. . . but not necessarily from the political scene
The political world is shocked by Sarah Palin's decision to resign from her job as Alaska's Governor. Speculation is abound, but in short, her reasons basically said that serving as a lame duck governor won't help the State of Alaska.
Palin kept the details of her future political plans under wrap. We are reminded that half a dozen years passed after Ronald Reagan's governorship of California ended before he was elected President of the United States. This move by Palin may simply be an opportunity to temporarily remove herself from the limelight for a while, regroup, and possibly make her plans for a 2012 presidential run.
Part of her decision was also based upon the continual presence of personal attacks on both Sarah Palin, and her family, by those that find her to be a threat. Nonetheless, she has inspired millions, and the enthusiasm among Conservatives regarding Sarah Palin remains.
I believe Sarah Palin wishes to spend this time to re-make herself, and position herself for national run in 2016 (if not 2012).
-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary
Saturday, July 04, 2009
The Making Of A Nation
On The Political Pistachio Radio Revolution, tonight, we are celebrating Independence Day with the story behind the making of this nation. Join us as my show takes a documentary style turn.
Catch it live at 7pm Pacific, or catch the archive later, HERE.
Catch it live at 7pm Pacific, or catch the archive later, HERE.
North Korea Fires Ballistic Missiles In Show of Military Firepower
7 Missiles Lauched by North Korea to show the South Koreans and American Navy not to get too close to North Korea's eastern shore
Many see it as no coincidence the missiles were launched on Independence Day. This is not the first time Kim Jong Il has used American holidays to show his military might. A nuclear test was conducted on Memorial Day, and July 4, 2006 North Korea launched seven missiles then, as well.
Hawaii is approximately 1,400 miles away from North Korea, and these ballistic missiles did not have the capability to reach America's 50th state. The U.S. Navy in Hawaii, however, is paying close attention, and is not taking this test firing lightly.
The missile launches are in defiance of U.N. resolutions, and is drawing global condemnation, and concern.
All seven missiles landed in the Sea of Japan between the Korea Peninsula and Japan.
The Obama Administration has chosen to be silent about the launches, as to not draw attention to North Korea's actions and possibly provoke them - once again showing a sign of weakness. The American President will be viewed as fearful, and unwilling to make waves - an attribute that encourages evil to rachet it up a notch.
Apparently, North Korea has no problem provoking its enemies.
-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary
By Douglas V. Gibbs
North Korea fires missiles in 4th of July salvo - Associated Press, Kelly Olsen
Many see it as no coincidence the missiles were launched on Independence Day. This is not the first time Kim Jong Il has used American holidays to show his military might. A nuclear test was conducted on Memorial Day, and July 4, 2006 North Korea launched seven missiles then, as well.
Hawaii is approximately 1,400 miles away from North Korea, and these ballistic missiles did not have the capability to reach America's 50th state. The U.S. Navy in Hawaii, however, is paying close attention, and is not taking this test firing lightly.
The missile launches are in defiance of U.N. resolutions, and is drawing global condemnation, and concern.
All seven missiles landed in the Sea of Japan between the Korea Peninsula and Japan.
The Obama Administration has chosen to be silent about the launches, as to not draw attention to North Korea's actions and possibly provoke them - once again showing a sign of weakness. The American President will be viewed as fearful, and unwilling to make waves - an attribute that encourages evil to rachet it up a notch.
Apparently, North Korea has no problem provoking its enemies.
-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary
By Douglas V. Gibbs
North Korea fires missiles in 4th of July salvo - Associated Press, Kelly Olsen
Assault on the Fourth of July
Conservatism angers Liberals. Conservatism draws its strength from the U.S. Constitution, God, and Patriotism. Therefore, the Left, since Conservatism angers them so much, has a particular disdain for the Originalist understanding of the U.S. Constitution, anything religious, and all things that point to America being the greatest nation on Earth.
This means that the Conservative belief in a limited Constitutional government must be countered by the liberals with a Marxist, overpowering, centralized monster of a federal government. God must be eliminated from all public view, and replaced by the religion of liberal secular humanism. And finally, anyone who loves their country enough to stand outside watching fireworks on July 4th, with tears in their eyes as they think about what those blasts in the sky represents, has got to be demonized as some small minded, bitter, gun-clinging, religious nut.
That's right, folks. Now the Liberal Left is even daring to launch an assault on the Declaration of Independence, Independence Day, and fireworks.
I realize that the Liberal Left is at about the same level as a paramecium when it comes to brain power, but this is even low for them.
America's principles are under assault. The self-evident truths of the Declaration of Independence are now subject to interpretation. And according to Liberal Writer Troy Patterson, Fireworks Suck.
Maybe fireworks suck to Troy because he doesn't believe in what they represent. Maybe, like Obama, he thinks America is some horrible place, and we must go around apologizing for being an exceptional nation. Maybe he thinks that the armed conflict that was the American Revolution could have been solved at the negotiation table. I guess George Washington and Thomas Jefferson should have visited the King with no pre-conditions to ask him nicely to quit oppressing the colonists with a strong central government, and unfair taxes.
Yeah, sure, the King would have just smiled, and said, "Gosh, guys, I am so sorry. I didn't realize you felt that way. Sure, right away, the British Army is coming home. No hard feelings, I hope."
Liberalism is akin to Marxism, and nations with such ideologies have been enemies of the United States in the past because their belief system is fundamentally opposed to everything America represents - and the Left knows it.
The Left rejects the fixed principles layed down by the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. They believe that either the Constitution can be twisted as they wish with their interpretation, or that it is an old document that needs replacing. As Obama proclaimed, the Constitution fails to address what government is supposed to do for you. Perhaps, Mr. Obama, the Constitution left that out because the Federal Government isn't supposed to be "doing" for the people - the people are supposed to be taking personal responsibility for themselves.
Celebrating Independence Day is about celebrating the founding of this nation, which includes the decision that all men are created equal, and are endowed with inalienable rights. What people do with their opportunities in life, however, is their business - hence the "liberty" part of the equation.
-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary
By Douglas V. Gibbs
Fireworks Suck - Slate, Troy Patterson
The Left’s Assault on the Declaration of Independence - The Heritage Foundation
Mohave Desert War Memorial Cross
In 1934, WWI Veterans erected a monument to honor their comrades who had died in battle. The ACLU now wants to tear it down, and all public memorials like it, because of its religious imagery.
Visit Don't Tear Me Down
Visit Don't Tear Me Down
Independence Day 2009
Independence Day: Celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, an independence won by America from a tyrannical government through a revolution.
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Get Liberty
God Bless America.
-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary
By Douglas V. Gibbs
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Get Liberty
God Bless America.
-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary
By Douglas V. Gibbs
The Lone Protester's Independence Day Tea Party Speech
Speech given by Terry Funderburk on July 3, 2009 in South Carolina:
Hello fellow patriots from South Carolina. My name is Terry Funderburk and I am one of those Americans called a domestic terrorist. Some of you might know me as lone protester. It is an honor to be asked to get up here and speak to you. I am up here as a spokesman for the native born construction workers of South Carolina. I am also speaking as one of the angriest people in this state. What has been done to us is criminal and I indict every politician, every mayor, every police chief and every sheriff for dereliction and abdication of their responsibilities to the citizens of this state
A prime example of what I speak of is the building across the street. On April 15th, tea party day, on my way here to listen to Governor Sanford speak about a bright future for South Carolinians, I saw my future going straight down the drain when I noticed what appeared to be illegal workers on that building site. Four years ago I had six employees in my construction business, Today I have none. Four years ago I was living the American dream and today it has turned into a nightmare.
My son was born in West Germany in 1981 yet he was an American citizen from the first moment. He never petitioned the German government for assistance and he never demanded German citizenship. My wife and youngest daughter are legal immigrants from the Philippine Islands. It took two years and thousands dollars to get them here legally and in the meantime 3 million illegal aliens just up and strolled across our southern border without a worry in the world about filling out the first page of immigration paperwork.
In two weeks time I have a special anniversary coming up. Two years ago on July 16th 2007 my protest sign was rudely snatched out of my hands by one of Columbia’s finest. And what was my offense? Calling an admitted employer of illegal aliens exactly what he presented himself to be to me. ‘A cheap bastard’. For that grave offense to humanity I was taken at ninety miles an hour to the Richland County Detention Center and processed into the criminal justice system. I was mug shot, fingerprinted and spent 22 hours in jail for calling somebody exactly what he was.
I have found out that in the state of South Carolina justice is not blind. In this state justice is simply determined by the size of your bank account and if you think different then you are wrong. You might think that your First Amendment right to free speech is protected in this state and you would be wrong again. You might think that your right to a quick and speedy trial is guaranteed in South Carolina and once again, you are wrong! I have found out from personal experience, that in this state, if you try to speak out against corruption in the construction industry then the full force of our criminal justice system will come down on you like a ton of bricks. In South Carolina the more money you got the more justice you get.
At my arraignment I demanded a trial by jury and it took nine months and 6 court appearances before it happened. I went through threat after threat from the prosecutor who exceeded the limits of his office on several occasions. Finally, the sixth time proved the charm. My trial started after the judge gave the jury a politically correct speech about my case having nothing to do with illegal immigration. It lasted for an hour and was a learning experience for me. Every time the prosecutor brought up the word illegal the judge would shut him up quick. Thank God when it finally ended.
The jury went out and within 30 minutes came back in with a not guilty verdict. After 9 months and 6 court tries a jury of my peers most definitely saw the truth with no spin to it. From that point I thought my experiences with the criminal justice system was over. I was wrong by a long shot. It took another 9 months to get a copy of my trial transcripts from the clerk of court. A few months ago my lawyer filed suit in 5th Judicial Circuit Court here in Columbia. The defendants are the city of Columbia, Richland County, the police department and the criminal employer that I protested. I am claiming that they conspired together to deprive me of my constitutionally guaranteed rights. The charges are malicious prosecution, abuse of the judicial process, assault and battery, false arrest and imprisonment, civil conspiracy and violation of my rights.
But I am not stupid. How can I get justice when the same legal system that tried to shut me up for speaking the truth must decide if they will allow themselves to be put on trial. How can I expect a court to decide to prosecute itself? One way or another, I demand that they make a decision in my case or get the hell out of the way because it is a long path to the US Supreme Court.
Today my business of 22 years is gone thanks to a bunch of jerks in charge who never have to worry about their jobs and businesses being stolen by criminals. My American dream is a nightmare, I myself am listed as a domestic terrorist, criminals steal my business and I in turn become a criminal. Tell me, does this sound like America? Does this sound like a country that is going to celebrate its 233rd birthday tomorrow? Last week I got an email from a friend in North Carolina. He is closing his drywall business of 45 years because of the same problem I experienced here. A business his father started in 1964 is no more because he has the same type of spineless leaders who refuse to enforce the laws much like we have here.
