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Scene above: Constitution Island, where Revolutionary War forts still exist, as photographed from Trophy Point, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 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
OCTOBER 25, 2011 SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE – AT 11:06 P.M. ET: OH DEAR, SUCH EMBARRASSMENT – Fawning letters from Prince Charles and Tony Blair to now-biologically challenged Muammar Gaddafi have been discovered in Libya. The letters from Charles don't surprise me, as Britain's dysfunctional royal family has a nasty history of treating with dictators. Hitler was a particular favorite of some of the royals. The letters from Blair are disturbing because he's generally a good guy with common sense. But there were commercial deals involved. A very sordid affair, and a lesson in how the real world works. A FORD IN YOUR FUTURE? – Ford Motor Company, which proudly, and correctly, points out that it took no government bailouts, has taken a major hit in the new Consumer Reports review of auto reliability. Last year Ford ranked 10th, and competed well with Japanese auto makers. Now it has slipped to 20th, the biggest drop of any car manufacturer. The reason appears to be problems with new or redesigned models, confirming the conventional wisdom that discourages purchases of new or redesigned lines in the first year. Chrysler has become the most reliable domestic brand. Government Motors ranks poorly. Take the survey for what it's worth. I'd rather depend on word of mouth. MAJOR BLACK DEFECTION FROM DEMS? – There are stories circulating that Artur Davis, former distinguished black congressman from Alabama, and a rising star, may defect to the Republican Party. Davis has rubbed members of the black establishment the wrong way by raising doubts about traditional Congressional Black Caucus attitudes on voter i.d. laws. He was immediately attacked by the head of the CBC, Emanuel Cleaver. Davis responded by hinting that he no longer felt welcome in his party. Davis, while a member of Congress, was the only black member to vote against Obamacare. He has "retired" from politics, but his recent statements may indicate some future interest. He would go far as a Republican. But his unorthodox views would limit him in the Democratic Party. LIBYA WORRIES – A new report says that abandoned weapons are still strewn all over Libya. These include "manpads," shoulder-fired surface-to-air missiles, and tank and artillery rounds, which can easily be converted into roadside bombs or terror devices. There have already been reports of the manpads showing up in Gaza. While there are some international efforts underway to secure weapons in Libya, it is impossible to secure them all. Twenty manpads all used on the same day, near airports around the world, could create a 9-11 size catastrophe, and paralyze the international air transport system. October 25, 2011 Permalink
PERRY FUMBLES ON TAX PLAN – AT 8:33 P.M. ET: What is it with Rick Perry? He unveiled a tax plan yesterday. Initially, as readers know, I expressed some enthusiasm. But a more careful study today revealed the major hole in the plan – it does indeed benefit mostly "the rich." And the problem is that Perry admitted it in a disastrous TV interview in which he said he didn't care if it mostly benefited the affluent. He gave one of those "it will stimulate them to invest" answers. Ouch. The quotes from this interview will not help Governor Perry get out of the polling basement. Look, I love free enterprise. More people have advanced under capitalism than under any other system in history. But it has its flaws, and one of them, discussed as much by thoughtful conservatives as by the libs, is that there is a growing, alarming income gap in America. We are getting into third-world status, like the old Latin American kleptocracies. And, as Republican House Leader Eric Cantor pointed out, we have a lack of income mobility. The "rich" are already rich. If they wanted to invest, they'd invest right now. They don't need further tax breaks. The "rich" were investing when the top marginal rate was much higher. Perry implied during his interview that there is a shortage of capital. No there isn't. Many American companies are flush with cash. One of our problems is that they won't spend it. They have a lack of confidence in the Obama administration's economic policies, and they see themselves burdened by new regulations every day. The regulation problem, generated by hard leftists among the Obamans, is a national economic scandal. In the last week even major liberal figures from Massachusetts, that "progressive" state, have started a revolt against new regulations in the fishing industry, one of the most important industries they have. Perry's plan has some good features, including some flexibility that helps people in the lower brackets. But his admission that it disproportionately helps those at the top, and his classroom theory that this will "help" investment, just won't fly with an increasingly angry public. (I went to a talk yesterday by Frank Luntz, the public-opinion analyst, who talked about how angry this country is.) Perry's mouth has gotten him into enough trouble already. He continues to sink in the polls. I admire him for being a fighter, and fighting back at a time of political adversity. But I'm afraid he may lack the national political savvy to make it. October 25, 2011 Permalink SNIPPET OF THE DAY – AT 10:54 A.M. ET:
Do you think we can now talk about Asian materialism? Well, maybe. But don't try it at a cocktail party on the west side of Manhattan. HUH? – AT 9:51 A.M. ET: First there was an attempt to blame the gun manufacturers for inner-city violence. And now this. From AFP:
Blame Coca-Cola. They're the ones. It's cultural genocide!
COMMENT: Gee, you don't think culture might be involved here, do you? Nah. Can't say that in polite company. The murder rate has declined about 80% in New York over the last 20 years, and I don't believe there's been any noticeable decline in soft-drink sales. Good police work and effective prosecution were the medicines needed. Look, I'd like "inner-city" kids to drink less soda and eat better. And yes, there may be chemicals in some foods that have behavioral implications. But, last time I looked, Asian-American kids were drinking the same Cokes and Pepsis, and weren't forming flash mobs. They've been "invading" math departments. Unless we deal with the cultural and family tragedies in the inner cities, we'll continue to delude ourselves. October 25, 2011 Permalink A TINGLE FOR LINGLE? – AT 8:36 A.M. ET: Almost lost in all the political and foreign news recently is a political announcement in Hawaii that could, conceivably, change the face of the U.S. Senate. Former Republican Governor Linda Lingle has announced her candidacy for the Senate, attempting to replace retiring Democrat Daniel Akaka. Hawaii is a heavily Democratic state that went overwhelmingly for Obama in 2008. But the right Republican can sometimes win, as Lingle demonstrated in two successful terms as governor. She was reelected in 2006 by the largest margin in Hawaii history. Republicans have a good shot at taking control of the U.S. Senate, and every Senate election counts. Before Lingle entered the race, the Cook Political Report rated Hawaii as solidly Democratic. Now it has the race as a toss-up. Such is Lingle's popularity. That popularity has come at a price. Lingle is regularly called a RINO (Republican in name only) by the GOP thought police, who believe all Republican candidates must be exactly the same, no matter where they are running. The Dems have their own police force as well. Lingle deals with the charge, as The Hill reports:
I'd add Chris Christie of New Jersey, who, although loved by conservatives, and correctly so, has taken many middle-of-the-road positions.
And....
COMMENT: Political parties are built on coalitions. The Roosevelt coalition consisted heavily of northern liberals and Southern moderates and conservatives. The Reagan coalition was led by movement conservatives, but included Reagan Democrats. Linda Lingle has star quality. We'll be following her race. We're out to win this. October 25, 2011 Permalink MADNESS – AT 8:14 A.M. ET: It's rare that we get bipartisan agreement on anything in Washington, but it seems to be happening with a completely crazy aspect of American foreign policy – giving aid to booming China. From Fox News:
COMMENT: You'd think someone would've stopped this by now. It calls out for a congressional investigation. I'd imagine there are some interests involved that some influential people might not want exposed. Blunders like this also raise questions about other waste and abuse throughout the federal bureaucracy. That includes waste and abuse at home, especially the blank checks written to the education establishment. Of course, if you ask about that you're called 1) anti-intellectual, 2) anti-science, 3) a racist, 4) a fascist, 5) and a warmonger. October 25, 2011 Permalink THE RACE TODAY – AT 8:02 A.M. ET: Despite some gaffes, Herman Cain continues to hold his own in the GOP race, according to a new survey. They like him. They just like him. From the Politico:
COMMENT: Why Herman? It's because he inspires people. It's clear many GOP voters are prepared to overlook his rather astounding amateurism, and the fact that there really isn't any organization to his campaign. Maybe they find these things attractive and refreshing. The problem with Romney, of course, is that he doesn't elicit emotion. There is no craving for Mitt. But Herman is delightful. Could Herman win the party's nod? I doubt it. Could he go up against Barack Obama in debate? I doubt that, too. I was with some informed political people yesterday, and the subject of Cain as V.P. choice came up. I'd be skeptical about that, but I could be very wrong. A vice presidential candidate is picked by the guy at the top of the ticket. Traditionally, what you want in the second spot is a potted plant who creates no problems and might help bring in a state or a group. Anyone selecting Cain knows that he's a loose cannon, destined to create some controversy by undisciplined remarks, controversy the presidential candidate will have to fix. Who would want that? I don't know. Rick Perry's collapse is not surprising, although, as we noted here yesterday, he's shown a lot of fight in the last week and is not conceding defeat in any way. But Perry's poor debate performance, and the angry look on his face during the last debate, have been unhelpful, to put it mildly. Those things are a turnoff to a party looking for victory. Bottom line: No one in this poll is above 25%. There's still room for surprise. October 25, 2011 Permalink
OCTOBER 24, 2011 SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE – AT 9:54 P.M. ET: THEY KNOW – Despite all the sugarcoating going around, the Iraqi people appear to understand full well the implications of Obama's total withdrawal of America troops by year's end. Some 73% of Iraqis polled say the withdrawal will mean that Iran will act more aggressively toward their country. And 51% believe their security situation will get worse once the Americans leave. Only 22% say the Iraqi military could protect the nation's borders with the Americans gone. I wonder if they've figured these things out in the White House. I wonder if they care. I wonder if the military decisions are being made by Obama's political staff in Chicago. DON'T CRY FOR ME, ARGENTINA – Cristina Kirchner has been reelected president of Argentina in a landslide. Kirchner is a bit of a pain in the neck. She has stressed her country's demand for sovereignty over the British-held Falkland Islands, which Argentinians call the Malvinas, and which Maggie Thatcher defended so valiantly in 1982. Her large reelection victory almost assures that she will try to exert major pressure on Britain to negotiate away its sovereignty. British prime ministers have given her no cause for optimism. The British assertion of sovereignty is as strong now as 30 years ago. Naturally, the Obama administration's stand is mush. Obama should stand with our close ally, Britain, but won't. PERRY ROARS BACK – We've been critical of Rick Perry here for a lackluster first month of campaigning, but he is fighting back. Today he unveiled a remarkably well-done proposal for a flat tax, with provision to opt out for those who want to keep their current rates. This is common sense, and addresses the fear factor inherent in any tax plan. Perry's plan also includes special provisions for those in low-income groups, answering the charge that a flat tax would be regressive. Perry is also beefing up his staff with experienced Washington hands, expanding his vision beyond Texas, trying to fight the image of a local politician. Good for Perry. The man fights. THE OCCUPIERS AND CRIME – Shootings in New York City have gone up dramatically since the Occupy Wall Street crowd appeared on the scene, and some high-ranking police officials think there's a connection. The number of shootings two weeks ago soared 154% over last year's number. The NYPD is complaining that anti-crime units are being pulled from critical assignments to control the "occupy" crowds. At any one time, 10% of the force can be assigned to crowd control stemming from protests. New York's modern anti-crime program, begun by Rudy Giuliani, has been spectacularly effective, and is a model for many other cities. But now it's in danger of losing some of its effectiveness because police numbers are being overwhelmed. Overwhelming the authorities to crash the system is an old technique of the political left. October 24, 2011 Permalink
YANK AMBASSADOR YANKED – AT 8:38 A.M. ET: In a grim sign, the U.S. has pulled its ambassador out of Syria to protect him. From The Politico:
COMMENT: We should pull all Americans out of Syria to prevent a hostage situation from developing. Then, along with our allies, we should make clear that Assad will quickly suffer the same fate as Gadhafi, probably while dressed just as badly, unless change comes to Syria and it distances itself from its buddy, Iran. Breaking up the Iran-Syria axis is critical to American interests in the Mideast. Then we'd have to worry about what comes next, which is now a very real worry as a civilization stuck in the Middle Ages tries to advance. October 24, 2011 Permalink AND MORE WARNINGS FROM A GUY WHO'S BEEN THERE – AT 8:18 A.M. ET: Building on our first two posts this morning, a seasoned general is bluntly warning that Obama's plan to withdraw forces from Iraq is a disaster. We will pay a price. From the Washington Times:
COMMENT: Blunt, truthful talk. Obama will argue that he tried to keep troops in Iraq, but the Iraqis wouldn't agree to our requirements. Others, and it's pretty clear that Keane is among them, believe we could have reached an agreement if Obama's heart was in it. But now Obama can say that he ended the Iraq War, which will play well in the sandboxes of the left. The key element here, of course, is our failure to cut the Iranian regime down to size. The Tehran terrors feel they have the run of the Mideast. They are unafraid because we have made them unafraid, and they are enveloping Iraq with their special kind of love. October 24, 2011 Permalink GRAHAM WARNS ON SECURITY – AT 7:58 A.M. ET: Some Republicans don't like Lindsey Graham of South Carolina – apparently he isn't pure enough – but Graham has been a stalwart on national security. And now he is warning that he are taking our eye off the ball, with potentially catastrophic consequences. As we pointed out yesterday, the 1960s crowd at The New York Times labeled Graham a fearmonger, but in fact he's on the button, and we'd better start listening. From Fox:
COMMENT: Sadly, foreign- and defense policy have been played down thus far in the campaign. The economy dominates, as it did in America in the years before World War II. Also, sadly, part of the Republican Party is turning neo-isolationist, a catastrophe for this country. Graham has warned that the party of Ronald Reagan may be no more, a jolting statement. I'm glad Lindsey Graham is speaking out, and speaking to his own party. There are other things in politics besides the tax code. Our foreign policy under Obama is incoherent. It goes every which way, to good actions like taking out bin Laden, to very bad actions like appeasing the Iranian and North Korean regimes. It's a foreign policy on the cheap. October 24, 2011 Permalink
SOME ACTUAL REPORTING, READ ALL ABOUT IT – AT 7:37 A.M. ET: Tunisia voted yesterday, in the first independent election since the "Arab spring" started in that country. We're being fed a line that the Islamist party expected to get the most votes is just a sweet, moderate group, nothing to worry about. But some excellent reporting in the Jerusalem Post paints a very different picture, a picture we're not getting through the "sophisticated" lenses of mainstream American or European journalism:
COMMENT: But watch the usual suspects in Washington whitewash the whole thing. I can just see the old Arabists, clinging to their illusions to the last, testifying before Congress that this Tunisian group really is moderate and has "evolved." You know, that guy in Germany with the little mustache doesn't really mean what he says. It's the land of Beethoven and Brahms. We can ask ourselves, however, why groups like this are voted into power whenever Arabs get their first chance at democracy. It has a great deal to do with what people are taught...in schools and by the media. Sadly, our own press never tells us much about Muslim educational systems or the kind of media that exists in these countries. The aforementioned Hitler told the world that all he needed was the minds of youth, and he would produce the kind of society he wished. For too many years we have ignored what was being taught in these backwater countries. And we've ignored it in our own. October 24, 2011 Permalink
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