Donald Trump was in the audience at the White House Correspondents' Dinner.
Obama made a number of jokes at Trump's expense.
Trump didn't look too amused.
Video.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Obama: White House Correspondents' Dinner (Video)
Obama showed the Republicans no mercy at the White House Correspondents' Dinner.
His Paul Ryan jokes didn't go over well at all.
Obama showed footage of his offical "birth video," a clip from Disney's The Lion King. After the clip, Obama informed the FOX News table it was a joke.
His Paul Ryan jokes didn't go over well at all.
Obama showed footage of his offical "birth video," a clip from Disney's The Lion King. After the clip, Obama informed the FOX News table it was a joke.
Seth Meyers: White House Correspondents' Dinner (Video)
Seth Meyers ripped Obama at the White House Correspondents' Dinner.
Video.
Meyers joked about the after-parties.
Video, from Breitbart.
Video.
SETH MEYERS: So it's not a strong [Republican] field. And who knows if they can beat you in 2012? But I tell you who could definitely beat you, Mr. President: 2008 Barack Obama. You would have loved him. So charismatic, so charming.
Meyers joked about the after-parties.
Video, from Breitbart.
SETH MEYERS: I'm contractually obligated to attend the MSNBC party tonight. Everyone knows how the MSNBC party works: President Obama makes the Kool-Aid and everyone there drinks it.
Yom HaShoah - Holocaust Remembrance
The gates of Auschwitz, with the inscription "Arbeit Macht Frei" (Work sets you free)
From the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Day (Yom Hashoah in Hebrew) is a national day of commemoration in Israel, on which the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust are memorialized. It is a solemn day, beginning at sunset on the 27th of the month of Nisan (May 1, 2011) and ending the following evening, according to the traditional Jewish custom of marking a day. Places of entertainment are closed and memorial ceremonies are held throughout the country.
The central ceremonies, in the evening and the following morning, are held at Yad Vashem and are broadcast on the television. Marking the start of the day - in the presence of the President of the State of Israel and the Prime Minister, dignitaries, survivors, children of survivors and their families, gather together with the general public to take part in the memorial ceremony at Yad Vashem in which six torches, representing the six million murdered Jews, are lit.
The following morning, the ceremony at Yad Vashem begins with the sounding of a siren for two minutes throughout the entire country. For the duration of the sounding, work is halted, people walking in the streets stop, cars pull off to the side of the road and everybody stands at silent attention in reverence to the victims of the Holocaust. Afterward, the focus of the ceremony at Yad Vashem is the laying of wreaths at the foot of the six torches, by dignitaries and the representatives of survivor groups and institutions. Other sites of remembrance in Israel, such as the Ghetto Fighters' Kibbutz and Kibbutz Yad Mordechai, also host memorial ceremonies, as do schools, military bases, municipalities and places of work.
Activities marking this day of remembrance will take place all over the world.
In Poland, people will participate in the annual "March of the Living."
From the European Jewish Post:
Some 7, 000 people are to take part in this year’s March of the Living from the brick barracks of the former Nazi German concentration camp of Auschwitz to the crematoria of Birkenau.
On 2 May young Jews from around the world will be joined by about 2, 000 Poles.
The Rabbi of Israel Meir Lau and a group of Israeli parliamentarians are expected to participate. In line with a long-standing tradition, they will be led by Holocaust survivors and the march will start with the wail of the Jewish ram’s horn, the shofar, which symbolises freedom.
The annual March of the Living was launched in 1988 and is primarily an educational project coinciding with the Holocaust Memorial Day (Yom-ha Shoah).
In 2005, the 60th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp, the event attracted 20, 000 people and official delegations from almost fifty countries.
More about Yom HaShoah.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Contessa Brewer and Tony Katz
MSNBC'a Contessa Brewer, former TMJ4 reporter and anchor, had a spirited discussion with Tony Katz, talk radio host.
Of course, Brewer was as Leftist and loony as ever. Katz schooled Brewer. No surprise there.
What's best about this segment is Katz's use of the term "racer" to describe those many Leftist individuals who insist that criticism of Obama must be rooted in race.
Video.
Transcript
Exactly. It's not about Obama's skin. It's about his policies and his miserable performance as president.
I love that term - RACERS.
Leftists, including Obama, have to realize that playing the race card is not effective.
Critics of Obama will not be silenced by being called racist. It's not going to work.
The racers are just as offensive as the birthers.
Racism exists. Falsely crying "racism" only serves to minimize the significance of actual instances of racism. That's a major step backward for everyone.
Of course, Brewer was as Leftist and loony as ever. Katz schooled Brewer. No surprise there.
What's best about this segment is Katz's use of the term "racer" to describe those many Leftist individuals who insist that criticism of Obama must be rooted in race.
Video.
Transcript
TONY KATZ: But this whole idea of race, you know what? If there are birthers, and they're all crazy and silly for actually wanting to see a birth certificate, well let's talk about the "racers" - the people who believe that everything's a conspiracy about race. It's Obama's race that people want to see the birth certificate. It's Obama's race that people don't like the out of control spending. It's not his race. It's that he's awful. The policies are terrible.
Exactly. It's not about Obama's skin. It's about his policies and his miserable performance as president.
I love that term - RACERS.
Leftists, including Obama, have to realize that playing the race card is not effective.
Critics of Obama will not be silenced by being called racist. It's not going to work.
The racers are just as offensive as the birthers.
Racism exists. Falsely crying "racism" only serves to minimize the significance of actual instances of racism. That's a major step backward for everyone.
Pope John Paul II: Beatification
May 1, 2011: Watch Live Stream.
_______________
The beatification ceremonies of Pope John Paul II will be available with streaming video.
Vatican Radio CTV, bringing Rome to your home for JPII beatification
_______________
The beatification ceremonies of Pope John Paul II will be available with streaming video.
The Vatican is offering broadcast coverage of the beatification of Pope John Paul II on May 1, and the prayer vigil at the Circus Maximus on Saturday evening.
Both events will be available on radio to listeners in Rome and the surrounding Lazio region, on 105 FM. For those further away, the broadcasts--in English, with streaming video and commentary--will be made available at this internet address:
http://player.rv.va/vaticanplayer01.asp?language=en&visual=Tv.
Vatican Radio CTV, bringing Rome to your home for JPII beatification
What has been described in Catholic circles as the ‘Big Weekend’ is now upon us. This Sunday the Venerable John Paul II will be proclaimed Blessed by his friend and successor to the Chair of St Peter, Benedict XVI. Rome’s army of council workers are labouring around the clock to ensure that everything will be all right on the night and the day after, with giant screens and loud speakers being hauled into place ahead of Saturday’s “White night of prayer” and Sunday’s Beatification Mass.
The Eternal City has been draped with banners depicting the ‘Pope from a far off country” who became more Roman than the Romans themselves and its streets and public buses carry posters with quotes from Poland’s favourite son. Rome is ready, so the question remains, where will you be for the Beatification? Wherever you maybe, you can experience it all first hand here, with Vatican Radio.
...The Vigil from Circus Maximus (20.00 hrs CET) with commentary in English will be carried live for radio listeners in the Rome and Lazio area on 105 FM. It will be streamed with full video and optional commentary on http://player.rv.va/vaticanplayer01.asp?language=en&visual=Tv.
The Beatification Mass (10.00hrs CET) with commentary in English will be carried live for radio listeners in the Rome and Lazio area on 105 FM. It will be streamed with full video and optional commentary on http://player.rv.va/vaticanplayer01.asp?language=en&visual=Tv.
Fall of Saigon - 36 Years Ago
Thirty-six years ago today, Saigon fell.
I wonder what Jane Fonda is doing to "celebrate" the anniversary.
I wonder what Jane Fonda is doing to "celebrate" the anniversary.
Letterman and Dr. Phil: Trump Racist
Dr. Phil was David Letterman's guest on The Late Show last night.
They talked about Donald Trump.
Letterman was clearly troubled about the way Trump has been pressuring Obama. He had no qualms about declaring Trump racist and going so far as to say he may not allow Trump to appear on his show unless he apologizes for his behavior.
Video.
Longer clip of their discussion here.
Transcript
The "really smart people" Letterman listens to are clearly Leftists and Democrat hacks, since they're the ones always relying on the race card whenever Obama is challenged by anyone.
Letterman should ask Trump if his request for Obama to release his school transcripts is racially motivated or based in racism, instead of automatically slandering him and assuming the worst.
It's possible that Letterman, ratings loser to Jay Leno, wants to be part of Trump's "fun" and "circus" and "rodeo." By joining the fray and feuding with Trump, Letterman hopes to boost his sagging ratings. Letterman seems to be baiting Trump.
It's also possible Letterman is serious, another Left-wing hack accusing an Obama critic of being racist.
I think it's both of the above.
They talked about Donald Trump.
