Monday, September 05, 2011

Hoffa Declares All-Out 'War' on GOP: 'Take These Son Of Bitches Out'

Self-proclaimed Marxist Dick Trumka Jimmy Hoffa, Jr., president of the AFL-CIO Teamsters, had some uncivil, inflammatory words for Republicans today in the lead up to President Barack Obama's remarks in Detroit.

Teamsters President Jimmy Hoffa had some profane, combative words for Republicans while warming up the crowd for President Obama in Detroit, Michigan on Monday.

"We got to keep an eye on the battle that we face: The war on workers. And you see it everywhere, it is the Tea Party. And you know, there is only one way to beat and win that war. The one thing about working people is we like a good fight. And you know what? They've got a war, they got a war with us and there's only going to be one winner. It's going to be the workers of Michigan, and America. We're going to win that war," Jimmy Hoffa Jr. said to a heavily union crowd.

"President Obama, this is your army. We are ready to march. Let's take these son of bitches out and give America back to an America where we belong," Hoffa added... Obama addressed the crowd shortly after Hoffa.

I believe that the Democrat Party, now controlled by the hard left, sixties retreads and funded by one-world-government Statists like George Soros, are actively preparing to foment civil unrest in the run-up to the 2012 elections.

In recent days, the execrable columnist Leonard Pitts, the ethically challenged Rep. Maxine Waters, the nonsensical Rep. Frederica Wilson, the rhyming adulterer "Reverend" Jesse Jackson and a host of other far left kooks have echoed the same "Big Lie" as if reading off some invisible teleprompter.

Their outrageous "Big Lie"? That a disconnected, decentralized group of millions of law-abiding citizens -- people of every race, religion, creed and color... people who believe in Constitutional, limited, financially responsible government... people who gather peacefully in cities and towns across the United States! -- are somehow malevolent because of the mere fact that they dare to speak up.

Even more violent rhetoric was echoed by a left-wing Islamist race-baiter named Andre Carson:

REP. ANDRE CARSON, (D), INDIANA: Some of these folks in Congress right now would love to see us as second-class citizens. (audience members reply, "Yes!") Some of them in Congress right now of this Tea Party would love to see you and me- I'm sorry, Tamron- hanging on a tree. (audience members reply, "Yes!") Some of them right now in Congress are comfortable with where we were 50 and 60 years ago.

One can come to no other conclusion that the Democrat Party is actively encouraging violence.

We certainly don't hear much about civility and Gabbi Giffords from legacy media these days.

Because, in truth, the only people promoting intimidation, violence and thuggish behavior are the radical Leftist goons controlling the Democrat Party.

This behavior is disturbing and sickening. And legacy media better stand up and call it out, before it's too late.


Update: Moments after Trumka Hoffa declared "war" on Republicans and vowed to the "take the sons-of-bitches out", President Obama stated how "proud" he was of the AFL-CIO Teamsters chief.

Update II: Correction made, thanks to TAB: this was Hoffa, not Trumka. All these labor leaders look alike to me.

Larwyn's Linx: The War of 2012

Have a great link you'd like me to review? Drop me an email. Bloggers: you can install a Larwyn's Linx blog widget!

Nation

The War of 2012: PJM
The Hate That Never Ended: NoisyRm
Obama: I’m Done Working with Congress: Commentary

Labor Day & The Union Tax: How Unions Kill Jobs: LUR
Obama’s illegal move on immigration: WaPo
“Permanent, Political Class”: RWN

Memo to Dems: Dump Obama before it’s too late: DC
Has Sarah Palin Worn Out Her GOP Presidential Welcome?: RWN
Anti-Obama signs sprout in Maine: Urban Infidel

Economy

Nation Suffering from Obama-Induced Irregularity: Blumer
Happy Labor Day: Top 10 union thug moments of the year: Malkin
I’m exactly what’s wrong with Barack Obama’s America: Times

Calling BS on the "WW2 ended the Depression" myth: Ace
"The Stimulus Worked!" Junk Chart and Why It's Junk: AmDig
Postal Service Is Nearing Default as Losses Mount: NYT

Climate & Energy

Could Bachmann Keep Her $2 Gas Promise?: RWN
Our Least Sustainable Energy Option: NMJ
Obama Closes Last US Light Bulb Factory -- Jobs Go to Mexico: Fox News

Media

When You’ve Lost Maureen Dowd And Frank Rich: OTB
Political Science Academics Declare Tea Party Members Racist: WZ
Question Time for Republicans: Will

Heh: Time Hack Who Claimed Solyndra Was In Good Shape 9 Weeks Ago Forced To Report Its Bankruptcy: Ace
Dowd: ‘Obama Was Not Even the Person He Was Waiting For’: BG
What Democrats can do about Obama: Salon

Another Obamacare fable: No, lack of insurance didn’t kill jobless dad with tooth infection: Malkin
NY Times: Don’t Fear Sharia Law In America: Sword
The "Federal Family" Meme: Silicon Graybeard

World

Jihadists Plot to Take Over Libya: JihadWatch
Over the Horizon: Is worrying about war with China a self-fulfilling prophecy?: ForPol
The Obama Administration Takes on ‘Islamophobia’: NMJ

Game Over? Senior IMF Official - "I Expect A Hard Greek Default This Year" : ZH
Huda the Hangwoman Arrested: Jawa
Global Economic Armageddon: Bookworm

Sci-Tech

What Would T-Mobile Do With $3 Billion? We May Be About to Find Out.: AllThingsD
Is a nuclear-powered car in our future?: CNet
Google+ weekly visits on the decline: CNet

Cornucopia

When Racing Required Cojones: iOTW
What's in his plan? We hack into O's teleprompter: LaughingCon
Sarah and Todd Palin: Right Truth

Kids Today: AmDig
What's In a Name?: Reluctant Rebel
Staff sgt. offered TV tryout after viral video: Air Force Times

Image: iOwnTheWorld
Today's Larwyn's Linx sponsored by: Michele Bachmann for President

QOTD: "...if things are not going to improve, there really is no choice other than to blame someone else... Get ready for the nastiest political campaign season you’ve ever seen. From the people who brought you hope and change." -- Keith Koffler

Sunday, September 04, 2011

John Mauldin on Gold

John Mauldin, author and financial advisor, has some interesting thoughts on gold.