The day after I got out of jail I wrote about what happened to me. My son had taken pictures of my protest sign being ripped out of my hands and being arrested. I put them together and put it out all over the internet. In two weeks I probably received over 10 thousand emails from Americans everywhere who had read my story. I started documenting my case and letting the American people know what was happening. Every time I was in court 15 to 20 supporters were there beside me. They watched the travesty of justice unfold like I did. Kendra Linkowski, Winthrop Spofford, Patricia Wheat, Mr and Mrs Gebroski, Odess Brinkman and others, I love you like brothers and sisters. You have my undying gratitude for the support that you gave me. You are American patriots and I am proud to have you by my side.
I was interviewed by the State newspaper 6 weeks after getting out of jail. The conclusions that the reporter came to was that I was a racist and had no state license. I was listed as a racist by that liberal rag because I told the reporter that 75% of the Hispanic workers in construction around Columbia were here illegally. Curiously enough that same night I participated on a radio show that had another guest that had been married to a Mexican coyote for 15 years. Ten years ago they bought a used trailways bus and once every 10 days they would drive from here all the Way to New Mexico, cross the border there, pick up about 80 illegal aliens and bring them back to the southeastern United States. They did once every 10 days for 10 years. Do the math. They brought over 42 thousand illegal aliens into this part of South Carolina. Just two individuals. She told me that the correct percentages of illegal alien Hispanics in construction around Columbia was closer to 99% because they had brought most of them here. I told that reporter and her editor afterwards that the only use for their newspaper I would have anymore was in my bathroom when I run out of tissue paper.
I could never be a politician in South Carolina because one major requirement is that you have the ability to speak out of both sides of your mouth at the same time. Last year, in this building behind me, our legislators passed laws that Governor Sanford signed. Those laws were designed to protect South Carolinians like myself in the workplace. Those laws were a sham. They were designed to make us think that they would be effective but in reality they had no teeth. In the year that the first part of them became law not one company or individual has been charged with employing illegal workers. On July 1st of this year the second part of those laws became effective and if the last few years has taught me anything about the enforcement of immigration laws, they will be ignored also.
Tomorrow is the 4th of July, Independence Day and we need to start taking this state back for its rightful owners. We need to get rid of the ash and trash and put this state back on the road to prosperity. We need to put the citizens of this state back to work and the criminals in jail. We need to give every cop in this state the right to arrest anybody that chooses to go outside the law and employ illegal workers. We need to get rid of every mayor and police chief and sheriff that likes to pick and choose what laws they will enforce. They will arrest me for spitting on the sidewalk and a criminal employer and his illegal workers have get out of jail free cards.
Does this sound like the America I grew up in? Is this the land of the free and home of the brave? 233 years ago American patriots overthrew a tyrannical government much like the one we have now. Tomorrow is Independence Day, the 4th of July but what exactly will we be celebrating? My belief is that we are all the way back to square one.
Thank you
-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary
Hello fellow patriots from South Carolina. My name is Terry Funderburk and I am one of those Americans called a domestic terrorist. Some of you might know me as lone protester. It is an honor to be asked to get up here and speak to you. I am up here as a spokesman for the native born construction workers of South Carolina. I am also speaking as one of the angriest people in this state. What has been done to us is criminal and I indict every politician, every mayor, every police chief and every sheriff for dereliction and abdication of their responsibilities to the citizens of this state
A prime example of what I speak of is the building across the street. On April 15th, tea party day, on my way here to listen to Governor Sanford speak about a bright future for South Carolinians, I saw my future going straight down the drain when I noticed what appeared to be illegal workers on that building site. Four years ago I had six employees in my construction business, Today I have none. Four years ago I was living the American dream and today it has turned into a nightmare.
My son was born in West Germany in 1981 yet he was an American citizen from the first moment. He never petitioned the German government for assistance and he never demanded German citizenship. My wife and youngest daughter are legal immigrants from the Philippine Islands. It took two years and thousands dollars to get them here legally and in the meantime 3 million illegal aliens just up and strolled across our southern border without a worry in the world about filling out the first page of immigration paperwork.
In two weeks time I have a special anniversary coming up. Two years ago on July 16th 2007 my protest sign was rudely snatched out of my hands by one of Columbia’s finest. And what was my offense? Calling an admitted employer of illegal aliens exactly what he presented himself to be to me. ‘A cheap bastard’. For that grave offense to humanity I was taken at ninety miles an hour to the Richland County Detention Center and processed into the criminal justice system. I was mug shot, fingerprinted and spent 22 hours in jail for calling somebody exactly what he was.
I have found out that in the state of South Carolina justice is not blind. In this state justice is simply determined by the size of your bank account and if you think different then you are wrong. You might think that your First Amendment right to free speech is protected in this state and you would be wrong again. You might think that your right to a quick and speedy trial is guaranteed in South Carolina and once again, you are wrong! I have found out from personal experience, that in this state, if you try to speak out against corruption in the construction industry then the full force of our criminal justice system will come down on you like a ton of bricks. In South Carolina the more money you got the more justice you get.
At my arraignment I demanded a trial by jury and it took nine months and 6 court appearances before it happened. I went through threat after threat from the prosecutor who exceeded the limits of his office on several occasions. Finally, the sixth time proved the charm. My trial started after the judge gave the jury a politically correct speech about my case having nothing to do with illegal immigration. It lasted for an hour and was a learning experience for me. Every time the prosecutor brought up the word illegal the judge would shut him up quick. Thank God when it finally ended.
The jury went out and within 30 minutes came back in with a not guilty verdict. After 9 months and 6 court tries a jury of my peers most definitely saw the truth with no spin to it. From that point I thought my experiences with the criminal justice system was over. I was wrong by a long shot. It took another 9 months to get a copy of my trial transcripts from the clerk of court. A few months ago my lawyer filed suit in 5th Judicial Circuit Court here in Columbia. The defendants are the city of Columbia, Richland County, the police department and the criminal employer that I protested. I am claiming that they conspired together to deprive me of my constitutionally guaranteed rights. The charges are malicious prosecution, abuse of the judicial process, assault and battery, false arrest and imprisonment, civil conspiracy and violation of my rights.
But I am not stupid. How can I get justice when the same legal system that tried to shut me up for speaking the truth must decide if they will allow themselves to be put on trial. How can I expect a court to decide to prosecute itself? One way or another, I demand that they make a decision in my case or get the hell out of the way because it is a long path to the US Supreme Court.
Today my business of 22 years is gone thanks to a bunch of jerks in charge who never have to worry about their jobs and businesses being stolen by criminals. My American dream is a nightmare, I myself am listed as a domestic terrorist, criminals steal my business and I in turn become a criminal. Tell me, does this sound like America? Does this sound like a country that is going to celebrate its 233rd birthday tomorrow? Last week I got an email from a friend in North Carolina. He is closing his drywall business of 45 years because of the same problem I experienced here. A business his father started in 1964 is no more because he has the same type of spineless leaders who refuse to enforce the laws much like we have here.
The day after I got out of jail I wrote about what happened to me. My son had taken pictures of my protest sign being ripped out of my hands and being arrested. I put them together and put it out all over the internet. In two weeks I probably received over 10 thousand emails from Americans everywhere who had read my story. I started documenting my case and letting the American people know what was happening. Every time I was in court 15 to 20 supporters were there beside me. They watched the travesty of justice unfold like I did. Kendra Linkowski, Winthrop Spofford, Patricia Wheat, Mr and Mrs Gebroski, Odess Brinkman and others, I love you like brothers and sisters. You have my undying gratitude for the support that you gave me. You are American patriots and I am proud to have you by my side.
I was interviewed by the State newspaper 6 weeks after getting out of jail. The conclusions that the reporter came to was that I was a racist and had no state license. I was listed as a racist by that liberal rag because I told the reporter that 75% of the Hispanic workers in construction around Columbia were here illegally. Curiously enough that same night I participated on a radio show that had another guest that had been married to a Mexican coyote for 15 years. Ten years ago they bought a used trailways bus and once every 10 days they would drive from here all the Way to New Mexico, cross the border there, pick up about 80 illegal aliens and bring them back to the southeastern United States. They did once every 10 days for 10 years. Do the math. They brought over 42 thousand illegal aliens into this part of South Carolina. Just two individuals. She told me that the correct percentages of illegal alien Hispanics in construction around Columbia was closer to 99% because they had brought most of them here. I told that reporter and her editor afterwards that the only use for their newspaper I would have anymore was in my bathroom when I run out of tissue paper.
I could never be a politician in South Carolina because one major requirement is that you have the ability to speak out of both sides of your mouth at the same time. Last year, in this building behind me, our legislators passed laws that Governor Sanford signed. Those laws were designed to protect South Carolinians like myself in the workplace. Those laws were a sham. They were designed to make us think that they would be effective but in reality they had no teeth. In the year that the first part of them became law not one company or individual has been charged with employing illegal workers. On July 1st of this year the second part of those laws became effective and if the last few years has taught me anything about the enforcement of immigration laws, they will be ignored also.
Tomorrow is the 4th of July, Independence Day and we need to start taking this state back for its rightful owners. We need to get rid of the ash and trash and put this state back on the road to prosperity. We need to put the citizens of this state back to work and the criminals in jail. We need to give every cop in this state the right to arrest anybody that chooses to go outside the law and employ illegal workers. We need to get rid of every mayor and police chief and sheriff that likes to pick and choose what laws they will enforce. They will arrest me for spitting on the sidewalk and a criminal employer and his illegal workers have get out of jail free cards.
Does this sound like the America I grew up in? Is this the land of the free and home of the brave? 233 years ago American patriots overthrew a tyrannical government much like the one we have now. Tomorrow is Independence Day, the 4th of July but what exactly will we be celebrating? My belief is that we are all the way back to square one.
Thank you
-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary
Friday, July 03, 2009
Viva Democracia!
As the people of Honduras rally for freedom, the allies of tyranny show themselves . . . 
Get Liberty
-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary
Get Liberty
-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary
Holder's Hate Crimes Testimony
Gays Protected, but Ministers Are Not 
The Liberal Democrats like to throw around the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment a lot, while misunderstanding the intention of the clause. Nonetheless, despite their constant use of it, apparently, it only applies when it benefits them. However, they conveniently don't recognize equal protection when it comes to religious speech, or actions that may not support their Liberal Agenda for America.
A great example of this insane version of New Speak, is U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder's testimony before a Senate Judiciary Committee, recently. When asked about the application of the Hate Crimes Law to a Christian Minister that spoke out about the "sins" of homosexuality, he said that a homosexual activist who is attacked following a Christian minister's sermon about homosexuality would be protected by the proposed new federal law, but a minister attacked by a homosexual wouldn't be.
I recently wrote that if I was attacked by a group of gays, I would have no standing regarding the Hate Crimes bill, and apparently I was correct.
