The American Spectator : Systemic Failure

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Systemic Failure

By R. Emmett Tyrrell, Jr. on 12.31.09 @ 6:09AM

If you liked Flight 253, you’ll love Obamacare.

WASHINGTON — A couple of weeks ago on Oprah Winfrey’s “White House Christmas Special,” our first postmodern president, Barack Obama, gave himself a “good, solid B-plus” for his performance over the past 11 months. Then he added that if his healthcare reform passes he will grant himself an A-. This is false humility. Actually he is so proud of the government’s impending nationalization of healthcare that when it comes he will grant himself an A, possibly an A+.

Right now, however, he is under fire for his inert response to that Nigerian terrorist’s attempt to blow up nearly 300 passengers on a commercial jet as it landed in Detroit. He issued his arctic response after a round of golf and en route to his next presidential event, a tennis game.

Also, the criticism is mounting owing to the incompetence of his entire Homeland Security bureaucracy and the bureaucracies of his multi-layered intelligence community. All failed repeatedly to recognize the threat that this terrorist, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab (UFA) posed. UFA’s father, a prominent Nigerian, had warned our CIA about his son’s growing radicalism and possible indoctrination into jihadist terror in Yemen. With intolerable slowness, the CIA handed over its information to the Directorate of National Intelligence’s National Counterterrorism Center. What the Counterterrorism Center did with the information is unclear. Possibly it reached the president’s National Security Council within the White House.

Then, too, none of the agencies that are supporting our Homeland Security efforts was able to stop UFA from entering the country. He had been denied a British visa. Yet if our security experts knew about it they did not take action against UFA. He was on a “watch list,” but that information never got to any airport security people who might have stopped him from flying into the United States. He had purchased his ticket with cash, and it was only a one-way ticket — two suspicious acts that should have alerted seasoned American security officers. Finally, he brought no baggage. No baggage, a one-way ticket, and one purchased not by credit card but by cash — all very suspicious acts.

What is more, he passed through surveillance technology that could not pick up the existence of a bomb in his underpants. Apparently there were not even bomb-sniffing dogs at the airport gates he passed through.

“One thing I’d like to point out is that,” Janet Napolitano, the president’s head of Homeland Security observed on CNN two days after UFA was arrested, “the system worked.” Actually the system is a hopeless complex of bureaucracies that still fail to coordinate with one another, despite the lessons of 9/11. Four days after UFA’s attempt to blow up Northwest Flight 253 as it landed in Detroit, President Obama finally got it right when he said, “A systemic failure has occurred, and I consider that totally unacceptable.”

Nonetheless the President is about to give himself an A- for his first-year performance, for he finally has slapped together a complex of bureaucracies even more elaborate than the complex of bureaucracies that just failed to nab one miscreant as he flew across the world with a bomb in his underpants and a multitude of red flags flapping around his journey. The president’s healthcare monstrosity is an even more unwieldy government effort than Homeland Security. Its goals are more various and vaguer. Its protocols are already in chaos.

The lesson that the President should have learned from last week’s “systemic failure” is that government is a very imperfect instrument. A government that takes over 16% of our economy promising to bring us good health at a reasonable cost is an instrument doomed to failure and at a catastrophic cost.

About the Author

R. Emmett Tyrrell, Jr. is the founder and editor in chief of The American Spectator. He is the author of The Death of Liberalism, published by Thomas Nelson Inc. His previous books include the New York Times bestseller Boy Clinton: the Political Biography; The Impeachment of William Jefferson Clinton; The Liberal Crack-Up; The Conservative Crack-Up; Public Nuisances; The Future that Doesn’t Work: Social Democracy’s Failure in Britain; Madame Hillary: The Dark Road to the White House; The Clinton Crack-Up; and After the Hangover: The Conservatives’ Road to Recovery.

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Ret. Marine| 12.31.09 @ 6:49AM

The H/c issue is going to fall flat on it's own weight. If we expected any thing else of this admin. we were not paying attention to their words. I find this very disturning that the gubmint has to lie, cheat, steal, bribe, and insult the intelligence of We the People to make legislation appear legitimate, it's not even Constitutional, but, hey the "won" was a Constitutional scholar wasen't he, so we should take him for his words, I think not. Many of We the People are going to create havoc out of this legislation, We do have a choice don't we? Demand any thing out of anyone is hardly a good idea, demanding with a gun ( threats of inprisonment, fines etc.) is just asking for trouble. Yeah We the People "get it" but that's beside the point. The shere magnitude of stupidity this Admin. is projecting is astounding to say the least. Talk about the left hand not knowing what the right hand is doing, even this is an understatement. It would appear the brain is not aware it has hands to choose from.
How pathetic, this pretender-n-theif gives himself any kind of grade, hardly unexpected from a known Mao mumbler though, this is so junior college it's sickening to see the free world leader compare himself to grade level, hell We have not seen this sort of incompitence since the days of Jimmmmmah hi, I pick peanuts Carter.
I'll sure be glad to see the adults return from their sleep, I just hope we still have a Country worth saving by then.
Advise to all, pay attention to the distractions these punks project. What they say is not what they intend to do. They play us for fools at their own peril.

