Northern Alliance Wannabe

This war is lost...

2008-07-02T23:47:00.002-05:00

...or so say those who can't be bothered with the facts.

You may have thought it was big news Tuesday when the administration reported to Congress that Iraq has made satisfactory progress on 15 of 18 political benchmarks set by the U.S.

Just last year, there was progress on only eight of those benchmarks and war critics have repeatedly cited the lack of political progress in arguing against the troop surge.

But the Media Research Center says there was not a word about the report on the "CBS Evening News," "NBC Nightly News" or ABC's "World News Tonight." The New York Times also ignored the story. The Washington Post relegated its coverage to page eight.

This is how the Associated Press began its story on the report: "No matter who is elected president in November, his foreign policy team will have to deal with... the slow pace with which the government in Baghdad operates."

When reached for comment, Sen. Harry Reid put his fingers in his ears and shouted at the top of his lungs, "LA LA LA LA LA LA LA!!!!"

Obama hypocrisy of the day

2008-07-01T18:28:00.004-05:00

It appears that our friend Barack Obama is again advocating change -- changing history, that is. Obama has again applied a rather loose definition of "passed a law."

Barack Obama is championing welfare reform in his new television ad titled "Dignity." The ad says that Obama "passed a law to move people from welfare to work — slashed the rolls by 80 percent."

But the television spot fails to mention that Obama resisted the very welfare reform bill that led to the reduction in the caseload. Back in 1996, President Bill Clinton signed a federal reform bill in an effort to make welfare what he called "a second chance, not a way of life."

But then-Illinois state Senator Obama told the Cleveland Plain Dealer newspaper that year that Mr. Clinton's stance on welfare was "disturbing."

And on May 31, 1997 Obama said on the floor of the Illinois state Senate, "I probably would not have supported the federal legislation."

This guy is becoming about as credible as Baghdad Bob.

"Yes, I'm very qualified. You elect me President now. I change you!"

Looking out for the little guy

2008-06-30T20:43:00.002-05:00

Some silliness across the pond:

The European Union has barred a British market vendor from selling a batch of kiwi fruits because they are one millimeter smaller than E.U. rules allow.

The Daily Mail reports that Tim Down's stall in the city of Bristol was examined by government food inspectors last week who told him that he had to trash the 5,000 slightly undersized kiwis.

Down says he will lose $2,000 by not selling the fruit. And, he has even been told that he is forbidden to give any of the fruit away, and that if he does he will be slapped with a fine of around $10,000.

He says, "They are saying I'm a criminal for selling this fruit — but the real crime is that all this fruit will go to waste — all because it's one millimeter too small."

Thank heavens the EU beaurocrats were there to protect consumers from the evils of Big Kiwi!

I wonder what training is involved to become an official kiwi inspector. And do you think the kiwi inspector is a specialist, or are inspectors cross-trained to be able to handle all types of fruit?

Seriously, though, it's important to remember stories like this when you hear folks on the Left assert that we should be more like Europe.

Obama hypocrisy of the day

2008-06-30T20:37:00.002-05:00

Today's installment: the issue of "equal pay:"

Barack Obama has vowed to make equal pay for women a priority if elected president and even told supporters in New Mexico last week, "McCain is an honorable man... but when you look at our records and our plans on issues that matter to working women, the choice could not be clearer. It starts with equal pay."

But Cybercast News cites a report from the secretary of the Senate which says women working in Obama's Senate office were paid, on average, about $6,000 less than men. And, of the five people in Obama's office who earn more than $100,000 a year, only one is a woman.

But in John McCain's Senate office, the average pay for women is $2,500 more than men.

It appears we have another case of, "Do as I say, not as I do."

And, "How 'bout fetchin' me a cup of coffee, there, toots?"

SF strikes again

2008-06-28T19:24:00.001-05:00

More wisdom from the San Francisco Board of ~~Indoctrination~~ Education:

The San Francisco Board of Education has decided that schools can no longer award physical education credit to students enrolled in the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps.

