Pre-Natal Redline

(Image by Eric Allie)

After leaving the mudslide area in WA State, Obama toured several Asian nations that are still considered allies--so far.  One of the purposes of this Pacific Jaunt was to reassure jittery allies that we've got their back if China decides to "go all Crimea" on any of them.

But Our Dear Leader is a politician and a leftist one at that.  So of course he had to add this bit o' newspeak:  "The treaty between the U.S. and Japan preceded my birth, so obviously this isn't the red line I'm drawing..."

(Possible translation:  "I'd love to side with my communist brethren behind the Great Wall on this one, but hey, my hands are tied").

Comrade Karla felt Obama was telling Japan--you're on your own.

A a short discussion then ensued:

That is a fatlly flawed article - how does our NATO obligations cover the Senkakus?!?

I am less irked at POTUS's statement -- he made it clear that we consider the Senkakus covered by our umbrella over Japan.  That's remarkably forthright in laying down a red line (OK, maybe a poor choice of words for this goombah).  I agree that the ultimate DIPLOMATIC resolution is none of our business and we have no dog in the fight, but to say we consider an attack on the Senkakus an attack on Japan is pretty strong for this diplo-loser president

Part of me thinks he’s trying to be as incoherent as possible so that later any “interpretation” desired can be put on past statements.

Yes -- he's a little gun shy at the term "red line" given his past stupidity.  And, I agree -- it's pretty weaselly and chicken-sh** to say "it's not my deal but I guess I'm stuck with it."

Meanwhile, the AP points out that while the U.S. is drawing down, China's splurging.

Maybe my wargaming buddies and I should be playing the new--and eerily timely--game Breaking the Chains: War in the South China Sea.

Well, no matter what the next several years bring, I'm sure the Obama acolytes will be too busy devoting themselves to the Dear Leader Library to care about what happens half-a-world away.

(Image by Glenn McCoy)

I'm sure the section the Tea Party, Republicans, and Conservatives will be chock-full of books.

Empty Rhetoric and Dissappearance of Will

(Image by Bob Gorrell)

Yesterday, Obama visited the site of last month's landslide.  He spoke words of praise and comfort to everyone affected by, or involved in, the disaster.

But otherwise, Our Dear Leader's words, like "...you can keep your doctor. Period..." leave much to be desired.  So much so, that a couple of commentators have referred to Obama as "The Asterisk President."

And it's not Obama's lies that's getting noticed, especially by adversary nations.  It's the  disappearance of America's will to confront foes abroad.  As Miss Glick points out, this abdication of our world-wide responsibilities isn't limited to leftist politicians, but has also influencing the conservative rank & file.

Washington Landslide Update #8: Presidential Visit

Earlier today, Obama visited Oso and talked with families, victims and first responders.

The Washington State Emergency Operations Center (OEC) is still activated at Phase-III (full activation).

Last I heard, we've recovered all but one missing person. 

This is the longest activation most of us have been involved in.  One of my older coworkers remembers only one other activation being longer--the 9/11 attack.

Recontaining Russia

(Image by Michael Ramirez)

Apparently, the White House is gearing-up for a "Cold War Lite" against Putin's Russia.

(Image by Bob Gorrell)

Comrade Karla wondered if the "grown up" faction in the White House is trying to assert itself.

This may be true, but I also think there's a certain amount of "Jilted Lover Syndrome" involved.

(Image by Michael Ramirez)

Happy Easter!

Tardy "Abandon Ship" Order

(Image from FOX News)

Yesterday, tragedy struck South Korea when The Sewol,  a ferry carrying 475 people, 325 of them high school students, capsized and sank. 

(Image from Naples News)

It's now being reported that the abandon ship order was given too late.



 

 

It's sad--and eerie--that a similar delay in getting passengers to safety occurred 102 years and two days ago.

 

Silence About Stabbing Spree

(Image from USA Today)

A week ago, 16 year old Alex Hribal went on a stabbing spree in his high school near Pittsburgh, PA. 

Fortunately none of his fellow students were killed during his rampage.  I was on duty at the time and I noticed that media coverage wasn't overwhelming--like it would have been if a gun

I didn't write about this incident back then, because I'm a "one-man station."  The "buzz-worthy" story of the day was Kathleen Sebelius' resignation.  Also, not all the facts were in at the time, and I wanted to see how this story unfolded.

But since then--silence.

Earlier today, Our Dear Leader gave a speech at another high school within 30 miles of where their fellow students were knifed and said--nothing.

Apparently, crimes committed with edged weapons--which have been around far longer than firearms--doesn't fit the gun controllers' narrative.

Carjacking--Russian Style

(Image by Gary Varvel)

While many leftists within the Ramparts of Civilization worry about ruffling the feathers of illegal immigrants, gays, Muslims and feminists; the real (maybe-not-so) former commies in Russia continue to stoke the fires of revolt in the Ukraine.

Their latest stunt:  Carjacking Ukrainian armored personnel carriers (APCs). 
Message traffic with my friends was somewhat chaotic this morning as this story unfolded and, as to be expected, there were conflicting reports.

And while Russian troops play a LARP (Live Action Role Playing)-version of Grand Theft Auto, Our Dear Leader has "...vowed repeatedly to enact biting sanctions against Russia's vital economic sectors..."

Meanwhile, closer to the action both sides have been "flexing their muscles" and the Ukrainians managed to take back an airport--for now. 

Austin Bay provides an analytical summary and calls-out the actions of Russian provocateurs.

The Common Theme in "Debates"

(Image by Chip Bok)

The past couple of weeks, I've posted a few stories about attempts to stifle the dissenting opinions among those of us who aren't part of the Great Leftist Collective. 

 

Mark Steyn spells out why this is so dangerous--even for leftists--in his latest article, The Slow Death of Free Speech. 

 

He also posted an intro on his webpage with a humorous image of "The Spectator's" front cover. 

Standoff in the Silver State

(Image by Glenn McCoy)

This past weekend a family of cattle ranchers fended off a band of rustlers from Bureaustan.

I've known for years that the federal government owned just about everything in Nevada outside the city limits of Reno and Las Vegas.  I've never been concerned about this until now.  It looks like the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is following a similar template the National Park Service used during the government shutdown.

While The Diplomad feels this is "all England's fault," I'm just as concerned as Mark Steyn is over the idea that every federal agency seems to have SWAT-equipped paramilitary troops.

The situation doesn't appear to be over either. At least not according to DC city-slicker Harry Reid.

52% Say Taxes Too High

(Image by Steve Breen)

According to the latest Gallup Poll:  52% of Americans think taxes are too high.

I'm surprised this number isn't higher, especially after the on-going IRS "phony scandal"

The concluding line of the article strikes a chord with every taxpayer:  ...all groups seem to recognize the IRS isn't underfunded, either.

Talk about an understatement of bipartisanship. 

(Image by Gary Varvel)

A Real Deadline--For A Change...

(Image by Glenn McCoy)

The Precidence of Fabrication

(Image from The NY Post circa 1997)

Many of you know I'm a big fan of Mark Steyn and have mentioned in passing his legal woes against warm-monger Michael Mann. 

Mark's "crime" is violating the First Law of Climatology:   Thou shall not question the word of a Climatologist High Priest.

Mark has pointed out--repeatedly--that a lot of other people have questioned Mann's modus operandi and even called him out on some outright fabrications.

  But fabrications by (in)famous people isn't anything new.  Mark's latest article nicely ties his current legal battle with the life-long tall tale of M Larry Lawrence (aka "Larry the Liar").

Once Larry's lies came to light his body was hauled out of Arlington National Cemetery.

But that was back in the 90s.

Now in the Era of Hope and Change, we have a president who--depending on whom you ask--was born in either Hawaii or Kenya.  Who knows?  A lot of things about Our Dear Leader's pre-presidential have been sealed off from public scrutiny.

As a result, telling fibs, even under the guise of "family lore," doesn't bar you from employment at Ivy League Schools--and even elevate one to Congress.  Just ask "Fauxcahontas Crockagawea." 

(Image by Michael Ramirez)

Disgrace Continues from the First Fort Hood Shooting

(Image by Nick Anderson)

I was upset when I heard the victims of the First Fort Hood Shooting were denied Purple Hearts because they casualties of "workplace violence."

Since the Second Fort Hood Shooting, the shameful neglect of the first batch of victims has come to light among the general public.  Or at least to those who pay attention to such things.

Mark Steyn rolls-in and takes no prisoners, calling the re-victimization of the first victims a national disgrace.

(Image by Margulies)

Sebelius Out But Obamacare Problems Remain

(Image by Steve Breen)

Earlier this week, Sebelius got the  "ultimate Obamacare promotion--unemployed."

Actually, after five years on her salary I'm sure Ms. Sebelius will do fine. 
She may even get an honorary degree from Brandeis U, who'll merely dab some whiteout on the one they were suppose to give Ayaan Hirsi Ali. 

While Obamacare may get a new leading lady, the understudy will be plagued by the same old problems.

Provided she gets congressional approval to step out of the wings in the first place.

The Gallup Poll also suggests there will be no "bump" from Sebelius' departure.

More like "Iceberg dead ahead!"

The Left's March to Outlaw Debate

 

First, Brendan Eich got the axe from Mozilla for not embracing gay marriage six years ago. 

 

Then, Ayaan Hirsi Ali got denied an honorary degree from Brandeis for offending Islamofacists for being an Islamic apostate criticizing things like female genital mutilation and honor killings.

 

Charles Krauthammer ties this up nicely with his Thought Police on Patrol article.

 

 And without debate, then leftists are free to ban whatever strikes their fancy, like orcas at aquatic parks, and pony rides at fairs and farmer's markets.

Brandeis U Bows to the Islamofacists

 

Earlier this week, Brandeis University pulled the rug out from the famous Islamo-critic Ayaan Hirsi Ali.

 

 Miss Ali was suppose to give a commencement speech and the university and was to confer an honorary degree upon her.  One would think that Miss Ali had all the bona fides leftists love:  She's black, she's from an impoverished country (Somalia), she's an atheist and--oh yeah--she's a woman.