Bill| 12.31.09 @ 8:30AM

A rookie in the most demanding job in the world, what else should we expect. Empty words read from a teleprompter do not make a leader. One is not a leader if others are not following. The people are waking up to the failures. Poles for both the president and congress prove that they are moving in the opposite direction from what the people desire. Perhaps it is time to take to the streets like the brave people in Iran have. Perhaps it is time to just say NO to the failed foundation of what is proposed for health care. ... a health care plan that our elected officials will not sign on to. Perhaps we need to start taking some of the violations of the constitution and violations of states rights to court. Perhaps it is time to just stop these nut jobs .... lets get it done America.

Keith I| 12.31.09 @ 8:35AM

Imagine you are a CIA analyst at Langley that receives some very disturbing information about a potential terrorist in Nigeria that may want to blow up a plane over the U.S. (Oh wait, after Jan. 20 there are no external terrorists, only homegrown Evangelical Christians and former military recently returned from service in Iraq.)
Then you remeber that your buddies from the spook academy have all lawyered up because they were gathering intelligence at Gitmo using techniques that were approved by the suits. You look around and you see moral in the Agency at an all time low. Anyway, I'm close to retirement so why should I risk "acting stupidly" by reporting this potential terrorist to the authorities that may just accuse me of "acting stupidly" if this son of a Nigerian bigwig starts screaming that I caused him to be profiled. Hmmmm, Maybe this file will just stay here on the corner of my desk for a while....

The fish rots from the head.

Howard| 12.31.09 @ 2:24PM

Government employees inherently cover their asses. There is no reward for being out front, but plenty of punishment if you make a mistake. Add in the new Obama environment, and no dots will ever get connected. As for Health Care, the more government micromanages, the more problems. Set the big ground rules, and get out of the way!!

Tels| 1.2.10 @ 7:44AM

I think that's 100% right, and goes true for most governments. UK gov is especially inept and I swear, couldn't organise a piss up in a brewery.

Thankfully they stopped the big projects for now, cos the last couple cost big money and we got nothing to show. Thanks to god I got away from that country... sure, a few hundred years late to be sure, but I'm totally understanding why no one really wants to be run by these clowns any more.

Damned old boys club, they vote for a pay rise and then off to the bar. Probably doing the same thing when you lot decided to throw a little tea party in boston. Some things never change.

I want reform. I want a republic in England. Maybe then I'll go back.

jack| 12.31.09 @ 8:42AM

Remember when the left went nuts saying Bush knew about 911 plans? Funny,looks like Obama and his gang did know about this attack. Hilarious.
almost as funny as libs asking us to not be critical of present incompetent lunatics in charge so we can fight terrorism together

bluecollarbytes| 1.1.10 @ 10:15AM

This occurred to me as well. Bush was also targeted for having failed to prevent 9/11 because of some very vague bits of evidence stuck in a system that had not yet re focused on the level of threat presented by Islamo-fascists. Bush 're focused' with a vengeance, and was roundly criticized for that. Obama rode that discontent-fed and nurtured by Democrats, to his current gig.

Have things changed since Obama grabbed the reigns of our national security? That seems to be the critical question. If this incident had occurred last Jan or Feb, who could blame him? Obama has had 1 year to remake National Security, and given his condemnation of NS under Bush, how could His system break down so completely, so amateurishly?

Say Jem| 1.1.10 @ 10:59AM

Funny, I remember Americans, regardless of political affiliation, pulling together immediately post 9/11. The collective feeling of patriotism was greatest it ever was in my lifetime! Yes, that eventually changed when Bush decided to go to war with Iraq in the name of fighting terrorism, but for a while we all seemed quite unified.

tels| 1.2.10 @ 11:58AM

Well if you gonna be quick to criticize, you're only setting yourself up for a fall. Doesn't matter what you believe or what political party you represent, it's a danger of the being a politician... Everyone is watching and waiting for that fall.

So if that's how it winds down, you have to say: they deserve to be derided for making the same sort of mistakes they we so quick to point out when they were clear.

