Cracks in Groupthink

An amusing aspect of my friends who are Democrats, is that they first assume everyone is a Democrat and if you are not a Democrat, you can only be a Republican. My wife, the "Good Democrat" still doesn't really know what to think, but she puts up with me, at least until she says something overtly political and I challenge her. If that happens, she usually just tells me that she is right because her friends tell her what to think, and she knows they are right.
It's nice to know that I am not alone. The so called "tolerant" are among the first to condemn without thinking. The "open minded" blinded to anything other than their preconceived notions.
Overall, I am glad not to be a part of them.

Baucus Throws His Weight Around

Senator Baucus has suddenly discovered that some political groups are misusing the tax code, and he has written the IRS Commissioner asking him to investigate. Absolutely no word about the idea of not giving any tax exemptions for swaying partisan issues.
Notice how he only is concerned now that his own election is safeguarded. Last election cycle, because he had no serious opposition, Max was able to dump most of his re-election money into getting Democrats elected. Fine, that is his right to do so. But using the IRS for political purposes? Does the name Richard Nixon mean anything to him?
But his sudden concern betrays his cynical duplicity. Maybe now is the time to start a PAC for the sole purpose of recalling Max. After all, most of the Lefties here are pissed off at him for Obamacare and meeting with Republicans. And most of the rest of the State is pissed at him for saying that he doesn't read the bills he is voting for.
Maybe Max needs to go ahead and retire to the old homestead in McLean.

Eliding

The White House, through VP Biden are telling their supporters to "Buck Up." This is a more acceptable version than the original, which had an "F" standing in for the "B."

Division of Labor - Stupid People Over There =>

You have to marvel at people who say this:

I have been fascinated by Christine O'Donnell's constitutional worldview since her debate with her opponent Chris Coons last week. O'Donnell explained that "when I go to Washington, D.C., the litmus test by which I cast my vote for every piece of legislation that comes across my desk will be whether or not it is constitutional." How weird is that, I thought. Isn't it a court's job to determine whether or not something is, in fact, constitutional? And isn't that sort of provided for in, well, the Constitution?

So, let's go ahead and pass a law that says that women can't have the vote. We can wait the four to six years that it takes to get to the Supreme Court before they get their vote back.

I'm sure that those who will be affected will be understanding about waiting for a decision on the question of "Constitutionality."

Rejecting Racists and Haters

Much has been made of the NAACP calling for the removal of "racist elements" from the Tea Party.  I agree that racism is extremely abhorrent.  The men and women I served with in the Army who happened to be people of color who wore green are just a part of the reason that I am so proud of my country.

But then, we have Bill Mahar saying that Obama is only half assed effective because he is half white,



And the accusation by Nancy Pelosi that there were all of these "Hitler signs?"  I didn't know that she was right.


The protesters belong to the Democrat running for office against the Republican that they were protesting.

I am sure that there are people right now who are proud to be a Democrat.  Just like the people above.

Victory is Ours!!

A.B. Stoddard's piece reminded me of something that was at the back of the brain and now brought to fore:  No matter what happens in November, the Tea Party has already won.  I know that the Democrats feel like the election of O'Connel and Angle will guarantee the Democrats remain in control of the Senate, and they may be right.  What they don't understand is, it doesn't matter.
Think about what the dominant themes are this election.  Nothing about abortion, card check, healthcare, in fact, the Democrats are totally ignoring those issues.  Their traditional power bases for issues have failed them, and Democrats are now trying to portray themselves as fiscally responsible.  Just a personal observation, but they aren't going to get any traction from that this year after what they had done, nor will they in 2012 if they still retain the Senate.
If the Democrats retain the Senate, they are going to be constrained by the fact that spending bills have to originate in the House.  Assuming that the Republicans take the House, Ryan and Cantor are smart and agile enough that they going to be able to portray the Democrats as the obstructionists and those of the stale old ideas.
Not to say that the Republicans are immune if they fail to deliver.  While many on the Left pretend that the Tea Party is wholly owned by the Republicans and Fox news, they actually have it backwards.  Look at self identified Republicans.  They are shrinking at about the same rate as the Tea Party is growing.  And the Tea Partiers are energetic and enthused. The fact that the establishment members of the Republican party are throwing hissy fits over the loss of Murkowski, Bennet and whoever it was in Delaware, shows their impotence.  They will need to recognize that they have two choices:  Embrace and adapt the Tea Party, even if it means that social issues are not going to be pushed forward, or die.
The Democrats may have even less options.

The Democrat's New Logo

Just rolled out today:

But I think this one is more helpful:

Classic Headline

Just by itself, this is hilarious without even reading the article:

Obamas take a break from vacationing to attend two major galas and big reception this week

You Don't Know Me

But I know you.  From the discussion on ECW, we find this comment: 

The tea party isn’t a bunch of racists or homophobes, they just believe that Obama was born in Kenya, that Islam is an inherently violent religion, that Muslims shouldn’t have the same constitutional rights that we do, that illegal immigrants (all 11 million) should be shipped back across the border, that poor black people caused the housing crisis,and that gay people are gay by choice.
And they get angry on command. Jump, doggies, jump!

