Tag: Opinion

Coming to America

It won’t be long:

A WOMAN has been denied an operation on the NHS after paying for a private consultation to deal with her severe back pain.

Jenny Whitehead, a breast cancer survivor, paid £250 for an appointment with the orthopaedic surgeon after being told she would have to wait five months to see him on the NHS. He told her he would add her to his NHS waiting list for surgery.

She was barred from the list, however, and sent back to her GP. She must now find at least £10,000 for private surgery, or wait until the autumn for the NHS operation to remove a cyst on her spine.

“When I paid £250 to see the specialist privately I had no idea I would be sacrificing my right to surgery on the NHS. I feel victimised,” she said.

via NHS bars woman after she saw private doctor – Times Online.

This is what America will look like under Obama-care; just give it a little time.

Others: : Le·gal In·sur·rec· tion and The Lonely Conservative

UPDATED: Once again, AllahPundit is the voice of sanity on the right

First off, what AllahPundit is griping about is this:

In response to this, AllahPundit politely objects:

“When conflicts break out, one way or another, we get pulled into them.” True enough, and I don’t always “like” that we’re pulled into them. For example, I don’t “like” the fact that we have 30,000 U.S. troops stationed in South Korea as cannon fodder in case the lunatic to the north ever attacks Seoul. But I accept it because I understand it’s an effective deterrent that saves millions of lives. I don’t “like” the fact that we’re forced to take the lead on Iran even though their military capabilities are more of an immediate threat to Europe and the Sunnis, but I accept it because the stick we wield is so much bigger than everyone else’s that we’re most likely to bring them to heel. I don’t “like” the fact that American troops have spent the past seven years dodging — and, sometimes, not dodging — IEDs in Iraq, but I accept it because I think having a democracy in the region will eventually put pressure on local autocrats to liberalize and held deflate jihadism. Disagree with my position on any or all of those if you like, but I don’t see how it’s controversial or demeaning to suggest that the world’s policeman, like any policeman, doesn’t always enjoy his job. In fact, less than six months ago, Pew found for the first time in 45 years that those who believe the U.S. should mind its own business abroad outnumber those who don’t. I think that isolationist impulse is nutty and a de facto invitation to malign powers to expand their influence, but then so does The One — which, I take it, is why he ordered the surge in Afghanistan, is going slow on withdrawal from Iraq, is stepping up drone attacks in Pakistan, and is keeping the troops in Korea and elsewhere in place.

via Hot Air » Blog Archive » Obama’s getting a bad rap on the “superpower” comment.

I give AP credit; he is absolutely right. Sometimes, it just sucks to have to be the leader of the free world. I mean, the United States, not Obama. This is filed under the “Stuck on Stupid” business, that my Blog’s subtitle refers to. Unfortunately, on the far right; there is this effort, a foolhardy one, but none the less, an effort; to castigate President Obama —- No matter what he does. I refer to it as that “Sean Hannity bullcrap.” I mean, I respect Hannity, most of the time. But I cannot stand watching that show; because all his show is about — is bashing Obama, no matter what he does.

I mean, say what you want, but, Obama might be a socialist, Obama might be a wealth redistributor; but, like it or not, Obama does have his rather pointed head on straight when it comes to Foreign Policy and when it comes to Islamic Terrorism. I mean, as AP alluded to in his article, the President could be like Ron Paul. (Shudder!) I am; as I am sure AP is, very grateful that President Obama has his head on straight about the middle east and the danger that Islamic Terrorism poses for this Nation. President Obama might not handle things the way that Bush did; but this does not mean that he does not see and want to deal with the danger.

For this, I am willing to give President Obama a pass in this department. But, only in this department.

Another thing I will say is this; where I see the most Anti-Obama rhetoric, when it comes to terrorism, is from certain protected ethnic classes on the right. (I think you can figure out, what I mean….) This, I believe is fueled by this idiotic notion, that Obama is some sort of secret Muslim. This sort of thing is, in this white man’s opinion, absolutely idiotic.  I mean, how ironic is it, that the same class of people, who were subjected to horrific atrocities by a German madman, are now themselves engaging in the same bigoted behavior? Quite, I would say. I will not mention any names, but I think you can guess to which players I allude.

Again, just more of that stuck on stupid, that I refer to…

Thanks to AP for, once again, being “The skinny guy, at fat camp.”

