It seems there is more coming out about the terrorist attack against our Consulate in Benghazi, Libya than President Barack Hussein Obama and his men are letting on. All too often the foreign media reports what the domestic mainstream media refuses to do. In this case, from England the Daily Mail reports on the fact that officials from the Departments of State and Defense were well aware in real time that there was a problem, yet opted to do nothing.
The Obama Administration has received criticism of its handling of the Benghazi incident, and has lost most credibility in the matter. First they attributed the attack to protests against an anti Islamic film, Innocence of Muslims. The Libyan government, however, asserted that it was, in fact a terrorist attack. The administration eventually came around, grudgingly, to this point of view. Better late than never...
Congressional hearings have been held on the security failures of Benghazi. And, incredibly, Vice President Joe Biden claimed the administration didn't know! Then he attempted to blame the intelligence community. Then, on October 10, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, the smartest woman in the world, publicly took responsibility for the failures. This was a clearly orchestrated political maneuver to divert responsibility from the administration, and a gamble on its part in pissing off the Clintons. Sen. John McCain asserted that the buck stops with the president and that the American people deserve answers.
McCain is right. Obama's Democratic predecessor as president, Harry S. Truman, had a sign on his desk reading "The Buck Stops Here". President Truman, in his farewell address in 1953, explained, "The President--whoever he is--has to decide. He can't pass the buck to anybody. No one else can do the deciding for him. That's his job." Indeed, Obama himself invoked Truman back in July to criticize Mitt Romney! So we know he knows about it. Hell, even Jimmy Carter took responsibility for the failed attempted rescue of the hostages in Iran!
Bottom line: Libya is an overwhelmingly Muslim country in overwhelmingly Muslim North Africa. It recently overthrew the longtime dictatorship of Muammar Gaddafi, and it would appear that the new regime is at least nominally pro-American. Still, the region remains volatile, with the U. S. Embassy in Tripoli reporting many incidents for over a year leading up to the attack. Knowing this, the Obama Administration should have made diplomatic security a high priority, but it did not. After all, there was an election to win.
Showing posts with label National. Show all posts
Showing posts with label National. Show all posts
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Thursday, October 18, 2012
ANNA LITTLE ON A123 SYSTEMS
Our nation is the land of opportunity where those with ambition can form their own business. To be successful, one must have a solid business plan and market to generate income that exceeds expenses.
This month, battery manufacturer A123 Systems declared bankruptcy. This was a company that the President endorsed in April 2010, with a $249-million Federal grant. Despite having received a taxpayer bailout, General Motors decided to source batteries, for the Volt, from an established international company, instead of new American company that employed Americans.
http://autos.yahoo.com/blogs/motoramic/battery-builder-a123-won-249-million-federal-grant-143806554.html
Was cost a factor, was it quality, or a combination of the two, that caused GM to contract outside the US? There are always consumers who will pay a premium for quality. BMW and Porsche are all examples of high quality cars that are more expensive than American cars.
We would not purchase a lower quality American product that costs more than a foreign made one. As Americans, we expect the best from all of us, in how we work and what we provide to each other. Quality, hard work, and dedication are integral to our economic success. Accepting less than our best results in a mediocre economy.
Our American values are under attack from the President and his supporters in the Senate and House of Representatives. They call companies that generate a profit and keep the employees gainfully employed as "bad". Plus, they ignore the potentially criminal business failings of political cronies, such as MF Global. Why won't the Federal government investigate the former NJ Governor and Senator for losing accountability of over $600-million of investor money? A good leader with integrity would never consider losing hundreds of millions of dollars and laying off American workers as being acceptable.
This year, New Jersey will rise and step forward in a leadership role, to show the nation that we will no longer tolerate political corruption. We will elect a new President, Senator, and Representative for Congressional District 6 this November. This will send a clear message that integrity, transparency in government, and encouraging all Americans to give our best effort matters. Our children are our future, and we will provide them the opportunity to be successful.
This month, battery manufacturer A123 Systems declared bankruptcy. This was a company that the President endorsed in April 2010, with a $249-million Federal grant. Despite having received a taxpayer bailout, General Motors decided to source batteries, for the Volt, from an established international company, instead of new American company that employed Americans.
http://autos.yahoo.com/blogs/motoramic/battery-builder-a123-won-249-million-federal-grant-143806554.html
Was cost a factor, was it quality, or a combination of the two, that caused GM to contract outside the US? There are always consumers who will pay a premium for quality. BMW and Porsche are all examples of high quality cars that are more expensive than American cars.
We would not purchase a lower quality American product that costs more than a foreign made one. As Americans, we expect the best from all of us, in how we work and what we provide to each other. Quality, hard work, and dedication are integral to our economic success. Accepting less than our best results in a mediocre economy.
