The Pledge of Allegiance - Socialist?

Pastor who helped get "under God" in Pledge dies at 97

A church official says the clergyman credited with helping to push Congress to insert the phrase "under God" into the Pledge of Allegiance has died in Alexandria, PA. The Rev. George M. Docherty was 97.
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Source: Associated Press

Note: Digging deeper into the history behind the Pledge of Allegiance, I was surprised to learn of its socialist roots. The attributed author, Francis Bellamy, was a Christian Socialist, a movement that is still active today. Bellamy's exclusive authorship was disputed by the publisher of The Youth's Companion, where the Pledge of Allegiance first appeared in 1892.

Despite its socialist background, the Pledge seems to have escaped the bonds of socialist dogma, making no reference to wealth re-distribution or state supremacy:

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

Stampeding Shoppers Kill Wal-mart Worker

Worker dies in stampede at Long Island Wal-mart

A Wal-Mart worker died after being trampled when hundreds of shoppers smashed through the doors of a Long Island store Friday morning, police and witnesses said.

The 34-year-old employee, a temporary maintenance worker, tried to hold back the unruly crowds just after the Valley Stream store opened at 5 a.m.
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Source: New York Daily News

Note: It will be interesting to see whether Wal-Mart will be held responsible for this tragedy. On the one hand, retailers are so blinded by profit potential, they can't resist expanding their hours into the dark of night, and dropping their prices to the "killer-bargain" level to attract the crowds. On the other hand, consumers are so blinded by greed that they literally turn into a crazed herd of inhuman monsters...trampling everything in sight, in shameless pursuit of those "killer-bargains."

I suspect Wal-Mart will be not only villified, but held financially responsible, while the shoppers go their merry way. It has indeed been a "Black Friday."

Follow the Money

European agency rules against stem cell patents

European regulators on Thursday ruled against allowing a patent on developing human embryonic stem cells, a decision that could stifle research by stem cell companies for commercial purposes.

Opponents call the research immoral because it requires the destruction of the embryo but advocates say it is the best hope for potential cures for conditions such as diabetes, Parkinson's disease and spinal cord injuries.

The problem for companies looking to profit from technology using stem cells is that without patent protection there is little incentive to pour money into research.
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Source: Reuters

In the US:
President-elect Barack Obama is expected to lift restrictions on federal money for such research. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., also has expressed interest in going ahead with legislation in the first 100 days of the new Congress if it still is necessary to set up a regulatory framework.
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Source: Associated Press

Note: Is it surprising to think that promoting embryonic stem cell research would lead to a patenting process for human stem cell cultures?

On Yankee Ingenuity

"Made in America" must make a comeback

One thing the financial crisis shows is that the United States is in trouble because Americans have stopped making stuff.

It used to be that we made a lot of stuff: televisions, clothes, washing machines, radios, typewriters, shoes, telephones, and furniture. And we also used to make the stuff out of which stuff was made: steel, aluminum, plastic, rubber, glass, and electrical components. Today that's largely made overseas. They send us their stuff and we send them our money.
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Source: Christian Science Monitor

Note: Perhaps the current economic crisis will demand that we once again learn the crafts and workmanship of generations past. Change is coming.

Progress in Iraq

Iraq parliament passes U.S. security pact

Iraq's parliament on Thursday approved a security pact with the United States that paves the way for U.S. forces to withdraw by the end of 2011, taking the country a big step closer to full sovereignty.

The deal, which parliament linked to a series of promised political reforms and a public referendum next year, brings in sight the end of a U.S. military presence that began with the 2003 invasion and ouster of dictator Saddam Hussein.

"It affirms the growth of Iraq's democracy and increasing ability to secure itself," a statement from outgoing U.S. President George W. Bush said of parliament's vote.
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Source: Reuters

Note: What? No comment from The Office of the President-elect? I'll have to TiVo the Sunday news programs to capture the complete coverage and all the rejoicing.

Tragedy in India

Deccan Mujahideen claims responsibility for Mumbai attacks

Gunmen have carried out a series of coordinated attacks scross the Indian city of Mumbai (Bombay), killing at least 80 people and injuring 250 more.

At least seven high-profile locations were hit in India's financial capital, including two luxury hotels where hostages are reported to be held.

A fire has destroyed part of the Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai's most famous hotel, which is now ringed by troops.
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Source: BBC News

Note: What is the "Deccan Mujahideen"? From Wikipedia:

Deccan refers to the Deccan Plateau in southern India which encompasses the states of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. The name is an anglicised from the Prakrit word akkhin, itself derived from the Sanskrit word dakṣiṇa-, meaning 'South' or 'The South'.

Mujahideen in Arabic means "Muslims who are involved in a Jihad". Thus, the name Deccan Muhahideen translates, within the context of their actions, to Southern Jihadists.

Youth On The Move

US taps online youth groups to fight crime, terrorism

The US State Department announced plans on Monday to promote online youth groups as a new and powerful way to fight crime, political oppression and terrorism.

