tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-204067642024-03-05T22:59:09.541-08:00The Old CurmudgeonWhatever I damned well want to post - take it or leave it!Curmudgeonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03528175358323481984noreply@blogger.comBlogger590125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20406764.post-16414647375697247752015-02-24T08:47:00.000-08:002015-02-24T08:47:18.316-08:00Oh, Those Tolerant MuslimsFrom <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/saudiarabia/11431509/Saudi-Arabia-court-gives-death-penalty-to-man-who-renounced-his-Muslim-faith.html" target="_blank">The Telegraph</a> comes this news:<br />
<div class="firstPar">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
An Islamic court in Saudi Arabia has sentenced a
man to death for renouncing his Muslim faith, the English-language
daily Saudi Gazette reported on Tuesday.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The
man, in his 20s, posted an online video ripping up a copy of Islam's
holy book, the Koran, and hitting it with a shoe, the newspaper
reported.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Saudi Arabia, the United
States' top Arab ally and birthplace of Islam, follows the strict
Wahhabi Sunni Muslim school and gives the clergy control over its
justice system.</blockquote>
</div>
<div class="thirdPar">
Amazing how they demand tolerance and multi-culturalism from the West, but at home it's "my way or the highway". Or actually "my way or death".<br />
<br />
Don't think it wouldn't happen if they took over another country.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Curmudgeonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03528175358323481984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20406764.post-40478211224851330812015-02-24T06:02:00.000-08:002015-02-24T06:02:21.099-08:00Carve-outs and ExceptionsFor those who have followed the Obamacare saga, you know of the many carve-outs and exceptions and waivers that the White House has created to benefit their favored friends. How the law has become a patchwork of selective application and enforcement at the whim of the administration.<br />
<br />
The Obama administration has now taken that one step further. In seeking to stay an injunction against Obama's executive amnesty, the Justice Department has now formally requested that the judge carve-out and exception for Texas and let the amnesty apply to the other 49 states.<br />
<br />
Dear Constitutional Scholar In Chief: Could you please explain how this can in any way be constitutional?<br />
<br />
January 20th, 2017 can't come soon enough.<br />
<br />
Hat tip to <a href="http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2015/02/23/obama-admin-proposes-compromise-to-judge-let-every-state-except-texas-implement-exec-amnesty/" target="_blank">Breitbart</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />Curmudgeonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03528175358323481984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20406764.post-37475153328747942472015-02-24T05:50:00.000-08:002015-02-24T05:51:33.641-08:00The Problem with CaringAt what point does embellishment become a lie? For the hard-core ethicsists, it's at the point of any embellishment. For most of us, it's a sliding scale - that 10 pound fish becomes a 12 pounder, the 3 point buck becomes a 5 point.<br />
<br />
From <a href="http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2015/02/23/va-secretary-admits-he-falsely-claimed-service-in-special-forces/" target="_blank">Breitbart</a> comes word of our VA Secretary, Robert McDonald:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
In a statement released Monday by the VA, McDonald said: “While I was in Los
Angeles, engaging a homeless individual to determine his veteran status,
I asked the man where he had served in the military. He responded that
he had served in special forces. I incorrectly stated that I had been in
special forces. That was inaccurate and I apologize to anyone that was
offended by my misstatement.”</blockquote>
Inaccurate? How about flat out false? Turns out that McDonald served in the 82nd Airborne Division. Now, not to say that the 82nd isn't a fine outfit, but it's a far cry from "Special Forces".<br />
<br />
Note the circumstances of this lie. The VA secretary was talking with a homeless veteran who was SF. Then he says that he too was SF. This isn't something you just mistake. I can only conclude that this was some attempt at compassion towards the vet. But that's the problem.<br />
<br />
Modern civilian progressives along with politicians of all stripes have made caring the standard. If we care, that's what matters. Not if we do anything, not if we accomplish, but did we care. And the rush is to care more than the next guy. Does it matter if throwing millions (or billions) of tax dollars at a "problem" are wasted? Nope...it goes to show we care. Projects over budget and behind schedule? Doesn't matter because the goal is not to accomplish anything but to show we care.<br />
