News of the Week for January 26^th, 2014

• Gun Rights
• Hide the Decline
• Obamacare
• War & Terror
• National News
• Economy & Taxes
• International News
• Opinion

 

Gun Rights

 

Machine gun tourism in Sin City
Bob Irwin, owner of The Gun Store in Las Vegas, considers himself the pioneer of machine gun tourism.

Revealed: Dispirited Obama “Shocked” He Couldn’t Get Gun Control Passed After Newtown Massacre
David Remnick, author of the new nearly 17,000 word profile of President Barack Obama in the New Yorker, revealed in a podcast interview this week that a dispirited Obama told him that he misread the “moment in political history” and was shocked he could not get gun control measures passed in the wake of the December 2012 Newtown, Ct., Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in which a lone gunman killed twenty children and six adults.

Smith & Wesson to stop selling guns in California due to microstamping law
D.C. passes emergency bill to postpone the firearm law until 2016

Hide the Decline

Environment &
“Green Energy”

 

Green Fade-Out: Europe to Ditch Climate Protection Goals
The EU’s reputation as a model of environmental responsibility may soon be history. The European Commission wants to forgo ambitious climate protection goals and pave the way for fracking — jeopardizing Germany’s touted energy revolution in the process.

Pollution from Chinese Manufacturing Choking US West Coast
Billowing across the Pacific Ocean from China and landing on the western shore of the United States are significant quantities of toxic air pollutants, including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and black carbon. Ironically, a great deal of that air pollution is caused by the production of goods inside China for export to the United States.

Guy Who Got Stuck in Antarctic Ice Receives Award for Super-Accurate Global Warming Model
You know, this makes absolute sense in a kind of bizarro dreamworld kind of way

‘Secret dealing’? Emails show cozy relationship between EPA, environmental groups
Newly disclosed emails suggest senior policy officials at the Environmental Protection Agency and environmental groups are working closely to kill the Keystone XL pipeline, critics say.

Global Warming Scientist To Be Cross-examined Under Oath
In the off chance you morons don’t regularly stalk the Superior Court of the District of Columbia in search of noteworthy cases, Professor Michael Mann of Penn State filed suit in 2012 against, among others, National Review and Mark Steyn for something Mark wrote and NR published on its website (full disclosure – I am an occasional contributor to several publications, including NRO’s Bench Memos). As NR’s capable lawyers have confirmed, there seems to be no case here.

Greenpeace disappears a founder, much like ‘The Commissar Vanishes’ in Soviet Russia
On our Friday Funny, which pointed out that Dr. Michael Mann labeled Greenpeace co-founder Dr. Patrick Moore as a “garden variety troll”, we thought it was funny that Dr. Mann couldn’t make the connection to who he was labeling. But then, something funny happened on the way to the forum; we discovered that Greenpeace had been actively erasing Dr. Moore from their history page.

Why Aren’t Global Surface Temperature Data Produced in Absolute Form?
The title question often appears during discussions of global surface temperatures. That is, GISS, Hadley Centre and NCDC only present their global land+ocean surface temperatures products as anomalies. The questions is: why don’t they produce the global surface temperature products in absolute form?

Obamacare

Government in Healthcare

 

Hacking expert reveals how he cracked Obamacare site in under 4 minutes
David Kennedy, the hacking expert that shook the country this week with his congressional testimony about the security failures of HealthCare.gov, explained Sunday how he was able to penetrate the site.

An Obamacare Website Failure Even Bigger Than Washington’s
Oregon, a state of 4 million people at the forefront of “progressive” health reform, isn’t being touted by liberals these days as a model. That’s because Cover Oregon, its state-run health-care exchange, is the worst in the country, so bad that officials there may decide soon to unplug it and hook up to the faltering federal exchange.

New executive overreach: Obama may relax U.S. sanctions on Iran — without action from Congress
Like the man said, he’s got a pen and a phone and he’s not going to wait around for the legislature just because the law says he has to.

Swedes buy insurance to skip long health queues
One in ten Swedes now has private health insurance, often through their employers, with some recipients stating it makes business sense to be seen quickly rather than languish in national health care queues.

 

War & Terror

 

In first, Iranian warships en route to Atlantic
Khark helicopter-carrier warship and Sabalan destroyer said heading west in historic trip, no military objective mentioned

National

 

A-listers fete First Lady at secret b-day bash
Beyoncé and Stevie Wonder played a top-secret 50th birthday party for Michelle Obama on Saturday night at the White House.

Sen. Vitter announces bid for Louisiana governor

Millennials Unhappy With Obama’s War on the Young
What do young Americans want? Something different from what they’ve been getting from the president they voted for by such large margins.

Messina joins Crist campaign
President Obama’s 2012 campaign manager, Jim Messina, is joining Charlie Crist’s gubernatorial campaign in Florida, the candidate revealed Monday.

The Airbrushed, Polished, Rewritten History of Wendy Davis
Nobody can seek office as they are, huh? Everybody’s got to be born in a log cabin, and have worked himself up from nothing. Choom gangs, William Ayers and Tony Rezko get airbrushed from history; ineffective years of community organizing are rewritten into a dedication to the poor that rivals St. Francis of Assisi. Al Gore couldn’t be just another senator; he had to invent the Internet. Wartime service isn’t enough;”If you have any question about what John Kerry is made of, just spend 3 minutes with the men who served with him.” John Edwards is Father of the Year. “Raymond Shaw is the kindest, bravest, warmest, most wonderful human being I’ve ever known in my life.”

Supreme Court to Hear Case on Forced Unionization
At question is law requiring home healthcare workers to pay SEIU dues

McDonnell, former first lady indicted on multiple counts
In the first criminal indictment of a Virginia governor in modern times, a federal grand jury Tuesday charged that former Gov. Bob McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, violated federal corruption laws by using their positions to benefit a wealthy businessman who showered them with thousands in gifts and loans.

Colorado Dems Voted To Allow EBT Cards In Pot Shops
Owners of marijuana shops in Colorado didn’t want any part of EBT (food stamp) machines in their stores. They didn’t want the extra scrutiny from the government. But Colorado Democrats disagreed and voted to allow food stamp recipients to access cash at pot shops.

Michigan’s Black Student Union delivers ultimatum: ‘physical action’ if school doesn’t meet demands
After Harry Belafonte speech group gave Univ. of Michigan seven days to meet seven demands
Demands include a new multicultural center, “emergency scholarships” for black students needing financial support
Demanding “an increase in black representation on the campus equal to 10 percent.”

NAACP doubles down, says Tim Scott can’t pay homage to Dr. King and be a conservative; TIM SCOTT RESPONDS
The NAACP released a statement on their leader calling Tim Scott a ‘dummy’

Obama’s Job Approval Points to 2014 Trouble for Democrats
With the advent of this election year, the time to turn from generalities/playing field pieces to tracking specific races is fast approaching. But before picking up my series on competitive Senate races (I wrote on three with relatively well-formed dynamics last year: Kentucky, Montana, and Arkansas), I do have a few more things to say about the playing field.

Dinesh D’Souza indicted for violating U.S. election law
Dinesh D’Souza, a conservative commentator and best-selling author, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for arranging excessive campaign contributions to a candidate for the U.S. Senate.

Meet the Obama Voter Running As a Republican in California
Geez. I stopped paying attention to political news in California for a few days and in swooped Neel Kashkari, the investment banker who helped run TARP under Bush and Obama, to announce that he’s running for governor. In difficult times, God, the universe, the Prime Mover or whatever calls upon great men to rise up and deliver this kind of rousing oratory.

Update on Romeike Homeschooling Asylum Case
Awaiting word from the Supreme Court if it will take the case, or will family be returned to Germany where it risks loss of children for homeschooling.

Coming in 2016: Another filibuster-proof Democratic majority in the Senate?
Good lord. It’s hard to out-eeyore the big A, but when I’m beat, I’m man enough to admit it. Well played, Sean Trende. Very well played.

Will Oregon be part of the 2014 Senate playing field?
In my post about Republicans expanding the number of Senate seats in play this year, I did not include Oregon in the potentially expanded playing field. But a savvy reader suggests that Oregon may be in play.

Future US envoy displays total ignorance of Norway
The US’s next ambassador to Norway has committed a jaw-dropping diplomatic blunder before he even begins, describing politicians from the Progress Party, which has seven ministers, as “fringe elements” that “spew their hatred” in a US Senate hearing.

Tom Cotton Outraises Mark Pryor in Fourth Quarter, Sabato Moves Race to ‘Lean R’
Arkansas Senate candidate Tom Cotton raised $1.24 million in the fourth quarter, outdoing incumbent Senator Mark Pryor, who raised $1.1 million, according to Politico. Pryor, a Democrat who’s considered one of the weakest Senate incumbents in this fall’s midterms still has much a much bigger war chest, totaling $4.2 million. Cotton, a freshman congressman, currently has $2.2 million on hand.

CAUGHT ON TAPE: Wendy Davis Supporters Mock Greg Abbott’s Disability
Wendy Davis and Battleground Texas supporters are seen on camera making statements such as “Since he’s in a wheelchair and most the slogans are “Stand with Wendy” and “Stand with Texas Women”, isn’t that amazing to think of? He’s in a wheelchair and we want to stand with Wendy?”

Planned Parenthood caught covering up child rape in Philadelphia by Cassy Fiano
The Pro-Life Action League has uncovered some disturbing information in Philadelphia. The Pennsylvania Department of Health posted inspection reports recently, which the Pro-Life Action League then reviewed. What they found was not only despicable and disgusting, but also criminal.

Cop-Killer, Communist, Terrorist Pen Nightmarish Blueprint for ‘Socialist USA’
Convicted cop-killer, communist, and a radical terrorist call capitalism ‘cancer’ and plan to ‘replace’ it.

Does RPLAC Stand Together and Fight? Or Shall the Democrats take the Ring?
The Liberty Caucus is made up of people who will follow the words of Former Rep. Ron Paul over the leadership of any other Republican. Many of them refused to vote for the Republican Presidential candidate in 08 and 12, because Rep. Paul did not win the primary (I’ve had many conversations on FB with such people). They espouse a Fortress America standpoint and almost hatred of working with foreign allies; The Liberty Caucus would rather strike at Republicans first (as Ron Paul did against Reagan in 1986) then work with them. Cue Cult of Personality by Living Color.

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett says he’d sign bill ending deduction of union dues
Gov. Tom Corbett didn’t say much about so-called paycheck protection legislation, but what he said this week held plenty of weight.

Virginia AG Mark Herring refuses to do his job and defend state law on marriage
Exercising his own political veto.

The incredible, shrinking Charlie Crist campaign
It may not be readily apparent if you follow the Florida media that constantly notes Charlie Crist’s campaign for governor or the Washington pundits who describe Charlie Crist vs. Rick Scott as THE race to watch in 2014. But here’s the reality: There is no real Crist campaign for governor.

The First Votes of the Next GOP Presidential Primary Will Be Cast in February 2016
The Republican National Committee adopted new rules for the 2016 presidential primary today

DCCC’s Erin Bilbray (D CAND, Nevada-03 PRI) likes some pretty nasty, racist stuff.
You see, there’s this candidate over in Nevada called Erin Bilbray. She wants to run against Joe Heck in the general, and she’s being groomed by the DCCC to do just that; they consider her to be a top-tier candidate. That’s not the problem, given that she’s already on her second campaign manager and the woman seems to think that you can call an Iraq War veteran anti-American. No, the problem is this: Bilbray recently broadcast to the world her approval of a image titled “The World According To A Right-Wing Conservative” – and I can’t show it to you.

Terri Lynn Land (R) outraised Gary Peters (D) in 4Q 2013 (Michigan Senate).
It’s stuff like this that is making Democrats ever-so-apprehensive about the open seat race there

Wendy Davis endorsed by ‘sugar daddy’ dating service
A dating service that pairs wealthy “sugar daddies” with “sugar babies” for “mutually beneficial dating arrangements” has endorsed Texas Democratic gubernatorial candidate Wendy Davis.

Schumer Wants to Cede Congressional Authority to the President
The Banana Republic File just got a little thicker. I can’t figure out why on Earth Democrats in the Senate are willing to just hand their branch’s power to the Executive. Do they honestly think that this kind of thing could never be used against their interests?

Schumer Calls for Using IRS to Curtail Tea Party Activities
Democratic senator says Obama should bypass Congress, use executive powers

Paul on Lewinsky Scandal: Dems ‘Have the Gall’ to Accuse GOP of War on Women?
In response to whether the Monica Lewinsky scandal that plagued then-President Bill Clinton’s second term should factor into a 2016 Hillary Clinton presidential run, Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) told Meet the Press’ David Gregory that he found the Democrats’ “concocted” issue of a War on Women rich in light of Clinton’s behavior.

 

Economy
& Taxes

 

Mega Default In China Scheduled For January 31
On Friday, Chinese state media reported that China Credit Trust Co. warned investors that they may not be repaid when one of its wealth management products matures on January 31, the first day of the Year of the Horse.

A ‘tsunami’ of store closings expected to hit retail
Get ready for the next era in retail—one that will be characterized by far fewer shops and smaller stores.

 

International

 

Clashes erupt between protesters and police in Ukraine after anti-protest laws
Demonstrations in Kiev, Ukraine erupted into violent clashes between protesters and police on Sunday.

The smoking ban killed the British pub. This vandalism is Labour’s defining legacy
Some people believe Labour’s defining legacy is Iraq. Others think it is the hunting ban. But the issue which has affected most people and which has damaged the fabric and appearance of British community more than anything else is the loss of the local pub.

Thailand Declares State of Emergency
Thailand’s government has imposed a 60-day state of emergency in Bangkok and surrounding provinces following months of protests by anti-government demonstrators in the capital.

Clashes Continue for a Third Day in Kyiv
Clashes between anti-government protesters and police continued for a third day on Tuesday in Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv.

California’s Leaders Are Watching the Wealthy’s Movements
California state leaders are monitoring millionaires to assess whether a recent jump in income taxes could lead to an exodus of the wealthy.

Wall Street adviser: Actual unemployment is 37.2%, ‘misery index’ worst in 40 years
Don’t believe the happy talk coming out of the White House, Federal Reserve and Treasury Department when it comes to the real unemployment rate and the true “Misery Index.” Because, according to an influential Wall Street advisor, the figures are a fraud.

Record 20% of Households on Food Stamps in 2013
A record 20% of American households, one in five, were on food stamps in 2013, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Poverty TV: Hit UK show stirs welfare debate
A shoplifter, a recovering drug addict and a young couple barely able to feed their kids are among the stars of “Benefits Street” – a smash hit reality show featuring welfare recipients that has stirred up a storm of controversy in Britain.

Indian woman says gang-raped on orders of village court
A 20-year-old woman in eastern India was gang-raped by 13 men on the orders of a village court as punishment for having a relationship with a man from a different community, a senior police officer said on Thursday.

Four dead, dozens wounded in explosion near Cairo police HQ
Four people are dead and 51 more are wounded after a blast shook central Cairo on Friday morning, Egypt’s Ministry of Health said.

South Sudan rebels and government sign ceasefire
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: South Sudan’s government and rebels signed a ceasefire on Thursday to end more than five weeks of fighting that divided Africa’s newest nation and brought it to the brink of civil war.

Ukraine protesters reject deal with president
Protesters in the Ukrainian capital Friday rejected a shaky negotiated compromise reached between its leaders and embattled President Victor Yanukovich after five hours of hard talks.

Smiling Vagina School Mural Lives To Smile Another Day
There’s nothing that brightens the day more than a smiling vagina. However, a street artist’s rendition of a smiling vagina painted on the staircase of a junior high school in Sweden has sparked a heated debate about censorship.

Propaganda In The Ontario Curriculum Turns Students Into Left-Wing Activists
The entire document is found here, but here’s what I found interesting

Social Justice Math In The TDSB
Coming from a teacher? No, Ms. Poulis says she’s a Vice-Principal at the TDSB.

Toxic Garbage Being Taught In Peel DSB
From a “unit test question” being used in the Peel District School Board.

Confirmed: Protesters in Ukraine Kidnapped From Hospitals And Executed

Ukraine president offers PM post to opposition
Ukraine’s embattled president on Saturday offered to make a top opposition leader the prime minister, but it was unclear if the overture would mollify the radical faction of protesters who have clashed with police for much of the last week.

Toronto Public Schools’ Curriculum Guide Encourages Elementary School Boys To Be Cross Dressers
The Guide is entitled Both/and.. This section makes it plain that students are to be encouraged to become cross dressers. As you read the entire document you will realize that this is not a curriculum guide but rather a radical political agenda. My hope is that Lee Hicks is immediately transferred to Valley Park Middle School where he and his GSA can compete for space with the Mosqueteria.

 

Opinion

 

The Last Generation of the West and the Thin Strand of Civilization
Had the Greeks lost at Salamis, Western civilization might easily have been strangled in its adolescence. Had Hitler not invaded the Soviet Union, the European democracies would have probably remained overwhelmed. And had the Japanese just sidestepped the Philippines and Pearl Harbor, as they gobbled up the orphaned Pacific colonies of a defunct Western Europe, the Pacific World as we know it now might be a far different, far darker place.

Common Core Is Pretty Dumb
What they’re asking kids to do is this: Rather than simply memorize the fact that seven plus seven equals fourteen, they’re training kids to recognize possible shortcuts or easier paths to computation. If a kid realizes a seven is made up of 3 plus four, and remembers that three plus seven equals ten, then he can “simplify” the problem as ten plus four, which gives fourteen.

Obama’s Recessional
There is nothing accidental about the president’s apparent foreign-policy blunders.

Ukraine Should Be Split In Two
Ukraine, particularly the capital Kiev, continues to be tormented with clashes between protesters and the police.

Wendy Davis Has a Problem With the Truth
Perhaps the slogan of the Wendy Davis campaign should be that behind every successful woman is a good man.

Leaning Right in Hollywood, Under a Lens
In a famously left-leaning Hollywood, where Democratic fund-raisers fill the social calendar, Friends of Abe stands out as a conservative group that bucks the prevailing political winds.

You’re A Racist. And There’s Nothing You Can Do About It
On the certitude of bigotry hunters

Satan at the State House
On statues, statutes, and civil society

A Better World Through America
Polio eradication evinces the benefits of the triumph of the West.

Boys and Girls
If you told any feminist that in a school system most teachers were men, the learning style was competitive/non cooperative – designed for most boys over most girls – that it required them to do things – instead of just reciting things – that it was designed for male development milestones and that most male teachers had been taught girls were bad/lazy – and girls were failing in record numbers… They’d be up in arms.

Justice Kagan was wrong: Alabama would not be covered under new Voting Rights Act
I noted earlier that members of Congress recently introduced the Voting Rights Act Amendments Act, designed to respond to the Supreme Court’s recent decision in Shelby County v. Holder.

Nation’s Veterans Demand Farmland In Gaul
A delegation from the American Legion had a meeting today with several leading senators to demand suitable farmland for the nation’s landless veterans in the province of Transalpine Gaul.

Progressive Kristallnacht Coming?
I would call attention to the parallels of Nazi Germany to its war on its “one percent,” namely its Jews, to the progressive war on the American one percent, namely the “rich.”