Tuesday
WHAT WE CAN EXPECT IN THE FUTURE
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HERE WE ARE -- AT THE 18TH MONTH IN THE OBAMA
ADMINISTRATION; TIME TO CONSIDER WHAT HAS
BEEN DONE ... WHAT IS BEING DONE NOW ... AND
WHAT WE CAN EXPECT IN THE FUTURE
Where to start? Probably on the highest rung of the news ladder,
whether it is justified or not, is the BP oil spill in the Gulf, with its
most immediate impact on the state of Louisiana. This is a disaster
which is not going to be resolved at any time soon, and which is not
going to go away at any time soon. The question has been asked, "Is
this Obama's Katrina?" It appears to be proving to be just that based
on the unconscionable delay in the Obama administration's response
to what is acknowledged as one of the greatest natural disaster in
America's history. The president's first publicized reaction, in a staff
meeting about one week after the explosion on April 20, was said
to be a frustrated explosion, "plug that damn hole." Last Friday,
after his first in-depth on scene study of the disaster, he assured the
nation that he is in charge... it is his responsibility ... and he used
President Truman's phrase, "The buck stops here."
There has been some progress. Tony Hayward, the BP CEO, last
week upped his estimate of the impact of the spill from "very
modest" to "environmental catastrophe." And with the obvious
failures of BP's initial efforts to stop the leak, the warning is that it
will probably continue for another two months until the alternate
wells are drilled. Perhaps the most important comment to date has
been the rant of Democrat stalwart, James Carville, who denounced
Obama's response to the disaster in the strongest language yet,
including his charge that the president's "political stupidity is
unbelievable." Mr. Obama's decision after his brief visit (120
minutes) was to announce new steps to restrict all drilling, including
a moratorium on drilling permits for six months, suspending planned
exploratory drilling off the coasts of Alaska and Virginia and ordering
a halt to 33 exploratory deep-water rigs in the Gulf of Mexico. It
appears that this crisis is being used to justify ending offshore drilling
with the ultimate result that America becomes more dependent than
ever before on foreign oil. And about Mr. Obama's visit to Louisiana:
Brett Michael Dykes of Yahoo News reports that BP paid busloads
of temporary clean up workers $12 per hour to show up as props
for the president's visit. Those photo-ops can be very expensive.
And then on Memorial Day, a new name for the president . . .
he is now called "Nobama" as a result of his choosing to spend
Memorial Day with his family on a vacation visit to his old home,
Chicago, rather than doing what past presidents have usually done,
laying a wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington
Memorial Cemetery. Even Bill Clinton, who sometimes did not
demonstrate the highest moral behavior, during his 8 years in office
never failed in this recognition of the sacrifice of American military
through the years. But according to the Washington Post, Obama
saw this vacation trip as fulfilling one of the great broken promises
made during his campaign, that he would return home to Chicago
every six weeks or so. In the 17 months they have been in the White
house, the Obamas have been back home just once -- in February
of 2009. Being president has apparently taken more of his time than
he had anticipated. This decision by Mr. Obama seemed particularly
incorrect and unpatriotic in a year when we are engaged in two
foreign wars, and when the number of American military killed and
wounded continues to rise. But we should probably not be surprised;
this is the president who chose not to wear an American flag emblem
in his lapel. The Rev. Jesse Lee Peterson, founder of the group Bond
Action, feels that American citizens should be concerned: "In all
honesty, I personally don't believe that he's on the side of the
American people. He seems to care about what's important to the
enemies of America more than he does America itself."
And on the eve of Memorial Day the report came out that the
number of deaths of US military in Afghanistan had reached the 1,000
mark; 570 during the 7 years from 2001 to 2008, and 430 since Mr.
Obama took office in 2009. Currently we have 94,000 troops in
Afghanistan, up from 30,000 at the end of 2008, with a top figure of
100,000 expected by the end of this Summer. The recent polls reveal
that 52% of Americans do not feel the Afghan war is worth the cost in
American lives.
One of America's more outspoken columnists, Lori Ziganto, last
week reflected on Mr. Obama's "jetting of on his 'Apologizing for
America' tour," and then brought concern for that concept up to date,
by commenting that last week, "Democrats showed their true colors,
in a way that can no longer be ignored, even by the most stubborn.
Congressional Democrats cheered -- and gave standing ovations --
to Mexican President Calderon, as he demonized Arizona and its
citizens and denigrated this country as a whole... Not only do the
Democrats fail to figuratively stand up for America, but they
actually stand up for and applaud those who seek to condemn it.
