Thursday, November 30, 2006
Democrats Reject Key 9/11 Panel Suggestion
It was a solemn pledge, repeated by Democratic leaders and candidates over and over: If elected to the majority in Congress, Democrats would implement all of the recommendations of the bipartisan commission that examined the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
But with control of Congress now secured, Democratic leaders have decided for now against implementing the one measure that would affect them most directly: a wholesale reorganization of Congress to improve oversight and funding of the nation's intelligence agencies. Instead, Democratic leaders may create a panel to look at the issue and produce recommendations, according to congressional aides and lawmakers.
Pelosi: "We will have the cleanest non corrupt congress in history" "We will enact every single 9/11 commission reccommendation"
Murtha, Hastings, rejection of a 9/11 commission reccommendation...bribed, impeached, and denied. we are off to a great start!
But with control of Congress now secured, Democratic leaders have decided for now against implementing the one measure that would affect them most directly: a wholesale reorganization of Congress to improve oversight and funding of the nation's intelligence agencies. Instead, Democratic leaders may create a panel to look at the issue and produce recommendations, according to congressional aides and lawmakers.
Pelosi: "We will have the cleanest non corrupt congress in history" "We will enact every single 9/11 commission reccommendation"
Murtha, Hastings, rejection of a 9/11 commission reccommendation...bribed, impeached, and denied. we are off to a great start!
Romans 4:18-21
Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, 'So shall your offspring be.' Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah's womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. Romans 4:18-21 NIV (Listen)
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Prophets of Iraq defeat are rushing judgment
President Bush was right to declare yesterday in Latvia that he will not withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq until the “mission is complete” because “we can accept nothing less than victory for our children and our grandchildren.” It appears Bush’s characteristic Texas stubbornness is the only thing standing between victory and the U.S. defeat that has all but been proclaimed by Washington’s foreign policy establishment and its friends in the mainstream media like “60 Minutes” reporter Lara Logan. She insisted in her weekend interview with Gen. John Abizaid that “managing the defeat” is America’s only option.
Baker's Sell-Out Plan
CAN Iran help us bail out of Iraq? Maybe - but we'd better take a hard look at the price.
The idea has reportedly been floated via a draft report to the Iraq Study Group (headed by former Secretary of State James Baker), which calls for a "dialogue" with Iran as well as Syria. Along the same lines, British Prime Minister Tony Blair recently said Iran could be a "partner" with the West if it did not develop a bomb.
The idea has reportedly been floated via a draft report to the Iraq Study Group (headed by former Secretary of State James Baker), which calls for a "dialogue" with Iran as well as Syria. Along the same lines, British Prime Minister Tony Blair recently said Iran could be a "partner" with the West if it did not develop a bomb.
Colossians 3:12-17
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:12-17 NIV
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Flying while Muslim - Captain Ed
We have experienced the birth of a new phrase in victimology -- flying while Muslim. The six imams kicked off of a US Air flight here in Minneapolis have gone on tour with this phrase at the ready, doing a "pray-in" at Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington DC yesterday. However, details from the airline and its other passengers point towards a much different conclusion, one that understandably worried all involved:
What is a civil war? - John Keegan
What is civil war? The question is often raised about the disorders in Iraq. Does the violence between Iraqi religious and political factions amount to civil war, or is it best described another way? The US-led coalition's spokesmen, echoing the views of the White House and Downing Street, refuse to call the disorders civil war. Presumably they believe that to do so would be to admit defeat in their project to set up a stable, legitimate new Iraq.
Alcee Hastings: I’m An Innocent Victim of Politics - Byron York
“Should impeachment in and of itself prevent me from being chair of a committee in Congress?” asks Rep. Alcee Hastings, the man who, as a federal judge, was charged with conspiring to solicit bribes and then impeached and removed from office. In a “Dear Colleague” letter sent last week to all Democratic members of the House, Hastings, now in line to run the House Intelligence Committee, answers his own question with a resounding No.
"There are several reasons why it should not,” Hastings writes. The first and most important is that Hastings, while convicted in the Senate in 1989, was acquitted in a criminal trial on similar charges several years earlier. “It is amazing how little importance is given to this fact,” Hastings writes. “It is also baffling.”
"There are several reasons why it should not,” Hastings writes. The first and most important is that Hastings, while convicted in the Senate in 1989, was acquitted in a criminal trial on similar charges several years earlier. “It is amazing how little importance is given to this fact,” Hastings writes. “It is also baffling.”
America, Not Keith Ellison, decides what book a congressman takes his oath on
Keith Ellison, D-Minn., the first Muslim elected to the United States Congress, has announced that he will not take his oath of office on the Bible, but on the bible of Islam, the Koran.
He should not be allowed to do so -- not because of any American hostility to the Koran, but because the act undermines American civilization.
A Palestinian woman holds the Koran during a Hamas rally against Israeli troops operation in northern Gaza strip November 3, 2006. Israeli troops shot and killed two Palestinian women acting as human shields between Israeli soldiers and Palestinian gunmen during a clash at a Gaza mosque on Friday, witnesses said, before the gunmen escaped. REUTERS/Mohammed Salem (GAZA)
First, it is an act of hubris that perfectly exemplifies multiculturalist activism -- my culture trumps America's culture. What Ellison and his Muslim and leftist supporters are saying is that it is of no consequence what America holds as its holiest book; all that matters is what any individual holds to be his holiest book.
Forgive me, but America should not give a hoot what Keith Ellison's favorite book is. Insofar as a member of Congress taking an oath to serve America and uphold its values is concerned, America is interested in only one book, the Bible. If you are incapable of taking an oath on that book, don't serve in Congress. In your personal life, we will fight for your right to prefer any other book. We will even fight for your right to publish cartoons mocking our Bible. But, Mr. Ellison, America, not you, decides on what book its public servants take their oath.
He should not be allowed to do so -- not because of any American hostility to the Koran, but because the act undermines American civilization.
A Palestinian woman holds the Koran during a Hamas rally against Israeli troops operation in northern Gaza strip November 3, 2006. Israeli troops shot and killed two Palestinian women acting as human shields between Israeli soldiers and Palestinian gunmen during a clash at a Gaza mosque on Friday, witnesses said, before the gunmen escaped. REUTERS/Mohammed Salem (GAZA)
First, it is an act of hubris that perfectly exemplifies multiculturalist activism -- my culture trumps America's culture. What Ellison and his Muslim and leftist supporters are saying is that it is of no consequence what America holds as its holiest book; all that matters is what any individual holds to be his holiest book.
Forgive me, but America should not give a hoot what Keith Ellison's favorite book is. Insofar as a member of Congress taking an oath to serve America and uphold its values is concerned, America is interested in only one book, the Bible. If you are incapable of taking an oath on that book, don't serve in Congress. In your personal life, we will fight for your right to prefer any other book. We will even fight for your right to publish cartoons mocking our Bible. But, Mr. Ellison, America, not you, decides on what book its public servants take their oath.
Dial Joe-4-Chávez
Venezuelan strongman Hugo Chávez is an ally of the Iranian mullahs, a supporter of North Korea, a close friend of Fidel Castro and a good customer for Vladimir Putin's weapon factories. Now he's also a business partner of Joseph P. Kennedy II.
The former Democratic Congressman describes the deal he's cooked up with Mr. Chávez as charity for low-income consumers of heating oil. But it's worth asking what the price of this largesse is to Venezuelans and to U.S. security interests.
The arrangement is this: Mr. Chávez's Citgo--a Houston-based oil company owned by the Venezuelan government--is supplying home heating oil to Mr. Kennedy's Citizens Energy Corporation at a 40% discount. Citizens, a nonprofit outfit, says it passes the savings onto the poor, aiming to help 400,000 homes in 16 states that would otherwise have trouble heating their homes. In the process, Mr. Kennedy happens to get a high-profile publicity plug.
The former Democratic Congressman describes the deal he's cooked up with Mr. Chávez as charity for low-income consumers of heating oil. But it's worth asking what the price of this largesse is to Venezuelans and to U.S. security interests.
The arrangement is this: Mr. Chávez's Citgo--a Houston-based oil company owned by the Venezuelan government--is supplying home heating oil to Mr. Kennedy's Citizens Energy Corporation at a 40% discount. Citizens, a nonprofit outfit, says it passes the savings onto the poor, aiming to help 400,000 homes in 16 states that would otherwise have trouble heating their homes. In the process, Mr. Kennedy happens to get a high-profile publicity plug.
An Intelligent Choice for A Key Panel
By Terence J. Anderson
No one can reasonably question Alcee Hastings's qualifications to serve as chairman of the House intelligence committee. For seven years he has been one of the committee's hardest-working members. In 1996 he was selected to represent Congress as a member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and two years ago he became the first American elected president of the assembly. He is highly intelligent, a fact acknowledged by friend and foe alike, and during his seven terms in the House he has been an effective politician and consensus builder.
Can you believe this? Oh, wait a minute, this is Hastings Attorney!
No one can reasonably question Alcee Hastings's qualifications to serve as chairman of the House intelligence committee. For seven years he has been one of the committee's hardest-working members. In 1996 he was selected to represent Congress as a member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and two years ago he became the first American elected president of the assembly. He is highly intelligent, a fact acknowledged by friend and foe alike, and during his seven terms in the House he has been an effective politician and consensus builder.
Can you believe this? Oh, wait a minute, this is Hastings Attorney!
Iran tells Talabani that US-led forces must leave Iraq
Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei told visiting Iraqi President Jalal Talabani that US-led forces had to leave Iraq if security was to be restored in the violence-riven country.
"The first step to solve the security issue in Iraq is the exit of the occupiers from this country and leaving the security issues to the people-based Iraqi government," Khamenei was quoted as saying by state television.
"Americans will absolutely not succeed in Iraq and the continuation of Iraq's occupation is not a mouthful that Americans can swallow," Khamenei said Tuesday during a meeting with Iraqi President Jalal Talabani.
"The main reason for the current situation in Iraq is the US policies that are being carried out by some intermediaries," the Iranian leader said.
"The first step to solve the security issue in Iraq is the exit of the occupiers from this country and leaving the security issues to the people-based Iraqi government," Khamenei was quoted as saying by state television.
"Americans will absolutely not succeed in Iraq and the continuation of Iraq's occupation is not a mouthful that Americans can swallow," Khamenei said Tuesday during a meeting with Iraqi President Jalal Talabani.
"The main reason for the current situation in Iraq is the US policies that are being carried out by some intermediaries," the Iranian leader said.
Greyhawk: The other shoe...
In light of the exposure of a significant amount of questionable - if not fraudulent - recent reporting from Iraq, it's worthwhile to acknowledge that there is a bloody battle ongoing there. I know folks here are well aware of that, but I'm actually surprised that so far Sadr's goons haven't retaliated in force for the attack last week - while it's possible Maliki might actually have him under a bit of control (they reached some agreements a couple weeks ago, and this attack was probably designed to derail that process) - that may be still to come.
From Beirut to Baghdad - Christopher Hitchens
The fate of those who criticize the Syrian presence in Lebanon is rather like the fate of those who oppose Vladimir Putin. The former are shot or blown up, and the latter are victims of exotic poisons. Nobody knows for sure if there is any direct connection between the positions they take and the outcome that befalls them, but it has to be said in both cases that neither the government of Syria nor the face of Vladimir Putin seems very downcast or contrite when these coincidences occur. And, as Gen. Strelnikov so rightly says in Doctor Zhivago, it hardly matters whether you burn the right village or the wrong one. The same deterrent point is made in either case.
AP Is Busted! Uses BOGUS Source For Months in Iraqi Fables!
** The Associated Press is busted for its fraudulent Iraqi reports!!! **
The AP used a bogus source at least 10 times since April of this year!!Flopping Aces had problems with the account of the 6 Sunni torchings described by Iraqi "Capt. Jamil Hussein" this past weekend. Flopping Aces also points out these other accounts of mass violence and death published by the AP using Capt. Jamil Hussein as their source:
The AP used a bogus source at least 10 times since April of this year!!Flopping Aces had problems with the account of the 6 Sunni torchings described by Iraqi "Capt. Jamil Hussein" this past weekend. Flopping Aces also points out these other accounts of mass violence and death published by the AP using Capt. Jamil Hussein as their source:
Searching for Victory in Iraq
THE SUNDAY BEFORE Thanksgiving Callista and I took some friends to Mount Vernon to see the new education center. It is an amazing tribute to George Washington and the creation of America.
We watched a movie about George Washington crossing the Delaware on Christmas Eve and surprising the Hessians (German mercenaries) on Christmas Day in Trenton. As I watched, I was struck by the amazing difference between the attitude of the father of our country and the current attitudes in the city that bears his name.
General Washington had had a long and painful summer and autumn of defeat in 1776. His American Army had been defeated across New York--in Brooklyn, in Manhattan, and in White Plains--and then driven across New Jersey and forced to flee across the Delaware River into Pennsylvania.
We watched a movie about George Washington crossing the Delaware on Christmas Eve and surprising the Hessians (German mercenaries) on Christmas Day in Trenton. As I watched, I was struck by the amazing difference between the attitude of the father of our country and the current attitudes in the city that bears his name.
General Washington had had a long and painful summer and autumn of defeat in 1776. His American Army had been defeated across New York--in Brooklyn, in Manhattan, and in White Plains--and then driven across New Jersey and forced to flee across the Delaware River into Pennsylvania.
IRAN VOWS TO HELP 'BROTHER' IRAQ
TEHRAN -- President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Iran would do whatever it could to help provide security to Iraq amid warnings the country was on the brink of civil war. Mr. Ahmadinejad made the pledge at the start of a visit to Iran by Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, whose trip was delayed for two days because of a curfew imposed after bombings Thursday that killed 202 persons in a Shi'ite Muslim stronghold. The curfew was lifted yesterday.
Market Tone Has Shifted for the Short Term
The market was primed to sell off, and sell off it did.
The decline yesterday was not due to a change in any fundamentals. A weak dollar and Wal-Mart's disappointing November sales number can be called the catalysts for the move, but they weren't good reasons for the US equities market to lose 1 1/2% of its value.
The dollar has been weakening for a while even as stocks climbed, and is in any case a positive for US company profits. Wal-Mart's weakness appears company specific, as overall holiday sales are widely reported as strong.
The market rally simply petered out last week, and caved in yesterday. We had noted the possibility of a correction on Page One and in the November 20 Big Picture column. There may be more to come. Any time the S&P surges 14% in four months, it can also backtrack for a while.
Stock futures indicate a lower open again today. One reason is that October durable goods new orders plunged 8.3%. A large drop was expected because transportation (aircraft) orders had surged 30% the month before, and had to come down. But even excluding transportation, orders were down 1.7%. That was weaker than expected. The overall trend in orders is soft, and the year-over-year increase in total orders is now just 2.6%.
Business investment has been strong for several years, providing significant support to GDP growth. If it is now easing, as the orders data suggests, then real GDP forecasts for the fourth quarter and early 2007 may have to be revised down to below 2%. This is a negative for the stock market this morning.
Oil prices are also pushing up a bit and are now at $60.70 a barrel. That is also of slight concern. And with the shift in sentiment, the market doesn't need much negative news to sell off. At 10:00 ET existing home sales data will be out. At 12:30 ET Fed Chairman Bernanke is scheduled for a speech on the economy.
The tone has shifted for the short-term and might be negative for a while now. Buckle up. This is not at all surprising given the strong move that has occurred.
-- Dick Green, Briefing.com
The decline yesterday was not due to a change in any fundamentals. A weak dollar and Wal-Mart's disappointing November sales number can be called the catalysts for the move, but they weren't good reasons for the US equities market to lose 1 1/2% of its value.
The dollar has been weakening for a while even as stocks climbed, and is in any case a positive for US company profits. Wal-Mart's weakness appears company specific, as overall holiday sales are widely reported as strong.
The market rally simply petered out last week, and caved in yesterday. We had noted the possibility of a correction on Page One and in the November 20 Big Picture column. There may be more to come. Any time the S&P surges 14% in four months, it can also backtrack for a while.
Stock futures indicate a lower open again today. One reason is that October durable goods new orders plunged 8.3%. A large drop was expected because transportation (aircraft) orders had surged 30% the month before, and had to come down. But even excluding transportation, orders were down 1.7%. That was weaker than expected. The overall trend in orders is soft, and the year-over-year increase in total orders is now just 2.6%.
Business investment has been strong for several years, providing significant support to GDP growth. If it is now easing, as the orders data suggests, then real GDP forecasts for the fourth quarter and early 2007 may have to be revised down to below 2%. This is a negative for the stock market this morning.
Oil prices are also pushing up a bit and are now at $60.70 a barrel. That is also of slight concern. And with the shift in sentiment, the market doesn't need much negative news to sell off. At 10:00 ET existing home sales data will be out. At 12:30 ET Fed Chairman Bernanke is scheduled for a speech on the economy.
The tone has shifted for the short-term and might be negative for a while now. Buckle up. This is not at all surprising given the strong move that has occurred.
-- Dick Green, Briefing.com
Sgt. Nathaniel “Brad” Lindsey
Oregon Army National Guard’s Sgt. Nathaniel “Brad” Lindsey
Sgt. Lindsey and his convoy were attacked when Taliban fighters set up a false checkpoint in Afghanistan on Sept. 9, 2006. The enemies hit the convoy with either a roadside bomb or a rocket-propelled grenade, and then opened up small-arms fire on the vehicles. Lindsey, a gunner who had recently switched from a desk job at a secure base in Kandahar to a job training Afghan soldiers, died in the attack. He had volunteered for deployment to Afghanistan after having already served in Iraq and during Hurricane Katrina to protect an officer he had driven for since June 2004. Lindsey was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and the Meritorious Service Medals on Sept. 22, 2006.
Nehemiah 1:5-9
Then I said: 'O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and obey his commands, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father's house, have committed against you. We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses. Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, 'If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.' Nehemiah 1:5-9 NIV
Monday, November 27, 2006
Michael Barone: Where Do Democrats Go From Here?
What will the Democrats do with their majorities in Congress? The 2006 campaign was pretty much an idea-free zone and provides only a few clues. In their hearts, most elected Democrats would like to move us some distance closer to a European-style welfare state -- slouching toward Scandinavia, some conservatives might call it. But they are likely to find it difficult to do so, and not just because of George W. Bush's hitherto almost unused veto power.
Panel: Talk to Iran and Syria
WASHINGTON, Nov. 26 — A draft report on strategies for Iraq, which will be debated here by a bipartisan commission beginning Monday, urges an aggressive regional diplomatic initiative that includes direct talks with Iran and Syria but sets no timetables for a military withdrawal, according to officials who have seen all or parts of the document.
While the diplomatic strategy appears likely to be accepted, with some amendments, by the 10-member Iraq Study Group, members of the commission and outsiders involved in its work said they expected a potentially divisive debate about timetables for beginning an American withdrawal.
While the diplomatic strategy appears likely to be accepted, with some amendments, by the 10-member Iraq Study Group, members of the commission and outsiders involved in its work said they expected a potentially divisive debate about timetables for beginning an American withdrawal.
Stock Futures Down After Holiday Weekend
LONDON (AP) — U.S. stock futures drifted lower on Monday ahead of the first full day of trading in five days, with retailers in the spotlight as a broker turned more optimistic on home-improvement retailers and as Wal-Mart Stores Inc. reported sluggish November sales and a venture into the India market.
Isaiah 40:3-5
A voice of one calling: 'In the desert prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.' Isaiah 40:3-5 NIV
Sunday, November 26, 2006
THE 'EURABIA' MYTH
A RASH of pop prophets tell us that Muslims in Europe are reproducing so fast and European societies are so weak and listless that, before you know it, the continent will become "Eurabia," with all those topless gals on the Riviera wearing veils.
Well, maybe not.
The notion that continental Europeans, who are world-champion haters, will let the impoverished Muslim immigrants they confine to ghettos take over their societies and extend the caliphate from the Amalfi Coast to Amsterdam has it exactly wrong.
The endangered species isn't the "peace loving" European lolling in his or her welfare state, but the continent's Muslims immigrants - and their multi-generation descendents - who were foolish enough to imagine that Europeans would share their toys.
Well, maybe not.
The notion that continental Europeans, who are world-champion haters, will let the impoverished Muslim immigrants they confine to ghettos take over their societies and extend the caliphate from the Amalfi Coast to Amsterdam has it exactly wrong.
The endangered species isn't the "peace loving" European lolling in his or her welfare state, but the continent's Muslims immigrants - and their multi-generation descendents - who were foolish enough to imagine that Europeans would share their toys.
Leaving Iraq, Honorably - Chuck Hagel
There will be no victory or defeat for the United States in Iraq. These terms do not reflect the reality of what is going to happen there. The future of Iraq was always going to be determined by the Iraqis -- not the Americans.
Iraq is not a prize to be won or lost. It is part of the ongoing global struggle against instability, brutality, intolerance, extremism and terrorism. There will be no military victory or military solution for Iraq. Former secretary of state Henry Kissinger made this point last weekend.
Iraq is not a prize to be won or lost. It is part of the ongoing global struggle against instability, brutality, intolerance, extremism and terrorism. There will be no military victory or military solution for Iraq. Former secretary of state Henry Kissinger made this point last weekend.
Friday, November 24, 2006
Markets rocked by sharp slide in dollar
A sharpening slide in the US dollar unnerved global markets on Friday as investors sought to protect themselves from the possibility of sustained dollar weakness.
As US markets were closing on Friday , the euro stood at a 19-month high of $1.309, up 1.2 per cent, while sterling gained 0.9 per cent to a 1½-year peak of $1.9333. The yen climbed 0.5 per cent to ¥115.66.
As US markets were closing on Friday , the euro stood at a 19-month high of $1.309, up 1.2 per cent, while sterling gained 0.9 per cent to a 1½-year peak of $1.9333. The yen climbed 0.5 per cent to ¥115.66.
Futures Point to Sharp Declines
It is sometimes said that the underlying market sentiment is best evidenced on days when there is little news. If so, the early signals today are not good.Futures point to a sharply lower open. European stock indices are lower, and the dollar is down. But thats it for the news. There are no economic releases, no earnings reports, and there will be very little corporate news on this partial holiday. Yet, the S&P futures suggest a down open of about 6 points. Sentiment has clearly been good lately. The market has shown good resilience. If the market does indeed open lower and is unable to come back, it would suggest there is some nervousness about the outlook for the holiday shopping season (that will now obsess the market), or simply concern that the market is due for some sort of a correction. It may prove an interesting day.
Senate Democrats Revive Demand for Classified Data
WASHINGTON, Nov. 23 — Seeking information about detention of terrorism suspects, abuse of detainees and government secrecy, Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee are reviving dozens of demands for classified documents that until now have been rebuffed or ignored by the Justice Department and other agencies.
Zechariah 8:9-13 NIV
This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'You who now hear these words spoken by the prophets who were there when the foundation was laid for the house of the LORD Almighty, let your hands be strong so that the temple may be built. Before that time there were no wages for man or beast. No one could go about his business safely because of his enemy, for I had turned every man against his neighbor. But now I will not deal with the remnant of this people as I did in the past,' declares the LORD Almighty. 'The seed will grow well, the vine will yield its fruit, the ground will produce its crops, and the heavens will drop their dew. I will give all these things as an inheritance to the remnant of this people. As you have been an object of cursing among the nations, O Judah and Israel, so will I save you, and you will be a blessing. Do not be afraid, but let your hands be strong.' Zechariah 8:9-13 NIV
Thursday, November 23, 2006
From The President
Thanksgiving Day, 2006 A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
Thanksgiving 2006
As Americans gather with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving Day, we give thanks for the many ways that our Nation and our people have been blessed.
The Thanksgiving tradition dates back to the earliest days of our society, celebrated in decisive moments in our history and in quiet times around family tables. Nearly four centuries have passed since early settlers gave thanks for their safe arrival and pilgrims enjoyed a harvest feast to thank God for allowing them to survive a harsh winter in the New World. General George Washington observed Thanksgiving during the Revolutionary War, and in his first proclamation after becoming President, he declared November 26, 1789, a national day of "thanksgiving and prayer." During the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln revived the tradition of proclaiming a day of thanksgiving, reminding a divided Nation of its founding ideals.
At this time of great promise for America, we are grateful for the freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution and defended by our Armed Forces throughout the generations. Today, many of these courageous men and women are securing our peace in places far from home, and we pay tribute to them and to their families for their service, sacrifice, and strength. We also honor the families of the fallen and lift them up in our prayers.
Our citizens are privileged to live in the world's freest country, where the hope of the American dream is within the reach of every person. Americans share a desire to answer the universal call to serve something greater than ourselves, and we see this spirit every day in the millions of volunteers throughout our country who bring hope and healing to those in need. On this Thanksgiving Day, and throughout the year, let us show our gratitude for the blessings of freedom, family, and faith, and may God continue to bless America.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Thursday, November 23, 2006, as a National Day of Thanksgiving. I encourage all Americans to gather together in their homes and places of worship with family, friends, and loved ones to reinforce the ties that bind us and give thanks for the freedoms and many blessings we enjoy.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.
GEORGE W. BUSH
Thanksgiving 2006
As Americans gather with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving Day, we give thanks for the many ways that our Nation and our people have been blessed.
The Thanksgiving tradition dates back to the earliest days of our society, celebrated in decisive moments in our history and in quiet times around family tables. Nearly four centuries have passed since early settlers gave thanks for their safe arrival and pilgrims enjoyed a harvest feast to thank God for allowing them to survive a harsh winter in the New World. General George Washington observed Thanksgiving during the Revolutionary War, and in his first proclamation after becoming President, he declared November 26, 1789, a national day of "thanksgiving and prayer." During the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln revived the tradition of proclaiming a day of thanksgiving, reminding a divided Nation of its founding ideals.
At this time of great promise for America, we are grateful for the freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution and defended by our Armed Forces throughout the generations. Today, many of these courageous men and women are securing our peace in places far from home, and we pay tribute to them and to their families for their service, sacrifice, and strength. We also honor the families of the fallen and lift them up in our prayers.
Our citizens are privileged to live in the world's freest country, where the hope of the American dream is within the reach of every person. Americans share a desire to answer the universal call to serve something greater than ourselves, and we see this spirit every day in the millions of volunteers throughout our country who bring hope and healing to those in need. On this Thanksgiving Day, and throughout the year, let us show our gratitude for the blessings of freedom, family, and faith, and may God continue to bless America.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Thursday, November 23, 2006, as a National Day of Thanksgiving. I encourage all Americans to gather together in their homes and places of worship with family, friends, and loved ones to reinforce the ties that bind us and give thanks for the freedoms and many blessings we enjoy.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.
GEORGE W. BUSH
Marine Corps Reserve Cpl. Todd J. Corbin
Marine Corps Reserve Cpl. Todd J. Corbin
Then-Lance Cpl. Corbin and the rest of his quick-reaction force responded to a call on May 7, 2005, to help block an insurgents’ retreat in Haditha, Iraq. As the group searched the area, a vehicle laden with IEDs sped toward the convoy and blew up between two of the Humvees. Another blast followed as enemy fighters began firing upon the group. Three of the four vehicles were severely damaged, and 11 of 16 Marines were injured or killed. Corbin instantly took control of the situation and repositioned his vehicle to block the fire from hitting the wounded. He radioed in the situation, and began directing a counter-attack. Corbin then ran back and forth several times through the line of fire recovering dead or wounded personnel and loading them into his Humvee, as he also shot at the enemy. Once he had everyone loaded, he drove his damaged truck through the kill zone to deliver the casualties to the battle aid station. For his leadership and actions, Corbin was awarded the Navy Cross on April 12, 2006.
Then-Lance Cpl. Corbin and the rest of his quick-reaction force responded to a call on May 7, 2005, to help block an insurgents’ retreat in Haditha, Iraq. As the group searched the area, a vehicle laden with IEDs sped toward the convoy and blew up between two of the Humvees. Another blast followed as enemy fighters began firing upon the group. Three of the four vehicles were severely damaged, and 11 of 16 Marines were injured or killed. Corbin instantly took control of the situation and repositioned his vehicle to block the fire from hitting the wounded. He radioed in the situation, and began directing a counter-attack. Corbin then ran back and forth several times through the line of fire recovering dead or wounded personnel and loading them into his Humvee, as he also shot at the enemy. Once he had everyone loaded, he drove his damaged truck through the kill zone to deliver the casualties to the battle aid station. For his leadership and actions, Corbin was awarded the Navy Cross on April 12, 2006.
Assassins and Diplomacy
Former Secretary of State James Baker has been saying that, when it comes to diplomacy, you don't "restrict your conversations to your friends"--shorthand for the view that the U.S. should engage Syria and Iran to find solutions in Iraq and elsewhere in the Middle East. But yesterday's murder of Lebanese Minister Pierre Gemayel might remind even Mr. Baker and his Iraq Study Group what some of those non-friends are all about.
Victor Davis Hanson: Before - and After - Iraq
"Our own successful three-week war, but their failed three-year peace."
Such a self-serving disclaimer might best sum up the change of heart of several neoconservative former supporters of the Iraq war - at least according to interviews that appear in the current issues of Vanity Fair and the New Yorker magazines.
Some of these pundits and policy gurus now having second and third thoughts had called for the American ouster of Saddam Hussein as early as 1998. These days, apparently in hindsight, they question whether the present plagued occupation even justified the effective three-week war of 2003.
Such a self-serving disclaimer might best sum up the change of heart of several neoconservative former supporters of the Iraq war - at least according to interviews that appear in the current issues of Vanity Fair and the New Yorker magazines.
Some of these pundits and policy gurus now having second and third thoughts had called for the American ouster of Saddam Hussein as early as 1998. These days, apparently in hindsight, they question whether the present plagued occupation even justified the effective three-week war of 2003.
Genetic breakthrough that reveals the differences between humans
Scientists have discovered a dramatic variation in the genetic make-up of humans that could lead to a fundamental reappraisal of what causes incurable diseases and could provide a greater understanding of mankind.
Acts 3:22-26 NIV
For Moses said, 'The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from among his people.' Indeed, all the prophets from Samuel on, as many as have spoken, have foretold these days. And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, 'Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed. When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.' Acts 3:22-26 NIV
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
The Press at War - James Q. Wilson
We are told by careful pollsters that half of the American people believe that American troops should be brought home from Iraq immediately. This news discourages supporters of our efforts there. Not me, though: I am relieved. Given press coverage of our efforts in Iraq, I am surprised that 90 percent of the public do not want us out right now.
Read the whole thing
Read the whole thing
Dell Sets Positive Tone - Briefing.com
It doesn't take much to push stock futures higher ahead of the open in the current market environment. This morning, a good earnings report from Dell is enough.
Dell had caused some concern when they delayed their earnings report last week due to an investigation into their accounting practices. It turned out there wasn't much to that. After the close yesterday, Dell reported earnings six cents ahead of expectations. The company is receiving numerous positive comments from brokers this morning. That is by far the biggest news, and it is enough to set a positive tone for the whole market.
New claims for unemployment for the week ended November 18 rose to 321,000 from 309,000 the week before. A one-week bounce like that isn't statistically significant. The four-week moving average is at 317,000 and well within the range of the past half year. The labor market remains strong.
The stock market tends to have an upward bias the days around Thanksgiving. The Friday after Thanksgiving is sometimes a day trader's dream. Volume is light, and high volatility stocks can be pushed hard. Given the underlying bullish bias this year, it would not be surprising to see some such action today or Friday.
Dell had caused some concern when they delayed their earnings report last week due to an investigation into their accounting practices. It turned out there wasn't much to that. After the close yesterday, Dell reported earnings six cents ahead of expectations. The company is receiving numerous positive comments from brokers this morning. That is by far the biggest news, and it is enough to set a positive tone for the whole market.
New claims for unemployment for the week ended November 18 rose to 321,000 from 309,000 the week before. A one-week bounce like that isn't statistically significant. The four-week moving average is at 317,000 and well within the range of the past half year. The labor market remains strong.
The stock market tends to have an upward bias the days around Thanksgiving. The Friday after Thanksgiving is sometimes a day trader's dream. Volume is light, and high volatility stocks can be pushed hard. Given the underlying bullish bias this year, it would not be surprising to see some such action today or Friday.
Spoils of Prime Office Space Go to Democrats
Forget those pesky leadership fights. The folks who run Congress are now getting down to what really matters on Capitol Hill: dividing up the office space.
In something of a break with recent tradition, the incoming Democratic speaker, Nancy Pelosi of California, is planning to expropriate the second-floor suite of offices now occupied by the current speaker, J. Dennis Hastert — a handful of rooms providing a spectacular view of the Mall.
In something of a break with recent tradition, the incoming Democratic speaker, Nancy Pelosi of California, is planning to expropriate the second-floor suite of offices now occupied by the current speaker, J. Dennis Hastert — a handful of rooms providing a spectacular view of the Mall.
Army Reserve Sgt. Ryan Gallucci
Then-Spc. Gallucci and his six-member civil affairs team spent almost a year in Iraq between 2003 and 2004 helping to rebuild the infrastructure and improve the quality of life for the Iraqis. The team worked and lived in towns near the Iranian border, performing tasks such as getting schools and municipal governments up and running, and making sure the teachers and workers were on the payroll. Gallucci was responsible for about $4.7 million in public works projects during his deployment. In a village just outside the city of Khanaqin, Gallucci worked closely with Iraqi contractors to build a water pumping station and three wells, and located generators to help run the pumping station. He and his contractors also laid $20,000 worth of pipe, bringing water to several homes for the first time in 17 years. The team also built a landfill outside Khanaqin, and helped get the landfill workers on the payroll. In September 2005, Gallucci was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his work. University of Rhode Island story.
Why I want the draft - Rep. Charles Rangel
The question of whether we need a universal military draft will be important as long as this country is placing thousands of young men and women in harm's way in Iraq. As long as Americans are being shipped off to war, then everyone should be vulnerable, not just those who, because of economic circumstances, are attracted by lucrative enlistment bonuses and educational incentives.
Babs basks in "Happy Days" after Dems victory
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Barbara Streisand ended her latest farewell tour on Monday at a celebrity-studded Los Angeles love-in that included incoming Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi among the thousands of rapt fans. About 20,000 people, who each paid up to $750 per ticket, packed the Staples Center to welcome the 64-year-old singer back to her adopted hometown, ending a 16-city North American tour that began on October 4 in Philadelphia.
The concert was filled with political overtones as Streisand, a longtime liberal activist, introduced Pelosi to a standing ovation.
Taking note of the recent Democratic takeover of both houses of Congress, Streisand said, "My depression is over." She ended her two-hour-plus performance with a version of the Depression-era Democratic Party anthem "Happy Days Are Here Again."
shouldn't have posted this before breakfast....ugh
The concert was filled with political overtones as Streisand, a longtime liberal activist, introduced Pelosi to a standing ovation.
Taking note of the recent Democratic takeover of both houses of Congress, Streisand said, "My depression is over." She ended her two-hour-plus performance with a version of the Depression-era Democratic Party anthem "Happy Days Are Here Again."
shouldn't have posted this before breakfast....ugh
2 Corinthians 6:3-7
We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; 2 Corinthians 6:3-7 NIV
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Return to Ramadi
U.S. forces have made progress in one of the toughest cities in Iraq.
RamadiOperation Phantom Fury, the U.S. assault on Falluja in Iraq's Al Anbar Province in November 2004, is widely perceived as the greatest coalition victory against Iraq's insurgent and terrorist forces. It did indeed end enemy control over the city. But civilian casualties were high because of the massive use of firepower. About a fourth of the city's homes were destroyed and another fourth damaged. And while many of the enemy died, the advance notice of the attack plus the ability to escape across the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in small boats meant that most of the fighters killed were probably seeking martyrdom. The rest simply scattered like rats. Most of those rebuilt their nests 30 miles west of Falluja and 30 miles closer to Syria, in Anbar's capital, Ramadi.
RamadiOperation Phantom Fury, the U.S. assault on Falluja in Iraq's Al Anbar Province in November 2004, is widely perceived as the greatest coalition victory against Iraq's insurgent and terrorist forces. It did indeed end enemy control over the city. But civilian casualties were high because of the massive use of firepower. About a fourth of the city's homes were destroyed and another fourth damaged. And while many of the enemy died, the advance notice of the attack plus the ability to escape across the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in small boats meant that most of the fighters killed were probably seeking martyrdom. The rest simply scattered like rats. Most of those rebuilt their nests 30 miles west of Falluja and 30 miles closer to Syria, in Anbar's capital, Ramadi.
Apple shares reach all-time high
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Apple Computer Inc. shares climbed to an all-time high Tuesday as investors got behind the company's stock following some recent analyst speculation about iPod sales in the holiday season, along with the belief that Apple is close to getting into the mobile-phone market.
Start of the Latest Lebanese Civil War?
If you remember recent Lebanese history you will recall that Bashir Gemayel, was assassinated in 1982. His death lead to the massacre of Palestinian and Lebanese civilians in the Sabra and Shatila refugee camps.
Marine Corps Capt. Frank Diorio
Marine Corps Capt. Frank Diorio
On April 11, 2005, insurgents launched an attack against the Camp Gannon base in Husaybah, Iraq. As the enemy fighters unleashed small-arms fire, grenades and vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices, Capt. Diorio controlled the situation for the base. His quick reactions and sound decisions enabled his company to fend off the insurgents, inflicting a high number of casualties on the enemy. After the attack, Diorio had improved defenses built to better protect from future attacks. He also led offensive operations that disrupted the enemy in Husaybah. In all, the captain led his company in more than 275 engagements. On March 13, 2006, Diorio was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.
Wrong, wrong, wrong.
Instapundit links to Spengler and Simon discussing suicide bombers and selling women. They are all wrong about thier conclusion that radical Islam has already lost. Though I will give Glenn the benefit of the doubt, since his conclusion is only an implication through links, not a statement.I am a former military medic. I was taught the cold art of triage. My job was not to save lives. My standing orders were “to keep as many men, at as many guns, for as long a time as is possible.” The distinction is important, so please bare with me
Read the whole thing
Read the whole thing
The Only Real Option: Leave Iraq Now - Eugene Robinson
Good lord, if even Henry Kissinger now says that military victory in Iraq is impossible, pretty soon George W. Bush really will be left with just Laura and Barney on his side.
I just can't beleive these people are ok with defeat, the the lives sacrificed will have been in vain. How could we realistically ask future servicemen to head into harms way when we don't have the intestinal fortitude to win?
I just can't beleive these people are ok with defeat, the the lives sacrificed will have been in vain. How could we realistically ask future servicemen to head into harms way when we don't have the intestinal fortitude to win?
Romney: ‘I’m a conservative Republican’
- Eager to position himself as the most conservative GOP presidential hopeful, Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney accused Sen. John McCain Monday of being “disingenuous” on gay marriage.
A Free-for-All on Science and Religion - NY Times
Maybe the pivotal moment came when Steven Weinberg, a Nobel laureate in physics, warned that “the world needs to wake up from its long nightmare of religious belief,” or when a Nobelist in chemistry, Sir Harold Kroto, called for the John Templeton Foundation to give its next $1.5 million prize for “progress in spiritual discoveries” to an atheist — Richard Dawkins, the Oxford evolutionary biologist whose book “The God Delusion” is a national best-seller.
This is concerning
This is concerning
Old Wreck in Gulf
Winds were blowing about 40-50 knots when this was taken from an inbound ship. These are the remains of a ferro-cement ship built in WWII. Steel was scarce so cement ships were an experiment. After the war she was converted to a barge and ran between the US and Mexico for some years until she was run up on the beach and abandoned in the 1950's.
Romans 5:16-18
Again, the gift of God is not like the result of the one man's sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men. Romans 5:16-18 NIV
Monday, November 20, 2006
Sgt. Nathaniel “Brad” Lindsey
Oregon Army National Guard’s Sgt. Nathaniel “Brad” Lindsey
Sgt. Lindsey and his convoy were attacked when Taliban fighters set up a false checkpoint in Afghanistan on Sept. 9, 2006. The enemies hit the convoy with either a roadside bomb or a rocket-propelled grenade, and then opened up small-arms fire on the vehicles. Lindsey, a gunner who had recently switched from a desk job at a secure base in Kandahar to a job training Afghan soldiers, died in the attack. He had volunteered for deployment to Afghanistan after having already served in Iraq and during Hurricane Katrina to protect an officer he had driven for since June 2004. Lindsey was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and the Meritorious Service Medals on Sept. 22, 2006.
Donald Sensing: Rangel’s dumb and astronomically expensive idea
Hey buddy, can you spare $800,000,000,000 for Rangel’s mandatory-service corps?
Home Sales Plummet in 38 States in 3Q
The feeble U.S. housing market showed more frailty when third-quarter home sales plummeted in 38 states, hitting Nevada, Arizona, Florida and California particularly hard, government data showed on Monday.
The once-booming real estate market's persistent weakness over the past year has reined in expectations for economic growth but hasn't been severe enough to offset a rising stock market, lower gas prices and improved consumer expectations.
The once-booming real estate market's persistent weakness over the past year has reined in expectations for economic growth but hasn't been severe enough to offset a rising stock market, lower gas prices and improved consumer expectations.
Jihadis and whores - Spengler
A nation is never really defeated until it sells its women, and Iran is doing that in great numbers, at least abroad and probably within the Islamic Republic as well (thanks to penny-a-marriage mullahs). Prostitution is a form of collective suicide, and indeed, prostitutes are sometimes used as suicide bombers. Trafficking of women and trans-migration of jihadis go hand in hand.
The Real Meaning of Thanksgiving - Newt
I am blessed this Thanksgiving, as I hope you are as well, to be spending time with my family. And it may sound strange, given that we are less then two weeks from our having suffered a huge political setback in the midterm elections, but we have a great deal to be thankful for. The first thing that comes to mind is this: We still live in a nation where we can celebrate Thanksgiving -- a thoroughly faith-grounded holiday -- with public expressions of thanks to our Creator.
What Do We Do With the Remains? -The American Thinker
Press and politicians have decided Iraq’s fate. And so we ask them: What do we do with the remains?
Bomb Iran
WE MUST bomb Iran.
It has been four years since that country's secret nuclear program was brought to light, and the path of diplomacy and sanctions has led nowhere.
It has been four years since that country's secret nuclear program was brought to light, and the path of diplomacy and sanctions has led nowhere.
A Military Option On Iran
As the impasse over Iran’s nuclear-weapons program grows inexorably into a crisis, a kind of consensus has taken root in the minds of America’s foreign-policy elite. This is that military action against Iran is a sure formula for disaster. The essence of the position was expressed in a cover story in Time magazine this past September. Entitled “What War with Iran Would Look Like (And How to Avoid It),” the essay focused on what the editors saw as the certain consequences of armed American intervention in that country: wildly spiking oil prices, increased terrorist attacks, economic panic around the world, and the end to any dream of pro-American democratic governments emerging in the Middle East. And that would be in the case of successful action. In fact, Time predicted, given our overstretched resources and an indubitably fierce Iranian resistance, we would almost certainly lose.
Will the West Stumble? - Victor Davis Hanson
What a stupid question. By any benchmark of economic prosperity, military power, and political stability, Western civilization--in the United States, Europe, and the former British Commonwealth--has never been stronger. Globalization has become a euphemism for Westernization, an apparent unstoppable juggernaut.
Rep. Rangel Will Seek to Reinstate Draft
WASHINGTON -- Americans would have to sign up for a new military draft after turning 18 if the incoming chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee has his way.
Rep. Charles Rangel, D-N.Y., said Sunday he sees his idea as a way to deter politicians from launching wars and to bolster U.S. troop levels insufficient to cover potential future action in Iran, North Korea and Iraq
Rep. Charles Rangel, D-N.Y., said Sunday he sees his idea as a way to deter politicians from launching wars and to bolster U.S. troop levels insufficient to cover potential future action in Iran, North Korea and Iraq
Stock futures suggest a down open
Merger Monday
Stock futures suggest a down open. The news is mostly upbeat, but the four-month old rally has been so strong that a correction of some sort may be due.
The news today is dominated by mergers. Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold is buying copper producer Phelps Dodge for almost $26 billion. Private equity firm The Blackstone Group is buying Equity Offices Property for $20 billion. Russian steel company Evraz Group is buying Oregon Steel Mills for $2.3 billion. Interestingly, these are deals in industries - commodities and commercial real estate - which some feel may be near cyclical peaks.
On the financial side, there are reports that Bank of America is in talks to buy the U.S. Trust unit of Charles Schwab and that Nasdaq has made a $5.1 billion offer to buy the London Stock Exchange.
Oil prices are a bit lower and near $58.65 a barrel. There are no economic releases today other than the widely ignored leading indicators index at 10:00 ET. New claims and the Michigan sentiment index on Wednesday are the only other releases for this holiday-shortened week. Lowe's released a good earnings report this morning, and Deere will report after the close today. Those are the highlights for the earnings calendar this week.
It is a light week for releases and the market may (over)react to reports of how consumer spending is trending for the holiday season.
Stock futures suggest a down open. The news is mostly upbeat, but the four-month old rally has been so strong that a correction of some sort may be due.
The news today is dominated by mergers. Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold is buying copper producer Phelps Dodge for almost $26 billion. Private equity firm The Blackstone Group is buying Equity Offices Property for $20 billion. Russian steel company Evraz Group is buying Oregon Steel Mills for $2.3 billion. Interestingly, these are deals in industries - commodities and commercial real estate - which some feel may be near cyclical peaks.
On the financial side, there are reports that Bank of America is in talks to buy the U.S. Trust unit of Charles Schwab and that Nasdaq has made a $5.1 billion offer to buy the London Stock Exchange.
Oil prices are a bit lower and near $58.65 a barrel. There are no economic releases today other than the widely ignored leading indicators index at 10:00 ET. New claims and the Michigan sentiment index on Wednesday are the only other releases for this holiday-shortened week. Lowe's released a good earnings report this morning, and Deere will report after the close today. Those are the highlights for the earnings calendar this week.
It is a light week for releases and the market may (over)react to reports of how consumer spending is trending for the holiday season.
Psalm 61:1-8
Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. For you have heard my vows, O God; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name. Increase the days of the king's life, his years for many generations. May he be enthroned in God's presence forever; appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him. Then will I ever sing praise to your name and fulfill my vows day after day. Psalm 61:1-8 NIV
Friday, November 17, 2006
Victor Davis Hanson: The Fighting Over the Fighting
It looks as if Americans have pushed the rock of Iraq almost to the crest, only to let go, like Sisyphus, terrified that it will roll back; we hope only that we will not be crushed in its descent. While giving up now would be disastrous, we will almost certainly not succeed unless we change our tactics.
Michael Reagan: Democrats' Suicide Impulse Emerging
Just days after winning control of the House and Senate, Democrats have stopped gloating over their victory long enough to turn on each other in a spasm of self-destructive behavior.
Bush's Iraq Legacy - Robert Kagan & William Kristol
President Bush has a little over two years left in office. The central question facing him is this: What kind of Iraq will he bequeath to his successor? Will it be an Iraq in a state of collapse, a horrible and metastasizing mess dumped on the doorstep of the next president? Or an Iraq on a path toward stability and success--with increasing security for Iraqi citizens, an increasingly viable political system, and a developing economy? The answer will determine how this president should be remembered by future generations.
Speaker Pelosi Tempts Disaster - NY Times
Nancy Pelosi has managed to severely scar her leadership even before taking up the gavel as the new speaker of the House. First, she played politics with the leadership of the House Intelligence Committee to settle an old score and a new debt. And then she put herself in a lose-lose position by trying to force a badly tarnished ally, Representative John Murtha, on the incoming Democratic Congress as majority leader. The party caucus put a decisive end to that gambit yesterday, giving the No. 2 job to Steny Hoyer, a longtime Pelosi rival.
ahh the anguish and gnashing of the teeth it must have taken for the Times to write this!
ahh the anguish and gnashing of the teeth it must have taken for the Times to write this!
Pelosi's First Folly - Hugh Hewitt
The GOP cannot count on the new Speaker to be a disaster, but Democrats have to worry that the skills set necessary to manage an ideologically diverse majority are not going to come naturally to a San Francisco hyper-liberal. California Democrats generally, and San Francisco Democrats specifically are a hard left bunch, and the deeply ingrained habits of the Dems on the left coast almost always involve going further left, not to the center. It may be that Pelosi's instincts didn't fail her when she publicly backed her antiwar pal Murtha.
Boehner Mania!!!!
John Boehner has won the post of minority leader in the House. Again, at the risk of sounding like an apostate, I don’t really have a problem with this. I found Boehner to be impressive when we spoke, and he seems like a natural leader. The fact that he mid-wifed the horrific No Child Left Behind monstrosity isn’t a mark in his favor, but the voters definitely gave the Republican Party a “come to Jesus” moment last week and I think Boehner got the message. At least I hope he did.
Reality Check II - Frederick W. Kagan
THE DEMOCRATIC TAKEOVER of Congress has predictably led to a rise in calls for the immediate withdrawal of American troops from Iraq. The authors of these calls, like Carl Levin and Joe Biden, frequently maintain that their proposals are not for "withdrawal" but for "redeployment." U.S. forces would remain poised on bases in Iraqi Kurdistan, Kuwait, or elsewhere in the region to support the Iraqis with "rapid reaction forces." The United States would thereby both "incentivize" the Iraqis to take responsibility for their own security and give them an over-the-horizon safety net. The trouble is that this "safety net" is illusory. It serves only to mask out-and-out withdrawal and defeat.
Read the whole thing.
Read the whole thing.
Marine Corps Sergeant Major Bradley A. Kasal
Sgt. Maj. Kasal was assisting one of his platoons in Fallujah on Nov. 14, 2004, when heavy gunfire broke out in an Iraqi home known as the “House of Hell.” Marines quickly began exiting the building as Kasal rushed in to assess the situation and help. Kasal was hit multiple times as he grabbed a wounded Marine stranded in the line of fire. Once they were in a more sheltered area, they realized that they only had enough bandages to help one of them. Kasal gave all his medical supplies to the other Marine instead of trying to divide the supplies. The insurgents continued their heavy assault, and threw a hand grenade within a few feet of the Marines to force them to come out from under cover. Kasal reacted quickly, and used his own severely injured body to protect the other Marine from shrapnel. Despite losing about 60 percent of his blood from more than 40 shrapnel wounds and seven gunshot wounds, Kasal survived. On May 1, 2006, Kasal was awarded the Navy Cross.
Stock Market: Slow Housing, Big Drop In Oil
Futures versus fair value are signaling a lackluster start for stocks. Given the market's pre-occupation with the current housing slowdown and its impact on consumer spending and Fed policy, Housing Starts and Building Permits data at 8:30 ET are apt to set a more definitive tone for this morning's trading. The hesitation on the part of buyers is also being driven by a burgeoning sense that the market is overbought on a short-term basis, especially after five consecutive winning sessions that lifted the Dow to three straight record closes.
Republicans Must Follow Reagan's Vision
by Rep. Mike Pence
Rep. Mike Pence, candidate for House minority leader, delivered the following speech to the Republican Conference today.
I know there are many traditions in this room but permit me begin by acknowledging God. He has given my family and my staff the health and strength to give our colleagues a choice: to endure this contest of worthy opponents with grace.
Rep. Mike Pence, candidate for House minority leader, delivered the following speech to the Republican Conference today.
I know there are many traditions in this room but permit me begin by acknowledging God. He has given my family and my staff the health and strength to give our colleagues a choice: to endure this contest of worthy opponents with grace.
"A Liberal's Pledge to Disheartened Conservatives" - Michael Moore
I WOULD LIKE TO extend an olive branch. Those of you who consider yourselves conservative and usually vote Republican have not had a very good couple of weeks. Trust me, I know how this feels. In fact, those of us on the other side of the fence don't really know what it's like to win, so if we seem a bit awkward right now (were we supposed to vote for the majority leader the speaker said to vote for, or stick to our promise to the other guy?), forgive us.
I know I feel better already! To be included, what a wonder! Libs like me...you really like me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I know I feel better already! To be included, what a wonder! Libs like me...you really like me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hype and Hope - Oliver North
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- It all sounded too good to be true -- and now we know that it was. For a few days after the midterm elections, leaders of the new congressional majority talked as if they really wanted to work with the Bush administration for the common good. But like so much in Washington, it's now clear that was just hype.
Can the Iraqis Keep Their Republic? - Charles Krauthammer
"A republic, if you can keep it."
-- Benjamin Franklin, upon leaving the Constitutional Convention, in answer to "What have we got?"
WASHINGTON -- We have given the Iraqis a republic and they do not appear able to keep it.
Americans flatter themselves that they are the root of all planetary evil. Nukes in North Korea? Poverty in Bolivia? Sectarian violence in Iraq? Breasts are beaten and fingers pointed as we try to somehow locate the root cause in America.
-- Benjamin Franklin, upon leaving the Constitutional Convention, in answer to "What have we got?"
WASHINGTON -- We have given the Iraqis a republic and they do not appear able to keep it.
Americans flatter themselves that they are the root of all planetary evil. Nukes in North Korea? Poverty in Bolivia? Sectarian violence in Iraq? Breasts are beaten and fingers pointed as we try to somehow locate the root cause in America.
Deuteronomy 28:1-6 NIV
If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come upon you and accompany you if you obey the LORD your God: You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country. The fruit of your womb will be blessed, and the crops of your land and the young of your livestock--the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks. Your basket and your kneading trough will be blessed. You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out. Deuteronomy 28:1-6 NIV
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Airport Arrest Turns Up Nuclear Info
A man was arrested at Detroit Metropolitan Airport after officials say they found him carrying more than $78,000 in cash and a laptop computer containing information about nuclear materials and cyanide.
Sisayehiticha Dinssa, an unemployed U.S. citizen, was arrested Tuesday after a dog caught the scent of narcotics on cash he was carrying, according to an affidavit filed in court.
Sisayehiticha Dinssa, an unemployed U.S. citizen, was arrested Tuesday after a dog caught the scent of narcotics on cash he was carrying, according to an affidavit filed in court.
Murtha Loses... But It's Still a Victory for Pelosi - Huffington
The votes are in and Steny Hoyer is the new House majority leaders, winning out over Jack Murtha 149-86.
For all the reasons I've made abundantly clear, I would've loved to see Murtha as Majority Leader. But he remains the Democratic leader on Iraq -- and we need his unwavering voice on the war out there more than ever, as the debate on Iraq threatens to enter the twilight zone.
I'd love to see Murtha redeployed out of congress!!!!!!!
For all the reasons I've made abundantly clear, I would've loved to see Murtha as Majority Leader. But he remains the Democratic leader on Iraq -- and we need his unwavering voice on the war out there more than ever, as the debate on Iraq threatens to enter the twilight zone.
I'd love to see Murtha redeployed out of congress!!!!!!!
More Bark Than Bite? - Victor Davis Hanson
Will the Democrats' new control of the House and Senate shake things up that much abroad? They certainly will have plenty of opportunities to alter the present American course of fighting terrorists, the war in Iraq and our overall foreign policy.
A Way Out Of Iraq - Feingold
On Election Day, the American people weighed in at the ballot box: They want to get our troops out of Iraq. Voters rejected the president’s failed Iraq policy, putting Democrats in charge of Congress and responsible for setting a new direction for Iraq, and, most importantly, for our national security.
Democrats agree that we should begin redeploying troops, but some do not want to set a target deadline for the majority of troops to be withdrawn. That is a mistake. Without a target date, redeployment could drag on indefinitely. The president consistently refused to set a target date for withdrawal, and Democrats shouldn’t follow in his footsteps. Democrats should move forward with a new Iraq policy that includes a target date for the redeployment of U.S. troops so that we can refocus on defeating global terrorist networks.
Last summer dems sent a letter to Pres. Bush saying we should begin accepting our defeat by the end of 2006, oops I mean "redeployment. Now Kocinich and company want to "de-fund the war, and Feingold wants a "target date" to lose by.
Democrats agree that we should begin redeploying troops, but some do not want to set a target deadline for the majority of troops to be withdrawn. That is a mistake. Without a target date, redeployment could drag on indefinitely. The president consistently refused to set a target date for withdrawal, and Democrats shouldn’t follow in his footsteps. Democrats should move forward with a new Iraq policy that includes a target date for the redeployment of U.S. troops so that we can refocus on defeating global terrorist networks.
Last summer dems sent a letter to Pres. Bush saying we should begin accepting our defeat by the end of 2006, oops I mean "redeployment. Now Kocinich and company want to "de-fund the war, and Feingold wants a "target date" to lose by.
Newt: An Open Memorandum to House Republicans
As we think about the 2006 election and where House Republicans go from here, I want to suggest a few principles and actions that might be helpful.
Coulter: Desperate Congresswomen of Hysteria Lane
In the past week, there are 476 documents on Nexis heralding the magnificent achievement of Nancy Pelosi becoming the FIRST WOMAN speaker of the House.I thought we had moved beyond such multicultural milestones.The media yawned when Condoleezza Rice became the first black woman secretary of state (and when Lincoln Chaffee became the first developmentally disabled senator).There were only 77 documents noting that Rice was the first black woman to be the secretary of state, and half of them were issues of Jet, Essence, Ebony or Black Entrepreneur magazine.
Stock Futures Up on Good Inflation News
The inflation news this morning is outstanding. Stock futures are up sharply as a result.
The November core CPI was up just 0.1%. This was less than the expected 0.2%. The news is even better considering that the owners' equivalent rent component was up 0.4%. This is an imputed cost and is a full 23.4% of total CPI and 30.2% of the core CPI. Excluding this component to determine the price change of goods actually purchased, the core rate was flat.
The total CPI was down 0.5% due to a 7.0% drop in energy (mostly gasoline) prices. The year-over-year gain in CPI is now just 1.3%. The year-over-year increase in the core CPI dropped to 2.7% from 2.9%. That is still higher than the Fed would like, but it will drop further in the months ahead if current price trends continue.
The November core CPI was up just 0.1%. This was less than the expected 0.2%. The news is even better considering that the owners' equivalent rent component was up 0.4%. This is an imputed cost and is a full 23.4% of total CPI and 30.2% of the core CPI. Excluding this component to determine the price change of goods actually purchased, the core rate was flat.
The total CPI was down 0.5% due to a 7.0% drop in energy (mostly gasoline) prices. The year-over-year gain in CPI is now just 1.3%. The year-over-year increase in the core CPI dropped to 2.7% from 2.9%. That is still higher than the Fed would like, but it will drop further in the months ahead if current price trends continue.
LA Times: Democratic leadership hopefuls marked by ethical questions
Though incoming House Speaker Nancy Pelosi promises to push through ethical reforms in Congress, both of the Democrats vying to be her second-in-command have long histories of earmarking, close relationships with corporate interests, and using their positions to raise millions of dollars in campaign contributions.
Hero Of The Day
Air Force Senior Airman Adam P. Servais
Senior Airman Servais was in the rocky Uruzgan province in south-central Afghanistan on Aug. 19, 2006, when the convoy he was traveling with came under heavy fire from insurgents. An estimated 100 or more concealed enemies began shooting from three sides. Immediately, Servais turned his Humvee’s machine gun toward enemy fire and began shooting. Rounds began exploding near the convoy. Servais turned over responsibility for the machine gun to another team member and began directing close air support to help suppress the insurgents. As he was talking with pilots overhead and spotting targets for them, a rocket-propelled grenade exploded behind Servais, killing him. Servais was a member of a Special Forces operational detachment that was working with Afghan National Army soldiers and Afghan police. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Valor on Aug. 25, 2006.
Kucinich Calls for Cutting Off Iraq War Funds
"I want to say that there's one solution here, and it's not to engage in a debate with the President, who has taken us down a path of disaster in Iraq, but it's for Congress to assume the full power that it has under the Constitution to cut off funds. We don't need to keep indulging in this debate about what to do, because as long as we keep temporizing, the situation gets worse in Iraq.
How do we explain this to those who have served, those who have sacrificed, and those who have lost loved ones? Who would ever enlist in the military after we have desecrated the honor of those we have placed in harms way? Right mission, wrong mission, it is the mission and those that have sacrificed deserve our remaining steadfast in our support of them and their efforts.
How do we explain this to those who have served, those who have sacrificed, and those who have lost loved ones? Who would ever enlist in the military after we have desecrated the honor of those we have placed in harms way? Right mission, wrong mission, it is the mission and those that have sacrificed deserve our remaining steadfast in our support of them and their efforts.
Jules Crittenden: Murtha vs. Hoyer: Sit Back And Enjoy
Today offers the kind of spectacle that is a small consolation prize for a party out of power: the victors pummeling each other over the spoils. The election having been lost, today's majority leadership race is a win-win. If Pelosi wins, she exalts John Murtha, an extreme anti-war zealot with a "Kick Me" sign taped on his back. This will clearly define the stakes in one of the most critical issues Americans face today. Our place in the world. A Murtha win the day after Gen. John Abizaid told Congress the United States needs to maintain troop levels and boost advisors and training for Iraqi forces should send a clear message to American voters what their narrow, fickle majorities have wrought. Murtha brings the added benefit of a right-leaning record on issues such as abortion and gun rights. Combined with a lot of harumphy codgerness, that may offset the San Francisco agenda but, we can only hope, will drive a lot of his rank and file crazy.
Real Estate Fairy visits pols who believe
The Tribune disclosed Rezko's curious real estate relationship with U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, the Chicago Democrat walking on water to the White House.The Real Estate Fairy and Obama bought adjoining property. The Real Estate Fairy paid the asking price for his parcel; Obama paid less than the list for his and, presto, Obama had a home in Kenwood and a nice vacant lot next door.Obama said that if he had to do it all over again, he wouldn't, since it didn't look right, perhaps because all of political Illinois knew that Rezko was by then toxic, infected with federal grandjuryitis.
Michelle Malkin: The religious worker visa scam
Front-door exploitation and lax enforcement of visa requirements greased the skids for the 9/11 hijackers--and with DHS still facing understaffing, mismanagement, and massive backlogs, those avenues are still open.
The R visa program has been abused by two major groups--radical clerics who should never have been allowed to set foot here in the first place and people who lie to consular officials and pose as "religious workers" in order to circumvent lengthy waits and scrutiny. There's a new report out today on dozens of fakers from Pakistan who got caught:
The R visa program has been abused by two major groups--radical clerics who should never have been allowed to set foot here in the first place and people who lie to consular officials and pose as "religious workers" in order to circumvent lengthy waits and scrutiny. There's a new report out today on dozens of fakers from Pakistan who got caught:
1 Peter 3:18-21
For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 1 Peter 3:18-21 NIV
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Carville Says Dems Should Dump Dean
Democratic strategist James Carville says his party should dump Howard Dean as chairman of the Democratic Party because of incompetence.
Congressman Mike Pence talks with bloggers
Bloggers talked to Congressman Pence who is seeking to lead the Republican minority
Liberal Ideology vs. Darwin's Theory of Natural Selection
The French economy slumped in the third quarter as the Airbus crisis began to exact its toll, dousing hopes that Europe would take over as world's growth engine as America slows. Growth sank to zero with an accelerating twist down in September as car output fell 3.1pc and overall manufacturing slid 1pc, far worse than expectations.I'm always amazed at how few people realize that European economies are, in every respect, far behind the American economy. The only real exception is the budget deficit and cumulative debt. Expressed as a percentage of GDP, America's deficit is about the same as Europe's (even though we pay for our defense as well as theirs). Let's look at GDP growth over the years for the EU-4 (France, German, Italy and Great Britain) vs. America (economic data, which I gathered a couple of months ago, can be found here):
Examining the consequences of "redeployment."
THE DEMOCRATIC TAKEOVER of Congress has predictably led to a rise in calls for the immediate withdrawal of American troops from Iraq. The authors of these calls, like Carl Levin and Joe Biden, frequently maintain that their proposals are not for "withdrawal" but for "redeployment." U.S. forces would remain poised on bases in Iraqi Kurdistan, Kuwait, or elsewhere in the region to support the Iraqis with "rapid reaction forces." The United States would thereby both "incentivize" the Iraqis to take responsibility for their own security and give them an over-the-horizon safety net. The trouble is that this "safety net" is illusory. It serves only to mask out-and-out withdrawal and defeat.
WSJ: John Murtha's "culture of corruption."
House Speaker-designate Nancy Pelosi's endorsement of Rep. John Murtha for majority leader, the No. 2 position in the Democratic leaderhsip, has roiled her caucus. "She will ensure that they [Mr. Murtha and his allies] win. This is hardball politics," Rep. Jim Moran, a top Murtha ally, told the Hill, a congressional newspaper. "We are entering an era where when the speaker instructs you what to do, you do it."
Pelosi pulls out the stops for Murtha
Speaker-to-be Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) is imploring her colleagues to support Rep. John Murtha (D-Pa.) for majority leader, multiple House Democrats said yesterday, dealing an unexpected but not necessarily fatal blow to Murtha’s opponent, Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.).v
Army Special Forces Master Sergeant Sarun Sar
Army Special Forces Master Sergeant Sarun Sar
Master Sgt. Sar and his 12-man special operations team were sent to search for Taliban fighters in the snowy mountains of eastern Afghanistan on March 5, 2005. As their helicopters attempted to land outside an area suspected of sheltering insurgents, the group began to receive heavy automatic weapons fire from the direction of the village. Sar told his team to follow him as he started running toward the insurgents. Sar was out front alone as his team was temporarily pinned down. He continued to take enemy fire as he waited for his team to catch up to him. When they did, Sar and the team medic went after an insurgent hiding in a hut. As soon as he opened the door, the Taliban fighter fired three shots at Sar; the third shot hit Sar’s helmet but did not severely injure him. Sar killed the insurgent. The team continued to sweep the village and cleared the area of enemy fighters and rounded up a large cache of enemy weapons. On January 3, 2006, Sar was awarded the Silver Star Medal.
1 John 4:16-21
And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, 'I love God,' yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother. 1 John 4:16-21 NIV
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
CAIR's Congress
With the Democratic victory in the midterm elections, one big winner was the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR). The American Islamic pressure group now has a chance to advance its agenda in numerous ways, with energetic water-carrying by, among others, the Speaker of the House, the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, and the first Muslim member of Congress.
Cooperate or obstruct? Democrats must choose
By LEON E. PANETTA
We govern our democracy either by leadership or by crisis. Last Tuesday, the American people sent a clear message that they are sick and tired of government by crisis. They elected Democrats to the House and Senate not to prolong gridlock, but to govern.
Dems Will Not Dissappoint - Nancy
We pledge to make this the most honest, ethical, and open Congress in history.
By Nancy Pelosi
WASHINGTON – The morning after the election, I received a powerful reminder of why so many of us choose public service as our life's work. While walking into my office, I ran into a group of schoolchildren who had come to visit the Capitol.
Talking with them reminded me of the solemn responsibility each generation has to the ones that follow. Their enthusiasm and energy spoke more powerfully than any words could that they are inheritors of the future we choose to build today.
By Nancy Pelosi
WASHINGTON – The morning after the election, I received a powerful reminder of why so many of us choose public service as our life's work. While walking into my office, I ran into a group of schoolchildren who had come to visit the Capitol.