It said 17 groups from South Africa, Britain and the Middle East which have an online presence like the "Million Voices Against the FARC" will attend a conference at Columbia University Law School from December 3-5.

They will forge an "Alliance of Youth Movement," said James Glassman, under secretary of state for public diplomacy.
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Source: AFP (Agence France-Presse)

Source: US Department of State (More info...)

Note: One of the featured speakers will be Whoopi Goldberg, actress and a co-founder of Facebook. Sounds like a profound event.

The Cost of Freedom

L.A. Film Festival's Raddon Resigns

Under mounting pressure, LA Film Festival director Richard Raddon has ankled his post.

Raddon and Film Independent (FIND), the festival's parent org[anization], have faced a barrage of protests over Raddon's contribution to the successful Yes on Prop 8 campaign that banned same-sex marriage in California.

After bloggers published his name, culled from public records of donors, Raddon tendered his first resignation on Nov. 13 to Film Independent’s board of directors, which was not accepted. Film Independent then released a statement saying, in part, "Our organization does not police the personal, religious, or political choices of any employee, member, or filmmaker."

Yet Internet message boards and other published reports kept the issue at the center of a growing protest movement that has targeted "Yes on 8" donors including the Mormon church and Cinemark Theaters, whose CEO was a contributor.

On Monday, Raddon submitted a second resignation. Those close to the org[anization] described Monday's conference call with the board of directors as emotional. While Raddon's contribution had caused some internal angst, he was well liked within the org[anization].
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Source: Variety

Note: FIND accepted his second resignation. Donations exceeding $100 are required to be included in public records. Supporters of gay marriage are working on a new ballot initiative in California for 2010. So, they have a full two years to complete their strategy of intimidation, name-calling, and table-pounding.

It's How You Do the Math

Ma and Pa Kettle Explain It All

When it comes to the economic crisis, you just have to make the numbers work, as in this little YouTube clip of Ma and Pa Kettle.
View the Clip...

Note: This is from way back, when comedy was clever.

Thanksgiving: How Loew Can You Go?

Patty Loew: Thanksgiving traditions all based on myths

Everything you know about the "first" Thanksgiving is wrong.

Plymouth Rock...Pilgrims...Perseverance...Big feast...Happy Indians sharing in the bounty.

According to award-winning filmmaker Patty Loew, it's all bunk, except maybe the part about eating turkey. Early settlers were so hungry they ate about anything with fur or feathers. Otherwise, there is little connection between reality and the version of Thanksgiving events still taught in most schools.
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Source: The Capital Times, Madison WI

Note: Why can't we all just gather together in gratitude, celebrating and respecting an American tradition? What moves the heart of a Patty Loew to tear down a concept so wholesome as Thanksgiving? What's next, Mother's Day? Why not pick on Earth Day? After all, we will all shrivel up and die of starvation and thirst in the pursuit of preserving the earth.

Thank God for a culture that affords Ms. Loew the opportunity to express her unhappy point of view.

Count It: $7.7 TRILLION

U.S. Pledges Top $7.7 Trillion to Ease Frozen Credit

The U.S. government is prepared to provide more than $7.76 trillion on behalf of American taxpayers after guaranteeing $306 billion of Citigroup Inc. debt yesterday. The pledges, amounting to half the value of everything produced in the nation last year, are intended to rescue the financial system after the credit markets seized up 15 months ago.
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Source: Bloomberg.com

Note: Whoa, whoa, whoa...wait just a minute here. HALF THE VALUE OF EVERYTHING PRODUCED IN THE NATION LAST YEAR. Give me a minute. Let me drink that in. This they are guaranteeing "on behalf of the American taxpayers"?...Who is this "they" that is doing this?

Wake up America.

IMHO

IN MY HUMBLE OPINION

Recently, a friend of mine gave birth to a healthy baby boy. He was born after 40 weeks of normal pregnancy, having had all the benefits of top-notch prenatal nutrition and medical care. His birth was smooth and uncomplicated, by every measure. Yet, he entered this world expressing adamant squalls of displeasure. He cried angrily at the moment of his birth, barely able to catch his breath, so angry was he. Who speaks for these language-less babes forced into the world, so loudly opposed to breathing, eating, drinking, and eventually walking about?

I am here to defend them. My dilemma is whether to sue the mother, the doctor, or the self-serving father, whose obvious agenda is procreation. It is a given that most newborns scream uncontrollably at the moment (or shortly after) of birth. This should not be. Birth should be every bit as calm and non-disruptive as any other milestone of life. It is an outrage that the most innocent and vulnerable among us should be subjected to such emotional torture, during such critical moments in the journey of life. This journey brings its own trail of tears, surely we can make birth tear-free.

Therefore, I support the new legislation which bans infants from crying within twelve months of birth. Surely, there are measures that can be taken to prevent such crying, short of the barbaric, regressive, archaic traditions of "nursing". Otherwise, we would not have plastic gadgets known as "binkies". Conventional wisdom teaches us that children do not learn to be unhappy until at least the voting age of 1 year.