Our American values are under attack from the President and his supporters in the Senate and House of Representatives. They call companies that generate a profit and keep the employees gainfully employed as "bad". Plus, they ignore the potentially criminal business failings of political cronies, such as MF Global. Why won't the Federal government investigate the former NJ Governor and Senator for losing accountability of over $600-million of investor money? A good leader with integrity would never consider losing hundreds of millions of dollars and laying off American workers as being acceptable.
This year, New Jersey will rise and step forward in a leadership role, to show the nation that we will no longer tolerate political corruption. We will elect a new President, Senator, and Representative for Congressional District 6 this November. This will send a clear message that integrity, transparency in government, and encouraging all Americans to give our best effort matters. Our children are our future, and we will provide them the opportunity to be successful.
Thursday, September 06, 2012
POLL: 0% OF AFRICAN AMERICANS VOTING FOR ROMNEY & RYAN? (Continued)
Recently we ran a post on Republicans' dismal polling among African Americans. In it we asked the question, "what is to be done"?
What is to be done?
Well, let's first look at the situation. What we have is the Democrat Party's most successful use of "group politics", as well as an historical paradox in which a large segment of the population gravitates toward the very party that enslaved them, segregated them and terrorized them.
That having been said, what can Republicans do to get "the black vote"? Well, first, let's stop looking at African American voters as a "group" and look at people as individuals. That is the Republican way.
Rather than patronize black voters let's appeal to their intelligence. Much of this would involve staying on point with the Republican agenda. We won't see overnight results but trying to become the Democrats won't do it.
What is to be done?
Well, let's first look at the situation. What we have is the Democrat Party's most successful use of "group politics", as well as an historical paradox in which a large segment of the population gravitates toward the very party that enslaved them, segregated them and terrorized them.
That having been said, what can Republicans do to get "the black vote"? Well, first, let's stop looking at African American voters as a "group" and look at people as individuals. That is the Republican way.
Rather than patronize black voters let's appeal to their intelligence. Much of this would involve staying on point with the Republican agenda. We won't see overnight results but trying to become the Democrats won't do it.
Wednesday, September 05, 2012
NOT QUITE, MICHELE
The Obama Administration tries to paint a rosy picture of the economic picture after nearly four years of Barry O. Not so rosy when you are looking for a job that just isn't there, more like thorny. Or if all that's hiring are menial, low-wage jobs like fast food.
Which is what Arianna Huffington writes at her Huffington Post, usually a liberal/progressive site. Click here!
Which is what Arianna Huffington writes at her Huffington Post, usually a liberal/progressive site. Click here!
Monday, September 03, 2012
DEMS "PUMPED"
"Are you better off now than you were four years ago?" That question, first posed over three decades ago by Ronald Wilson Reagan as a candidate for president, has been asked during each presidential campaign since. Supporters of challengers normally say, "no"; those of incumbents normally say "yes".
Interestingly, this time around supporters of President mmm, mmm, mmm, Barack Hussein Obama have been answering, "no, but, uhhh..." They then usually divert the conversation to blaming Bush.
In a speech today in Toledo, Ohio, Obama attempted to promote the American Dream. One comment he made spoke to Americans ability to take vacations. Barry, do you really want to have that conversation? This is the Vacationer-in-Chief, who travels abroad like royalty, often separately from the First Lady, while many Americans have to settle for "staycations", if that. Many are on extended vacations because they have no jobs and no viable prospects.
Enjoy the convention.
Interestingly, this time around supporters of President mmm, mmm, mmm, Barack Hussein Obama have been answering, "no, but, uhhh..." They then usually divert the conversation to blaming Bush.
In a speech today in Toledo, Ohio, Obama attempted to promote the American Dream. One comment he made spoke to Americans ability to take vacations. Barry, do you really want to have that conversation? This is the Vacationer-in-Chief, who travels abroad like royalty, often separately from the First Lady, while many Americans have to settle for "staycations", if that. Many are on extended vacations because they have no jobs and no viable prospects.
Enjoy the convention.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
ARE WE THE WHIGS?
Most of us have heard of the Whig Party, a U. S. political party of the 19th Century, but not many know much about it. Some even believe it was an early name for the Republican Party, but that's wrong.
The Whigs began about 1833 as a successor to the National Republican Party and other forces opposed to Democratic President Andrew Jackson's policies. Their primary focus was a strong Congress, but this was mainly due to their opposition to Jackson. Other aims of the Whigs included the building of an industrial base in what was then an agrarian United States economy.
Towards the end, however, the Whigs' campaigns were mainly that they were not the Democrats. What finally did them in was the party's lack of a united stand on the divisive slavery issue; many abolitionist Whigs left to join first the Liberty Party, then the Free Soil Party, and the Whigs evaporated as a national organization in 1856, after only about 23 years in existence. In the 1850's the Free Soil Party was absorbed into the fledgeling G. O. P.
