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O HILLARY! http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=8715870 Posted: September 30, 2009 8:25 P.M. MORE FROM MOORE Posted: September 30, 2009 10:42 A.M. DICKLESS OR WITLESS Here's a heck of a quote from an administration official in a Washington Post article that discusses Obama's options in Iran. LINK "A military strike is also increasingly unpalatable because, officials said, it probably would only briefly delay any attempt by Iran to produce a nuclear weapon." So the administration apparently believes that there is no way to stop Iran from gaining full nuclear capability. Since they knew this a year ago, one has to question their actions or lack thereof, these last months. More importantly, any delay is better than none, no? It leaves hope for a better conclusion. Surely President Obama understands hope. Posted: September 29, 2009 12:16 P.M. HEALTH CARE, HOPE SPRINGS EPHEMERAL It is almost a year since President Obama took office. Everything has changed, and nothing has changed. To wit, the president inherited one hell of a mess. But where he had to clean up GWB's mess was a no-brainer. The Republicans could squawk all they wanted to, but the financial collapse of the American system had to be dealt with, and so, for all intense Republicans and purposes, it was. But too much of Obama's reign to date suggests that this is a president who walks the middle whenever possible. And his reputation as The Great Appeaser is starting to stick to him. In particular, his approach to the mess in the Middle East has backfired. He has had to walk back on his approach when he quickly discovered that Bibi Netanyahu is nobody's fool. The Israeli Prime Minister is a seasoned politician, while our current president is not. Netanyahu handily won his first round with the neophyte president. Obama's desire to 'talk' with Iran, in light of the latest revelation that Iran was using the 'talk-time' to further entrench itself into creating a nuclear weapon to be used on the aforementioned Jewish state, shows the naiveté of this president. On this he learned nothing from GWB. Now Obama's options are limited to those the hard-line Iranian leaders have set up for him...that, or he passes the buck to Israel. In retrospect, Obama should have struck Iran first and talked later gaining strength as a leader to the Arab world that is terrified of a nuclear-capable Iran, but incapable of doing anything about it. Had he done so, Obama might have repaired the damage in the Middle East caused by his predecessor's policies, and gained a peace partner in Netanyahu, and perhaps, Abbas. And he would not have had to put down his own country to the world in order to gain the global love he so very much thinks America needs -- and he, apparently so personally craves --when in doing so, here, at home, he only further, and rightfully, annoyed the Republicans. But alas, that is not what he did. Still, it is on the signature Democratic issue of health care that Obama has proven weakest. First he tried to create a bi-partisan bill as if the Republicans would ever come on board and give Obama an early win. Then, before he had to, he sold out to the drug companies. Obama wants to do what Bill and Hillary couldn't -- at any cost. Clearly, he feels that any bill that says health care reform on it is better than none, which is true, if Obama wants to be reelected. However the current product offered is virtually useless to solving the problems at hand as was so clearly put in an essay by still clinging to the hope that President Obama is different, Michael Moore. LINK There remain those who saw Obama as America's savior, who also are still clinging to the hope that he is. I've noticed in discussions of late that the Obamanuts are defending Obama and his policies more and more stridently as he disappoints more and more. No one wants to be proven wrong. But to all those out there who are clinging to hope, help your guy not by defending the indefensible, but by demanding he deliver on his promises. No, he doesn't have to go all the way on this, hopefully, first of many health care bills. But he darn well better make whatever is passed more than a bailout to the insurance and pharmaceutical companies since the bill is supposed to be a bailout for you and me. And, not, by the way, a point scored towards his re-election. Because if you don't, you may have at your helm a mere Paper Tiger of a President for three more years. Don't you think you deserve better? America's health depends upon it. Posted: September 29, 2009 11:16 A.M. OBAMA SPEAK From the President's speech on the discovery of Iran's secret nuclear facility I give you the following paragraphs. "As the international community knows, this is not the first time that Iran has concealed information about its nuclear program. Iran has a right to peaceful nuclear power that meets the energy needs of its people." Notice sentence one and two. "It is time for Iran to act immediately to restore the confidence of the