<br />
Stop caring. Start real, concrete action. McDonald could show that by resigning right now.<br />
<br />
But we know that won't happen - because he "cares" about our vets.Curmudgeonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03528175358323481984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20406764.post-24339519395055302592015-02-22T07:16:00.001-08:002015-02-22T07:16:56.260-08:00Winning hearts and mindsFrom <a href="http://www.smalldeadanimals.com/" target="_blank">Small Dead Animals</a> comes this item:<br />
<blockquote>
A funeral was held on Friday for the man who killed two and injured five in twin Copenhagen attacks over the weekend.</blockquote>
<blockquote>
The ceremony for 22-year-old Omar Abdel Hamid El-Hussein took place
at the premises of the Islamic Society of Denmark following Friday
prayers.<br />
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
According to Danish media, <a href="http://www.jpost.com/International/WATCH-Hundreds-attend-funeral-of-Copenhagen-gunman-391683?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter">some 500 people had gathered for the ceremony</a>.</blockquote>
Until the Muslim "community" loudly, forcefully and sincerely condemns such murderers and until they are shamed by their leaders, the only thing they will understand is force. Curtis Lemay type unconditional force.<br />
Curmudgeonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03528175358323481984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20406764.post-4342611615982777142015-02-22T05:38:00.004-08:002015-02-22T05:38:52.298-08:00A different kind of cliffWhile reading <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/20/cristina-fernandez-de-kirchner-argentina-president-political-turmoil" target="_blank">a story in the Guardian</a> about Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, the embattled president of Argentina, I came across this paragraph:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“It’s a peculiar brand of populism because it isn’t leaving the country
in debt,” said Nicolás Dujovne, an economist. “They’ve financed their
social spending with inflation, not debt. Argentina will be in a much
better situation than Spain or Portugal, countries with much larger debt
problems.”</blockquote>
So let's see....we haven't run up a ton of debt, we've just left the country with inflation that is running about 40% per year in real terms (not the false official rate). That's supposed to be a much better situation?<br />
<br />
How about a recognition that either kind of phony finance eventually leaves the country for the worse? Nope...you see, it was for "social spending" - that makes it all worthwhile because it's for the PEEEPLE. Social spending good, no matter how it happens.<br />
<br />
No wonder respect for academics keeps plummeting. But fawning journalists keep quoting them to prop up the image of leftist leaders.<br />
Curmudgeonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03528175358323481984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20406764.post-31038136596106319842015-02-20T13:50:00.000-08:002015-02-20T13:50:15.427-08:00In the FrayThe OC has been beset with some health distractions...Twitter made for quick activity, but it seems I'll be able to get back into the blogging fray.<br />
<br />
Speaking of fray, from Patrick Brennan at <a href="http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/414151/glimmer-hope-turkish-democracy-their-parliament-had-brawl-yesterday-patrick-brennan" target="_blank">NRO</a> comes this gem about a recent fistcuff in the Turkish parliament.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
In fact, when it comes to Turkish politics — a world of show
trials, actual conspiracies, judicial and military coups, shadowy
business networks — legislative fisticuffs almost feels downright
transparent and democratic. </blockquote>
I like the way that sounds....<br />
<br />Curmudgeonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03528175358323481984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20406764.post-90433794395390741102015-01-27T10:38:00.000-08:002015-01-27T10:38:47.326-08:00Then and NowFound on Facebook:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhteibslNtqqTxabsV3VEdJBe88XhRukgxfj7LXK2jMVAfSc5Aoe2X0DqbiTvblTj4bo2kR5DURUVL5c2HVdDectHZWHdIsy6a0gwXzOc7k2fEbUqA3qsXxQV3AlH1kStUc0RJT/s1600/taxcheat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhteibslNtqqTxabsV3VEdJBe88XhRukgxfj7LXK2jMVAfSc5Aoe2X0DqbiTvblTj4bo2kR5DURUVL5c2HVdDectHZWHdIsy6a0gwXzOc7k2fEbUqA3qsXxQV3AlH1kStUc0RJT/s1600/taxcheat.jpg" height="338" width="560" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_400684898"></span><span id="goog_400684899"></span><br />
