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SUBSCRIPTION DRIVE – DAY ELEVEN - FAIR

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FEBRUARY 20,  2014

SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE – AT 11:35 P.M. ET: 

EUROPE ACTS – From Fox:  "The European Union reportedly has agreed in an emergency meeting Thursday to impose sanctions against Ukraine after violence flared up again in Kiev, leaving at least 33 people dead."  Please note that the European Union is taking this action, not the United States.  President Obama will contemplate our courageous course, for another two years.

OBAMA REBOUND? – According to the latest Gallup poll, President Obama has a 46% approval rating, an improvement over recent months, when he's sunk as low as 38%.  These polls fluctuate, however, and, with a 50% disapproval rating, Mr. Obama is still underwater.  The Dems will turn on the politics this year because there's a major election, and Obama will benefit from anything right that the party does.  If Obama's numbers are actually improving, it simply shows, once again, that our side cannot count on presidential unpopularity to win.  We have to have great candidates and great ideas of our own.

WHERE LAWS DON'T APPLY – New York's illustrious new socialist mayor apparently doesn't believe that the laws apply to leftists holding high office.  From politicker.com:  "Just days after Bill de Blasio unveiled an ambitious plan to reduce pedestrian safety deaths through lower speed limits, CBS New York reports that the mayor’s caravan was spotted speeding and blowing past stop signs.  During tonight’s evening news, CBS reporter Marcia Kramer said the allegations–which included clocking Mr. de Blasio going up to 15 miles per hour over the speed limit–smacked of hypocrisy.  'When Mayor de Blasio announced his safe streets initiative, which includes lowering the speed limit to 25 miles per hour, he said, and I quote, "We want the public to know that we are holding ourselves to this standard." So we decided to see if he practices what he preached. All I can say is: Not today he didn’t, said Ms. Kramer."  I'm shocked.

OLYMPICS – Watched the ladies' long figure skating program tonight, the marquee event of the Olympics. Russia won, followed by South Korea and Italy.  The Russian fans went crazy.  It's their Olympics, and they've been disappointed by many failures.  They got their victory tonight, although some debate whether their gold medalist, Adelina Sotnikova, actually deserved the huge score she received.  Many the judges just wanted to get out of Sochi alive.  We cheered for Carolina Kostner, who, at 27, is ancient in the skating world.  She won the bronze for Italy, the first time an Italian woman has won a medal in this event.  It was well deserved.  Our American girls were wonderful.  All three wound up in the top ten, a standing no other nation achieved.  Gracie Gold, who just missed a medal and came in fourth, will be a star, as will Polina Edmunds, who came in ninth, and is only 15.  Ashley Wagner, a veteran, may retire.

February 20,  2014     Permalink

AND MORE GREAT NEWS FROM A COUNTRY THAT IS INCREASINGLY LAUGHING AT US – AT 9:14 A.M. ET:   China is growing in might.  We are reducing our military.  Brilliant, isn't it?  From Fox: 

China is practicing for a "short, sharp war" with Japan.

That is the assessment of a top U.S. Navy intelligence analyst, who told colleagues that China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is currently conducting training exercises in a practice scenario in which the military takes the Senkaku Islands, near Taiwan.

“We witnessed the massive amphibious and cross-military region enterprise,” Capt. James Fannell, deputy chief of staff intelligence and information operations for the U.S. Pacific Fleet (PACFLEET) said at the West 2014 conference on Feb. 13 in San Diego.

“[We] concluded that the PLA has been given the new task to be able to conduct a short, sharp war to destroy Japanese forces in the East China Sea following with what can only be expected a seizure of the Senkakus or even a southern Ryukyu [islands] — as some of their academics say.”

COMMENT:  Nothing to see here, nothing to see here.  Admiral of the Seas Barack ("Salty") Obama is in command.  And we know what that means.

China is not kind.  Its regime is cold, aggressive and expansionist.  And it is not interested in our Dear Leader's speeches.

We look around, and so much of the world is on fire.  Hope and change.

