What’s interesting in the news today?
Open Thread, as always.
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This is just sad. No consequences.
From FoxNews
“Free to do as he pleases, living out his days in the suburbs of northern New Jersey, a Syrian national who is a known associate of the 9/11 hijackers never has to worry about deportation by the U.S. government, according to an investigation by Fox Files.
With nearly 400,000 people waiting for U.S. citizenship, Daoud Chehazeh last November received political asylum for a third time after a series of bureaucratic screw ups at the federal level, according to a review of court documents and interviews with former federal and state investigators.”
“Bukowski and Bush say they still believe there was an unknown relationship between al-Awlaki, Chehazeh and Rababah. At least five of the hijackers were tied to these men. And it is striking that the 9/11 Commission report makes no reference to Chehazeh.”
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I wonder if they want to GPS track him, like they do the general public? Probably not. That might be profiling or something. 🙄
But at least some on both sides are standing up for the public.
From CNetNews
“A bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced a new bill, known as the Geolocation Privacy and Surveillance Act, to force law enforcement to obtain a warrant to track suspects with GPS devices.
The bill, which was introduced to Congress yesterday, is sponsored by Reps. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) and Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.), as well as Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and House judiciary committee ranking member Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.). If passed, it would provide a “legal framework” that provides clear guidelines on when and how GPS devices can be accessed and used.”
“The legislation was introduced a day after the government argued before a federal appeals court that warrantless GPS tracking is an important part of the law enforcement process. The government’s attorneys have argued that GPS devices can be used to “gather information to establish probable cause, which is often the most productive use of such devices.” Requiring a warrant means being forced to establish probable cause before that and ultimately limit the value of GPS devices.”
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The more we know, the worse it gets. The job killing/hours cutting by ObamaCare continues.
“Over one-third of the 9.1 million full-time jobs among America’s diverse business franchises could be cut back or eliminated by Obamacare as small businesses struggle to maintain profitability while coughing up money to pay for Washington-mandated health care coverage, according to the International Franchise Association.
The threat of hitting 3.2 million full-time workers as the Affordable Care Act takes effect next year is prompting the owners of fast food restaurants, service companies and other franchises to urge Congress to make significant changes in Obamacare.
To help their cause, the association on Friday released a new state-by-state breakdown on the potential impact on jobs in the bull’s eye of Obamacare, which declares that a 30-hour week is full-time, not the industry accepted 40 hours. That 10-hour difference has thousands of franchise owners scrambling to either fund healthcare for those working 30 hours, or cut hours back to below 30 hours.”
But wait, there’s more.
From TheWallStJournal
“Health insurers are privately warning brokers that premiums for many individuals and small businesses could increase sharply next year because of the health-care overhaul law, with the nation’s biggest firm projecting that rates could more than double for some consumers buying their own plans.
The projections, made in sessions with brokers and agents, provide some of the most concrete evidence yet of how much insurance companies might increase prices when major provisions of the law kick in next year—a subject of rigorous debate.”
The projected increases are at odds with what the Obama Administration says consumers should be expecting overall in terms of cost. The Department of Health and Human Services says that the law will “make health-care coverage more affordable and accessible,” pointing to a 2009 analysis by the Congressional Budget Office that says average individual premiums, on an apples-to-apples basis, would be lower.”
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Meanwhile, the DHS refuses to answer questions about their massive ammo purchases. Meanwhile the shortage is hitting not only legal gun owners, but police as well.
From CNSNews
“The nationwide shortage of ammunition has left many police departments scrambling to get their hands on the necessary rounds – with some even bartering among each other.
Meanwhile, Rep. Timothy Huelskamp (R-Kansas) says the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has failed to respond to multiple members of Congress asking why DHS bought more than 1.6 billion rounds in the past year.
Police Chief Cameron Arthur of Jenks, Oklahoma says, “Ammunition and assault weapons in general have skyrocketed…In addition to the fact, not only is it a lot more expensive, but the time to get it could be six months to a year, or in some cases even longer.”