Update: There’s always a smart ass in the crowd. 😉

Justice: Goldman Sachs sued by the SEC for the Meltdown of 2008

Finally, some justice to these bastards:

Via the NYT:

Goldman Sachs, which emerged relatively unscathed from the financial crisis, was accused of securities fraud in a civil suit filed Friday by the Securities and Exchange Commission, which claims the bank created and sold a mortgage investment that was secretly devised to fail.

The move marks the first time that regulators have taken action against a Wall Street deal that helped investors capitalize on the collapse of the housing market. Goldman itself profited by betting against the very mortgage investments that it sold to its customers.

The suit also named Fabrice Tourre, a vice president at Goldman who helped create and sell the investment.

In a statement, Goldman called the S.E.C. accusations “completely unfounded in law and fact” and said the firm would “vigorously contest them and defend the firm and its reputation.”

The instrument in the S.E.C. case, called Abacus 2007-AC1, was one of 25 deals that Goldman created so the bank and select clients could bet against the housing market. Those deals, which were the subject of an article in The New York Times in December, initially protected Goldman from losses when the mortgage market disintegrated and later yielded profits for the bank.

As the Abacus deal plunged in value, Goldman and a prominent hedge fund made money on their negative bets, while European investors like IKB and ABN Amro lost more than $1 billion, the S.E.C. said.

According to the complaint, Goldman created Abacus 2007-AC1 in February 2007, at the request of John A. Paulson, a prominent hedge fund manager who earned an estimated $3.7 billion in 2007 by correctly wagering that the housing bubble would burst.

Goldman let Mr. Paulson select mortgage bonds that he wanted to bet against — the ones he believed were most likely to lose value — and packaged those bonds into Abacus 2007-AC1, according to the S.E.C. complaint. Goldman then sold the Abacus deal to investors like foreign banks, pension funds, insurance companies and other hedge funds.

But the deck was stacked against the Abacus investors, the complaint contends, because the investment was filled with bonds chosen by Mr. Paulson, who is not named in the suit, as likely to default. Goldman told investors in Abacus marketing materials reviewed by The Times that the bonds would be chosen by an independent manager.

“The product was new and complex, but the deception and conflicts are old and simple,” Robert Khuzami, the director of the S.E.C.’s division of enforcement, said in a statement. “Goldman wrongly permitted a client that was betting against the mortgage market to heavily influence which mortgage securities to include in an investment portfolio, while telling other investors that the securities were selected by an independent, objective third party.”

In response Goldman Sachs says:

The SEC’s charges are completely unfounded in law and fact and we will vigorously contest them and defend the firm and its reputation.

Yeah, sure the accusations are unfounded. If I were a Goldman employee; I would be looking for a new job pronto.

From the SEC Press Release:

The SEC’s complaint alleges that after participating in the portfolio selection, Paulson & Co. effectively shorted the RMBS portfolio it helped select by entering into credit default swaps (CDS) with Goldman Sachs to buy protection on specific layers of the ABACUS capital structure. Given that financial short interest, Paulson & Co. had an economic incentive to select RMBS that it expected to experience credit events in the near future. Goldman Sachs did not disclose Paulson & Co.’s short position or its role in the collateral selection process in the term sheet, flip book, offering memorandum, or other marketing materials provided to investors.

The SEC alleges that Goldman Sachs Vice President Fabrice Tourre was principally responsible for ABACUS 2007-AC1. Tourre structured the transaction, prepared the marketing materials, and communicated directly with investors. Tourre allegedly knew of Paulson & Co.’s undisclosed short interest and role in the collateral selection process. In addition, he misled ACA into believing that Paulson & Co. invested approximately $200 million in the equity of ABACUS, indicating that Paulson & Co.’s interests in the collateral selection process were closely aligned with ACA’s interests. In reality, however, their interests were sharply conflicting.

According to the SEC’s complaint, the deal closed on April 26, 2007, and Paulson & Co. paid Goldman Sachs approximately $15 million for structuring and marketing ABACUS. By Oct. 24, 2007, 83 percent of the RMBS in the ABACUS portfolio had been downgraded and 17 percent were on negative watch. By Jan. 29, 2008, 99 percent of the portfolio had been downgraded.

Investors in the liabilities of ABACUS are alleged to have lost more than $1 billion.

The SEC’s complaint charges Goldman Sachs and Tourre with violations of Section 17(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and Exchange Act Rule 10b-5. The Commission seeks injunctive relief, disgorgement of profits, prejudgment interest, and financial penalties.

