News of the Week for Nov. 12th, 2012
- Election 2012
- Hide the Decline
- Obamacare
- War & Terror
- National News
- Economy & Taxes
- International News
- Opinion
Election
2012
Waiving Freedom
By Thomas Sowell
Is this what the re-election of Barack Obama will mean?
Among the objections to Obamacare, one that has not gotten as much attention as it should is the president’s power to waive the law for any company, union, or other enterprise he chooses.
The Case of the Missing White Voters
One of the more intriguing narratives for election 2012 was proposed by political scientist Brendan Nyhan fairly early on: that it was “Bizarro 2004.” The parallels to that year certainly were eerie: An incumbent adored by his base but with middling approval ratings nationally faces off against an uncharismatic, wishy-washy official from Massachusetts. The race is tight during the summer until the president breaks open a significant lead after his convention. Then, after a tepid first debate for the incumbent, the contest tightens, bringing the opposition tantalizingly close to a win, but not quite close enough.
Obama Didn’t Win By Turning Out Blacks To Vote
He Won By Turning Off Whites From Voting.
I’ve repeatedly quoted this Larry Sabato analysis, back from early June.
Let’s Not Open a Catering Firm
Everyone is saying the Republicans need to adopt policies that will appeal to this or that group: the middle class, Hispanics, women, Asians, whatever. They call this “putting together a coalition” or “modernizing the party” or “adapting to demographic reality,” but whatever they call it, it’s exactly the wrong thing to do.
Exit polls 2012: How votes are shifting
See how much voter groups have shifted in the 2012 exit polls, compared to 2008. Early numbers are preliminary and may change significantly until midday Wednesday, when poll results are finalized. Each state’s data will be available after their polls close. Results for typical characteristics have a margin of error of four percentage points.
Examiner Editorial: Demographics haven’t killed the GOP — yet
President Obama’s re-election has triggered panic in some GOP circles. Obama was able to win not just once, when Americans were reacting against the Bush era, but a second time, with a weak economy and a vulnerable record. America, the alarmists say, has fundamentally shifted so much that Republicans can no longer win national elections. This thesis merits serious consideration. Especially relevant is the fact that Mitt Romney’s dismal performance among the growing Hispanic demographic made the race essentially unwinnable.
Demography may be destiny, but we have some say about our demography
In a post below, a trial lawyer friend of John and Scott applies some of his litigation wisdom to electoral politics. Let me offer an analogy along the same lines.
Senate election results: Harry Reid emboldened by big gains
It was the mantra repeated over and over again in Senate GOP rallies across the country — vote Republican and kick Harry Reid out of his job as majority leader.
Puerto Rican voters call for statehood! …Mostly. Sort of. Not really at all, actually.
Maine Senator-Elect Wants Independence Guarantee Before Caucusing
The independent senator-elect replacing retiring Republican Sen. Olympia Snowe maintains that he still hasn’t decided which party he’ll caucus with in the 113th Congress.
Military Absentee Ballots Delivered One Day Late, Would Have Swung Election For Romney
Sources confirmed today that hundreds of thousands of military absentee ballots were delivered hours after the deadline for them to be counted, with preliminary counts showing that they would have overturned the vote in several states and brought a victory for Governor Mitt Romney.
Students Chant ‘Karl Marx’ While Celebrating Obama Victory
A group of college students chanted “Karl Marx” and “socialism” while celebrating President Obama’s electoral victory in front of the White House late Tuesday night, a video shot by Campus Reform reveals.
Data drove Obama’s ground game
The impressive Election Day ground game that swept President Obama to victory was fueled by a technological edge left over from his initial run to the White House in 2008.
Leviathan and Obama’s Win
The only thing I can say good about tonight is I am going to keep selling a lot of copies my book Injustice. But I’d gladly trade having a New York Times bestseller for a president who respects the Rule of Law.
GOP retakes state Senate and full control of state government
Madison – Republicans recaptured the state Senate on Tuesday, once again giving them the complete control of state government that they used to enact sweeping changes in the last legislative session.
Dunkirk
I’ll have more in the morning, but my quick thoughts.
Obama Wins A Second Term: Now What?
I’m certainly glad the election is finally over. While I have loved politics my entire life, this presidential election has gone on for over three years, including the GOP primaries, and I’ve had my fill of meaningless slogans and counter-slogans, lies and counter-lies. I had to quit watching political news the last few weeks, as I thought I would become physically sick if I watched any more establishment political “experts” give their required opinions and propaganda bites.
“Why Hispanics Don’t Vote for Republicans”
Not surprisingly, their voting choices have nothing to do with the amnesty pander now being pushed by the same people who keep steering us down disastrous electoral paths and everything to do with why that very amnesty pander — that is, trying to co-opt the tactics of the left — will only in the long-term create more leftists and more leftism.
Hide the Decline
Environment &
“Green Energy”
California’s landmark global warming law becomes real this week with first cap-and-trade auctions
For more than 40 years, California has led the nation in environmental regulation, from passing the toughest coastal protection laws to America’s first rules banning leaded gasoline.
Obamacare
Government in Healthcare
Welch Allyn job cuts are related to new tax mandated by health care law
Welch Allyn told employees at companywide meetings this morning that it plans to cut 275 jobs, or about 10 percent of its worldwide workforce.
Stryker layoffs blamed on Obamacare tax
No sector of the healthcare industry is rooting harder for the Supreme Court to overturn the Affordable Care Act completely tomorrow than are medical device companies, which are bracing themselves for a substantial excise tax on their revenues that takes effect next year under the law.
Layoffs: Medtronic to cut another 500 jobs in hopes of saving $125M per year
Medtronic is half-way through a 2012 restructuring plan, expecting to cut another 500 positions in hopes of saving up to $125 million per year.
War & Terror
Iran fired at unarmed US drone, Pentagon says
CIA Director Petraeus Resigns, Cites Extramarital Affair
Central Intelligence Agency Director David Petraeus has resigned, citing “extremely poor judgment” for having an extramarital affair, NBC News reported.
National
Democrats Want Ashley Judd to Run Against Mitch McConnell in 2014
The Huffington Post’s Howard Fineman said Sunday that Democrats in Kentucky are hoping actress Ashley Judd will run against Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) in 2014.
Dispatch from NJ: Private Citizens, Businesses Providing Aid in Government’s Stead
New Jersey is still reeling from Hurricane Sandy. The politicians and celebrities have come and gone, but residents still struggle for basic necessities. One thing I’m learning first hand is that our best hope here in NJ is the generosity and help of other people and of private enterprise.
Innocence of Muslims filmmaker given one year in prison
Mark Youssef’s anti-Islam film caused chaos and rioting over the summer for its depiction of the prophet Muhammad
Politicizing Ourselves to Death: Is the Culture War Over?
Only time will tell how people respond to a culture out of synch with reality.
Sick, frail struggle most in storm’s aftermath
Some of society’s most vulnerable people – the elderly, the disabled and the chronically ill – have been pushed tothe brink in the powerless, flood-ravaged neighborhoods struggling to recover from Superstorm Sandy.
6,125 Proposed Regulations and Notifications Posted in Last 90 Days–Average 68 per Day
It’s Friday morning, and so far today, the Obama administration has posted 165 new regulations and notifications on its reguations.gov website.
City Council asks L.A. residents to go ‘meatless’ on Mondays
For one day each week, the Los Angeles City Council wants residents to go vegetarian.
Menendez Must Be Investigated
NJ GOP focusing in on newly reelected Democratic senator
New Jersey Republicans are accusing Sen. Bob Menendez (D., N.J.) of having violated Senate ethics rules by failing to disclose or seek Senate permission for air travel and lodging provided by a wealthy campaign donor.
Voice of Elmo on leave from Sesame Street after he was accused of having ‘sexual relationship with underage boy’
Kevin Clash, 52, is on leave after the programme’s lawyers were contacted by a 23-year-old man
Accuser claims he had a sexual relationship with the puppeteer seven years ago, when he was aged 16
Northwestern U. Marxism conference packed with teachers
Teachers filled the ranks at the 2012 Midwest Marxism Conference, which was held Saturday at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.
Economy
& Taxes
Mourning in America – Here’s Those Layoffs We Voted For Last Night
Last night’s victory for the President marks the first time since its inception that Obamacare is no longer a what-if; it is the future of health care in America.
The Next Four Years Won’t Be As Good As The Last
The people have spoken and President Obama will serve another four years presiding over the United States. Furthermore, there is very little change to the makeup of the House and the Senate, which leaves the Administration in the same battle for control as it was prior to the election. The question now is what will the next four years look like economically?
The Fiscal Cliff And The Keyser Soze Option
Why US Economy May Be Headed for Another Recession
All the problems investors face—from a fiscal meltdown to the various economic woes around the world—add up to one daunting prospect: Another possible recession just over the horizon.
Fiscal Cliff: 54 Days Until $7 Trillion Tax Hike
In 54 days, $7 trillion in tax hikes and spending cuts over the next decade will automatically go into effect. If America goes over this “fiscal cliff,” experts say the already rickety U.S. economy could implode.
‘Tsunami’ of Regulations Expected After Obama Reelect
President Barack Obama’s administration deliberately held off implementing burdensome regulations that favored environmentalists, labor unions, and dealt with Obamacare in the month leading up to the election because they would be politically unpopular.
John Schnatter Papa John’s CEO: Obamacare likely to raise costs, employee’s hours being cut
A day after Barack Obama earned a second term in the White House, Papa John’s founder and CEO John Schnatter said the president’s signature health-care reform law would increase his business costs and possibly result in employees’ hours being cut.
Foodstamps Surge By Most In One Year To New All Time Record, In Delayed Release
The number of course is that showing how many Americans are on foodstamps, and usually is released at the end of the month, or the first day or two of the next month. This time the USDA delayed its release nine days past the semi-official deadline, far past the election, and until Friday night to report August foodstamp data. One glance at the number reveals why: at 47.1 million, this was not only a new all time record, but the monthly increase of 420,947 from July was the biggest monthly increase in one year.
Wealthy Dump Assets Amid Worries About Going Over ‘Cliff’
For many of the wealthy, 2012 is becoming a good year to sell.
More Californians Will Flee State After Recent Tax Increases
California Gov. Jerry Brown on Sunday said California would start a tax-increase wave across the nation, but recent history suggests California’s tax increases will only accelerate the number of people who will leave California to other states with better tax climates.
Decline and Fall
California votes for more: taxes, spending, debt, government
International
Argentina protests: up to half a million rally against Fernández de Kirchner
Rowdy demonstrations against corruption mark escalation of opposition to President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner
Opinion
The Decline and Fall of Western Culture in One Photo
Why We Lost the Republic
With reports of voting irregularities in several battleground states, we might never know who actually won the 2012 election, but we do know for sure that it is Barack Obama who will occupy the White House for the next four years. And now we will find out if countless patriots at Tea Party rallies around the country were on to something when they voiced the fear that America will not survive four more years of Barack Obama
A Constitutional Moment. Sometime?
To my constricted mind, elections are like meteorological events. They happen, at more or less regular intervals. People can’t stop talking about them. If I had a desire to participate actively in either, it wouldn’t make a difference; and so I never have and never will. I’d be grateful if electoral politics and the weather could stay in the background, where they belong; but if they intrude all too much I’ll move, uncomplainingly, to a place where they don’t . In short, I don’t have any actual opinion on Tuesday’s election or its outcome, only a few rain-drenched musings:
