All hail Barney the wise as he ensures our economic meltdown

Reading Michelle Cottle's The New Republic article on House Financial Services Committee chair, Barney Frank, would give anyone encouragement that he's ready to make our economy better in no time. Yet that is far from the truth as the seasoned Congressman had his hands in prompting the financial meltdown we're in today, starting with his false assurance that Fannie and Freddie were doing just fine.

Yes, again we see that journalism is dead. How can anyone do a story on Frank without mentioning the collapse of Fannie and Freddie?

CHANGE in Obama's economic plan

Clintons Have A New Grip on Everything, now even in Obama's choice for economic posts: Timothy Geithner as Treasury Secretary, Lawrence Summers as senior White House economics advisor, Christina Romer as chair of Council of Economic Advisors, and Peter Orszag as budget director. All these folks are apprentices of Robert Rubin, Clinton's Treasury Secretary.

Can there be change in public education?

The economy has trumped other issues in being the central focus of Congress, the outgoing administration, and the incoming administration. Nobody is talking about the sad state of public education. Yet education is one issue that both political parties claim to care about, and an issue that has a generational impact.

Public schools in America are in trouble. Children are kept in underperforming schools. Ineffective teachers are keeping their jobs. The government keeps throwing money into the system, but improvements are hard to come by. Why?

With the Democrats in control of Congress and the White House, there is a golden opportunity for the party to tackle America's education problem, if the Democrats are willing to break some bad habits, mainly its close ties with the teachers' unions.

Finally, peace in Iraq

What a great report about Iraq shared by Michael Yon. This is something you won't see on the mainstream media!

Bailout of Citigroup proves we are screwed

Just in time for Thanksgiving, the Fed will rescue Citigroup with a bailout package of a few gazillion bucks (that number is subject to change without notice). According to the Fed, Citigroup is "too big to fail." So the lesson in American capitalism is to do whatever you can to become big, then you are virtually guaranteed never to go bust.

This is ridiculous. I'm with Bill Kristol: just admit we don't know! Paulson and Bernanke and members of Congress have no idea how to save the economy. What next? Why not just let capitalism work? Do we have any other choice, really? All the bailouts are clearly not effective.

PDS sufferers gasp at slaughtered turkeys

Do liberals celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends eating turkey? I wonder...

Gov. Sarah Palin pardoned an Alaskan turkey then gave an interview to a local news channel, but the PDS crowd is troubled that in the background there's a man slaughtering turkeys.

The man's doing his job. He works at a turkey farm. He feeds turkeys so they turn plump, then he kills them so others can enjoy turkey meals. In turn, he's compensated and uses his paychecks to take care of his family.

Besides, it's not like there was blood splattering everywhere or turkey pieces flying in the background. The PDS sufferers are reacting as if a serial murderer was captured on TV committing his gruesome crime.

Academic debates about conservatism are useless

All right, enough is enough. Why are conservatives still debating their future? Why is there still talk about how Republicans failed in the past two elections? The future is now, and it'll be over in a blink of an eye.

It's really simple why Democrats are in power now. They got more votes. They registered more new voters. They increased their base significantly. Young people, old people, women, minorities, and even white males are voting blue like never before! Why? Because the Democrats promise to take care of them: college education, medical care, child care, affirmative action, and job security.

Conservatives understand that these government programs will be implemented at the cost of higher taxes, a bloated government, depressed economy, and inflation. But you know what? Voters don't care. If young people are getting free college tuition from Washington, then the young mothers want free daycare.

The question is, Why aren't the voters keen on conservative ideas? The answer is straight forward: education. The teachers unions are destroying the nation's education system. Unionized labor has endangered airlines and automakers. Our education system is in need of serious help just like General Motors. Schools and academia are filled with liberal "educators" and activists. Children aren't being educated, they are being indoctrinated. Worse yet, indoctrinated with liberalism. They learn to be less of an individual, less independent, less driven, and less intelligent.

And when voters are dumbed down, guess who wins? The political party that promises to help them in any way, shape, or form! There is a generation of young voters who graduated from these schools, and they want their piece of the government pie. This is also a generation of instant fame, where one can become famous with a viral video on YouTube. They do not see Obama as a leftist. They see Obama as a celebrity, and they love him, just like how they idolize other Hollywood entertainers.

If conservatives are serious about turning the tide, the movement has to start with re-education. Major efforts should be aimed at countering the grip of teachers' unions and the Department of Education. The failures of the education system should be exposed constantly. More conservative material has to enter the schools, be it textbooks or after-school programs. Something has to be done so our children understand that government does not make America great.

So forget all the talk about Traditionalist and Reformist and Neocons. Each and every conservative is important. Each and every conservative needs to educate the next generation on the ideals which founded this great country. Only then can conservatives retake power and steer the nation to the right path.