The early Republican Party's success was due largely to its strong stands on abolishing slavery and preserving the Union, just as more recently our great party has been most successful when it took strong stands on issues, as in the Reagan Revolution of the 1980's and the Gingrich Revolution of the 1990's.
In the post-Gingrich era, congressional Republicans moved away from conservative principles, and unprecedented spending resulted in the loss of congressional majorities to the Democrats in 2006.
The 2008 Presidential election opened with no clear conservative to take up the Republican cause. Fred Thompson never really gained traction, and Mitt Romney's conservative stands at times contrasted with his record as Governor of Massachusetts. This resulted in the nomination of moderate John McCain, who's biggest asset would appear to have been conservative Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin.
Since the election, it would appear that the G. O. P. has come to the proverbial crossroads. Some, like former National Chairman Rich Bond, propose a more moderate course: “Not everybody comes from the same constituency as a majority-white homogenous district in the South where all people care about is keeping their guns and taxes.” Others, like writer Larrey Anderson, believe that conservatism is the heart and soul of the G. O. P. : "The GOP needs to understand, and it needs to understand this soon, that there is no Republican Party without conservatives -- and conservatives need to start acting on this fact." (Hat tippo to Art Gallagher.)
Where will this debate lead? Time will tell. I know one thing, though. If the Republican Party moves away from basic conservative principles and fails to differentiate itself from the Democrats in bold contrast, we're done. The Democrats won't mind a one-party government, in fact they would relish it.
We can start with the upcoming state elections for Governor and Assembly. Steve Lonegan has already begun that in his campaign for governor; hopefully Chris Christie, Rick Merkt and the other gubernatorial candidates will also stand in bright contrast to the Bozo-coiffed Governor Corzine. One of these men will be our nominee. A clear message is key. The Republican Assembly candidates, both incumbent and challengers, should also leave no doubt as to what will happen should our party regain the majority in Trenton.
If we go in with no message, if there is no clear difference between Republicans and Democrats, we lose.
Then we're the Whigs.
The Whigs began about 1833 as a successor to the National Republican Party and other forces opposed to Democratic President Andrew Jackson's policies. Their primary focus was a strong Congress, but this was mainly due to their opposition to Jackson. Other aims of the Whigs included the building of an industrial base in what was then an agrarian United States economy.
Towards the end, however, the Whigs' campaigns were mainly that they were not the Democrats. What finally did them in was the party's lack of a united stand on the divisive slavery issue; many abolitionist Whigs left to join first the Liberty Party, then the Free Soil Party, and the Whigs evaporated as a national organization in 1856, after only about 23 years in existence. In the 1850's the Free Soil Party was absorbed into the fledgeling G. O. P.
The early Republican Party's success was due largely to its strong stands on abolishing slavery and preserving the Union, just as more recently our great party has been most successful when it took strong stands on issues, as in the Reagan Revolution of the 1980's and the Gingrich Revolution of the 1990's.
In the post-Gingrich era, congressional Republicans moved away from conservative principles, and unprecedented spending resulted in the loss of congressional majorities to the Democrats in 2006.
The 2008 Presidential election opened with no clear conservative to take up the Republican cause. Fred Thompson never really gained traction, and Mitt Romney's conservative stands at times contrasted with his record as Governor of Massachusetts. This resulted in the nomination of moderate John McCain, who's biggest asset would appear to have been conservative Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin.
Since the election, it would appear that the G. O. P. has come to the proverbial crossroads. Some, like former National Chairman Rich Bond, propose a more moderate course: “Not everybody comes from the same constituency as a majority-white homogenous district in the South where all people care about is keeping their guns and taxes.” Others, like writer Larrey Anderson, believe that conservatism is the heart and soul of the G. O. P. : "The GOP needs to understand, and it needs to understand this soon, that there is no Republican Party without conservatives -- and conservatives need to start acting on this fact." (Hat tippo to Art Gallagher.)
Where will this debate lead? Time will tell. I know one thing, though. If the Republican Party moves away from basic conservative principles and fails to differentiate itself from the Democrats in bold contrast, we're done. The Democrats won't mind a one-party government, in fact they would relish it.
We can start with the upcoming state elections for Governor and Assembly. Steve Lonegan has already begun that in his campaign for governor; hopefully Chris Christie, Rick Merkt and the other gubernatorial candidates will also stand in bright contrast to the Bozo-coiffed Governor Corzine. One of these men will be our nominee. A clear message is key. The Republican Assembly candidates, both incumbent and challengers, should also leave no doubt as to what will happen should our party regain the majority in Trenton.
If we go in with no message, if there is no clear difference between Republicans and Democrats, we lose.
