Saturday, July 4, 2009

BlogWonks

Opinion Matters

Archive for December, 2007

Religion vital aid to free institutions, Alexis de Tocqueville

Posted by Steve Farrell On December - 31 - 2007

I do not know if all Americans have faith in their religion - for who can read to the bottom of hearts? - but I am sure that they believe it necessary to the maintenance of republican institutions. This opinion does not belong only to one class of citizens or to one party, but to the entire nation; one finds it in all ranks. - Alexis de Tocqueville, as quoted in "American Gospel: God, the Founding Fathers, and the Making of a Nation,"  Jon Meacham

The Liberty Letters are a project of The Latter-day Center for Moral Liberalism

Powered by ScribeFire.

Totally Petarded: The Best of the Worst Liberal Quotes From 2007

Posted by Doug Powers On December - 31 - 2007

The gem is in the New York Post today:

For the past 20 years, the Media Research Center has been compiling its list of notable quotables. The quotes, from prominent members of the mainstream news media, provide a clear window into the leftist mindset that pervades most of America's large news organizations. At the end of the year, the center (helped by a panel of judges) chooses the best examples.

Here's my personal favorite:

"Do you worry at all that non-believers may feel excluded and diminshed at a time when we're divided by so much?"

- Katie Couric to "Nativity Story" director Catherine Hardwicke and screenwriter

Is it any wonder that Katie's CBS Evening News ratings are routinely beaten by a test pattern on channel 672?

Here's Dan Rather, a runner-up in the "Not biased enough" award category, explaining, in a roundabout way — I think — why he decided to become a comedian:

“Comedians, such as yourself, Jon Stewart and others, are a valuable supplement, and here’s why: Good journalism at its best frequently speaks truth to power. What’s happened with journalists — again, I don’t except myself from this criticism — in some ways we’ve lost our guts. We need a spine transplant. What’s happened is comedians, in their own way, speak truth to power and fill that vacuum that we in journalism have too often left, particularly post 9/11.”

— Dan Rather to Bill Maher on HBO’s Politically Incorrect

And if that fails, just get phony documents and run with it.

Sally Field, a runner-up in the "Barbra Streisand Political IQ Award for Celebrity Vapidity" category thinks she and her sexual ilk should be in complete control of the world:

“Let’s face it: If the mothers ruled the world, there would be no Goddamned wars in the first place.”

— Actress Sally Field at the Emmy awards

Oh, I don't know about that, Sally. For example, how many wars in history have started simply because someone blasphemed? Besides that, hundreds of powerful women with either synched-up periods or going full-bore through menopause who are ticked off at their lazy husbands for watching too much football while their polished fingers are nervously tapping on the nuclear button — what could possibly go wrong?

The full list of winners, including some of the idiocy that is recorded for posterity, along with a comprehensive list of the runners-up, is here at the Media Research Center's website.

Incidentally, the article in the Post is entitled "Hoist by their own petard." How long will it be until one of the vacuous dingbats quoted castigates the Post for using a slur like "petard."

Monday’s Column: 2008 Predictions

Posted by Doug Powers On December - 31 - 2007

It's nearly time to kick off another year. I know we're all wondering what the coming 365 days will hold, so at the end of every year I try and eliminate at least a little of the suspense.

Here is 2008: The year in preview.

You can give it a "Digg" here.

Happy Holidays Include Fathers

Posted by Ray Blumhorst On December - 30 - 2007

Father’s 4 Justice and the National Coalition of Free Men, Los Angeles joined hands in the spirit of the holidays to make a giant turn out in the Van Nuys/Sherman Oaks Park. An eight (8) foot snowman loomed large over the day’s events and his smaller, snowman buddy stood tall too, to proclaim a holiday message that includes Fathers.

Before dawn, we started setting up for the day‘s seasonal, Fatherly festivities. There was such a winter-like chill in the air that our breath was actually visible. A warm coat, some brisk exercise, and thoughts of happy times ahead warmed our bodies and our spirits.

I had a bit of a grinch like attitude earlier in the month as I contemplated skipping this month’s rally, and pursuing the usual holiday merriment instead, but a little voice in my ear kept whispering that a rally for Dads was needed this month - more than ever. I’m not sure exactly what the suicide statistics are for men and Fathers in the month of December, but given the disgracefully high numbers for a typical year, and the disgraceful lack of care from America, I couldn’t in good conscious let this month go by without saying to the world, “Dads, you’re more than wallets. You’re a blessing, and a gift, for your children, at the holidays and all throughout the year.”

