Yearly Archives: 2014

Media, Politics

Media Watchdog? Not So Much

Here’s a little ditty about how the media covers things that they think will benefit their president and his party, and how they don’t cover things that won’t.

Mainstream media stories and coverage on two news issues. You decide if there’s a bias or not.

Chris Christie/GW Bridge scandal: Since Wednesday night, NBC included six reports over 14 minutes and 14 seconds. CBS devoted five reports over 12 minutes and 27 seconds. ABC managed 4 stories over seven minutes and 47 seconds.

As a comparison over the last six months, NBC featured a scant five seconds on updating the IRS story. CBS responded with a minute and 41 seconds. ABC produced a meager 22 seconds.

Link: There’s Already 17 Times More Coverage on Christie Scandal Than in Last Six Months of IRS

Economy, Politics

Unemployment Rate Drops To 6.7% AND Increases To 13%

The Lunch Counter has documented over and over how the unemployment numbers are phony, in that they don’t mean that more people are working as that percentage goes down. The Left and its compliant media don’t know, or won’t tell you, that the reason the percent of unemployment is dropping is not because more people are working but because more people gave up looking for work (in Obama’s depressed economy) than found jobs. The labor force participation fell 347,000 from Nov 2013 to Dec 2013. When the unemployment rate declines, we want to see both employment and participation increase as discouraged workers return to the labor force. Today, we got the former, but not the latter.

The civilian labor force participation rate declined by 0.2 percentage point to 62.8 percent in December, offsetting a change of the same magnitude in November. In December, the employment- population ratio was unchanged at 58.6 percent. The labor force participation rate declined by 0.8 percentage point over the year, while the employment-population ratio was unchanged. (See table A-1.)

It will be interesting to see how the Administration spins the drop in unemployment rate and the jobless recovery. What do I mean by “jobless recovery” when 74,000 jobs were created in December 2013? When you consider that about 250,000 jobs need to be created each month just to break even with population growth and retirement turnover, we’re going in the wrong direction, and have been for years.

Next time you hear someone tout the good unemployment numbers, ask them how the unemployment percent goes down when fewer people are working than at any time since the Jimmy Carter era. In terms of jobs and employment, President Obama is Jimmy Carter’s second term.

The BLS keeps track of total, as in real, unemployment which they call the U-6. This number includes people they quit counting that causes the published unemployment “rate” to go down. That’s the figure The White House shamelessly champions to say how the recovery is real yet “not as good as we’d like.” The U-6 unemployment percentage is 13%. (see table A-15)

Link: Bureau Of Labor Statistics Employment Situation for December 2013.

Economy, Media, Politics

Progressives’ Road To Serfdom

If you’re out to transform the country as we know it, you must do two things.  First, you need a distraction. You have to keep distracting people by going from one crisis to the next, drawing your focus to the crisis, instead of what’s really going on. And with the mainstream media all wrapped up in the soap opera meme of politics, you can bet that they will bring each one to you. The media of today is not the watchdog they once were. The ‘watchdog’ has been replaced by a lap dog. They follow the administrations’s (Valerie Jarrett’s) script.

The other thing you have to do is take what is right and make it wrong. Up is down, left is right, and good is bad. And when you just don’t like America as it is and was founded, before you can slide into socialism and the fascist economic model, you first have to erase 200 years of free-market capitalism from America’s collective memory.

A fascinating editorial in Forbes by Harry Binswanger, shows us how President Obama attempts to make capitalism bad, and collectivism good. Basically by lying about both. First of all, because of government intervention in just about every industry that creates economic activity, i.e.. prosperity, there is very little room left for a free-market to be free. There are proper regulations, and there are oppressive and unnecessary regulations. It is the latter that tampers with free markets, creating anomalies to how they would otherwise behave. And this is the example that Obama uses to make capitalism wrong and socialism right.

In a speech in Kansas, calling for more government controls, more taxation, more collectivism, President Obama has two paragraphs that give the show away. Take a look at them.

