Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Poverty In The Black Community Is The Result of Culture Not Racism

I have often been accused by friends (black, white and all others in between) of being too logical, to the point that I am inhibited from seeing other people’s point of view ( I am not sure if that is a compliment or insult). They say that I enter into discussions with the false assumption that others are just as logical and rational as I am. I have been told this so often that I have conceded that perhaps they are telling the truth (they know me well enough to make such claims). Because I have finally accepted the charge against me, I often consult friends on matters that I find perplexing.
A black female friend and I once discussed how our historically unemployed (lazy) relatives often claimed that we were rich simply because we had things that they did not. I said to her that surely they understood that we worked for everything that we have. Her response to me was that they did not understand how we acquired what we had. I told her that it was illogical for someone not to correlate money or possessions with work, and I refused to believe it. Well, a short time later, my friend’s comments proved true.

More Problems With Obamacare



Obamacare is impacting college students and faculty members seeking funds to make ends meet.  The article's headline reads "Universities nationwide limit student employment to comply with Obamacare."    http://www.campusreform.org/?

Obamacare forcing insurance companies to add expensive medications for people with debilitating illnesses because they can no longer use actuarial tables to determine risks.  There must be a back door deal working with the pharmaceuticals to make it work.  In any case the consumer will in the end bear the burden of higher prices.  http://www.propublica.org/article/a-new-way-insurers-are-shifting-costs-to-the-sick


A consequence of a poorly considered and written law and an even poorer implementation.  http://www.nationalreview.com/article/387547/obamacare-fewer-doctors-more-demand-michael-tanner

Obamacare administers bi-partisan pain.  I would like to see the evidence for Representative Green's claim that Obamacare “...will help not only the millions of uninsured but also everyone with health insurance because the ACA improves coverage.” From what I have seen the opposite is true.   http://www.thecommonsenseshow.com/2014/09/07/quit-bashing-obama/

Obamacare is covered up with cover ups.  Here is the latest one.   http://dailysignal.com/2014/09/18/government-insider-warned-healthcare-gov-security-risks-tired-cover-ups/ 

Obamacare funding abortions after all.  Another promise broken.   http://washingtonexaminer.com/yet-another-obamacare-broken-promise/article/2553497


George Burns

Scandals Roll On

Hiding critical information essential to a federal investigation is a criminal activity.   http://www.westernjournalism.com/benghazi-gate-gowdy-hearings-probe-explosive-allegations-hiding-hillary/  and here:  http://www.westernjournalism.com/ingraham-benghazi-document-scrubbing-obstruction-justice/?

In a way one could say this is scandalous.  Members of his own party are avoiding Obama like the plague as the November elections near.  It seems to me that if his actions are sufficient to cause them to do that they should have been diligent in reining him in and refused to support him as they have repeatedly done - this makes them culpable and distancing from him should not remove the taint.   This is the dirty side of partisan politics.  Neither party should support any member of their party that does the kind of damage to the nation Obama has done.   http://www.fixthisnation.com/conservative-breaking-news/democrats-desperately-distancing-themselves-from-obama/

The nation's chief propagandist lives in the White House.  And, that is definitely worthy of being called scandalous.  Quote: "Reporters in the [White House] press pool should be allowed to file their reports as-is. If the White House has a problem with the content, they can offer a comment to the reporters writing the story. That’s how the press is supposed to work. When journalists are being asked to leave this detail or that detail out of their filings, it blurs the line between an independent and free press and state-run propaganda."   http://www.leanrightamerica.org/uncategorized/journalists-feel-pressure-from-white-house-this-administration-wants-to-control-the-news/

This could be part of the reason Holder is resigning.  By my reasoning this is only a part of the reason.  More details will likely be forthcoming.   http://www.wnd.com/2014/09/judge-gives-holder-fast-furious-ultimatum/  Here is another take.   http://humanevents.com/2014/09/25/attorney-general-eric-holder-resigns/   Another.  http://www.wnd.com/2014/09/gohmert-holder-enabled-boston-marathon-bombings/

George Burns

Why the next global crisis may stem from China

A "poisonous combination" of low economic growth and high debt could catapult the world into its next crisis, led by China and the "fragile eight" countries, warned a report by senior economists on Monday.
This year's Geneva Report, whose authors include ex-Federal Reserve economist Vincent Reinhart, said global debt levels were still rising, particularly in developing countries.
"Contrary to widely held beliefs, the world has not yet begun to delever and the global debt-to-GDP is still growing, breaking new highs. At the same time, in a poisonous combination, world growth and inflation are also lower than previously expected," Reinhart and colleagues wrote in the 16th annual Geneva Report.

Monday, September 29, 2014

Stock futures point to lower open amid Hong Kong unrest

U.S. stock index futures pointed to a weaker open on Monday, with investors monitoring the continued civil unrest in Hong Kong for any potential impact on Chinese growth.
The decline indicated by futures suggested that Wall Street's recent weakness would continue despite a solid rally in Friday's session. Last week, major indexes suffered their biggest weekly loss in the past eight.
China faced one of its biggest political challenges since the Tiananmen Square massacre as hundreds of democracy protesters faced down tear gas and police baton charges.
Though the economic fallout from the unrest was uncertain, Chinese growth has been a major driver of global share gains in recent years, although recent data has pointed to slowing conditions. An extended period of unrest could raise further questions about the economy's prospects. 

Is the Market Bubble About to Burst?

The last two years have been extraordinary. The stock market has surged higher as corporate profits continued to climb and the Federal Reserve’s aggressive QE3 bond-buying program, which was announced in September 2012. Charted side-by-side, the relationship between higher stock prices and cumulative Fed bond purchases mirror each other closely as the S&P 500 has gone on to gain more than 40 percent.
Aside from the magnitude of the market gains, the smoothness of the rise has been noticeable as the steady flow of cheap money squeezed out volatility. The S&P 500 hasn't even touched its 200-day moving average since November 2012. That's a streak of consistency totaling 464 trading days and counting. That type of consistency has only been seen three other times since World War II: In 1998, 1965 and 1956.
Have things gone too far? And are they set to change?

