To read this article visit http://www.jeffjacoby.com/6680/why-are-americans-so-pro-israel. Tweet
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Gay Marriage Advocates Lose Lawsuit In 9th Circuit Court Of Appeals Attempting To Have Pro-Traditional Marriage Groups Turn Over Internal E-Mails
UPI reports that an "appeals court in California has ruled forcing an anti-gay marriage group to turn over internal e-mails would violate the right to freedom of association. Three judges of the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously reversed a lower court ruling, the Los Angeles Times reported. The appeals panel ruled for the Protect Marriage group and Yes-on-8, a coalition supporting a referendum to ban gay marriage in California. 'The freedom to associate with others for the common advancement of political beliefs and ideas lies at the heart of the First Amendment,' the opinion said. Lawyers for two gay couples sought access to internal e-mails, arguing they would show the campaign against same-sex marriage was trying to create 'discriminatory animus' towards homosexuals."
The Los Angeles Times quoted the opinion of the Court as saying that disclosing the inner workings of the Proposition 8 campaign "would have the practical effect of discouraging the exercise of 1st Amendment associational rights." They judges added that the initiative's foes had failed to show that their need to review the communications outweighed the defendants' rights and interests. Andy Pugno, general counsel for Protect Marriage, said Proposition 8 backers were "very pleased" with the appellate ruling. "It's about the principle, that campaign leaders and workers should not have to be put on trial for their thoughts and beliefs," he said. "Whether they had been able to pry into campaign strategy memos or not, the campaign was singularly focused on protecting marriage and not attacking anyone."
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Friday, December 11, 2009
Statement By Judea And Ruth Pearl On Eric Holder’s Decision To Try Khalid Sheikh Muhammad In Federal Court
Statement by Judea and Ruth Pearl
December 5 2009
Friends,
On behalf of the Daniel Pearl Foundation, we wish to join you today in a call to reverse Attorney General Eric Holder’s decision to try America’s new-type of enemies in New York Federal court.
We wish to add to your rally the perspective of our own personal tragedy which, in many ways, has come to symbolize the depth of inhumanity that has swept our planet in the 21st century, and the sense of urgency with which this planet is currently watching your rally, in New York City, a rally that may very well hold the key to the future of open society.
We, who witnessed the darkest side of hell, and have since spent every moment of our lives studying the anatomy of terror, we refuse to accept the strategy of normalization that Holder’s decision represents. Terror is a crime against society, and should not be tried in the same court as crimes against individuals or against a particular country.
Let us make it perfectly clear. We are not concerned about the safety issues that this trial poses to New York City — we trust our law enforcement officers. Nor are we concerned about the anguish of our children who will be seeing the memories and values of their loved ones mocked and ridiculed in the court room — they have known greater pains before. We are concerned about the millions of angry youngsters, among them potential terrorists, who will be watching this trial unfold on Al Jazeera TV and come to the realization that America has caved in to Al Qaeda’s demands for publicity. The atrocity of 9/11 and the brutal murder of Daniel Pearl are vivid reminders of terrorists’ craving to dramatize their perceived grievances against the West.
Today, America has given them an even lauder mega-phone — in the best theater in town — and thus signaled to thousands of would-be terrorists that joining Al Qaeda or other terror organizations is one way to obtain that craved-for mega-phone.
We who have studied the anatomy of terrorism cannot accept the logic that terror has no country therefore it cannot be defined, named and fought with the same determination and creativity that civilized society has fought other existential threats since the invention of gun powder. These include high-seas piracy, the introduction of poison gas and the threat of nuclear weapons; all were contained by creative changes in international law and the establishment of new legal categories. The invention of the suicide belt is of no lesser threat.
Terror is an ideology that elevates one’s grievances above the norms of civilized society and, like any epidemic of global dimension it must be fought by attending to the distinct mechanisms that transmit and propagate the disease.
In 2002, the international community has given America a moral mandate to fight the new epidemic with all the necessary instruments, including a new court system and new legal regimes. The decision to try the arch-symbols of terror in ordinary criminal court, using traditional legal instruments, constitutes a betrayal of that mandate.
Mr. Attorney General, our children and grand-children are imploring you today: Please reclaim America’s mandate to secure a brighter future for our troubled world!
