demise of the Republican Party and anger on the right than Obama or his policies." -- Limbaugh, November 3.
See Rush and others are out of touch. Hoffman didn't lose. Beck, Palin, and other conservatives lost.
Within days of dropping out of the race, the "Republican" (Dede Scozzafava) began campaigning, NOT for Hoffman, but for the Democrat Owens. She still received 6% of the vote as millions from HER supporters focused their attention on defeating Hoffman.
What this should be is a wake up call NOT just for Democrats, but for all incumbants.
The difference between McCain Obama was Right leaning Democrat and Socialist. The same was true in New York and it took a no name accountant to rise up and shake up the machine.
From Politico: "Obama now faces a much tougher challenge persuading these mostly moderate Democrats to put themselves further at risk by backing such liberal priorities as expanding government’s role in heath care or limiting greenhouse gases."
Eric Cantor added: "This is a shot across the bow to the moderates and Blue Dog Democrats as they decide votes on health care and other issues."
Sure that's true, but don't buy that the "Cram and Ram" approach is going to change. In fact, if the White House and Nancy Pelosi feel their power waning, expect an acceleration NOT a slow down of radical policy making.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Obama disses Dalai Lama, losing the Jews but awards Mary Robinson
A recent poll (August) in the Jerusalem Post revealed that only 4% think President Obama is pro-Israel. That's a staggering number and if nothing else, it's the MOST NEGATIVE Israeli view of the President.
From the article:
"Fifty-one percent of Jewish Israelis consider Obama's administration more pro-Palestinian than pro-Israel, according to the survey, while 35% consider it neutral and 10% declined to express an opinion. The poll of 500 people representing a statistical model of the Jewish Israeli population had a margin of error of 4.5%."
As the article notes, the decline began after the meeting with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu. Israelis have declining faith that Obama and his support.
Perhaps we can consult the Dalai Lama.
Well, we could if Obama met with the exiled Tibetan leader when he visited, but the meeting was postponed to "strengthen relations with China."
As US News & World Report reported, "The U.S. decision to postpone the meeting appears to be part of a strategy to improve ties with China that also includes soft-pedaling criticism of China's human rights ..."
Got that...
For the first time since 1991, the Tibetan spiritual leader will visit Washington this week and not meet with the president.
This President is going to STAND UP the Dalai Lama because of China. I'm sure it will help.
The last time he was here, in 2007, President George W. Bush became the first sitting president to meet with him publicly, at a ceremony at the Capitol in which he awarded the Dalai Lama the Congressional Gold Medal, Congress's highest civilian award.
For decades we've stood firm to support the Israelis and now they question our leader's commitment. Sean Penn visits and condones the dictator Hugo Chavez and White House members (or czars) praise Chavez. Meanwhile Jewish synagogues are attacked and the Jews retreat from the country.
Lastly, Obama has awarded the Medal of Freedom to Mary Robinson, who is recognized as secretary general of the 2001 "World Conference Against Racism" in Durban, South Africa. This dismissed the virulent anti-Semitic, anti-Israel, and at least implicitly anti-American.
John Bolton, ambassador to the UN, referenced that the conference was so vile that the "...draft declaration that Secretary of State Colin Powell correctly called it "a throwback to the days of 'Zionism equals racism,'" referring to the infamous 1975 U.N. General Assembly resolution to that effect.
Bolton continued: "Outrage over Durban reignited earlier this year when Secretary of State Hillary Clinton did her best to get the United States to attend the successor conference (“Durban II”) to polish Mr. Obama’s 'multilateralist' bona fides. Because the Durban II draft declaration reaffirmed Durban I’s hateful conclusions, even the Obama administration couldn’t swallow attending."
No surprise that the "Right Wing" don't care for Ms. Robinson. This 2002 article by Michael Rubin on National Review calls her a "War Criminal" -- too harsh?
It's no denying Robinson's support of Palestians and the likemindedness of the Obama administration to walk a thin line with a hallow support of Israel. If Israel representatives at the UN were asked about Robinson, I got a feeling that they would not support Obama's selection.
So, while we still remain unpopular in the Middle East, the President seems to go to extreme lengths to limit support for our one ally - Israel. Instead, the White House will extend good will sentiments to polish relations with the Chinese Communists.
We can keep head scratching trying to understand the "Hope and Change" on the global scale, but for me, it's both saddening and disturbing.
http://articles.latimes.com/2009/aug/07/nation/na-obama-jews7
http://pajamasmedia.com/claudiarosett/mary-robinsons-medal-for-bush-bashing/
http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2009/08/who_really_selected_mary_robin.html
http://www.commentarymagazine.com/blogs/index.php/rubin/75001
http://jewagainstobama.wordpress.com/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)