February 20, 2014       Permalink

AND THE WEATHER 50 YEARS FROM NOW WILL BE... – AT 9:01 A.M. ET:   Our intellectually astute secretary of state says that anyone who has doubts about global warming predictions is a flat Earther.  Maybe we need more flat Earthers.  From Bloomberg: 

Surprised by how tough this winter has been? You’re in good company: Last fall the Climate Prediction Center of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted that temperatures would be above normal from November through January across much of the Lower 48 states.

And...

“Not one of our better forecasts,” admits Mike Halpert, the Climate Prediction Center’s acting director. The center grades itself on what it calls the Heidke skill score, which ranges from 100 (perfection) to -50 (monkeys throwing darts would have done better). October’s forecast for the three-month period of November through January came in at -22. Truth be told, the September prediction for October-December was slightly worse, at -23. The main cause in both cases was the same: Underestimating the mammoth December cold wave, which brought snow to Dallas and chilled partiers in Times Square on New Year’s Eve.

The winter has stayed cold in 2014, and snowfall and snow cover are way above average. USA Today reported on Feb. 14 that there was snow on the ground in part of every state except Florida. That includes the peaks of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea in otherwise balmy Hawaii.

COMMENT:  These are the people who assure us that they can predict temperatures for the next 50 years.  And they are (violin music please) "scientists."  Yes, they are.  But scientists are often wrong, as the history of science shows.  And real scientists are constantly probing and questioning, not using terms like "the scientific consensus" or "settled science."  Science, like the weather, is never settled.

February 20, 2014       Permalink

WAR ON TERROR OVER! – AT 8:46 A.M. ET:  Just kidding.  In fact, it is very much alive, despite assurances from Field Marshal Obama that the enemy is on the run.  From The Hill:

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is warning airlines to be on the lookout for terrorists potentially targeting U.S. flights with shoe bombs.

NBC News on Wednesday reported that federal officials recently received a credible warning of threats to "attack passenger jets using explosives concealed in shoes."

A DHS official confirmed to The Hill that a warning was issued based on intelligence reports.

“Out of an abundance of caution, DHS regularly shares relevant information with domestic and international partners about relevant threat information as we work to meet our mission of keeping the traveling public safe,” the official said in a statement.

“These types of regular communications are part of that important priority. Our security apparatus includes a number of measures, both seen and unseen, informed by the latest intelligence and as always DHS continue[s] to adjust security measures to fit an ever evolving threat environment.”

COMMENT:  Some smug people say that nothing ever seems to happen, so what's the problem?  We hope that these alerts, and the actions that are taken in light of them, are deterring attacks.  But someone will eventually get through, and remind us that terror groups are actually growing today, not declining.

February 20, 2014       Permalink

UKRAINE ON THE BRINK – AT 8:34 A.M. ET:  The freshly minted truce in Ukraine has broken down.  From Fox: 

Violence between Ukrainian security forces and anti-government protesters broke out again Thursday in the capital, Kiev, leaving at least 22 people dead, as a truce called by President Viktor Yanukovych and opposition leaders fell apart.

An Associated Press reporter saw 21 bodies Thursday laid out on the edge of the sprawling protest encampment in central Kiev’s Independence Square. In addition, one policeman was killed and 28 suffered gunshot wounds Thursday, Interior Ministry spokesman Serhiy Burlakov told the AP.

Sky News later reported that 11 bodies had been laid out in the lobby of the Hotel Ukraina, which is close to the square and is also where many foreign media members are staying. All of the bodies were reportedly civilians.

The deaths Thursday brought the week's toll to at least 50 in Kiev, with hundreds injured. Protesters dispute those numbers though, claiming that the true toll is much higher. Yanukovych announced the truce late Wednesday after two days of fierce street fighting.

COMMENT:  This is exceedingly serious.  Ukraine physically symbolizes the new struggle between a weakening West and a bolder, stronger Russia. 

We seem powerless to influence events.  If I had to bet, I'd say that Ukraine will probably become a Moscow satellite again.  Obama has made some grand statements from the White House, telling the world that America "expects" the Ukrainian authorities, who are under the thumb of their Russian masters, to behave with restraint.  And the world responds by properly ignoring the president of the United States.