Judea and Ruth Pearl
Los Angeles, California
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Andrew McCarthy: "An Irrational Act: Trying KSM In NYC Will Delay The Verdict, And Reduce The Chances It Is The Right One."
To read this article by the man who led the prosecution against the 1993 World Trade Center bombers visit http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=NjM2OTZjYWY1NTYyNGY1NGZiOGY3NWUyNTkyMmM0MDk. Tweet
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Senate Rejects Amendment Banning Funding For Abortion In Health Care Bill
The Washington Post reports that the "Senate narrowly rejected an amendment that would have restricted abortion coverage in the pending health-care bill, leaving in question whether Majority Leader Harry Reid (Nev.) has the 60 votes needed to move the bill toward final passage. The measure, which failed 54-45, addressed the scope of restrictions on coverage of abortion services for people who receive subsidies to buy insurance. The outcome was expected, but could cost the support of Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.), who has threatened to filibuster the $848 billion bill unless abortion restrictions are tightened." Tweet
The Guardian On Obama Snubbing Another Ally: "Norwegians Incensed Over Barack Obama's Snubs"
The Guardian reports that "Barack Obama's trip to Oslo to pick up his Nobel peace award is in danger of being overshadowed by a row over the cancellation of a series of events normally attended by the prizewinner. Norwegians are incensed over what they view as his shabby response to the prize by cutting short his visit. The White House has cancelled many of the events peace prize laureates traditionally submit to, including a dinner with the Norwegian Nobel committee, a press conference, a television interview, appearances at a children's event promoting peace and a music concert, as well as a visit to an exhibition in his honour at the Nobel peace centre. He has also turned down a lunch invitation from the King of Norway." Tweet
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Mahmoud Ahmadenijad: U.S. Is Blocking The Coming Of The Savior
Fox News reports that "Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad claims the United States is attempting to thwart the return of mankind's savior, according to reports from Al Arabiya, a television news station based in Dubai. Ahmadinejad reportedly claims he has documented evidence that the U.S. is blocking the return of Mahdi, the Imam believed by Muslims to be the savior. 'We have documented proof that they believe that a descendant of the prophet of Islam will raise in these parts and he will dry the roots of all injustice in the world,' Ahmadinejad said during a speech on Monday, according to Al Arabiya. 'They have devised all these plans to prevent the coming of the Hidden Imam because they know that the Iranian nation is the one that will prepare the grounds for his coming and will be the supporters of his rule,' Ahmadinejad was quoted as saying. Ahmadinejad continued the rant by claiming there have been plots by both the West as well as countries in the East to wipe out his country, according to Iranian news Web site Tabak. 'They have planned to annihilate Iran. This is why all policymakers and analysts believe Iran is the true winner in the Middle East,' Ahmadinejad was quoted as saying by the site. He also alleged that foreign nations seek to control Iran's oil and natural resources." Tweet
Swiss Minarets And Pakistani Hypocrisy
To listen to David Aikman's insightful analysis exposing the hypocrisy in the outrage from Islamic government's that followed Switzerland's vote to ban minarets visit http://townhall.com/MediaPlayer/AudioPlayer.aspx?ContentGuid=28a71f1f-ef1e-437d-9201-2d7140def1f3. Tweet
Republican Utah Senator Orrin Writes Hannukkah Song
Eight Days of Hanukkah from Tablet Magazine on Vimeo.
To read about the background to this song being written visit http://jeffreygoldberg.theatlantic.com/archives/2009/12/a_melody_fit_for_a_mac. Tweet
Al Gore On "Climate Change": “It’s Like Gravity. It Exists.”
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
When it comes to the ClimateGate e-mails Gore simply "falisifies the record" when he says they are ten years old. Visit http://blogs.news.com.au/heraldsun/andrewbolt/index.php/heraldsun/comments/climategate_gore_falsifies_the_record for more. Tweet
Jewish Support For Obama Tumbles
78% of Jewish Americans voted for Barack Obama in 2008. That's a clear indication that Jews as a total group, Orthodox Jews excluded, tend to be one of the more liberal groups in the country. In January 2009, Obama's approval rating among Jews was 83%; by September it had fallen to 64%, according to a Gallup poll. According to a Quinnipiac poll released today, Jewish support for President Obama has tumbled to 52%. Only 52% of Jewish respondents approved of the way President Obama is handling the economy, and 49% approved of his handling of health care. Among Jewish respondents, only 36% were satisfied or somewhat satisfied with the way things are going in the U.S. today.