international community by fulfilling its international obligations. We remain committed to serious, meaningful engagement with Iran to address the nuclear issue through the P5+1 negotiations." Notice sentence one and two. "To put it simply: Iran must comply with U.N. Security Council resolutions and make clear it is willing to meet its responsibilities as a member of the community of nations. We have offered Iran a clear path toward greater international integration if it lives up to its obligations, and that offer stands." Notice sentence one and two. Obama Speak: Something for everyone which amounts to APPEASEMENT! Posted: September 26, 2009 1:11 P.M. IF YOU READ NOTHING ELSE, READ THIS! Posted: September 26, 2009 12:34 P.M. VICTIMIZING THE PALESTINIANS When you treat the people who call themselves Palestinians as victims, they will be victims. Would it not be more productive to start encouraging them to stop acting like the victims? The Israelis gave them Gaza and instead of taking that opportunity and turning it into something to be proud of, they turned Gaza into a PR campaign against Israel, and turned over their will to the terrorist organization Hamas. Too many, these days, look at the Palestinians as the victims. They are in one sense, victims of themselves. Posted: September 26, 2009 9:17 A.M. HEIL, OBAMA Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.) received a handwritten note Thursday from Joint Committee on Taxation Chief of Staff Tom Barthold confirming the penalty for failing to pay the up to $1,900 fee for not buying health insurance. Violators could be charged with a misdemeanor and could face up to a year in jail or a $25,000 penalty, Barthold wrote on JCT letterhead. He signed it "Sincerely, Thomas A. Barthold." The note was in response to Ensign's questioning during the markup. Posted: September 25, 2009 3:44 P.M. OBAMA: MAN OR CARDBOARD CUT-OUT? I couldn't resist. Sorry.
Barack Obama's amazingly consistent smile from Eric Spiegelman on Vimeo. Posted: September 25, 2009 3:37 P.M. MORE ON THE IRAN REVELATION Jennifer Rubin of Commentary Magazine says it best...LINK But this really is a breach of the American trust in Obama. If he knew this so long ago, how did he waste so much time on his 'talking' diplomacy? Why, while Israel has been shouting about her security issues did Obama poo-poo them knowing of the second facility, within months of producing a weapon? How did he make the speech that he did to the U.N. knowing what he knew? Oddly, most journalists are not tieing this story back to Israel. Or is that odd? Posted: September 25, 2009 12:55 P.M. AHMADINEJAD TO OBAMA: BACK OFF!
Posted: September 25, 2009 11:34 A.M. NETANYAHU'S ALLEGED TRIP TO RUSSIA There has been much speculation about PM Netanyahu's trip to Russia a couple of weeks ago. Could it have been to reveal the Iranian's second nuclear facility and stop Russia from shipping arms to the rogue state? Was it an effort to secure Israel's position concerning the West Bank? It seems more relevant today than a couple of weeks ago Posted: September 25, 2009 9:51 A.M. ISRAEL GOT IT RIGHT ON IRAN With the revelation that Iran has, indeed, been hiding a second nuclear enrichment facility, it underscores not only the deviousness but potential danger the Islamic Republic of Iran holds for Israel and the world. President Obama is making a statement chiding Iran with Gordon Brown and Nicholas Sarkozy standing by his side. Apparently, Germany wanted to be there and couldn't. But shouldn't it be Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu who should be standing with the President of the United States at this revelation? Likely, it was Israel's intelligence that revealed the second facility. This clearly explains part of Netanyahu's intransigence, and Russia's agreement to possible sanctions. Once again, the IAEA has proven useless and a joke. LINK Posted: September 25, 2009 8:51 A.M. OUCH!!!! Hillary, O Hillary, where art thou Hillary? Who art thou, Hillary? What a mess you've made, dear Hillary! LINK Posted: September 24, 2009 5:22 P.M. NETANYAHU LASHS OUT Posted: September 24, 2009 2:13 P.M. WH STANDS WITH ISRAEL AGAINST THE GOLDSTONE REPORT WH will bloc U.N. action against Israel if necessary, siding with Israel and calling the Goldstone Report completely one-sided. One-sided, by the way, is an understatement. It was, in a word, diabolical, a lame attempt to forward a brand of thinking that is absurd and worse, unconscionable. LINK (See: Headlines page for an interesting article on what happened with Obama's Middle East policy) Posted: September 23, 2009 7:41 P.M. RE: MANDATING HEALTH INSURANCE Forget the liberty and freedom argument that Republicans are now arguing…mandates fly in the face of one of the main purposes of reform, which is to make coverage available to those who can’t afford it. Mandating coverage, the purpose being that if everyone is covered than it helps further reign in the costs - a legitimate argument - nevertheless forces those on the fringe to have to pay for coverage they