Continue reading Progressives’ Road To Serfdom →

Economy, Obamacare, Politics, Race Relations

Trickle Down Poverty, The Grand Deflection

I don’t know what neighborhood Mrs. Eleanor Johnson lives in, talking about all this booming economy that Republicans are “deflecting” by talking about what a disaster Obamacare is, because the U.S. Department of Commerce says something completely different about the economy we live in.

“The typical American family’s income has fallen every year since 2007, the year the Great Recession began, for a cumulative decline of 8.3 percent. Median income is also down 9 percent from its record high of $56,080, set two recessions ago in 1999.”

The median income is $56,080. That means that there are incomes higher, and some lower. Lumped together, it comes to 56k. In the economy that Barack Obama has run, not only have incomes fallen, but his economy has hurt Black Americans harder than any other racial demographic.

“The median income for black households was $33,321 last year, less than half the median income for Asian households, who had the highest median family income at $68,636. The current federal poverty threshold for a family of four is $23,550.”

President Barack Obama can tout “progress” in the economy all he wants. Are you feeling it?

I’ll tell you where the deflection is occurring. It’s the Democrat line that Republicans want poor people to vote against their best interest. Ostensibly meaning that economic principles espoused by Republicans would be harmful to the poor, and Blacks. And worse, that Republican’s don’t care about the poor, or Blacks. You know, it’s the race card, class and wealth envy that Democrats habitually use to divides this country. Especially around election time. And it is a very effective tactic. Must be when you consider that over 90% of African Americans continue to support the man responsible for the obstacles we all face. Trickle down poverty.

endofstory

Because the Pensacola News Journal doesn’t always keep links to articles, and for full context of the above, below is her letter as appeared in the Pensacola News Journal January, 6, 2014.

GOP deflection

In this new year, Republicans have to keep hammering Obamacare so people won’t notice the following facts:

1) Corporate profits are soaring; the stock market has hit record highs.

2) The U.S. now produces as much oil as it imports.

3) General Motors has reported three consecutive years of profitability with 2012 net earnings of $4.9 billion; Ford’s predicting 2014 its best year ever.

4) The job and housing markets are steadily improving.

5) Iraq is allowing U.N. inspections of its nuclear program.

But hey, let’s keep focused on Obamacare so people will vote in Republicans so they can reverse all the above, limit the vote, involve us in more foreign wars, cut taxes for the rich, and plunge us back where we were when Republican Bush left office – teetering on the brink of a depression.

– Eleanor Johnson

Pensacola Beach

Link: GOP deflection

I had a point-by-point response to that too!

Continue reading Trickle Down Poverty, The Grand Deflection →

Organized Labor, Politics

“Just Say NO” To Card Check

The quid pro quo President Obama owes Big Labor isn’t complete yet. Card Check is still on his bucket list and dovetails nicely with his collectivist philosophy. An ideology that couldn’t be more un-American. Nevertheless, that’s who he is and that’s why Card Check must be defeated. PERIOD!

Read on and be part of the solution.


Dear Ross:”I owe these unions.”President Barack Obama couldn’t have stated it any more clearly.And after spending an estimated BILLION dollars to re-elect Barack Obama and maintain control of the U.S. Senate, the union bosses couldn’t agree more.They’re wasting no time demanding PAYBACK.

Top AFL-CIO union boss Richard Trumka has already made clear that he expects Big Labor’s Card Check Forced Unionism Bill to be a top priority in Obama’s second term.

Not only that, Trumka threatened to use his forced-dues political warchest to oust any member of Congress in 2014 who stands in his way.

That’s why it’s vital you sign the petition below putting yourself squarely on record OPPOSED to the union bosses’ Card Check Forced Unionism Bill — and the rest of Big Labor’s agenda — IMMEDIATELY.

Since Barack Obama doesn’t have to face the voters again for re-election, the union bosses understand this may be their last — and best — opportunity to make Card Check Forced Unionism the law of the land.

