The Luster is Gone

Not completely, he's still very popular, overall. But some of the sheep have seen to have escaped the pen.

150 Years for Madoff

Looks good on him, the creep.

Waxman & Markey

The monstrosity that is the new cap and trade bill which passed 219-215 after being rammed through Congress, because heaven knows you can't have the people know what's actually in the bill, seems a slam-dunk in the U.S., but appears to receiving adversity in other parts of the world. I guess it goes to show you what sheep Al Gore and the MSM have created.

When it Rains, it Pours

Another one?? Man, how many Republicans does it take to screw over a party already seen as being in turmoil? Answer: We don't know yet. Apparently they're still working on it.

So another Republican, South Carolina Governor, Mark Sanford has admitted an extra-marital affair. Forget the who's and why's and how much will it hurt the GOP. I'm sure Chris Tingle and Olberloon will get quite a personal kick out of reminding us about it for the next two weeks. My question is will they remember the maleficence's of Barney Frank, William Jefferson, Bill Clinton, Marion Berry and hey, what about the left's favorite myth administration, John Kennedy?

Will the left and their MSM buddies go to the wall in finding excuses for Sanford as they did these men? Something tells me no. I doubt if they will see the irony through their collective haze of hypocrisy.

Sanford will have to deal with whatever he has coming to him. I'm not defending him . I just would like to think the media and members of Congress would think twice before condemning a man that has done really nothing different than the Democrat men listed above. One (among others) is still in office. Why? He wasn't controversial enough? Another has only recently been voted out. He was not asked to resign by the DNC, nor did he voluntarily do so. Only when the voters in his state had enough of his corruption did they finally wake up.
One of them ran a brothel out of his house for God's sake! But he stayed in power. Not only that, he is still in there contributing to the slide of the economy that he helped, not only to perpetrate, but exacerbate.

But still. He did do a bad, bad thing.

Revolution Rhetoric is Getting Louder

Can the Supreme Leader really be changed. No, not Obama. Wishful thinking. No, I'm talking about Ayatollah Khamenei of Iran.
Can ex-president, Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, really have enough influence and power of persuasion to oust Khamenei? Maybe. But not likely.

Another Do-Over

The President finally says he is behind the protests that have been met with a tyrannic smackdown in Iran. Even if he had to clarify his statements yet again.

No Mention of Troops, Iran in Obama's Speech

I guess he subscribes to the "Don't talk about it and it'll go away" school of thought.

And my God! He is on TV an awful lot!

Case Closed

And if I were a liberal, right now I'd be saying, Sit down and shut up! It's over!

He May Be No Different

Here's something interesting. You know how certain hostages of the Iranian Revolution in 1979 say that Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was one of their captors (of which even I have no doubt) well it seems that his rival in the recent, rigged, Iranian "elections," Mir-Hossein Mousavi, may be responsible for the bombing of the Marine barracks in Beirut in 1983.

Stimulus Results

State Income-Tax Revenues Sink

Eddie Bauer Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

MySpace to Cut 30% of Jobs to Boost Efficiency

Six Flags files for Chapter 11

Dollar Depreciates on Central Bank Diversification Concern

Wealth Creation Under Attack

For Sale: The Boston Globe

IRS Tax Revenue Declines with People's Income

Home Prices in 20 U.S. Cities Fall More Than Forecast

New-Home Sales Rise as Prices Tumble

Congressional Budgeters Predict 10.5 Percent Unemployment Rate Next Year

GET THIS: Now House Democrats don't mind paying for a war that's "lost." They don't mind asking for money for a bunch of "blood-thirsty killers." Where's all the outrage and dissent about immoral wars and a waste of taxpayers money?
Oh right. It's their war now, so no biggie, I guess. Plus, they got that waste of money thing down with the "stimulus." So no need to worry about that either. With Bush it was terrorism, with Obama, it's just. Gotcha.

Chicago Sun-Times Files for Bankruptcy

Obama's Favorite Company, Caterpillar, Lays Off 2500 More

UTC Cuts 11,600 Jobs

Citi, U.S. Reach Accord on a Third Bailout

Rocky Mountain News Shuts It's Doors

Target Corp. Profit Falls 41% as Credit-Card Losses Mount

Goodyear to Slash 5,000 Jobs

US Airways Group to Trim Jobs in S.L., 9 Other Cities

GM to Cut 10,000 Salaried Jobs This Year

Macy's Cuts 7,000 Jobs

Job Cuts Exceed 100,000 for the Week

L.A Times to Cut 300 Jobs

Ford Loses $5.9B in 4th Quarter

Target to cut 1,000 jobs at HQ

Home Depot, Sprint Nextel and Caterpillar Announce Jobs Cuts

Starbucks May Cut 1,000 Jobs

Enough for you? And the president is seriously considering another stimulus? Mm hmm. Good job.
When will he ever take resonsibility for his own actions and policies? When he act like a leader and realize it's his economy now, not Bush's. You can't blame him for everything forever.
See. I told you this at least a year ago. if you stub your toe in the middle of the night, not to worry. It's Bush's fault. Not Obama, not Chris Dodd, not Barney Frank or Nancy Pelosi, but Bush. All Bush, all the time.
Yeah, yeah. I know he defended Bush the other day against Clintonista, George Stephanopolous, really, even a blind squirrel finds a nut every once in a while.

US Naval Academy Grads Disarmed to Protect Obama

This was sent to me. It broke a few weeks ago. Odd that I didn't hear of it. Kind of a big deal.

President Barack Obama spoke at the Graduation Ceremony for the US Naval Academy at Annapolis on May 22, 2009 ­ but before he spoke, http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/may/21/inside-the-beltway-97423759/ all Naval midshipmen were disarmed of their ceremonial swords and umbrellas.

Never before in the history of Annapolis has the Commander in Chief required that all Naval officers in his presence be disarmed.

Although I haven't sorted it all out, there are reasons why this story has so devastated me and I don't know what to think.

This is not political...it's a SAD damn shame !!

No Naval Swords for USNA Graduation this year - Threat to the Dear Leader Inside the Beltway -Washington Times

No Weapons For Anyone

From today's 'you couldn't make it up if you tried' file...

Obama's protectors have ordered graduating Midshipmen...and I suppose Commissioned Officers through Flag rank...to leave their swords at home. Full Dress White includes "wear sword". More to the point - those badges of office have been earned in a manner Obama and his minions just wouldn't begin to understand. Important traditions that inspire are kind of lost on the red banner crowd, apparently.

Further, ceremonial swords never seemed to bother the Secret Service for any previous President. And before World War II, the swords were not particularly "ceremonial", I've seen some of those blades, boarding actions did occur on the China Station pre-war against river pirates, warlords, etc. Those swords were worn not just to graduation, but to Inaugurations, in the receiving line at the White House afterward, to the Inaugural Ball. Somehow nobody gave it a second thought. Somehow even Presidents in the past didn't presume to specify items of uniform.

But of course, what worked for Harry Truman, Ronald Reagan, F.D.R., the Bushes, T.R., any other rational non-cult leader.....doesn't work for this former state senator anointed by the Chicago machine.

Does he secretly consider our Naval and Military leaders "the enemy"? Perhaps the message this sends escaped his handlers. Sad. And .....follow me on this Obama and minions.....insulting. Actually it's contemptible.

The Washington Times

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Inside the Beltway

SWORDLESS SAILORS

Graduating midshipmen of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis are being told in writing to leave at home or in their vehicles all "ceremonial swords" and anything else "that might be considered a weapon or a threat by screeners" for Friday's outdoor commencement ceremonies featuring an address by President Barack Obama.

Inside the Beltway has obtained the academy's list of prohibited items for this year's graduation exercises, which, besides ceremonial swords, includes umbrellas.

Yes, cell phones and texting are still allowed.

http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/may/21/inside-the-beltway-97423759/

________________________

"I DO SOLEMNLY SWEAR (OR AFFIRM) THAT I WILL SUPPORT AND DEFEND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES AGAINST ALL ENEMIES, FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC; THAT I WILL BEAR TRUE FAITH AND ALLEGIANCE TO THE SAME; AND THAT I WILL OBEY THE (CONSTITUTIONAL AND LAWFUL) ORDERS OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES AND THE (CONSTITUTIONAL AND LAWFUL) ORDERS OF THE OFFICERS APPOINTED OVER ME, ACCORDING TO REGULATIONS AND THE UNIFORM CODE OF MILITARY JUSTICE. SO HELP ME GOD."

