Month: January 2009

More on the wiretapping of the media

Following up on the piece and the video that I posted yesterday. Here’s more on that story including feedback from a journalist that knew he was being tapped.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

and…

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

I post these, not because I agree with anything that the far left has to say. But because I believe in accountability in Government, corruption is wrong and it should prosecuted; and if Bush was, in fact, doing this, He should be punished. Plain and Simple.

Freed from Gitmo, Saudi Becomes a Al-Qaeda Chief

This is not good at all, and timing could not be worse.

The emergence of a former Guantánamo Bay detainee as the deputy leader of Al Qaeda’s Yemeni branch has underscored the potential complications in carrying out the executive order President Obama signed Thursday that the detention center be shut down within a year.

The militant, Said Ali al-Shihri, is suspected of involvement in a deadly bombing of the United States Embassy in Yemen’s capital, Sana, in September. He was released to Saudi Arabia in 2007 and passed through a Saudi rehabilitation program for former jihadists before resurfacing with Al Qaeda in Yemen.

His status was announced in an Internet statement by the militant group and was confirmed by an American counterterrorism official.

“They’re one and the same guy,” said the official, who insisted on anonymity because he was discussing an intelligence analysis. “He returned to Saudi Arabia in 2007, but his movements to Yemen remain unclear.”

The development came as Republican legislators criticized the plan to close the Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, detention camp in the absence of any measures for dealing with current detainees. But it also helps explain why the new administration wants to move cautiously, taking time to work out a plan to cope with the complications.

Almost half the camp’s remaining detainees are Yemenis, and efforts to repatriate them depend in part on the creation of a Yemeni rehabilitation program — partly financed by the United States — similar to the Saudi one. Saudi Arabia has claimed that no graduate of its program has returned to terrorism.

“The lesson here is, whoever receives former Guantánamo detainees needs to keep a close eye on them,” the American official said.

via Freed by the U.S., Saudi Becomes a Qaeda Chief – NYTimes.com.

I suppose you all think that I am going to point blame on Obama or Bush. Well, Surprise. I am not going to do either. Because, quite frankly, it is stupid to point fingers. The sobering truth is, that you take a horse to the water, but you cannot make them drink.

Put another way, you can send someone who’s convicted as a terrorist, to rehab and try to deprogram them, you can beat them over the head and tell them to stop; but they have to want to stop. Truth is, you cannot control people. If they’re going to be a terrorist, they’re going to do it, irregardless of what we or any other country does.

We troubles me is the fact that the far left is blaming Bush, and the far right is screaming that Obama is selling out America, or something like that. I think that want needs to happen is that there needs to be a independent review of each and every case, and the right thing done about it. This should not be a Political situation, but rather something that is right for the country.

I don’t claim to be an expert. So, take my opinion for what it is worth. There are a good number of opinions on this, and I encourage you to read them all.

Others: Washington Monthly, Room for Debate, Weekly Standard, Firedoglake, Balloon Juice, The Strata-Sphere, The Washington Independent, Hot Air, Newshoggers.com, FinkelBlog, Political Machine, A Blog For All, Gateway Pundit , The Huffington Post, Boston Globe, The Corner, Washington Times, The Plum Line, Little Green Footballs, Atlas Shrugs, Flopping Aces, Wizbang

Dems Howl as Gov. Paterson picks Kirsten Gillibrand as Hillary's Replacement

Seems the Democrats are howling:

Hey, wait a minute. I didn’t say I was howling! 😛 😉 😀   Anyone that has read my “About Me” page knows why this is funny. 😆

Anyhow, here’s the story:

Gov. Paterson, defying the liberal wing of his Democratic Party, has chosen little-known, NRA-backed, upstate Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand to succeed Hillary Rodham Clinton as New York’s junior senator, it was learned last night.

