...It's time for Americans to moveoff their duffs and demand better government...^sm



Latest Analysis, Commentary and Opinion*
(The title of each article is linked to the complete article)

Friday, July 3, 2009

Breaking: Palin steps down as Alaska governor
  Elections piece by Offsite (7/3/09)

Alaska Republican Gov. Sarah Palin, the Republican vice presidential candidate last year, announced today she will not finish her first term as governor.

Americans United accused of covering tracks
  Progressivism piece by Offsite (7/3/09)

Liberty Counsel, a public interest law firm, is reporting that the organization Americans United for Separation of Church and State apparently is trying to cover up the partisanship of its attacks on various religious organizations.

‘Texas trying to save ‘NAFTA Superhighway’?‘
  NAU/SPP piece by Offsite (7/3/09)

Opponents of the controversial Trans-Texas Corridor believe Texas Republican Gov. Rick Perry is proceeding with toll road plans under the cover of a special session of the legislature.

Lets you and I kill this bill
  Police State piece by Guest: Carolyn Hileman (7/3/09)

It is amazing the lengths this administration and the democrat majority will go to, to get your guns, while we are watching and holding our breath on cap and trade and Obama care they are attempting to back door another bill, HR 2159. What HR 2159 is, is granting permission to the Attorney general to bar the sale of guns to terrorists and potential terrorists, you know us domestic terrorist. If this bill is passed it will give her the power to deny us the right to buy a gun based on her suspicions. Thereby usurping our 2nd amendment right to keep and bear arms, they do not require any real proof of wrong doing just a suspicion that you might do something wrong. This bill is now in committee   Jun 12, 2009: Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.

Let’s Not Celebrate July 4th
  The Republic piece by Warner Todd Huston (7/3/09)

It is well known that John Adams had imagined that July second would be the day that future generations of Americans would remember as their day of independence from England, the nation’s birthday, if you will. It was, after all, on the second that it was proclaimed “(T)hat these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.“

Friday, July 3, 2009

Recovery Could Evaporate
   Economics piece by Offsite (7/3/09)

Robert Shiller, the Yale University professor and economist, said experts should take a closer look at the economic stimulus, CNBC reported.

Up to Decade of Deflation Ahead
   Economics piece by Offsite (7/3/09)

Most pundits who crow about green shoots and about an inventory restocking in the third quarter giving way towards some sustainable economic expansion live in the old paradigm, analyst David Rosenberg said.

Rep. Rooney: War In Afghanistan Will Last Decades
   War piece by Offsite (7/3/09)

A former judge advocate and West Point instructor who just returned from Afghanistan, Rep. Tom Rooney of Florida believes that the U.S. faces a brutal struggle in Central Asia that could last for decades.

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Editors Item: DNS Option
   Computers piece by Editor (7/2/09)

I stumbled across an alternative Internet DNS service today that seems to be excellent.

Limbaugh: Obama Laying Groundwork for Third Term
   Government piece by Offsite (7/2/09)

Rush Limbaugh is suggesting that President Barack Obama and his political operatives already are laying the groundwork for a third term.

Rush Declares New National Anthem
   Government piece by Malcolm T. Hedges (7/2/09)

With tongue-in-cheek, Rush today put forth the US Banana Republic National Anthem.  Appropriately it is “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)“.

Independence Day
   Economics piece by FreeCongressFoundation: Marion Edwyn Harrison (7/2/09)

1776, An Historical Declaration and Physical Fight; 2009 - Recession and Remedial Flight -  Depending upon concurrent conditions a successful political declaration may require military persistence and ultimate victory, as in 1776 and the crucial years thereafter, or upon a sound or greatly improving economy, as is not apparent 233 years later.

Scientists to Congress: ‘Sky is not falling’
   Global Warming piece by Offsite (7/2/09)

A team of scientists with years of expertise in climate issues has written an open letter to Congress asserting the “sky is not falling” and there is no evidence man is causing global warming.