All laws which are repugnant to the Constitution are null and void." Marbury vs. Madison, 5 US (2 Cranch) 137, 164, 176. (1803)

"Where rights secured by the Constitution are involved, there can be no rule making or legislation which would abrogate them." Miranda vs. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436, 491.

"An unconstitutional act is not law; it confers no rights; it imposes no duties; it affords no protection; it creates no office; it is in legal contemplation, as inoperative as though it had never been passed." Norton vs. Shelby County, 118 US 425, 442.

Love Affair with Obama "Lifting?"

As Charles Krauthammer sees it, "He is getting a push back in the Congress and even appeared to be getting a bit in the press today, which I think is the big story."

Brit Hume opines that some of the press may have been "forced" into doing their jobs as they seemed "offended" that they were being criticized for being soft on everything Obama.
Ya think?

Is CBS Actually Doing Their Job?

As incredible as it sounds, they actually are. At least on this story. But it is a big one. Anything to do with Obamacare is. Not that that thing in Iran or North Korea isn't newsworthy.

New Report: Gay Parents=Gay Children?

I never thought so. I mean why wouldn't their orientation play a role in their children's sexual development? And I am split on is it "learned" or "born with," and do not think for a second that most caring, responsible gay parents are beating the homosexual agenda into their kids heads, but the real qestion is, why is the media so quiet about this?

Item.

Pakistani Citizens Take It to the Streets

This is why American citizens will never and should never give up their arms.
Remember, if you outlaw guns, the only ones that will have them will be outlaws.

Obama Speaks Out on Iranian Supression of It's People

Finally! It isn't all that strong. No condemnation of the Mullahs, or Ahmedinejad. No "peace through strength" moments. And too little, too late I think, but at least it's something.

But how hollow do his words ring when he does this? More window dressing for the masses, I'm afraid.

Cheerios is Now a Drug?

Apparently.

Better get those prescriptions ready. Doc, doc. I need a fix. I need my Cheerios!

Barack Obama: Superhero!

Finally, someone put all the celebrity/messiah/superhero descriptions into a animated caricature. This is one of the funniest things I've seen in the last few months.

Just don't be drinking anything when you watch it.

And then there's "The Obama."

The Obama (episode 1) @ Yahoo! Video

Huff Po's Schaeffer: This is What Happens When You Leave the Flock...and Get Into Crack

He used to be in the "religious right," so he knows how the other half lives, huh? Being in the "so-called" pro-life movement must have hurt him to no end knowing he was actually supposed to save unborn children. Poor baby.

Frank Schaeffer, thy name is mud.

Canada's "Patriot Act?"

The Dipper's are gonna love this one.

You have to give them the tools to catch these freaks, but much like the American Patriot Act, is it going too far and are there privacy rights concerns?

U.S. Moves Missle Defence System to Hawaii

It seems the Pentagon thinks North Korea means business. Is there something amiss we don't know about?

L'il Kim has missiles that can reach the islands. What's going on?

Gates says the U.S. is ready to defend herself. South Korea better be ready, if need be.

Obama Swats Fly, PETA Goes Nuts!!

Are you kidding me? Tell me they're not this crazy.
Everybody knows I'm far from an Obama fan, but give me a break.



By the way, did you see the size of that thing? That wasn't a fly, it was a bat!

And, I know, not very news worthy. Just another chance to show how "awesome" the president is, but...meh.

But have you noticed all the Obamaphiles going crazy already?
"It's like he's got one of those fly Terminator targeting systems in his eyes," said one of his leading cheerleaders, Jon Stewart.
There are others:

"You just have to appreciate the, the concentration and the precision," said David Gregory.
Head cheerleader, Chris Tingle said, "We've also just confirmed the President is a Ninja."
And on Good Morning America, Chris Cuomo exasped, with a telestrator and all mind you,
"You see? He stares at the fly. How many times have each of us tried to do this? Look at the hand coming up. The poise. The cupping. And the quick slap...Just knocked it away, very rare."

Does the love affair get any more obvious...or sickening? It was a fly for Obama's (oops, I mean God's) sake!!

Senate to Pass Pedophile Protection Act?

Nah, couldn't be...could it?

By Curtis Dahlgren

"PEDOPHILE PROTECTION ACT" [MAY] SNEAK INTO SENATE AMENDMENTSenate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), added the "Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act," (better known as the "Pedophile Protection Act,") to his short-term legislative list Monday, by saying he was "committed" to a Senate vote on hate crimes legislation before the August recess. The pro-homosexual newspaper Washington Blade reported the vote would happen last week, but staffers at Senator Kennedy's office denied that, giving us a few more days to act. The pro-homosexual, anti-faith bill, sponsored by Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA) and pushed hard by the Obama Administration, was until recently labeled S. 909 "Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act." But it faced such strong resistance by conservatives (including threat of filibuster or faith-protecting amendments by pro-faith Senator Jim DeMint, R-SC), so instead Democrats have announced they will soon hide the bill as an amendment to another "must-move" bill, denying committee hearings, and completely side-stepping the Republicans right to debate and amend.

Now President Obama's Attorney General Eric Holder is reportedly linking passage of this pro-homosexual bill to protecting the rights of Hispanic illegal aliens, which would be deceptive, since "national origin" is already protected in the 1994 hate-crimes law, and 75% of Hispanics oppose gay marriage.

547 SEXUAL DEVIANCES TO BE PROTECTED BY FEDERAL MARSHALS The forthcoming "poison pill" amendment will mirror a House bill H.R. 1913, already passed 249-175 along strict party lines, which makes "sexual orientation," "gender," and "gender identity" into federally-protected classes under the law, and codifies federal "protection" of up to 547 types of sexually deviant behaviors, including:

* Incest — sex with one's offspring (a crime, of course)
* Necrophilia — sexual relations with a corpse, also a crime
* Pedophilia — sex with an underage child, another crime

Attempts by House Republicans to add amendments stating "pedophilia is not protected as a sexual orientation" were specifically blocked and defeated by House Democrats. Lesbian Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) expressed opposition to excluding pedophiles from the bill, and Democrats voted with her to strike any child-protection amendment. She claimed that pedophiles would not be defined within "sexual orientation," but wouldn't put that in writing, and refused to define that phrase "sexual orientation," which according to the American Psychiatric Association includes all 547 sexual deviances listed in their DSM-III manual of clinical psychoses, including pedophilia, so now thanks to most Democrats, child molesters will be protected by federal law.

FREE SPEECH CRIMINALIZED IN SWEDEN
In Sweden, Pastor Ake Green received a one-month jail sentence last year under a Swedish "hate crimes" law that forbids criticism of those who participate in homosexual behavior. The Goeta Appeals Court later overturned the decision. The government demanded the pastor be punished by appealing the case to the Swedish Supreme Court, which ruled the law unconstitutional. Yet here in America, the Reid-Kennedy-Obama trio is pushing to pass and enforce this same type of "anti-free speech" law, despite their acknowledgment that any such enforcement would be unconstitutional in America too. (Then why pass the bill in the first place?)

FREE SPEECH CRIMINALIZED IN CANADA
In Canada, where "hate crimes" laws already passed, the Alberta Human Rights Tribunal actively forbid evangelical pastor Stephen Boisson from expressing his moral opposition to homosexuality. The tribunal also ordered Boisson to pay $5,000 "damages for pain and suffering" and apologize to the "human rights" activist who filed the complaint. His crime? In 2002, the pastor wrote a letter to the editor of his local newspaper in which he denounced the homosexual agenda as "wicked" and stated that: "Children as young as five and six years of age are being subjected to psychologically and physiologically damaging pro-homosexual literature and guidance in the public school system; all under the fraudulent guise of equal rights." The Canadian government tribunal ordered the Christian pastor to "cease publishing in newspapers, by email, on the radio, in public speeches, or on the internet, in future, disparaging remarks about gays and homosexuals." (This "re-education commission" reminds me of Big Brother from Orwell's 1984.)