Then we're the Whigs.
Saturday, November 08, 2008
WHY McCAIN LOST
By Michael Reagan
Barack Obama is president-elect of the United States because the Republican Party and John McCain handed him the presidential election on a silver platter.
The Republican Party and the Bush White House walked away from Republican ideals and they walked away from Republican values.
George Bush allowed the Republican Congress to overspend in the first six years of his administration without once using the veto pen, blindsided the conservative Republican members of Congress on many occasions, and walked away from the base of his party on immigration reform and other issues such as Medicare and No Child Left Behind.
He refused to sit down and break bread with the conservative members of his own party on Capitol Hill, yet believed that he could break bread with the liberal Democrats in Washington the way he did with the Democrats in Austin, Texas. And when he discovered it didn't work in Washington, it failed to stop him from trying and trying and trying over again what was obviously impossible.
Finally, the coup de grace was Dick Cheney's endorsement of John McCain in the waning days of the campaign, which gave Barack Obama the final nail to put in the coffin of McCain's campaign, which was striving mightily to distance him from the Bush administration.
Then there was McCain's campaign itself. It was the worst campaign since Bob Dole's on the Republican side, and the best campaign since Ronald Reagan’s on the Democrat side.
The McCain campaign was a campaign out of the 20th century, while the Democrats were running a campaign in the 21st century.
We need to understand that this was not a referendum on Reaganomics and Ronald Reagan. This was a referendum on George Bush, and Bush-ism, and Bush’s lack of leadership.
John McCain wouldn't stand up against the Democrats in Washington D.C. on the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac scandals, against expanding government, a $700 billion bailout, and going against the traditional values of conservative Republicans.
The economic collapse was the Democrats’ fault. Yet John McCain never bothered going after them on that. He let the burglars walk away with the loot because those were his friends, and with George Bush failed to point the finger of blame at the people who caused the financial collapse that has plunged the nation into a certain recession. Bush had the bully pulpit but failed to use it, and the Democrats walked away scot-free.
Shockingly, John McCain failed to use the most potent weapon in his arsenal -- the culpability of Barack Obama and his friends in the wholesale looting of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac that led to the current debacle. McCain had the goods, but wouldn't exploit them.
The McCain campaign made inadequate use of Gov. Sarah Palin, who had enormous crowd appeal. A lot of people voted for John McCain because of Sarah Palin. There were bigger a crowds because of Sarah Palin. Yet some of the functionaries in the McCain campaign are trying to point the finger at her for McCain's defeat.
John McCain lost because of his lack of a clear message. He needed more than the fact that he is a maverick. His answer to the economic crisis was a $300 billion bailout for delinquent mortgagees. He was offering welfarism, while Barack Obama was offering socialism.
People laugh at me when I tell them the difference between Republicans and Democrats is that Republicans take a week longer to embrace communism.
This was not a referendum on Ronald Reagan. As a matter of fact, my dad might well have voted for Barak Obama just based on what he was seeing his party doing.
Finally, I hope that when Barack Obama was making elaborate and extravagant promises about what he was going to do, he was flat-out lying.
I hope Barack Obama will not be what he has promised to be. I hope he doesn't have a civilian security force. I hope he doesn't raise my taxes. I hope he doesn't spread the wealth. I hope he doesn't raise taxes on corporate America. I hope he looks at nuclear power. I hope he allows us to drill. I hope that there will be no revival of the fairness doctrine.
Conservative commentator Michael Reagan is the eldest son of the late President Ronald Wilson Reagan. His website is The Reagan Exchange.
Barack Obama is president-elect of the United States because the Republican Party and John McCain handed him the presidential election on a silver platter.
The Republican Party and the Bush White House walked away from Republican ideals and they walked away from Republican values.
George Bush allowed the Republican Congress to overspend in the first six years of his administration without once using the veto pen, blindsided the conservative Republican members of Congress on many occasions, and walked away from the base of his party on immigration reform and other issues such as Medicare and No Child Left Behind.
He refused to sit down and break bread with the conservative members of his own party on Capitol Hill, yet believed that he could break bread with the liberal Democrats in Washington the way he did with the Democrats in Austin, Texas. And when he discovered it didn't work in Washington, it failed to stop him from trying and trying and trying over again what was obviously impossible.
Finally, the coup de grace was Dick Cheney's endorsement of John McCain in the waning days of the campaign, which gave Barack Obama the final nail to put in the coffin of McCain's campaign, which was striving mightily to distance him from the Bush administration.
Then there was McCain's campaign itself. It was the worst campaign since Bob Dole's on the Republican side, and the best campaign since Ronald Reagan’s on the Democrat side.
The McCain campaign was a campaign out of the 20th century, while the Democrats were running a campaign in the 21st century.