Independence Now And Forever
   Government piece by Guest: Chuck Baldwin (7/2/09)

As we approach Independence Day, it behooves us to recall the principles of America’s founding, especially in light of the ongoing attempt by today’s political and commercial leaders to merge the United States into a hemispheric government. In fact, the clarion call for independence is just as fundamental, just as revolutionary as it was 233 years ago.

I Miss America, Already!
   Progressivism piece by J. D. Longstreet (7/2/09)

With the 4th of July, celebrated as Independence Day in the United States, fast approaching, scribes all over the nation are dutifully dipping their quills into their inkpots to scribble the obligatory few lines on the topic: “What America Means to me”, again this year, as in every year since, well, since there has been an America, I suppose.

Freedom fighters labeled as terrorists
   Middle East piece by Offsite (7/2/09)

There is an old Farsi proverb, the English equivalent of which reads, “A clear conscience doesn’t fear a false accusation.” This aptly grounds a response to Jacob Laksin’s inaccurate characterization of the principal Iranian opposition, the Mujahdin-e Khalq (PMOI/MEK), in “Terrorists as Freedom Fighters,” (FrontPageMagazine.com, June 25, 2009). His piece suffers from one major deficiency: Not a single one of its mischaracterizations is backed up by a shred of credible evidence.

Ten Cost Cutting Suggestions for California
   Economics piece by Ann "Babe" Huggett (7/2/09)

Poor Kal-ee-for-nee-ah Governor Ahnold Schwarzenkennedy!  He may have an “R” after his name politically but he’s been running California like a liberal for years now.  However, it is finally catching up with him; as of July 1st California went from a state of great weather and fabulous scenery to one of fiscal emergency.  Facing a $24.3 billion shortfall in the state’s budget, Governor Schwarzenegger called a special session of the state legislature on June 30th to close the gap but the state’s Republicans held firm against the frantic demands of the tax-tax-tax, spend-spend-spend and spend some more Democrats.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Treasury Ready to Throw Away Billions
   Economics piece by Offsite (7/1/09)

The U.S. Treasury has apparently found another way to lose more taxpayer money. Perhaps $9 billion down the drain, unless changes are made soon.

Fox News Breaks Records on Cable News
   Information piece by Offsite (7/1/09)

The Fox News Channel is having its best year ever and aired all 10 of the top-rated cable news shows in the second quarter of 2009.

ABC Pulls John Stossel’s Canadian Healthcare Piece
   Shadow Government piece by Offsite (7/1/09)

John Stossel, ABC News’ co-anchor of “20/20” and a New York Times best-selling author, likes to take a skeptical look at a wide array of issues, but hold the phone on his new healthcare special - it was pulled to make room for yet more coverage of Michael Jackson.

‘Why aren’t Arizona high schools teaching civics?‘
   EdukShun piece by GoldwaterInstitute: Matthew Ladner (7/1/09)

Just in time to celebrate Independence Day, the Goldwater Institute will release its new report, “Freedom from Responsibility: A Survey of Civic Knowledge Among Arizona High School Students,“ which reveals only 3.5 percent of Arizona high school students have learned the basic history, government and geography necessary to pass the U.S. Citizenship test.

CEI Files EPA’s Own Suppressed Report
   Global Warming piece by Offsite (7/1/09)

Public Should Have Right to Review, Comment on Gov’t Report - Washington, D.C., June 30, 2009 - The Competitive Enterprise Institute today is demanding that the Environmental Protection Agency allow public comment on an internal global warming report that the agency itself suppressed.

May The Investment Force Be With You
   Economics piece by Guest: Steve Selengut (7/1/09)

Investment markets got you down, Bunkie? Been blown away by derivative stun guns?  When will portfolio market values move back to 2007 levels—- and then what will you do about it?

EPA Did Not Release Internal Global Warming Report
   Global Warming piece by Offsite (7/1/09)

(CNSNews) - The EPA did not publicly release a March report that raised questions about the validity of the agency’s conclusions that carbon emissions are a cause of global warming and a danger to human health—primary assumptions behind the cap-and-trade bill that passed the House on Friday.

