| Obama: New Prog fail, stings Dems with CareGate, engages ACORN speech thugs, knows patient-dumping, shelters disgraced LatAm leftist, rents pricey vacation digs, promotes Castro Bros. Mismanagement: Fraud-by-mail revealed, 'business agents' waiting for you, Congress hearts ACORN and P2P, Sen. Smalley means accountability, ObamaCare at any price, forced-labor unionism means worker P2P, PLA thugs take San Diego, UNITE-HERE on strike, union boycotts NBC. International: Hillary scored by Obama-backed Zelaya, Chávez tightens New Prog noose around Venezuelans, Leftism wrecks Argentina beef market, oppressive unionism Down Under. |
Obama ushers in New Progressive Era ... President Ronald Reagan had the power to inspire a nation to become better than it thought it could be, to overcome any challenge we faced, and to embrace the ideals which made America the greatest country in the history of the world. Unlike Reagan, who reminded us that the power to become a better nation rests with the people, President Obama wants us to believe that the power to become better rests with his presidency and with the government. Obama’s ideas are not disingenuous, for progressive-socialists honestly believe that more government is needed to advance the condition of humanity. They believe that individuals cannot be trusted with liberty, and that aggregate freedom is a danger to the power of government to enact is agenda. (examiner.com)Related video: Sen. McCaskill takes heat over ObamaCare
Police heart ACORN ... While doing some research for my next Examiner article, I came across a video of ACORN organizers, at a health care rally, using oppressive thug tactics to shut down opposing voices. The video is raw but it clearly shows police in Baton Rouge, LA intervening on behalf of ACORN and attempting to silence a civil discussion about health care policy. (examiner.com)Related video: Meet ObamaCare's Speech Police
Exposed: MOb, Axelrod, Jarrett in patient-dumping scheme ... Michelle Malkin's new book, Culture of Corruption: Obama And His Team of Tax Cheats, Crooks, and Cronies, is officially released today and anyone who reads Chapter 2 ("Bitter Half: First Crony Michelle Obama") will know that Malkin is not a big fan of the First Lady. Malkin's book features a long section about Michelle Obama's involvement in the University of Chicago Hospital's "Urban Health Initiative," which The Prowler looks at today: "Republicans on Capitol Hill are taking a fresh look at one of the seedier Chicago stories from Barack and Michelle Obama's past in ratcheting up the debate on Obamacare: the University of Chicago Hospital's "Urban Health Initiative," which Michelle Obama ran prior to her taking a leave of absence to campaign with her husband in 2007. ... It wasn't just Obama's wife who was involved in creating the program. Senior White House adviser and political strategist, David Axelrod, and his PR firm in Chicago were retained to develop a media campaign to encourage area residents not to use University of Chicago as a medical facility. Senior White House official, and Obama friend, Valerie Jarrett served on the board of directors of the hospital and approved the plan for the Urban Health Initiative, and the hiring of Axelrod." . . . Read the whole thing. The Prowler's mention of Valerie Jarrett's name will certainly be of interest to Malkin, who has a long blog post about Jarrett today. (spectator.org)
Fraud-by-mail: Reckless 'reform' ... Mail-in ballots may be slightly better than card check, but they’re not necessarily as good as the current system. Remember that there have been strong and recent allegations that leading card check proponent SEIU has abused the mail-in ballot process in a fight to prevent many unsatisfied members from departing for a rival union (“Homecare providers reported scores of incidents of voter intimidation, illegal threats, and ballot manipulation by SEIU staff,” according to a press release). It appears there are many problems with the mail-in ballot notion, as employees are sure to learn the hard way if Congress tries to pass reckless “reform”. (thetruthaboutefca.com)
Union thugs termed 'business agents' ... Associates of the late Teamsters boss Jimmy Hoffa plotted to ambush a group of FBI agents during his 1962 trial in Nashville, newly released transcripts of federal grand jury testimony indicate. Walter J. Sheridan, a Justice Department official, told the Nashville grand jury in March 1963 that Hoffa's supporters planned to trap the agents in an alley "and have a bunch of business agents waiting for them." (cbsnews.com)
Obama shelters disgraced LatAm Leftist thug ... For the first time, apparently at the instigation of the Obama administration and the Pentagon, the military of Honduras has weighed in independently in support of the San José accord for restoring the country’s ousted President José Manuel Zelaya to office—though not to power. The military announcement came Saturday, the day after Zelaya set foot on Honduran soil, only to withdraw to Nicaragua within moments. “The communiqué was drafted in Washington after days of talks between mid-level Honduran officers and American Congressional aides,” the Times reported Saturday. It went on to cite unnamed US officials as saying that the Hondurans involved in producing the statement were “two colonels who were concerned about the tensions generated by the political conflict.” Zelaya, meanwhile, is set to return to Washington for further talks with US government officials. (indybay.org)
Shameless Obama pays back GOP ... Mr Obama and the First Family are planning to spend their summer break on a $20 million retreat on the wealthy playground island off Cape Cod and even seem undeterred that the property is owned by a Republican. The choice of such an exclusive location will inevitably be fodder for the President’s Republican critics who decried his recent “date night” to New York with his wife, Michelle — an excursion that cost taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars at a time of deep recession and soaring unemployment. (timesonline.co.uk)
U.S. promotes Castro Bros. ... The sign, which frequently displayed quotes from leading human rights activists and pro-democracy supporters, outraged Cuban authorities who had in 2005 erected billboards outside the mission emblazoned with photographs of U.S. soldiers abusing Iraqi prisoners and a huge swastika overlaid with a "Made in the U.S.A" stamp. Kelly noted that the Cubans had dismantled "a few very negative billboards and graffiti" around the facility and the United States viewed their removal as "a positive gesture." "We're trying to do all we can to promote the free flow of information between the U.S. and Cuba," he said. (washingtonexaminer.com)
ACORN reformers get no traction in Congress ... A blistering report released by Rep. Darrell Issa (CA), the Ranking Republican on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, supports ACORN 8 allegations of wrongdoing and enterprise corruption; and presents compelling evidence that ACORN has evaded taxes, obstructed justice, engaged in racketeering, and created a conspiracy to defraud the United States. "We commend learned counsel and the committee on this in depth report on ACORN. While we do not share all of the conclusions drawn by the committee - particularly those related to ACORN's political operations or any purported connections to President Obama; we certainly agree with conclusions about ACORN's mismanagement, poor governance and enterprise corruption. And we respect the committee's overarching duty to protect American taxpayers. Our mission is to protect ACORN's low and moderate income membership and the communities in which they live. We stand for our members and the little guy" states Michael McCray, National Spokesperson for ACORN 8. (prweb.com)
Sen. Smalley raises Dem concerns ... A peaceful election is held and turnout is high. Soon after, complaints of voter fraud spread like wildfire. Shortly thereafter, the ruling powers announce that the underdog has won, and we are left with a short, ignorant Marxist in power. No, I'm not talking about Iran; I'm talking about the Minnesota Senate race. I actually see Franken's election as a good thing, but not for America, of course. Franken gives the Democrats a 60-vote, filibuster proof Senate. Put that with a majority in the House, and a Democrat president, and guess what? Democrats own it all. That means Democrats have to come up with a new jobs plan to replace their current one, which is "blame Bush." (news-leader.com)
Let's make a deal: Conyers rips ObamaCare, Rahmbo ... As for why Obama changed his mind and now supports the health-care reform proposal under consideration in the House (which would create a "public option" government-run insurance provider to compete with private insurance companies), Conyers told the reporters: "I'm just guessing now, because we haven't talked about it, but he wants it because of the Rahm Emanuel factor. Okay. I'm glad you asked me. The Rahm Emanuel factor, to quote him, is that, look, we want success, and we're willing to make a deal about anything. Does that make you feel pretty comfortable about health care?" Conyers then said that the approach President Obama is taking now will not achieve its objective of holding down health-care costs. “This will not hold down costs. It will not cover everybody,” Conyers said in reference to the current health care legislation on Capitol Hill. (cnsnews.com)Related video: Conyers heaps shame on Congress
Union Dues: Workers must P2P in labor-states ... If a union represents employees at your workplace, you are not automatically a member of the union. You may be led to believe that you have no choice; you’re required to join the union, or else. Truth is, you have a choice (note: if you work in the building trades, there are different rules regarding union membership). You can choose to join the union and become a member, or you can choose not to join. Union representation is separate from union membership. You can be represented by a union, which means the union has the authority to negotiate and enter into contracts with your employer, and still not be a “card carrying” member. If you choose not to join, the union is still your representative, and whatever they negotiate will still apply to you. In addition, members must pay union dues, while non-members either pay a slightly reduced dues rate or no dues at all, depending on whether you work in a “right to work” state. (examiner.com)
Union thugs prevail in Golden State ... It's almost official: San Diego Unified is poised to adopt a project labor agreement for its facilities bond on Tuesday. The agreement includes guidelines for local hiring and requires contractors to provide health insurance, largely through union plans. (voiceofsandiego.org)
Rep. David Dreier placed on Dirty Money Watch ... WHO: Rep. David Dreier, R-Calif. WHAT: Dreier received the following dirty money: PMA Group (PAC) $3,000 in 2008 election cycle; $2,000 in 2006 election cycle. WHY IT'S DIRTY: PMA Group (Paul Magliocchetti and Associates) was a defense lobbying group that is now the focus of multiple federal investigations concerning allegations of influence peddling and other corrupt activities, mostly associated with earmarks. Before it was disbanded earlier this year, PMA Group's employees and its political action committee gave current members of Congress $3.4 million between 1989 and 2008, with 79 percent of that going to Democrats, according to OpenSecrets.org. WILL DREIER GIVE IT BACK: "We're reviewing records, any contributions received will be donated to charity," Alisa Do, a legislative director to Dreier, said in an e-mail. 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 Dreier's Washington office at 202-225-2305 (washingtonexaminer.com)Rep. Danny Davis placed on Dirty Money Watch ... WHO: Rep. Danny Davis (D-Ill.) WHAT: Davis received the following dirty money: PMA Group (PAC) $2,000 in 2008 election cycle; $1,000 in 2006 election cycle. WHY IT’S DIRTY: PMA Group (Paul Magliocchetti and Associates) was a defense lobbying group that is now the focus of multiple federal investigations concerning allegations of influence peddling and other corrupt activities, mostly associated with earmarks. Before it was disbanded earlier this year, PMA Group's employees and its political action committee gave current members of Congress $3.4 million between 1989 and 2008, with 79 percent of that going to Democrats, according to OpenSecrets.org. WILL DAVIS GIVE IT BACK: Davis 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. Davis’ Washington D.C. office at 202-225-5006 (washingtonexaminer.com)
Strike boss balks at health assessments ... Union workers continue to strike with delayed negotiations at the Bemis plant in Terre Haute. Strikers started a picket line last Tuesday night after their current contract expired. Union members objected to the company's new contract proposals to use more temporary employees and to make insurance changes at any time. Plus, in the proposed contract, as part of the eligibility requirement for health insurance all employees and their spouses must take a health risk assessment. (wthitv.co)
Boycott NBC! ... A union representing technical employees at television station KSBY, a San Luis Obispo and Santa Maria NBC affiliate, is demanding advertisers boycott the local station for the remainder of a labor dispute. The union is currently in a labor contract dispute with the station’s South Carolina-based owners. The boycott asks that advertisers support the union by boycotting the station or face being boycotted as well. The union covers 35 employees at the station but doesn’t include on-air personalities. The dispute over pay started in June. (pacbiztimes.com)International Collectivism
Obama-backed LatAm Leftist thug scores Hillary ... President Barack Obama has condemned the coup, cut military aid to Honduras and thrown his support behind the mediation efforts of Costa Rican President Oscar Arias, whose proposals include Zelaya's reinstatement. The de facto government has refused to let Zelaya back in and says it will arrest him if he does. The leftist complains that U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has stopped using the term "coup" to describe his removal from power on June 28. "The position of Secretary Clinton at the beginning was firm. Now I feel that she's not really denouncing (it) and she's not acting firmly against the repression that Honduras is suffering," Zelaya told reporters over the weekend. (reuters.com)
LatAm Prog creates a more perfect democracy ... Chávez’s control of parliament, combined with a sentence handed down by the Supreme Tribunal of Justice that allows organic laws to now be passed with a simple majority, in contravention of the Constitution, makes it practically impossible for Chávez not to get any law he feels like passed, no matter how irrational or antidemocratic. For that reason, one hardly credited one’s ears when the President requested yet another special powers law in order to legislate unilaterally and behind the backs of the people, particularly when what is at stake are issues of such moment as the electoral system, freedom of expression, private property, and labor relations, to mention just a few. It is worth remembering that special powers laws were designed to allow presidents to legislate in the event of emergencies provoked by natural disasters or the threat of war. Halfway through the last century, this purpose was distorted and special presidential legislative powers were broadened to include financial and economic emergencies. (laht.com)
New Progs wreck Argentina ... The Kirchner administration has been accused of corruption and manipulation of economic statistics, as well as putting pressures on both judges and the media. Industrial output dropped by nearly 11 percent this May with respect to the same period in 2008, according to the Argentine Industrial Union – a pro-business group. The annual rate of inflation has now surpassed 15 percent. World-renowned for its range-fed beef, Argentina may actually have to import beef this year because of the current impasse between the government and the private sector. Importing beef is something that just a short time ago would have seemed beyond comprehension. (thecuttingedgenews.com)
Down Under: We don't need no stinkin' transparency ... When the new donation rule was introduced, Premier Anna Bligh touted the laws as the "toughest in the country" that would improve accountability and transparency. Deputy Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg said Labor had been caught out and should return the money. "If any other Queenslander had received a quarter of a million dollars against the law, then we would be expected to pay it back if the law didn't already make us do so," he said. (news.com.au)
