Charlotte Front and Center

Obama Fails American Voters by Dismissing Black Panther Case

If a few skin-heads had shown up outside a voting precinct in Hattiesburg,Mississippi to intimidate black voters,do you possibly think the Obama justice system would dismiss the case?

Fox News reported:

A poll watcher who provided an affidavit to prosecutors in the case noted that Bartle Bull, who worked as a civil rights lawyer in the south in the 1960's and is a former campaign manager for Robert Kennedy, said it was the most blatant form of voter intimidation he had ever seen. In his affidavit, obtained by FOX News, Bull wrote "I watched the two uniformed men confront voters and attempt to intimidate voters. They were positioned in a location that forced every voter to pass in close proximity to them. The weapon was openly displayed and brandished in plain sight of voters.

More maddening is this reported from a Philadelphia newspaper,The Bulletin:Sources told The Bulletin that there is internal dissension in the Department of Justice (DOJ) about a voter intimidation case from last year’s presidential election. Obama appointees did not want to proceed with the case, while the career prosecutors did. The incident occurred in Philadelphia and involved the New Black Panther Party for Self-Defense (NBPPSD).

This is outrageous and proves the Obama justice system is corrupt.

Eric Holder! What have you been doing lately?

This is Not Okay:

Voter Intimidation

Then,Why is This Okay?

New Black Panthers Intimidating Voters in Philadelphia,2008

Many Americans Resorting to British and other Foreign News Sources

Over the last few years,many Americans have realized the lack of reliability of mainstream media news along with major newspapers.  In fact, more American readers are turning to news from British Newspapers on-line such as the Telegraph, and in many cases  Russia Today.

Problems that have been cited with the American media include:

• reporting that lacks objectivity
• editors that sit on news stories
• not verifying news stories 

In fact, Politico just reported a "rant" that Gibbs gave the British press. Obviously,The Daily Telegraph doesn't report on cue as the White House would like: "Let's just say if I wanted to look up, if I wanted to read a write-up of how Manchester United fared last night in the Champions League Cup, I'd might open up a British newspaper," he continued. "If I was looking for something that bordered on truthful news, I'm not entirely sure it'd be the first pack of clips I'd pick up.

What would cause Robert Gibbs to complain about the British Press? Is it simply their calling into questioning issues the Obama administration doesn't want printed or reported?

There are still drawbacks to reading news from foreign sources. The nuances of a political culture are sometimes lost in reading or listening to foreign news as versus having an American correspondent to explain how the news facts relate to our government. Unfortunately,that can be the trade-off. Yet, once it is determined that your own American news source has a specific political agenda, it is no longer viable either.

  Meg Sullivan at The UCLA Newsroom reported the following on media bias:While the editorial page of The Wall Street Journal is conservative, the newspaper's news pages are liberal, even more liberal than The New York Times. The Drudge Report may have a right-wing reputation, but it leans left. Coverage by public television and radio is conservative compared to the rest of the mainstream media. Meanwhile, almost all major media outlets tilt to the left. 

These are just a few of the surprising findings from a UCLA-led study, which is believed to be the first successful attempt at objectively quantifying bias in a range of media outlets and ranking them accordingly. "I suspected that many media outlets would tilt to the left because surveys have shown that reporters tend to vote more Democrat than Republican," said Tim Groseclose, a UCLA political scientist and the study's lead author. "But I was surprised at just how pronounced the distinctions are.

Note: Don't know about you, but I don't find this study surprising at all! Perhaps the best thing to do is to read as many sources as possible,and rely on The Daily Telegraph as well.

Clinton: Has Grudge Against Kennedys and Richardson?

According to CNN's headline,Bill Clinton maintains resentment against Ted and Caroline Kennedy, as well as Gov.Bill Richardson in Clinton's upcoming interview with New York Times' Magazine.

Though other news stories pointing to this interview emphasize Bill Clinton's discussion on his views of Hillary As Secretary of State, CNN's headline leads us back to what bothered Bill Clinton and many other hard-nosed Democrats when it came to the Kennedy endorsements and Richardson's notorious betrayal.

It will always bother many democrats the reasons for Ted Kennedy's endorsement of Obama. It was as if Kennedy could no longer stand Clinton's racist comments and would have to throw his support to Obama. What a joke. Clinton was doomed to fall into the racist trap along with anyone else who didn't support Obama. Richardson? Typical politician waiting to see which way the wind blew. My, how Karma immediately kicked this Jack-Ass in his lumbar region.

The NYT article will possibly debut online at anytime before it hits Sunday's news stands.

It should also be noted the statements in the up-coming article concerning Clinton's feelings in regard to the Kennedys and Richardson, come from unnamed sources. The recent dearth of news about the Clintons personal take on events will be welcomed reading for those who can bear the thought of re-visiting the 2008 primaries.

 

North Carolina Banks Want Your Tax Dollars for Employee Bonuses

Didn't the North Carolina Banking Commission understand that Obama promised "a new era of responsibility"? Apparently not, if they have asked the state legislature for employee bonus money. Banks have a lot of nerve asking this from taxpayers anytime,but during bad economical times when they helped cause the present plight reveals their unlimited gall.

Beverly Perdue has already cut health benefits and instituted furloughs (temporary layoffs) for teachers and other state workers! Soon, many state jobs will be cut out entirely. State workers are simply waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Last year, the North Carolina Banking commission paid out $500,000. in bonuses. Add in the factor of Wall Street paying their employees much the same as last year, while our government spends and makes budget cuts on jobs and services for the middle-class. This should make North Carolina citizens angry as well as all U.S. citizens.

The same people who helped cause this trouble want bonuses of 10%.

These bankers want bonuses after already obligating your children and grandchildren for enormous deficits...which they literally have to pay back.

Harold Gold at Forbes probably said it best back in January about the banks:

...the only thing they know how to do well: pay themselves richly.

A commenter at the News Observer provided this information on N.C. bank bonuses for year 2008 taken from the GSO:

Mark Pearce, deputy commissioner
Base salary: $120,883
Bonus payment: $12,088

Ray Grace, program manager
Base salary: $107,715
Bonus payment: $10,772

Patrick Brennan, financial examiner
Base salary: $102,750
Bonus payment: $10,275

Wilber Loftin, financial examiner
Base salary: $102,750
Bonus payment: $10,275

Charlie Fields, program manager
Base salary: $98,311
Bonus payment: $9,831

Daniel Garner, attorney
Base salary: $98,073
Bonus payment: $9,807

Melanie Ford, program manager
Base salary: $97,659
Bonus payment: $9,766

Elizabeth Hammond, program manager
Base salary: $96,944
Bonus payment: $9,694

Stephen Williams, financial examiner
Base salary: $95,451
Bonus payment: $9,545

Mary Kane, financial examiner
Base salary: $94,789
Bonus payment: $9,479

North Carolina

Obama's Green Czar Says to Paint Your Roof White

I am already using Blackle for my Google search in a conscious effort to be more "green". In fact I plan on resealing the doors to my house as well. There are some things we all know we should be doing to save energy. If for some reason you are rebelling against global warming and refuse to follow the good advice from Obama's Energy Czar, Steven Chu, at least try to save some money.

