Sunday, June 24, 2007

A bunch of lawyers "screwing the American worker"

 
Cohen and Grigsby, one of the largest law firms in Pittsburgh, posted a recent immigration seminar online. In the seminar, the firm advises clients how to ensure foreigners are hired even though laws require that Americans are given top priority in recruitment.

In the video, the firm's VP of marketing tells the audience, "...the goal here of course is to meet the requirements... but also do so as inexpensively as possible, keeping in mind our goal. And our goal is clearly not to find a qualified and interested U.S. worker."

The Programmer's Guild posted a synopsis of the seminar online (hat tip: Larwyn):


CNN's Lou Dobbs happened upon the video and delivered a stunning assessment: "This is a bunch of cute little lawyers... playing little corporate games and screwing the American worker."


The Associated Press also picked up the story:

A U.S. senator wants an investigation into the ethics of a law firm whose YouTube video highlights how to circumvent the law to obtain visas for foreign employees... Attorneys say it's not illegal — but Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, has asked Labor Secretary Elaine Chao to examine the firm's tactics.

...Grassley, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee's immigration subcommittee, sent a letter to Cohen and Grigsby, demanding to know how many visa petitions have been filed by the firm in the past five years. He denounced the firm's tactics as discrimination.

...The video clip appears to confirm the suspicions of many who accuse companies of placing want-ads in newspapers to show the Department of Labor it is recruiting Americans, knowing all along that they won't attract qualified applicants...

Palma Yanni, a Washington, D.C.-based immigration lawyer, said the department requires companies to make a good-faith effort to hire an American before applying for a work visa for a foreigner... "By encouraging employers not to make a good-faith effort, they are violating the rules, period," Yanni said of Cohen and Grigsby's tactics.

The first priority for the Labor Secretary? Let's hope it's outsourcing immigration-law advice to offshore legal firms. In fact, here's a seminar I'm thinking of holding.


Don Surber: "Nobody knows what a petard is anymore. Everyone knows what You Tube is. Cohen and Grigsby just YouTubed itself."

Friday, June 22, 2007

Progressive "Fairness" is simply Censorship, Chavez-style

 

A thoroughly documented investigative report by MSNBC delves into political contributions by mainstream media journalists (hat tip: Power Line):

MSNBC.com identified 144 journalists who made political contributions from 2004 through the start of the 2008 campaign, according to the public records of the Federal Election Commission. Most of the newsroom checkbooks leaned to the left: 125 journalists gave to Democrats and liberal causes. Only 17 gave to Republicans.

The New Yorker magazine appears to be one of the most partisan publications.

"Probably there should be a rule against it," said New Yorker writer Mark Singer, who wrote the magazine's profile of Howard Dean during the 2004 campaign, then gave $250 to America Coming Together and its get-out-the-vote campaign to defeat President Bush. "But there's a rule against murder. If someone had murdered Hitler — a journalist interviewing him had murdered him — the world would be a better place. I only feel good, as a citizen, about getting rid of George Bush, who has been the most destructive president in my lifetime. I certainly don't regret it."

That certainly sounds unbiased to me.

Meanwhile, progressives appear to be moving to eradicate one of the major outlets for conservative thought: talk radio. With moves reminiscent of Hugo Chavez, "progressives" are setting the stage for silencing talk radio pundits via legislative dictate.


Senator James Inhofe says he overheard Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) and Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) saying they want a "legislative fix" for talk radio.

Despite the breathless Drudge coverage, this isn't much of a secret. Liberal website ThinkProgress recently featured an article entitled "Right Wing Domination of Talk Radio and How to End It":

– In the spring of 2007, of the 257 news/talk stations owned by the top five commercial station owners, 91 percent of the total weekday talk radio programming was conservative, and only 9 percent was progressive.

– Each weekday, 2,570 hours and 15 minutes of conservative talk are broadcast on these stations compared to 254 hours of progressive talk — 10 times as much conservative talk as progressive talk.

– 76 percent of the news/talk programming in the top 10 radio markets is conservative, while 24 percent is progressive.