Just my two rubles.

Sex, Drugs, and Rock 'n Roll

Washington's Woodstock

Barack Obama's inauguration is set to draw visitors from around the world. Web activists and stars like Oprah Winfrey, Spike Lee and Melissa Etheridge. What's in the works -- and who'll get to attend.

Hollywood celebrities, Web activists and jet-setters from around the world are preparing to turn the presidential inauguration on Jan. 20 into a mix of Woodstock and Martin Luther King Jr.'s 1963 speech on the National Mall.
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Source: Wall Street Journal

Note: Who'll "get" to attend? That's not the type of language we've come to expect from the Obama camp's "Change We Can Believe In" rhetoric.

eHarmony: It's All About Me

The eHarmony Shakedown

Congratulations, tolerance mau-mauers: Your shakedown of a Christian-targeted dating website worked. Homosexuals will no longer be denied the inalienable "right" to hook up with same-sex partners on eHarmony. What a landmark triumph for social progress, eh?
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Source: Michelle Malkin, TownHall.com

Note: Our culture is fast disappearing as a culture of tolerance. It is becoming a culture that demands nothing less than accommodation, acquiescence, and subservience to every and all points of view. This is not diversity, it is dilution, and evidence of our descent into a pointless existence.

Back to the Future

ATTENTION: All Auto Buffs

Introducing the all new 2012 Pelosi GTxi SS/Rt Sport Edition, the latest from Congressional Motors.
Check it out...

Source: Iowahawk

Note: This is must-read, ROFL, classic Iowahawk. Could also happen.

Keeping Watch: Arizona

Muslim Leaders Face Increased Scrutiny in Arizona

The FBI has sharpened its scrutiny of some Phoenix-area Muslim leaders because of their links to two controversial incidents and a federal probe into the financing of terrorist groups.

The events that triggered the stepped-up scrutiny were the federal probe into a Muslim charity accused of funneling money to the Palestinian group Hamas; a target-shooting episode in Phoenix this year involving a large group of Muslim men and boys firing hundreds of rounds from AK-47s and other guns; and the high-profile removal in 2006 of six Arizona-bound imams from a jetliner after passengers and crew complained of their behavior.
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Source: The Arizona Republic

Note: Target practice, fundraising, and traveling imams...no cause for alarm. Really.

Stem Cell Medical Triumph - NOT Embryonic

The Amazing Human Body

Physicians at four European universities have successfully transplanted a human windpipe, using stem cells from the recipient’s own bone marrow to reline a donor trachea and prevent its rejection by her immune system, according to an article in the British medical journal The Lancet.
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Source: New York Times

Note: Stem cells do not need to be harvested from embryos. Success stories such as this should not be buried by publications like the New York Times. They should be heralded on the front page.

Campaign vs. Transition

A New Perspective on Community Service

Shortly after his election, President-elect Obama set up a new website, change.gov, to promote his future agenda. While most of this website contains the usual political jargon about innovative plans and hope, the section on community service has raised quite a few eyebrows. "The Obama Administration will call on Americans to serve in order to meet the nation's challenges ... Obama will call on citizens of all ages to serve America, by developing a plan to require 50 hours of community service in middle school and high school and 100 hours of community service in college every year..."

This was changed recently to read:
"Obama and Biden will set a goal that all middle and high school students do 50 hours of community service a year, and will establish a new tax credit that is worth $4,000 a year in exchange for 100 hours of public service a year."

Why the change?
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Source: University of Dallas News

Note: It's the thought that counts.

Security Alert: Cell Phone Jammers

Quebec Officers Stranded with Two Suspects and Dead Radios

...Quebec City police officers had stopped a car whose occupants they believed were connected with organized crime. When they approached the car, they saw "a suspicious device" on its door, police sources said.

The suspects told police they bought the "jammer" -- which sends out a powerful radio signal that makes it impossible for phones within a 10-metre radius to communicate with cell towers -- on eBay.
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Source: Ottawa Sun

Note: Not very comforting, when you consider how many of us feel "safer" for having our cell phones within reach at all times.

Obama's Inner Circle

Tom Daschle Appointed Secretary of Health and Human Services

The appointment of Tom Daschle places a strong "pro-choice" leader at the helm of the agency that would oversee the possible Freedom of Choice Act.

In 1997, ...Daschle proposed what he called a "compromise" regarding partial-birth abortion, banning the procedure while allowing exemptions for any woman who claimed mental or physical health reasons for having such a late-term procedure. Most saw this tactic as a smokescreen to guarantee the option to abort children by this grisly procedure akin to infanticide.
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Source: Catholic Online

Note: This appointment is not surprising. But it underscores the vital need for Americans to pay attention to issues being debated in Congress. It will be more important than ever to communicate with your Senators and House Representatives.