The question I am asked the most is some variant on “What do you think about gold?” So, let me deal with that question here, as it has been a while.

First, I do not think of gold as an investment. It is insurance for me. I buy a rather fixed amount of gold nearly every month, no matter the price. I hope the price of gold goes down, because that means I get more coins in the mail to go into the vault. Yes, I take delivery of my gold, and it is near me if I need it.

My fondest dream is that I will give my gold coins to my great-great grandkids some 70-80 years from now, and they will be rather embarrassed that their “Papa John” bought all that much of that barbarous yellow metal instead of more biotech stocks. But as I live in the real world, I buy gold, even though I am optimistic we’ll get through this rough patch; because I simply don’t trust the bas*%*ds who are driving this ship with 100% of my money in dollars, or any fiat currency, for that matter.

Gold to me is a neutral currency. While the metal looks good over the last ten years (and I became bullish on it in 2002 in this letter), over the last 32 years it has not had all that much luster. Bonds have been much better as an investment. It is all about timing.

If I wanted to buy gold for investment or trading, I would simply buy GLD. (It is an excellent vehicle for traders; however, GLD is not what I think of as insurance.) And if I were buying gold as a trade, I would buy it in terms of the euro or yen, which I think are both going down against the US dollar.

For those who want to buy larger sums of gold, there is a program that I like backed/sponsored by the state government of Western Australia, called the Perth Mint. You can buy gold certificates that represent actual bullion in vaults in Perth at reasonable prices. While your gold is stored in Perth, you can take delivery if you want and leave the country with no taxes owed. Or you can sell the gold and get cash. You diversify your country risk, have excellent and safe storage facilities, diversify your currency risk (if, like me, you think of gold as a currency), and have a different asset class than traditional portfolios.

...Where to buy actual bullion? Gold coins are gold coins. ASI is a good choice, but I would shop around. Depending on the amount you are buying, mark-ups can be significant, and there are differences in service and responsiveness. Delivery can be an issue, although I get mine in the mail with insured mail (although we do have to pick it up!).

Do I think gold is at a high? While I hope so, I truly do, I rather think that gold still has some upside because of government policies. When the deficit gets under control and we are on the road to real recovery, I rather think that gold will come back down from whatever highs it makes. I remember in 1980 there were True Believers who thought gold could only go one way.

For the record, I think you should own about 5% of your net worth in gold, as insurance, not as an investment. The “goal” and your hope should be to never have a reason to sell your gold. I trust that tells you where I stand.

Given the ongoing meltdown in Europe -- with a liquidity crunch unfolding at this very moment -- words of caution are warranted.

Banks are seeking to retain their liquidity, making interbank lending more difficult, as funding from money and capital markets becomes harder to obtain, ABN Amro Group NV Chief Executive Officer Gerrit Zalm said.

Interbank borrowing for more than six months is also becoming problematic because banks are reluctant to lend to competitors with “big positions in weaker countries’ debt, for instance,” he said today on Dutch television...

A demise of the euro would have “catastrophic” consequences for the Dutch economy, which sends about three- fourths of its exports to other euro-zone states, and “would cause a recession that would make the 1930s a trifle by comparison,” Zalm said.

No one can say where the price of gold is headed. But the reckless debts run up by big government Marxists and progressives around the world do nothing but demoralize investors in fiat currencies.



Gibson Guitar's Official Statement on its Persecution by the Government

Gibson CEO Juszkiewicz says, "...perhaps our good friends in the media can use their investigative skills to help us to get the bottom of exactly why the government has singled out Gibson for harassment."

The Justice department bullies Gibson without filing charges


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Gov’t says wood is illegal if U.S. workers produce it
Thursday, August 25, 2011

The Federal Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. has suggested that the use of wood from India that is not finished by Indian workers is illegal, not because of U.S. law, but because it is the Justice Department’s interpretation of a law in India. (If the same wood from the same tree was finished by Indian workers, the material would be legal.) This action was taken without the support and consent of the government in India.

On August 24, 2011, around 8:45 a.m. CDT, agents for the federal government executed four search warrants on Gibson’s facilities in Nashville and Memphis and seized several pallets of wood, electronic files and guitars. Gibson had to cease its manufacturing operations and send workers home for the day, while armed agents executed the search warrants. Gibson has fully cooperated with the execution of the search warrants.

Raid shut down Gibson factories and cost company money - This is the second time that federal agents have raided Gibson facilities and disrupted production – this time causing lost productivity and sales.

Wood seized was Forest Stewardship Council Controlled - The wood the Government seized on August 24 is from a Forest Stewardship Council certified supplier and is FSC Controlled, meaning that the wood complies with the standards of the Forest Stewardship Council, which is an industry-recognized and independent, not-for-profit organization established to promote responsible management of the world’s forests. FSC Controlled Wood standards require, among other things, that the wood not be illegally harvested and not be harvested in violation of traditional and civil rights. See www.fsc.org for more information. Gibson has a long history of supporting sustainable and responsible sources of wood and has worked diligently with entities such as the Rainforest Alliance and Greenpeace to secure FSC certified supplies. The wood seized on August 24 satisfied FSC standards.

Nearly two years later, no charges have been filed - In 2009, more than a dozen agents with automatic weapons invaded the Gibson factory in Nashville. The Government seized guitars and a substantial amount of ebony fingerboard blanks from Madagascar. To date, 1 year and 9 months later, criminal charges have NOT been filed, yet the Government still holds Gibson’s property. Gibson has obtained sworn statements and documents from the Madagascar government and these materials, which have been filed in federal court, show that the wood seized in 2009 was legally exported under Madagascar law and that no law has been violated. Gibson is attempting to have its property returned in a civil proceeding that is pending in federal court.

