In Germany, an Attempted Moment of Silence

Hat tip to Politically Incorrect


The German town of Remscheid, which is involved in a controversy over a planned mosque, attempted to hold a moment of silence for the victims in Toulouse during a recent anti-mosque demonstration. Some Turkish counter-demonstrators had other ideas. Politically Incorrect, a German blog, has the video.

http://www.pi-news.net/2012/03/remscheid-eklat-bei-toulouse-schweigeminute/

One thing that is important to note is the decades-long history of immigration to Germany by Turks. True, they have faced their share of discrimination in Germany. Many have worked hard and built new lives for their families. They came from a  country that, while Islamic, had been moderate since the days of Mustafa Ataturk, who built a separation between the religion and the state. When I visited Turkey in the 1980s, it was a nice place with friendly folks who happened to be Muslim.

Nowadays, Turkey is changing. It has an Islamist leader, and many of its people are being lured into the militant form of Islam. Apparently, it is happening to some of the Turks in Germany as well.

I had been hoping that the Turkish population in Germany could have set the model for Muslims living in Europe. There had been a degree of assimilation not present in many other European countries. True, there were some criminals and drug traffickers who had found their way into Germany, but many honest Turks had been successful opening restaurants and other businesses.

All of that considered, to shout down a moment of silence for the victims of Toulouse is despicable. Those demonstrators did no favors to the Turkish population in Europe.

A "Tribute" to the Toulouse Killer in France

Hat tip to Gallia Watch


(Photo from Gallia Watch) This is sick.

The blog Gallia Watch has been following the aftermath of the Toulouse massacre. Here is the post along with a photo of sickening graffiti posted in Mohamed Merah's honor.

http://galliawatch.blogspot.com/2012/03/burial-in-toulouse.html#links

If France is serious about cracking down on their Islamists troublemakers, hopefully, they will round up whoever wrote this.

Current TV Fires Keith Olbermann....Ho Hum

                          "I'm mad as Hell, and I'm not gonna take it anymore."



I really have missed Keith Olbermann. Instead of being a perennial contender for the Fousesquawk Jerk of the Year award at MSNBC, Keith disappeared into something called Current TV.  What is it some special satellite you need on your roof to connect to Current TV? Hell if I know. All I know is that Olbermann had been off my radar screen working for another nut named Al Gore until this week when it was announced that Keith had been fired. What else is new? Keith has burned another bridge.

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/national_world&id=8602820

Sounds like Olbermann alright. The man who can't get along with anybody and thinks he is smarter and more righteous than everybody else. So now even Al Gore has had enough with this spoiled, temperamental brat.

So what is next for Keith? Can you imagine reading his resume if you are a prospective employer? For every job he's had, "Reason for leaving"-Fired. The guy has been fired more times than Billy Martin, be jeezuz.


For my foreign readers, this is Billy Martin. He's the guy with the number one on his back. Apparently, Billy and Keith had a lot in common.

Maybe someone should hire Keith on a short-term basis, like act in a movie.

I got it! Network 2. The Return of Howard Beale. Keith would be a natural. It would be like playing himself.



"I'm mad as Hell, and I'm not gonna take it anymore."


Hopefully, Keith will land somewhere where I can catch him on my ordinary cable TV. Then he can get back in the race for the Golden Penguin.*

Anyway, nice to see you again, Keith.

* Golden Penguin is the award given to the Fousesquawk Jerk of the Year.

French Police Round up 19 Radicals

(Leader-Post)


In the wake of the Toulouse atrocity, France under President Nicholas Sarkozy appears to be showing some backbone. First they denied entry to a number of radical imams who wanted to attend a conference in France including Yusuf al Qaradawi. Now they have rounded up 19 suspected radicals, some of whom may be kicked out of the country. (2 have been released.) Below is the news report from Fox.

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/03/31/french-police-holding-17-suspected-muslim-radicals/?test=latestnews

Here is a more extensive report from Leader-Post (Hat tip Creeping Sharia):

http://www.leaderpost.com/news/French+police+arrests+people+crackdown+suspected+Islamists/6384974/story.html

I don't know the facts surrounding these suspects, what specifically they have been charged with, their actual citizenship, or how French law works in these matters. Under American law, this action may or may not be considered legal. That doesn't  matter. French law is what matters, and I know that it is fair enough for me. (France uses the Napoleonic Code.) If France can say enough is enough, start keeping bad actors out of the country, and start getting those already there out of the country, I salute them. If they can prosecute those advocating violence and subversion, I say great. Perhaps France can set the template for the rest of Europe.

I salute President Sarkozy.