QUOTING THE BIBLE IN CHURCH WILL BE PUNISHED
Not only will sexually deviant behaviors gain legal protection, this legislation also lays the legal foundation to investigate, prosecute and persecute pastors, youth pastors, Bible teachers, and anyone else whose speech and thought is based upon and reflects the truths found in the Bible. How will this legislation over-rule the First Amendment?

PASTORS NOT PROTECTED BY FIRST AMENDMENTS.
909 broadly defines "intimidation," thus a pastor's sermon could be considered "hate speech" if heard by an individual who then acts aggressively against persons based on any "sexual orientation." The pastor could be prosecuted for "conspiracy to commit a hate crime" or for "inciting violence against gays" simply by quoting the Bible in church. And the First Amendment won't automatically protect pastors, since speech accused of "inciting violence" is not protected, and is punishable, under precedent of Supreme Court rulings. In 1993 Wisconsin v. Mitchell, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a "hate speech" law providing enhanced punishments for violent crimes based on racial motives as revealed by speech of the accused, (which would now apply broadly to punish any "anti-gay motives" in the speech of accused pastor "co-conspirators.") But pastor, if a crazy person in your audience commits a crime against a heterosexual, don't worry, you'll get a comparative discount in your prison time.

IS PRAYER IN JESUS' NAME A "HATE CRIME?"Any public prayer against the sin of homosexuality could be construed as "inciting violence" by easily offended listeners, especially if those prayers are offered "in Jesus name." When I served our country as a former Navy Chaplain, for example, I was told in writing by Chief of Chaplains Rear-Admiral Louis Iasiello, that "any chaplain's continued insistence on ending public prayers 'in Jesus' name'...could reasonably tend to denigrate those with different forms of faith." His policy prohibiting prayers "in Jesus name" was enforced against me at court-martial, before it was later rescinded by Congress in 2006. But this year I've already been falsely accused of "inciting violence" because I quoted verbatim from Psalm 109 in my public prayers, (for which [a secular activist] literally requested an FBI investigation against me!) Just imagine more anti-Christian aggression by law enforcement officials AFTER this hate-crimes bill becomes law.

IS PREACHING AGAINST SIN A HATE CRIME?As a former Navy Chaplain who was punished (in writing, three times) for quoting the Bible in chapel during optionally-attended worship, I know exactly how they'll come after us. The enemies of religious liberty will simply declare certain gospel phrases "hateful" and "offensive" like my commanding officer who punished me for quoting John 3:36 in chapel, and was supported by government lawyers for "protecting" easily offended listeners from the "offensive" gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ.Congressman Louie Gohmert (R-TX) agrees with me, saying pastors, rabbis, or imams could be charged with encouraging or inducing a "hate crime" if they preach against homosexuality. "Every preacher of the gospel, unless you cut out parts of it; every imam who mentions anything with regard to sexual immorality — they could be pursued, and in other countries they have been," says Gohmert. (Congressmen Gohmert is my personal advocate, with whom I preached last year at a pro-faith rally in Texas...and we both agree the gospel of freedom from sin really is "love speech" not "hate speech.")

FREE SPEECH SUPPRESSED IN NORWAYHate crimes laws protecting homosexuals from criticism are already silencing pastors in Norway, where these dangerous laws specifically empower law enforcement officials to prosecute "intimidation" of homosexuals. For example, Congressman Gohmert warned "I was talking to a guy from Norway who was telling me that people are even afraid to say Mary was a virgin, because just bringing up sexuality at all can raise problems with law enforcement."

FREE SPEECH CRIMINALIZED IN PENNSYLVANIA:Can't happen in America? It already has. In 2004 my friend Michael Marcavage was arrested along with ten other Christians (including two elderly grandmothers), and charged with violating Pennsylvania's "hate crimes" laws, because they carried signs conveying God's love at a Gay Pride rally. One member of "The Philadelphia Eleven," Arlene Elshinnawy, 75 year-old grandmother of three, was holding a sign: "Truth is hate to those who hate the truth," before she was hauled off to jail by police officers. They were literally threatened with 50 years in jail for preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ on a public sidewalk, because it offended gays. That hate crimes law was so outrageous it was later found unconstitutional by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, but now Ted Kennedy and Barack Obama want to pass essentially that same discredited law nationwide.

Tolerence? Only for those that agree with them.



In other words: from Political Pistachio



Not all lawmakers agree with this perverse proposal.

Has anyone seen any press coverage on the public outcry of this bill? Me neither. Whew. I guess it doesn't exist then. That's a relief.

So Why Didn't She Call Him "General?"

Apparently Barbara Boxer sees herself more important and "earned" her stripes more valiantly than the good general.
This self-righteous, self indulged, power-hungry witch (no, not Blinky...this time) had the nerve to cut the man off and ask for respect. For her? What has she ever done to deserve respect from anyone serving to protect America?



Clearly she hates anyone in uniform. And even more clear is she has absolutely no respect for the warriors of America. In fact can anyone have any doubt she absolutely loathes anyone that represents the U.S. military? What utter contempt from someone who has no idea what respect is. She should have been at this man's feet thanking him for his patriotism and protection. She's lucky to have even been in the same room with him.

What a complete witch!

The Best of Conservative Jedi

Since this is the three-year anniversary of my first post here on Blogger, I felt that I would re-post some of what I feel are my best. Some are long (like mini-essays) some are short (perhaps a link or two followed by a short comment) but I feel all encompass my feelings on those given subjects, not to mention my thimble full of talent at such things.



Enjoy.


From the Files of the Oliver Stoned-Tuesday, June 6, 2006

My first post.

All Hail Danny Bonaduce-Sunday, December 17, 2006

This made me really proud of Danny Partridge...at the time.

Avery and Bermas Get Punked-Wednesday, December 27, 2006

If you haven't seen this, check it out. This is how you handle ignorant 9/11 Troofers.

I Dare Democrats to Deny This-Friday, January 5, 2007

True. All true. They all said this, then tried to deny it. I bet they hate the internet.

No Such Thing as Palestine-Sunday, January 7, 2007

Not mine, but a great column by a master of history; conservative talk-show host, Michael Medved.

Defense: Republicans v.s. Democrats-Tuesday, January 2, 2007

From Investor's Business Daily.

Silly Terrorists-Tuesday, March 20, 2007

I think this was from The Onion.

Al Sharpton is a Fraud and a Liar-Tuesday, April 12, 2007

Nuff, said.

The Truth in it's Simplest Form-Sunday, April 15, 2007

A great article by Bil Whittle.

More Democratic Hypocricy-Sunday, April 15, 2007

The Media Cornucopia-Sunday, April 15, 2007

Awesome article by Adam D. Thierer

Could Anybody Have said it Better?-June 12, 2007

Dennis Miller at his best.

Man, I wish This Guy Could Be Leader For Life-Monday, July 2, 2007

He knew what it took and what he was doing.

Greatest Movie Line Ever-July 3, 2007

Oh Boy, Is This Great-Monday, July 9, 2007

Love the Earth, Eat the Endangered Inhabitants-Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Hypocrisy with a capital "I".

Reagan and the Press-December 20, 2007

Awesome read.

No Such Thing As Palestine-Part II-Saturday, December 22, 2007

More of a history lesson. This time with help from Brigitte Gabriel.

Liberals Smear in Canada Too-Saturday, January 5, 2008

A story on the smearing of former Canadian Prime Minister, Brian Mulroney.

The Fifth Column-Wednesday, January 23, 2008

One of my very best.

Islamists Are the Sith-Wednesday, January 23, 2008

A little comparison to Lucas' galaxy far, far away.

Q&A with Madeline Albright-Wednesday, February 27, 2008

This woman is a kook.

This is How Hillary would deal with Iraq-Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Imagine if she were president? Then again, how much different would she be?

Even al Queda Thinks the Troofers Are Insane-Tuesday, April 1, 2008

I actually thought this was a real news item. Yes, I admit it, I was a bit ignorant there. I didn't even know The Onion existed then. Not really much of an excuse given the date posted. But, it's still pretty funny.

