A leading religious conservative warned Newt Gingrich Wednesday that he risks losing the support of evangelical women voters if the Republican presidential hopeful refuses to publicly address his "turbulent martial history."
"Mr. Speaker, if you want to get large numbers of evangelicals, particularly women, to vote for you, you must address the issue of your marital past in a way that allays the fears of evangelical women,"
Richard Land, president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, said in an open letter to the former House speaker. "You must address this issue of your marital past directly and transparently and ask folks to forgive you and give you their trust and their vote."
I have met and spoke with Mr. Land on a few occasions. I must say I find him a bit off base here. I'm not sure Mr. Gingrich needs to seek forgiveness from anyone but his ex-wives. Trust is indeed an issue but we are not marrying Newt we are voting for him.
Mr. Land urged the new GOP front-runner to take a page out of Arizona Sen. John McCain's 2008 presidential playbook.
"Even my own mother, a rock-solid evangelical, was extremely uncomfortable voting for Sen. John McCain until he acknowledged to Rick Warren that the failure of his first marriage was the greatest regret of his life and it was his fault," Mr. Land, referring to the high-profile evangelical pastor who hosted both Mr. McCain and then-candidate Barack Obama in an influential forum during the 2008 race.
Why should any candidate beg forgiveness at the feet of Rick Warren? Mr. Warren himself has done some things that would cost him my vote for president.
There is an evangelical arrogance that appears often in it's leaders and they tend to over estimate their power and influence. How Mr. Land's mother votes does not really matter. She would have had to vote for Obama or not vote. Neither is a good alternative.
Mr. Gingrich's marital troubles, including two divorces have cast a shadow over his political career and presidential campaign, leaving many to wonder whether he can win over social conservatives in the nomination contest, which kicks off in Iowa where evangelicals play a major role.
Two of the Georgia Republicans three marriages are said to have fallen apart thanks to Mr. Gingrich's extramarital activity. Mr. Gingrich has acknowledged cheating on one of them, with his current wife, Callista, while he served as speaker and pushed for the impeachment of President Clinton over the Monica Lewinsky affair in the late 1990s.
In a March interview with the Christian Broadcasting Network, Mr. Gingrich touched on his marriage problems, saying he had sought "God's forgiveness" for his actions.
"There's no question at times of my life, partially driven by how passionately I felt about this country, that I worked far too hard and things happened in my life that were not appropriate," Mr. Gingrich said.
"What I can tell you is that when I did things that were wrong, I wasn't trapped in situation ethics, I was doing things that were wrong, and yet, I was doing them," he said. "I found that I felt compelled to seek God's forgiveness — not God's understanding, but God's forgiveness."
Mr. Land, though, suggested in his letter Wednesday that Mr. Gingrich still has his work cut off for him, while advising him to give a speech on his martial history in a "pro-family venue."
"You need to make it as clear as you possibly can that you deeply regret your past actions and that you do understand the anguish and suffering they caused others including your former spouses," Mr. Land wrote. "Make it as clear as you can that you have apologized for the hurt your actions caused and that you have learned from your past misdeeds. Express your love for, and loyalty to, your wife and your commitment to your marriage. Promise your fellow Americans that if they are generous enough to trust you with the presidency, you will not let them down and that there will be no moral scandals in a Gingrich White House."
Is there another agenda here? Mr. Gingrich was a Southern Baptist during his two divorces. He has since converted to Catholic. Will that be an issue for Mr. Land? While I don't condone his actions, I hope Newt tells Mr. Land to get the log out his own eye first.
PETA and the Prez
President Obama earlier this month quietly signed into law a spending bill that restores the American horse-slaughter industry, just a few months after a government investigation said the ban on slaughtering for human consumption was backfiring.
The agriculture spending bill Mr. Obama signed the week before Thanksgiving did not include a ban on the inspection of horse meat — a backdoor prohibition that had, since 2006, effectively halted the U.S. horse-slaughter industry.
In June the Government Accountability Office, Congress’s official investigative branch, released a report saying the ban had shut down U.S. slaughter, but that only depressed prices for horses here while causing many of the animals to be shipped to “foreign slaughtering facilities where U.S. humane slaughtering protections do not apply.”
In unusually blunt language, GAO suggested Congress and Mr. Obama reconsider the ban.
The options facing Congress were to further ban export of horses for slaughter or to lift the domestic slaughter ban. Congress chose the latter.
And the response from PETA..................................... Still waiting.
Washington Times
The agriculture spending bill Mr. Obama signed the week before Thanksgiving did not include a ban on the inspection of horse meat — a backdoor prohibition that had, since 2006, effectively halted the U.S. horse-slaughter industry.
In June the Government Accountability Office, Congress’s official investigative branch, released a report saying the ban had shut down U.S. slaughter, but that only depressed prices for horses here while causing many of the animals to be shipped to “foreign slaughtering facilities where U.S. humane slaughtering protections do not apply.”
In unusually blunt language, GAO suggested Congress and Mr. Obama reconsider the ban.
The options facing Congress were to further ban export of horses for slaughter or to lift the domestic slaughter ban. Congress chose the latter.
And the response from PETA..................................... Still waiting.
Washington Times
Dancing with the Scars
Chaz (Chasity) Bono jumped into the fame spolight as a transgender contestant on Dancing with the Stars. One has to wonder why? She has trouble walking much less dancing. Was it the "freak factor" show producers considered? If so shame on them and why would Bono agree to it?"Chaz" was born a girl and spent a lot of time and money trying to change that. The result is a sad physical representation of a man.
Bono's run on the show has ended. "I wanted to show America a different kind of man. If there was somebody like me on TV when I was growing up, my whole life would've been different."
And therein lies the probelm. The reason there was not a person like that is because there should not be. To toss aside and attempt to change how God has created a person is wrong. I can only hope younger folks look at Chasity/Chaz and conclude they don't want to end up like that.
Bono continued: 'So I dedicate everything I did to all the people out there like me, and especially the kids and teens who are struggling.You can have a wonderful great life and be successful and happy'
You can change the outside and fool the world but your soul remains the same. I feel bad for someone so confused in life. It has to be tough to live like like that. Deep inside Chaz is still a female. That won't ever change. It's seems the misguided attempts to fix the issue have only made it worse.
Hundreds Cut By Clear Channel
The bloodletting continues. The rumored CLEAR CHANNEL layoffs are underway. The cuts took place primarily in the smaller markets -- with a few exceptions.
One outgoing programmer told said, "They simply told me that programming would be delivered in a different manner, eliminating the need for my position."
A CLEAR CHANNEL spokesperson explained that the layoffs were not budget related -- rather were a new programming strategy from CLEAR CHANNEL. "We're launching a new strategy for our regional market stations that will improve local programming in smaller markets by using assets and resources in those markets that their competitors don't have. It reflects new approaches to programming, talent, technology and other valuable resources -- based on CLEAR CHANNEL's most effective and efficient stations."
CLEAR CHANNEL declined to comment on specific names or totals of persons leaving the company. But there is an estimate that it's "many hundreds of folks" who are part of the "reduction in force."
I've been down that road and it's not easy. However, that's how Pierce Events was born. I wish the best to each one of them and hope they are inspired to do great things.
One outgoing programmer told said, "They simply told me that programming would be delivered in a different manner, eliminating the need for my position."
A CLEAR CHANNEL spokesperson explained that the layoffs were not budget related -- rather were a new programming strategy from CLEAR CHANNEL. "We're launching a new strategy for our regional market stations that will improve local programming in smaller markets by using assets and resources in those markets that their competitors don't have. It reflects new approaches to programming, talent, technology and other valuable resources -- based on CLEAR CHANNEL's most effective and efficient stations."
CLEAR CHANNEL declined to comment on specific names or totals of persons leaving the company. But there is an estimate that it's "many hundreds of folks" who are part of the "reduction in force."
I've been down that road and it's not easy. However, that's how Pierce Events was born. I wish the best to each one of them and hope they are inspired to do great things.
Rotten Apple
Owning an iPad pr Apple PC is a requirement in some circles. I haven't bought in. After having to return 4 (yes 4) ipods I became very cautious when it came to Apple products. Oh they are slick and look cool but I need it to work. Therein lies the problem.
While most of the software is great, Apple’s hardware is awful. After meeting several people who work at the "Genius Bar" I was told the repeating issues with my iPod may be how I used it. Huh? I played music on it till it stopped.