The Telegraph reports that Secretary Chu attended a three day Nobel laureate symposium in England to discuss the urgent climate crisis facing the world. Chu was quoted as saying:

"... the US was not considering any large scale "geo-engineering" projects where science is used to reverse global warming, but was in favour of "white roofs everywhere".

No joke, I could have told everyone to do that. That is a scientific fact I picked up in school,or some magazine. No matter, but the Telegraph goes on to say: The high level meeting, hosted by the Royal Society and the Prince of Wales, is likely to influence any international agreement on climate change at the end of this year.

Control: Obama and the New Internet Czar

According to the Washington Post, Obama signed off on a new position last Friday that is for now being referred to as an Internet Czar.  Actually, the White House is still defining the job description, but cybersecurity with a "broad mandate" seems to be the prevailing top information known at the moment about the new job.

During Obama's campaign,he promised to appoint a cybersecurity adviser who would report directly to him.  Since that time, Obama appointed Melissa Hathaway,an interim cybersecurity adviser at the White House,to head a commission to investigate the position. In Hathaway's report she makes this statement about the position: The report suggests that although it is a key government responsibility to help secure private-sector networks, regulation should be the last resort...

It seems that lawmakers continually attempt to carry in a little bit more through the backdoor of what seems to be minimal legislation in regard to the internet.  According to the State Surge there is legislation we should keep an eye on:pending legislation that also should be tracked includes H.R.4279 and S.522. The first seeks to create an IP Dictator at the Department of Justice while the latter aims to further increase intellectual property rights enforcement.

The internet is the town square for Americans. It brings serious issues,but the biggest headaches are for those who wish to control it. It is magnanimous and evolving, so much so that it threatens the old establishments of newspapers,the music industry,and any industry that feels as though it has lost the control it had.  Yet, new legislation will not bring back the past, it will only hamper communication and the free market that exists via the internet.

GOP Uses Palin-Pounding Techniques on Pelosi

Add my disgust to the GOP for releasing their misogynistic video on Nancy Pelosi.The video that characterizes Nancy Pelosi as "Pussy Galore" is the same sexist style that the MSM (notably MSNBC) used to degrade Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin.

Most voters don't appreciate this style of demonizing someone. It also adds one more reason to be disgusted with Washington-style politics.  It is one thing to disagree with Pelosi on the issues, but for heaven's sake, demonize Pelosi for statements on the CIA.  Investigate Pelosi, or ask her to step down from her House Speaker role...but don't slam a political opponent,no matter how much their ethics come into play with these anti-woman messages.

The GOP has enough issues without adding this stupid video to their arsenal.

Do the "GOP brains" behind this video of Pelosi know how that video will strike women?

Many women will visualize a few white-haired men giggling as they put it together. Whoever authorized this video release from the GOP needs to step forth for "Palinizing" one more woman!

Americans have some really immature,bad-boy behavior in both parties.

Perhaps Michael Steele will "call them out". 

 Contact RNC Chairman Michael Steele

Phone: 202-863-8700
Fax: 202-863-8820
Email:Chairman@gop.com

Obama Supporters will Start Campaign for Health Care on June 6th

The Obama campaign continues non-stop.

Obama's campaign manager,David Plouffe, is gearing up the street supporters to go door to door as June 6th is designated as the official kick-off day of Obama's health care campaign.

email sent by David Plouffe:Remember this date: Saturday, June 6th, 2009. We will look back on that day as the moment when the fight for real health care reform began in your neighborhood -- perhaps even in your own living room.

On June 6th, in thousands of homes across the country, we'll gather to launch our grassroots campaign for health care. We'll watch a special message from the President. We'll build the teams and draw up the plans for winning health care reform the same way we won the election: Building support one block, one neighbor, one conversation at a time. And we'll put those plans into action. These kickoffs are so crucial that President Obama will join confirmed hosts and attendees on a live conference call.

Americans in general note the need for reformed health care. The swiftness of this new legislation is still cause for concern. The rashness of Obama's decisions,as in his call to close Guantanamo prison without the foresight to say where the prisoners will be re-located, shows inexperience and problems for Americans down the road, if the same whirlwind activity continues. No one can stay that Obama isn't striking while his politcal iron is hot. It's the repercussions from all of Obama's programs that Americans need to worry about.

Back in April,theTelegraph View did an article on Obama's first 100 days, and drove home the need for Obama to stop campaigning and start governing. The fact that Congress can not vote intelligibly on a bill due to lack of time to read it,should anger everyone that Washington plays these games with legislation we have to live with. Obama shows no signs of slowing down the new programs as Americans stay pre-occupied fighting a bad economy on every front.

A comment on Obama and his first 100 days at the Telegraph makes mention that the reader thinks it is time to wonder if the lyrics from the song "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" was pointed at America for Obama's first 100:

The legend lives on from the Chippewa on down
Of the big lake they call Gitche Gumee
The lake, it is said, never gives up her dead
When the skies of November turn gloomy.

With a load of iron ore - 26,000 tons more
Than the Edmund Fitzgerald weighed empty
That good ship and true was a bone to be chewed
When the gales of November came early

The ship was the pride of the American side
Coming back from some mill in Wisconson
As the big freighters go it was bigger than most
With a crew and the Captain well seasoned...

Hopefully, as Obama and his supporters go out knocking on America's doors, no one will think of this song as being America's new anthem.

July 4th: The Number of Protesters will Swell with Next Round of Tea Parties

The next big round of Tea Parties in the U.S. will swell in the number of citizens attending this coming July 4th. due to the holiday falling on a Saturday this year. Numbers expected throughout the country could reach as high as 10 million according to Tony Corsaut, who organizes the Tea Parties in Wichita Falls,Ks.  With the lack of positive media coverage of the April 15th protests, many newspapers and television under-reported numbers of Americans in attendance.  Media reports grudgingly estimated protesters to number 500,000 or less. Since then,with reports from smaller cities,the number stands at 1.3 million protesting taxpayers on April 15th.

Richard Faucett, who follows the Tea Party phenomena on his blog at the L.A. Times, says it will be interesting to see if a leader will emerge for protesters to rally around before the next events in July. Yet, Faucett does concede, as these protesting citizens will you, the Tea Parties are composed of Democrats,Republicans,Libertarians,and Independents who are upset with the spending in Washington that will ultimately lead to economic hardship with increased taxes.