And in NY, the lawsuits against the unconstitutional gun grab there have begun.
From FoxNews
“The National Rifle Association on Thursday joined the the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association, other sportsmen’s groups, firearms businesses and individual gun owners in a lawsuit challenging the state’s strict new gun control law.
The federal suit, filed in Buffalo, said the law violates the constitutional rights of “law-abiding citizens to keep commonly possessed firearms in the home for defense of self and family and for other lawful purposes.”
“The challenge takes aim at two key provisions of the law: a lower limit on magazine capacity and an expansion of the state’s assault weapons ban to include some popular and formerly legal semi-automatic rifles.”
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Yesterday DrivesGuy/Joe B. linked to this story from CBS12.com
“A student at Florida Atlantic University’s campus in Davie says he couldn’t believe what he and his fellow students were asked to do by their instructor three weeks ago.
Ryan Rotela, a junior from Coral Springs at FAU, said what happened was an insult to his intelligence.
He said the instructor in his Intercultural Communications class at FAU told everyone in the class to take out a piece of paper, write the word JESUS on it in bold letters, and then put the paper on the floor and stomp on it.”
Well now we have a little more info on the FAU professor in question, and some of his other associations and fellow comrades. And no, not surprising.
From BizPacReview
“A South Florida college professor’s bizarre classroom antics have made waves for their shocking display of religious intolerance. But they were even more instructive in educating the rest of us on the alarming thought process of yet another Palm Beach County Democratic leader.”
“While the incident has made the news, the media has failed to report a key component of Poole’s resume: He is vice-chairman of the Palm Beach County Democratic Party. His recent actions add fire to an already-disturbing pattern of hate coming out of the local party.”
“Mark Siegel, the former chairman of the county Democratic Party, was forced to resign in September under a barrage of criticism over an anti-Christian tirade at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C.”
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Wandering Views 
The country is bankrupt? “No problem,” says Joe Biden…
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2297650/Joe-Bidens-hotel-night-Paris-whopping-585-000.html
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From the Washington Times, end of a long article.
Those who promoted negotiations and reached out to the Islamic regime in hopes of changing its behavior have not only failed, but also have created a dangerous situation that could haunt the world for many years to come.
A nuclear armed Islamic regime in Iran at the least could become a nuclear proliferation nightmare in which humanity, world peace and global stability could become hostage. The clock is ticking, and it seems the West still fails to understand the ramifications of its failure.”
This by Reza Khalill. That is the pseudonym of the Iranian who spied for the CIA and wrote A Time to Betray, which I have read, and recommend.
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The Paleo Conservatives, including one on this blog, argue that the Iran nuclear weapons program is inconsequential to Americn interests; therefore let Israel alone deal with it. In fact a nuclear weaponed Iran would be an existential threat to Israel, our strongest Middle Eastern ally and would set off a nuclear arms race that would dangerously destabilize that region.
Obama claims to have given Iran a year to end it’s nuclear program or face a devastating military battle from both America and Israel. We shall see whether this is typically deceptive rhetoric or the real thing. In fact the only hope for a diplomatic solution of this terrible problem is a serious and credible military threat.
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Democrats tell lies about everything. They are evil.
ObamaCare is a Potemkin village. It will end up being National Health Care paid for by the taxpayers. Our taxes will go up at least 17% because that is the share of GDP that health care costs now. All health care professionals will have to work for the government. Is this the right thing to do? To force a whole segment of society to change from independent contractors to government workers? Is it fair to force a whole country to go to only a government run business?
Again, Democrats tell lies about everything. They are evil. And stupid. And wrong.
Muslims are out to convert everyone to Islam. Their “missionaries” carry guns and knives. If you don’t convert they kill you and/or cut off your head. And if you choose the wrong version of Islam they treat you as an infidel. They punish women with rape. They have sex with little boys, until the little boys start growing body hair. They treat their camels better than they treat their wives and daughters.
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Here is an article from a British liberal admitting they got it all wrong on immigration:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2297776/SATURDAY-ESSAY-Why-Left-epic-mistake-immigration.html
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Obamacare. Oy. Robert is probably right. Health care will never be the same. (I’ve already mentioned here how my veterinarian’s son, a recent med school grad with top honors, is re-thinking private practice because of the government’s strong-armed control over medicine in years to come; and I wonder if my own GP will decide now to just retire; sad).
http://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2013/03/obamacare-isnt-forever-but-whats-next-is-worse.php
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What has the Left got correct? Anytime? Anywhere? About anything?
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Sails, This is Rick W. One reason to let Israel deal with Iran is that Israel’s government is somewhat competent. Ours is not.
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Rick W., I agree ttat our political government is for the most part laughably incompetent, though our warriors when not shackled by the bleeding-heart left and isolationist sentiment is lethally competent. Together with the Israeli military, we are likely capable of devastating damage to Iran’s nuclear weapon’s capability.
Given such high American stakes, we would be irresponsible not to help Israel.. Further, Krauthammer’s view is that Israel without sophisticated American bunker-busting weaponry may not be capable of effectively dealing with Iran’s underground sites.
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Thanks for the birthday wishes and no Robert I’m not at 50 just 45.
kbells — I read the news republic article on Francis. There’s nothing new — the two priests present somewhat contradictory testimony; one priest prior to this death said he had been abandoned, the other still alive and in the church says there’s a better understanding and they’ve reconciled. However, all parties agree that the Argentine church hierarchy wasn’t clean during the dirty war. The question is to the pope’s personal role.
Interesting juxtaposition by Rachel Maddow (yes I know she’s a flaming liberal in more than one way) who shows real time coverage of CNN, MSNBC and FOX while Obama was receiving the Medal of Distinction from the Israelis.
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2013/03/22/rachel-maddow-fox-news-calls-obama-enemy-of-israel-as-israel-gives-him-highest-award-video/
It appears the Israelis are not so worried about Obama than some Americans.
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Sails, how do you know a “nuclear arms race” will ensue if America doesn’t get involved? And why is Israel’s existence threatened if we don’t? If they feel threatened by a nuke, they can act. They’ve done that kind of thing before.
I love how so many conservatives just insist on staying so involved over there. Like there’s some great Nirvana there that we’ve managed to create and foster. Like we always do everywhere. Yeah right.
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The ACA continues to be Obama’s greatest accomplishment and greatest failure. Accomplishment because it passed and is being implemented. Failure because its the wrong plan. The Bob Dole/Heritage Foundation plan was used in the naive hope of obtaining Republican cooperation. Instead he should’ve taken lessons from other countries who have through trial and error have found better means to deliver health care to its populace. In the end, the US will need to install some form of single payer to eliminate the confusing and duplication of the present system.
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I’m a little confused by the nuclear arms race comment by Sails. If Iran produces nuclear weapons which country will respond with their own nuclear program? Israel already has nuclear weapons. The Turks have NATO. Pakistan and India already have nukes. The Emirate States will not be happy but will rely on the US navy (and Saudis) for their security which is no different than the present. Its hardly likely the Iranians will threaten Mecca with nukes so which country will need to respond to Iran’s nukes by initiating its own program? Somewhat ironically, Iraq may feel inclined to start a program. However, its hardly in the economic position nor is it politically coherent enough to engage in such a program if faced with disapproval from the rest of the world.
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Should Shiite Iran achieve nuclear weapon capability, most Middle East analysts predict that major Sunni nations including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey will go nuclear. Even Shiite Iraq would be tempted. Given Ahmadinejad’s and Khameini’s clearly stated threats to annihilate Israel, that nation has compelling reason to preemptively attack Iran.