The San Francisco Chronicle described Thursday's board meeting as "hastily scheduled" and said the four-to-one decision "will likely cripple the 90-year-old military education program... because most students use it to satisfy their P.E. requirement."

Two board members who opposed the change were not even in town to vote.

A student enrolled in the JROTC program says, "It's completely unfair. What am I going to do for credit?"

But Board President Mark Sanchez, who led the effort against the program because of its ties to the military, argues that "if students really love the program, they'll take it anyway."

But don't dare suggest that they don't support the troops!

Best of the MOB, June 20 - 26

2008-06-27T11:28:00.001-05:00

Update: "Casual Sundays" is this week's winner by a nose -- congrats!

------------------------

Happy Friday!

Please check out the posts below and vote either here or at the sidebar. The poll will stay open until noon on Monday. Vote early and often, and have a great weekend!

Best of the MOB, 6/20 - 6/26/08

"My Summer So Far," Hammerswing75, June 20. Nominated for finding beauty and value in a place where others may miss it.

"You Cannot Change the Laws of Chemistry," Speed Gibson, June 23. Nominated for noting a possible safety concern with advanced car battery technology.

"All Phones are Red at that Hour," Casual Sundays with Mr Curry, June 24. Nominated for best use of the phrase "why the fuzz?"

"Roger Goetsch, My Nephew - RIP - Forever Young," Market Power, June 25. Nominated for sharing a heart wrenching family tragedy.

"Phew! That Was Too Close!," Freedom Dogs, June 26. Nominated for succinctly articulating what may be at stake this November.

(poll now closed)

Ha!

2008-06-25T19:28:00.002-05:00

From Frank J. at IMAO -- brilliant!

Truth-challenged

2008-06-25T08:53:00.002-05:00

President-wannabe Barack Obama seems to be having a hard time telling the truth lately. Here's another example.

Barack Obama's first general election ad says about 46 seconds in that the Illinois senator passed laws that "extended health care for wounded troops who'd been neglected."

The ad "Country I Love", which was released Friday, provides a citation at the bottom of the screen which reads "Public Law 110 - 181."

The problem is Senator Obama never voted for that legislation. Public Law 110 - 181 is part of the defense authorization bill which passed the Senate in January by a vote of 91 to three with six senators not voting. Barack Obama was among those six absent senators.

I guess it depends on what the meaning of "passed laws" is. Maybe he didn't vote for it before he didn't vote against it.

"10 Concerns about Barack Obama"

2008-06-24T21:47:00.002-05:00

Bill Bennett and Seth Liebsohn have put out a thoughtful summary of reasons why an Obama presidency would be dangerous.

I list the bullets below, but the article expands on each point thoroughly. I encourage everyone to go read it in full.

1. Barack Obama’s foreign policy is dangerous, naïve, and betrays a profound misreading of history.
2. Barack Obama’s Iraq policy will hand al-Qaeda a victory and undercut our entire position in the Middle East, while at the same time put a huge source of oil in the hands of terrorists.
3. Barack Obama has sent mixed, confusing, and inconsistent messages on his policy toward Israel.
4. In the primary campaign, Barack Obama consistently campaigned against NAFTA, but has now changed his tune, as he has with other issues.
5. Barack Obama’s judgment about personal and professional affiliations is more than troubling.
6. Obama is simply out of step with how terrorists should be handled; he would turn back the clock on how we fight terrorism, using the failed strategy of the 1990s as opposed to the post-9/11 strategy that has kept us safe.
7. Barack Obama’s economic policies would hurt the economy.
8. Barack Obama opposes drilling on and offshore to reduce gas and oil prices.
9. Barack Obama is to the left of Hillary Clinton and NARAL on the issue of life.
10. Barack Obama is actually to the left of every member of the U.S. Senate.

All the cool kids are doing it

2008-06-24T11:26:00.002-05:00

I was particularly disturbed by the story last week about the purported "pregnancy pact" at the high school in Gloucester, MA. Of the 600 or so girls at the school, 17 are currently pregnant, and there were many others who, according to the principal, were visibly upset when they found out they weren't pregnant.