The mixture of messages seen at the Tea Parties and on websites may appear disorganized to observers and critics, but this is a grassroots movement, born of the middle-class.  

No matter how the "main-stream media" chooses to portray the middle-class and their Tea Parties,the leader and the spokesperson for the Tea Parties is still, and will remain what it has been from the beginning of this nation:the American people at a local level.

Hillary and Sarah: Terrfic Ticket for 2012?

Just think: the combination of two powerful women,famous for their pragmatism,would  bring in an era of common ground of which only Obama could "dream".  The announcement of such a ticket in 2012 would leave political critics and pundits stunned and speechless for at least a week.  The MSM by 2012 wouldn't be as powerful because the worst of newspapers would have failed by then.  Consider how MSNBC 's ratings can't go any lower, so perhaps we wouldn't have to consider the misogynists as an obstacle to common sense in the next election cycle. It might be the best time for women candidates to come forth and strike back at the MSM at the same time.

I have had this thought about Clinton-Palin before,but never gave voice to it until today when I read John Hughes' article at The Christian Science Monitor. Now,Hughes only speculates about the possibility of a Clinton run in 2012. He cites the fact that we all know Hillary has been playing the "good soldier" etc. for Obama. Hughes suggests (as cynics point out) that Clinton may be harboring the idea of a run for the presidency in 2012 if the economy shows no measure of improvement. In short, Americans will really have to see some light in this recession, or else Obama will be headed back for Chicago. As for Hillary, she cannot be accused of making Biden-type gaffes,or trying to outshine Obama in any way. Hillary has towed the line, and remains out of the economic fray, while she makes an impressive mark on public diplomacy. With that point in mind,Hughes finishes and states that only Hillary knows for sure if she is interested in another run. 

It doesn't all end there. My curiosity was stirred. I did a search and noted articles at The Swamp and at Newsweek still referring to Politico's anger at a missed opportunity for a Todd Palin interview. Yet, what is really notable is the title of the article at "The Swamp": "Palin and Hillary: Girrrrl power".  The article isn't advocating a run in 2012 for the pair, but uses the subject of Palin and Clinton as an opportunity to continue the Far Left bashing of Sarah Palin and those that support her. The sarcastic and disparaging use of the phrase "girrrrl power" shows us the lack of respect for strong women is alive and well among the Far Left, and the angry tactic is used as necessary by some women to attack other women.

The thought of an alliance of any sort between women of opposing parties has simply revealed the fear the Far Left maintains with Sarah Palin, or else they wouldn't all pound Palin in the same way on the same day.

Now as far fetched as the idea of a Clinton-Palin ticket might be,I noted a brilliant comment made by a reader of the article at The Swamp.  It shows the idea of Clinton-Palin appeals to many women such as Claire:

"Oh, we can only dream. A team that represents the work-class Americans the DNC has thrown overboard in favor of Poverty Tsars, Industry-Killing Unions and government workers with ties to organized crime, and who the GOP has not formerly paid the time of day to. Yeah, I'll go for it. Clinton/Palin 2012-2020; Palin 2021-2030. Somebody has sort out the country after two hundred fifty years of pissing contests."

Obama: Not So Cool in Dealing with Terrorism

Jihad is alive and well in the United States. Having an instance of terrorists being apprehended just this morning while planting bombs at Jewish Synagogues makes one wonder if Obama's administration is so cool when dealing with "terrorism". 

Obama seems more concerned in handling the political blow-back from his own hasty and rash decision to close Guantanamo. Obama has only himself to blame for the rebuke his party gave him yesterday as he asked Congress for the money to close Guantanamo Bay; for after-all,these same democrats will soon face their own voters at home.

Today,Obama kept on track with blaming the Bush administration for rash decision-making in fighting terror. Yet, you can't blame the Bush Administration for the terrorist attacks that happened in the 90's through the deadliest of all in 2001.

Americans could care less if Obama has European and the Middle-Eastern popularity if it endangers their own security. No doubt Obama looks forward to a great speech this summer in Egypt, the  heart of Jihadist birth.  In fact, Obama says in the new book by Richard Wolffe how he looks forward to a "Muslim Summit".

If I had a Muslim summit, I think that I can speak credibly to them about the fact that I respect their culture," Obama said, "that I understand their religion, that I have lived in a Muslim country, and as a consequence I know it is possible to reconcile Islam with modernity and respect for human rights and a rejection of violence. And I think I can speak with added credibility...Barack Obama

Nico Hines at the Times London reported on Obama's Guantanamo Bay issue: Under the separation of powers outlined in the US Constitution, Congress has control over almost all government spending. Thus, it can stop virtually any program by refusing to provide money to carry it out. Robert Gibbs, the White House press secretary, said the President would outline “a hefty part” of his plans for Guantánamo detainees tomorrow. A key segment of the Justice Department’s plan has been to send many detainees abroad, but if Congress were to bar detainees from being transported to the United States, even for trial, it would become much more difficult to persuade other countries to accept them.

By speaking at the National Archives today, Obama was attempting to instigate anger among his own supporters as the Republican forces question the soundness of Obama's security vision which endangers the safety of every American citizen.

Did Anderson Cooper Apologize for Tea Bagging Comment?

Did Anderson Cooper apologize for his 'tea bagging' statement?

 It's hard to talk when you are teabagging.

Apparently,while at a recent lecture at UCLA, Anderson Cooper apologized for having made a controversial comment to David Gergen during prime time on CNN. It seems like a politician's apology..."Sorry,if I offended you". Actually, Cooper said: If people took offense to that and felt that I was disparaging their legitimate right to protest, and what they were doing, then that is something I truly regret, because I don't believe in doing that," he said. "Having this discussion just takes away from the real story. 

Still,Anderson's comment was a crude,rude,sexual,disparage of a political grassroots movement he apparently didn't think much of. 

Since it occurred during prime time,it brings into question Anderson Cooper's own judgment. Now, if Cooper had said this on MSNBC,it would have been understandable.

The Never-ending Curiosity about a Kennedy

Caroline Kennedy's response to NBC on reasons why she quit her pursuit of Hillary Clinton's old senate seat won't be put to rest simply by her appearance on the show. It seems the Kennedy curiosity the world has only intensifies whenever any Kennedy responds to questions,or attempts to explain their actions. When Kennedy answered the above question on the Today Show, she said reports of her quitting the bid for the senate seat due to her husband and children remarking she was becoming "angry and intense" were untrue. She ended the NBC interview by stating she had "moved on". 

It appears that Kennedy's statement is doomed to only attract more curiosity. Caroline's answer was good in that it put the question to rest for the moment of the interview, but leaves it wide open for an eternity of speculation.  

Jacqueline Kennedy was known for protecting herself and her children from the public-eye. Whenever a new photo appeared of Jackie Kennedy and her children,we couldn't get enough. Just the scantiness of information and photos made us want more and more.