I'm not the only one out there. I found all kinds of last ditch efforts to save a dying iPod. Most of them I tried after being told I would just have to buy a new one. So now my cracked screen, grinding had drive, ipod is an expensive paper weight.
Apple has done an amazing job with product development and an even better job at marketing and building brand loyalty. I only wish their product lasted a bit longer.
I know the apple addicts out their are gasping right now but when you go to turn on your ipad, pod, phone or whatever and you get that sinking feeling you will understand.
RIP Steve Jobs. Oh and take my iPod with you.
The Attack on Religion From The West Wing
President Barack Obama bragged about a new regulation, proposed by the Department of Health and Human Services, that the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has denounced as an “unprecedented attack on religious liberty.”
The proposed regulation, designed to implement part of Obamacare, will require all private health plans in the United States to cover sterilizations and all FDA-approved contraceptives--including those that cause abortions—without charging any fees or co-pay. These regulations were drawn to implement a provision in Obama’s health-care law that calls for all health-care plans to cover “preventive services.”
Combined with Obamacare’s mandate that all individuals must buy health insurance, the “preventive services” regulation would require all American Catholics to buy health care plans that pay for sterilizations, contraceptives and abortions--all of which violate Catholic moral teaching.
Never before in the history of our nation has a president attempted to mandate individuals put aside their religious and moral beliefs. This a gross abuse of power and a direct attack on the authority of the church.
In comments on the regulation submitted to HHS last month, the Catholic bishops called for the regulation to be “rescinded in its entirety” and described the proposal as “government coercion of religious people.”
Last week, the Catholic bishops distributed an insert for placement in church bulletins all across the country. It called on Catholics to contact HHS to object to the regulation. On their website the bishops are now asking Catholic to write Congress to urge members to support legislation that would overturn the regulation.
The proposed regulation, designed to implement part of Obamacare, will require all private health plans in the United States to cover sterilizations and all FDA-approved contraceptives--including those that cause abortions—without charging any fees or co-pay. These regulations were drawn to implement a provision in Obama’s health-care law that calls for all health-care plans to cover “preventive services.”
Combined with Obamacare’s mandate that all individuals must buy health insurance, the “preventive services” regulation would require all American Catholics to buy health care plans that pay for sterilizations, contraceptives and abortions--all of which violate Catholic moral teaching.
Never before in the history of our nation has a president attempted to mandate individuals put aside their religious and moral beliefs. This a gross abuse of power and a direct attack on the authority of the church.
In comments on the regulation submitted to HHS last month, the Catholic bishops called for the regulation to be “rescinded in its entirety” and described the proposal as “government coercion of religious people.”
Last week, the Catholic bishops distributed an insert for placement in church bulletins all across the country. It called on Catholics to contact HHS to object to the regulation. On their website the bishops are now asking Catholic to write Congress to urge members to support legislation that would overturn the regulation.
Cain Says You're Able
GOP presidential candidate Herman Cain has a message for those who continue to occupy Wall Street.
“I don’t have facts to back this up, but I happen to believe that these demonstrations are planned and orchestrated to distract from the failed policies of the Obama administration.
Don’t blame Wall Street, don’t blame the big banks, if you don’t have a job and you’re not rich, blame yourself! These demonstrations…I honestly don‘t understand what they’re looking for…It is not someone’s fault because they succeeded, it is someone’s fault if they failed.”
A child will kick and scream if you take a toy away. Things are about to change and folks are going to have to actually work and earn everything. Our nation is broke because or government has funded those to lazy to do anything other than put their hand out.
People will get angry. They may even get violent, but it's time we return to the baisc principles of our nation. They only thing you are promised is life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. So pursue away if you wish but don't expect anything to be given to you.
“I don’t have facts to back this up, but I happen to believe that these demonstrations are planned and orchestrated to distract from the failed policies of the Obama administration.
Don’t blame Wall Street, don’t blame the big banks, if you don’t have a job and you’re not rich, blame yourself! These demonstrations…I honestly don‘t understand what they’re looking for…It is not someone’s fault because they succeeded, it is someone’s fault if they failed.”
A child will kick and scream if you take a toy away. Things are about to change and folks are going to have to actually work and earn everything. Our nation is broke because or government has funded those to lazy to do anything other than put their hand out.
People will get angry. They may even get violent, but it's time we return to the baisc principles of our nation. They only thing you are promised is life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. So pursue away if you wish but don't expect anything to be given to you.
Race for the Blur: Why You Should Not Support Komen for the Cure organization
Going back in the Powerblog archives I discovered our first story on the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation written in 2007.
Most people know the work of the foundation in the area of breast cancer research and the national "race for the cure".
What many do not know is the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation that so many people support, often gives some of that money to Planned Parenthood, the world's largest abortion provider.
While we have been covering the story for 4 years now Bishop Frederick F. Campbell of Columbus, Ohio, is the latest Catholic bishop to instruct churches and schools that he oversees to not engage in fundraising for the Komen for the Cure organization because of its ties to Planned Parenthood.
Bishop Frederick F. Campbell of Columbus, Ohio, is the latest Catholic bishop to instruct churches and schools that he oversees to not engage in fundraising for the Komen for the Cure organization because of its ties to Planned Parenthood.
The Catholic bishops of Ohio, with the exception of Cleveland Bishop Richard Lennon, eventually released a statement that directs Catholic parishes’ and schools’ fundraising efforts toward activities and organizations fully consistent with Catholic moral teaching. Their conclusion is that, while they support efforts to arrest breast cancer, they don’t believe Komen is the best recipient of funds from Ohio Catholics
Most people know the work of the foundation in the area of breast cancer research and the national "race for the cure".
What many do not know is the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation that so many people support, often gives some of that money to Planned Parenthood, the world's largest abortion provider.
Bishop Frederick F. Campbell of Columbus, Ohio, is the latest Catholic bishop to instruct churches and schools that he oversees to not engage in fundraising for the Komen for the Cure organization because of its ties to Planned Parenthood.
The Catholic bishops of Ohio, with the exception of Cleveland Bishop Richard Lennon, eventually released a statement that directs Catholic parishes’ and schools’ fundraising efforts toward activities and organizations fully consistent with Catholic moral teaching. Their conclusion is that, while they support efforts to arrest breast cancer, they don’t believe Komen is the best recipient of funds from Ohio Catholics
Catholic Bishop: Boot Pro-Abortion Politicians From Church
A Catholic bishop in North Dakota recently gave an interview in which he gave some of the strongest comments yet from a Catholic Church leader on the thorny questions of what to do about Catholic politicians who support abortion.
Bishop Samuel Aquila makes it crystal clear he believes there is a process by which Catholic officials should confront pro-abortion politicians and that they should be “expelled” from the Church if they don’t back down from supporting abortion.
This was one of my strongest criticisms of Arch Bishop Donald Wuerl. At a critical time during the last election he refused to take a strong stand and defend church teaching as high profile "catholics" dismissed the abortion issue.
Responding to the question, “How should the Church respond to Catholic politicians who support legalized abortion,” Bishop Aquila says: “Their particular bishops can use the process of correction that is given to us in sacred Scripture, especially in Matthew’s Gospel. Our Lord tells us to speak to the person, and then take two or three others with us if he does not change.”
“If he still does not change, the Church can speak to him, which is done through the bishop. [The bishop] exercises the authority of Christ. Christ then says that if that person is still obstinate and will not change, treat them as a tax collector or Gentile. Expel him,” Bishop Aquila adds.
Far from delighting in throwing people out of the Catholic Church, Aquila said, “We do this out of love for the person, seeking his conversion. He needs to understand that the salvation of his soul is in jeopardy because of the positions he is taking.”
“Catholics are called to defend human life, particularly that of the unborn. The Church’s teaching is clear. If we don’t challenge public officials who reject this teaching, we leave them in their sins and confuse the faithful,” the bishop said.
My thanks to the bishop for consulting scripture in the matter and not just spouting some politically correct answer.
It remains concerning that church leadership is divided on this issues and does not seem to speak with a united voice on the matter. It's time for official clarification to come from Rome.
Bishop Samuel Aquila makes it crystal clear he believes there is a process by which Catholic officials should confront pro-abortion politicians and that they should be “expelled” from the Church if they don’t back down from supporting abortion.
This was one of my strongest criticisms of Arch Bishop Donald Wuerl. At a critical time during the last election he refused to take a strong stand and defend church teaching as high profile "catholics" dismissed the abortion issue.
