Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Alan Caruba: It's about the Money, Not the Climate
Warning Signs
... "These days, when some world leader or politician speaks of the climate—the weather is what is happening right now wherever you are—they are not talking about sunshine or rain. They are talking about a devilishly obscene way of raising money by claiming that it is humans that are threatening the climate with everything they do, from turning on the lights to driving anywhere.
"That’s why “global warming” was invented in the late 1980s as an immense threat to the Earth and to mankind. Never mind that Earth has routinely passed through warmer and cooler cycles for billions of years; much of which occurred before mankind emerged. And never mind that the Earth has been a distinct cooling cycle for the past seventeen years and likely to stay in it for a while. If the history of ice ages is any guide, we could literally be on the cusp of a new one." ...
Here comes the money angle:
"If, however, a government can tax the use of energy, it stands to make a lot of money. That is why carbon taxes have been introduced in some nations and why the nearly useless “clean energy” options of wind and solar have been introduced even though they both require the backup of traditional coal, natural gas and nuclear energy plants because they cannot produce electricity if the wind isn’t blowing and the sun is obscured by clouds. "
Along that same line, consider this: 2010: Al Gore's New $8.875 Million Montecito Villa "Via Real Estalker, Al and Tipper Gore have picked up a $8.875M luxury getaway in Montecito, CA; a swanky zip code that has attracted big name residents like Oprah Winfrey, Steve Martin, and Kirk Douglas. Records show that the approximately 6,500 sq. foot home boasts 6 bedrooms, 9 bathrooms, a large pool house, 6 fireplaces, wood framed french doors, and carved stone detailing throughout. Check out the slideshow and see what you think: tacky or tasteful. "
Here comes the money angle:
The day the Muslims repented
The following is purely fictitious, but if it ever happened it would change the entire World.Renew America
"An Official Declaration from The Islamic World Council." Excerpt follows...
"In the name of the entire Islamic People, we herein make humble confession of our age-old errors and repent wholeheartedly of them.
"1. We have pursued a wicked policy of forced conversion throughout the World, whereas the people of the World have every right to believe whatsoever they choose to believe, we once and for all acknowledge that individual choice is God-given and sacrosanct. We shall never again attempt to inflict on the World a religion and political system which has neither helped us, nor is it likely to help anyone else. It was no coincidence that Islam only began growing after Mohammed resorted to violence. We repent of this and of the 270 million deaths that we have caused throughout history and plead for the World's forgiveness.
"2. We are sorry for taking advantage of all the countries in which we have been welcomed, by secretly plotting and working to overthrow those countries from within. We were unworthy of your kindness. " ... Full article...
But my best choice is this excerpt:
"6. The matter of the Jews and Israel weighs particularly heavily upon us. From time immemorial we have oppressed you, pursued you, persecuted you. We have told lies about you, we have killed your men, raped your women and taken your children as slaves. And, as if this wasn't bad enough, we have pretended that we were simply being devout believers in Allah, that what we were doing was praiseworthy. In fact, we were murderers, lustful and wicked, inspired only by evil. It is difficult for us to even have the temerity to ask your forgiveness for this, instead, we cast ourselves on your mercy and on the mercies of the God of Israel."
Gaza: What Could the Press Corps Have Done Differently?
Honest Reporting
... "So what do I think reporters should be doing better? I’ll sum it up in a 12-letter word.
"Transparency.
"Transparency demands that reporters be frank with their audiences about the circumstances they work under, and the methodology they use to gather and verify information.
"I haven’t seen many journalists openly say things like “Hamas doesn’t allow reporters to . . .” or, “Some people from Hamas threatened me when . . . .”
"I haven’t seen statements such as, “These casualty figures are based on Gaza health officials who are employed by Hamas.”
"I haven’t seen any reporters point out that Hamas hasn’t released the names of any of its fallen combatants, nor have I seen coverage of the Gaza funerals reflecting that the dead person may have been a combatant. Do journalists only go to the funerals of children?" ...
"The interviewer, Kate Bolduan, wasn’t representing the mainstream media, but she was prepared ahead of time to defend CNN’s work."
... "So what do I think reporters should be doing better? I’ll sum it up in a 12-letter word.
"Transparency.
"Transparency demands that reporters be frank with their audiences about the circumstances they work under, and the methodology they use to gather and verify information.
"I haven’t seen many journalists openly say things like “Hamas doesn’t allow reporters to . . .” or, “Some people from Hamas threatened me when . . . .”
"I haven’t seen statements such as, “These casualty figures are based on Gaza health officials who are employed by Hamas.”