On the other hand, everyone makes mistakes (not excusing, just a fact) and wheras in the UK they always resign for stupidities, I'd rather see the man at the top FIX IT, learn from a major lucky miss, improve something which is really important to get right, and do the best job possible, even if I had no choice about who got into the job.

It's not always the mistakes we make, oftentimes this can be a good thing, with a little luck - it's how hard we work to make it good and prevent it from happening in the future. For this matter I may judge on the results of what is done to fix it, rather than making personal attacks.

Just my opinion.

SoCon| 1.3.10 @ 4:05AM

You mean 8 years of personal attacks you fascist liberals screeched such as "BUSHITLER or Bush lied, babies died?" You know, those nasty personal attacks you liberals have turned into an art form? Yeah, unfortunately for us, we're painfully aware of your personal attacks.

Just sayin'.

Tels| 1.18.10 @ 8:16PM

I'm neither fascist, nor liberal. I wouldn't endorse any kind of attack on any person or policy unless there was some foundation or reason either.

I prefer open debate, and you will *always* find me receptive to a well argued point, even if I have my own opinion. Please don't tar me with that brush.

I will readily admit I don't know so much about the last administration's policies at home, but let's not gloss over the fact that their policies abroad weren't exactly the most successful we've ever witnessed. For that reason alone, and disregarding any other policies that may concern you, the last change of administration was pretty much recieved with optimism.

Nonetheless, people around the world have a right to an opinion on America's leaders - as the world's eminent superpower, your elected few make decisions directly affecting us all.

Therefore it's not a bad thing if people outside the US take an interest in what's happening in the US, and common ground is a very good thing to find.

So if you're prepared to state your case, I'm prepared to listen.

Tels| 1.18.10 @ 8:16PM

I'm neither fascist, nor liberal. I wouldn't endorse any kind of attack on any person or policy unless there was some foundation or reason either.

I prefer open debate, and you will *always* find me receptive to a well argued point, even if I have my own opinion. Please don't tar me with that brush.

Nonetheless, people around the world have a right to an opinion on America's leaders - as the world's eminent superpower, your elected few make decisions directly affecting us all.

Therefore it's not a bad thing if people outside the US take an interest in what's happening in the US, and common ground is a very good thing to find.

So if you're prepared to state your case, I'm prepared to listen.

Polemicscat| 12.31.09 @ 8:48AM

I think the scene is more bleak and sinister than that. Obama doesn't admire or like the United States. He knows nothing of its history. He denigrates US role in history; he has promised to side with islam if the going gets rough between it and western civilization. He does not consider the Constitution worth preserving. He shows contempt for anyone who disagrees with him. He is a Kenyan-born president. Need I go on?

Tim| 12.31.09 @ 8:49AM

Yes, BUT...
They HAVE kept us safe from pro-lifers, tea party enthusiasts, libertarians and gun owners. Just like they planned.

KyMouse| 12.31.09 @ 9:58AM

I joined the NRA during the Clinton administration, but had let my membership lapse in recent years. I rejoined last week. Think I'll go out to the range this weekend and polish up my shootin' skills.

Tim| 12.31.09 @ 11:51AM

That should get you on a DHS watch list.

Rmm| 12.31.09 @ 2:17PM

Funny man ,
but you may be closer to the truth than you think.

deMontjoie| 1.1.10 @ 10:56AM

Welcome back to the ranks of the "bitter clingers"!

Get your friends to join-up too. Note that the NRA currently has an offer for a 1-year FREE Associate Membership:

http://www.nrahq.org/FreedomAssoc/default.asp

Brooke| 1.1.10 @ 4:32PM

We ARE the bitter-clingers, the domestic 'terrorists' on Napolitano's Terrorist Watch List.

You're preaching to the choir.

Dollface| 1.1.10 @ 8:16PM

Two thoughts:
1. The "man-caused near disaster" on the Northwest flight was "un-precedented."
2. It's George Bush's fault anyway.

Pingback| 12.31.09 @ 8:51AM

Must Know Headlines 12.31.2009 — ExposeTheMedia.com links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…Erupt Boehner: Obama Should Leave Gitmo Open Because Of Attack Barack Obama Obama Won’t Reconsider Closing Gitmo On Nukes, Obama Is Playing Right Into Putin’s Hands Systematic Failure: If You Liked Flight 253, You’ll Love Obamacare White House Visitors Log: ACORN CEO Bertha Lewis In Obama Residence Week Before Sting Videos Launched Terrorism In The USA CIA Met With Terrorist’s Father But…

Brubaker| 12.31.09 @ 10:20AM

Going back at least until the 1993 attack on the World Trade Center, our government has steadfastly refused to acknowledge the origin of the terrorist attacks directed against us.