Meanwhile, Ron Paul, father of Rand, informs us that we should stay as far away from Ukraine as possible.  Cool idea, Ron.  And it's absurd to think that Japanese carriers could reach Pearl Harbor.  At the very minimum, America should be using this crisis to reassert our leadership, strengthen our defenses in Europe, and reassure, with substantive acts, our European allies that they can count on us to stand with them.  Not a bad strategy:  It was key to winning the Cold War without a world war.

February 20,  2014     Permalink

FEBRUARY 19,  2014

SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE – AT 11:52 P.M. ET: 

OLYMPICS – The marquee event in the winter Olympics is the ladies' individual figure skating competition.  It's divided into short and long programs.  The short was held today.  The top three winners were women from South Korea, Russia, and Italy, separated by less than a point.  Our American women, though not finishing in the top three, acquitted themselves very well, and with class.  U.S, national champion Gracie Gold is in the fourth slot, veteran Ashley Wagner is sixth, and national silver medalist Polina Edmunds is seventh.  The long program, the skate for the gold, is tomorrow, Thursday.  It's unlikely an American will be on the podium – although an upset can happen – but Gracie and Polina are the future of American women's skating, and the future looks bright.

UKRAINE – The Ukrainian government announced a truce between federal forces and militant demonstrators, even while fires continued to burn in the capital city of Kiev.  No one knows at this hour whether the truce will hold, or even take effect.  Russia's Vladimir Putin, who wants Ukraine to be a modern-day satellite of Moscow, has his prestige at stake in the outcome of the struggle.

DISGRACEFUL – During Obama's 2008 campaign, one of his Mideast advisers, Robert Malley, had to be eased out because his virulent anti-Israel stance was alienating pro-Israel voters.  Today Malley was appointed a senior director of the National Security Council, in charge of managing our relations with our Persian Gulf allies.  The absurd appointment is one more example of  Obama's apparent determination, during his second term, to show us who he really is.  Malley has been one of the leaders in the drive to appease Iran, something that will upset the Persian Gulf allies he's supposed to manage, especially Saudi Arabia.  And Israel can hardly be reassured by the appointment of a man who spent quality time polishing the image of the late Yasir Arafat.  Another brilliant Obama move.

BULLETIN – THIS JUST IN – From London's Telegraph:  "Muslims have been warned in a Fatwa not to go and live on Mars because it would pose 'a real risk to life,' according to a Dubai news organisation.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowment (GAIAE) in the United Arab Emirates said that anyone making such a 'hazardous trip' is likely to die for 'no righteous reason.'  They would therefore be liable to a 'punishment similar to that of suicide in the Hereafter,' the Khaleej Times reported."  Guess that kills my plans for Saturday, but I think I can get my money back. 

February 19,  2014     Permalink

AND IN SYRIA – AT 9:28 A.M. ET:   Our policy in Syria has failed.  Dictator Assad remains in power despite our weak president's declaration, two years ago, that he must go.  Thousands more are being killed every month.  Peace talks have broken down.  And we really don't have a new policy.  From Reuters: 

WASHINGTON - Despite a forthcoming review of options in the deteriorating Syria crisis, the White House on Tuesday signaled that President Barack Obama remains wary of any direct US involvement in the three-year-old civil war.

With peace talks between Syrian President Bashar Assad's government and his armed opponents having failed for now, and Russia unwilling or unable to pressure its ally Assad to cede power, US policy toward Syria appears to be approaching a crossroads.

The White House is beginning to take a new look at options in Syria, a process that could take several weeks, US officials have said.

But spokesman Jay Carney suggested that Obama is skeptical about any proposed step that draws the United States into the Syrian civil war, an outcome the US president has studiously avoided.

"We have to examine what the alternatives some might be proposing are, and whether they're in our national security interests, and whether a desire to do something about it could lead us, the United States, to take action that can produce the kind of unintended consequences we've seen in the past," Carney told a news briefing.

COMMENT:  The Obamans always try to sound like such deep intellectuals, when in fact they think like children.  I, too, oppose direct American ground involvement in the Syrian mess.  But Syria is a critical country, and jihadists are getting military training in that country and then returning to their native lands, where they can organize terror gangs.

We depend on our government to develop policies that are effective, and protect us.  We look around and see so many countries in flames – Ukraine, Venezuela, Syria, Egypt, nations in Africa, and yet we have no serious policies to deal with any of these crises, crises that can ultimately affect us here at home. 