Back in 1991,when Ted Kennedy's approval rating had dropped among his home voters to 21%, he made a famous address at Harvard and said: I am painfully aware that the criticism directed at me in recent months involves far more than honest disagreements with my positions, or the usual criticism from the far right. To them I say: I recognize my own shortcomings -- the faults in the conduct of my private life. I realize that I alone am responsible for them, and I am the one who must confront them." He added, "I believe that each of us as individuals must not only struggle to make a better world, but to make ourselves better, too.

This statement made above by Kennedy appeared to answer, and then again not answer, the criticism he was receiving on his lack of support for the plight of Anita Hill, and on the ever-hanging cloud surrounding the Chappaquiddick controversy. Yet note he never quite says...for sure. It appears to be the way the Kennedys explain things without ever being quite specific.  It was the most he ever said about any controversy. 

So we can expect the conjecturing to continue with Edward Klein's new book on "Ted Kennedy: The Dream that never Died",for Caroline Kennedy is already disputing facts made in the book.  This in itself will only spawn new articles trying to fill the our curiosity for more Kennedy "facts".

Pelosi Caught in her own Washington Swamp of Corruption

... 'Put your sword back in its place, for all those who take up the sword perish by the sword. 

How those words of draining the Washington GOP swamp must haunt House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in light of the events that have passed since 2007. 

A few years ago,MSNBC aired Nancy Pelosi's address to Congress after she won the House Speakership. Known as the Granite Lady, Polls spoke of a new time in Washington,free of partisan politics. Associated Content described Pelosi's election as a "new wind" that would blow through Washington. 

Pelosi had said earlier to the AC that It's an opportunity for growth among women" for the Democrats, she said. "They don't always vote and this could be a motivation.

Perhaps Pelosi's words aren't prophetic,but they are certainly ironic as we watched her own Office of Ethics plod along at a snail's pace. The "swamp" was never drained, or else the king creatures of earmarks and corruption that infested her own party would have surfaced even more furiously with critters better known as Rangel and Murtha.

Whatever the outcome is for Pelosi's career, the White House is leaving her to swim in her own vicious mire of enemies and Washington corruption.

Obama Reveals a Sad Rift among Catholics at Notre Dame

Even though Obama left a rift behind at Notre Dame, many Catholics are glad the day of Obama's speech at Notre Dame has passed. It gave Obama the platform so many Catholics never wanted him to have.  Catholic donors and other Notre Dame families felt that the school had been moving away from its Catholic identity long before Obama's invitation to the University.

It wasn't Obama's words today that moved many of us;it was the witnessing of a scene unfolding of an old priest, Father Norman Weslin,bearing a cross,with a picture of "Our Lady of Guadeloupe" carried by another "lamb" protester. 

For many Catholics, it was an emotional experience to see Father Weslin singing "Immaculate Mary" with his cracked voice as the police handcuffed him,and carried him away on a blanket. The recitation of the "Hail Mary" could be heard in the background,but it seemed chilling because it was transpiring on the property of a Catholic university.

Today Obama brought division, but it will be Catholics that have to heal the division Obama added to and helped to leave behind in Indiana.

The Death of Newspapers and the Rise of Net Journalism

Newspapers were born simply because people are hungry for news. Newspapers will finally transition to the new media... for news is still as Napoleon Bonaparte said: Four hostile newspapers are more to be feared than a thousand bayonets. The problem is Publishers have been slow to adapt to the new mediums such as net journalism,while journalists decry Google and the advent of bloggers and the "Citizen" Journalist. 

Paul Gillin who writes at "Newspaper Death Watch" gives an interesting perspective on what could be the future of papers if they prove resilient as evidenced by history:

If the past is any clue to the future, then the New York newspaper strike of 1962-63 may offer a glimpse of what a nation without daily newspapers would look like. Slate’s Jack Shafer has a wonderful account of what a news-starved city did when the strike crippled all of its newspapers for nearly four months. In short: it improvised. Non-unionized dailies in the boroughs saw circulation explode. The Philadelphia Inquirer imported thousands of daily copies. Radio and TV stations began reporting real news instead of just parroting what the dailies said.

Still,newspapers are hurting more than other media areas. Advertising and marketing are heading where the readers are as more and more people turn to the net for news.

Back in 2006, The Economist reported in depth on the decline of newspapers saying papers such as "The New York Times" and "Wall Street Journal" would survive because of their investigative journalism. With the arrival of new investigative blogs such as "The Right Side News", brings to question if large newspapers can catch-up after having dragged their feet for so long. Many seem to be making a decision to charge subscriptions, but they haven't followed the example of papers such as "The Christian Science Monitor" who long ago saw the future of newspapers and successfully made the transition to the internet. The Monitor was smart;they learned to get money from advertisers, not subscribers.

How does the mighty Kindle fit into all of this? It is a wonderful device if you can afford it,but until competitors come upon the scene,"The New York Times" will only get a minimum amount of subscribers by partnering with Amazon, for users are still able to receive news and blogs from many sources on the net.

As for the blogger and citizen journalist? Think of the videos that revealed police brutality, T.V. repairman asleep on the couch,etc. Newspapers who have a web presence help themselves to blogger material as well the other way around. Bad material? Sometimes, but many bloggers report more detail than local news. Consider the many citizens who attend local town council meetings, they attend because they are genuinely interested in taxes,local ordinances,etc. 

Newspapers will be around for a while longer,but the economy is forcing them to finally take serious action. New litigation is being presented to Congress for bail-outs, but that has it's concerns as well if the Government begins to own the once "free press."

The way news will evolve cannot be determined. It is still in the mind of the person who will think creatively and please the reader,while finding the best marketing vehicle.

Teachers,State Workers Cause Drop in Beverly Purdue's Approval Rating

Some of Governor Beverly Purdue's biggest supporters(teachers and state workers) have told their governor via the latest polls they are not happy with being the focus of job and benefit cuts.