may or may not be able to afford month to month or yearly despite lower premium costs. Sorry to say it, but that’s the reason why there should be a public option in the plan. Posted: September 23, 2009 3:52 P.M. WASHINGTON POST EDITORIAL SAYS IT ALL On the Middle East...Well put, WashPost. LINK However, the editorial does not go far enough. For years American presidents have tried unsuccessfully to resolve the conflicts between the Israelis and Palestinians. It is time to come to grips with the fact that the paradigm doesn't work. Most Israeli's agree that the Palestinians should have their own state. The sticking point is where as I state below. It's time smart minds got together and configured a new approach to the problem. Once and for all, get it, folks, the old paradigm simply doesn't work. Posted: September 23, 2009 10:20 A.M. PALESTINIAN NEGOTIATOR FRUSTRATED POST TRI-LAT Read this statement by Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat who Jake Tapper calls "smooth talking." It is clear why no agreements can be made. Even the smooth talking Erekat can't hide his it's them and not us voice of unreason. It strikes me that he would lash out at President Obama, who has moved toward the Palestinian side so strongly since he came into office. LINK Posted: September 22, 2009 5:59 P.M. THE TWO-MORE STATE SOLUTION Having already given the Palestinians Gaza (and we won't discuss the mess they made of that gift) the solution to the conflict in the Middle East is not stuck on a Two-State solution, but on where a Palestinian State should be located. It doesn't serve Israel to give up the West Bank both for security and religious reasons. So, why not end the mess and start afresh with the Arabs coughing up some land for its friends the Palestinians? Surely, in their vast empire the Arabs can find a place to park the people who call themselves Palestinians. Were they to do this, the problem would be solved and everyone would have their country and independence. Simple, easy, but since this hasn't happened and probably never will, it makes one wonder what the fight is really about. It really isn't over land. Or sovereignty, or independence, , is it? LINK Posted: September 22, 2009 2:57 P.M. THE MIDDLE EAST As Obama, Netanyahu and Abbas ready themselves for today's meeting, all sorts of stories of concessions from both sides are popping up. So much of what occurs between the two parties is about PR, so it's no wonder both parties are seeking to look magnanimous as they meet with the American President. One headline reads: 'Israel Makes Secret Offer on Settlements'. Another is "Arabs Offer Flyover Rights for Settlement Freeze'. Both stories, in fact, might be true, but read the fine print. Neither side is willing to go all the way...Netanyahu will not give up all of Jerusalem, and all Arab States are not completely in alliance with on flyover rights...namely Saudi Arabia (LINK). Apparently, the Obama Administration wants more from Israel as it has been completely silent on the issue of flyover rights. But Netanyahu is under no obligation to the American president, partly because of his power in Israel, where he is a pretty popular leader while Obama is not. Also, Obama has miscalculated in his bad treatment of Netanyahu. The more pressure he has put on Netanyahu, the more unpopular he has become among the Jewish community in Israel and the U.S.. On the other hand, as world sympathy grows for the Palestinians, as it did in 1975 (The UN General Assembly passed Resolution 3379, which condemned Israel as "the racist regime of occupied Palestine'), the Arabs feel they can control the negotiations. But then there is Iran, and Iran is the silent partner in the peace negotiations. Both Israel and the Arab countries presently fear Iran's nuclear capabilities and power grab more than they do each other. (LINK) It will be interesting to see if Obama can use this card to everyone's advantage in the negotiations. His problem is his upcoming untimely talks with Iran, which means he has to be open to negotiations with the rogue state before he can effectively use Iran in his negotiations with Israel and the Palestinians/Arabs. Meanwhile, today might end with surprises...or a yawn. We'll all have to wait and see. Posted: September 22, 2009 10:49 A.M. THE HAMMER KNOCKS IT OUT OF THE PARK
Posted: September 22, 2009 9:34 A.M. THE MAN SPEAKS Bill Clinton's power is never more evident than in interviews. This left me thinking what a neophyte President Obama is. And also, that at the end of the day his young presidency needs it's legitimacy stamped by the former President. Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy Posted: September 22, 2009 9:08 A.M. SO-CALLED "ADULTS" This was sent to me by a friend photographed with his cell phone in North Dallas, Texas. "This is why I don't bother with most so-called "adults," he wrote. If you are having trouble reading what it says on the back of the gas-guzzler here it is: One Big Ass Mistake America I'm with my friend on this one. Grow up, America!