The Justice Department has asked the judge to stop the court case indefinitely.

Information sought in raid was already made available - Since 2009, Gibson has fully cooperated with the Government’s investigation of wood and has provided substantial documentation regarding Gibson’s wood-buying activities over the years. Yet, the Federal Government raided Gibson’s facilities on August 24, 2011, without warning or communication of any kind. Had the Government simply communicated with Gibson, Gibson would have cooperated without having to stop its production and send workers home.

Not about illegal logging, not about conservation, not about the environment - The U.S. Lacey Act does not directly address conservation issues but is about obeying all laws of the countries from which wood products are procured. This law reads that you are guilty if you did not observe a law even though you had no knowledge of that law in a foreign country. The U.S. Lacey Act is only applicable when a foreign law has been violated.

Gibson is innocent and will fight to protect its rights - Gibson has complied with foreign laws and believes it is innocent of ANY wrong doing. We will fight aggressively to prove our innocence.

For more information, please contact:
Henry E. Juszkiewicz
c/o Gibson Guitar Corp.
309 Plus Park Blvd.
Nashville, TN 37217

As an aside, Gibson is a non-unionized shop while its competitors are largely unionized.

And Gibson's CEO is a Republican donor while his competitors -- who import the exact same wood without complaint from the government -- are Democrat contributors.

But I'm sure those are all just coincidences.


Hat tip: D&S.

Shock: left-wing Democrat campaign treasurer arrested by FBI

This is only a guess, but Eric Holder must have been on vacation when this arrest was approved.

FBI arrests prominent Democratic campaign treasurer


A prominent Democratic campaign treasurer who works for federal, state and O.C. lawmakers including U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, Rep. Loretta Sanchez and state legislators Lou Correa and Jose Solorio has been arrested by the FBI on suspicion of mail fraud ... in connection with her position as a campaign treasurer.

State Sen. Lou Correa told the Register on Saturday afternoon that he was called by the FBI late Friday night and told that [Kinde] Durkee had been arrested and that he is a likely victim along with “many, many other victims.” The Santa Ana Democrat said he believes he has lost “hundreds of thousands of dollars” in campaign funds.

“This is clearly a sense of betrayal of someone I have trusted for a number of years,” said Correa, who has used Durkee as his campaign treasurer since 1995. “This is a punch straight to the gut.”

...Durkee also oversaw the political-action committees of the Democratic Party of Orange County and the Democratic Foundation of Orange County, among others... Durkee and Associates says on its website: “Since 1972 we have worked for 5 presidential campaigns, 4 gubernatorial campaigns, numerous senate, congressional, state and local candidates, initiatives, political action committees and many non-profit associates and small businesses.”

Durkee has had enforcement actions taken against her four times by the state Fair Political Practices Commission, primarily for failing to report transactions or information. She has also received at least a half a dozen enforcement warning letters from the commission and stipulated to a violation before the City of San Diego Ethics Commission.

Isn't this the fiscally responsible Democrat Party in microcosm? Despite repeated reporting and ethics violations, the menagerie of left wing kooks continued using Durkee to handle their money.

Couldn't happen to a nicer bunch of Marxists progressives.

By the way, I simply adore what Kinde's done with her hair.


Hat tip: Drudge Report.

Good News: California Bans Styrofoam, Small Businesses Rejoice!*

*If you call rejoicing being really, really pissed off.

As if California hasn't done enough to alienate businesses -- withholding water from farmers, paying government bureaucrats outrageous salaries, enacting a thicket of regulations (said to cost half-a-trillion dollars in 2009), and levying punishing taxes -- its latest brilliant law ought to really help kick-start the economy.

The dangerous, toxic substance known as styrofoam will finally be completely banned in California.

Democratic state Sen. Alan Lowenthal's bill to put a stop to Styrofoam use in grocery stores, restaurants, and food vendors is set to pass in the Senate. It would be the first state-wide ban of Styrofoam in the country...

Many have come to the aid of the ubiquitous containers: restaurant owners say the biodegradable alternatives are more expensive and less effective, while manufacturers like Dart claim they'll have to close two production plants that can't produce anything but Styrofoam.

...environmentalists are pleased to see a ban on the non-compost-able, non-biodegradable, chemical-laden receptacles... It would be interesting to see how this bill affects the rest of the nation, as California is commonly ahead of the curve on environmental law.

And it's working out so well for them, eh?

So, just to be clear: California's government-subsidized scientists have apparently determined that styrofoam is just as dangerous to humans as carbon dioxide.

We may want to count this as reason #18,306 that this bluest of blue states is bankrupt, hemorrhaging businesses and about to tell its pensioners (politely) that they're screwed. Yes, let's all emulate California, shall we?


Completely Unrelated Update: California Employment Level Sinks to Record Low


For wont of $3 billion: the President's Priorities

"I have moved quickly to work with my economic team and leaders of both parties on an American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan that will immediately jump- start job creation and long-term growth ...this plan must begin today, a plan I am confident will save or create at least 3 million jobs over the next few years." --President-Elect Barack Obama, January 8, 2009


With another "jobs speech" scheduled for Thursday, it is worth remembering the speech President-Elect Barack Obama gave at George Mason University the second week of 2009. Obama asserted that only government -- through a massive, $840 billion stimulus package -- could jump-start the stricken economy.

In his 2009 speech, Obama promised to "put people to work repairing crumbling roads, bridges and schools by eliminating the backlog of well-planned, worthy and needed infrastructure projects", i.e., the infamous, "shovel-ready" construction projects that he later confessed didn't really exist.

In fact, only six (6) percent of Stimulus spending went to construction projects; much of the rest redistributed wealth from the private sector to public sector unions.