Responding to the question, “How should the Church respond to Catholic politicians who support legalized abortion,” Bishop Aquila says: “Their particular bishops can use the process of correction that is given to us in sacred Scripture, especially in Matthew’s Gospel. Our Lord tells us to speak to the person, and then take two or three others with us if he does not change.”
“If he still does not change, the Church can speak to him, which is done through the bishop. [The bishop] exercises the authority of Christ. Christ then says that if that person is still obstinate and will not change, treat them as a tax collector or Gentile. Expel him,” Bishop Aquila adds.
Far from delighting in throwing people out of the Catholic Church, Aquila said, “We do this out of love for the person, seeking his conversion. He needs to understand that the salvation of his soul is in jeopardy because of the positions he is taking.”
“Catholics are called to defend human life, particularly that of the unborn. The Church’s teaching is clear. If we don’t challenge public officials who reject this teaching, we leave them in their sins and confuse the faithful,” the bishop said.
My thanks to the bishop for consulting scripture in the matter and not just spouting some politically correct answer.
It remains concerning that church leadership is divided on this issues and does not seem to speak with a united voice on the matter. It's time for official clarification to come from Rome.
No Compromise!
I am extremely proud of all the true conservatives that stood their ground on the whole debate over the economic future of our nation.
Even after Speaker John Boehner ordered his team to "get your ass in line" those who were elected by the tea party movement stood firm and respectfully said no.
I've heard several calls for compromise. Give a little, get a little and everyone goes home with an acceptable feeling. The time for compromise has passed in my opinion. I don't want compromise. Compromise creates mediocrity in which no really wins or loses. Screw that. We need a battle in which we finally decide who the winner is and go with it.
This debate is not over budgets, spending or debt ceilings. At the heart of the issue is an ideological struggle. It is impossible to compromise when one side want the total opposite of the other. Do we let people succeed and fail on their own, or should government tweek every step of the way?
I say get government out of the way of people. Let's really cut spending by putting a stop to the redistribution of other peoples money. We can solve the debt problem overnight. Simply eliminate:
Even after Speaker John Boehner ordered his team to "get your ass in line" those who were elected by the tea party movement stood firm and respectfully said no.
I've heard several calls for compromise. Give a little, get a little and everyone goes home with an acceptable feeling. The time for compromise has passed in my opinion. I don't want compromise. Compromise creates mediocrity in which no really wins or loses. Screw that. We need a battle in which we finally decide who the winner is and go with it.
This debate is not over budgets, spending or debt ceilings. At the heart of the issue is an ideological struggle. It is impossible to compromise when one side want the total opposite of the other. Do we let people succeed and fail on their own, or should government tweek every step of the way?
I say get government out of the way of people. Let's really cut spending by putting a stop to the redistribution of other peoples money. We can solve the debt problem overnight. Simply eliminate:
Here we go again: Wu at center of sex allegation
Rep. David Wu has been accused of an “unwanted sexual encounter” with the teenage daughter of a longtime friend, the latest scandal to engulf the troubled Oregon Democrat.
The Oregonian reported that the 56-year-old Wu “acknowledged a sexual encounter to his senior aides but insisted it was consensual,” according to sources aware of the incident.
Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0711/59706.html#ixzz1T7QqwwsH
The Oregonian reported that the 56-year-old Wu “acknowledged a sexual encounter to his senior aides but insisted it was consensual,” according to sources aware of the incident.
Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0711/59706.html#ixzz1T7QqwwsH
After the Honeymoom: The Future of Gay Marriage
New York is in the the news with video clips of men kissing and of course the first two women to get "married" pictutred here. How creepy is that????
The New Post reported: " Up in The Bronx, youth pastor Carmen Hernandez, 48, and dental assistant Doris DeArmas, 50, tied the knot." Yes... YOUTH PASTOR! Can we add one more the unemployment list please????
So seven states have signed up for this circus attack on the foundation of society and you will hear that number reported over and over. What you don't hear is in more than 30 states that have put this issue to a vote, the answer has been NO. The only arenas they have been able to score a victory are in some state legislatures and courts. In other words, this is a classic case of the people vs. the elites.
Again the NY Post reports: "City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, who is openly gay, witnessed the ceremony that was officiated by City Clerk Michael McSweeney. Yes the corrupted city leadership cheers on the charade.
Ultimately, this issue will not be resolved in the courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court: it will be decided by a constitutional amendment. We need leaders who are willing to stand up and do what is needed to pass such an amendment. It's a shame it has to go that far but does.
This simply can not remain a state issue.We can not have people married in one state but not in another. It will effect property, legal rights, custody and so many other issues.
Currently, 30 states have constitutional language defining marriage as being between a man and a woman. At the federal level, the Defense of Marriage Act (which President Obama had called for it's repeal) also defines marriage in the traditional sense. But unless there is a constitutional amendment, we will continue to have an uneven playing field, one that is ripe for further exploitation.
So seven states have signed up for this circus attack on the foundation of society and you will hear that number reported over and over. What you don't hear is in more than 30 states that have put this issue to a vote, the answer has been NO. The only arenas they have been able to score a victory are in some state legislatures and courts. In other words, this is a classic case of the people vs. the elites.
Again the NY Post reports: "City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, who is openly gay, witnessed the ceremony that was officiated by City Clerk Michael McSweeney. Yes the corrupted city leadership cheers on the charade.
Ultimately, this issue will not be resolved in the courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court: it will be decided by a constitutional amendment. We need leaders who are willing to stand up and do what is needed to pass such an amendment. It's a shame it has to go that far but does.
This simply can not remain a state issue.We can not have people married in one state but not in another. It will effect property, legal rights, custody and so many other issues.
Currently, 30 states have constitutional language defining marriage as being between a man and a woman. At the federal level, the Defense of Marriage Act (which President Obama had called for it's repeal) also defines marriage in the traditional sense. But unless there is a constitutional amendment, we will continue to have an uneven playing field, one that is ripe for further exploitation.
Poverty in the USA
For decades, the U.S. Census Bureau has reported that over 30 million Americans were living in “poverty,” but the bureau’s definition of poverty differs widely from that held by most Americans. In fact, other government surveys show that most of the persons whom the government defines as “in poverty” are not poor in any ordinary sense of the term. The overwhelming majority of the poor have air conditioning, cable TV, and a host of other modern amenities. They are well housed, have an adequate and reasonably steady supply of food, and have met their other basic needs, including medical care. Some poor Americans do experience significant hardships, including temporary food shortages or inadequate housing, but these individuals are a minority within the overall poverty population. Poverty remains an issue of serious social concern, but accurate information about that problem is essential in crafting wise public policy. Exaggeration and misinformation about poverty obscure the nature, extent, and causes of real material deprivation, thereby hampering the development of well-targeted, effective programs to reduce the problem.
Story
Story
The Real 4th of July
July 4, 1776 marks what date?
It’s not the date when our founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence. That was actually Aug. 2, 1776.
It wasn’t the date that our most eloquent writer Thomas Jefferson crafted it on parchment (an animal skin, not paper). He mussed up his powdered wig on that between June 11-28.
It wasn’t the date that the 13 British colonies declared their independence from the mother country. That was June 2.
Confounded yet?
On July 4, 1776 the Continental Congress APPROVED the final text of the Declaration.
There were 56 men who signed it. The first and boldest was, of course, John Hancock. The two youngest were Thomas Lynch and Edward Rutledge, both just 26-years-old from South Carolina. At 70, the oldest was Benjamin Franklin.
Jefferson and John Adams both died on July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the famous July 4 vote to approve the document.
But, what did it say?
Jefferson summarized a philosophy of “self-evident truths” and individual liberties that were previously written by John Locke and other contemporary philosophers of the day.
Jefferson further wrote a list of grievances against King George III to justify the break-up between his rule and the colonists. Some of these were spats over laws and rules and the enforcement of them in the colonies.
Many of the grievances were over taxes and tariffs imposed by the crown. From the beginning, Americans objected to taxes and heavy-handed government. (Not much has changed!!!!!!)
Thus a new government was hatched, but first the colonists had to fight and win the Revolutionary War to gain the independence they had declared.
Our firecracker tradition started in Philadelphia in 1777 where bells were rung, guns fired, candles and firecrackers lighted. However, the date wasn’t considered a federal holiday until Congress declared it so in 1941.
Now you know. Happy 4th!
It’s not the date when our founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence. That was actually Aug. 2, 1776.
It wasn’t the date that our most eloquent writer Thomas Jefferson crafted it on parchment (an animal skin, not paper). He mussed up his powdered wig on that between June 11-28.