Talking with them reminded me of the solemn responsibility each generation has to the ones that follow. Their enthusiasm and energy spoke more powerfully than any words could that they are inheritors of the future we choose to build today.
Iran Says Nuke Program Is Near Complete
TEHRAN, Iran -- President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Tuesday said Iran would soon celebrate completion of its controversial nuclear fuel program.
"With the wisdom and resistance of the nation, today our position has stabilized. I'm very hopeful that we will be able to hold the big celebration of Iran's full nuclearization in the current year," the hard-line president told reporters during a press conference.
"With the wisdom and resistance of the nation, today our position has stabilized. I'm very hopeful that we will be able to hold the big celebration of Iran's full nuclearization in the current year," the hard-line president told reporters during a press conference.
Core Inflation Drops by Record Amount
Inflation at the wholesale level plunged at a record pace in October, led by big declines in the price of gasoline and new cars.
Wholesale prices fell 1.6 percent last month, tying the record decline set in October 2001, the Labor Department reported Tuesday. It was the second consecutive big decrease, following a 1.3 percent fall in September.
Wholesale prices fell 1.6 percent last month, tying the record decline set in October 2001, the Labor Department reported Tuesday. It was the second consecutive big decrease, following a 1.3 percent fall in September.
Acts 4:8-12
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: 'Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. He is ' the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.' Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.' Acts 4:8-12 NIV
Monday, November 13, 2006
Today's Hero: 1st Lt. Alfred L. Butler IV
CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq, May 22, 2006 — A Darkhorse Marine was decorated with the nation’s fourth highest award for valor by the 1st Marine Division commanding general here, May 19. U.S. Marine 1st Lt. Alfred L. Butler IV, Weapons Company executive officer, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, received the Bronze Star Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device from Maj. Gen. Richard Natonski. “I knew his father, and I think he’s following in his footsteps,” Natonski said. “This is his third deployment to Iraq, and he’s done a marvelous job over here.” The 27-year-old from Jacksonville, N.C., earned the award for his actions and leadership while commanding an 81 mm Mortar Platoon on Dec. 23, 2004, during combat operations in Fallujah. He is currently on duty in Iraq with Regimental Combat Team 5. “It was one of those days when everyone ran out of ammo,” said Butler, a graduate of Western Carolina University. “We even used AK-47s.” According to the award citation, as insurgents ambushed his platoon, Butler rushed to the attack where he found several men pinned under heavy automatic weapons fire on a stairwell. He evacuated them from the house and learned insurgents isolated additional men on the second floor. He quickly organized an assault force and raced to an adjacent house under constant small arms fire to recover the men. Cpl. Justin Butler, a mortarman in the platoon, saw his platoon commander from across the street while laying suppressive fire. “When we were on the roof, he was the first one I saw standing up to see the situation while everyone was getting
shot at,” said the 21-year-old from Dyer, Ind. “It pumped everybody up that he would do that just to know everything that’s going on.” The platoon commander led his team as they cleared two buildings, jumping from roof-to-roof to reach them. He shielded the bodies of the fallen Marines when a grenade landed nearby with complete disregard for his own safety, then threw two grenades into a room filled with insurgents. While delivering cover fire, the lieutenant moved the men across to an adjacent rooftop, personally evacuating a wounded Marine under constant small arms fire and grenade attacks. His actions preserved the lives of the men. He credited the decoration to the Marines under his command. “I owe those Marines my life,” he said. “The things they did that day are the sort of things you read about in books. What they do for each other and what they sacrifice for each other makes you not want to leave the Marine Corps. They hold up the tradition of 3/5 and live up to the legacy.” Alfred Butler III, was a Marine major who was killed in Beirut when his son was only 5 years old. The lieutenant said most of what he knows of his father he learned from Marines who served with him. “It’s nice that he (Natonski) knew my father and served with him,” he said. “My knowledge of him as a person is through people like General Natonski and what they say about him and the man he was. From what I understand, he was a great man, great Marine, husband and father. If I can be half of that, I think I’ll be fine.”
Al Qaeda gloats
"We haven't had enough of your blood yet," he boasted. "We call on the lame duck not to hurry his escape the way the defense secretary did.
Novak: For good reason, the GOP often is called "the stupid party."
The depleted House Republican caucus, a minority in the next Congress, convenes at 8 a.m. Friday in the Capitol on the brink of committing an act of supreme irrationality. The House members blame their leadership for tasting the bitter dregs of defeat. Yet, the consensus so far is that, in secret ballot, they will re-elect some or all of those leaders,
Speaker-to-be is no stranger to earmarking
Citizens Against Government Waste, a critic of such "pork-barrel" spending, has calculated that Pelosi's district received nearly $31.3 million through earmarks in the last two fiscal years.
Why Intellectuals Love Defeat
James Carroll, recently writing in the Boston Globe, wondered if America could finally accept defeat in Iraq, and be the better for it, comparing it to Vietnam:
"But what about the moral question? For all of the anguish felt over the loss of American lives, can we acknowledge that there is something proper in the way that hubristic American power has been thwarted? Can we admit that the loss of honor will not come with how the war ends, because we lost our honor when we began it? This time, can we accept defeat?"
To be frank, no. In Mr. Carroll's fantasyland, the United States is deserving of defeat, and through some sort of mental gymnastics, that defeat is honorable, because it smacked of hubris to ever have fought in the first place.
"But what about the moral question? For all of the anguish felt over the loss of American lives, can we acknowledge that there is something proper in the way that hubristic American power has been thwarted? Can we admit that the loss of honor will not come with how the war ends, because we lost our honor when we began it? This time, can we accept defeat?"
To be frank, no. In Mr. Carroll's fantasyland, the United States is deserving of defeat, and through some sort of mental gymnastics, that defeat is honorable, because it smacked of hubris to ever have fought in the first place.
Pelosi Puts Weight Behind Murtha in Leader Bid
Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), in line to become Speaker in January, is throwing her support to Rep. John Murtha (D-Pa.) in the race for Majority Leader, a move that will be an early test of her influence and will weigh heavily on Murtha's contest with Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) for the post.
NY Times: Democrats Push for Troop Cuts Within Months
WASHINGTON, Nov. 12 — Democratic leaders in the Senate vowed on Sunday to use their new Congressional majority to press for troop reductions in Iraq within a matter of months, stepping up pressure on the administration just as President Bush is to be interviewed by a bipartisan panel examining future strategy for the war.
The Democrats — the incoming majority leader, Senator Harry Reid of Nevada; the incoming Armed Services Committee chairman, Senator Carl Levin of Michigan; and the incoming Foreign Relations Committee chairman, Senator Joseph R. Biden Jr. of Delaware — said a phased redeployment of troops would be their top priority when the new Congress convenes in January, even before an investigation of the conduct of the war.
The Democrats — the incoming majority leader, Senator Harry Reid of Nevada; the incoming Armed Services Committee chairman, Senator Carl Levin of Michigan; and the incoming Foreign Relations Committee chairman, Senator Joseph R. Biden Jr. of Delaware — said a phased redeployment of troops would be their top priority when the new Congress convenes in January, even before an investigation of the conduct of the war.
Israel will 'not tolerate' a nuclear Iran: Olmert
Israel will not accept a nuclear Iran, visiting Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told US television, but while not ruling out military action, said he hoped diplomacy would dissuade Tehran from pursuing its nuclear program.
"We will not tolerate the possession of nuclear weapons by Iran," Olmert told NBC television's "Today Show" program, ahead of talks with President George W. Bush on Iran's nuclear ambitions and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
"We will not tolerate the possession of nuclear weapons by Iran," Olmert told NBC television's "Today Show" program, ahead of talks with President George W. Bush on Iran's nuclear ambitions and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Ahmadinejad: Israel’s destruction near
According to the Iranian media Monday, Iranian President Mahoud Ahmadinejad declared that Israel was destined to ‘disappearance and destruction’ at a council meeting with Iranian ministers.
“The western powers created the Zionist regime in order to expand their control of the area. This regime massacres Palestinians everyday, but since this regime is against nature, we will soon witness its disappearance and destruction,” Ahmadinejad said.
“The western powers created the Zionist regime in order to expand their control of the area. This regime massacres Palestinians everyday, but since this regime is against nature, we will soon witness its disappearance and destruction,” Ahmadinejad said.
Jeremiah 29:11
“I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Michael Coren: Interview with Dr. Tawfik Hamid
Michael Coren, National Post
Dr. Tawfik Hamid doesn't tell people where he lives. Not the street, not the city, not even the country. It's safer that way. It's only the letters of testimony from some of the highest intelligence officers in the Western world that enable him to move freely. This medical doctor, author and activist once was a member of Egypt's Al-Gama'a al-Islamiyya (Arabic for "the Islamic Group"), a banned terrorist organization. He was trained under Ayman al-Zawahiri, the bearded jihadi who appears in Bin Laden's videos, telling the world that Islamic violence will stop only once we all become Muslims.
He's a disarmingly gentle and courteous man. But he's determined to tell a complacent North America what he knows about fundamentalist Muslim imperialism.
"Yes, 'imperialism,' " he tells me. "The deliberate and determined expansion of militant Islam and its attempt to triumph not only in the Islamic world but in Europe and North America. Pure ideology. Muslim terrorists kill and slaughter not because of what they experience but because of what they believe."
Hamid drank in the message of Jihadism while at medical school in Cairo, and devoted himself to the cause. His group began meeting in a small room. Then a larger one. Then a Mosque reserved for followers of al-Zawahiri. By the time Hamid left the movement, its members were intimidating other students who were unsympathetic.
He is now 45 years old, and has had many years to reflect on why he was willing to die and kill for his religion. "The first thing you have to understand is that it has nothing, absolutely nothing, to do with poverty or lack of education," he says. "I was from a middle-class family and my parents were not religious. Hardly anyone in the movement at university came from a background that was different from mine.
"I've heard this poverty nonsense time and time again from Western apologists for Islam, most of them not Muslim by the way. There are millions of passive supporters of terror who may be poor and needy but most of those who do the killing are wealthy, privileged, educated and free. If it were about poverty, ask yourself why it is middle-class Muslims -- and never poor Christians -- who become suicide bombers in Palestine."
His analysis is fascinating. Muslim fundamentalists believe, he insists, that Saudi Arabia's petroleum-based wealth is a divine gift, and that Saudi influence is sanctioned by Allah. Thus the extreme brand of Sunni Islam that spread from the Kingdom to the rest of the Islamic world is regarded not merely as one interpretation of the religion but the only genuine interpretation. The expansion of violent and regressive Islam, he continues, began in the late 1970s, and can be traced precisely to the growing financial clout of Saudi Arabia.
"We're not talking about a fringe cult here," he tells me. "Salafist [fundamentalist] Islam is the dominant version of the religion and is taught in almost every Islamic university in the world. It is puritanical, extreme and does, yes, mean that women can be beaten, apostates killed and Jews called pigs and monkeys."
He leans back, takes a deep breath and moves to another area, one that he says is far too seldom discussed: "North Americans are too squeamish about discussing the obvious sexual dynamic behind suicide bombings. If they understood contemporary Islamic society, they would understand the sheer sexual tension of Sunni Muslim men. Look at the figures for suicide bombings and see how few are from the Shiite world. Terrorism and violence yes, but not suicide. The overwhelming majority are from Sunnis. Now within the Shiite world there are what is known as temporary marriages, lasting anywhere from an hour to 95 years. It enables men to release their sexual frustrations.