Posted: September 21, 2009 2:59 P.M. EYES WIDE SHUT In a conversation with a Republican friend I heard these silly words concerning our capitalist society: The Democrats are making a mess of our fiscal house, my friend asserted. Capitalism has worked for all these years and now President Obama wants to go and mess it up. I said, if it works so well without government interference, why is our country bankrupt? Answer: because Democrats keep insisting on all their social programs. I said, and Republicans keep draining the coffers with their wars or their errant shenanigans on Wall Street. Of course, both sides have their points but one thing is certain. Without oversight, the U.S. doesn't stand a chance of survival. Paul Krugman agrees. LINK Posted: September 21, 2009 9:07 A.M. OBAMA ADMIN RECONSIDERING SETTLEMENT FREEZE It appears that the Obama Admin is reconsidering its approach to solving the Mideast conflict, realizing that bringing the settlement freeze front and center has been devastating to its efforts, as well as to its standing with the Jewish community both here and in Israel. It has also given the Arab/Palestinian an excuse for not making their own concessions towards peace, giving them further excuse for continuing their entrenched position since Israel gained independence and they turned down the offer then for their own state. LINK & LINK & LINK Posted: September 20, 2009 9:15 P.M. POTUS WISHES JEWS A HAPPY NEW YEAR AND THEN... He not so subtly accuses Jews of hardening themselves to others' suffering and being prejudiced, intolerant and indifferent to it. Not pretty, even if couched in milk and honey linguistics. Posted: September 17, 2009 9:19 P.M. WILL ANTI-SEMITISM EVER END? If the OUTRAGEOUS Goldstone report is allowed to stand firm, with no response from world leaders that condemns its bias, including Barack Obama, then Prime Minister Netanyahu should refuse to give in even part way on the issue of the settlements. On the other hand, what Bibi said today in an address on the eve of the celebration of the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, says it all. Netanyahu said that world leaders cannot wait for an Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement to affirm Israel's right to protect itself. "So I am telling international leaders: You are telling us that you support our right of self defense. Don't tell us that after the next agreement, tell us now," Netanyahu said. "Reject the findings of this commission." Only Israel, The Jewish State, would be condemned for defending itself in a defensive declared war. As to Goldstone, add his name to the growing list of "Self-hating Jews." I imagine him as the Holocaust survivor who stayed alive by giving up his innocent fellow Jews to the Gestapo. Posted: September 17, 2009 3:49 P.M. BARACK OBAMA'S TRA LA LA FOREIGN POLICY On the scraping of the Missile Defense Deal... Apparently our president saw the Broadway show 'Hair' one too many times. "When the moon is in the Seventh House And Jupiter aligns with Mars Then peace will guide the planets And love will steer the stars This is the dawning of the Age of Aquarius Age of Aquarius Aquarius! Aquarius! Harmony and understanding Sympathy and trust abounding No more falsehoods or derisions Golden living dreams of visions Mystic crystal revelation And the mind's true liberation Aquarius! Aquarius! When the moon is in the Seventh House And Jupiter aligns with Mars Then peace will guide the planets And love will steer the stars This is the dawning of the Age of Aquarius Age of Aquarius Aquarius! Aquarius! Let the sun shine, Let the sun shine in The sun shine in." Thus the TRA LA LA Foreign Policy of Barack Obama. Posted: September 17, 2009 12:42 P.M. SUSAN'S TENDER MOMENT Posted: September 17, 2009 12:18 P.M. A NO-WIN FOR EVERYONE Neither the Republicans or Democrats benefit from injecting the issue of race into our current politics. Particularly, Barack Obama, who used race to his benefit in his run for the presidency, will find himself completely gelded if he allows this discussion to get out-of-hand. His job is to be a president, not a black president. Otherwise, the discussion will center around the argument: Is this country ready for a black president and not on the issues, which will become the issue. Will somebody, Mr. Obama, shut Jimmy Carter up once and for all!!!! Posted: September 16, 2009 6:46 P.M. TWITTERED Jimmy Carter claims there's a racist tone against Obama... his against the Jews. Takes one to know one. http://tiny.cc/s7HvpPosted: September 16, 2009 11:32 A.M. MISSING In report after report concerning negotiations to get the Palestinians and Israeli's back to the bargaining table one huge piece of information is missing: What concessions has the Obama Administration asked the Arab/Palestinians to make? It vexes me that not one reporter has written a piece on this. Oh, there's been chit-chat of what the Arabs would do if the Israeli's agree to stop settlements. But why has no one asked the Arabs to commit to recognizing Israeli's right to exist for the same six (now reportedly nine months) the Israeli's will agree to stop settlement building should a deal be reached. Still PM