That’s why it’s vital you act today!


As you know, if “Card Check” passes, workers would no longer be able to vote for or against union boss “representation” in a secret ballot election.

Instead, the union bosses would intimidate workers one-on-one — or three-on-one — into signing so-called “union authorization cards.”

And, of course, Big Labor has yet another ticking time bomb hidden in the “Card Check” legislation.

If the union bosses can drag out negotiations with an employer past 90 days by making outrageous demands, Obama Administration bureaucrats will have the power to use this so-called “problem” as an excuse to write a new labor contract and force its terms and conditions of employment upon those workers.

So you see, not only does Big Labor want to strip workers of the right to a secret ballot but also of the right to vote on their own contracts as well!

Can you imagine the kind of damage that would do to our already-fragile economy?

I know I can.

In fact, some folks ask me from time to time, “Senator, how could the President and Congress even consider a bill like ‘Card Check’ with the economy the way it is?”

What I tell them may be hard to stomach, but it’s the truth.

If “Card Check” passes, it would mean billions more dollars for the union bosses’ coffers.

Billions more that will be spent on politics.

We’re talking permanent political power.

I hate to say it, but that’s why the union bosses, Barack Obama and Harry Reid aren’t going to let up one bit.

And with too many Republicans scared that standing on any principle will bring another attack in the media, I’m very concerned that what may happen.

That’s why it’s important you sign the petition to oppose Card Check Forced Unionism IMMEDIATELY.


Should “Card Check” pass, this dangerous power grab would:

*** Force millions of additional working Americans to pay union dues under the threat of losing their jobs, filling Big Labor coffers with hundreds of millions of forced-dues dollars;

*** Dramatically increase the wasteful work rules, hate-the-boss propaganda, slowdowns and bitter strikes that shut down businesses and destroy jobs, ensuring that even more plants are closed and more jobs are shipped overseas or lost forever;

*** Enable Big Labor to pump even more campaign cash into the coffers of its radical, tax and spend politicians who, in turn, will look for even greater ways to increase the union bosses’ forced-dues empire.

That’s why I’m counting on your help IMMEDIATELY.


After failing to pass most of Big Labor’s agenda — including “Card Check” — during his first term, President Obama is anxious to payback his Big Labor benefactors.

As he told the former Russian President, “I’ll have more flexibility after the election.

And you can be sure the union bosses are going to double-down in their efforts to make sure “Card Check” happens during Obama’s second term.

So we can’t wait.  We have to mobilize NOW.

The good news is, the National Right to Work Committee has developed a massive plan to stop the Card Check Forced Unionism Bill dead in its tracks.

Grassroots mail. Phone calls. Newspaper, radio and TV ads.

But it’s all VERY expensive — especially since everything is “last minute.”

That’s why it’s vital you act TODAY!

And that’s why, in addition to your signed petition, I hope you’ll agree to make a generous contribution to help stop the Card Check Forced Unionism Bill.


After signing your petition, please make a generous contribution of of $500, $250, $100 or $35.

This is not a battle you and I can afford to lose.

I’m convinced that with the Committee’s plan to mobilize Americans against the Card Check Forced Unionism Bill, you and I can stop this bill — and the rest of Big Labor’s agenda — dead in its tracks.

But we don’t have much time.

Please sign this petition and make a generous contribution of $500, $250, $100 or $35 — or whatever you can — to help defeat Big Labor’s Card Check Forced Unionism Bill.

It’s vital you act TODAY!

Sincerely,

Rand Paul, M.D.
U.S. Senator

P.S.  When Barack Obama was re-elected in 2012, top AFL-CIO union boss Richard Trumka was already thinking ahead for this year’s midterm elections and threatening to take out any members of Congress who opposed the Card Check Forced Unionism Bill.

That’s why there’s not a moment to waste!

Please sign this petition demanding your Congressman and Senators OPPOSE Big Labor’s Card Check Forced Unionism Bill before it’s too late.