Letterman was clearly troubled about the way Trump has been pressuring Obama. He had no qualms about declaring Trump racist and going so far as to say he may not allow Trump to appear on his show unless he apologizes for his behavior.
Video.
Longer clip of their discussion here.
Transcript
DAVID LETTERMAN: But my point is it's all fun, it's all a circus, it's all a rodeo, until it starts to smack of racism; and then it's no longer fun.
DR. PHIL: So, you thought it was racist.
LETTERMAN: Well, yes.
DR. PHIL: Yeah. Because of the implication that he couldn't have gotten into Harvard any other way?
LETTERMAN: I have heard enough really smart people discuss this to convince me that, yes, that is very, very insulting.
DR. PHIL: Yeah, I think some people were offended by that. I mean, I do.
LETTERMAN: So, like I said, it's all fun until you cross that line. So the question is - you know Donald Trump - in fact, do you consider him to be a racist?
DR. PHIL: I do not.
LETTERMAN: Well how can you say things like that if you're not a racist?
DR. PHIL: Well, I don't, I mean, I don't think he always thinks everything through.
LETTERMAN: Oh. (Laughs) Oh. I see.
DR. PHIL: I'm not sure, I'm not sure he sat down and said, 'Let's see how this could be spun.'
LETTERMAN: Yeah, yeah.
DR. PHIL: I think sometimes he's a little from the hip. But I don't think he has a racist bone in his body.
LETTERMAN: Well, it certainly, uh, it's certainly unpleasant to watch. And I would think that if he comes back on this show, and I'm not sure that we want him back on the show under those circumstances, he ought to be prepared...
(Smattering of applause from audience)
...to apologize. He ought to be prepared to apologize just for that kind of behavior.
DR. PHIL: Well you've been pretty hard on him.
LETTERMAN: Well, that's the fun of a guy like Donald Trump. You can be as hard on him as you want, and, you know, he doesn't... It's hard to land a punch with that hair.
The "really smart people" Letterman listens to are clearly Leftists and Democrat hacks, since they're the ones always relying on the race card whenever Obama is challenged by anyone.
Letterman should ask Trump if his request for Obama to release his school transcripts is racially motivated or based in racism, instead of automatically slandering him and assuming the worst.
It's possible that Letterman, ratings loser to Jay Leno, wants to be part of Trump's "fun" and "circus" and "rodeo." By joining the fray and feuding with Trump, Letterman hopes to boost his sagging ratings. Letterman seems to be baiting Trump.
It's also possible Letterman is serious, another Left-wing hack accusing an Obama critic of being racist.
I think it's both of the above.
Kate Middleton's Dress, Being a Princess (Video)
Kate Middleton wears a wedding dress designed by Sarah Burton, the creative director at Alexander McQueen.
It was lovely -- simple elegance!
More video:
Kate Middleton walked down the aisle of Westminster Abbey with her father on Friday to begin her wedding to Prince William.
Archbishop Rowan Williams declares Prince William and Kate Middleton husband and wife.
Prince William and Kate Middleton kissed on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to celebrate their wedding.
It looks like a fairy tale, but William and Kate aren't storybook characters.
How can anyone live up to such unrealistic expectations, and exist under constant and ruthless scrutiny?
What strain that would put on a marriage! That's no fairy tale. It's a nightmare.
I hope William and Kate manage to find happiness and fulfillment, sharing life's blessings, as well as its struggles, together. I hope they know the joy that comes with true and lasting love.
If that's the measure of a fairy tale wedding, it's not a fantasy reserved for the very few.
What's it like to be a princess?
It's beautiful.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
American Red Cross Disaster Relief - Tornadoes
Red Cross Sends Help After Deadly Tornadoes Blast Through the South
The American Red Cross is helping thousands of people after Wednesday’s deadly tornadoes destroyed neighborhoods throughout the southern region of the country.
“Our thoughts and sympathies are with those who lost loved ones or have suffered through these deadly storms,” said Charley Shimanski, senior vice president, Red Cross Disaster Services. “Red Cross disaster teams are working around the clock to help the thousands of people whose lives are turned upside down. More Red Cross assistance is on the way.”
“Our top priority right now is to provide food and shelter to the thousands of people throughout the South and Midwest affected by these storms,” Shimanski said, adding that the Red Cross is also distributing relief supplies and providing emotional support and basic health services to disaster survivors.
Hardest hit was Alabama, where Governor Robert Bentley has activated National Guard troops to help in the devastated areas. The Red Cross is sending disaster workers, materials, blood products and equipment into the state. Nearly 40 emergency response vehicles are on the way, along with 25,000 ready-to-eat meals. Red Cross Blood Services is moving hundreds of blood products into the area, and Red Cross nurses and mental health workers are being deployed to help people cope with the aftermath of this disaster.
...The Red Cross is able to respond quickly when emergencies happen with the help of corporations who are members of the organization’s Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP). ADGP members pledge donations on an ongoing basis to allow the Red Cross to pre-position supplies and be ready to take immediate action when disasters occur.
ADGP members include Walmart, UPS, UnitedHealthcare, The TJX Companies, Inc., Target, State Street Foundation, State Farm, Southwest Airlines, Ryder Charitable Foundation, Northrup Grumman, Nationwide Insurance Foundation, Morgan Stanley, Merck, Lowe’s Companies, Inc.; Kraft Foods; Kimberly-Clark Corporation, John Deere Foundation, The Home Depot Foundation, GE Foundation, FedEx Corporation, Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Darden Restaurants, Inc, ConAgra Foods, Cisco Foundation, Aon, Altria and 3M.
The Red Cross depends on financial donations to help in times of disaster, both here in the United States and around the world. Those who want to help can make a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. To make a donation, visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS. Contributions may also be sent to local American Red Cross chapters or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.
THE WEDDING
And they lived happily ever after.
_____________
Another wedding:
Video of Prince William and Kate Middleton exchanging vows.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Tornadoes, April 27, 2011 (Video)
UPDATE, APRIL 30, 2011: Twister toll at 337; 2nd-deadliest outbreak in US
_______________
UPDATE, APRIL 29, 2011: Tornado Aftermath: Southern Storms Death Toll Rises to 312 as Obama Visits
_______________
UPDATE, April 29, 2011: Alabama tornado death toll climbs to 210
UPDATE: Tornadoes devastate South, killing at least 248
Deadly Tornadoes Sweep Through the South
Raw Video: Utter Devastation in Tuscaloosa
Tuscaloosa Mayor Walter Maddox Focused on Finding Survivors
__________________
The death and destruction left by the storms and tornadoes that slammed the South should provide some perspective on how stupid media obsessions like Donald Trump, Obama's birth certificate, and the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton really are.
The death toll from the tornadoes keeps rising.
From the Associated Press:
It's appropriate for Obama to issue a statement.
From CNN:
The devastation didn't keep Obama from attending three fundraisers in New York City on Wednesday night, where he was expected to rake in millions of dollars for his 2012 campaign.
Obama was hanging out with Democrat big donors and celebrities and joking about his birth certificate. Earlier in the day, Obama and Michelle flew to Chicago to tape an interview with Oprah Winfrey. He was flashing his birth certificate, using it as a prop.
What was that Obama said about not having time for "silliness"? Didn't he say we can't solve our problems if we're distracted by sideshows?
I guess Oprah isn't a sideshow in Obama's world.
While people were struggling in the aftermath of the storms, having lost their homes and businesses, suffering injuries, and grieving the loss of loved ones, Obama was yucking it up and raising money.
Bad, bad timing.
Video of Obama fundraising in New York and in Chicago with Oprah:
Attention should be directed to the victims of the storms. I pray the death toll won't go higher, but I fear it will.
Here's video of the storms, the devastation, and the survivors:
The monster tornado that ripped through Tuscaloosa, caught on video, is a terrifying sight.
Seeing it from afar, one knows that what was in its path would be obliterated.
Here's a story of survival, faith, and thankfulness:
Here are more videos, from CBS 42, Birmingham, Alabama.
_______________
UPDATE, APRIL 29, 2011: Tornado Aftermath: Southern Storms Death Toll Rises to 312 as Obama Visits
_______________
UPDATE, April 29, 2011: Alabama tornado death toll climbs to 210
Alabama emergency officials say the number of people killed in the state in the worst tornado outbreak in four decades has climbed to 210. It is now considered the deadliest weather event in the state in more than 70 years._______________
At least 36 were killed Wednesday in Tuscaloosa, home of the University of Alabama.
The Alabama Emergency Management Agency early Friday said in a news release that nearby DeKalb County had 32 fatalities.
...Fatalities were also reported in Bibb, Calhoun, Cullman, Dekalb, Elmore, Fayette, Franklin, Hale, Jackson, Jefferson, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, St. Clair, Tallapoosa, Tuscaloosa and Walker counties.
The new Alabama total brings the death toll in six states to at least 297.