Meet Bill Ayers

William Ayers, the Weather Underground founder, popped up in Washington yesterday from his self-imposed no-publicity, no-comment underground and looked like he was loving the sunshine.
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Source: Washington Post

Note: Let 1,000 poppies bloom.

What's Up with the Pirates?

This is the 21st Century. We're all about globalism now, high technology, corporate crime, sophisticated stuff...what's with this pirate activity?
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Source: The Guardian (U.K.)

Note: Nothing new under the sun. I'm skeptical...how do these pirates board these ships, unseen, just surprise attacks? Ships bigger than aircraft carriers. They just sneak up close in motorboats with deadly machine guns....and scare those seasoned mariners to death?

There must be more to this story.

Holiday Initiative

When doing your Christmas cards this year, take one card and send it to this address.

If we pass this on and everyone sends one card, think of how many cards these wonderful special people who have sacrificed so much would get.

A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue,NW
Washington , D.C. 20307-5001

Media Malpractice

Whose fault is it when the voting public has no clue about the candidates or the issues in a national election? What responsibility does the media bear to present truthful and unbiased information to their audience?

How Obama Got Elected

He did win, and he is now my President (or will be in January). As citizens, we have an obligation to be informed. Sadly, we can not depend on the mainstream media to provide the information we need.

Why are these people so mis-informed? They're not stupid. It's not that they don't care. They did vote...but what motivated them?

2nd Amendment: New Jersey Bill A2116

From the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms (CCRKBA):

The New Jersey Assembly is poised to vote on a new gun control measure that could criminalize ownership of the very guns that secured this nation’s independence, and outlaw possession of expensive safari-class hunting rifles.

The bill, sponsored by Assemblyman Reed Guscoria, would ban most firearms over .50 caliber, including original Revolutionary War muskets and replicas, popular black powder hunting rifles, expensive double-barrel African safari rifles such as the .500- and .577-caliber guns, and hunting handguns chambered for the .500 S&W.
Read More...

From the Actual Bill:

The bill does, however, provide exemptions for 1) antique firearms; 2) antique handguns; 3) traditional muzzleloader rifles; and 4) black powder muzzleloaders having in-line ignition, a center hammer or an under hammer which have been approved for hunting in this State. These firearms would continue to be governed by the statute's current "greater than 60 caliber" restriction.

Finally, the bill affords an exemption to persons who lawfully possessed a firearm of a caliber of 50 caliber or greater on or before the effective date of the bill. This "grandfather" provision will permit those persons to continue to possess lawfully their large caliber firearms.
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Note: There has got to be more to this story...

Educating Our Youth

UAW High School Labor Presentation

Note to the Instructor
A student's level of understanding of work and union issues will vary widely from school to school, grade to grade and even class to class. Do not assume that the students have much knowledge of unions and the world of work. If you do, you will lose your audience quickly. If you use terms like political action, union organizing, union contract, grievance procedure, arbitration or even legislation, they need to be defined in a way that students can relate to. For example, legislation is simply law, grievances are problems, and arbitration is like a trial before a neutral judge (the arbitrator). When labor terms come up in the presentation, a technique you can use is to stop and ask the students if anyone can define the term. This will involve the students in the presentation, get concepts defined in their words, and give you a better sense of the level of students' understanding. Be conscious of your audience at all times. Encourage questions and input by the students. Finally, be careful not to use union lingo- terms like local and check-off will be alien to almost everyone in the audience.
Read More...

Source: United Auto Workers (UAW) website

Note: I wonder if ROTC programs warn their instructors to watch their language when indoctrinating high schoolers about military careers?

On Being a Mom in China

China orders termination for mum-to-be

Chinese authorities have ordered Arzigul Tursun, who is 26 weeks pregnant, to abort her unborn child because she has two other children.

Because of its population of 1.3 billion, China maintains a one-child-per-family rule on majority Han Chinese.

Minority urban couples may have two children, while rural farmers may have three.

Arzigul holds a rural household registration but her husband is registered in an urban area.

Local officials eventually demanded that she terminate her pregnancy.

China says its population would have risen far more if 400 million abortions had not been performed in the past three decades.
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Source: Herald Sun (Australia)

Note: Think of it - 400 MILLION abortions in 30 years. That's more than 13 million per year, more than 35,500 per DAY! This is progress?

IMHO

IN MY HUMBLE OPINION

I have had a revelation. The silent majority in this country has fallen asleep, and it's been asleep for years.

How did this happen? The media has hypnotized us...redirecting our attention, generating frenzy over 'American Idol', 'Survivor' reality shows, and '24'-style fantasy shows.

Sports generates great frenzy - excited, irrelevant, frenzy. How many of us can name the primary defense/offense players of our favorite football team, we know the managers, we can quote the standings, the odds of our team making the finals, or the Super Bowl/World Series. And what does this mean? What does this matter? How will the outcome affect our lives? It won't, and we're satisfied with that. (Granted, I'm not really into sports, so my terminology may be somewhat off.)