<br />
But to complain about Rev Al would be......racist.<br />
<br />
<br />Curmudgeonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03528175358323481984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20406764.post-82622528708019635052015-01-27T10:33:00.000-08:002015-01-27T10:33:20.289-08:00And over in GreeceSeems that the leftist party Syriza has won control in the recent Greek parliamentary elections. Syriza ran on a platform of anti-austerity and has pledged to reverse the governmental restrictions that were part of the deal with the IMF and European Central Bank. Its full on government spending, and guess who's supposed to pay for it. Yep, its once again OPM.<br />
<br />
There's an interesting cycle that I'm seeing, both in the Eurozone and here in America. Expansive governments overextend themselves, putting economies in peril. Somehow, there's enough concern expressed, either by the people themselves but more often by the lenders looking out for their investment. The "adults" get put in charge and try to right the ship of state.<br />
<br />
It's not easy making up for the fat-cat years of heady spending. It's sorta like taking off the pounds you put on with holiday feasts - it can be done but it takes work, effort, time and above all else, the recognition that this isn't fun. It's the corrective period to make up for the excesses of the past. But the impatience of the masses doesn't like that they have to have a leaner diet, with some painful exercise. There's rebellion against Scrooge and the pendulum swings back to Santa Claus. Except that it swings even further this time to compensate for that awful deprivation "The Bankers" imposed.<br />
<br />
The adults of the political world get the blame. They try to clean up the mess left by the "children" but the public now thinks it's their fault. They are the party of "no". They're the parents who say "no you can't eat a pound of chocolate for dinner". The ones who take your car keys when you have been bad. The ones who are trying to make you into....an adult.<br />
<br />
It's tough being responsible. It's even worse being a sucker.<br />
<br />
<br />Curmudgeonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03528175358323481984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20406764.post-24341767110294916292015-01-27T10:13:00.002-08:002015-01-27T10:34:08.312-08:00La-La landFrom Richard Fernandez at PJ Media:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
In the other Western hemisphere state of the union speech, <a href="http://elpais.com/elpais/2015/01/22/inenglish/1421948827_677917.html" target="_blank">Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro</a>,
while acknowledging that his government had no money, nevertheless
promised to provide more “free” services for everyone. Free school
stipends, free housing. No cutbacks to social welfare. How would the
bankrupt state pay for it? He said , that while “oil will never cost
$100 again but God will provide. Venezuela will never do without.”</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“God will provide.” Which only goes to show that Marxists aren’t
really what people evolve into after they lose their religion. On the
contrary religion is what Marxists get after they lose their shirt. But
never mind the shirt. There’s a bright future ahead for everyone – and
all of it paid for with other people’s money. Free! free! free!</blockquote>
This isn't doubling down...it's out and out desperation. But notice how Fernandez mentions that wonderful panacea....OPM. <br />
<br />
From El Pais come these words:<br />
<blockquote>
The president turned his annual report into an electoral
campaign pitch. During his almost three-hour speech, he attacked his
adversaries and claimed to be the victim of a plot that seeks to topple
his government and take advantage of dejected … voters during this
election year. …</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Starting February 1, the government will increase the minimum wage
and pensions by 15 percent. It also plans to more than double the meager
scholarships university students receive. … also promised to build
400,000 public housing units. The measures fall under the government’s
social investment program.</blockquote>
It's all a plot. And how do we cure this economic disaster? Why by even more of what got us there.<br />
<br />
We hear this here in America. The reason the stimulus didn't have the major impact Obama promised wasn't because an artificial stimulus doesn't work...it's because it wasn't big enough. Obamacare isn't a success because....it doesn't go far enough. And amazingly, there are hundreds of millions who think that way. If only the government wasn't constrained by such old-fashioned concepts as the Constitution and the rule of law.<br />