Netanyahu continues to negotiate with George Mitchell, in a fair and civilized manner; not so, the other side. Isn't the Obama Administration's focus on Israel tantamount to an admission that they realize that the Israeli's are more Democratic/civilized than the Arab/Palestinians they appear to be favoring? That Netanyahu continues to talk with Mitchell even as the U.S. makes mincemeat out of Israel publically is proof of the reality of the players in the Middle East. At the end of the day the Obama Administration knows who they are dealing with, and have focused on the only real players...the Israeli's, the stories narrative since the birth of Israel. LINK (Take careful note the last sentence of the article. Posted: September 16, 2009 10:39 A.M. JANE FONDA'S MEA CULPA Activist Jane Fonda got herself into a bit of a mess a couple of weeks ago when she signed a document protesting the Toronto Film Festival's decision to showcase and celebrate Tel Aviv, a surly and outrageous act not dissimilar to her thoughtless behavior during the Vietnam War. Today, Ms. Fonda redeems herself in an essay posted on Huff Post, a very fair assessment in how we all need to approach the conflict between the Israelis and Palestinians. Perhaps our neophyte President ought to read Ms. Fonda's words. As Jane Fonda the neophyte once was, so seems our President. Cocksure in his black and white approach to the Middle East as Fonda was uncompromising back in the Sixties on the war in Vietnam. It just goes to show you that wisdom comes with age and with it the ability to see more clearly two sides of an argument. LINK The J Street Gang of thugs might learn something from this more neutral and blameless approach to solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as well. But I won't hold my breath. The founders of J Street appear to be more concerned with building their own political careers through the noise they make, rather than being concerned with being a measured advocate for peace in the region. Posted: September 15, 2009 10:05 A.M. AMAZING PHOTO
Posted: September 14, 2009 8:18 P.M. PATHETIC!
Posted: September 14, 2009 12:13 P.M. CRAIG FERGUSON, BETTER THAN CARSON
Posted: September 11, 2009 5:54 P.M. INSURANCE REFORM VS HEALTH CARE REFORM NY Times columnist David Brooks excoriates the president in today's paper. While he admits that the president gave the speech of a lifetime, he tears the nuts and bolts of the speech and the president's reform proposals to shreds. The president needs a trip to the unaffordable ER following the lacerations given by Brooks. Brooks waxes eloquent on the compromises the president seems to be making. But I'll make it simpler for him. Once again it appears that President Obama is poised to vote 'present' on health care reform. He appears about to make whatever compromises are necessary to get a bill passed...any bill. But here's the reality. At the end of the day, without a public option, and with all the other caveats the president suggested in his speech, what we will have from this president is not Health Care Reform, but Insurance Reform (and possibly Tort Reform). And what's worse is that you who couldn't afford insurance in the first place will now be forced to pay for the insurance reform that leaves you pretty much where you started. A good speech is always welcome. A good delivery by a president a joyful event. But all of that is smoke and mirrors. David Brooks is right. "This sound bite killed the health care bill." It's dead on arrival. As is the future of a mercurial presidency that once promised hope and change. Posted: September 11, 2009 9:42 A.M. FOLLOW-UP ON JOE WILSON House leadership must've heard me. They are considering Censure. Doubt they have the nerve. But, we'll see. In the meantime, enjoy this. LINK Posted: September 10, 2009 8:27 P.M. HEADLINE OF THE DAY Kudos go to HuffPost for: A MUZZLE FOR OLD YELLER LINK In my opinion, Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.), who yelled during the president's speech, "You lie," either ought to be tarred and feathered for his abject breach of decorum, or tried for treason. Seriously, he should be censured! What he did was appalling and no amount of apology is an excuse. The man should be made an example of. Tell me, what happened to the respect for the Office of the Presidency? It has been consumed by this partisan bickering at which the Republicans excel. That is not to say the Dems are blameless in the bickering. But the Lee Attwater, Karl Rove style of demonization of all those who don't agree with you is the creation of the Republican machine. Shame, shame, shame. Maybe Americans will now understand that it is in their power to stop what the president calls "bickering." The idiots you elected won't, unless you let them know that you've had enough. OK, I'm on my soap box, but whether you voted for President Obama or not, he is the President of the United States -- he is your president. If you don't respect your president, you don't respect your country. And by example, neither will your children. Wilson's holler was no small moment to be swept under the table by an apology meant to protect his seat. Every writer/columnist should take