For wont of $3 billion, NASA loses manned space flight capability...


In the midst of the Stimulus spending spree, President Obama shocked the NASA program with a devastating pronouncement. The Space Shuttle replacement effort, dubbed the Constellation Program, which needed $3 billion in annual funding, would be terminated.

For the first time since the initial manned flight of Project Mercury on April 18, 1961, the United States would not have the ability to put a man into space. In spite of the national security impact of the space program -- and the fact that China has actively tested anti-satellite weaponry, the President felt that $3 billion was too much to spend on a replacement for the Space Shuttle.

...though illegal aliens received $4.2 billion in tax credits


And it wasn't just the fact that the public sector unions were awash with hundreds of billions in taxpayer Stimulus cash: the waste, fraud, and abuse in other federal programs turned out to be equally outrageous.

The IRS sent $4.2 billion in tax credits to illegal aliens
The EPA received an increase of $2.7 billion in funding from 2010 to 2011
Spending on the Food Stamp program has more than doubled since 2009, to $71 billion in 2011

Priorities


The President's priorities are funding his union boss supporters, growing the size of government bureaucracies, ringing up massive deficits, advancing the anti-jobs "green" agenda, and cutting back on strategic national security programs.

Now I want you to imagine what Obama's priorities will be if he were to be reelected in 2012. He would have absolutely nothing to lose in enacting an even more radical agenda: his devastating policies will go from merely stunningly bad to spectacularly worse.

And that is why he must be defeated next November.



Larwyn's Linx: Obama's White House is a Harvard Frat House

Have a great link you'd like me to review? Drop me an email. Bloggers: you can install a Larwyn's Linx blog widget!

Nation

Obama's White House is a Harvard Frat House: Events
The Big Setup: Dossier
The Mythical President: Bruce

The Fizzle in Drizzle: Ace
Obama Teleprompter Quits, But Will Still Write Comedy: ZH
This Week in Government Failure: Cato

An Unprecedented Insult to Obama: Patterico
Speaker’s Refusal of Presidential Address Is Precedented: VS
Presidential disrespect went around and now comes around: LI

Economy

Do Blacks Realize They've Been Played By Obama ?: Joshua
Union-backed LA School Board Slams School Choice: PubSec
Public Sector Union Perks: No Oil for Pacifists

Systemic Risk Returns: Is This Worse Than Lehman?: AEI
Suing the Banks... Now and Then: GWP
Loophole: Buffet's Berkshire Owes $1 Billion In Back Taxes : Lid

More than a Million New Food Stamp Users in One Month: Uncov
GM, Chrysler owner--the UAW--leans toward Ford strike: BlogProf
Germans oppose bailout boost, critical of Merkel: Mish

Climate & Energy

No One Could Have Seen It Coming... Except For Those Of Us Who DID: Zilla
All Those In Favor of Dirty Air and Dirty Water, Please Raise Your Hand!: Proof
Obama Bundler Made Multiple Visits to White House Prior to Getting $535M Loan Guarantee: GWP

Aww: Environmentalists upset at Obama’s retreat on air quality standards: Hot Air
Green Energy Scandal? Solyndra, Despite Sweetheart Gov’t Loans, Closes Its Doors: VS
Warmist (And Government Employee) James Hansen Wants To Arrest Obama And Hillary: RWN

Gunrunner

Obama Scandal Update — “You Realize, Of Course, That This Means War”: Wizbang
House Gov't Oversight & Investigations Chairman Darrell Issa on the growing Fast and Furious scandal: Hewitt
Fast & Furious scandal may have its first cover-up: Lifson

Media

Calculated Risk: Politicaljunkie Mom
9/11 Relics To Be Displayed In Museum Should Be As They Were: POH Diaries
Palin Undefeated: It's the crony capitalism, stupid!: SISU

Frank Rich: Obama presidency has been “rhetorical and…substantive failure”: Wizbang
Krauthammer: Obama Is 'President Zero - Zero Economic Expansion, Zero Jobs, Zero Ideas': NB
Left-wing kooks at New York Times now promoting sharia law: GWP

Paul Krugman and the Ozone Fairy: Patterico
Obama faces new conundrum in selling his healthcare law: Hill
For Those Who Don’t Know What Racism Is: Moonbattery

World

Postcard from Europe, Verging on Collapse: The Tyee
How taxpayers foot the bill for union bullies who live like kings: Daily Mail (UK)
Wikileaks Discloses The Reason(s) Behind China's Shadow Gold Buying Spree: ZH

Libya: An Islamist Terrorist Takes Command of Main Rebel Forces: BRubin
Illinois Governor Appoints U.S. Muslim Brotherhood Leader To New Advisory Council: Creeping
Huh?! Gov. Rick Perry Floated Idea For Bi-National Health Care With Mexico: Big Peace

Sci-Tech

Inside the iPhone 5: CNet
HP's trusty 12c financial calculator turns 30: NetworkWorld
Samsung pulls Galaxy Tab 7.7 tablet from IFA booth: CNet

Cornucopia

Talking to your kids about September 11th: CBN
Jobs, Jobs, Jobs in the O-zone: MOTUS
It's 3 a.m. and Hillary gets a secure phone call... : LaughingCon

Former 101st GI on ‘Dancing With The Stars’: ArmyTimes
Data Points for your consideration: Spartacus 2002
Genius Comes in Many Forms: Jawa

Image: iOwnTheWorld ("Light up the room")
Today's Larwyn's Linx sponsored by: A Message From C.L. Bryant

QOTD: "Well ya see, Norm, it's like this... A herd of buffalo can only move as fast as the slowest buffalo. And when the herd is hunted, it is the slowest and weakest ones at the back that are killed first. This natural selection is good for the herd as a whole, because the general speed and health of the whole group keeps improving by the regular killing of the weakest members. In much the same way, the human brain can only operate as fast as the slowest brain cells. Excessive intake of alcohol, as we know, kills brain cells. But naturally, it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells first. In this way, regular consumption of beer eliminates the weaker brain cells, making the brain a faster and more efficient machine. That's why you always feel smarter after a few beers." --Cliff Clavin

Saturday, September 03, 2011

'Who Is Larwyn?'