 Sniff, sniff.  Can you smell it?  It's their fear.  Their utter panic as they realize that they are going to lose power.  Maybe even for the rest of their lives.  That is what is causing this sort of nonsense.  They cannot stand toe to toe on ideas, because each and everyone of theirs has been discredited.
But let's take a look at what those who are about to fail think.  Looking at his comment, you see that we have the "Birthers" listed first,  Tea Partiers and Birthers are not necessarily the same, but the author of the comment needed to conflate them  As I have said before, Birthers are no different than the lunatics that claimed George Bush stole the election.  Both seek to deligitimize the President.  If more Republicans than Democrats believe Obama is foreign borm why does it matter?  Does it matter that more Democrats than Republicans believe Bush stole the election?  The writer is unable to reconcile the two because he lacks an open mind and cannot appreciate the nuance of the issue having had his opinions formed and handed to him by others. Let me help him.  The difference is that both groups dislike the President of the party they oppose. It has nothing to do with skin color and everything to do with policies.  Obama was well admired until he started implementing policies and laws that the people do not want.  Even aside from his policies, his arrogance earns him an honest enmity.
Next our commenter moves on to items of religious interest.saying that we believe that Islam is an inherently violent religion.  I would not categorize an entire religion as violent, but when that religion is used to justify violence, when people flying airplanes into buildings to kill innocent civilians, or cut off the head of some poor contractor, or a newspaper reporter and scream Allahu Akbar while they do it, well, I have a tough time understanding how their practice of that religion is peaceful.  No, the better understanding of this comment, is the desire to surrender, a sort of Sonderkommando who hope that they will be beheaded last.  And that's not counting stoning a woman for adultery, or requiring four male witnesses to prove a rape.  Or, let's all go out as a family and watch the beheadings and amputations in the public square in Riyadh.  Isn't that fun kids?
Yeah, I can see the attraction of non-violence toward that religion.
Next, our constitutional scholar commenter decides that the Tea Party wants to take away constitutional rights.  I am sure that it is just his anger and fear that makes him recognize that 6 out of 10 people don't want the Ground Zero Mosque built there, even though 7 out of 10 agree that it is their Constitutional right.  It's sort of like the commenter's right to burn an American flag, although I would advise him against doing it in front of a VFW meeting.  It may be legal, but it is still pointlessly provocative, just like the GZM Iman.
Next, our intrepid commenter thinks that the 11 million illegals should not be allowed to remain here.  Finally, he has hit on something close to the truth.  The very definition of a nation is the ability to control its borders and who you admit to your country.  If you don't do that, you are not a country, just a really big Wal Mart parking lot.. The 11 million are called illegal for the reason that what they have done is ILLEGAL.  I know that the Democrats are looking to get 11 million more votes, but voter dilution through non-citizen voting is an attack on your legal right to vote.  Oops, never mind, laws don't matter when it comes to staving off the impending destruction of the Democrat Party.
And he claims that the Tea Party blames poor black people?  Do I detect a latent racism here?  Has anyone else made this claim?  No, I think  our commenter is channeling his inner KKK.  Get help!  No, the people I blame for the housing crisis are Barney Frank and Chris Dodd, who used Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac as a parking space for out of office Democrat politicians until they got back in the game, ala Rahm Emanuel.
Finally, he makes the comment that gays are that way by choice.  So, just for fun, let's take a look at what the principles of the Tea Party are as proposed by them, instead of their opponents: 

Mission Statement

The impetus for the Tea Party movement is excessive government spending and taxation. Our mission is to attract, educate, organize, and mobilize our fellow citizens to secure public policy consistent with our three core values of Fiscal Responsibility, Constitutionally Limited Government and Free Markets.

Core Values

• Fiscal Responsibility
• Constitutionally Limited Government
• Free Markets

No matter how many times I read this, I don't see any reference to Gays, minorities, Democrats or any other group that is being marginalized.
But their issues, My God:  Fiscal Responsibility?  Why aren't all the people who like to point out how Bill Clinton created a surplus also not Tea Partiers?  And Constitutionally Limited Government?  Okay, I could see where the statist Leftist nanny-staters who want to control my life could never belong.  Might just explain our friend the commenter. And lastly, Free Markets - What a dangerous thought, especially since command economies work so well. 
Maybe this explains our commenter's fears.  If you believe in control of the government, economy and individuals as he does, you cannot fathom why anyone would not want the warmth and safety of the Government's loving arms,  Initiative?  Ambition?  Hard work?  None of those are possible for him to understand.  But he doesn't need to fear, the Tea Party will not be able to completely remove the loving jail that supports him with their money.

How to get Obama to Visit the Southern Borders

Senator McCain is asking President Obama to come and observe first hand the problems with enforcing the borders. This follows on the heels of Obama refusing to give any time to Gov. Rick Perry on the same issue.  But I have a solution - Build golf courses on the border.