So What Happened Today in Israel?

A couple of days ago, I posted on the planned Global March to Jerusalem day planned by the Palestinian activists and their dopey Western supporters.

http://garyfouse.blogspot.com/2012/03/global-march-to-jerusalem-usual.html

Last year's event resulted in bloodshed, but, undeterred, the lads irresponsibly decided the show must go on again this year. Only one dead this time. Fox News has the report complete with video.

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/03/30/israeli-forces-clash-with-palestinian-demonstrators-on-land-day/?test=latestnews

Rest assured, there will be world-wide condemnation of Israel because of one dead Palestinian who tried to break across into Israel. Why doesn't the UN take a position on a nation defending its borders against violent attacks?

Fousesquawk Travel Destinations: France

We express our gratitude to the French Armed Forces. Without their assistance, this film would not have been possible.




Ahh yes, France; gay Paree. Love is always in the air when you visit France. The land of great wine, great food, bad beer, bad armies, bad waiters, Irma La Douce, and Dominique Strauss-Kahn.

Getting there


If you are traveling from the US, there are direct flights via Air France from New York to Paris-or you can fly one of the lousy American carriers. If you are coming from one of the former French colonies, like Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Cameroon etc, you can just demand free passage, plus welfare, free rent and a free apartment in one of the lovely French banlieus (suburbs).  Just show up at the airport, commandeer a car, kill the driver, and settle into your free apartment. Others have to hop a taxi and pay for a hotel.

The best season to go.


That would be right now, fresh off the great military victory in Libya, the first war France has won since Napoleon's army was shooting bullet holes in the Sphinx. To celebrate, you should visit his tomb in Paris. If you get close enough, you  may hear him laughing about the Libyan campaign.

Speaking of tombs, don't forget to visit the Tomb of the Unknown Collaborator.


But don't think that France is just about great military victories, veal cordon bleu, cheese, and Chateau LaFoof wine 1935. There is great technology.


(To say nothing of French vanilla, the French horn and the French kiss)

A history of great political leaders. (I even have a couple of portraits.)

King Louis I
King Louis II
King Louis III
King Louis IV
King Louis V
King Louis VI
King Louis VII
King Louis VIII
King Louis IX
King Louis X
King Louis XI
King Louis XII
King Louis XIII
King Louis XIV (below)



King Louis XV
King Louis XVI (below)

And don't forget Pierre Laval, Charles (The Humble)  de Gaulle, Georges Pompidou, Francois Mitterrand, Jacques Chirac and Jerry Lewis.

Places to Visit

Famous landmarks? Well, everyone knows about the Eiffel Tower. Be sure to visit it on a Friday. There's a guy standing at the top calling the faithful of Paris to report to Notre Dame for prayer. (Notre Dame is currently under re-construction. Something about installing a minaret.)

Walking in Paris is always an adventure. You never know who or what you will run into to.

And don't forget to visit the Louvre. That's where you can see the Mona Lisa and try to fathom that mysterious smile.

Outside, you can buy those famous postcards to send to your family back in the States. Here's one I bought outside the museum back in 1967. I still keep it by my bedside whenever I want to remember France.



Now where should you stay in France? The French tourist agency, headed by Dominique Strauss-Kahn, can accommodate every taste in your choice of hotels. The Strauss-Kahn hotel chain is noted for first class room service.

And who is Dominique Strauss-Kahn, you ask?

You don't want to know.

And don't think that Paris is the only place to visit in France. You can always travel to Rouen and see where they burned Joan of Arc at the stake. Or you can go to the east of France and see the impregnable Maginot Line built to protect France from one of those chronic German attacks. It worked; the Germans drove through Belgium. I also recommend Marseilles in the south. And don't worry; you don't need to speak French there. Nobody else does either.

And don't forget to visit Strasbourg (before the Germans take it back). That is the site of the European Parliament, where British member Nigel Farage regularly takes his counterparts to the woodshed. You've watched the videos here on Fousesquawk. Go and see where it actually happens. This is also the site where our own President Obama made his historic reference to "the Austrian language" (which by the way, was the native language of Marie Antoinette-Mrs. Louis XVI). I hear they erected a plaque on the exact spot where Obama made his now-famous utterance. It is engraved in Austrian.

So if you're thinking about a great vacation destination, consider France. Don't worry; they use the Euro. But you better get there soon-before it's gone. (France or the Euro, you ask?-Both.)

In closing, let us all rise and sing the Marseillaise (perhaps, for the last time)..