Holder resignation may be tied to Fast and Furious ruling by judge

The surprise resignation of a key member of President Barack Obama's administration may be a political move to avoid the resurgence of interest in exposing corruption and misconduct -- even criminal activity -- within the office of the nation's Top Cop who is ordered this week to release information regarding Operation Fast and Furious, according to political insiders within the D.C. Beltway on Friday.
While most of the news media and politicians have "closed the books" on the Fast and Furious scandal, there is evidence that a federal judge's ruling -- pertaining to documents withheld by Attorney General Eric Holder and the Justice Department -- has more to do with Holder's sudden resignation announcement on Thursday than Obama's hope to have a new attorney general confirmed by the Democrat-controlled Senate before any nominee has to face a probable Republican majority in the new year, according to several political strategists and watchdogs on Friday.

http://www.examiner.com/article/holder-resignation-may-be-tied-to-fast-and-furious-ruling-by-judge-watchdog 

Washington is drowning in lobbyist money and it has swamped the public good. It's time to start over from scratch

The most recent NBC/Wall Street Journal poll says that a clear-cut majority is disgusted with the present political scene and retains little hope that future generations will fare as well as we have. As candidates get down and dirty in the lead-up to midterm elections, 60 percent say the country is in a general state of decline. A mere 19 percent of those polled have a favorable opinion of Republicans in Congress; their Democratic colleagues (or “colleagues”) poll at 31 percent. But the most remarkable number is 79: that’s the percentage of the politicized public that presently voices its discontent with the entire American political system as constituted; and fully half of the respondents said “very dissatisfied.”
No one should be surprised. Congress is hated for good reason. It often seems that more representatives represent themselves, and cater to private rather than public interests. Government is meant to be a force for good, for fairness; not a stepping stone to private wealth and power for narcissists who grow up feeling entitled, or insensitive social climbers who live to pal around with the already privileged. As the Capitol building itself undergoes a facelift, that waggish definition of Capitol Hill, “Hollywood for ugly people,” is becoming more than mere aphorism.

http://www.salon.com/2014/09/27/we_need_a_new_constitution_heres_how_we_save_american_democracy_from_charlatans_loudmouths_and_the_1_percent/ 

More of This is what they say and do

For those who deny that leftist/Democrat leanings are socialistic please read this item.  Quote: "The Democrat Party Communist Party USA is using a picture (shown above) of Democrat Barack Obama in an article on the front page of their website on Wednesday, Sept. 24.  The picture shows Obama speaking behind a podium dressed with a “Stand for Change” sign, with a large “Change We Can Believe in” banner hanging in the background. Several sycophantic followers are also holding smaller versions with the same slogan, more than likely taken during his initial presidential campaign during the “Hope and Change” mantra.  The article, “Voter turnout is the key,” is a report to the Communist Party USA (CPUSA) from their National Committee meeting on September 11, 2014, according to an editor’s note."   http://www.teaparty.org/communist-party-usa-uses-picture-obama-promote-voter-turnout-uses-exact-democrat-party-rhetoric-57381/

He is, I believe, knowingly and purposefully attempting to deceive.  Again his words do not match his actions and his actions conform to the Islamic tactic of Taqiyya.  Quote:  "When Obama says Islam isn’t violent, he is using an age-old Muslim tactic known as Taqiyya.  Taqiyya requires Muslims to lie when confronted about the truth of their doctrine and requires they deceive others so they might be able to gain a better advantage of establishing the caliphate."   http://teapartypolitics.com/in-televised-speech-obama-removes-all-doubt-hes-pro-islam/  


This is what the President and Congress have done with excessive oppressive taxation and regulations on businesses.  Government policies are killing free enterprise. http://cfif.org/v/index.php/commentary/43-taxes-and-economy/2324-inversion-america-has-gone-from-attracting-global-business-to-penalizing-it

There is no other way to say it.  This man is a danger to the American Republic.   http://www.wnd.com/2014/09/sharpton-to-headline-hamas-front-fundraiser/


Good job government!  The illegals flooded across our southern border thanks to Mr. Obama.  Now the government has no idea where they are.  http://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/Immigration-Overload-failed-report/2014/09/26/id/597115/?

George Burns

DOJ Collaborating With Democrats To Skew IRS Scandal Facts

The DOJ attempts to manipulate public opinion on the IRS scandal.  The behavior and ethics of the DOJ just gets worse and worse.   http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2014/09/09/rep-darrell-issa-says-he-caught-the-justice-department-red-handed-conspiring-with-house-dems-on-irs-documents  The public deserves much better than this.  

It was good of the head of the IRS to say that they obey the law "whenever they can".  Don't you feel better now?  Maybe the public should start telling the IRS that they, too, obey IRS rules whenever they can.   http://www.americanthinker.com/2014/09/outrageous_irs_commissioner_false_claim_whenever_we_can_we_follow_the_law_.html


George Burns

Matters Scientific

This is what happens when political or financial interests form the basis of scientific predictions, especially when made by non-scientists.   http://survivaljoe.net/blog/al-gore-embarrassed-by-mother-nature-polar-ice-caps-grow-by-43-percent/?

This study suggests that fracking is not a ground water pollutant as so many claim.  But will it put an end to claims that it does?  Not likely.  Instead, in this case, claims will arise that "the science is not settled."  Quote:  "What humans add to natural emisions as a result of drilling is so minor as to be of little consequence.  If some future study confirmed this fact, it would help to counter the myth that oil and gas drilling is polluting an otherwise pure land and sea environment.  The reality is that wherever shale and other carbon-rich formations occur, natural leakage of petroleum and/or methane is inevitable.  Oil and gas are naturally occurring features that are constantly interacting with the environment and entering the water supply through natural processes.  As is so often the case, the idea that there once existed an environment free of all that modern intellectuals might consider unpleasant is simply a fantasy."   http://www.americanthinker.com/2014/09/the_science_is_settled_fracking_is_safe.html

The National Science Foundation is held in high regard, as it should be.  But even that vaunted institution can succumb to the political forces of the day and facilitate the promotion of government sanctioned propaganda.  This is an example and should be a poster child for science sticking to science especially when spending taxpayer dollars.   http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2014/09/climate_change_the_musical.html 

This former Obama official, a scientist who served as Under Secretary For Science in the Energy Department, says that "climate science is not settled."  In fact he claims that those insisting such claims are "misguided" and stifle debate on the matter.    http://www.newsmax.com/newswidget/climate-change-science/2014/09/21/id/595969/?