Worse, they were wearing bracelets, protesting and bashing
American citizens, while cheering a foreign leader who was doing
the same. From our House floor." Ms. Ziganto continued on this
theme, commenting that Vice President Joe Biden "took the
diminishing of America on tour... Always in the dark, Biden spoke
before the European Union and informed everyone that he
believes that Brussels, not Washington, DC, is the 'capital of the
free world.'" At least our president and vice president are on the
same page.
week reflected on Mr. Obama's "jetting of on his 'Apologizing for
America' tour," and then brought concern for that concept up to date,
by commenting that last week, "Democrats showed their true colors,
in a way that can no longer be ignored, even by the most stubborn.
Congressional Democrats cheered -- and gave standing ovations --
to Mexican President Calderon, as he demonized Arizona and its
citizens and denigrated this country as a whole... Not only do the
Democrats fail to figuratively stand up for America, but they
actually stand up for and applaud those who seek to condemn it.
Worse, they were wearing bracelets, protesting and bashing
American citizens, while cheering a foreign leader who was doing
the same. From our House floor." Ms. Ziganto continued on this
theme, commenting that Vice President Joe Biden "took the
diminishing of America on tour... Always in the dark, Biden spoke
before the European Union and informed everyone that he
believes that Brussels, not Washington, DC, is the 'capital of the
free world.'" At least our president and vice president are on the
same page.
The "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" mess in Washington. This word
from Tony Perkins (American Family Council) is too important and
too timely to simply be included under "What Others Are Saying."
"Four days before Memorial Day and after ignoring requests
from the top military brass and a host of veteran groups, sixteen
U.S. Senators on the Senate Armed Service Committee and 234
Members of the House of Representatives decided furthering a
radical political agenda was more important than honoring the
wishes and sacrifices of our troops. To add insult to injury, the
Senate Committee also added a provision that would allow for
taxpayer funding of abortions on military bases." Assuming that
the Senate acts to repeal the present law, it cannot go into effect until
60 days after a study by the US Department of Defense is completed,
and the US Secretary of Defense, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs
of Staff and the President certify that such repeal would not harm
military effectiveness. This past weekend Admiral Mullen, Chairman
of the Joint Chiefs expressed regret that the Congress had not waited
till the military review had been completed. And Secretary of Defense
Gates tried to ease concerns among US troops, saying that a long
careful review process lies ahead, and that he does not expect final
approval for months, and even then the US military will have to give
final approval after completing its comprehensive review. Right now,
however, the speeded-up action is being driven by Obama's pledges
to the homosexual activists that he would do everything possible to
support them and respond to their requests.
And even now, Barney Frank and "friends" are running loose,
or as one commentator expressed it, they are "rolling their tanks
through Congress while everyone is talking about something else."
The "something else" has included the Administration's focus on the
Arizona immigration law, the job offer to Congressman Sestak if he
would not compete with Obama's choice of Arlen Specter for the
Senate seat in Pennsylvania. And of course, the gulf oil spill held
so much media attention that progress on bills before Congress
favoring the homosexual lobby could continue unimpeded. Meantime,
the US Catholic bishops have come out in full force against Barney
Frank's Employment Non Discrimination Act (ENDA). In a letter
sent to Congress on May 19, the Catholic bishops say they have
serious concerns that ENDA will trample on the rights of employers
and those who will be speaking the truth about homosexuality. It is
strange that the Obama administration is catering so much to the
demands of the homosexuals, who, according to the last US Census
report in 2000 account for perhaps 1.5% of the population, with the
highest estimates only in the 3% range, whereas Christians represent
more than 80% of the US population. It would seem that Obama is
playing to the wrong audience, on a numerical basis.
And for another major news item -- the Arizona immigration law,
not much of a change. The majority of Americans (including also
Californians) favor the Arizona law. The opposition is still led by
President Obama, his cohorts Pelosi and Reid, and his cabinet
members, Attorney General Holder and Homeland Security
Secretary Napolitano -- none of whom, apparently, have read the
law they so vigorously oppose. What those liberal political leaders
don't seem to grasp is that the term "illegal alien" (which use they
condemn) is a synonym for "unlawful alien" which is defined as one
who has broken the immigration laws of this nation. And those are
federal laws, long in force, but long unenforced by the federal
government. Perhaps their opposition is based on the disclosure of
their failure and the intention of the State of Arizona to do what the
federal government has failed to do. Or perhaps it is simply one
more effort by the Obama administration to attract Hispanic votes.
