The Electoral College

Our Founders never intended for America to be a democracy.

If you're interested in more on the topic of the electoral college, see The Pro's and Con's of the Electoral College System.

Never Forget

Even if you don't care for Bruce Springsteen, please listen to these two songs from The Rising, a collection of songs that he composed in response to 9/11:




(the story behind The Rising)
The passage of time helps to assuage grief, but nothing ever completely wipes away grief – especially when a loved one is murdered. I know because, over forty years ago, I lost a beloved family member to murder just a few days before a family reunion.

Never forget exactly who committed the vile deeds on 9/11 (Please watch the video timeline!) in the name of Allah and who still commit such murders in the name of Allah.

Never forget.

To forget is to desecrate the memory of the nearly 3000 who perished that day and to betray America herself.

The DNC And Israel

(If you need some background on the 2012 DNC Party Platform and how that platform relates to the title of today's blog post, see THIS and THIS over at Mike's America.)

The video of the second change to the 2012 DNC Party Platform is a must-watch if you haven't already seen it:


So, why did DNC change the platform the first time so as to remove certain language about Israel?  From time marker 0:26-0:60, the CNN video below offers a clue (hat tip to Will of MFS - The Other News):


There is more to the story of the language in the 2012 DNC Party Platform. From Debbie of Right Truth:

After DNC delegates denying God (and Israel) three times, they still got their way in the end. Breitbart reports that full pro-Israel language from the 2008 platform has not been and will not be restored...

Check out the entirety of Debbie's post HERE.  Worth your time if you are interested in this topic.

Obama: Same Ol', Same Ol'

With a hat tip to THE ASTUTE BLOGGERS for the video below:


And Obama accuses RNC 2012 of reruns and offering retreads?

Is Bain Evil?

(If you'd like a break from politics, please scroll down)

Unless you've been living under a rock for months, you already know that the Democratic Party is demonizing Bain Capital as a result of Mitt Romney's being one of the founders.

Certain facts about Bain Capital bear consideration (hat tip to Z!), and the GOP needs to bring out these facts.

Weekend Break From Politics

(If you must have politics, please scroll down)

The first week of the school term is always grueling.

But I have to say that I am posting joyous music today precisely because this past week has brought into my classes many powerhouse students, both previous students and new students.

In fact, one fifth-grade girl new to the homeschool group ended her introduction of herself with these words, music to my heart: "I love a challenge"! She means those words, too. When the day started, she was enrolled in only one class; by day's end, her mother had enrolled her a second class.

"Ode to Joy" from Beethoven's Symphony No. 9:


Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 in its entirely below the fold.

Blame Bush? Ahem.

(Keep scrolling. Don't miss Sam's post today!)

What the Democratic Party doesn't want 2012 voters to remember (hat tip to Cube):

A New Golden Age

By Sam Huntington

The Heritage Foundation recently suggested that changing America’s course is within our grasp and offered a few suggestions how we might achieve a new golden age: hard work and personal achievement. Bless their little pea-picking hearts …

Obama Bucks

Oh heck yeah ... sign me up!

But since we're talking about the economy, here's an interesting comparison ...

The Banking Flap

by Sam Huntington

Banking and Finance is awfully difficult to understand for most people, and that complexity probably explains why no one understands banking and finance. In fact, I have often wondered if they didn’t purposely make it complicated because that way, it is easier to pull the wool over our eyes.

Still, there is a flap going on between the United States and foreign banks. The issue is whether some banks are ignoring US sanctions against Iran. One of these banks is British owned Standard Charter. The flap began when the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) threatened to cancel its state banking license. Why? Because according to the State of New York, Standard Charter has “gone rogue,” and has decided to ignore US sanctions on Iran.

Inside Report: The DNC

by Sam Huntington

Our insiders at the Democratic National Convention tell us Debbie Wasserman-Schultz is in a snit (again). Once more determined to include a major supporter of global terrorism at the dais during the nominating convention, Jimmy Carter nevertheless turned down the invitation and instead will deliver a previously recorded, heavily edited address on opening night. Carter, 87, hasn’t issued a cogent public statement since 1979 when he told the Iranian government, “You better stop it.”