News-Observer:Judges who had not agreed to take a voluntary pay cut as of Wednesday morning, and their salaries. Where noted, a few judges later said they would take a reduction. William Belk, Republican, District Court judge, Charlotte, $109,372 Richard Boner, Republican, Superior Court judge, Charlotte, $124,382 Kevin Bridges, Democrat, Superior Court judge Oakboro, $124,382 (Wednesday agreed to pay cut) David Byrd, Republican, District Court judge, North Wilkesboro, $109,372 (Wednesday his office said he agreed to pay cut) Judson DeRamus, Democrat, senior resident Superior Court judge, Winston-Salem, $127,957 Michael Duncan, Republican, District Court judge, Wilkesboro, $109,372 (Wednesday his office said he agreed to pay cut) Angela Foster, Democrat, District Court judge, Greensboro, $109,372 Teresa Freeman, Democrat, District Court judge, Roanoke Rapids, $109,372 Lloyd Gentry, Republican, District Court judge, Pelham, $109,372 William Griffin, Democrat, senior resident Superior Court judge, Williamston, $127,957 Samuel Grimes, Democrat, chief district judge, Washington, $112,946 Alma Hinton, Democrat, senior resident Superior Court judge, Roanoke Rapids, $127,957 Laurie Hutchins, Republican, District Court judge, Winston-Salem, $109,372 Spencer Key, Democrat, District Court judge, Dobson, $109,372 (Wednesday agreed to pay cut.) Franklin Lanier, Democrat, senior resident Superior Court judge, Lillington, $127,957 Christy Mann, Democrat, District Court judge, Charlotte, $109,372 Regan Miller, Democrat, District Court judge, Charlotte, $109,372 Thomas Moore, Republican, District Court judge, Charlotte, $109,372 John Mull, Republican, District Court judge, Valdese, $109,372 Michael Paul, Democrat, District Court judge, Washington, $109,372 Amy Sigmon, Democrat, District Court judge, Conover, $109,372 (Wednesday agreed to pay cut.) Albert Stanback, Democrat, Superior Court judge, Durham, $124,382 John Totten, Democrat, District Court judge, Charlotte, $109,372 Charles Vincent, Republican, District Court judge, Greenville, $109,372 James Webb, Republican, senior resident Superior Court judge, Whispering Pines, $127,957 William Wood, Democrat, Superior Court judge, Clemmons, $124,382

Tom Jensen,of Public Policy Polling, attributes this nose dive in approval rating as a direct result of state workers taking the brunt of state budget pay cuts and the over-all state of the economy. Jensen also says teachers and state workers comprise a large segment of Perdue's own party base.

A state worker in Charlotte, N.C.,who chooses to remain anonymous said,"the general consensus among employees she talks to is that Perdue is a "one-hit wonder" and "is not re-electable as far as she and her fellow state employees are concerned".

How much did Gov.Perdue dive in the Poll? According to Jensen:Bev Perdue's approval rating has dropped into negative territory, with 51% of voters disapproving of her job performance compared to just 34% who give her good marks.

 As for Perdue and state officials,it doesn't seem that "elected officials" are following Gov.Perdues request to voluntarily cut their own wages by .05%. Just this week the News Observer reported that many district judges were refusing to participate. Unfortunately for state workers, there will probably we more furloughs and cuts coming in July,2009. Perdue did address the reasons for her unpopular decision:Perdue said in a statement she also has identified ways to close the remaining budget gap. She said that will include more special funds, tapping the state's Savings Reserve Account and using federal recovery dollars.

Obama at Notre Dame Brings Division Among Catholics

Division, by the politicizing of a basic Catholic teaching, is the promise for many Catholics in the U.S. as the day of Obama's commencement speech approaches.  Add to that the emotional wording of the honorary degree as it denotes Obama as someone who brings those of opposite beliefs "together".

The University of Notre Dame Confers the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, on the 44th president of the United States, whose historic election opened a new era of hope in a country long divided by its history of slavery and racism. A community organizer who honed his advocacy for the poor, the marginalized and the worker in the streets of Chicago, he now organizes a larger community, bringing to the world stage a renewed American dedication to diplomacy and dialogue with all nations and religions committed to human rights and the global common good. Through his willingness to engage with those who disagree with him and encourage people of faith to bring their beliefs to the public debate, he is inspiring this nation to heal its divisions of religion, culture, race and politics in the audacious hope for a brighter tomorrow. On Barack H. Obama, Washington, District of Columbia"

Obama has yet to prove himself as someone who has made strides in "bringing together" those of opposing political differences. His political actions on abortion during his first few days as President did not unify the pro-choice and pro-life segments of American society. The Notre Dame campus has turned into an ideological battleground for American cultural beliefs and values.  Furthermore,In 2001 American Catholic bishops made it clear that those who oppose Church teachings are not to receive honorary degrees.

The fact that Notre Dame is the largest Catholic university in the U.S., makes Obama's visit more humiliating to practicing Catholics in light of Obama's opposing beliefs.

Obama certainly knows the controversy surrounding his address at Notre Dame,and how the advent of his visit has threatned to turn the campus into a media circus. Perhaps Obama realizes his visit will help drive a wedge between Catholics and U.S. bishops. 

Murtha: King Porker and Power Broker

John Murtha (D)Pa. notorious for his success as the "King of Pork" by bringing home federal dollars for his state and the John Murtha Airport, has shown his hand with his political rival,Bill Russell.  With Russell, we have a perfect example of the power-brokering John Murtha's boys  will use when dealing with political rivals who would dare challenge his pork-laden empire.

As for strong-arming political opponents, Bill Russell (R) who recently challenged Murtha and lost the 2008 election by 16% to Murtha, received a political threat from Murtha's chief of staff, Bill Hugya. Russell who plans to challenge Murtha again in a rematch in 2010, apparently attracted Rugya's attention. Russell reports while he was working the tables at an NRA event, Murtha's top guy,Rugya, threatened Russell with the following as reported by Fox News:

"Rep. John Murtha's opponent in the 2008 election claims the Pennsylvania congressman's chief of staff has threatened to have him recalled to active duty and court-martialed for campaigning while in the military, which is in violation of military code."

It happens that Bill Russell was in the military when he ran against Murtha which is a violation of military code. Russell was in the reserves, and claims he was not actively campaigning in April,May,and June of 2008, but did resign when he actively campaigned against Murtha.

Russell also told Fox News that Rugya used these words when threatening him:

"What are you gonna do when we have the new secretary of the Army seated and have your ass recalled to active duty for that s--- you pulled last summer?"

If true, and Murtha's office has not denied it,then Bill Russell has every right to be concerned. It seems that Rugya was considering making good on his threat by approaching, Ret.Lt. Colonel Ritch,who is Bill Russell's former commanding office,with the possibility to court-Martial Bill Russell!

Even though Murtha brags about how it is his job to bring home the bacon to Pennsylvania, he still uses federal tax dollars, and recently received $800,000 from the Stimulus bill for his name-sake and unprofitable airport.

Murtha,as stated before on this blog, is a walking ad for term limits. For a career politician to wield such power in Washington and at home is unsettling. 

Murtha brings to mind the greed and power profiling of old characters out of the fiction and movie themes of the South. Think of Will Varner,the bullying owner of an entire town in Mississippi, and "Big Daddy" in "Cat On a Hot tin Roof",and we begin to get the perfect picture of Senator John Murtha.

PETA Employees Escape Conviction for Animal Cruelty in North Carolina

A little over a week ago, two PETA employees in North Carolina escaped conviction in a 50 count charge for animal cruelty. You can read the charges in this file. 