Here are the most recent death tolls in the states hit hardest by Wednesday's storms.Alabama: 210 dead
Mississippi: 33 dead
Tennessee: 33 dead
Georgia: 15 dead
Virginia: 5 dead
Kentucky: 1 dead
UPDATE: Tornadoes devastate South, killing at least 248
Dozens of tornadoes ripped through the South, flattening homes and businesses and killing at least 248 people in six states in the deadliest outbreak in nearly 40 years.
As day broke Thursday, people in hard-hit Alabama surveyed flattened, debris-strewn neighborhoods and told of pulling bodies from rubble after the storms passed Wednesday afternoon and evening.
Deadly Tornadoes Sweep Through the South
Raw Video: Utter Devastation in Tuscaloosa
Tuscaloosa Mayor Walter Maddox Focused on Finding Survivors
__________________
The death and destruction left by the storms and tornadoes that slammed the South should provide some perspective on how stupid media obsessions like Donald Trump, Obama's birth certificate, and the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton really are.
The death toll from the tornadoes keeps rising.
From the Associated Press:
Fierce storms obliterated large swaths of land from Mississippi to Georgia, wiping out homes and businesses, causing a nuclear power plant to use backup generators and even forcing the evacuation of a National Weather Service office.
The death toll was staggering — 83 people killed in five states, including 61 in Alabama alone, a number that was likely to increase.
One of the hardest-hit areas was Tuscaloosa, a city of more than 83,000 and home to the University of Alabama. The city's police and other emergency services were devastated, the mayor said, and at least 15 people were killed and about 100 were in a single hospital.
A massive tornado, caught on video by a news camera on a tower, barreled through the city late Wednesday afternoon, leveling it.
By nightfall, the city was dark. Roads were impassable. Signs were blown down in front of restaurants, businesses were unrecognizable and sirens wailed off and on. Debris littered the streets and sidewalks.
...Elsewhere, 11 people were killed in Mississippi, nine people were reported dead in Georgia and one person died each in Tennessee and Virginia.
The storm system spread destruction from Texas to New York, where dozens of roads were flooded or washed out.
President Barack Obama said he had spoken with Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley and approved his request for emergency federal assistance, including search and rescue assets. About 1,400 National Guard soldiers were being deployed around the state.
"Our hearts go out to all those who have been affected by this devastation, and we commend the heroic efforts of those who have been working tirelessly to respond to this disaster," Obama said in a statement.
It's appropriate for Obama to issue a statement.
From CNN:
"While we may not know the extent of the damage for days, we will continue to monitor these severe storms across the country and stand ready to continue to help the people of Alabama and all citizens affected by these storms," Obama said in a statement.
"Michelle and I extend our deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives because of the tornadoes that have swept through Alabama and the southeastern United States."
The devastation didn't keep Obama from attending three fundraisers in New York City on Wednesday night, where he was expected to rake in millions of dollars for his 2012 campaign.
Obama was hanging out with Democrat big donors and celebrities and joking about his birth certificate. Earlier in the day, Obama and Michelle flew to Chicago to tape an interview with Oprah Winfrey. He was flashing his birth certificate, using it as a prop.
What was that Obama said about not having time for "silliness"? Didn't he say we can't solve our problems if we're distracted by sideshows?
I guess Oprah isn't a sideshow in Obama's world.
While people were struggling in the aftermath of the storms, having lost their homes and businesses, suffering injuries, and grieving the loss of loved ones, Obama was yucking it up and raising money.
Bad, bad timing.
Video of Obama fundraising in New York and in Chicago with Oprah:
Attention should be directed to the victims of the storms. I pray the death toll won't go higher, but I fear it will.
Here's video of the storms, the devastation, and the survivors:
The monster tornado that ripped through Tuscaloosa, caught on video, is a terrifying sight.
Seeing it from afar, one knows that what was in its path would be obliterated.
Here's a story of survival, faith, and thankfulness:
Here are more videos, from CBS 42, Birmingham, Alabama.
Anti-Walker Sticker Campaign
The anti-Scott Walker forces continue their self-destructive tactics, alienating the public.
Read about their latest lame plan: Stick It To Walker.
From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
With all due respect, these people are nuts.
Such loony behavior hurts the unions in their war against Walker. It doesn't help them at all.
I hope anyone caught breaking the law in this "anti-Walker stickering" campaign faces appropriate consequences.
_________________
UPDATE: "The Wisconsin Witch Hunt Goes National," by Michelle Malkin.
Read about their latest lame plan: Stick It To Walker.
From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
The Wisconsin Grocers Association has alerted members to an anti-Walker product sticker campaign planned for May 1.
Opponents of Gov. Scott Walker for months have been boycotting companies linked to donations to Walker's campaign. Now there is a national effort under way to go into stores and place stickers on products.
Among products targeted for stickers are Johnsonville brats, AngelSoft toilet paper, Sargento cheese and Coors beer.
The WGA has produced a sign that stores can post alerting people that placing stickers on products in stores is illegal.
With all due respect, these people are nuts.
Such loony behavior hurts the unions in their war against Walker. It doesn't help them at all.
I hope anyone caught breaking the law in this "anti-Walker stickering" campaign faces appropriate consequences.
_________________
UPDATE: "The Wisconsin Witch Hunt Goes National," by Michelle Malkin.
Obama: Long-Form Birth Certificate
Years from now, people will probably remember where they were when they heard the news.
Today, Obama released his long-form birth certificate.
Historic!
Watch video of Obama's goofy announcement of his birth:
Here's the transcript of Obama's remarks, from the White House.
Obama tries to make the case that he followed the birth certificate speculation with amusement, but now it was time to end it, to get serious, and let go of the "silliness."
Really?
It took years for Obama to decide it's time to get serious?
He's a little slow.
So why today?
Notice it's dated April 25, 2011, by Alvin T. Onaka, Ph.D., State Registrar.
(I didn't know his mom's name was Stanley.)
What prompted this move after years and years of questions?
Was the White House firing a shot across the bow to get Donald Trump to back off, to discredit him?
I don't think so. I think Obama is enjoying the Trump circus. Paul Ryan is Obama's worst nightmare. The reality of life in America under Obama is his enemy.
The birth certificate issue was always a plus for Obama.
So why would Obama want to let go of it?
My theory: Obama is jealous of Prince William and Kate Middleton and the "wedding of the century."
He needed to do something big. He's not invited to the wedding. He didn't make the cut. He's out of the spotlight. He's dwarfed by the frivolous Royals, a wedding.
Poor Obama.
Desperate times call for desperate measures.
Today, Obama released his long-form birth certificate.
Historic!
Watch video of Obama's goofy announcement of his birth:
Here's the transcript of Obama's remarks, from the White House.
Obama tries to make the case that he followed the birth certificate speculation with amusement, but now it was time to end it, to get serious, and let go of the "silliness."
Really?
It took years for Obama to decide it's time to get serious?
He's a little slow.
So why today?
Notice it's dated April 25, 2011, by Alvin T. Onaka, Ph.D., State Registrar.
(I didn't know his mom's name was Stanley.)
What prompted this move after years and years of questions?
Was the White House firing a shot across the bow to get Donald Trump to back off, to discredit him?
I don't think so. I think Obama is enjoying the Trump circus. Paul Ryan is Obama's worst nightmare. The reality of life in America under Obama is his enemy.
The birth certificate issue was always a plus for Obama.
So why would Obama want to let go of it?
My theory: Obama is jealous of Prince William and Kate Middleton and the "wedding of the century."
He needed to do something big. He's not invited to the wedding. He didn't make the cut. He's out of the spotlight. He's dwarfed by the frivolous Royals, a wedding.
Poor Obama.
Desperate times call for desperate measures.
Voter ID Bill Includes Other Changes
Finally, now that Wisconsinites elected Republicans to control both houses of the State Legislature, and now that Wisconsinites elected Scott Walker to be governor, there's hope that safeguards will be put in place to thwart voter fraud.
There's hope Wisconsin will no longer be a haven for fraud and faith in its elections will be restored.
From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
Democrat Grigsby's remarks are to be expected. She recently accused Republicans of being afraid to be in Milwaukee after dark.
She'll say anything. She has no qualms about disparaging the character of others.
Putting her hysterics aside, I'm happy to see that efforts to clean up Wisconsin's elections are being made.
I'm not at all happy with same-day registration. It is an open invitation to disenfranchise Wisconsin residents - we, the taxpayers. But, Republicans do realize that voter ID alone isn't enough to eliminate fraud.
Read about other changes included in the bill.
There are still problems but we're headed in the right direction.
The status quo is unacceptable.
Everyone - Democrat, Republican, or whatever - has a stake in ensuring that the outcome of Wisconsin's elections are legitimate.
I don't like that recall elections will invite fraud. I'm very uneasy about that, but at least the 2012 elections have promise of being somewhat cleaner.
Don't steal my vote, bro!
There's hope Wisconsin will no longer be a haven for fraud and faith in its elections will be restored.