Basically, what Eric Holder is saying is that the beliefs of a homosexual outweigh the beliefs of a Christian (an opinion based on Biblical text which served as part of the foundation of this nation's birth).
The explanation is that gays have a history of being targeted for violence. Centuries of persecution against Christians, I suppose, means nothing in the decisions of who will receive preferential treatment of the law.
Isn't that what Hate Crimes legislation does? It gives preferential treatment to homosexuals over Christians. In schools they want no mention of God, but the gay lifestyle is now being taught as a normal behavior. There is argument over calling Christmas by its real name, and to eliminate the Christian influence, Christmas Vacation is being called Winter Break. However, A Day Of Silence at the schools to celebrate homosexuality is perfectly acceptable. And now, homosexuals can spout their beliefs all they want, and even use physical force to get their point across, but under Hate Crimes legislation it is entirely possible for a Christian to be jailed for daring to even state their opinion - that is if a gay is assaulted, and the courts decide it was the result of what some Christian said, the Christian is toast.
Thought crimes, too, since the legislation determines that the government is able to tell what somebody's motives are.
That's insane.
Minorities and Gays are covered in the Hate Crimes Bill, but if you are a White Christian, they can beat the living crap out of you, and aside from an assault charge, it doesn't matter if you were beaten to a pulp for being White, or a Christian. The Hate Crimes legislation does not apply to you.
So much for the Liberal cry for Equal Protection.
Yet another piece of proof that Liberalism is filled with hate, and double standards. The lefties truly are a mean and nasty crowd of hateful people.
-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary
By Douglas V. Gibbs
Holder: 'Gays' protected, ministers not - World Net Daily, Bob Unruh
The Liberal Democrats like to throw around the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment a lot, while misunderstanding the intention of the clause. Nonetheless, despite their constant use of it, apparently, it only applies when it benefits them. However, they conveniently don't recognize equal protection when it comes to religious speech, or actions that may not support their Liberal Agenda for America.
A great example of this insane version of New Speak, is U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder's testimony before a Senate Judiciary Committee, recently. When asked about the application of the Hate Crimes Law to a Christian Minister that spoke out about the "sins" of homosexuality, he said that a homosexual activist who is attacked following a Christian minister's sermon about homosexuality would be protected by the proposed new federal law, but a minister attacked by a homosexual wouldn't be.
I recently wrote that if I was attacked by a group of gays, I would have no standing regarding the Hate Crimes bill, and apparently I was correct.
Basically, what Eric Holder is saying is that the beliefs of a homosexual outweigh the beliefs of a Christian (an opinion based on Biblical text which served as part of the foundation of this nation's birth).
The explanation is that gays have a history of being targeted for violence. Centuries of persecution against Christians, I suppose, means nothing in the decisions of who will receive preferential treatment of the law.
Isn't that what Hate Crimes legislation does? It gives preferential treatment to homosexuals over Christians. In schools they want no mention of God, but the gay lifestyle is now being taught as a normal behavior. There is argument over calling Christmas by its real name, and to eliminate the Christian influence, Christmas Vacation is being called Winter Break. However, A Day Of Silence at the schools to celebrate homosexuality is perfectly acceptable. And now, homosexuals can spout their beliefs all they want, and even use physical force to get their point across, but under Hate Crimes legislation it is entirely possible for a Christian to be jailed for daring to even state their opinion - that is if a gay is assaulted, and the courts decide it was the result of what some Christian said, the Christian is toast.
Thought crimes, too, since the legislation determines that the government is able to tell what somebody's motives are.
That's insane.
Minorities and Gays are covered in the Hate Crimes Bill, but if you are a White Christian, they can beat the living crap out of you, and aside from an assault charge, it doesn't matter if you were beaten to a pulp for being White, or a Christian. The Hate Crimes legislation does not apply to you.
So much for the Liberal cry for Equal Protection.
Yet another piece of proof that Liberalism is filled with hate, and double standards. The lefties truly are a mean and nasty crowd of hateful people.
-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary
By Douglas V. Gibbs
Holder: 'Gays' protected, ministers not - World Net Daily, Bob Unruh
Force of Darkness, and a Story of Hope on Political Pistachio Radio
Patriot Greg is a regular listener of the Political Pistachio Radio Revolution, and he has a story perfect for our entrance into the Independence Day Weekend. He was born and raised in Communist Romania, and dreamed of coming to America - and after decades, he made it, only to watch the United States elect Barack Obama, and the Liberal Democrats, who are methodically changing his adopted nation into the tyranny he escaped from.
Also, Joshua P. Allem reminds us, during the mid-show break, that a force of darkness is hovering over America, and the identity behind the deception is one that we willfully deny. This, the battle for the United States of America, is bigger than we realize. Are we willing to stand for what is right?
Join us tonight live at 7pm Pacific, 10pm Eastern - or by archive later - HERE.
Moving Forward Blogger Shootout Champions, Troopathon 2009
In the final wrap up of the Blogger Shootout at Troopathon 2009, it turns out the team I joined, headed by Ed Morrissey, pulled off the win. I had a blast participating, and enjoyed the webcast of the drive to raise money for care packages to be sent out to our troops. From the "Blogger Shootout," specifically, Move America Forward raised over $55,000 for care packages. Overall, the troopathon raised almost $700,000 for our troops.
The need to give, however, is not over. The care packages should be continuously sent to our troops as long as they remain overseas. And you can still participate. Move America Forward has updated the banners and invites you to post one on your blog to encourage your readers to remember our troops! The banners can be found HERE. The url to use on the logo is HERE, so that your banner on your page will link to the care package contribution form.
-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary
By Douglas V. Gibbs
Law and Order: Liberal Paradise
Mrs. Pistachio is a big fan of CSI, and Law and Order style television programs. I watch television primarily for baseball, history, The Pentagon Channel, and the occasional movie (usually older ones on the classic film channels) Because of my wife's love of CSI and Law and Order, she watches TNT a lot where they play Law and Order until it is coming out of your ears.
This morning I sat in the living room with my wife to hash out the plan of the day, and talk about a few of the more pertinent happenings in our life. As we talked, a couple of episodes of Law and Order played through. Being the multi-tasker I am, I couldn't help but notice some of the more obvious points of the programs.
The first episode had to do with a teacher that was killed, following a prank by the students that suggested the teacher would be killed. The teacher was Jewish, and the pranksters were Christian. It turns out in the end that the child that was behind it all was an anti-Semitic Christian kid who was pissed because all of the Jewish kids were going to Ivy League schools, and he wasn't, despite his exceptional grades.
The second episode, of which I didn't pay as close attention to, had a scene where a "run through the forest survivalist" group's literature about how to kill the enemy played front and center in a murder investigation. When the detectives visit the location where the material is printed, on the wall in the background is an American Flag with an MIA/POW flag beside it, and the owner of the place spouts out pretty much conservative sounding (but slightly tweaked to make him sound like an out of control crazy) talking points, most of them around the 1st Amendment. The cops (and later the lawyers) treat this individual with disdain, taking pride in the government's abilities to squash such people with ease. They especially smirked at the character when he dared to bring up The Constitution, as if mentioning the U.S. Constitution nailed it, making it a sure thing he was an obvious, nutcake extremist.
These segments caught my attention because it reinforces the propaganda that Hollywood uses as a tool to get across their political thoughts and agenda. I am not saying they should be disallowed to do so, for freedom means nothing if they were somehow stopped from putting out their belief system. It just bothers me that the industry has gotten so Leftist, and so out of whack, that anytime you see on television a political view that proclaims love for America, and a fairly non-liberal point of view . . . well, that's the problem, you don't see a view like that, or you do rarely, because the Left has pretty much complete control of the industry. Then, when something like Fox News emerges, (a network that is hardly conservative, but is definitely not liberal) it is demonized, and members of the Left proclaim it must be stopped, forced to add liberal content, or be shoved off the air.
As for the Christian anti-Semite on Law and Order, it is a hard pill to swallow. Yes, I realize there are people who claim to be Christians that are anti-Semitic, but for the most part, believers in Christ are very pro-Israel, and love the Jewish People. The Jewish People have no more greater friend than the American Christian. As for the rightwing survivalist nut? Obama said it himself: we are a bunch of bitter folks that cling to our guns, and religion.
I'd rather cling to my right to own a gun and protect myself, and hang on to my freedom to maintain hope in God, than let government take my freedoms, and take away my First Amendment right of the free exercise of my religion.
-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary
By Douglas V. Gibbs
This morning I sat in the living room with my wife to hash out the plan of the day, and talk about a few of the more pertinent happenings in our life. As we talked, a couple of episodes of Law and Order played through. Being the multi-tasker I am, I couldn't help but notice some of the more obvious points of the programs.
The first episode had to do with a teacher that was killed, following a prank by the students that suggested the teacher would be killed. The teacher was Jewish, and the pranksters were Christian. It turns out in the end that the child that was behind it all was an anti-Semitic Christian kid who was pissed because all of the Jewish kids were going to Ivy League schools, and he wasn't, despite his exceptional grades.
The second episode, of which I didn't pay as close attention to, had a scene where a "run through the forest survivalist" group's literature about how to kill the enemy played front and center in a murder investigation. When the detectives visit the location where the material is printed, on the wall in the background is an American Flag with an MIA/POW flag beside it, and the owner of the place spouts out pretty much conservative sounding (but slightly tweaked to make him sound like an out of control crazy) talking points, most of them around the 1st Amendment. The cops (and later the lawyers) treat this individual with disdain, taking pride in the government's abilities to squash such people with ease. They especially smirked at the character when he dared to bring up The Constitution, as if mentioning the U.S. Constitution nailed it, making it a sure thing he was an obvious, nutcake extremist.
These segments caught my attention because it reinforces the propaganda that Hollywood uses as a tool to get across their political thoughts and agenda. I am not saying they should be disallowed to do so, for freedom means nothing if they were somehow stopped from putting out their belief system. It just bothers me that the industry has gotten so Leftist, and so out of whack, that anytime you see on television a political view that proclaims love for America, and a fairly non-liberal point of view . . . well, that's the problem, you don't see a view like that, or you do rarely, because the Left has pretty much complete control of the industry. Then, when something like Fox News emerges, (a network that is hardly conservative, but is definitely not liberal) it is demonized, and members of the Left proclaim it must be stopped, forced to add liberal content, or be shoved off the air.
As for the Christian anti-Semite on Law and Order, it is a hard pill to swallow. Yes, I realize there are people who claim to be Christians that are anti-Semitic, but for the most part, believers in Christ are very pro-Israel, and love the Jewish People. The Jewish People have no more greater friend than the American Christian. As for the rightwing survivalist nut? Obama said it himself: we are a bunch of bitter folks that cling to our guns, and religion.
I'd rather cling to my right to own a gun and protect myself, and hang on to my freedom to maintain hope in God, than let government take my freedoms, and take away my First Amendment right of the free exercise of my religion.