Back To School On September 4

(Two posts today. Keep scrolling for today's political humor)

The homeschool classes that I teach resume tomorrow. 

As a result of the anticipated work load this first week of classes, I am turning over to Sam the management of this blog through Thursday.

National Empty Chair Day!

Labor Day has been replaced because there are no jobs.

National Empty Chair Day
“We own this country . . . Politicians are employees of ours . . . And when somebody does not do the job, we’ve got to let them go.” –Clint Eastwood

Holiday Weekend Break From Politics

(If must have politics, please scroll down)

Vivaldi's Four Seasons "Summer Sand" animation film by Ferenc Cakó, a unique presentation to feed the soul on this Labor Day weekend, traditionally the last weekend of summer:

Quote Of The Day (from RNC 2012)

Clint Eastwood, who has a new film due for release on September 21:

You, we — we own this country. We — we own it. It is not you owning it, and not politicians owning it. Politicians are employees of ours. And — so — they are just going to come around and beg for votes every few years. It is the same old deal. But I just think it is important that you realize, that you’re the best in the world. Whether you are a Democrat or Republican or whether you’re libertarian or whatever, you are the best. And we should not ever forget that. And when somebody does not do the job, we got to let them go.

Clint Eastwood RNC 2012 bumper stickers are now available for purchase HERE.

Below the fold are the video of the complete speech given by Clint Eastwood and a link to some reading.

Quote Of The Day

As stated by Silverfiddle of Western Hero:


Watching the Left convulse into the galloping heebeegeebies over the goings on at the GOP convention is way more entertaining than watching the convention itself.

Silverfiddle's entire post is HERE.

MSNBC: Racist Or Agenda Driven? Both? (With Video Addenda)

(Two posts today. Don't miss Sam's post below!)

As you may have heard, MSNBC curtailed their Tuesday, August 28, 2012 coverage of the 2012 Republicn National Convention in a particular way:

Our favorite bumper stickers

Black holes: Where God divided by zero.

All those who believe in psychokinetics, raise my hand.

Early bird gets the worm; second mouse gets the cheese.

My psychic girlfriend left me before we met.

If you’re so smart, what's the speed of dark?

Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm.

When everything's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.

Hard work pays off in the future. Laziness pays off now.

Everyone has a photographic memory; its just that some don’t have any film.

Shin is a device for locating furniture in the dark.

Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines.

24 hours in a day... 24 beers in a case... coincidence?

What happens if you get scared half to death twice?

Why do psychics have to ask for your name?

For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism.

Success always occurs in private; failure in full view.

The severity of the itch is proportional to the reach.

Two wrongs are only the beginning.

You never really learn to swear until you learn to golf.

A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.

Change is inevitable... except from vending machines.

Plan to be spontaneous tomorrow.

If you think nobody cares about you, try missing a couple of payments.

Bills travel through the mail at twice the speed of checks.

Borrow money from pessimists - they don't expect it back.

Half the people you know are below average.

42.7 percent of all statistics is pure BS.

A conscience is what hurts when all your other parts feel so good.

Barack Who?

Huh?

(Two posts today.  Please scroll down)

The school system in Grand Island, Nebraska, has since backed down after the outcry.  But that the school system even made such a request is absurd!

With a hat tip to Pastorius of Infidel Bloggers Alliance:


The story is below the fold.

The Unvarnished Truth

Overnight company arrived yesterday, so today's post of two graphics will have to suffice:

Voter I.D. Poll

Hat tip to The Average American and a must-see video:

Scooter Adventures

(Click directly on the image to enlarge it)

The trip to the movies yesterday went well as far as the scooter issues were concerned.

It poured rain, however!

At one point after the movie, we were outside and decided to head back inside because of lowering skies! Well, we didn't make it before the sky opened up.

Neil Armstrong And Islam

(Two posts today.  Please scroll down)

From Jihad Watch:

Going To The Movies Today!