Another liberal Democrat and professional scientist defects from the Climate Change mob.  Even calls Obama delusional.   http://www.climatedepot.com/2014/09/23/politically-left-scientist-dissents-calls-president-obama-delusional-on-global-warming/

This should disturb anyone who resides on the Global Warming side of the equation.   http://www.wnd.com/2014/09/secret-weapon-to-take-over-america-revealed/

I wonder where the science is that supports these claims?   http://eaglerising.com/8781/8-horrible-things-liberals-blame-global-warming/

George Burns

Sunday, September 28, 2014

Elizabeth Warren Calls For Investigation Of NY Fed Over Secret Tapes

Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) are both calling for Congress to investigate the New York Federal Reserve Bank after recently released secret recordings show the central bank allegedly going light on firms it was supposed to regulate.
Warren and Brown, both members of the Senate Banking Committee, called for an investigation of the New York Fed after Carmen Segarra, a former examiner at the bank, released secretly recorded tapes that she claims show her superiors telling her to go easy on private banks. Segarra says that she was fired from her job in 2012 for refusing to overlook Goldman’s lack of a conflict of interest policy and other questionable practices that should have brought tougher regulatory scrutiny.
After Segarra made the tapes public in a joint report with ProPublica and This American Life on Friday, Warren was quick to call on Congress to take action.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/09/28/elizabeth-warren-new-york-fed_n_5896778.html?ncid=txtlnkusaolp00000592 

Friday, September 26, 2014

This Really Depressing Graph About the Economy Is Turning Heads

If it seems like the rich are getting richer, well, the data might just back you up.
A new graph based on data from times of growth backs up growing concern that the current economic system is disproportionately favoring those that are already wealthy.
The graph shows how the benefits of economic growth used to be spread far more evenly, with post-war expansion being almost proportionately split between the the rich and everyone else. Since then, a consistent theme has emerged in which those not among the most wealthy 10% of the population are seeing diminishing benefits from growth. In fact, the rich not only reaped all the benefits of the 2009-2012 period, lower classes suffered a contraction in overall wealth despite the growth, which further benefitted the wealthy.

http://mashable.com/2014/09/25/this-really-depressing-graph-about-the-u-s-economy-is-turning-heads/ 

Networks fail to report reason for Holder resignation

In the late breaking development concerning the resignation of Attorney General Eric Holder, the mainstream media news outlets failed to report the reason for Holder's departure. For example, although CBS News mentioned that Holder had been the only attorney general in U.S. history to be held in contempt of Congress, the network failed to cite this as a key reason Holder decided to bail. The omission speaks volumes.
Holder's resignation comes on the heels of a ruling today by a federal judge that the contempt of Congress citation against Holder can proceed to the next level. House leaders had been stymied by the refusal of Holder and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to comply with requests for appropriate documents in the ongoing investigations into the Fast and Furious debacle. The House further was thwarted by the refusal of DOJ personnel to cooperate with Congress in the ongoing investigations.
The Obama administration had argued that the courts should stop the contempt citation from moving forward in the courts. Thus, the ruling today is a victory for the U.S. House of Representatives, which had found itself unable to move forward in the Fast and Furious investigation due to stonewalling and the refusal to cooperate on the part of Holder and other top DOJ officials. The ruling, further, is a major setback for Holder and Obama, who had been hiding themselves behind "executive privilege" in refusing to cooperate with Congress.

http://www.examiner.com/article/networks-fail-to-report-reason-for-holder-resignation 

This Is Shocking - But It Is Fact

This regards official policies implemented by the IRS against conservatives and those seeking to educate the public about the Constitution and Bill of Rights.  The Washington Post reports that  "It is now well known that the IRS targeted tea party organizations. What is less well known, but perhaps even more scandalous, is that the IRS also targeted those who would educate their fellow citizens about the United States Constitution."  And get this:  "According to the inspector general’s report (pp. 30 & 38), this particular IRS targeting commenced on Jan. 25, 2012 — the beginning of the election year for President Obama’s second campaign.  On that date: “the BOLO [‘be on the lookout’] criteria were again updated.” The revised criteria included “political action type organizations involved in … educating on the Constitution and Bill of Rights.”  

Bear in mind that this is "official" government policy.  No "low level" employee establishes government policy.  This came from "high level" policy makers.  Bear in mind also that every government official takes an oath to "preserve, protect and defend" the Constitution of the United States, including the President.  Having this new BOLO policy language established by his administration is a blatant violation of the President's oath of office as well as all other officials involved in its making.  

No matter how you look at this it is representative of a government seeking to seize total control over the citizenry and diminish our  Constitutional rights. It is an administration that has repeatedly violated the Constitution and has been reprimanded several times by the Supreme Court for doing so.  But, seemingly, the President and his supporters do not care.  This is a move towards tyranny.  For those paying attention it is obvious that President Obama has been acting as if this is already the case.  As I and many others have repeatedly stated:  Do not listen to his words.  Pay close attention to what he does.  His words do not match his actions.  He consistently lies.  His actions are the proof.  You can not convince me that this was done without stated or implied permission from the very top.  http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2014/09/23/targeting-the-constitution/  

Do not sit still for this...contact your congressman and senators and demand they take action to reverse this language and take action against the IRS and any officials involved in its making bring them to justice.  Get your neighbors, family, friends to do the same.  Write letters to editors.  Actively oppose Obama's policies by NOT voting for "anyone" of any party affiliation who has supported him and his policies.  Due punishment for all of those involved in this and other Constitutional violations is in order.   