-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary
By Douglas V. Gibbs
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Liberals are almost comical. . . almost
One liberal commenter, who doesn't deserve the attention of being named, loves to call me the dumbest person on the planet because he is too stupid to understand what I say.
Far left commies like him are so crazy-insane, that it almost makes me want to laugh.
Rather than laugh, however, in the end it saddens me that someone like that has been so deceived that they can't even understand the rudimentary basics of common sense.
These people just don't get it. They are so head-up-their-butt concerned about their own selfish desires, and so fooled by the Marxist propaganda of the Democratic Party, that they can't even recognize the idiocy of their own beliefs.
These are the people that support murdering unborn children, and then call members of the military "baby killers."
These are people that accuse the Republicans of being all about greedy big corporate America, and then applaud Obama for spending tax dollars on bailing out greedy big corporate America.
These are the same people who scream and cry when Christians have a student club on campus geared toward Christianity, yet wishes to push secular-humanism at all levels of the education system.
These are people who accuses conservatives of dictating to them what they can do in their bedroom, and then shoves the gay agenda into our living room, schools, and streets - and uses thuggish behavior when Proposition 8 passes in California.
These are the same people who claim they believe in the rule of law, and then encourage illegal aliens to not only continue to come to America, but get driver's licenses, and other perks of legal residency.
These are the people who proclaim that racism is evil, then supports racism against White firefighters in Connecticut.
These are people who scream and cry whenever it is even mentioned that Creation ought to be taught alongside Evolution as a possible alternative in our schools, then pushes for homosexuality to be taught as normal in the school system, regardless of what parents think, or desire.
These are the people who enjoy the prosperity of the United States, and then blame Capitalism for a struggling economy that is the result of decades of liberal economic tactics.
These are the same people who believe that the best way to solve the struggling economy is to more than double the national deficit.
These are the same people who believe that the best way to make health care better is to allow the government to take control of it, and ration care.
These are the same people who believe that freedom is a wonderful thing, unless Iranians, or Hondurans cry out for it.
These are the people who believe hate crimes laws should be in place in case a straight male beats up a homosexual, but does not call it a hate crime when a Christian is jumped and beat up by a gang of gays.
These are the same people that looked the other way when John F. Kennedy cheated on his wife, or when Clinton not only cheated, but got caught, and then lied about it under oath. However, they are beside themselves when Governor Sanford is caught cheating (this in no way is condoning Sanford's actions).
These are the people who scoff at Supreme Court judges that vote as Constitutional Originalists, proclaiming they are voting along ideological lines - but has no problem with a Supreme Court Nominee that has proclaimed that judges should set policy (which is unconstitutional), and that Latinas are better at being judges than White Males (which is racist, and hardly unbiased).
These are the same people who were angered by George W. Bush's spending habits, and then celebrates Obama's spending, despite the fact that he is spending more of the taxpayers money than all past presidents, combined.
These are the same people who scream and yell at the "hypocrites" for failing to uphold their standards, but are perfectly comfortable with being scumballs with no standards, and no scruples.
These are the same people crying over our warming dying planet, even though the warming trend ended a decade ago, there is no evidence that mankind was the cause of any warming trend, and the polar bear population has increased times five in the last fifty years.
These are the people who call those that attend the tea parties "extremists" only a year after proclaiming during the anti-war rallies that dissent is patriotic.
These are the same people who worshipped Obama, and are now realizing he might not be what they thought he was, but aren't willing to admit it - and will lose a whole slew of Congressional seats in 2010.
-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary
By Douglas V. Gibbs
Democrat Economics Beginning to Look Like a Disaster
Barack Obama's (and the Democrat's) economic failures comes to no surprise to me. Obamanomics is failing, and failing badly. Even the leftard propaganda wing over there at the New York Times is proclaiming that there is no recovery in sight, and that economists going around telling people the recession may end this year, even though the unemployment rate will continue to climb (after the Obama Administration told us it would peak at 8%), is "mumbo jumbo."
Problem with The New York Times, however, is that they don't think Obama has spent enough money.
Trillions of dollars, folks. Fiat money is being pumped into the system, and along with high unemployment numbers, and the government taking control of every corner of the private sector they can get their hands on, when the devaluing dollar finally makes its impact, the inflation will be unbelievably horrid. Rising interest rates, coupled with rising costs (which is not even considering the rising taxes to pay for his Health Care monstrosity, or the rising energy costs from the despicable Cap and Trade Bill before the Senate as we speak), will put us into a depression of the likes that will make Jimmy Carter's damage to the nation look like child's play.
Of course, that is not all that Obama is up to. After all:
By tightening environmental laws, property rights are falling under more government scrutiny and control. Obama has specifically said that property rights are "selfish."
Obama has repeatedly proclaimed that the rich does not pay enough in taxes, and the graduated income tax must be made even more steep so that the "rich pay their fair share."
Obama has indicate that he not only wishes to keep in place the estate tax, but that the death tax may need to be increased.
The Department of Homeland Security Reports have been very critical of dissent (rightwing extremists), and suggests the Democrats may be willing to imprison "domestic terrorists" (as was suggested by the 1997 Crime/Terrorist Bill) should they continue to speak out or write against the government.
The Obama Administration has come down hard on mortgage lenders and credit card companies for their predatory lending practices, and the government has taken action that would heavily regulate, and control, the credit industry.
There have been constant worries the "Fairness Doctrine" may be brought back to life. The Democrats have expressed a desire to control the Internet with more regulations. The television industry, now falling completely into the digital realm, is now more easily regulated by the government.
Obama has ensured the the automobile industry, and the insurance industry (companies like AIG) are receiving government funds, which places them under the tight scrutiny of the U.S. Government. This allows the government to ensure factories, and other manufacturing entities, fall more in line with government regulation. The Democrats are specifically trying to use environmental legislation to make sure the automobile makers produce more environmentally friendly vehicles. The Environmental Protection Agency is also now playing a much larger role, ensuring American lands are regulated, and are treated in ways that best suit the environmental goals of the Democrats.
The GIVE Act wishes to create a domestic "army" of sorts, which will allow young people to serve their nation, and receive credit for such service.
Obama has chosen former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack as his Secretary of Agriculture. Vilsack has a history of promoting factory farms. Obama has also been quoted as being in support of communal farms, and eventually the elimination of private farming.
The public school system provides free education for all children. Hillary Clinton suggested that government run pre-school programs should be in place. After all, it takes a village to raise a child. Obama has shown much interest in increasing federal funding, and control, over the public school system, to ensure the children are taught in a way agreeable to the federal government's desires. In other words, he wishes to nationalize the entire school system, including doing away with the private school system, eventually.
Problem is, those last ten paragraphs also run in line with the Ten Planks of Communism from the Communist Manifesto.
-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary
By Douglas V. Gibbs
No Recovery in Sight - The New York Times, Bob Herbert
Ten Planks of the Communist Manifesto - Uhuh
Obama Elevates Theft to a Virtue, Says Property Rights are Selfishness - Red County
Their Fair Share - Wall Street Journal
Obama seeks estate tax hike - Reuters
Bachmann: Census Could Send People to Camps - Newsmax, Rick Pedraza
The execrable DHS report on "right-wing extremism" - Hot Air, Ed Morrissey
Obama’s FCC Pick to Seek Internet Regulation - Cato At Liberty, Jim Harper
Google Filters “The Give Act” - Mandatory Volunteerism - Info Wars
The Case for Obama as a Marxist/Socialist - Conservatism Today
Obama and the Independent School District - American Thinker, Lee Cary
Problem with The New York Times, however, is that they don't think Obama has spent enough money.
Trillions of dollars, folks. Fiat money is being pumped into the system, and along with high unemployment numbers, and the government taking control of every corner of the private sector they can get their hands on, when the devaluing dollar finally makes its impact, the inflation will be unbelievably horrid. Rising interest rates, coupled with rising costs (which is not even considering the rising taxes to pay for his Health Care monstrosity, or the rising energy costs from the despicable Cap and Trade Bill before the Senate as we speak), will put us into a depression of the likes that will make Jimmy Carter's damage to the nation look like child's play.
Of course, that is not all that Obama is up to. After all:
By tightening environmental laws, property rights are falling under more government scrutiny and control. Obama has specifically said that property rights are "selfish."
Obama has repeatedly proclaimed that the rich does not pay enough in taxes, and the graduated income tax must be made even more steep so that the "rich pay their fair share."
Obama has indicate that he not only wishes to keep in place the estate tax, but that the death tax may need to be increased.
The Department of Homeland Security Reports have been very critical of dissent (rightwing extremists), and suggests the Democrats may be willing to imprison "domestic terrorists" (as was suggested by the 1997 Crime/Terrorist Bill) should they continue to speak out or write against the government.
The Obama Administration has come down hard on mortgage lenders and credit card companies for their predatory lending practices, and the government has taken action that would heavily regulate, and control, the credit industry.
There have been constant worries the "Fairness Doctrine" may be brought back to life. The Democrats have expressed a desire to control the Internet with more regulations. The television industry, now falling completely into the digital realm, is now more easily regulated by the government.
Obama has ensured the the automobile industry, and the insurance industry (companies like AIG) are receiving government funds, which places them under the tight scrutiny of the U.S. Government. This allows the government to ensure factories, and other manufacturing entities, fall more in line with government regulation. The Democrats are specifically trying to use environmental legislation to make sure the automobile makers produce more environmentally friendly vehicles. The Environmental Protection Agency is also now playing a much larger role, ensuring American lands are regulated, and are treated in ways that best suit the environmental goals of the Democrats.
The GIVE Act wishes to create a domestic "army" of sorts, which will allow young people to serve their nation, and receive credit for such service.
Obama has chosen former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack as his Secretary of Agriculture. Vilsack has a history of promoting factory farms. Obama has also been quoted as being in support of communal farms, and eventually the elimination of private farming.
The public school system provides free education for all children. Hillary Clinton suggested that government run pre-school programs should be in place. After all, it takes a village to raise a child. Obama has shown much interest in increasing federal funding, and control, over the public school system, to ensure the children are taught in a way agreeable to the federal government's desires. In other words, he wishes to nationalize the entire school system, including doing away with the private school system, eventually.
Problem is, those last ten paragraphs also run in line with the Ten Planks of Communism from the Communist Manifesto.
-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary
By Douglas V. Gibbs
No Recovery in Sight - The New York Times, Bob Herbert
Ten Planks of the Communist Manifesto - Uhuh
Obama Elevates Theft to a Virtue, Says Property Rights are Selfishness - Red County
Their Fair Share - Wall Street Journal
Obama seeks estate tax hike - Reuters
Bachmann: Census Could Send People to Camps - Newsmax, Rick Pedraza
The execrable DHS report on "right-wing extremism" - Hot Air, Ed Morrissey
Obama’s FCC Pick to Seek Internet Regulation - Cato At Liberty, Jim Harper
Google Filters “The Give Act” - Mandatory Volunteerism - Info Wars
The Case for Obama as a Marxist/Socialist - Conservatism Today
Obama and the Independent School District - American Thinker, Lee Cary
"Conservative Talkers Are Terrorists"
In yet another display of Liberal demonization of anyone who dares disagree with the far left Marxism the Democratic Party is offering, Speaker of California's Assembly (Karen Bass's (D-Los Angeles))in an interview published at the Los Angeles Times proclaims, after asked how conservative talk radio has the affected California Legislature's work, said, "I don't know why we allow that kind of terrorism to exist. I guess it's about free speech, but it's extremely unfair."