We need to understand that this was not a referendum on Reaganomics and Ronald Reagan. This was a referendum on George Bush, and Bush-ism, and Bush’s lack of leadership.
John McCain wouldn't stand up against the Democrats in Washington D.C. on the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac scandals, against expanding government, a $700 billion bailout, and going against the traditional values of conservative Republicans.
The economic collapse was the Democrats’ fault. Yet John McCain never bothered going after them on that. He let the burglars walk away with the loot because those were his friends, and with George Bush failed to point the finger of blame at the people who caused the financial collapse that has plunged the nation into a certain recession. Bush had the bully pulpit but failed to use it, and the Democrats walked away scot-free.
Shockingly, John McCain failed to use the most potent weapon in his arsenal -- the culpability of Barack Obama and his friends in the wholesale looting of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac that led to the current debacle. McCain had the goods, but wouldn't exploit them.
The McCain campaign made inadequate use of Gov. Sarah Palin, who had enormous crowd appeal. A lot of people voted for John McCain because of Sarah Palin. There were bigger a crowds because of Sarah Palin. Yet some of the functionaries in the McCain campaign are trying to point the finger at her for McCain's defeat.
John McCain lost because of his lack of a clear message. He needed more than the fact that he is a maverick. His answer to the economic crisis was a $300 billion bailout for delinquent mortgagees. He was offering welfarism, while Barack Obama was offering socialism.
People laugh at me when I tell them the difference between Republicans and Democrats is that Republicans take a week longer to embrace communism.
This was not a referendum on Ronald Reagan. As a matter of fact, my dad might well have voted for Barak Obama just based on what he was seeing his party doing.
Finally, I hope that when Barack Obama was making elaborate and extravagant promises about what he was going to do, he was flat-out lying.
I hope Barack Obama will not be what he has promised to be. I hope he doesn't have a civilian security force. I hope he doesn't raise my taxes. I hope he doesn't spread the wealth. I hope he doesn't raise taxes on corporate America. I hope he looks at nuclear power. I hope he allows us to drill. I hope that there will be no revival of the fairness doctrine.
Conservative commentator Michael Reagan is the eldest son of the late President Ronald Wilson Reagan. His website is The Reagan Exchange.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Thursday, February 07, 2008
!PUHARIC PUSHES KYRILLOS FOR U. S. SENATE!
Say what?
Chairman Adam Puharic is pushingMonmouth County State Sen. Joe Kyrillos for U. S. Senate, PolitickerNJ.com reports. Kyrillos would ostensibly be competing for the nomination against Anne Estabrook, "Jersey Joe" Pennacchio and Murray Sabrin, who are already in the race.
Puharic serves on Estabrook's exploratory committee; Estabrook is also from Monmouth County.
And this guy's not divisive?
Read the Draft Kyrillos Blog here.
THEN THERE WERE THREE
This just in:
It was just reported on the Rush Limbaugh Show that Willard Milton Romney has officially withdrawn from the Republican presidential race. This leaves John Sidney McCain III, Michael Dale Huckabee and Ronald Ernest Paul to compete for the nomination.
It is not certain at blog time what is to become of Romney's delegates, nor is it certain what Adam Puharic, Joe Kyrillos and the rest of the Monmouth County Romney people will do.
It was just reported on the Rush Limbaugh Show that Willard Milton Romney has officially withdrawn from the Republican presidential race. This leaves John Sidney McCain III, Michael Dale Huckabee and Ronald Ernest Paul to compete for the nomination.
It is not certain at blog time what is to become of Romney's delegates, nor is it certain what Adam Puharic, Joe Kyrillos and the rest of the Monmouth County Romney people will do.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
McCAIN!
Arizona Senator John McCain took all of New Jersey's 52 Republican National Convention delegates in yesterday's Superduper Tuesday Presidential Primary.
Although still short of the delegates needed to win the Presidential nomination, nationally McCain has opened up a lead over his nearest challenger, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, that some see as nearly insurmountable.
Nationally, McCain is seen as being backed by the moderate or "country club" Republican establishment, while Romney is backed by our party's conservative wing. It's more complicated than that, however, especially here in New Jersey. McCain, while not the most conservative in the Senate, is far from a liberal. And Romney, regarded as a moderate as Massachusetts governor, was criticized early in the campaign for apparent "flip - flops" on social issues. Indeed, here in Jersey, the establishment had been divided between candidates, with State G. O. P. Chairman Tom Wilson and former D. O. T. Commissioner and current lobbyist Hazel Gluck endorsing McCain, and State Sen. Joe Kyrillos (R - Monmouth) and Monmouth County G. O. P. Chairman Adam Puharic (A Kyrillos protege) backing McCain. Kyrillos served as New Jersey chairman for the Romney campaign; McCain's campaign was led by State Sen. Bill Baroni (R - Mercer).
Although still short of the delegates needed to win the Presidential nomination, nationally McCain has opened up a lead over his nearest challenger, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, that some see as nearly insurmountable.
Nationally, McCain is seen as being backed by the moderate or "country club" Republican establishment, while Romney is backed by our party's conservative wing. It's more complicated than that, however, especially here in New Jersey. McCain, while not the most conservative in the Senate, is far from a liberal. And Romney, regarded as a moderate as Massachusetts governor, was criticized early in the campaign for apparent "flip - flops" on social issues. Indeed, here in Jersey, the establishment had been divided between candidates, with State G. O. P. Chairman Tom Wilson and former D. O. T. Commissioner and current lobbyist Hazel Gluck endorsing McCain, and State Sen. Joe Kyrillos (R - Monmouth) and Monmouth County G. O. P. Chairman Adam Puharic (A Kyrillos protege) backing McCain. Kyrillos served as New Jersey chairman for the Romney campaign; McCain's campaign was led by State Sen. Bill Baroni (R - Mercer).
Here in Monmouth County, McCain also carried the day. Kyrillos and Puharic just could not deliver the vote for Romney. In addition to McCain having powerful support from State Sen. Sean Kean and Assemblyman Dave Rible, among others, Puharic was criticized for allowing only the Romney campaign access to the County G. O. P. e-mail list. Too, the fact that former rogue blogger Alan Moretti, a/k/a Monmouth Rastaman, also ran a Romney support blog may have hurt the former Massachusetts governor here in Monmouth.
The next few months will reveal who gets our great party's nomination to fill the shoes of Lincoln, Roosevelt and Reagan. Our party must come together behind its nominee, lest those big shoes go unfilled and the "vacancy" sign goes up outside the Lincoln Bedroom and the "do not disturb" sign goes up outside the Oval Office.
The next few months will also reveal whether Puharic is weakened by the Romney loss in Monmouth County.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION FIASCO II
Earlier today, the proposed Amnesty For Illegals bill, backed by both President Bush and far left wingers like Ted "The Swimmer" Kennedy, went down to pounding defeat in the U. S. Senate. This is viewed as a victory for GOP conservatives. The issue is not expected to be taken up again before the 2008 election.
Hopefully, the administration will finally focus on securing the border!
Hopefully, the administration will finally focus on securing the border!
Monday, June 25, 2007
THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION FIASCO
This post was originally intended for May 30. With all the debate over the illegal immigration bill, the issue has taken on a life of its own, and appears to change with each and every passing day.
Continuing the topic of the Fort Dix 6, we find that three brothers, Dritan Duka, Shain Duka and Eljvir Duka were all illegal aliens, having crossed the Mexican border as children back in 1984. For over two decades, they evaded detection.
The Dukas and other non-Mexican illegals are referred to as "Other Than Mexicans (OTMs)" by immigration officials. While many OTMs are from Latin American countries, many, like the Dukas, hail from Muslim countries. Indeed, border agents have found a number of Korans, prayer rugs and head scarves among the litter at illegal border crossings.
Continuing the topic of the Fort Dix 6, we find that three brothers, Dritan Duka, Shain Duka and Eljvir Duka were all illegal aliens, having crossed the Mexican border as children back in 1984. For over two decades, they evaded detection.
The Dukas and other non-Mexican illegals are referred to as "Other Than Mexicans (OTMs)" by immigration officials. While many OTMs are from Latin American countries, many, like the Dukas, hail from Muslim countries. Indeed, border agents have found a number of Korans, prayer rugs and head scarves among the litter at illegal border crossings.
Illegal aliens are not in the shadows, they're in our face.
Illegal immigration is an issue that hits home here in Monmouth County. Many Monmouth County towns, not just Freehold but Belmar, Red Bank, Asbury Park and Keyport, among others, are destinations for illegals. In some areas they now form a clear majority of the population. While many are Mexican nationals doing the so-called "jobs that Americans won't do", remember that Fort Dix is less than a half hour drive from the Monmouth County line. Shooting up a military installation is also a job that many Americans won't do.
The issue has been on the radar here for a while; last November it was the subject of an op-ed column in the Independent by Middletown committeeman (now mayor) Jerry Scharfenberger. His commentary was criticized by blogger Jackie Corley of Bayshore Journalista. And last week, Sheriff Candidate Kim Guadagno received positive attention when she proposed checking the immigration status of prisoners in the County Jail before release.
Illegal immigration is an issue that hits home here in Monmouth County. Many Monmouth County towns, not just Freehold but Belmar, Red Bank, Asbury Park and Keyport, among others, are destinations for illegals. In some areas they now form a clear majority of the population. While many are Mexican nationals doing the so-called "jobs that Americans won't do", remember that Fort Dix is less than a half hour drive from the Monmouth County line. Shooting up a military installation is also a job that many Americans won't do.