Adrian Hinkle and Andrew Cook were originally accused of dumping animals they had killed by injection of chemicals. The number of puppies and dogs may have numbered as many as 122  based on what was found in a grocery store dumpster.

Back in 2005 in N.C.,  Hinkle and Cook,PETA employees collected animals from rescue shelters promising to find good homes for the adoptable animals.  Instead, they proceeded to kill them by injection from chemicals later found stored in their van. 

There is also a case where these two PETA employees picked up a healthy mother cat and her two kittens from a veterinarian by promising the doctor they were going to find them good homes. Instead, the cat and kittens were among found the dead animals.

The good thing that comes from this case is that it has forced PETA to admit that it does in fact kill animals as a matter of mercy.

Marc Folco of SouthCoast Today.com reports this from Jim Shepherd: 

This winter, PETA also refused a request to aid in the airlifting of hay bales to cattle, elk and mule deer that had been trapped in a series of freak snowstorms in the Colorado Rockies, leaving them unable to reach food. 
PETA kills thousands of animals every year, but is opposed to hunting, fishing and eating meat. They purchased walk-in freezers for their Virginia headquarters to store animal carcasses and paid thousands of dollars to an animal cremation service to dispose of them later. 

What were Hinkle and Cook convicted of? "Littering"! Apparently their attorney said the animals had no

intrinsic value  and that the accused were not purposefully cruel. Imagine PETA taking this defense of the animals having no dollar value.

This is the same group that opposes "fishing". PETA has been exposed for their hypocrisy.

Greta Van Susteren: A Relief from the Usual Main Stream Media

Greta Van Susteren is one of the few TV cable news shows many of us watch on a consistent basis in order to get away from the Main Stream Media slant on news events. It started over a year ago when "On The Record" was one of the few cable news shows to give Hillary Clinton some fair air-time when she was running against Obama in the democratic primaries.

It was refreshing to watch Greta give pointed but respectful opportunity to Hillary Clinton to answer the questions we had at the time on the race.  Actually, it was a relief not to see Clinton dragged through the usual mire of sludge that anyone of opposing view receives from the Far left. It was a break from the Obama media love-fest.

Several months later, Greta was the only top cable news show to get an interview from Governor Palin. The MSM certainly didn't like it, but who would blame Palin?  Palin knew by then Van Susteren would be at least "respectful" to anyone she interviewed. In turn, Palin gave Greta Van Susteren an interview with full insight to the Governor's views. Many of us were excited to see Palin in a setting that for once wouldn't be hostile...just respectful.  As to be expected, the respect shown by Greta to Governor Palin was identified as "softness" by the MSM.

When Greta is accused of this "softness" by the media towards the Palins, they take pain to add the fact that Greta's husband is an advisor to Sarah Palin.  Greta makes no apologies for her husband, John Coale, giving Palin advice (who was also a Hillary supporter and good fundraiser). Greta even goes out of her way to point out what good advice he did offer the Governor. 

Today we are reading the latest complaints of Greta having Todd Palin as a Fox News guest at the White House Correspondents Dinner. Once again, the MSM is having issue with Greta's good fortune and manners.  Apparently, Greta deflected questioning from a Politico reporter away from Todd Palin. Greta pointed out it was due to the fact the dinner was a social event.  Politico didn't like the treatment, and wrote a scathing article calling Greta a "handler". Not to worry though, Greta has taken the issue to task on her own Greta Wire blog...and respectfully at that.

Respectful Interview Below

Pope Benedict Walks Out on Sheikh's Attack of Israel

The Jerusalem Post is reporting the Pope walked out of a verbal attack launched by Shaikh Tayseer Rajab Tamini. Tamini took the podium after Benedict had spoken, and then went in to a vicious,hate-filled attack against Israel. The Pope exited soon after Tamini made his speech, not even waiting for the inter-religious dialog to officially end.

The Pope has made it his mission to be of help in bringing peace to the Middle-East peace, but instead was forced to have the Vatican gives this press-release:  "We hope that such an incident will not damage the mission of the Holy Father aiming at promoting peace and inter-religious dialog, as he has clearly affirmed in many occasions in this pilgrimage," Father Lombardi added.

"We hope also that inter-religious dialog in the holy land will not be damaged by this incident," the message concluded.

Earlier in the day, when the Pope arrived in Israel, he vowed to fight the rising tide of anti-Semitism. These are the words he used while addressing the Israelis:

"Tragically, the Jewish people have experienced the terrible consequences of ideologies that deny the fundamental dignity of every human person," he said. "It is right and fitting that, during my stay in Israel, I will have the opportunity to honor the memory of the six million Jewish victims of the Shoah, and to pray that humanity will never again witness a crime of such magnitude."

"Sadly, anti-Semitism continues to rear its ugly head in many parts of the world. This is totally unacceptable," the popecontinued. "Every effort must be made to combat anti-Semitism wherever it is found, and to promote respect and esteem for the members of every people, tribe, language and nation across the globe."

The Pope has taken on an ambitious mission with everyone hanging on every word he uses.  The Pope has been involved in controversy with Jews and Islamists over unintentional interpretation of his past remarks.  The most important need was to address the Holocaust and its victims since we are in a period of time where many are trying to say that the Holocaust did not take place, and as certain nations call for the destruction of Israel.

The Pope needs to make progress in relations with Israel and the Catholic Church. So many questions remain to this day concerning Pope Pius XII and his degree of help in aiding Jews during World War II.

Getting Worse: Women Bullying Women at Work and in Politics

The research for women on bullying at work is massive and disappointing, but how that problem has reached over into politics is blatantly obvious if it is looked at with open eyes.  Women's groups have noted the sexist language and treatment from the mass media, but have failed to see their own shortcomings in helping this bullying and patriarchy along.  Is there any doubt it exists? No, but where the blame is placed is wrong.

During the 70's the women's movement was expected to show how women entering into management would show the better side of business with nurturing and intuitive management that would ultimately lead to multi-culturalism and diversity. 

Things have not worked out that way for women or else the majority of women would not still be in lower to middle management.  The blame instantly goes to men as the ones perpetuating it,but women have chosen to adopt the same hostile behaviors they complained about as they increased the management ranks in the corporate world, which stands at 40% today. The answer to this phenomena from many leading women's group is that men are reacting with increased hostility to the new competition from women, but the world-wide research doesn't back this thinking. With more women in supervisory roles, the complaints of bullying and hostility come mostly from other women!  

"Melbourne psychologist Evelyn Field says women bully just as much as men do, "but because more bullies are managers and more managers are male, more bullying is done by men. But you certainly get a lot of bullying from women and sometimes they behave more aggressively than males."

"Field, author of Bullybusting, a self-help book for children faced with bullying, is also writing a book on workplace bullying. According to information she has gathered from interviews for her new book as well as her own observations (speaking to groups of women), women often feel pressured to adopt male behaviours in the workplace to get ahead..."