Now that I know how to assemble and disassemble Mr. AOW's scooter, I'm going to load that scooter into the trunk of the Crown Vic and head to the movie theater to see this film at a local cinema with a morning showing:

Wry Political Humor

Video below the fold (hat tip to THE ASTUTE BLOGGERS). Enjoy!

Does Dana Milbank Have A Point?

Note: This post may dismay some of my Christian friends. So be it. The topic is matter about which I've been concerned for a long time and one which may well reap a terrible harvest in November 2012.

Check out this August 21, 2012 opinion piece in the Washington Post (copied and pasted in full because the WaPo has tightened up on access without a subscription):

Signs of divine intervention for Republicans?

Has God forsaken the Republican Party?

Well, sit in judgment of what’s happened in the past few days:

Have A Laugh

HERE. A picture is indeed worth a thousand words!

But ... Mr. President

Had enough yet, America?

This almost makes you wish Ray Stevens was a member of the press, doesn't it?

Stimulus Dollars...

(Two posts today.  Please scroll down)

...Spent on Obama ads during Olbermann's and Maddow's shows in 2009. Reportedly, no jobs were created.

Arson As Economic Warfare?

Jihadist activity? Video below the fold.

Goodbye, Dusti

Dusti, named Cinderella by the rescue group who found her in a litter of kittens in an alley in D.C., turned 15 years old on May 5. The photo, which I call "Dusti Greets the December sunrise," was taken when she was quite young.

Today, the vet found a tumor in Dusti's left kidney.  This mass (not present two weeks ago), in combination with my beloved Dusti's recent dramatic weight loss (over 2.5 pounds since March to the point of emaciation) and a decline in general health over this summer, are almost always indicative cancer. 

She is the first pet that we've ever lost to cancer.

Recommended Reading

See The Most Divisive Election in American History by Daniel Greenfield of Sultan Knisch.

Please read the excerpt below the fold:

Is It Time To Return To Reaganomics?

(Hat tip to Western Hero for the above graphic)
Those on the Left become apoplectic whenever anyone lauds Reaganomics. Wikipedia is as good a place as any to start if one doesn't recognize what Reaganomics entailed. The Library of Economics and Liberty also has information, information that is condensed and more reader-friendly.

In any case, consider the Daily Caller video below the fold (with thanks to Mustang for emailing me the link).

Sunday Break From Politics

(If you must have politics, please scroll down. I have two posts today, and the post below this one is political)

First, this film (hat tip to Farmer's Letters):

Readings From The Book of Barack

From Iowa Hawk (edited for grammar and mechanics):

Joe Biden's Brain: Confabulating Joe

(Originally posted here at Always On Watch on October 25, 2011, and am reposting the following in light of Biden's recent gaffes, the gift that keeps on giving, and Obama's recent decision to keep Biden on the November 2012 ticket)

As I've said before, Joe Biden has brain issues, including two brain surgeries for aneurysms in 1988. Just a few months ago, he welcomed Representative Gabrielle Giffords to the Cracked Head Club upon her return to Congress.

Simply put, Joe Biden confabulates. Psychiatric definition of the term:

Obama Has Not Earned A Second Term

Please watch the following short video of former supporters of Obama (hat tip to Mike's America):

Rape Jihad In Colorado Springs?

(hat tip to Infidel Bloggers Alliance)

AP photo and text:

Five men from Iraq that have been arrested for investigation of rape-related charges are seen in undated photos provided by the Colorado Springs Police Department. The are, from the left; Ali Mohammed Hasan Al Juboori, Sarmad Fadhi Mohammed, Yasir Jabbar Jasim, Mustafa Sataar Al Feraji, and Jasim Mohammed Hassin Ramadon. The men were arrested after a woman was seriously injured after trying to break up a fight in Colorado Springs. Police say the attack in Colorado Springs was reported Sunday, Aug. 12, 2012. Authorities said the woman suffered serious internal injuries and was taken to a hospital. Sarmad Fadhi Mohammed and Jasim Mohammed Hassin Ramadon are accused of sexual assault and being an accessory. Mustafa Sataar Al Feraji, Ali Mohammed Hasan Al Juboori, and Yasir Jabbar Jasim are accused of being accessories.