Republican Jewish Coalition Executive Director Matt Brooks said, "Voters are becoming more aware of the details of President Obama's agenda for this country. The glow of the 'hope and change' mantra has faded in the face of the higher unemployment, higher taxes, and higher national debt that his agenda will impose on us and our children. In addition, the Jewish community has been troubled by the efforts of this administration to pressure Israel on the issue of 'settlements' and has raised questions about the sovereignty of Israel over a united Jerusalem. These and other actions by the President have fueled the growing 'buyers' remorse' on the part of Jewish voters."
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Senator Dianne Feinstein: Forcing Taxpayers To Fund Abortion Is "Morally Correct"
To listen to the audio for yourself visit http://www.eyeblast.tv/public/checker.aspx?v=GdaGSU6USU.
A Senator from California, what do you expect?
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Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Senator Barbara Boxer Compares Viagra To Abortion
To see this for yourself visit http://www.eyeblast.tv/public/checker.aspx?v=GdaGSUVrkU. Tweet
Jon Stewart On Obama's Jobs Rhetoric
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
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Monday, December 7, 2009
Charles Krauthammer On The EPA Regulating Carbon Emissions And Declaring Carbon Dioxide A Pollutant Dangerous To Human Health
The AP reports that the "Environmental Protection Agency took a major step Monday toward regulating greenhouses gases, concluding that climate changing pollution threatens the public health and the environment." Charles Krauthammer responds:
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The West Focuses On Global Warming, Ignoring Violent Clashes Erupting As Thousands Of Students Protest Tyranny In Iran
The Los Angeles Times reports that anti-government "protests surged in Iran this afternoon as college students in several cities clashed with security forces armed with clubs in the latest round of confrontations over the nation's disputed presidential elections. Police in Tehran shot tear-gas canisters at demonstrators, who chanted, "Death to the dictator" and set garbage bins afire. Hundreds of security forces in riot gear stood alongside streets, witnesses said. Pro-government Basiji militiamen had been allowed to flood university campuses since early in the morning in an attempt to prevent protests from breaking out on National Students Day, an annual event commemorating a deadly demonstration 56 years ago. As the afternoon skies turned overcast, police and plainclothes militiamen could be seen beating fleeing demonstrators and hauling them away. Yet the number of protesters heading to the streets appeared to be increasing, one independent witness said, describing a 'new wave' of unrest after 3 p.m. 'Don't be afraid! Don't be afraid!' they chanted. 'We are all together.' Video footage showed students defying the crackdown, chanting increasingly radical slogans and unfurling banners of green, the color of the protest movement. Despite the violent response, students and activists who make up the core of the protest movement showed no signs of giving up. 'This is the price for freedom,' said one young man in his mid-20s as he nursed an arm badly bruised by what he said was a police truncheon. 'Our friends in jail are on hunger strike. I cannot help protesting. I simply have to do something.'"
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UN Climate Conference Opens With Dire Predictions Of Global Warming
The following global warming catastrophe video was also shown at the opening ceremonies. It's like something straight out of a Hollywood disaster movie:
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Copenhagen Delegates Fly Their Private Jets And Ride Their Limos To The Global Warming Conference
The Telegraph reports that Majken Friss Jorgensen, managing director of Copenhagen's biggest limousine company, "reckons that between her and her rivals the total number of limos in Copenhagen next week has already broken the 1,200 barrier... The airport says it is expecting up to 140 extra private jets during the peak period alone, so far over its capacity that the planes will have to fly off to regional airports – or to Sweden – to park, returning to Copenhagen to pick up their VIP passengers."