"Islam" and "Muslim" are never uttered except when lecturing the American public against discrimination. The latest incident did not happen because of a failure to coordinate information (though that certainly is a continuing problem). No, UFA was able to pay cash for a one-way ticket and fly with no baggage precisely because he is Muslim and therefore cannot be confronted for fear of accusations of "profiling."

Here's a thought: If you're looking for a serial rapist, are you going to use valuable resources to check out grey-haired little old ladies and small children? "Profiling" is nothing more than the age-old process of narrowing the search and focusing on the most likely target.

Until we stop playing politically correct games and actually focus on the problem we will remain essentially defenseless -- and we will be left to wonder when and where the next atrocity will occur.

Franklin| 1.1.10 @ 5:33AM

Yes, and if the govt can't bring themselves to do any profiling, we the passengers need to.

I'm not stepping on a plane with suspecious middle eastern young men. If I'm already on board and see them, I'm leaving.

Pingback| 12.31.09 @ 11:07AM

African American Authors: Promote and Sell Your Self-Published Black Book | Largestor links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…depressing he related himself … API gives more aggregation most what was talked most with … Related posts on American The American Spectator : The Politics of Incompetence The American Spectator : Systemic Failure The American Spectator : In a World of His Own Related posts on Authors Books In Sync Announces Author Jan Lobeck « Booksinsync's Blog Digital Reading: The Ebook Reading Device Explored |…

Thomas Paine| 12.31.09 @ 11:09AM

Brubaker -- well said. When I was an undergrad at Duke, a series of sexual assaults has campus police on high alert. The victims all described a young black man and the sketches were up everywhere. Some black students, all males, got upset at being repeatedly stopped, until eventually the police issued "I've been stopped" ID cards.

The ghastly part was the reaction of some students and some faculty. The police were "racist" for "signaling out black students" to stop and question after dark. Tempers flared, some students (as students do) even protested.

Thankfully, the vast majority of students were reasonable. My one and only letter to the student newspaper was published, in fact, with a editor's not that it summed up the point of many similar (and longer) letters. It said:

"To my fellow students who are black and male. They're not stopping white males; they're not stopping black females. They're looking for a black male. Get over it."

Oldefarte| 12.31.09 @ 11:24AM

Additionally, no one [to my knowledge] has mentioned the glaring RED FLAG] of thie terrorist being seated in SEAT 19A. Obviously, he was not randomly assigned this seat [which has been acknowledged as being right over the plane's fuel tanks and a most opportune location for igniting his bomb]. This terrorist had to SPECIFICALLY REQUEST this seat from the ticket agent,etc; so why did not this set off bells and whistles immediately; alsong with the cash payment,etc???????

Tim| 12.31.09 @ 11:54AM

Because they were responding to the bells and whistles going off when the Grandmother in 22c told them she was knitting an afghan.

Margie| 12.31.09 @ 2:29PM

Good question Olde Farte.. there was a link off of Drudge either the day of, or day after this attempted terrorist attack that led to a newspaper where a poster had said that he was in line next to this man. With him was another man, finely dressed. The person at the counter was told this man had no passport, and he was allowed on board anyway. The man with him said something like "this happens all the time.." The poster said he told the FBI this. I am wondering what has become of this but since Obama loves his fellow Muslims (terrorists) I doubt we will hear that in all likelihood the man with the terrorist finely dressed probably richly paid off whoever it was at that counter in order to put this man aboard the flight.
(This is all my thoughts based on the link I read).

Tels| 1.1.10 @ 10:09PM

Hi Margie,

Don't equate muslims to terrorists so easily. The majority are good people. I'm not, but I have friends that are, and I cannot be silent and allow such a broad statement to go unchallenged.

This is exactly the kind of thing that will NOT help us solve these difficult issues. Unless we want to live with the threat of terror attacks forever, we had better start building bridges with the respectable, peace loving majority - who are best placed to guide the young muslim mind away from the extremist views of the twisted few.

However if this kind of ignorance, prejudice, xenophobia and lack of respect for another person's culture and religion is a typical american attitude, we're all in for a long ride.

Yes, the terrorists randomly bomb european capitals too, but with a very large muslim population in my hometown I would never lower myself to the point of labelling a stranger as a terrorist because of their religion.

We need the Muslim community to stand up with everyone else in the fight against extremism and violence.

We have to build bridges with good people from all sides, especially the vast majority of muslims who are totally opposed to violence and terror.

To disrespect and label even a single person on the basis of another's actions is utterly wrong, indeed you are talking about a very significant part of the world population and displaying such a prejudicial attitude will not make you any friends.