From the Miami Herald, dated August 15, 2012:

United Breaks Guitars

By Sam Huntington

Musician Dave Carroll recently had difficulty with United Airlines. United apparently damaged his treasured Taylor guitar ($3500) during a flight. Dave spent over 9 months trying to get United to pay for damages to his custom guitar caused by baggage handlers. During his final exchange with the United Customer Relations Manager, he stated that he was left with no choice other than to create a music video for YouTube exposing their lack of cooperation. The Manager responded, “Good luck with that one, pal.”

So Dave posted his video on YouTube. The video has since received over 12 million hits. United Airlines contacted Dave and attempted settlement in exchange for pulling the video. Dave's response, naturally, was, “Good luck with that one, pal.”

Taylor Guitars sent Dave 2 new custom guitars in appreciation for the product recognition from the video that has led to a sharp increase in orders.

Now enjoy Dave Carroll's creation.

Disney Sued By Hijab-Wearing Muslima

(Two posts today. Please scroll down)

With a hat tip to Tammy Swofford for the story below.


More HERE at Reuters. Note the following:

...Among the [dress code] restrictions, the policy prohibits visible tattoos and fingernails that exceed a quarter of an inch, the lawsuit said.

Boudlal said she was given the choice of working in a back area, away from customers, or wearing a fedora-style hat on top of her head scarf. When Boudlal refused, she was fired...

Read Tammy Swofford's commentary HERE. Excerpt and my brief commentary below the fold.

The Food Police

For whatever reason, Michelle Obama's comment to Gabby Douglas rubbed me the wrong way even if the comment was made in a joking way (from Newsbusters):

Video: The Path to Prosperity

Know the facts, and derail the Dems' path to victory in November:


Peggy Noonan on the necessary strategy:

A feel-good moment

Paul Ryan Video: Hiding Spending Doesn't Reduce Spending

In my view, Paul Ryan is an excellent pick for as the 2012 GOP candidate for the Vice Presidency.

The video below was uploaded to YouTube in February 2010 and is worth your time:


Partial summary below the fold (emphases mine):

Weekend Break From Politics

(If you must have politics, please scroll down)

For all you golfers out there, here is a commercial from the 1960's (hat tip to I Love Dino Martin):


I Love Dino Martin also has some related still photos.

Have a great weekend.

Obama's Racism

Yes, it IS racism and a return to definition three of the quota system.

According to the Daily Caller (hat tip to Freedom By the Way):

Romney in Jerusalem

by Sam Huntington

According to Professor Barry Rubin, Director of Global Research in International Affairs, Mitt Romney’s recent visit to Israel was an unqualified success. Rubin argues that it wasn’t so much what Romney said, as it was the level of his sincerity while saying it.

Did Romney say anything remarkably disparate from Barack Obama’s speech to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC)? Well, no … but Dr. Rubin urges us to consider two important caveats: first, no one in Israel trusts Mr. Obama, no matter what he says. Second, an unspoken rule of etiquette restrains Mr. Romney from engaging in partisan politics beyond America’s coastline. Generally, we do not air our dirty laundry in public —unless you are President Obama addressing the European Union in 2009.

What Is Sikhism?

Related to the August 5, 2012 mass murders at the Sikh temple in Oak Creek Wisconsin, the information below the fold is shamelessly lifted from Infidel Bloggers Alliance.

Video: Islam and the Muslim Brotherhood in North America

With thanks to Mike, who emailed me the link to the video below:

Pushed Too Far

(If you must have politics, keep scrolling)

Last Wednesday, I went another round with Verizon.

I am a patient person with a long fuse.  Verizon Wireless, however, burned that fuse down all the way and kept on burning the fuse until I exploded.  The particulars are below the fold.

Quote Of The Day

From Brooke on the post just below this one here at Always On Watch:

I think I might have a concussion from my head hitting the desk.