Recommendations? More government regulation to ensure "ownership diversity, both in terms of the race/ethnicity and gender of owners, as well as the number of independent local owners, will lead to more diverse programming."

What isn't addressed in the study is simple supply and demand. Radio owners would broadcast Pro Tiddlywinks coverage 24/7 if it attracted listeners and ad revenue.

Ed Morrissey offers his own unique brand of insight into the censorship efforts:

...the success of conservative talk-radio shows comes from its market attractiveness. This is, of course, something that drives people like Boxer and Clinton up the wall. They know that audiences flock to conservative talk shows, but with a few exceptions, liberal talk shows don't get those kinds of numbers. Air America has gone bankrupt trying to lease air time for their hosts in the major markets, and no one's listening to them.

If Hillary gets elected President and the Democrats gain a few more seats in Congress, the Fairness Doctrine will return -- and that will end political talk radio. Broadcasters will not risk their licenses in the hoop-jumping that will be required to demonstrate "balance" and "fairness" in political rhetoric, where every interest group will file complaint after complaint in an attempt to harass hosts with whom they disagree off the air. The AM band will revert to self-help shows and promotional broadcasts, or perhaps sports radio will expand even further, but political talk will disappear.

And that, of course, is what the Left wants to accomplish. MSNBC's report highlights the fact that mainstream media outlets are dominated by "journalists" who lean Left, often in direct violation of their employer's rules.

The single channel -- and the most competitive one in terms of consumer choice -- is talk radio. It is dominated by conservative thought and opinion... and therefore it must be censored, Chavez-style, by the likes of Clinton and Boxer.

In a marketplace of ideas, the progressives appear utterly unable to compete. Their attempts to censor conservative opinion are both intellectually and morally bankrupt. But I suppose it's not out of character from a group that worships Michael "Leni Reifenstahl" Moore and the 9/11 Truthers.

It's a shame that we don't have a real opposition party that can come up with compelling, marketable ideas for the electorate and must instead promote its agenda through censorship.

Update: Mark Levin, writing at the National Review, provides a stunning insight into the Center for American Progress report that hammers conservative talk radio:

Well, well ... the author of the [report] — Paul "Woody" Woodhull — just happens to be financially and professionally involved with two liberal talk radio programs — Ed Schultz and Bill Press. See here and here.

Nothing in this report discloses Woodhull's conflict of interest. You're led to believe that the findings were unbiased and untainted. It now turns out that the author has a direct financial interest in using the government to dismantle conservative talk radio.

Line o' the Day: Incredible Shrinking New York Times

 
The American Thinker's Thomas Lifson comments on the slow motion collapse of the New York Times (May print ad revenue off 9.1%, total revenue off 5.8% - hat tip: Larwyn):

At the Incredible Shrinking New York Times, everything is shrinking except the arrogance of the publisher and liberal editorial staff. Unfortunately, that is the one area of the company where less truly would be more.

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Harry Reid's Greatest Hits

 
For the first time ever -- and only available through this television commercial -- Ronbo is proud to present Harry Reid!! This offer is not available in any stores, so act now! You'll get all of the pasty-faced crooner's biggest hits, including:

The classic This War is Lost!...

The all-time favorite Dick Cheney ain't nothin' but the administration's attack dog...

Abu Graib Rock...

You'll also receive slow-rock mega-hit No one wants us to succeed in Iraq more than Democrats...

...controversial ballad Clarence Thomas is an embarrassment to the Supreme Court...

...and acoustic medley Alan Greenspan is one of the biggest hacks in Washington...

...cult classic George W. Bush is a loser...

...plus platinum blockbuster We're not going to do anything to limit funding for the war

And if you call now, we'll throw in Nancy (Pelosi) and Dianne (Feinstein) singing "Culture of Corruption"! Remember, this offer is not available in any store, so act today!

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Profiles in Incompetence: Jimmy Carter

 

IBD highlights America's Worst President Ever -- James Earl Carter -- in a ten-part series (hat tip: Michelle Malkin). Be sure and read all ten chapters.