So He's Not the Great Speaker After All-Monday, June 9, 2008

This was the first signs of Obama being married to his teleprompter.

Obama's Not Exactly's-Thursday, September 18, 2008

The Case Against Barack Obama-Part 1-Thursday, October 2, 2008

READ THESE-even though it's too late. You have no idea how hard I worked to get these out before the election.

The Case Against Barack Obama-Part 2-October 14, 2008

The Case Against Barack Obama-Part 3-October 15, 2008

The Case Against Barack Obama-part 4-October 20, 2008

The Case Against barack Obama-Part 5-October 23, 2008

Obama is the Man-November 5, 2008

Obama: Man of the Left-December 19, 2008

The Love and Stupidity of the Left aka Classic Liberalism-Monday, May 18, 2009

Gotta love this one.

How Presidents and Their Leading Ladies Age During Their Tenure-June 17, 2009

Yeah, I think this is so funny, it deserves to be here.


Hmm. I didn't think there would be that many. Well, it has been three years after all. Don't ask me why I didn't do this after one or two years, because I don't know. I may not do it for another five years.

Republican Senator Admits Affair

Here ya go lefties, another Republican "scandal" to try to distact us from your president destroying the country. Go MSM!

Ambitions in doubt? Maybe they should be. But how much did the Dems and the MSM care about Marion Berry, John Edwards, Barney Frank or any other Democrat caught in a scandal.

How Presidents and Their Leading Ladies Age During Their Tenure

Jimmy & Rosalyn Carter




Ronald & Nancy Reagan




George H.W. & Barbara Bush




Bill & Hillary Clinton




George W. & Laura Bush




Barack & Michelle Obama

Why Isn't This Guy Done?

Week after week after week, there's a news item (no thanks to the MSM) telling us of record cold spells all over the world. Recently there was snow in Saudi Arabia. SAUDI ARABIA for God's sake!
Will the MSM and Hollywood liberals (hello: Leonardo DiCaprio) pull up their stakes and go home? Will they finally admit their ignorance, pompousness and self-righteousness? Sadly, no.

CNN's McCafferty Really Needs to Move On

Gore did. Bush won fair and square, regardless of the Supreme Court stepping in and halting the proceedings. It's the electoral votes that count, folks. Like it or not. Moreover, that little TV movie, "Recount" is typical liberal propaganda and a total re-write of history.

How does McCafferty's leap in logic allow him to compare the disputed 2009 Iranian election to the 2000 U.S. general election, given that America is a democracy and Iran is a theocracy?

Again, if liberal history is so just and true, why the need to re-write it?
I know this is the genesis of Bush Derangement Syndrome, but are we done with this now?

Now That is an Apology

So David Letterman has finally apologized to Governor Sarah Palin for his insensitive sand ignorant remarks about her youngest daughter Willow.
It was, I feel, this time around (not like his half-hearted attempt before) a full, sincere apology and I believe him. Maybe he has an ounce credibility again (but probably not)
Now all there is left is to get all those left-wing pundits who defended this "joke" to admit they were wrong in defending him and apologize as well. But don't count on it, with the arrogance of the left-wing media and all that.

But Letterman apologized. It was a sincere one. Moving on.

Don't let the Liberal Iraq Death Toll Numbers Fool You

They're made up. Plain and simple. They are not now, nor were they ever accurate by any stretch of the imagination and everybody (especially those who made them up and continue to use them falsely to bolster their bogus anti-war arguments) know it.

Great Column by Thomas Sowell on Race and Priority of "Payback"

Is there anythng this man doesn't understand to the fullest?

Liberal Myths About Themselves

Townhall's John Hawkins five top myths that the left has created about themselves.

I'd say it's about right.

Smiling Jimmy Runs His Irellevent Mouth Again

Could it be any more obvious of how much of an anti-Semite this clown is?
Someone please tell me why anybody would listen to this failure.

The Straight Scoop on Obama and Healthcare

Townhall columnist, Star Parker hits you over the head with the skinny on what President Obama and his handlers have in store for their socialistic vision of Healthcare and why they must pass it now!

Netanyahu's Speech on the Palestinian/Israeli Situation

He won't back down and he won't be a patsy to Obama. He's telling it like it is.
From the London Telegraph online.

Pathetic

The left-wing media truly are a bunch of hateful, hypocritical soles.
Frank Rich, Paul Krugman, Helen Thomas and the rest are just spiteful ill-educated pions. Really. There is no other explanation for it. Power to the truth? Please. Get a clue and really know who the enemy is first.

Another Blue Moon?

It appears the NYT's Thomas Friedman, who is far from being a conservative columnist, is starting to see the truth. 50 million oppressed people freed from tyranny and, as Friedman himself says, the winds of change are blowing.

NewsBusters Noel Sheppard's take on this surprising, yet welcome column.

Friedman's column.

Gays Not Happy with Obama

Uh oh. Trouble brewing in Rainbowland.

Oh, Joe.

Like I've said, I actually like the man, but he really doesn't have a clue does he?
Seriously? Dan Quayle never had anything on this guy.

Hey, Maybe He Can Put Them Up at the White House

Maybe in the Lincoln bedroom?

Hard Action Needed Now!

That's it. No more playing around. If Obama is the man and the leader he wants everybody to believe he is, he'll do something about this now! Nevermind about being "baited," use your "special powers" and do something, Mr. President.

Lil' Kim is sending out messages all over the place. Forget China or Iran, this dude is dangerous.

The Insane One Wins (or did he?)

The inmates still run the asylum it seems.
Like they wouldn't have either way.

Of course, he claims everything was on the up and up. Yeah, and they really don't have homosexuals in Iran, either.

And like this will happen...

More...

It looks like Netanyahu and the rest of the Middle East may want to think about "doing something."

The Reasons I Vote Democrat

This is making the internet rounds.
Again, it's funny because it's true.

The Reasons I Vote Democrat

I voted Democrat because I love the fact that I can now marry whatever I want. I've decided to marry my horse.

I voted Democrat because I believe oil companies' profits of 4% on a gallon of gas are obscene but the government taxing the same gallon of gas at 15% isn't.

I voted Democrat because I believe the government will do a better job of spending the money I earn than I would.

I voted Democrat because freedom of speech is fine as long as nobody is offended by it.

I voted Democrat because when we pull out of Iraq I trust that the bad guys will stop what they're doing because they now think we're good people.

I voted Democrat because I'm way too irresponsible to own a gun, and I know that my local police are all I need to protect me from murderers and thieves.

I voted Democrat because I believe that people who can't tell us if it will rain on Friday can tell us that the polar ice caps will melt away in ten years if I don't start driving a Prius.

I voted Democrat because I'm not concerned about the slaughter of millions of babies so long as we keep all death row inmates alive.

I voted Democrat because I believe that business should not be allowed to make profits for themselves. They need to break even and give the rest away to the government for redistribution as THEY see fit.

I voted Democrat because I believe liberal judges need to rewrite The Constitution every few days to suit some fringe kooks who would never get their agendas past the voters.

I voted Democrat because my head is so firmly planted up my ass that it is unlikely that I'll ever have another point of view.

Wisdom from the Bar

Luke ''The Drifter'' says:
"We Americans got so tired of being thought of as dumb by the rest of the world that we went to the polls last November and removed all doubt."

Durbin Guilty of Insider Trading?

No wonder he fared so well during the market collapse. And I thought it was just his business instincts.

Fantastic

This is what happens when you elect terrorist sympathizers compounded with commie, liberal judges.

Do these idiots realize how this is damaging the defence of the country? Do they know how hard the enemy is laughing right now? Do they even care?
In the rush to get the enemy to like America so much, these morons and yes, traitors really are concocting the death knell for the U.S. And for all the liberal loons and appeasers in Canada and Eurabia, this means you too. You appeasment and cowardice will mean the end of liberty and freedom. I hope your popularity was worth it.

Townhall's Michael Barone has a comment or two as well...

Zo v.s Letterman

Go get 'em AlfonZ.