<br />
Have we lost sight of reality?<br />
<br />Curmudgeonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03528175358323481984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20406764.post-59567089146193010132015-01-22T10:13:00.003-08:002015-01-22T10:13:52.346-08:00From the Empire StateFrom an AP report via <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/01/22/new-york-state-assembly-speaker-reportedly-to-be-arrested-on-corruption-charges/" target="_blank">Fox News</a>:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver was arrested Thursday on public
corruption charges and accused of using his position as one of the most
powerful men in Albany to obtain millions of dollars in bribes and
kickbacks masked as legitimate income. </blockquote>
Of course, the fact of interest to me is that it isn't until the TENTH paragraph til you read:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
As speaker of the Democrat-controlled Assembly, Silver is one of the most influential people in New York state government.</blockquote>
And, you notice, they never say that he himself is a Democrat. Just that the assembly is controlled by the Ds and you're left to figure out the rest.<br />
<br />
Nice that there's some work against corruption by the US prosecutor. Bad that there's still journalistic bias from the AP.<br />
<br />
But what else would you expect.<br />
<br />
<br />Curmudgeonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03528175358323481984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20406764.post-39048360935272273552015-01-21T19:42:00.000-08:002015-01-21T19:42:29.698-08:00My Missouri PredictionFrom the <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/22/us/justice-department-ferguson-civil-rights-darren-wilson.html" target="_blank">New York Times</a> comes this story:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
WASHINGTON — Justice Department lawyers will recommend that no civil
rights charges be brought against the police officer who fatally shot an
unarmed teenager in Ferguson, Mo., after an F.B.I. investigation found
no evidence to support charges, law enforcement officials said
Wednesday.</blockquote>
Anyone want to bet on what the reaction will be "on the street"? I'm gonna go way out on the limb and say that this will be just another excuse for more looting and destruction -- another "no justice" moment to provide the chance to grab free stuff from "The Man".<br />
<br />
Then again, when the government instills an entitlement mentality that includes public housing, food stamps, free medical care, Obamaphones and more, why shouldn't folks just take whatever they want. <br />
It's "justice".<br />
<br />
<br />Curmudgeonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03528175358323481984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20406764.post-13054539025866007732015-01-21T14:14:00.002-08:002015-01-21T14:14:48.029-08:00Patterico's response<a href="http://patterico.com/" target="_blank">Patterico</a> has posted the following about the SOTU:<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The GOP has entrusted me with the solemn responsibility of responding to
the remarks of the President of the United States in his State of the
Union address. My video response is below.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/g4bftQ4xxFc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
Well put, sir. Sums it up nice and quick. Accurate, too.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Curmudgeonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03528175358323481984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20406764.post-6587811540953982762015-01-21T09:25:00.000-08:002015-01-21T09:26:37.199-08:00SOTUAs I get older, I learn to just avoid things that will be painful. Call it the wisdom of experience. One thing I avoid is the State of the Union speech - and that's no matter who is in the White House.<br />
<br />
Luckily, there are folks out there to watch it for me and give me the after-action report. From John Hayward over at <a href="http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2015/01/21/obamas-deflated-football-sotu-speech/" target="_blank">Big Government</a>:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
By the time we hit the lame-duck phase of any two-term presidency,
SOTU will inevitably feel like an aging rock band that keeps giving
encores nobody asked for, the audience groaning and returning to their
seats as each new tune tumbles from the dusty speakers. This is an
especially acute problem for Barack Obama, who has essentially been
giving the same speech since 2008, with minor topical modifications.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
He’s still generous to a fault with other people’s money. He still