Today,The New York Times reports from The World bullying Institute the main characterisitcs of supervisory women who bully other women in the workplace:

1) glaring at in a hostile manner

2) given the silent treatment

3) failure to stop rumors

4) rude and disrespectful treatment

Grace Lau, a Candian researcher rom the University of Waterloo, studied the situations that pit women against women in the workplace, and it involved a belief that they did not see themselves as belonging to a "group" and would continue to act as individuals in the workplace. She contends that this is the root of present day issues undermining the treatment of women.

The findings should be a wake-up call. Failure of women to support other women seems to be the pervading issue no matter which study you read. Many women claim they have to be extra-careful not to display "emotions" at work, etc., which only buys in to imitating that which they were already against! 

Women have much to consider after having witnessed the 2008 election year. National Feminists groups have not led women in a productive way.  Recent national candidate figures such as Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin were ravaged by sexism from other women as well as men. Hillary Clinton,other than her own supporters,received direct sexists attacks from women in her own party...including leading figures who never objected to the sexist treatment until the election was conveniently over. Sarah Palin, in turn, was not protected by any leading feminist organization. Carrie Prejean's treatment shows the lack of cultural protection from any major women's movement. Carrie Prejean does not meet the standards for protection from other women. 

In 2008, and continuing into this year, women may have realized for the first time how far they haven't come, and how out of touch they really are with other women. The Feminist Movement of old lost meaning. Perhaps it is good the old Feminists imploded, maybe they even deserved to considering our present day treatment of the woman who works for us, the woman who belongs to a different political party, and our failure to demand respect for a 21 year old beauty queen.

Any group that purports to stand nationally for women will be doomed to deserved failure until they can at least define the meaning of respect.

ACORN Should Not Be Involved with the Census Bureau

With evidence mounting that ACORN committed registration fraud is raising national concern that ACORN employees should not be working for the Census Bureau.  The first line of defense from ACORN officials is that registration fraud seldom leads to voter fraud. Never mind the fact that tax payer dollars were abused when paying for these false registrations from ACORN employees.

Despite new charges brought against ACORN for voter fraud, the real concern today is the role that ACORN will play with the Census Bureau. The Bureau under the Obama administration must now report directly to the White House. The Census Bureau is suppose to be non-partisan, but the fact that ACORN is playing a primary role in collecting information is cause for concern since findings will bring political consequences. With all the negative evidence,some democratic house members are becoming concerned as well.

 

Yet, there is still a reluctance of House Democrats to discuss the organization because they are split on how to handle the issue of ACORN. Republicans are focused on ACORN, but are criticized of political grand-standing.

The WSJ had this to say:  "The stink is bad enough that some congressional Democrats have taken notice. At a March 19 hearing on election problems, Michigan Rep. John Conyers, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, pressed New York Rep. Gerald Nadler, chairman of the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, to hold a hearing on Acorn. He called the charges against it "serious." Mr. Nadler agreed to consider the request.

Mr. Nadler's office now says there will be no hearing on Acorn because Mr. Conyers has changed his mind. Mr. Conyers's office released a statement on Monday saying that after reviewing "the complaints against Acorn, I have concluded that a hearing on this matter appears unwarranted at this time." end quote~There is enough evidence against ACORN that needs to be cleared-up before allowing them to do work as critical as getting reliable and detailed information about the U.S. population.
Photo: Reuters
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"No Furloughs!" Shout State Workers to Gov. Beverly Perdue

In Raleigh,N.C. protesting state workers got close enough to the legislative building hoping that lawmakers heard them loud and clear. The basic consensus among the protesting workers seemed to be that Gov. Beverly Perdue picked a bad time to zero in on teachers and all other state workers for her initial budget cut.

Beverly Perdue,a vocal Obama supporter,said she regretted the cuts, but that she she had a "constitutional responsibility to pay the bills".

Unfortunately for state workers, their own lawmakers have been "asked" to voluntarily reduce their salaries to 0.05%. Not 0.5% as some papers have mis-reported. Why voluntarily? The audacity of lawmakers to cut salaries of those who pay them with their own hard-earned tax dollars is obscene. Who are the leaders in North Carolina? Certainly not our lawmakers who fail to show the way during hard economic times.

Either way, the N.C. State House passed the law on Thursday forcing the furloughs and pay cuts.

What is sneaky and underhanded about this? "Lawmakers believe the order only applies to the executive branch. The bill extends the mandatory furloughs to lawmakers and most judicial branch workers."

No wonder North Carolina lawmakers were so understanding of the protesters.

Beverly Perdue followed up by speaking to Craven democrats at two separate fundraisers,and told them:

"I'm one tough woman," Perdue said. "But I need your help. It's not going to be easy. I don't want to be doing this, but somebody has got to pay the bills. It's the reality I face as your governor.

Governor Perdue and the lawmakers may see that the taxpayers of N.C. are one tough bunch at election time.

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Islamists Leaders Denounce Pope's Visit to the Middle-East

According to Reuters:

Islamist leaders say the Pope's visit to the Middle-East is provocative despite Pope Benedict  clearly stating that he is on a mission of peace.  Islamists still maintain that the Pope has not apologized sufficiently for his remarks made back in 2006 when he read from text of a 14th century Byzantine emperor:

“Show me just what Muhammad brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached.”

The pope also used the word jihad, or holy war, saying violence was contrary to God’s nature and to reason.

This quote caused such outrage in the Islamic world that the Pope is still receiving verbal onslaught for it today, though he gave a clearly stated apology that the quote was not a reflection of his personal feelings. 

Apparently, the Pope is against "jihad". Yet, the Pope is still in a no win situation with Islamists because he also apologized for the Holocaust. Islamic leader,Bani Rusheid said: "It's the same pope who apologized to the Jews about the Holocaust and now comes to the region but says nothing about the Palestinian Nakba."

Even with Israel, the Pope still faces flak over his lifting of the excommunication of Bishop Williamson who told a British television station that he believed the Holocaust never took place. Yet since that time, Pope Benedict has made it very clear he had no knowledge of the Bishop ever saying this. The Pope had lifted the excommunications of several bishops who had originally been excommunicated for not following new laws stated by Vatican II.

The Pope has a tough job,but his purpose is clear in that he wants to promote peace.

Talk about  having to walk on eggshells! Good Luck................................

CNN: Obama "Tones Down" Day of Prayer

CNN reports Obama is keeping any public observance of the National Day of Prayer out of the executive office.  Obama believes that prayer is simply a private matter. Bringing all faiths together for one day of unified prayer is not a big priority with this President. 

Prayer just isn't cool with the elitists and intelligentsia of the far lefl.