While grinch like judges take pride in grinding down good Dads all year through, we were determined to make it known to all that what judges do to grind Dads and kids down at Christmas in the family law mill would make a nasty grinch hide with shame, because judges steal more from the holidays than grinches could ever do.

Throughout the day, people came and went. They honked, waved, stopped by, and feasted in the season’s merriment and food. By the time Noon came it was once again one of those beautiful shirt sleeve, Southern California days that makes snow birds think of flying off to warmer climes.

The time flew by as we talked with old friends and new, and few of us cared when first we stayed a little longer, then a little longer still. It was later than usual when I got home, and I was tired and sleepy after I cleaned up and had all properly stored. What will I say about a wonderful day filled with friends and good cheer? What will I say about helping a Dad and his kids, instead of forgetting their needs? It is a blessing to work for better lives for Dads and kids, at the holidays and every other day too.

Attention Whore Update, Rose Bowl Edition

Posted by Doug Powers On December - 30 - 2007

Cindy Sheehan continues to allow herself and others to tap dance on her son's casket. This time she plans to stage a protest at the Rose Parade.

Apparently she's ticked off that USC's going into the game without an exit strategy, and Illinois is just in it for the oil.

Vote Jesus Christ in 2008

Posted by Felicia Fee Benamon On December - 30 - 2007

Jesus Christ in 2008!I’m not saying this in the sense that one should vote for Jesus Christ at the polls, although the thought does linger with me to vote Jesus Christ as a write-in.  

The US is facing trouble, but the current crop of presidential candidates are not going to solve our problems. Every man is imperfect.

I have, however noticed one presidential candidate who seems sincere about returning to our lost values as a country and picking up the traditions that have been stomped on in past years. That person is Alan Keyes.

I have noticed Alan Keyes’s position on the issues and his fevered attitude of revering our Christian heritage. He’s a strong conservative, but one question lingers with me… if he is elected as president, will he stand strong on his Christian convictions through his entire term(s) in office? 

In the past, I mentioned Congressman Tom Tancredo as a viable candidate for President…a man who has tried to bring to attention the many problems our nation faces regarding wanton illegal immigration. He was also solid on many conservative issues. However, he is not in the running for the White House anymore and as Tancredo emerged as a candidate, he started to exhibit some fatal flaws. On House Resolution 635 which honored Ramadan, he didn’t stand fully opposed as I hoped he would.  Instead he straddled the fence voting “present” and chose to comment on the out of control political correctness.  And when Mr. Tancredo dropped out of the race for president, he threw his support behind a presidential candidate who has had a history of flip- flopping on conservative issues.

Like I said, I have realized that no man will be a perfect candidate.

But we as a nation have forgotten from whom we get our prosperity. We have forgotten that our strength comes from the Lord Jesus Christ, and it’s by His hand that we have not fallen to our knees.

As a majority of us in America are Christians, I would implore Christians everywhere to vote for Jesus. Vote for Jesus to guide you…in your heart. Allow Him to direct you as to what candidate you should support.

It seems that conservatives are all over the map as to whom they will support.  And many are throwing their support around shaky top tier candidates who are not strong on conservative issues. That is worrisome.  Why would conservatives back a candidate because he seems popular in the Republican Party? It makes no sense.  True conservatives have been ignored. It’s time we start noticing them.

Trust the Lord your God with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. –Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) 

Again, we should be looking to Jesus Christ to lead us in every aspect of our lives. He knows what’s best for us. So, shouldn’t we seek His direction on who we should cast our ballots for in the presidential race? Whoever we vote for will have a significant chance to lead our nation, and this person will have an effect on the way we live. I hope people realize this.

Staying at home in protest is not the answer. However disgruntled or confused some voters are at the crop of candidates they have to choose from, opting not to vote is not going to help.  Having the right to vote is a huge opportunity to have your say.

Confused about the candidates? Let the Lord Jesus Christ guide you. Ask Him in prayer. Connect more with the Lord God.  He will hear you.

In order for our nation to regain its former strength, we need Jesus. Put Him first, He will take care of the rest.

*Learn where each presidential candidate stands on the issues

www.ontheissues.org

 *Felicia Benamon is a conservative columnist who writes from a political perspective, but occasionally deviates to write about other concerns facing her country.  A patriotic American, Felicia hopes to motivate others to be more conscious of the current state of affairs in America, and to hold true to the wonderful traditions that make America great.