Damn It All

Ahmadinewhackjob may have bought himself some more insane playtime. This is not good for anybody, especially Israel. It's not officially over, but really, did anyone expect anything different? The Mullahs won't let anything disrupt their theocratic hold on power.

Harper Defends American Stimulus

Whaaa? Conservative Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper went on American television and defended President Barack Obama's deficit spending plan.

Pigs have indeed started to sprout wings. This has to be merely political manoeuvring.

Conservative Teacher Fired for...Being Conservative

The media said almost nothing.

Not like their defense to the aforementioned teacher who beraded and embarassed a little girl because her parents "were for McCain." With really bad english by the way.

So, what else is new?

Classic Liberal Paranoia and Outright Moonbattery

You have to see this. This made me laugh out loud. We know liberals love to play the race card whenever it suits them, while at the same time playing victim for the same reason, but this list of "reasons" why shooter James Von Brunn commiteed his crime is as valid as saying,

-Chris Matthews is responsible for violence against black homosexuals.
-Joy Behar is responsible for violence against liberal, female comedians (if you can call her that)
-Katie Couric is responsible for the beating death of Anne Pressly.
-And Kieth Olbermann is generally responsible for violence against crappy televison hosts with no logic, knowledge of history, talent or ratings.

Be sure to follow that HuffPo rant with this great article by NewsBusters' Mike Sargent.

This one article emcompasses every hyprocritical stance and projection of the left that it would take me till next Tuesday to point them all out (contrary to the left's version of "journalism" or punditry, that is not a mere excuse or laziness, it's just a fact)

While he's at it, since he seems to have all the answers on society's woes, maybe we can get Rowe to explain the origin of the universe. Speaking of the universe, people like him truly do seem to live in a multitude of alternative ones, don't they?

Is the Government Going After Private Funds?

Is the Obama White House, in the name of socialism (you can deny it all you want lefties-even by any other name) going after private citizens gambling winnings? Is the lottery to be nationalized next? Wait for it. Gambling is not illegal as last I heard. Even if there are some shady dealings going on with this particular company, by what right does the government have in seizing legal, private winnings?

Another Korean Nuke Test in the Works

This would be strike three and the U.N. will do...nothing.

Obama: My Way or the Highway

Wasn't there another president who was recently chastised for "getting involved in other countries business?' Or that he was "arrogant?" Welcome to the New Obamaworld. It's ok now.

But really, does anyone think this veteran of Middle East affairs will be punked by this inexperienced, brash "kid?" Me neither.

Murder at Holocaust Museum

Another right-wing "extremist" goes off. He would have to be (as the MSM wishes) wouldn't he? Because certainly there are no 88-year-old, anti-Semetic left-wingers, right? No, no. There are no, nor has there ever been, old racist liberals. In fact google or nexus "hard-core" or "ultra" liberal and see how many results you get. You would think they don't exist.

By the way, he was a 9/11 "Truther," so how far right could he be? Didn't they all vote for Kerry and Obama? Remember their cattle call, "Bush did it!" "Inside job!" Not exactly the battle cry of a conservative/GOP supporter now is it?

UPDATE: Clearly not.

Nah. There's Nothing Radical or Controversial About This Guy

Rev. Jeremiah Wright strikes again. No big deal says MSM (which is to say nothing)

Conservatives Make Headway in Europe

Rightwingers on the march in the EU, while America goes left? Figure that out.

Or if that doesn't make you scratch your head (regardless of what side of the political spectrum you're on) this certainly will.

Iraqis Detain Five Americans in Baghdad

Murder suspects of fellow contractor.

Just Passing This Along

Was the FBI "ordered" to "back off" on terrorist Muslim convert attacks?

Obama's Speech in Cairo

First the speech in its entirety :

I am honored to be in the timeless city of Cairo, and to be hosted by two remarkable institutions. For over a thousand years, Al-Azhar has stood as a beacon of Islamic learning, and for over a century, Cairo University has been a source of Egypt’s advancement.

Together, you represent the harmony between tradition and progress. I am grateful for your hospitality, and the hospitality of the people of Egypt. I am also proud to carry with me the goodwill of the American people, and a greeting of peace from Muslim communities in my country: assalaamu alaykum.

We meet at a time of tension between the United States and Muslims around the world – tension rooted in historical forces that go beyond any current policy debate. The relationship between Islam and the West includes centuries of co-existence and cooperation, but also conflict and religious wars.

More recently, tension has been fed by colonialism that denied rights and opportunities to many Muslims, and a Cold War in which Muslim-majority countries were too often treated as proxies without regard to their own aspirations. Moreover, the sweeping change brought by modernity and globalization led many Muslims to view the West as hostile to the traditions of Islam.

Violent extremists have exploited these tensions in a small but potent minority of Muslims. The attacks of September 11th, 2001 and the continued efforts of these extremists to engage in violence against civilians has led some in my country to view Islam as inevitably hostile not only to America and Western countries, but also to human rights. This has bred more fear and mistrust.

So long as our relationship is defined by our differences, we will empower those who sow hatred rather than peace, and who promote conflict rather than the cooperation that can help all of our people achieve justice and prosperity. This cycle of suspicion and discord must end.

I have come here to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world; one based upon mutual interest and mutual respect; and one based upon the truth that America and Islam are not exclusive, and need not be in competition. Instead, they overlap, and share common principles – principles of justice and progress; tolerance and the dignity of all human beings.

I do so recognizing that change cannot happen overnight. No single speech can eradicate years of mistrust, nor can I answer in the time that I have all the complex questions that brought us to this point. But I am convinced that in order to move forward, we must say openly the things we hold in our hearts, and that too often are said only behind closed doors.

There must be a sustained effort to listen to each other; to learn from each other; to respect one another; and to seek common ground. As the Holy Koran tells us, “Be conscious of God and speak always the truth.” That is what I will try to do – to speak the truth as best I can, humbled by the task before us, and firm in my belief that the interests we share as human beings are far more powerful than the forces that drive us apart.

Part of this conviction is rooted in my own experience. I am a Christian, but my father came from a Kenyan family that includes generations of Muslims. As a boy, I spent several years in Indonesia and heard the call of the azaan at the break of dawn and the fall of dusk. As a young man, I worked in Chicago communities where many found dignity and peace in their Muslim faith.

As a student of history, I also know civilization’s debt to Islam. It was Islam – at places like Al-Azhar University – that carried the light of learning through so many centuries, paving the way for Europe’s Renaissance and Enlightenment. It was innovation in Muslim communities that developed the order of algebra; our magnetic compass and tools of navigation; our mastery of pens and printing; our understanding of how disease spreads and how it can be healed.

Islamic culture has given us majestic arches and soaring spires; timeless poetry and cherished music; elegant calligraphy and places of peaceful contemplation. And throughout history, Islam has demonstrated through words and deeds the possibilities of religious tolerance and racial equality.

I know, too, that Islam has always been a part of America’s story. The first nation to recognize my country was Morocco. In signing the Treaty of Tripoli in 1796, our second President John Adams wrote, "The United States has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion or tranquility of Muslims." And since our founding, American Muslims have enriched the United States.

They have fought in our wars, served in government, stood for civil rights, started businesses, taught at our Universities, excelled in our sports arenas, won Nobel Prizes, built our tallest building, and lit the Olympic Torch. And when the first Muslim-American was recently elected to Congress, he took the oath to defend our Constitution using the same Holy Koran that one of our Founding Fathers – Thomas Jefferson – kept in his personal library.

So I have known Islam on three continents before coming to the region where it was first revealed. That experience guides my conviction that partnership between America and Islam must be based on what Islam is, not what it isn’t. And I consider it part of my responsibility as President of the United States to fight against negative stereotypes of Islam wherever they appear.

But that same principle must apply to Muslim perceptions of America. Just as Muslims do not fit a crude stereotype, America is not the crude stereotype of a self-interested empire. The United States has been one of the greatest sources of progress that the world has ever known.

We were born out of revolution against an empire. We were founded upon the ideal that all are created equal, and we have shed blood and struggled for centuries to give meaning to those words – within our borders, and around the world. We are shaped by every culture, drawn from every end of the Earth, and dedicated to a simple concept: E pluribus unum: "Out of many, one."