The issue has been on the radar here for a while; last November it was the subject of an op-ed column in the Independent by Middletown committeeman (now mayor) Jerry Scharfenberger. His commentary was criticized by blogger Jackie Corley of Bayshore Journalista. And last week, Sheriff Candidate Kim Guadagno received positive attention when she proposed checking the immigration status of prisoners in the County Jail before release.
Human Trafficking
Another aspect of illegal immigration is that of human trafficking, which this blog addressed nearly a year ago. Many women are held in near enslavement and forced to work as domestics or prostitutes. The Asbury Park Press continues to this day to run advertisements for "massage" services, often advertising the race or nationality of the "therapists".
Mexivania
Many illegals register their vehicles in states with lenient motor vehicle policies. The biggest culprits in this area are Pennsylvania and North Carolina. The New Jersey Driver's Manual states that new residents moving into New Jersey from another state have 60 days in which to become licensed and registered here in the Garden State. While out-of-state registration was once the domain of "snow-birds" and those attempting to escape New Jersey's draconian auto insurance policies, it is now the illegals who dominate this scam.
Police will often overlook running immigration status checks on suspected illegal alien drivers because they wish to avoid the paperwork that results. Too, many municipalities fancy themselves as "sanctuary cities"; there, the direction comes from the municipal administration to avoid questioning immigration status.
Many also will salvage old plates from junkyards and are therefore driving around in vehicles that are neither registered nor insured. Normally they will flee an accident.
The Jobs Americans Won't Do
This is a fallacy. It is simply the propaganda of the open borders crowd on both the left and the right and it is disgusting. America was built by people, both immigrants and native born, with a can-do spirit and a willingness to do whatever it takes. Americans "won't do" the jobs that illegals do mainly for two reasons: Wages are depressed and they are priced out of the market by illegals, and: Out and out discrimination. Some employers will hire only illegals.
What Can Be Done?
Enforce the laws now on the books. Instead of passing so-called "immigration reform", the Federal Government can and should enforce the laws we already have. If they're not willing to do that, what makes them think that we will believe that they will enforce a new law? Our borders need to be brought under control; this can be done now, they don't need a new law to do that. Workplace enforcement has, save for a few high-profile and largely symbolic raids, been nearly nil. Employers need to be sent a message that to hire illegals will be very costly. This should include the widespread use of falsified documents like Social Security fraud.
Locally, a lot can be done, too. Kim Guadagno is very much on the right track. Some of the readers of this blog are local officials, and have a direct say in the policies of their municipality. Those policies can include enforcement of overcrowding laws in housing, and going after absentee landlords who are often major offenders in renting to illegals. Police departments can also do the same as Kim is proposing for the jail, and check the immigration status of offenders. This would also include "vice" type arrests such as a massage parlor bust. Maybe your town is a sanctuary city. That would be a great issue for a local GOP campaign to run on this fall.
Are there any sanctuary cities here in Monmouth County? If so, they deserve to be exposed.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
DEMS AT A CROSSROADS
Many of us read about the pablum coming from the mouths of the national Democratic leadership. Unindicted Abscam co - conspirator Rep. John Murtha and Sen. Dick "Turban" Durbin disparaging our brave service men and women. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi having unauthorized meetings with Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad. And most recently, Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid announcing that the Iraq War is "lost"; this pronouncement hit Al Jazeerah and other Arab media in a flash and has energized al Qaeda and other terror groups.
Going back a few years, we had Rep. "Baghdad Jim" McDermott carrying water for Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. In our own area, Rep. Frank Pallone made common cause with none other than Cindy Sheehan, who has broken bread with enemies of America like Venezuelan dictator Hugo Chavez.
But Abe, but Abe, these are national leaders; they wouldn't do anything to hurt America, would they? Hey, Benedict Arnold was a general before he turned against his own troops. He's a household name now.
Sounds like a pretty skanky bunch. Truth be told, this may not be only show.
Back in 1980, a large number of Democrats proved that they had no problem taking money from Arab sheiks. This was the Abscam case, and the sheiks were actually FBI agents, but the crooked pols didn't know that at the time. In the 90's, the Democratic National Committee had an infusion of funds traced to the People's Republic of China; the Chinese mysteriously ended up with our missile technology! So there is a longstanding tradition of Democratic friendship with enemies of America. This longstanding tradition includes accepting money from the same enemies, whether as bribes or campaign contributions.