God only knows what has possessed these girls into thinking that getting pregnant while in high school is the hip thing to do. Some think they were influenced by the movie Juno. Others blame Jamie Lynn Spears. I've also heard it reported that girls were jealous of others at the school who've had babies and received a lot of attention as a result.

Girls, whatever the reason, this nonsense needs to stop. Please allow me to give a bit of advice straight out of Democrat talking points. Are you feeling alone? Unpopular? Bored? Well, you can't drill your way out of the problem!

Seal abuse

2008-06-23T19:27:00.005-05:00

It did not go unnoticed that our friend Barry Obama took some liberties by displaying on a podium from which he was speechifying a personalized logo that looked eerily similar to the official Presidential seal.

Judge for yourself:

Personally, I find this misuse of the official seal offensive. Besides the presumptive arrogance of Obama's standing behind it in an effort to appear presidential, the plagiaristic design of the seal speaks to Obama's lack both of creativity and of ethics.

Fear not, though, my friends. Not everyone is so corrupt. I will take the high road and personally set the example of a more honorable type of behavior.

In that spirit, I hereby unveil the new logo for this site. The design is the product of many hours of work to tap into they type of creativity that resides in the deep recesses of the soul. Moreover, I consulted with numerous experts to make sure it did not infringe on any official design.

Here it is:

...

...

...

...

What do you think?

Ok, ok...

2008-06-23T17:53:00.002-05:00

Alright, break's over I guess. Thanks to those who noticed I was gone from the blogosphere and encouraged me to break the silence.

Now's not the time, but soon I'll let you all in on what exactly has had me so distracted lately. No whining, though, I promise. If Tiger can win the US Open with a broken leg, I can certainly suck it up and post something ~~thoughtful~~.

So stay tuned. Your regularly scheduled snark will resume shortly.

Meh

2008-06-12T21:19:00.002-05:00

Sorry for the lack of prose here, folks. I guess I have bit of a case of bloggus apatheticus.

I'll be back when I have something ~~intelligent~~ ~~funny~~ to say.

Best of the MOB, May 30 - June 5

2008-06-06T00:01:00.002-05:00

Update: It was a close vote this week, but Mr. D. edged out North Star Liberty by a nose.

------------------------

Happy Friday!

Please check out the posts below and vote either here or at the sidebar. The poll will stay open until noon on Monday. Vote early and often, and have a great weekend!

Best of the MOB, 5/30 - 6/5/08

"The Minnesota GOP is Hemorrhaging," The Eagle's Nest Blog, June 1. Nominated for a healthy dose of tough love for a state party in trouble.

"St. Sabina and St. Adalbert - I," Mr. Dilettante, June 2. Nominated for a series of posts giving first hand perspective of the influence of Father Pfleger in Chicago.

"Lieberman-Warner is the wrong answer," North Star Liberty, June 3. Nominated for noting the absurdity of the cap-and-trade nonsense being debated currently in the Senate.

"Trials, God's Provision, and Love?," Within the Discord, June 4. Nominated for a deeply personal disclosure of new found love (Best of luck!).

"On inney belly buttons...," Blonde moment, June 4. Nominated for sharing some novel navel knowledge.

(poll now closed)

On miracles, and those who would prevent them

2008-06-05T18:48:00.002-05:00

Baby Miraculously Survives Abortion, Expected to Live 'Normal' Life

A mother who decided to abort her son because he may have inherited a life-threatening kidney condition is overjoyed that he survived the procedure.

Jodie Percival of Nottinghamshire, England, said she and her fiancee made the decision to abort baby Finley when she was eight weeks pregnant.

Percival's first son Thane died of multicystic dysplastic kidneys — which causes cysts to grow on the kidneys of an unborn baby — and her second child Lewis was born with serious kidney damage and currently has just one kidney, the Daily Mail reported.

"I was on the (birth control pill) when I became pregnant," Percival, 25, said. "Deciding to terminate at eight weeks was just utterly horrible but I couldn't cope with the anguish of losing another baby."

A short time after the abortion, Percival felt a fluttering in her stomach. She went to the doctor for a scan and discovered she was 19 weeks pregnant....

In November, Finley was born three weeks premature. He had minor kidney damage but is expected to lead a normal life.

This is an amazing story of survival, and I think the most uplifting part of it is the change of heart of the parents to allow their baby the chance at life for which he fought so hard.

The story goes on to say that it isn't uncommon for an early abortion to be ineffective and that follow ups are often required to finish the job. Thankfully, these parents reconsidered.

------------------------------------

Contrast this with the position taken by presidential candidate Barack Obama. While in the Illinois Senate, he opposed the Born Alive Infants Protection Act, which prevents the killing of baby born alive after an unsuccessful attempt at abortion.

This goes even beyond Partial Birth Abortion, which is opposed by most even on the far left politically. What was meant to be prevented with this act is not abortion at the last minute -- it's abortion after the last minute, after the baby is fully outside the womb and very much alive.

It's no secret that Barack Obama has some pretty radical positions, but I've got to believe that this is the first presidential candidate ever to be on record supporting abortion in the fourth trimester.

Never thought I'd say this, but...

2008-06-05T18:45:00.001-05:00

I've finally found something about which I agree with Rosie O'Donnell.

Lies and lying liars

2008-06-03T12:22:00.003-05:00

Update: Well, speak of the devil. Keith Olbermann Owes New York for Unpaid Business Taxes

---------------------------------

A recent survey indicates that liberals are more inclined to cheat on their taxes.

Some recent surveys suggest a striking gap between liberals and conservatives on the issue of honesty. Polling by an organization called The World Values Survey posed the question, "Is it OK to cheat on your taxes?"

Fifty-seven percent of those who described themselves as "very liberal" said "yes", compared with only 20 percent of those calling themselves "very conservative." That same survey in the Washington Examiner found those on the left were more likely to say it is OK to buy goods that one knows are stolen.

Another questionnaire done by the Culture and Media Institute's National Cultural Values Survey posed a scenario in which an employer would be willing to pay someone in cash in order to avoid taxes and allow a worker to collect unemployment benefits. Forty-nine percent of self-described progressives said they would go along with the plan, while only 21 percent of conservatives said they would.

Al Franken could not be reached for comment.

Jinxes

2008-06-02T19:09:00.002-05:00

Your votes have been tallied. In response to, "Which blonde singer will sabotage the season for the Dallas Cowboys in 2008?," you predicted that Kellie Pickler would be Tony Romo's next muse.

From the poll:
Kellie Pickler - 4 votes

Taylor Swift - 3 votes

Miranda Lambert - 1 vote

Britney Spears - 0 votes

Paris Hilton - 0 votes

Write ins:

Debbie Harry - 1 vote

Lorrie Morgan - 1 vote

Time will assess the prescience of my readers. If you're right and this NFL season follows recent form, the Dallas Cowboys will enter November 8-1 or so, and Tony Romo will be on track for an MVP season.

Then, say, around Thanksgiving, Romo will start wooing The Pickler and descend into mediocrity. The Cowboys will limp into the playoffs, only to be bumped off in the Divisional round by an inferior team.

--------------------------

And speaking of jinxes, I saw this headline on ESPN.com last night: Cubs Top MLB On June 1 For First Time Since 1908.

I'm expecting the eight-game losing streak to begin tonight.

Best of the MOB, May 23 - 29

2008-05-30T00:01:00.001-05:00

Update: Chisago County GOP gets this week's nod -- congrats!

-----------------------------

Happy Friday!

Please check out the posts below and vote either here or at the sidebar. The poll will stay open until noon on Monday. Vote early and often, and have a great weekend!

Best of the MOB, 5/23 - 5/29/08

"A new monetary standard?," Bike Bubba's Bits, May 23. Nominated for an interesting, even if tongue-in-cheek, economic idea.

"Freedom," Chisago County GOP, May 25. Nominated for a nice dissertation on the origins of our freedom.

"Amy Klobuchar on Price of Gasoline," For Personal Responsibility, May 27. Nominated for noting the flaws in A-Klo's energy policy.

"No more swirly-do light bulbs...," Blonde moment, May 28. Nominated for reporting the hazards (and stink) of those new fluorescent bulbs.

"Amnesty Programs," SpaceBeagle, May 28. Nominated for a parody program to combat global warming (at least it's funny until it comes true).

(poll now closed)

Good questions

2008-05-29T17:46:00.003-05:00

From Vets for Freedom

I think McCain and Obama should hold the first of their presidential debates
in Baghdad with our troops in the audience. Obama could then tell them to their faces that their mission is a failure.

Bathroom reading

2008-05-29T15:12:00.002-05:00

Craig to Pen Book Detailing Bathroom Incident at Airport

BOISE, Idaho — Outgoing [meaning he's leaving, presumably, not flamboyant - ed.] Sen. Larry Craig revealed to a local news channel Tuesday night that he is writing a book on energy, but plans to discuss some of his scandal-ridden past year in office.

Craig, 62, told NewsChannel 7 that he wants to set the record straight [pun intended? - ed.] for Idahoans.

At the time, Craig said that his arrest at MSP last year was the result of a misunderstanding. It appears he hasn't changed his stance.

Are there enough suckers?

2008-05-28T21:09:00.002-05:00

The Grapevine reports that even losing the nomination may not stop Hillary from fundraising.

Even if she drops out of the race, Hillary Clinton may choose to spend the summer hosting fundraisers in order to repay loans she made to her own campaign.

The New York Sun reports Senator Clinton has loaned $1.4 million to her campaign, and she must repay the money by the date of the election or forfeit all but $250,000.

$1.4 million? That's a lot of Chinese dishwashers.

The Sun points out this sets up a scenario of Hillary and Bill Clinton asking for money that will go directly into their pocket, even though they have earned more than $100 million together over the last eight years.

Now who would be gullible enough to give money to Hillary after she's already lost?

The Clinton campaign has not said whether the senator will try to repay the money to herself or concentrate on the $9.5 million she owes to vendors and consultants.

Ooh, ooh -- I have a guess!

But really, though, who would be stupid enough to give money to a loser?

Barack Obama has indicated he might be willing to help Senator Clinton retire her campaign debt if he becomes the nominee.

Oh.

Who's next?

2008-05-26T21:12:00.001-05:00

Apparently Tony Romo and Jessica Simpson have broken up. Bummer for them (but good news for Cowboys fans?...)

Since I didn't have a BOMOB this last weekend, let's have a fun poll: Who's next for Tony?

We had Carrie Underwood in 2006 and fair Jessica in 2007. Which blonde singer will sabotage the season for the Dallas Cowboys in 2008?

Candidates must be (presently) blonde, must have at least attempted to sing professionally, and must be currently single. I've selected five such ladies below -- a mix of country and pop, and a mix of nice girls and train wrecks.

Please either vote in the poll or, if you want to go off the board, put your ideas in the comments. Have fun!

Who is the next distraction for Tony Romo?

1. Kellie Pickler (If so, I hope he likes 'em dumb...)

2. Paris Hilton (uh, ditto)

3. Miranda Lambert (cute, but current album, "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" may scare him off)

4. Britney Spears (she's blonde when she has hair, anyway)

5. Taylor Swift (young, but plausible)

...or someone else?

(poll now closed)

No BOMOB this week

2008-05-23T06:40:00.001-05:00

Traveling this week. Holiday weekend. Meh.

We'll resume next week.

Fun with graphs

2008-05-21T21:21:00.003-05:00

Heh. Some of these are pretty funny.

They even included a graphical Rick-roll:

more song chart memes

HT Blogizdat.