Many have called, emailed and even scrawled the question on hand-delivered notes: 'Who is Larwyn?', referring to the executive editor of our daily link roundups. Tired of the incessant questions, I forwarded one on to Larwyn. The response is delivered verbatim.

I have been called a dynamic figure because I am often seen scaling walls and crushing ice. I have been known to remodel train stations on my lunch breaks, making them more efficient in the area of heat retention.

I translate sign language while weaving in and out of heavy traffic. I write award-winning operas.

I manage time efficiently. Occasionally, I tread water for three days in a row.

I mesmerize people with my amazing trombone playing. I can pilot bicycles up severe inclines with unflagging speed, and I cook 30-minute brownies in 20 minutes.

I am an active member of the following Mafias: Italian, Russian, American, Canadian, French, British, Spanish, German, Scandinavian, Czechoslovakian, Yugoslavian, Ukrainian, Romanian, and Antarctican.

I am an expert in stucco, a veteran of the Foreign Legion, and an outlaw in Peru.

Using only a hoe and a large glass of water, I once single-handedly defended a small village in the Amazon basin from a horde of ferocious army ants.

I play bluegrass cello. I was scouted by the Mets. I am the subject of numerous documentaries. When I’m bored, I build large suspension bridges in my yard. I enjoy urban hang gliding.

In my youth, on Wednesdays after school, I used to repair electrical appliances free of charge.

I am an abstract artist, a concrete analyst, and a ruthless bookkeeper.

Critics worldwide swoon over my original line of corduroy evening-wear.

I don’t perspire. I am a private citizen, yet I receive fan mail. I have been caller number nine and have won weekend passes. Last summer I toured New Jersey with a traveling centrifugal force demonstration. I bat .400. My deft floral arrangements have earned me fame in international botany circles. Children trust me.

I can hurl tennis rackets at small moving objects with deadly accuracy. I once read The Holy Bible, Paradise Lost, Moby Dick, and David Copperfield in one day and still had time to refurbish an entire dining room that evening.

I know the exact location of every food item in every supermarket in New York City.

I have performed several covert operations for United States intelligence organizations. I sleep once a week; when I do sleep, I sleep in a chair.

While on vacation in Canada, I successfully negotiated with a group of terrorists who had seized a small bakery.

The laws of physics do not apply to me. I balance, I weave, I dodge, I frolic, and my bills are all paid.

On weekends, to let off steam, I participate in full-contact origami. Years ago I discovered the meaning of life, but forgot to write it down.

I have made extraordinary four-course meals using only a blender and a toaster oven. I breed prize-winning clams.

I have won bullfights in San Juan, cliff-diving competitions in Sri Lanka, and spelling bees at the Kremlin.

I have played Hamlet, I have broken into and inhabited the Biosphere, I have performed open-heart surgery, and I have spoken with Elvis.

There is more --- but much of it is too extreme to believe.

Late night TV commercial seen on MSNBC

Tired of the dirty looks you get on the expressway?

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Struggling with the Obama-Biden commemorative stickers made with heat-proof tiles from the abandoned Space Shuttle program? There's only one way to get those bad boys off -- the HopeyChange Jihad 5000 rocket-propelled adhesive remover (not available in the District of Columbia).

Act now, and we'll throw in a rare, collector's edition 2008 Michelle Obama bathing suit calendar!


The Tax Tax

Papa B:

Tax his land,
Tax his bed,
Tax the table,
At which he's fed.

Tax his tractor,
Tax his mule,
Teach him taxes
Are the rule.

Tax his work,
Tax his pay,
He works for
peanuts anyway!

Tax his cow,
Tax his goat,
Tax his pants,
Tax his coat.

Tax his ties,
Tax his shirt,
Tax his work,
Tax his dirt.

Tax his tobacco,
Tax his drink,
Tax him if he
Tries to think.

Tax his cigars,
Tax his beers,
If he cries
Tax his tears.

Tax his car,
Tax his gas,
Find other ways
Taxes to pass

Tax all he has
Then let him know
That you won't be done
Till he has no dough.

When he screams and hollers;
Then tax him some more,
Tax him till
He's good and sore.

Then tax his coffin,
Tax his grave,
Tax the sod in
Which he's laid...

Put these words
Upon his tomb,
'Taxes drove me
to my doom...'

When he's gone,
Do not relax,
Its time to apply
The inheritance tax.


Accounts Receivable Tax
Building Permit Tax
Capital Gains Tax
Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Tax
Cigarette Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Dog License Tax
Driver's License Tax
Estate Taxes (Death Taxes)
Excise Taxes
Federal Income Tax
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
Fishing License Tax
Food License Tax
Fuel Permit Tax
Gasoline Tax (currently 44.75 cents per gallon)
Gross Receipts Tax
Health Care Taxes (PPACA assesses a 3.8% tax when you sell your home)
Hunting License Tax
Inheritance Tax
Interest Tax
Inventory Tax
IRS Interest Charges IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax)
Liquor Tax
Luxury Taxes
Marriage License Tax
Medical Device Taxes
Medicare Tax
Personal Property Tax
Property Tax
Real Estate Tax
Service Charge Tax
Social Security Tax
Road Usage Tax
Recreational Vehicle Tax
Sales Tax
School Tax
State Income Tax
State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)
Telephone Federal Excise Tax
Telephone Federal Universal Service Fee Tax
Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Taxes
Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax
Telephone Recurring and Nonrecurring Charges Tax
Telephone State and Local Tax
Telephone Usage Charge Tax
Unemployment Insurance Tax
Utility Taxes
Vehicle License Registration Tax
Vehicle Sales Tax
Watercraft Registration Tax
Well Permit Tax
Workers Compensation Tax

STILL THINK THIS IS FUNNY?

Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago, and our nation was the most prosperous in the world. We had absolutely no national debt, had the largest middle class in the world, and Mom could stay home to raise the kids.

The last 80 years have seen the rise of a federal leviathan, unconstitutional in its genesis, unrelenting in its thirst for control, and inarguably destructive of liberty.

Our founders and framers were brilliant human beings. They anticipated and feared the rise of an immense, lawless, rogue, authoritarian, central government and they explicitly designed the Constitution to prevent it.

But politically expedient criminals (for that's what they are: criminals) -- many malevolent, some merely useless idiots -- have collaborated to render our nation's highest law nearly meaningless.

It took 80 years for us to get here and it may take 80 years for us to roll it back. But roll it back we must, if we are to save this Republic for subsequent generations.




After Solyndra

Taxpayers are now on the hook for a $535 million loan to bankrupt solar panel maker Solyndra. A top Obama donor -- billionaire George Kaiser -- now claims he didn't use his political influence to secure the federal loan.

The foundation of Tulsa billionaire George Kaiser said it took a hit like all other investors in Solyndra, which this week shuttered its plant and laid off 1,100 workers. The California-based solar panel manufacturer won a $535 million government-backed loan to spur clean-energy innovation, but now taxpayers may be obligated to pay it back...

...In a Thursday statement, the George Kaiser Family Foundation said Kaiser, a major fundraising bundler for Obama, is not personally invested in Solyndra and “did not participate in any discussions with the U.S. Government regarding the loan.” ...[But] Kaiser has been a frequent White House visitor.

The recent failure of at least three major solar companies like Solyndra hasn't stopped the magnanimous bureaucrats at the Department of Energy from awarding $145M in "solar grants" (with your money, of course):

In a week when the solar energy sector has been under fire, MIT and two Massachusetts are among the beneficiaries of a U.S. Department of Energy solar technologies program that has awarded $145 million to 69 organizations in 24 states.

The DOE SunShot initiative is designed to help shape the next generation of solar energy technologies, according to a news release from the agency...

American taxpayers have been funding the solar power delusion since the era of Jimmy Carter.

It's about time we disbanded the Department of Energy's "green initiatives" program which has a perfect return-on-investment: zero for many billions of dollars.



What should have been today's headline in every newspaper in America

That is, if we had a real media in this country.

"It was the first time since 1945 that the government has reported a net monthly job change of zero."

After an exhausting nine days on Martha's Vineyard, followed by several campaign events, the President headed to Camp David yesterday for the long Labor Day weekend in order to golf, decompress and unwind.



Larwyn's Linx: Barry Obama -- Who is this guy?

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Nation

Barry Obama: Who is this guy?: JPA
Hot Air Candidate Survey: September Results: Hot Air
Dem running for Weiner seat: Who's this Obama person you speak of?: JWF

America's Uncle Omar Problem: Malkin
A $4.2 Bil Subsidy For Illegals?: IBD
The Wacky Palin Hillbilly Clan Strikes Again!: RWN

Economy

If You Were in Obama’s Shoes, Wouldn’t You Be Worried?: Geraghty
Obama: Bo ate my jobs plan: Pundette
Change: Black unemployment numbers are at 27 year high: Toldjah

Zero Jobs 101 — the Psychology of Alienating Employers: Hanson
How Bad will the Job Picture Get?: Instapundit
Busy weekend to challenge already-stretched Detroit police: Freep

Zero New Jobs in America: Foundry
Why more money hasn't, and won't, fix public schools: Cato
U.S. Debt Held by Public Tops $10T for 1st Time—Up 59% Under Obama: CNS

Gunrunner

Gunwalker: Details of Coverup Revealed: Owens
More F&F guns discovered at Mexican crime scenes: This Ain't Hell
White House received emails about Fast and Furious gun-trafficking operation: LAT

Climate & Energy

Teapot Solyndra: LegalIns
Change! Obama "Requests" The EPA Withdraw Job Killing Proposed Ozone Regulations : Ace
Solyndra ain't the only one: Another 'green' company goes belly up: TAB

"If Mitt Romney doesn't 'know' global warming is mostly caused by humans, is he 'against science'?": Althouse
Solyndra and the Stimulus: LAT
895,000 Still Without Power: Daily Beast

Media

Speech, Speech: Knish
The White House Mess: Instapundit
Obama Came to a Fork in the Road and Took It: Vodkapundit

Mike Papantonio: King of Hate: Equalizer
Perry's Aggressive Debate Style, And Why He Should Avoid That: Ace
Apparently, Illegal Immigration Is A Super Duper Major Big GOP Issue For 2012: RWN

Obama Uses Weekly Address To Discuss…..Transportation: RWN
Charles Krauthammer: Obama Is "Clueless And, For Now, Irrelevant": BlogProf
No, denial of POTUS' request to speak not unprecedented: VS

World

Obama admin takes lead on criminalizing speech against Islam: Creeping
Secret NYPD Demographic Unit revealed: RT
US Authorities Investigate Incursion By Mexican Federal Police: KVIA

As U.N.'s 'Durban III' Approaches Where Are the Moral Leaders?: Bayefsky
UN: Credible evidence Iran working on nuke weapons: AP
DHS Depicts White Conservative-Looking Americans As Terrorists: Sword

Sci-Tech

Why Amazon's will be the first successful Android tablet: CNet
Singel-Minded: Why Feds Are Right to Block AT&T, T-Mobile Merger: Wired
Amazon’s Kindle Tablet Is Very Real. I’ve Seen It, Played With It.: Crunch

Cornucopia

Go Now Bag: Exurban League
Obama confronts Boehner: Exclusive photo : Laughing Conservative
Signs of Sanity in New England: Urban Infidel

Image: MOTUS
Today's Larwyn's Linx sponsored by: Michele Bachmann for President

QOTD: "Given that AT&T would have more than 43 percent of the market, and combined with Verizon would have more than 80 percent of the U.S. market, there’s cause to be concerned the two could start colluding — without even needing to talk to one another.