this subject up. So should teachers in their classroom. This country is a mess, financially, emotionally, in every way. But it is a great country. We have mostly had great leaders who genuinely care about their country. But lately that has changed, and the emotional and financial toll this has taken on the land we love is huge. America, it is time to fix it. It's your turn to holler, whatever your party affiliation, at bozos like Joe Wilson who dare to make a mockery of our precious country for their own ideological purposes. If you don't, your just yellow dogs like Old Yeller. UPDATE: LINK Posted: September 10, 2009 12:03 P.M. JUST THOUGHT I'D SAY... Obama's best speech evah...even if I don't agree with all of his proposals. Actually, the only proposal he made that I oppose is the mandatory policy. Obama's biggest problem is his inability to show emotion. He's great with words, but too often comes off as an Obamatron. Not so tonight. And, he was clear and concise not only in his words but in his delivery. Finally...it's been a longtime coming! In reality, not much separates the Republicans and the Democrats on the issue of health care. The president was smart to point to the Republicans whose ideas he embraces. He made the old boys look like they are..stubborn, old and foolish partisans. And he did it with a smile. In a sense he backed them into a corner. Now it will be interesting to see how Obama makes the basket, as he successfully has moved the ball down the court in the Democrat's favor. Posted: September 9, 2009 10:04 P.M. IF YOU CAN'T WAIT... Some excerpts from tonight's Presidential Address LINK Posted: September 9, 2009 7:04 P.M. TWO EXTRAORDINARY MEN Posted: September 9, 2009 5:22 P.M. UNDER THE HEADING: Keep it simple stupid, or Stupid, Keep it Simple. Please pass this video on health care and the public option on. And let's hope that the President is as clear and succinct as Robert Reich is in this video tonight. Also: read this from Mr. Reich. LINK
Posted: September 9, 2009 5:07 P.M. KOOL!!!!! Posted: September 9, 2009 12:53 P.M. WITH ALL DUE RESPECT-NOT SHUT UP, JIMMY CARTER In an OP-ED, Sunday, LINK Jimmy Carter continued his anti-Semitic rant describing all things Palestinian as good and all things Israeli bad. He talks of being surrounded by the likes of "Elders" such as the bigoted Desmond Tutu and Ireland's Mary Robinson as proof that he and his elderly friends are the best pontificators on the subject of the plight of the Palestinians. And Americans, both Jewish and not, fall for his sleight of hand. In his peace-not OP-ED, Carter treats the long-suffering Palestinians as the victims of the evil Israelis. But that is not history's truth. If you are not inclined to read the myriad tomes on the history of the Israeli-and the people who call themselves Palestinian conflict, I implore you to either pick up a copy of Leon Uris' Exodus, or rent the film. And to read further as to how the Israeli's gave the Gaza Strip to the Palestinians, and what the PWCTP did with the gift. At a dinner party, Sunday, I was met with yet another discussion on the subject of the "Israeli Occupation" and what to do about it at a table of Jews who have bought the new meme created by the likes of Carter and his former national security advisor Brzezinski, Valery Jarrett, the Hillary-hating Samantha Powers, and, of course, the president whose friends include the Jew-hating Jeremiah Wright to whose sermons he listened to for too many years, and the equally Jew despising Rev. Farrakhan. But as all too often lately proves to be the fact, when pressing those who are all-for the president's new misguided policy towards Israel, I discover that no one knows the history of the current situation, and are merely parroting what they hear from the lefty press. When given the facts, however, they wonder at what is going on with our foreign policy. I have great sympathy for the Palestinian people. They are, in a small way, the victims of their leaders. But Israel should not be made their leader's scapegoats. In fact, Israel needs to start a campaign against the Palestinian leadership, pointing out just how corrupt they are. Their campaign needs to encourage the Palestinian people to take responsibility for their plight. In Carter's piece, he talks about Israel cutting off supplies to Gaza that include, for instance, such items as fertilizer. Sounds just horrible, right? But did you know that fertilizer can be quickly turned into rockets, such as those that have been lobbed at Israeli school children? He also speaks of giving back to the Arabs the land that was captured in the 1967 war. Question: how many countries have been asked to give back land captured in war? Mr. Carter and his cronies are a dangerous lot. They neither serve the Palestinians by re-creating them as a blameless lot, but they do build on a worldview that continues to fester beneath the surface which is that it is the Jews who are the cause of all the evils all over the world. To think otherwise, those who joined my table Sunday and those Jews who live under the illusion that they are equal citizens under domestic and world law is to be sadly mistaken. The only way to address