No love from anyone for Big Auto

Wow, even the Democrats are giving Big Auto a hard time! The CEOs have appeared before Congressmen to beg for a bailout loan to no avail. Then today the Democrats voted to oust John Dingell (D-Mich.) from chairmanship of the powerful House Committee on Energy and Commerce, replaced by Representative Henry Waxman (D-Calif.).

Dingell was chairman for almost 28 years and one of Big Auto's best friends in Congress. His removal from the committee sends a clear signal that Pelosi and friends are ready to impose stricter regulations in the auto industry and align with the environmentalists. Rep. Waxman has always been a supporter of legislation to curb global warming, and this latest move in House politics will be welcomed by many environmentalists.

CHANGE we can believe in

CHANGE is starting to mean "Clintons Have A New Grip on Everything," as Obama continues to tap personalities close with Clinton for his cabinet. The next four years may turn out to be the Clintons' third term.

But seriously, is this any surprise? This not only underscores Clintons' influence in the Democrat Party, but also reflects Obama's dire need for experienced politicians to help his administration.

Ted Stevens loses senate race

Sen. Ted Stevens has lost re-election in Alaska, defeated by Democratic challenger Mark Begich. Sen. Stevens was the longest running Republican senator in Washington.

Now the Democrats have 58 seats in the Senate. The Georgia runoff race between Saxby Chambliss (R) and Jim Martin (D) is attracting attention from the top. Former President Bill Clinton is said to be in Georgia to rally for Martin, while Republican heavyweights John McCain and Mike Huckabee are gathering support for Chambliss.

Big Auto is desperate, but still arrogant

General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner is now begging the public for support of the bailout package for Big Auto. On cost-cutting he presents these facts:

...we have been streamlining our U.S. operations while simultaneously improving quality and productivity. Since 2000, we have reduced our U.S. hourly workforce by 52%, from 133,000 to 64,000, through buyouts and other programs. During the same period, we have cut our U.S. salaried employment from 44,000 to fewer than 30,000, and reduced our U.S. executive ranks by 45%.

But wait, what about that luxurious corporate jet you took to fly to Washington begging for taxpayer money from Congress? First class airfare on a commercial airline would be much cheaper, considering your company is on the brink of going bust, wouldn't it?

Sorry, Big Auto. Americans do not have deep pockets and have seen through your incompetency. The best solution to your problems isn't more cash, but a "managed bankruptcy" as Mitt Romney puts it. Your executives deserve to join the millions of other unemployed Americans.

More chatter about Hillary as State Secretary

I agree with most of what Thomas Friedman writes in NYT, except his description of the effectiveness of Condoleezza Rice's diplomatic efforts under President Bush: "Condoleezza Rice had a close relationship with Bush, but Bush had no coherent worldview to animate her diplomacy, so all her travels added up to less than the sum of their miles." On the contrary, Bush had a clear worldview, it was just one that many like Mr. Friedman doesn't agree with. Bush vowed to promote democracy around the globe, fight terrorists in any way, and if other nations weren't on board with us, then they weren't our friends. What's incoherent about that?

And it seems that Hillary is taking her sweet time in giving Obama an answer. Can't really blame her -- now she failed to become president, she's planning on what to do for the next few years.

Al-Qaeda insults Obama

Ayman al-Zawahri, Al-Qaeda's No. 2 leader, has released a message calling President-elect Obama and other black officials "abeed al-beit," literally translated as "house slaves." The terrorist leader warns Muslims and Arabs that Obama's victory doesn't mean a change in American foreign policy of supporting Israel.

This is a clear message that al-Qaeda continues to be the greatest terrorist threat against the country, no matter who enters the White House.

Calls against Hillary as State Secretary

Hillary is being vetted as a candidate for Secretary of State in the Obama administration, but there are many out there who do not like the idea. David Ignatius explains in the Washington Post blog:

The game changer in foreign policy is Barack Obama himself. Traveling in Europe earlier this month, I was stunned by the excitement he has aroused. The day after the election, the French newspaper “Le Monde” carried a cartoon atop its front page that showed Obama surfing a red, white and blue wave. Above him, it said: “Happy New Century!” You can sense the same enthusiasm around the world -- in the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Asia. Even among the followers of radical groups, such as Hamas and the Taliban, Obama has inspired a sense of change and opportunity.

Furthermore, Ignatius worries about Hillary stealing Obama's thunder in foreign policy should she become Secretary of State. I hate to say it but with Obama's thin resume, almost any Washington politico would steal Obama's thunder if appointed to a post.

I applaud Obama's effort to unify his party, but I can't help but wonder if this move is to keep his enemies closer? Besides, we all know that Hillary voted for McCain/Palin, right?

Paulson, Bernanke grilled in the Hill

The House Financial Services Committee plans to hear testimony from Treasury Secretary Paulson and Fed Chairman Bernanke today about their U-turn decision in using the $700 billion bailout money. Originally the money was for rescuing bad mortgage loans, but now Paulson wants to alleviate the pain in consumer debts. He's even taking his cause to the media with an op-ed in the NYT.

Congress gave Paulson overwhelming power with TARP (Troubled Asset Relief Program), but now it realizes that things aren't improving much, especially with the doomsday talk from Detroit automakers and stock markets continue to plunge. Lawmakers now want some answers as to how Paulson's new focus would help the economy.

I really don't think Paulson and Bernanke know what they are doing. Either the scale of the problem is beyond their control, or they are just incompetent. Whatever the reason, I think the only sure way we know will work is through capitalism without government interference. It's a bitter pill to swallow, but it'll help with the recovery. I'm afraid that the government's help isn't really helping and will only prolong the pain.

CAP is liberals' Heritage Foundation

The Center for American Progress is in headlines a lot these days. And that's no surprise as the liberal think tank aims to be high profile, thanks in part by its funding from George Soros and Clintonite president and founder, John Podesta. The organization has shaped Obama's campaign agenda and Podesta is even part of the president-elect's transition team. CAP's influence reaches deep into the incoming administration.

Its website lists the following priorities: Restoring America's global leadership, Seizing the energy opportunity, Creating progressive growth, and Delivering universal health care. Out of these four priorities the most misleading would be "creating progressive growth." That's really liberalese for "more taxes and wealth redistribution." In fact, that's probably the highest priority but they dare not list that above "restoring America's global leadership" (national security) because it would make them look bad.

One thing is for sure in the next four years... We can count on Obama and Congress to follow CAP's marching orders on many issues.

Gingrich rains on Palin's parade

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich isn't that impressed with Alaskan Gov. Sarah Palin, especially about her prospects in the 2012 presidential election. He categorizes Palin as "a significant player" for the GOP in the years to come, among "20 or 30 significant players," such as Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, Utah Gov. John Huntsman, and Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels.

One thing is for sure: Gingrich wants attention directed towards the Republican governors in hopes of a sound victory in 2010. It's clear he wants to see the governors shape the state politics in the coming years, win in 2010, then prepare for the victory in 2012. The big question is who will emerge as the leader?

Latest bailout saves UAW, not Big Auto

Another bailout package is in the works in Congress, one that's even less popular but that's not stopping the Democrats from pushing for it. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said a government lifeline would be provided only if the auto industry meet new fuel-efficiency standards and restructure to limit executive compensation. Of course, there is no mention of concessions from the United Auto Workers (UAW) union.

We all know that the Democrats are good buddies with the UAW. This bailout will infuse fresh blood into the dying General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler so that the UAW can drain them some more. Big Auto already knows to make better, fuel-efficient cars. They came late to the green game and are paying the price. But the root of the problem is unionized labor in the auto industry. It's interesting how Jeffrey D. Sachs never mentions this in his Washington Post article. Michael E. Levine, writing for WSJ, is on the right track: Why bankruptcy is the best option for GM.

With Obama elected, radicals feel more comfortable

Bill Ayers, the unrepentant 1960s Weather Underground terrorist, gave an interview on "Good Morning America" and guess what? He's still unrepentant:

"The content of the Vietnam protest is that there were despicable acts going on, but the despicable acts were being done by our goverment... I never hurt or killed anyone," Ayers said.

"Frankly, I dont think we did enough, just as today I dont' think we've done enough to stop these wars," he said.

This is the guy that our president-elect sat on the same board of directors with. This is the guy that our president-elect sought advice in his presidential run. And now that Ayers' candidate will enter the White House, he's more than proud to be on TV to blab about his past deeds and continue to point fingers at the U.S. government.

Obama wants to probe Bush, where's the change we can believe in?

Change we can believe in? Obama had just gotten a tour of his future White House home, and he's already talking to Congressional Democrats about investigating Bush and his administration of torturing terrorists. In anticipation of such actions by Democrats, Bush is readying a "blanket pardon" to all who were involved in the administration's interrogation policies. Such a pardon would be rare but completely legal under the Constitution.

I can understand if Obama wanted to pursue this when he's a senator. Now that he's president-elect and got elected on a "change" narrative, why can't he just let it go? It's just classless for an incoming president to plan such investigations of the outgoing president. What would it prove? It's just more of the same Washington partisanship and to an extent, political persecution.

Leftists will argue till their faces turn blue that there's nothing more sacred than human rights. Yes, it is true. But when a person's sole purpose in life is to blow up innocent people and destroy others' right to live, then that person is a criminal. And in our society, we want to stop criminals from harming others.

Can torture be allowed? Just imagine this scenario: A person in custody is known to have information pertaining to an attack which will kill your family and others. He remains tough and silent, unwilling to divulge that important piece of information. Wouldn't you do anything to try to extract that information from him in order to save your loved ones and many others?

To President Bush, his fellow countrymen are his family. Somehow I feel that President-elect Obama and his Democrats think their families share no ties with the rest of us...