The surprising – and, for many Democrats shocking – decision to pick the conservative Gillibrand, 42, from Hudson in Columbia County, was disclosed by the governor in calls to party officials and some members of the state’s congressional delegation, many of whom said they were unhappy with the selection, sources said.

via GOV PATERSON SELECTS KIRSTEN GILLIBRAND AS HILARY CLINTON’S SENATE REPLACEMENT – New York Post.

It seems the far left is not too happy about the selection of this woman. Now why am I not surpised. Just proves what I have said all along. The far left hates anything even remotely Conservative. As it messes up thier Anti-Christian Mentality. Which is the Spirit of Anti-Christ that the Bible speaks of.

Update: The AmSpec Blog Reports that she’s not a Conservative as some might think:

But if you move beyond her stances on guns and immigration, and look at her voting record on abortion, taxes, and labor issues, she’s a more reliable liberal Democrat. She has received a 100 rating from NARAL, a 96-percent rating from the AFL-CIO, and an ‘F’ from the National Taxpayers Union. The question is whether she’ll become more liberal now that she’s no longer running in a relatively conservative district, and needs to position herself for a 2010 Democratic primary.

So much for that little issue.

Others: Townhall.com, NewsBusters.org, A Blog For All, Donklephant, Right Wing News, Wake up America, Power Line, Don Surber, The New Republic, Outside The Beltway, NewsBusters.org and Betsy’s Page

The Media Honeymoon is just about over for President Obama

Uh-oh…. It’s already Starting:

The Video:

President Obama made a surprise visit to the White House press corps Thursday night, but got agitated when he was faced with a substantive question.

Asked how he could reconcile a strict ban on lobbyists in his administration with a Deputy Defense Secretary nominee who lobbied for Raytheon, Obama interrupted with a knowing smile on his face.

“Ahh, see,” he said, “I came down here to visit. See this is what happens. I can’t end up visiting with you guys and shaking hands if I’m going to get grilled every time I come down here.”

Pressed further by the Politico reporter about his Pentagon nominee, William J. Lynn III, Obama turned more serious, putting his hand on the reporter’s shoulder and staring him in the eye.

“Alright, come on” he said, with obvious irritation in his voice. “We will be having a press conference at which time you can feel free to [ask] questions. Right now, I just wanted to say hello and introduce myself to you guys – that’s all I was trying to do.”

The president was quickly saved by a cameraman in the room who called out: “I’d like to say it one more time: ‘Mr. President.’ ”

via Obama flashes irritation in press room – Jonathan Martin and Carrie Budoff Brown – Politico.com.

Look for that Politico reporter to turn up in Gitmo; as a suspected terrorist, For daring to ask “The One” a question. What I just do not get, why can’t the President just answer a damn question??!?! Is he that much of a empty suit, that he cannot answer a straight question?

To be fair, Bush did so the same things when he was office, and yes, I did criticize him for it.

This whole thing of shooting down questions from the media; by the President, totally pisses me off.  That’s the media’s job. Try doing yours, “Mr. President”, and answer their questions.

Others: The Moderate Voice, Outside The Beltway, CBS News, Pirate’s Cove, theheretik.us, Time, USA Today, Swampland, Gawker, Don Surber, Vox Popoli, Hot Air, FishBowlDC,  Sister Toldjah, Betsy’s Page, RedState, Pajamas Media

(Via Memeorandum)

See, The problem is this

It seems that the Far left Liberal Blog Huffington Post, which is owned by a marble-mouthed Greek twit; is giving Michelle Malkin a hard time:

Michelle Malkin Doesn’t Care About Black People

To mark the day, Michelle Malkin kept a whimsical inauguration cliché count, supposedly monitoring utterances of the “First black president in American history” and “We are witnessing history.”