If anything, it just reinforces the relatively popular belief that a number of Americans are ignorant of the world outside their own, and not interested in learning any more either.

How can you expect anything from these people?

Finally, this problem will not go away so easily - there will always be extremists prepared to kill innocent people for as long as the underlying issues remain unaddressed.

We need to start by respecting the culture, the religion and the people and accept they have different ways of doing things - insulting the majority with broad and errant statements will not solve anything, just showcase the kind of ignorant attitude that gives a lot of people even less reason to respect you or care what you think.

Think about it.

Margie| 1.1.10 @ 10:37PM

Alrighty then. Happy New Year.
..To you and the rest of you over at CAIR.
(CAIR-AN).

Nobama| 1.1.10 @ 10:52PM

Think this, Tels: Not all Muslims are terrorists but all the terrorists who've attacked us ARE Muslim!

Despite the hell of 9/11, we have bent over backwards being tolerant to American Muslims; it's about time the Muslim moderates stand up to the Jihadist extremists within their ranks.

Margie was merely exercising her First Amendment rights; she certainly poses no physical threat. Got a problem with Free Speech?

Take your snotty, self righteous butt and leave; you are not welcome here.

Margie| 1.1.10 @ 10:54PM

Hey Nobama~ thanks. Happy New Year to you!

Nobama| 1.1.10 @ 11:04PM

No problem, Margie--I got your back! We Conservatives have to stick together.

Happy New Year to you, too!!

tels| 1.2.10 @ 5:04AM

Hehe, excellent. Nothing wrong with a little controversy, and I'm 100% for free speech, although technically I have no protected rights, as I'm British: our constitution is uncodified and our 'liberties' can be changed by simple act of parliament at any time. Great tool for the government in the war against terror, and for eroding our privacy. Thank god I left that country. - end of useless trivia.

Back to the point: I said what I thought, and I said it how I wanted to say it., so maybe it was a little strong, but I can say it if I want to. You can reply also, and whoa, you came strong. I enjoyed reading it. Maximum respect etc. - your last paragraph was a like a slap on the face, hehe - I felt like a scolded little boy. Bravo.

So I'm gonna agree with you on some points here, and make a couple a bit clearer. I do believe it is for moderate and respected muslims within the community to step up and do much, much more to discredit the militants' viewpoints and keep the easily manipulated away from these people. These are the people that will be trusted and listened to.

Equally it is true regarding the need to profile where it helps, however there still has to be some care in how this is done, if people are treated with suspicion on a regular basis just because of what they're wearing, this will alienate groups further and may even be counterproductive.

Furthermore, I think these militants are in this for the long term... this isn't going to end with new scanners here, security is not a panacea, and there will surely be other attempts.

The issue has to be tackled head on though, and all the scanners and security searches in the world won't make us completely safe, until the cause of the problem is addressed, and all I'm saying is step one is to be as honest and respectful with other people as possible. I would never look at a man at an airport, and speak to him differently to the next man because of any reason at all. I would still be wary of suspicious looking people, but eh...

The problem with the profiling thing, is there are plenty of converts who come from UK, US, EU wherever - and won't fit the stereotype, hence a shave and haircut + suit would blend in with other business travellers. Over reliance on profiling could also be a bad thing in a case like this.

As for being self righteous! Of course - if once in a while, when you feel what you're saying is important and right, then you're gonna sound like you mean it.

I only took offence to this line: "Obama loves his fellow Muslims (terrorists)"

Don't get me wrong, you can say what you like regarding the implication that I got from this, that you're connecting him directly with terrorists. I don't care for that part. he ain't my pres, not my concern - regardless. But equally I think it was either badly put, or insensitive. If I was a muslim reading this, it would be very hard to respect the person that wrote this, and little by little will see and hear similar things from other people. That adds up in people's minds.

Therefore despite the right to free speech, we still have to be sensitive. Little by little we will turn honest muslims who hear this kind of bias and receive suspicion from every corner, are the ones we will eventually push into the palms of evil twisted men.

I'm not saying there is a solution for this, but we have to try to bring some kind of unity, because this is something to be tackled on many levels.

London's multicultural society works, not because of integration - people generally live with their own people in a certain area, but because of respect for each others rights. - If a group of young muslim guys feel they are treated badly all the time by law officers etc., pretty soon bigger cracks in society will appear, with resent from their side and mistrust from everywhere else. Once this starts to happen it would prob. be much easier for militants to radicalize such youth, and this would be a very bad thing.