George Burns

CDC, MMR and Merck - The Autism Plot Thickens

There are two other MMR whistle blowers from the manufacturer of MMR and a link between the then head of the CDC and Merck.  The former head of the CDC is now head of Merck.  Hmmm.  The plot is indeed thickening.   http://jonrappoport.wordpress.com/2014/09/24/there-are-2-other-mmr-vaccine-whistleblowers/


On a side note but still on MMR and autism with a political correctness connection.   http://jonrappoport.wordpress.com/2014/09/24/rob-schneider-dropped-from-state-farm-ads-guess-why/  

Looking at the issue from another perspective.  http://jonrappoport.wordpress.com/2014/09/24/the-vaccine-autism-lie/

George

Why Holder Quit

It’s oddly fitting that Attorney General Eric Holder – a stubbornly independent career prosecutor ridiculed by Barack Obama’s advisers for having lousy political instincts— would nail his dismount.
But Holder, who began his stormy five-plus-year tenure at the Justice Department with his controversial “Nation of Cowards” speech, has chosen what seems to be the ideal (and maybe the only) moment to call it quits after more than 18 months of musing privately about leaving with the president and senior White House adviser Valerie Jarrett, a trio bound by friendship, progressive ideology and shared African-American ancestry.
It was now or never, several current and former administration officials say, and Holder – under pressure to retire from a physician wife worried about a recent health scare, checked the "now" box. “It was a quit-now or never-quit moment,” one former administration official said. “You didn’t want confirmation hearings in 2015 if the Republicans control the Senate. So if he didn’t do it now, there was no way he could ever do it.”

This is what they do and say

Without a care in the world or any regard for taxpayers who pay for his extravagance, he spends "our" money like a drunken sailor.  This time it only cost us $700,000.

Thanks to taxpayers illegals get Obamacare benefits.  Meanwhile untold number of Americans lose benefits and suffer increased premium costs.   Quote:  “The Obamacare law specifically excluded illegal immigrants. But the administration’s effort to verify immigration status of applicants for the law’s state-based health insurance exchanges has lasted well beyond the March 31 deadline to sign up for coverage. Nearly 1 million people who signed up but had what the administration called “immigration data-matching issues” have been given six months to produce immigration documents while still covered, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The administration also has promised to make illegal immigrants repay the government for Obamacare benefits they redeemed during the extended document check."  How much do you think the government will recover from illegals who get the benefits but don't or can't repay?  Guess who pays the cost of recovery efforts expended by the government?  American taxpayers get screwed on all accounts.  http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/sep/22/1-million-people-on-obamacare-fail-to-prove-citize

Desperate politicians do desperate things.  Getting elected or reelected trumps decency, honesty and basic civility.   http://www.redstate.com/2014/09/24/vincent-sheheen-blames-nikki-haley-for-kids-deaths-then-walks-it-back/

This is an insult to Americans thanks to ridiculous progressive political correctness.  http://www.leanrightamerica.org/uncategorized/take-that-flag-down-san-diego-resident-forced-to-remove-the-red-white-and-blue/

Dirty, unethical, deceptive, repulsive and worse.  Tactics by the left designed to destroy a conservative.   http://www.wnd.com/2014/09/rush-limbaugh-charges-critics-with-mass-deception/  

George Burns

Issues Of Race

If blacks would assume the attitude of this successful black man and if white apologists for black victimhood would stop their senseless actions things would start to improve. http://www.americanthinker.com/2014/09/forget_slavery_too_uncle_tom_even_for_conservatives.html 

This black leader strongly disagrees with President Obama's immigration policy.   http://www.wnd.com/2014/09/expert-obama-plans-to-devastate-black-workers/

A black man's story.  Not the traditional whine of victimhood but an uplifting story.   http://www.americanthinker.com/2014/09/caution_blacks_white_men_at_large.html

Contrast the content and tone of the words of this black man considering a run for the presidency with those you so often hear from our current president.   http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/sep/23/carson-rising-from-the-ashes/   Quite a difference, huh?

Now read these.

The knockout game continues.  Although this case constitutes black on white crime, the Justice Department to this point, has not labeled it or any others like it as hate crimes.  The only hate crime charge resulting from these heinous acts has been levied against a white man who assaulted a black man.  In the linked case the assault was committed against a white pregnant woman but it still is not considered a hate crime because the perpetrator(s) is black.  In other words blacks apparently do not commit hate crimes -.that, of course makes absolutely no sense at all.  I thought we lived in a country that believed in equal justice under the law.  Not so under Obama and Holder.  http://www.leanrightamerica.org/uncategorized/vile-pregnant-woman-latest-victim-of-knockout-game-video/   Here's more.   http://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/crime/item/19170-black-on-white-violence-rampant-ignored-by-authorities-and-media 

This black leader is and has for a long time been a racist activist - promoting divisiveness.  Take note of his absence in addressing the brutal beating of a white motorist by black thugs.   http://downtrend.com/71superb/jesse-jackson-finally-makes-a-statement-about-white-motorist-beating/

George Burns

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Clean Energy’s Dirty Secrets

Presenting the administration’s Clean Power Plan, EPA administrator Gina McCarthy admitted it was not about pollution control. “It’s about investments in renewables and clean energy,” she told the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works in July. “This is an investment strategy.” The president’s favorite corporate-tax inverter has a different take on the nature of the investment opportunity. “We get a tax credit if we build a lot of wind farms,” Warren Buffett told Berkshire Hathaway’s investors. “That’s the only reason to build them. They don’t make sense without the tax credit.” While wind investors hoover up the $23 production tax credit per megawatt hour (MWh) of electricity produced, the real costs of intermittent renewables such as wind and solar are many times greater. And they’re not even good at what they’re meant to do — reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

http://www.nationalreview.com/energy-week/388619/clean-energys-dirty-secrets-rupert-darwall 

The End Of The QE Era Is Upon Us, What's Next?