Ah, I see, free speech is a bad thing if anyone dares disagree with your radical, socialistic, liberal agenda.
Oh, and she also claimed the conservative talkers are saying to legislators, "You vote for revenue and your career is over." Legislators, according to Bass, are threatened and terrorized against voting for revenue by talk radio.
Revenue?
Oh, she means taxing the people to the eyeballs.
So, if you disagree with the Leftists, you are a terrorist (and terrorism is a criminal act/act of war - depends on who you talk to). It makes me wonder. If disagreeing with you Marxists is a terrorist act, does that mean Conservatives will eventually be sent to internment camps, or re-education facilities, to straighten us out?
Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota seems to think that may be on the horizon.
I don't know if that could become a reality, but the way the Liberal Democrats are talking and acting, it doesn't seem to be completely outside the realm of possibilities.
-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary
By Douglas V. Gibbs
California Assembly Speaker: Conservative Talkers Are Terrorists - NewsBusters, Noel Sheppard
Bachmann: Census Could Send People to Camps - Newsmax, Rick Pedraza
Ah, I see, free speech is a bad thing if anyone dares disagree with your radical, socialistic, liberal agenda.
Oh, and she also claimed the conservative talkers are saying to legislators, "You vote for revenue and your career is over." Legislators, according to Bass, are threatened and terrorized against voting for revenue by talk radio.
Revenue?
Oh, she means taxing the people to the eyeballs.
So, if you disagree with the Leftists, you are a terrorist (and terrorism is a criminal act/act of war - depends on who you talk to). It makes me wonder. If disagreeing with you Marxists is a terrorist act, does that mean Conservatives will eventually be sent to internment camps, or re-education facilities, to straighten us out?
Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota seems to think that may be on the horizon.
I don't know if that could become a reality, but the way the Liberal Democrats are talking and acting, it doesn't seem to be completely outside the realm of possibilities.
-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary
By Douglas V. Gibbs
California Assembly Speaker: Conservative Talkers Are Terrorists - NewsBusters, Noel Sheppard
Bachmann: Census Could Send People to Camps - Newsmax, Rick Pedraza
Iran Protesters Hanged
Demand freedom? Get cut off from the rest of the world, get beaten, shot, and hanged. That is how fascist dictatorships control the population - and that is how the Iranian Government is treating its citizens for daring to demand Freedom.
As Obama continues to try to make clear he doesn't want to meddle, lives are being sacrificed, and those fighting for freedom don't even have the words of encouragement from the so-called "leader of the free world."
The climate of fear is crushing the revolution, but the hope for Freedom is alive.
-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary
By Douglas V. Gibbs
Day 19 Iran Revolution: Supporters of Opposition Hanged - Atlas Shrugs, Pamela Geller
As Obama continues to try to make clear he doesn't want to meddle, lives are being sacrificed, and those fighting for freedom don't even have the words of encouragement from the so-called "leader of the free world."
The climate of fear is crushing the revolution, but the hope for Freedom is alive.
-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary
By Douglas V. Gibbs
Day 19 Iran Revolution: Supporters of Opposition Hanged - Atlas Shrugs, Pamela Geller
Rightwing Guy is Back!
One of my old blogging friends has returned to the world of blogging. Rightwing Guy is back, and his Rightwing Army is rolling into the blogosphere. He is a top notch blogger. . . but don't take my word for it - visit his site:
Rightwing Guy
California IOUs Have Value If Applied To State Obligations
It is official. California is broke. Decades of leftist leadership, and liberal economic models, has destroyed the California economy, and has made the State that was once seen as a land full of opportunity into a place of massive debt and out of control taxation. Once people flocked to California in search of fulfilling their dreams, but now the people who live here are just looking for a way to escape before it is too late, and they have nothing left of value.
I, myself, am looking forward to the day that I can bail out of this state, having property on the Oregon Coast. But, for the time being, since my kids wish to remain here for the time being, and my two grandchildren are here, I shall remain in Southern California.
All is not lost. I was contacted last night by Email with a press release that proclaimed the State of California began issuing IOUs to its creditors as of July 1, 2009. State Assembly Bill 1506, if passed, would allow recipients of the IOUs from the State of California to use those IOUs to pay any obligations owed to the state.
How thoughtful.
California is basically giving their creditors an equivalence of a gift card.
Cuts in education, and more massive tax hikes, are on the horizon - which will further deepen the economic woes of California.
Suddenly, 80 acres of forestry-grazing land with a creek running through it on the Oregon Coast is beginning to sound real sweet, right about now.
-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary
By Douglas V. Gibbs
The press release regarding AB 1506 is below:
For Immediate Release
July 1, 2009 - Anderson Bill Would Lessen Pain of IOUs
AB 1506 allows IOUs to be used as payment for obligations to the state
Assemblyman Joel Anderson held a press conference this morning on the steps of the Capitol to announce his critical legislation, Assembly Bill 1506. The bill would allow recipients of IOUs from the state to use those IOUs as payment for any obligations owed to the state.
For example, if you are a business with state contracts and you receive an IOU for $50,000, you could use that IOU as payment for your payroll taxes, DMV fees or any other obligation to the state.
In addition to private businesses, AB 1506 would apply to individuals, cities, counties, hospitals, healthcare facilities, nonprofits, and any other entity receiving an IOU.
"While California may get away with piling up debt and then skipping out on its bills, the rest of us cannot," said Assemblyman Anderson. "Businesses with state contracts, which are already operating on slim or no profit margins, will go under. This is a bill to protect jobs and the economy. For that reason, AB 1506 deserves bipartisan support."
Gloria Freeman, President of Staff USA, Inc., joined Assemblyman Anderson in support of the bill. Her company supplies medical staff for state prisons and other facilities. State contracts represent 80% of her business.
"I have already laid off 5 employees in preparation for IOUs," said Freeman. "That’s why it’s important to pass AB 1506, so that we can mitigate these impacts. For many businesses like mine, AB 1506 could be the difference between life and death."
AB 1506 has 22 coauthors and is supported by a variety of businesses, individuals, nonprofits, trade associations and cities.
###
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Norm Coleman concedes to Al Franken in Minnesota
Eight months of legal briefs and court battles have ended. Al Franken, despite (or because of) the appearance of mystery votes, and the double counting of votes at some of the voting places, is now the newest U.S. Senator from the State of Minnesota. The election recount battle wound up with a State Supreme Court decision that hearkens one's memory back to Florida, and the questions of constitutionality - after all, is it constitutional for the judiciary to become involved in an election like that?
The Democrats, and the liberal media, are jumping for joy. The Democrats have a 60 vote, filibuster-proof majority.
But as indicated by the fact that 44 Democrats jumped ship in the House of Representatives over the vote for the Climate Bill, nothing is ever "for sure."
By the way, the news channels are saying that Al Franken is the first professional comedian to be elected to Senate - but I disagree - the entire Congress is full of comedians and jokers.
-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary
By Douglas V. Gibbs
The Democrats, and the liberal media, are jumping for joy. The Democrats have a 60 vote, filibuster-proof majority.
But as indicated by the fact that 44 Democrats jumped ship in the House of Representatives over the vote for the Climate Bill, nothing is ever "for sure."
By the way, the news channels are saying that Al Franken is the first professional comedian to be elected to Senate - but I disagree - the entire Congress is full of comedians and jokers.
-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary
By Douglas V. Gibbs
Mary Bono Mack's Explanation H.R. 2454, and my next response
I wrote my U.S. Representative recently because she was one of the eight Republicans that stupidly decided to vote in favor of H.R. 2454. I shared with you my E-mail to her in my article titled: Mary Bono Mack - One of Eight Republican Traitors. Today, she responded with a lengthy letter that addressed typical talking points, and erroneously indicated that HR 2454 does not contain "Cap and Tax," and that it is not the monster us constituents think it is in the sense of increasing the cost of energy across the board.
Her entire response is as follows:
Dear Mr. Gibbs:
Thank you for writing regarding the American Clean Energy and Security Act, H.R. 2454. This legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives on June 26, 2009, and now awaits action in the U. S. Senate.
I voted in support of this legislation to move the process forward and help our region realize the benefits of advancing clean energy technology, while at the same time recognizing that areas for improvement still exist. I appreciate your taking the time to express your specific views, as it will help guide our debate and facilitate important changes to H.R. 2454 as it moves to the Senate.
There are several reasons why we must take the issue of regulating greenhouse gases very seriously, and why we should grapple with this issue within Congress as opposed to leaving this to the whims of bureaucrats in Washington.
While some have debated the causes and even the validity of global climate change, few debate the need for our nation to reduce its dependence on foreign oil and other traditional carbon-based energy sources, and also develop more American alternative energy production so that our nation may become more energy independent. This is not just a matter of economic and energy security but truly a matter of our future national security as well.
If Congress does not take action to address regulating greenhouse gases, it is clear that the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is already taking steps to implement new regulations on all domestic industries with little input from Congress or affected residents.
On April 2, 2007, the United States Supreme Court ruled that greenhouse gases are a pollutant, creating the authority for the EPA to directly regulate these emissions. This decision instructed the EPA to look at these gases and determine if, as pollutants, they do in fact cause harm to humans and contribute to global climate change.
Shortly after President Obama was elected, it became clear his Administration would further examine this issue, as the guidance from the Supreme Court was clear in stating that if climate change threatens human health, they must consider actions to cut the gases they find to be explicitly harmful. Following this ruling, the EPA announced on April 17, 2009, that six greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, are pollutants and are subject to regulation under the Clean Air Act of 1990, which was signed into law by President George H. W. Bush. This decision is commonly called the "Endangerment Finding," and is the first signal that, in my estimation, the EPA was very serious about taking action to regulate our domestic businesses emitting greenhouse gases, even without Congressional input.
It is crucial, especially for our agriculture communities, that we do not stand idly by while a mechanism that results in the EPA regulating everything from major industries to small businesses, and even taking the right to regulate methane from livestock can occur. It is very important to note that H.R. 2454 actually removes the ability of the EPA to regulate emissions unilaterally under the Clean Air Act. This is vital, as our domestic businesses cannot and should not be forced to operate under the fear of the uncertainty that can come from the bureaucratic red tape created when EPA mandates aggressive and stringent regulations. Ensuring the EPA is not allowed to regulate these substances under the Clean Air Act, as they are currently empowered to do, is one of the primary reasons why this legislation was necessary. Without Congressional direction, new burdensome regulations will leave small businesses vulnerable to new emissions controls from the EPA that will go too far.