has a very high opinion of himself, coupled with very thin skin. He
remains confident that his supporters can’t remember anything he’s
actually done as President, or how any of it worked out. His
speechwriters are still cherry-picking out-of-context statistics to make
his presidency seem less disappointing. He still over-promises and
under-delivers. He’s still the little boy who screams about everyone
else’s cookie-eating habits when he gets caught with his hand in the
cookie jar.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Most importantly, President Obama has not lost faith in the magical
power of his rhetoric. He thinks he can make problems including Yemen,
Islamist terrorism, al-Qaeda, and his assorted scandals disappear by not
talking about them. While he was busy trying to wish Vladimir Putin
away to the cornfield, Russian and Ukrainian forces were exchanging
fire. The regime Obama worked hard to install in Yemen is coming down in
flames, to be replaced by some miserable combination of an Iranian
satellite and an al-Qaeda fortress, but you’d never know it from Obama’s
cheery blather about the glories of his “smart power.” By Obama
standards, it’s a foreign-policy triumph that the evacuation of the last
American from Sanaa wasn’t shown on a split-screen while he was patting
himself on the back for his diplomatic skills.</blockquote>
Sounds like our Narcissist-in-Chief hasn't lost a step over the past six years. It's still all about him and his view of how everything is wonderful thanks to The One.<br />
<br />
This wouldn't be so bad if it was the 7th grade class president off on flights of delusion. But this is the President of the United States of America. Supposedly the most important man in the world. <br />
<br />
From all reports, I saved myself pain and suffering by staying away from SOTU. But I did enjoy Hayward's column. You should read the whole thing yourself.<br />
<br />
<br />Curmudgeonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03528175358323481984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20406764.post-875196647299866982015-01-18T11:33:00.003-08:002015-01-18T11:40:57.301-08:00The Good...the Bad...and Three BranchesFor your Sunday amusement:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyLj-V-pjvcQRyNQHfbsUFVgVMVNN-jlvk8lR7eO5eQMkVergF-l9Am7n0ylOn8-wwWvGoJDDGoxtpXlkU_XaRmoo2x4nxaMf8RvI2yMA6pxsYJijhkW1eTcgO8n7ggMtzd4oB/s1600/rnc-mohammed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyLj-V-pjvcQRyNQHfbsUFVgVMVNN-jlvk8lR7eO5eQMkVergF-l9Am7n0ylOn8-wwWvGoJDDGoxtpXlkU_XaRmoo2x4nxaMf8RvI2yMA6pxsYJijhkW1eTcgO8n7ggMtzd4oB/s1600/rnc-mohammed.jpg" height="280" width="560" /></a></div>
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<br />
<br />
Both stolen from <a href="http://www.sondrakistan.com/" target="_blank">Knowledge is Power</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />Curmudgeonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03528175358323481984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20406764.post-76745895649176579262015-01-16T19:37:00.001-08:002015-01-16T19:37:22.595-08:00Klavan on WaterboardingIf only he was on television rather than of Jon Stewart. Imagine the effect it would have.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/kJ_fUYhxh9E" width="560"></iframe><br />
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<br />Curmudgeonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03528175358323481984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20406764.post-90482543520271575092015-01-16T18:56:00.001-08:002015-01-16T19:38:01.000-08:00Free Speech and More<div class="tr_bq">
Quoted in its entirety from <a href="http://www.exurbanleague.com/" target="_blank">Exurban League</a>:</div>
<blockquote>
Not to rain on your free-speech parade, but…</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Just about a year ago, the Nigerian Islamic terrorist group Boko Haram <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chibok_schoolgirls_kidnapping" target="_blank">kidnapped, raped and sold into slavery an entire school of 12-15 year old girls</a>, due in large part to their Christian faith.</blockquote>
<blockquote>
The reaction from the Obama administration was swift and
self-righteous: It immediately asked millions of Twitter users to
express their outrage over Boko Haram’s barbarity and show their
solidarity with the kidnapped girls by using the #BringBackOurGirls
hashtag on Twitter.</blockquote>
<blockquote>
And it was a rousing success: People all around the world felt better
about themselves, knowing that they had typed eighteen characters into a
text box as a way to make a courageous stand against the rape and