Therefore, my main point is simply that people are indeed right to say what they want, but that right itself doesn't alleviate the responsibility to think first about what we say, and how this might be percieved. Besides one of my best friends is muslim, and I would be ashamed if he saw something like this and for that same reason, whilst I'll happily defend your right to say it, I find it quite distasteful, and of course, I will speak out on it.

I shall now take my snotty ass and stay right here a vontade, until I finish drinking my cachaça and smoking my cohiba. :) little pleasures.

Margie, ah well - you know. Happy new year.

Margie| 1.2.10 @ 2:51PM

Sir Trollington:
"There are friends who pretend to be friends, but there is a Friend who sticks closer than a brother." Pro. 18:24.
Tally Ho and pip pip now!

Nobama| 1.2.10 @ 5:32PM

Shut up you idiot; we know you're Liberal Reader. You're absolutely pathetic and I pity you, you long winded blowhard. What a pantload you are!

You must be very lonely and you have waaay too much time on your hands.

Because I'm a compassionate Christian, I won't make fun of you any more: But, don't tempt me further.

K Dupre| 1.5.10 @ 4:09PM

Don't be too sure that all Muslims wouldn't be terrorists if approached by the right person. The history of these people are based on being given the duty by Allah to behead unbelievers. It's how their religion grew. I remember a poll done in Pakistan right after 9-11. The poll showed that majority of Muslims supported al Qaida and the killings.

Remember they believe that their GOD has given them an order to kill unbelievers! To think that most of them wouldn't kill you if given a chance is very naive.

Think about it. And read the Koran.

Djmelfi | 12.31.09 @ 11:47AM

Obama has no grasp of reality, he lives in a narcissistic dream world of a socialistic dictator. He believes he can shape reality with words. Actions are of little import to him. Actions are an annoyance. It is so much simpler to construct a world of words and paragraphs and trite manipulations like "Fat Cats" And "Lying opposition" rather than engaging the issues.

Einstein| 1.1.10 @ 5:44AM

Excellent and succinct analysis. I printed this for my desk. Sure explains why he is so dysfunctional.

Rod| 12.31.09 @ 11:52AM

In the news this morning Rush Limbaugh was admitted to the hospital with chest pains. Arterial sclerosis is the second largest killer of Americans. Rush often gives parties where he serves meat by one of his major advertisers. No doubt he also eats dairy products and sugar, and he would no more go onto a high fiber diet than admit McCain had a conservative thought or two. One of the books Rush would never crack is The China Study, the very book that, if read, could save millions of lives and reduce the cost of healthcare in America such that there would be no chance for its takeover by government.

Rush is only 58. He did quit smoking cigars; at least that is what he claims. Still, knowing Limbaugh’s mindset against natural and liberal sounding ideas, he might rather die than switch. With socialism and government debt accumulation advancing at breakneck speed and freedoms being cast into the weeds, America needs Limbaugh more than ever. I hope he wakes up before it’s too late.

SoCon| 12.31.09 @ 4:45PM

Rush is a smart man; he just lost a lot of weight and hopefully, this incident will serve as a wake up call for him.

Get well, Rush--we need you!

Country Boy| 1.1.10 @ 8:46AM

I have heard that the "crash diet" type routes that many (and Rush) use are actually dangerous. Body weight is reduced by burning off both fat and muscle (including heart muscle). And Rush has been on these crash diets at least twice.

On the other hand, if one loses weight by a mix of appropriate exercise and diet, the muscle tissue (heart) is not diminished.

I think this is correct.

Brooke| 1.1.10 @ 4:38PM

You're right-- the heart starts to consume itself. Also, Rush could be nutrient deficient, and that certainly affects heart rhythm.

Take care of yourself, Rush--we want you around for a loooong time!

megapotamus | 1.1.10 @ 4:15PM

Notorious jogging guru and health nut Jim Fix dropped dead younger than that. Among other things Rush represents and practices a life of gusto that, as I recall, most took as an endearing quality in Bill Clinton. He's lost weight lately, fine and dandy. He's quit smoking, okay, I never smoked myself nor liked it but these were his decisions and actions as an individual. I reject wholesale the notion that the abstemious life of rice cakes and bottled air is some norm to be returned to or a moral aspiration superior to a Sizzler buffet. As for "natural" wiping our arses is unnatural. I suggest we continue, perhaps even expand, this practice.

Brooke| 1.1.10 @ 4:46PM

It's neither extreme--good health and a long life require balance, love of God and love of life.

Jim Fix had led a life of excess before he started his fitness regime--jogging didn't kill him; his heart was already diseased.