Last in the list of national problems: Congressman Sestak
and his job offer. Not surprisingly, the charge that this may be an
impeachable offense is coming from Republicans, best articulated by
Congressman Darrell Issa of California, who also feels that as with
most crimes, the cover-up may be worse. Last Friday, after Bill
Clinton had met with Obama, the White House admitted that Chief
of Staff Rahm Emanuel had asked Clinton to talk to Sestak about a
position on an unpaid advisory board if he would abandon his
challenge of Arlen Specter for his Pennsylvania Senate seat. Actually,
as a Congressman, Sestak would not have been able to serve on a
presidential commission. Issa said, "It's a crime because they've
admitted they offered the position...They're now coming up
with a non-plausible answer ... they're now talking about a job
that President Clinton himself should have known Sestak
couldn't take." The heart of the problem is Section 600 of the U.S.
Code, which makes it a crime to promise any position or other benefit
in connection with any primary election held to select candidates for
any political office. The White House defense is that this is being done
all the time . . . it is "politics as usual" in Washington -- but this is
directly contrary to candidate Obama's promise that this would be
the most transparent, most ethical administration in America's history.
Well, that wasn't really the "last" of the national problems --
this week's eruption in the waters off Gaza in the mid-East as Israel
intercepted a flotilla of ships purported to be transporting relief
supplies to the Palestinians, has joined the list. The ultimate effect
of this incident can conceivably cause a serious rift in America's
relations with Israel, already strained almost to a breaking point
through Obama's obvious support of the Palestine position, and his
unprecedented antagonism toward our long time ally, Israel.
International opinion is sharply divided. The UN Security Council is
well on its way toward the usual condemnation of Israel. Obviously
a thorough investigation is necessary. One hopes that Obama's usual
favorable predisposition toward Muslim interests will not preclude
an honest attempt to arrive at the correct decision on this issue.
Important! Where do we go from here? What do we do now?
This has not been an exhaustive list, but a brief update on some of
the problems -- or, better, consider them as the "challenges" which
confront us as Conservative, Evangelical Christians in mid-year 2010,
a year and a half into the Obama administration. One evaluation
might define them as being "Republican vs Democrat." Another one
might just as logically define them as being "Conservative vs Liberal."
And they might also be defined as being "Christian vs anti-Christian."
Or even as "Obama vs the American people." Regardless of which
definition you accept, it is clear that the evaluation ultimately comes
down to "Us vs Them."
So many of the issues pit the traditional Christian viewpoint against
the Liberal, Left-wing, Godless viewpoint. Involved are the ongoing
influence of the small homosexual minority . . . the influence of the
also small atheistic minority . . . the attempts to destroy the God-
directed concept of marriage and family . . . and the attempt by
Obama to abandon the concept that America is a Christian nation,
despite the facts of history and current population percentages.
We have often urged prayer on the part of American Christians for
wisdom and guidance to be given to our leaders. And we have
urged that American Christians express their opinions on Election
Day, November 2 of this year. That can be the day when we take
the first steps toward reclaiming America to those basic principles
on which our Founding Fathers established this nation. And also
remember that to be able to vote, you must be registered. Only
153 days remain until the November 2 Election Day.
"As for Los Angeles, Arizona should pull the plug, pronto. Let
them sip warm chardonnay in the dark."
-- Noemie Emery, author and columnist
"You can say what you think about the South, but you never
hear of anyone retiring and moving North." -- Anon.
"Time was, presidents were held to higher standards than
comedians." -- George Will
"Growing old is mandatory ... growing up is optional." -- Anon.
Now the most important quotes: "What Others Are Saying."
The reason, as we often point out, is that you won't find these
comments in most of the elite, main line media, either press or TV.
And because this issue is sort of an all inclusive survey, we include
more such quotes than usual.
Editorial, New Media Journal: "As the issue of Arizona's new
border security law is debated -- and as Pres. Obama and
congressional Democrats and Progressives seek to advance
'comprehensive immigration reform' to legislation, one aspect of
US border insecurity that presents a clear and present danger is
the fact that OTMs (Other Than Mexicans) are crossing the
Southern US border from countries that aid and abet radical Islam
and those dedicated to inflicting terror on the American people."
media: "Finding and reporting the truth is not their primary goal.
The liberal media are first and foremost interested in advancing
their Leftist agenda. They are willing to lie, distort, or omit the
truth to do this, and if demonizing a conservative or two along
the way helps the cause, they'll do that, too."
Constancio Asumen, Jr. (National Scholar, Head ACE LILAC):
"When major players in government, from President Obama
himself, the Attorney General, and the Secretary of Homeland
Security admit to having not read the Arizona Immigration Law
and yet publicly proclaim it to be their duty to criticize, demonize
and condemn that law, then we can be sure that intellectual
honesty in the government is all but missing or considered an
obsolete concept."