Much has been made of the fact that an African-American with the name Barack Hussein Obama could be elected President. But my personal story is not so unique. The dream of opportunity for all people has not come true for everyone in America, but its promise exists for all who come to our shores – that includes nearly seven million American Muslims in our country today who enjoy incomes and education that are higher than average.

Moreover, freedom in America is indivisible from the freedom to practice one’s religion. That is why there is a mosque in every state of our union, and over 1,200 mosques within our borders. That is why the U.S. government has gone to court to protect the right of women and girls to wear the hijab, and to punish those who would deny it.

So let there be no doubt: Islam is a part of America. And I believe that America holds within her the truth that regardless of race, religion, or station in life, all of us share common aspirations – to live in peace and security; to get an education and to work with dignity; to love our families, our communities, and our God. These things we share. This is the hope of all humanity.

Of course, recognizing our common humanity is only the beginning of our task. Words alone cannot meet the needs of our people. These needs will be met only if we act boldly in the years ahead; and if we understand that the challenges we face are shared, and our failure to meet them will hurt us all.

For we have learned from recent experience that when a financial system weakens in one country, prosperity is hurt everywhere. When a new flu infects one human being, all are at risk. When one nation pursues a nuclear weapon, the risk of nuclear attack rises for all nations.

When violent extremists operate in one stretch of mountains, people are endangered across an ocean. And when innocents in Bosnia and Darfur are slaughtered, that is a stain on our collective conscience. That is what it means to share this world in the 21st century. That is the responsibility we have to one another as human beings.

This is a difficult responsibility to embrace. For human history has often been a record of nations and tribes subjugating one another to serve their own interests. Yet in this new age, such attitudes are self-defeating. Given our interdependence, any world order that elevates one nation or group of people over another will inevitably fail. So whatever we think of the past, we must not be prisoners of it. Our problems must be dealt with through partnership; progress must be shared.

That does not mean we should ignore sources of tension. Indeed, it suggests the opposite: we must face these tensions squarely. And so in that spirit, let me speak as clearly and plainly as I can about some specific issues that I believe we must finally confront together.

The first issue that we have to confront is violent extremism in all of its forms.

In Ankara, I made clear that America is not – and never will be – at war with Islam. We will, however, relentlessly confront violent extremists who pose a grave threat to our security. Because we reject the same thing that people of all faiths reject: the killing of innocent men, women, and children. And it is my first duty as President to protect the American people.

The situation in Afghanistan demonstrates America’s goals, and our need to work together. Over seven years ago, the United States pursued al Qaeda and the Taliban with broad international support. We did not go by choice, we went because of necessity. I am aware that some question or justify the events of 9/11. But let us be clear: al Qaeda killed nearly 3,000 people on that day. The victims were innocent men, women and children from America and many other nations who had done nothing to harm anybody.

And yet Al Qaeda chose to ruthlessly murder these people, claimed credit for the attack, and even now states their determination to kill on a massive scale. They have affiliates in many countries and are trying to expand their reach. These are not opinions to be debated; these are facts to be dealt with.

Make no mistake: we do not want to keep our troops in Afghanistan. We seek no military bases there. It is agonizing for America to lose our young men and women. It is costly and politically difficult to continue this conflict. We would gladly bring every single one of our troops home if we could be confident that there were not violent extremists in Afghanistan and Pakistan determined to kill as many Americans as they possibly can. But that is not yet the case.

That’s why we’re partnering with a coalition of forty-six countries. And despite the costs involved, America’s commitment will not weaken. Indeed, none of us should tolerate these extremists. They have killed in many countries. They have killed people of different faiths – more than any other, they have killed Muslims. Their actions are irreconcilable with the rights of human beings, the progress of nations, and with Islam.

The Holy Koran teaches that whoever kills an innocent, it is as if he has killed all mankind; and whoever saves a person, it is as if he has saved all mankind. The enduring faith of over a billion people is so much bigger than the narrow hatred of a few. Islam is not part of the problem in combating violent extremism – it is an important part of promoting peace.

We also know that military power alone is not going to solve the problems in Afghanistan and Pakistan. That is why we plan to invest $1.5 billion each year over the next five years to partner with Pakistanis to build schools and hospitals, roads and businesses, and hundreds of millions to help those who have been displaced. And that is why we are providing more than $2.8 billion to help Afghans develop their economy and deliver services that people depend upon.

Let me also address the issue of Iraq. Unlike Afghanistan, Iraq was a war of choice that provoked strong differences in my country and around the world. Although I believe that the Iraqi people are ultimately better off without the tyranny of Saddam Hussein, I also believe that events in Iraq have reminded America of the need to use diplomacy and build international consensus to resolve our problems whenever possible. Indeed, we can recall the words of Thomas Jefferson, who said: “I hope that our wisdom will grow with our power, and teach us that the less we use our power the greater it will be.”

Today, America has a dual responsibility: to help Iraq forge a better future – and to leave Iraq to Iraqis. I have made it clear to the Iraqi people that we pursue no bases, and no claim on their territory or resources. Iraq’s sovereignty is its own. That is why I ordered the removal of our combat brigades by next August.

That is why we will honor our agreement with Iraq’s democratically-elected government to remove combat troops from Iraqi cities by July, and to remove all our troops from Iraq by 2012. We will help Iraq train its Security Forces and develop its economy. But we will support a secure and united Iraq as a partner, and never as a patron.

And finally, just as America can never tolerate violence by extremists, we must never alter our principles. 9/11 was an enormous trauma to our country. The fear and anger that it provoked was understandable, but in some cases, it led us to act contrary to our ideals. We are taking concrete actions to change course. I have unequivocally prohibited the use of torture by the United States, and I have ordered the prison at Guantanamo Bay closed by early next year.

So America will defend itself respectful of the sovereignty of nations and the rule of law. And we will do so in partnership with Muslim communities which are also threatened. The sooner the extremists are isolated and unwelcome in Muslim communities, the sooner we will all be safer.

The second major source of tension that we need to discuss is the situation between Israelis, Palestinians and the Arab world.

America’s strong bonds with Israel are well known. This bond is unbreakable. It is based upon cultural and historical ties, and the recognition that the aspiration for a Jewish homeland is rooted in a tragic history that cannot be denied.

Around the world, the Jewish people were persecuted for centuries, and anti-Semitism in Europe culminated in an unprecedented Holocaust. Tomorrow, I will visit Buchenwald, which was part of a network of camps where Jews were enslaved, tortured, shot and gassed to death by the Third Reich. Six million Jews were killed – more than the entire Jewish population of Israel today.

Denying that fact is baseless, ignorant, and hateful. Threatening Israel with destruction – or repeating vile stereotypes about Jews – is deeply wrong, and only serves to evoke in the minds of Israelis this most painful of memories while preventing the peace that the people of this region deserve.

On the other hand, it is also undeniable that the Palestinian people – Muslims and Christians – have suffered in pursuit of a homeland. For more than sixty years they have endured the pain of dislocation. Many wait in refugee camps in the West Bank, Gaza, and neighboring lands for a life of peace and security that they have never been able to lead.

They endure the daily humiliations – large and small – that come with occupation. So let there be no doubt: the situation for the Palestinian people is intolerable. America will not turn our backs on the legitimate Palestinian aspiration for dignity, opportunity, and a state of their own.

For decades, there has been a stalemate: two peoples with legitimate aspirations, each with a painful history that makes compromise elusive. It is easy to point fingers – for Palestinians to point to the displacement brought by Israel’s founding, and for Israelis to point to the constant hostility and attacks throughout its history from within its borders as well as beyond.

But if we see this conflict only from one side or the other, then we will be blind to the truth: the only resolution is for the aspirations of both sides to be met through two states, where Israelis and Palestinians each live in peace and security.

That is in Israel’s interest, Palestine’s interest, America’s interest, and the world’s interest. That is why I intend to personally pursue this outcome with all the patience that the task requires. The obligations that the parties have agreed to under the Road Map are clear. For peace to come, it is time for them – and all of us – to live up to our responsibilities.