Allow me to humbly submit that I hope that these bastards get exactly what is coming to them. I mean, these guy literally gambled as the stock market and by proxy; our economy went straight into the toilet.   Many people that I know; like my parents, lost a good deal of money on this stuff. Not only that, after the credit crises hit; G.M. ended up having to shed a bunch of expenses; and as a result, my parents lost their optical and dental insurance. That came as a indirect result of this Wall Street mess. So, as far as I am concerned; throw the book at these bastards.

Capitalism is one thing, heartless greed is another; and these bastards crossed that line, big time. 😡


UPDATED: – Cowardly, Politically Correct Conservatives Drive a Proud White American from a Tea Party Protest

This my Friends is USDA Grade A Bullshit! (Via Sharp Elbows – H/T Gateway Pundit)

“I want to say this about my state: When Strom Thurmond ran for president, we voted for him. We’re proud of it. And if the rest of the country had followed our lead, we wouldn’t have had all these problems over all these years.” — Trent Lott.

My, how things have changed in the Conservative movement. Look, I know the guy was out of place. The fact is, that we as White Americans have FAILED to stand up against the black liberal movement in this Country and because of it, we are in the spot that we are now. Hell, nobody and I mean, NOBODY can say anything remotely cross about the black race in this damned Country without being tagged a damned racist. But yet, the Black race can murder us, rob us, call us names; and not a god damned thing is said about it. That is the stupidity right there, that people like this man, dare to make a stand and all because he is wearing something that is considered “politically incorrect“, he gets tagged for it. That my friends, is BULLSHIT! 😡

I do not agree with his ideology; but I do applaud him for having the balls to stand up for what he believes in. SHAME on the so-called “Conservatives” who ran this man off, from legally assembling and espousing what he believes!

….and to those who would call ME a racist?

I have this to say to them:

‘Nuff Damned Said….. 😡

I end with quote from one of the greatest Republicans ever…:

“Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. And let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue.” — Source

Update: One point I want to make too is this; it would have been different if this guy was standing there, in a white robe and screaming the N-Word or something ugly like that. But, he wasn’t. He was standing there, minding his own damned business; and this tool, and I call him that, because that is what HE IS, walks up and starts hassling him. That my friends is my beef. I am a libertarian-minded Conservative, I believe in freedom of expression and speech. What this moron with the Camera did here, was nothing more than crap straight out of playbook of Nazi Germany and Communist Russia. (I repeat myself, but I digress….) Censorship and repression of free speech is a MAJOR issue with me and I will speak out against it anytime I see it. period, end of story.

If the Republicans do this, it will be four more years of Obama

Sigh:

Conservative superstar Sarah Palin opened the door yesterday to joining forces with Mitt Romney for a 2012 White House run – a hot ticket that has some Republicans licking their chops at the prospect of unseating President Obama.

“Sounds pretty good,” Palin declared at yesterday’s Tea Party Express rally on the Common when asked about pairing up with the former Bay State governor – giving the idea a big thumbs-up as she left the stage after her headline speech.

Last night, as Palin stopped for cannoli at Mike’s Pastry in the North End, she said she was “serious” about the idea.

“I have a lot of respect for Mitt,” she told the Herald.

Asked who would be on top of the ticket, Palin roared, “Ha! I haven’t even thought that far ahead yet.”

via Mitt Romney-Sarah Palin in 2012? You betcha! – BostonHerald.com.

As I have said a thousand times. Sarah Palin and Mitt Romney cannot win squat. If they were chosen, it would be four more years of Barack Obama.

I mean, Entitlement and Entitlement Light is just not a Conservative platform.

Others: Jules Crittenden, Hot Air, Freedom’s Lighthouse, Sister Toldjah, Mediaite and The Right Scoop

Memo to Paul-Bots: Get Lost!

Just letting the Ron Paul-Bots know….. Your comments on this posting; good or bad, will not be getting past my moderation.

I own this blog and I am entitled to my opinions about Ron Paul — It is wonderful thing about that little thing called the First Amendment.  Don’t like it? Go elsewhere. Period. End of story.

That is one of the very strange things about the Ron Paul crowd; they are all for liberty and freedom, that is until someone dares to criticize their “oh so scared leader!”  That is when the “Long Knives” come out and it is off to the camps and the ovens for those who dissent against the fuhrer!

Funny how that works, isn’t it? 🙄

How bad will it be for Democrats come 2010?