 

However, as Mark Steyn explains, there's a specific hierarchy of identity politics, and Miss Ali comes up short by not being a Muslim anymore.

 

Which had/still has the usual suspects frothing with the usual outrage.

And the "...wretched, jelly-spined nothing eunuchs..." of Brandeis folded like a cheap tent.

Breaking News: Kathleen Sebelius Resigns

(Image by Nate Beeler)

Earlier today, Kathleen Sebelius resigned.

(Image from The People's Cube)

Kathleen's off the case and Sylvia Burwell from the Office of Budget and Management is suppose to fend off the Obamacare Gremlins.

The Wreckage of Obama's Foreign Policy

(Image by Nate Beeler)

Recent events outside the Ramparts of Western Civilization have validated the need for a two-front war strategy and an appropriate force structure to fight these front & back conflicts.

However, Team Obama is still Hell-bent on neutering American military might, which is a key inhibitor of using force to defend an ally--any ally--like, say, Estonia. 

Meanwhile, in at least one Ukrainian city, protesters "just happen" to ask for assistance from Russian troops across the border.

One friend made an excellent observation, that instead of one large World War, the nightmare scenario would be...

...over-lapping crises.  Unfortunately, that is not an unlikely scenario.  Russia has already validated the idea that, if you act quickly and decisively, you can create facts on the ground that the U.S. and our allies will not significantly challenge.

To which Comrade Karla responded:

Except that the dolts currently ruling us don’t seem to understand that unilateral disarmament and other such pipe dreams increase the risk of war; they don’t decrease it!

 

But "...the dolts currently ruling us..." do seem to understand how to demonize their political opponents...

 

(Image by Bob Gorrell)

 

 

Hierarchy of Rights Among a Republic of Dullards

(Image from:  The People's Cube) 

To a leftist, not all rights are created equal.  There's a pecking order, a hierarchy of rights (subject to change) that doesn't merely demand "acceptance," but absolute, 100%, complete and total agreement--and hence conformity--to the idea of gay marriage.

Or else.

Not only are the folks who believe in traditional marriage being purged and excommunicated, but so are Climate Change "deniers."  Just as Mark Steyn has found out...

(Image from:  The Steyn Line Store)

Sore Winners Celebrating Conformity

(Image from:  www.veooz.com)

Like Chick-fil-A and Duck Dynasty, Mozilla Firefox recently came under fire by militant members of the gay community.

Back in '08 Brendan Eich, the now-former CEO of the company, made a campaign contribution supporting California's Proposition 8--banning gay marriage.  It's not like he advocated violence against gays, or even said anything derogatory towards gays.  He simply plunked down a mere $1000 of his own money to--legally--support a political cause he believed in.

Apparently, this was grounds for dismissal in the Firefox Fatherland. 

Gay marriage is being approved and enacted across the nation, via state legislatures, or when the vote goes against the gay grain--overturned by the state judiciaries--as happened in California.

But sheez!  Talk about sore winners!

Such volk believe you don't deserve a job if you're not marching in lock-step with them.

Nothing like "celebrating" conformity. 

2nd Mass Shooting at Ft. Hood

(Image by Bob Gorrell)

A second mass shooting occurred at Fort Hood, TX, yesterday.  I was on duty and was watching the news unfold.  The initial reports were sketchy and by the time I left all the news agencies were waiting for a news conference.

What a few of my like-minded coworkers and I find inconceivable is the whole concept of military members being unarmed and therefore, helpless against lone gunmen. 

(Image by Chip Bok)

Here's the latest info about the shooting--and the shooter Ivan Lopez--from FOX News and Breitbart.

Continuing his "lead from behind" modus operandi, Our Dear Leader said some appropriate words--then jetted off to a fundraiser.



Washington Landslide Update #7: Presidential Declaration

The official name of the mudslide has changed again to "SR530 Slide."  "SR" meaning "State Route."

Today, Obama declared the event a major disaster. 

Obamacare "Mission Accomplished"

(Image by Nate Beeler)

Yesterday, Our Dear Leader trumpeted "Mission Accomplished" for Obamacare.  That is, 7.1-ish million people are now supposedly enrolled in the (Not So) Affordable Care Act. 

Now I'm no Harvard School of Business graduate, but 7 million enrollees compared to the 300 million means, let's see...7/300 = 0.023...or 2.3%...of the entire population of America is directly enrolled in Obamacare. 

This doesn't sound like a good return on an investment to me. 

But then again, we're talking about the government and not a business.

I'm sure my quick & easy calculation is probably too simplistic, or even flat-out wrong.  Even so, the smart folks at Breitbart came up with five reasons why Obama's 7.1 million number is meaningless.

Obama & Co were described as "gleeful" over reaching the coveted 7 million mark.  But similarly smart folks at Townhall remind us this in not a reason for "...much rejoicing."

What's especially irksome is the majority of folks don't want the IRS to be the Obamacare enforcers.

Despite the Democrats' collective delirium, Obamacare is still toxic for any Democrat up for re-election...

(Image by Steve Breen)