How many of us can name the U.S. Senators who represent our state? Our U.S. House Representative? It's not cool to know that. It's not cool to know what issues are being debated. It's a pariah to be politically aware. Where did this notion come from? What has lulled us into believing that football team standings matter, but Congressional bills don't?

It can't be language. The terminology and statistical computations of the sports world are every bit as complicated as the language and statistics quoted in the Congressional Record. What has conditioned the American public to plug in to sports, but not plug in to governance?

The American people are intelligent, but have been sung to sleep with a soothing lullaby. The American people have been distracted and indulged with attractive toys of amusement.

It is going to get ugly if we don't wake up soon.

My two cents.

The Iran Perspective

Ayatolla Khatami speaks

Delivering his second Friday prayers sermon, Ayatollah Khatami (excerpts):

"The elections, that were unprecedented over the past 60 years in terms of the US public turnout, has a very clear message if there is any hearing ear. Its clear message is hatred of Bush and the ambitious and arrogant policies of the present US administration."

He warned Obama that he will face the fate of Bush if follows his wrong way.

"You know the US presidents are not fully in charge. Those are strategists and the political and economic elite that draw up policies," he added.

"Slogans of the nation are the same as before and our nation have not changed. The slogan showing their (Iranians') hatred of the US, i.e. "Down with the US", is still echoing," he concluded.
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Source: Islamic Republic News Agency

Note: When Obama sits down with them, will they have tea and small cakes? Picture it...perhaps Obama will start the conversation with, "How 'bout them Cubs!" Dark stare. Then Obama will smile broadly and unbutton his jacket. Darker stare. Maybe a game of hoops will help, or some community organizing strategies.

ASSAULT: Conservative Talk Radio

Proposed New FCC Rule - 'Fairness Doctrine' in Disguise?

As free speech advocates gear up to oppose revival of the so-called “Fairness Doctrine,” another Orwellian-named government effort to dictate the content of radio and TV news and opinion has been hatched by the Bush administration’s Federal Communications Commission (FCC). So far, there’s been much less focus on the “localism rule” – even though it would have a similar chilling effect on First Amendment rights.
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Source: DCExaminer.com

Note: It is vitally important to understand the intent of the 'Fairness Doctrine', because it is the intent that will be revived - not the 'Fairness Doctrine' itself. The concept will be reintroduced with a different name. So pay attention to all proposals that affect news reporting and commentary, including talk radio and internet blogging.

Reality Check

The perils ahead

US President-elect Barack Obama has properly sought to maintain a low profile in foreign affairs in this transition period ahead of his January inauguration. But while Obama has stipulated that the US can have only one president at a time, his aides and advisors are signaling that he intends to move US foreign policy in a sharply different direction from its current trajectory once he assumes office. And they are signaling that this new direction will be applied most immediately and directly to US policy towards the Middle East.
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Source: Caroline B. Glick, Jewish World Review

Note: This is scary stuff. We must pay attention to the actions of the Obama administration, not just the rhetoric (and especially not the campaign rhetoric) with regard to our support of Israel.

Polluting American Heroes

King Family seeks to cash in on MLK-Obama items

ATLANTA (AP) - Zealous guardians of his words and his likeness, the family of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. is demanding a share of the proceeds from the sudden wave of T-shirts, posters and other merchandise depicting the civil rights leader alongside Barack Obama.
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Source: Associated Press

Note: I can understand the King family being protective of Dr. Martin Luther King's legacy and reputation. But demanding a share of the proceeds? To me, that is the ultimate disrespect. I feel dirty just reading about it.

UPDATE: Paul Broun Backs Down

Congressman sorry for likening Obama to Hitler

(CNN) — Republican Paul Broun is sorry for calling President-elect Barack Obama a 'Marxist' and comparing him to Adolf Hitler, the Georgia Congressman said Tuesday.
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Source: CNNPolitics.com

Note: The comments are interesting. Not exactly "fair and balanced", but typical for the CNN crowd.

We're Here To Help

Democrats urge federal stake in big auto companies

Congressional Democrats are pushing legislation to send $25 billion in emergency loans to the beleaguered auto industry in exchange for a government ownership stake in the Big Three car companies.
Read more...

Source: Associated Press

Note: Housing, banking, insurance, now the auto industry. I'm trying to think of any area of modern life that is not "governed" in one way or another. Even my toilet must comply.

The War on Christmas

Ad campaign launches on D.C. buses

Ads proclaiming, "Why believe in a god? Just be good for goodness' sake," will appear on Washington, D.C., buses starting next week and running through December. The American Humanist Association unveiled the provocative $40,000 holiday ad campaign Tuesday.
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Source: Fox News

Note: At least the imagery refers to Santa Claus and not the Baby Jesus.

2nd Amendment: Who Wants to Know?

Sheriff seeks privacy information

Washington County's sheriff is asking 10,000 people who hold concealed handgun licenses whether they want their names made public if it is requested as an Oregon public record.