President Obama, in my opinion, sought the wrong approach to addressing this issue, an approach that was truly a "cap and tax" regime. Earlier this year, the President pressed for an auction of 100% of the emissions credits that the government would create and force domestic companies to purchase if they had emissions that exceeded certain levels. These payments would then revert back to the Federal Government's General Fund at the Treasury Department to pay for a series of other items including a government-run health care regime and expansion of other federal government programs.
H.R. 2454 does not use this approach, which would have significantly increased the price of energy for consumers. This approach was included in the President's Fiscal Year 2010 Budget proposal and is a component with which I strongly disagree. In fact, I opposed the Budget when it came to the Floor of the House on April 29, 2009. This Budget included tax increases of over $1.5 trillion that would hurt workers, families, and small businesses.
The proper legislative approach was never to raise federal revenues, but instead provide incentives directly to the companies that are interested in taking on the challenges of cleaning up their current emissions levels or implementing new technologies to make themselves more efficient - in effect reducing costs and improving their output.
Further compounding the complexity of this issue, the State of California enacted Assembly Bill 32 in 2006, which directed the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to establish a greenhouse gases cap regulation to lower emissions to 1990 levels by 2020.
The emissions targets in H.R. 2454 are actually less stringent than those within California's A.B. 32. It is even more important to note that the more reasonable approach in H.R. 2454 pre-empts the California State law on the cap and trade portion so that, if properly addressed, the entire U.S. can more efficiently work to clean up our greenhouse gas emissions nation-wide over the next few years.
The fact is, California already utilizes generally cleaner energy resource inputs for its electricity production. In recognition of the current economic challenges we face, the House bill does not take effect until 2012. This legislation ensures that California is rewarded for taking those early actions, as we should not be penalized for our role as an innovator in new technologies, especially in alternative energy industries with the potential to create jobs.
It is that forward-thinking approach to our nation's energy future that brought major U.S.- based companies like Johnson & Johnson, DuPont, and Conoco Phillips to support legislation like this over the years. Such legislation provides the certainty that companies need to invest in new clean energy solutions and bring us closer to realizing the benefits, including job creation, from these new technologies. These are the companies that will help provide new jobs in our own region as we begin to push to revive our economy. Investors and entrepreneurs will clearly see the opportunities for leading the world in new energy technology manufacturing and ideas that can be exported around the globe.
Our region is in a unique position: we have vast potential for more wind, solar, and geothermal energy production facilities to be built in Riverside County. Due to the state of the economy, it is crucial that those who are seeking new employment opportunities have options that include jobs created from more green energy production in the area.
I fully appreciate that H.R. 2454 needs continued improvements. That is why during the debate on the American Clean Energy and Security Act, I voted in favor of the Rep. Forbes (R-VA) substitute amendment, based on the text of the New Manhattan Project for Energy Independence, H.R. 513. The Manhattan bill set a goal of reducing our dependence on foreign oil by 50% in 10 years and 100% in 20 years. The bill pushes incentives for renewable energy, clean coal, and other low emissions energy sources. It enhances research, especially in fusion, bio-fuels, carbon-capture systems and efficiency upgrades. Unfortunately, this bill was defeated by a vote of 172 to 256.
There is no reason why we cannot advance our domestic energy production and incorporate them into this legislation, from streamlining energy industry permitting processes, opening up drilling for oil in ANWR, aggressively pursuing clean coal, and removing government red tape that prevents us from using more oil resources like the oil shale reserves throughout the western United States.
Nuclear energy also plays a crucial role in our domestic energy future, as it is highly-efficient and emissions free. H.R. 2454 recognizes this by creating the Clean Energy Deployment Administration, which will provide loans and loan guarantees for large nuclear power development projects. The nuclear energy industry will see serious growth in a model where we seek to reduce carbon emissions in the electric sector. Studies have shown this legislation's goals will require 30-40 additional nuclear plants by 2030, and an additional 86 new plants by 2040. This is vital, as the last new reactor to come on-line was in 1996, and we actually have fewer generating units in our country today then were operating in 1994.
As someone who chose not to cosponsor this bill, I look forward to further debate in the Senate, as there is clearly more work ahead to refine and improve this legislation. That is why I so deeply value your continued input. California is recognized as a world leader in technological advancements and must continue to be a leader on this front, as we have an obligation to make a cleaner energy economy a reality in the decades ahead.
Again, thank you for taking the time to write. For your convenience, you can sign up to receive regular email updates from me on issues important to the 45th District at www.bonomack.house.gov/emailsignup. Please feel free to contact me on other matters of mutual concern.
Sincerely,
MARY BONO MACK
Member of Congress
Well, that is all and good, but most of what she wrote (actually her office staff probably wrote it, and sends the same letter out to everyone) is in error, or does not address the issue properly. My response, of which I sent today, is as follows:
Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack,
Thank you for responding to my Email that detailed my anger over you voting in favor of H.R. 2454. Your response was filled with talking points, most of which were false, and unsubstantiated.
Your response does not take into account the fact that man-made Global Warming has been proven to be a myth, does not address that global temperatures have not been rising for the last decade, and fails to recognize the underhanded actions of the Obama Administration in concealing the EPA's official findings.
Reducing our dependence on foreign oil is not achieved by taxing energy - that will increase our dependence on oil from overseas as domestic companies, to avoid the Cap and Trade portion of this bill, move their operations out of the country. Domestic alternative energy industries are costly, and not ready to go online, and the government should not force them to hurry. New technology emerges best when left to the private sector, and inventions appear as the consumer requires them.
You stated in your response that Congress should regulate greenhouse gases. The primary producers of greenhouse gases are the oceans, and volcanoes - so my question is, when will Congress decide to tax the oceans and volcanoes for existing too?
Last of all, considering your long, knowledgeable (in your opinion) response to my concern, I have one more question. Did you read the bill? Or did you assume the talking points the Democrats gave you were honest and accurate?
Douglas V. Gibbs
-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary
Her entire response is as follows:
Dear Mr. Gibbs:
Thank you for writing regarding the American Clean Energy and Security Act, H.R. 2454. This legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives on June 26, 2009, and now awaits action in the U. S. Senate.
I voted in support of this legislation to move the process forward and help our region realize the benefits of advancing clean energy technology, while at the same time recognizing that areas for improvement still exist. I appreciate your taking the time to express your specific views, as it will help guide our debate and facilitate important changes to H.R. 2454 as it moves to the Senate.
There are several reasons why we must take the issue of regulating greenhouse gases very seriously, and why we should grapple with this issue within Congress as opposed to leaving this to the whims of bureaucrats in Washington.
While some have debated the causes and even the validity of global climate change, few debate the need for our nation to reduce its dependence on foreign oil and other traditional carbon-based energy sources, and also develop more American alternative energy production so that our nation may become more energy independent. This is not just a matter of economic and energy security but truly a matter of our future national security as well.
If Congress does not take action to address regulating greenhouse gases, it is clear that the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is already taking steps to implement new regulations on all domestic industries with little input from Congress or affected residents.
On April 2, 2007, the United States Supreme Court ruled that greenhouse gases are a pollutant, creating the authority for the EPA to directly regulate these emissions. This decision instructed the EPA to look at these gases and determine if, as pollutants, they do in fact cause harm to humans and contribute to global climate change.
Shortly after President Obama was elected, it became clear his Administration would further examine this issue, as the guidance from the Supreme Court was clear in stating that if climate change threatens human health, they must consider actions to cut the gases they find to be explicitly harmful. Following this ruling, the EPA announced on April 17, 2009, that six greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, are pollutants and are subject to regulation under the Clean Air Act of 1990, which was signed into law by President George H. W. Bush. This decision is commonly called the "Endangerment Finding," and is the first signal that, in my estimation, the EPA was very serious about taking action to regulate our domestic businesses emitting greenhouse gases, even without Congressional input.
It is crucial, especially for our agriculture communities, that we do not stand idly by while a mechanism that results in the EPA regulating everything from major industries to small businesses, and even taking the right to regulate methane from livestock can occur. It is very important to note that H.R. 2454 actually removes the ability of the EPA to regulate emissions unilaterally under the Clean Air Act. This is vital, as our domestic businesses cannot and should not be forced to operate under the fear of the uncertainty that can come from the bureaucratic red tape created when EPA mandates aggressive and stringent regulations. Ensuring the EPA is not allowed to regulate these substances under the Clean Air Act, as they are currently empowered to do, is one of the primary reasons why this legislation was necessary. Without Congressional direction, new burdensome regulations will leave small businesses vulnerable to new emissions controls from the EPA that will go too far.
President Obama, in my opinion, sought the wrong approach to addressing this issue, an approach that was truly a "cap and tax" regime. Earlier this year, the President pressed for an auction of 100% of the emissions credits that the government would create and force domestic companies to purchase if they had emissions that exceeded certain levels. These payments would then revert back to the Federal Government's General Fund at the Treasury Department to pay for a series of other items including a government-run health care regime and expansion of other federal government programs.
H.R. 2454 does not use this approach, which would have significantly increased the price of energy for consumers. This approach was included in the President's Fiscal Year 2010 Budget proposal and is a component with which I strongly disagree. In fact, I opposed the Budget when it came to the Floor of the House on April 29, 2009. This Budget included tax increases of over $1.5 trillion that would hurt workers, families, and small businesses.
The proper legislative approach was never to raise federal revenues, but instead provide incentives directly to the companies that are interested in taking on the challenges of cleaning up their current emissions levels or implementing new technologies to make themselves more efficient - in effect reducing costs and improving their output.
Further compounding the complexity of this issue, the State of California enacted Assembly Bill 32 in 2006, which directed the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to establish a greenhouse gases cap regulation to lower emissions to 1990 levels by 2020.
The emissions targets in H.R. 2454 are actually less stringent than those within California's A.B. 32. It is even more important to note that the more reasonable approach in H.R. 2454 pre-empts the California State law on the cap and trade portion so that, if properly addressed, the entire U.S. can more efficiently work to clean up our greenhouse gas emissions nation-wide over the next few years.
The fact is, California already utilizes generally cleaner energy resource inputs for its electricity production. In recognition of the current economic challenges we face, the House bill does not take effect until 2012. This legislation ensures that California is rewarded for taking those early actions, as we should not be penalized for our role as an innovator in new technologies, especially in alternative energy industries with the potential to create jobs.
It is that forward-thinking approach to our nation's energy future that brought major U.S.- based companies like Johnson & Johnson, DuPont, and Conoco Phillips to support legislation like this over the years. Such legislation provides the certainty that companies need to invest in new clean energy solutions and bring us closer to realizing the benefits, including job creation, from these new technologies. These are the companies that will help provide new jobs in our own region as we begin to push to revive our economy. Investors and entrepreneurs will clearly see the opportunities for leading the world in new energy technology manufacturing and ideas that can be exported around the globe.