So, repeating the president's own words is racist?

About Criticizing Obama

Saw this over at Breitbart, citing New York Magazine, and burst into the laugh of the lunatic:

Mitt Romney’s plan of blatantly lying about President Obama’s “you didn’t build that” speech is clearly drawing blood. But what makes the attack work so well is not so much the lie itself but the broader subtext of it....

The key thing is that Obama is angry, and he’s talking not in his normal voice but in a “black dialect.” This [meaning, criticizing Obama's you-didn't-build-that remark] strikes at the core of Obama’s entire political identity: a soft-spoken, reasonable African-American with a Kansas accent. From the moment he stepped onto the national stage, Obama’s deepest political fear was being seen as a “traditional” black politician, one who was demanding redistribution from white America on behalf of his fellow African-Americans....

I can't take much more of this excrement.

In my view, we are not far away from this: "You MUST be a racist if you don't vote for Barack Hussein Obama."

(Hat tip to Bloviating Zeppelin for the graphic in this post)

Feel-Good Sunday Post

(If you must have politics, please scroll down)

HERE at Mr. AOW's web site.

This outing, a landmark one for us, was a last minute decision after his 2:00 A.M. return from the American Legion post, so I posted something for Mr. AOW today.

Weekend Political Humor

In part, a re-post from last year, because I HATE to let a good graphic languish in my archives:

August 4 is also known as Lizzie Borden Day. Quite the eerie coincidence as Obama has been swinging an ax at our economy from his first day in office (Thanks, Stogie for making the graphic below at my suggestion!):

Homeschooler Gabrielle Douglas Wins Olympic Gold In Women's Gymnastics

(If you must have politics, please scroll down)

Video footage below the fold.

This Week On The Gathering Storm

Listen to The Gathering Storm Radio Show, hosted by WC and Always On Watch. The show broadcasts live for 30 minutes every Friday beginning at noon, Pacific Time.

The call-in number is 646-915-9870. Callers welcome!

Our scheduled guest this week is Mike's America.

Mike's bio sketch is HERE. 

Excerpt from the bio sketch: Mike has experience in politics and government at every level from the Court House to the White House where he worked for President Reagan.

Listen to the August 3, 2012 edition of The Gathering Storm Radio Show, live or later, by CLICKING HERE.

UPCOMING SHOWS:

The Answer Is ...

Free Enterprise

by Sam Huntington

In keeping with AOW’s policy of posting periodic up-beat posts … even when NOAA tells us the sky is falling, here’s some good news.

o Producing 21% of the world’s manufactured goods, the United States remains the world’s leader in manufacturing. About one in six US jobs within the private sector comes from US manufacturing, about 17 million workers. China comes in second at 15.4%...

o International firms remain interested in building industrial plants in the United States. BMW and Airbus are both opening new facilities in right-to-work states; this means that unions cannot force workers to join unions. It also means that with less money going to corrupt union officials, the less opportunity unions have for corruption and un-American activities.

o US based multi-national corporations employ twenty-two million Americans, which is more than they employ in China, Mexico, and all other nations combined.

o Foreign owned multinational corporations employ 5.8 million Americans. This means that large numbers of jobs are not going overseas —no matter what the left will tell you.

o In-sourced jobs are those brought to the United States by foreign-based companies. These account for nearly five percent of private-sector employment. These companies purchase more than $1.8 trillion in goods and services from local suppliers and small businesses in areas where they operate.

But we still have above 8% unemployment; our country needs to do more. Amazingly, after creating the so-called jobs council, Mr. Obama hasn’t attended one of those meetings for over 8 months, but this does make perfect sense: one cannot campaign for reelection and serve as president at the same time. Nevertheless, there are some things the federal government can do to create a healthy environment supporting free enterprise. I know —this isn’t exactly what Obama promised in 2008 … but stay with us for a few minutes.

Where will we find the world’s most robust economy? According to the Index of Economic Freedom, it is Hong Kong. Its economy is increasing 7% annually. This is good, especially when compared to the United States whose 2012 second quarter growth rate was a dismal 1.5%.