"Arise children of the fatherland



The day of glory has arrived


Against us tyranny's


Bloody standard is raised


Listen to the sound in the fields


The howling of these fearsome soldiers


They are coming into our midst


To cut the throats of your sons and consorts






To arms citizens Form your battalions


March, march


Let impure blood


Water our furrows






What do they want this horde of slaves


Of traitors and conspiratorial kings?


For whom these vile chains


These long-prepared irons?


Frenchmen, for us, ah! What outrage


What methods must be taken?


It is us they dare plan


To return to the old slavery!






What! These foreign cohorts!


They would make laws in our courts!


What! These mercenary phalanxes


Would cut down our warrior sons


Good Lord! By chained hands


Our brow would yield under the yoke


The vile despots would have themselves be


The masters of destiny






Tremble, tyrants and traitors


The shame of all good men


Tremble! Your parricidal schemes


Will receive their just reward


Against you we are all soldiers


If they fall, our young heros


France will bear new ones


Ready to join the fight against you






Frenchmen, as magnanimous warriors


Bear or hold back your blows


Spare these sad victims


That they regret taking up arms against us


But not these bloody despots


These accomplices of Bouillé


All these tigers who pitilessly


Ripped out their mothers' wombs






We too shall enlist


When our elders' time has come


To add to the list of deeds


Inscribed upon their tombs


We are much less jealous of surviving them


Than of sharing their coffins


We shall have the sublime pride


Of avenging or joining them






Drive on sacred patriotism


Support our avenging arms


Liberty, cherished liberty


Join the struggle with your defenders


Under our flags, let victory


Hurry to your manly tone


So that in death your enemies


See your triumph and our glory"


Merci.

Zuhdi Jasser Appointment Infuriates the CAIR Types

Dr Zuhdi Jasser


Hat tip to Investigative Project on Terrorism

I regard the below news as of great importance. Dr Zuhdi Jasser, a Muslim American (of Syrian extraction), US Milirary veteran, and a patriotic and courageous spokesman who has dared to state the obvious-that there is an extremist Islamic threat to America, has been appointed to the  U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF). And the phony moderate Islamic organizations like CAIR are none too happy about it.

http://www.investigativeproject.org/3513/jasser-appointment-riles-islamists

Jasser, aside from speaking out against the extremist elements within Islam, has also spoken the truth about organizations like CAIR, the Islamic Society of North America, the Islamic Circle of North America, the Muslim Public Affairs Council, the Muslim Americn Society, and others. That is why they are screaming about this appointment. Their screaming must be ignored, and the appointment of Jasser must be supported.

We should follow this story. If political pressure is brought to bear to cancel this appointment, then we as citizens should let those in authority know that we support Dr Jasser's appointment.

An Examination of Muslim Anti-Semitism in Scandinavia

Hat tip to Norway, Israel and the Jews

Sarah Azmeh Rasmussen, a Syrian immigrant to Norway, has written a fascinating article on the ant-Semitism in Scandinavia, specifically Norway and Sweden. She compares the attitudes towards Jew-hatred with Islamophobia, as well as anti-Semitism by European and by Muslim immigrants from the Middle East and North Africa. The article, which is highly disturbing, can be read in English or Norwegian. I will post this now and add my own comments later.


http://www.israelwhat.com/2012/03/30/sara-azmeh-rasmussen-the-muslim-jew-hate/

George Galloway Elected

Hat tip to Vlad Tepes

Hold on to your hats. George Galloway, the craziest man in the UK, has been elected back to office in some place called W Bradford.

Apparently, Galloway did it by convincing the local yokals that he was more Muslim than his opponent, some guy from Pakistani background. Vlad Tepes has a report with an amusing video showing Galloway and his tricky rhetoric.

http://vladtepesblog.com/?p=46366

Let's hear it for George!!

But there was some bad news. One disenchanted resident decided to pelt George's victory parade with eggs. The Blaze has the story and video. (Hat tip to Squid)

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/leftist-uk-politician-george-galloway-egged-in-victory-parade/


Personally, I don't care if he is Muslim, Christian, Jew, or worships spirits in trees. The guy is a bum, and I can only hope he never darkens our shores again.

UCLA Web Site Used for Political Purposes?

"Not again?"

Great Caesar's ghost! Embattled University of California President Mark Yudof has gotten another letter from my friends and colleagues, Tammi Rossman-Benjamin and Leila Beckwith of the AMCHA Initiative. It seems another UC professor is using the UCLA website to push his views on the world. 

Bet you can't guess what the topic is........

"Uhhhhhhhh......."

That's right! Israel.