Michelle didn’t hide her contempt for all this attention being paid to Obama or for the credit he’s getting for being our first black president. She also made space on her blog to point out that no one in the media was covering how Obama inauguration celebrant Jay-Z often uses the word “nigga.” Then she uploaded a video on her site to prove it and sniffed, “And you wonder why some of us don’t believe MLK’s dream has been completely fulfilled …”

Now, many of you may be wondering why someone who is of Asian decent would be so antagonistic toward Obama and his background. And while Michelle may be a whore for the far-right — and she is certainly being a good one by discounting this momentous event — it still gives us pause. While most whores love to bring joy to people, it seems this one only seeks to spread hate.

Michelle Responds:

Yeah, that’s me. “Whore for the far-right.” All because I refuse to genuflect at the altar of the far-left’s selective, skin-deep diversity and slaver at the feet of Barack Obama. All because I pointed out the hypocrisy of the post-racialists’ obnoxious racialism.

Perhaps if I instead drooled all over Barack Obama’s presidential blanket like giddy Donna Brazile did in this embarrassing Good Morning America video, they’d pat me on my head and consider me a properly-behaved member of my ethnic group, too.

Let me add something to the Conversation here. Here’s the real deal on the Far Left’s idea of “Diversity”. “Diversity” goes one way and one way only, to the minorities.  If you are a white man, like me; you’re just out of luck! Want proof?

Check out this video here, this is Robert Reich, who served in the Clinton Administration: (H/T HotAir)

Money Quote:

I am concerned, as I’m sure many of you are, that these jobs not simply go to high-skilled people who are already professionals or to white male construction workers.  … I have nothing against white male construction workers.  I’m just saying that there are a lot of other people who have needs as well. … Criteria can be set so that the money does go to others, the long term unemployed minorities, women, people who are not necessarily construction workers or high-skilled professionals.

So, you see, Diversity within the Democratic Party means, if you’re black or a minority; you are covered. If your a White Man, like me, You are totally screwed.

As for what is being said about Michelle is simply this. Race Baiting. Anyone that does not dance to the tune of Hope and Change; and does not bow to the alter of B. Hussein Obama, is unfairly smeared as a racist. It has been that way since the passage of the unconstitutional civil rights act of 1964, and has only gotten worse ever since.  Thanks to LBJ for selling the White man and true ethnic diversity up the river.

While I might have some issues with Michelle’s Neo-Conservatism and her support of the Iraq War. I am in total agreement with Michelle on this issue here.

I must say that I agree

Here I go again, I guess the ol’ Hope and Change thing is getting to me as well; Because I find myself in total agreement with someone. 😀

I’m with Joe Gandelman, who wrote over on The Moderate Voice: (which was in response to this Here)

I mean, really…People will devote three hours of their life a day listening to someone demonize people who disagree with them. Just read and re-read the quotes in that link.

Racism is the province of the left, just as stupidity and a penchant for trying to divide people and whip them up by arousing hatreds that this linked interview illustrates is the absolute province of the right. Both sides have shown they have warts — and he (or she) who claims otherwise needs to see an eye doctor.

I do believe that Joe is bit smarter than I thought. 😉 😛

Let me simply add this, anyone who thinks that the Democratic Party is a perfect political party or that the Republican Party is a perfect political Party; needs their head examined.  As Joe said, albeit not as explicit as me; racism was, and in some cases in the deep south; is still a part of the Democratic Party.

Just as well, there are those who left the Democratic Party in the 1960’s, who resented the whole idea of the civil rights for blacks and joined the Republican Party. Trent Lott is a perfect example. Yes, Racism did exist in the Republican Party, Senator Jesse Helms was very resistant to idea of Civil rights; although, many people did not know this, but helms had a black staffer, and also had an adopted black son.

To end this, let me simply say this, racism was a part of the American fabric, I do not condone it, I do not justify it, but to act like one party is racist and the other has never been racist, is just utter idiocy…..and it seems that there is a great deal of idiocy within the ranks of Obama supporters, as of recent.

Clinton gets the nod, Holder is on hold

Interesting news…

First off CNN reports that Hillary Clinton finally got the nod from Congress to Secretary of State:

Hillary Clinton was sworn in as the 67th U.S. secretary of state Wednesday afternoon after the Senate approved her nomination by a vote of 94-2.