Our region is in a unique position: we have vast potential for more wind, solar, and geothermal energy production facilities to be built in Riverside County. Due to the state of the economy, it is crucial that those who are seeking new employment opportunities have options that include jobs created from more green energy production in the area.
I fully appreciate that H.R. 2454 needs continued improvements. That is why during the debate on the American Clean Energy and Security Act, I voted in favor of the Rep. Forbes (R-VA) substitute amendment, based on the text of the New Manhattan Project for Energy Independence, H.R. 513. The Manhattan bill set a goal of reducing our dependence on foreign oil by 50% in 10 years and 100% in 20 years. The bill pushes incentives for renewable energy, clean coal, and other low emissions energy sources. It enhances research, especially in fusion, bio-fuels, carbon-capture systems and efficiency upgrades. Unfortunately, this bill was defeated by a vote of 172 to 256.
There is no reason why we cannot advance our domestic energy production and incorporate them into this legislation, from streamlining energy industry permitting processes, opening up drilling for oil in ANWR, aggressively pursuing clean coal, and removing government red tape that prevents us from using more oil resources like the oil shale reserves throughout the western United States.
Nuclear energy also plays a crucial role in our domestic energy future, as it is highly-efficient and emissions free. H.R. 2454 recognizes this by creating the Clean Energy Deployment Administration, which will provide loans and loan guarantees for large nuclear power development projects. The nuclear energy industry will see serious growth in a model where we seek to reduce carbon emissions in the electric sector. Studies have shown this legislation's goals will require 30-40 additional nuclear plants by 2030, and an additional 86 new plants by 2040. This is vital, as the last new reactor to come on-line was in 1996, and we actually have fewer generating units in our country today then were operating in 1994.
As someone who chose not to cosponsor this bill, I look forward to further debate in the Senate, as there is clearly more work ahead to refine and improve this legislation. That is why I so deeply value your continued input. California is recognized as a world leader in technological advancements and must continue to be a leader on this front, as we have an obligation to make a cleaner energy economy a reality in the decades ahead.
Again, thank you for taking the time to write. For your convenience, you can sign up to receive regular email updates from me on issues important to the 45th District at www.bonomack.house.gov/emailsignup. Please feel free to contact me on other matters of mutual concern.
Sincerely,
MARY BONO MACK
Member of Congress
Well, that is all and good, but most of what she wrote (actually her office staff probably wrote it, and sends the same letter out to everyone) is in error, or does not address the issue properly. My response, of which I sent today, is as follows:
Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack,
Thank you for responding to my Email that detailed my anger over you voting in favor of H.R. 2454. Your response was filled with talking points, most of which were false, and unsubstantiated.
Your response does not take into account the fact that man-made Global Warming has been proven to be a myth, does not address that global temperatures have not been rising for the last decade, and fails to recognize the underhanded actions of the Obama Administration in concealing the EPA's official findings.
Reducing our dependence on foreign oil is not achieved by taxing energy - that will increase our dependence on oil from overseas as domestic companies, to avoid the Cap and Trade portion of this bill, move their operations out of the country. Domestic alternative energy industries are costly, and not ready to go online, and the government should not force them to hurry. New technology emerges best when left to the private sector, and inventions appear as the consumer requires them.
You stated in your response that Congress should regulate greenhouse gases. The primary producers of greenhouse gases are the oceans, and volcanoes - so my question is, when will Congress decide to tax the oceans and volcanoes for existing too?
Last of all, considering your long, knowledgeable (in your opinion) response to my concern, I have one more question. Did you read the bill? Or did you assume the talking points the Democrats gave you were honest and accurate?
Douglas V. Gibbs
-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary
When Racism Isn't Racism
After the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that New Haven, Connecticut acted illegally by throwing out a test for the promotion of firefighters because no Blacks, and only two Hispanics, had passed the test and could expect a possibility of promotion, The New York Times, and a number of liberal talkers, proclaimed that the Supreme Court had "dealt a blow to diversity in the American workplace." The Times, specifically, in an editorial today, indicated that the SCOTUS decision placed a "narrower definition" on Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which was designed to root out discrimination in the workplace.
Concerns were raised in New Haven because with so few minorities passing, the city was worried that they would be sued for having an illegal examination that somehow made it more difficult for minorities to pass it. The tests have been written with the intention of not having any race-based bias, specifically because of the tendency of society to look for such disparity. The only evidence that the tests may be race-biased is the fact that the minority test-takers had less success in passing the test. If the tests were somehow flawed, the fault did not lie with the test-takers.
The Supreme Court ruling reverses the ruling of the Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, which included Supreme Court nominee Judge Sonia Sotomayor who has exhibited a racial bias against Whites in a speech she delivered at the University of California at Berkeley in 2001.
In the end, the decision of the Supreme Court of the United States says with extreme clarity, and in the simplest terms, that racism is racism, regardless of who it is against.
The New York Times, and other organizations in the liberally-biased mainstream media, don't see it that way. Diversity, at the expense of doing what is right, including committing racism against Whites, is more important in their eyes. Diversity, in my opinon, is simply another word for racism. The idea of diversity places Americans into racial groups, rather than allowing folks to be judged by the strength of their character, as Dr. Martin Luther King envisioned. Hirings should not be determined by whether or not there are enough members of a particular race in the organization. Promotions should not be determined by whether or not enough minorities have been promoted. In the end, it has to come down to who is the best person for the job, regardless of race.
Had the results of the test been that the majority of the folks that passed were Blacks and Hispanics, and only a couple Whites pulled off a passing score, the issue of whether or not the test was fair, or that the city was possibly being biased, would never have been considered, and the racial disperity against Whites would have been celebrated, rather than condemned.
-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary
By Douglas V. Gibbs
Firefighters and Race - The New York Times
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War, Peace, and the Fight For Freedom
Should We Support The Iranian Protesters?
When the people of Iran flocked to the streets in protest of an election that was obviously rigged by the ruling Mullahs, the American Government was quick to abandon those brave souls, using the excuse that they didn't wish to "meddle" in Iran's business. Many Americans did not agree with the Administration's position, and instead applauded the bravery of those young people in Iran who were calling for reform in a society controlled by fascist religious Islamic rulers.
Some folks were confused by the support for the protesters by the political Right, asking, "How can it be that you are supporting the Iranian people when you recently supported Israel's desire to launch a preemptive strike against Iran?"
The leadership, not the people, is the problem.
The facts are obvious. The Islamic Regime in Iran needs to be dealt with. The nuclear facilities, if being used for the purpose of war, need to be disabled. If not by willful compliance to United Nation's demands, then by force. Israel is already on the verge of doing just that. The Iranian Government is out of control, and needs to be dealt with. The Islamic Leadership in Iran is as radical as it was the time it took office in Iran thirty years ago.
During the reign of the Shah of Iran, the people in Persia were very pro-American. The Shah got along with The West, and the people in that Middle Eastern nation agreed with his pro-West attitude, despite the fact that he was an allegedly ruthless dictator. The Iranian People enjoyed soda-pop, blue jeans, and Hollywood films. We had a fairly good relationship with Iran, despite the Islamic rumblings in the background.
Jimmy Carter abandoned the Shah as an Islamic uprising took place in Iran. American hostages were taken at the U.S. embassy, and the action by the Islamic radicals should have been considered an act of war. Instead, Carter cringed in the corner, fearful to do anything that might make him look bad, and finally, after much criticism, launched an ill-planned rescue attempt that ended in catastrophe, and the death of eight good men.
The people of Iran, regardless of their pro-American sentiment, fell under the rule of a ruthless, fascist government using an oppressive religion as its guide. The religion, Islam, is a violent political ideology with world conquest, and the destruction of all Christians and Jews, written directly into its dogma. As in Nazi Germany, the people were under the control of a government whose interest was not the people's, but of retaining their own power. Also like Nazi Germany, a large portion of the people did not fall for the deception - but unfortunately, there wasn't a whole lot they could do about it.
Children grow, and they were raised hearing the stories of an Iran before the Islamic Revolution. They listened to their parent's yearnings for the olden days. Western culture, also, caught the attention of these youngsters. The technology available to them allowed them an occasional taste of The West. American tid-bits became available to them through Twitter, Facebook and You Tube.
Hungry for reform, they gathered at the polls, casting their vote for the man they figured would pull Islam out of the grip of radical Islamic control - Moussavi.
The Mullahs chose Ahmadinejad as the winner long before the election began. The Supreme Leader had already determined the victory would be a landslide, and that nationwide celebrations would be held to make it look like the country embraces the leadership of the ruling clerics, and President Ahmadinejad. Easy propaganda that has worked many times before. No worries.
The Religious Leaders of Iran did not take into account the hunger of the people for freedom. After Ahmadinejad was declared the winner, the people protested, truly believing the results of the election to be a lie. The Mullahs promised to look into the allegations of fraud, but how do you trust a pack of wolves to check and see if all of the chickens are still in the hen house?
Unrest gave way to protests in the streets, and the protests became a clear cry for freedom. The Iranian leadership, like any other power-hungry political regime, responded with force. Batons and shields were used as riot police advanced upon the crowds, and eventually it all led to gunfire. Citizens demanding freedom were being killed in the streets of Iran as the government took control of technology, disallowing Internet access, and blacking out any media coverage.
When a young woman named Neda got out of her car, was shot, and died in the street for all of the world to see on You Tube, she became the face of revolution, and a rallying cry for freedom.
This is not the first time this kind of anguish over the control of Iran by Islamic fascist rulers has risen.
In 2005, when Mehdi Karoubi, a reformist cleric and candidate, lost, he accused the government of rigging the vote in Mr. Ahmadinejad's favor. Mr. Ahmadinejad won the election with ease, even though the night the polls closed the vote count proclaimed it too close to call. Mr. Karroubi's charges were never investigated.
So, back to the original question: How is it that Conservatives can support the Iranian People in the streets staging protests, when shortly before that GOP Presidential Candidate John McCain was singing "Bomb, Bomb, Bomb, Iran" to the glee of his supporters?
Comparisons to World War II, and Nazi Germany, have been used so many times, it is almost cliche - but, it is the best comparison, and the easiest way to illustrate what I mean.
Germany lost World War I, but the decision was a simple cease-fire to end the war. As time passed, the people were ripe for someone to direct their anger, and Hitler appeared on the scene at the right time. However, most of the citizens of Germany were not actually Nazis, or fully understood what the government was doing. It wasn't for Nazism that they fought, for the most part. They took arms in World War II for Germany.
The allies did not desire to go in and kill the German people at random. We did not "hate" the Germans. We sincerely hoped the Germans would rise up and dethrone the Nazis, but the deception ran deep, and the people followed Hitler's lead like a bunch of unknowing sheep being led to the slaughter. American forces did not desire to kill civilians, or just go in and bomb cities, but the Nazi rule made such a decision necessary. War, in the long run, was necessary to save the slaughter of even more lives in future.