Palestinians must abandon violence. Resistance through violence and killing is wrong and does not succeed. For centuries, black people in America suffered the lash of the whip as slaves and the humiliation of segregation. But it was not violence that won full and equal rights. It was a peaceful and determined insistence upon the ideals at the center of America’s founding.

This same story can be told by people from South Africa to South Asia; from Eastern Europe to Indonesia. It’s a story with a simple truth: that violence is a dead end. It is a sign of neither courage nor power to shoot rockets at sleeping children, or to blow up old women on a bus. That is not how moral authority is claimed; that is how it is surrendered.

Now is the time for Palestinians to focus on what they can build. The Palestinian Authority must develop its capacity to govern, with institutions that serve the needs of its people. Hamas does have support among some Palestinians, but they also have responsibilities. To play a role in fulfilling Palestinian aspirations, and to unify the Palestinian people, Hamas must put an end to violence, recognize past agreements, and recognize Israel’s right to exist.

At the same time, Israelis must acknowledge that just as Israel’s right to exist cannot be denied, neither can Palestine’s. The United States does not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlements. This construction violates previous agreements and undermines efforts to achieve peace. It is time for these settlements to stop.

Israel must also live up to its obligations to ensure that Palestinians can live, and work, and develop their society. And just as it devastates Palestinian families, the continuing humanitarian crisis in Gaza does not serve Israel’s security; neither does the continuing lack of opportunity in the West Bank. Progress in the daily lives of the Palestinian people must be part of a road to peace, and Israel must take concrete steps to enable such progress.

Finally, the Arab States must recognize that the Arab Peace Initiative was an important beginning, but not the end of their responsibilities. The Arab-Israeli conflict should no longer be used to distract the people of Arab nations from other problems. Instead, it must be a cause for action to help the Palestinian people develop the institutions that will sustain their state; to recognize Israel’s legitimacy; and to choose progress over a self-defeating focus on the past.

America will align our policies with those who pursue peace, and say in public what we say in private to Israelis and Palestinians and Arabs. We cannot impose peace. But privately, many Muslims recognize that Israel will not go away. Likewise, many Israelis recognize the need for a Palestinian state. It is time for us to act on what everyone knows to be true.

Too many tears have flowed. Too much blood has been shed. All of us have a responsibility to work for the day when the mothers of Israelis and Palestinians can see their children grow up without fear; when the Holy Land of three great faiths is the place of peace that God intended it to be; when Jerusalem is a secure and lasting home for Jews and Christians and Muslims, and a place for all of the children of Abraham to mingle peacefully together as in the story of Isra, when Moses, Jesus, and Mohammed (peace be upon them) joined in prayer.

The third source of tension is our shared interest in the rights and responsibilities of nations on nuclear weapons.

This issue has been a source of tension between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran. For many years, Iran has defined itself in part by its opposition to my country, and there is indeed a tumultuous history between us. In the middle of the Cold War, the United States played a role in the overthrow of a democratically-elected Iranian government.

Since the Islamic Revolution, Iran has played a role in acts of hostage-taking and violence against U.S. troops and civilians. This history is well known. Rather than remain trapped in the past, I have made it clear to Iran’s leaders and people that my country is prepared to move forward. The question, now, is not what Iran is against, but rather what future it wants to build.

It will be hard to overcome decades of mistrust, but we will proceed with courage, rectitude and resolve. There will be many issues to discuss between our two countries, and we are willing to move forward without preconditions on the basis of mutual respect.

But it is clear to all concerned that when it comes to nuclear weapons, we have reached a decisive point. This is not simply about America’s interests. It is about preventing a nuclear arms race in the Middle East that could lead this region and the world down a hugely dangerous path.

I understand those who protest that some countries have weapons that others do not. No single nation should pick and choose which nations hold nuclear weapons. That is why I strongly reaffirmed America’s commitment to seek a world in which no nations hold nuclear weapons. And any nation – including Iran – should have the right to access peaceful nuclear power if it complies with its responsibilities under the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. That commitment is at the core of the Treaty, and it must be kept for all who fully abide by it. And I am hopeful that all countries in the region can share in this goal.

The fourth issue that I will address is democracy.

I know there has been controversy about the promotion of democracy in recent years, and much of this controversy is connected to the war in Iraq. So let me be clear: no system of government can or should be imposed upon one nation by any other.

That does not lessen my commitment, however, to governments that reflect the will of the people. Each nation gives life to this principle in its own way, grounded in the traditions of its own people. America does not presume to know what is best for everyone, just as we would not presume to pick the outcome of a peaceful election.

But I do have an unyielding belief that all people yearn for certain things: the ability to speak your mind and have a say in how you are governed; confidence in the rule of law and the equal administration of justice; government that is transparent and doesn’t steal from the people; the freedom to live as you choose. Those are not just American ideas, they are human rights, and that is why we will support them everywhere.

There is no straight line to realize this promise. But this much is clear: governments that protect these rights are ultimately more stable, successful and secure. Suppressing ideas never succeeds in making them go away. America respects the right of all peaceful and law-abiding voices to be heard around the world, even if we disagree with them. And we will welcome all elected, peaceful governments – provided they govern with respect for all their people.

This last point is important because there are some who advocate for democracy only when they are out of power; once in power, they are ruthless in suppressing the rights of others. No matter where it takes hold, government of the people and by the people sets a single standard for all who hold power: you must maintain your power through consent, not coercion; you must respect the rights of minorities, and participate with a spirit of tolerance and compromise; you must place the interests of your people and the legitimate workings of the political process above your party. Without these ingredients, elections alone do not make true democracy.

The fifth issue that we must address together is religious freedom.

Islam has a proud tradition of tolerance. We see it in the history of Andalusia and Cordoba during the Inquisition. I saw it firsthand as a child in Indonesia, where devout Christians worshiped freely in an overwhelmingly Muslim country. That is the spirit we need today.

People in every country should be free to choose and live their faith based upon the persuasion of the mind, heart, and soul. This tolerance is essential for religion to thrive, but it is being challenged in many different ways.

Among some Muslims, there is a disturbing tendency to measure one’s own faith by the rejection of another’s. The richness of religious diversity must be upheld – whether it is for Maronites in Lebanon or the Copts in Egypt. And fault lines must be closed among Muslims as well, as the divisions between Sunni and Shia have led to tragic violence, particularly in Iraq.

Freedom of religion is central to the ability of peoples to live together. We must always examine the ways in which we protect it. For instance, in the United States, rules on charitable giving have made it harder for Muslims to fulfill their religious obligation. That is why I am committed to working with American Muslims to ensure that they can fulfill zakat.

Likewise, it is important for Western countries to avoid impeding Muslim citizens from practicing religion as they see fit – for instance, by dictating what clothes a Muslim woman should wear. We cannot disguise hostility towards any religion behind the pretence of liberalism.

Indeed, faith should bring us together. That is why we are forging service projects in America that bring together Christians, Muslims, and Jews. That is why we welcome efforts like Saudi Arabian King Abdullah’s Interfaith dialogue and Turkey’s leadership in the Alliance of Civilizations. Around the world, we can turn dialogue into Interfaith service, so bridges between peoples lead to action – whether it is combating malaria in Africa, or providing relief after a natural disaster.

The sixth issue that I want to address is women’s rights.

I know there is debate about this issue. I reject the view of some in the West that a woman who chooses to cover her hair is somehow less equal, but I do believe that a woman who is denied an education is denied equality. And it is no coincidence that countries where women are well-educated are far more likely to be prosperous.

Now let me be clear: issues of women’s equality are by no means simply an issue for Islam. In Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Indonesia, we have seen Muslim-majority countries elect a woman to lead. Meanwhile, the struggle for women’s equality continues in many aspects of American life, and in countries around the world.

Our daughters can contribute just as much to society as our sons, and our common prosperity will be advanced by allowing all humanity – men and women – to reach their full potential. I do not believe that women must make the same choices as men in order to be equal, and I respect those women who choose to live their lives in traditional roles. But it should be their choice.

That is why the United States will partner with any Muslim-majority country to support expanded literacy for girls, and to help young women pursue employment through micro-financing that helps people live their dreams.