Part I: Look who's talking
Part II: Malaise Maestro
Part III: Planting the seeds of Al-Qaeda
Part IV: Iran: Carter's Habitat for Inhumanity
Part V: Carter's Red Carpet
Part VI: A Feeble President
Part VII: Friend of Dictators
Part VIII: Camp Hype
Part IX: Carter's Oil Crisis
Part X: Carrying over Carter's Ineptitude

Monday, June 18, 2007

Line o' the Day

 
Don Surber is today's prize winner. The judges have yet to decide on the prize, but suffice it to say that it is either a vintage 1978 Ferarri Testarossa or two (2) cans of Mobil One motor oil:

Hamas took over the Fatah headquarters as a civil war broke out. Jack Murtha called for the immediate redeployment of U.S. troops from Palestine. Informed that there are no U.S. troops in Palestine, an angry Murtha ordered the Pentagon to send some so he can call for their withdrawal.

Gaza: "the Mogadishu of the Mediterranean"

 
ICT:

"Gaza is becoming the Mogadishu of the Mediterranean," said one Palestinian official who refused to be named. "People thrown off the rooftops of 10-storey buildings, Palestinians shooting other Palestinians at point blank, others shot in front of their families. So Hamas is in control but do they really think people won't forget what has happened given our culture of pay-back and revenge?"

...With Israel having closed the Erez and Karni border crossings, and Egypt having done the same with the Rafah crossing, Gaza is effectively sealed off from the rest of the world, with its 1.5 million residents having no choice in the past week but to stay in their homes as gun battles raged on the streets outside...

Violence against any and all non-Muslims is now rampant. JPost reports (hat tip: Powerline):

Christians living in Gaza City on Monday appealed to the international community to protect them against increased attacks by Muslim extremists. Many Christians said they were prepared to leave the Gaza Strip as soon as the border crossings are reopened... The appeal came following a series of attacks on a Christian school and church in Gaza City over the past few days.

Father Manuel Musalam, leader of the small Latin community in the Gaza Strip, said masked gunmen torched and looted the Rosary Sisters School and the Latin Church... "The masked gunmen used rocket-propelled grenades to storm the main entrances of the school and church," he said. "Then they destroyed almost everything inside, including the Cross, the Holy Book, computers and other equipment."

Musalam expressed outrage over the burning of copies of the Bible, noting that the gunmen destroyed all the Crosses inside the church and school... He estimated damages at more than $500,000...

While some in the US Government advocate propping up the "moderate terrorists" represented by Fatah, it is worth remembering there are no "good guys." Atlas offers a note from a reader:

You recently met Itamar Marcus during his recent visit to the states.

During that visit, Itamar testified before Congress detailing (by showing footage of Palestinian programing) how the Palestinian media (Fatah/Abbas controlled) indoctrinates Palestinian society incessantly with anti-Semitic, anti-Israeli and anti-American propaganda.

Many members of Congress were apparently flabergastered by the rank, vile nature of the footage. I am very bothered by the fact that the mainstream media, the President and the State Dept. continue to label Abbas and Fatah as moderate.

Pamela's takeaway: It is suicidal and in complete violation of the Bush Doctrine. Initial formulation...

No distinction between terrorists and those who harbor them. Supporting and propping violent Islamic terror regimes is how we got to 9/11 in the first place.

The Gray Lady's Imperial Propaganda Machine

 
Riding Sun offers a stunning comparison between World War II Japanese military propaganda and today's New York Times:

It's eerie how much this enemy propaganda from six decades ago resembles the New York Times op-ed page:

JAPANESE WWII PROPAGANDA
"Farewell, American Soldiers!" leaflet:

Your politicians are among those who survive and are enjoying life comfortably at home. General Marshall and General MacArthur can enjoy their reputation as heroes only because they are alive. But you… you continue to march westwards to sure death, to keep your rendezvous with the grave.

NEW YORK TIMES OP-ED
Bob Herbert, No End in Sight in Iraq, 8/10/05:

The president is on vacation. He's down at the ranch riding his bicycle and clearing brush. The death toll for Americans has streaked past the 1,800 mark. ... But if Mr. Bush has experienced any regret about the carnage he set in motion when he launched the war, he's not showing it.

Sheesh. At least the Japanese gave their leaflets away free. A hard copy of the Times costs a buck.

The similarities would be almost comical were the stakes not so high.

Sunday, June 17, 2007

Clean Water from Thin Air

 
It's not alchemy, but an architect at Technion University (Haifa, Israel) and his colleague have created a low-tech method for creating fresh water from thin air. The invention recently won an international competition, which reviewed methods for manufacturing safe drinking water.

Grad student Joseph Cory and his colleague Eyal Malka invented "WatAir," an array of mesh panels organized as inverted pyramids. The devices collect dew from the air and transforms it into clean water in nearly any climate.

Inhabit reports:

...With an estimated 5,000 children dying daily due to dirty drinking water, Joseph Cory and Eyal Malka’s award-winning WatAir design for Arup and WaterAid’s drawn water challenge might be the response barren landscapes are looking for. Simply described, WatAir produces water from the air through its inverted pyramid array of panels. Inspired by spiderwebs and the dew-catching properties of leaves, WatAir is easy to incorporate into both rural and urban landscapes due to its relatively small footprint.

Arup’s and WaterAid’s drawing water challenge launched in September of 2006 as an ideas competition seeking innovative ways to “help many more people gain access to safe water and effective sanitation.” Over 91 entrants responded from 19 countries across North America, with WatAir taking away the grand prize. Each WatAir unit features 96 square meters of lightweight dew-collecting panels that gravitationally funnel moisture from the air to one collective source. The designers estimate that each unit can collect roughly 48 liters of water in remote places or places that do not have any clean water sources. The panels are flexible, easy to collapse when not in use, and readily available to provide shade and even some shelter...

Well done, gentlemen!

The GOP's contemptuous disregard for its base

 
Michelle Malkin provides an update on the debacle of an immigration bill as viewed by a Beltway insider.

Senate Immigration Update – June 15, 2007

All indication is that Harry Reid has chosen to resume consideration of immigration sometime next week, possibly as early as Wednesday. It is his folly – a curious political choice designed to avoid the "do-nothing" label he so richly deserves.

But as much as he should be blamed personally for choosing to bring the bill back, it is the Republican leadership and Republican "grand bargainers" who are deserving of America's contempt. Grand bargainers Graham, Kyl, Martinez and McCain made their deal with the devil a long time ago. And now, after a week of deal-making and arm-twisting, Senator Lott and McConnell have joined forces with them and with Democrats to pull together the 60 votes needed to pass an immigration bill that not only has no chance of working, but undermines our nation's rule of law, damages our national security and will cost billions of dollars.

They do so knowingly and firmly over the objections of the American people. They have done so with great contempt for those who dare to question the decision or put up a fight. It is now up to the American people to demonstrate at a level never seen before in American politics that this is an unacceptable breach of faith with them and will not be tolerated. It is the only hope at this point that this terrible legislation – that has no chance of working – does not become law.

Up to now, a handful of Senators have been able to fight for amendments – and more, to fight for the transparency necessary to expose this bill's fatal flaws. Senators Sessions and DeMint properly objected to a sham amendment process that was limiting the rights of Republicans. Other members offered amendment after amendment designed to target the bill's many weaknesses - but few were granted votes. Their efforts and of those other members who didn't just "accept the grand bargain" have exposed the bill to the American people.

But now, those members are not the hope. They are going to be limited in their ability to do anything to stop this bill. In short – the very Senate leadership who repeatedly asks that the Republican caucus stick together are now rolling their conservative members to do a deal with Democrats – to do a deal with Ted Kennedy, Harry Reid and Hillary Clinton.

The hope now lies with the American people. The American people have been speaking – and Senators are beginning to listen. Don't give up now. It is clear that Senators are beginning to understand that this bill is not supported by a sizable and important segment of the American public – middle America. There are many Senators still on the fence that are being counted on to pass this bill. This is why today it is up to the people. If there is any hope – the American people must speak, and must speak loudly. Make phone calls to Senate offices, repeatedly, and non stop until the bill is defeated. Faxes and email – flood their offices. Fax in voided checks to the NRSC and the RNC with letters saying you won't support them – and if you have ever given money before, ask for it back. Make very clear that this is the ultimate breach of faith and that there will be consequences.