"Islam condemns extra-marital sex as well as masturbation, which is also taught in the Christian tradition. But Islam also tells of unlimited sexual ecstasy in paradise with beautiful virgins for the martyr who gives his life for the faith. Don't for a moment underestimate this blinding passion or its influence on those who accept fundamentalism."
A pause. "I know. I was one who accepted it."
This partial explanation is shocking more for its banality than its horror. Mass murder provoked partly by simple lust. But it cannot be denied that letters written by suicide bombers frequently dwell on waiting virgins and sexual gratification.
"The sexual aspect is, of course, just one part of this. But I can tell you what it is not about. Not about Israel, not about Iraq, not about Afghanistan. They are mere excuses. Algerian Muslim fundamentalists murdered 150,000 other Algerian Muslims, sometimes slitting the throats of children in front of their parents. Are you seriously telling me that this was because of Israel's treatment of the Palestinians or American foreign policy?"
He's exasperated now, visibly angry at what he sees as a willful Western foolishness. "Stop asking what you have done wrong. Stop it! They're slaughtering you like sheep and you still look within. You criticize your history, your institutions, your churches. Why can't you realize that it has nothing to do with what you have done but with what they want."
Then he leaves -- for where, he cannot say. A voice that is silenced in its homeland and too often ignored by those who prefer convenient revision to disturbing truth. The tragedy is that Tawfik Hamid is almost used to it.
Dr. Tawfik Hamid doesn't tell people where he lives. Not the street, not the city, not even the country. It's safer that way. It's only the letters of testimony from some of the highest intelligence officers in the Western world that enable him to move freely. This medical doctor, author and activist once was a member of Egypt's Al-Gama'a al-Islamiyya (Arabic for "the Islamic Group"), a banned terrorist organization. He was trained under Ayman al-Zawahiri, the bearded jihadi who appears in Bin Laden's videos, telling the world that Islamic violence will stop only once we all become Muslims.
He's a disarmingly gentle and courteous man. But he's determined to tell a complacent North America what he knows about fundamentalist Muslim imperialism.
"Yes, 'imperialism,' " he tells me. "The deliberate and determined expansion of militant Islam and its attempt to triumph not only in the Islamic world but in Europe and North America. Pure ideology. Muslim terrorists kill and slaughter not because of what they experience but because of what they believe."
Hamid drank in the message of Jihadism while at medical school in Cairo, and devoted himself to the cause. His group began meeting in a small room. Then a larger one. Then a Mosque reserved for followers of al-Zawahiri. By the time Hamid left the movement, its members were intimidating other students who were unsympathetic.
He is now 45 years old, and has had many years to reflect on why he was willing to die and kill for his religion. "The first thing you have to understand is that it has nothing, absolutely nothing, to do with poverty or lack of education," he says. "I was from a middle-class family and my parents were not religious. Hardly anyone in the movement at university came from a background that was different from mine.
"I've heard this poverty nonsense time and time again from Western apologists for Islam, most of them not Muslim by the way. There are millions of passive supporters of terror who may be poor and needy but most of those who do the killing are wealthy, privileged, educated and free. If it were about poverty, ask yourself why it is middle-class Muslims -- and never poor Christians -- who become suicide bombers in Palestine."
His analysis is fascinating. Muslim fundamentalists believe, he insists, that Saudi Arabia's petroleum-based wealth is a divine gift, and that Saudi influence is sanctioned by Allah. Thus the extreme brand of Sunni Islam that spread from the Kingdom to the rest of the Islamic world is regarded not merely as one interpretation of the religion but the only genuine interpretation. The expansion of violent and regressive Islam, he continues, began in the late 1970s, and can be traced precisely to the growing financial clout of Saudi Arabia.
"We're not talking about a fringe cult here," he tells me. "Salafist [fundamentalist] Islam is the dominant version of the religion and is taught in almost every Islamic university in the world. It is puritanical, extreme and does, yes, mean that women can be beaten, apostates killed and Jews called pigs and monkeys."
He leans back, takes a deep breath and moves to another area, one that he says is far too seldom discussed: "North Americans are too squeamish about discussing the obvious sexual dynamic behind suicide bombings. If they understood contemporary Islamic society, they would understand the sheer sexual tension of Sunni Muslim men. Look at the figures for suicide bombings and see how few are from the Shiite world. Terrorism and violence yes, but not suicide. The overwhelming majority are from Sunnis. Now within the Shiite world there are what is known as temporary marriages, lasting anywhere from an hour to 95 years. It enables men to release their sexual frustrations.
"Islam condemns extra-marital sex as well as masturbation, which is also taught in the Christian tradition. But Islam also tells of unlimited sexual ecstasy in paradise with beautiful virgins for the martyr who gives his life for the faith. Don't for a moment underestimate this blinding passion or its influence on those who accept fundamentalism."
A pause. "I know. I was one who accepted it."
This partial explanation is shocking more for its banality than its horror. Mass murder provoked partly by simple lust. But it cannot be denied that letters written by suicide bombers frequently dwell on waiting virgins and sexual gratification.
"The sexual aspect is, of course, just one part of this. But I can tell you what it is not about. Not about Israel, not about Iraq, not about Afghanistan. They are mere excuses. Algerian Muslim fundamentalists murdered 150,000 other Algerian Muslims, sometimes slitting the throats of children in front of their parents. Are you seriously telling me that this was because of Israel's treatment of the Palestinians or American foreign policy?"
He's exasperated now, visibly angry at what he sees as a willful Western foolishness. "Stop asking what you have done wrong. Stop it! They're slaughtering you like sheep and you still look within. You criticize your history, your institutions, your churches. Why can't you realize that it has nothing to do with what you have done but with what they want."
Then he leaves -- for where, he cannot say. A voice that is silenced in its homeland and too often ignored by those who prefer convenient revision to disturbing truth. The tragedy is that Tawfik Hamid is almost used to it.
Friday, November 10, 2006
Chávez attacks Bush as a 'genocidal' leader
CARACAS - When Venezuela's leftist President Hugo Chávez called President Bush ''the devil'' in a U.N. speech in September, many thought his ''anti-imperialist'' rhetoric had reached rock bottom.
But fresh depths have since been plumbed. The Venezuelan government, to judge from recent events, officially regards Bush as a genocidal Nazi who arranged the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to justify aggression against other nations.
But fresh depths have since been plumbed. The Venezuelan government, to judge from recent events, officially regards Bush as a genocidal Nazi who arranged the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to justify aggression against other nations.
Only a Minor Earthquake - Charles Krauthammer
WASHINGTON -- How serious is the "thumpin'" the Republicans took on Tuesday? Losing one house is significant but hardly historic. Losing both houses, however, is defeat of a different order of magnitude, the equivalent in a parliamentary system of a vote of no confidence.
Peggy Noonan: Concession Stands
So that is my shower speech.
At the end of the day, or the end of this day, I look at the new Congress and wish them so well, such luck. Don't you? I want to say: Go, Nancy Pelosi. Be the speaker of whom historians will write, in 2032, "This was her moment, here was the summit, here she found greatness." Go, Democrats, be great and serious. Go, minority Republicans, refind yourselves. Go, conservatives.
To the freshmen: Walk in as if you're walking out. Put your heart on your sleeve and go forward. Take responsibility, and love America. No one will think less of you. They will in fact think more, as they do of politicians after the concession speech.v
At the end of the day, or the end of this day, I look at the new Congress and wish them so well, such luck. Don't you? I want to say: Go, Nancy Pelosi. Be the speaker of whom historians will write, in 2032, "This was her moment, here was the summit, here she found greatness." Go, Democrats, be great and serious. Go, minority Republicans, refind yourselves. Go, conservatives.
To the freshmen: Walk in as if you're walking out. Put your heart on your sleeve and go forward. Take responsibility, and love America. No one will think less of you. They will in fact think more, as they do of politicians after the concession speech.v
Psalm 89:11-17 NIV
The heavens are yours, and yours also the earth; you founded the world and all that is in it. You created the north and the south; Tabor and Hermon sing for joy at your name. Your arm is endued with power; your hand is strong, your right hand exalted. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you. Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O LORD. They rejoice in your name all day long; they exult in your righteousness. For you are their glory and strength, and by your favor you exalt our horn. Psalm 89:11-17 NIV (Listen) v
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Pelosi faces her first test
By Josephine Hearn
Speaker-in-waiting Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) will face her first test of unity next week when House Democrats vote for their new slate of leaders. Many of the leadership races could be divisive for the nascent majority unless Democratic leaders come to an agreement in the next few days about who will run.
Speaker-in-waiting Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) will face her first test of unity next week when House Democrats vote for their new slate of leaders. Many of the leadership races could be divisive for the nascent majority unless Democratic leaders come to an agreement in the next few days about who will run.
Speaker Pelosi - The Wall Street Journal
Tuesday's Democratic election victory was by any measure decisive, yet in the perspective of history also unsurprising. In the sixth year of a two-term Presidency, Americans rebuked Republicans on Capitol Hill who had forgotten their principles and a President who hasn't won the Iraq war he started. While a thumping defeat for the GOP, the vote was about competence, not ideological change.
This is not to minimize the Democrats' victory, which they deserve to savor after several frustrating election nights. Credit in particular goes to Rahm Emanuel and Chuck Schumer, who led the House and Senate efforts to pick candidates who could win in GOP-leaning states. Their leaders, notably Speaker-in-waiting Nancy Pelosi, also kept in check their ideological ambitions to make Tuesday a referendum on Republican governance. It was a shrewd strategy.
This is not to minimize the Democrats' victory, which they deserve to savor after several frustrating election nights. Credit in particular goes to Rahm Emanuel and Chuck Schumer, who led the House and Senate efforts to pick candidates who could win in GOP-leaning states. Their leaders, notably Speaker-in-waiting Nancy Pelosi, also kept in check their ideological ambitions to make Tuesday a referendum on Republican governance. It was a shrewd strategy.
Knowing Gates
Fritz W. Ermarth—who worked closely with Robert Gates during his broad intelligence and policy career—gives his perspective of what Gates’s leadership at the Pentagon could mean in terms of Iraq, intelligence gathering, and more. In his interview with National Interest online editor, Ximena Ortiz, Ermarth points to what Gates would have done and could do differently on vital issues. Mr. Ermath served as chairman of the National Intelligence Council during the time Gates was director of the Central Intelligence Agency.
I Feel Liberated - Rush Limbaugh
Just to reiterate, ladies and gentlemen: "It's going to get worse before it gets better." I'm not trying to be negative. I'm trying to prepare you here for what is coming. It is obvious from the president's press conference that his view is: "The Democrats won the election yesterday, and that means they get some of what they want, if not a lot of what they want, if not all of what they want." Specifically, here's what you can look for: You can look for there to be a minimum wage bill. The president was passionate about one thing in this press conference. He came alive when he was asked a question about: What does this mean for your immigration policy? "Yes, I think we have a better chance of getting immigration reform now with a Democrat-controlled Congress." I told you this before the election. I told you, "The reason we don't have amnesty and a guest worker program is because of the Republicans in the House." Now with Democrats running the place you're going to get it and the president's excited about it. We're going to get a guest worker program. We're going to get amnesty. It's going to be called "immigration reform," and you're going to get a minimum wage increase. The president's going to talk to these people about entitlements -- and when you sit down with Democrats to talk about entitlements, you're not talking about getting rid of them. You're talking about "reforming" them, maybe, or perhaps even new ones.
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