Please note that you can leave a comment on any of our posts at our Facebook page.  Subscribers can also comment at length at our Angel's Corner Forum.

I appeared on Silvio Canto Jr.'s excellent talk show from Dallas on Monday morning.  The link is here.

I have a new piece up at Power Line this morning, "The Joys of YouTube," in which I recommend great musical and comedy performances of the past that are available on YouTube.  I think you'll like it.  The link is here.

DECEMBER 22,  2010

DEMOCRATS FIND SOLUTIONS TO ALL THEIR PROBLEMS – MIRACLE CURE – READ ALL ABOUT IT – AT 7:45 P.M. ET:  The Democratic Party, having realized that Barack Obama is not godlike, has turned to the one place where new gods can be created upon demand...Hollywood.  Hear the Heavenly music. SEE the lightning strikes.  From WaPo:

Midway through Philip Rucker and Paul Kane's story about Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi's transition to minority leader comes an interesting bit of news. The California Democrat, vilified by Republicans in the last election, has turned to director Steven Spielberg for help rebranding House Democrats.

"Lawmakers say she is consulting marketing experts about building a stronger brand. The most prominent of her new whisperers is Steven Spielberg, the Hollywood director whose films have been works of branding genius. Lawmakers said Spielberg has not reported to Pelosi with a recommendation."

Spielberg has been a power player in Democratic politics for years, working on everything from President Bill Clinton's millennial celebrations to the 2008 Democratic National Convention. He endorsed Hillary Clinton in the last presidential race, but since then he's helped fundraise for President Obama.

But, the news that he is advising the leading Democrat in the House on building a strong party brand would seem to be a different -- and more expansive -- role than Spielberg has played in the past.

COMMENT:  Am I confused, or am I wrong to think that the Democrats' problems lie with their policies?

But maybe Spielberg can help.  Hey, the Dems can rebrand themselves as the "shark fighters," fighting the GOP sharks, whose JAWS are bigger than life.  And the Dems fight them on cap 'n trade and win!

Yeah, that'll work.  Sure.  Hollywood has all the answers.  And wait'll you see the remake of "The Ten Commandments," called "Obama's Orders."  Surefire success.  SEE the Parting of the Red States, as Obama's hordes move forward across the wide screen.

I'm excited.  Get me the coast.

December 22, 2010      Permalink

SUBVERTING DEMOCRACY – AT 10:46 A.M. ET:  We may not often think about it, but some of the world's most degenerate dictators rose to power through democratic elections...only to destroy democracy once they had the power to do so.  Think Hitler, Adolf.  And now think Chavez, Hugo.  From The Washington Times:

The United States isn't the only country suffering a lame-duck power grab. On Friday, Venezuela's outgoing socialist-dominated parliament granted President Hugo Chavez the power to rule by decree for 18 months. If democracy is not already dead in Venezuela, it's about to breathe its last breath.

Chavez's drive for dictatorship comes in the wake of an unexpected electoral reverse. In September's parliamentary elections, the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela, which had controlled 83 percent of the legislative seats, dropped to 59 percent control, while the opposition Coalition for Democratic Unity surged from 4 percent to 40 percent. More troubling to Chavez was that his party attracted only 48 percent of the popular vote against the opposition's 47 percent. Had the election been more free and fair, the opposition likely would have found itself in the majority.

The new parliament doesn't sit until Jan. 5 so the old majority took a page from the Pelosi-Reid playbook and decided to ram through as much of its unpopular agenda as possible while their supermajority lasted. The crowning achievement was the grant of dictatorial powers to Chavez, who - like President Obama - will face the electorate in 2012, if there is a Venezuelan electorate to face.

COMMENT:  It's discouraging to see how little editorial response there's been in this country to Chavez's power grab, a power grab that will, in all probability, lead to the end of whatever democracy is left in Venezuela.

One of the great myths is that intellectuals love freedom.  They often love it for themselves, but the record of intellectual classes in the last century is hardly encouraging.  We have seen intellectual elites too often embrace totalitarian regimes and philosophies, both German fascism and Soviet communism included.

Now we observe, once again, the silence of too many intellectuals, and editorial writers, in the face of the rising tide of dictatorship in Venezuela.  If certain "elites" accept it there, they'll accept it here, and you must never forget that.

December 22, 2010      Permalink

RUDY REDUX? – AT 9:38 A.M. ET:  One of the most frequent questions we get here at Urgent Agenda is, "Whatever happened to Rudy Giuliani?"  The former mayor, and a true hero of 9-11, is in private business, paying a high tax rate, but is often mentioned when electoral politics comes up, and he regularly speaks on behalf of Republican candidates.  The Hill even believes that Rudy has a good shot at the GOP 2012 presidential nomination.  This is an unusual take, but an intriguing one:

As a 2008 primary front-runner, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani tanked. But as a 2012 dark horse, he could do surprisingly well.

