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Academics preceded Napolitano and DHS in pathologizing conservatism

What the Left sees when they imagine Conservatives. Is the short one John Adams?

I should not have been skeptical when I first heard about the DHS report on "Rightwing Extremism". Academics, after all, have been pathologizing conservatism for years. Now that Left-wing academics control the White House and Congress, it should be no surprise that government policy reflects the academic tendency to dismiss political opponents as mentally deranged and one small step from violence and mayhem.

A University of Manitoba associate professor created the "Right Wing Authoritarian" scale. "[R]ight-wing authoritarians are cognitively rigid, aggressive, and intolerant. They are characterized by steadfast conformity to group norms, submission to higher status individuals, and aggression toward out-groups and unconventional group members." I wonder how many conservatives have a watch file at DHS that notes their RWA score. Given Pope Benedict XVI's strong stance on abortion, his RWA score must be off the charts.

Not to be outdone, of course: "Researchers at the University of California at Berkeley ... linked to political conservatism [to] fear and aggression, dogmatism and intolerance of ambiguity, uncertainty avoidance, need for cognitive closure, and terror management that causes conservatives to shun and even punish outsiders and those who threaten the status of their cherished world views." So it's no wonder that conservative Americans is the only group in reference to which DHS Sec. Napolitano and White House Spokesman Nick Shapiro have both used the word terrorist and terrorism, respectively. Those "disaffected youths", who happen to be Islamic, in New York, England, France, Iraq, Iran, Turkey, Afghanistan, Pakistan, etc, ad nauseum, are merely experiencing "man caused disasters" (even if the perpetrator was a woman, because men are at the root of all violence, dontcha ya know).

Ronald Bailey, writing in the Reason article linked above, suggests that it may be just a matter of time before conservatism is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. He writes, "Reasonable people, such as the distinguished academic researchers cited here, will no doubt agree that until effective treatments can be developed, we should reconsider whether sufferers of conservatism, like other mental defectives, should be allowed freely to exercise the franchise." The current Administration and the bureaucrats at the Department of Homeland Security seem to be considering Mr. Bailey's advice, at least to the extent that these "Rightwing Extremist" mental defectives should be monitored.
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Obama: The Wizard of Uhs

In August of 2008 some folks knew that Obama was not the Great Orator his sycophantic propaganda machine the Main Stream Media was telling us he was. Check this out from days gone by:



And it seems that he hasn't got any better at life without the 'prompter.
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Secretary of State offers Olive Branch to National Socialist Islamic Workers' Party

  "Kozienice, Poland (Appeasement Press) In an example of the the new administration's diplomatic efforts addressing the growing tensions in Europe, Pres. Roosevelt's Secretary of State, visiting with Poland's Prime Minister, declared that militia forces of the National Socialist German Worker's Party were acting  "out of desperation" from lack of development and poverty. "They should be offered an honorable form of reconciliation and reintegration into a peaceful society, if they are willing to abandon violence, break with [more radical elements of the Nazi Party], and support the constitution," the Secretary of State said in reference to the German militants."

The quotes above did not come from an American Secretary of State in the run up to WWII (though the Secretary of State at that time comes close in a Statement written on July 5th, 1940). They are, however, coming from President Obama's Secretary of State Hillary Clinton today.

One day after declaring that the phrase "Global War on Terror" is inoperative in the Executive Branch of the Federal Government, Sec. Clinton declared that the Taliban "should be offered an honorable form of reconciliation and reintegration into a peaceful society, if they are willing to abandon violence, break with al Qaida, and support the constitution."



So this kind of behavior is motivated by "desperation" from lack of development and poverty?

 

And the Obama administration thinks we can have "an honorable from of reconciliation and reintegration" with these people. "My God, what were they thinking giving these people the reigns of power in Washington D.C.?" That is what future generations will be asking when they look back on the 21st Century's first decades.