Moreover, AT&T is a tech laggard. Name any innovation in wireless and AT&T will land about dead last in the order of rolling it out, except for maybe one — locking up the iPhone for a long exclusive.

Techies have already seemed to have forgotten that telecoms and the greater tech world are naturally enemies, and the carriers stifled innovation for as long as they could — until Apple blew a hole in their walled gardens." --Ryan Singel, "Why Feds Are Right to Block AT&T, T-Mobile Merger"

Friday, September 02, 2011

Libya Rebel Commander: "An Islamist? Moi?"

Dan from New York:

This should quiet all the bitter skeptics who said Obama’s Libyan adventure would wind up trading Qaddafi for something worse.

Libya Rebel Commander Plays Down Islamist Past


September 02, 2011 | Associated Press

TRIPOLI, Libya -- The rebels' Tripoli military commander, a former leader of an Islamic militant group that sent fighters to Iraq and Afghanistan, insisted Friday that the new Libya will shun extremism and won't become a breeding ground for terrorism.

The commander, Abdel Hakim Belhaj, said he was detained in 2004 in Malaysia and sent to a secret prison in Thailand where he was tortured by CIA agents. Then he was sent to Libya and jailed for seven years by Muammar Qaddafi's regime.

But Belhaj, 45, played down his Islamist past, seeking to allay concerns about his emergence as a prominent figure in the Western-backed Libyan opposition movement.

He insisted he holds no grudges against the West because of the shared goal of ousting Qaddafi... Belhaj was a leader in the now dissolved Libyan Islamic Fighting Group, which was deemed a terror group by the U.S. But he said he refused to join Al Qaeda because he disagreed with its ideology of global jihad, or holy war, and wanted to focus on ridding Libya of Qaddafi.

He said he never agreed with Al Qaeda's ideology of global jihad, or holy war, but only wanted to focus on ridding Libya of Qaddafi... Qaddafi, in courting the West in recent years, has insisted Al Qaeda would gain influence in Libya unless he remained in power...

Belhaj dismissed those concerns... "We never have and never will support what they call terrorism," he said.

"Libya is a moderate Muslim country," he said. "We are a simple people with a simple cultural makeup and we have never had extremist ideas. And if there ever were any they were an exception."

Why, this is the "Arab Spring", so what could possibly go wrong?


Could the President be brought down by a single poll?

Larwyn points us to a James Taranto Best of the Web snippet which reads:

...an intriguing observation from reader Tim Magee: "Could the President be brought down by a single poll? How about Obama vs. Hillary Clinton among Democrats? I think she could win that poll, and I don't think Obama could recover, regardless of whether Mrs. Clinton ran."

Let's find out. Somebody please commission that poll.

Oh, my.

I shudder to think what that might do to the fragile ego of our Narcissist-in-Chief.


Gunrunner Tip: U.S. city officials smuggled guns to Mexican cartels... under the watchful eyes of federal agents

This story could give you chills.

I wrote a few days ago about the city officials in New Mexico's border town of Columbus indicted for smuggling firearms and tactical gear to the La Linea drug cartel. As it turns out, that case may be linked to "Operation Fast and Furious", the malevolent Justice Department project that shipped thousands of murder weapons to Mexican drug gangs.

Here's the interesting part -- over the transom comes the following tip:

Read Counts 23 and 24 of the indictment, on page 9 of 26 of the indictment, available here:

In Count 23, On January 25, 2011, federal agent(s) watched as two suspects purchased a total of 20 American Tactical 9mm pistols from an FFL in New Mexico, drove with two more persons about 27.5 miles in about 32 minutes to an apartment in El Paso, TX. They stopped at a Kmart and bought a black backpack. They entered the apartment with the black backpack and the box containing the 20 pistols. Shortly two individuals exited the apartment, with the now-full black backpack and drove, with the black backpack, in an unmarked Ford F-150 police vehicle registered to the village of Columbus, TX to the El Paso bus station (which is less than 1/4 mile from the Santa Fe Bridge Border Crossing between El Paso and Juarez).

In count 24, on January 27, 2011, federal agents watched as a Honda Pilot with Chihuahua plates occupied by two of the men from the Jan. 25 event, and an unknown female, pulled up to the apartment. Two men unloaded and carried into the apartment a large black suitcase. Two hours later, one of the men who had bought guns on Jan. 25 exited the apartment, wheeled the large black suitcase to the unmarked Ford F-150 police vehicle registered to the village of Columbus, NM, and drove to the El Paso bus station (yep, the one less than 1/4 mile from the Santa Fe Bridge Border Crossing between El Paso and Juarez).

So how do the statements made in those two counts in the indictment square with paragraph ten of the media's story announcing the arrests and unsealing of the indictment?

"As part of the investigation, every effort was made to seize firearms from defendants to prevent them from entering into Mexico, and no weapons were knowingly permitted to cross the border."

The agents followed the straw buyers for more than half-an-hour from Chaparral, NM to El Paso, TX. The agents watched as a bundle they had to suspect contained firearms was driven to a bus station within 1/4 mile of the border. The agents watched the apartment for two days. The agents then watched as a second container they might reasonably have suspected contained firearms was driven to the same bus station within 1/4 mile of the border.

How many opportunities did they have to interdict the firearms along the way?

How far from the border do they have to be when they avert their gaze to say they did not "knowingly" allow firearms to cross the border?

There is no indication that any of these 20 9mm pistols were seized or in any way accounted for. The activities reported in both counts 23 and 24 happened more than one month after the death of US Border Patrol Agent Brian A. Terry.