Former President Clinton and her Senate staff looked on as Clinton’s childhood friend and D.C. appeals court Associate Judge Kathleen Oberly swore her in on a Bible belonging to the former first lady’s late father, in a ceremony in her Senate office.

The senators who opposed Clinton’s confirmation were Jim DeMint, R-South Carolina, and David Vitter, R-Louisiana.

Keeping with tradition, America’s new chief diplomat will be treated to a welcoming ceremony with employees Thursday morning in the State Department, agency officials said.

Immediately after the ceremony, Clinton submitted her resignation from the Senate with identical one-sentence letters to Vice President Joe Biden, who serves as president of the Senate, Secretary of the Senate Nancy Erickson and New York Gov. David Paterson.

It’s always the Republicans playing the old obstructionist role isn’t it?

Proving that fact, is the news that Eric Holder is on hold, by the Republicans for Attorney General, reports The Politico:

Eric Holder’s confirmation vote before the Judiciary Committee will be delayed for up to a week as Republican senators continue to press him on his views about interrogation and other Bush administration intelligence methods.

The Judiciary Committee was originally scheduled to vote today on Holder’s nomination as attorney general, but Republicans have objected, and under committee rules they can delay the vote for up to a week. Holder was grilled last week by Republicans on his views about interrogations, Guantanamo Bay and his involvement in the 2001 pardon of fugitive financier Marc Rich.

Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) is seeking more information from Holder on whether the Department of Justice will pursue criminal prosecutions of “intelligence personnel” involved in detainee interrogations.

Holder declared that “waterboarding is torture” during last week’s session in the Judiciary Committee. That statement raises the possibility that the government agents who used the method, which simulates drowning, could be prosecuted.

Holder said that the Obama administration does not want to “crimilinalize policy disputes” with the Bush White House during that hearing, but Republicans want a more firm commitment from the prospective attorney general.

“It could well be there will be a request to delay the markup for a week so those questions can be asked and answered,” Cornyn said. “Part of my concern relates to his statements at the hearing with regard to torture and what his intentions are toward our intelligence personnel who were operating in good faith based on their understanding of what the law was.”

Graham said Judiciary Committee Republicans were upset by the lack of “comity and witnesses” given them during the hearing.

Is it not just like the Republicans, looking out for ol’ Georgie? They’re going to hold up Holder, till he promises not to go after the previous Administration. It is the ultimate cover for Former President. I’d tell them, I was going to uphold the Constitution and if that was not good enough for them, I’d tell ’em to go to hell.

(via Memeornadum)

President Obama to order gitmo closed in 12 months

This is a big change from Bush’s policies.

President Barack Obama will begin overhauling U.S. national security policy Thursday with orders to close the Guantanamo Bay detention center, review military trials of terror suspects and end harsh interrogations, two government officials said.

Together, the three executive orders and a presidential directive will reshape how the United States prosecutes and questions al-Qaida, Taliban or other foreign fighters who pose a threat to Americans.

A senior Obama administration official said the president would sign an order Thursday to shutter the Guantanamo prison within one year, fulfilling his campaign promise to close a facility that critics around the world say violates domestic and international detainee rights. The aide spoke on condition of anonymity because the order has not yet been issued.

A draft copy of the order, obtained Wednesday by The Associated Press, notes that “in view of significant concerns raised by these detentions, both within the United States and internationally, prompt and appropriate disposition of the individuals currently detained at Guantanamo and closure of the facility would further the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States and the interests of justice.

via Sources: Obama to order Guantanamo closed – Yahoo! News.

I have mixed feelings about this. I think it is good that this nightmare for the United States is basically going to be going away. But on the other hand, I do not like the idea of releasing possibly terrorists, who might want to harm us again.

Either way, it is quite the mixed bag. I just hope this new Presidential Administration makes the right call.

(via Memeorandum)