You believe wiping your butt is unnatural? Hmmm, I don't know what to think of that except I'm glad I'm not in close proximity to you! lol

Jcarlton| 1.2.10 @ 2:28PM

I used to live down the street from Jim Fix. I used to go to school with his kids before he got famous. His heat problems were congenital. His life was probably no different than any of the rest of us on Chapel Ln before he took his heart problem seriously.

Pingback| 12.31.09 @ 12:36PM

The HSA Coalition » “Systemic Failure” links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…who didn’t check bags, whose visa renewal had been denied by the British, who had studied Arabic in al-Qaida sanctuary Yemen, whose name was on a counterterrorism watch list, who can we catch?” Tyrrell: “The lesson that the President should have learned from last week’s “systemic failure” is that government is a very imperfect instrument. A government that takes over 16% of our…

Pingback| 12.31.09 @ 12:40PM

“Systemic Failure” - Dan_Perrin’s blog - RedState links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…in cash and who didn’t check bags, whose visa renewal had been denied by the British, who had studied Arabic in al-Qaida sanctuary Yemen, whose name was on a counterterrorism watch list, who can we catch?” Tyrrell: “The lesson that the President should have learned from last week’s “systemic failure” is that government is a very imperfect instrument. A government that takes over 16% of our economy promising to bring us…

Pingback| 12.31.09 @ 12:40PM

“Systemic Failure” - Dan_Perrin’s blog - RedState links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…in cash and who didn’t check bags, whose visa renewal had been denied by the British, who had studied Arabic in al-Qaida sanctuary Yemen, whose name was on a counterterrorism watch list, who can we catch?” Tyrrell: “The lesson that the President should have learned from last week’s “systemic failure” is that government is a very imperfect instrument. A government that takes over 16% of our economy promising to bring us…

Pingback| 12.31.09 @ 12:41PM

“Systemic Failure” - Dan_Perrin’s blog - RedState links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…in cash and who didn’t check bags, whose visa renewal had been denied by the British, who had studied Arabic in al-Qaida sanctuary Yemen, whose name was on a counterterrorism watch list, who can we catch?” Tyrrell: “The lesson that the President should have learned from last week’s “systemic failure” is that government is a very imperfect instrument. A government that takes over 16% of our economy promising to bring us…

valwayne| 12.31.09 @ 1:23PM

Can you imagine? The Obama administration considered that the System Worked in this terrorist situation. What if Obama's healthcare system works equally as well? Can you imagine how many will die?

Mike | 12.31.09 @ 2:49PM

That's the point. Less people, less demand on a limited supply of money. And think of the lower carbon footprints of all the excess people who will "go away." Which brings us to abortion...

USA| 12.31.09 @ 2:36PM

can you imagine if obama wants America to fail?

like, say he was a muslim deceiver who somehow got to be prez by duping lefties (so easy), the now dead MSM and evading showing proper creds (um, birth cert etc)

now that would be funny. not.

Sugar Pea| 1.1.10 @ 5:48AM

This isn't fantasy - it really happend and IS happening.

Jim O'Brien| 12.31.09 @ 2:45PM

At least one feature of the health care legislation in Congress is unconstitutional: that which would require citizens and legal residents to buy health-care insurance or pay a tax penalty.

If Congress passes legislation dictating that everyone buy medical insurance, and no one challenges the new law, what's next? Will Congress or one of the federal agencies decide that a certain drug is essential for public health, and dictate that we all take it? How about a regulatory edict that says everyone must take a certain dosage of vitamins and submit documentation to the government every three months? How about a limitation on the number of children a family is allowed? At what point do we lose our freedom entirely, and become "equal" slaves of the state?

This issue is not the same as automobile insurance, which is associated with the privilege of driving on public roads and possible harm to others. Congress is attempting to take away my very personal freedom to make decisions about my own health, about my own body, and my very existence. Congress and Obama treacherously seek to undermine our unalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Perhaps the planned violation of the Constitution would be clearer if the public were able to vote on this question: Should the Constitution be amended to give Congress the authority to require all Americans to buy medical insurance?

The Constitution does not give the federal government unlimited powers, and the States are not mere subjects of the federal government. The federal government only exists due to the agreement of the sovereign states, who ratified the Constitution, and the consent of the people.

Special hand-outs to buy the votes of Senators from LA, VT, NE and other states also exceed the authority of Congress. State governments rise up and defend the rights of their citizens.

Tels| 1.1.10 @ 2:36PM

Wow, very strong - I can see from reading the comments here that not a lot of people are keen on the healthcare reforms...
As a full tax-paying european with access to good healthcare at any time - and for free, I struggle to understand why this plan sees so much opposition... although I'm sure that it's far more complicated than this (feel free to enlighten me...)