America, the Silly Nation
   Society piece by Alan Caruba (7/1/09)

As we prepare to celebrate Independence Day, we will hear about our Founding Fathers, about those who fought our wars to preserve and safeguard our nation, and other men and women who contributed to the nation’s greatness.

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Mousavi, Ahmadinejad, and Israel
   Middle East piece by Gerald A. Honigman (6/30/09)

You know, this really isn’t difficult to understand.

‘What If Diogenes Shined His Lantern on Washington???‘
   Government piece by Thomas D. Segel (6/30/09)

Harlingen, Texas, June 28, 2009: It is a tale of ancient Greece.  Diogenes, the Cynic wandered the earth most of his life, holding his lantern high and searching for an honest man.  For him the task was impossible, because he believed that men and women lived lives dictated by specific rules and therefore no one was truthful or honest.

Pursuing Failure
   Government piece by Geoff Metcalf (6/30/09)

“Government’s view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.“ —Ronald Reagan - In the perpetual battle of ‘us’ versus ‘them’ and the left/right spitting match-rock fight, it is oftentimes too easy for ideology and partisanship to overshadow reality.  Both the “Us” team and the “Them” team are rock solid convinced they are right, the other guys are wrong and don’t want to confused with any facts that contradict their preconceived opinions and prejudices.  Meanwhile, the nation is pretty evenly divided between mutually exclusive polar opposites. The gospel according to the left and the gospel according to the right do not synthesize and it there is any room for reasonable compromise the disciples flat out reject it on principle (or stubbornness).

Monday, June 29, 2009

U.S. Is a Spending Train Wreck
   Economics piece by Offsite (6/29/09)

Former Federal Reserve Board governor Frederic Mishkin said the government’s loose fiscal policy could turn into a disaster.

A New Religion Masquerading As Christianity, Part 2
   Religion piece by Guest: Marsha West (6/29/09)

When I was a liberal I loved mocking the Bible.  I’d get giddy arguing with conservatives over Bible stories that to me were ludicrous.  One example is the biblical account of Moses parting the Red Sea to help the Israelites escape Pharaoh’s pursuing army.  Boy did I scoff at that one!  I categorized Christians who bought into the miraculous signs and wonders in the Bible as “unenlightened twits.”

Oh, Those Pesky Prophets Who Won’t Leave America Alone
   Culture War piece by Rev Bresciani (6/29/09)

This week in America three celebrities passed away without warning. Reviews on the life of pop culture icon Michael Jackson was at the top of most news programs along with some questions about the manner of his death. Does our penchant for this kind of story indicate anything about our national state of mind? Let’s see.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

‘Editorial: Regular Unleaded For $2.27 Today In Springfield, IL?‘
   Energy piece by Editor (6/28/09)

Multiple stations offered Unleaded for $2.27!  Over the last week, Unleaded prices have varied from $2.65 down to the $2.27 low.  At some stations, gas with Ethanol was 0.15 less than without - duh! At a couple of stations in one locality Unleaded Premium was cheaper than Unleaded Regular!  Needless to say, I filled up with Unleaded Premium.

Eco-Minister Flunks Global Warming Test
   Global Warming piece by Guest: Dennis T. Avery (6/28/09)

CHURCHVILLE, VA - When last we heard from Australian Senator Steve Fielding, he had paid his own way to a Washington, D.C. conference of climate skeptics - and armed himself with some questions about why Australia needs heavy carbon taxes on its energy use.

Keep Your Health Care Option
   Health Care piece by Grant Swank (6/28/09)

Do you want Canadian socialized so-called health care? Not.

No Jewish Identity
   Culture War piece by Gary Krasner (6/28/09)

Antisemitism is rampant in Europe, with record numbers of attacks and even killings of Jews——for being Jewish!  Hence the name “antisemitism.“  An antisemitic incident occurred in NYC.  But listening to the lamentations of NYS Speaker of the Assembly Sheldon Silver (D-Manhattan), you’d never know it was a hate crime against Jews.