Finally, I want to discuss economic development and opportunity.

I know that for many, the face of globalization is contradictory. The Internet and television can bring knowledge and information, but also offensive sexuality and mindless violence. Trade can bring new wealth and opportunities, but also huge disruptions and changing communities.

In all nations – including my own – this change can bring fear. Fear that because of modernity we will lose of control over our economic choices, our politics, and most importantly our identities – those things we most cherish about our communities, our families, our traditions, and our faith.

But I also know that human progress cannot be denied. There need not be contradiction between development and tradition. Countries like Japan and South Korea grew their economies while maintaining distinct cultures. The same is true for the astonishing progress within Muslim-majority countries from Kuala Lumpur to Dubai. In ancient times and in our times, Muslim communities have been at the forefront of innovation and education.

This is important because no development strategy can be based only upon what comes out of the ground, nor can it be sustained while young people are out of work. Many Gulf States have enjoyed great wealth as a consequence of oil, and some are beginning to focus it on broader development.

But all of us must recognize that education and innovation will be the currency of the 21st century, and in too many Muslim communities there remains underinvestment in these areas. I am emphasizing such investments within my country. And while America in the past has focused on oil and gas in this part of the world, we now seek a broader engagement.

On education, we will expand exchange programs, and increase scholarships, like the one that brought my father to America, while encouraging more Americans to study in Muslim communities. And we will match promising Muslim students with internships in America; invest in on-line learning for teachers and children around the world; and create a new online network, so a teenager in Kansas can communicate instantly with a teenager in Cairo.

On economic development, we will create a new corps of business volunteers to partner with counterparts in Muslim-majority countries. And I will host a Summit on Entrepreneurship this year to identify how we can deepen ties between business leaders, foundations and social entrepreneurs in the United States and Muslim communities around the world.

On science and technology, we will launch a new fund to support technological development in Muslim-majority countries, and to help transfer ideas to the marketplace so they can create jobs. We will open centers of scientific excellence in Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia, and appoint new Science Envoys to collaborate on programs that develop new sources of energy, create green jobs, digitize records, clean water, and grow new crops.

And today I am announcing a new global effort with the Organization of the Islamic Conference to eradicate polio. And we will also expand partnerships with Muslim communities to promote child and maternal health.

All these things must be done in partnership. Americans are ready to join with citizens and governments; community organizations, religious leaders, and businesses in Muslim communities around the world to help our people pursue a better life.

The issues that I have described will not be easy to address. But we have a responsibility to join together on behalf of the world we seek – a world where extremists no longer threaten our people, and American troops have come home; a world where Israelis and Palestinians are each secure in a state of their own, and nuclear energy is used for peaceful purposes; a world where governments serve their citizens, and the rights of all God’s children are respected. Those are mutual interests. That is the world we seek. But we can only achieve it together.

I know there are many – Muslim and non-Muslim – who question whether we can forge this new beginning. Some are eager to stoke the flames of division, and to stand in the way of progress. Some suggest that it isn’t worth the effort – that we are fated to disagree, and civilizations are doomed to clash. Many more are simply skeptical that real change can occur.

There is so much fear, so much mistrust. But if we choose to be bound by the past, we will never move forward. And I want to particularly say this to young people of every faith, in every country – you, more than anyone, have the ability to remake this world.

All of us share this world for but a brief moment in time. The question is whether we spend that time focused on what pushes us apart, or whether we commit ourselves to an effort – a sustained effort – to find common ground, to focus on the future we seek for our children, and to respect the dignity of all human beings.

It is easier to start wars than to end them. It is easier to blame others than to look inward; to see what is different about someone than to find the things we share. But we should choose the right path, not just the easy path.

There is also one rule that lies at the heart of every religion – that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us. This truth transcends nations and peoples – a belief that isn’t new; that isn’t black or white or brown; that isn’t Christian, or Muslim or Jew. It’s a belief that pulsed in the cradle of civilization, and that still beats in the heart of billions. It’s a faith in other people, and it’s what brought me here today.

We have the power to make the world we seek, but only if we have the courage to make a new beginning, keeping in mind what has been written.

The Holy Koran tells us, “O mankind! We have created you male and a female; and we have made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another.”

The Talmud tells us: “The whole of the Torah is for the purpose of promoting peace.”

The Holy Bible tells us, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”

The people of the world can live together in peace. We know that is God’s vision. Now, that must be our work here on Earth. Thank you. And may God’s peace be upon you.

President Obama's speech designed to strengthen ties between America and Muslim world. Overall, not bad. Obviously things I disagree with, like apologizing too much and many historical inaccuracies. But also things I was pleasantly surprised to hear such as the damage done by the 9/11 conspiracy boobs. But overall a good job by the president.

And yes, no doubt this was a historic speech of (pardon the pun) biblical proportions.


However...(you had to know this was coming)

Here are the problems...

Not mentioning that Muslims of the Middle East take responsibility for their persecution of jews and Christians, including daily murder and torture.

To that point, here is a opinion piece by "Doctor Zero" over at Hot Air, describing what President Obama should have said.

And Dennis Prager as well...

And of course, the always brilliant, always vigilant, Charles Krauthammer tells it like it is.



Now, now. These are historical facts. And to the point of my problem with the president's historical inaccuracies I spoke about.

But, perhaps for once I'll leave an Obama speech on a good note.

"The situation in Afghanistan demonstrates America’s goals, and our need to work together. Over seven years ago, the United States pursued al Qaeda and the Taliban with broad international support. We did not go by choice, we went because of necessity. I am aware that some question or justify the events of 9/11. But let us be clear: al Qaeda killed nearly 3,000 people on that day. The victims were innocent men, women and children from America and many other nations who had done nothing to harm anybody."

"And yet Al Qaeda chose to ruthlessly murder these people, claimed credit for the attack, and even now states their determination to kill on a massive scale. They have affiliates in many countries and are trying to expand their reach. These are not opinions to be debated; these are facts to be dealt with."

"Make no mistake: We do not want to keep our troops in Afghanistan. We seek no military bases there. It is agonizing for America to lose our young men and women. It is costly and politically difficult to continue this conflict. We would gladly bring every single one of our troops home if we could be confident that there were not violent extremists in Afghanistan and Pakistan determined to kill as many Americans as they possibly can. But that is not yet the case."

"America’s strong bonds with Israel are well known. This bond is unbreakable. It is based upon cultural and historical ties, and the recognition that the aspiration for a Jewish homeland is rooted in a tragic history that cannot be denied. Around the world, the Jewish people were persecuted for centuries, and anti-Semitism in Europe culminated in an unprecedented Holocaust. Tomorrow, I will visit Buchenwald, which was part of a network of camps where Jews were enslaved, tortured, shot and gassed to death by the Third Reich. Six million Jews were killed – more than the entire Jewish population of Israel today."

"Tomorrow, I will visit Buchenwald, which was part of a network of camps where Jews were enslaved, tortured, shot and gassed to death by the Third Reich. Six million Jews were killed -- more than the entire Jewish population of Israel today. Denying that fact is baseless, ignorant and hateful. Threatening Israel with destruction -- or repeating vile stereotypes about Jews -- is deeply wrong and only serves to evoke in the minds of Israelis this most painful of memories while preventing the peace that the people of this region deserve."

"The sixth issue that I want to address is women’s rights. I know there is debate about this issue. I reject the view of some in the West that a woman who chooses to cover her hair is somehow less equal, but I do believe that a woman who is denied an education is denied equality. And it is no coincidence that countries where women are well-educated are far more likely to be prosperous. Now let me be clear: issues of women’s equality are by no means simply an issue for Islam. In Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Indonesia, we have seen Muslim-majority countries elect a woman to lead. Meanwhile, the struggle for women’s equality continues in many aspects of American life, and in countries around the world. Our daughters can contribute just as much to society as our sons, and our common prosperity will be advanced by allowing all humanity – men and women – to reach their full potential. I do not believe that women must make the same choices as men in order to be equal, and I respect those women who choose to live their lives in traditional roles. But it should be their choice."

Good stuff. Yes, I said it.