Those are damn good questions.

So I repeat: what did Eric Holder know? And when did he know it?

Israel Having Hard Time Boycotting Turkey

Dan from New York:

Israel’s security cabinet met in an emergency session today to decide on a response to Turkey’s expulsion of Israel’s ambassador. Among the actions discussed was a boycott of Turkish exports, but no decision was reached since none of the ministers present could think of anything Turkey actually exports. (BBC)



What They Told Us

They told us that allowing law-abiding citizens to carry concealed weapons would turn our streets into rivers of blood.

They told us that taking trillions of dollars and giving it to those "who truly needed it" would cure poverty.

They told us that giving home loans to those who couldn't afford them would make the American dream achievable for all.

They told us that paying into the Social Security "Trust Fund" would guarantee a comfortable retirement for everyone.

They told us that allowing teachers to unionize in public schools would help inner city students reach for the stars.

They told us that the federal government could run a guaranteed, affordable health care program for seniors forever.

They told us that the new employment paradigm consisted of millions of "green jobs".

They told us that their support for immoral and criminal behavior wouldn't result in the breakdown of the two-parent family.

They told us that spending trillions on Stimulus programs would heal a damaged economy.

They told us that raising taxes on corporations and "the rich" would create more jobs.

They told us that our borders were "as secure as they've ever been".

They told us that intentionally restricting access to our own sources of energy would reduce dependence on foreign oil.

They told us that spreading unemployment benefits and food stamps far and wide would help the economy.

They told us that, despite other failed government health care programs, they could successfully take over the entire medical system.

They told us that their record-breaking borrowing could never result in a downgrade of the United States' AAA credit rating.

They told us that "the Constitution doesn't matter".

They told us that anyone who opposes their unconstitutional, un-American, reckless and failed policies are racists.

Well, I'm here to tell you:

Everything they told us was a lie.

Everything they told us was wrong.

Intentionally, diabolically, criminally wrong.

And if we don't vote out every Democrat politician -- at every level of government -- in 2012, this beautiful Republic, this magnificent country, this bastion of free enterprise and private property rights, this shining city on a hill... well, it will be finished.


Related: Don't cry for me, America.

Larwyn's Linx: More Evidence of a Thoroughly Unvetted President

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Nation

More Evidence of a Thoroughly Unvetted President: BG
White House 'furious' Boehner made them postpone speech: Hot Air
Democrats Distancing Themselves From Obama: NatlJrnl

Proof: Obama Tried to Use Joint Speech As Political Ploy: BG
If Romney Represents The Tea Party, The Tea Party Is Dead: RWN
Bachmann draws Thatcher foreign policy comparison: AP

Left paints the campaign as a religious war: York
What’s Wrong With American Politics In One Tiny Rally: RWN
Jarrett-managed slums to be torn down with federal cash: Marathon

Economy

“At N.L.R.B., Flurry of Acts for Unions as Chief Exits”: ProWis
SC Gov. Haley Calls on 'Cowardly' Obama: Disband NLRB: Tatler
Goodbye High Frequency Trading: Regulators Seek HFT Algos: ZH

Obama’s Jobs Speech to Offer More Failed Stimulus: PJM
Gibson CEO on DOJ: Like 'something from an Orwell novel': Malkin
Spending, not entitlements, created huge deficit : York

Climate & Energy

A Victory for "Big Oil": BMW
Obama blames Europe for his Green Jobs failure: Exam
Nissan Leaf outselling Chevy Volt 2 to 1, can GM catch up?: Jalopnik

Media

“White House: Only ‘Fervent Partisan’ Would Suggest Obama To Blame For Job Losses”: ProWis
Black conservative to Maxine Waters: “Hell is in the black communities that the CBC serves”: Scoop
A Democrat's 'race-baiting' Tea Party attack: 'Beyond the pale'?: The Week

AP: Carson Only Used a 'Lynching Metaphor' in Black Caucus Speech: NB
Despicable NBC News 'Analyst' Richard Wolffe: Opposition to Obama is Racism: BlogProf
Obama jobs speech up against Packers: Exam

The Lightworker has lost his Pilot Light: Driscoll
Hatred Never Holidays: CFP
Robert Reich: Government Must Spend More to Get Out of Debt: Malkin

World

The Administration Takes on ‘Islamophobia’: White House gives free-speech opponents a megaphone: NRO
U.N. Report says Gaza blockade legal and Israel faced “organized and violent resistance” by flotilla: LegalIns
California Dream Act for Illegal Aliens Approved by State Senate: WZ

Self-Defense Story of the Day: Malkin
Islamic Spring… Libyan Rebels Release Hundreds of Pro-Al-Qaeda Militants From Prison: GWP
W Gets A Third Term In The Middle East: Mead

Sci-Tech

The Onion’s Digital Guru Explains How To Use Tech (And Why Chaos Is Great): LifeHacker
Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7: Dual-core chip, new screen: CNet
Sony unveils world's first 3D head-mounted display that is as immersive as 'sitting in a cinema': Daily Mail (UK)

Cornucopia

The Truth About Being a Hero: Marlantes
The Essence of Lady M: She’s Black and Beautiful! WTF?: MOTUS
‘Misunderstood’ Youth Football Players Terrorize Referee: SHN

NASCAR Drivers Blow Off Obama Invite to White House: GWP
Now all Obama needs for his jobs speech is an intro by Hank Williams, Jr.: WyBlog
No Time to Rest: LegalIns

Image: St. Louis Publisher Harassed After Releasing 9-11 Coloring Book for Kids
Today's Larwyn's Linx sponsored by: Michele Bachmann for President

QOTD: "The worst part is that, with the economy on the brink of a double-dip and consumer confidence falling off a cliff, this guy’s mind is still so preoccupied with the campaign that he can’t muster a moment of presidential leadership without counterprogramming it against a Republican primary event." --Allahpundit