From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
The latest version of a bill requiring voters to show photo ID at the polls would make sweeping changes to Wisconsin elections - moving the September primary to August, tightening rules on absentee ballots and ending straight-ticket voting.
A hearing on the bill is slated for 10 a.m. Wednesday, and Republicans who run the Assembly will meet in private later in the day to discuss any changes to the measure.
Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald (R-Horicon) said his caucus is largely behind the latest version by Rep. Jeff Stone (R-Greendale), but may want to tweak it. He said he hopes to pass the bill in May and forward it to the Senate.
Stone's bill leaves in place the ability of people to register at the polls. Some Republicans have wanted to eliminate election-day registration, but Stone said he did not believe they needed to take that step.
"This is going to go a long way to restoring confidence in elections," Stone said of his bill.
Rep. Tamara Grigsby (D-Milwaukee) decried the plan, saying the photo ID measure and changes to absentee voting laws would make it harder to vote while not preventing voter fraud.
"This is just consistent with what we've been seeing all session - extreme overreach in trying to take away people's rights," she said. "It's another assault on average Wisconsinites, but particularly on those most vulnerable."
Democrat Grigsby's remarks are to be expected. She recently accused Republicans of being afraid to be in Milwaukee after dark.
She'll say anything. She has no qualms about disparaging the character of others.
Putting her hysterics aside, I'm happy to see that efforts to clean up Wisconsin's elections are being made.
I'm not at all happy with same-day registration. It is an open invitation to disenfranchise Wisconsin residents - we, the taxpayers. But, Republicans do realize that voter ID alone isn't enough to eliminate fraud.
Read about other changes included in the bill.
There are still problems but we're headed in the right direction.
The status quo is unacceptable.
Everyone - Democrat, Republican, or whatever - has a stake in ensuring that the outcome of Wisconsin's elections are legitimate.
I don't like that recall elections will invite fraud. I'm very uneasy about that, but at least the 2012 elections have promise of being somewhat cleaner.
Don't steal my vote, bro!
Trump: Racist
MSNBC pounded a message on Tuesday: Donald Trump is a racist. The Tea Party and Republicans are racist.
On Lawrence O'Donnell's The Last Word, PBS host Tavis Smiley declared that the 2012 presidential race would be the most racist in the nation's history, thanks to the Tea Party and Trump.
Video and transcript, from NewsBusters:
Transcript
When in doubt, whip out the race card.
MSNBC stuck with its "Trump is a racist" theme after O'Donnell's show ended.
The crazed Ed Schultz, host of MSNBC's Ed Show, said, "I think Donald Trump is a racist."
Here's the video and transcript, also from NewsBusters:
Transcript
MSNBC and its radical Leftist hosts and guests are a disgrace.
Don't they have a conscience or any concern about the consequences of their ugly, irresponsible rhetoric?
Apparently not.
The Republican Party does not stand for racism. The Tea Party isn't about racism. From what I've seen, Trump is not a racist.
Good grief.
The band of extreme Leftists at MSNBC really have done so much damage to the NBC News brand, but they keep plugging away, peddling their propaganda.
Thankfully, MSNBC languishes in the ratings cellar. Americans reject it.
_________________
Related: Pat Buchanan calls out MSNBC's Chris Matthews.
That's MSNBC's problem in a nutshell: political hacks masquerading as journalists.
On Lawrence O'Donnell's The Last Word, PBS host Tavis Smiley declared that the 2012 presidential race would be the most racist in the nation's history, thanks to the Tea Party and Trump.
Video and transcript, from NewsBusters:
Transcript
TAVIS SMILEY, PBS: I said over a year ago that this was going to be, this presidential race, Lawrence, was going to be the ugliest, the nastiest, the most divisive, and the most racist, the most racist, in the history of this republic. I did not know that that race to the bottom would begin so quickly. One can disagree with the Tea Party…
LAWRENCE O'DONNELL, HOST: Why did you see this coming?
SMILEY: I saw it coming because it’s pretty clear given how the Tea Party has acted, given that Donald Trump is now playing to the worst in the Tea Party, that this would be possible. I don’t want to demonize or cast aspersions on the Tea Party broadly. I believe that there’s a certain angst that many people in that entity feel, and I share that angst about government. I don’t believe that it’s the solution to reduce government.
Government does have a role to play. We’ve got to figure out, we can figure out and debate what that role is, but there have been semantics they’ve engaged in that made it clear to me: showing up at rallies with guns, and the Secret Service, you know, working overtime to protect this president. More threats against his life than any president in the history of the nation, indeed, presidents combined.
So the evidence is pretty clear that they would do anything and say anything in order to make sure he does not get reelected.
When in doubt, whip out the race card.
MSNBC stuck with its "Trump is a racist" theme after O'Donnell's show ended.
The crazed Ed Schultz, host of MSNBC's Ed Show, said, "I think Donald Trump is a racist."
Here's the video and transcript, also from NewsBusters:
Transcript
ED SCHULTZ: You mean to tell me that [Trump’s] questioning the academic prowess of one of the smartest presidents we’ve ever had? Mr. Trump, when you start getting your advice from all of the special, special Republican advisers that we’ve seen step to the plate in the past instead of Jerome Corsi. Dude, you could do better than that.
This is what the Republican Party stands for, though: racism. I think Donald Trump is a racist.
MSNBC and its radical Leftist hosts and guests are a disgrace.
Don't they have a conscience or any concern about the consequences of their ugly, irresponsible rhetoric?
Apparently not.
The Republican Party does not stand for racism. The Tea Party isn't about racism. From what I've seen, Trump is not a racist.
Good grief.
The band of extreme Leftists at MSNBC really have done so much damage to the NBC News brand, but they keep plugging away, peddling their propaganda.
Thankfully, MSNBC languishes in the ratings cellar. Americans reject it.
_________________
Related: Pat Buchanan calls out MSNBC's Chris Matthews.
Key quote: Pat Buchanan to Chris Matthews: "You're supposed to be a journalist."
That's MSNBC's problem in a nutshell: political hacks masquerading as journalists.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Trump Presidency Pros and Cons - Jimmy Fallon
On Tuesday, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon examined the pros and cons of a Donald Trump presidency.
Video.
Video.
Pro: He has a 10-point plan to fix the economy in four years.
Con: He has a 300-point plan to fix his hair in the morning.
Pro: We'd get to hear a president say, "You're Fired!"
Con: Obama says that to Biden at least 10 times a day.
Pro: It might be refreshing to have a president with almost no political experience and zero qualifications for the job.
Con: That's actually Sarah Palin's campaign slogan.
Pro: As president, he can save taxpayer money by flying in his own personal jet.
Con: Hair Force One.
Pro: Contestants on "Celebrity Apprentice" might vote for him.
Con: Meat Loaf said, "I would do anything for Trump... but I won't do that."
Pro: He could be the first president to take us to Mars...
Con: ...and finally reunite Gary Busey with his people.
Pro: The First Lady...
Con: ...would be his third lady.
Pro: If he wins, he'd move into the White House.
Con: If he loses, he'd build an even taller White House in front of it so it ruins Obama's view.
Pro: His greatest foe in 2012: President Obama.
Con: His greatest foe any other year: a strong gust of wind.
Dan McKeague, Aflac Voice
Aflac has hired a new voice to replace the fired Gilbert Gottfried.
Aflac's new voice is Dan McKeague, of Minnesota.
Here's Aflac's press release: "Aflac Duck Gets Its Quack Back!"
Here's news from the Aflac Duck's Facebook page:
Meet Dan McKeague. Listen to the new "voice" of Aflac:
In addition to his voice and experience doing voiceover work, it seems Aflac was sold on McKeague, "married father to three."
At the beginning of the video, we see a shot of McKeague's home, with the American flag flying.
Family man McKeague, proud American, doesn't bring the baggage that comes with a celebrity like Gottfried, particularly a comedian.
I doubt McKeague will post tasteless, offensive "jokes" on Twitter mocking the human toll after a catastrophic natural disaster.
__________________
Here's the first Aflac commercial with McKeague giving voice to the duck:
Aflac fired Gottfried on March 14 for making crude jokes on Twitter in the aftermath of the Japan earthquake and tsunami. Gottfried issued a public apology the next day.
Japan is Aflac's most important market, where the company derives about three-quarters of its revenue, making the earthquake issue especially sensitive.
Though the company has said from the start its exposure to the quake would be limited, its shares fell more than 13 percent in the four days after the March 11 disaster struck Japan. They have only partially rebounded since.
Aflac's new voice is Dan McKeague, of Minnesota.
Here's Aflac's press release: "Aflac Duck Gets Its Quack Back!"
COLUMBUS, Ga., April 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Following a month-long search that included celebrities, actors, professional voice over artists and individuals from the general public, Aflac today introduced 36-year-old Dan McKeague of Hugo, Minnesota, a suburb of Minneapolis, as the new voice of the Aflac Duck. The married father of three submitted his audition online and was informed that he had been selected after a review of more than 12,500 live and online auditions.