Quantitative easing as we know it is coming to an end. By the time you read this, it most likely will be over. In itself this is an end of an era. Interest rates will rise unless a new form of interest rate suppression is introduced, which in itself would be another kind of QE.
The dollar is going to rise as interest rates rise.
It is all well and good for the Fed to say interest rates will stay low for a long time but without QE that cannot be guaranteed. The only way to ensure low interest rates is for the Fed to buy securities–mainly bonds–and force their price up in what amounts to a market corner.
Once the Fed stops the processes of making a market corner then interest rates will revert to their true market levels, which, unless the world has changed forever, are significantly higher than today’s rates.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/investor/2014/09/23/the-end-of-the-qe-era-is-upon-us-whats-next/ 

E.O. 12333: End-Running the Fourth Amendment

It was a good run. The Bill of Rights was designed to protect the people from their government. If the First Amendment's right to speak out publicly was the people's wall of security, then the Fourth Amendment's right to privacy was its buttress. It was once thought that the government should neither be able to stop citizens from speaking nor peer into their lives. Folks, as our president now refers to us, should not have to fear the knock on the door in either their homes or the homeland writ large.
In Post-Constitutional America (2001-Present), the government has taken a bloody box cutter to the original copy of the Constitution and thrown the Fourth Amendment in the garbage. The NSA revelations of Edward Snowden are, in that sense, not just a shock to the conscience but to the concept of privacy itself: Our government spies on us. All of us. Without suspicion. Without warrants. Without probable cause. Without restraint.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/peter-van-buren/eo-12333-endrunning-the-f_b_5859048.html?ncid=txtlnkusaolp00000592 

The U.S. market is sending a worrisome signal on inflation

Investors are downgrading their expectations for inflation over the next half decade, sending a concerning signal about the pace of the U.S. economic recovery.
Market-implied inflation forecasts took a nose-dive after Federal Reserve policy members suggested a more aggressive timeline for hiking key short-term interest rates last Wednesday.
One of the more closely-watched gauges of consumer prices fell for the first time in 16 months, showing that the specter of inflation growth emerging during the second-quarter didn’t quite manifest. The annual rate came in at 1.7%.
A look at breakeven rates tells us a lot about where the markets think inflation is headed. The So-called breakeven rates are the difference between 5-year Treasury note 5_YEAR, +0.91%  yields and 5-year Treasury inflation-protected security yields. The differential, representing the rate of inflation necessary for TIPS to outperform their nominal counterparts, acts as a rough gauge of where inflation might be headed over the coming five years.

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/the-us-market-is-sending-a-worrisome-signal-on-inflation-2014-09-24?siteid=yhoof2 

The Scandals Continue To Unfold

This is a scandal hinted at by some but in reality it is ongoing with little notice but is epic in scope.  It is a blatant attempt to guarantee that the Democratic party is the permanent party in both the White House and Congress.  Current leaders in this endeavor are President Obama and Senator Harry Reid.  Don't believe me?  Read this item to understand what this endeavor is all about.    http://www.americanthinker.com/2014/09/the_plot_to_create_a_permanent_democratic_majority.html

New information unfolding about the State Department's willful, even purposeful, neglect of security for the Benghazi compound.  http://www.redstate.com/2014/09/18/state-department-used-fake-name-ignore-security-standards-benghazi/ 

Anyone who thinks the EPA is careful with taxpayer funds needs to read this.  Quote: "But four of the six award recipients did not meet all objectives of the grant award, five of the six recipients did not have adequate financial-management systems in place, and four of the six did not meet the so-called recovery act’s intended requirements, the report found."    http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/sep/18/golden-hammer-obamas-grants-to-cut-diesel-emission/

This administration seemingly cannot go a single day without screwing up something.  Aside from routine ridiculous declarations from Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi, Debbie Wasserman Schultz and VP Biden, this one is authored by the president.  He is backtracking now and has his minions doing the dirty work so he can save face.  Quote:  "Before you dismiss the words of Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey, you have to realize that they didn’t just “misspeak” when they started talking about boots on the ground. This was a calculated decision by the Obama administration to start erasing that promise from the public’s memory. That it is happening so quickly is a sign that Obama knows he messed up." http://unfilteredpatriot.com/are-we-being-told-the-truth-about-american-involvement-against-isis/

Now he tells us.  More likely he is covering his you know what.  See item above.   http://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/Leon-Panetta-Iraq-ISIS-armed/2014/09/19/id/595809/?

George Burns

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Why Aren't They Marching On Beijing?

Amid all the hoopla over the "world's largest march against global warming," one question went unasked: Why aren't the protesters carping about the real culprits behind the recent rise in CO2?
It makes no sense. America is a global warming success story, for those who believe in such things. CO2 emissions are on the downtrend in this country. In fact, they are lower today than they were two decades ago. When you account for all the economic and population growth over those 20 years, that decline is even sharper.
What's more, the U.S. — along with several other industrialized nations — is below the CO2 emission targets set by the Kyoto protocol. You know, the treaty that Al Gore & Co. said would save the planet, but that America never ratified.

America's Modern Method of Waging War

Lately there’s been a myriad of internet patriots screaming for our return to Iraq. The case is for the United states to send troops and equipment back into the same country we quietly left almost 3 years ago. The purpose of this proposal is to destroy ISIS, ISIL, IS…whatever you want to call them. I’ve seen so many moto pics of guys in their living rooms, dressed in full battle-rattle talking hard about signing up to go “back over.” There’s been countless memes of “ISIS hunting squad” and all that silliness flooding the internet. Groups of people on forums saying they’re ready to go back, followed by some excuse why they’re not on a Royal Jordanian flight right now. All of this got me thinking…

It IS a very noble sentiment; the US charging headlong back into the fray in the defense of helpless men, women, and children against the onslaught of the Sunni-Muslim, extremist, juggernaut. We are the defenders of liberty, freedom, and righteousness in the world, after all. The shining light of justice: if you will. It makes you seem motivated and hard to your friends on Facebook and demonstrates your willingness to fight; However, these same people calling for the return to the Iraqi battlespace are seemingly unfamiliar with the way America, as a nation, conducts war these days.