Obama, finally recognizing the gravity of a nuclear weaponized Iran, has stated in clear terms that Iran must not be allowed to have nuclear weapons; further, he has set a deadline of a year for Iran to scuttle its nuclear weapons program or face a devastating military battle from America and Israel.Though he is is ideologically a bleeding-heart liberal, he appears to be listening to the compelling intelligence that a nuclear armed Iran would be inimical to vital western and Middle East interests.
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The Sunni — Shia split isn’t enough to compel Egypt or others to contemplate the bomb. Egypt has had previous aspirations and has some of the technology needed but has yet to make that step. Israel’s possession of nukes rather than Iran’s would be the causal agent in any decision. Turkey already has about 90 nuclear weapons courtesy of US/NATO bases. They don’t need to develop nukes, they already have it. As for the Saudis; they have little to fear from Iran other than Iranian encroachment on the Emirates and the latter’s security is guaranteed by the US. Iraq is the only wildcard even with its Shiite government and given its instability, the only threat Iraq needs to worry about is a conventional invasion by Iran.
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So, HRW, what is your view of what action America and Israel should take given Iran’s intensive effort to become a nuclear-weapon power? Should they merely fold their tents and hope for the best or fight diplomatically with a credible military threat and, if necessary, militarily.action.
Don’t kid yourself about Sunni Saudi Arabia’s and Egypt’s fear of a nuclear weaponized Iran. Turkey’s nuclear weapons are controlled by NATO, hardly by Itself. All Middle Eastern nations, not controlled or influenced by Islamist Iran and al Quaeda, are deeply fearful of a nuclear weaponized Iran.
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I would give our bunker busting weaponry to Israel, assuming they have not already been given it, or stolen it, or developed better weapons themselves.
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I would like an iron asteroid/comet of about 100 meters in diameter to hit the newest Iranian nuclear weapons making site. Where are Bruce Willis and Ben Affleck (Armagedon 1998) when you need them?
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Ricky, we have given Israel some of our best bunker busting weapons, though not the technology. Of course, Israel will figure out the technology. The real problem appears to be that Israel lacks sufficient Air Force strength to effectively destroy Iran’s underground nuclear sites.
Presumably, not being a banana republic, with vital American interests at stake, we ought to have the cojones to credibly threaten a fight, and if necessary, carry it out with unrelenting military force. Eisenhower was the modern master of credible military threat, though he was the only post WW II president who didn’t involve the nation in a war. Both Stalin and Mao thoroughly feared him. Evan Thomas’s recent book, Ike’s Bluff spells this out in spades.
Our problem in recent years is a lack of really tough military threat combined with the futile notion of limited war that bogged us down in Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Ike once told JFK that, if he were serious about a fight in Vietnam, he should desist from dithering in South Vietnam and threaten in no uncertain terms to march a few divisions along with major air support up to Hanoi.
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Wow. That would have left even more civilians slaughtered. And for what? Does Scripture inform any of this bluster and bloodshed? Scores of our own and many more civilians have died for a lie in Iraq; Afghanistan is futile; and we have a continuing history of just plain bewilderment in the ME. This machismo thing isn’t working.
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Eisenhower was a fine president of a great country. The finances and competence of the current US government look like those of a banana republic.
We have not fought even a semi-competent enemy since Vietnam. This means that virtually no one in the US military has fought against a competent opponent. Israel has successfully dealt with Arabs since 1948. With God’s help (and maybe a few US weapons) I believe Israel can take care of Iran.
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Ike’s military could back up his threats. Our current military has only a fraction of the strength it had when Reagan left office. In ten years, it will probably be largely female and/or homosexual. Heaven help us if we get in a war with a nation that will actually fight back.
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Sails —
I’m not entirely convinced Iran is intent on building a bomb. US intelligence and other countries (mainly the French) have been saying a bomb was imminent since the 90s but nothing has happened. Its a bit like the boy who called the wolf — at a certain point they have no credibility. The IAEA who has been conducting inspections since the 90s has issued inconclusive reports since the 90s.