"I have long admired people who can act and make the most of their voice and have tried to emulate them," McKeague said. "I want to thank Aflac for the incredible honor of voicing the greatest icon in corporate America and representing a company that not only leads its industry but also leaves a positive social imprint in every community it serves."
McKeague, Sales Manager for radio stations KQRS and Love 105 in Minneapolis, has experience doing local voiceovers. He is also Vice President for the Board of Directors of the non-profit Children's Safety Centers in St. Paul, which provides safe havens for children to hold supervised visits with non-custodial relatives. Dan will make his vocal debut immediately in Aflac's latest commercial titled Pigeon, wherein the Aflac Duck represents insurance coverage that includes major medical and Aflac, while a pigeon represents coverage that includes only major medical coverage without the financial protection of Aflac. The new ad will be available this evening on the Aflac Duck's Facebook page.
Casting agencies conducted live auditions in six major cities across the United States and accepted online submissions at quackaflac.com, seeking someone who could not only provide the voice of the Aflac Duck, but who could also represent the philanthropy and the ethical values embraced by Aflac's employees and thousands of independent sales agents across the nation. Experts reviewed more than 12,500 entries before scaling the list to 20 finalists, each of whom was called back for a second audition. The 20 finalists were then further whittled down to a group of eight prior to McKeague's selection.
"We were tremendously impressed with the wealth of talent who applied for this job. Dan impressed us with his vocal range and acting ability," Aflac Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Michael Zuna said. "He understands that he is making marketing history representing our company, our 72,000 independent sales agents and our well-earned reputation as a company that does business the right way."
Since 2000, the Aflac Duck has appeared in 52 television ads and numerous radio ads, helping increase the company's brand recognition from slightly more than 10 percent to an amazing 93 percent. The Aflac Duck is also a symbol for the company's primary philanthropic cause, helping Aflac raise more than $62 million for the treatment and research of childhood cancer.
Here's news from the Aflac Duck's Facebook page:
Congratulations to my new voice: Daniel McKeague from Minneapolis, MN! Daniel is a sales manager at a radio company in Minneapolis, MN who’s done a little voiceover work on the side, so moving into quacking was a logical next step. See his TV debut tonight during The Voice at 9pm EST on NBC.
Meet Dan McKeague. Listen to the new "voice" of Aflac:
In addition to his voice and experience doing voiceover work, it seems Aflac was sold on McKeague, "married father to three."
At the beginning of the video, we see a shot of McKeague's home, with the American flag flying.
Family man McKeague, proud American, doesn't bring the baggage that comes with a celebrity like Gottfried, particularly a comedian.
I doubt McKeague will post tasteless, offensive "jokes" on Twitter mocking the human toll after a catastrophic natural disaster.
__________________
Here's the first Aflac commercial with McKeague giving voice to the duck:
New Black Panthers Teach Kids about 'Crackers'
Members of the New Black Panther Party are indoctrinating children with their brand of racism and lies.
Here they are in the street looking for recruits.
Video, from Breitbart:
This is absolutely sick.
Here they are in the street looking for recruits.
Video, from Breitbart:
NEW BLACK PANTHER: We gotta take the fight to the enemy. The enemy's not your brothers and sisters... It is racist white folks and the government. All right? Everybody understand that?
...
These police have a license to kill you.
...
We're just sick and tired of it. All right? So, we're trying to raise up a movement. There's revolution being waged all over the planet with sticks, bottles, and bricks.
...
We're not taking this sh*t. They can't lock us all up. They can't kill us all. We're too strong for that, all right?
...
Don't just take that flyer and stuff it in a drawer... Give us a call. Give us a call. Get involved. All right? Black power. Thank y'all for listening.
This is absolutely sick.
White House Gives Kids Eggs and Debt
Here's how the "Headlines" segment began on Monday's Tonight Show with Jay Leno:
That's more sad than funny.
Hope and change?
A better slogan for Obama would be "Screwing America's Future Generations."
White House Gives Eggs to Children, Huge Debt to Grandchildren
That's more sad than funny.
Hope and change?
A better slogan for Obama would be "Screwing America's Future Generations."
Bill Maher, David Letterman - April 25, 2011
I don't watch David Letterman, because more often than not, he's not funny anymore.
Last night, I noticed the insufferable Bill Maher was Letterman's guest. I was curious about how the very liberal Letterman would interact with the ugly Maher. So, I decided to watch Maher's segment.
Maher's appearance was mercifully short and he basically spewed the same vile stuff he spews elsewhere. The segment was predictable, lacked energy, and, most importantly, wasn't remotely entertaining. Maher is getting lazy. He needs to come up with some new material. Even his Sarah Palin insults were rehashed trash. I had pretty much heard it all before.
However, one thing that surprised me about the segment was the decision by CBS to bleep (silence) Maher's use of the term "teabaggers" when he referred to members of the Tea Party.
When Bob Schieffer or his guests say "teabaggers" in the same context, it's aired. I guess the CBS news division has different standards than the entertainment division.
Brent Baker, NewsBusters, has some transcript highlights and video from Maher's Letterman guest stint:
Transcript
Video.
This stuff is so stale.
It's Obama's race that fuels opposition to his policies. Sure, that's the reason for his low approval ratings. It's his skin color.
What a load!
It's unacceptable for Maher to state that the Tea Party, when it comes down to it, is a branch of the KKK.
Maher and Letterman ignore the fact that Tea Party activists are just as critical of Republicans for their reckless spending of our tax dollars. The November 2010 election clearly showed that voters cared about the government's fiscal irresponsibility and wanted change.
Here are some inconvenient FACTS for Maher:
From CNSNews:
From the Weekly Standard, via NPR:
Bottom line: Maher is flat-out wrong about so much.
Last night, I noticed the insufferable Bill Maher was Letterman's guest. I was curious about how the very liberal Letterman would interact with the ugly Maher. So, I decided to watch Maher's segment.
Maher's appearance was mercifully short and he basically spewed the same vile stuff he spews elsewhere. The segment was predictable, lacked energy, and, most importantly, wasn't remotely entertaining. Maher is getting lazy. He needs to come up with some new material. Even his Sarah Palin insults were rehashed trash. I had pretty much heard it all before.
However, one thing that surprised me about the segment was the decision by CBS to bleep (silence) Maher's use of the term "teabaggers" when he referred to members of the Tea Party.
When Bob Schieffer or his guests say "teabaggers" in the same context, it's aired. I guess the CBS news division has different standards than the entertainment division.
Brent Baker, NewsBusters, has some transcript highlights and video from Maher's Letterman guest stint:
Transcript
DAVID LETTERMAN: What about your Tea Party pals, what do you hear there?
BILL MAHER: Well, the Tea Party, you know, they are sad, unfortunate people because -- well, they are, because they are, you know, corporate America's useful idiots. (Applause) They are they -- I would have more respect for them if they knew a thing, if any fact could get in that tin foil helmet. If they would get out of their chat rooms and have their house tested for lead for just a minute. (Laughter)
LETTERMAN: Is this part of your friendship campaign, Bill? Is this-
MAHER: No, I don't have any respect, no, I don't have any respect for the tea-(baggers) [word silenced] and I do call them the tea-(baggers) [word silenced again] -- even though they hate it. I will stop calling them Tea-(baggers) [word silenced] when they stop calling it Obamacare, that's my deal. (Applause)
But here's the thing. Their whole campaign is based on money. It's all about we have too much debt, the deficit is too high. They are, after all, named after a tax revolt. But you know, there's these things called facts. Where did all this debt come from. Well, the facts will tell us it was mostly ran up under Bush. Two wars that we put on the credit card. (Applause) Prescription drug program that was unpaid for. Tax cuts for the richest one percent, that was unpaid for. Where were the Tea Party then? Crickets. But suddenly, when President Nosferatu took office -- suddenly debt became intolerable.
So there’s just something about him that they don't like. I can't put my finger on what it is. (audience laughter) But there's some way that he’s just not like them. I don't know what. He's skinny that must be it. He's skinny, they're fat and he's skinny.
Video.
This stuff is so stale.
It's Obama's race that fuels opposition to his policies. Sure, that's the reason for his low approval ratings. It's his skin color.
What a load!
It's unacceptable for Maher to state that the Tea Party, when it comes down to it, is a branch of the KKK.
Maher and Letterman ignore the fact that Tea Party activists are just as critical of Republicans for their reckless spending of our tax dollars. The November 2010 election clearly showed that voters cared about the government's fiscal irresponsibility and wanted change.
Here are some inconvenient FACTS for Maher:
From CNSNews:
In the first 19 months of the Obama administration, the federal debt held by the public increased by $2.5260 trillion, which is more than the cumulative total of the national debt held by the public that was amassed by all U.S. presidents from George Washington through Ronald Reagan.
From the Weekly Standard, via NPR:
When President Obama took office two years ago, the national debt stood at $10.626 trillion. It now stands at $14.071 trillion — a staggering increase of $3.445 trillion in just 735 days (about $5 billion a day).
To put that into perspective, when President George W. Bush took office, our national debt was $5.768 trillion. By the time Bush left office, it had nearly doubled, to $10.626 trillion. So Bush's record on deficit spending was not good at all: During his presidency, the national debt rose by an average of $607 billion a year. How does that compare to Obama? During Obama's presidency to date, the national debt has risen by an average of $1.723 trillion a year — or by a jaw-dropping $1.116 trillion more, per year, than it rose even under Bush.
In fairness, however, Obama can't rightly be held accountable for the 2009 budget, which he didn't sign (although he did sign a $410 billion pork-laden omnibus spending bill for that year, which is nevertheless tallied in Bush's column). Rather, Obama's record to date should really be based on actual and projected spending in fiscal years 2010 and 2011 (plus the $265 billion portion of the economic "stimulus" package, which he initiated and signed, that was spent in 2009 (Table S-10), while Bush's should be based on 2002-09 (with the exception of that same $265 billion, which was in no way part of the 2009 budgetary process).
How do Bush and Obama compare on closer inspection? Just about like they do on an initial glance. According to the White House's Office of Management and Budget, during his eight fiscal years, Bush ran up a total of $3.283 trillion in deficit spending (p. 22). In his first two fiscal years, Obama will run up a total of $2.826 trillion in deficit spending ($1.294 trillion in 2010, an estimated $1.267 trillion in 2011 (p. 23), and the $265 billion in "stimulus" money that was spent in 2009). Thus, Bush ran up an average of $410 billion in deficit spending per year, while Obama is running up an average of $1.413 trillion in deficit spending per year — or $1.003 trillion a year more than Bush.
Bottom line: Maher is flat-out wrong about so much.
AP: Line Test
An important story, from the Associated Press:
This is quite possibly the best article from the Associated Press in a long time.
Fascinating!
This is a test for a line. (AP) -
Now is the time for all good men to come to their country.
The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog's back.
THE QUICK BROWN FOX JUMPED OVER THE LAZY DOG'S BACK.
End test
This is quite possibly the best article from the Associated Press in a long time.
Fascinating!
Monday, April 25, 2011
Vote Changes in Statewide Recounts
The MacIver Institute offers this chart of "Vote Changes in Statewide Recounts in the United States Since 1980 and Margin in Prosser v. Kloppenburg 2011."
What is JoAnne Kloppenburg thinking?
She and her union allies certainly can't think this joke of a recount is going to endear the Leftists' agenda to Wisconsin taxpayers.
What a massive waste of resources!
This recount is so outrageous that the classless Kloppenburg joins Brett Favre in becoming a verb.
For example, the verb "favre":
When lead character Cleveland Brown, a baseball star when he was in high school, gives his retired #9 jersey to his son, Cleveland Jr., the elder Cleveland takes a shot at Brett Favre.
It took Favre years to become a verb, going in and out of retirement repeatedly.
Kloppenburg managed to achieve that level of notoriety in just weeks. Quite an accomplishment.
What is JoAnne Kloppenburg thinking?
She and her union allies certainly can't think this joke of a recount is going to endear the Leftists' agenda to Wisconsin taxpayers.
What a massive waste of resources!
This recount is so outrageous that the classless Kloppenburg joins Brett Favre in becoming a verb.
For example, the verb "favre":
When lead character Cleveland Brown, a baseball star when he was in high school, gives his retired #9 jersey to his son, Cleveland Jr., the elder Cleveland takes a shot at Brett Favre.
CLEVELAND BROWN JR.: Wow! Number 9! I thought when you left they retired it for good.
CLEVELAND BROWN: I'm Brett Favre-ing it, except I'm not being a public jag off about it.
It took Favre years to become a verb, going in and out of retirement repeatedly.
Kloppenburg managed to achieve that level of notoriety in just weeks. Quite an accomplishment.
Donald Trump and Robert De Niro: Obama Birth Certificate
Donald Trump made his usual Monday appearance on FOX & Friends.
Trump talked about high gas prices. He talked about his voting record, specifically his failure to vote in primaries. And he addressed Robert De Niro's criticism of Trump for making an issue of Obama's birth certificate.
Video.
Transcript
Trump really knows how to work the media.
Trump talked about high gas prices. He talked about his voting record, specifically his failure to vote in primaries. And he addressed Robert De Niro's criticism of Trump for making an issue of Obama's birth certificate.
Video.
Transcript
STEVE DOOCY: Meanwhile here in New York City over the weekend, they've been having the Tribeca Film Festival. The guy who started it, Robert DeNiro, it sounded like he was, he did call you out.
He said, a couple of days ago, quote: 'I won't mention names, but certain people in the news in the last couple of weeks, just, what are they doing? It's crazy. They're making statements about people that they don't even back up.... Go get the facts before you start saying things about people.'
And apparently later he did reveal that he was, in part, talking about you. What do you say to Robert DeNiro?
GRETCHEN CARLSON: With the birther issue.
DOOCY: Yeah.
DONALD TRUMP: Well, he's not the brightest bulb on the planet. I mean, I've been watching him over the years, and I like his acting; but, you know, in terms of, in terms of when I watch him doing interviews and various other things, we're not dealing with Albert Einstein. And, you know, he can say what he wants, but the fact is this guy has not revealed his birth certificate.
A lot of people agree with me. I'll tell you what, with all that I do, what I do best is China, jobs, OPEC, all of this. That's what I do best. That's gonna be my strength. It is my strength. I really understand it. I know the people. But with all of that, I think I get more positive... when I'm walking down the street, when I did, recently I did a Tea Party event, and we had a tremendous crowd. They loved this issue. There are so many people that really want him to provide his birth certificate.
I mean, now you have states going out and saying in order to run for office you have to be able to provide a birth certificate. There's a big lot of things going on with respect to the birth certificate. You know, why did he spend, why is he spending millions of dollars to fight this issue instead of just providing this birth certificate? There are so many different elements here. And I will say, it's a very frightening thing for this country.
BRIAN KILMEADE: Well, there's a couple of people that backed you up. OK, De Niro is not in your corner. That's a loss. But David Brooks of the New York Times said some nice things about you and Franklin Graham has indicated that he's leaning towards endorsing you for the Republican nomination.
Trump really knows how to work the media.
White House: No Easter Proclamation
Another screw-up by the Obama administration:
Why didn't Obama notice the failure to issue an Easter statement or proclamation?
Wouldn't you think Team Obama would be falling all over themselves to assert his Christianity?
On a related note:
Here's video, from Weasel Zippers, of White House press secretary Jay Carney addressing the issue:
Transcript, White House:
Carney's answer was such a disaster that the White House amended the transcript. It needed an asterisk.
This is at the top of the transcript:
What's funny about this is there's no link to "HERE," nothing to click as of 7:45 PM CDT.
Come on, White House. Get your act together.
_________________
UPDATE, April 26, 2011: Transcript asterisk link now works. "HERE."
Good job, White House crack staff. Terrific work.
President Obama failed to release a statement or a proclamation recognizing the national observance of Easter Sunday, Christianity's most sacred holiday.
By comparison, the White House has released statements recognizing the observance of major Muslim holidays and released statements in 2010 on Ramadan, Eid-ul-Fitr, Hajj, and Eid-ul-Adha.
The White House also failed to release a statement marking Good Friday. However, they did release an eight-paragraph statement heralding Earth Day. Likewise, the president's weekend address mentioned neither Good Friday or Easter.
...In 2010, Obama was criticized for releasing an all-inclusive Easter greeting. He reached out to Jews, Muslims, Hindus, and people of no faith at all in a statement about a holiday that is uniquely Christian.
"All of us are striving to make a way in this world; to build a purposeful and fulfilling life in the fleeting time we have here," Obama said in his 2010 "Easter" message. "A dignified life. A healthy life. A life, true to its potential. And a life that serves other." "These are aspirations that stretch back through the ages – aspirations at the heart of Judaism, at the heart of Christianity, at the heart of all the world’s great religions," the president added.
When the White House released statements about Muslim holidays, no attempts were made to include Christianity or to mention a spirit of inclusivity. For example, in his 2010 statement on Hajj and Eid-ul-Adha, Obama made no references to Christianity or any other religion.
By contrast, former President Bush traditionally included Scripture passages in his Easter messages and made a point to explain what Easter is about. Like Obama, though, he did not release statements marking Good Friday.
In 2007, he said, “The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the most important event of the Christian faith.” “On this powerful day, let us join together and give thanks to the Almighty for the glory of His grace,” he added.