http://www.oafnation.com/musings-of-a-grey-man/2014/9/18/slls-americas-modern-method-of-waging-war

The Hillary Letters

Previously unpublished correspondence between Hillary Clinton and the late left-wing organizer Saul Alinsky reveals new details about her relationship with the controversial Chicago activist and shed light on her early ideological development.
Clinton met with Alinsky several times in 1968 while writing a Wellesley college thesis about his theory of community organizing.
Clinton’s relationship with Alinsky, and her support for his philosophy, continued for several years after she entered Yale law school in 1969, two letters obtained by the Washington Free Beacon show.
The letters obtained by the Free Beacon are part of the archives for the Industrial Areas Foundation, a training center for community organizers founded by Alinsky, which are housed at the University of Texas at Austin.
The letters also suggest that Alinsky, who died in 1972, had a deeper influence on Clinton’s early political views than previously known.

http://freebeacon.com/politics/the-hillary-letters/ 

This is what they do and say

The left has been working overtime seeking to dispense with the protections offered by the 1st Amendment.  Some will dismiss this charge but to do so is to ignore reality. To understand the issue at hand this item is a must read.   http://spectator.org/articles/60442/will-we-keep-first-amendment-safe-harry-reid

This is an example of how low politics has fallen.  This is totally unacceptable behavior in a civil society when it is okay to level such baseless charges at someone or some group.  Some of our politicians and so many others who hold their positions of power in such high regard that they think this is the way to hold on to their power have no business in government or any position of power.   http://teapartypolitics.com/dnc-boss-compares-tea-party-members-to-wife-beaters/  

This is about the Muslims and their tactical plans for the future. Things do not bode well for non-Muslims.  This is what a former Muslim has to say.  Quote:  "They have their foot soldiers here from Somalia and Sudan and other places. But there will be no attacks for at least two years,” Christian said. “Not because the FBI is so great in stopping them, but because they are having so much success under Obama. And it will be the same under Hillary (Clinton) if she is the next president. No attacks on American soil are needed. But as soon as that is not effective enough, they will launch attacks, and they have the means to do that right away. For now they are terrorizing people enough in Europe and Africa and the Middle East, but they are having so much success over here using a different strategy of stealth jihad.”   http://www.wnd.com/2014/09/secret-weapon-to-take-over-america-revealed/

The left is frantically seeking to downplay dangers that ISIS and other terrorist groups could pose for our nation.  They prefer to say it is the conservatives/Republicans and climate change that are the real dangers we face.  It matters not that ISIS/terrorism is real and the ones they say are the problem deny reality. http://unfilteredpatriot.com/politics-before-security-obama-administration-silencing-rumors-of-isis-in-mexico/


This item summarizes the ineptitude of government to do anything well.  The author uses science as the basis for his analysis.   http://www.americanthinker.com/2014/09/baboons_government_and_the_war_on_science.html

George Burns

Robert Kennedy Jr., Aspiring Tyrant

Blissfully unaware of how hot the irony burned, Robert Kennedy Jr. yesterday took to a public protest to rail avidly in favor of censorship. The United States government, Kennedy lamented in an interview with Climate Depot, is not permitted by law to “punish” or to imprison those who disagree with him — and this, he proposed, is a problem of existential proportions. Were he to have his way, Kennedy admitted, he would cheer the prosecution of a host of “treasonous” figures — among them a number of unspecified “politicians”; those bêtes noires of the global Left, Kansas’s own Koch Brothers; “the oil industry and the Republican echo chamber”; and, for good measure, anybody else whose estimation of the threat posed by fossil fuels has provoked them into “selling out the public trust.” Those who contend that global warming “does not exist,” Kennedy claimed, are guilty of “a criminal offense — and they ought to be serving time for it.”
Thus did a scion of one of America’s great political dynasties put himself on the same lowly moral, legal, and intellectual plane as the titillation website Gawker.

http://www.nationalreview.com/article/388595/robert-kennedy-jr-aspiring-tyrant-charles-c-w-cooke 

Obama's Terrible Legacy is Set

FINALLY - the Orange County Register, California lays out the details of the wreckage on the United States of America by Marxist/Leftist/Obama campaign....but it is too little too late.
"Look Out For Obama's Legacy," in which editorial writer, Joel Kotkin, suggests a November win for GOP will do little to stop the assault on US culture by Marxists/Leftists/Democrats...to say nothing of the criminals/illegals.
As has been said by those who know but were ignored, Obama has done what he was "hired" to do...he's not confused, overwhelmed, disengaged, etc...Americans simply cannot face he is undermining the country...by design.
The Joel Kotkin editorial details how the triad of unelected government agencies, (EPA, etc.)  media, academia are doing the job of defaming the United States of American through various tactics.
These three entities are riding the same "pull down America" train as they have all been infected by the "hate America" crowd that has disrespect and in some cases contempt for the US.
From the vantage point of this century, it looks like the filthy brats of the 1960s have gotten their way...laying waste to the decency of civility and ideals of America.

Read more at http://eaglerising.com/8728/obamas-terrible-legacy-set/#JheD7QgCSeCXmUd3.99

Insurance Plans May Have a Loophole for Pre-existing Conditions

The Affordable Care Act changed the rules on how health insurance plans dealt with pre-existing conditions, outlawing the practice of turning away patients with expensive conditions or charging them a drastically higher cost for coverage. But an editorial alleges some health insurance companies operating on the new marketplaces created by Obamacare may have found a loophole that allows them to discourage sick patients from enrolling in a specific plan.
The change has to do with how drugs are categorized in health systems. From the editorial published online at the American Journal of Managed Care:
"For many years, most insurers had formularies that consisted of only three tiers: Tier 1 was for generic drugs (lowest copay), Tier 2 was for branded drugs that were designated “preferred” (higher co- pay), and Tier 3 was for “nonpreferred” branded drugs (highest copay). Generic drugs were automatically placed in Tier 1, thereby ensuring that patients had access to medically appropriate therapies at the lowest possible cost. In these three-tier plans, all generic drugs were de facto “preferred.” Now, however, a number of insurers have split their all-generics tier into a bottom tier consisting of “preferred” generics, and a second tier consisting of “non-preferred” generics, paralleling the similar split that one typically finds with branded products. Copays for generic drugs in the “non-preferred” tier are characteristically much higher than those for drugs in the first tier."
 

Low Oil Prices: Sign of a Debt Bubble Collapse, Leading to the End of Oil Supply

I would argue that falling commodity prices are bad news. It likely means that the debt bubble which has been holding up the world economy for a very long–since World War II, at least–is failing to expand sufficiently. If the debt bubble collapses, we will be in huge difficulty.
Many people have the impression that falling oil prices mean that the cost of production is falling, and thus that the feared “peak oil” is far in the distance. This is not the correct interpretation, especially when many types of commodities are decreasing in price at the same time. When prices are set in a world market, the big issue is affordability. Even if food, oil and coal are close to necessities, consumers can’t pay more than they can afford.
A person can tell from Figure 1 that since the first part of 2011, the prices of Brent oil, Australian coal, and food have been trending downward. This drop in prices continues into September. For example, as I write this, Brent oil price is $97.70, while the average price for the latest month shown (August) is $105.27. It is this steeper, recent drop, which many are concerned about.

http://www.resilience.org/stories/2014-09-22/low-oil-prices-sign-of-a-debt-bubble-collapse-leading-to-the-end-of-oil-supply 

Monday, September 22, 2014

New pesticide, Enlist Duo is up for approval to the EPA

Genetically modified crops have rapidly taken over the market with the promise of lower costs and less pesticide use. But as resistance to the most common pesticides has arisen, these promises have started to fall apart. Now a new pesticide, Enlist Duo, is on the verge of being approved.

In signing this petition, I am urging the President to deny the EPA’s approval of the 2,4-D and glyphosate herbicide combination developed by Dow Chemical Company. This mix of chemical herbicides known as “Enlist Duo” would mean an additional hundred million pounds of chemicals will be used to produce corn and soybeans across the country, putting families, children and the environment’s health at risk. Communities living downwind of fields and thousands of schools within 200 feet of corn and soybean fields are at risk of inhaling the new “Enlist Duo” herbicide. Exposure to the chemical 2,4-D is linked to an increased risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, thyroid & reproductive problems, Parkinson’s disease and neurological damage. Do not allow the EPA to approve this highly toxic herbicide mix.

Go tothe link below to sign the petition:

https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/demand-president-step-oppose-epa%E2%80%99s-approval-new-24-d-resistant-genetically-engineered-crops/sy38Vm0s

Political Correctness Is Destructive To Civil Discourse

Political correctness does not permit civil discourse because it forces everyone to test the political winds before saying anything.  Truthfulness in discourse is unacceptable.  It is tossed out the window.  Listening to and trying to understand other points of view is forbidden - self serving strongly held points of view of the politically correct police prevail, they are sacrosanct and not to be challenged..  We must adhere to political correctness dogma.  Anyone who says or even implies politically incorrect points of view is subject to being branded a racist, a homophobe, an idiot or some other degrading ogre, even fired from their jobs.  A society hamstrung by this corrosive atmosphere is a dying society...it will self destruct.  Here is just one of many, many examples.  http://unfilteredpatriot.com/white-reporter-suspended-for-black-fathers-commentary/   This has to stop.   
George Burns

Crony Capitalism and Progressive Desperation

If you hang out at the intersection of Politics Avenue and Economics Boulevard, as I frequently do, you've noticed the ugly fusion of welfare state government and major corporations we have come to call "crony capitalism."  It was a mystery to me why progressives, who routinely castigate capitalist "greed," should bind themselves so closely to the corporations they revile.  Looking deeper what I found was that crony capitalism for progressives the world over is an act of desperation; an unmistakable signal that the welfare state they so cherish is failing.
I realized, for starters, that the benefits welfare state is inherently unstable, not because of its politics -- people will tolerate, even embrace an incredible level of regulatory coercion -- but because of its inherent economics.  Unlike dictatorial socialism built on bayonets, benefits socialism is built on redistributive entitlements.

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Former State Dept. Official: Details of Maxwell’s Benghazi Document Story ‘Ring True’

A State Department whistleblower has come forward  to say the details of a former colleague’s account of the sifting of Benghazi-related documents to identify damaging material “ring true.”
The Daily Signal reported Monday on Raymond Maxwell, a former deputy assistant secretary at the State Department who says he observed an unusual after-hours session in a basement operations room of the agency’s headquarters in Washington in October 2012.
Maxwell said a State Department office director told him those present were ordered to separate out any documents related to the Sept. 11, 2012 terrorist attacks on Americans in Benghazi that could prove damaging to then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. While he was present, Maxwell said, Clinton Chief of Staff Cheryl Mills and Deputy Chief of Staff Jake Sullivan stopped by.

http://dailysignal.com/2014/09/19/former-state-dept-official-details-maxwells-benghazi-document-story-ring-true/ 

Maybe He Wasn't Cut Out to Be President

Back in 2008, I debated some liberal friends and questioned Mr. Obama's thin resume.  They responded by saying that I was missing the point.  In other words, don't judge Mr. Obama's resume, but rather his unique ability to inspire and his exceptional judgment. 
I guess they were telling me that Mr. Obama was one of those exceptional human beings who rises to the occasion because he is smart and politically astute.
On election night 2008, I watched the results and prayed that my friends were right.  By the time he walked into the Oval Office, I prayed a little more.
Six years later, I have to agree with Peggy Noonan: "His essential problem is that he has very poor judgment."
I would go farther.  He does not seem capable of learning or making those adjustments that any executive has to make. 
He seems stuck in the 1960s when it comes to the role of government. 
His foreign policy is totally absorbed with being the anti-Bush, even if it makes him look weak in the face of real threats. 

