12/24/09

Chuck Muth’s News & Views – December 24, 2009

By: Chuck Muth
Citizen Outreach

MERRY CHRISTMAS – GOIN’ FISHIN’

Chuck Muth’s News & Views: The e-Newsletter will be taking a much-needed holiday hiatus until Monday; however, I’ll still post major stories, breaking news and commentary on the newsblog at www.NevadaNewsandViews.com over the weekend. Merry Christmas – and do keep a warm thought for our troops overseas!

THE MORE THINGS CHANGE…

“Yesterday, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell caved in on health care, rushing the bill through to an earlier vote so he and his buddies can make their vacations on time. Merry Christmas, from the spineless Republican leadership.”

John Tate of Campaign for Liberty

IS MITCH MCCONNELL INSANE?

“Read below and you’ll see that if the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over again expecting a different result, our fearless Minority Leader might be insane.

Senator Mitch McConnell has lost almost every major legislative battle he has managed. In the early ’90’s, he managed opposition to the Motor Voter Bill, which encouraged groups like ACORN to register fraudulent voters. McConnell refused to filibuster the motion to take up the bill – something that would have served as a key delaying tactic.

Moreover, Sen. McConnell sat by idly as sponsors of the bill played ‘let’s make a deal’ — offering amendment after amendment to buy off opponents of the bill. A bill, which initially had more than enough votes to kill it, ended up passing because of McConnell’s ill-advised strategy.

A decade later, McConnell managed the opposition to the Incumbent Protection Act a/k/a the Bipartisan Campaign Finance Reform Act to take away the free speech rights of Second Amendment groups during heated elections. McConnell threatened and cajoled to prevent Republican senators from offering ‘killer amendments’ to the bill.

McConnell explained that he would bring a lawsuit to overturn it in the courts. Well, after the bill’s passage, McConnell did bring a lawsuit. He lost.

Now, Senate Minority Leader McConnell could once again end up losing this historic battle against anti-gun ObamaCare legislation – when we have it within our power to defeat it.

…We should also point out that under Mitch McConnell’s leadership, the Senate GOP has gone from 55 Senators to 40.”

Blogger Erick Erickson, 12/19/09

THE MOST SIGNIFICANT VOTE OF THE DECADE

“Did you feel that disturbance in The Force? The one that took place about 3:35 this afternoon?

At 3:20 p.m., Independent Bernard Sanders of Vermont — acting as the presiding officer of the Senate — called a vote on a point of order against the health care overhaul bill. Fifteen minutes later, Sanders closed the vote, and the matter was done. The Republicans finally got the vote they’ve been needing all year long.

Every Senate Democrat (plus the two Independents, Joseph I. Lieberman of Connecticut and Sanders) went on record declaring that the so-called individual mandate that is the heart of the health care bill — that is, an unprecedented federal mandate that requires individuals to purchase a product in the private market, on pain of taxation should they choose to disobey — does not violate the Constitution.”

Blogger and GOP strategist Bill Pascoe

IGNORANT OR ARROGANT?

“Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is either ignorant or arrogant. Every American who has completed a high school civics class knows that one Congress cannot constitutionally bind a future Congress. It is black letter law that while the Constitution limits the power of Congress, any future Congress can repeal or re-write any law enacted by a prior Congress.

Apparently, however, Majority Leader Reid is either unaware of this basic principle or contemptuous of it. In the Managers Amendment he released this week, Senator Reid purports to prohibit any future Congress from changing a portion of the Senate Health Care Bill.

Specifically, page 1020 of Senate Bill 3590 provides: ‘It shall not be in order in the Senate or the House of Representatives to consider any bill, resolution, amendment, or conference report that would repeal or otherwise change this subsection.’ Incredible!”

Rep. John Shadegg (R-Ariz.)

IS THE CHOSEN ONE FADING?

“(Barack Obama’s) a star alright. One of his most eager admirers, Bruce Springsteen, sang at the dawn of his own emergence years back: ‘I burst just like a supernova.’ But here’s NASA’s definition of a supernova: It’s a stellar explosion, an incredibly luminous star, able to outshine a whole galaxy….before gradually fading from view. So one may ask after the first year of Obama: Is he a star for the ages, or is he fading fast?”

Columnist Dan Henninger

MUTH’S TRUTHS

First, think about what Harry Reid and the Democrats just did to shove ObamaCare up our collective wazoos, along with what Mitch McConnell and the Republicans DIDN’T do.

Then hearken back a few years when the shoe was on the other foot.

Harry Reid was in the minority and used every trick in the book to block confirmation of a number of conservatives to the federal bench. Republicans could have legitimately used the “nuclear option” to break Reid’s filibuster, but then-Majority Leader Bill Frist refused to pull the trigger.

Instead, John McCain and the Gang of 14 sold out and a number of high-quality conservative judges never even got a fair hearing, let alone an up-or-down vote.

And Republicans wonder why so many conservatives have left the GOP and gone “independent”?

Hey, guys. We don’t mind you losing the fight. We mind you not fighting the fight. Will you ever learn? Will you ever grow spines? Will pigs ever fly?

ADDITIONAL READING

“If there is any bill that deserves being stopped by shutting down the Senate, it is this one,” writes Erick Erickson of RedState.com about the ObamaCare measure currently working its way through the congressional sausage-grinder. “There are a whole series of parliamentary maneuvers that could be used by Republican senators to stop this bill.”

What are they? Read Erickson’s recommendations chapter-and-verse HERE

SURVEY SAYS!

If Jesus was born in a vacant house in Washington, DC this weekend, would you be able to find three wise men to come visit him?

  • Yes
  • No

To cast your vote in today’s online survey, click here!

FAMOUS LAST WORDS

“This country has come to feel the same when Congress is in session as we do when the baby gets hold of a hammer. It’s just a question of how much damage he can do with it before you take it away from him.”

Will Rogers”

12/24/09

Financial News Update – 12/24/09

Fannie, Freddie CEOs May Still Get Millions in Pay

Morning Bell: Coal for Christmas from the Senate

Is Obamacare a Budget Buster, Medicare Disaster, or Both?

Video: Cash for Cloture

What’s Next? Fish for Fidos

What Obamacare and the NHS Have in Common

Health care reform bill passes Senate, moves to final stage

Congress raises debt ceiling to $12.4 trillion

Budget Office Challenges Medicare Savings

Oil price climbs above $77

Schwarzenegger May Appeal to Obama as $21 Billion Deficit Defies Solution

Geithner: Job growth should resume by springtime

GOP: We’re Not Done Yet

SurvivalBlog:

Arrow Trucking suspends operations leaves hundreds of drivers stranded.

Consumer Spending in U.S. Climbs Less Than Forecast

Economy revised downward (AGAIN!).

Oil Holds Above $74 After OPEC Output Unchanged

Asian Markets Rise on Stronger US Housing Starts

November New Home Sales Seen Rising 2.3% (But only because of the temporary Federal tax credit. The bottom is is still nowhere in sight!)

Top Execs: Longer, Deeper Recession Ahead

Professional Middle Class Hardest Hit By Recession

Ron Paul: Bernanke World’s Greatest Counterfeiter

Martin Weiss: Three Government Reports Reveal New Looming Risk

While You Were Sleeping…The Economy Collapsed

Jim Sinclair Interviews

Small Business Bankruptcies Rise 81% in California

The Ponzi Decade

12/24/09

Enough!

By: Nancy Morgan
RightBias.com

I have been a law-abiding citizen all my life. I’ve always played by the rules. That is about to change. The early morning passage today of the Senate health care bill requires every American to purchase health insurance. I refuse. I will not abide by this bill if it is passed into law. And if the government levies a fine, I will not pay it. I’ve had enough.

There comes a time when a line in the sand must be drawn. I’ve just drawn mine. I’ve listened to the outright lies our politicians have spouted in order to pass this legislation, which, by the way, has nothing to do with health care and everything to do with government control.

Democrats declared this bill was deficit neutral. Not so, says the Congressional Budget Office. Alas, this wasn’t reported until minutes after the bill passed the Senate.

Dems say this bill will allow an additional 30 million people to be covered while not affecting prices. Helloo….this goes contrary to the very basic law of supply and demand.

The back door deals, the outright bribes, the lies, the rush, and the absolute arrogance of our elected officials who patronizingly tell me with a straight face that black is white and if I questions their wisdom, why I must be a loony tea-bagger who doesn’t believe in the rule of gravity. Enough!!