It wasn’t the date that the 13 British colonies declared their independence from the mother country. That was June 2.
Confounded yet?
On July 4, 1776 the Continental Congress APPROVED the final text of the Declaration.
There were 56 men who signed it. The first and boldest was, of course, John Hancock. The two youngest were Thomas Lynch and Edward Rutledge, both just 26-years-old from South Carolina. At 70, the oldest was Benjamin Franklin.
Jefferson and John Adams both died on July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the famous July 4 vote to approve the document.
But, what did it say?
Jefferson summarized a philosophy of “self-evident truths” and individual liberties that were previously written by John Locke and other contemporary philosophers of the day.
Jefferson further wrote a list of grievances against King George III to justify the break-up between his rule and the colonists. Some of these were spats over laws and rules and the enforcement of them in the colonies.
Thus a new government was hatched, but first the colonists had to fight and win the Revolutionary War to gain the independence they had declared.
Our firecracker tradition started in Philadelphia in 1777 where bells were rung, guns fired, candles and firecrackers lighted. However, the date wasn’t considered a federal holiday until Congress declared it so in 1941.
Now you know. Happy 4th!
Now you can really follow the Pope
Pope Benedict XVI has joined the masses on Twitter. "Dear Friends, I just launched News.va. Praised be our Lord Jesus Christ! With my prayers and blessings, Benedictus XVI," the pontiff tweeted.
The new Vatican portal brings together various print and broadcast news streams into one site.
The new Vatican portal brings together various print and broadcast news streams into one site.
MSNBC = Most Suspended Nimrod Buffoons on Cable
MSNBC better order another stack of suspension letters. They have used quite a few for foul-mouthed hosts and analysts of late. Let's review...
The Time columnist and MSNBC analyst called President Obama “kind of a dick”. He was right but they slapped him anyway.
Ed Shultz (this blow hard tried to get me one his show once and I declined) was suspended for a week without pay after he called conservative talk show host Laura Ingraham a “right-wing slut” on his syndicated radio program in May.
Keith Olbermann was put on “indefinite” suspension (it lasted two days) after it was discovered he donated $7,200 to three Democratic candidates. Olbermann and his ego left the network shortly after and no one really noticed.
Joe Scarborough was suspended for two days last November for contributing a total of $4,000 to the state legislative campaigns of five different Florida politicians near his hometown of Pensacola.
And the Grand Daddy of suspensions..... Don Imus was first suspended, and then had his show dropped, from MSNBC in 2007 after he referred to the Rutgers University women’s basketball team as “nappy-headed hos.”
I think Obama can blame the high unemployment numbers on MSNBC. Someone keep on eye on Rachael Maddow. She might be suspended for being a man........
The Time columnist and MSNBC analyst called President Obama “kind of a dick”. He was right but they slapped him anyway.
Ed Shultz (this blow hard tried to get me one his show once and I declined) was suspended for a week without pay after he called conservative talk show host Laura Ingraham a “right-wing slut” on his syndicated radio program in May.
Keith Olbermann was put on “indefinite” suspension (it lasted two days) after it was discovered he donated $7,200 to three Democratic candidates. Olbermann and his ego left the network shortly after and no one really noticed.
David Shuster was suspended after he got caught filming a pilot for CNN while under contract with MSNBC. It wasn’t his first offense. He was earlier suspended for saying that Hillary Clinton was “pimping out” daughter Chelsea.
Joe Scarborough was suspended for two days last November for contributing a total of $4,000 to the state legislative campaigns of five different Florida politicians near his hometown of Pensacola.
And the Grand Daddy of suspensions..... Don Imus was first suspended, and then had his show dropped, from MSNBC in 2007 after he referred to the Rutgers University women’s basketball team as “nappy-headed hos.”
I think Obama can blame the high unemployment numbers on MSNBC. Someone keep on eye on Rachael Maddow. She might be suspended for being a man........
Do As I Say (Not as I Do) Obama takes a break
Obama will be taking a break for the Independence Day holiday weekend just two days after scolding Congress for not getting their work done and calling for a cancellation of all vacations.
Hillary: State Dept. ‘Instrumental in Sealing Deal’ For Lady Gaga’s Gay Pride Gig in Rome
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Monday that the State Department played an instrumental role in “sealing the deal” for pop-rock star Lady Gaga to perform at a gay pride rally in Rome, Italy.
You gotta be kidding me. Is this really a role for the State Department. A gay pride event in Rome is a slap in the face of Catholics around the world and now it's on sponsored by our government.
“Now as many of you know Lady Gaga is Italian American and a strong supporter of LGBT rights,” said Clinton. “And the organizers of the Euro Pride event desperately wanted her to perform and a letter to her from Ambassador Thorne was instrumental in sealing the deal.”
http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/hillary-us-ambassador-instrumental-seali
You gotta be kidding me. Is this really a role for the State Department. A gay pride event in Rome is a slap in the face of Catholics around the world and now it's on sponsored by our government.
“Now as many of you know Lady Gaga is Italian American and a strong supporter of LGBT rights,” said Clinton. “And the organizers of the Euro Pride event desperately wanted her to perform and a letter to her from Ambassador Thorne was instrumental in sealing the deal.”
http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/hillary-us-ambassador-instrumental-seali
Iran test fires long-range missiles capable of striking Israel, U.S. bases
Iran's Revolutionary Guards tested 14 missiles on Tuesday, the second day of war games intended a show of strength to the Islamic Republic's enemies in Israel and Washington.
The Iranian-made surface-to-surface missiles, with a maximum range of 2,000 km (1,250 miles), were fired simultaneously at a single target, the official IRNA news agency reported.
Can we bomb these guys yet??????????????
The Iranian-made surface-to-surface missiles, with a maximum range of 2,000 km (1,250 miles), were fired simultaneously at a single target, the official IRNA news agency reported.
Can we bomb these guys yet??????????????
Don't Mess With Texas
I continue to love Texas. You can have a beer on the dashboard and a shotgun in the back window. While every other state is falling apart Texas tells the federal government to kiss their lone star ass.
The Texas House on Monday gave preliminary approval to legislation that prohibits invasive pat-downs by federal airport security agents. That poor 95 year old woman who had to take of her adult diaper to broad a plane should fly out of Texas from now on.
Texas already told the Feds to shove their light bulb ban and just passed health reforms with alternatives to Medicaid and Medicare.
Go Texas!
The Texas House on Monday gave preliminary approval to legislation that prohibits invasive pat-downs by federal airport security agents. That poor 95 year old woman who had to take of her adult diaper to broad a plane should fly out of Texas from now on.
Texas already told the Feds to shove their light bulb ban and just passed health reforms with alternatives to Medicaid and Medicare.
Go Texas!
New York What Have You Done?
New York just recently passed a same-sex marriage bill that was signed into law by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo. What New York and six other states don't seem to realize is God's Law does not change as the laws of man do. I wish the Legislature would have reviewed the story of Sodom and Gomorrah before they decided to seal the fate of the Empire State.
When I recent voice my sincere opposition to same sex marriage I was labeled a "hater". Hate has nothing to do with it. It quite the opposite.
The Homosexual community lives a life that is different from the usual or conventional, established cultural, social and (may I add) religious system in our nation. It is a free country so while I disagree with living life in that manner, so be it.
So why am I opposed to same sex "marriage"? We as a nation are being forced not only to accept immoral behavior but condone, support, approved, glorify and yes even teach it to our children.
Not only is they a civil rights cry but far more. Gay couples want the same rights and privileges that apply to a married can and women. If they want to choose to live in direct opposition to what scripture teaches that is up to them, that is their "choice" but don't make the rest of us accomplices.
Just this morning I saw on TV a parade of perversion celebrating the New York law and the chant of "on to the next state". What I oppose is their aggressive and hostile approach in imposing their choice on the rest of us, especially our children! If they want free choice "go for it" but, please allow the rest of us (usual, conventional, tradition, those who live in established cultural, social and religious systems) to also have the choice to decide what we will teach our children and don't force us to conform to their alternative way of thinking and living!
My objections are not in any way based on hate but on the Word if God. Whether or not you believe in God is irrelevant. You see Gods law applies to you even if you don't believe. Ask the Sodom and Gomorrah folks.