At least a majority of veterans and others who visit the Military.com website, know what must be done. And speaking of the military, it is nice to see that the brave personnel in the field know how to deal with the enemy, wherever they may be hiding.
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Pepsi & Obama, sitting in a tree ...

If you have trouble or folks are laughing at you because you see a connection between Pepsi's new logo and the Obama logo. I've done some editing of the pics to help people see the connection.

The Obama Logo:

The Pepsi Logo (rotated -41 degrees):

Enough of a reason for me to never drink a Pepsi product again.


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"War on Terror" is over, but no one told the Taliban

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has declared that the phrase "Global War on Terror" has been abandoned (HT: Robert Spencer @ Jihad Watch). Unfortunately, no one has gotten the Taliban in Pakistan on board with this idea.
"Baitullah Mehsud [the commander of the Pakistani Taliban], who has a $5 million bounty on his head from the U.S., said Monday's attack outside the eastern city of Lahore was in retaliation for U.S. missile strikes against militants along the Afghan border.

"Soon we will launch an attack in Washington that will amaze everyone in the world," Mehsud told The Associated Press by phone. He provided no details."

I'm, for one, am stunned that the commander of the Pakistani Taliban provided no details. I would really like to meet the reporter who talked to this guy and who floated this possible question, 'Mr. Mehsud, would you care to elaborate on that promised attack in Washington? Do you have a time frame? Specific location? What form would this attack take, Mr. Mehsud?'

What is a guy with a $5 Million bounty doing contacting or being contacted by Associated Press reporters? When might these reporters be brought up on charges of accessories after the fact for not relaying any information they have about these Islamo-Nazis to authorities (not that I would expect the Obama Administration to do much with that information, if it were provided).

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Left-wing Iconography

Have you noticed the Media's tendency to frame Mr. Obama's head in a halo?

This is the first one that caught my attention and got me thinking about this tendency toward Obama photographic hagiography. The links I've found name it as a Reuter's photo, but I'm unable to determine who the photographer is.


An Associated Press photo by Jae C. Hong:                      


Here's another Reuters photo:

                                                                                     
Another one from Reuters:                                              
   

An uncredited photo taken during the Democrat Convention
(follow the to see how the Republicans couldn't quite pull off the same trick with McCain):


I could not find a source for this photo. Maybe whoever took it was
ashamed to have his or her name attached to such blatant religiosity.


This one is attributed to the Associated Press. Proves you don't need the Presidential Seal or the Obama symbol behind The One's head in order to create a secular icon:
 obama halo

And another from the Associated Press (the link comes with a few handy tips on creating your own presidential halo effect photos):


And if you think the Drive-by Media is only doing this for 'The One' they got elected, you would, of course be wrong:
                                                    

Once again, Rueters leads the way. The First Lady as secular Madonna:


Everyone is well aware how the media has tossed out any semblance of impartiality regarding Mr. Obama and the current First Lady. But this stuff borders on the pathological. It isn't enough to keep telling everyone what a wonderful people Mr. & Mrs. Obama are, the Left has to create secular icons to accompany their stories in order to drive the point home. This is getting downright scary. I'd love anyone to show me comparable images taken by AP or Reuters of any Republican President.
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Illegally crossing America's borders is not illegal activity

These are very strange days indeed. The President of the United States oversees the biggest expansion of federal government in history and declares, "Not because I believe in bigger government - I don't."And no one in the so-called Fourth Estate bats an eye. Now the law enforcement branch of the federal government all but declares that illegal entry into this sovereign nation does not count as illegal activity.

The video below drives home the point concerning why health care costs in America are spiraling out of control. The truly damning statements come in the recording final seconds.



Here's a partial transcript of that final exchange:

Representative: When you know that they’re illegal [when] they come to your hospital, do you report them to the federal authorities to come get them?

Carol Plato (sp?), Director Corporate Business Services at Martin Memorial Medical Center: We have tried and, uhm, we have been told, on numerous occasions, that they’re only interested if a crime has been committed, and from what I understand they’re not even interested then.

Rep.: The fact that they’re illegals is not enough crime?