subjugation of underage girls.</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Rosa Parks would be proud.</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Shockingly, all of that self-gratification <a href="http://news.discovery.com/human/life/bring-back-our-girls-boko-haram-and-the-forgotten-captives-140917.htm" target="_blank">did wonders for the self-esteem of rich white liberals, but did nothing to free the kidnapped young girls</a>. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chibok_schoolgirls_kidnapping#Aftermath" target="_blank">All the girls from the Chibok school are now dead or trapped in the hell of “marriages” to radical Islamists</a>.</blockquote>
<blockquote>
And believe it or not, it gets worse than that. Last Friday, while
some free speech advocates were talking a stand against shooting
editorial cartoonists (and perversely, some <a href="http://hotair.com/archives/2015/01/07/financial-times-charlie-hebdo-kinda-asked-for-it-yknow/" target="_blank">professional journalists were taking a stand against free speech</a>), Boko Haram casually, and with malice a forethought, <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2015/01/09/boko-haram-may-have-killed-2000-people-in-one-attack/" target="_blank">shot up an entire village and killed up to two thousand people</a>.</blockquote>
<blockquote>
That’s right, 2000 (or more) innocent lives lost. This is the worse
terrorist attack since 9/11, and yet few people have heard about it or
seem to care. What is it with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rwandan_Genocide" target="_blank">Democratic Presidents ignoring genocide in sub-Sarahan Africa</a>, anyways?</blockquote>
<blockquote>
I digress.</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Getting outraged over the killings at Charlie Hebdo magazine is a
good thing, because it’s making people realize the greatest threats to
our social freedoms don’t come from some bluenose Puritan Christian
carrying a Bible, but rather from an Islamic jihadist with a suicide
vest carrying an AK47.</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Get outraged, but get active, because when we have foes who would use
more than just words to eliminate free speech, free speech must be
defended with more than just words.</blockquote>
Words matter. Actions, even more so.<br />
<br />
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Curmudgeonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03528175358323481984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20406764.post-55964543126290424532015-01-16T10:35:00.003-08:002015-01-16T10:35:49.863-08:00Today's quoteFrom Philip K. Dick:<br />
<blockquote>
Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn’t go away.</blockquote>
<br />
How true.<br />
<br />
Curmudgeonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03528175358323481984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20406764.post-15196730050595324732015-01-15T15:58:00.000-08:002015-01-15T15:59:41.719-08:00Calling a spadeSenator Ted Cruz:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDeCtfTDf4BmKQtTnhNSnR5gQLnTKjT9ZtuMZfQsv9s6JBy3kTp9_mCEsxLRd2TbvQdn2vj21z4AXYD2fSE7nGuyzeHMiTM0c1LFEEI-1KEb40uZe6oc2gAdqqf0VYVpN6rNB/s1600/1+1ninetymiles3aVvx1qj46iqo1_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDeCtfTDf4BmKQtTnhNSnR5gQLnTKjT9ZtuMZfQsv9s6JBy3kTp9_mCEsxLRd2TbvQdn2vj21z4AXYD2fSE7nGuyzeHMiTM0c1LFEEI-1KEb40uZe6oc2gAdqqf0VYVpN6rNB/s1600/1+1ninetymiles3aVvx1qj46iqo1_1280.jpg" height="560" width="560" /></a></div>
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Lifted from <a href="http://ninetymilesfromtyranny.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">90 Miles From Tyranny</a><br />
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Curmudgeonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03528175358323481984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20406764.post-57631140572949643552015-01-14T06:33:00.000-08:002015-01-14T06:34:43.992-08:00Money MoneyFrom <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/01/14/irs-chief-warns-refund-delays-poor-customer-service-this-tax-year" target="_blank">Fox News</a>:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Taxpayers could see delays in getting their refunds this year -- as
well as "unacceptable" customer service -- as the IRS commissioner warns
budget cuts are forcing the agency to cut back.<br />
<br />
IRS Commissioner John Koskinen, in an email sent to workers and
obtained by Fox News, predicted a messy tax season on several fronts. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"The effect of these cuts will hurt taxpayers and our tax system," he wrote. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
He said the cuts could force the IRS to shut down operations for two
days later this year, resulting in unpaid furloughs for employees and
service cuts for taxpayers. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
But in the near-term, the commissioner said cuts in overtime and temporary staff hours could cause delays in refunds. </blockquote>
What government has come down to....a blackmail operation. They don't get a big enough budget, so they are going to hurt the ordinary citizen -- unless us chumps pay up.<br />
<br />
Remember, Koskinen is the party hack who said that they couldn't find ANY of Lois Lerner's emails. Who said there wasn't any targeting of conservatives and conservative groups. Another Democrat thug, using the power of the government as a club.<br />
<br />
Will the public remember come 2016?<br />
<br />
<br />Curmudgeonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03528175358323481984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20406764.post-47750603565916381012015-01-13T21:13:00.001-08:002015-01-13T21:16:39.375-08:00#29 QuoteContinuing with the 30 best quotes of 2014 from Right Wing News:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
It used to be that your rights were infringed upon if the government punished or threatened you for expressing your sincerest beliefs. Now, your rights are infringed upon if you want something but someone refuses to buy it for you. —
<a href="http://themattwalshblog.com/2014/03/25/a-brilliant-and-innovative-solution-for-women-who-want-birth-control/"><b>Matt Walsh</b></a></blockquote>
How true. Modern progressives have turned the whole notion of rights on its head. Rights went from being prohibitions on government to becoming claims upon government and fellow citizens. Listen to progressives talk and you'll catch on....when they say rights, just replace it with the word "claim".<br />
<br />
Two images for your consideration:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU_EkvOpY-stYXWsV0gXTo_nm-Gon9ulJTOLGgvP6Yrmfu4toqF-AzYUiGC_bxgFgMag4cLKihY5qCxORUn_O0FoWDtZJFi7CPPjFqK1wnfZNNsOvLDlXVqixolee5F6GBhGX_/s1600/Patriot_Post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU_EkvOpY-stYXWsV0gXTo_nm-Gon9ulJTOLGgvP6Yrmfu4toqF-AzYUiGC_bxgFgMag4cLKihY5qCxORUn_O0FoWDtZJFi7CPPjFqK1wnfZNNsOvLDlXVqixolee5F6GBhGX_/s1600/Patriot_Post.jpg" height="560" width="560" /></a></div>
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<br />Curmudgeonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03528175358323481984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20406764.post-6636076610881602992015-01-13T20:30:00.000-08:002015-01-13T20:32:57.786-08:00Obama and the MarchStolen from Powerline - a few graphics for your enjoyment:<br />
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<a href="http://1-ps.googleusercontent.com/xk/EE6I3Peu9SaPzfsTuiEsBNjN4w/www.powerlineblog.com/i1.wp.com/www.powerlineblog.com/admin/ed-assets/2015/01/xParis-RSVP-copy.jpg,qresize=460,P2C349.pagespeed.ic.17-QpR7YXBWz8m_IOZ40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1-ps.googleusercontent.com/xk/EE6I3Peu9SaPzfsTuiEsBNjN4w/www.powerlineblog.com/i1.wp.com/www.powerlineblog.com/admin/ed-assets/2015/01/xParis-RSVP-copy.jpg,qresize=460,P2C349.pagespeed.ic.17-QpR7YXBWz8m_IOZ40.jpg" height="424" width="560" /></a></div>
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<br />
Yes, the prime minister of Denmark...maybe Michelle had a say after their last encounter.<br />
<br />
<br />Curmudgeonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03528175358323481984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20406764.post-77165064744829524532015-01-13T20:18:00.000-08:002015-01-13T20:34:58.913-08:00One downThe OC had a bit of a medical hiatus, but all is on the road to recovery. News about the Sixteeners:<br />
<blockquote>
Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan, the Republican Party’s vice presidential nominee in
2012, told NBC News in an interview Monday that he will not seek the
presidency in 2016.<br />
<br />
“I have decided that I am not going to run for president in 2016,” Ryan said in a
phone interview, noting that he is “at peace” with the decision he made
“weeks ago” to forgo a bid for the White House.</blockquote>
Though Ryan isn't my top choice for the presidency (his immigration statements are almost enough to disqualify him), he would have brought the fiscal arguments to the fore. Unfortunately, a number of candidates further down my list still want the job.<br />
<br />
Will Republicans get this one right. My own odds are less than 50-50.<br />
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<br />Curmudgeonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03528175358323481984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20406764.post-54109110539883475712015-01-07T05:51:00.000-08:002015-01-07T05:51:09.200-08:00French courage?More news from the attack:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Benoit Bringer, a journalist from the agency Premieres Lignes Tele,
whose offices are next door, told the Telegraph he took refuge on the