Why is there such a large disparity between Hong Kong and the United States? We’re glad you asked. Hong Kong has a corporate tax rate of 16.5% —compared to 35% in the United States. Hong Kong has a regulatory environment supporting business efficiency; here in America, government regulation is strangling the free-enterprise system. Don’t be angry; Obama did tell us that is what he intended to do. The American government spends more than it produces in revenues. Even as onerous as our tax rate is, the problem isn’t taxes. It is spending, and it is increasing our debt. In 2011, foreign investment in US treasury bonds came to $400 billion. Much of the money raised went to hiring government employees, which leaves us scratching our heads. Government employees detract from, rather than add to the US economy.

If our readers enjoy the sharp spiral into an economic abyss, then we think what you should do is run to your voting precinct in early November and vote to reelect Barack Obama. He does, after all, have a peculiar genius for ruining … er, running a country. Plan B involves moving to Hong Kong where the word “stimulus” originates from free enterprise, and not from the pocketbooks of hardworking taxpayers.

Obama's America 2016

By Sam Huntington

Shamelessly stolen from News Bleat

Let's Talk About Gun Control

(Two posts today. Please scroll down)

In the wake of the Aurora Massacre, here is Bill O'Reilly on the topic (hat tip to Reliapundit of THE ASTUTE BLOGGERS):


Discussion of other methods to prevent such massacres is also encouraged in this thread.

I'll offer my opinions later, in the comments section of this blog post. First, I want to know what YOU have to say.

Today's Recommended Reading

See Busted: Mr. Pfeiffer and the White House blog by Charles Krauthammer. In case you cannot read the essay due to subscription restrictions, I have copied and pasted it below the fold (emphases mine):

Blatant Hypocrisy

(Settle in for one of my long posts)

The world of classical literature offers several examples of hypocrisy and its effects on both the hypocrite and society. Two such examples of literature spring to mind: Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter and William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice. Both of these works have hypocrisy as one of their major themes, specifically with regard to practitioners of two major faiths.  These two works also present the negative consequences of revenge. 

Recently, a bit of a firestorm erupted when portions of an interview with Dan Cathy, CEO of Chick-Fil-A, appeared in the Baptist Press: News with a Christian Perspective.  You can read that article HERE. 

Edited Out!

I am violating my weekend break from politics to call this to your attention.

NBC edited out the following from the network's 2012 Olympics coverage in the broadcast televised in the United States (hat tip):


Clarification: The portion edited out but appearing in this video relates to the victims of Islamic terrorism in London on July 7, 2005.

More dhimmitude: "London’s Olympic Park toilets to turn away from Mecca out of respect for Islamic law."

Weekend Break From Politics

(If you must have politics, please keep scrolling)

"Recuerdos de la Alhambra":

Food! Glorious Food!

(If you must have politics, please scroll down)

A New World Order

by Sam Huntington

China continues to increase its naval forces. China continues to intimidate its neighbors by claiming territorial waters from just south of Hainan Island south to Malaysia, and northeast to areas adjacent to the Philippine Islands. What has China’s leadership said about this international thuggery? President Hu Jintao said, “China’s navy must speed up its development and prepare for warfare. The navy must extend their preparations for the military struggle.”

Doctrine Of The Last Shot Fired

I haven't posted here about the recent mass murder committed by James E. Holmes in Aurora, Colorado.

Instead of writing about similar events and scientific theories, I now post the following, reproduced in full and with permission, from Tammy Swofford's blog site as her essay presents an issue which is being avoided and should, in my opinion, be addressed:

Short Update

“No guts, no glory”

"Since Jan. 1 of this year, according to congressional testimony presented Thursday by the Government Accountability Office, the Federal Aviation Administration has authorized 106 federal, state and local government “entities” to fly “unmanned aircraft systems,” also known as drones, within U.S. airspace..."