When The Mail Tribune in Medford requested names of concealed handgun license holders as a public record in 2007, the Jackson County Sheriff refused the request based on Oregon law that states records are not public if they could reveal a person's security measures or weaknesses. But Jackson County's Circuit Court ruled that each individual must specify that he or she doesn't want any personal information released. If not, their names are public record.
Read More...

Source: The Oregonian

Note: Are they wanting to publish a directory of gun owners? Why would a newspaper want this information?

Be Careful What You Search For...

GOOGLE will launch a new tool that will help federal officials "track sickness".

"Flu Trends" uses search terms that people put into the web giant to figure out where influenza is heating up, and will notify the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in real time!
Read More...

Source: Drudge Report

Note: Here's the scary part - Thomas Malone, professor at M.I.T.says, "I think we are just scratching the surface of what's possible with collective intelligence."

Saying It Like It Is

Georgia Congressman Warns of an Obama Dictatorship

WASHINGTON (AP) - A Republican congressman from Georgia said Monday he fears that President-elect Obama will establish a Gestapo-like security force to impose a Marxist dictatorship.
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Source: Breitbart.com

Note: Pretty gutsy. Keep an eye on the fate of Rep. Paul Broun

ACTION ITEM: How Conservatives Can Be Heard

Democrats are not the enemy

There is a coalition of conservative and moderate Democrats in Congress whose stated mission is to "bridge the gap between ideological extremes." They are known as "Blue Dog Democrats," and they are very important to the conservative movement.

On issues that matter, we should communicate with our own Senators and Representatives, of course. But, we should also communicate our ideas and opinions to the Blue Dog Democrats. If we can gain their support, it could tip the scales on many issues.

Visit their website and get acquainted with the "good guys" in the Democratic Party:
Blue Dog Democrats

What's a Blue Dog?

UPDATE: Obama's Agenda

Although the "Agenda" items previously accessible on the Obama transition website are no longer available, it appears that the listings were copied word-for-word from the Obama campaign site.

So at least for the time being, his agenda can be perused by clicking on "Issues" at:
http://www.barackobama.com/issues/

Banning Guns: Building their Case

Domestic Violence Abusers Could Get Gun Rights

The Supreme Court will decide whether people convicted of misdemeanor assault against their spouses or partners should have their 2nd Amendment rights restored because of a flaw in federal law.
Read More...

Source: LA Times

Note: The real issue should be whether to classify wife-beating (domestic violence) as a misdemeanor (which it is in many states), or a felony (resulting in the forfeiture of the right to own firearms).

But the goal here is to extend the denial of 2nd Amendment rights to include not just felons, but also those convicted of misdemeanor crimes. Inch by inch...

UPDATE: The Demise of 401k Accounts and IRAs

Democrats Target 401k and IRA Retirement Accounts

With a GRA [Guaranteed Retirement Account], workers could bequeath only half of their account balances to their heirs, unlike full balances from existing 401(k) and IRA accounts. For workers who die after retiring, they could bequeath just their own contributions plus the interest but minus any benefits received and minus the employer contributions.
Read More...

Source: Right Side News

Note: Hearings on this proposal are in progress with the House Committee on Education and Labor, chaired by Rep. George Miller, D-Calif.

Attorney General?

Jamie S. Gorelick

Vice chairwoman at Fannie Mae, the giant mortgage lender, where she was paid a reported $25.6 million in salary and other compensation from 1998 to 2003. She went on to join the Washington law firm Wilmer, Cutler, Pickering, Hale & Dorr as a partner, where she has represented a range of clients, including Duke University in defending claims brought against it by some of its lacrosse players in a highly publicized rape investigation. She was a Democratic appointee on the 10-member commission that investigated the Sept. 11 attacks.

She has also drawn criticism for her role at the Justice Department, in which she allegedly created an intelligence “wall” that hindered counterterrorism agents in the years before the Sept. 11 attacks.
Read More...

Source: New York Times

New GOP Leadership

Gingrich and Steele Duel for RNC Chair

A battle to take the reins of the Republican National Committee is taking off between former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and former Maryland Lieutenant Gov. Michael Steele.
Read More...

Source: Washington Times

Wow! That's encouraging news! I'd be happy with either one.

UPDATE: Change.gov

Apparently, the incoming Obama administration has decided that too much information was being provided at their transitional website, The Office of the President-Elect. On Friday when I posted, there were 25-30 topics listed under the "Agenda" tab, linking to lots of information about Obama's policies and proposals on each topic.

Today, all of that information has disappeared. Now there is just a vague overview:

The Agenda

President-Elect Obama and Vice President-Elect Biden have developed innovative approaches to challenge the status quo in Washington and to bring about the kind of change America needs.

