Watcher of Weasels: All roads lead to Obama ... Today’s article is a very difficult one to write. As a rule I do not write about subjects that could inadvertently promote one of the weekly contest submissions over any other. This is my dilemma. So much is happening this week that I find my passion spread over every topic submitted. One thing is certain however, each topic in the list of submissions essentially has two things in common, Barack Obama, and a corrupt media. One that needs oversight and the other failing to provide that oversight and insight necessary to adequately educate the people they seek to inform influence. Regardless of the topic you will usually find that Barack Obama is at the root of the problem, not as some sort or problem solver but as an antagonist or an agitprop (whatever it takes to get the agenda accomplished). Whether it is the Obama administration’s missteps on Iran by failing to support democracy and liberty over tyranny and oppression, the illegal firing and subsequent smear campaign against former AmeriCorps inspector general Gerald Walpin or the further degeneration of the mainstream media as ABC teams up with the White House to promote the Democrats plan to get their hands on the Health Care industry and all the dollars that go with it, Barack Obama is a central figure in each of these problems. (watcherofweasels.org)
NYT/CBS reveals: How we distrust Obama ... A substantial majority of Americans believe that President Barack Obama has not developed a strategy to deal with the budget deficit, according to the latest New York Times/CBS News poll. The poll also found that support for President Obama’s plans to overhaul health care, rescue the auto industry and close the prison at Guantánamo Bay, falls well below his job approval ratings. A distinct gulf exists between Obama’s overall standing and how some of his key initiatives are viewed, with fewer than half of Americans saying they approve of how he has handled health care and the effort to save General Motors and Chrysler. A majority of people said his policies have had either no effect yet on improving the economy or had made it worse, underscoring how his political strength still rests on faith in his leadership rather than concrete results, The New York Times reports. (indianexpress.com)
Stimulus: A major source of pork barrel fraud ... If this were a private business, it would have been shut down long ago. Sen. Tom Coburn, a Republican from Oklahoma, did taxpayers a favor Tuesday by showcasing 100 wasteful government projects that have been funded by the $787 billion stimulus. Combing through the long list of stimulus projects, Coburn found some real winners. Projects that have won millions of taxpayer dollars include everything from a turtle crossing in northern Florida, at a cost of $3.4 million, to a guardrail near a man-made lake that no longer contains any water, with a price tag of $1.1 million. Other doozies include: • $1 billion for the FutureGen power project in Illinois, called the biggest earmark ever. And no one is sure it will even work. • $800,000 to pave a runway at John Murtha Airport — dubbed the Airport for Nobody because it's rarely used. • Money from stimulus funds for 10,000 dead people. These and others like them sound like small potatoes, and indeed, Coburn's 100 add up to just $5.5 billion — peanuts in a $3.6 trillion budget. But expect the waste to grow as we spend more money on politically backed pork projects that local governments sensibly have refused to fund with their own money. (ibdeditorials.com)
2010 Census: We're from ACORN and we're here to help ... Outspoken Republican Rep. Michele Bachmann says she's so worried that information from next year's national census will be abused that she will not fill out anything more than the number of people in her household. In an interview Wednesday with The Washington Times' "America's Morning News," the Minnesota Republican said the questions have become "very intricate, very personal" and that she feared ACORN, the community organizing group that came under fire for its voter registration efforts last year, would be part of the U.S. Census Bureau's door-to-door information collection efforts. "I know for my family the only question we will be answering is how many people are in our home," she said. "We won't be answering any information beyond that, because the Constitution doesn't require any information beyond that." Shelly Owe, a spokeswoman for the bureau, said Mrs. Bachmann is "misreading" the law. She sent a portion of the U.S. legal code that says anyone older than 18 who refuses to answer "any of the questions" on the census can be fined up to $5,000. (washingtontimes.com)
ACORN drawn into AmeriFraud scandal ... I'm not going to examine here the circumstances surrounding the termination of Walpin but I do wish to remind readers that AmeriCorps has long been ripe for abuse. ACORN took advantage of the federal agency a decade ago. As I wrote previously, ACORN, which is now notorious for its commingling of funds within its network of affiliates, used government resources to promote legislation. A congressional report noted that there was "apparent cross-over funding between ACORN, a political advocacy group and ACORN Housing Corp. (AHC), a non profit, AmeriCorp [sic] grantee" that is a major affiliate of ACORN. The government-funded AmeriCorps, which promotes public service, suspended AHC's funding "after it was learned that AHC and ACORN shared office space and equipment and failed to assure that activities and funds were wholly separate." The report noted that, "AmeriCorps members of AHC raised funds for ACORN, performed voter registration activities, and gave partisan speeches. In one instance, an AmeriCorps member was directed by ACORN staff to assist the [Clinton] White House in preparing a press conference in support of legislation." ("Report on the Activities of the Committee on Economic and Educational Opportunities During the 104th Congress," Report 104-875, January 2, 1997). (spectator.org)