"Dear President Yudof, Chancellor Block, UC Academic Senate Chair Anderson, and UCLA Academic Senate Chair Leuchter:

It has come to our attention that UCLA professor of World Arts and Cultures/Dance, David Delgado Shorter, has been using his official UCLA class website for the purpose of promoting the academic and cultural boycott of Israel:

• On the first page of the attached document, which is a screen shot of the home page for Professor Shorter's class "Tribal Woldviews," you can see circled in red, beneath the icons labeled "announcements" and "discussion section," an icon labeled "Boycott Israel," which links to an article entitled "Educators can't stay silent about Israel apartheid"  calling for the academic and cultural boycott of Israel "in the context of a broader call for boycott, divestment and sanctions against Israel." 

• The second page of the attached document is a screen shot of another web page from Professor Shorter's class website entitled "Resources II: Important Links." Although several of the entries listed on the web page link to articles that seek to demonize and delegitimize the Jewish state, it is the last entry on the page, "US Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel," which we have circled in red and to which we would like to draw your attention. 

• 
  
• This entry is linked to the home page of the U.S. Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel," a campaign which Professor Shorter himself has endorsed.

We believe that Professor Shorter's use of his official UCLA class website to promote the academic and cultural boycott of Israel violates university policy, state and federal law, principles of academic integrity, and common decency, which we have summarized below.

In light of the highly problematic nature of Professor Shorter's web pages, we request that you each answer the following question:    

Is Professor Shorter's promotion of the academic and cultural boycott of Israel on his official UCLA class website protected by the University of California's rules of academic freedom?

Your answer to this question is extremely important to the Jewish community, to California state legislators and taxpayers, and to decent people everywhere.

We look forward to hearing from each of you soon. If we do not hear from you, we will assume that your answer to our question is YES.

Sincerely,"

Tammi Rossman-Benjamin
Lecturer, University of California at Santa Cruz
Co-founder the AMCHA Initiative
Tammi@AMCHAinitiative.org

Leila Beckwith
Professor Emeritus, University of California at Los Angeles
Co-founder the AMCHA Initiative
Leila@AMCHAinitiative.org

Cc:  University of California Chancellors

       University of California Regents

      UC Advisory Council on Campus Climate, Culture, and Inclusion (c/o Jesse Bernal)

       California Speaker of the Assembly John A. Perez

       California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson

      California Senator Fran Pavley (UCLA)

       California Senator Ted W. Lieu (UCLA)

  California Senator Curren D. Price, Jr. (UCLA)

       California Assembly Member Holly J. Mitchell (UCLA)

  California Assembly Member Mike Feuer (UCLA)

        Bcc: Members and supporters of the Jewish community

************************************************************************************************************************

(Cont.)

"Professor Shorter's use of his official UCLA class website to promote the academic and cultural boycott of Israel violates university policy, state and federal law, principles of academic integrity, and common decency:

1. Professor Shorter's class web pages are in clear violation of the following current UC policies:
• Directive issued by Clark Kerr, President of the University of California: "University facilities and the name of the University must not be used in ways which will involve the University as an institution in the political, religious, and other controversial issues of the day”.
• The Policy on Course Content of The Regents of the University of California: "They (The Regents) are responsible to ensure that public confidence in the University is justified.  And they are responsible to see that the University remain aloof from politics and never function as an instrument for the advance of partisan interest. Misuse of the classroom by, for example, allowing it to be used for political indoctrination...constitutes misuse of the University as an institution."  
• Directive issued by Charles J. Hitch, President of the University of California, "Restrictions on the Use of University Resources and Facilities for Political Activities": “The name, insignia, seal, or address of the University or any of its offices or units shall not be used for or in connection with political purposes or activity except as consistent with University regulations...University equipment, supplies, and services---duplicating machines, telephones, mail and messenger services, vehicles, computers, stationery, and other equipment, supplies or services---shall not be used for or in connection with political purposes or activities.”
• Academic Personnel Policy (APM) 015 - Faculty Code of Conduct: Types of unacceptable conduct: "Unauthorized use of University resources or facilities on a significant scale for personal, commercial, political, or religious purposes." 
2. These UCLA web pages are in violation of state law:
• Article IX, Section 9, of the California Constitution provides that the University "shall be entirely independent of all political and sectarian influence."
• California Education Code Section 92000 prohibits the use of the name of any UC campus for the support, endorsement, or advancement of political or partisan activity or program, with “boycott” specifically named.

3. Discrimination on the basis of race, religion, sex, or national origin by a governmental entity (such as the University of California) is a violation of both state and federal law.  An academic boycott of the kind being promoted by Professor Shorter on his official UCLA class website means that an entire class of persons will be denied access to a UC campus on the basis of immutable characteristics that are protected by the First Amendment of the US Constitution and parallel provisions of the California Constitution.

4. The academic boycott of Israel promoted on these UCLA webpages was adamantly opposed by the American Association of University Professors and denounced by 446 American University Presidents, including the Chancellors of UC Berkeley, UC Irvine, UCSD, and UCLA, who called the boycott of Israeli Universities "utterly antithetical to the fundamental values of the academy, where we will not hold intellectual exchange hostage to the political disagreements of the moment."
5. The founders of the U.S. Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel have openly stated that their ultimate goal is the elimination of the Jewish state, and Hannah Rosenthal, U.S. State Department's Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism, has called their campaign anti-Semitic.  The academic boycott effort is part of the larger anti-Israel Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions campaign (BDS), which the Jewish community recognizes as a deliberate assault on the Jewish State and the Jewish people.  Promoting BDS on an official UCLA class website cannot help but contribute to a hostile environment for Jewish students in Professor Shorter's class."

Fousesquawk comment

Putting aside the question of whether you are a supporter or opponent of the state of Israel, the linked articles are clearly biased and an attempt by the professor, David Delgado Shorter, to influence what his students think about an issue that has absolutely nothing to do with the subject he teaches..........

World Arts and Cultures/Dance

More specifically, this professor's specialty is Native American culture.

Education or indoctrination?

In addition, I note that Shorter gives a link to the Olive Tree Initiative, which was originated at UC Irvine and has spread to UCLA. The OTI advertises itself as being balanced between the Israeli and Palestinian points of view, which I contest. Why then would Shorter, who is clearly anti-Israel, support the OTI?

Here for your viewing pleasure is Professor Shorter's bio page:

http://www.wac.ucla.edu/person.php?pid=153

UCSC History of Consciousness??!!

Again, I ask whether this is education or indoctrination, and if the latter, why is it sitting on a UCLA web site?

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Fousesquawk comment:

Fousesquawk comment

Putting aside the question of whether you are a supporter or opponent of the state of Israel, the linked articles are clearly biased and an attempt by the professor, David Delgado Shorter, to influence what his students think about an issue that has absolutely nothing to do with the subject he teaches....

World Arts and Cultures/Dance


More specifically, this professor's specialty is Native American culture.


Education or indoctrination?

In addition, I note that Shorter gives an extra credit plug to the Olive Tree Initiative, which was originated at UC Irvine and has spread to UCLA. The OTI advertises itself as being balanced between the Israeli and Palestinian points of view, which I contest. Why then would Shorter, who is clearly anti-Israel, support the OTI?

Here for your viewing pleasure is Professor Shorter's bio page:

http://www.wac.ucla.edu/person.php?pid=153

UCSC History of Consciousness??!!

MSNBC's Rush to Judgement Continues

Today, MSNBC host Martin Bashir continued the attack on George Zimmerman producing videos that show Zimmerman in handcuffs being escorted by Sanford police from a squad car into police Hqs. According to the report, this video was taken 4 hours after the incident in which Trayvon Martin was shot and killed. This video is being portrayed as some sort of "smoking gun" to show that Zimmerman did not suffer injuries to his head or a broken nose. Indeed, Al Sharpton, on his own MSNBC show yesterday alluded to this video as being possibly the "smoking gun".

Bashir then brought in a Florida reporter named Joanne Reed and they discussed the importance of the video. They also showed closer photograph images of the back of Zimmerman's head. Sorry, folks, but what I saw on my TV screen was a circular mark on the back of Zimmerman's head which appears to be an injury. Below is a photo from the Daily Caller. The one I saw on MSNBC was even clearer, but they made no mention of it.


In addition, the question I have is what did they expect to see four hours after the incident? Clearly, in those four hours, Zimmerman was cleaned up and probably treated in some manner. True, if you get your nose broken, a lot of blood comes out. (I know. When I was in college I had my nose broken in a fight. It bled like crazy at the time, but not four hours later.) I expect that the police who responded to the scene have a clear report on what blood was at the scene and whose it was.

Then Bashir brought in Eugene Robinson of the Washington Post. It was, predictably, more of the same. Interestingly, Bashir showed clips of an interview with George Zimmermann's father, shown from the side and his face in shadows. (I wonder why.) The father, in the selected clip, spoke of the "hate" coming from "the President, the NAACP and the Black Congressional Caucus". At that point, the tape ended, and you couldn't tell if he also mentioned the New Black Panther Party. Bashir noted that all of the people he mentioned were black, and they went on to defend President Obama from the condemnation he had received from the right for his comments (about having  a son that might have looked  like Trayvon.) Here is the MyFox  Orlando interview. At the 11:40 mark, the father refers to the hate and ends with "every organization imaginable". That was cut off from Bashir's clip. After the 17 minute mark, the interviewer returns to the subject of the hate and specifically mentions the Black Panther Party and "dead or alive". That is not shown on the Bashir clip.

EXCLUSIVE: Robert Zimmerman interview: MyFoxORLANDO.com

Here is my point. At no time, did Bashir or any of his interlocutors make any mention, not even an oblique reference to the actions of the NBPP and the bounty they have put out on Zimmerman's head. That is a clear example of the hate that the elder Zimmerman is referring to. I don't know as I write this what has been said by the CBC or the NAACP. I also give the benefit of the doubt to President Obama. I don't think he was trying to fan any flames. But how in the world can these so-called journalists at MSNBC, who are all over this story and pushing the opinion that there was no aspect of self defense and Zimmerman is guilty of a racially-inspired killing, not even mention the open and public threats of the NBPP as they rebut Zimmerman's father's comments about the hate being directed at them?

These talking heads don't know anymore about the facts of this case than you or I do, and yet they are passing judgement knowing that people are out there looking to kill Mr Zimmerman. Why can we not sit back and let the investigators do their job? If they made mistakes at the outset, the investigation still continues.

Talk about a media-driven rush to judgement.

Global March to Jerusalem-The Usual Suspects

The Israeli Defense Forces are gearing up for another organized protest consisting of thousands of Palestinians, Arabs, and their Western useful idiots. It is called Global March on Jerusalem, and it is scheduled for March 30. The usual suspects are all converging on Israel including, "dignitaries" like Paul Larudee and Rabbi Lynn Gottlieb. Here is the report from Worldblog.


http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/03/29/10907912-global-march-to-jerusalem-israels-borders-on-high-alert-as-huge-protests-loom?chromedomain=worldnews

Also leading the parade will be Mustafa Barghouti, a Palestinian who enjoys his studies at an Israeli university as he condemns the country that gives him his education.

And don't forget Olive Tree Initiative favorite Mazin Qumsiyeh, who also organized the related Flytilla operation. When he is not traveling the West giving lectures against Israel  to gullible university students, he is giving "alternative tours" of the West Bank to, well, gullible university students, especially the annual Olive Tree Initiative, of which I have previously written.

Below from Red County is an article on GMJ by Jerry Gordon in Colony Rabble. It identifies the supporters behind this venture.

http://redcounty.com/content/why-global-march-jerusalem-dangerous

Yes, indeed; Iran, Hizbollah, Hamas, Muslim Brotherhood, Rev. Jeremiah Wright. They are all supporting GNJ, so why aren't you? Maybe they will be signing autographs. And according to my sources, there will even be a surprise guest appearance by your friend and mine, British madman George Galloway.

What I envision happening is that European airports will be clogged since authorities will be denying boarding to all those on the "no-fly" list just as the last Flytilla. This will not be a good day for flying to and from Europe.

More Fast and Furious: The Zapata Family Wants Answers From ICE

Jaime Zapata


For some time now, we have known that the family of  murdered Border Patrol agent Brian Terry has been dissatisfied with the responses of the government (or lack thereof) when it comes to information concerning how their son died-killed by weapons linked to the ATF Fast and Furious scandal. We can also add the family of slain ICE agent Jaime Zapata, who was murdered in Mexico, possibly by weapons linked to Fast and Furious. Fox News has the report.


http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/03/29/family-demands-to-know-if-weapons-used-to-kill-ice-agent-could-have-been-seized/?test=latestne

Currently, there are some 80,000 documents pertaining to Fast and Furious under the control of the DOJ Inspector General, who has thus far refused to hand them over to Congress. I am sure they will shed light on the above questions.

The treatment of these dead agents' families is shameful.

Michelle Begs for 3 Bucks

You have to wonder who is sitting in the White House boiler room writing this material. Here is the latest e-mail I got from "Michelle Obama".

"Friend -- Every night in the White House, I see Barack up late poring over briefings, reading your letters, and writing notes to people he's met."  "Shhhh. Don't wake up Michelle." "He's doing that for you -- working hard every day to make sure we can finish what we all started together." "This week, I need you to have his back.  Will you donate $3 or more to support Barack before Saturday's critical fundraising deadline? Thank you. Michelle"

Contributions or gifts to Obama for America are not tax deductible (Under Obama, nothing is tax-deductible.)

Tony Blair Gets the Nigel Farage Treatment

Our hero Nigel Farage welcomed Tony Blair to Strasbourg and the EU Parliament in 2005 with this speech. Enjoy.

Is White House Keeping an Aide From Testifying in Fast and Furious?

In our coverage of Fast and Furious, we learned that a White House aide, Kevin O'Reilly, was in personal contact with the agent-in-charge of the ATF Phoenix office, William Newall,  and was getting updates on Operation Fast and Furious. Now Congressman Darrell Issa (R-CA) and Charles Grassley (R-IA) want O'Reilly to testify.

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/03/28/gop-demanding-white-house-testimony-in-fast-and-furious/


Two things jump out at me here. First, not only did I never ever speak to anyone in the White House when I was a DEA field agent, I don't know anyone else who did either including agents in charge. That just wasn't part of the normal reporting procedure. O'Reilly and Newell were apparently old friends, however, which might explain their contacts, which one would assume were personal in nature. That leads me to my second point. If that is all there was, then the White House should have no objection to O'Reilly clearing it all up for Congress-
under oath.

Norway Jails Radical Mullah Over Threats

Mullah Krekar
"They're coming to take me away."

Hat tip to Vlad Tepes and Gates of Vienna


Here's some good news coming out of Norway for a change. One of their worst radicals, a guy known as Mullah Krekar, has been ordered jailed for 5 years for making threats against Norwegian officials. Gates of Vienna (via Vlad Tepes) has the story with great videos. It seems the mullah has some serious anger issues.

http://gatesofvienna.blogspot.com/2012/03/mullah-krekar-bunged-into-chokey-for.html

It gets better. Krekar's supporters threw bricks at reporters trying to cover the story. Back to Gates of Vienna.

http://gatesofvienna.blogspot.com/2012/03/you-deserve-brick-today.html

Mullah Krekar is a charming fellow who was allowed to enter Norway as a refugee from Iraq in 1991. He apparently has little gratitude. Hopefully, when he finishes his sentence, the Norwegians can send him back to Iraq.

Is MSNBC Inciting a Lynch Mob?

"According to my investigation...."





Last night, MSNBC  host Lawrence O'Donnell was leading a panel of like-minded talking heads including the NY Times' Charles Blow and discussing the Trayvon Martin case in Florida. The specific topic was a one Mr. Joe Oliver, an African-American man, who is a friend of George Zimmerman and whom they had just interviewed. Oliver has been interviewed by several outlets. While he was not a witness to the incident, he has spoken out on Zimmerman's behalf against speculation that he is a racist. In return, he was attacked last night by O'Donnell, who stated that according to his "own investigation" (O'Donnell's) Oliver has no credibility.

Then this morning, I caught the last half of Martin Bashir's show on MSNBC. He was interviewing Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX). To make a long story short, they were basically convicting Zimmerman. To them, the facts were simple; Martin was black, he was wearing a  hoodie, Zimmerman shot and killed him. He must be arrested. Absent was any mention of the witnesses who described a struggle with Martin on top, Zimmerman's broken nose, bloody face, and grass stains on the back of his shirt. Bashir then closed out his show with his final editorial comment to the effect that Zimmerman killed Martin simply because of the color of Martin's skin without any reference to Zimmerman's (and others') version (s) of the events. Bashir went on to deplore the allegations going around regarding Martin's lifestyle and having gotten repeatedly in trouble, which were being fed to some conservative media outlets. (Never mind a running caption that appeared at the bottom of the screen during the show stating that some conservative media were ignoring the case.)

Again, I must state that I missed the first half of Bashir's show, so there may have been mention of another disturbing aspect of this case-the outrageous conduct of the New Black Panther Party in calling for Zimmerman's "apprehension" and posting a reward for his capture without any charges being as yet filed. I heard no mention of this from Bashir. I heard no mention of the NBPP man caught on TV calling for the capture of Zimmerman "dead or alive".

So I add Bashir and O'Donnell to their MSNBC colleague Ed Schultz in engaging in a public rush to judgement before all the facts are in and knowing full well that there is a lynch mob mentality out there. I have not even heard what Al Sharpton has said on his own show. Of course, he knows lots about inciting a lynch mob.

As I have said before, it may turn out that Zimmerman acted beyond the law. Depending on what exactly transpired when he and Martin came face to face, who initiated the violence and under what circumstances Zimmerman drew his gun and fired, he may well be prosecuted.  Unless he made a decision that he was going to follow Martin and execute him, I don't think he could be guilty of more than manslaughter. But I just don't know, and neither does anyone else who wasn't there.

To continue this conviction in the media in the face of what the New Black Panther Party is calling for is beyond irresponsible.

Fousesquawk Travel Destinations-Cleveland

Yes, Cleveland. If you're thinking of taking a vacation this year and don't have a dime, consider Cleveland. Now don't believe all those skeptics who call it the "Mistake by the Lake". The only reason they call it that is because they couldn't think of a body of water that rhymes with catastrophe.

Cleveland, for all you UC Santa Cruz Community Studies majors, used to be the 4th largest city in the US. That was before Global Warming struck. That's right. About 40 years ago, Lake Dreerie actually caught on fire. They say Al Gore was there watching his favorite football team, the Browns, in sub-freezing weather when it happened. Suddenly Al had a vision that Cleveland was actually going to melt. The rest is history. Al and about half a million other folks got out of town. The others made a better life for themselves somewhere else. Al? Well, you know how that turned out.

* Correction: Actually, it was the Cuyahoga River that caught fire, but who's quibbling?


Cuyahoga River burning. Cleveland's answer to Pittsburgh's "Light up Night".


But I digress, Let's get back to Cleveland (figuratively, I mean). In fact, let's talk about those Browns and the rest of the Cleveland sporting scene.

"Daddy, what's a Brown?"

I'm glad you asked. Back in the 1950s, the Browns were a powerhouse in the NFL. People said they were named after their coach, Paul Brown, or their great running back, Jim Brown. Nowadays, we know the real reason, don't we? If you venture outside the stadium and wander over to the banks of Lake Dreerie, you can see the real source of the name floating along the surface.

But if you happen to go to Cleveland during the peak season, you can catch a Browns game. I recommend an end zone seat in the section called the Dawg Pound, where you can discuss Goethe during half-time and make lifelong friends. Be sure and wear a Steeler jersey. You'll be amazed at all the free beer you get.



Then there is Cleveland's baseball team, the Indians. They haven't won a World Series since Charley Sheen was pitching for them. In fact, only one other franchise has gone longer.........

Well, never mind.

I remember fondly when the Indians (and Browns) used to play in the old Municipal Stadium, a cavernous structure that held some 85,000 fans. It had an open end so the wind from Lake Dreerie could blow through and cool the fans.



Scenic images of Municipal Stadium


When I was working with DEA in the late 80s in Pittsburgh (a grand town), I had to drive up to Cleveland to visit the local DEA office. While I was there, the agents were planning an enforcement operation for that evening. While they were picking an address to raid out of the local phone book*, I decided to catch an Indians game since the old ballpark was right down the street. I walked right up to the ticket window and bought a ticket smack dab behind the 3rd base dugout. There were only about 5,000 people there in a stadium that held 85,000. I left after about the 3rd inning feeling an urgent desire to get back to Pittsburgh.

* (Just kidding.)

Nowadays, the only thing interesting about the team is their name and mascot......


 which has outraged real Indians for decades.


Did I mention Cleveland also has a basketball team? Yes, the Cavaliers, which was the NBA's answer to the Browns and Indians until LeBron James came along and made them a contender. Then he left for Miami and it's Browns-Indians-Cavs time again  in Cleveland. Some people couldn't understand why James left the Cavs since he was a local native. They've answered their own question.

Hockey? For some unknown reason, Cleveland can't seem to attract an NHL franchise. Go figure.

Enough about sports. One thing you will love about Cleveland is the fantastic architecture, which they say inspired Stalin (or was it the other way around?)



Bet ya can't tell which is which.

Cleveland also has a proud political history. Believe it or not, Dennis Kucinich was actually mayor of Cleveland before he was old enough to vote. Seems like only yesterday.

Cleveland also prides itself on being "an ethnic" city. On one side there are whites, and on the other, blacks. There was a Ukrainian guy living there named John Demjanjuk, but he was deported back to Europe. Something about him being "Ivan the Trerrible" a Nazi concentration camp guard.

Other attractions? Well....did I mention the stadiums? I did. Oh yeah! There is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, where you can see pictures of Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley and other legends right up to the latest stars like LL Cool Jay, Tupac Shakur, 6-Pack Johnson, Little Stevie Tyler, Bobby Brown, Eddie MSNBC Schultz, Molly Ivans, and so many others.

I can't think of any other landmarks right now, but Cleveland reportedly has more union hqs' that any other American city. If you drop my name, you'll get in free and be given a tour of the joint. They'll probably even show you their back room where they work people over.

But if you plan to go to Cleveland, you'd better book your hotel reservations fast. The hotels are closing down faster than a Charley Sheen fastball.