The Obama Administration has a comprehensive and detailed agenda to carry out its policies. The principal priorities of the Obama Administration include: a plan to revive the economy, to fix our health care, education, and social security systems, to define a clear path to energy independence, to end the war in Iraq responsibly and finish our mission in Afghanistan, and to work with our allies to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon, among many other domestic and foreign policy objectives.

A Note to President Bush

Dear President Bush,

Now that the furious flurry of presidential politics has been transported to the orbit of Obama, I would like to convey to you my oh-by-the-way thanks for keeping us safe these many years since 9/11. You have made it look like a piece of cake, just as my father made it look like a piece of cake, defending the shores of Manila.

I have baked cakes from scratch, and I know eggs must be cracked to make a cake; flour must be made through the crushing of wheat; I'm not sure how sugar is produced, but I doubt that it would be the stuff of bed time stories. A cake-from-scratch requires vanilla extract...woe to so many vanilla beans. Yet, we all love cake!

We all love security too...giving no thought to what must be done to refine the ingredients that comprise security, or the baker who must measure those ingredients, combine them properly, establish the needed level of heat, and time the process perfectly.

Your watch has been faithful. You have done well, and I thank you.

Sincerely,
Kathy, the Web Developer

From Russia...with Love

A change for the better

Only Satan would have been worse than the Bush regime. Therefore it could be argued that the new administration in the USA could never be worse than the one which divorced the hearts and minds of Americans from their brothers in the international community, which appalled the rest of the world with shock and awe tactics that included concentration camps, torture, mass murder and utter disrespect for international law. Yet in choosing Obama, the people of America have opted to come back into the international fold. Welcome back, friends!

Source: Pravda (Russian news outlet)

On the other hand:
The new President will learn very soon that the rest of the world does not want the US missile shield in eastern Europe, does not want US troops in Iraq, does not want the USA to change the world – the US President was elected by his people to govern America, (North America, the United States of America) and nowhere else.

Source: Same article, Pravda

Read More...

Note: I wonder how Canada and Mexico feel about Russia recognizing Obama as their governing authority?

Moving Expenses

Obama team creates non-profit corporation to help fund his transition into the Oval Office

The Obama team has created the Obama-Biden Transition Project, a non-profit corporation set up under section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Service code, to help supplement the $6.3 million he will receive in taxpayer funds.
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Source: Fox News

Note: So there's nothing left of the $650 million he raised during the campaign? Maybe there is some law saying he can't spend "campaign" funds on "transition" expenses.

Must Read!

Election Analysis: America Can Take Pride in this Historic, Inspirational Disaster

Go iowahawk!!

Bio-Politics Update

Obama victory delights stem cell researchers

Advocates of stem-cell research are counting the days until the swearing-in of President-elect Barack Obama. Although President George Bush has strictly limited stem-cell research from cell lines derived from human embryos, Obama has long favored such research and is likely to put a quick end to the federal ban that limits funding of research.
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An excerpt from The Organ Factory, by William Saletan [Part 3 of a 5 part series appearing on Slate.com in July 2005]:

Start with individuality. About two weeks after conception, the human embryo develops an alignment of cells called the primitive streak. Until this moment, according to the California report, "the pre-embryo is not necessarily one individual—it could lead to identical twins." If it isn't an individual, it can't have a soul or be a person, so it's eligible for research. I've never found this argument reassuring, since it just means we could be aborting two embryos instead of one. But what's interesting is how we came up with the argument.

Read the series...

A 'Boom' in Gun Sales

Last month, as an Obama win looked increasingly inevitable, there were more than 108,000 more background checks for gun purchases than in October 2007, a 15 percent increase. And they were up about 8 percent for the year as of Oct. 26, according to the FBI.

Obama has said he respects Americans' Second Amendment right to bear arms, but that he favors "common sense" gun laws. Gun rights advocates interpret that as meaning he'll at least enact curbs on ownership of assault and concealed weapons.
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Source: Associated Press

Conservative Talk Radio - At Risk?

Expected FCC transition chief served during 'Fairness Doctrine' days

Democrat Henry Rivera, a former commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission, is expected to head President-elect Barack

Obama's FCC transition team, a move that has sparked fear in media circles that the Fairness Doctrine may return to silence conservative talk radio.
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Source: WorldNewsDaily.com

Education in America

Ashville, NC school teacher browbeats student over being a McCain Supporter

Imagine an "army" of teachers like this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDEAYgm0Dv8

Obama on Iraq

A Responsible, Phased Withdrawal

Barack Obama and Joe Biden believe we must be as careful getting out of Iraq as we were careless getting in. Immediately upon taking office, Obama will give his Secretary of Defense and military commanders a new mission in Iraq: ending the war.
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Source: Barack Obama Campaign Site (Information removed from the Obama Transition Site)

Note: Click on the Issues tab to explore all of Obama's plans for our country.

Maybe they made this up?

That is America

This is a letter to the People of Russia from an average American. I am not rich, famous or powerful. I did not graduate from an elite university. As a matter of fact, I ran away and was homeless by the age of sixteen.
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Note: This letter was published on the front page of Pravda.ru today. Pravda is an official news outlet in Russia. Quite a lot of coverage of Obama in Pravda today.