It’s not because Giuliani has shifted; it’s because the Republican Party has. The 2010 election was less about social conservatism than it was fiscal conservatism, and that aligns with Giuliani’s socially moderate and fiscally conservative ideology.

There is another promising wind of change blowing Giuliani’s way, one that’s less ideological. This isn’t the era of kinder, gentler politicians. This is the age of former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie — three politicians whose appeal lives, partly, in their aggressive rhetoric.

But, according to Giuliani, he started the political fad. When explaining Christie’s appeal to the New York Post, Giuliani said: “What’s making him popular is that he’s not afraid to be called a bully. I used to be proud to be called a bully, and Christie would call me and tell me, ‘I’m going to do it just the way you did.' "

Thus, both the national ideology and aesthetics of these political times are more favorable to Giuliani than, perhaps, at any time in his political career.

COMMENT:  I've always admired Rudy.  He was a great mayor of New York, and a pioneer in effective crime fighting.  His policies dramatically reduced the violent crime rate in New York City, and brought the city back.  Compare please with Chicago, still a mess.

But Rudy as a presidential candidate...again?  I dunno.  He is certainly aggressive, but "aggressive" often doesn't wear well in presidential politics.  Yes, Ronald Reagan was aggressive, but with a smile and a vision of "morning in America."  Rudy has never been accused of being the sunshine type. 

One thing could challenge this assessment:  If we are hit again, in a major terrorist attack, or a series of attacks, Rudy might turn out to be The Man, the one America looks to for backbone and leadership.  We hope a tragedy doesn't occur, of course.  But, if it does, watch Rudy.

December 22, 2010      Permalink 

CRISIS OF THE DAY – AT 8:55 A.M. ET:  We are informed by The Politico that there are elements in Washington D.C.'s Georgetown bastion that are upset with John McCain.  We are prepared to put aside all other concerns, including Iranian nuclear progress, to deal with this truly critical issue.  The UN may take it up today:

During the Senate's debate over repealing the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy, Sen. John McCain took a swipe at "the salons of Georgetown and other liberal bastions here around the country" that can't relate to the sacrifices of each American soldier.

Georgetown isn't happy.

Beth Solomon runs The Georgetown Dish, a website that chronicles all-things-Georgetown, and told POLITICO that, "The salons of Georgetown owe Sen. McCain a huge debt of gratitude -- they'd be nowhere without him. We feel a bit hurt that Sen. McCain didn't criticize The Georgetown Dish. We're kind of a 21st Century salon -- at least we try."

The commenters on Solomon's recent item about McCain have lashed out, saying such things as "Poor John McCain is really losing it" and "McCain is mentally ill" (and those some of the mild ones).

Solomon also points out an earlier comment by Georgetown doyenne Sally Quinn, who said McCain has not ignored Georgetown's cocktail circuit.

COMMENT:  Ironically, it is an old Democratic maxim to "afflict the comfortable and comfort the afflicted."  Big John is afflicting the comfortable.  For the comfies, this is a time of trauma.  May it continue. 

We're sure Jimmah Carter will rush up to give aid and comfort to Georgetown. 

December 22, 2010       Permalink

THE EMERGING "ISSUE" – AT 8:36 A.M. ET:  We've been following the reaction of "elite" colleges to the repeal of "don't ask, don't tell."  The existence of DADT has been the reason most cited by the elites for not permitting ROTC programs back on their overpriced campuses.

So far, we've had good statements from the presidents of Harvard, Columbia, and Yale.  Whether those positive responses will lead to positive action is another matter entirely, for a new "issue" is emerging, which may give the decidedly left-wing elites a way out – so called "academic" concerns.

Simply stated, the "issue" involves the question of whether ROTC courses meet the academic standards of the schools involved.

The issue is absurd.  The purpose of ROTC is to train military officers.  We assume that the college or university will handle the major academics.  ROTC is still present at many colleges, including some of our finest state universities, and we haven't seen an academic crisis yet.  But don't be shocked if schools like Stanford and Brown, whose spokesmen are already hinting at it, attempt to still bar ROTC, despite the repeal of DADT, citing academic concerns.  The left is very creative at coming up with gimmicks. 

We wait, with hope, but with realism and skepticism. 

Fox has a well-done story on the subject here.

December 22, 2010     Permalink

DECEMBER 21,  2010

SOBER SECOND LOOK DEPARTMENT – AT 9:31 P.M. ET:  We've reported here that the new census data shows a shift of population southward and westward, with some blue states losing population and some red states gaining.  That appears to be a plus for Republicans.

However, a caveat:  Political writers are pointing out that much of the population gain in many red states comes from the Hispanic community, which has generally been Democratic.  That is true, which is why the GOP must make a special effort to increase its appeal among Hispanics.  Two Hispanic-American Republicans were elected to high office in the last election – Marco Rubio to the Senate from Florida, and Susana Martinez as governor of New Mexico.  That's a great start.  The Republicans must build on it.

At the same time, Democrats can't be happy over the fact that there's an exodus from many blue, Democratically run states.   And why not?  Those states overtax and overspend, some are nearly bankrupt, and they're run for the benefit of public-service unions.  Not exactly a great draw.

Both the Republicans and Democrats have work to do.  The difference is that the Republicans realize it.

December 21, 2010      Permalink

OH DEAR, OH DEAR, CALL FOR A PRIVATE TUTOR – AT 9:18 P.M. ET:  The least we can expect from our anti-terror people is that they read a newspaper, even if it's Junior Scholastic.  Apparently, that is above and beyond.  From Power Line:

Yesterday the Obama administration's top anti-terrorism officials--Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, chief counterterrorism adviser John Brennan, and Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano--gave an interview to ABC's Diane Sawyer on the current state of the terrorist threat. The interview has aired, or will air, today; you can watch it here.

The questions and answers are unremarkable, except that there is a surreal moment near the end of the interview, when it becomes apparent that DNI Clapper was unaware that twelve would-be terrorists were arrested in Great Britain yesterday. Brennan jumped in to help him out, but Sawyer came back to the question later, and Clapper admitted that he hadn't heard about the arrests.

This was one of those outer space moments that are hard to fathom. The arrests were widely reported. I knew about them; Diane Sawyer knew about them; you likely did, too. Is it conceivable that the Director of National Intelligence doesn't get a daily briefing? Or that he is not briefed on likely questions before giving a network television interview? Apparently so.

COMMENT:  Gives you all kinds of confidence, doesn't it?  As John Hinderaker, who wrote the Power Line post, points out, can you just imagine the press reaction if this had happened in the Bush years?

I will not sleep more soundly tonight.  I may not sleep at all.

December 21, 2010      Permalink

GOP STAYS AHEAD ON GENERIC BALLOT – AT 10:19 A.M. ET:  Scott Rasmussen continues to monitor the standing of the parties in the congressional generic ballot, and has some reasonably good news for Republicans:

Republicans hold a seven-point lead over Democrats on the Generic Congressional Ballot for the week ending December 19, 2010.

New Rasmussen Reports telephone polling finds that 45% of Likely Voters nationwide say they would vote for their district’s Republican congressional candidate, while 38% would choose the Democrat instead.

During the week of the midterm elections, Republicans led on the Generic Ballot by 10 points, but in the weeks since their lead had narrowed to the five-to six-point range. The numbers are now climbing back toward their pre-election levels.

Last week, Republicans posted a similar 45% to 39% lead over the Democrats. The week before the election, support for Republicans peaked at 51%, the highest level of support either party has enjoyed in the last two years

Republicans lead by 17 points among men but basically run even among women. They hold a 12-point lead among voters not affiliated with either major political party.

COMMENT:  Those remain pretty solid numbers.  I'm especially impressed by the fact, at least according to this survey, that the GOP has closed the gender gap.  If they can keep it closed, that is a major plus in any future election.

But stand by.  Republicans take over the House in a matter of weeks, and will have near-parity in the Senate.  They will have to work to maintain their lead.  Time to produce, Republicans.  No more party of no.

December 21, 2010       Permalink

IS HOLDER COMING ON BOARD? – AT 9:25 A.M. ET:  There have been a few signs recently that Attorney General Eric Holder has read the election returns and is entering the real world.  Welcome, Eric!  Make sure to take advantage of the free gifts from local merchants!  From ABC News:

Attorney General Eric Holder has an urgent message for Americans: While he is confident that the United States will continue to thwart attacks, "the terrorists only have to be successful once."

And while it is not certain we will be hit, the American people, he told ABC News, "have to be prepared for potentially bad news."

"What I am trying to do in this interview is to make people aware of the fact that the threat is real, the threat is different, the threat is constant," he said.

In a rare and wide-ranging interview, the attorney general disclosed chilling new details about the evolving threat of homegrown terror, and touched on topics ranging from Wikileaks to the prisoners at Guantanamo Bay.

What was uppermost on his mind, however, is the alarming rise in the number of Americans who are more than willing to attack and kill their fellow citizens.

"It is one of the things that keeps me up at night," Holder said. "You didn't worry about this even two years ago -- about individuals, about Americans, to the extent that we now do. And -- that is of -- of great concern."

"The threat has changed from simply worrying about foreigners coming here, to worrying about people in the United States, American citizens -- raised here, born here, and who for whatever reason, have decided that they are going to become radicalized and take up arms against the nation in which they were born," he said.

In the last 24 months, Holder said, 126 people have been indicted on terrorist-related charges, Fifty of those people are American citizens.

COMMENT:  A thoughtful warning, especially at holiday time.  Sooner or later, one of these radical groups will get lucky.  All it takes is the ability to wire a bomb correctly. 

And yesterday we learned of an Al Qaeda plan to poison our food supply. 

Even if 99 out of 100 terror plots evaporate or fail, the one remaining plot can do devastating damage, as we learned on 9-11.

December 21, 2010       Permalink

SNIPPET OF THE DAY – AT 8:53 A.M. ET:

CBS Corp. began preliminary talks on a new contract for Katie Couric, looking to cut the evening news anchor’s $15 million salary and possibly expand her role amid falling viewership, people with knowledge of the situation said.

Expand her role?  EXPAND her role?  That's like saying to the captain of the Titanic, after it hits the iceberg, "Captain Smith, may we offer you another ship?"

December 21, 2010      Permalink

WE'RE ALL SICKOS NOW – AT 8:35 A.M. ET:  We are formally informed by the Obama administration that we require treatment.  From USA Today:

Almost 60% of American adults say they had difficult childhoods featuring abusive or troubled family members or parents who were absent due to separation or divorce, federal health officials report.

In fact, nearly 9% said that while growing up they underwent five or more "adverse childhood experiences" ranging from verbal, physical or sexual abuse to family dysfunction such as domestic violence, drug or alcohol abuse, or the absence of a parent, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

"Adverse childhood experiences are common," said study coauthor Valerie J. Edwards, team lead for the Adverse Childhood Experiences Team at CDC's National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. "We need to do a lot more to protect children and help families," she said.

About a quarter of the more than 26,000 adults surveyed reported experiencing verbal abuse as children, nearly 15% had been physical abused, and more than 12% — more than one in 10 — had been sexually abused as a child.

Since the data are self-reported, Edwards believes that the real extent of child abuse may be still greater. "There is a tendency to under-report rather than over-report," she said.

COMMENT:  Look, we do not take lightly the subject of child abuse, and clearly some have had nightmarish childhoods.  But I recall the "child abuse" hysteria of the 1980s, wherein a number of innocent people were sent to jail, their lives destroyed, by false charges.

Research like this needs to be vetted, and vetted some more.  Consider, for example, this comment:

Almost one in five respondents (19.4 percent) had lived as a child with someone who was depressed, mentally ill or suicidal, the report noted.

Really?  As soon as you put the word "depressed" in there, you're playing on a pretty crowded field.  Many people claim to be "depressed."   Even "mentally ill" is suspect.  How would a child know how to assess mental illness?

Or this:

Identifying and treating abuse early can prevent many serious health consequences later in life. Programs that provide quality care for children, as well as home visitation programs in early infancy and parenting programs, are part of the solution to this problem, Sanders said.

True, unless you get govenment departments that go completely crazy, as happened in the 80s, and start pursuing innocent people, based on the latest trendy theory. 

This just looks like one of these "reports" that throws out a lot of scare numbers.  I would have loved to have seen a more carefully written story, with a variety opinions on the quality of the research.  I would have also liked to have seen some reporting on the financing of the study, and how that might have influenced the outcome.

No accusations made here, just concern over methods.  We've been burned too many times before.

December 21, 2010      Permalink

A TRULY VILE MAN – AT 8:18 A.M. ET:  Is there anything more to be said about Jimmah Carter, an egotistical little man who is determined to remain as little as possible? 

I don't think I've ever seen a similar case, where a former president of the United States colludes with enemies of his own country, and degrades his own country.  From the Jerusalem Post:

Former US president Jimmy Carter on Monday told Brazilian newspaper Folha de S. Paulo he is happy Brazil recognized Palestinian statehood, adding, "We cannot count on the United States alone to bring peace, since it agrees with almost everything Israel does," The Telegraph reported.

Carter explained the role he envisioned for Brazil, saying it "can help because it has a lot of influence among developing countries. Brazil can be one of the leaders in this process," according to the report.

Brazil has a rather anti-American government right now, but it matters not to Jimmah. 

So Jimmah undercuts his own party's president.  This little fool's petty resentments have guided him for years, yet he is cheered by the international left.  Carter claims to be a human-rights advocate, but in fact he's a fraud, and rather selective about his interest in human rights.  He is one of those individuals who claims to be passionate about "the rights of the Palestinians," but is utterly silent about the rights of any other Arabs.  Never a bad word to say about Saudi Arabia. 

Occasionally, Carter might avail himself of the right to remain silent.  I doubt if he will.

December 21, 2010     Permalink