Many Democrats must think all of this is a disgrace. It would seem that there are three clear choices for the Democrats:
1. Stand pat. You agree with all of this and support it wholeheartedly.
2. Voice your outrage. Within your party, speak up and work for change, both for the good of the party and the country.
3. Leave the party. Become a Republican, Green or independent. If the cancer has metastasized in the Democratic Party and can no longer be cured, Democrats of good will may consider this option. Here in Monmouth County, many Democrats are much more conservative than the national party, and the GOP might prove a logical choice for them. More liberal party members may choose the Greens.
Let's see if we hear any protest from local Dems on the antics of their national party. Pallone and his fellow Rep. Rush Holt should be held accountable for their stands, too.
Going back a few years, we had Rep. "Baghdad Jim" McDermott carrying water for Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. In our own area, Rep. Frank Pallone made common cause with none other than Cindy Sheehan, who has broken bread with enemies of America like Venezuelan dictator Hugo Chavez.
But Abe, but Abe, these are national leaders; they wouldn't do anything to hurt America, would they? Hey, Benedict Arnold was a general before he turned against his own troops. He's a household name now.
Sounds like a pretty skanky bunch. Truth be told, this may not be only show.
Back in 1980, a large number of Democrats proved that they had no problem taking money from Arab sheiks. This was the Abscam case, and the sheiks were actually FBI agents, but the crooked pols didn't know that at the time. In the 90's, the Democratic National Committee had an infusion of funds traced to the People's Republic of China; the Chinese mysteriously ended up with our missile technology! So there is a longstanding tradition of Democratic friendship with enemies of America. This longstanding tradition includes accepting money from the same enemies, whether as bribes or campaign contributions.
Many Democrats must think all of this is a disgrace. It would seem that there are three clear choices for the Democrats:
1. Stand pat. You agree with all of this and support it wholeheartedly.
2. Voice your outrage. Within your party, speak up and work for change, both for the good of the party and the country.
3. Leave the party. Become a Republican, Green or independent. If the cancer has metastasized in the Democratic Party and can no longer be cured, Democrats of good will may consider this option. Here in Monmouth County, many Democrats are much more conservative than the national party, and the GOP might prove a logical choice for them. More liberal party members may choose the Greens.
Let's see if we hear any protest from local Dems on the antics of their national party. Pallone and his fellow Rep. Rush Holt should be held accountable for their stands, too.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
PRESIDENT REAGAN'S 11th COMMANDMENT
Much has been said about the great President Ronald Wilson Reagan's 11th Commandment: "Thou shalt speak no ill of a fellow Republican."
This has been used frequently during debate between members of our great party. Sometimes it's used to stifle debate. Here in the Great County of Monmouth, our GOP County Chairman has invoked the 11th Commandment and then gone and spoken ill of his fellow Republicans!
So thye vast editorial staff here at the Monmouth County Republican Blog decided to research the 11th Commandment and find out just exactly what The Gipper's intent was. What was its context?
It didn't take long to find a timely (Feb. 2, 2007) Opinion Journal article by Peggy Noonan, President Reagan's former speechwriter, who has a unique insight into our 40th President. We strongly recommend following the link to read her full article (Click her name.), but in a nutshell Ms. Noonan explains:
"The 11th commandment meant the fight should never be mean, low or unnecessarily injurious to the person, or the party. But a fight could be waged--should be waged--over big, big things."
Well. That doesn't mean stifling debate at all. Far from it. I guess difference of opinion isn't out of order after all.
Our County Chairman should read Ms. Noonan's article. More than once. Memorize it. Learn from it. For all of his invocations of Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan, the way he is running our party, what with squashing debate and pursuing those who don't follow in lockstep with him, is more akin to Richard Milhous Nixon or William Jefferson Clinton than Ronald Wilson Reagan.
This has been used frequently during debate between members of our great party. Sometimes it's used to stifle debate. Here in the Great County of Monmouth, our GOP County Chairman has invoked the 11th Commandment and then gone and spoken ill of his fellow Republicans!
So thye vast editorial staff here at the Monmouth County Republican Blog decided to research the 11th Commandment and find out just exactly what The Gipper's intent was. What was its context?
It didn't take long to find a timely (Feb. 2, 2007) Opinion Journal article by Peggy Noonan, President Reagan's former speechwriter, who has a unique insight into our 40th President. We strongly recommend following the link to read her full article (Click her name.), but in a nutshell Ms. Noonan explains:
"The 11th commandment meant the fight should never be mean, low or unnecessarily injurious to the person, or the party. But a fight could be waged--should be waged--over big, big things."
Well. That doesn't mean stifling debate at all. Far from it. I guess difference of opinion isn't out of order after all.
Our County Chairman should read Ms. Noonan's article. More than once. Memorize it. Learn from it. For all of his invocations of Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan, the way he is running our party, what with squashing debate and pursuing those who don't follow in lockstep with him, is more akin to Richard Milhous Nixon or William Jefferson Clinton than Ronald Wilson Reagan.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
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