Source: Washington Times

Update On Mr. AOW

Considering how well we did on last week's museum trip and now that I've had my 1996 Crown Victoria repaired (To the tune of $2400!), we are making some resume-living plans. A police interceptor requires parts that are more expensive, but those parts last longer and can take a beating and keep on ticking.

Weekend Break From Politics

(If you must have politics, please scroll down)

The rare albino ruby-throated hummingbird, photographed in Staunton, Virginia, by Marlin Shank, age 16; Shaphan Shank, age 14; Darren Shank, age 12; and Allen Shank, age 9 (Thanks, Big Bubba):

More images and a poem below the fold. Enjoy!

No guts, No glory

By Sam Huntington

An unconfirmed quotation, often attributed to General George S. Patton goes something like this: “Wonder weapons? My God, I don't see the wonder in them. Killing without heroics, nothing is glorified, nothing reaffirmed. No heroes, no cowards, no troops, no generals; only those left alive and those left dead. I'm glad I won’t live to see it” This statement speaks to us in volumes, even if its originator was a Hollywood screenwriter for an award winning 1970 film.

Obama Spouts Collectivism (With Addendum)

Obama is off his rocker, and that is the nicest thing that I can say.

Obama's statement:

"If you’ve got a business -- you didn’t build that. Somebody else made that happen."

He's ratcheted up. Downright wild and screaming.

Watch the demagoguery:


Basic definition of collectivism:

Collectivism is any philosophic, political, religious, economic, or social outlook that emphasizes the interdependence of every human being. Collectivism is a basic cultural element that exists as the reverse of individualism...

Has this portion of Obama's July 13, 2012 speech in Roanoke, Virginia, aired on any mainstream-media television broadcast?

Addendum: Check out these graphics!
HERE and HERE, at Infidel Bloggers Alliance. Spew alert!

Doom And Gloom

Recently I read the posting "American Death Watch" over at Stogie's site, Saberpoint. I find myself in agreement with the thesis therein.

The future of America does indeed look bleak.

Clearly, we are on an unsustainable path on many levels, not the least of which is economically. Those on the dole in its many manifestations well exceed the tax base.

Weekend Break From Politics

"Go Speed Racer," this evocative photo taken by the Duck, brings back happy memories of my own childhood – such a carefree time:

(used with permission)
See more of the Duck's photography work HERE.

Recommended Reading

(Two posts today.  Please keep scrolling)

See Tammy Swofford's essay Unleashed. Preface to the essay from Swofford Commentary below the fold:

Obama Tax Increase

While Rome Burns …

By Sam Huntington

When people borrow money, they incur debt against future income. In the near term, this means that the borrower must apportion a percentage of future income to liquidating that debt. It also means that should the borrower suddenly die, his survivors or estate is obligated to pay that debt, unless dismissed by a federal court. A responsible person understands that while some debt is inevitable, they should avoid debt whenever possible because debt has a diminishing effect on wealth.

You Can't Make This Stuff Up!

(Two posts today.  Please keep scrolling)

U. S. Attorney General Holder demands journalists show photo ID to get into his NAACP talk on the evils of photo ID laws!

Obama Admits That He's Unpatriotic

With a hat tip to Reliapundit of THE ASTUTE BLOGGERS:

Recommended Reading

(Two posts today.  Please keep scrolling)

See Elemental Economics Explained Elementarily at FreeThinke.  Sometimes explanations of underlying causes really ARE simple.

Subliminal Message?

(Also scroll down to the post just below this one)

See The New Obama Typeface: Revolution Gothic.

Worth your time and consideration.

ObamaCare Realities

Let us understand some of what ObamaCare requires by 2014, unless, of course, one chooses to pay the tax instead of ponying up for health insurance.

 I did research on the topic of availing this household of the "cheap ObamaCare policies" in 2010, shortly after ObamaCare was thrust upon our nation by Congress and the Obama administration. At that point in time, Mr. AOW was paying $584/month, and I, in the same age bracket, was paying $256/month for our separate private policies. The difference in those premiums is attributable to Mr. AOW's having pre-existing conditions even before his stroke [We have had health insurance all of our married lives, some 40 years], whereas I do not have any pre-existing conditions. Each of our policies at that time had an in-network deductible of $2500/year with a maximum of $5000/year in-network out of pocket. No prescription coverage whatsoever was included. 

