Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan has hit a new low. Now he has sent a letter to Jewish leaders accusing Jews of historically hurting black people. The story is linked below (JTA).
http://jta.org/news/article/2010/06/30/2739839/in-letter-farrakhan-accuses-jews-of-hurting-blacks
A couple of points. I won't spend much time describing what a sick and hateful person Farrakhan is. His history is well-documented. His is a ministry of hate toward whites and Jews. We all get it.
Of course, Farrakhan ignores the history of the US Civil Rights movement when Jews were some of the strongest allies blacks had.
But now I want to know what Farrakhan's documented friends are going say in reaction to these statements.
What say you, Jeremiah Wright?
What say you, Al Sharpton?
What say you, Father Michael Pfleger?
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Gavin Newsom and Trans-Ocean
Hey, you know that playboy mayor of San Francisco, Gavin Newsom?
He's the guy who has run a sanctuary city for illegal aliens-even if they belongto gangs and get arrested. He's also the guy who is always talking about ecology. He even said that the recent Gulf rig explosion and resultant leak shows why we should not drill for oil off coastal waters.
Hey, speaking of the Gulf rig explosion, guess who owns stock in Transocean (who owned the rig).
That's right.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/06/29/BADT1E6N40.DTL
What is the old saying-"do as I say not as I do"?
He's the guy who has run a sanctuary city for illegal aliens-even if they belongto gangs and get arrested. He's also the guy who is always talking about ecology. He even said that the recent Gulf rig explosion and resultant leak shows why we should not drill for oil off coastal waters.
Hey, speaking of the Gulf rig explosion, guess who owns stock in Transocean (who owned the rig).
That's right.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/06/29/BADT1E6N40.DTL
What is the old saying-"do as I say not as I do"?
Elena Kagan-Will be the Third Woman to Sit on the Supreme Court
Or at least that is what Senator Pat Leahy (pictured below) said this morning.
"Being the first woman dean of Harvard Law School is no mean feat. She is also the first woman solicitor general, and I think she will be the third woman to sit on the Supreme Court." (There may be a very slight paraphrasing there. To the best of my recollection, those were his words.)
Let's see......
Sandra Day O'Connor
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Sonia Sotomayor
------------------
Elana Kagan
Yep, 3+1 makes 3 alright. That's why Leahy is committee chair.
(I know. I'm nitpicking.)
"Being the first woman dean of Harvard Law School is no mean feat. She is also the first woman solicitor general, and I think she will be the third woman to sit on the Supreme Court." (There may be a very slight paraphrasing there. To the best of my recollection, those were his words.)
Let's see......
Sandra Day O'Connor
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Sonia Sotomayor
------------------
Elana Kagan
Yep, 3+1 makes 3 alright. That's why Leahy is committee chair.
(I know. I'm nitpicking.)
Frost Brewed-Now Solar Panels on Breweries.
"At last. I have invented the perfect beer with my secret frost-brewed process. Or was it the solar panels?"
This morning, I actually heard a Sierra Nevada beer commercial lauding their new solar-paneled breweries-as if that makes a better beer!
But then, I recalled all the other ridiculous ads by major breweries-forgive me if I can't match the brewery with the ad. But can someone explain to me (maybe Lance) why I should care if a beer is cold-filtered, frost-brewed, heat filtered or what have you?
Then there is the classic (Coors) ad where the mountains on the label turn blue when the beer is cold enough-for all you beer drinkers without a sense of touch. Gimme a break!
Here's a big part of the secret, folks; water, hops, barley and yeast like they do in Germany with the old Reinheitsgebot (purity law of Bavaria). Apparently, there is also a development the Germans came up with called "under-fermentation" vs "over-fermentation" or vis-versa. Maybe the secret is the water. Maybe they have better water in Germany, or Holland or the Czech Republic than they do in the US. Or better hops or better barley or better yeast. Hell if I know.
But don't tell me I should buy a beer because it is cold-filtered-whatever that means- or the brewery has solar panels.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Day 71-US Accepts Help From 12 Countries
Help is on the way in the Gulf! On Day 71, the US has now accepted help from 12 countries. On Day 3, an offer from the Dutch for skimmers was rejected by the EPA. Now, 68 days later, our efficient government changes its mind. Meanwhile.....
Union Attack in PA
Hat tip to Hot Air
Last week non-union workers were beaten with baseball bats by union thugs at a Toys R Us parking lot in Upper Merion Township, PA. Philly.com has the report along with a photo of the suspect car:
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20100625_Union_violence_at_King_of_Prussia_mall.html
Look for the union label.
Last week non-union workers were beaten with baseball bats by union thugs at a Toys R Us parking lot in Upper Merion Township, PA. Philly.com has the report along with a photo of the suspect car:
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20100625_Union_violence_at_King_of_Prussia_mall.html
Look for the union label.
Elena Kagan B.S.-ing the Senate
"Ms Kagan, what kind of sandwich are you eating?"
"Wabbit."
Let's be honest. Elena Kagan is going to be confirmed as the winner of the Dick Morris look-a-like contest, the Elmer Fudd sound-a-like contest, and next Supreme Court justice as well. She has the votes. The Democrat-dominated Judiciary Committee, chaired by Patrick Leahy (pictured below) is going to vote for her.
Kagan may as well stand up and tell us the truth. She is a liberal activist who is going to join the other liberals. She believes in interpreting the Consitution and the law the way ir will suit her philosophy. And according to her, we can use international law as a guide or resource or something in interpreting our own law and Constitution. Of course, we know that she has no judicial or trial experience, and some 1600 pages requested that dealt with her writings in the Clinton White House have not been released, but I guess that doesn't matter to the Senators.
But when she sits there and swears that she will "not be biased" in her decisions, I don't buy that. And what is she saying, "We are all originalists"? Stop it. If she were an originalist, Obama would not have chosen her. She was chosen because she is another liberal with a law degree who thinks the Constitution is a living, breathing document that can be changed (or interpreted) according to the perceived needs and issues of the day.
Why do you think she led the campaign to ban military recruiters from Harvard? Because she "reveres" the military as she said? Hardly. It was because she opposed the "Don't ask-don't tell" policy even though it was instituted under the Clinton administration under which she worked. Hers was the action of an activist.
But it's all academic. Even if Kagan were to confuse the Constitution with the DC phone book under questioning, she is going to be confirmed.
In spite of this....
"Courts would be wrong to strike down laws that are senseless just because they are senseless."
-Kagan today in answering a question on a hypothetical law that would dictate what people had to eat.
"Did you say 'eat'?"
Meet Your Representative-Pete Stark (D-CA)
On June 26, Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA), one of the most obnoxious jerks in Congress, held a town hall meeting in Fremont, California. He was questioned about border security by a member of the Golden State Minutemen. Watch how he reacts to an honest and valid question.
Video by Steve Kemp
Golden State Minutemen
Stark, of course, is famous for this stuff. Obviously, he is unable to give a coherent position on why the federal government will not stop the flood of illegal border crossings and drug traffic across our southern border. Instead he plays the wise guy and insults his questioner.
Also note that he doesn't even know what he is talking about as he shows no interest in his constituents' concerns.
"Our borders are quite secure, thank you."
"We still have the Bracero program" (which ended in 1964).
How is it that people like Stark become our representatives in Congress? The answer is that we have nobody to blame but ourselves.
Video by Steve Kemp
Golden State Minutemen
Stark, of course, is famous for this stuff. Obviously, he is unable to give a coherent position on why the federal government will not stop the flood of illegal border crossings and drug traffic across our southern border. Instead he plays the wise guy and insults his questioner.
Also note that he doesn't even know what he is talking about as he shows no interest in his constituents' concerns.
"Our borders are quite secure, thank you."
"We still have the Bracero program" (which ended in 1964).
How is it that people like Stark become our representatives in Congress? The answer is that we have nobody to blame but ourselves.
Arguing With Liberal Academics
Being one of the few (open) conservatives at UC-Irvine has its advantages, like discussing the issues of the day with liberals. Take yesterday, for example. I was having coffee on campus in a group of four teachers. One of them started going off on the Tea Party and how "hateful" they were.
"They hate everybody!"
I asked the lady this: (I am paraphrasing.)
Going back to all the town hall meetings and subsequent tea parties, how many violent incidents have taken place around the country?
Answer: I don't know. I don't know of any.
Me: The answer is none. The only exceptions I know of were in St Louis, Tampa and Thousand Oaks-all started by pro-Govt health care types-namely the SEIU union goons.
Next question: Do you know any tea party events where violence or violent revolution was advocated or ethnic slurs were used?
Answer No.
Me: I don't know of any either.
Conclusion; "OK, I was wrong about the tea party."
You see, it's all very easy.
"They hate everybody!"
I asked the lady this: (I am paraphrasing.)
Going back to all the town hall meetings and subsequent tea parties, how many violent incidents have taken place around the country?
Answer: I don't know. I don't know of any.
Me: The answer is none. The only exceptions I know of were in St Louis, Tampa and Thousand Oaks-all started by pro-Govt health care types-namely the SEIU union goons.
Next question: Do you know any tea party events where violence or violent revolution was advocated or ethnic slurs were used?
Answer No.
Me: I don't know of any either.
Conclusion; "OK, I was wrong about the tea party."
You see, it's all very easy.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Update on HR 1371-Feminists Still Hiding
As a follow-up on my previous posting on HR 1371, I have received the below update from Maria Rohaly of Mission Free Iran, who is trying (up-to-now) unsuccessfully to obtain support from the major feminist organizations in condemning the ascension of Iran to the UN Commission on the Status of Women
"Hi, Gary,
Just getting back to you on the question of whether American feminist organizations are going to be able to keep their designation as feminist. I don't think so. Neither the National Organization of Women, Feminist Majority, or Code Pink responded to either a formal email or to numerous tweets from members of the #iranelection community on Twitter regarding HR1371.
I have promised a critical open letter to these organizations, and such a letter is indeed forthcoming.
However, I have been a bit sidetracked in meeting that obligation. You see, the Islamic Republic has just moved two more women up to the front of the execution line.
This regime has imminent plans to bury Sakine Mohammadi Ashtiani, mother of 2, up to her waist in the ground and peg rocks at her head until she dies.
Such a show of medieval barbarity is meant not so much to brutally punish Sakine herself (though it will certainly accomplish that if they are allowed to proceed).
Rather, following hard on the heels of the regime's recent crackdown on women's dress and behavior, its purpose is to terrorize Iranian women into understanding the importance of being as invisible as possible: check it.
Ahhh... just the kind of dictatorship ~*I*~ want setting global gender policy from a perch on the UN Commission on the Status of Women. :|
Here is the announcement for our Washington DC protest against Sakine's stoning death, which includes links to relevant pages: http://missionfreeiran.wordpress.com/2010/06/28/washdc-sakine/
There's a lot more on the site, including a heart-rending letter from her children translated into 10 languages, appealing for help to anyone in the world who will listen - begging for someone to stop the regime from stoning their mother to death.
Concurrently, we are also protesting the imminent execution (by hanging this time) of a female Kurdish political prisoner, Zeinab Jalalian, who is charged with joining an illegal anti-regime organization. Even if she actually did join such an organization (such charges are usually fabricated), well, um... can you really blame her?
And in case you were wondering, yes - we did notify NOW, Feminist Majority and Code Pink of the imminent slaughter of these women. Their silence has been deafening.
Take care,
Maria
June 28, 2010 6:24 PM
Gary Fouse said...
Thanks for the update. I will make a new posting out of this.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our organization (Mission Free Iran) is holding the feet of NOW, Feminist Majority, and Code Pink to the fire. House Resolution 1371 has echoed our demands to condemn the ascension of the Islamic Republic to the UN Commission on the Status of Women, and to actively work to remove the regime from the Commission.
I have asked each of these organizations twice now what their position is on HR1371, and none of them have responded. They will be held accountable for their refusal to stand up for women's equality.
Please feel free to join us in demanding that these organizations take a position on HR1371:
Feminist Majority: feedback@feminist.org
Code Pink: info@codepinkalert.org.
NOW's email form is here: http://www.now.org/comments.html Ask them about their position on HR1371."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
That's par for the course for our feminists in America who are studiously ignoring any human rights issues pertaining to women in Muslim societies.
Won't touch it.
Terrorist Plot Foiled in Paris
Hat tip to Gates of Vienna. English sub-titles by Vlad Tepes
According to the above French news report, police have foiled a plot by a group of people already incarcerated on terror charges to attack Paris with poison gas carried by helicopter.
According to the above French news report, police have foiled a plot by a group of people already incarcerated on terror charges to attack Paris with poison gas carried by helicopter.
Joint Letter to UC President Mark Yudof re: Anti-Semitism
(Hat tip to Tammi Rossman Benjamin)
The below linked letter has been sent to University of California President Mark Yudof by three UC professors and 12 separate organizations protesting continued anti-Semitism on UC campuses. The organizations involved are:
American Freedom Alliance
CAMERA: Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting in America
Children of Jewish Holocaust Survivors
The David Project
Israel Peace Initiative
Orange County Independent Task Force on Anti-Semitism
Orthodox Union (OU)
Scholars for Peace in the Middle East
Simon Wiesenthal Center
Stand With Us
United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
Zionist Organization of America
The letter also contains statements by several Jewish students on various campuses. The complaints are damning.
A copy was provided to me by Ms Tammi Rossman-Benjamin, one of the authors, and I am cross-posting it off the website of the Orange County Independent Task Force on Anti-Semitism
http://octaskforce.wordpress.com/2010/06/28/2575/
(click "letter")
"Decoy Jews" in Amsterdam and More Anti-Semitism in Antwerp
Antwerp, Belgium
"Joden niet gewentsch"
(Jews not wanted)
Hap tip to Brussels Journal
This weekend, I posted an article describing the anti-Semitic situation in Amsterdam. In the below cross-post from the Brussels Journal, we learn that Dutch police are now posing as Jews to apprehend those who prey upon the Jewish community in Amsterdam. The article goes on to describe how Antwerp's(Belgium) old established Jewish community is now beginning to leave due to harassment and attacks, both verbal and physical that are occurring in that city at the hands of Muslim immigrants.
http://www.brusselsjournal.com/node/4470
The below article from De Standaard (in Flemish) describes the dire situation in Antwerp.
http://www.standaard.be/artikel/detail.aspx?artikelid=H42RPIB2&word=antisemitisme
According to the article, young Jews are leaving to do their studies in other places like London, New York and Israel-and they are not returning. New York is described as a "paradise", where non-Jews tend to be pro-Israel-unlike Belgium. According to one quote, "in 50 years, only ultra-orthodox Jews will be left in Antwerp".
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Meanwhile in Toronto.....
In case you didn't know, there is a big G-8 summit going on in Toronto. Wisely, the Toronto Blue Jays rescheduled their games with the Phillies to Philadelphia. It turned out to be a good move. Watch the animals in action.
(Hat tip Vlad Tepes)
Photos from National Post and BBC
(The narrator may be a future MSNBC news anchor.)
There have been over 220 arrests. Hopefully, the Bobbies in Britain will take note.
(Hat tip Vlad Tepes)
Photos from National Post and BBC
(The narrator may be a future MSNBC news anchor.)
There have been over 220 arrests. Hopefully, the Bobbies in Britain will take note.
The Plight of Amsterdam's Jews
Anne Frank
Remember her?
I am cross-posting an article from Pro-Israel Bay Bloggers that features news stories in the Dutch paper De Telegraaf and the magazine Elsevier about the plight of Amsterdam's Jewish population, which is increasingly coming under attack from the Muslim immigrants-with scant interest of the Dutch authorities. As a result, many are leaving the country.
http://proisraelbaybloggers.blogspot.com/2010/06/amsterdam-unsafe-for-jews.html
http://www.telegraaf.nl/binnenland/7046785/__Noodklok_over_antisemitisme__.html?p=36,1
http://www.elsevier.nl/web/Nieuws/Nederland/269179/Joden-Amsterdam-Cohen-deed-niets-tegen-antisemitisme.htm
It's the same old story in Europe, especially in The Netherlands. Remember that country we all knew that became tolerant to the point of absurdity as a result of their occupation under the Nazis in World War II? Then they tolerated the occupying Nazis dragging off two-thirds of their Jewish population to the gas chambers. Now they tolerate a militant and aggressive immigrant minority that is making life miserable for the remaining Dutch Jews. According to De Telegraaf, the perpetrators are "almost always young Moroccans."
Remember the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, supposedly a museum dedicated to tolerance? What happened to the lessons of the Holocaust in The Netherlands? It is beyond disgusting.
To the Dutch I say: These are your people, damn it! Protect them!
What a disgusting country!
Justice in the Department of Justice
Eric Holder
Will he follow in the footsteps of Harry Daugherty and John Mitchell?
The below story in the Washington Times is beyond disturbing. Former Justice Department attorney J Christian Adams resigned over this issue and describes how a case he was (successfully) prosecuting was dropped at DOJ's orders under Attorney General Eric Holder. If ever a case called out for a special prosecutor, this is it.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/jun/25/inside-the-black-panther-case-anger-ignorance-and-/
Intimidation? You be the judge.
Even if you accept DOJ's defense that the case lacked merit (which is preposterous), how does one justify ordering DOJ lawyers to ignore subpoenas by the US Commission on Civil Rights, which was investigating the dismissal?
What kind of lawyer is this man Eric Holder? Under Clinton, he ramrodded questionable pardons right up to the president's desk even though the FBI opposed the pardons. Now he is challenging Arizona's immigration law.
Now this.
This has all the earmarks of a major scandal. It was fishy enough when the DOJ dropped the case in the first place. Now one of the involved lawyers is speaking out. Watch our Democrat Congress try to bury this one.
The Great Recession in Chicago
Maybe Joe Biden's comment about the Great Recession was in reference to the Cubs, who lost yet another game yesterday to the cross-town White Sox. That's two-in-a-row following Friday's oil spill when Big Z...
That's "Cub ace" Carlos Zambrano, who got bombed and had a meltdown in the dugout almost getting in a fight with teammate Derrek Lee. Zambrano, the guy who is supposed to win 20 games and the Cy Young award every year, has now been suspended by the hapless Waveland Street champs. This is also the guy who is in the middle of a 5-year contract with a no-trade clause.
"Ain't my f------' fault! Hendry's the f-----' guy!"
It seems Big Z was upset that his teammates weren't diving for balls that went for hits. I guess he is also upset at the fans in the bleachers for not diving after those homers he gives up too.
The big question now is how long Zambrano will be suspended. Hopefully, the Cubs can repeat their feat of suckering the Seattle Mariners to take fellow head case Milton Bradley off their hands.
"Hey buddy. Wanna Rolex?"
Meanwhile, the "Great Recession" continues. One hundred and two years and counting....
"That's a big f-----' deal."
Ah, but there is always next year, right boys?
"Right."
Syria Invokes Blood Libel at UN
Hat tip to Reut R Cohen
(UN Watch)
This month, a Syrian representative to the UN Human Rights Councilinvoked the old Jewish blood libel against Israel. (above). Only the NGO UN Watch spoke out.
This is the type of discourse that goes on regularly in the UN Human Rights Council, which is dominated by the members of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC).
(UN Watch)
This month, a Syrian representative to the UN Human Rights Councilinvoked the old Jewish blood libel against Israel. (above). Only the NGO UN Watch spoke out.
This is the type of discourse that goes on regularly in the UN Human Rights Council, which is dominated by the members of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC).
Quote of the Day-Joe Biden, Of Course
"That's a big f----' deal."
Once again, Joe Biden has opened his big mouth and inserted foot. While outside Milwaukee on Friday to campaign for Russ Feingold and probably to pay his respects to county supervisor (and geography professor) Peggy West, Biden called a custard shop owner a "smart-ass" for asking him to lower taxes.
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978331891
According to Fox, Biden had walked into the frozen custard shop to ask for an ice cream not knowing the shop sold frozen custard. (He probably wanted to cool off thinking he was in Arizona rather than Wisconsin.)
And this: "There's no possibility of restoring those 8 million jobs lost in the Great Recession."
Last seen, Biden was observed wandering the dustbowls of Wisconsin asking Peggy West for directions to Phoenix.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Israel Teaches Obama a Lesson
You know that Iranian ship that was going to deliver "aid" to Gaza?
Well, it ain't gonna happen because the Iranians backed down and canceled the trip after Israel declared that it would consider it an act of war and act accordingly.
Result? The Iranians backed down.
And that, folks is a lesson to the rest of the world-especially our own willy-nilly president. Israel let Iran know that it was prepared to blow their ship(s) right out of the water if they approached their territorial waters. That's the way it should be done.
Well, it ain't gonna happen because the Iranians backed down and canceled the trip after Israel declared that it would consider it an act of war and act accordingly.
Result? The Iranians backed down.
And that, folks is a lesson to the rest of the world-especially our own willy-nilly president. Israel let Iran know that it was prepared to blow their ship(s) right out of the water if they approached their territorial waters. That's the way it should be done.
Oppose Unionization of Police and Firefighters
"Whadda ya mean youse don't wanna join da union?"
I have received a message from the National Right to Work Committee alerting me to a proposed bill to put police and firefighters under union control. This is a bill that Harry Reid is trying to push through before November to please his union buddies. It is called the Police and Firefighters Monopoly Bargaining Bill (S 3194). The below link has a petition by which you can urge your senators to vote no.
http://www.righttoworkcommittee.org/pfactionfax.aspx
When I was a Customs Agent in the early 1970s, there was a move to bring us under a union (I think it was the AFL-CIO.) In an office meeting, one of our agents stated that if we, as law enforcement personnel, joined a union, we could never call ourselves professionals. I agreed with him then, and I agree with him now. The thought of police and firefighters being under the thumb of a union and engaging in strikes is abhorrent to me.
I hope you will sign the petition. Believe me, there are young staffers galore in Washington whose job it is to count the yeas and nays from their constituents.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Rep Paul Kanjorski (D-PA) Steps in it
This little gem came from Rep Paul Kanjorski (D-PA)on Wednesday. Pay close attention to the reaction of the African-American lady behind him as he refers to minorities and "defective" people.
Well, it seems that my posting of the article by Dr Frances Rice of the National Black Republican Association today was quite timely.
Well, it seems that my posting of the article by Dr Frances Rice of the National Black Republican Association today was quite timely.
Idiot Alert! Meet Peggy West, Milwaukee County Supervisor
Peggy West, ladies and gentleman, liberal Democrat and Milwaukee County supervisor made this whopper as the council was debating Milwaukee business-namely the Arizona immigration law. According to Ms West, Arizona's law makes no sense since unlike Texas, Arizona is located far away from the Mexican border.
You can't make this stuff up, folks.
Ms West must be a proud graduate of the University of California Santa Cruz Community Studies Department.
I can't wait to get Siarlys' feedback on this.
You can't make this stuff up, folks.
Ms West must be a proud graduate of the University of California Santa Cruz Community Studies Department.
I can't wait to get Siarlys' feedback on this.
Another Kind of Racism
There is a fascinating essay appearing on Frontpage written by Ying Ma, a young Chinese woman who tells of her experiences going to school in the Oakland inner city. It is disturbing, and it must be brought out into the open.
Note: I am not endorsing any of the reader comments that may appear after the below articles.
http://frontpagemag.com/2010/06/25/ghetto-racism/
Meanwhile, there has been another riot in Paris-this time by ethnic Chinese-a truly astounding event given that community's general law-abiding and peaceful manner. They have aproblem however, they are targets of young hoodlums from the Arab and North African communities. To make matters worse, as with the Jews, there is not much reaction from the police. Here is the story from Gates of Vienna:
http://gatesofvienna.blogspot.com/2010/06/security-for-all.html#readfurther
Oakland and Paris; two vastly different environments. Last year, there was a similar story out of Philadelphia reporting attacks upon Asian students by black students. What these cases have in common is that they don't attract the attention of those eager to report cases of white on minority racism. But what happens when the racism is from one minority upon another? What agenda does that fit into?
This is my take: All ethnic groups can be affected by racism or religious hate. For decades now, many white Americans have clung to the naive illusion that black racism is not really racism because it is a result of their rage against the oppressors. The Europeans are today making the same excuses for the Muslims who engage in violence in their cities. But have Asians oppressed any other minority in North America or Europe? Hardly. "Rage against the oppressor" cannot explain this phenonym. Is it jealousy against a minority that has been successful? Is it the same jealousy that leads some even in academic circles to express "concern' about the huge number of Asian-Americans in California universities? It is a fact that some in California academic circles would love to devise a way to lower the ratio of Asian-American students vis-a-vis other minorities. I wrote on that issue last year. In my view, if Asian-Americxan students are running circles around the rest of us (including whites) then good for them. It is up to the rest of us do better.
Racism is wrong-period. If Frenchmen in Paris were attacking African immigrants, it would be just as despicable. However, all forms of racism must be openly confronted equally. I hate to remind you, but this is polical correctness in action.
Note: I am not endorsing any of the reader comments that may appear after the below articles.
http://frontpagemag.com/2010/06/25/ghetto-racism/
Meanwhile, there has been another riot in Paris-this time by ethnic Chinese-a truly astounding event given that community's general law-abiding and peaceful manner. They have aproblem however, they are targets of young hoodlums from the Arab and North African communities. To make matters worse, as with the Jews, there is not much reaction from the police. Here is the story from Gates of Vienna:
http://gatesofvienna.blogspot.com/2010/06/security-for-all.html#readfurther
Oakland and Paris; two vastly different environments. Last year, there was a similar story out of Philadelphia reporting attacks upon Asian students by black students. What these cases have in common is that they don't attract the attention of those eager to report cases of white on minority racism. But what happens when the racism is from one minority upon another? What agenda does that fit into?
This is my take: All ethnic groups can be affected by racism or religious hate. For decades now, many white Americans have clung to the naive illusion that black racism is not really racism because it is a result of their rage against the oppressors. The Europeans are today making the same excuses for the Muslims who engage in violence in their cities. But have Asians oppressed any other minority in North America or Europe? Hardly. "Rage against the oppressor" cannot explain this phenonym. Is it jealousy against a minority that has been successful? Is it the same jealousy that leads some even in academic circles to express "concern' about the huge number of Asian-Americans in California universities? It is a fact that some in California academic circles would love to devise a way to lower the ratio of Asian-American students vis-a-vis other minorities. I wrote on that issue last year. In my view, if Asian-Americxan students are running circles around the rest of us (including whites) then good for them. It is up to the rest of us do better.
Racism is wrong-period. If Frenchmen in Paris were attacking African immigrants, it would be just as despicable. However, all forms of racism must be openly confronted equally. I hate to remind you, but this is polical correctness in action.
Al Gore Allegation
"Sex-crazed poodle"?
Since I think Al Gore is a total jerk, it would be easy to go to town with this sexual assault allegation and poke fun at the man who is rapidly becoming the all-time butt of jokes. It wouldn't be fair, however. (I know. I just did.)
Obviously, this is and probably will remain a case of "he said-she said." The fact that she has not given police the expected level of cooperation will, rightfully or wrongfully, be an argument in Gore's favor. The fact is that really nobody but Gore and his accuser know what happened or didn't happen in that hotel room in 2006. Shades of so many other cases including the Juanita Broderick accusation of rape against Bill Clinton.
On the surface, one might ask why (if true) Gore was registered in the hotel as "Mr Stone". Yet, given his celebrity, maybe that is something he routinely does. We hear about the figure of $500 being paid for a legitimate message. Don't ask me. I am no expert. It is reported that the woman claims her pants have Al's "DNA" on them and are still available. That helps, but doesn't show force.
So what we have here is an allegation made in 2006, which the cops could not substantiate, questionable cooperation from the accuser and now she comes forth and makes the allegation again in 2010.
No case.
Does it merit-and did it merit then-an interview with Gore by the police? Yes. Does it merit a public statement of denial by Gore now? Yes. (To my knowledge, there never was an interview of Gore by the police and he has not yet made any statement. I could be wrong.)
The way things look now, this accusation won't go far. Yet, like Kobe Bryant, the suspicion will always linger. Unless it is demonstrably proved false it will just add to Gore's embarrassing legacy and be yet another joke to tell when his name comes up.
Article by Dr Frances Rice, National Black Republican Association
Dr Frances Rice
As I often do, I am pleased to cross-post an article sent to me by Dr Frances Rice, Director of the National Black Republican Association.
BLACK REPUBLICANS MAKE HISTORY
By Frances Rice
Congratulations to the black Republican candidates who won their primaries several months ago, as well as on June 22nd, the most notable of whom is Tim Scott of South Carolina who received over 68 percent of the vote in the Republican Party runoff. A Charleston resident, Scott is also a state representative and previously served 13 years on the Charleston County Council. He is vying to become South Carolina's first black Republican congressman in more than a century. If successful in November, Scott would be among the first black Republican legislators elected since the 2003 retirement of J.C. Watts from Oklahoma.
Scott and the other black Republican nominees, if elected in 2010, would join the ranks of the first blacks who were elected to Congress during the Reconstruction era - all Republicans. On the list that is posted on the NBRA website are the first two black Senators and the 21 black members of the House of Representatives.
Hiram Rhodes Revels of Mississippi was the first black elected as a United States Senator, serving from 1870 to 1871. He was followed in the Senate by black Republican Blanche K. Bruce of Mississippi. Republican Joseph Rainey of South Carolina was the first black to enter the House of Representatives.
During the era of Reconstruction, Democrats - using the Ku Klux Klan - launched a reign of terror against Republican leaders, especially black Republican elected officials. The brutal acts by Democrats was the reason there were no more black Republicans elected to Congress for nearly one hundred years, until the election of Edward Brooks of Massachusetts in 1966.
Racism in the Democratic Party - past and present - is buried by the liberal press since it does not fit within the media template where the Republican Party is painted as a racist party. The charge that the Republican Party lacks diversity prevails in spite of the existence of around two million black Republicans in America. Also disregarded by the media is the fact that a black man, Michael Steele, is chairman of the Republican National Committee.
Invisible to liberal journalists are talented black Republicans such as NFL hall of famer Lynn Swann; boxing promoter Don King; singer/songwriter Lloyd Marcus; actor/wrestler Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson; rapper/actor James "LL Cool J" Todd Smith; and businessman/talk show host Herman Cain.
Virtually no credit is given to Republican leaders for their inclusiveness, including President George W. Bush who appointed more blacks to high-level positions than any president in our nation's history. Bush's appointees included Gen. Colin Powell as the first black Secretary of State and Dr. Condoleezza Rice as the first black woman Secretary of State. Both of these accomplished black Republicans were derided as "House Negroes" by Democrats.
While denouncing the Republican Party because so few blacks attend Republican meetings, journalists overlook how the denigration of black Republicans by Democrats instills in most blacks a reluctance to become politically active in the Republican Party.
Systematically ignored by the press are Republican-sponsored meetings attended by large numbers of blacks. Journalists avoided the regional faith-based imitative meetings held during the Bush Administration attended by thousands of blacks. The liberal media displayed a decided lack of interest in the Washington, DC leadership conferences sponsored by Republican Senators Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson and Rick Santorum that attracted over 500 blacks each year for several years. Hardly any reporters covered the meetings hosted by the Republican Party of Florida for seven years where over 500 black Republicans attended each time. Although all media outlets were invited to the NBRA Black Republican Forum held in New York City where football hero Lynn Swann was the keynote speaker, only C-Span bothered to show up.
The media also pays scant attention to the numerous black Republican elected officials serving around the country, most of whom were elected in largely Republican districts. Some excellent examples can be found in the sunshine state, including Florida Representative Jennifer Carroll (R-Fleming Island); Mayor Gow Field of Lakeland; County Commissioner Carolyn Mason of Sarasota and City Commissioner Phillip Walker of Lakeland. Also noteworthy is NBRA Vice Chairman Richard St. Paul who was elected to serve on the New Rochelle City Council in New York.
The press perked up a bit after a record number of black Republicans, 32 candidates, threw their hats into the political ring for the 2010 elections. Those who won their primaries and secured their Republican Party's nomination in the past few months are: Star Parker (California's 57th congressional district); Issac Hayes (Illinois' 2nd congressional district); Chuck Smith (Virginia's 3rd congressional district); Marvin Scott (Indiana's 10th congressional district); Damon Dunn (candidate for California Secretary of State); C. Morgan Edwards (North Carolina State Senate); Gwen Patrick (California House District 52); Stephen Broden (Texas House District 30); James White (Texas House District 12); Marilyn Jackson (Texas House District 51).
The two other black Republicans who won their June 22nd primaries, in addition to Tim Scott, are Bill Randall (North Carolina 13th congressional district) and Bill Marcy (Mississippi 2nd congressional district).
A laughable feature of the media's reporting on Tim Scott is the assertion by liberal journalists that Republicans had to overcome their racism in order to nominate Scott. The reporters used the racist past of South Carolina as the basis for their slam against Republicans. Never mind the fact that the Democratic Party controlled South Carolina for over 100 years after the Civil War, and it was the Democrats who were discriminating against blacks. As is explained in the article"The Myth of the Racist Republicans" by Gerard Alexander that is posted on the Claremont Institute's website, the 30-year odyssey of the South switching to the Republican Party begun in the 1970's by Richard Nixon was not an appeal to the racists.
In a 2002 article posted on the Internet, the co-architect of Nixon's Southern Strategy, Pat Buchanan, explained the genesis and purpose of the strategy. Buchanan wrote that Nixon declared that the Republican Party would be built on a foundation of states rights, human rights, small government and a strong national defense, and leave it to the Democratic Party - the party of Maddox, Mahoney and Wallace -- to "squeeze the last ounce of political juice out of the rotting fruit of racial injustice."
The racist Democrats (some of whom became known as "Dixiecrats" when they formed the "State's Rights Democratic Party" just for the 1948 election) did not all join the Republican Party- the party of freedom and equality for blacks. In fact, those racists declared they would rather vote for a "yellow dog" than a Republican. Sadly, most blacks today have taken on the hatred for the Republican Party from the Democrats without understanding the origin of that hatred.
Once Democrats cease their insidious racism toward black Republicans, all black Americans will be free to stop having their vote taken for granted, seize control over their own destiny and vote for candidates based on the content of their policies, not merely the label of their party.
Frances Rice, a retired lawyer and Army Lieutenant Colonel, is chairman of the National Black Republican Association and may be contacted at: www.NBRA.info
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dr Rice raises a valid point. On the one hand, Democrats deride the Republican Party for having fewer blacks than they have. Yet they single out black Republicans for ridicule as "house negroes". Michael Steele is a classic example. When he was Lt Governor of Maryland, his black Democratic opponents called him an "oreo". It was shameful.
A (New) Letter From the UC San Diego Chancellor
As my readers know, I have repeatedly checked the UC San Diego website for an updated "Letter from the Chancellor" to get her personal statement on the David Horowitz incident when a member of the Muslim Student Association endorsed a statement from the leader of Hizbollah that "all Jews should gather in Israel so that we wouldn't have to hunt them down world-wide". Unfortunately, every time I checked, it was the same old statement dated May 3, 2010. Well, yesterday, since we are beginning a new quarter, I checked again and Voila! A new statement from the chancellor-on video no less.
Here it is:
http://www-chancellor.ucsd.edu/index.html
Below is a letter Chancellor Foxe wrote in response to the Compton Cookout in February 2010.
UCSD
CAMPUS NOTICE
University of California, San Diego
OFFICE OF THE CHANCELLOR
OFFICE OF THE VICE CHANCELLOR - STUDENT AFFAIRS
February 16, 2010
ALL ACADEMICS AND STAFF AT UCSD ALL STUDENTS AT UCSD
SUBJECT: Condemnation of Off-Campus Party and Affirmation of Principles of Community
We were distressed to learn that over the weekend an offensively themed student party, mocking the commemoration of Black History Month, took place off campus. We strongly condemn this event and the blatant disregard of our campus values. Although the party was not a UC San Diego student-organization sponsored event, participants did include UC San Diego students and that causes us great concern.
As stated in our Principles of Community, http://blink.ucsd.edu/HR/policies/POC/principles-of-community.html, we reject acts of discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, and political beliefs, and, we will confront and appropriately respond to such acts. We reaffirm our Principles of Community http://blink.ucsd.edu/HR/policies/POC/principles-of-community.html and encourage the campus to join us in our affirmation.
In addition, we invite students, staff and faculty to participate in a teach-in from noon to 2 p.m. on February 24 in the Price Center East Ballroom to explore how such incidents continue to occur today and to discuss the importance of mutual respect and civility on our campus.
Marye Anne Fox
Chancellor
Penny Rue
Vice Chancellor - Student Affairs
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chancellor Fox addresses students in the wake of the Compton Cookout and the library noose incident.
"Not in our community!"
Here is my point: The entire UCSD campus and community was turned upside down after the above incidents were reported that impacted black students. Though the incidents are still somewhat shrouded in mystery, the campus rightfully sprang to the defense of its black students to support them and let them know they were welcome on campus though they represent a tiny minority at UCSD. Numerous student clubs and numerous faculty departments wrote letters in response to the incidents.
Yet, when one UCSD student expresses support for a genocidal statement against Jews emanating out of the Middle East, what reaction do we get from UCSD? A lame statement from a university spokesperson (Judy Piercey) and ho hum.
"Last week at UC San Diego, a series of lectures, displays and classroom debates touched passionate, heartfelt beliefs for many in the campus and surrounding community. Pro-Israeli and Pro-Palestinian supporters visited UC San Diego at the invitation of our students and faculty. Speakers addressed the politically charged issues that are shaping world news and international policy.
As stated in our UC San Diego Principles of Community, http://www.ucsd.edu/explore/about/principles.html, we reject acts of discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, and political beliefs, and, we will confront and appropriately respond to such acts.
We firmly believe that one student’s opinion is not representative of the opinions of the majority of our student body, our collective faculty or the campus administration. We are gratified that the student involved in the edited exchange with speaker David Horowitz that was widely circulated on the Internet has issued a clarification and apology for her comments. Her statement:
“Let me be clear that I condemn genocide, racism, terrorism, and violence in any form, and firmly believe that such things run counter to my faith as a Muslim. I also condemn Mr. Horowitz’s exploitation of my well-intentioned question, and his exploitation of this situation as a whole. I did not hear Mr. Horowitz’s question, specifically his references to genocide. Had I understood the nature of the question, I would never have responded the way that I did by providing an answer that misrepresented my beliefs. I would like to apologize for the remarks I inadvertently made at the forum. It was never my intent to offend anyone.”
Discourse and debate are the essence of a vital academic institution like UC San Diego. The very foundations of every great university are set upon the rock-solid principles of freedom of thought and freedom of speech. Nevertheless, the University has an obligation to speak out in favor of civil discourse. We urge everyone in our community, regardless of their political points of view, to join us in upholding the Principles of Community."
Here's another statement by a "university spokesperson" that has been quoted.
“At UCSD we strongly condemn any suggestion that violence, especially genocidal violence, is a legitimate political tool. We firmly believe that this one student's opinion is not representative of the opinions of the majority of our student body.”
If there is any other statement out there that I have missed, I invite the readers or UCSD to let me know. If there isn't, then I think the reaction of UCSD- the administration, faculty and students- to the Horowitz incident is pathetic. Meanwhile, however, I won't be checking the UCSD web site looking for the chancellor's letter any longer. It's a waste of time.
Here it is:
http://www-chancellor.ucsd.edu/index.html
Below is a letter Chancellor Foxe wrote in response to the Compton Cookout in February 2010.
UCSD
CAMPUS NOTICE
University of California, San Diego
OFFICE OF THE CHANCELLOR
OFFICE OF THE VICE CHANCELLOR - STUDENT AFFAIRS
February 16, 2010
ALL ACADEMICS AND STAFF AT UCSD ALL STUDENTS AT UCSD
SUBJECT: Condemnation of Off-Campus Party and Affirmation of Principles of Community
We were distressed to learn that over the weekend an offensively themed student party, mocking the commemoration of Black History Month, took place off campus. We strongly condemn this event and the blatant disregard of our campus values. Although the party was not a UC San Diego student-organization sponsored event, participants did include UC San Diego students and that causes us great concern.
As stated in our Principles of Community, http://blink.ucsd.edu/HR/policies/POC/principles-of-community.html, we reject acts of discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, and political beliefs, and, we will confront and appropriately respond to such acts. We reaffirm our Principles of Community http://blink.ucsd.edu/HR/policies/POC/principles-of-community.html and encourage the campus to join us in our affirmation.
In addition, we invite students, staff and faculty to participate in a teach-in from noon to 2 p.m. on February 24 in the Price Center East Ballroom to explore how such incidents continue to occur today and to discuss the importance of mutual respect and civility on our campus.
Marye Anne Fox
Chancellor
Penny Rue
Vice Chancellor - Student Affairs
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chancellor Fox addresses students in the wake of the Compton Cookout and the library noose incident.
"Not in our community!"
Here is my point: The entire UCSD campus and community was turned upside down after the above incidents were reported that impacted black students. Though the incidents are still somewhat shrouded in mystery, the campus rightfully sprang to the defense of its black students to support them and let them know they were welcome on campus though they represent a tiny minority at UCSD. Numerous student clubs and numerous faculty departments wrote letters in response to the incidents.
Yet, when one UCSD student expresses support for a genocidal statement against Jews emanating out of the Middle East, what reaction do we get from UCSD? A lame statement from a university spokesperson (Judy Piercey) and ho hum.
"Last week at UC San Diego, a series of lectures, displays and classroom debates touched passionate, heartfelt beliefs for many in the campus and surrounding community. Pro-Israeli and Pro-Palestinian supporters visited UC San Diego at the invitation of our students and faculty. Speakers addressed the politically charged issues that are shaping world news and international policy.
As stated in our UC San Diego Principles of Community, http://www.ucsd.edu/explore/about/principles.html, we reject acts of discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, and political beliefs, and, we will confront and appropriately respond to such acts.
We firmly believe that one student’s opinion is not representative of the opinions of the majority of our student body, our collective faculty or the campus administration. We are gratified that the student involved in the edited exchange with speaker David Horowitz that was widely circulated on the Internet has issued a clarification and apology for her comments. Her statement:
“Let me be clear that I condemn genocide, racism, terrorism, and violence in any form, and firmly believe that such things run counter to my faith as a Muslim. I also condemn Mr. Horowitz’s exploitation of my well-intentioned question, and his exploitation of this situation as a whole. I did not hear Mr. Horowitz’s question, specifically his references to genocide. Had I understood the nature of the question, I would never have responded the way that I did by providing an answer that misrepresented my beliefs. I would like to apologize for the remarks I inadvertently made at the forum. It was never my intent to offend anyone.”
Discourse and debate are the essence of a vital academic institution like UC San Diego. The very foundations of every great university are set upon the rock-solid principles of freedom of thought and freedom of speech. Nevertheless, the University has an obligation to speak out in favor of civil discourse. We urge everyone in our community, regardless of their political points of view, to join us in upholding the Principles of Community."
Here's another statement by a "university spokesperson" that has been quoted.
“At UCSD we strongly condemn any suggestion that violence, especially genocidal violence, is a legitimate political tool. We firmly believe that this one student's opinion is not representative of the opinions of the majority of our student body.”
If there is any other statement out there that I have missed, I invite the readers or UCSD to let me know. If there isn't, then I think the reaction of UCSD- the administration, faculty and students- to the Horowitz incident is pathetic. Meanwhile, however, I won't be checking the UCSD web site looking for the chancellor's letter any longer. It's a waste of time.
The Words of a True European Leader
(Tip of the hat to Blogshul)
Jose Maria Aznar
Former Prime Minister of Spain
Jose Maria Aznar was Prime Minister of Spain at the time of the Iraq war and sent troops to join the effort in toppling Saddam Hussein. Unfortunately, after the Madrid train bombings, the Spanish people capitulated to terrorists and defeated Aznar in the elections that quickly followed. As a result, the current prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, a socialist Spanish version of Neville Chamberlain, was elected and Spanish troops pulled from Iraq. Here is how Aznar views the Israel situation.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Original appears in The Times of London.
Support Israel: if it goes down, we all go down
José María Aznar
Anger over Gaza is a distraction. We cannot forget that Israel is the West’s best ally in a turbulent region
For far too long now it has been unfashionable in Europe to speak up for Israel. In the wake of the recent incident on board a ship full of anti-Israeli activists in the Mediterranean, it is hard to think of a more unpopular cause to champion.
In an ideal world, the assault by Israeli commandos on the Mavi Marmara would not have ended up with nine dead and a score wounded. In an ideal world, the soldiers would have been peacefully welcomed on to the ship. In an ideal world, no state, let alone a recent ally of Israel such as Turkey, would have sponsored and organised a flotilla whose sole purpose was to create an impossible situation for Israel: making it choose between giving up its security policy and the naval blockade, or risking the wrath of the world.
In our dealings with Israel, we must blow away the red mists of anger that too often cloud our judgment. A reasonable and balanced approach should encapsulate the following realities: first, the state of Israel was created by a decision of the UN. Its legitimacy, therefore, should not be in question. Israel is a nation with deeply rooted democratic institutions. It is a dynamic and open society that has repeatedly excelled in culture, science and technology.
Second, owing to its roots, history, and values, Israel is a fully fledged Western nation. Indeed, it is a normal Western nation, but one confronted by abnormal circumstances.
Uniquely in the West, it is the only democracy whose very existence has been questioned since its inception. In the first instance, it was attacked by its neighbours using the conventional weapons of war. Then it faced terrorism culminating in wave after wave of suicide attacks. Now, at the behest of radical Islamists and their sympathisers, it faces a campaign of delegitimisation through international law and diplomacy.
Sixty-two years after its creation, Israel is still fighting for its very survival. Punished with missiles raining from north and south, threatened with destruction by an Iran aiming to acquire nuclear weapons and pressed upon by friend and foe, Israel, it seems, is never to have a moment’s peace.
For years, the focus of Western attention has understandably been on the peace process between Israelis and Palestinians. But if Israel is in danger today and the whole region is slipping towards a worryingly problematic future, it is not due to the lack of understanding between the parties on how to solve this conflict. The parameters of any prospective peace agreement are clear, however difficult it may seem for the two sides to make the final push for a settlement.
The real threats to regional stability, however, are to be found in the rise of a radical Islamism which sees Israel’s destruction as the fulfilment of its religious destiny and, simultaneously in the case of Iran, as an expression of its ambitions for regional hegemony. Both phenomena are threats that affect not only Israel, but also the wider West and the world at large.
The core of the problem lies in the ambiguous and often erroneous manner in which too many Western countries are now reacting to this situation. It is easy to blame Israel for all the evils in the Middle East. Some even act and talk as if a new understanding with the Muslim world could be achieved if only we were prepared to sacrifice the Jewish state on the altar. This would be folly.
Israel is our first line of defence in a turbulent region that is constantly at risk of descending into chaos; a region vital to our energy security owing to our overdependence on Middle Eastern oil; a region that forms the front line in the fight against extremism. If Israel goes down, we all go down.
To defend Israel’s right to exist in peace, within secure borders, requires a degree of moral and strategic clarity that too often seems to have disappeared in Europe. The United States shows worrying signs of heading in the same direction.
The West is going through a period of confusion over the shape of the world’s future. To a great extent, this confusion is caused by a kind of masochistic self-doubt over our own identity; by the rule of political correctness; by a multiculturalism that forces us to our knees before others; and by a secularism which, irony of ironies, blinds us even when we are confronted by jihadis promoting the most fanatical incarnation of their faith. To abandon Israel to its fate, at this moment of all moments, would merely serve to illustrate how far we have sunk and how inexorable our decline now appears.
This cannot be allowed to happen. Motivated by the need to rebuild our own Western values, expressing deep concern about the wave of aggression against Israel, and mindful that Israel’s strength is our strength and Israel’s weakness is our weakness, I have decided to promote a new Friends of Israel initiative with the help of some prominent people, including David Trimble, Andrew Roberts, John Bolton, Alejandro Toledo (the former President of Peru), Marcello Pera (philosopher and former President of the Italian Senate), Fiamma Nirenstein (the Italian author and politician), the financier Robert Agostinelli and the Catholic intellectual George Weigel.
It is not our intention to defend any specific policy or any particular Israeli government. The sponsors of this initiative are certain to disagree at times with decisions taken by Jerusalem. We are democrats, and we believe in diversity.
What binds us, however, is our unyielding support for Israel’s right to exist and to defend itself. For Western countries to side with those who question Israel’s legitimacy, for them to play games in international bodies with Israel’s vital security issues, for them to appease those who oppose Western values rather than robustly to stand up in defence of those values, is not only a grave moral mistake, but a strategic error of the first magnitude.
Israel is a fundamental part of the West. The West is what it is thanks to its Judeo-Christian roots. If the Jewish element of those roots is upturned and Israel is lost, then we are lost too. Whether we like it or not, our fate is inextricably intertwined.
José María Aznar was Prime Minister of Spain, 1996-2004
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aznar is spot on. Unfortunately, there are few other Europeans like him in positions of political leadership.
Jose Maria Aznar
Former Prime Minister of Spain
Jose Maria Aznar was Prime Minister of Spain at the time of the Iraq war and sent troops to join the effort in toppling Saddam Hussein. Unfortunately, after the Madrid train bombings, the Spanish people capitulated to terrorists and defeated Aznar in the elections that quickly followed. As a result, the current prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, a socialist Spanish version of Neville Chamberlain, was elected and Spanish troops pulled from Iraq. Here is how Aznar views the Israel situation.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Original appears in The Times of London.
Support Israel: if it goes down, we all go down
José María Aznar
Anger over Gaza is a distraction. We cannot forget that Israel is the West’s best ally in a turbulent region
For far too long now it has been unfashionable in Europe to speak up for Israel. In the wake of the recent incident on board a ship full of anti-Israeli activists in the Mediterranean, it is hard to think of a more unpopular cause to champion.
In an ideal world, the assault by Israeli commandos on the Mavi Marmara would not have ended up with nine dead and a score wounded. In an ideal world, the soldiers would have been peacefully welcomed on to the ship. In an ideal world, no state, let alone a recent ally of Israel such as Turkey, would have sponsored and organised a flotilla whose sole purpose was to create an impossible situation for Israel: making it choose between giving up its security policy and the naval blockade, or risking the wrath of the world.
In our dealings with Israel, we must blow away the red mists of anger that too often cloud our judgment. A reasonable and balanced approach should encapsulate the following realities: first, the state of Israel was created by a decision of the UN. Its legitimacy, therefore, should not be in question. Israel is a nation with deeply rooted democratic institutions. It is a dynamic and open society that has repeatedly excelled in culture, science and technology.
Second, owing to its roots, history, and values, Israel is a fully fledged Western nation. Indeed, it is a normal Western nation, but one confronted by abnormal circumstances.
Uniquely in the West, it is the only democracy whose very existence has been questioned since its inception. In the first instance, it was attacked by its neighbours using the conventional weapons of war. Then it faced terrorism culminating in wave after wave of suicide attacks. Now, at the behest of radical Islamists and their sympathisers, it faces a campaign of delegitimisation through international law and diplomacy.
Sixty-two years after its creation, Israel is still fighting for its very survival. Punished with missiles raining from north and south, threatened with destruction by an Iran aiming to acquire nuclear weapons and pressed upon by friend and foe, Israel, it seems, is never to have a moment’s peace.
For years, the focus of Western attention has understandably been on the peace process between Israelis and Palestinians. But if Israel is in danger today and the whole region is slipping towards a worryingly problematic future, it is not due to the lack of understanding between the parties on how to solve this conflict. The parameters of any prospective peace agreement are clear, however difficult it may seem for the two sides to make the final push for a settlement.
The real threats to regional stability, however, are to be found in the rise of a radical Islamism which sees Israel’s destruction as the fulfilment of its religious destiny and, simultaneously in the case of Iran, as an expression of its ambitions for regional hegemony. Both phenomena are threats that affect not only Israel, but also the wider West and the world at large.
The core of the problem lies in the ambiguous and often erroneous manner in which too many Western countries are now reacting to this situation. It is easy to blame Israel for all the evils in the Middle East. Some even act and talk as if a new understanding with the Muslim world could be achieved if only we were prepared to sacrifice the Jewish state on the altar. This would be folly.
Israel is our first line of defence in a turbulent region that is constantly at risk of descending into chaos; a region vital to our energy security owing to our overdependence on Middle Eastern oil; a region that forms the front line in the fight against extremism. If Israel goes down, we all go down.
To defend Israel’s right to exist in peace, within secure borders, requires a degree of moral and strategic clarity that too often seems to have disappeared in Europe. The United States shows worrying signs of heading in the same direction.
The West is going through a period of confusion over the shape of the world’s future. To a great extent, this confusion is caused by a kind of masochistic self-doubt over our own identity; by the rule of political correctness; by a multiculturalism that forces us to our knees before others; and by a secularism which, irony of ironies, blinds us even when we are confronted by jihadis promoting the most fanatical incarnation of their faith. To abandon Israel to its fate, at this moment of all moments, would merely serve to illustrate how far we have sunk and how inexorable our decline now appears.
This cannot be allowed to happen. Motivated by the need to rebuild our own Western values, expressing deep concern about the wave of aggression against Israel, and mindful that Israel’s strength is our strength and Israel’s weakness is our weakness, I have decided to promote a new Friends of Israel initiative with the help of some prominent people, including David Trimble, Andrew Roberts, John Bolton, Alejandro Toledo (the former President of Peru), Marcello Pera (philosopher and former President of the Italian Senate), Fiamma Nirenstein (the Italian author and politician), the financier Robert Agostinelli and the Catholic intellectual George Weigel.
It is not our intention to defend any specific policy or any particular Israeli government. The sponsors of this initiative are certain to disagree at times with decisions taken by Jerusalem. We are democrats, and we believe in diversity.
What binds us, however, is our unyielding support for Israel’s right to exist and to defend itself. For Western countries to side with those who question Israel’s legitimacy, for them to play games in international bodies with Israel’s vital security issues, for them to appease those who oppose Western values rather than robustly to stand up in defence of those values, is not only a grave moral mistake, but a strategic error of the first magnitude.
Israel is a fundamental part of the West. The West is what it is thanks to its Judeo-Christian roots. If the Jewish element of those roots is upturned and Israel is lost, then we are lost too. Whether we like it or not, our fate is inextricably intertwined.
José María Aznar was Prime Minister of Spain, 1996-2004
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aznar is spot on. Unfortunately, there are few other Europeans like him in positions of political leadership.
The ED Show and "Turd Blossoms"
Butter & egg man Ed Schultz
A couple of nights ago while trying to fall asleep, I switched on MSNBC to see what the little rascals were up to. There was the evening rerun of MSNBC's butter and egg man Ed Shultz, a comical character who runs in the afternoon leading off 4 straight hours of Republican-bashing that passes as news commentary. His show has the imaginative name of....
"The Ed Show".
Catchy, ain't it?
Rather than fall asleep, Ed startled me when my virgin ears detected the words "turd blossom" made in reference to Karl Rove. Thinking I must be delusional, which one of my recent kibitzers accused me of being recently, I waited to see if ED would repeat the word. Sure enough, he once again referred to Rove as a "turd blossom".
This, as you may know, was a term of endearment that George W Bush used to call Rove. I don't think ED was using it as a term of endearment. Like everybody else on the left, Ed hates Rove with a passion.
Then yesterday, while seated at a local pub, there was ED again on the TV. This time he was doing a segment called "I'm fired up". (ED's always fired up.) Of course, he was rambling on about the usual MSNBC thesis statement (The Republicans are all
%^&*(%**s. What struck me however, is how long this talking head was going on without a commercial break. Now I know some smart alec is going to send me the tape and point out that there was indeed a commercial after 10-12 minutes whatever it is supposed to be. But when you are listening to ED, it seems like forever. Where is that commercial when you need it?
But seriously, how can you call yourself a professional news outfit when all you have is Ed, followed by Chris Matthews, followed by Keith Olbermann, followed by Rachel Maddow all saying the same thing night after night after night?
And turd blossoms?
Of course, that same smart alec is going to zing me with FOX NEWS as the polar opposite of MSNBC. Not quite. O'Reilly is not a strict ideologue. Fox still has Alan Colmes (barely), and there are a few liberal commentators like Geraldo Rivera, Bob Beckel and Juan Williams. I know-I know. Hannity and Beck are solid conservatives and hardly unbiased, but if you really want to compare and contrast MSNBC and Fox, it is quite clear which one is "more fair and balanced".
But this guy ED. What a joke.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Jewish Dance Troup Driven From Stage by Arab Youth in Germany
Hannover City Hall
This latest outrage comes to us courtesy of Europe News.com of Denmark and concerns a recent street fair in a Hannover suburb. When a Jewish dance troup appeared on stage, they wer greeted with insults ("Juden raus", and hit with stones and pebbles forcing them to leave the stage. (Hat tip to OC Independent Task Force on Anti-Semitism)
http://europenews.dk/en/node/33235
In addition, here is a report from the Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung (in German).
http://www.haz.de/Hannover/Aus-der-Stadt/Uebersicht/Polizei-findet-weitere-vier-Verdaechtige
Police have thus far identified 6 youths between 9-19 years of age involved, all of Middle Eastern origin except oner who is North African. In addition, anti-Semitic incidents have been increasing in the Hannover area according to the above article.
What is clear that while the Germans have done a commendable job of educating their own youth about the Nazi era and the dangers and evils of anti-Semitism, they have not gotten this message through to their Middle Eastern and certain Russian immigrant populations.
Hamas Refuses Red Cross Access to Gilad Shalit
The below report comes from the liberal Israeli news organ, Haaretz and cocerns the latest refusal by Hamas in Gaza to allow the International Red Cross access to Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, who was abducted by Hamas in 2006 by gunman who had tunneled under the Gaza-Israel border attacking his post and killing two Israeli soldiers in the process. Gilad was taken into Gaza where he has been held prisoner ever since.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/hamas-we-won-t-let-red-cross-visit-shalit-1.297859
The sad question is whether Gilad is still alive and/or how has he been treated as a prisoner. We must remember after the fighting between Israel and Hizbollah in South Lebanon back in 2006, when they returned the bodies of two Israeli soldiers abducted from the border with Lebanon, which sparked the fighting. The two soldiers were returned dead with signs of severe torture.
Of course, you won't hear Gilad's case taken up by the George Galloways of the world or the people in the International Solidarity Movement or the other folks who are involved in those Free Gaza peace convoys to Gaza. They don't care.
What about the UN? They are so interested in investigating "Israeli war crimes". Doesn't the UN care that Hamas will not allow the Red Cross to visit Gilad?
Of course they don't.
A question for all you Hamas supporters here in the US: Now do you understand why they are labeled a terrorist organization?
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/hamas-we-won-t-let-red-cross-visit-shalit-1.297859
The sad question is whether Gilad is still alive and/or how has he been treated as a prisoner. We must remember after the fighting between Israel and Hizbollah in South Lebanon back in 2006, when they returned the bodies of two Israeli soldiers abducted from the border with Lebanon, which sparked the fighting. The two soldiers were returned dead with signs of severe torture.
Of course, you won't hear Gilad's case taken up by the George Galloways of the world or the people in the International Solidarity Movement or the other folks who are involved in those Free Gaza peace convoys to Gaza. They don't care.
What about the UN? They are so interested in investigating "Israeli war crimes". Doesn't the UN care that Hamas will not allow the Red Cross to visit Gilad?
Of course they don't.
A question for all you Hamas supporters here in the US: Now do you understand why they are labeled a terrorist organization?
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Uproar Over Staten Island Mosque
The controversial mosque project at Ground Zero is not the only proposed mosque causing an uproar in New York. Staten Island is also dealing with a mosque controversy as evidenced by this 10 minute video of a community meeting. In the 10 minute video, Jihad Watch director Robert Spencer confronts a representative of the Muslim American Society (MAS), which is supporting the mosque. Spencer asks whether the organization supports Hamas, Hizbollah and the imposition of Sharia in the US. Listen to the "answer" he gets.
(Video by Jihad Watch)
Here is a news article (SI Live) describing the controversy.
http://www.silive.com/eastshore/index.ssf/2010/06/backers_of_staten_island_mosqu.html
Comment: It is quite clear that more and more communities in America are leery of having mosques and Islamic centers in the neighborhoods. Yes, it is contrary to America's tradition of religious tolerance to object to a religious place of worship that is not Christian (or Jewish). This videotape illustrates that there is a division between Muslims and non-Muslims that is depressing, but real.
Yet let me ask a question. If a Buddhist group wanted to set up a temple virtually anywhere in America, do you think there would be an outcry? Hardly. Somewhere north of Hollywood (I don'r recall exactly where) there is a beautiful Thai Buddhist temple that has stood for some 25 years.
So what is the difference? Is it because Americans are religious bigots? I don't think so. The problem, which every American Muslim must consider is that world events are casting a bad light on Islam. It is not just 9-11 and the continuing threats of terrorism. It has been documented that many mosques in the US are breeding grounds for hate, radicalism and sedition. No such suspicions exist in regards to Buddhist temples.
Am I accusing all mosques of that? Not at all, but it is high time for American Muslims to take stock in their relationship to American society, from which they are becoming isolated more and more. I still cling to the notion that most American Muslims want to be a part of American society while maintaining their religion. It should not have to be a choice of one or the other. Yet, it appears that so many of their "leaders" are telling them the opposite. In other words, they are being told that Western values are not in line with Islamic values.
Where have I heard that before?
(Video by Jihad Watch)
Here is a news article (SI Live) describing the controversy.
http://www.silive.com/eastshore/index.ssf/2010/06/backers_of_staten_island_mosqu.html
Comment: It is quite clear that more and more communities in America are leery of having mosques and Islamic centers in the neighborhoods. Yes, it is contrary to America's tradition of religious tolerance to object to a religious place of worship that is not Christian (or Jewish). This videotape illustrates that there is a division between Muslims and non-Muslims that is depressing, but real.
Yet let me ask a question. If a Buddhist group wanted to set up a temple virtually anywhere in America, do you think there would be an outcry? Hardly. Somewhere north of Hollywood (I don'r recall exactly where) there is a beautiful Thai Buddhist temple that has stood for some 25 years.
So what is the difference? Is it because Americans are religious bigots? I don't think so. The problem, which every American Muslim must consider is that world events are casting a bad light on Islam. It is not just 9-11 and the continuing threats of terrorism. It has been documented that many mosques in the US are breeding grounds for hate, radicalism and sedition. No such suspicions exist in regards to Buddhist temples.
Am I accusing all mosques of that? Not at all, but it is high time for American Muslims to take stock in their relationship to American society, from which they are becoming isolated more and more. I still cling to the notion that most American Muslims want to be a part of American society while maintaining their religion. It should not have to be a choice of one or the other. Yet, it appears that so many of their "leaders" are telling them the opposite. In other words, they are being told that Western values are not in line with Islamic values.
Where have I heard that before?
Oakland Protesters Boycott the Wrong Ship
Hat tip to Pro-Israel Bay Bloggers. Photos by Indybay.
On Sunday, an anti-Israel crowd showed up on the Oakland docks to stop an arriving Israeli ship from unloading. Dock workers and longshoreman, arriving for the shifts, decided not to cross the picket line.
"Free free Palestine! Don't cross the picket line!"
Here is what protest organizer Richard Becker had to say:
"This is the first time [that] an Israeli ship was blocked from unloading in a U.S. port… We consider this to be a huge victory and a historic moment.”
So a wonderful day was had by all as the 200-500 protesters (according to various estimates) succeeded in delaying the unloading of the arriving ship for some 12 hours. There was just one problem, however.
The Israeli ship hadn't yet arrived because it was delayed for several hours. It was actually a Chinese ship that was prevented from unloading.
"Free free Tibet! Don't cross the.........?"
On Sunday, an anti-Israel crowd showed up on the Oakland docks to stop an arriving Israeli ship from unloading. Dock workers and longshoreman, arriving for the shifts, decided not to cross the picket line.
"Free free Palestine! Don't cross the picket line!"
Here is what protest organizer Richard Becker had to say:
"This is the first time [that] an Israeli ship was blocked from unloading in a U.S. port… We consider this to be a huge victory and a historic moment.”
So a wonderful day was had by all as the 200-500 protesters (according to various estimates) succeeded in delaying the unloading of the arriving ship for some 12 hours. There was just one problem, however.
The Israeli ship hadn't yet arrived because it was delayed for several hours. It was actually a Chinese ship that was prevented from unloading.
"Free free Tibet! Don't cross the.........?"
Frank Gaffney Article on Elena Kagan and Sharia
Frank Gaffney of Family Security Matters has written this important piece on Dick Morris look-a-like Elena Kagan on her views regarding sharia law. Hopefully the confirmation hearings will pay close attention to this matter and ask Ms Kagan to explain herself, her views on sharia law, and especially how she sees sharia in connection with gay rights.
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June 23, 2010
Was Solicitor General Subtly Soliciting Shariah Law?
Frank Gaffney, Jr.
Hats off to Senator Jeff Sessions! The top Republican on the Senate's Judiciary Committee has opened up an important new front in the debate over Solicitor General Elena Kagan's fitness to serve on the Supreme Court: Her attitude towards the repressive legal code authoritative Islam calls Shariah and her enabling of efforts to insinuate it into this country.
By so doing, the Alabama legislator has given his colleagues and the country an opportunity not only to flesh out and evaluate the thin public record of President Obama's second nominee to a lifetime appointment on the nation's highest court. The Senator has also afforded us all what Mr. Obama might call a "teachable moment."
Specifically, this Supreme Court nomination offers a prism for examining the concerted and ominous campaign underway to bring Shariah to America, thanks to the troubling role Ms. Kagan played during her tenure as dean of Harvard's Law School. In a speech on the Senate floor on June 16th, Sen. Sessions reflected on that role in noting a seemingly astonishing inconsistency in the nominee's much-touted support of homosexual rights:
. . . Information has come to light suggesting that Ms. Kagan may...have been less morally principled in her approach than has been portrayed. Around the same time that Dean Kagan was campaigning to exclude military recruiters - citing what she saw as the evils of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell” - Harvard University accepted $20 million from a member of the Saudi Royal family to establish a center for ''Islamic Studies'' and Shariah law.
An Obama State Department report concerning Saudi Arabia and the Shariah law concept noted: ‘Under Shariah, as interpreted in [Saudi Arabia], sexual activity between two persons of the same gender is punishable by death or flogging.'
Ms. Kagan was perfectly willing to obstruct the military, which has liberated countless Muslims from the hate and tyranny of Saddam Hussein and the Taliban, but it seems she was willing to sit on the sidelines as Harvard created a center funded by - and dedicated to - foreign leaders presiding over a legal system that would violate what would appear to be her position.
Some of Kagan's defenders have sought to excuse her failure to oppose the promotion on campus of a brutally homophobic agenda by claiming that the program funded by Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal is actually on another part of Harvard's campus, not that of the law school. For example, the George Soros-funded attack website, Media Matters, claimed: "Harvard University, not Harvard Law School - where Kagan served as dean - accepted the Saudi prince's [2005] gift."
Senator Sessions did not say Elena Kagan accepted the check. Rather, he pointed out that her selective opposition to mistreatment of gays suggests that something other than principle was operating. If Ms. Kagan had no trouble with people who advocate the murder of homosexuals having offices anywhere at her university, it would appear her determination to deny access to its campus to military recruiters bespeaks nothing more than hostility towards the armed services. Is that something we really want in a Supreme Court justice?
Worse yet, Dean Kagan had an even more direct connection to the Saudis' Shariah-recruitment efforts at Harvard. She personally officiated in 2003 over the establishment of an "Islamic Finance Project" at the law school itself. The Project's purpose is to promote what is better known as "Shariah-Compliant Finance" (SCF) by enlisting in its service some of the nation's most promising law students.
Consequently, it is absolutely appropriate for Senators to explore Elena Kagan's attitude towards Shariah - an anti-constitutional, supremacist legal doctrine that is not only a threat to homosexuals, but to our civil liberties and society more generally.
Shariah-Compliant Finance dates back to the 1940s, when it was invented by leading figures in the Muslim Brotherhood. This international organization has as its stated mission "destroying Western civilization from within...by its own miserable hand." SCF is designed to further these seditious purposes by: legitimating Shariah in non-Muslim societies; compelling non-Shariah adherent Muslims to use SCF, rather than conventional financial products (in particular, arrangements that involve charging or paying interest); and diverting funds through techniques known as "zakat" (tithing) and "purification" to support jihad. In fact, one of the driving forces behind the SCF industry, Qatari Sheikh Yusef al-Qaradawi has actually called SCF-generated zakat "jihad with money."
Ms. Kagan's Islamic Finance Project has also played a prominent role in encouraging the U.S. government to endorse Shariah-Compliant Finance. Notably, a founding advisor to the Project, Harvard professor Samuel Hays III, conducted a "seminar for the policy community" in November 2008. It was sponsored by a former Goldman Sachs executive-turned-Assistant Treasury Secretary, Neel Kashkari, who at the time was responsible for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). The signal thus sent could not have been clearer, either to Kashkari's colleagues in government or those in the financial sector: At a moment when the very viability of major banks and investing institutions critically depended on this individual's favor, it would be advisable to embrace Shariah-Compliant Finance.
Thank heavens Jeff Sessions will play a leading role in the Judiciary Committee's scrutiny of Elena Kagan. Since there is so little else to go on concerning her judgment and judicial philosophy, her attitude toward and association with Shariah's insinuation into this country loom large. We can only hope that Sen. Sessions and his colleagues will make the most of this teachable moment. At the very least, her association with Shariah adds to the already long list of issues on which a Justice Kagan would have to recuse herself, seriously diminishing her value to the court.
FamilySecurityMatters.orgContributor Frank J. Gaffney, Jr. is President of the Center for Security Policy, a columnist for the Washington Times and host of the syndicated program, Secure Freedom Radio, heard in Washington weeknights at 9:00 p.m. on WTNT 570 AM.