"I haven’t seen any reporters point out that Hamas hasn’t released the names of any of its fallen combatants, nor have I seen coverage of the Gaza funerals reflecting that the dead person may have been a combatant. Do journalists only go to the funerals of children?" ...
Compilation Video: Obama WILL NOT REST
American Glob
"Obama is fond of saying he “will not rest” until (insert empty promise here.)
"The Washington Free Beacon has compiled a video of Obama’s “will not rest” moments which also looks at how often he hits the links. Watch below."
"Obama is fond of saying he “will not rest” until (insert empty promise here.)
"The Washington Free Beacon has compiled a video of Obama’s “will not rest” moments which also looks at how often he hits the links. Watch below."
Whosoever Blesses Them; The intifada and its defenders.
Larry Miller ..."The Palestinians want their own country. There's just one thing about that: There are no Palestinians. It's a made up word. Israel was called Palestine for two thousand years. Like "Wiccan," "Palestinian" sounds ancient but is really a modern invention. Before the Israelis won the land in war, Gaza was owned by Egypt, and there were no "Palestinians" then, and the West Bank was owned by Jordan, and there were no "Palestinians" then. As soon as the Jews took over and started growing oranges as big as basketballs, what do you know, say hello to the "Palestinians," weeping for their deep bond with their lost "land" and "nation." So for the sake of honesty, let's not use the word "Palestinian" any more to describe these delightful folks, who dance for joy at our deaths until someone points out they're being taped. Instead, let's call them what they are: "Other Arabs From The Same General Area Who Are In Deep Denial About Never Being Able To Accomplish Anything In Life And Would Rather Wrap Themselves In The Seductive Melodrama Of Eternal Struggle And Death." I know that's a bit unwieldy to expect to see on CNN. How about this, then: "Adjacent Jew-Haters.' "
...
"So, now, back to Greta. You know what made me mad enough to shout? You might not even think it was that big a thing.
"After the show she said to these guys, "Thank you, gentlemen, for being my guests." "Gentlemen." "Guests." "My guests." That's what it's come to with these non-judgmental hosts and hostesses. Nice, huh? "Thank you, Mr. Stalin, sir, for being so gracious in giving us your valuable time." "My eternal gratitude, Chairman Mao, for taking precious moments away from your splendid Five-Year Plan and visiting with us in this most convivial way."
And I winced, and grunted, and shouted. Oh, yeah, and made that drink.
I mean, please, folks. In 1941, did reporters feel it was their duty to give equal time to Hitler and Hirohito? Would Stanley Cohen have represented them? Ok, Stanley probably would have, but would any American have stood still while he told us about it?
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
The Guns of August; What World War I Wrought
Weekly Standard "David Adesnik goes on camera to explain what World War I wrought:"
"Check out Adesnik's piece on the subject in the last issue of the magazine, "Why America Fought: The lessons of World War I.' "
The documentary,"The Guns of August"
Newly Discovered Hamas Combat Manual Reveals 'Benefits' of Human Shields
The Grid
The Israeli Defense Forces recently discovered the Hamas manual on "Urban Warfare," which notes in part the benefits for Hamas when the IDF destroys civilian homes:
The Israeli Defense Forces recently discovered the Hamas manual on "Urban Warfare," which notes in part the benefits for Hamas when the IDF destroys civilian homes:
The destruction of civilian homes: This increases the hatred of the citizens towards the attackers [the IDF] and increases their gathering [support] around the city defenders (resistance forces[i.e. Hamas]).
Also - Learn about 14 Way Hamas Weaponized Palestinian Women, Children, and Animals against Israel here
The destruction of civilian homes: This increases the hatred of the citizens towards the attackers [the IDF] and increases their gathering [support] around the city defenders (resistance forces[i.e. Hamas]).
Finnish reporter confirms rocket fire from hospital but furious people quoted her
Legal Insurrection
"Claims her report being used for pro-Israel propaganda, has cousin arrested in West Bank."
"Claims her report being used for pro-Israel propaganda, has cousin arrested in West Bank."
Happy Birthday Mr. President
It’s That Time Of Year Again…President Selfie Is Celebrating Another Big Birthday ... "After giving himself credit for creating jobs and saving the economy, he said exasperatedly, “I thought that you guys were going to ask me how I was going to spend my birthday. What happened to the birthday thing?' ”
"Via Washington Examiner:
Here’s the latest indication of how tough the political climate has become for President Obama: Even the Republican Party is raising money off his birthday today.
While Democrats for weeks have been using his 53rd to raise funds via email birthday cards, the Republican National Committee on Monday got into the action offering its donors to send the president a copy of the U.S. Constitution, a not so subtle reminder that the GOP believe the president is not enforcing key laws.
Americans support Israel, which irks much of the media
Hot Air "America’s sentiments are not unfounded or chauvinistic display of support for a historic ally. In spite of being lectured endlessly by the American government to expend even more energy in order to limit civilian casualties in Gaza, Israel’s rules of engagement are far more self-limiting and crippling than any to which the U.S. would agree to abide by.
"Front Page Magazine quotes a report which summarizes the extensive lengths to which the Israeli Defense Forces go in order to limit civilian casualties, often resulting in decreased operational capacity and IDF casualties.
Testimony that is reaching us from fighter pilots who provide close air assistance to the combat soldiers who are currently fighting in the field,” Channel 2′s military correspondent Nir Dvori reported, “about growing frustration over the fact that they hear the forces below them on the ground asking for cover and close air support when they see the terrorists drawing near from short range, firing at them, and there is no approval, because of various limitations, so as not to hit innocent civilians, and out of concern not to hit uninvolved people, and for this reason they cannot always give covering fire, cannot always fire, and so the frustration is that to some extent, they are leaving the fighters on their own to fight on the ground…” More...
"And then the media reverted to type." ...
...
Hamas is losing its war against Israel militarily, as it knew it would. But by co-opting the pathetic Western media – and by the Western media adopting Hamas’ line – Hamas is winning the battle of world opinion, thereby making more civilian deaths, both Jewish and Arab, an inevitability. The world media – and the politicians who act in accordance with them -- have blood on their hands for providing the only true support Hamas has left.
MSNBC Guests Deny 'Deep' Anti-Semitism in Middle East; Claim Only 'White Conservatives' Back Israel ... "On MSNBC's Melissa Harris-Perry program on Saturday, Dean Obeidallah injected race into the debate inside the U.S. over the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict: "You saw a poll last week, young people 18 to 29: only 25 percent think it's justified what Israel is doing; 50 percent said, no. People of color, same numbers...It's really the Obama coalition versus white conservatives. That's the only group saying – the majority saying what Israel is doing is justified.' " ...
Emphasis in the original.
... "Geraldo has been a long time supporter of the terrorists in Gaza. But his anti-Israel rant was even more nonsensical and outrageous in this interview than in times past."
Finally: this Al Jazeera cartoon
Monday, August 4, 2014
The Economist on The lawsuit against Obama
So sue me "BARACK OBAMA is taking a somewhat irreverent approach to the lawsuit House Republicans voted to wage against him for exceeding the constitutional bounds of the presidency. “We could do so much more if Congress would just come on and help a little bit,” he said on Wednesday, scolding GOP lawmakers during a speech in Kansas City. “Stop just hatin’ all the time.” Chuckling, Mr Obama betrayed no anxiety about being sued. “I know they’re not that happy I’m president, but that’s OK,” he said. “I’ve only got a couple years left. Come on! Let’s get some work done.”
"The irony of the lawsuit is lost on no one. Republicans cite a number of unilateral executive actions in their criticism of Mr Obama’s "imperialism", but the lawsuit concentrates on delays he has ordered in the implementation of several provisions of the Affordable Care Act." ...
...
"In John Locke’s "Second Treatise of Government", a source of inspiration for America’s founders, the legislative branch of government stands above the others: “there can be but one supreme power, which is the legislative, to which all the rest are and must be subordinate.” So if Mr Obama is really usurping legislative authority, as the GOP claims, the lawsuit may in fact be justified."
Political theatre, political pain ..."The Affordable Care Act is meant to work by applying pain to those who fail to comply with its mandates. Republicans believed this pain would help them win the senate and repeal Obamacare. They're outraged that Obama should get to delay and thereby possibly avoid altogether the potentially self-negating political consequences of his signature legislation simply by unilaterally amending its timeline to better suit his party's interests. Mr Obama effectively denied the Republicans the political theatre they wanted by refusing to bring the pain he had promised voters. So the Republicans are doing their best to bring the pain to Mr Obama by theatrically accusing him of imperial lawlessness—a move sure to rouse their base—in a way that reminds voters of the pain of Obamacare that will soon descend upon them ... unless the Democrats are chucked out of the Senate.
"Mr Boehner's suit may be terrible law, but it's not bad theatre, and it's very possibly smart politics. " ...
"Mr Boehner's suit may be terrible law, but it's not bad theatre, and it's very possibly smart politics. " ...
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