Monthly Archives: September 2016

Europe, Immigration, Media, Politics

Merkel, Stinging Defeat

German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s “Christian Democrats Party” was handed a “sobering defeat.” Beaten into third place, in what was the first of five regional votes before a national election expected next September.  Turning in an all-time low result was a “stinging defeat” for Merkel in her home district.

She was beaten by a relatively new political party, the Alternative for Germany (AfD), that campaigned against her open border policies. Policies that have hurt, if not transformed, German life in the same way it has affected the EU in general.

Not surprisingly, the media characterizes the AfD, not as pro-Germany, nationalist, or populist. Not as anti-Merkel. But as anti-immigrant and anti-Islam. Same media. Different continent.

AfD party chair, Frauke Petry, described Sunday’s result as a blow to Angela Merkel. “Now it is our responsibility to make politics for the people. The people no longer trust the old establishment parties to do so,” Petry said.

Whether this election or the AfD signals a shift in German politics remains to be seen. But it does have the same organic feel like the Tea Party in the U.S. or Brexit in the U.K.

Link: Merkel’s party beaten by rightwing populists in state election

Gun Control, Politics, Race Relations

Chicago Breaking Records

July 2016 was the deadliest month for Chicago in 10 years. Now, for August 2016, Chicago broke that record by having the deadliest month in 20 years.

Chicago saw its bloodiest month in two decades this August, after police recorded a staggering 90 murders, 384 shootings and 472 total shooting victims.

And as usual, innocent victims become part of the statistics. Like a seven-year-old shot in the arm as well as Nykea Aldridge, cousin of NBA star Dwyane Wade.

The trend is worsening. The shoot:kill ratio for July was 4:1. For last month it is just over 5:1. Out of 472 shooting victims, 90 of them were fatal. Something has to be done to keep Chicago from changing from The Windy City to The Shooting City.

Something from this post bares repeating . . .

I have a suggestion for cities like Chicago where gun violence is so prevalent. If just one innocent life could be saved . . .  Innocent lives would be spared if the thugs had better marksmanship skills with their illegal guns. If, through proper weapons training, we could get their efficiency closer to 1:1 than (now) 5:1, then that little seven-year-old shot in the arm would not have been shot. And Nykea Aldridge would still be alive today. It’s a win-win.

Links: Aug. 2016: Chicago’s Bloodiest Month in Two Decades  |  August most violent month in Chicago in nearly 20 years  |  Deadliest July In Chicago

2016 Election, Judiciary, Politics, Race Relations

Supremes Uphold Dem Bigotry

The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected a bid by North Carolina to reinstate for November’s elections several voting restrictions, including a requirement that people show identification at the polls. So, by virtue of a 4-4 tie in the Supreme Court, the lower court ruling stands.

South Carolina started 4 years ago to require a photo ID to vote, to ensure the integrity of one person, one vote. A right already extended to voters in Florida and 29 other states.

According to Democrats, which person here is incapable of following voting rules?

According to the NYT, opponents of the South Carolina election law (all Democrats) their reason to oppose it is . . .

its provisions deliberately “target African-Americans with almost surgical precision” in an effort to depress black turnout at the polls.

The “restrictions” the Democrats contend “target” Blacks are . . .

  • voters must present photo identification at the polls, even though there is an affidavit alternative for voters without a photo ID.
  • no same-day registration, registering to vote on Election Day, and
  • no registering to vote before being old enough (18) to vote
  • early voting via absentee ballots

The way the Democrats use the justice system to suit their political agenda (as opposed to the Constitution) is obvious. It also shines the light on the fact that they only care for Blacks when it comes to their vote. Something you’ve heard from republicans, including Donald Trump.

Looking behind their whole premise, is that Blacks are incapable of following voting rules. As an American, that bigotry offends me. They also contradict themselves. If 364 days before an election isn’t enough time to register, and early voting via an absentee ballot is not enough time to vote, then how is it that “same day” registration is even an issue?

Bottom line here, what Democrats fear most is a fair voting process that insures the integrity of one person, one vote. And, they’re using Blacks as their vehicle to get them there.

Link: Federal Appeals Court Strikes Down North Carolina Voter ID Requirement