In his 2008 Easter message, President Bush said: “The Resurrection of Jesus Christ reminds people around the world of the presence of a faithful God who offers a love more powerful than death. Easter commemorates our Savior's triumph over sin, and we take joy in spending this special time with family and friends and reflecting on the many blessings that fill our lives. During this season of renewal, let us come together and give thanks to the Almighty who made us in His image and redeemed us in His love.”
Why didn't Obama notice the failure to issue an Easter statement or proclamation?
Wouldn't you think Team Obama would be falling all over themselves to assert his Christianity?
On a related note:
Statement by the President on the Occasion of Ramadan
Statement by the President on Hajj and Eid-ul-Adha
Statement by the President on the Occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr
Here's video, from Weasel Zippers, of White House press secretary Jay Carney addressing the issue:
Transcript, White House:
Q: Thanks, Jay. Just a quick question. You guys traditionally put out statements or proclamations on various religious holidays and I don’t think I saw one from the President on Easter yesterday and was just wondering if there’s any reason one didn’t go out.
MR. CARNEY: You know, the President went to the church yesterday; it was well covered. I’m not sure if we put out a statement or not, but he obviously personally celebrated Easter with his family and went to church to celebrate that. And -- *
Q: Wait a minute. The highest Christian holiday and you don’t know if he put out a statement?
Q: Jay, come on. (Laughter.)
MR. CARNEY: I’m glad you’re asking these key important questions, guys. The fact is, the President took his family to church in a very high-profile way to celebrate Easter. I think it was highly visible to most Americans. And he -- as a devoted Christian, he believes it’s a very important holiday for him personally, for his family and for Christians around the country.
Carney's answer was such a disaster that the White House amended the transcript. It needed an asterisk.
This is at the top of the transcript:
See below for an answer to a question (marked with an asterisk) posed in the briefing that required follow up.
*Last Tuesday, the President delivered remarks about Easter at an Easter breakfast he hosted in the East Room. The transcript of the President’s remarks can be found HERE.
What's funny about this is there's no link to "HERE," nothing to click as of 7:45 PM CDT.
Come on, White House. Get your act together.
_________________
UPDATE, April 26, 2011: Transcript asterisk link now works. "HERE."
Good job, White House crack staff. Terrific work.
Brett Hulsey and the OKC Memorial
Brett Hulsey, Democrat member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, visited the Oklahoma City Memorial on April 19, 2011.
He shared his thoughts on Facebook:
Hulsey's remarks are extremely offensive.
To equate the murder of innocents with measures requiring public union employees to contribute to their health care and pensions, and empowering communities to control spending, is sick.
The Oklahoma City bombing was a horrific act of terrorism. The victims, not all "public servants and their children" as Hulsey claims, were killed by Timothy McVeigh, in cold blood.
It's twisted and shameless for Hulsey to use his experience at the Memorial to play politics. Nothing about what happened in Oklahoma City parallels the effort to tackle Wisconsin's debt and its economically unsustainable future.
Here's a statement on Hulsey's offensive analogy from the Dane County Young Republicans:
Hulsey's rhetoric is inexcusable. I'm sure his Leftist supporters love it, but he shouldn't be exploiting the deaths of McVeigh's victims to serve his political ends.
New tone of civility?
Yeah, right.
He shared his thoughts on Facebook:
Visited the OKC Memorial yesterday with the family on the 16th anniversary of the bombing that killed 168 public servants and their children in the daycare center. It was very moving and a strong reminder of why we fight those who attack public servants. They attack all Americans and the core value of America: freedom.
Hulsey's remarks are extremely offensive.
To equate the murder of innocents with measures requiring public union employees to contribute to their health care and pensions, and empowering communities to control spending, is sick.
The Oklahoma City bombing was a horrific act of terrorism. The victims, not all "public servants and their children" as Hulsey claims, were killed by Timothy McVeigh, in cold blood.
It's twisted and shameless for Hulsey to use his experience at the Memorial to play politics. Nothing about what happened in Oklahoma City parallels the effort to tackle Wisconsin's debt and its economically unsustainable future.
Here's a statement on Hulsey's offensive analogy from the Dane County Young Republicans:
Rep. Hulsey is absolutely correct. Governor Walker’s plan to give local municipalities the power to improve schools and to stop runaway entitlement spending is totally the same thing as blowing up a government building and killing 168 men, women and children.
Similarly, the Democrats that oppose giving state and local workers the right to vote on whether they want to be unionized are just like southern plantation owners before the Civil War that kept their slaves from voting. So the Democrats are totally like slave owners.
By the way, do you know who else totally enjoyed visiting the Oklahoma City bombing memorial? Hitler.
Hulsey's rhetoric is inexcusable. I'm sure his Leftist supporters love it, but he shouldn't be exploiting the deaths of McVeigh's victims to serve his political ends.
New tone of civility?
Yeah, right.
Kloppenburg and Judicial Code of Conduct
Media Trackers asks: Did Kloppenburg Violate The Wisconsin Judicial Code of Conduct?
During JoAnne Kloppenburg's press conference last Wednesday, she accused Justice David Prosser of meeting with Governor Scott Walker after the April 5, 2011, Supreme Court election.
According to Media Trackers, that may violate the Judicial Code of Conduct.
Good questions.
During JoAnne Kloppenburg's press conference last Wednesday, she accused Justice David Prosser of meeting with Governor Scott Walker after the April 5, 2011, Supreme Court election.
According to Media Trackers, that may violate the Judicial Code of Conduct.
Kloppenburg made the allegation during her press conference to announce her intention for a state-wide recount, but she provided no evidence to back it up. Both Walker and Prosser deny the meeting took place.
Kloppenburg’s campaign spokeswoman, Melissa Mulliken, said she had “been in touch with two or three people with knowledge of the meeting.” However, she refused to name names.
The irony is rich. During the campaign leading up to this election the news media and the Left continued to draw focus on the 2008 controversy around Justice Michael Gableman for what was at worst a misleading campaign ad written by campaign staffers. But Kloppenburg campaign’s apparent overt factual falsehood received scant media attention, and no one seems to be raising the question of whether Kloppenburg violated judicial rules.
...Is Kloppenburg still a judicial candidate? By requesting a recount she maintains that status.
Prosser outright denies her assertion that he met with Walker, as does Walker.
Kloppenburg has not repudiated the claim, nor provided evidence to prove it.
So how does the SRC 60.06(3) not apply?
It begs the question of why the Judicial Commission is not investigating the Kloppenburg matter. Where is the media? Where are the complaints? Where is the scrutiny?
Good questions.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Greg Jennings: Parody "Broken Leg" Video
Greg Jennings and his family star in a parody of this YouTube hit:
*Warning: Explicit and offensive language*
Here's the Jennings family parody:
Greg Jennings put the team on his back!
Nicole Jennings - one of the hardest hitting wives in the league!
Such a beautiful family!
*Warning: Explicit and offensive language*
Here's the Jennings family parody:
Greg Jennings put the team on his back!
Nicole Jennings - one of the hardest hitting wives in the league!
Such a beautiful family!
Saturday, April 23, 2011
HAPPY EASTER
Mt 28:1-10
After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning,
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb.
And behold, there was a great earthquake;
for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven,
approached, rolled back the stone, and sat upon it.
His appearance was like lightning
and his clothing was white as snow.
The guards were shaken with fear of him
and became like dead men.
Then the angel said to the women in reply,
“Do not be afraid!
I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified.
He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said.
Come and see the place where he lay.
Then go quickly and tell his disciples,
‘He has been raised from the dead,
and he is going before you to Galilee;
there you will see him.’
Behold, I have told you.”
Then they went away quickly from the tomb,
fearful yet overjoyed,
and ran to announce this to his disciples.
And behold, Jesus met them on their way and greeted them.
They approached, embraced his feet, and did him homage.
Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid.
Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee,
and there they will see me.”
Friday, April 22, 2011
Obama and the Resurrection
Obama hosted an Easter Prayer Breakfast at the White House on Monday.
Video of his remarks:
Transcript, White House:
Video of his remarks:
Transcript, White House:
8:39 A.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. Thank you. Please, please have a seat.
Well, it is absolutely wonderful to be here with all of you today. I see so many good friends all around the room.
Before I begin, I want to acknowledge one particular member of my administration who I’m extraordinarily proud of and does not get much credit, and that is USAID Administrator, Dr. Raj Shah, who is doing great work with faith leaders. (Applause.) Where’s Raj? Where is he? There he is right there. Raj is doing great work with faith leaders on our Feed the Future global hunger program, as well as on a host of other issues. We could not be prouder of the work that he’s doing. I also want to acknowledge Congressman Mike McIntyre and his wife, Dee. (Applause.) Mike -- as some of you know, obviously, North Carolina was ravaged by storms this past weekend, and our thoughts and prayers are with all the families who have been affected down there. I know that Mike will be helping those communities rebuild after the devastation.