C. P.: Correct.

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11 Most Expensive Catastrophes in History

# 11. Titanic - $150 Million
The sinking of the Titanic is possibly the most famous accident in the world. But it barely makes our list of top 10 most expensive. On April 15, 1912, the Titanic sank on its maiden voyage and was considered to be the most luxurious ocean liner ever built. Over 1,500 people lost their lives when the ship ran into an iceberg and sunk in frigid waters. The ship cost $7 million to build ($150 million in today ' s dollars).


# 11. Tanker Truck vs. Bridge - $358 Million
On August 26, 2004, a car collided with a tanker truck containing 32,000 liters of fuel on the Wiehltal Bridge in Germany . The tanker crashed through the guardrail and fell 90 feet off the A4 Autobahn resulting in a huge explosion and fire which destroyed the load-bearing ability of the bridge Temporary repairs cost $40 million and the cost to replace the bridge is estimated at $318 Million.


# 9. MetroLink Crash - $500 Million
On September 12, 2008, in what was one of the worst train crashes in California history, 25 people were killed when a Metrolink commuter train crashed head-on into a Union Pacific freight train in Los Angeles . It is thought that the Metrolink train may have run through a red signal while the conductor was busy text messaging. Wrongful death lawsuits are expected to cause $500 million in losses for Metrolink.


# 8. B-2 Bomber Crash - $1.4 Billion
Here we have our first billion dollar accident (and we ' re only #7 on the list). This B-2 stealth bomber crashed shortly after taking off from an air base in Guam on February 23, 2008. Investigators blamed distorted data in the flight control computers caused by moisture in the system. This resulted in the aircraft making a sudden nose-up move which made the B-2 stall and crash. This was 1 of only 21 ever built and was the most expensive aviation accident in history. Both pilots were able to eject to safety.





# 7. Exxon Valdez - $2.5 Billion
The Exxon Valdez oil spill was not a large one in relation to the world ' s biggest oil spills, but it was a costly one due to the remote location of Prince William Sound (accessible only by helicopter and boat). On March 24, 1989, 10.8 million gallons of oil was spilled when the ship ' s master, Joseph Hazelwood, left the controls and the ship crashed into a Reef. The cleanup cost Exxon $2.5 billion.


# 6. Piper Alpha Oil Rig - $3.4 Billion
The world ' s worst off-shore oil disaster. At one time, it was the world ' s single largest oil producer, spewing out 317,000 barrels of oil per day. On July 6, 1988, as part of routine maintenance, technicians removed and checked safety valves which were essential in preventing dangerous build-up of liquid gas. There were 100 identical safety valves which were checked. Unfortunately, the technicians made a mistake and forgot to replace one of them. At 10 PM that same night, a technician pressed a start button for the liquid gas pumps and the world ' s most expensive oil rig accident was set in motion.
Within 2 hours, the 300 foot platform was engulfed in flames. It eventually collapsed, killing 167 workers and resulting in $3.4 Billion in damages.


# 5. Challenger Explosion - $5.5 Billion
The Space Shuttle Challenger was destroyed 73 seconds after takeoff due on January 28, 1986 due to a faulty O-ring. It failed to seal one of the joints, allowing pressurized gas to reach the outside. This in turn caused the external tank to dump its payload of liquid hydrogen causing a massive explosion. The cost of replacing the Space Shuttle was $2 billion in 1986 ($4.5 billion in today ' s dollars). The cost of investigation, problem correction, and replacement of lost equipment cost $450 million from 1986-1987 ($1 Billion in today ' s dollars).


# 4. Prestige Oil Spill - $12 Billion
On November 13, 2002, the Prestige oil tanker was carrying 77,000 tons of heavy fuel oil when one of its twelve tanks burst during a storm off Galicia , Spain Fearing that the ship would sink, the captain called for help from Spanish rescue workers, expecting them to take the ship into harbour. However, pressure from local authorities forced the captain to steer the ship away from the coast. The captain tried to get help from the French and Portuguese authorities, but they too ordered the ship away from their shores. The storm eventually took its toll on the ship resulting in the tanker splitting in half and releasing 20 million gallons oil into the sea. According to a report by the Pontevedra Economist Board, the total cleanup cost $12 billion.