Felicia comes from a military background and is proud to support the men and women who put their lives on the line daily to protect American citizens and who reach out to help those in need across the globe.

Write to Felicia at: FeliciasDesk@aol.com

Sanctuary City Advocates Hamper US Law Enforcement

Posted by Jim Kouri On December - 29 - 2007

A citizen of Ecuador was captured by the New York City Police Department and charged with rape, criminal sex act & endangering the welfare of a child. He was convicted of rape and sentenced to 10 years probation. The victim was a twelve year old girl.

“ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] is committed to insuring the public safety of our communities and we will not tolerate the actions of sexual predators and those who threaten the welfare of our children,” said New York ICE Acting Special Agent in Charge Salvatore Dalessandro.

“If you are preying on our children, we are going to find you; and if you are not a US citizen, we will deport you. We will continue to partner with New York City Probation Department and other law enforcement agencies to this end,” he warned.

However, as SAIC Dalessandro noted, it was probation officers, and not police officers, who notified ICE about the child predator. Members of the New York City Police Department are prohibited from informing federal agencies about illegal aliens who are arrested for felony or misdemeanor crimes.

More and more American police commanders and officers are witnessing the growing and disturbing trend of cities and localities instructing law officers to ignore an individual’s immigration status during the course of their duties.

“This practice negates our immigration laws when our local leaders refuse to assist in managing the growing lawbreaking population in our great nation,” said former New York City police detective Sid Francis.

“When cities proclaim that they will not check immigration status, they essentially become a safe haven for not only out-of-status immigrants, but also criminal aliens who have often committed violent atrocities in our country,” said the decorated detective and former US Marine.

Advocates for increasing US border security and controlling immigration point to the thwarted terrorist plots at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, in Germany and in South Carolina are some of the latest examples of the continued desire of anti-American forces to inflict harm on the United States and its allies.

“While we are engaged in a global fight for freedom, why would any American city enact policies that give unknown illegal immigrants sanctuary from detection, arrest or prosecution?” asks Police Officer Edna Aguayo, who comes from a family of cops.

“Instead of working side-by-side with federal authorities, state officials are putting their citizens at risk by erecting barriers to cooperation and enforcement,” she said.

Many Americans believe that federal funds should be denied to cities and towns that declare themselves a “Sanctuary City.”

However, in November, when asked by Fox News if he believed his Department had the authority to deny Homeland Security funds to cities or municipalities that took steps to provide sanctuary to illegal immigrants, Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff replied, “I don’t know that I have the authority to cut off all Homeland Security funds if I disagree with the city’s policy on immigration.”

“As the number of sanctuary cities in the US grows, it is time Congress gives [Chertoff] that authority and lets these cities know that they can not selectively choose to enforce our laws,” said political strategist Mike Baker.

“Just about every cop I’ve spoken with told me that they feel hampered by politicians who care more about political power than they do about protecting the lives and property of the American people,” Baker said.

For example, research in the area of child predators is disturbing and, at times, out and out shocking. Det. Francis studied arrest reports involving criminal aliens who committed child sex crimes including Julio Cesar Rabago-Magana, a Mexican man who sexually assaulted a four-year-old child in a basement in Minneapolis, Minn. Rabago-Magana pleaded guilty to first-degree criminal sexual conduct. After serving his criminal sentence, he was arrested by Immigration agents at his St. Paul home and deported six days later.

“The illegal immigration problem is allowing hundreds of thousands of criminal aliens to invade our nation and kill, maim, rob and abuse our citizens, ” one Border Patrol agent told Newswithviews.com. Research revealed that in one 9-month period the federal government arrested over 100,000 criminal aliens. These arrests do not include arrests made by state and local law enforcement.

Det. Francis adds that our political leaders and the mainstream news media practically ignore this issue and pro-illegal immigration advocates resort to name-calling to silence anyone who attempts to sound the alarm.

“If anything, the President and the two houses of Congress are actually helping these fiends enter the US to assault citizens and their children. They appear more intent on locking up border patrol agents than stopping illegal alien thugs,” said Baker.

Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite (R-FL) has introduced H.R. 3531, the Accountability in Enforcing Immigration Laws Act of 2007. This bill clarifies that state and local law enforcement officials have the authority to investigate, apprehend, and arrest any illegal immigrant apprehended in the course of routine duties.

“Those law enforcement agencies that help the federal government enforce immigration laws would receive additional federal funding to help with the costs of detention,” said Rep. Brown-Waite in a press release.