This Is What They Do and Say

This Democrat somehow gets around to blaming Republicans for Ebola.  One of many totally idiotic remarks from that side of the political ledger. http://www.westernjournalism.com/top-senate-democrat-claims-ebola-could-have-been-contained-if-gop-did-what/?

You will find this piece to be a remarkable example of crazy thinking with the apparent intent to mislead, even propagandizing the public. http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2014/09/fbi_terror_threat_assessment_makes_no_mention_of_islam.html   

If true, what this congressman has done is unethical at best and borders on criminal at worse.  Quote:  "Federal law enforcement sources in El Paso say that a United States congressman called their office to prohibit contact with Judicial Watch in the aftermath of a disturbing story confirming that Islamic terrorists are operating in the Mexican border city of Ciudad Juarez."   http://www.judicialwatch.org/blog/2014/09/feds-el-paso-rep-orourke-called-ban-contact-jw/

The arguments made against lawful gun ownership are more often than not void of any logic.   http://godfatherpolitics.com/17093/anti-second-amendment-post-goes-rails/   

Big labor millionaires spoke about economic inequities at a recent AFL-CIO confab.  Do you really think these highly paid individuals are really concerned about those of us in the middle or the workers who pay their exorbitant salaries?   http://watchdog.org/171006/big-labor-millionaires-lead-income-equality-convention/

The left routinely supports the unsavory practices of the Southern Poverty Law Center.  http://www.redstate.com/2014/09/18/this-time-it-is-not-sarah-palin-targeting-people-for-assassination/

Doctors call "irresponsible" the Administration's decision to send 3000 troops to aid in the African fight against Ebola.   http://www.wnd.com/2014/09/doctors-irresponsible-to-send-troops-to-combat-ebola/  But he won't send troops to defeat the ISIS terrorist threat that is killing people at random, beheading and proudly producing videos of innocents, raping women and girls, destroying property at will and have even threatened the home land.

She is either lying or has on her rose colored glasses.   http://www.teaparty.org/michelle-obama-americans-take-granted-much-barack-improved-us-56292/ 

The IRS makes a secret deal with atheists.    http://eaglerising.com/8756/irs-makes-secret-deal-atheist-organization/

Cartoons tell the story.   http://eaglerising.com/8740/inept-presidency/

George Burns

Watch What He Does Not What He Says

This is just one example of the tactics used by the president to get his way even if wrong.  Obama is purging the ranks of professional military officers.  Apparently he thinks he knows more about how to lead the military than those who have dedicated their lives to the craft.  My guess is that he does not like the professional advice they give him and is replacing them them with "yes men" which is a disaster for military readiness and the operational abilities of our armed forces.  "Hollowing out the force" is the correct term.  Quote:  "Obama will not purge a civilian or political appointee because they have bought into Obama’s ideology,” [Retired General] Vallely said. “The White House protects their own. That’s why they stalled on the investigation into Fast and Furious, Benghazi and Obamacare. He’s intentionally weakening and gutting our military, Pentagon and reducing us as a superpower, and anyone in the ranks who disagrees or speaks out is being purged.” 

http://www.wnd.com/2013/10/top-generals-obama-is-purging-the-military/

Saturday, September 20, 2014

Is the Federal Reserve Creating the Next "Great Recession"?

The summer issue of The International Economy magazine contains a feature that deserves some attention, even from those who don’t fully understand all the intricacies of economics. It is a cover package called “The Great Bubble Debate,” and it explores the doctrinal conflict that has emerged between Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen and the Bank for International Settlements, which is an organization of the world’s central banks that “fosters international monetary and financial cooperation” and provides banking services to central banks.
The settlement bank’s recently released annual report argues that the Fed’s current monetary stimulus policies, coupled by similar policies at other central banks, could create another major financial bubble that could prove disastrous when it bursts. The report states that persistently low interest rates, like those maintained by the Fed since the Great Recession, “can also have the perverse effect of incentivizing borrowers to take on even more debt, making an eventual rise in rates even more costly if debt continues to grow….[L]ow interest rates do not solve the problem of high debt.”

http://nationalinterest.org/feature/the-federal-reserve-creating-the-next-great-recession-11314 

Thursday, September 18, 2014

House Votes Overwhelmingly To Audit The Fed

The House voted overwhelmingly to pass a bill to audit the Federal Reserve Wednesday (333-92).
Just one Republican — California Rep. John Campbell — and 91 Democrats opposed the bill (H.R. 24), sponsored by Republican Rep. Paul Broun, which would order the Government Accountability Office to audit the Federal Reserve system and its twelve banks. Two hundred and twenty-seven Republicans and 107 Democrats voted in support of the bill.
“Today’s passage of the Audit the Fed bill brings us one step closer towards bringing much-needed transparency to our nation’s monetary policy,” Rep. Broun said in a statement. “For the past 100 years, the Federal Reserve, a quasi-government agency, has acted under a veil of secrecy – controlling our monetary policy and thus, our economy.”
The House passed a similar bill, sponsored by Republican Sen. Rand Paul, in 2012. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has refused to bring the bill to the Senate floor.  

Fed keeps rates low, but brace for the inevitable

Record-low interest rates will be around for at least a few more months, the Federal Reserve made clear Wednesday.
Enjoy the easy money while it lasts.
By mid-2015, economists expect the Fed to abandon a nearly 6-year-old policy of keeping short-term rates at record lows. Those rates have helped support the economy, cheered the stock market and shrunk mortgage rates. A Fed rate increase could potentially reverse those trends.
Mortgages could cost more. So could car loans. Investors could get squeezed.
"Borrowers should see the writing on the wall," said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate.com. "Interest rates are eventually going to go up. They should pay down variable-rate debt and keep an eye on that adjustable-rate mortgage. They don't want to be caught flat-footed."
Investors, in particular, might recall that mere speculation about the end of the Fed's stimulus shook global financial markets in May 2013. In coming months, as the prospect of higher rates nears, traders might once again dump stocks and bonds and send prices tumbling.