This bad:

Though Election Day is still months away, pundits have already begun to speculate on possible outcomes for this year’s midterms. There’s a general consensus that Democrats will lose seats in November, but beyond that opinions vary widely on how big those losses might be. Some argue that because of the advance notice, passage of health care, and an improving economy (or some combination of all three), Democrats will be able to limit their losses significantly. Others are predicting a repeat of 1994, when Democrats lost 50+ seats and control of the House.

[…]

That said, I think those who suggest that the House is barely in play, or that we are a long way from a 1994-style scenario are missing the mark. A 1994-style scenario is probably the most likely outcome at this point. Moreover, it is well within the realm of possibility – not merely a far-fetched scenario – that Democratic losses could climb into the 80 or 90-seat range. The Democrats are sailing into a perfect storm of factors influencing a midterm election, and if the situation declines for them in the ensuing months, I wouldn't be shocked to see Democratic losses eclipse 100 seats.

[…]

President Obama’s policy choices to date are wreaking havoc on the brand that Democrats cultivated carefully over the past twenty years. Bill Clinton worked long and hard to make it so that voters could say “fiscal conservative” and “Democrat” in the same sentence, but voters are finding it difficult to say that again.

If brand damage is truly seeping over into Congressional races – and the polling suggests it is – then the Democrats are in very, very deep trouble this election. There is a very real risk that they could be left with nothing more than Obama’s base among young, liberal, and minority voters, which is packed into relatively few Congressional districts. It would be the Dukakis map transformed onto the Congressional level, minus the support in Appalachia. That would surely result in the Democratic caucus suffering huge losses, and in turn produce historic gains for the GOP this November.

via RealClearPolitics – How Bad Could 2010 Really Get For Democrats?.

As I have said on here many times. Elections have consequences, so do bad policy decisions; this is a result of that. When you poke your finger in the eye of the American people and you try and tell them, what is good for them, this is what happens. President Obama and his goons in the Congress have basically disrupted the status quo in American heathcare and many Americans were against this Healthcare bill; including those on the left, who felt that it did not go far enough. So, Obama and the Democrats are going to be hurting come November. It will be very interesting to watch, and I will be there, writing my fool head off about it. 😀

Others: Hot Air, American Power, Wizbang, Weekly Standard, The New Republic, Beltway Confidential, Pollster.com All Content, Ruby Slippers, The Strata-Sphere, THE ASTUTE BLOGGERS and Wake up America

About that Stupid Ron Paul – Obama Poll

I usually do not write about Polls; because most of them are just ridiculous.

But this one here, and the one about Bush and Obama are worth noting.

I will say this; if the G.O.P. runs Ron Paul as their candidate, they will be trounced in the general election. Because nobody and I mean, nobody is going to vote for Ron Paul, I mean looking at his controversial past ought to be proof enough. The funny part is; when confronted, the Paul-bots like to say that Ron Paul did not write those newsletters. My response to that is; who in the hell, in their right mind, would lend their name to a newsletter, which would be authored by people who have such feelings about Blacks, Jews and so forth? Someone who obviously agrees with such idiotic mentality. Sorry Paulites, but your idiotic attempt to distance Ron Paul from his own damned newsletters, is not flying with this guy. I am just not that stupid. I will not even get into the 2008 campaign monies donated by the founders of Stormfront and former Klansman David Duke and Don Black, that was never returned.

I realize that this poll is a hypothetical one; but if I were Jewish, I would be very worried. If Paul was elected and I were Jewish, I would be looking into real estate in Israel. Because if that bastard got in as President, it would only be a matter of time before the Jewish persecution started.  However, being the realist that I am, I know better; because there is just no way that the G.O.P. senior leadership will allow a person like Ron Paul to run for President.

Edited because some Paul-bots do not understand the concept of snark.

Others on this: FiveThirtyEight, Beltway Confidential, Hot Air, Mediaite, Left Coast Rebel, Don Surber, Democracy in America, RedState, Washington Wire, USA Today, WILLisms.com, Ben Smith’s Blog, No More Mister Nice Blog, Liberty Maven, LewRockwell.com Blog, Below The Beltway, Democratic Strategist, The Lonely Conservative, Outside The Beltway, Vox Popoli, GOP 12, NO QUARTER, AmSpecBlog, Balloon Juice, The Daily Caller, Real Clear Politics, HotAirPundit, Hit & Run, Althouse, Sense of Events, The Hayride, Firedoglake, Power Line, Beltway Confidential, RedState, The Corner on National …