To all the faith leaders and the distinguished guests that are here today, welcome to our second annual -- I’m going to make it annual, why not? (Laughter and applause.) Our second Easter Prayer Breakfast. The Easter Egg Roll, that’s well established. (Laughter.) The Prayer Breakfast we started last year, in part because it gave me a good excuse to bring together people who have been such extraordinary influences in my life and such great friends. And it gives me a chance to meet and make some new friends here in the White House.
I wanted to host this breakfast for a simple reason -– because as busy as we are, as many tasks as pile up, during this season, we are reminded that there’s something about the resurrection -- something about the resurrection of our savior, Jesus Christ, that puts everything else in perspective.
We all live in the hustle and bustle of our work. And everybody in this room has weighty responsibilities, from leading churches and denominations, to helping to administer important government programs, to shaping our culture in various ways. And I admit that my plate has been full as well. (Laughter.) The inbox keeps on accumulating. (Laughter.)
But then comes Holy Week. The triumph of Palm Sunday. The humility of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet. His slow march up that hill, and the pain and the scorn and the shame of the cross.
And we’re reminded that in that moment, he took on the sins of the world -- past, present and future -- and he extended to us that unfathomable gift of grace and salvation through his death and resurrection.
In the words of the book Isaiah: “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”
This magnificent grace, this expansive grace, this “Amazing Grace” calls me to reflect. And it calls me to pray. It calls me to ask God for forgiveness for the times that I’ve not shown grace to others, those times that I’ve fallen short. It calls me to praise God for the gift of our son -- his Son and our Savior.
And that’s why we have this breakfast. Because in the middle of critical national debates, in the middle of our busy lives, we must always make sure that we are keeping things in perspective. Children help do that. (Laughter.) A strong spouse helps do that. But nothing beats scripture and the reminder of the eternal.
So I’m honored that all of you have come here this Holy Week to join me in a spirit of prayer, and I pray that our time here this morning will strengthen us, both individually as believers and as Americans. And with that, let me introduce my good friend, Bishop Vashti McKenzie, for our opening prayer. (Applause.)
END
8:45 A.M. EDT
Peeps: Art and Literature
Peeps go highbrow.
Miss Cellania has compiled scenes and dioramas from art and literature, starring those delightfully sweet marshmallow treats - Peeps.
A few examples:
These Peeps are posing for the work American Gothic by Grant Wood.
Night Hops by horselover5 recreates Edward Hopper’s 1942 painting Nighthawks.
Beware the Ides of Marshmallow by Suzanne Belles recreates a scene from William Shakespeare’s play Julius Caesar.
This work of art bring “two iconic chicks” together in Andy Warhol’s Marilyn. Diorama by Kelly Baas.
View more Peeps creations inspired by art and literature here.
Need more?
Check out the Washington Post's Peeps Show V.
Miss Cellania has compiled scenes and dioramas from art and literature, starring those delightfully sweet marshmallow treats - Peeps.
A few examples:
These Peeps are posing for the work American Gothic by Grant Wood.
Night Hops by horselover5 recreates Edward Hopper’s 1942 painting Nighthawks.
Beware the Ides of Marshmallow by Suzanne Belles recreates a scene from William Shakespeare’s play Julius Caesar.
This work of art bring “two iconic chicks” together in Andy Warhol’s Marilyn. Diorama by Kelly Baas.
View more Peeps creations inspired by art and literature here.
Need more?
Check out the Washington Post's Peeps Show V.
Good Friday
Christian pilgrims from around the world are crowding the cobblestone alleyways of old Jerusalem to mark Good Friday, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus 2,000 years ago.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Trig Palin: Wonkette, Louis C.K., and Obama
Steven Crowder responds to the incredibly vicious attacks on Trig Palin and Sarah Palin by Wonkette and Louis C.K.
Video.
Weasel Zippers and NewsBusters have stories on the April 19, 2011, Wonkette post, written by Jack Stuef, mocking Trig Palin.
After the controversy exploded, Wonkette deleted the post and apologized.
What a lame retraction/apology/CYA move!
The reason it sounded like Stuef was mocking Trig Palin is because he did exactly that.
It's not OK to attack special needs individuals or their parents. It was extremely insensitive, not satirical.
It reminds me of Obama's Tonight Show appearance, March 19, 2009, when he so cruelly slammed the participants in Special Olympics.
Here's the very, very uncool exchange:
This was so revealing - Obama's true self, the cold and callous and compassionless.
Stuef also revealed his true ugliness via what Wonkette disgracefully chalks up to "poor comedic judgment."
Comedy?
That's insane.
This bit of "entertainment" from alleged comedian Louis C.K. really crosses the line.
WARNING: EXPLICIT AND OFFENSIVE LANGUAGE AND CONTENT
Here's the audio.
Louis C.K.'s remarks about being the parent of a special needs child are terribly insensitive. They are stunningly ugly remarks.
Anyone finding Stuef's post, or C.K.'s comments, or Obama's remarks amusing has a serious character flaw.
Do Leftists really hate Sarah Palin so much that they're willing to savagely attack little Trig and heartlessly laugh at him?
It's absolutely awful, but they are that bad.
Needless to say, Stuef, C.K., and Obama are cruel and thoughtless.
Perhaps they should volunteer to work at Special Olympics events or work with the athletes.
They might learn something.
Video.
Weasel Zippers and NewsBusters have stories on the April 19, 2011, Wonkette post, written by Jack Stuef, mocking Trig Palin.
That strange man yelling unintelligibly at Sarah Palin? He’s merely a lowly shepherd proclaiming the birth of our savior. Today is the day we come together to celebrate the snowbilly grifter’s magical journey from Texas to Alaska to deliver to the America the great gentleman scholar Trig Palin. Is Palin his true mother? Or was Bristol? (And why is it that nobody questions who the father is? Because, either way, Todd definitely did it.) It doesn’t matter. What matters is that we are privileged to live in a time when we can witness the greatest prop in world political history. [...]
“Why just celebrate tax day today, April 18th? It’s also Trig Paxson Van Palin’s 3rd birthday. His mom went to a lot of trouble to leak amniotic fluid over 8 states to make sure that he arrived in this world somewhat alive,” writes Wonkette operative “Barbara_i,” reminding us of the occasion. “Sarah went to a whole lot of trouble to name him ‘Van Palin,’ a ‘Van Halen’ reference he will never get.” Indeed.
Enjoy yourself today, Trig. Have fun! Get drunk (on purpose this time)! We can hardly wait for 15 years from now, when you will finally be able to vote and will be sent off by your mother’s junta to fight the Union in the Great Alaska War. It’ll be quite a loss. You’re the smartest one in that family.
After the controversy exploded, Wonkette deleted the post and apologized.
A post on this page satirizing Sarah Palin using her baby as a political prop was very badly done and sounded like the author was mocking the child and not just Sarah Palin/Sarah Palin’s followers.
The writer, Jack Stuef, has apologized for it. And we have decided to remove the post as requested by some people who have nothing to do with Sarah Palin, but who do have an interest in the cause of special needs children. We apologize for the poor comedic judgment.
What a lame retraction/apology/CYA move!
The reason it sounded like Stuef was mocking Trig Palin is because he did exactly that.
It's not OK to attack special needs individuals or their parents. It was extremely insensitive, not satirical.
It reminds me of Obama's Tonight Show appearance, March 19, 2009, when he so cruelly slammed the participants in Special Olympics.
Here's the very, very uncool exchange:
MR. LENO: Now, are they going to put a basketball –- I imagine the bowling alley has been just burned and closed down.
MR. OBAMA: No, no. I have been practicing all –- (laughter.)
MR. LENO: Really? Really?
MR. OBAMA: I bowled a 129. (Laughter and applause.)
MR. LENO: No, that's very good. Yes. That's very good, Mr. President.
MR. OBAMA: It's like -- it was like Special Olympics, or something. (Laughter.)
MR. LENO: No, that's very good.
MR. OBAMA: No, listen, I'm making progress on the bowling, yes.
This was so revealing - Obama's true self, the cold and callous and compassionless.
Stuef also revealed his true ugliness via what Wonkette disgracefully chalks up to "poor comedic judgment."
Comedy?
That's insane.
This bit of "entertainment" from alleged comedian Louis C.K. really crosses the line.
WARNING: EXPLICIT AND OFFENSIVE LANGUAGE AND CONTENT
Here's the audio.
Louis C.K.'s remarks about being the parent of a special needs child are terribly insensitive. They are stunningly ugly remarks.
Anyone finding Stuef's post, or C.K.'s comments, or Obama's remarks amusing has a serious character flaw.
Do Leftists really hate Sarah Palin so much that they're willing to savagely attack little Trig and heartlessly laugh at him?
It's absolutely awful, but they are that bad.
Needless to say, Stuef, C.K., and Obama are cruel and thoughtless.
Perhaps they should volunteer to work at Special Olympics events or work with the athletes.
They might learn something.
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