# 3. Space Shuttle Columbia - $13 Billion
The Space Shuttle Columbia was the first space worthy shuttle in NASA ' s orbital fleet. It was destroyed during re-entry over Texas on February 1, 2003 after a hole was punctured in one of the wings during launch 16 days earlier. The original cost of the shuttle was $2 Billion in 1978. That comes out to $6.3 Billion in today ' s dollars. $500 million was spent on the investigation, making it the costliest aircraft accident investigation in history. The search and recovery of debris cost $300 million. In the end, the total cost of the accident (not including replacement of the shuttle) came out to $13 Billion according to the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics..


# 2. Chernobyl - $200 Billion
On April 26, 1986, the world witnessed the costliest accident in history. The Chernobyl disaster has been called the biggest socio-economic catastrophe in peacetime history. 50% of the area of Ukraine is in some way contaminated. Over 200,000 people had to be evacuated and resettled while 1.7 million people were directly affected by the disaster The death toll attributed to Chernobyl , including people who died from cancer years later, is estimated at 125,000. The total costs including cleanup, resettlement, and compensation to victims has been estimated to be roughly $200 Billion. The cost of a new steel shelter for the Chernobyl nuclear plant will cost $2 billion alone. The accident was officially attributed to power plant operators who violated plant procedures and were ignorant of the safety requirements needed.


 # 1. 2008 Presidential Election- $800 Billion in the first two months ... and counting.

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Fannie Mae caused this crisis. So why give them $75B?



In 5 months the government has legislated the spending of more then $1.5 Trillion to "save the economy". So where will a big chunk of the money go? To Fannie Mae, of course.

$75 billion is slated to be handed to the very organization that was at the heart of creating the housing & economic crisis in which America now finds itself.

This is "hope and change"? Is anyone paying attention? Anyone? ... Bueller?
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To those hoping for President-Moderate Obama

First Press Conference out of the gate and he insults Nancy Reagan



Will all the conservatives crowding the "lets wait and see, he might moderate his Leftism" bus now shut up? Or is insulting former a First Lady who is in her late 80s and suffering from health problems what one can expect from a "moderate" Lefty?

Is it to early to start calling Obama, President Jerk?
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Is this song about the Obamessiah?

The boys over at Threedonia.com posted a clip showing Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova singing the song "Lies", which was part of the soundtrack for the movie Once.. I was listening to it this morning before I headed out for the Greek Orthodox Liturgy, and I something hit me (No, it wasn't Mrs. Icarus telling me to get off the computer).

Was Mr. Hansard prophetically singing about the Obamessiah? Take a look at the lyrics, and you tell me.

I think it's time, we give it up
And figure out what's stopping us
From breathing easy, and talking straight
The way is clear if you're ready now
The volunteer is slowing down
And taking time to save himself

The little cracks they escalated
And before you know it is too late
For making circles and telling lies

You're moving too fast for me
And I can't keep up with you
Maybe if you slowed down for me
I could see you're only telling
Lies, lies, lies
Breaking us down with your
Lies, lies, lies
When will you learn

And here is the amazing Glen Hansard performing a song from one of the greatest soundtracks of all time.


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The US Justice Dept is not looking into Voter Registration Fraud

But its so-called Civil Rights division is areas where conservatives might prevail. From the Wall Street Journal, via NRO's Jonah Goldberg:
"... the Civil Rights Division this month [filed] a lawsuit against Waller County, Texas, to correct alleged violations of the Voting Rights Act; a lawsuit against Vermont for failing to report accurately on overseas ballots; and an amicus brief in a case filed by a civil-rights group that is suing to stop the Georgia Secretary of State from complying with voter verification rules."
Could politics be playing a role in what Justice is choosing to go after and what it is not choosing to go after? Hmmm ...
"According to Federal Election Commission data, James Walsh, an attorney in the Civil Rights Division, has donated at least $300 to Mr. Obama. His boss, Mark Kappelhoff, has given $2,250 — nearly the maximum. John Russ, also in Civil Rights, gave at least $600 to Mr. Obama."
What do you think?