After signing your petition, please also make a generous contribution of $500, $250, $100, $35, or whatever you can afford, to the National Right to Work Committee — IMMEDIATELY!

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Uncategorized

Know Your Rights

Below is an informative info graphic graciously lifted from The Blaze. It explains in great detail what your rights are, should you have a police encounter of the first kind. Rule number one, don’t be a jerk. Be polite. With good knowledge of what your rights are, you can be just as professional as the officer, and maybe stay out of jail. He knows what your rights are. You should too.

know-your-rights

Middle East, Religion, War On Terror

Islam Now The Religion Of Rape?

According to testimony taken from captured soldiers and captains before they were put to death by rebels, rape has been employed as a common practice by the army, well before Al-Dala’s official religious support was stated.

On Thursday, Sheikh Abd al-Rahman Ali al-Dala, aid to the chief mufti of Syria, who is loyal to President Bashar Assad, gave an interview to Sham FM, a radio station that supports Assad. In the interview, Al-Dala said Syrian army soldiers have permission to “marry” unmarried and married women, sisters and mothers of the rebel fighters, without any official marriage agreement. He clarified that the rape is intended as a punishment for not reporting the rebels to the government forces. In making his statement, the Sheikh placed his religious authority behind the rape of women and girls by soldiers, as part of their fight against the rebels.

Link: Syrian Mufti’s Aide Gives Army Permission to Rape – Middle East – News – Israel National News.

Middle East, Politics, Religion, War On Terror

Hell Is Back

Of course, it is safe to say that hell never left. It just held back until, like they were promised, the U.S. forces left Iraq. Now it’s their problem. Enjoy it Iraq.

Al-Qaida gunmen patrol during clashes with Iraqi security forces in Falluja on Sunday,.Islamists exploit weak border to fight in Iraq and Syria

Iraqi air strikes kill 34 as army tries to dislodge al-Qaida militants in city of Ramadi, near Syrian border.

The action came as al-Qaida fighters were also reported to have taken control of Falluja and underlined the fragility of Syria and Iraq’s shared border, which is becoming increasingly exposed as standoffs with Islamist militants in both countries appear to be reaching a defining phase.

This whole Islam reset thing is really working out. For al-Qaida.

Link: Islamists exploit weak border to fight in Iraq and Syria | World news | The Guardian.

Media, Politics, Religion

Antarctic Rescues . . . Scientists?

You’ll have to look far and wide to learn that the “scientists” are a bunch of global warming types out to visit the altar of global warming. That they and another ship sent to rescue them also got stuck in the ice is charming.

Oh but the irony doesn’t stop there.

Prior to the voyage, the expedition had pledged to plant 800 kauri trees in Northland, New Zealand in order to offset the carbon emissions from the trip. After the resources expended rescuing them, 800 trees isn’t going to cut it. The new number? Try 5,000, or enough to constitute an entire forest, according to former Act Party leader Rodney Hide.

Ya think any of these scientists know how many trees start and grow all on their own, naturally, around the world? This counting trees stuff is just as big a hoax as is the claim that global warming, no, climate change, is man-made and they (man) can control it.

And it’s not over yet. Now the United States Coast Guard is on its way to attempt to rescue the two icebreakers stuck in Antarctica ice.

Link: Antarctic rescue mission leaves ridiculous carbon footprint

Media, Obamacare

Obamacare Confusion, Patients Walk Out

What a gem. While Obama vacations in Hawaii, his signature piece of legislation crash and burns. And that’s peanuts compared to what it is doing to the American people.

Hospital staff in Northern Virginia are turning away sick people on a frigid Thursday morning because they can’t determine whether their Obamacare insurance plans are in effect.

Why would a government do this to Americans, and the domestic media not care? They care more about its effect on the president and the law than what it is doing to the American people.

Link:  ‘They had no idea if my insurance was active or not!’: At Virginia hospitals, Obamacare confusion reigns as frustrated patients walk out | Mail Online.