Will You Please Knock It Off

Seems a Florida pastor is threatening to burn the Koran in a public place.  This has inspired riots in Afghanistan, and could very well imperil our soldiers.  The fact that the pastor wants to do this is Constitutional doesn't make it right.
I do not understand why they want to antagonize the "Religion of Peace" more than they are already doing.

Happy Labor Day

Happy at least, if you have a job.  In spite of spending more money than the entirety of the Iraq war on the so called "stimulus" the actual rate of unemployment is probably closer to 16% than to the 9.6% that is the official rate.  Yes, yes, I know that the answer is that the Obama administration didn't appreciate how bad things were.  Well then, why in the hell were they allowed to tinker with something that they admit is too complicated for them to understand?
But today we celebrate American labor, and yes, I use the small l version of labor.  The large L version has done more to destroy jobs than anything else, and they have done it with the cooperation of the Democrats. As the mid term elections near, they are getting ready to spend their members dues on making sure that Democrats retain control in order to keep doing such a great job as they have been,  Three unions alone are planning on spending over $150 million for Democrats this year.
Think about it, union pensions are getting ready to implode from being underfunded, and the unions are going to spend $150 million on buying politicians.  It may not appear to make sense, but by buying those politicians, they can vote to have the tax payer pay for the busted union pensions.
Win - Win for everyone but the taxpayer!  And who really cares about them anyway?

It's all Bush's Fault

Has been the standard mantra from Democrats since 2004.  It actually helped them when they took over the House and Senate in 2006 (then it was rejection of Bush to change governments, and now if you want to do the same it's all fear and anger).  In fact, Obama has made it the centerpiece of his plan to deal with the economy, energy, finance, hangnails, bad thoughts, and whatever else is out there.
And it had to happen.  There is now a new version of how to explain the inexplicable, especially in the political world.  "I think that they addressed this issue in the new healthcare bill."  This answer was given to explain the disappearance of the five and a half minutes that were lost during yesterday's game due to a lightning delay.
Maxine Walters, Charlie Rangel?  They were allowed to do it by the new healthcare bill.  Unemployment not coming down?  New healthcare bill.  Obama losing independents?
Definitely in the new healthcare bill.

Talk, Talk, Talk

President Obama gave his usual Saturday radio/Youtube speech, in which he promised to keep fighting for the middle class of this country.  What he doesn't seem to realize, is that the middle class is hoping that he will become a pacifist, since we can't seem to support all of the wars he has entered on our behalf.
But this brings to mind something I had read before, in that the Democrats are much better at communicating than they are at doing.  They managed brilliantly to portray the Republicans as corrupt in 2004 and 2006.  Of course at least two of those targets, Tom Delay and our own Conrad Burns, were exonerated, but that doesn't matter since the object is not the truth, but to run the Republicans out of office.  But the truth will not set them free, in fact, it is a mere obstacle to their eventual goal of being able to tell everyone how to live their lives.  They even admit their collusion with message shapers to present an image of the Republicans that they know isn't true.
I am becoming more and more sure that the general public is also aware that the Democrats talk a good game but they sure don't deliver.  Even the Left is disappointed in what the Democrats have managed to accomplish.  You sort of wonder what would have happened if the Republicans held filibuster proof majorities in the Senate and the House.
But the rest of us are not that happy with everything that the Left has done, except for Finance Regulation, which for some reason still remains popular.  My theory on that is the public doesn't know how their local banks are going to be forced to subsidize the mega banks that actually created the financial crisis.
The joke is always that the Democrats will promise you that if they are elected, you will be taller, better looking, and there won't be any crab grass in your lawn (Hope and Change).  And the Republicans promise that government doesn't work, and if elected prove that fact.
Whatever you think about Republicans and government, I think we all recognize we are better off with the Democrats on the outside of power and complaining, than if they have the power and we are complaining.

The Religion of Peace -

Muslim cleric calls for beheading of Dutch politician -

is being peaceful again. 

AGW Revisited

Travis had posted on Global Warming a little while ago and it turned into the usual supporters of the liars, versus those who support the other liars argument.  I have a problem with the methodology and this whole issue of "consensus" as promoted by the charlatan Al Gore. But now there is a group of scientists who are organizing the complaints against the IPCC  The lead sentence says it all:

"If this keeps up, no one's going to trust any scientists."

 And if that happens, we are all in trouble.  For if science becomes nothing more than

" . . . a tight clique of like-minded scientists and bureaucrats who give each other jobs, publish each other's papers -- and conspire to shut out any point of view that threatens to derail their gravy train."

why believe anyone?

Addressing the Himalayan glacier disappearance, shows that the IPCC's claim of "peer reviewed" data is a total sham.  Normally, such an assault on someone's credibility would be grounds to discount anything that they ever said.  But because it is about Anthropogenic Global Warming, we have to believe it even if it's not true.

Read the whole thing, and think for yourself.