“Sanctuary cities, on the other hand, would have 25 percent of non-emergency federal Homeland Security funding revoked if they refuse to change their policies within 6 months. H.R. 3531 also gives the Secretary the authority to withhold up to 50 percent of federal funds,” she said.

“When cities proclaim that they will not check immigration status, they essentially become a safe haven for not only out-of-status immigrants, but criminal aliens who have often committed violent atrocities in our country,” said Lt. Steve Rogers, a police commander from northern New Jersey.

“Imagine that Mohammed Atta or one of the other 9/11 hijackers, who were in the country illegally, had a city they could reside in to plot terrorist attacks with no fear of ever being checked or deported. We run the risk of inviting terror into these cities,” he added.

Illegal immigration opponent Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-CO) sponsored a measure, which he says would apply to cities such as Denver and Boulder in his home state. He was elated by its passage, which stunned critics and supporters alike.

However, critics point out that the Littleton Republican’s amendment to the Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill appears to have no language specifically defining what a “sanctuary city” is. Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper has long disputed giving his city that label.

“The issue has come to fruition,” Tancredo said in a press release. “The people of the country really have spoken. It’s a really good indicator of just how much closer to the people the House is than the Senate is.”

Tancredo has introduced similar amendments at least seven other times since 2004, but each has failed — often by wide margins. But already the House passed the Homeland Security appropriations bill, which now goes to the Senate. It would have to be signed by the president to become law.

A year ago, Tancredo and other immigration foes unveiled billboards in Denver, including one with a mock declaration: “Welcome to SANCTUARY CITY . . . Relax, you made it! Brought to you by Executive Order 116.” The billboard referred to a 1998 order issued by then-Denver Mayor Wellington Webb that outlines the city’s anti-discrimination stance regarding immigrants.

“There are no ordinances, executive orders or regulations that establish a ’sanctuary policy’ in Denver,” the mayor’s spokesperson, Lindy Eichenbaum-Lent, said at the time. “Denver’s policies comply with federal law, and Denver law enforcement officers cooperate with federal officials on immigration matters. Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials have said Denver is not a sanctuary city, so merely erecting a misleading billboard doesn’t make it true.”

The proposed amendment comes as the Senate is poised to take up debate again on an immigration reform plan that some opponents criticize as giving amnesty to illegal immigrants. President Bush, who supports the Senate’s reform plan, sweetened the deal this week by agreeing to include $4.4 billion for border security. The Senate had put the reform bill on ice because it lacked enough support to bring to a vote.

Tancredo said his amendment is an indicator that the House would crush the reform plan if it passes in the Senate.

“If I were [Speaker of the House] Nancy Pelosi, I’d be asking if she could pass a vote on amnesty on the House side,” Tancredo said. “If she lost 50 Democrats on this one, and she says she needs 70 Republicans to pass the immigration plan, this is an interesting indicator of things coming down the pike, and that the times, they are a-changing.”

Recently three Newark college students — were forced to kneel against a wall behind an elementary school and were then shot to death at close range. A fourth victim was found alive about 30 feet away, with gunshot and knife wounds to her head.

These weren’t “throw-away kids” or gang members or “dopers,” said Lt. Rogers. “These were decent, wholesome youngsters from good families looking forward to the upcoming school year. That is until they were gunned down execution-style — by an illegal alien who should not have been in the country in the first place!”

Jim Kouri, CPP is currently fifth vice-president of the National Association of Chiefs of Police and he’s a staff writer for the New Media Alliance (thenma.org). Kouri also serves as political advisor for Emmy and Golden Globe winning actor Michael Moriarty.

He’s former chief at a New York City housing project in Washington Heights nicknamed “Crack City” by reporters covering the drug war in the 1980s. In addition, he served as director of public safety at a New Jersey university and director of security for several major organizations. He’s also served on the National Drug Task Force and trained police and security officers throughout the country. Kouri writes for many police and security magazines including Chief of Police, Police Times, The Narc Officer and others. He’s a news writer for TheConservativeVoice.Com and PHXnews.com. He’s also a columnist for AmericanDaily.Com, MensNewsDaily.Com, MichNews.Com, and he’s syndicated by AXcessNews.Com. He’s appeared as on-air commentator for over 100 TV and radio news and talk shows including Oprah, McLaughlin Report, CNN Headline News, MTV, Fox News, etc. His book Assume The Position is available at Amazon.Com. Kouri’s own website is located at http://jimkouri.us

   

Taking Offense at the Department of Defense

Posted by Doug Powers On December - 29 - 2007

In the Washington Times, Bill Gertz discusses some of the U.S. Defense Department's "outreach programs" for Muslim groups. Yeah, that's right — outreach programs:

Stephen Coughlin, a specialist on Islamic law on the Joint Staff, met recently with Hasham Islam, Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon R. England's close aide. The officials said Mr. Islam, a Muslim who is leading efforts for the Defense Department's outreach to Muslim groups, sought to convince Mr. Coughlin to take a softer line on Islam and Islamic law elements that promote extremism.
[…]
Mr. Coughlin came under fire from pro-Muslim officials after a memorandum he wrote identified several groups that are being courted by Mr. Islam's community outreach program as front organizations for the pro-extremist Muslim Brotherhood.

Wow, Stephen Coughlin sure is an affront to the United States, isn't he? The SOB has the audacity to do his job? He's got to go!

Remember when the only "outreach program" the Defense Department did involved B-52's, missles and a hoard of highly trained Marines? Now when we're attacked we send a platoon of school psychologists.

It's clear that, instead of guns and bombs, political correctness is the greatest weapon the enemies of America have, and they intend to use it. That we're allowing them to wield it freely is evidence that it's time for new leadership from top to bottom.

A child demonstrates how the Defense Department's "outreach program" will work

(h/t LGF)

He's Just Not That Into You

Posted by Bernard Chapin On December - 28 - 2007

I just did a review for He’s Just Not That Into You: The No-Excuses Truth to Understanding Guys and I thought maybe someone at MND might find it useful in terms of their daily discussions. Believe me, I’m not recommending it, lol.

I’m trying to put together a book of my own concerning some of this stuff which is what led me to finally devour this lightweight bestseller. I grant that I’m not the target audience for Mr. Behrendt, but I was rather astounded that such a simple and deceptive work received the blockbuster reception it did. Liz Tuccillo is co-author and she occasionally adds some input of her own here. She is not astute regarding these matters but appears to know fifty times more about relationships than the work’s principal author.

The main problem with the book is its gigantic misunderstanding of female motivation regarding reproductive selection. A crucial and unbelievably integral fact that Mr. Behrendt does not comprehend is that women are attracted to men who are indifferent towards them. The snarky and condescending advice he issues in the form of answers to fanmail—and it is within this format that He’s Just Not Into You is structured—soon becomes pointless as a result. Behrendt can describe to women what some men may be thinking but he has no idea what females are thinking or how they get themselves into particular situations.

Women do not like guys who initially come off as being subservient (when they first meet them at least, long-term is a different matter entirely). This is why the “nice guys finishing last” mantra came about in the first place. That this quip about nice guys is so well known is due to its being true. Women, for a variety of psychological reasons, are repulsed by men who worship them in the early stages of courtship. They want a man who’s a challenge and one who will not immediately roll over for them and become their groupie. That’s why they attach themselves to fellows who “are not that into them.”

What males reading this haven’t had a girl you were only mildly interested in end up falling love with you? It happens all the time and it’s a result of ambivalence. Whereas, the women for whom one cannot hide intense admiration are the same ones who lose respect for you and blow you off. This is a very common occurrence, and it will continue until our society stops referring to the fairer sex with the respect that should be reserved for Abraham Lincoln or Dr. Martin Luther King.

Lastly, why should any person have to be notified about others not being into them? This is most troubling. Shouldn’t normal folks be able to discern such a state of affairs on their own? I suppose though that this last question is one we’ll have to explore at a later date.

Planned Parenthood Puts Up Their Mitts

Posted by Doug Powers On December - 28 - 2007

Planned Parenthood loved Mitt Romney back when he was pro-choice — but now that he's wooing pro-lifers, PP is honoring Mitt with his own flip-flop clothing line:

Less than a week before the neck-and-neck race to finish first in the Iowa caucuses, Planned Parenthood has launched a line of “multiple choice Mitt” clothing including bibs, baby onesies and T-shirts that blast GOP candidate Mitt Romney’s “flip-flop” on abortion rights.

In a fitting tribute to the mission of Planned Parenthood, if someone orders a bib, onesie or t-shirt from PP, it will arrive sans baby. But don't worry, staunch pro-choicers, they'll still look fantastic on those spotted owls, chinchillas and snail darters you're willing to lay your lives on the line to save in the name of human decency.

Below is a shirt that Romney may want to consider selling in order to reciprocate: