A friend of mine was aghast when I told him I shed no tears for the death of Walter Cronkite. "After all," he said, "he was the 'most trusted man in America.'"

So I asked him to elaborate on what he thought that meant.

He responded, "Cronkite was in most of our living rooms through some of the most remarkable periods in our history. He was the the voice that told us about the Kennedy assassination, the Moon shot and of course, the Vietnam War."

And that's when I got him. Yes, he was the voice of the Vietnam War and the anti-War movement. But he was also the man who many believe was complicit in perhaps the worst mass murder in the history of the World.

From Preston Taylor Holmes:

B-Mac here: I usually don’t add on to a post but when it comes to Satan’s Anchorman, it’s worth noting that he did as much to secure defeat in Vietnam as anyone and the aftermath is still felt today whether you’re a sweatshop worker still toiling under that Soviet-backed communist regime, the bones littering the killing fields of Cambodia, or a Latin American strongman threatening to overthrow a democracy. The precedent stands when a US President sits on his hands.

The interview with NV Colonel Bui Tin from the Wall Street Journal in 1995:

Q: Was the American antiwar movement important to Hanoi’s victory?

A: It was essential to our strategy. Support of the war from our rear was completely secure while the American rear was vulnerable. Every day our leadership would listen to world news over the radio at 9 a.m. to follow the growth of the American antiwar movement. Visits to Hanoi by people like Jane Fonda, and former Attorney General Ramsey Clark and ministers gave us confidence that we should hold on in the face of battlefield reverses. We were elated when Jane Fonda, wearing a red Vietnamese dress, said at a press conference that she was ashamed of American actions in the war and that she would struggle along with us.

Q: Did the Politburo pay attention to these visits?

A: Keenly.

Q: Why?

A: Those people represented the conscience of America. The conscience of America was part of its war-making capability, and we were turning that power in our favor. America lost because of its democracy; through dissent and protest it lost the ability to mobilize a will to win.

Of course, the “Conscience of America” is a direct reference to Walter Cronkite. Though they could win one battle they knew they could not win the war without the help of Cronkite. And boy, did they ever get it. He may have been wearing a suit on tv but he might has well have been dressed in a pair of black pajamas. Indeed, Walter Cronkite was the Original Pajamas Media.

It’s no wonder that whenever America faces an enemy - be they an entrenched Marxist dictatorship, a teetering rogue nation, or a pack of Islamofascist hyenas that they can never underestimate what an ally they have in the American media.

For every Cronkite dead, there’s a thousand aspiring J-school students clamoring or MSNBC anchors willing to throw a sympathetic hug on a terrorist or a dictator and spit in our country’s face.

Cronkite, and his far-left Liberal cohorts, played an enormously dangerous role in the defeat of our allies and the continuation of the Communist cause - which resulted in countless deaths, financial devastation (would the US have had to spend so much money defeating the Soviet Union if the USSR lost it's power in '68?) and loss of American prestige.

This man was no hero and was never trustworthy. As far as I'm concerned, Cronkite's death is no reason for sadness and no reason to mourn. If we are to mourn anything, we should mourn what people like ol' Wally managed to take away from us. Today's lamestream media is a direct result of the damage useful idiots - like Cronkite - have caused this country and this planet.

Well, at least Satan has his anchorman back.

For a more detailed and professional take on Cronkite's legacy, see Debbie Schlussel's excellent piece, Buh-Bye, Walter Cronkite: He Lost the Vietnam War for U.S. on TV, Had American Blood on His Hands.

Ten Great Songs From One Great Year

1999

Unlike the Prince song of the same name, 1999 was not a year caused people to want to party. More than anything else, the fear over the impending Y2K anxiety forced businesses worldwide to spent billions of dollars in order to secure that their computer systems would not crash when the next year began. No one knows how much damage was prevented and most historians now believe the threat was widely exaggerated.

Another big story was that of the California energy crisis. It would still be two years until Enron would be indicted on charges caused by obscene corporate greed that stemmed from the crisis. But the market was riding high in ’99 – actually topping 10,000 for the first time ever - and a lot of people began investing insane amounts of money in the tech sector. This would lead to the market crash in 2001, when the tech bubble came crashing down.

Tragedy struck the town of Littleton, Co when two teenagers open fire on their classmates. 12 students are murdered, along with one teacher. The two teens later committed suicide at the end of the assault. Another tragedy happened in Moore, Oklahoma, when an F-5 tornado ripped into town, killing 38 people. This was the strongest tornado ever recorded. In November 12 students are killed when a bonfire, celebrating Homecoming week, collapses at Texas A&M University, in College Station, Texas.

In entertainment news, the much-anticipated prequel to the Star Wars trilogy – the Phantom Menace – is released in theaters and becomes the highest grossing movie in franchise history. Also this year, the music file-sharing program, Napster, debuts and changes the way music is listened to forever. In July, the death of John F. Kennedy, Jr., the son of the slain President, is killed when his private jet goes down off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard.

Mambo No. 5 – Lou Bega

This song was originally done in 1952 by the Cuban-Mexican bandleader Perez Prado. Known as the 'King of the Mambo,' Prado recorded numerous mambos and when he ran out of inspiration, he would simply number them, and "Mambo No 5" was one of a series of 8. Prado's version was an instrumental and in ‘99 German Pop musician Lou Bega added lyrics to it, transforming it into a love song for several women, namely Angela, Pamela, Sandra, Rita, Monica, Erica, Tina, Mary and Jessica. It was reported that the girls he mentioned were all Lou's former girlfriends but it is probably beyond coincidence that eight of the girls in the song have names that happen to end in "A."

Livin' La Vida Loca – Ricky Martin

The title of the song translates to “Living the Cray Life.” Desmond Child and Robi Rosa wrote this. Child has written hits for many artists, including Kiss, Cher, Bon Jovi, and Aerosmith. Rosa was in the group Menudo with Martin. According to an interview, Child and Rosa were trying to write "The Millennium party song from Hell." While popular in his native Puerto Rico since 1991, this song was by far his most successful English hit, topping the charts for 6 weeks.

The Final Countdown - Pearl Jam

This song, which was originally a #2 smash by J. Frank Wilson & The Cavaliers (in 1962) is about Jeanette Clark and J.L. Hancock, who were both 16 years old when their car hit a tractor-trailer on a road in rural Barnesville, Georgia. They were on a date a few days before Christmas in 1962. A local gas station attendant helping with the recovery of the bodies did not recognize his own daughter. The song was written by Wayne Cochran, who lived near the road and was working on a song about all the accidents he saw on it. He finished it and dedicated it to Jeanette Clark. Pearl Jam lead singer Eddie Vedder came across this song when he found the record in an antique store in Seattle before a show. He bought it and stayed up all night listening to it. He took it to the band and they played it throughout the summer of their 1998 tour. Pearl Jam recorded this at a sound check and released it as a single to their fan club, who often get songs that are unavailable to the public. After a while, radio stations got copies and started playing it. By the spring of 1999, it was getting a lot of airplay and becoming a hit, even though it was not released as a single or available on an album.

Someday – Sugar Ray

Sugar Ray formed in 1992 calling themselves The Shrinky Dinks, later having to change it (upon threat of lawsuit from the Milton Bradley Company, maker of the Shrinky Dinks toy) to Sugar Ray after the boxer Sugar Ray Leonard. The band's debut album, Lemonade and Brownies, was released in 1995, though it failed to produce a major hit single. Sugar Ray's first mainstream hit came in the summer of 1997 with their song "Fly," which was released on the album Floored and featured reggae artist Super Cat. "Fly" was notable for not sounding anything at all like the rest of the tracks on the album and received frequent radio play. As a result of the success of "Fly," Floored sold well and was certified double platinum. However, by the end of 1997, critics were skeptical that Sugar Ray could put out another successful song labeled them a one-hit wonder. The same year, Sugar Ray was featured in the movie Father's Day, starring Billy Crystal and Robin Williams. However, their follow up album proved them all wrong, as 14:59 was a huge success, featuring the #3 hit “Every Morning” and this song, which reached #7.

My Name Is – Eminem

This introduced the character "Slim Shady." Eminem claims to have 3 characters he acts like: Marshal Mathers (his real name), Eminem, and Slim Shady. The keyboard track was based on a song called "I Got The" by Labi Siffre. Siffre is a gay activist, so before he let Eminem use his song, he insisted that he change one of the lines in the song that called a teacher ”gay.” This song was Eminem’s first top 40 hit and it made a name for the white rapper from Detroit.

Jumper – Third Eye Blind

In an odd fact, this song is only one of a handful of top 40 hits where the title is never sung in the lyrics, which led many people to believe it was called "I Would Understand," which is repeated throughout the song. Lead singer Stephan Jenkins said on the PBS show In The Mix: "It's not just a song about some guy offing himself. Jumper's really about understanding. Everyone carries demons around, they carry some sort of scar around. The message of Jumper is that there comes a time when you have to put the past away." Even so, in the film “Yes, Man,” Jim Carrey uses this song to convince a man not to jump off a ledge.

Smooth – Santana (featuring Rob Thomas)

Rob Thomas from Matchbox Twenty wrote this with Itaal Shur, a songwriter and producer who has worked also with Jewel, Robi Rosa and Maxwell (co-writing his first hit, "Ascension (Don't Ever Wonder). Says Shur: “My manager at the time told me that Pete Ganbarg, who was working at the time at Arista, he was looking for music for the new Santana record. At the time, I had my own band and was performing a lot around the city. I jumped at it because I grew up with an older brother who hipped me up to Classic Rock and I always loved Santana.” Clive Davis is a legendary record executive who was the mastermind behind this album. Santana had not had a hit since "Hold On" in 1982, so Davis teamed him up with contemporary musicians like Wyclef Jean, Everlast and Lauryn Hill to make sure the younger generation took notice. The result was a wildly successful album that went over well with Santana's old fans and created a legion of new ones. This was the first single, and it spent 12 weeks at #1 in the US.

That I Would Be Good – Alanis Morissette

With the incredible success of the first two post-teeny bopper albums, Morissette was asked to appear and perform on the MTV Unplugged television series. It featured tracks from her previous two albums alongside four new songs, including "King of Pain" (a cover of The Police song) and "No Pressure over Cappuccino", which Morissette wrote with her main guitar player, Nick Lashley. From that live concert (and subsequent live album), she released this song, which was a very popular album track from Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie.

She's So High – Tal Bachman

Bachman is the son of Canadian rocker Randy Bachman, who is famous for his work in The Guess Who and Bachman-Turner Overdrive. This is Tal's first single - his sound is much more mellow and mainstream than his father's. His debut album, Staring Down the Sun, earned Bachman two Juno awards in Canada, and much media exposure, including appearances on "The Tonight Show" with Jay Leno, MTV, MuchMusic, and E Network; and profiles, interviews, and reviews in "Rolling Stone," "Q Magazine," "USA Today," "Interview," and the Los Angeles Times. In support of the record, Bachman toured as an opening act for Bryan Adams and the Barenaked Ladies, and also toured in his own right.

Kiss Me – Sixpense None the Richer

Sixpence None the Richer is a Contemporary Christian trio from Austin, Texas. Their name comes from a passage in C.S. Lewis' book Mere Christianity. This became a hit when it was used on the third season to the WB TV show Dawson's Creek. This was the most-played radio song in 1999 in 11 different countries, including Canada, UK, Australia, Japan and Israel. The band had only modest commercial success – including the follow up song, “There She Goes” – until their breakup in 2004. However, after lead singer Leigh Nash released a solo effort, the band reunited in 2008 and they released a Christmas-themed album, titled The Dawn of Grace.

I plan on continuing my anger rants into next week and I have a lot more to say on the subject. But for a preview of what's in store, here is the brilliant and hilarious Steven Crowder explaining what is headed our way, should this health care abomination be passed:




It should frighten each of us into doing something to stop it.

Angry Part II

It really does take a lot to make me angry. Sure, my kids can get my dander up from time to time and, being married for 20 years did make certain moments less than pleasant. But I'm a pretty even-keeled guy. I've had my bouts with depression and certainly, given all that I've gone through health-wise (back surgery, peptic ulcers, rheumatoid arthritis, and of course my heart attack/stroke/heart transplant), I can be excused for being somewhat moody at times.

But anger? Not so much.

But there is one thing that will anger me every single time. And that's self-hating Jews.

The terrible shame is many of these self-hating Jews don't even realize that they are self-hating. Take Woody Allen, for example. Most people think of Allen as a brilliant screenwriter and director. Many Jewish people regard him as a fine example of Jewish humor and thought.

But why? Name for me one movie that Allen produced, starred in or acted in where the Jewish character was not some crazed neurotic dweeb?

And this is what we consider a fine example? Ok, maybe he gave a few dollars to B'Nai Brith. But what really has he done to further his religion? In what ways has he set an example for young Jewish minds to emulate? I mean aside from having an affair with his adopted daughter?

But Woody Allen is just one example and as upsetting as he and others like him are, they pale in comparison to a certain group I'm about to tell you about.

I read an article in today's Jerusalem Post, once again I found this link at Weasel Zippers, titled, US rabbis launch 'Jewish Fast for Gaza'. I read this and I felt absolutely sick to my stomach.

This group, Ta'anit Tzedek say they seek "to end the Jewish community's silence over Israel's collective punishment of Palestinians in Gaza."

Well, I have a few problems with this.

For one thing, the Jewish community has never been silent about anything and secondly, by saying we are, it gives the explicit understanding that we are doing damage to the Gazans, which in turn will only serve their purpose towards their ultimate goal of the total annihilation of the Jews of Israel (and around the world).

So why would these "Rabbis" do such a thing?

Well, it could be a case of the Stockholm Syndrome - where they are empathizing with the enemy. But I liken it more to a long-time Jewish trait of self-destruction. We saw it originally in Biblical times when many times, the Egyptians relied on certain Jews to turn their fellow Jews in. They did it at the time in order to curry special favors from their taskmasters.

We saw it during the pogroms, where again, fellow Jews often exposed their own, which led to mass deaths among the Jews in Russia.

And of course, we saw it during the Holocaust. Aside from the Jews were turned their fellow Jews in, many German Jews refused to believe anything could happen to them when Hitler took over. So they stayed and in some cases, even thrived temporarily.

Since 1948, we have seen this play out time after time after time in Israel. And no time was it more apparent than in 1993 - when Shimon Peres and Yitzhak Rabin invited Yasir Arafat back with open arms.

You see, 11 years earlier, under the leadership on Prime Minister Menachem Begun, Israel was forced to clean out the PLO's bases in southern Lebanon. For far too long, Arafat's soldiers entrenched themselves there are consistently used the area as a launching pad for terror acts against the Jews in the north. Finally, Israel had enough (similar to Gaza) and they went in. After a number of days, they had successfully cleaned out the terror cells and actually had Arafat and his henchmen surrounded in the port of Beirut.

Here is where Begun made his worst mistake. Taking a page from King Saul, who hesitated and did not kill Agog, the king of Amalek (although G-d commanded him too), Begun allowed Arafat to escape to Tunisia. Of course, world opinion shifted against Israel when the Lebanese Christian Militia, a group in alliance with the IDF, broke rank and exacted revenge against the people of Sabra, an Arab village in south Lebanon.

Regardless, Begun let him go. But Arafat never intended to stay away and while in Tunis, he created a government-in-exile. Like Anwar Sadat, Arafat knew he could never hope to defeat Israel militarily. So instead, he played upon Israel's greatest weakness - their desire for peace.

Once he had the right people in the right place -Clinton, Peres and Rabin - he played these delusional fools for the liberal idiots they were. At no time did Arafat ever intend to accept a separate state along with Israel. There were/are so many proofs that I can't spend the time typing them. Let's just say, anyone who firmly believes that the Arab leadership in the West Bank, Gaza or anywhere else, wants anything less than the total removal of the Jews and Israel from the Middle East, is either a lying sack of shit, or is too stupid to breathe.

Time and again, Arafat changed the rules of the game and time and again, Israel was forced to give in. Why? Because if Oslo were ever deemed to be a failure - which it most obviously was - the liberal politicians who put it together would have been thrown out of office, if not thrown in jail.

What I have come to learn is that most politicians - whether liberal or Conservative - their most pressing priority is not the nation, but of getting re-elected. We can can all laugh and say that I'm right. But they're really the one's who are laughing - laughing at you and I for voting them back in over and over again.

I took the everyday Israeli 7 long years to finally accept Oslo was a failure. Those who were against it from the start knew it was destined to fail because all there was was "hope" (sound familiar?).

But the real world doesn't work this way and Utopia is not possible. Hoping that Arafat, or tat the Arabs can change will never make it so. Of course, the same goes for all the "hope" and "change" of the Obama election. Here to, many Americans have simply deluded themselves into believing the unbelievable simply because it doesn't hurt as band as the reality. But when you wake up from your dreams, facing reality is a most painful experience.

So today, we have this group of Rabbis who follow this tried and failed route. And for what reason? Do they really believe they are going to make a positive difference? Are they that stupid to think platitudes towards the Gazans will change their poisoned minds? What planet are these "Rabbis" from?

Unfortunately, these Rabbis can not compete. Every time a Jew pulls a stupid stunt like this, the Arabs understand what it means. It means that they are willing to compromise their beliefs. However, the Arabs are not. To an Arab, compromising their belief is a sign that their belief is weak.

Well I have news for these so called Rabbis. The Arabs are right. Why shouldn't they feel superior? If Judaism really meant so much to these Rabbis, they would never compromise their beliefs in order to placate the Arabs. And that is exactly their rationale for their actions. Oh, they say all the right things and use the right expressions. But that is all bullshit. The sad thing is that they don't realize how full of crap they are. Like all good liberals, their hearts are in the right place but their actions are extraordinarily dangerous.

This is why a Muslim goes crazy when a Koran gets desecrated, but put a Bible in a jar of urine and Christians and Jews call it "free speech." Maybe if we truly believed our Bibles, like the Muslim believe theirs, we would get pissed off too. Maybe these Rabbis should think about why exactly they feel the need to jeopardize their fellow Jews for a fleeting moment of false acceptance.

Don't they realize the very people they are trying to impress are laughing their asses off?

All appeasement and goodwill gestures made to the Arabs do nothing but ultimately lead to the death of more Jews. It's time for these so-called Rabbis to start taking pride in what Judaism is. But I guess if they were proud of what Judaism was, they would never have become Reform/Reconstructionist/Humanist Jews. They are an abomination to true Torah Jews and should never be accepted as a true representation of the Jewish faith.

Once again, liberalism is the religion. Judaism is simply the vehicle. It's enough to make me really angry.

Boy am I angry.

There are a number of reasons for my mood. For one thing, I had to put together a new futon/couch today and it really wrecked my back. Also, my love life is a mess and I have no idea what direction, if any I should take. Thirdly, my twin boys absolutely decimated my bathroom and living room after I spent hours cleaning it up on Friday.

I really do not want to take my mood out on anybody I know and love, so instead I decided to rant against an antisemite who commented on one of my favorite blogs (Weasel Zippers). I usually ignore these trolls, but this lucky idiot had it coming. And even though I laid into him, I know I did no damage to his beliefs. That's the sad part of Jew-hatred. Because it isn't based on anything rational, it isn't easily fixed.

But it's made me think of all the things I hear written and said about Israel and Jews which are so off the mark that they would be laughed out loud if they weren't so believed. Here just one that comes to mind, along with the reason why it's so ridiculous:

1. Israel occupies Palestine

For one thing, the "county" of Palestine is fictitious. "Palestine" was the name of a region of the Ottoman Empire that at one time was the location of the Kingdom of Israel. Prior to 1948, "Palestinians" were Jews and Arabs who lived in that region.

In 1922, the area of Palestine was given to the Jewish people in the Balfour declaration. This act was performed by the British government following World War I. So, although President Obama believes otherwise (in his speech he accepted the Arab claims that Israel was a creation of the Holocaust, which of course, happened 20 years after the Balfour declaration), the entire area of modern day Israel and Jordan were given to the Jews for their homeland.

However, the Arab leaders at the time rejected the idea and after 26 years of constant terrorism - often at the behest of the antisemetic Brits - Israel finally agreed to the United Nations partition of what turned out to be less than 25% of the territory originally given to the Jews.

Of course, the Arabs rejected that as well and went to war to "wipe Israel of the map." The Arab leaders told the few Arabs who lived there to leave and that soon they will take it all back. So they set everyone up in "refugee camps."

Of course, as luck will have it, the Arab armies are and always have been inept. Israel defeated the armies of Iraq, Egypt, Jordan and Syria and forged a nation out of what used to be desert dust.

Over the next 20 years, the Arab armies continued to snipe at Israel and finally, in 1967, they felt they had the manpower to destroy the Jewish state. But Israeli intelligence was too much for them and before they could fire a shot (which they were in the process of doing), the Israeli military wiped out the militaries of Egypt, Syria and Jordan, in just 6 days. In doing so, they liberated the Golan Heights - from where numerous terror attacks emanated from, the Sinai peninsula - which formed a buffer between them and Egypt, and most importantly, Jerusalem and the West Bank (Judea and Samaria). Of course, with liberating Jerusalem - which according to the 1948 agreement was to be open to the Jews and Arabs alike, only to be closed off by Jordan during the 1948 war - they liberated the Western Wall, which is the holiest place of the Jewish religion.

Yet, even in victory, Israel allowed the Arab Waqf to control the Temple Mount and the city was then opened to Jew, Arab and anyone else who wished to live there.

But of course, it was not enough for the Arabs, who although they were firmly defeated, they did not lose gracefully. What followed was another war in 1973 - one that the Arabs started on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar. Can you imagine Israel, or any other country fighting the Arabs on their holy days? Remember the backlash Bush received for fighting during Ramadan?

But even after all of it, Israel just wanted peace and finally, Anwar Sadat answered the call and even though he made peace with Israel, he was assassinated for his trouble. Still, Israel never really wanted to occupy anyone and in fact, the Arabs who lived in the territories were offered (and given) full citizenship. Over time, it became apparent that because it was never enough, the Arabs took to the streets and terrorism in order accomplish their homicidal means.

Yet Israel never really took the threat seriously and it lead to the horrible Oslo accords. This agreement allowed Yasir Arafat - a sworn enemy who never gave up his demand for the destruction and annihilation of Israel and the Jews - the opportunity to remake himself into a statesman. Unfortunately, after billions and billions of dollars, thousands of lives and continued terror, all Arafat managed to create was corruption and more death. Not one industry was created. Not one road built and not one sewer pipe laid.

Of course, to the Arabs, Arafat was hero for "doing it" to the Jews. In the mean time, it was the United States and Israel who were bankrolling him. Israeli and American leaders were so vested in Arafat making something in the West Bank and Gaza that he knew no matter what he did, they wouldn't turn their backs.

Finally, in 2000, Prime Minister Ehud Barak offered Arafat everything he asked for. All the land they felt was "stolen" (it wasn't) ad all the money and arms. So what did the 1994 Nobel Laureate do?

He turned it down and started another "intifada."

So then what should Israel do? In order to stop the constant suicide bombings, they built a fence. Of course, the antisemetic press - there and here - went ballistic over Israel's "Apartheid wall." Anyone who can truthfully compare what Israel is doing with what happened in South Africa is either too stupid to breathe, or is an antisemite who only wants to blame the Jews for everything. And yes, being anti-Zionist/Israel IS antisemetic.

The next step was Gaza. Israeli citizens bought the land from the Arabs who lived there (nothing was nationalized without fair compensation, regardless of whatever shit-for-brains Huffington Post basement dweller says). What they did with the land in Gaza was nothing more than a miracle. But instead of supporting their own people, who served really as a buffer between Israel and the Arabs, the Israeli government said "enough" and forced Gaza to be Judenrein (now there's a nice word, huh? Kinda brings back nice memories).

So they pulled out of Gaza and left everything to the Arabs; the homes, the buildings and even the greenhouses. Of course, within a day, the Arabs destroyed the greenhouses and turned what had been an oasis into a mud hole.

And what did pulling out of Gaza and giving the land the Arabs claim was so important to them? Why, it got them a daily barrage a missiles towards the cities of S'dorot and Ashkelon. Every fucking day more and more rockets rained down. Thankfully, most of them miss there mark and the Arabs are damn lucky they do. But the people who are under that barrage wondered why we ever pulled out of Gaza? Before this, these places were enjoying a somewhat normal life. Even the Arab leaders claimed that if we pull out they will only use it as a launching pad.

Yet, once again, Israel felt forced to to do it in order to comply with the wishes of the world. Just like in 1948, 1967 and 1973, Israel was forced to back off. If Israel were losing the wars, would the Arabs have been forced to back off? Of course not. THAT is antisemitism to its core.

So, Israel finally had enough of the daily barrage of rockets and went back into Gaza to flush out those who were launching them. Unfortunately, as we all know, the poor, defenseless Arabs placed all their rockets in the middle of peoples homes and schools - knowing full well any retaliation by Israel would kill innocent lives. Yet, even facing these difficult tasks, Israeli soldiers were extraordinarily careful. They even began calling the households that were targeted, requesting that they leave so not to be hurt. Of course, these lovely Arabs caught on and started sending more and more people, mostly women and children, back into the homes in order to inflict more casualties - and stronger world reaction.

But this idiot I answered today would have nothing of it. To him, and to many in the Obama administration and around the world, little Israel, it's size less than 1/2 of 1% of the Arab world, is the reason the world is a mess. Israel, the nation that has been at the forefront of science, medicine and technology, is the root of all evil.

If Israel just let the poor Palestinians have a home. And what do you call the place they have now? You may call those places "refugee camps" but they are really actual cities.

I said it before and I'll say it again - louder if I have to - anti-Israel IS antisemitism. Forget about what the liberal phonies at JStreet say. Liberalism - at least the liberalism that has been taken over by today's Democrats - is a disease. True liberalism believes in justice for all, as long as it's followed by a rule of law. You may empathize with the underdog, but you must also understand the reasons he's an underdog. Sometimes, it's by his own doing. You can feel bad for him and you can even help him. But you can't make him want to change and you can't blame everyone else for all of his problems.

The problem I have with today's liberals is that they believe it is everyone else's responsibility and not the one person who's responsibility it is. If a man is homeless, by all means help him. But understand why he's homeless. If someone is lazy, don't do the job for him. Don't use your own money to pay for his wants and desires. If you're able to work - WORK. Make something of yourself.

As far as Israel is concerned, stop blaming Israel for being able to create a free nation where the Arabs can not. And just because they can't, don't take away what Israel has built. The fault for the problems in the Middle East is not hard to find. If the Arabs put down their weapons tomorrow, there would be peace. If Israel put down their weapons, there would be slaughter.

EVERYONE KNOWS IT!!! It's time for the world - and you too, Mr. President, to act like it.

Ten Great Songs From One Great Year

1987 v.2

This was the year that President Ronald Reagan implored Soviet Premier Mikhail Gorbachev to tear down the Berlin Wall. While it was only the beginning of the final demise of the Soviet Union, can anyone honestly say they could see the current President be so bold?

But Reagan’s successes were few and far between at this point. Congress was once again in the control of the Democrats and the battle lines were drawn as the Congress rejected Robert Bork for the Supreme Court. But a battle the President won was the repeal of the nefarious, and poorly named, Fairness Doctrine. This opened the airwaves to Rosh Limbaugh and others who forever had been in the shadow of the liberal media.

But the media was too interested in the Jessica McClure rescue to notice. Just 5 days later, the stock market crashed. But to combat the inevitable fallout, Prozac debuted in the US on December 29th and not a moment too soon

Livin' On a Prayer – Bon Jovi

This tells the story of Tommy and Gina, 2 kids working to make it on their own despite constant hardships. It struck a chord with America's youth, especially the ones from New Jersey. The characters in the song relate to the working class fans Bon Jovi played to. "Tommy" works on the docks, while "Gina" works in a diner. Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora wrote this with help from Desmond Child, a prolific songwriter who was brought in by the record company to give them a more commercial sound. Child has also written hits for Kiss, Aerosmith, Michael Bolton, and Ricky Martin.

Keep Your Hands to Yourself – The Georgia Satallites

Riding the wave of popularity, forged by other Athens, GA locals R.E.M. and The B-52’s, lead singer Dan Baird wrote this about the problems their drummer was having with his girlfriend. He wrote it in one sitting on their tour bus. The video portrayed a This was the only hit for the Georgia Satellites. Baird had a hit as a solo artist in 1992 with "I Love You Period."shotgun wedding, complete with very pregnant bride and actual shotgun.

The Final Countdown - Europe

On VH1's 100 Greatest One-Hit Wonders, Joey Tempest said: "It was quite a surprise that the song 'The Final Countdown' became such a big hit because it was written for the band, it was written for our concert, it was written to be the opening song in our concert. It was almost 6 minutes long, it was never intended to be a short Pop hit or anything, it was very much a surprise and its been used for all kinds of events, anything from Formula 1 to boxing. It's been used for a lot, sort of like an anthem. I know there's been some cover versions of it as well and I know when the Berlin Wall (fell), at the same time that all thing happened I know a lot of other people from that area saw the song as an anthem. I get a lot of letters about that. So its been interpreted in many ways."

Moonlighting Theme – Al Jarreau

This song, about night owls who unexpectedly find love with each other, turned out to be one of Jarreau's biggest hits. It is the theme song to the comedy/mystery series Moonlighting, which is the show that made Bruce Willis a household name and gave Cybill Shepherd a career resurgence. Inside the entertainment industry, the show is remembered for the bitter on-set feuding between Willis and Shepherd, both of whom vowed to never work with each other again after the show ended.

Alone – Heart

Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly wrote this. They are a very successful songwriting team who have written several other #1 hits, including "So Emotional," "Like A Virgin" and "Eternal Flame." Most of their songs start with a lyric Steinberg comes up with. Kelly writes most of the music and sings on the demos. After their 1983 album Passionworks, Heart left Epic Records and signed with Capitol, where they had enormous success with soaring ballads like "What About Love" and "These Dreams." The band wrote most of their early hits, which were rockers like "Barracuda" and "Magic Man," but starting with their 1985 album Heart, they got a lot of help from some top songwriters. In addition to Steinberg and Kelly, Heart recorded songs by Diane Warren, Bernie Taupin and Martin Page.

Jacob's Ladder – Huey Lewis & the News

This was written by Bruce Hornsby and his brother John Hornsby. Huey Lewis had previously sang a duet with Bruce Hornsby on "Down the Road Tonight" on Hornsby's The Way it Is album. This song is about someone for who life is a struggle but has rejected the approaches of a hypocritical religious evangelist who was more interested in her money than her spiritual well-being. Instead she is intent on gradually improving herself. Hornsby recorded a version which is included on his second album, Scenes From The Southside. He regularly sings this in concerts as well.

Lost in Emotion – Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam

Following their breakthrough smash, “Head to Toe,” this song turned out be the biggest hit for the pop trio, reaching #1 on the billboard top 100. The song is about a woman who's in love with a man that everyone she knows thinks is wrong for her, but she will disregard them and follow her heart. However, even though they continued recording, they were only able to achieve minimal success, reaching the top 40 just two more times before 1992.

Ballerina Girl – Lionel Richie

The 80’s were very kind to the former Commodore’s front man. The success of his first two LP’s, 1982’s Lionel Richie and 1983’s Can’t Slow Down, were two of the best selling albums of the decade. If not for Michael Jackson, Richie would have been the number one selling black artist alive. His third album, Dancing on the Ceiling, further cemented his place in the annals of 80’s legends. This ballad was the third single from the LP and it reached #7 on the Billboard charts. It was his 13th and final top 10 hit as a solo artist, which included five #1 hits.

I've Been in Love Before – Cutting Crew

This melancholy ballad was written by Cutting Crew lead singer Nick Van Eede, and was the follow up to their massive hit "(I Just) Died in Your Arms," which according to Van Eede, was inspired by a real relationship. This song may be about the same person, but Van Eede isn't saying, leaving us to ponder the line, "The hardest part is when you're in it." The first two chords of this song are similar to the first two chords of the 1998 Cher hit "Believe." That's because Nick Van Eede co-produced the original demo for "Believe."

Someone Like You – Daryl Hall

What Lionel Richie was to black artists, Daryl Hall and John Oates were to duos. In fact, Hall & Oates are the biggest selling duos in the history of recorded music. But success doesn’t last forever and by 1987, the hits were no longer easy to come by. It was at this time that Daryl Hall decided to try something different and so he recorded and released a solo album (actually, he did this as well in 1980, prior to the band’s rejuvenation). For his diehard fans, it was a welcome effort. For most everyone else, it sounded like any other Hall & Oates album. The only difference was that it was more personal and introspective. Perhaps the best example of that was this heart-wrenching ballad that was a big hit on the Adult-Contemporary chart.

In case you were wondering whether the Obama administration really has our best interests (and the interest of our children). Here's your answer.

By the way, I design websites and while I'm not as proficient as these guys must be, I'm rather certain I can do it for about 1% of the cost.

But then again, I'm not an economist like Obama.

$18M Being Spent to Redesign Recovery.gov Web Site

*****************

I like Ann Coulter. I really do. Yes, I realize she can be demeaning to liberals (and some RINO's as well), but she is very intelligent and has a true gift.

However, I don't often quote her here because too many people, once they see the name "Ann Coulter" immediately refuse to accept anything she says - regardless of the whether or not it's true (and it usually is).

However, I experienced something personally that she actually wrote about this week. Her article, "Forgetting Sarah Palin," describes this unnatural obsession the left has with the soon-to-be-former Governor from Alaska.

I've mentioned before the outrageous vilification of Palin before, but now that she's decided to step down, her detractors seem even more unhinged. Here's what Coulter wrote:

She's like the ex-girlfriend they're SO over, never want to see again, have already forgotten about -- really, it's O-ver -- but they just can't stop talking about her.

What's amazing to me is that to days ago, my boss and I had a similar conversation to the one Coulter describes here.

Boss: Did you know that Sarah Palin had never completed one position she ever had in her entire life?

Me: I don't really care. I'm not concerned with Palin right now. But I am worried about North Korea (we had been talking about the Norks missile test).

Boss: Well you should care about Palin. Boy I hope she does run for President in 2012. That way Obama is sure to win.

Me: Why are you talking about Sarah Palin? She resigned and she doesn't matter right now. Even if he still were Governor, big deal. The election's over.

Boss: I'm just saying. She really had to resign because those charges against her were getting too close. I bet they had something on her.

Me: No, she was just sick and tired of being the object of everyone's obsession and she felt she couldn't serve her state. Is that so hard to understand?

Boss (sputtering): What? What kind of crap is that? She was nothing for her state and only a right-wing idiot thinks she matters anyhow.

Me: Yeah, ok. Whatever you say. Again, I'm more concerned with the Norks and also Obama's failed economy ideas.

Boss: What? You think Palin could do better?

Once again, Ann Coulter understands the mind of a liberal. Kudos to her.

*****************

So Michael Jackson is dead. So what? It wasn't as if any of us were going out to buy his music anymore. It wasn't as if the sun isn't going to rise again.

He was a singer and a very talented dancer. But he was also very strange and quite possibly criminal. My friend Allison thinks perhaps his affliction was that he had a low IQ. You know what? That's possible. For one thing, how much emphasis was ever made in his education? I know he attended elementary school in Gary, Indiana and I assume he had some schooling in California. But he wasn't known for his brains.

How else can you explain his almost child-like innocence and demeanor? Often times, we mistake those who have a low IQ with those who are mentally unstable. Perhaps that's why he was the way he was.

But to speak of him as if he was the second coming of Martin Luther King, Jr. is simply ludicrous. We have been told, over and over again, how Jackson "broke the color barrier" in music.

He did no such thing. All that he did was fight to have his videos played in heavy rotation on the fledgling network. And do you know why other black artists were not in heavy rotation?

I'll give you a hint. I wasn't due to any racial blacklist. It was simply because very few black artists used the video media at the time. MTV, back in 1982, was rising in popularity, but it wasn't "there" yet. If there really were a racial blacklist, then black artists would never have dominated the charts as they had over the past 20 years.

Motown broke the color barrier way more than Michael Jackson could ever have hoped to.

But that doesn't jive with the rhetoric of Al Sharpton and Rep. Sheila Jackson (no relation). No, in order to promote their own agenda of race-baiting, they try and create a false image of a man who not only was no hero, but really was no longer black.

If Michael Jackson is the model for young black kids to emulate, then the black community should immediate accept their own demise. Jackson was no hero to the black cause and in fact spent much of his adult life distancing himself from it. Whether he bleached his skin or not, he certainly had his afro-centric features removed one by one. In addition, he married only white women and fathered (we assume) three white children.

Forgetting for a moment that he was an accused (more than once) child molester, he clearly was never proud of his black heritage. Is this the man the black community wishes to look up to?

As far as the molestation charges are concerned, I actually believe his to be innocent. If he's of anything, I'd say he's guilty of very, very poor judgement. Again, that would be the markings of a man with a low IQ.

But his dancing and is singing were superb and hopefully, when the dust settles, this will be his legacy.

So maybe it's just me. But there a re just a few things that I don't understand. Let's start with all this nuclear disarmament talk with the Russians. What exactly is the point here? A little background first:

President Barack Obama and Russian leader Dmitry Medvedev on Monday agreed a target of cutting vast Cold War arsenals of deployed nuclear warheads by around a third from current levels to 1,500-1,675 each. ...25 operationally deployed warheads below a range of 1,700-2,200, which both sides had already committed to reach by 2012 under the 2002 Moscow Treaty.

We know the Russians are opposed to American plans for a missile defense system in Europe. Washington says the system is intended to protect the US and its allies against a possible Iranian missile attack but the Kremlin argues that the system could be used against its nuclear arsenal as well.

So does that mean that the Russians want the ability to nuke Europe? I mean, what could Russia's possible reason be for opposing missile defense, other than it hinders them from firing missiles at people?

So instead of telling Medvedev - or really Putin, who calls the shots - that he sees through the Kremlin's smoke screen, Obama agrees to play politics with our nukes and gives into the Russian demands for disarmament.

And what is Herr Obama's rationale?

Officials say an agreement on a START treaty that slashed nuclear weapons would help Washington and Moscow to set an example to other countries ahead of talks next year on revising the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). (Reuters)

That's right, boys and girls, because Obama believes if only the US would lead the way, despots like Achmedinajad and Kim Jong Il will abandon their dreams of wiping Israel (and America) off the face of the earth.

Really!

It's a good thing the American press is so careful to question our President and insure that he has the knowledge of world history and a deep understanding of what makes despotic rulers tick.

I mean, if Obama were in the White House in 1944, do you really think D-Day would have happened?

Yes, I said it. Europe would be speaking German and all the incredible inventions and discoveries that Jews have made in the fields of science, math and entertainment, would be as non-existent as the Jew would himself be.

So here's another thing I don't understand....Honduras.

Here is a free, democratic nation that is governed by the rule of their Constitution. They have a leader who decided he no longer wanted to be beholden to his country's rules and instead set into motion a way to go the route of Hugo Chevez, and appoint himself President for Life.

What happened next was that his government stood up to him and when they said no, he tried to do it anyway. So they had him arrested and removed from office.

Suddenly, here comes the American President and he's telling Honduras to reinstate their deposed leader because he should not have been removed.

Well, excuse my ignorance, but just who the Hell is Barack Obama to tell Honduras, or any other sovereign nation what to do? Isn't this the same Barack Obama who so eloquently stood down when the Iranian protesters begged him for his support - only to be crushed when he aligned himself with the very people who stole the Iranian elections?

Now granted, when it comes to not meddling, we aren't talking about Israel. Of course, Israel is the exception to the Obama-no meddling-rule, right? So now add Honduras.

In the mean time, what does it say about Obama? He stands with the thugocracy in Iran, he stands with the thugocracy in Venezuela, he stands with the thugocracy in Russia and he stands with the thugocracy in Saudi Arabia (and yes, I know Bush did as well).

Yet, as far as the democracies are concerned? Against Poland. Against Israel. Against the Iranian protesters. Against Honduras.

Sense a pattern? The only possible explanation I can muster as to why Obama is standing against the Honduras government is because he has every intention to be in this same position as their deposed leader when his term ends. Don't be fooled. Obama - like his fellow Democrats, some of whom have already written legislation towards this effect - will do whatever he can to cling to power, well past their elected time expires.

The last thing I don't understand is why are we not screaming from the rafters over the selection of Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court. Look, I could care less if she was Latino, if she was Asian or if she was even Martian. I don't even object to her being a liberal, for goodness sakes.

What I do object to is that she is a major player in the group La Raza (the Race). La Raza is an Hispanic "civil rights" organization that is often at odds with American law and freedom. Their goal is to do away with the "melting pot" that brought prosperity to millions of immigrants nationwide and instead seek to separate the Hispanic community from the rest of the country. They are strongly aligned with the Aztlan Underground, which calls for the violent cessation of California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and southern Colorado into a new nation: Republica del Norte, "the Republic of the North."

From the Canadian Free Press:

Sounds like a far-fetched idea save for the fact that the 56% of Mexicans and Mexican Americans, according to a Zogby poll, favor the reconquista.

The creation of a “Hispanic Homeland,” Charles Truxillo, professor, University of New Mexico, maintains, is “an inevitability” that should be brought into being “by any means necessary.”

But the “reconquista” won’t end with territorial occupation and secession. The final plan for the La Raza movement includes the ethnic cleansing of Americans of European, African, and Asian descent out of “Aztlan.”

Miguel Perez, a La Raza spokesman at Cal State-Northridge, says, “The ultimate ideology is the liberation of Aztlan. Communism would be closest [to it]. Once Aztlan is established, ethnic cleansing would commence: Non-Chicanos would have to be expelled — opposition groups would be quashed because you have to keep power.”

And so, our new Supreme Court appointee and self-professed advocate of La Raza approves of the reformation of the United States, the creation of a separate Chicano country, and widespread ethnic cleansing. Other La Raza supporters who have appeared at Aztlan gatherings include George W. Bush, John (Juan) McCain, and Barack barrio-loving Obama.

The plans of La Raza and the Aztlan Movement may not raise conservative eyebrows, let alone Christian opposition to Sotomayor’s ascendancy to the Supreme Court, save for the fact that La Raza and other Latino activist groups have expressed widespread anti-Jewish sentiments and support for radical Islam.

I just don't get it. We are all like sheep. Just hope and praying what we see right in front of our eyes is not true. We think - just like our grandparents and great-grandparents did - that "it can't happen here."

And yet, it seems to me it is. And this is exactly it happened before. With our eyes closed. That goes for both our own individual eyes and the eyes of our own media.

Don't be fooled.

Much too important to not repost...

Democrat Health Care by the Numbers

0: The number of unrehearsed, unscripted questions asked of President Obama during his "Town Hall" on health care reform.

13: The number of teeth that British veteran Ian Boynton pulled out himself with pliers "because he couldn't find an NHS (National Health Service) dentist... [he] could not afford to go private for treatment so instead took the drastic action to remove 13 of his teeth that were giving him severe pain."

14: The percentage of all patients in Britain who wait more than one (1) year to receive treatment after a referral by a general practitioner. Half of all National Health Care patients in Britain wait between 18 and 52 weeks for treatment.

37: The "health care ranking" assigned to the U.S. by the World Health Organization among the world's countries. This oft-quoted number is used to justify an overhaul of the U.S. health care system and lists countries like Italy (2), Andorra (4), Malta (5), Singapore (6), Oman (8), Portugal (12), Greece (14), the United Kingdom (18), Ireland (19), Columbia (22), Cyprus (24), Saudi Arabia (26), the UAE (27), Morocco (29), Canada (30), Chile (33), the Dominican Republic (35) and Costa Rica (36) ahead of the U.S. Considering that no U.S. citizens travel to these countries when experiencing a life-threatening situation, it's worth questioning the methods by which the WHO arrived at these rankings. Their criteria included subjective and political assessments such as "Fairness in financial contribution". Suffice it to say that the WHO's rankings are clearly fraudulent and are designed to influence U.S. policy.

60: Average cancer survival rate (all types) for patients in the United States. Canada's survival rate is significantly lower at 55%, while Europe's is a dismal 48%.

81: Average percentage of those who survive a diagnosis of prostate cancer in the United States versus 43% in Britain under their National Health Service.

90: Number of days, on average, each Canadian patient must wait for an MRI under the Canadian government-run health care system.

750: The estimated number of people waiting in line (in the pouring rain) at Britain's Bury Office attempting to register for dental care.

2050: By this year, "Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid (health care for the poor) will consume nearly the entire federal budget." And by 2082, Medicare spending alone will consume the entire federal budget. This trajectory is, quite obviously, unsustainable for our children and our grandchildren. Congress is bequeathing our descendents a bankrupt health care system -- for just the third of the medical system that the government already runs!

10,000: Number of Canadian breast cancer patients to file a class action lawsuit against Quebec's hospitals because, on average, they were forced to wait 60 days to begin post-operative radiation treatments.

280,392: The number of jobs that employers would shed if government levied an employer mandate, requiring them to insure all employees. A 2007 study by Katherine Baicker of Harvard University and Helen Levy of the University of Michigan ("Employer Health Insurance Mandates and the Risk of Unemployment") found that "0.2 percent of all full-time workers and 1.4 percent of uninsured full-time workers would lose their jobs if a health insurance mandate were written into law. Workers who would lose their jobs are disproportionately likely to be high school dropouts, minority, and female."

443,849: The number of British patients of the National Healthcare Service (NHS) who waited four or more weeks for inpatient admittance into a hospital (Excel file) in May of 2009 (more than 75% of all patients).

1,500,000: The number of Canadians who do not have -- and cannot find -- a general practitioner/primary care physician due to shortages in medical staff: "In Norwood, Ontario, 20/20 videotaped a town clerk pulling the names of the lucky winners out of a lottery box. The losers must wait to see a doctor... Shirley Healy, like many sick Canadians, came to America for surgery. Her doctor in British Columbia told her she had only a few weeks to live because a blocked artery kept her from digesting food. Yet Canadian officials called her surgery 'elective.' ...'The only thing elective about this surgery was I elected to live,' she said."

12,000,000: number of illegal immigrants who would qualify for free health care and -- in all likelihood -- additional health care rights for relatives under the Democrats' universal health care plan, according to a reported statement by the office of Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and spokespeople for the racial separatist group La Raza.

$311,000,000 ($311 million): The amount of additional funding requested last month by the Obama administration simply to combat Medicare fraud. Medicare fraud is estimated at $60 billion annually.

$3,600,000,000 ($3.6 billion): The amount of added malpractice insurance costs to the current health care system instigated by an out-of-control trial lawyer lobby that donates heavily to Democrat causes.

$10,000,000,000 ($10 billion): The estimated amount of Medicaid fraud, based upon FBI estimates. Criminal practices include billing for nonexistent, overstated, or unnecessary services, kickbacks to patients, inflated costs, etc.

$60,000,000,000 ($60 billion): The estimated annual amount of Medicare fraud, due to widespread criminal operations that victimize taxpayers and specialize in dead doctors, fake patients, non-existent treatments and the like.

$107,000,000,000,000 ($107 trillion): The estimated shortfall of the Medicare and Social Security programs, which are utterly and completely bankrupt; they can be legitimately called an "enormous version of Bernard Madoff's Ponzi scheme".

Canada and England don't pay as high a price for their health care because they freeload on American innovation. If we utilized their systems, Americans might worry less about paying for health care, but we'd get 2009-level care and long lines. Those are the immutable laws of supply and demand. Government monopolies don't innovate. Only the free market innovates.

Furthermore, government bureaucrats already raped the Social Security Trust Fund -- there is no trust fund. They raped the Medicare Trust Fund -- there's nothing left. They raped the Highway Trust Fund -- it's empty. I could go down a long list of things the government said it would do, but hasn't done. Because the big government statists are liars. They even moved these massive expenditures "off the books" to conceal the damage they've done.

And now the Democrat Party, the union bosses and the trial lawyers are launching the most massive attack on the American people in the history of government.

They promise health care for everyone, but they will not -- and they can't possibly -- deliver it. The numbers don't lie.


References: Sick in America: 'Free' Is Good? (ABC News), There's no such thing as free health care (Reason Magazine), Social Security and Medicare Projections: 2009 (National Center for Policy Analysis), Who is Debby Smith?, E.R. P.R., Bureau of Labor Statistics, July 2009.
Linked by: Dan Riehl ("Obacare"). Thanks!
Labels: Crime, Democrats, Dodd, Healthcare,

If these numbers don't scare the hell of each and every one of us, nothing will. Anyone who sits on their ass and allows Obama and the Democrats to shove this piece of shit down our throats deserves to be treated to the health care they have in Canada and Great Britain.

For me, it could very well be a matter of life and death. I'm no different than anyone here. We may think, unwisely, that Obama (and his people) would never do anything to knowingly harm this country. But in response, I give you everything that has transpired since he has taken office.

Do you think Israel is safer today than then? Do you think Eastern Europe is safer? How about Honduras? How the hell can Obama justify sitting on his ass while Iran desperately clings to some semblance of fair democracy and yet become so righteously indignant when Honduras removes a despot who defied his nation's legal constitution?

At first, it looked like Obama was going to be a "different kind of leader" by talking to our enemies. I didn't agree with his idea, but it was his right to do what he thought best. Now, I really understand that his plan was to change the game completely. No longer are we friends with our friends. We've simply traded our frieds for our enemies.

Just how in the hell does this make us safe?

Obama really is proving to me - and to many conservatives like me (and some Democrats) - that he is either a liar, an incompetant or a Marxist. Regardless of what he really is, his ego is out of control and he will destroy everything the past 233 years of freedom have created.

His "vision" for America is a nightmare and we, as Americans, better wake up before it's over.

Do we really believe Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, Henry Waxman and Barney Frank know what the hell they'rre doing? Really?

Do we really believe that Sarah Palin is the ultimate idiot while Joe Biden is brilliant? Really?

Do we really believe Barbara Boxer understands that she works for the people, and not the other way around? Really?

If you really do, you are as big a fool as the millions of idiots who put this neo-Marxist in office. May G-d have mercy on you.

Article above courtesy of Doug Ross

Ten Great Songs From One Great Year

Michael Jackson

I really could think of no other list that I would do this week other than this one. Michael Jackson was one of my favorite recording artists when I was a kid and “The Love You Save” was my favorite song of his way back when.

Growing up in the 60’s in Tennessee meant Motown and soul. Unlike my siblings, who formed their musical tastes in the late 50’s and early 60’s rock and roll, I was greatly influenced by such bands as the Temptations, the Four Tops, The Supremes and of course, the Jackson 5.

I do not believe it was a coincidence that I dreamed I was a young, Black girl when I was in my coma. The sounds and styles of the Motown era formed the building blocks of my lifelong love affair with music.

Michael Jackson was a lot of things. But more than anything, he was the soundtrack to a great part of my life. I have never worshipped the man and I found his bizarre behavior, well, bizarre. From what I do know about him, I imagine his childhood was torture and his father, horrible. Perhaps in death, he will finally find peace. In the mean time, we can all find that slice of heaven by just turning on the radio.

In his memory, I have listed the 10 songs of his that have had the most influence and strongest memories for me. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have.

The Love You Save

I’ll Be There

Never Can Say Goodbye

Ben

Off The Wall

She’s Out of My Life

The Girl is Mine

Human Nature

Man in the Mirror

Black or White

Just got in late tonight and have only time to post this...












Click on picture to enlarge

Courtesy of Hope and Change

Taking a much needed vacation and will be back on Monday. Sorry, but there will not be a top 10 list this week, either.

Have a great weekend!

Here's something near and dear to my heart -- literally...

Cold Chills and Assisted Suicide: Why Every Senior Must Oppose Democrats' Health Care Plans

The gargantuan "Stimulus" bill passed by Democrats sight unseen ordered the creation of a "federal medical database of every American by 2014."

The bill’s health rules will affect “every individual in the United States” (pages 445, 454 and 479). Your medical treatments will be tracked electronically by a federal system.

It also establishes a "National Coordinator of Health Information Technology" to monitor the database.

This coordinator will have the ability to verify that "doctors are using treatments that are federally approved and cost effective."

The goal is to manage costs and "guide" your doctor’s decisions (442, 446).

The stimulus bill calls it the Federal Coordinating Council for Comparative Effectiveness Research (190-192). The goal that is described by Tom Daschle’s book -- which serves as the Democrats' blueprint -- is to slow the development and use of new technologies and drugs because they drive up costs.

Daschle praises Europeans for accepting "hopeless diagnoses"; he also criticizes Americans for expecting world-class treatment from the U.S. health-care system.

Daschle admits in his book that Socialized Medicine "will not be pain-free". He insists that Seniors should accept the aging process and forgo expensive treatments.

Quite simply, the elderly will suffer most.

How do we know this? We have many examples from Canada and the UK where access to medical technologies is carefully restricted and rationed.

But we can see it in this country as well. Oregon's socialized medical program is an utter disaster. Just days ago, it was discovered that Oregon's health plan covers covers assisted suicide, but not drugs, for certain cancer patients. The drugs are too expensive, but the suicide is deemed cost-effective.

What's next? Euthanasia of the elderly? It's not far-fetched. Euthanasia is legal in the Democrat utopia of Holland, where socialized medicine has become expert at rationing care.

There are more damning ramifications of the Federal Coordinating Council for Comparative Effectiveness Research, which will decide the treatments you should get, who should get them, and whether they should be made available at all.

Using the "comparative effectiveness" (CE) approach, virtually every country with nationalized health care routinely denies patients life-saving medical treatments because of out-of-control costs.

In Britain, CE is specifically employed as a deadly tool to deny advanced drugs to patients suffering with breast cancer, Alzheimer's and Multiple Sclerosis under the banner of cost.

How do we know that the Democrats plan the same thing for their "Comparative Effectiveness" research?

A recent proposed amendment prohibited the use of CE research to deny coverage of health care treatments under any federal health care program. The amendment required "that comparative effectiveness research take into account [Page: S4127] the individuals and their treatment responses and their preferences, and it [protected] doctor and patient sovereignty over health care decisions."

In short, the amendment would "expressly forbid Medicare and other federal health programs from using results of comparative effectiveness research to deny coverage of any treatments."

The amendment -- to protect American Seniors -- was defeated on a straight party line. All Democrats voted against protecting American Seniors and instead supported the creation of a deadly health care-rationing bureaucracy; all Republicans voted the other way.

Every Senior in America should shudder in fear. With Democrat Socialized Medicine, assisted suicide is a certainty and euthanasia may be in the cards as well.

And where is the AARP? Too busy raking in dough from its various affinity programs, it would seem, to be all that concerned with the fate of its members.

In fact, Seniors should boycott the AARP until it puts its members first.

And they should call their representatives in Washington to oppose Democrat socialized medicine. To not do so would be -- quite literally -- suicidal.

Courtesy of Doug Ross

Ten Great Songs From One Great Year

1978 v.2

The year began with filmmaker Roman Polanski skipping bail and flleing to France, following his guilty plea of engaging in sex with a 13-year-old girl. Two weeks later, serial killer Ted Bundy is finally apprehended in Pensacola, Florida. However, the next day, the Hillside Strangler, a serial killer prowling Los Angeles, claims a 10th and final victim. Later in the year, Chicago serial killer John Wayne Gacy, who was subsequently convicted of the murder of 33 young men, is arrested.

In March, American porn publisher Larry Flynt is shot and paralyzed in Lawrenceville, Georgia and Karl Wallenda of the Flying Wallendas dies after falling off a tightrope between two hotels in San Juan, Puerto Rico. A bomb explodes in the security section of Northwestern University, wounding a security guard. This is soon discovered to be the first Unabomber attack.

In August, Pope Paul VI dies in Rome and is succeeded by Pope John Paul I. A few weeks later, Menachem Begin and Anwar Sadat begin the peace process at Camp David, Maryland. Only one month after that, Pope John Paul I passes way. John Paul II replaces him a few weeks later.

The year ends with the Jonestown massacre, where 909 followers of Jim Jones commit mass murder/suicide. Nine days former Supervisor Dan White assassinates later, San Francisco Mayor George Moscone and City Supervisor Harvey Milk. Before the year ends, Cleveland, Ohio becomes the first major American city to go into default since the Great Depression, under Mayor Dennis Kucinich.

Baby Come Back – Player

Peter Beckett and J. C. Crowley, the two founders of Player, wrote this. Beckett was the lead singer and guitarist. He is originally from Liverpool, England (home of The Beatles). After the demise of Player, Beckett joined Australia's Little River Band, who included this on a live album. Beckett also wrote "Twist of Fate" for Olivia Newton-John and "After All This Time" for Kenny Rogers. According to Beckett's webmistress Patricia, he and a girlfriend of 5 years had broken up and he wrote the song from what he was feeling in his heart. Says Patricia: "I had asked him if he ever heard from the girl again and he said 'No! Thank God!'" Bassist Ronn Moss became a very popular Soap Opera star on the ABC soap The Bold And The Beautiful. He played the character Ridge Forrester.

How Much I Feel – Ambrosia

The members of Ambrosia decided on the moniker in 1970 to represent a vision of their music: all shades, textures, colors and styles. While many people are familiar with Ambrosia's radio hits of the 1970s, the songs on their five albums range from progressive to experimental. This is one of their biggest hits. The song is about still being hung up on a woman long after they broke up. Near the end of the song, the singer mentions that he's married and "we're still going strong," but "sometimes when we make love, I can still see your face." This marriage doesn't sound like a healthy one.

Deacon Blues - Steely Dan

There are a number of theories of what the lyrics of “Deacon Blues” mean. My personal take is this song is about a man, who has decided to be not what everyone expects him to be, what want he himself wants. When asked about the line, "They call Alabama the Crimson Tide, they call me Deacon Blues, Donald Fagen told Rolling Stone magazine: "Walter and I had been working on that song at a house in Malibu. I played him that line, and he said, 'You mean it's like, 'They call these cracker a--holes this grandiose name like the Crimson Tide, and I'm this loser, so they call me this other grandiose name, Deacon Blues?' and I said 'Yeah!' He said, 'Cool, let's finish it.'"

Three Times A Lady – Commodores

Lionel Richie was inspired by a comment his father made to his mother while giving a speech at their 37th wedding anniversary. The song is a ballad about a man who has met the ideal woman and is singing her praises. Rumor has it that Richie wrote the song as an all-out commercial move after an embarrassing loss to Leo Sayer at the 1977 Grammy Awards; his song "Easy" lost out to Sayer's "You Make Me Feel Like Dancing" as the best Rhythm & Blues Song. Richie did not regard Sayer's song as R&B.

Grease - Frankie Valli

This song was written and produced by Barry Gibb of The Bee Gees specifically for the movie. His music helped make Saturday Night Fever a huge hit 2 years earlier. He asked Valli to record it. This particular year was huge for Gibb as he held the number one position on the billboard charts (as a writer and performer) for 23 weeks, including at one point 17 straight. This was Valli's second US #1 hit as a solo artist. Three years earlier, he hit #1 with "My Eyes Adored You." Previously, he had massive success as a member of The Four Seasons. Peter Frampton performed the guitar work on the song.

With A Little Luck – Wings

In Britain this was the much-anticipated follow up single to the UK's then top-selling single of all time, "Mull Of Kintyre." The song was long, 5:45, but radio stations were for the most part content to play the unedited single, even though edited promos were sent out. This was written on McCartney's farm in Scotland. Most of this song was recorded on a motor yacht called the Fair Carol in the Virgin Islands along with several other tracks on London Town. The yacht had a mobile 24-track recording studio installed on it, and when they weren't recording McCartney, his family and the band lived on three other yachts. The song was then finished off back in London.

It's A Heartache - Bonnie Tyler

This was originally a hit for Juice Newton in 1977; her version only reached #86 that year, though it went gold in Mexico. At the same time that Tyler recorded it, Ronnie Spector (of the Ronettes) did so as well but her version went nowhere. Tyler's version proved the most successful. Tyler's version went to #1 in Canada, France, Sweden, Norway, Australia, New Zealand, and Brazil. Because of a ripped vocal chord, many people thought Bonnie Tyler sounded like a female Rod Stewart when she first did this song. Ironically when Stewart got around to recording his own version in 2006, he was much older and didn't have the same range as in the past.

An Everlasting Love - Andy Gibb

In 1977, Andy Gibb became the first male solo artist to chart three consecutive Number One singles on the Billboard Hot 100. This song, while breaking the string, still reached #5 and continued to cement him as a teen pop idol. However, by 1981, his career had stalled and his drug addiction was killing him. After a well-publicized split from actress Victoria Principal, he fell into a deep depression, which only fueled his drug use. However, by the mid-80’s, with the support of his family, it appeared that he got past his drug problems and began to make a comeback. The news spread that he was to join his brothers’ band, which would have made them a quartet. But just five days after celebrating his 30th birthday, he entered John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, complaining of chest pains and died soon after as a result of myocarditis, which is an inflammation of the heart muscle.

Imaginary Lover - Atlanta Rhythm Section

Atlanta Rhythm Section unofficially formed in 1970 as former members of the Candymen and the Classics IV (“Stormy” and “Traces”) and became the session band for the newly opened Studio One in Doraville, Georgia, near Atlanta. This song is about fantasy affairs and how they can often trump reality, as fantasies are flawless, while real people have flaws and impose their own reality. Like their hit "So Into You," it refers to longing for the unattainable. Of course, some people believe the song is simply about personal sexual gratification – aka masturbation.

Count On Me - Jefferson Starship

Following the disbanding of Jefferson Airplane, the remaining members continued on as Jefferson Starship. The band added vocalist Marty Balin as a full time member after his vocals on “Miracles” gave the band a new, fresh sound. Balin's reluctance to tour had kept the band off the road for over a year, and Slick's alcoholism increasingly became a problem, which led to two consecutive nights of disastrous concerts in Germany in June 1978. Soon after, Slick was fired from the band and soon after that, Balin left to go solo (“Hearts” in 1981). But not before he sand lead on this song, which climbed to #8 and was their second biggest hit (until they re-invented themselves yet again in the mid-80’s, calling themselves Starship).

Lights - Journey

This was one of the first Journey songs featuring lead singer Steve Perry. He was accepted into the band after the group's manager listened to his audition tape for only 15 seconds. Even though this is about San Francisco, it was written in Los Angeles, where the band had relocated. Steve Perry explained in an interview with Joe Benson of Arrow 93.1 FM: "I had the song written in Los Angeles almost completely except for the bridge and it was written about Los Angeles. It was 'when the lights go down in the city and the sun shines on LA.' I didn't like the way it sounded at the time. And so I just had it sitting back in the corner. Then life changed my plans once again, and I was now facing joining Journey. I love San Francisco, the bay and the whole thing. 'The bay' fit so nice, 'When the lights go down in the city and the sun shines on the bay.' It was one of those early morning going across the bridge things when the sun was coming up and the lights were going down. It was perfect."

Bonus Track

King Tut - Steve Martin

Comedian Steve Martin was a popular guest on Saturday Night Live, where he originally performed this. The song was later released as a single and became a hit, selling over a million copies. The "backup group" Martin used for this song was a collection of studio singers. For the purpose of this song, they were called The Toot Uncommons (Tutankhamen).

Here is an awful story about government inflexibility:

Clerical Error Has One School In Session For An Extra 34 Days This Year

School’s out for summer—except for hundreds of children in western San Bernardino County who, because of an administrative snafu, must make up 34 days of school this summer.

The fourth-, fifth- and sixth-graders at Rolling Ridge Elementary in Chino Hills and Dickson Elementary in Chino exceeded the state’s requirement of minutes spent in the classroom, and the last day of school was supposed to be Thursday. But because of the complexities of state law and a clerical error on a spreadsheet, the Chino Unified School District will lose more than $7 million in state funds if classes end at the schools before July 31.

Here’s a run-down of the error in question:

Schools typically have one shortened day per week, allowing teachers to use the remaining time for planning and parent conferences. Under state law, these days must be at least 180 minutes, and the daily average classroom time over 10 consecutive days must be 240 minutes.

An internal audit in early May discovered that 34 minimum days had been 175 minutes at Dickson and 170 at Rolling Ridge, said district spokeswoman Julie Gobin. That adds up to a shortage of 170 and 340 minutes, respectively, which could be made up in one or two school days. But under state law, these too-short days do not count at all, meaning that all 34 must be made up to avoid a state penalty of more than $7 million.

Say Anything has more:

So now the taxpayers of San Bernadino County are on the hook for over a month of additional classroom time, which will require all the teachers and administrators and janitors normal class room time requires I’m sure, so that they can keep the $7 million in state funding all to fulfill some arcane requirement in the law that you’d think some bureaucrat or politician somewhere could waive in this instance.

Makes no sense at all.

But hey, let’s put these idiots in charge of health care!

It makes perfect sense to make an exception. But of course, because of the behemoth that is the federal government - with it's strong penchant for massive waste - this is likely to not be taken care of till after the fact (after a investigation that will undoubtedly cost millions of dollars in further waste).

The federal government is not competent to run the public schools, they are not competent to run Medicare and they are not competent to run Amtrak or the post office. In what world would we ever turn over the auto industry, the banking industry and now the health industry over to these idiots???

**************************

I haven't really decided what to think about the upcoming marriage between the Obama administration and ABC-TV.

On the surface, it is outrageous and if the Bush administration so much as thought of it, they'd have been rightfully excoriated for it. But since it's Obama who is the star, the mainstream media says nothing.

What surprises me is that since it is only being shown on ABC, why none of the other networks are up in arms. It would seem that the others would be jealous that ABC got this and would take them to task for it. Or so it would seem.

Apparently, since they aren't upset, they either are so enamored with Obama or they fear losing access to him. Either way, it's shameful. Furthermore, it is unethical and possibly illegal. But that is no longer a concern for the thug-in-chief, is it? If he isn't going to care that members of the Black Panthers intimidated voters in Philadelphia, and he isn't going to care that ACORN continues to receive billions of taxpayer dollars while being faced with multiple indictments of voter registration fraud, then he certainly won't care about breaking any ethical or legal law, now will he?

However, there is a silver lining. Unless it was on MSNBC, fewer people watch ABC than any other network and I would be shocked if it even won its time period. Even Obama's own supporters are sick of how much exposure he has received.

Personally, I think the outrage that will stem from his egotistical machinations will end up causing more people to look closely at his health care plan and understand that not only is it a horrible idea, but it will further bankrupt our nation.

And what is the point? So that 10 million people will have insurance? Is that so vital? It isn't as if they have no ability to seek medical care. But the numbers speak for themselves. Roughly 1/3 of those considered to be among the uninsured are so by choice. Another third are illegal immigrants. So instead of rushing to have all of us pay the bill and force everyone to be covered by the government, how about we just allow these indigents to go to the ER when they're sick?

Wait, isn't that what we're doing now?

If we fall for Obama's ruse, we will destroy the most advanced medical industry in the world. We will end up like Canada - where you can wait months to have a surgical procedure. Where prescription drugs are rationed, along with medical care.

Why the hell would we want that???

Some say we should emulate the Europeans more. Again, why would we want to do that? Their's is a dying continent - destroyed by its own dissent into socialism. Of course France has free health care. Why? Because they spend very, very little for military. And what would happen if we spent very, very little for military?

Well, for one, we wouldn't be able to defend France, or any other ally in the war against Islamofascism. And do you really think the mad Mullah in Iran, or the whack-job in North Korea will lay down their arms if America does?

Are you willing to bet your children's lives on it?

The world is a very scary place. While I suppose it would be Utopian for every American to have quality health insurance, it comes with an enormous cost. President Obama, like his failed "stimulus bill" (just ask his Vice President), doesn't want to debate it. He doesn't want you to read it. He claims there is no time and WE MUST ACT NOW!!!

No. We must not act at all. Acting is for children. It's time to listen to the grown ups.

I did my best
But I guess my best wasn't good enough
'Cause here we are back where we were before
Seems nothing ever changes
We're back to being strangers
Wondering if we oughta stay
Or head on out the door

Just once can't we figure out what we keep doing wrong
Why we never last for very long
What are we doing wrong
Just once can't we find a way to finally make it right
Make the magic last for more than just one night
If we could just get to it
I know we could break through it

I gave my all
But I think my all may have been too much
'Cause Lord knows we're not getting anywhere
Seems we're always blowing whatever we got going
And seems at times with all we've got
We haven't got a prayer
Just once can't we figure out what we keep doing wrong
Why the good times never last for very long
Seems we're always blowing
Whatever we got going

Just once can't we find a way to finally make it right
Make the magic last for more than just one night
If we could just get to it
I know we could break through it

Just once I want to understand
Why it always come back to good-bye
Why can't we get ourselves in hand
And admit to one another
That we're no good with out the other
Take the best and make it better
Find a way to stay together

Just once can't we find a way to finally make it right
Make the magic last for more than just one night
I know we can break through it
If we could just get to it

Just once
If we could get to it

Just Once...

The Associated Press reports on what it gently calls a "quirk" in the so-called stimulus law:

When President Barack Obama increased unemployment benefits as part of his economic stimulus, he also made some Americans ineligible for hundreds of dollars a month in food stamps.

Under the economic recovery plan, laid-off workers have seen a $25 weekly bump in their unemployment checks as part of a broad expansion of benefits for the poor. But the law did not raise the income cap for food stamp eligibility, so the extra money has pushed some people over the limit.

Laid-off workers and state officials are only now realizing the quirk, a consequence of pushing a $787 billion, 400-page bill through Congress and into law in three weeks.
And for people hurt by the change, there's no way around it.

This is why it's so important to give these geniuses control over our health care right this second!

Courtesy of James Taranto

Why?

Just because I know the obvious answer, these questions still need to be asked...

1. Why was Don Imus fired for his nappy-headed ho joke even though he apologized repeatedly, but Dave Letterman only makes a non-apology (and lied in his statement, saying he meant the 17-year-old daughter who wasn't even at the game) and gets to keep his job?

2. Why must conservatives be tolerant of people like Perez Hilton, but liberals are intolerant of Carrie Prejean? Don't they both have the right to a different belief?

3. Why has there been no investigation into the firebombing of Sarah Palin’s church?

4. Why is no one talking about H.J. Resolution 5, which calls for the repeal of the 22nd Amendment (term limits for the office of President). What would be the fallout if a Republican congressman proposed this during the Bush years?

5. Why did President Obama lie about Islamic contributions to the world? Why did he feel the need to remake history? Why is the media not aghast that he dared compare the systematic murder of 6 million Jews at the hands of the Nazis with the self-inflicted plight of the Palestinians?

6. Why should Republicans listen to "moderates," such as Colin Powell and John McCain? Every "moderate Republican" who had been elected since 1960 only served one term and was summarily defeated in his bid for re-election. Yet every conservative had won re-election (all three won by significant majorities in their re-election bid).

7. Why do people consider Mahmoud Abbas a moderate? That's like calling a winter day in Antarctica warm because the temperature only went down to -15 below. That's like saying GM had a good quarter because they only lost $480 million dollars.

8. Why does the government want to spend billions of dollars to ease global warming when we still have no idea that it even exists? Doesn't anyone wonder why Al Gore still refuses to debate the issue? Isn't anyone following the money?

9. Why does the New York Times still exist? Aren't they bankrupt? I know they are morally, but from all the dire stories about it, why haven't they realized the reason they are doomed? The same goes for Keith Olbermann and MSNBC.

10. Why is it okay to use the term Zionist in a derogatory way when everyone knows you mean Jew. That's like saying it's okay to call someone a socialist (in a derogatory way) when he's just a Democrat.

11. Why is spreading democracy arrogant? What exactly is so wrong about wanting everyone to have equal rights and freedom?

12. Why can't we drill for oil in ANWR? Why do Democrats believe we are only destroying the planet when we drill, and not China, Venezuela and Russia? Can't we do it cleaner then those guys?

13. Why does the mainstream media continue to promote the falsehood that there are 47 million Americans suffering from lack of health care when the actual number is less that 10 million? Consider the fact that according to the American Enterprise Institute, roughly 47% of the uninsured are illegal immigrants. For a real breakdown of the numbers, click here.

14. Why does Iran need nuclear energy? Aren't they sitting on the world's largest oil supply? Giving Iran nuclear energy would be like giving a shark a laser.

15. Here's one for the ages - why is it not okay to put psychopathic murderers to death but perfectly fine to abort a late term fetus? Yes I know their are exceptions. There are always exceptions. But to make it legal across the board is just horrific. I can't comment on the legality of abortion, just that I believe as long as it's legal, there will not be a need for "back-room" abortions. I'm of the mindset that once the fetus is capable of sustaining life on it's own (usually around 25-27 weeks) it should no longer be legal to abort. This is just my opinion folks.

Do you really think CNN, NBC, ABC or CBS will report this? I didn't think so. Welcome to Obama-land.

From Sondra K

a disturbance in the egosphere

From eht dept. of ya really oughta read the damthing before ya “author” / co-sponsor / vote on it:

Inspectors General are part of every federal department. They are given the responsibility of independently investigating allegations of waste, fraud, and corruption in the government, without fear of interference by political appointees or the White House. Last year Congress passed the Inspectors General Reform Act, which added new protections for IGs, including a measure requiring the president to give Congress 30 days prior notice before dismissing an IG. The president must also give Congress an explanation of why the action is needed. Then-Sen. Barack Obama was one of the co-sponsors of the Act.

So what? This:

...on Wednesday night the AmeriCorps inspector general, Gerald Walpin, received a call from the White House counsel’s office telling him that he had one hour to either resign or be fired. The White House did not cite a reason.
[RTWT - includes Walpin’s email response to the fone call]

This might be a reason:

The firing apparently stems from Walpin’s investigation of a non-profit group, St. HOPE Academy, run by Kevin Johnson, the former NBA star who is now mayor of Sacramento, California (and a big Obama supporter). “[Walpin] found that Johnson, a former all-star point guard for the Phoenix Suns, had used AmeriCorps grants to pay volunteers to engage in school-board political activities, run personal errands for Johnson and even wash his car,” the AP reports. In April, the U.S. attorney declined to file any criminal charges in the matter and criticized Walpin’s investigation. But at the same time Johnson and St. HOPE agreed to repay about half of the $850,000 it had received from AmeriCorps.

Or might this be a reason?

First Lady Michelle Obama’s chief of staff, Jackie Norris, is being sent to the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) in what is both a White House shake-up and an indication of the first lady’s sway over the corporation that oversees AmeriCorps, Serve and Learn and the Senior Corps.
[WAY more at the linky]

Not all ...fancy clothes and Paris boutiques, eh?

Ten Great Songs From One Great Year

Two-Hit Wonders

For a change of pace, I decided to put together a list that hasn’t been done very often. We are all well aware of the one-hit wonder. But what about those who’ve surpassed that ignominy and actually had some staying power?

Enter the two-hit wonder. Now, some of you will look at this list and say, “wait a minute, I know more than two songs from these artists!” So in order to make this list uniform, I based my list on artists who have had two (and only two) songs that reached the Billboard Hot 100’s top 40 – otherwise known as Casey Kasem’s list (until he stopped playing the Billboard list).

Some of these songs were from the same album; some were from bands that although they only hit the top 40 twice still had a huge following. Yet others were surprise hits even for their artists.

I did keep this list to artists who have not been on the charts in over 15 years, in case they should stage a remarkable comeback. A number of them still record, but are outside of the mainstream.

Crowded House – Don’t Dream it’s Over, Something’s So Strong

Created out of the former group, The Split Enz, brothers Neil and Tim Finn began Crowded House, along with Paul Hester, Eddie Rayner, Nick Seymour, Peter Jones, Craig Hooper, Mark Hart, Mitchell Froom, and Matt Sherrod. While they were very popular in their native Australia, didn’t make it big in America until they released their eponymous first album in 1986. Due to the success of these two singles (“Don’t Dream it’s Over” hit #2 and “Something So Strong” #7), the band won the MTV Music Video award for “Best New Artist.” However, their follow up album, Temple of Low Men failed to produce at top 40 hit. While they continued to record until 1996, the band’s popularity continued to wane. However, as nothing is forever in rock and roll, the band reunited in 2007 (without Hester who had taken his own life following a long battle with depression).

Robbie Dupree – Steal Away, Heart Rod Hearts

When Dupree hit the airwaves in the spring on 1980, he was often mistaken for Doobie Brother’s front man Michael McDonald. Unfortunately, he lacked both the repertoire and the staying power that McDonald had. After reaching #6 with “Steal Away”, he returned to the charts in July with “Hot Rod Hearts”, which climbed to #15 and had a very similar sound. Dupree's final single to make the Billboard charts, "Brooklyn Girls", peaked at #54 in May 1981 and was taken from his second album Street Corner Heroes, which was critically acclaimed but did not sell very well. In 1987, Dupree contributed the song "Girls in Cars" to Piledriver: The Wrestling Album II, a collection of theme songs for World Wrestling Entertainment (then known as the World Wrestling Federation). The tag team Strike Force (Tito Santana and Rick Martel) used "Girls in Cars" as their entrance music.

Blue Öyster Cult – Don’t Fear the Reaper, Burnin’ For You

The band is one of the pioneering bands in heavy metal music, both for its hard-edged musical assault and its use of sci-fi and occult imagery and subject matter and they have sold 14 million albums worldwide. Even though they spell their name with an umlaut (the two dots over the letter “O”, which is a symbol found only in the Jacaltec language of Guatemala), the band’s origin is New York. Regardless of their place in rock and roll history, the band only charted two top 40 hits – 1976’s “Don’t Fear the Reaper” (#12) and 1981’s “Burnin’ For You” (which barely made it, topping out at #40). The band is still active today.

J.D. Souther – When You’re Only Lonely, Her Town Too

Souther is probably better known for his songwriting credits than he is for his own records. He was greatly influenced by fellow Texan Roy Orbison, whose sound he tried to emulate. Following his move to Los Angeles in the late 1960s, he met a young guitarist from Detroit named Glenn Frey. They bonded over their Detroit roots and a common love of country and R&B music. In short order, they began working together while sharing a small apartment in Los Angeles' Echo Park area (their downstairs neighbor was Jackson Browne with whom both Souther and Frey would collaborate on numerous projects). Together, they formed the band Longbranch Pennywhistle, which lasted one album. Frey then went on to create The Eagles and Souther went to work with the critically acclaimed (but not popular) Souther Hillman Furay Band (with future Poco legends Chris Hillman and Richie Furay. Souther is probably best known for his well-crafted songwriting abilities, especially in the field of country rock. He co-wrote some of the biggest hits for the Eagles, including "Best of My Love", "Victim of Love", "Heartache Tonight", and "New Kid in Town.""How Long", which appears on the Eagles "Long Road Out Of Eden" was written by Souther and originally recorded on his first solo album in 1972. His biggest hit as a solo artist was his 1979 Orbison-influenced song "You're Only Lonely" from the album of the same name, which reached number 7 on the Billboard charts. A collaboration with James Taylor called "Her Town Too" from Taylor's Dad Loves His Work album reached number 11 on the Billboard Pop Singles chart.

Gloria Gaynor – Never Can Say Goodbye, I Will Survive

Gaynor was a singer with the Soul Satisfiers, a jazz/pop band, in the 1960s. Her first solo single was "She'll Be Sorry/Let Me Go Baby" (1965). However, her first real success came in 1975 with the release of her album Never Can Say Goodbye, which established her as a disco artist. This album was so instrumental in introducing disco music to the public, that many later believed that Gloria Gaynor had been the first artist to record disco music. "Never Can Say Goodbye" became the first song to top Billboard magazine's dance chart. So, in that sense, she was the first. For the next few years, Gloria Gaynor would only enjoy a few moderate hits. However, in late 1978, with the release of her album Love Tracks, she climbed the pop charts again because of her song "I Will Survive". The lyrics of this song are written from the point of view of a woman, recently dumped, telling her former lover that she can cope without him and does not want anything more to do with him. The song has become something of an anthem of female emancipation, and is still a staple of office parties and karaoke nights. The song was awarded the only Grammy Award for Best Disco Recording in 1980. In January 2008, The American Diabetes Association named Gloria Gaynor the Honorary Spokesperson of the 2008 NYC Step Out To Fight Diabetes Walk.

Climax Blues Band – Couldn't Get it Right, I Love You

The original Climax Chicago Blues Band, later to become known as the Climax Blues Band was formed in Stafford, England in 1968 and continued until 1988. The original members were guitarists Peter Haycock and Derek Holt, keyboardist Arthur Wood, bassist Richard Jones, drummer George Newsome and vocalist/harmonica player Colin Cooper. In 1970, the band shortened its name to the Climax Blues Band due to pressure from the American band Chicago Transit Authority (later just “Chicago”). The band released at least eighteen official albums and has had Top 40 hits in the UK with "Couldn't Get It Right" and with "I Love You". Both songs were big American hits as well; "Couldn't Get It Right" reached #3 on the Hot 100 in 1977, and "I Love You" reached #12 in 1981. Although Holt's penned I Love You was one of their biggest hits , the rest of the band are said to have disliked the song. The song gets over 20,000 radio hits a year in the US and has recently been included in Kevin Smith's 2008 film Zach and Miri Make a Porno. After a short period of inactivity, Climax Blues Band minus Peter Haycock but featuring guitarist Lester Hunt (formerly of Hunter, Demon) recorded the album Drastic Steps and went back to touring extensively around UK, Europe and America to great acclaim. Derek Holt and John Cuffley eventually left this line up which soon became established as Colin Cooper / George Glover / Lester Hunt / Neil Simpson (bass guitar) / Roy Adams (drums) in the early 90s, releasing the live album Blues From The Attic in 1993 and Big Blues in 2004, the latter purely dedicated to the music of Willie Dixon and the most resounding return to the blues that got the Climax Blues Band underway back in the 60s.

Berlin – No More Words, Take My Breath Away

Berlin was formed in Orange County, California in the late 1970s. Their first single, "A Matter of Time," was released in 1980 on I.R.S. Records and featured replacement vocalist Virginia Macolino on lead vocals after Terri Nunn had temporarily left the band to pursue an acting career (Nunn at one point auditioned for the role of Princess Leia in the movie “Star Wars.” They were then signed to independent label Enigma Records where they had their first significant hit: the controversial synth-driven "Sex (I'm A...)" (1982), which was banned by some radio stations due to its graphic lyrics. Later they had two other hits: "The Metro" (which stalled at #58, but was an MTV regular) and "No More Words" (#23 in 1984), whose subsequent video saw Terri Nunn and bandmates re-enact a Bonnie and Clyde-style car chase and shoot-out. "Take My Breath Away" (from the movie Top Gun) became their best-selling single in 1986 and a huge international hit (1 in many countries, including the U.S.), but also their last hit. The classic version of Berlin was featured on the VH1 show, Bands Reunited where all members (except for Rob Brill) agreed to not only reunite as friends but as a band. They played one show at The Roxy in California to a sold-out crowd.

Dan Hill – Sometimes When We Touch, Can’t We Try

At one point Hill was working for the Ontario Provincial Government, delivering office supplies, while performing at the Riverboat at night, before releasing his first LP, Dan Hill. His wife is lawyer Beverly Chapin-Hill, with whom he wrote the songs "Can't We Try?” and "(Can This Be) Real Love". Although some sources have incorrectly stated that he was married to American country singer Faith Hill, her surname came from her first marriage to an unrelated Nashville record executive named Daniel Hill. In 1977 Hill recorded the ballad "Sometimes When We Touch." He also wrote the lyrics and was assisted in the music by Barry Mann for the album from the same year, Longer Fuse, and it was released as a single. It was Hill's biggest hit, peaking at #3 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. Another one of his hit songs was "It's A Long Road" which he recorded for the 1982 action movie First Blood. In 1985, he was one of the many Canadian performers to appear on the benefit single "Tears Are Not Enough" by Northern Lights. Although he had many hits in his native Canada, further singles did not fare as well in the United States, where, after "Let The Song Last Forever" in late 1978, he went almost a decade without cracking any of Billboard's singles charts. In 1987, Hill returned to the Billboard Hot 100 with the Top 40 hit "Can't We Try", which peaked at #6 and was a duet with the then-unknown Vonda Shepard, best known as a regular in the television show Ally McBeal from season 2-5 in which she played a resident performer at the bar where the show's characters drank after work.

Andrew Gold – Lonely Boy, Thank You For Being a Friend

Andrew Gold has the singular distinction of being the first human voice to be 'heard' on the surface of Mars: his rendition of the theme from the television series Mad About You, entitled "Final Frontier," was used as the wake-up call for the Mars Pathfinder space probe in 1996. Gold began writing songs at the age of 13, and by the early 1970s was working as a musician, songwriter and producer for many well-known stars, including Linda Ronstadt, Art Garfunkel, and James Taylor. He was a member of the Los Angeles band Bryndle alongside Kenny Edwards, Wendy Waldman and Karla Bonoff. He played a major role as multi-instrumentalist and arranger for Ronstadt's breakthrough album, 1974's Heart Like a Wheel. Among other accomplishments, he played the guitar solo and the majority of other instruments on the album's first track, "You're No Good," Ronstadt's only No. 1 single on the Billboard Hot 100. In 1975 he began recording as a solo artist, releasing four studio albums. His single "Lonely Boy" has appeared in several movie soundtracks, including Boogie Nights (1997). Although "Lonely Boy" was the bigger radio hit ((#7 in 1977), "Thank You for Being a Friend" gained new popularity as the theme song for the popular 1985–1992 NBC situation comedy The Golden Girls (although that version was not performed by Gold but by Cindy Fee). That song hit #25 in 1978.

Suzanne Vega – Luka, Tom’s Diner

Suzanne Vega is best known for her highly literate lyrics and eclectic folk-inspired music. Two of her songs (both from her second album—Solitude Standing, 1987) reached the top 10 of various chart listings, internationally: "Luka" and "Tom's Diner". "Luka" is written about, and from the point of view of an abused child—at the time an uncommon subject for a pop hit. While continuing a focus on Vega's acoustic guitar, the music is more strongly pop-oriented and features fuller arrangements. The song peaked at #3 in 1987. The a cappella “Tom's Diner” (which originally only went to #58) was used as the reference track in an early trial of the MP3 compression system, earning her the distinction of being the Mother of the MP3. It was later a hit again, remixed by two British dance producers under the name DNA, in 1990. Originally a bootleg, Vega allowed DNA to release the track through her record company, and it became her all-time biggest hit (it climbed to #2). The song takes place in Tom's Restaurant at 112th Street and Broadway in New York City. Exterior shots of the same restaurant appear in the television sitcom Seinfeld as the eatery where Jerry, George, Elaine, and Cosmo hang out. The DNA remix of the track was so popular that it inspired many cover versions—the best of which were eventually collected by Vega on an album titled Tom's Album. In August 2006, Vega became the first major recording artist to perform live in the Internet-based virtual world, Second Life. John Hockenberry of public radio’s The Infinite Mind hosted the event. The following month, she performed in Central Park, as part of a benefit concert for The Save Darfur Coalition. During the concert she highlighted her support for Amnesty International, of which she has been a member since 1988. Suzanne still writes, records and performs on stage regularly.

Are you happy now?

Flashback to May 17, 2008. On that day, Hillary Clinton, then the senior Senator from New York, debated with Barack Obama. During the debate, hosted by ABC, the candidates were asked: "Should it be US policy now to treat an Iranian attack on Israel as if it were an attack on the United States?"

To this Obama answered:

"I have said I will do whatever is required to prevent the Iranians from obtaining nuclear weapons."I think it is very important that Iran understands that an attack on Israel is an attack on our strongest ally in the region, one whose security we consider paramount. It would be an act of aggression that I would consider unacceptable, and the United States would take appropriate action."

"I believe that that includes direct talks with the Iranians where we are laying out very clearly for them, here are the issues that we find unacceptable, not only development of nuclear weapons but also funding terrorist organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah, as well as their anti-Israel rhetoric and threats towards Israel.

Senator Clinton then responded:

"Of course I would make it clear to the Iranians that an attack on Israel would incur massive retaliation from the United States."

These two former candidates are now the President and the Secretary of State of the United States. They are the faces of the American administration. So you would like to believe them when they state that Israel's security is absolutely guaranteed against aggression by Iran. In addition, Obama's comments regarding Iran going Nuclear and also consider Hamas and Hezbollah terror organizations seems to put the matter of who is the victim and who is the aggressor to rest.

But of course, to paraphrase our President, these were just "words."

In an interview on ABC TV's 'This Week', George Stephanopoulos reminded Senator Clinton of her remarks and this is what she said:

"Is it US policy now? I think it is US policy to the extent that we have alliances and understandings with a number of nations," she said, then added, "I don't think there is any doubt in anyone's mind that, were Israel to suffer a nuclear attack by Iran, there would be retaliation."

Stephanopoulos pressed her, asking "By the United States?" Hillary responded:

"Well, I think there would be retaliation."

In the world of politics, this is known as being "non-committal."

Clinton's readiness to publicly back her country off from a position she said she would hold were she president is in line with the recently-revealed shift in America's alliances in the Middle East.

In his major foreign policy speech from Cairo, Obama came out strongly in support of historically-illegitimate Arab aspirations, while effectively undermining the legitimacy of Israel's claims and rights.

Israelis have rightfully reacted to the betrayal with shock and disbelief. My question is for all of those Jews who claim to be pro-Israel (and even those who aren't Jewish).

Are you happy now?

"Everything that Obama has recommended has turned out to be disastrous..."

Jon Voight at the National Republican Congressional and Senatorial Committee's Dinner:

Another great line from his speech was, "I think Obama has no idea that Israel was built on the blood and sweat of the Jewish people - every blade of grass, every tree has been a successful effort because of the Jewish people understanding that they would have a safe homeland forever."

Then he continues...

"He could not understand this or he would know that the Jewish people have tried time and time again to give the Palestinians land and bring a peaceful solution. But every attempt - every attempt - was met with violence. The Palestinians use Gaza to attack Israel. As far as I'm concerned, their only agenda is to wipe Israel off the face of the earth.

And he (Obama) reprimands the Israeli people. Like he's the professor and they're the schoolchildren. I was embarrassed to watch his press conference with the great war hero, Benjamin Netanyahu, who has helped keep his country safe for many years. Obama sat there with complete arrogance that he is now the new American power - able to dictate what he thinks is best for Israel.

So how worried are we supposed to be now? Was I hearing things when he said Iran might have the right to nuclear power? Are we supposed to be sitting and waiting, watching for the possibility of a new Holocaust?Who is going to take the responsibility to keep Israel safe?

There was not one thing that Voight said that was untrue. When you add what Israel's Channel One TV reported today - that Netanyahu was told Tuesday by an "American official" in Jerusalem that, "We are going to change the world. Please, don't interfere." The report said Netanyahu's aides interpreted this as a "threat."

What upsets me the most are my fellow Jews who after all that has been said and done, still refuse to admit that Obama is turning out to be the absolute worst "friend" Israel has ever had. I'm beginning to think that if news came out that Obama blew up a bus of Israeli schoolchildren, these Jews would praise him for his ability to detonate an explosion.

I understand that your liberalism comes before your Judaism. But what these Jews are doing does have a precedent. It's eerily similar to that actions of the Jews in Germany when the Nazi's first came to power (no, I am not making a Hitler=Obama comparison), or going farther back, this story reminds me of the biblical Jews who built the golden calf.

So blinded by their own liberalism, they ignore reality in favor of some utopic fairly tale. Hopefully, they will not finally awaken from an Iranian nuke.

Unlike the President, I'm not arrogant enough to tell the Prime Minister of Israel what he needs to do. Unlike Obama, Netanyahu experienced enough in modern world history to understand exactly who the bad guys are. It us clear to anyone who wishes to see it that Obama will pull out all the stops to ensure Bibi's failure. However, what Obama fails to realize (among the very many other things), is that the more picked on Netanyahu is (by the administration), the more popular he becomes in Israel. Unlike the American President, Israelis know too well how disastrous appeasement policies can be and they elected this government because they felt that the more Centrist Kadima party would not keep them safe.

Today, many Israelis look at Obama and they see all that's wrong in the world. They don't mind the "us against the world" mentality because they have lived it their entire lives. For this reason I really do believe that Bibi will eventually prevail and Obama will continue to look like a false Messiah.

This is just too important not to pass along:

Truthfully (Rubicon3)

As I read about Obama's speech of outreach to the Islamic world yesterday, I could not stop thinking of:

1972 Israeli Olympic Team

One of the Munich Olympic terrorists

Suicide bombs containing nuts, bolts, and ball bearings.

3-month old victim of a suicide bombing,

murdered with his mother on a bus

Daniel Pearl

The Hatuel family

The Beslan School massacre

The Yeshiva killings

Massacre in Mumbai

Ilan Halimi, tortured and murdered in France for being a Jew.

And I wonder, where is their attempt at outreach?

Yes, Mr. President. Where the f*ck is it???

From the Brussels Journal:

In November 2008 a Dutch journalist, Joanie de Rijke, was abducted by Taliban fighters in Afghanistan. She was held captive, raped repeatedly, and released after six days for a ransom of 100,000 euros ($137,000). After her ordeal, she acknowledged that her captors “did horrible things to me,” but added in several media interviews “They also respected me,” and emphasized “They are not monsters.”

WHAT?

In a speech in the Dutch Parliament last Thursday, the Dutch opposition leader Geert Wilders referred to Joanie de Rijke’s case.

“She was raped, but she was not angry. The journalist who went looking for the Taliban in Afghanistan saw her curiosity end in a cruel ordeal of multiple rape. While this would make others angry or sad, this journalist shows understanding. She says: ‘They also respected me.’ And she was given tea and biscuits.”

“This story” Wilders said,

“is a perfect illustration of the moral decline of our elites. They are so blinded by their own ideology that they turn a blind eye to the truth. Rape? Well, I would put this into perspective, says the leftist journalist: the Taliban are not monsters. Our elites prefer to deny reality rather than face it. One would expect: a woman is being raped and finds this unbearable. But this journalist is not angry because the Muslim involved also showed respect. Our elites, whether they are politicians, journalists, judges, subsidy gobblers or civil servants, are totally clueless. Plain common sense has been dumped in order to deny reality. It is not just this raped journalist who is suffering from Stockholm syndrome, but the entire Dutch elite. The only moral reference they have is: do not irritate the Muslims – that is the one thing they will condemn.”

This is beyond the Stockholm Syndrome - which is a psychological response sometimes seen in abducted hostages, in which the hostage shows signs of loyalty to the hostage-taker, regardless of the danger or risk in which they have been placed - this is liberalism at its absolute worst.

After Wilders made these remarks, do you think the liberals in the Dutch parliament agreed? Do you think they felt pity for the utter hopelessness of this woman's ability to rationalize brutality?

Of course not. They went after him for being "insensitive."

So what exactly did Wilders say? He argued that the brutal rape of a women is not okay just because they "respected" her afterward.

Seriously, what the hell does that mean, anyway? This isn't a case of a guy wanting sex and her asking if he'll respect her in the morning. I mean, we are talking about a violent act here. Even the courts understand that rape is a crime of violence, and not sex.

So this reporter gets abducted, raped repeatedly and all she can say is that he respected her??? How would he have treated someone he didn't respect?

Wilders is absolutely correct. There is a back-assed reality among leftists that smack of mental illness. The fact that the Dutch parliament criticized Wilders for what he said, but find it perfectly normal to accept that she was "respected" by her rapist shows just how deranged the left is.

But this also explains the left's obsession with Islam. Israel is bombarded daily by rocket fire from a place they gave back to the Arabs (Gaza). So when they finally said "ENOUGH!" and fired back, suddenly Israel is the bad guy. Suddenly, the United Nations calls Israeli soldiers was criminals. It doesn't matter that Israel - for over 60 years - has begged her neighbors for peace. It doesn't matter that Israel has offered the Palestinians everything they've asked for, and was turned down, time after time.

No. All that matters is that Israel is the terror state. Just like Geert Wilders. All he did was tell the world that a rapist is not "respecting" the woman he rapes. Yet the leftist all think he's the bad guy.

I know many Democrats who would be appalled to hear what Joanie de Rijke said. But until they wake up and realize what has happened to their party, they are equally complicit in the moral decay that is being caused by the left.

To read the rest of the article (but not on a full stomach), click here.

Here are a few more...

I'm now voting Democrat because I believe that Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh are terrorists, but Bill Ayers and Bernardine Dohrn aren't.

I'm now voting Democrat because I believe that all the marijuana, heroin and LSD the 60's flower children used make them more capable to be today's leaders.

I'm now voting Democrat because I believe the Reagan revolution is what has caused our current financial mess.

I'm now voting Democrat because I believe that George Bush is the modern day equivalent of Adolph Hitler.

if you have of your own, let me know.

Why I'm Now Voting Democrat

I came across a few of these and added my own to the list. I think I may have written a similar post a few years past, but it's still quite apropos:

I'm now voting Democrat because I love the fact that I can now marry whatever I want. I've decided to marry my new car.

I'm now voting Democrat because I believe that illegal aliens should have the same rights of citizenship as me even though they don't have to pay for it.

I'm now voting Democrat Because it's easier to blame my country for 9/11 then it is to blame the men who flew those planes into the World Trade Center.

I'm now voting Democrat because I believe oil companies' profits of 4% on a gallon of gas are obscene but the government taxing the same gallon of gas at 15% isn't.

I'm now voting Democrat because I believe the government will do a better job of spending the money I earn than I ever would.

I'm now voting Democrat because I believe schools should teach U.S. History the way the Government thinks it should be taught, even if it means it has to be re-written for the textbooks.

I'm now voting Democrat because I believe that all those people in Canada who come to the US for better health care only get sick once they arrive here and are now stuck in our flawed hospitals.

I'm now voting Democrat because freedom of speech is fine as long as Muslims aren't offended by it.

I'm now voting Democrat because Hollywood actors who pretend for a living and little or no real education know more about history and the World than I do.

I'm now voting Democrat because I believe that Americans who have been burned by years purchasing poorly made cars will suddenly embrace GM cars now that they are being designed by bureaucrats.

I'm now voting Democrat because I believe that there are companies that are too big to fail.

I'm now voting Democrat because I believe Capitalism no longer works and we should follow the European socialist model - even though European socialism is slowly being replaced by Islam.

I'm now voting Democrat because I believe the color of someone's skin is the most important qualification a President should have (same goes for a Supreme Court nominee).

I'm now voting Democrat because I believe the words a President uses are more important that his actions.

I'm now voting Democrat because when we pull out of Iraq I trust that the bad guys will stop what they're doing because they now think we're good people.

I'm now voting Democrat because I believe Iran - a nation that sits on more oil than any other - only wishes to use nuclear energy for peaceful reasons.

I'm now voting Democrat because I believe that Jews do not have the right to live in East Jerusalem, but that Arabs can live in Tel Aviv.

I'm now voting Democrat because I believe that Joe the Plumber's question to Obama is invalid because he doesn't have a plumber's license (which isn't required for the work he does).

I'm now voting Democrat because I'm way too irresponsible to own a gun, and I know that my local police are all I need to protect me from murderers and thieves.

I'm now voting Democrat because I believe child rapists can be rehabilitated.

I'm now voting Democrat because I believe that destroying Clarence Thomas was fair and reasonable, but questioning Sonia Sotomayor on her own remarks is racist.

I'm now voting Democrat because I believe it's arrogant to spread freedom and democracy.

I'm now voting Democrat because I believe Nancy Pelosi is the most ethical Speaker of the House this country has ever known.

I'm now voting Democrat because I don't really care about the thousands of political prisoners who have been (and are being) tortured by the Castro brothers in Cuba.

I'm now voting Democrat because I believe France not allowing students to cover their hair is morally equivalent to the Muslim tactic of stoning women for getting an education.

I'm now voting Democrat because I believe American sovereignty should be determined by the United Nations.

I'm now voting Democrat because I believe their is a moral equivalence between the Holocaust and Israel's invasion of Gaza.

I'm now voting Democrat because I believe building a wall to protect Israeli citizens from terror attacks is a form of Apartheid.

I'm now voting Democrat because I believe the best way to help our economy is to bankrupt our children and grandchildren.

I'm now voting Democrat because I believe the same people who run the DMV are far better at caring for our health care than doctors and nurses.

I'm now voting Democrat because I believe that people who can't tell us if it will rain on Friday can tell us that the polar ice caps will melt away in ten years if I don't start driving a Prius.

I'm now voting Democrat because I'm not concerned about the slaughter of millions of babies so long as we keep all death row inmates alive.

I'm now voting Democrat because I believe that business should not be allowed to make profits for themselves. They need to break even and give the rest away to the government for redistribution as IT sees fit.

I'm now voting Democrat because even though people like Barney Frank and Chris Dodd are largely responsible for the financial mess we are now it, they are well suited to get us out.

I'm now voting Democrat because I believe digging is the best way to get out of
a hole like spending is the best way to get out of a recession.

I'm now voting Democrat because I believe liberal judges need to rewrite The Constitution every few days to suit some fringe kooks who would never get their agendas past the voters.

I'm now voting Democrat because the principles that made this nation the
greatest in history are flawed and must be "fundamentally changed" for the
greater good. Government is better than private. A guarantee is better
than ambition.

I'm now voting Democrat because I believe free speech laws should protect me against conservatives, but not protect conservatives from me.

I'm now voting Democrat because I believe it is not fair that Keith Olbermann is less popular than Rush Limbaugh and I believe it is the governments job to fix the disparity.

I'm now voting Democrat because I believe not only am I always right, but conservatives are always stupid.

If you have any of your own to add, I'd love to hear them.

Ten Great Songs From One Great Year

1962

This was the year I was born. It was also the year that four young men from Liverpool, England, released their first single, titles “My Bonnie.”

Early in the year, President John Kennedy announced an embargo on the communist regime in Cuba. Later that same year, Soviet leader Nikita Khruschev tests the President’s mettle when he installs nuclear missiles in Cuba. A week later, after intense diplomacy and worldwide fear, the USSR backs down and removes them.

America’s mission to the moon takes a giant leap forward. While aboard Friendship 7, John Glenn becomes the first American to orbit the Earth, three times in 4 hours, 55 minutes. In June, Adolf Eichmann – considered the architect of the Holocaust - is hanged in Israel. In October, James Meredith registers at the University of Mississippi, escorted by Federal Marshals. He is the first black student to attend classes at the previously segregated college.

In sports, Sonny Liston defeated Floyd Patterson to win the World Boxing championship and Wilt Chamberlain, Center for the Philadelphia Warriors, scored a record 100 points in an NBA game – a record that has still not been broken.

Can't Help Falling In Love - Elvis Presley

This was featured in the 1961 Elvis movie Blue Hawaii. According to songwriter George Weiss, neither the movie producers nor Elvis' associates liked the song demo. Elvis insisted on recording this song for the movie. This was Elvis' most popular and famous "love song," but it was not sung to his love interest in Blue Hawaii - It was sung to his grandmother on the occasion of her birthday. Elvis presented her with a music box, which she opened and it played the song, which Elvis then sang along with. The soundtrack to Blue Hawaii hit #1 on the US charts in the fall of 1961 and remained there for 20 weeks in a row, a record that wasn't broken until 1977 by Fleetwood Mac's landmark album Rumours.

Duke of Earl - Gene Chandler

This was first recorded by The Dukays for Nat Records in 1960. Vee Jay Records bought it and had one of their members, Eugene Dixon, change his name to Gene Chandler and take credit for it. The song was not intended to be released with it was first sung: it was a method of doing vocal exercises until Dixon ad-libbed verses one day. Sandwiched between The Paul Butterfield Blues Band and Jimi Hendrix at Woodstock in 1969, Doo-Wop cover band Sha-Na-Na performed to what was left of the crowd on Monday morning. This was one of the songs they played - others included "Jailhouse Rock" and "At The Hop."

Hey! Baby - Bruce Channel

Channel wrote this around 1959 with his friend Margaret Cobb. He had already been performing the tune for a couple of years before recording it amidst a series of demos for Fort Worth producer Major Bill Smith. First released locally on Smith's label, it was picked up for national distribution by Smash. Delbert McClinton played the harmonica part. At one Channel's shows, he was supported by a then-unknown Liverpool group, the Beatles. John Lennon was so impressed with the harmonica intro that he asked McClinton how to play it. A year later a similar harmonica passage showed up on The Beatles "Love Me Do."

Sherry - Four Seasons

This was originally called "Terry." The group loved it and performed it over the telephone for their producer, Bob Crewe, who liked everything about it but the name. After considering "Jackie" (after Jackie Kennedy), the group changed the name of the song to "Sherry," after Cheri Spector, the daughter of one of Crewe's best friends. Bob Gaudio wrote this. He formed The Four Seasons with Frankie Valli the previous year. This convinced Valli that Gaudio was a good songwriter.

I Can't Stop Loving You - Ray Charles

This was written and originally recorded by a Country singer named Don Gibson in 1958. His version was released as the B-side of his #7 hit "Oh Lonesome Me," which he wrote the same day. Ray Charles was known as a Gospel and R&B singer, but he defied convention and decided to record an album of Country and Western songs. His producer, Sid Feller, put together tapes containing about 150 classic Country songs so Charles could choose which ones to record. Included on the tapes was "I Can't Stop Loving You," which Charles remembered from when he would listen to The Grand Ole Opry. At first, this was not released as a single, but a lot of DJs played it from the album and it started getting popular. A white singer named Tab Hunter heard Charles' version and recorded his own, which was rushed out as a single. This infuriated Charles, so ABC Records quickly edited down the 4-minute album version and released it as a single with lots of publicity, including a full page ad in Billboard magazine. Charles' version became a huge hit and went to #1 on the US Pop, R&B and Easy Listening charts.

Soldier Boy – The Shirelles

One of the biggest '60s girl-group hits, in this song The Shirelles sing from the perspective of a girl who is left behind when her boyfriend goes off to war. Along with "Will You Love Me Tomorrow?," it's one of 2 #1 hits by The Shirelles. Florence Greenberg wrote this with Luther Dixon. Greenberg was The Shirelles manager and signed the group to her Scepter record label. Dixon was an established songwriter who had written the hit "Sixteen Candles" by The Crests. He co-wrote other Shirelles songs as well, including "Boys" and "Tonight's The Night."

Breaking Up Is Hard To Do - Neil Sedaka

This was a song that Allmusic described as "two minutes and sixteen seconds of pure pop magic". It hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 on August 11, 1962 and was a huge hit all over the world, sometimes with the text translated into foreign languages. For example, the Italian version was called "Tu non lo sai" (" You don't know ") and was recorded by Sedaka himself. Originally an uptempo song, Sedaka re-recorded it as a ballad in 1975 and the new version peaked at number eight in February 1976 and went to number one on the Adult Contemporary chart; it was only the second time that an artist made the Billboard Top Ten with two different versions of the same song.

Sealed With A Kiss - Brian Hyland

This archetypal American high-school teen love song was composed by Gary Geld and lyricist Peter Udell. The duo began their writing partnership in the early sixties and wrote over 100 songs together. One of their first songs was this, which they wrote in 1960 and was a hit for Brian Hyland two years later. Hyland said in 1000 UK #1 Hits by Jon Kutner and Spencer Leigh, "Sealed With A Kiss was recorded about a year before I did it by The Four Voices, who had a sound like The Brothers Four. It dragged and didn't have any life in it, so it wasn't a hit. I told them we should do it. Gary Geld was a classically trained musician and he had been inspired to write it from a finger exercise for the piano." This was Hyland's biggest hit in the UK, but 2 years earlier in the US at the age of 16, he enjoyed an American chart topper with "Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polk-a-dot Bikini."

Please Mister Postman – The Marvelettes

The Marvelettes were 5 teenage girls from Inkster, Michigan. This was their first single and their only #1. They went through many member changes before breaking up in 1969. William Garrett, a songwriter friend of group member Georgia Dobbins, offered this to The Marvelettes when she asked if he had anything for them to sing. He wrote it as a Blues song, but Dobbins completely rewrote it (she saved only the title) and taught it to lead singer Gladys Horton. Before The Marvelettes recorded it, Dobbins left the group to care for her mother. Motown producers Robert Bateman and Brian Holland worked on the song with The Marvelettes and crafted it into a hit. Holland, along with his brother Eddie and Lamont Dozier, went on to write many other Motown classics. Marvin Gaye played drums on this. He was 22 at the time and trying to break into the business. This song was covered by many different artists, including the Beatles and it was #1 hit for The Carpenters, who covered this on their 1975 album Horizon. It was their biggest hit ever worldwide, reaching # 1 in the US, Australia, Germany, Japan and several other countries, as well as reaching # 2 in the UK and Canada.

Runaround Sue – Dion

Normally backed up by his band, the Belmonts, Dion is instead backed here by the Del Satins – who had a big hit of their own, with “In the Still of the Night.” In the liner notes of Dion's box set King Of The New York Streets, he wrote: "It came about by partying in a schoolyard. We were jamming, hitting tops of boxes. I gave everyone parts like the horn parts we'd hear in the Apollo Theater and it became a jam that we kept up for 45 minutes. I came up with all kinds of stuff. But when I actually wrote the song and brought it into the studio to record it, well, her name wasn't actually Sue. It was about, you know, some girl who loved to be worshiped but as soon as you want a commitment and express your love for her, she's gone. So the song was a reaction to that kind of woman.

Here is an outstanding post by my Hollywood friend, Robert Avrech over at Seraphic Secret. Robert is really a victim of the reality (or lack thereof) that is Hollyweird. He is a successful screenwriter ("Body Double", A Stranger Among Us"), an orthodox Jew AND a conservative. Aside from his work at his website, he also can be seen at Andrew Beitbart's Big Hollywood blog, which is finally giving the closet Hollywood conservatives a forum to be heard.

Fractured Narratives

The left wing narrative goes something like this: Under President George Bush, America's image was degraded in the Arab world, and now President Barack Hussein Obama is rushing to the rescue—cinematic superhero anyone?— to repair these fractured relations.

FLASHBACK

Bosnia.

Kosovo.

Kuwait.

Somalia.

Iraq.

Afghanistan.

END FLASHBACK

Ring any bells?

In each and every country, America went to war to rescue Muslims.

America spent treasure and spilled the blood of her finest sons to assist Muslims.

But this simple truth has no legs because the truth is irrelevant to the left, and because the real issue is values.

The values held dear by Arab Muslim culture—honor, shame—have nothing in common with the values—freedom, democracy—held dear by America.

And there is Israel. The Arab Muslim world will not be satisfied until America abandons Israel. They are counting on Obama to fall in line and shaft the Jewish State.

With all their talk about resolving the Israeli Arab dispute, in truth, the Arab Muslim world thrives on this conflict, it's their excuse for being.

That's why Obama is suddenly playing up his Muslim roots. He wants the Arab Muslim world to know that he's a member of the tribe, a friend.

When we in the opposition suggested that Obama's Muslim roots might be something of a problem we were called racists.

Funny that double standard.

No doubt, Obama is more popular in the Arab Muslim world than President George Bush. Moral relativism goes a long way with academics and ruthless totalitarians.

And, of course, it was under President George Bush that Saddam Hussein—the man who killed and tortured more Muslims on planet earth than anyone else—was ousted from power, reduced to living in a hole in the ground, and then hung by neck.

The Arab Muslim world knows that Barack Hussein Obama will not depose any tyrants; they know that he can be appeased; they know that he represents no threat to backward and savage regimes; they know that his support of Israel was and is just a political fig-leaf; they know that as in Arab Muslim culture, Obama's flowery but empty rhetoric takes the place of reality.

President Obama will be in Cairo, Egypt tomorrow to deliver a—what else?— major address to the Muslim world.

Here's a clip from state sponsored Egyptian TV where Muslim cleric Muhammad Hussein Yaqoub delivers a major address about—what else?—the Jews.

What have we done?

A Peek Under Tiller the Baby Killer's Rock

The murder of late-term abortionist George Tiller was a big propaganda coup for the left, but at least it has shined a little light on the depravity of the abortion industry. The reason liberals will avoid your eyes while declaring that the babies they advocate butchering are just blobs of protoplasm is that they know otherwise, as made clear by some of the services Tiller the Baby Killer offered. Via What Does Tiller Do With The Dead Babies?:

They are talking about babies whose mothers have chosen to murder them.

More morbidity is on display at KGOV.com:

Wichita abortionist George Tiller offers a memorial service in his facility after he performs a partial-birth abortion. The mom and the dad in the pictures below paid Tiller a few thousand dollars to kill Tess, their baby girl. A pro-life sidewalk counselor had failed in her effort to dissuade the mother from entering the abortion mill, but did succeed in giving her address to the mom. Afterward, the mother and the pro-lifer corresponded and became friends. In that way, the pro-life community obtained these photos. We at KGOV.com have decided to share with our listeners the mother's pain, and the photographic proof of the depravity of abortionists, in hopes of furthering our battle against legalized child killing.

The pictures of a couple doting on the corpse of the daughter they killed are guaranteed to give you nightmares. Also included is this note from the regretful mom:

We've just elected as president an over-the-top pro-abortion extremist. As a result, we taxpayers now finance abortions done in other countries. If America survives this reign of moonbattery, future generations will look back and regard us as fiends.

On a tip from V the K. Hat tip: lgf 2.0: blogmocracy.com commenter CloudyDay.

Courtesy of Moonbattery

From my friends at Weasel Zippers:

Obama Still Hasn't Condemned Murder of US Soldier by Muslim Fanatic....

It took him 7 hours to condemn the murder of a late-term abortion doctor and send US Marshalls to guard abortion clinics. The attack on the military recruitment center by a radical Muslim hellbent on killing American soldiers happened well over 24 hours ago. Says a lot.....

(Note: Below is a re-post from yesterday, so note the times at the bottom are as of Monday night)

(Free Republic)- In another slap to America's men and women serving in the armed forces, Barack Obama has ignored the fatal shooting attack on an Army-Navy recruiting center in Little Rock this morning that killed one serviceman and wounded another.

Yesterday, Obama issued a sharply worded statement condemning the shooting of late-term abortionist George Tiller within hours of his murder and Obama's Justice Department has ordered U.S. Marshalls to deploy at abortion clinincs to give them protection.

Seven hours after the attack on the recruiting center, the same length of time it took Obama to issue a statement on the Tiller murder, there has been no statement from the commander-in-chief of the slain and wounded servicemen.

One of Obama's core constituencies is radical abortion supporters, not Americans in uniform. The contrast in his reactions to the two murderous attacks is chilling for those who support our fellow Americans in our armed forces.

Tiller was killed at 10 a.m. CDT Sunday, Obama issued his statement about seven hours later at 6 p.m. EDT.

The attack on the recruiting center happened around 10 a.m. CDT today (Monday). As of this writing at 6 p.m. EDT, there are no news reports of any statement by Obama on the murderous attack on our military.

From the very beginning, I feared what would happen to Israel in an Obama presidency. Sadly, I'm seeing my fears come true. This isn't some hyperbolic rant espousing conservative values, nor is it a platform to criticize the Democrat Party, although they are culpable - given the blank check they've so far given Obama.

On the contrary, what I am about to say is what I truly believe is perhaps what will turn out to be the worst mistake Obama is making and how damaging - perhaps permanently - this policy is.

To understand what the proper way to go to exact peace in the Middle East, certain realities must be understood. These realities are at the very heart of the conflict, and are:

1. In 1948, the United Nations voted to accept Israel as a nation.

2. From the time of Joshua, the prophet, there has been a continuing Jewish presence in what is known today as Israel.

3. Prior to Jewish immigration in the latter part of the 19th century, Jerusalem was basically a dried up ghost town with a small population consisting of Arabs, Druze, Christians and Jews.

4. Prior to 1964, when the PLO was formed, not one Arab considered Jerusalem to be the "3rd holiest site in Islam."

5. There never was a nation called "Palestine." In fact, the term "Palestinian" was coined in order to label the Jews in region prior to 1948.

More currently:

6. Following the Six-Day War, Israel offered the entire territory it won in that war back to Egypt, Syria and Jordan, in exchange for a lasting peace. They were turned down repeatedly.

7. Since that time, every Israeli Prime Minister has made making peace with the Arabs his/her number one priority.

8. 1n 1993, According to the Oslo agreements, the Arabs were to cease their instigation of violence - which included recognizing Israel's right to exist, as well as changing out all textbooks and lessons teaching violence against Israel and Jews. To this day, they have not. However, Israel turned over a large swath of land to the Arabs, as per their half of the bargain.

9. In 2000, Ehud Barak offered Yasser Arafat all that he demanded in exchange for peace. Arafat declined and swiftly launched the second Intifada.

10. Last year, Ehud Olmert offered Mahmoud Abbas even more than what Barak offered Arafat - including East Jerusalem and the return of Arab refugees into Israel. Abbas refused.

So tell me, President Obama, what the hell are you doing? According to a report in today's New York Times, Obama is considering options to punish Israel, including abandoning UN support. Now realistically, the UN does not and has never supported Israel. But what this means is that the US will no longer have Israel's back.

Why is Obama doing this? Because, like those of his cabinet (many who have openly been hostile to Israel in the past - what? Did you really think Obama was being honest when he said he was pro-Israel?), the worldview of these people is completely skewed. I don't know if this is because of anti-Semitism, or just plain anti-Democracy. But whatever it is, they have it completely backwards.

According to the President, the Middle East crisis is due to Israel's refusal to make peace with her neighbors. But as we have learned from the list on top, that is as far from the truth as can be. Unfortunately, Obama has fallen hook, line and sinker for the Iranian claim that if only Israel were to give in there would be peace.

What I find most unfortunate is that Obama and his administration seem to be completely ignorant to history. It's as if in Obama-land there is B.O. (before Obama) and Now.

When Prime Minister Netanyahu came to meet with the President, he was told that it would be Obama's way or the highway. Aside from this not being the way to talk to friends, it's no way to talk to another country. G-d forbid Obama would ever tell Iran, Afghanistan or Pakistan (or any other miserable thugocrisy, that's his way or no way. It simply will not happen.

So why is he acting this way? Well, I have two theories. Number one, he does not like to play fair. If you look at his history in electioneering, Obama has sailed through by not only attacking his opponents, but by absolutely destroying them to the point they have had to drop out of the race. Given this arrogance (and we know he is extraordinarily arrogant), Obama believes that his way is the right way and refuses to accept that he may be wrong. Unfortunately for us, he has done very little in his life (aside from getting elected) to warrant any faith in his abilities.

Also, because he is a liberal politician and is charismatic, he has a very hungry press in his pocket.

The second theory is that he truly wishes to change this country into something vastly different. Forget about the past 233 years. According to Obama, this country has been arrogant (projecting much?), it's goal of spreading democracy and a better way of life is a bad idea and we do not deserve the riches afforded to the greatness that we are.

Apparently, he either ignores the fact that the entire world is far better off for America being a part of it, or he is too ignorant to understand it. If not for the United States, much of the world would still be living in the dark ages. But when a businessman makes a profit - even though because of his profit others profit as well, Obama still considers it unfair.

This is the Marxist way of thinking and while I'm not saying he is a Marxist, you must admit that Obama's vision for this country is pretty damn close. The terminologies, the silencing of critics and the takeover of private businesses are all similar to the Marxist world view.

Obviously, he can't transform this country overnight and I dare say he will be able to change it much at all. But slowly he is choking the financial engine that has made this country so enormously successful. His embrace of the global warming hoax is only another nail in the coffin. Cap and trade is another. Slowly, he is transforming what has taken over 200 years to create.

Everything that he stands for goes against what this country has stood for in the past. And this goes for Israel as well. No longer do we consider Israel our best friend. Obama seems to feel much more comfortable with the Hugo Chavez's of the world.

Doesn't it concern any of you that EVERY leader of a thugocracy welcomed Obama's election?

Israel is not doomed because Obama is not the Messiah. The Jewish nation will survive Obama and soon, he will be thrown out of office for incompetence. If not, this country will get what it deserves. I hope for our sake, G-d hasn't abandoned us.

Ten Great Songs From One Great Year

1994 v.2

The music industry was shocked to its core upon the news that Nirvana front man, Kurt Cobain, had committed suicide. As the voice of the grunge subculture, he led the way for alternative rock to displace boy bands and Mariah Carey from the top of the charts. Through his death, he became was this generation’s Jim Morrison.

A week later, Rwandan President Juvénal Habyarimana and Burundi President Cyprien Ntaryamira die when a missile shoots down their jet near Kigali, Rwanda. This is taken as a pretext to begin the Rwandan Genocide. A month after that, Nelson Mandela is inaugurated as South Africa's first Black president. Then in June, members of the Aum Shinrikyo cult release a sarin gas attack at Matsumoto, Japan, killing 7 and injuring 660. In Buenos Aires, a terrorist attack destroys a building housing several Jewish organizations, killing 85 and injuring many more (see AMIA Bombing).

In November, former U.S. President Ronald Reagan announced that he has Alzheimer's disease, boxer George Foreman wins the WBA and IBF World Heavyweight Championships, becoming the oldest heavyweight champion in history and Georgia Representative Newt Gingrich leads the United States Republican Party in taking control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate in midterm congressional elections, the first time in 40 years the Republicans secure control of both houses of Congress. George W. Bush is elected Governor of Texas.

For more on 1994, please click here.

Crazy – Aerosmith

This is about a guy whose girlfriend packs up her stuff and leaves, and just how much he misses her. In the video, Alicia Silverstone and Liv Tyler (lead singer Steven Tyler’s daughter) teamed up to be runaway schoolgirls who have the time of their lives on the road. This won a Grammy in 1995 for Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal. It was Aerosmith's third Grammy.

Can You Feel The Love Tonight - Elton John

This was featured in the Disney movie The Lion King when the main character, Simba the Lion, falls in love with his childhood friend Nala, to the dismay of his friends Timon and Pumba. The song was almost cut from the movie because it was not working with the scene, but Elton convinced the producers to leave it in. The Lion King soundtrack sold over 10 million copies. Kiki Dee, Rick Astley, and Gary Barlow sang backup. Kiki Dee sang a duet with Elton on the '70s hit "Don't Go Breaking My Heart," Astley had a series of hits in the early '90s, and Barlow was a member of the group Take That.

All Apologies – Nirvana

This was a highlight of Nirvana's Unplugged In New York, an acoustic album recorded for an MTV special. Nirvana recorded the Unplugged session November 18, 1993 and it aired almost a month later. The album was released November 1, 1994 in the US, 7 months after Cobain's suicide. In that context, it sounded like a goodbye message from Cobain. Some people inside the band have stated that this song was meant to be a last note to Kurt Cobain's daughter Francis Bean, apologizing for not being the father he should have been.

Until I Fall Away - Gin Blossoms

The Gin Blossoms named its debut album New Miserable Experience as a reflection of its relatively unpleasant new experience of life in a band. During work on this record, lead guitarist Doug Hopkins, a severe alcoholic, was fired and replaced with Scott Johnson. Author Laurie Notaro makes a (slightly veiled) mention of the Gin Blossoms, specifically drinking with Doug Hopkins after he had been kicked out of the band, in her book "We Thought You'd Be Prettier" in an essay about the closing of Long Wong's, a local bar where the band performed. Hopkins' songs "Hey Jealousy" and "Found Out About You" went on to become hit singles. Their success was overshadowed by Hopkins' suicide in 1993. In between their debut and sophomore efforts, they provided the single "Til I Hear It From You" to the Empire Records soundtrack. It reached #9 on the Billboard Hot 100. Their second major album, almost entitled "Sophomore Jinx"[citation needed] was released in 1996 under the title, Congratulations… I'm Sorry. The album was met with mixed reviews; despite yielding the top ten hit "Follow You Down," which also reached #9 on the Hot 100. However, it was this song from their debut album, that Billboard Magazine writer Larry Flick called, “Pure pop joy.”

I'll Stand By You – Pretenders

Chrissie Hynde wrote this with Tom Kelly and Billy Steinberg, who have written many hit songs, including "True Colors," "Eternal Flame" and "Like A Virgin." Steinberg: "I remember when we wrote it I felt two things: I felt one, we had written a hit song and I felt two, a little sheepish that we had written something a little soft, a little generic for The Pretenders. Whereas 'Night In My Veins' really felt like a great Pretenders rocker, 'I'll Stand By You' felt a little generic. I know that Chrissie felt that way too to some extent. I don't think she really entirely embraced it to begin with, but she certainly does now because when she plays it live, it's one of the songs that gets the strongest response. It's done really well for her and for us."

Because The Night - 10,000 Maniacs

Bruce Springsteen wrote this and gave it to Patti Smith in 1976 because he thought it would suit her voice. He was also in a legal battle with his manager, Mike Appel that kept Bruce from recording for almost 3 years. It became the only hit for Patti Smith, when it reached #13 in 1977. Prior to performing this live on MTV Unplugged, and then releasing it as a single, 10,000 Maniacs had only limited success outside of college campuses. Their first two singles – 1987’s “Peace Train” (a remake of the famous Cat Steven’s hit) and “Like the Weather” failed to break the Billboard top 40. The band was most famous for the number of people who were considered in the band – more than 30 musicians since the band formed in 1981. Its most famous member was lead singer Natalie Merchant, who left following the success of “Because the Night” to pursue a solo career.

Dreams – Cranberries

The Cranberries rose to international fame in the 1994 with their debut album, Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We?, which became a high commercial success and sold over five million copies in the United States. The group was one of the most successful rock acts of the '90s and sold over 14.5 million albums in the United States alone. The band has achieved four top 20 albums on the Billboard 200 chart and eight top 20 singles on the Hot Modern Rock Tracks chart. The Cranberries' debut album was released in the spring of 1993, followed by a single of "Dreams." Neither the album or the single gained much attention, nor did a second single, "Linger", until the band embarked on a tour, catching the attention of MTV, which put their videos into heavy rotation. Both “Dreams” and “Linger” were re-released the following year to much greater success.

Interstate Love Song - Stone Temple Pilots

Lead singer Scott Weiland wrote this about his relationship troubles and his growing heroin addiction. When he wrote it, he thought about what kind of a liar he had become towards his fiancé and how he had promised to stay off drugs when they went to Atlanta to record Purple. In the Stone Temple Pilots appearance on VH1's Storytellers, Weiland explained that the band would travel in a Winnebago that pulled a trailer with their equipment. When band members wanted some quiet, they would go in the trailer with a walkie-talkie. Robert DeLeo was back there with his guitar one day when he came up with the music for the song, and he used the walkie-talkie to call to the band and play it for them. Weiland added: "The words are about the lies I was trying to conceal while making the Purple record."

Fade Into You – Mazzy Star

Mazzy Star was an American alternative rock band formed in Santa Monica in 1989 from the group Opal, a collaboration of guitarist David Roback and bassist Kendra Smith. Smith's friend Hope Sandoval became the group's vocalist when Smith left the band. Mazzy Star is probably best known for the song "Fade into You" which brought the band some success in the early to mid 1990s and was the group's biggest mainstream hit, earning radio and MTV airplay. Roback and Sandoval were the creative center of the band, with Sandoval writing most of the lyrics and Roback composing most of the music.

What's The Frequency Kenneth? – R.E.M.

This is about an incident in 1986 when CBS news anchor Dan Rather was attacked on a New York City sidewalk by a crazed man yelling "Kenneth, what is the frequency." The man turned out to be William Tager, who was caught when he killed a stagehand outside of the Today Show studios 9 years later. Tager, who is serving a 25 year sentence, said he was convinced the media was beaming signals into his head, and that he was on a mission to determine their frequencies. After this came out, "What's the frequency, Kenneth" became a catch phrase and was a running joke on The David Letterman Show. Rather had a good sense of humor about it and later appeared on the show, singing this with R.E.M. backing him. The song slows down at the end because of bassist Mike Mills. They noticed he was in pain, but everyone followed him and finished the track. After they were done, Mills was taken to the hospital and it was discovered he had appendicitis. They never got back to redoing the song.

Proper Perspective

Tonight is the first night of the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, which commemorates our receiving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. Unlike the other major holidays (Passover and Sukkot), Shavuot has no intermediate days and only lasts 2 days (it will end after dark Saturday night). In preparation, I have written this weeks top 10 list in advance and set it to post automatically Saturday.

Since I have little time to write much, I'll leave you with this story from James Taranto at the WSJ's Opinion Journal:

Fed Up With the Norks
There's trouble in paradise, the New York Times reports from Paju, South Korea:

Peering at North Korea in the hazy distance from the demilitarized zone, standing under an upbeat mural trumpeting improved relations between the separated countries, a visitor from South Korea struck a skeptical note.

"We sent them food, fertilizer, factories, more than we give our own poor people," said the South Korean, Lee Soon-hwan, a 30-year-old office worker. "And all they pay us back with is this nuclear test."

It sounds a lot like Israel's problems with the Palestinian Arabs. And as we all know, the solution to that problem is to give the Palestinians a state. Obviously, then, this problem can be solved by giving the Norks a state.

Oh, wait . . .

Just putting things into a little perspective. Have a Chag Sameach (Happy Holiday).

When I was growing up, I learned that no matter what, when it came to justice, the Supreme Court was the final word. The job of a Supreme Court justice was so important that in order for there to be complete neutrality, the appointment would last a lifetime - thereby keeping politics away from justice.

In other words, the job is too vital to leave to amateurs.

This was one of the reasons I was so unnerved by President Bush's appointment (or attempt to appoint) Harriet Myers a couple of years ago and is the reason I am terrified of Obama's choice to sit on the bench.

Of course, Thomas Sowell states it better than I ever could:

Sotomayor: "Empathy" in Action
(Jewish World Review)

It is one of the signs of our times that so many in the media are focusing on the life story of Judge Sonia Sotomayor, President Obama's nominee for the Supreme Court of the United States.

You might think that this was some kind of popularity contest, instead of a weighty decision about someone whose impact on the fundamental law of the nation will extend for decades after Barack Obama has come and gone.

Much is being made of the fact that Sonia Sotomayor had to struggle to rise in the world. But stop and think.

If you were going to have open heart surgery, would you want to be operated on by a surgeon who was chosen because he had to struggle to get where he is or by the best surgeon you could find-- even if he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and had every advantage that money and social position could offer?

If it were you who was going to be lying on that operating table with his heart cut open, you wouldn't give a tinker's damn about somebody's struggle or somebody else's privileges.

The Supreme Court of the United States is in effect operating on the heart of our nation-- the Constitution and the statutes and government policies that all of us must live under.

Barack Obama's repeated claim that a Supreme Court justice should have "empathy" with various groups has raised red flags that we ignore at our peril-- and at the peril of our children and grandchildren.

"Empathy" for particular groups can be reconciled with "equal justice under law"-- the motto over the entrance to the Supreme Court-- only with smooth words. But not in reality. President Obama used those smooth words in introducing Judge Sotomayor but words do not change realities.

Nothing demonstrates the fatal dangers from judicial "empathy" more than Judge Sotomayor's decision in a 2008 case involving firemen who took an exam for promotion. After the racial mix of those who passed that test turned out to be predominantly white, with only a few blacks and Hispanics, the results were thrown out.

When this action by the local civil service authorities was taken to court and eventually reached the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals, Judge Sotomayor did not give the case even the courtesy of a spelling out of the issues. She backed those who threw out the test results. Apparently she didn't have "empathy" with those predominantly white males who had been cheated out of promotions they had earned.

Fellow 2nd Circuit Court judge Jose Cabranes commented on the short shrift given to the serious issues in this case. It so happens that he too is Hispanic, but apparently he does not decide legal issues on the basis of "empathy" or lack thereof.

This was not an isolated matter for Judge Sotomayor. Speaking at the University of California at Berkeley in 2001, she said that the ethnicity and sex of a judge "may and will make a difference in our judging."

Moreover, this was not something she lamented. On the contrary, she added, "I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn't lived that life."

No doubt the political spinmasters will try to spin this to mean something innocent. But the cold fact is that this is a poisonous doctrine for any judge, much less a justice of the Supreme Court.

That kind of empathy would for all practical purposes repeal the 14th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which guarantees "equal protection of the laws" to all Americans.

What would the political spinmasters say if some white man said that a white male would more often reach a better conclusion than a Hispanic female?

For those who believe in the rule of law, Barack Obama used the words "rule of law" in introducing his nominee. For those who take his words as gospel, even when his own actions are directly the opposite of his words, that may be enough to let him put this dangerous woman on the Supreme Court.

Even if her confirmation cannot be stopped, it is important for Senators to warn of the dangers, which will only get worse if such nominations sail through the Senate smoothly.