Genesis chapter 19 records the two angels, disguised as human men, visiting Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot met the angels in the city square and urged them to stay at his house. The angels agreed. The Bible then informs us, "Before they had gone to bed, all the men from every part of the city of Sodom — both young and old — surrounded the house. They called to Lot, 'Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us so that we can have sex with them.'" The angels then proceed to blind all the men of Sodom and Gomorrah and urge Lot and his family to flee from the cities to escape the wrath that God was about to deliver. Lot and his family flee the city, and then "the LORD rained down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah — from the LORD out of the heavens. Thus he overthrew those cities and the entire plain, including all those living in the cities..."
The militant homosexual activists have surrounded the doors of our courthouses, legislatures, networks, schoolhouses, neighborhoods, churches, and our homes demanding to have their way, just like in the days of Sodom and Gomorrah.
Clearly, homosexuality was part of why God destroyed the two cities. The wrath fell on all those in the cities.
It should be clearly understood that all God fearing people must be opposed to homosexuality and same sex marriage for the sake of the homosexual. We must be like Abraham and plead for our nation as he did for Lot and his family.
When I recent voice my sincere opposition to same sex marriage I was labeled a "hater". Hate has nothing to do with it. It quite the opposite.
The Homosexual community lives a life that is different from the usual or conventional, established cultural, social and (may I add) religious system in our nation. It is a free country so while I disagree with living life in that manner, so be it.
So why am I opposed to same sex "marriage"? We as a nation are being forced not only to accept immoral behavior but condone, support, approved, glorify and yes even teach it to our children.
Not only is they a civil rights cry but far more. Gay couples want the same rights and privileges that apply to a married can and women. If they want to choose to live in direct opposition to what scripture teaches that is up to them, that is their "choice" but don't make the rest of us accomplices.
Just this morning I saw on TV a parade of perversion celebrating the New York law and the chant of "on to the next state". What I oppose is their aggressive and hostile approach in imposing their choice on the rest of us, especially our children! If they want free choice "go for it" but, please allow the rest of us (usual, conventional, tradition, those who live in established cultural, social and religious systems) to also have the choice to decide what we will teach our children and don't force us to conform to their alternative way of thinking and living!
My objections are not in any way based on hate but on the Word if God. Whether or not you believe in God is irrelevant. You see Gods law applies to you even if you don't believe. Ask the Sodom and Gomorrah folks.
Genesis chapter 19 records the two angels, disguised as human men, visiting Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot met the angels in the city square and urged them to stay at his house. The angels agreed. The Bible then informs us, "Before they had gone to bed, all the men from every part of the city of Sodom — both young and old — surrounded the house. They called to Lot, 'Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us so that we can have sex with them.'" The angels then proceed to blind all the men of Sodom and Gomorrah and urge Lot and his family to flee from the cities to escape the wrath that God was about to deliver. Lot and his family flee the city, and then "the LORD rained down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah — from the LORD out of the heavens. Thus he overthrew those cities and the entire plain, including all those living in the cities..."
The militant homosexual activists have surrounded the doors of our courthouses, legislatures, networks, schoolhouses, neighborhoods, churches, and our homes demanding to have their way, just like in the days of Sodom and Gomorrah.
Clearly, homosexuality was part of why God destroyed the two cities. The wrath fell on all those in the cities.
It should be clearly understood that all God fearing people must be opposed to homosexuality and same sex marriage for the sake of the homosexual. We must be like Abraham and plead for our nation as he did for Lot and his family.
Barney Frank - Playing with the Boys
I'm pissed. U.S. Rep. Barney Frank admitted he helped his ex-lover land a lucrative post with Fannie Mae in the early 1990s and doesn't see anything wrong with it. It's wrong on so many levels you would think Frank would find just one.
First it was his homosexual interest that was given the job at the time when Frank was on a committee that regulated the lending giant. 1st issue: Voters did not elect Frank so he could have easier access to deviant sex. 2nd issue: Frank abused his position and power and used public money in the process. 3rd issue: Frank calls questions of a potential ethical conflict “nonsense.”
“It is a common thing in Washington for members of Congress to have spouses work for the federal government. There is no rule against it at all.” said Frank. HE'S NOT YOUR SPOUSE! There's no rule that says I can't stick a knife in my eye but it's still not a good idea. This guy should go to jail for this.
Story
First it was his homosexual interest that was given the job at the time when Frank was on a committee that regulated the lending giant. 1st issue: Voters did not elect Frank so he could have easier access to deviant sex. 2nd issue: Frank abused his position and power and used public money in the process. 3rd issue: Frank calls questions of a potential ethical conflict “nonsense.”
“It is a common thing in Washington for members of Congress to have spouses work for the federal government. There is no rule against it at all.” said Frank. HE'S NOT YOUR SPOUSE! There's no rule that says I can't stick a knife in my eye but it's still not a good idea. This guy should go to jail for this.
Story
The POTUS Embarrassment Tour
Our president has taken taken his embarrassment world tour to Europe. It kicked off with a stop in Ireland and a claim of Irish roots. So I guess it's now O'Bama. This guy is the first Christian Muslim African American Hawaiian Irish bi racial left handed ambidextrous presidential buffoon in history.
Apparently O'Bama was so full or it his limo could not even carry him over a ramp as Obama was exiting the US embassy in Dublin. Yes his limo got stuck. It's a metaphor of sorts, as it readily draws a parallel to the fact that the US as a whole has been stuck with a miserable economy that never gets better, ever since the president came into office.
Things did not get any better on London as Obama (now back to the proper English spelling) flubbed a toast as bad as a best man at at wedding telling about all the girls the groom slept with before he decided on one to marry.
There he stood, raising a glass "to Her Majesty the Queen," whereupon the band -- in keeping with the usual signal -- began playing "God Save the Queen" and the other guests stood glassless, according to protocol, while Obama finished his remarks over the music. Thank God Michelle didn't start to dance!
Maybe he just just stay in the backyard for awhile
Apparently O'Bama was so full or it his limo could not even carry him over a ramp as Obama was exiting the US embassy in Dublin. Yes his limo got stuck. It's a metaphor of sorts, as it readily draws a parallel to the fact that the US as a whole has been stuck with a miserable economy that never gets better, ever since the president came into office.
Things did not get any better on London as Obama (now back to the proper English spelling) flubbed a toast as bad as a best man at at wedding telling about all the girls the groom slept with before he decided on one to marry.
There he stood, raising a glass "to Her Majesty the Queen," whereupon the band -- in keeping with the usual signal -- began playing "God Save the Queen" and the other guests stood glassless, according to protocol, while Obama finished his remarks over the music. Thank God Michelle didn't start to dance!
Maybe he just just stay in the backyard for awhile
Poetry with the Home Boys
Obama “will celebrate American poetry and prose with a gathering of poets, musicians and artists at the White House next Wednesday night.” One of the poets who will attend is Lonnie Rashid Lynn, Jr. who goes by the name “Common.”
This guy is no Shakespeare. He is a rapper. I suppose you can say rap is modern poetry but when is comes to Obama "How do I loath thee? Let me count the ways"
Common attended Obama's old church of hate speech. Both were members of Rev. Jeremiah Wright’s Trinity United Church of Christ.
Gee, I wonder if any of that idealism made it's way into Commons lyrics? Nope, unless you count cop-killing and racially-tinged or misogynist language.
Let me share a bit of his poetry with you:
"Tell the law my Uzi weighs a ton … I hold up a peace sign but I carry a gun”
“I don’t know what it is / but white girls gettin’ ass / I know what it is / It’s cash.”
Common named his daughter after Assata Shakur, a Black Panther who was convicted of first-degree murder 1977. She escaped from prison and exiled to Cuba. The FBI recognizes her as a domestic terrorist.
Nice role model huh?
This guy is no Shakespeare. He is a rapper. I suppose you can say rap is modern poetry but when is comes to Obama "How do I loath thee? Let me count the ways"
Common attended Obama's old church of hate speech. Both were members of Rev. Jeremiah Wright’s Trinity United Church of Christ.
Gee, I wonder if any of that idealism made it's way into Commons lyrics? Nope, unless you count cop-killing and racially-tinged or misogynist language.
Let me share a bit of his poetry with you:
"Tell the law my Uzi weighs a ton … I hold up a peace sign but I carry a gun”
“I don’t know what it is / but white girls gettin’ ass / I know what it is / It’s cash.”
Common named his daughter after Assata Shakur, a Black Panther who was convicted of first-degree murder 1977. She escaped from prison and exiled to Cuba. The FBI recognizes her as a domestic terrorist.
Nice role model huh?
The Moral War
It's bad enough our military is beginning to bow to pressure and consider recognise same sex unions. They we on the brink of having military chaplains perform same-sex unions.
Oh sure, let not just approve immorality but let's bless it with the stamp of Uncle Sam.
In a one-sentence memo obtained by The Associated Press, Rear Adm. Mark Tidd, chief of Navy chaplains, said his earlier decision has been "suspended until further notice pending additional legal and policy review and interdepartmental coordination."
In my opinion Adm Tidd needs to be removed from his post. He has taken that Rear Admiral title a bit to literal.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20110511/D9N512K00.html
Oh sure, let not just approve immorality but let's bless it with the stamp of Uncle Sam.
In a one-sentence memo obtained by The Associated Press, Rear Adm. Mark Tidd, chief of Navy chaplains, said his earlier decision has been "suspended until further notice pending additional legal and policy review and interdepartmental coordination."
In my opinion Adm Tidd needs to be removed from his post. He has taken that Rear Admiral title a bit to literal.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20110511/D9N512K00.html
Cheers to Changes - Wine and spirits at beer distributors
After attending the Pittsburgh Wine Festival and talking to folks from all different backgrounds the common complaint is the way adult beverages are regulated in the commonwealth of Pennsylvainia.
If you want bottle of wine you can get from the new kiosks but selection is limited as are the kiosks. You can go to a state store but not all store carry the same products.
If you want a 6 pack of beer you have to go to a restaurant, bar or one of a limited number of grocery stores, but a case has to come from a distributor. And forget ordering products online and having them shipped. It's against the law.
It rules always seem crazy to me and the only time things seem to change is when the job security of the union state store employees is threatened. Another change may be coming.
Under a new proposal your corner beer distributor would be able to sell wine and liqueur according to State Rep. John Payne, R-Derry Twp. He will soon introduce a bill to allow the roughly 1,200 beer distributors statewide to apply for a free permit to carry wine and spirits.
Wholesalers would also have the option to apply for a permit to sell wine and liquor, but it would cost $50 million.
Payne’s proposal, the latest salvo in the debate over whether Pennsylvania should sell its state-owned liquor stores to private operators, would leave the state liquor stores intact.
More
If you want bottle of wine you can get from the new kiosks but selection is limited as are the kiosks. You can go to a state store but not all store carry the same products.
If you want a 6 pack of beer you have to go to a restaurant, bar or one of a limited number of grocery stores, but a case has to come from a distributor. And forget ordering products online and having them shipped. It's against the law.
It rules always seem crazy to me and the only time things seem to change is when the job security of the union state store employees is threatened. Another change may be coming.
Under a new proposal your corner beer distributor would be able to sell wine and liqueur according to State Rep. John Payne, R-Derry Twp. He will soon introduce a bill to allow the roughly 1,200 beer distributors statewide to apply for a free permit to carry wine and spirits.
Wholesalers would also have the option to apply for a permit to sell wine and liquor, but it would cost $50 million.
Payne’s proposal, the latest salvo in the debate over whether Pennsylvania should sell its state-owned liquor stores to private operators, would leave the state liquor stores intact.
More
McJoke 62,000 New Job
It seems McDonalds is one of the few companies hiring these days. Government reports 244,000 new jobs last month. 62,000 of them came from the Golden Arches. We are at 9% unemployment.
While I'm happy to see any jobs created I hope we can biggie size the number overall so we are not stuck eating happy meals the rest of our days.
While I'm happy to see any jobs created I hope we can biggie size the number overall so we are not stuck eating happy meals the rest of our days.
The Intellectual Dishonesty of Nancy Pelosi
Here’s Nancy Pelosi from a press conference on September 7, 2006:
[E]ven if [Osama bin Laden] is caught tomorrow, it is five years too late. He has done more damage the longer he has been out there. But, in fact, the damage that he has done . . . is done. And even to capture him now I don’t think makes us any safer.
And here’s Nancy Pelosi now:
The death of Osama bin Laden marks the most significant development in our fight against al-Qaida. . . . I salute President Obama, his national security team, Director Panetta, our men and women in the intelligence community and military, and other nations who supported this effort for their leadership in achieving this major accomplishment. . . . [T]he death of Osama bin Laden is historic. . .
This devastating then-and-now comparison comes to us courtesy of John Hideraker of Power Line. It underscores the degree to which partisanship can ravage people’s fair-mindedness and, in the process, make them look like fools and hacks. Such things aren’t uncommon in politics—but what is rare is to see such intellectual dishonesty proven so conclusively.
[E]ven if [Osama bin Laden] is caught tomorrow, it is five years too late. He has done more damage the longer he has been out there. But, in fact, the damage that he has done . . . is done. And even to capture him now I don’t think makes us any safer.
And here’s Nancy Pelosi now:
The death of Osama bin Laden marks the most significant development in our fight against al-Qaida. . . . I salute President Obama, his national security team, Director Panetta, our men and women in the intelligence community and military, and other nations who supported this effort for their leadership in achieving this major accomplishment. . . . [T]he death of Osama bin Laden is historic. . .
This devastating then-and-now comparison comes to us courtesy of John Hideraker of Power Line. It underscores the degree to which partisanship can ravage people’s fair-mindedness and, in the process, make them look like fools and hacks. Such things aren’t uncommon in politics—but what is rare is to see such intellectual dishonesty proven so conclusively.
Suspended Western Penitentiary Guards Under Investigation
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Sources tell KDKA Investigator Marty Griffin eight prison guards who’ve been suspended from Western Penitentiary made up a secret vigilante group that dished out their own form of justice on convicted sex offenders.
Sources tell Griffin an Allegheny County grand jury is investigating a small group of corrections officers.
The officers are described as vigilantes who sought out Megan’s Law offenders and participated in a series of attacks against inmates – described as assaults – including the possible sexual assault of inmates using broom handles.
More
Sources tell Griffin an Allegheny County grand jury is investigating a small group of corrections officers.
The officers are described as vigilantes who sought out Megan’s Law offenders and participated in a series of attacks against inmates – described as assaults – including the possible sexual assault of inmates using broom handles.
More
Defeat from the Jaws of Victory
My short lived celebration of the first positive accomplishment of the Obama administration has ended. It just goes to show even the most incompetent person can accidentally get something thing right if given enough time.
Barack Obama kept military commanders hanging by declaring he would 'sleep on it' before taking 16 hours to give the go-ahead to raid Bin Laden's compound.
Hit squads of specialist Navy Seals - who were not even told who they were preparing to capture - had practised the mission at two reconstructions of the terror chiefs sprawling compound.
Last Thursday analysts confirmed beyond doubt that Bin Laden was in Abbottabad in northern Pakistan.
'I'm not going to tell you what my decision is now - I'm going to go back and think about it some more,' said Obama, according to the New York Times. He then added 'I'm going to make a decision soon.'
But the next morning after 16 hours, Obama summoned four top aides to the White House Diplomatic Room. Before they could speak, the president put his fist on the table and declared 'It's a go'.
The decision in my opinion was correct but it should not take more than a second to decide we need to go after Bin Laden. I know that decision puts lives at risk but so does waiting 16 hours. Our men could have been killed and it"s an awful burden to bear but I have no doubt any member of our Navy SEALS team would give their life to get Bin Laden.
I can stand it when people second guess our troops. You go jump into a fire fight in some 3rd world country with bullets flying past your head and then I listen but until you step into their combat boots zip it!
Here is a recent post I came across "Congrats Mr. President, you killed the dog, now how about ending the era of war and bringing all the troops home and start a war on poverty, unemployment and government bickering. Focus on domestic problems now!" This is from an Obama supporter.
While we do indeed have domestic problems, Obama created most of them. There are still terrorists who want to kill us. The war overseas must continue in order to stay ahead of our enemies. Poverty increases with unemployment. Obama's economic decisions have done nothing to increase job development. We need to get out of the way of business in this country.
If opposing destructive spending, policies and regulations is bickering, then we need more of that.
The victory here was accidental at best for Obama. I'm glad it came, but my confidence in our current leadership has in no way changed.
Barack Obama kept military commanders hanging by declaring he would 'sleep on it' before taking 16 hours to give the go-ahead to raid Bin Laden's compound.
Hit squads of specialist Navy Seals - who were not even told who they were preparing to capture - had practised the mission at two reconstructions of the terror chiefs sprawling compound.
Last Thursday analysts confirmed beyond doubt that Bin Laden was in Abbottabad in northern Pakistan.
'I'm not going to tell you what my decision is now - I'm going to go back and think about it some more,' said Obama, according to the New York Times. He then added 'I'm going to make a decision soon.'
But the next morning after 16 hours, Obama summoned four top aides to the White House Diplomatic Room. Before they could speak, the president put his fist on the table and declared 'It's a go'.
The decision in my opinion was correct but it should not take more than a second to decide we need to go after Bin Laden. I know that decision puts lives at risk but so does waiting 16 hours. Our men could have been killed and it"s an awful burden to bear but I have no doubt any member of our Navy SEALS team would give their life to get Bin Laden.
I can stand it when people second guess our troops. You go jump into a fire fight in some 3rd world country with bullets flying past your head and then I listen but until you step into their combat boots zip it!
Here is a recent post I came across "Congrats Mr. President, you killed the dog, now how about ending the era of war and bringing all the troops home and start a war on poverty, unemployment and government bickering. Focus on domestic problems now!" This is from an Obama supporter.
While we do indeed have domestic problems, Obama created most of them. There are still terrorists who want to kill us. The war overseas must continue in order to stay ahead of our enemies. Poverty increases with unemployment. Obama's economic decisions have done nothing to increase job development. We need to get out of the way of business in this country.
If opposing destructive spending, policies and regulations is bickering, then we need more of that.
The victory here was accidental at best for Obama. I'm glad it came, but my confidence in our current leadership has in no way changed.
Migration causing Pittsburgh congregations to dwindle
In Pittsburgh, dozens of churches once supported a population of nearly 700,000 after the arrival of Czech, German, Irish, Italian and Polish immigrants in the early 20th century.
With the collapse of the steel industry, however, the city lost an estimated 250,000 people by 1980. From 40 percent to 50 percent of them were Catholic, said the Rev. Ron Lengwin, spokesman for the Diocese of Pittsburgh.
"We lost a large number of people," Lengwin said. "And the population has continued to dwindle."
Read more: Migration causing Pittsburgh congregations to dwindle - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
With the collapse of the steel industry, however, the city lost an estimated 250,000 people by 1980. From 40 percent to 50 percent of them were Catholic, said the Rev. Ron Lengwin, spokesman for the Diocese of Pittsburgh.
"We lost a large number of people," Lengwin said. "And the population has continued to dwindle."
Read more: Migration causing Pittsburgh congregations to dwindle - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Pope beatifies John Paul II
Pope Benedict put John Paul on the fast-track for possible sainthood when he dispensed with the traditional five-year waiting period and allowed the beatification process to begin weeks after his April 2, 2005, death. Benedict was responding to chants of "Santo Subito!" or "Sainthood Immediately" which erupted during John Paul's funeral.
Beatification is the last major milestone before a candidate is declared a saint. John Paul needs another miracle attributed to his intercession before he can be canonized.
Already, Vatican officials have said reports of inexplicable cures were pouring in, suggesting it is only a matter of time before John Paul is declared a saint, or even a doctor of the church — an even greater honor.
After the nearly three-hour Mass, Benedict prayed before John Paul's coffin, which had a copy of the Lorsch Gospels on it, an illuminated medieval book of the Gospels that is one of the most precious in the Vatican's collection.
The basilica was expected to stay open for as long as it takes to accommodate the throngs of faithful who paid their respects and took photos as loudspeakers piped in hymns and clips of some of John Paul's most memorable homilies and speeches.
Full Story
Bin Laden - His Legacy
The news of that Osama Bin Laden comes with multiple reactions. I found out about 7 hours after the news broke as I turned on the morning news.
It is by far the biggest victory for the Obama administration. I wasnt really sure if the United States was even still activly looking for Bin Laden. Oh sure if we found him they would grab him, but beyond that who knew?
What I forgot was the fact that our military does not change with a new president. Thank God we have men and women who are highly trained, paitent and do not easily forget.
It is also a huge victory for our military. Kudos to our Navy SEALS who got the job done but let us not forget all those in inteligence agents and each branch of the service who have worked for over a decade to bring justice to those murdered on 9/11.
I do have to say I felt a bit uncomfortable with the juballie in the streets as people learned the news. The atmosphe resemeble a home team victory and in a way it certainly was. However the celebration of death struck me as odd. Don't get me wrong, I'm as happy as anyone that the bastard is no longer part of this world, but the headline "Rot In Hell" seemed a bit uncooth for America.
I remember a video of a toothless women cheering the death of American in some God forsaken country when the towers fell. Did we just resemble her?
It's time our government had some long hard conversations with Pakistan. It is clear there is no way Bin Laden was hiding there without the knowledge of Pakistani government officials. They have some explaining to do. We as a country need to carefully examine each of our so called allies in the region. There are many who are playing both sides of the field and that can not be tolerated.
While Obama was the name on the Marquee, the sick, twisted and evil idealism of radical Islam has not died yet. There are still those who consider Bin Laden a hero and who champion murder as a form of worship. That is a reason to subdue our celebration.
Bin Laden does leave behind a legacy for those that hate the American way of life. He has taught them if you murder Americans, we will find you no matter how long it takes. Justice will be served one way or another. Knock down our buildings and we will rebuild. Srtike us and we will band together despite political differences. We have fought for freedom and independence since the birth of our nation and have no intention of ceasing those efforts.
It is by far the biggest victory for the Obama administration. I wasnt really sure if the United States was even still activly looking for Bin Laden. Oh sure if we found him they would grab him, but beyond that who knew?
What I forgot was the fact that our military does not change with a new president. Thank God we have men and women who are highly trained, paitent and do not easily forget.
It is also a huge victory for our military. Kudos to our Navy SEALS who got the job done but let us not forget all those in inteligence agents and each branch of the service who have worked for over a decade to bring justice to those murdered on 9/11.
I do have to say I felt a bit uncomfortable with the juballie in the streets as people learned the news. The atmosphe resemeble a home team victory and in a way it certainly was. However the celebration of death struck me as odd. Don't get me wrong, I'm as happy as anyone that the bastard is no longer part of this world, but the headline "Rot In Hell" seemed a bit uncooth for America.
I remember a video of a toothless women cheering the death of American in some God forsaken country when the towers fell. Did we just resemble her?
It's time our government had some long hard conversations with Pakistan. It is clear there is no way Bin Laden was hiding there without the knowledge of Pakistani government officials. They have some explaining to do. We as a country need to carefully examine each of our so called allies in the region. There are many who are playing both sides of the field and that can not be tolerated.
While Obama was the name on the Marquee, the sick, twisted and evil idealism of radical Islam has not died yet. There are still those who consider Bin Laden a hero and who champion murder as a form of worship. That is a reason to subdue our celebration.
Bin Laden does leave behind a legacy for those that hate the American way of life. He has taught them if you murder Americans, we will find you no matter how long it takes. Justice will be served one way or another. Knock down our buildings and we will rebuild. Srtike us and we will band together despite political differences. We have fought for freedom and independence since the birth of our nation and have no intention of ceasing those efforts.
Mini Gets Maxed
How many folks do you think would fit in a Mini Cooper? If you guessed 25 your are right.
Getting into a Mini with 25 other people would not be top of my list of things to do. You can see the group, seemingly pleased with this ordeal, accepting their prize below, as well as a link to more Guinness Record images.
Quiet announcement opens door to more Cuba travel
With little fanfare Jan. 14, the White House announced a presidential directive that will make travel and financial assistance to Cuba easier, especially for religious organizations. The changes revert some policies to those of the Clinton administration -- which were reversed under President George W. Bush -- but expands others. Once the regulations governing the changes have been published in the Federal Register -- expected within weeks -- they will make it possible for certain groups and individuals to get the necessary U.S. government licenses for more "purposeful travel." The order explained that "purposeful travel" includes allowing religious organizations to sponsor religious travel as well as educational exchanges for coursework, seminars and "people-to-people" programs, and a greater scope of journalistic activities. "These needed new policies are modest but important steps towards advancing our hopes for a better relationship between our people and the people of Cuba, a relationship which holds great promise of fostering positive and real change in Cuba," said a statement by Bishop Howard J. Hubbard of Albany, N.Y., chairman of the U.S. bishops' Committee on International Justice and Peace. The changes also will permit any U.S. citizen to send remittances of up to $500 a quarter to non-family members in Cuba to support private economic activities, and will allow remittances to religious institutions for religious activities in Cuba. Another change will allow charter flights to Cuba from any U.S. international airport, instead of just the handful now authorized to manage such trips.
Chinese For Dinner
Wednesday's opulent, black-tie affair with President Barack Obama - the grandest of White House soirees - will mark the first such event in China's honor in 13 years and could help smooth tensions between the world's two largest economies.
Some big questions remain: Who will cook? Who is coming to dinner? Can the White House avoid mistakes like those that marred the reception when a protocol-conscious Hu arrived for an April 2006 summit?
For starters, Hu was unhappy that President George W. Bush opted for lunch over a state dinner.
Wednesday's affair will return the hospitality that Obama was shown at a state dinner in Beijing on his November 2009 visit.
A personal relationship between the two leaders is important for cooperation on several pressing issues in the time left on both of their terms in office, Asia watchers say. The visit is probably the last to Washington as president for Hu, a hydroelectric engineer who has ruled since 2002. He is expected to relinquish his leadership of the Communist Party next year and the presidency the year after.
Some big questions remain: Who will cook? Who is coming to dinner? Can the White House avoid mistakes like those that marred the reception when a protocol-conscious Hu arrived for an April 2006 summit?
For starters, Hu was unhappy that President George W. Bush opted for lunch over a state dinner.
Wednesday's affair will return the hospitality that Obama was shown at a state dinner in Beijing on his November 2009 visit.
A personal relationship between the two leaders is important for cooperation on several pressing issues in the time left on both of their terms in office, Asia watchers say. The visit is probably the last to Washington as president for Hu, a hydroelectric engineer who has ruled since 2002. He is expected to relinquish his leadership of the Communist Party next year and the presidency the year after.
Born in the USA???? Hawaii governor can't find Obama birth certificate
Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie suggested in an interviewthat a long-form, hospital-generated birth certificate for Barack Obama may not exist within the vital records maintained by the Hawaii Department of Health.
Abercrombie told the Honolulu Star Advertiser he was searching within the Hawaii Department of Health to find definitive vital records that would prove Obama was born in Hawaii, because the continuing eligibility controversy could hurt the president's chances of re-election in 2012.
What did he find? Nada!
So far, the only birth document available on Obama is a Hawaii Certification of Live Birth that first appeared on the Internet during the 2008 presidential campaign. It was posted by two purportedly independent websites that have displayed a strong partisan bias for Obama – Snopes.com released the COLB in June 2008, and FactCheck.org published photographs of the document in August 2008.
You would think a person would have to prove eligibility BEFORE getting elected.
Abercrombie told the Honolulu Star Advertiser he was searching within the Hawaii Department of Health to find definitive vital records that would prove Obama was born in Hawaii, because the continuing eligibility controversy could hurt the president's chances of re-election in 2012.
What did he find? Nada!
So far, the only birth document available on Obama is a Hawaii Certification of Live Birth that first appeared on the Internet during the 2008 presidential campaign. It was posted by two purportedly independent websites that have displayed a strong partisan bias for Obama – Snopes.com released the COLB in June 2008, and FactCheck.org published photographs of the document in August 2008.
You would think a person would have to prove eligibility BEFORE getting elected.
Check Please: Final Pelosi Tab
In the 1,461 days that Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D.-Calif.) served as speaker of the House, thefull story national debt increased by a total of $5.343 trillion ($5,343,452,800,321.37) or $3.66 billion per day ($3.657,394,113.84), according to official debt numbers published by the U.S. Treasury.Pelosi was the 52nd speaker of the House. During her tenure, she amassed more debt than the first 49 speakers combined.
The total national debt did not climb above $5.343 trillion (the amount amassed during Pelosi’s four years as speaker) until Feb. 26, 1997, when Rep. Newt Gingrich (R.-Ga.) was serving as the nation’s 50th House speaker.
When Pelosi was sworn in on Jan. 4, 2007, the national debt stood at $8,670,596,242,973.04. At the close of business on Jan. 4, 2011, her last full day in the speakership, it stood at 14,014,049,043,294.41--an increase of $5,343,452,800,321.37.
Pelosi served as speaker for four full years, including one leap year, making her time in that office 1,461 days. On average, the federal government added $3.66 billion ($3,657,394,113.84) in new debt for each of those days.
Pelosi not only outstripped her predecessors in the total volume of debt added to the national debt during her tenure as speaker, but also in the rate at which new debt was added. In fact, Pelosi added debt at a rate more than three times faster than her nearest competitor.
Obama mouthpiece Robert Gibbs was forced out by new henchman William Daley
I wondered yesterday whether Robert Gibbs jumped or was pushed and noted that President Barack Obama’s words indicated that it was “not an entirely voluntary departure”.
It’s being reported by John King on CNN right now that Gibbs wanted to be a presidential counsellor – something he’s been putting about for quite a while – but William Daley, the new chief of staff, nixed this because he believed that too many cooks would spoil the presidential broth. So that’s why Gibbs is out.
Additionally, King reports that Valerie Jarrett, whose sole qualification to being a senior counsellor seems to be that she’s a long-time Chicago buddy of Barack and Michelle Obama, will have her wings clipped. Daley, not Jarrett, will be the person speaking to the business community.
It’s no secret that Rahm Emanuel, a Daley protege, clashed with Jarrett. Or that David Plouffe, about to join the White House, was often at odds with her when he was the 2008 Obama campaign manager. Obama is nothing if not ruthless. He dropped Jane Dystel, the agent who approached him to write “Dreams from my Father”, and has previously cut loose long-time advisers. One aide described him as “the most unsentimental man I’ve ever met”.
full story
So the next question is: with Gibbs and David Axelrod gone, how much longer will Valerie Jarrett last?
It’s being reported by John King on CNN right now that Gibbs wanted to be a presidential counsellor – something he’s been putting about for quite a while – but William Daley, the new chief of staff, nixed this because he believed that too many cooks would spoil the presidential broth. So that’s why Gibbs is out.
Additionally, King reports that Valerie Jarrett, whose sole qualification to being a senior counsellor seems to be that she’s a long-time Chicago buddy of Barack and Michelle Obama, will have her wings clipped. Daley, not Jarrett, will be the person speaking to the business community.
It’s no secret that Rahm Emanuel, a Daley protege, clashed with Jarrett. Or that David Plouffe, about to join the White House, was often at odds with her when he was the 2008 Obama campaign manager. Obama is nothing if not ruthless. He dropped Jane Dystel, the agent who approached him to write “Dreams from my Father”, and has previously cut loose long-time advisers. One aide described him as “the most unsentimental man I’ve ever met”.
full story
So the next question is: with Gibbs and David Axelrod gone, how much longer will Valerie Jarrett last?
Sarkozy: Mideast Christians victims of 'cleansing'
French President Nicolas Sarkozy said Friday that Christian minorities in the Middle East are victims of "religious cleansing", following deadly attacks on churches in the region.
"We cannot accept and thereby facilitate what looks more and more like a particularly wicked programme of cleansing in the Middle East, religious cleansing," he said in an annual New Year's address to religious leaders.
An attack on a Coptic church in the Egyptian city of Alexandria on January 1 killed 21 people.
"We cannot accept and thereby facilitate what looks more and more like a particularly wicked programme of cleansing in the Middle East, religious cleansing," he said in an annual New Year's address to religious leaders.
An attack on a Coptic church in the Egyptian city of Alexandria on January 1 killed 21 people.
Army chaplain from Ohio named auxiliary bishop for US military
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI has named a military chaplain from the Diocese of Cleveland as an auxiliary bishop of the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services. The appointment of Father Neal Buckon, 57, was announced in Washington Jan. 3 by Archbishop Pietro Sambi, apostolic nuncio to the United States. Bishop-designate Buckon has served as an Army chaplain around the world since 1998. His assignments have included posts in South Korea; Fort Sill, Okla.; Germany; Iraq; Fort Stewart, Ga.; and Saudi Arabia. He also served in the Army from 1975 to 1982. Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the military archdiocese welcomed the appointment as a "very concrete sign of the paternal care of our Holy Father for all of us." Archbishop Broglio said in a statement: "There is no doubt that (Bishop-designate Buckon) has been an effective shepherd, served well as a chaplain and also knew the experience of prior service. That experience will certainly contribute to the richness of the episcopal ministry to which he is now called." Bishop-designate Buckon told Catholic News Service that his episcopal ordination is scheduled for 2 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington. He said he retired from active duty as a lieutenant colonel Dec. 31 and moved to St. John Bosco Parish in Parma Heights, a suburb of Cleveland, just after Christmas. The bishop-designate had expected to be assigned to a parish in Cleveland when he was asked to become an auxiliary bishop. He said he discussed his new role with Archbishop Broglio and it appears that his primary responsibility will be overseeing ministry efforts on military bases in the western United States.
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