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Sunday, December 6, 2009
Palestinian Terrorists In The Gaza Strip Have Begun Launching Russian-Manufactured S-5K Rockets Into Southern Israel
The Jerusalem Post reports that "Palestinian terrorists in the Gaza Strip have begun launching Russian-manufactured S-5K rockets into southern Israel, Army Radio reported on Sunday. On Sunday morning, security forces discovered remnants of a projectile that was fired by Palestinians in the central Gaza Strip. The rocket hit an open area near Kibbutz Alumim. No one was hurt in the incident and no damage was reported. After examining the projectile, the IDF determined it was a Russian-made S5K-type rocket, intended to be fired from fighter bombers and helicopters to attack ground targets. According to the radio station, the Palestinians altered the projectile, enabling it to be launched from the ground. This is the first time that such a rocket has been fired at Israel from Gaza. A defense official told Army Radio that the use of a new rocket type proves that the weapons smuggling into the Gaza Strip is continuing at full speed. 'Iran is constantly trying to arm Hamas, and in addition to this rocket, arms such as anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles are constantly entering the Strip,' the senior official was quoted as saying. Recent rocket attacks on Israel as well as the apparent foiled terror attack near Eilat last week were part of an attempt by Palestinian terrorist groups to undermine Hamas and disrupt negotiations for a prisoner exchange deal with Israel, defense officials said." Tweet
Former Senator Rick Santorum: Conservatives Must Battle "Toxic Tide" Of Pop Culture More Than Politics
LifeSiteNews.com reports that former "Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum last night urged leaders of the conservative movement to turn their resources towards countering the deluge of liberal pop culture, a front he considers more critical in the long-term than specific political battles. 'I will assure you that the vast majority of the American public has very little idea what is going on in the halls of Congress right now, as far as who's speaking on the floor of the Senate,' said Santorum at the 2009 Paul Weyrich Awards Dinner Thursday evening. 'But I can tell you millions are watching TV shows tonight, hundreds of millions, and we are absent from those screens.' Santorum suggested that influential conservatives have been too focused on political maneuvering, as well as economic issues, giving 'short shrift' to the effects of popular culture on America's conservative roots. 'We have always had this idea that we can shield ourselves from the popular culture, that we can protect our family from the effects of Hollywood, from the effects of the mainstream media, from the effects of the university, we just have to be careful,' said Santorum. 'Well, the bottom line is media is so pervasive, it is virtually impossible to do so.'"
"Virtues that we all as Americans honor, like integrity, honesty, courage, perseverance, these are great messages," he continued. "But they're no longer being passed on in the stories told on the front porch. They're being told by other people coming into your home, who you wouldn't let walk in the front door if they knocked, but you let them in every single day when you turn on that television, when you press that button to turn the computer on."
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Obama Mulling Iran Sanctions For January
The Jerusalem Post reports that the "Obama administration is looking to early January as the time to press for a new round of United Nations sanctions against Iran for its continued defiance of demands to explain its nuclear ambitions, US officials said Friday. As US President Barack Obama's year-end deadline looms for Iran to comply with demands to prove its atomic activities are peaceful, the administration is reaching out to European allies, Russia and China to win support for new penalties at the UN Security Council after the council's membership changes January 1, the officials said. Senior US diplomats, including US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and her chief deputy James Steinberg, raised the urgency of the matter with European foreign ministers at high-level meetings in Athens, Greece, and Brussels, Belgium, this week ahead of a summit of European leaders. The sanctions package is not yet 'coherent,' one official said, but may include UN penalties aimed at elements of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps, which the United States already has applied, and on Iran's petroleum industry, which the Obama administration is considering."
I appreciate the fact that the Obama administration may be taking the threat from Iran a little more seriously if they do indeed intend to press for a new round of sanctions in January. Though I am very skeptical that sanctions alone will deter Iran from pursuing their nuclear ambitions, I also wonder why our government should wait until January to rally other nations to join in sanctioning Iran, as December seems like a fine month to me in that it is one month sooner.
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Americans See Iran Greatest Threat To US
The Jerusalem Post reports that "Americans say Iran poses a greater threat to the US than any other country, and a growing number call Teheran a major threat, according to a new Pew Research Center survey. Americans continue to approve of pre-emptive military attacks in some circumstances, with 63 percent telling pollsters that they would support a US use of force if Iran had produced a nuclear weapon, with only 30% opposed. So far, Americans give US President Barack Obama mixed reviews on his Iran policy, with 43% approving and 40% disapproving." Tweet
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