building's roof.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Three policemen arrived by push bike, but they left naturally as the attackers were armed," he said.</blockquote>
Three policemen left?? You mean, if you're armed, the police leave? This is the most disgusting thing I've read in a long time. Turn in your badge, you don't deserve the respect.<br />
<br />
<br />
Curmudgeonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03528175358323481984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20406764.post-4932057294900651652015-01-07T05:46:00.000-08:002015-01-07T05:46:53.350-08:00Wake up, worldWord this morning that members of the Religion of Peace (tm) demonstrated how peaceful they are in Paris:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #bb0000; font-weight: bold;">BREAKING:</span>
Black-clad gunmen stormed the Paris offices of a satirical publication
known for lampooning Islam early Wednesday, killing 12 and injuring as
many as 15 before escaping, French officials said.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
As many as three Kalashnikov-toting shooters were being sought after
the attack at Charlie Hebdo, the publication known for challenging
Muslim terrorists with a 2011 caricature of Prophet Muhammed on its
cover and which recently tweeted a cartoon of Islamic State leader Abu
Bakr al-Baghdadi. Two policemen and several journalists - including the
cartoonist behind the weekly publication's provocative images, were
among the dead.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“We’ve avenged the honor of the prophet!” the killers shouted,
according to witnesses who spoke to Sky News. The gunmen spoke French
without any accent, according to Le Monde.</blockquote>
When will the West recognize that this is not just terrorism, not just random acts of violence, but it is WAR. <br />
<br />
Especially telling will be the response of those millions of supposedly "moderate" Muslims. Silence is assent.<br />
<br />
<br />
Curmudgeonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03528175358323481984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20406764.post-33791953411379092662015-01-06T06:45:00.003-08:002015-01-06T06:45:41.939-08:00Chickens at HarvardI was inwardly chuckling when I read this from a story on <a href="http://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2015/01/schadenfreude-on-the-charles.php" target="_blank">Powerline</a>:
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Many conservatives are chuckling over this <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/06/us/health-care-fixes-backed-by-harvards-experts-now-roil-its-faculty.html?_r=2">New York Times</a>
story about the impact Obamacare is having on Harvard’s health care
plan: “Health Care Fixes Backed by Harvard’s Experts Now Roil Its
Faculty.” Heh. It was easier to promote Obamacare when they thought it
was only going to apply to others:</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
For years, Harvard’s experts on health economics and
policy have advised presidents and Congress on how to provide health
benefits to the nation at a reasonable cost. But those remedies will now
be applied to the Harvard faculty, and the professors are in an uproar.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Members of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, the heart of the
378-year-old university, voted overwhelmingly in November to oppose
changes that would require them and thousands of other Harvard employees
to pay more for health care. The university says the increases are in
part a result of the Obama administration’s Affordable Care Act, which
many Harvard professors championed.</blockquote>
I remember something in my youth about sauce for the goose.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
So now Harvard’s professors, pretty much all of whom voted for Obama and
supported Obamacare, are learning the hard way, from experience, what
they apparently were not able to learn by analysis. Lots of
conservatives enjoy this, because they don’t like Harvard. I am not in
that category. I got my law degree from Harvard, and, while Harvard is
no Dartmouth, I liked the law school about as much as anyone likes any
law school. But the current controversy illustrates an all too common
phenomenon. Liberals are great at telling other people what to do, but
it rarely occurs to them that someday, they might have to live under the
rules that they advocate for the rest of us. </blockquote>
The chickens have come home to roost. But not to worry. Remember...they are our betters and know how we should live. Or so they keep telling us.<br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote>
</blockquote>
Curmudgeonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03528175358323481984noreply@blogger.com0