Those ever-touted-by-the-Left "cheap" health insurance policies" mandated by ObamaCare and subsidized by the government in 2010 went begging, that is, people were not signing up.  It's easy to understand why if one considers the above.

So, how do those "cheap ObamaCare" policies scheduled to go in force in 2014 work?  Below the fold is what I have gleaned so far about taking preemptive action in advance of 2014.

Musical Interlude

Sunday break from politics
The Moravian hymn Velkomoravský chorál:


My paternal grandmother had training in Moravian music as did Andy Griffith, a distant cousin of mine who passed away on July 3, 2012.

Live TV Debate in Jordan

(Note: Two posts today)

So much for peace in our time in the Middle East. Video below the fold.

Campañas sociales

This Week On The Gathering Storm

Our scheduled guest this week is Robert Spencer of Jihad Watch.

The Gathering Storm, co-hosted by WC and yours truly, broadcasts for 30 minutes every Friday beginning at noon Pacific Time.

Obama: "The law I passed is here to stay"

Ahem. According to the United States Constitution, Congress passes bills that are signed into law by the President of the United States.

About Iran

By Sam Huntington

In spite of the criticism I've received from Mr. Charles, I remain undaunted; the term "American Diplomacy" is an oxymoron.

Musical Interlude For Independence Day

This song always makes me cry tears of happiness and patriotism:


The choral version:

Happy Independence Day, America!

Reading for today from Political Tea Leaves: "All Hail Rodney this Independence Day." Excerpt:

...Rodney’s vote for independence was considered high treason and caused him to be branded a traitor to the Crown. As history records, Caesar Rodney gave up the possibility of receiving medical treatment in London because he voted and pledged his life, fortune and sacred honor for American Independence....

Read the whole thing.

A reminder ...

By Sam Huntington

As we remember what happened at Gettysburg, and as we celebrate our nation's beginning, perhaps we should pause for a moment to remember the basis of our quest for freedom. What a pity if we lose our Republic because public education brainwashed our society into thinking the Constitution supports oligarchy. It does not, even if the people do.

Hello, Little Black Dress!

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Six months ago, I thought that I'd never again wear that little black dress, which has been languishing in my closet for about five years.

Storm Update

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Alert this morning: Boil all water before drinking it or using it for cooking. 

The Slippery Slope

Last week, Reliapundit of THE ASTUTE BLOGGERS called to my attention the short audio below. Worthy of your consideration whether or not you are a fan of Rush Limbaugh:



Limbaugh does not say that Obama could well justify other dictatorial deeds with the words "It's the right thing to do!" However, is not that statement part of all utopianism?

And what does all utopianism bring, sooner or later?

A few quotations about utopias from a variety of individuals:

STORM!

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After nearly 16 hours without power as the result of a horrific storm...

Fasten Your Seat Belts!

The 2012 National Election will continue beyond Election Day (hat tip).

The most arrogant man in the world

By Sam Huntington

Look At The Supreme Court's ObamaCare Decision This Way

Opinion piece by Joseph Curl below the fold.

A few laughs

By Sam Huntington

The June 27 Romney Rally In Northern Virginia

Mr. AOW and I attended the event yesterday afternoon at EIT in Sterling, Virginia.

If you look very closely around time marker :52, you can see me standing at the table in the left-rear background and buying some anti-Obama buttons. There is a tall young man wearing a red skullcap behind me and crossing from side to side.

The Mental Disorder

by Sam Huntington

The cooperative model of social theory suggests that society improves when everyone cooperates. We call the opposing argument the conflict model, suggesting that society improves when conflict demands compromise. I find it interesting that most progressives favor the former with only slight modification: society improves when everyone cooperates, and anyone who doesn't cooperate is a racist homophobe.

Unreal!

Video below the fold: