PETA, where's the love for Egyptian pigs?

In a case of government knee-jerk reaction to the swine flu, Egypt has begun slaughtering pigs in an attempt to contain the spread of the illness. Do they know that there are less than 10 confirmed deaths worldwide from this flu so far, and none from Egypt? And they want to kill off 400,000 pigs.

(Un)surprisingly, animal rights organization PETA remains silent on the Egyptian swine mass massacre. PETA blames factory farming, even though I'm pretty sure free range pigs could contract this virus as well. Factory farms would actually make it easier to contain the spread of the virus because it's less difficult to cull them, as Egypt is doing.

Mexico closes itself before we close borders

In light of an imminent swine flu pandemic, Mexico is shutting down its government for five days as President Felipe Calderon urged his citizens to stay home with their families.

Should the U.S. close its borders with Mexico? The White House hasn't made a decision yet, although V.P. Biden has clearly made up his mind.

Terrorists release imminent

The White House has overridden FBI and DHS in a decision to release Chinese Uighur detainees from Gitmo. That's right, the Obama administration is welcoming terrorists onto our homeland instead of keeping them as far away from us as possible.

Do you feel safe already? It's no wonder gun sales are up.

Have you noticed that ever since Obama entered the White House, it's all about gaining more power. Just look at how he's "helping" the economy. The government taking control of banks, insurance agencies, automakers, etc. And how many czars do we have now reporting to the President? Probably more than old Russia. Now when it comes to national security, he's assuming to be the expert and brushing off recommendations from the FBI and DHS, two federal agencies responsible for America's safety.

We're fading fast as a republic. Soon we may no longer even recognize America as a democracy. Let's pray that it's not turning into a dictatorship!

Some Democrats already upset at Specter

After leaving the Republican Party, Sen. Arlen Specter may not find many friends yet among Senate Democrats. Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) made a deal with Specter to allow him to carryover his seniority years to the new party, and that's upsetting some high ranking Democrats. You see, nobody likes the person who cuts in line. Worse yet, nobody likes the person who allows a line cutter!

Will Reid be able to hold the caucus together? My take is that Reid's leadership style is already unpopular among several Democrats, and they will be heard soon enough when more voting comes.

Don't over-analyze Specter's departure

Meghan McCain blogs about her disappointment upon Sen. Arlen Specter decision to jump ship to the Democrat Party. According to her:

Of course, this speaks to much larger problem in the GOP. We need to attract more centrist and progressive conservative voters at the primary level, so that level-headed candidates stand a chance. We need courageous Republicans more than ever. And this week, Sen. Specter turned his back. But he wasn’t the only one.

She then turns the attention to RNC Chair Michael Steele's statement on Specter's departure:

Some in the Republican Party are happy about this. I am not. Let’s be honest—Senator Specter didn’t leave the GOP based on principles of any kind. He left to further his personal political interests because he knew that he was going to lose a Republican primary due to his left-wing voting record. Republicans look forward to beating Sen. Specter in 2010, assuming the Democrats don’t do it first.

Sorry, Ms. McCain, but Steele is right on. There's no need to over-analyze the senator's decision to join the Democratic majority in Washington. Sen. Specter did it to save his career -- and there's nothing wrong with that, especially in this economy and political environment. What rubs conservatives and most Republicans the wrong way, however, is his insulting reasoning:

Since my election in 1980, as part of the Reagan Big Tent, the Republican Party has moved far to the right. Last year, more than 200,000 Republicans in Pennsylvania changed their registration to become Democrats. I now find my political philosophy more in line with Democrats than Republicans.

When I supported the stimulus package, I knew that it would not be popular with the Republican Party. But, I saw the stimulus as necessary to lessen the risk of a far more serious recession than we are now experiencing.

Since then, I have traveled the State, talked to Republican leaders and office-holders and my supporters and I have carefully examined public opinion. It has become clear to me that the stimulus vote caused a schism which makes our differences irreconcilable. On this state of the record, I am unwilling to have my twenty-nine year Senate record judged by the Pennsylvania Republican primary electorate. I have not represented the Republican Party. I have represented the people of Pennsylvania.

I have decided to run for re-election in 2010 in the Democratic primary.

His statement sounds principled, but don't be fooled: this man knew he doesn't stand a chance in his re-election bid in 2010 as a Republican. Not to mention the fact that he's been actively recruited by V.P. Joe Biden and the Democrats are showering favors on him for completing the 60-seat filibuster-proof Senate majority (after Al Franken is seated). President Obama promptly called him to welcome him and promised to help his re-election campaign. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has agreed to allow Specter to keep his seniority and therefore eligible to chair some important committees.

All this clearly shows Sen. Specter representing the constituency of himself.

Sen. Alan Specter to switch parties

The RINO Senator from Pennsylvania will change his party affiliation to the Democrats. After Al Franken (D-MN) gets seated, Sen. Specter will give the Democrats their filibuster proof majority of 60. Sen. Specter is a walking case study in political expediency.

But it's really no surprise. His voting record shows more similarities to the Democrats' than Republicans. His state has turned bluer in recent years so if he wishes to remain a career politician, he doesn't have much choice but to turn Democrat.

Good riddance for the GOP, but the timing is troublesome during this time when the Democrats have a stronghold on Washington. There's no doubt in my mind that with this move Sen. Specter is also angling to become a superstar among the Democrats by gifting them the 60-seat majority.

Glendon declines Laetare Medal from Notre Dame

Former ambassador to the Vatican Mary Ann Glendon has declined acceptance of the Laetare Medal from the University of Notre Dame, an award that's viewed to be the most prestigious for American Catholics. In her letter to the university president, Father John Jenkins, and also released to the public, she states her reasons in response to the institution's invitation of President Obama to deliver the commencement speech:

A commencement, however, is supposed to be a joyous day for the graduates and their families. It is not the right place, nor is a brief acceptance speech the right vehicle, for engagement with the very serious problems raised by Notre Dame’s decision—in disregard of the settled position of the U.S. bishops—to honor a prominent and uncompromising opponent of the Church’s position on issues involving fundamental principles of justice.

Finally, with recent news reports that other Catholic schools are similarly choosing to disregard the bishops’ guidelines, I am concerned that Notre Dame’s example could have an unfortunate ripple effect.

The President has gone on record as a supporter of a woman's right to abortion. By allowing him to speak during such an occasion at such an American Catholic institution is clearly sending the wrong message. Yes, Barack Obama is our President and deserves the respect accordingly, but faith is a matter of the heart and should never be compromised.

I feel sorry for the graduating class to be caught in the middle of all this. They have weathered through the years to get a traditional Catholic higher education, many following the footsteps of their parents, and now it's come to this: having to hear an abortion supporter speak at your graduation ceremony.

Glendon's principled decision is to be applauded. Not only is she making a statement by not accepting this esteemed award, but her voicing the concern of the "ripple effect" of ignoring the bishops' guidelines is important too. God bless her for doing the right thing.

White House idiot(s) cause panic in New York

Is dealing with the economy too big of a task at hand for the White House that nobody cared to think through the idea of Air Force Once flying through Manhattan with two fighter jets on a "photo op" mission? Many New Yorkers panicked because of memories of 9/11. Buildings were evacuated, businesses closed down.

Can the city and state sue Washington for damages?

Fairness doctrine on taxation?

During the presidential campaign, Joe the Plumber leaped onto the national spotlight by exposing Obama's "spread the wealth" tax policy. Now in an interview with ABC News' Charles Gibson, President Obama discloses that "fairness" is at the heart of his tax policy:

...Well, Charlie, what I've said is that I would look at raising the capital gains tax for purposes of fairness...