I know the rule of law is essential to the health of a society and this sometimes requires a small loss of individual for the greater good. We have a system of government now, however, that is imposing two different sets of rules. One set for Americans who pay the freight, and another system for government and union officials, politicians and rent seekers. Enough!

Since our much vaunted ‘free press’ hasn’t deigned to inform Americans about the basics involved in this health care bill, I’ll touch on a couple goodies you might not be aware of:

First, the bill declares that certain sections of it can’t be repealed by future Congresses. Meaning we the people will no longer be able to vote or amend it. This is a fiat.

Secondly, this bill will impose a mandatory, Mandatory, fee of app. $15,000 on many families. That’s a cool 15K you’ll have to take out of your budget if you’re not covered by employer health insurance. And its just too bad if you don’t have a job.

I could go on… suffice to say, this American knows there is absolutely nothing in the Constitution that allows the federal government to force me to purchase something I don’t want, need or agree with. Call me uncompassionate, but as a matter of principle, I refuse to pay for some-else’s abortion, botox treatment or transgender surgery. And I refuse to let the government impose an unconstitutional mandate on me.

I refuse on the grounds that I am an American who has the right to decide what is best for myself and my family. I will not be coerced by posturing, rent seeking politicos who are misusing the powers we the people granted them. Enough!

I’m tired of being patronized by moral hucksters who pander to the lowest among us as they use my money to buy votes from deadbeats. I’m tired of being lied to. I’m tired of having my voice ignored. I’m tired of having my money used to support causes with which I disagree. I’ve had enough.

This is my line in the sand. I vow I will not allow one cent of my hard earned money to be used to further this socialist redistribution scheme. I refuse to participate. I will not be forced to pay for anything to do with this fraudulent bill. And I refuse to pay any fines that might be imposed. And taking a cue from the Democrats, I officially declare this debate over.

Nancy Morgan is a columnist and news editor for RightBias.com
She lives in South Carolina

12/24/09

Links to Visit – 12/24/09

The New Editor – Some Facts About US Manufacturing

Atlas Shrugs – Obama’s Tree Festooned with Evil

The New Editor – Health-Care Reform: “Ubi Est Mea?” — “Where’s Mine?”

WorldNetDaily – Muslim group asks Obama for protection

Family Security Matters – Tom McLaughlin – A Timely Lesson on Redistribution

Feed Your ADHD – While We F*cking Slept…

examiner.com – Time for drastic measures

The New Editor – Former Carter Speechwriter: ‘Party Of Lincoln is Party of the Confederacy’

The New Editor – Sen. Kerry Floats Plan to Visit Tehran

Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center – Khaled Mashaal, Chief of Hamas’ political bureau, visits Tehran (Hat Tip: Steve Schippert)

The New Editor – Reid: Health-Care Reform to Illicit “An earful of wonderment and happiness”

JoshuaPundit – The Heart Of The Matter (Hat Tip: Bookworm Room)

Michelle Malkin – Nanny State Gone Wild: Defining dependency up

Michelle Malkin – Senate delivers 2 massive lumps of coal

Michelle Malkin – Report: Fort Hood jihadist spiritual advisor allegedly killed in Yemen raid

Gateway Pundit – Stunner. Barack Hussein Obama & Family to Skip Christmas Services

Gateway Pundit – Obama Lashes Out at GOP For Using Filibuster to Stall His Takeover of 1/6 of US Economy

Gateway Pundit – Unpopular President Welcomes Government Takeover of Health Care Industry (Video)

Gateway Pundit – After Enough Bribes Were Handed Out–Democrats Ram Obamacare Through Senate 60-39… There Are No Moderates

Gateway Pundit – Sarah Palin: Democrats Will Awaken Sleeping Giant With Health Care Takeover

Gateway Pundit – Thanks Barack- Domestic Terror Plots Hit Peak in 2009; More US Soldiers Killed By Terrorists Last Month in US Than In Iraq

Washington Post – Daley Machine sends Obama a Warning

Politico – ANOTHER DEM MAY BOLT PARTY

Reuters – RUSSIA TO WORK ON NEW GENERATION OF NUCLEAR MISSILES

cbs2chicago – Furor Over Atheist Display At State Capitol

Reuters – Hamas armed wing says ready for new fight

Fox News – Iraqi Christians Driven Underground

Fox News – Christians in Pakistan Celebrate Christmas in Fear

Fox News – Build-a-Bear Cartoon Riles Global Warming Skeptics

12/24/09

Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient, Vietnam War Hero Robert L. Howard Passes Away at 70

By: Bob McCarty
Bob McCarty Writes

Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Robert L. Howard, the only American soldier ever nominated for the award three times for three separate actions, died today in Waco, Texas, at the age of 70.

1Lt Robert L. Howard (Graphic Courtesy of MedalofHonor.com)

Below is the citation describing the events of Dec. 30, 1968, that earned then-Sergeant First Class Howard the nation’s highest military honor while serving in the Republic of Vietnam as a member of the Army’s 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. 1st Lt. Howard (then SFC.), distinguished himself while serving as platoon sergeant of an American-Vietnamese platoon which was on a mission to rescue a missing American soldier in enemy controlled territory in the Republic of Vietnam.

The platoon had left its helicopter landing zone and was moving out on its mission when it was attacked by an estimated 2-company force. During the initial engagement, 1st Lt. Howard was wounded and his weapon destroyed by a grenade explosion.

1st Lt. Howard saw his platoon leader had been wounded seriously and was exposed to fire. Although unable to walk, and weaponless, 1st Lt. Howard unhesitatingly crawled through a hail of fire to retrieve his wounded leader.

As 1st Lt. Howard was administering first aid and removing the officer’s equipment, an enemy bullet struck 1 of the ammunition pouches on the lieutenant’s belt, detonating several magazines of ammunition. 1st Lt. Howard momentarily sought cover and then realizing that he must rejoin the platoon, which had been disorganized by the enemy attack, he again began dragging the seriously wounded officer toward the platoon area.

Through his outstanding example of indomitable courage and bravery, 1st Lt. Howard was able to rally the platoon into an organized defense force. With complete disregard for his safety, 1st Lt. Howard crawled from position to position, administering first aid to the wounded, giving encouragement to the defenders and directing their fire on the encircling enemy.

For 3 1/2 hours 1st Lt. Howard’s small force and supporting aircraft successfully repulsed enemy attacks and finally were in sufficient control to permit the landing of rescue helicopters. 1st Lt. Howard personally supervised the loading of his men and did not leave the bullet-swept landing zone until all were aboard safely.

1st Lt. Howard’s gallantry in action, his complete devotion to the welfare of his men at the risk of his life were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

Col. Robert L. Howard

Howard went on to retire as a full colonel in 1992 after 36 years of service to his country.

Learn more about this true American hero at the Robert L. Howard Tribute Web Site

12/24/09

Chuck Muth’s News & Views – December 23, 2009

By: Chuck Muth
Citizen Outreach

SHEDDING CROC-TEARS FOR SENATORS….NOT!

“On CNN Monday afternoon the was a great deal of wailing, keening, and rending of flesh over the fact that members of the United States Senate were going to have to work on Christmas Eve to vote on final passage of their version of health care legislation. . . . I didn’t say on the set, but wish I had, that there are some 15 million people who would love to have to work on December 24, or December 26 or any other day. They are among the 15 million Americans who are unemployed and will not be helped one bit by the Senate, House, or Administration version of health care reform.”

Rich Galen, Mullings.com, 12/23/09

SAME OL’ GOP RALLYING CRY: LET’S GO HOME!

“Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who had vowed to fight Obamacare to the finish, has caved on a procedural issue, allowing the final vote on this monstrosity to be held at 8 am instead of 7 pm on Christmas Eve.”

Richard Viguerie, ConservativeHQ, 12/23/09

PORKED UP AND LOVING IT

“The Senate’s health care bill is chock full of favors, payoffs, special deals and exemptions, but Majority Leader Harry Reid is proud of his handiwork, calling it an art form.”

John Fund, Political Diary, 12/22/09

BAD, BAD, BAD, BAD, BAD

“I believe our nation is at a crossroads, and I can no longer align myself with a party that continues to pursue legislation that is bad for our country, hurts our economy, and drives us further and further into debt. . . . I want to make it perfectly clear that this bill is bad for our doctors. It’s bad for our patients. It’s bad for the young men and women who are considering going into the health care field.”

Rep. Parker Griffith of Alabama in announcing his decision yesterday to switch parties from Democrat to Republican

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