AmeriFraud investigator thrown under the bus ... The White House on Wednesday won over some senators who had been critical of the firing of a government watchdog, providing them with a scathing evaluation of the inspector generals performance. Mr. Walpin on Wednesday accused the White House of "a new low." "I am now the target of the most powerful man in this country with an army of aides whose major responsibility today seems to be to attack me and get rid of me," said Mr. Walpin, a 2006 Bush appointee who reviewed grants awarded by AmeriCorps and other national service programs. "I am happy to let the American people decide whether I am the described ogre or simply an American attempting to do the job that I signed up to do." In a line-by-line rebuttal of the White House's case against him, Mr. Walpin said the administration is "grasping at nonexistent straws" and maintains his assertion that he was forced out for political reasons - including an investigation he undertook of an Obama supporter for potentially misusing federal service funds. Mr. Walpin has suggested his firing was retaliation for a report he issued finding that the St. Hope Academy founded by Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, a former pro basketball star and Obama supporter, had misused federal grants received from AmeriCorps. Mr. Johnson and the academy agreed to repay half of the $847,000 in grants. Sen. Charles E. Grassley, Iowa Republican, is also requesting documents on any role first lady Michelle Obama may have played in the firing, according to the Associated Press. Mrs. Obama's former chief of staff, Jackie Norris, is expected to join the CNSC later this month as a senior adviser. (washingtontimes.com)
Shock troops protected: Dems shield union-backed, tax-funded fraud group ... Yesterday, the GOP brought to the floor an amendment to stop funding the illegal liberal organization, ACORN, with our tax payer dollars. The reason was due to the numerous state and FBI investigations into the over 400,000 fraudulent and voting registrations by ACORN and the recent investigation into the embezzlement of over $1 million by those who run and organize ACORN. All the Republicans asked for was to stop any funding until the investigations are over. The GOP also asked to not have ACORN perform any government consensus due to these investigations. Guess what Obama and the democrats did when this amendment came to the floor for vote? Threw it out! This should outrage any American who believes in our Constitution and the rule of law. No corrupt organization, especially one that places illegal votes and registrations for politicians (democrats in case the bouncing ball was moving too fast), should be allowed to organize and with our tax payer dollars! Plain and simple. (livinglakecountry.com)Related video: ACORN transparency blocked by Obama Dems
SEIU forced to defend BofA extortion scheme ... Lawyers representing the National Union of Healthcare Workers (NUHW) filed charges today with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) over financial ties between Bank of America and the Washington, D.C.-based Service Employees International Union (SEIU) that appear to be gross violations of federal labor laws. The charges allege that Charlotte, N.C.-based Bank of America, whose 234,000 employees SEIU has taken steps to organize, offered SEIU at least $88 million in prohibited financial support in the form of loans. Federal law bars loans, gifts and other financial ties between employers and unions attempting to organize their employees. Unions that take money from the companies whose workers they seek to represent are considered “employer-dominated unions.” “The laws against the type of financial arrangement SEIU appears to have engaged in are very clear,” said Sal Rosselli, NUHW Interim President. “Unions are supposed to be focused on the needs of workers, and the law is intended to keep employers from using money to gain undue influence with union officials. At the same time, the law prevents unions from shaking down employers with organizing campaigns designed solely to elicit funds to fill the coffers of the local or international union.” (indybay.org)
Rep. Phil Hare placed on Dirty Money Watch ... WHO: Rep. Phil Hare (D-Ill.), a co-sponsor of The Employee Free Choice Act (aka Card Check). WHAT: Hare received the following dirty money: Communication Workers of America (PAC) $6,500 in 2008 election cycle; $1,000 in 2006 election cycle. Boilermakers Union (PAC) $1,000 in 2010 election cycle; $4,000 in 2008 election cycle; $2,000 in 2006 election cycle. American Federation of Government Employees (PAC) $2,250 in 2008 election cycle; $3,000 in 2006 election cycle. International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (PAC) $10,000 in 2010 election cycle; $9,000 in 2008 election cycle; $11,000 in 2006 election cycle. Service Employees International Union (PAC) $6,500 in 2008 election cycle; $10,000 in 2006 election cycle. United Steelworkers of America (PAC) $10,000 in 2008 election cycle; $5,000 in 2006 election cycle. WHY IT'S DIRTY: Multiple officers and members of these unions, including division presidents, secretary-treasurers and business managers, have been convicted since 2001 of felonies ranging from embezzlement, falsifying official reports to government, mail fraud and conspiracy. The Communication Workers of America and the American Federation of Government Employees have had eight convictions, The Service Employees International Union has had nine convictions and The Boilermakers have had 10 members convicted, while the IBEW has had 14 members convicted. The United Steelworkers of America, which includes Paper, Allied-Industrial Chemical and Energy Workers International Union (PACE), has had 30 convictions among its membership. The amounts of embezzled funds range from over $5,000 to over $100,000. WILL HARE GIVE IT BACK: Hare did not respond to The Examiner's request for comment. THE SCORE: Number of Democrats who have given it back: 0 • Number of Republicans who have given it back: 0 • YOUR TURN: You can reach Rep. Hare's Washington D.C. office at 202-225-5905. (washingtonexaminer.com)
Can the U.S. afford Nancy Pelosi? ... At the very end of the news conference, as Pelosi was trying to leave the podium and had already issued an edict that she didn’t have anything more to say about the CIA matter, a reporter tried to ask a question about Rep. Steve King’s intention to introduce a resolution asking the House to suspend Pelosi’s security clearance until the controversy is resolved. The reporter asked, “And were you aware that Steve King is asking for your security clearance to be revoked?” But Pelosi walked away without commenting. Pelosi the politician is clearly depending on the press to stop asking questions. However, since Pelosi and other elected officials don’t have to go through background investigations, it is the job of the media to perform this function. In the case of Pelosi, it is long overdue. (canadafreepress.com)
Bricklayers strike hospital ... A work stoppage by the Bricklayers Union halted construction on the St. Elizabeth East Hospital on Creasy Lane in Lafayette. About a dozen members of the Bricklayers union were picketing the construction site on Creasy Lane. None would speak with the media. One union representative contacted by telephone refused to answer questions. Another would not return calls for comment. (wlfi.com)
Police management unionized in labor-state ... For years, the Cincinnati police union fought to overturn a law that allowed the city manager to hire police department leaders from outside the department. The union lost. Wednesday, the 1st District Court of Appeals granted the union a concession - those officers can remain in the union. That means while the city manager can hire the chief and assistant chiefs from outside the department - he can't fire them. Those officers remain subject to the same arbitration process as other officers. "It may seem an anomaly that newly appointed assistant police chiefs will not receive the protections afforded to classified employees but will remain in the union and be subject to the provisions of the collective bargaining unit," wrote Judge Mark Painter in the unanimous decision. "But Issue 5 makes no mention of their exclusion from the bargaining unit and thus has no effect on the bargaining unit's composition. (news.cincinnati.com)
Sotomayor: Go ahead, take the federal gov't to court ... Sotomayor pressed the point: “So the minute the executive raises the specter of foreign policy or national security, it is the government’s position that that is a license to torture anyone, a U.S. citizen or a foreign citizen? License meaning you can do so without any financial consequence. That’s your position?” Although Cohn claimed again that he was not saying that, Sotomayor had correctly seized upon the implication of his argument — that the government cannot be sued for torture so long as it claims that the suit raises foreign policy or national security concerns. And the nature of her questioning suggested strongly that she did not agree. (washingtonindependent.com)Rep. Raul Grijalva placed on Dirty Money Watch ... WHO: Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.), a co-sponsor of The Employee Free Choice Act, (aka Card Check). WHAT: Rep. Grijalva received the following dirty money: Communication Workers of America (PAC) $10,000 in 2008 election cycle; $10,000 in 2006 election cycle. Boilermakers Union (PAC) $2,000 in 2008 election cycle. American Federation of Government Employees (PAC) $2,000 in 2008 election cycle; $1,500 in 2006 election cycle. International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (PAC) $2,500 in 2010 election cycle; $7,500 in 2008 election cycle; $5,000 in 2006 election cycle. Service Employees International Union (PAC) $10,000 in 2008 election cycle; $5,000 in 2006 election cycle. WHY IT'S DIRTY: Multiple officers and members of these unions, including division presidents, secretary-treasurers and business managers, have been convicted since 2001 of felonies ranging from embezzlement, falsifying official reports to government, mail fraud and conspiracy. The Communication Workers of America and the American Federation of Government Employees have had eight convictions, The Service Employees International Union has had nine convictions and The Boilermakers have had 10 members convicted, while the IBEW has had 14 members convicted. The amounts of embezzled funds range from over $5,000 to over $100,000. WILL GRIJALVA GIVE IT BACK: Rep. Grijalva did not respond to The Examiner's request for comment. THE SCORE: Number of Democrats who have given it back: 0 • Number of Republicans who have given it back: 0 • YOUR TURN: You can reach Rep. Grijalva's Washington D.C. office at 202-225-2435. (washingtonexaminer.com)
Picketers forced to remove inflatable rat ... Charlottetown police have been trying for weeks to convince picketers to take down their giant inflatable rat near property developer APM's head office, and finally arrived Tuesday with an order for its removal. The Nova Scotia and P.E.I. Carpenters, Millwrights and Allied Workers union has been holding information pickets on the Lower Malpeque Road since February. They want APM owner Tim Banks to hire union workers on his job sites. Three weeks ago, the union members moved to enhance the visibility of the protest with a four-metre inflatable rat. Every morning they set it up on the grassy strip between the road and APM's parking lot. And almost every morning, after complaints from APM, police would show up. "I think the rat actually just escalated his concerns, but up until the last six months, we haven't really had issues. Soon as the rat goes up, I don't think he likes to see that in front of his property," said union organizer Cathy Pike. For weeks the officers tried to convince the picketers to take down the rat. On Tuesday they delivered an order for its removal. "It's quite tall. It's quite big and based on primarily what a distraction it is, and they don't have a permit or licence or anything to erect this, that it should be taken down," said Coun. Rob Lantz, chair of the city's police committee. Banks had little to say about the rat. "I'm not allowed to comment. It's a labour issue," he said. "The other party can hire professional people and bring them in from away, but I can't comment." Pike said Banks may not have seen the last of the rat. She said the union will probably seek legal counsel on its rights, and that it will not be bullied. (cbc.ca)
Disturbed by pro-union tilt in Newport News ... I am greatly concerned by the direction the current administration is taking us and the lack of outrage by the citizenry. What is happening is not the change we wanted. We did not want unending bailouts and stimulus packages and horrendous deficit budgets. We did not want the Democratic majority to be badgered into passing a stimulus package without so much as reading it. We did not want the federal government becoming the owners and managers of insurance companies, banks and automobile manufacturers. We did not want political paybacks to the unions. (dailypress.com)
Bone-crushing social justice: Supreme Court ankle, State Dept. elbow ... Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton has fractured her right elbow. The State Department says Clinton was on her way to the White House Wednesday afternoon when she fell and injured her elbow. The secretary was treated at The George Washington University Hospital, just a few blocks from State Department headquarters, before going home. Cheryl Mills, Clinton's chief of staff, says the secretary will undergo surgery to repair her elbow in the coming week. (cnsnews.com)International Collectivism
Peripatetic Obama takes on everything, all at once ... In entering the maze of Middle Eastern conflicts, President Obama is likely to learn the rule of unintended consequences. The president seems to have thought that he could pacify the Muslim world, negotiate with Iran, and force Israel to accept a compromise it had long rejected. But as is often the case in this region, matters have not proceeded according to plan. The president now faces upheaval in Iran, a Muslim world that is no more receptive to his message than it was previously, and an Israel in which Netanyahu now has a stronger standing both coalition-wise and in regard to an attack on Iran. "The peace process will now get bogged down in pedantry and semantics, while Israels strong coalition has opened opportunities that could fundamentally change the rules of the game." (washingtontimes.com)
LatAm democracies adjust to collectivism ... Politics is hardly ever boring. Central American countries -- Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua -- are experiencing significant changes. Granted, these aren't necessarily for the better -- but still. Nicaragua and Honduras have joined Hugo Chávez's trade bloc, ALBA, and his subsidized oil program, Petrocaribe. Daniel Ortega and Manuel Zelaya, however, did not ride to power on a wave of popular disgust with traditional politicians. That's how Chávez, Evo Morales and Rafael Correa won. Ortega and, apparently, Zelaya would still like to be forever presidents. (miamiherald.com)
LatAm Leftists to swarm U.N. for ex-Sandinista D'Escoto ... Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa will visit Venezuela and the United States at the end of June, an official source confirmed on Wednesday. The source told Efe that in Venezuela, Correa is to take part in the ceremony for his country inclusion into the Bolivarian Alternative for the Peoples of our America (ALBA), slated for June 24, reported Efe. On June 25, the source added, the Ecuadorian head of State will attend the United Nations conference on the world financial crisis that will take place in New York. (eluniversal.com)
Chávez lurches Leftward: 'Treason against the Fatherland' ... The government stepped up its campaign against National Assembly Deputy Ismael GarcÃa whose social democratic party, Podemos, once backed President Hugo Chávez but is now one of the few voices of dissent at the legislature. Germán Pérez, a senior official in the governing United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), went to the Supreme Justice Tribunal (TSJ) to deliver what he described as evidence that GarcÃa was involved in “financing and organizing paramilitary bands, committing crimes against the country and treason against the Fatherland.” (laht.com)