Islamic finance? Who knew?

U.S. Treasury teaches 'Islamic Finance 101'

The Treasury Department has announced it will teach "Islamic finance" to U.S. banking regulatory agencies, Congress and other parts of the executive branch today in Washington, D.C. – but critics say it is opening a door to American funding of Islamic extremism.
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U.S. Treasury Department Announcement/Program

Sources: WorldNetDaily.com and U.S. Treasury Department

Conservative Strategy

Conservative Leaders Meet, Plan to Battle Obama’s Agenda – With or Without Republicans

A group of about 20 conservative leaders met in the Virginia countryside Thursday to begin planning the fight against the liberal agenda of President-elect Barack Obama – with or without the Republican Party.
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Source: CNSNews.com

Wake-up Call

Yuri Bezmenov, a Soviet born, KGB trained subverter, tells about the four stages of communist takeovers during a 1984 interview by G. Edward Griffin.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvcZiNt6ypI&feature=related

Over-ripe Fruit

Ezra Taft Benson was the Secretary of Agriculture from 1953-1961 under President Dwight D. Eisenhower. He did not believe in the system of government price supports and aid to farmers. Nonetheless, in his appointed position, he was in charge of administering the program that he said amounted to Socialism.

Here is his warning to America:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQ7LcplfkgY

The Demise of 401K Plans?

Rep. George Miller, a Democrat from California and chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, has called 401(k)s, "a big failure in terms of providing an adequate retirement for middle-class Americans."
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Source: CNBC.com

From MEMRI

Initial Arab Media Reactions to Obama's Election

About MEMRI: The Middle East Media Research Institute

Founded in February 1998 to inform the debate over U.S. policy in the Middle East, MEMRI is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit, 501 (c)3 organization. MEMRI's headquarters is located in Washington, DC with branch offices in London, Tokyo, Rome, Baghdad, Shanghai, and Jerusalem. MEMRI research is translated to English, German, Hebrew, Italian, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, and Japanese.

Could It Happen Here?

Chavez takes over biggest gold mine in Venezuela

The move is part of leftist Chavez's socialist agenda that calls for nationalizing Venezuela's natural resources. Over the past year, he has taken over the electricity, oil, steelmaking, cement and telephone enterprises
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Source: Breitbart.com

IMHO

IN MY HUMBLE OPINION

Obama has won, and I am pleased that the racial barrier has been shattered. I hope this proves to the world that the United States is not a racist nation. (Although, I'm not convinced that racism is why the world has so hated the United States in recent years.)

Now that racism is out of the way, what else about this great nation must be transformed to make us acceptable citizens of the world? What must be eliminated? Ambition, certainly (too greedy); innovation (too arrogant); creativity (too individualistic); self-reliance (too selfish); and liberty (too self-centered).

I, for one, am tired of apologizing for aligning myself with American ideals. I am tired of patriotism being regarded as an old-fashioned, mock-able theory of fringe fanatics - as though it were some silly notion dreamed up by a bunch of malcontents who rejected the class warfare of their day.

I won't apologize. I will stand up, and I will defend the original founders of this country. Just as they did in establishing the government of this country. Just as many have done throughout our history, generation after generation.

Now, it's our turn.

That's my two cents.

A New Revolution

The Change You’ll Get: Americans will finally learn what Barack Obama really believes and really wants.

Thomas Jefferson famously said that “every generation needs a new revolution.” Could this be ours? I know: On Tuesday, we had an election, not an insurrection. But look up revolution in the dictionary and you’ll find it means “change” — sudden, radical, or fundamental change. Is that not what Obama has been promising?
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Source: National Review Online

Stock Market Response

U.S. Stocks Post Biggest Post-Election Drop on Economic Concern

The stock market posted its biggest plunge following a presidential election as reports on jobs and service industries stoked concern the economy will worsen even as President-elect Barack Obama tries to stimulate growth.
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Source: Bloomberg.com

The Russian Response

President Dmitri Medvedev orders missiles deployed in Europe as world hails Obama

President Dmitri Medvedev took advantage of the euphoria in America today to order the deployment of missiles inside Europe as a response to US plans for a missile defence shield.
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Source: Times Online (UK)

God Bless America!

Today, Barack Obama supporters are celebrating his decisive victory in achieving the office of President in these United States. The promise is that "change" has arrived, that hope will be restored, and that Obama will heal and unite us. (That's a tall order, since 48% of the country voted for the McCain/Palin ticket, but no matter.)

I have re-purposed this blog to collect resources and commentary to document the new administration's impact on our families, our communities, our nation, and the world.

I have intentionally titled this post "God Bless America"....to dispel the gloom of Rev. Jeremiah Wright's condemnation of America. It was Rev. Wright's rhetoric that ignited "change", or at least sealed the deal on Obama, in my heart.