Part of what is happening now is the stubbornness of Iranian leaders insisting they won’t be bossed around by the West. And for a regime deeply unpopular at home this policy is supported by the majority of Iranians. The sanctions are beginning to hurt though and many who approve of the nuclear program wish the regime would make an explicit renunciation of a weapons program.
Given the technology and uranium Iran already possess there is no doubt they could’ve built a bomb by now. If Pakistan (and possibly North Korea) did it, there’s really nothing preventing the Iranians. The current posturing may simply be a regime using sanctions and external enemies to shore up domestic support.
The hypocrisy of the West is also on full display here. By turning a blind eye to Israel’s nuclear program, the West has made it clear its bias. Something that might defuse this situation is an effort by the West to exchange Israeli commitment to discontinue their weapons program for Iranian cooperation.
I’m also not entirely convinced Israel is being honest in their perspective of Iran. Israel is probably using the nuclear issue as a means to punish Iran for its support of Hezbollah and Hamas.
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Ike didn’t like war, especially wars he saw as unnecessary. Thus he was quite happy to end the Korean War right where it started; with a divided Korea.
I’m not sure how much Stalin feared Eisenhower — The latter became president when the former died. I have no doubt Stalin and Mao respected him; something the American anti-communists did not.
Ike supported the policy of containment and favored coups in places like Guatemala, Iran, and the Congo which he thought might join the communist camp. However, when given the chance to roll back communism, in Hungary for example, he declined to intervene. He didn’t attempt to bluff or bluster he simply contained the communist threat. And whether Ike would’ve fought Vietnam differently is pure speculation. We do know how he ended the Korean War and I’m quite sure he would’ve been happy with a similar solution in Vietnam.
My impression on Ike were shaped by the new biography: Eisenhower in War and Peace. In this biography you are given a vision of a president of a general who wished to avoid war. Eisenhower cut defense spending and warned of a military industrial complex which would make war more likely to occur. And would be tempting by its profit making potential.
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Of course, Eisenhower wanted to avoid war, though he, also, wanted to defeat the Communists. He did so with strong and credible military threats. He ended the Korean War by threatening bothth the Koreans with tactical nuclear weapons. The fundamental point is that Eisenhower effectively deterred the Soviets through vigorous diplomacy and covert action, He was well prepared to fight for the allies in Western Europe, something. Stalin knew well.
Also, Stalin was in office for a year during Eisenhower’s first term. There is ample evidence that he feared Eisenhower including during the earlier when Ike headed NATO.
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Eisenhower was swore in on January 20 1953. Stalin died March 5, 1953.
Eisenhower practiced containment not roll back. He like any US president was prepared to protect Western European but that’s no different than any post war president. Stalin and later Khrushchev knew this but they also knew that the US including Eisenhower would leave eastern Europe out to dry. So beyond inconsequential support for partisans in the Polish Ukrainian border area which ended in the early 50s (and featured groups who fought each other as much as they fought the Soviets and Polish Communists), the west did nothing even when the events of 1956 offered a perfect opportunity. An early indicator of western policy was the Berlin airlift to support West Berlin yet Eisenhower did nothing to help the East Berlin revolt in 1953.
There was no policy to defeat the communists only contain them.
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The long run policy was to defeat the Communists, which was finally carried out in 1989. The short term policy was containment. that was achieved through hard not soft power.
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Focus on the Family continues to fight against the darkness:
http://www.focusonthefamily.com/socialissues/defending-your-values/day-of-dialogue.aspx
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So Sails, Eisenhower is no different than any other president — pursue containment not roll back. Containment was a policy achievement but a variety of means — military, covert, diplomatic, trade, trade sanctions, outright bribes,etc. Some presidents were good at it some not so much.
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There’s no way to know how much containment was a result of external vs. internal factors, among other uncertainties.
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