the problems in the Middle East is to start with a fresh slate. No blame, no taking sides, but instead a focus on the only thing that matters: the solution. It will never be reached as long as 'irresponsible' fools such as Carter and his lot, are a part of the dialogue. And as long as our presidents continue to choose sides...either side. For an opposing view to Mr. Carter's: LINK Posted: September 8, 2009 10:19 A.M. GIBBS RESPONDS TO ISRAEL Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is rightfully defying President Obama's insistence that Israel stop all settlement activity. Netanyahu, responsive to his own constituency in which only 8 percent of the Israeli population thinks Obama has their best interests at heart. That is not to say that Netanyahu is not hoping to sit down with the Arab-Palestinians. He has said though he will continue building on projects in the works and necessary to the well-being of the settlers, he will allow a six? months moratorium on new starts. The White House responded today. LINK By the tone of the response it makes me wonder if this deal isn't actually the deal brokered by the WH and Israel. It satisfies Netanyahu's constituencies, and though it may not be what the Palestinians want, it is a step. It is a compromise to the WH as well. UPDATE: LINK The Obama Admin. has been completely uneven in its approach to the Middle East, even heavy-handed. But now that Obama is on the skids, his approach may have to modify. The ball, as they say, is in the Palestinians court. Israel was asking for fly-over rights and other things, which thus far, although key Arab leaders say they can get, they haven't. The Arabs have to decide whether they are willing to meet the Israeli's half-way. Posted: September 4, 2009 12:27 P.M. SHOULD DAVID AXELROD RESIGN? Axelrod knows how to get people elected, but is proving a disaster on getting out the president's message in his job as White House guru. President Obama needs to hire someone whose specialty is getting out the president's message, not building stars. Axelrod, you're wanted in Hollywood, where they can use your expertise. La la land has lost its glitter and its stars. You could fix that. Move there and join Ari Emanuel and give us back glamour. Your place is not in the White House. Posted: September 4, 2009 10:42 A.M. HOW LOW WILL THEY GO The Republican Party is a whining, disgusting bunch of sophomoric idiots who can't get over their loss to Barack Obama. But their latest action, trying to turn the first African-American President's speech to the flailing students of America -- a speech on the importance of education by a man who has a lesson to teach students across the continent into a political fiasco is beyond the pale. And what of the parents who are buying into the crap of the right-wing-nuts? LINK This latest move by the Republican Party is pathetic. Please pass health care reform with so we can get these bozos some medication. Here's another pov by Joe Klein. LINK Posted: September 3, 2009 7:19 P.M. A NEW BEGINNING, THE END? Posted: September 2, 2009 9:19 P.M. CHOICES A piece on Politico by Ben Smith LINK A hero to his people for standing up to Obama LINK, a lackey to Obama, or in the eyes of the pro-Palestinians, a hero of sorts. Those are Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu's choices as the American President with a heart for the Palestinians puts pressure on Netanyahu to stop the building in the settlements. If I were Netanyahu, there wouldn't be a question as to how to proceed. Obama needs Netanyahu now more than Netanyahu needs Obama. Assume Israel refused to stop the settlements and the U.S. punished Israel by stopping weapons shipments and money to the Jewish state. Obama would lose American Jewish support so fast he wouldn't know what hit him. Even the self-hating Jewish liberals would have to think twice about their dear president and their position. Historically, Netanyahu sold out Israel the last time he was the Prime Minister. Let's hope, with his second chance in command, he's learned from past mistakes. Posted: September 2, 2009 9:00 P.M. HEALTH CARE REFORM UPDATE Do-nothing Nancy Pelosi who managed to make a mess of all the goodwill Obama had on election day by spending like a drunken sailor and pissing off the moderate wing of her party, and the Republicans, is now softening her position on health care reform. She will speak to her caucus next week where she will float a proposal that just might work. LINK The thing to watch for is whether she will stick to her guns and keep the public option afloat or completely cave on the issue. Rep. Clyburn has clearly gotten to Pelosi and will take a stronger lead in the House. As he did during the primaries, it is Clyburn who will save Obama's tush, no matter how ugly he has to get. Clyburn, more than Pelosi, knows that how health care reform goes, so will go Obama's presidency. Posted: September 1, 2009 1:00 P.M. O, STOP IT! NY Times columnist David Brooks today says Obama's tanking approval rating is the result of Obama having joined itself at the hip to the left of his party and that what Obama needs to do now is move to the center. Here's Mr. Brooks' advice: The president’s