Alan Caruba (writer and commentator): "History has an
unfortunate, but utterly predictable, way of repeating itself.
The same mistakes are made over and over again by men who
have not taken the time to read history or who think that, by
dint of their own personalities, they can change it. Barack
Obama thinks he has been selected by the gods of Marxism to
fulfill that destiny for America. When not 'transforming'
America, he yearns for a new world order based on diplomacy,
but diplomacy has long been defined as telling lies on behalf
of one's country."
Peggy Noonan (author and Wall Street Journal columnist):
"I don't see how the president's position and popularity can
survive the oil spill. This is his third political disaster in his first
18 months in office. And they were all, as they say, unforced
errors, meaning they were shaped by the president's political
judgment and instincts."
Newsmax: "For the first time since President Barack Obama's
emergence in 2004 at the Democratic Convention in Boston,
the national news media, long in the tank for Obama, has
begun to run him through the wringer all other presidents
have experienced." (Editor's note: the liberal Washington Post's
headline on its story about Obama's press conference last Thursday
was: "Obama Struggling to Show He's in Control.")
Michelle Malkin: "President Bush's harshest critics often
described his look during moments of crisis as 'deer in the
headlights.' After two years of Hope and Change, America
has grown accustomed to President Obama's crisis face:
eyes glazed over."
And here is a subject for discussion next week . . . Mark
Tapscott of the Washington Examiner, offers this comment which
merits further research and discussion: "Release of the Federal
Trade Commission's working paper on 'reinventing journalism'
makes it clear that there is no more time for diplomacy about
this issue. President Obama is determined to federalize the news
industry just as he has banking, autos and health care." This
will be a major subject to be discussed in next week's issue of ANC.
Now here are a few Random Afterthoughts . . .
A great new opportunity for the ACLU attorneys . . . Chicago
area atheist Rob Sherman objects to $20,000 of state funds being
used to renovate a 47 year old cross at Alto Pass, southern Illinois'
highest point. Sherman wants the group which oversees the landmark
to return the money or face being sued. The group's board of
administration is considering his request. This is not Mr. Sherman's
first lawsuit on religion -- he challenged, and won over an Illinois
law which required a "moment of silence" each day in the state's
public schools.
Some thoughts on Memorial Day from Pat Buchanan . . . "In
1917 we declared war on Germany 'to make the world safe for
democracy.' And our major allies were four of the largest
empires on earth: the British, French, Russian and Japanese. We
deposed the Kaiser, and got Lenin, Stalin, Mussolini, Hitler and
World War II. As a result of these world wars, all the Western
empires fell, and Western Civilization began its inexorable
advance to the grave."
An interesting thought: Since America became a nation, four of
our greatest generals have served two terms as president: George
Washington, Andrew Jackson, Ulysses Grant and Dwight David
Eisenhower.
Have you noticed? Every reference to the team of advisers Mr.
Obama is relying upon for guidance in dealing with the gulf oil spill
has mentioned that one of the principal advisers is a Nobel Prize
winner. However, when you remember that Jimmy Carter, Al Gore
and Barack Obama are also Nobel Prize winners, that assurance
offers little comfort.
And some more confusing government regulation: The FDA
maintains that only pharmaceutical drugs are capable of preventing or
treating disease. Based on that obviously incorrect assumption, they
have developed rules that categorize anything that prevents or treats
disease as being a drug. The illustration is offered that if. for example,
you might eat walnuts and if that causes your high cholesterol to be
lowered, then under the FDA rules, walnuts are a drug. The same
could be true for cherries, blueberries, grapes, and that old standby,
vinegar. And selling any such products, with any mention that they
might be beneficial to your health, could possibly result in legal action
for selling "illegal drugs."
maintains that only pharmaceutical drugs are capable of preventing or
treating disease. Based on that obviously incorrect assumption, they
have developed rules that categorize anything that prevents or treats
disease as being a drug. The illustration is offered that if. for example,
you might eat walnuts and if that causes your high cholesterol to be
lowered, then under the FDA rules, walnuts are a drug. The same
could be true for cherries, blueberries, grapes, and that old standby,
vinegar. And selling any such products, with any mention that they
might be beneficial to your health, could possibly result in legal action
for selling "illegal drugs."
"In selecting men for office, let principle be your guide. Regard
not the particular sect or denomination of the candidate -- look to
his character." -- Noah Webster, 1789
"The state governments are, by the very theory of the constitution,
essential constituent parts of the general government. They can
exist without the latter, but the latter cannot exist without them."
-- Joseph Storey, 1833
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