We bought hope and change.  We got hopelessness and change for the worse.  Say what you wish about George W. Bush, but at least he was taken seriously.

February 19, 2014       Permalink

AND IN VENEZUELA – AT 9:14 A.M. ET:  Protests also continue in Venezuela.  The U.S. State Department is denying Venezuelan government charges that we are helping the opposition.   Frankly, we should be doing just that, and maybe force a regime change that will lift Venezuela out of Marxist darkness.  But wimpishness is in style, so we're not lifting a finger.  From CNN: 

(CNN) -- They've faced gunfire, tear gas and water cannons.

And now a man who led them in days of anti-government demonstrations is behind bars after turning himself in to authorities.

But Venezuelan protesters were still in the streets after opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez's arrest Tuesday, demanding better security, an end to scarcities and protected freedom of speech.

President Nicolas Maduro and his supporters also rallied, blaming the opposition for causing the very problems it protests.

Clashes during days of demonstrations have already left three anti-government protesters and one government supporter dead. And the simmering tensions show no signs of letting up.

The confrontation took a dramatic turn Tuesday, when Lopez, accused by the government of conspiracy and murder in connection with the recent violence, marched with a crowd of thousands of protesters before surrendering to national guard troops.

"The options I had were leave the country, and I will never leave Venezuela!" Lopez told the massive crowd. "The other option was to remain in hiding, but that option could have left doubt among some, including some who are here, and we don't have anything to hide."

COMMENT:  Eventually, this clash will be decided by the Venezuelan military, which is painfully corrupt.  It receives favors from the government in exchange for support.  The issue is whether the military will put country first and join the opposition.  I should stress, of course, that we're engaging in some speculation here.  It's not fully clear that the opposition would turn out to be better than the existing, oppressive government.  But we should explore the value of regime change.

February 19, 2014       Permalink

AND IN KIEV – AT 8:58 A.M. ET:  The Ukrainian crisis hasn't penetrated the American consciousness yet, and Obama is providing his usual lack of leadership.  But Ukraine is where East meets West, and is a test of Russian influence over former satellites.  From CNN: 

Kiev, Ukraine (CNN) -- They've given up their ground before -- voluntarily, as a political concession. But that seems to be over.

After the deaths of 25 people in clashes a day earlier, Ukrainian protesters are prepared to stand and fight again Wednesday.

Police want to clear them out of central Kiev. Some of them died trying to stay put Tuesday -- using projectiles and burning barricades to keep security forces at bay at Kiev's Maidan, or Independence Square.

It was the deadliest day in the months-long standoff between the government and opposition leaders.

Thousands of demonstrators have packed Independence Square since November, when President Viktor Yanukovych reversed a decision to sign a trade deal with the European Union and instead turned toward Russia.

COMMENT:  Watch this carefully.  The fact that the confrontation is taking place during the Olympics may not be a coincidence.  Russia's Putin has his prestige at stake in whether he can continue to pressure Ukraine to go in Moscow's direction.  If he loses, his prestige will be diminished. 

February 19, 2014       Permalink

INCREDIBLE – AT 8:45 AM. ET:  If you don't think Obama has weakened America, just read this, from CNS: 

The White House says Vice President Joe Biden called Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovych on Tuesday, to express "grave concern" about government forces battling protesters in the streets where they're camped.

Tuesday's deadly violence follows three months of escalating tensions over Ukraine's future -- whether it will align with Europe, as the protesters are demanding -- or Russia.

Why didn't President Obama call Yanukovych himself? MSNBC's (liberal) Rachel Maddow asked NBC correspondent Andrea Mitchell Tuesday night.

Biden's call was "not the highest level," Mitchell conceded. "And the very fact that (Russian President) Putin has said, 'Stay out of my back yard,' would mean it would be almost too much of an affront for President Obama himself to get involved," Mitchell said.

"One of the issues here has been this tug of war between Putin saying 'this is my territory,' and the United States saying that we and the E.U. have a vested interested in this."

COMMENT:  The president of the United States can't make a phone call because a KGB thug might get offended?  The weakest president we've ever had.  I am embarrassed.

February 19,  2014     Permalink