There you have it. The Fairness Doctrine is alive and well -- not in quieting the conservative spectrum on the radio waves, but with respect to federal taxation.

Al Gore afraid of a good global warming debate?

I mean "climate change" rather. After all, Colorado just saw a few feet of snow in April. What "warming"?

Is Al Gore afraid of some good debate about his most passionate subject matter? He sure put up a good fight in 2000 about the presidential election, but he's scared of arguing against Lord Christopher Monckton from U.K. about global warming?

Pelosi knew about waterboarding years ago

Apparently House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) isn't being truthful about her pre-existing knowledge of CIA's harsh interrogation techniques including waterboarding. In September 2002, a few members of Congress, Pelosi among one of them, were briefed by the CIA about the classified overseas detention sites and the interrogation techniques. At that time, no objections were made to what the Democrats label as torture now.

It's suffice to say that the Obama administration and Democrats' efforts to expose these CIA techniques and perhaps even release photographs of such "abuses" are politically motivated to further dig at the Bush administration and appease the liberal base. Never mind that these tactics kept America safe post-9/11. If these Democrats had at least the heart to acknowledge this fact, I wouldn't be so hard on them. But no, they refuse to give Bush and his CIA any credit, and since taking power in Washington, continue to go down a path of political revenge and kissing up to the liberal nutcases.

The Democrats simply have no intention of safeguarding our republic. Their latest actions only speaks of their immaturity and spitefulness.

France: a case study in socialism's sustainability

Do you love President Obama and all his socialist leaning ways? Do you think it's time for America to abandon capitalism and embrace something more radical?

Why don't you ask a French resident first. Or a French CEO.

Not again! Politicians want to save newspapers...

Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) wants to save his local newspaper, the Boston Globe, which is losing $1 million a week. So much so that he's called a Senate hearing on the matter.

Banks, automobile manufacturers, insurance companies, and now dying newspapers? Is that really what the constituents are demanding?

Axelrod: Tea parties "unhealthy" (that's how much the administration is out of touch)

Senior White House adviser David Axelrod seems to think the tea parties are an "unhealthy" reaction to the current economy and the President's policies.

I'd hate to find out what he thinks is a "healthy" reaction. Maybe surrendering our bank accounts? Voluntarily hand over our wallets to Washington? Bow to the President like he did to the Saudi king?

Anybody who thinks embracing our First Amendment rights is "unhealthy" ought to rethink his or her American citizenship. Seriously, this is how out of touch the Obama administration is with mainstream America.

All I can say to the W.H. is: Keep it up. Prepare to be shocked in 2010.

Obama gets no love from Latin America, either

I hate to say it, Mr. President, but America's global reputation isn't improving much with you sitting in the White House, either. Europe already gave you the cold shoulder. Now you're at the Summit of the Americas, and you're not getting a warm reception. The only "friendly" leader turns out to be Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, a known vocal critic of American policies and close ally of Cuba, China, and Russia (yes, countries which like to undermine U.S. efforts).

And you know why that is, President Obama? Because these politicians and leaders can see through you. They know you are not a decisive leader. They know you aren't even sure how to tackle domestic issues like the economy. They know you're losing strong friends in Europe and Israel. They closely observed your rise to stardom, but now they see just an empty suit.

Your presidency may turn out to be a very lonely place.

White House's "perspective" on post-9/11

President Obama is back to his leftist appeasing mode now, deciding to release Office of Legal Counsel memos about the legality of those CIA interrogation techniques. Anti-Bush liberals rejoice!

Dennis Blair, Director of National Intelligence (by the way, an oxymoron for this administration), seems to carry a romantic flair in doing his job. From The Weekly Standard:

...The perspective, the context, is that in the months after 9/11, "we did not have a clear understanding of the enemy we were dealing with, and our every effort was focused on preventing further attacks that would kill more Americans. It was during these months that the CIA was struggling to obtain critical information from captured al Qaida leaders, and requested permission to use harsher interrogation methods. The OLC memos make clear that senior legal officials judged the harsher methods to be legal."

Blair continues: "Those methods, read on a bright, sunny, safe day in April 2009, appear graphic and disturbing. As the President has made clear, and as both CIA Director Panetta and I have stated, we will not use those techniques in the future. But we will absolutely defend those who relied on these memos and those guidelines."

Terrorists don't really care about the weather when carrying out their criminal acts. I remember September 11, 2001 as a bright and sunny day, too! Just another effort to dig at the Bush administration.

Biden household contributed less than $2,000 to charities in 2008

The White House has released 2008 tax returns from the President and the Vice President. Interestingly, take a look at Joe Biden's charitable contributions for the year: $1,885. With an adjusted gross income of $269,256, that's not even 1% in charitable gifts. Okay, it's possible that the tax return doesn't tell the whole story. He may have donated money to individuals or entities which aren't tax deductible. Good for him, but somehow I don't think that's the case...

This man professes to be a devout Catholic. But where's the 10% in Biblical tithing guideline?

And this man once said it was our patriotic duty to pay more taxes?! I'm sorry, Mr. Vice President, but let's worry about charities before taxes.

(He received a refund.)

More evidence of this administration's hate towards military

Evidently earlier this year the FBI launched Operation Vigilant Eagle which searched for white supremacists and local militia groups with a focus on Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. This was a few months before the controversial DHS report on "rightwing extremism" was released.

The Democrats have made it widely known that they have no love for the military and its operations. Since 9/11, liberal Democrats have come out with crazy statements about the U.S. military and the War on Terror. Their rhetoric reached its peak during the Iraq War. Elected officials here at home badmouthed our troops, and some even went overseas to trash America and her warriors.

And now the W.H. and federal agencies consider these veterans a threat? These veterans are no more of a threat than terrorist-turned-scholar Bill Ayers and his good friend, our president.

Even Sarkozy is annoyed by Obama

Ouch. The hits keep on coming, even from across the pond. French President Sarkozy sees right through President Obama and his rhetoric.

America, under Obama, displays no leadership in the world. Just a bunch of glam and hot air. And even that's mostly from a teleprompter! Ugh.

A great day for America, not so good for liberal Washington

Simply amazing. Thousands lined the streets of major U.S. cities to protest big government. They brought their homemade signs with thoughtful messages (none of that "Bush = Hitler" crap). They brought along their children. They demonstrated peacefully. And best of all, they chanted "USA" whenever given the chance.

The success of Tax Day tea parties is revealing in many ways:

• It proved that ordinary citizens do care. They care about their kids' future, their families, and more importantly, their beloved country.
• It proved that the Obama administration and the Democrats in Congress are very out of touch with America. President Obama pretends he's never heard of these tea parties, further insulting Americans' intelligence.
• It got on the nerves of the liberal mainstream media big time. Why else would they refuse to cover them? Or why would CNN's Susan Roesgen make an ass of herself on national TV? More evidence of the MSM's leftist alignment with the current administration.
• It also promoted the FairTax! (Hey, Chuck Morris is a believer!)
• It demonstrated that conservatives are even better with grassroots organization. These parties were not led or organized by political parties, established organizations, etc. They were organized by volunteers around the country. Conservatives get the last laugh when it comes to utilizing technology.

Nashville, Tennessee: 10,000. Rochester, NY: 1,000. Cincinnati: 4,000. Madison, Wisconsin: 8,000. Chicago: 4,000. Olympia, Washington: 5,000. Boise, Idaho: 2,500. Austin, TX: 1,500. Lansing, Michigan: 7,000. Jacksonville, FL: 2,000. Atlanta: 20,000. And that's only the tip of an iceberg...

And those ACORN or liberal saboteurs? Probably decided to stay home and watch the rallies on TV instead. I have no doubt that they secretly tuned into Fox News tonight.