This is cool

Below is Not So Cool

Update on Celente, Tea Parties, and Predictions for 2012

Back in November we did an article on Gerald Celente and his economic predictions for 2012. Since the predictions were so dire, it seems an interesting idea to know Celente and where he stands today with what he said in November,2007.

Gerald Celente, the CEO of Trends Research Institute, is renowned for his predictions and for their accuracy as well.

Looking back, we wrote:  "Celente says that by 2012 America will become an undeveloped nation, that there will be a revolution marked by food riots, squatter rebellions, tax revolts and job marches, and that holidays will be more about obtaining food, not gifts." 

The New York Times refers to any bad news on the economy as "pessimism porn".  Yet there are large amounts of people going every day to the internet to get the latest takes or any new word on the economy from Gerald Celente. Yet, Celente has been "right on" with his predictions many times more than missing the mark, and that is what has peaked the curiosity of many world internet travelers.

Could the Tea Parties be even remotely related to the riots in Europe during the G-20?  Look how Britain is planning for more riot control this summer.  The Guardian reported that police are gearing for riots in England as the government worries about the people taking to the streets.  On April 4Th, Italians numbering over 200,000 workers protested the state of the economy in Rome.

Robert Morely at "The Trumpet"  gives a detailed update as well on Celente but adds  news from another forcaster,Roger Wiegand who barely lessens the darkness revealed by Celente:

"Social problems from massive unemployment will cause higher crime rates. One analyst estimates the U.S. murder rate will increase to 50,000 per year, matching national traffic accident numbers. Single mothers, children, elderly and others will go hungry. National government disaster planners cannot cope (think Katrina times 100) as they grossly underestimate how bad this can get and how swiftly it arrives. There is plenty of food but the handling and distribution problems will interrupt/delay deliveries. People eat daily, not once a month.

In response to public demonstrations, food riots and escalation of crime, federal troops will be called out and martial law implemented in the worst-case cities. The right-wing militias will be joined by other put-upon groups in fighting with these troops. With so many weapons throughout America, this is going to be ongoing and deadly."

Celente has had his say on the Tea Parties. This comes from Trends Research Institute:

"The Tea Parties and Tax Protests sprouting across the nation, which we had predicted, are harbingers of revolution," said Gerald Celente, Director of The Trends Research Institute. "But they are not enough. Much stronger and directed action is required. Our call for 'Revolution' will galvanize the people, destroy the corrupt ruling systems, and produce a prosperous and more just nation."

The Revolution Celente proposes is unique in concept and bold in execution. It is about a lot more than just "taxation without representation."

"Nothing short of total repudiation of our entrenched systems can rescue America," said Celente. "We are under the control of a two-headed, one party political system. Wall Street controls our financial lives; the media manipulates our minds. These systems cannot be changed from within. There is no alternative. Without a revolution, these institutions will bankrupt the country, keep fighting failed wars, start new ones, and hold us in perpetual intellectual subjugation."

Celente goes on to say that America needs an intellectual rebellion, which is very similar to the call we hear from the Ayn Rand Institute. Celente believes the problem lies with the "two-headed" monster of a single political party.

"Until America wakes up", says Celente, the country will suffer economically. In other words, America needs to be very careful who they listen to.  Right now, Celente says we are listening to: CNN and Fox. He believes the internet gives more reliable fact! But one thing Celente is adamant about today is: "The Intellectual Revolution Has Begun".

John Murtha Expert on Packing the Pork for Murtha Family

No one can say that John Murtha (D) Pa. doesn't look after his own.  The latest revelation of packing of the pork was brought to light from The Washington Post involving his nephew Robert Murtha and the defense contracts awarded (worth millions) to "Murtech". No surprise considering Murtha's history of earmarks, and that it so happens he is Chairman of the powerful House Appropriations defense subcommittee. Apparently, this has paid off for Murtha family members.

The issue for taxpayers are several.  Until very recently, most states got the majority of their revenue from sales tax, but that changed with the Stimulus plan. Yet, Murtha has a long history of hogging federal money for huge projects, and it is a legitimate question to ask Murtha if the taxpayers are getting the best use of their dollar by awarding defense contracts to family members.

AP Photo

Mutha's pork barrel earmarks have been covered extensively especially the funding of millions of taxpayer dollars to John Murtha Airport, and Murtha's supposed involvement of the FBI investigation of the lobbyist organization known as PMA.

Fox News quoted The Times as reporting another Murtha instance of federal tax dollars geared to his cousin: "The Times said the situation doesn't appear to violate any rules or ethics guidelines, but noted other Murtha family members have also benefited from the congressman's position. He reportedly earmarked millions of dollars to an institution in his district, St. Vincent College, while his cousin, the Rev. John F. Murtha, was its president." end quote~

What is interesting is how Robert Murtha,Jr. pointed out to WAPO that he has had to put up with "criticism all his life" because of having the last name of Murtha. All his life? Robert Murtha is 49 yrs. old! Could this be a good argument for term-limits?

Does Obama Even Like America?

Many of us as we try to take in the rush of events over the last 100 days of Obama and his administration wonder if this President even likes America!  

Our foreign policy is sending negative messages to Israel and almost promises to come to a total breakdown when Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu meets with Obama later this month.  Israel is worried about the Iranian threat which promises Israel's destruction.  Obama doesn't see it that way. He is interested in opening negotiations with Iran by solving the Palestinian problem. Obama is clearly not pleased with Israel. 

 Obama, as Joan Swirsky points out in her new article, showed his disdain for America as he made his European tour telling the French that America " has shown arrogance, and has been dismissive,even derisive" toward Europe. Obama even told the world when he was in Turkey that 'America is no longer a Christian Nation'.  Swirsky also quotes historian Victor David Hanson on what he noticed was peculiarly absent from Obama's Apology Tour:

"Historian Victor Davis Hanson also noticed something odd about Obama’s apology tour. “Despite this fresh climate of atonement, there was a complete absence of a single apology from any other foreign leader...not a word came from Britain about colonialism...nothing from Germany on the Holocaust...not a peep from France about Algeria or Vietnam. Turkey was mum on the Armenian killings...Russia said nothing about the 30 million murdered by Stalin...Nothing came from China about the 70 million who perished under Mao...Mr. Medvedev said nothing about Putin’s brutish rule...We saw no concrete evidence of any help — or hope and change — from any foreign leader. Zilch.”

At home we have Obama and our spending Congress attempting to blame every evil of our economy  on Capitalism instead of the real culprit: government regulation.  How do we cure the problems? With more government regulation from a Congress who backed mortgages that never would have existed in a free market if it hadn't of been for an interfering government.

We have in office an economic dictator that promises to oversee every aspect of our economy.

With a democratic party that sold out to the far left, and an ineffective republican party, there is only one true "glimmer of hope" remaining, and that is the American citizen who isn't accustomed to tyranny.