The Obamessiah Thugocracy working hard to bring about the New American Union of Socialist Republics (or maybe they'll call it the American Democratic Republics, take your pick), where special camps in the Southwest will eliminate re-educate reluctant capitalists.

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A Tale of Two Headlines

"His Serene Majesty President-designate Barack the Healer" campaigns in Montana and the Liberal-Left Media reports it as "Momentum May Bring Obama, Biden Back to Montana"

Senator John McCain campaigns in Pennsylvania and that same L-LM dubs it: "McCain Seeks Pa. Victory Despite Trailing in Polls"

It is wonder, these reporters must be thinking, that McCain bothers to campaign at all.

The McCain headline, by the way, comes from the so-called conservative Fox News.
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Obama may not be the writer Christo Buckley thinks he is


Is that a ghost I see?

I wonder what the Main Stream Media would make of this. Republican John McCain, for years, takes sole credit for writing Faith of My Fathers: A Family Memoir. In the midst of a heated campaign for the American Presidency rumors arise as to who actually wrote Sen. McCain's family memoir. As the days slowly creep toward the election circumstantial evidence comes to the fore that the good Senator's book was not only ghost written, but was ghost written by an unrepentant terrorist who felt he had not done enough when it came to making and planting bombs. If all of this concerned the Republican candidate do you think that the only place you could learn about this massive "October Surprise" would be an obscure internet journal? Or, instead, might this be getting front page treatment in every paper across the land and be the lead story on every news show among the "Alphabet Media"?

My scenario above, for most folks, is purely rhetorical. The answer is obvious. The Main Stream Media would be all over that story like red, white and blue bunting at a political rally.

What, however, if that story concerned Good King Obama? ... crickets chirping ...

While the Media Elite are pouring through contractor's licenses and tax records concerning some obscure plumber, because said plumber dared ask "His Serene Majesty President-designate Barack the Healer" about taxes and the real world, a hard working writer is trying to determine whether or not the Illinois Senator really wrote Dreams from My Father.

Ghost written work is not at all unusual for America's political class. John McCain was honest about his ghost writer and put the Mark Salter's name next his on the book's cover. Obama has taken sole credit for his ouvre. In his investigation about how Dreams from My Father came to be, Cashill poses this thought experiment in his article, titled "Who Wrote 'Dreams from My Father'":
"Prior to 1990, when Barack Obama contracted to write Dreams From My Father, he had written very close to nothing. Then, five years later, this untested 33 year-old produced what Time Magazine has called — with a straight face — “the best-written memoir ever produced by an American politician.”

"The public is asked to believe Obama wrote Dreams From My Father on his own, almost as though he were some sort of literary idiot savant. I do not buy this canard for a minute, not at all. Writing is as much a craft as, say, golf. To put this in perspective, imagine if a friend played a few rounds in the high 90s and then a few years later, without further practice, made the PGA Tour. It doesn’t happen."
If there was a ghost writer to the work that put Obama on the literary map, then who was it? Inquiring minds, at least those not yet part of the Obama Cult of Personality, want to know. Cashill has a one very interesting and reasonable suggestion: unrepentant domestic terrorist, now toast of the academic elite, "Professor" William Ayers.

How does a guy who wrote literally nothing, except barely passable academic essays and some really bad poetry, suddenly kick out "the best-written memoir ever produced by an American politician"? The American public have a right to know, especially if they are may be choosing to make this "writer" Commander in Chief in the midst of war to save Western Civilization from barbaric Fascislamic theocrats.

Thank you to Roger Kimball for alerting me to this explosive story.
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