Our beef in Iran is with the Iranian leadership, as was our beef with Saddam Hussein in Iraq, and Adolf Hitler in Germany. In the case of Hussein, we recognized his continued support and alliance with Islamic terrorism, and realized that his support was directly, and indirectly, partially responsible for the act of war against the United States on September 11, 2001. Weapons of Mass Destruction was the excuse used, but it really didn't matter if we found any or not, though I am a firm believer those weapons were moved into Syria in 2002 based on the testimony of General Sada. Hussein had the weapons in the past, and as dictators always do, he would find a way to create and use them again in the future, anyway. He had the labs and the factories, and the hate for Israel and America. Iraq, like Iran, is a lynch pin in the Middle East, and for those states to lose control to radical Islam to rain terror throughout the area would be devastating for the people of the Middle East, Israel, and our political and economic interests in that part of the world.
The people desire freedom. As the nation seen by the world as the beacon of liberty, isn't it America's responsibility to assist, or at least support, the fight for freedom around the world?
Our founding fathers wisely discouraged the United States from being involved in foreign entanglements that do not concern America. Terrorism, however, was brought to our door on 9/11, and so by default, the fight against Islamic Terrorism around the globe becomes our fight too. Our concern is especially ignited when the fight for freedom is by the Iranian people against an Islamic regime that is known to fund and support terrorism, as well as its attempt to compromise American forces in Iraq.
The people of Iran rose up and declared that they desire freedom. Conservatives answered that call with "We Support Your Fight."
The Leftist Democrats, confused as to why we would do such a thing, answered with their own proclamation: "We don't want to meddle." But, by refusing to take a stand, they stood with the fascist Islamic government, allowing the Mullahs to continue their reign of terror by simply stepping aside and watching from the stands.
-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary
By Douglas V. Gibbs
When the people of Iran flocked to the streets in protest of an election that was obviously rigged by the ruling Mullahs, the American Government was quick to abandon those brave souls, using the excuse that they didn't wish to "meddle" in Iran's business. Many Americans did not agree with the Administration's position, and instead applauded the bravery of those young people in Iran who were calling for reform in a society controlled by fascist religious Islamic rulers.
Some folks were confused by the support for the protesters by the political Right, asking, "How can it be that you are supporting the Iranian people when you recently supported Israel's desire to launch a preemptive strike against Iran?"
The leadership, not the people, is the problem.
The facts are obvious. The Islamic Regime in Iran needs to be dealt with. The nuclear facilities, if being used for the purpose of war, need to be disabled. If not by willful compliance to United Nation's demands, then by force. Israel is already on the verge of doing just that. The Iranian Government is out of control, and needs to be dealt with. The Islamic Leadership in Iran is as radical as it was the time it took office in Iran thirty years ago.
During the reign of the Shah of Iran, the people in Persia were very pro-American. The Shah got along with The West, and the people in that Middle Eastern nation agreed with his pro-West attitude, despite the fact that he was an allegedly ruthless dictator. The Iranian People enjoyed soda-pop, blue jeans, and Hollywood films. We had a fairly good relationship with Iran, despite the Islamic rumblings in the background.
Jimmy Carter abandoned the Shah as an Islamic uprising took place in Iran. American hostages were taken at the U.S. embassy, and the action by the Islamic radicals should have been considered an act of war. Instead, Carter cringed in the corner, fearful to do anything that might make him look bad, and finally, after much criticism, launched an ill-planned rescue attempt that ended in catastrophe, and the death of eight good men.
The people of Iran, regardless of their pro-American sentiment, fell under the rule of a ruthless, fascist government using an oppressive religion as its guide. The religion, Islam, is a violent political ideology with world conquest, and the destruction of all Christians and Jews, written directly into its dogma. As in Nazi Germany, the people were under the control of a government whose interest was not the people's, but of retaining their own power. Also like Nazi Germany, a large portion of the people did not fall for the deception - but unfortunately, there wasn't a whole lot they could do about it.
Children grow, and they were raised hearing the stories of an Iran before the Islamic Revolution. They listened to their parent's yearnings for the olden days. Western culture, also, caught the attention of these youngsters. The technology available to them allowed them an occasional taste of The West. American tid-bits became available to them through Twitter, Facebook and You Tube.
Hungry for reform, they gathered at the polls, casting their vote for the man they figured would pull Islam out of the grip of radical Islamic control - Moussavi.
The Mullahs chose Ahmadinejad as the winner long before the election began. The Supreme Leader had already determined the victory would be a landslide, and that nationwide celebrations would be held to make it look like the country embraces the leadership of the ruling clerics, and President Ahmadinejad. Easy propaganda that has worked many times before. No worries.
The Religious Leaders of Iran did not take into account the hunger of the people for freedom. After Ahmadinejad was declared the winner, the people protested, truly believing the results of the election to be a lie. The Mullahs promised to look into the allegations of fraud, but how do you trust a pack of wolves to check and see if all of the chickens are still in the hen house?
Unrest gave way to protests in the streets, and the protests became a clear cry for freedom. The Iranian leadership, like any other power-hungry political regime, responded with force. Batons and shields were used as riot police advanced upon the crowds, and eventually it all led to gunfire. Citizens demanding freedom were being killed in the streets of Iran as the government took control of technology, disallowing Internet access, and blacking out any media coverage.
When a young woman named Neda got out of her car, was shot, and died in the street for all of the world to see on You Tube, she became the face of revolution, and a rallying cry for freedom.
This is not the first time this kind of anguish over the control of Iran by Islamic fascist rulers has risen.
In 2005, when Mehdi Karoubi, a reformist cleric and candidate, lost, he accused the government of rigging the vote in Mr. Ahmadinejad's favor. Mr. Ahmadinejad won the election with ease, even though the night the polls closed the vote count proclaimed it too close to call. Mr. Karroubi's charges were never investigated.
So, back to the original question: How is it that Conservatives can support the Iranian People in the streets staging protests, when shortly before that GOP Presidential Candidate John McCain was singing "Bomb, Bomb, Bomb, Iran" to the glee of his supporters?
Comparisons to World War II, and Nazi Germany, have been used so many times, it is almost cliche - but, it is the best comparison, and the easiest way to illustrate what I mean.
Germany lost World War I, but the decision was a simple cease-fire to end the war. As time passed, the people were ripe for someone to direct their anger, and Hitler appeared on the scene at the right time. However, most of the citizens of Germany were not actually Nazis, or fully understood what the government was doing. It wasn't for Nazism that they fought, for the most part. They took arms in World War II for Germany.
The allies did not desire to go in and kill the German people at random. We did not "hate" the Germans. We sincerely hoped the Germans would rise up and dethrone the Nazis, but the deception ran deep, and the people followed Hitler's lead like a bunch of unknowing sheep being led to the slaughter. American forces did not desire to kill civilians, or just go in and bomb cities, but the Nazi rule made such a decision necessary. War, in the long run, was necessary to save the slaughter of even more lives in future.
Our beef in Iran is with the Iranian leadership, as was our beef with Saddam Hussein in Iraq, and Adolf Hitler in Germany. In the case of Hussein, we recognized his continued support and alliance with Islamic terrorism, and realized that his support was directly, and indirectly, partially responsible for the act of war against the United States on September 11, 2001. Weapons of Mass Destruction was the excuse used, but it really didn't matter if we found any or not, though I am a firm believer those weapons were moved into Syria in 2002 based on the testimony of General Sada. Hussein had the weapons in the past, and as dictators always do, he would find a way to create and use them again in the future, anyway. He had the labs and the factories, and the hate for Israel and America. Iraq, like Iran, is a lynch pin in the Middle East, and for those states to lose control to radical Islam to rain terror throughout the area would be devastating for the people of the Middle East, Israel, and our political and economic interests in that part of the world.
The people desire freedom. As the nation seen by the world as the beacon of liberty, isn't it America's responsibility to assist, or at least support, the fight for freedom around the world?
Our founding fathers wisely discouraged the United States from being involved in foreign entanglements that do not concern America. Terrorism, however, was brought to our door on 9/11, and so by default, the fight against Islamic Terrorism around the globe becomes our fight too. Our concern is especially ignited when the fight for freedom is by the Iranian people against an Islamic regime that is known to fund and support terrorism, as well as its attempt to compromise American forces in Iraq.
The people of Iran rose up and declared that they desire freedom. Conservatives answered that call with "We Support Your Fight."
The Leftist Democrats, confused as to why we would do such a thing, answered with their own proclamation: "We don't want to meddle." But, by refusing to take a stand, they stood with the fascist Islamic government, allowing the Mullahs to continue their reign of terror by simply stepping aside and watching from the stands.
-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary
By Douglas V. Gibbs
If Conservatives Outnumber Liberals . . .
How Did Obama Get Elected?
I have been saying for a while that I believe this is a center-right nation. Gallup seems to agree. Americans trust themselves more than they trust the government, and the idea that we should be personally responsible for our own actions seems to resonate among Americans. If this is the case, then how is it that an extreme leftist liberal like Barry Hussein Obama, who is following the ten planks of communism to the letter, made it into the White House?
A large part of it was the media convincing moderates and undecideds that Obama wasn't the Marxist that conservatives recognized him to be.
I got the opportunity to listen to Rush Limbaugh yesterday (a rare treat for me, indeed), and he had an interesting piece that I found fascinating about how, as the economy is failing, recessionary times deepen, and a depression looms on the horizon, the media is acting like things are becoming rosy, and the great Obama has saved us from certain economic doom.
-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary
By Douglas V. Gibbs
As Predicted, State-Run Media Props Up Failing Obama Economy - Rush Limbaugh
“Conservatives” Are Single-Largest Ideological Group - Gallup
I have been saying for a while that I believe this is a center-right nation. Gallup seems to agree. Americans trust themselves more than they trust the government, and the idea that we should be personally responsible for our own actions seems to resonate among Americans. If this is the case, then how is it that an extreme leftist liberal like Barry Hussein Obama, who is following the ten planks of communism to the letter, made it into the White House?
A large part of it was the media convincing moderates and undecideds that Obama wasn't the Marxist that conservatives recognized him to be.
I got the opportunity to listen to Rush Limbaugh yesterday (a rare treat for me, indeed), and he had an interesting piece that I found fascinating about how, as the economy is failing, recessionary times deepen, and a depression looms on the horizon, the media is acting like things are becoming rosy, and the great Obama has saved us from certain economic doom.
-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary
By Douglas V. Gibbs
As Predicted, State-Run Media Props Up Failing Obama Economy - Rush Limbaugh
“Conservatives” Are Single-Largest Ideological Group - Gallup
Trace Adkins on the CMAs With West Point Glee Club - Til The Last Shot's Fired
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