Spread the word, America – there are a handful of Republican Senators who can stop this – and it is up to you to hold them accountable. It is up to you to tell them that you refuse to take this – you refuse to be sold a bill of goods. You are on to them – you know the bill cannot work. You know that this bill is "not better than the status quo" as the powers-that-be would have you believe. You know that this bill will cost YOU billions of dollars. You know that this bill harms our national security and undermines the rule of law. You know.

If you speak, they will listen. Go.

Write to the White House

Write to your Congressional Representatives

Write to the "GOP" Senators

The contemptuous disregard that the GOP leadership has paid to its constituency is mind-boggling. Make your voice heard.

Line o' the Day

 
Should credit go to Glenn Beck or Slublog over at Ace of Spades for today's award winner? I report, you decide:

Glenn Beck made an interesting point on his show Friday. He said the debate over this bill represents a battle not between the right and left, but between the political class and the American voter. I think he's on to something. Given the level of anger this bill has created, it's hard to believe most members of Congress do not know where their constituents stand. And yet the bill lives.

The Death of Bi-Partisanship

 
Gateway Pundit has the must-see video of the day as Tom Delay explains the kerfuffle over the Attorney General:

In one controversy after another, Democrat leaders in the last 40 years have shown themselves almost wholly without any compass other than partisanship.

Nixon obstructed justice to cover up a scandal, Democrats hounded him from office; Clinton did the same thing, Democrats rallied to his defense.

G. Gordon Liddy tried to steal stuff from the DNC, he's a pariah; Sandy Berger successfully stole stuff from the 9/11 Commission, he's a hero.

Ronald Reagan says he wants to reform welfare, he's a racist; Bill Clinton says he wants to reform welfare, he's a visionary.

Sen. Robert Torricelli quits his reelection race in New Jersey, Democrats demand the party replace him with a better candidate; I quit my reelection race in Texas, Democrats demand that Republicans not be given the same opportunity.

Clarence Thomas is incredibly accused of sexual harassment, Democrats fly into a rage; Bill Clinton is credibly accused of sexual assault, Democrats play deaf.

Bill Clinton says Saddam Hussein needs to go, Democrats rattle their sabers; George W. Bush actually does something about it, Democrats howl.

I need a new phrase because indeed! is overused.

Saturday, June 16, 2007

Fred Thompson on the Immigration Bill

 
In May, Fred issued the following statement:

With this bill, the American people are going to think they are being sold the same bill of goods as before on border security. We should scrap this bill and the whole debate until we can convince the American people that we have secured the borders or at least have made great headway...

By the way, how's that 700 miles of fence -- which Congress approved last year -- coming?

Hard-line terrorists "seek conciliation" with moderate terrorists

 
Under the helpful heading of "Palestinian Summit", the AP captions this photo as follows:

Hamas militants sit as they pose in the passport processing area of the terminal at the Rafah Border Crossing which is now controlled by Hamas militants, near Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, June 15, 2007. On its first day of full rule in Gaza, the Islamic militant Hamas on Friday granted amnesty to Fatah leaders, signaling that it seeks conciliation with the defeated forces of moderate Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. (AP Photo/ Eyad Albaba)

LGF has a far superior caption: "May I see your passport, please?"

"What did you say your confirmation number was?" (AP Photo/Hatem Omar,MaanImages)

A Hamas militant crawls inside an X-ray machine as he poses and jokes around for journalists in the passport processing area of the terminal at the Rafah Border Crossing which is now controlled by Hamas militants, near Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, June 15, 2007... (AP Photo/Hatem Omar,MaanImages)

Yes, it's non-stop frivolity as fun-loving Hamas members pull off hilarious pranks on unsuspecting journalists!

"No, Abu Mazen isn't in right now, you Fatah $*#@!&$@$!!! Can I take a message?"

"He didn't want to leave a message!"

Whacky hi-jinks ensue as Hamas leaders Sieg Heil their way to the top! It's the dance craze that's sweeping the Gaza Strip!

Vince McMahon "dead" in fiery limo explosion

 
10Q Detective informs us of the shocking death of World Wrestling founder Vince McMahon:

On June 12, 2007, World Wresting Entertainment (WWE-$17.04) announced that its Chairman Vincent K. McMahon entered his limousine when it suddenly exploded. Although full details were not disclosed, initial reports indicated that Mr. McMahon was presumed dead.


Upon hearing the news, investors sold stock, sending the price down a modest 30 cents per share, or 1.8% in value.

Yawn! Serious investors—and the Company—know that Mr. McMahon “will survive the fiery explosion.” And the only ones guilty of committing such a heinous act are the writers who came up with this melodramatic and predictable storyline...

Who could have "murdered" the irrepressible entrepeneur? Well, to be fair, I could come up with maybe a thousand names.

After all, there's no shortage of real deaths in McMahon's industry. Most fatalities, however, aren't due to exploding limos but rather more mundane causes: abuse of steroids, HGH, and pain-killers:

Every other week, it seems that another pro wrestler has dropped dead at a young age. Mike Lockwood, known professionally as Mad Mikey and Crash Holly, is the latest casualty, but there's a long list of premature deaths which include Road Warrior Hawk, Ravishing Rick Rude, "Mr. Perfect" Curt Hennig, Davey Boy Smith, Brian Pillman (pictured), Yokozuna, Terry Gordy, Rocco Rock, Louie Spicoli, Miss Elizabeth, Eddie Gilbert, Art Barr, and Kerry Von Erich. Sadly, this list is far from complete," a somber KJames199 writes...

"While Owen Hart died in the ring when a stunt went wrong and the Junkyard Dog perished in an auto accident, quite a few of the deaths can be tied to drug use. Many wrestlers use steroids and/or Human Growth Hormone (HGH) to look like they do, then follow it up with painkillers to let them handle a life where bumps, bruises, and broken bones are a part of the job, and where you often don't get paid if you don't (or can't) work. The cost of this drug use is now being seen with young wrestlers dying at an alarming rate. If NFL football players were passing away at the same rate, it would be an enormous scandal. However, the media (with a few exceptions) seems to turn a blind eye to these deaths, possibly not willing or able to cover fake wrestling in a serious manner...

I'd like to think McMahon got his just desserts, but no one is that naive.

Friday, June 15, 2007

Amnesty: the Last Step

 
David Frum offers a stellar perspective on illegal immigration (hat tip: Power Line):

I for one am absolutely open to considering an amnesty plan at any date after the FIFTH anniversary of the completion of border control measures, including an effective employment verification system.

I am open to an amnesty plan after the flow of new illegals has been halted and we have seen significant attrition from the existing illegal population.


I am open to amnesty after - and only after! - federal judges start assisting local law enforcement agencies that wish to enforce the law rather than forbidding them to do so.

I am open to amnesty after a US president demonstrates a willingness to respond with some modicum of respect to the immigration concerns of the American public - and is not looking for any transparent gimmick that will get him from here to the bill signing.

Hey, here's a thought: Why doesn't President Bush condemn the decision by federal judge Colleen McMahon to require the town of Mamoreneck, NY, to pay $550,000 to illegal aliens and create a center from which they may violate the immigration laws of the United States conveniently, publicly, and with impunity? If ever one legal case destroyed what little "confidence" remained in the seriousness of the US government on immigration, this was that case. And the President has said ... what exactly?


If we have learned anything from the hard experiences of the recent past it is that amnesty must be the last step in any intelligent program of immigration enforcement. When it is the first step, it rapidly becomes the only step - or rather, the first step to the next amnesty and the next after that.

We have learned too that the political leadership in Washington wants a radically different outcome to this immigration debate from that desired by the large majority of the American people.

Confidence? Well in the words of an expert on the subject:

"Fool me once, shame on - shame on you. Fool me - you can't get fooled again."

Thursday, June 14, 2007

The Embarrassment Not Named Clarence Thomas

 
Harry Reid's hits just keep on coming.


There's an embarrassment here, alright, but it ain't Clarence Thomas.

How's that 700 miles of fence coming?

 
On October 26, 2006, President Bush signed a bill authorizing the construction of a 700-mile long fence separating the United States from Mexico.


At the time, Bush said:

Unfortunately, the United States has not been in complete control of its borders for decades and, therefore, illegal immigration has been on the rise... We have a responsibility to address these challenges. We have a responsibility to enforce our laws. We have a responsibility to secure our borders. We take this responsibility seriously.

Just a few days after the signing of the bill, DHS refused to commit to a timetable for fence construction.


And loopholes in the legislative process left the administration with leeway as to when, where and how long a fence would be created. DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff reportedly set a goal of two or three years for construction, but only "after completion of an immigration overhaul."

Construction of the fence, as mandated in the bill, was not contingent upon any such overhaul. So is it any wonder that the new, monstrously complex immigration bill -- a document that makes War and Peace look readable -- can't get traction?

How's that 700 miles of fence coming? And why would we believe border security will be taken seriously this time?

The net result of this disconnect is that even staunch Republicans have abandoned the President for deserting his conservative base. The Bush approval-o-meter stands at below 30 percent (and that's still above the Democrat-controlled Congress).

Here's my stab at a bumper sticker. Feel free to email it to your Representative in Congress.


Build the fence that was signed into law. Then we'll talk immigration reform.

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Palestinian Civil War: Everyone's a Winner!

 
Brian at Snapped Shot takes the prize in our fifth annual Word o' the Day contest. He terms the Fatah vs. Hamas civil war a quagmire and demands an immediate withdrawal, six-party talks, and the reopening of the Gaza City Wal-Mart.

I must say, though, with Hamas and Fatah killing each other at a rapidly increasing pace, everyone's a winner!

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Reid and Pelosi plan the Democrats' next move

 

Did you see the latest LA Times poll?


Yep. We're down to a 27% approval rating. And you're at 18%, which is exactly half of Chimpy's rating!


Yes, I know, thanks! So what do we do about it, Miss Smarty Pants? If we don't take some action soon, Hillary will have a better shot at winning the Miss America pageant than the Presidency.


Well, maybe we should do something... something important. Pass some laws n' stuff.


Laws? S**t, you're talking work, consensus-building, listening to our constituents... how 'bout just issuing some press releases instead?


Oh, you mean like a no-confidence vote on the Attorney General? That worked out real well, didn't it, Sparky?


No, no, NO! Nothing controversial! How about a statement that says we'll do everything in our power to fight earmarks and pork-barrel politics?


Boehner's already on to us! That idiot Obey tried to slip the earmarks into our spending bills after they've been agreed to and signed, when it's too late to do anything about them!


You know, I'm sitting right here next to you! I can hear you both!


Ooops. Sorry. How about a statement that recommends banning the employment of Congressional family members as lobbyists?


WHATTT??!?! Hand me that glass, I want some of what you're drinking! You trying to send my whole family to the unemployment line?


Hey, brainiac, I'm talking about a statement condemning the practice, not a law! It'll be as meaningless as everything else we've tried to do this term, but it'll look like we're actually doing something.


I don't know... hey, how about a statement regarding the ill-fated immigration bill. Say, that we support building a fence? You know, 72% of all Americans support that... wouldn't that make sense?


We already passed that bill, Mr. Memory. We authorized the construction of 700 miles of fencing on the border in October, remember? But we don't really want any such thing - it would jeopardize our projected majority...


But what if we issue a strongly-worded statement condemning the president for not building the fence... and we get Dowd, Rich, Cohen, and company to hammer Bush for not getting anything done?


Harry, you really are a genius! You know, if you were twenty years younger, four inches taller, a lot more manly, and had a full head of hair, I think I could fall for you.


Seriously?


No, idiot, of course not! I'll see you tomorrow. And don't forget to call Dowd to get the ball rolling.


Will do, sweet-cheeks. *Sigh*. I really do dig her.