challenge now is to halt the slide. That doesn’t mean giving up his goals. It means he has to align his proposals to the values of the political center: fiscal responsibility, individual choice and decentralized authority. Events have pushed Barack Obama off to the left. Time to rebalance. However, what Mr. Brooks doesn't understand, and what all those centrists in this country who voted for Mr. Obama failed to see during the election, is that Mr. Obama is the left, and sold his soul to the late Ted Kennedy and Speaker Nancy Pelosi to get himself elected. They also failed to see that Mr. Obama would have had a successful career as a mediator but would have made a terrible lawyer because he's not a fighter. And what we need in Washington right now is a fighter. Compromise is a wonderful thing, but in the matter of health care reform which has been batting around the halls of the Capitol for generations, all the compromise in the world has gotten reform no where. The counter argument to Mr. Brooks' solution to President Obama's dilemma is to ram health care through, but only after he explains point by point to Americans why his legislation is so crucial not just to the health care of Americans but to the fiscal health of America. When those centrists understand the rewards of a health care system that works to the betterment of America's long-term health, Obama has a chance of getting the political center behind him as well as keeping those he sold his soul to happy. Alternatively, the Republican machine will have learned, should Obama fold on his core issue, they can control this president for evermore. If this happens, expect another 4 more years of treading water on Capitol Hill, which will serve the Republicans, and destroy the Democrats. And again, the Dems will wind up with a one-term president. The public option is the core of health care reform legislation. To take it off the table is the same as saying, there will be no health care reform...only more dirty deals with the health care giants. There comes a time when a surgeon has to decide whether to treat a cancer aggressively, or take a more moderate tack. Choose the moderate tack, and when the cancer returns it's unstoppable. That's pretty much what's happened with health care. The sick system was allowed to fester for far too long so its system is in irreversible decline, unless something radical is done. A mistake of President Obama would be to fail to use his best quality, his communication skills, to reach the American people. Clearly, no amount of talking will win a deal that includes the obstructionist right, whose goal is not to bring reform to health care but to take down a popular president. By the way, most Americans are confused by health care. Obama needs to keep it simple. Give a speech, a personal speech to the American public and explain as simply as possible why it is critical to pass this reform. LINK As for Mr. Brooks: Beware the messenger...David Brooks is one of THEM! Posted: September 1, 2009 10:43 A.M. SPINE-FLU HITS THE WHITE HOUSE
Posted: August 31, 2009 10:32 A.M. DOES TUTU SPEAK FOR OBAMA? The much-celebrated Bishop Desmond Tutu had many unkindly words for Israel and Jewish Americans. A good friend of Pres. Obama's, one wonders if he was speaking for the President in his scathing comments made to the Israeli paper Haaretz. Tutu's reasoning is nonsensical, of course. He clearly is shifting the blame for the condition the people who call themselves Palestinians find themselves in (forgetting history) and squarely placing the blame for their situation on the victims of not just the Nazi Holocaust but the millenniums of persecution at the hand of the world. Obama should denounce Tutu as should President Clinton, another good friend of TuTu's. LINK Posted: August 28, 2009 12:06 P.M. WARNING Beware the Republican spin machine. They are out in full force on the health care issue, circling their wagons, their NRA Winchester rifles poised to do damage to the Democrat's health care reform initiative. Bang, bang, bang, with precision the elephant-hunting party is shooting its large tranquilizers into its own conscientious objectors (Republicans who understand the need for reform) and managing to bring them into the fold. LINK President Obama seems to have been hit with one of those Republican tranquilizers, his somnolence is evident in his inability to rally and join his own troops. You out there who consider health care reform legislation essential better get out your guns and start pointing them, and shouting from your rooftops. Or you can say good-bye to reform...and more importantly, the promise of the long-term reign of the Democratic Party. You must make your voices heard, particularly if you live in Blue-dog country. Phone your representatives offices, talk to your friends, Facebook, Twitter, let your legislators know you want comprehensive health care reform. If you don't, the Republicans win again, the PR wars. And when they do, don't say I didn't warn you that would happen. Posted: August 28, 2009 9:49 A.M. GONE TOO SOON For Miss Halli's Comet...never a better horse. You'll be missed!
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