As far as I can tell, no country with universal healthcare does it for the profit or general good-will, nonetheless we take it as a principle, that to be healthy and looked-after when sick is a right that all should have, regardless of money or social status, and not the preserve only of those who can afford it.

I understand americans have never liked undue govt. interference in their lives (more power to you) but I can't help but state one thing: in europe we never worry about getting sick, how much it might cost or whether we have insurance to cover it... it's just a worry we don't have. Our national insurance costs are actually very low considering the fact that we get (in Spain, anyway) 1st class care whenever it's needed.

If I had to choose, I would certainly agree with the principle that no-one should be refused insurance if they need it nor should thay have to go without, when they cannot pay for it.

On that basis, it seems a fundamental truth that US healthcare needs reform, despite being one of the most advanced economies in the world, it can't even look after it's own sick citizens without first checking they are wealthy enough to afford the treatment?

I get very scared by the thought that a random accident that could happen to anyone, will end up in ER, broken bones and for those unable to afford insurance, a very high bill -

In most european countries, these worries are simply not a part of life, and we enjoy an advanced system where we all get the care we need, when we need it. I even have private insurance here, but apart from dental, I never need to use it.

If I have to pay a little more tax to get this peace of mind and also provide the same to millions more of my fellow citizens, I'm happy to... it's one of those few glaring omissions in the one of the biggest economies in the world, where your treatment options are tied to how much money you have (i.e. the poor are not allowed to get sick) and frankly - most people this side of the pond don't understand the resistance... we all see universal coverage as a modern state's duty to provide it's citizens, and I genuinely hope you find a way to make it work.

Lastly, please feel free to explain the deeper issues around this problem, that an outsider doesn't see. I'm just giving a point of view from someone who lives with a taxpayer-funded healthcare system, and supports the system 100% for the peace of mind it provides.

Fionnagh| 1.1.10 @ 3:06PM

Nice try, but I'm not buying your comments. We don't need to explain the "deeper issues" because they are plastered all over the Internet. Your post simply seeks to engage in confrontation, and if you had done your research before posting, you would understand why so many Americans oppose the so-called healthcare "reform." My only question to you is, how much were you paid to post your comments?

Margie| 1.1.10 @ 10:41PM

Loooove it! Yee Haw!
I think it might Liberal Reader with a new moniker. And a Euro accent.. Ha!

tels| 1.2.10 @ 3:41AM

TBH, I just stumbled upon this page and decided to read a few things and ask a few questions, recently I've seen a few things going on politically over the US via CNN, I can tell there's a lot of controversy, but it's all in Spanish and I don't try too hard.

To answer your last question, as Patriot so eloquently pointed out, I'm a godless commie and I don't get paid in money, I do it for the comrades, and thje frijoles. Obviously.

They were genuinely all my words, written with no other agenda then to question, learn and find out what people think. Though I can tell the general opinion here from what I read, I fall on the side of social healthcare, but I never knew any other system, and many people are happy it is here, even with all it's faults - the NHS has lots of issues, but mostly because we treat literally anyone that needs treatment without regard to nationality or insurance: american, dutch, brazilian whatever. If you have insurance they'll take it, but if you break your leg on holiday no-one will talk about money. Unfortunately a lot of people obviously abuse this privelege, and the system is under strain.

Catalunya is much much better, however to get the right to healthcare here, you must register for a CatSalut card (paid from my tax), and show that I have a right to stay, i.e. EU passport. Therefore illegals and non europeans without visas or passing through, would find it very hard to get it.

As a result the system has more capacity and is better funded than the NHS. The primary care is excellent if straightforward, and apart from breaking my foot a few months ago, I never needed anything more than a few checkups. I will admit easily that the NHS is suffering some major issues and, although it's always taken care of me, there are long waiting times, things are not always well maintained and... I prefer very much the Spanish system with regards to this. it's a higher standard, which I think anyone from anyplace would be happy with.

You call for an appointment, go see your doctor and then the waiting time is 5-10m. No frills service but high standards and clean clinics with many services. Compared to the NHS, this is how I wished it had always been. I once waited over 5 hours there in A/E (= ER).... but we don't complain about this, there's nothing you can do about it!

Not such a confrontational tone. Sooner or later someone will have to explain to me how the system works there, and what differences would the proposed changes make to how it works? I would also like to learn something ;)

Patriot| 1.1.10 @ 4:52PM

Damn! Give it a rest, EuroCommie; we don't give a rat's behind what you folks think. Your health care system sucks--AND WE DON'T WANT IT!!

Haven't you slow-witted morons figured this out yet?

Just butt out and go the hell away. Please!

Tels| 1.2.10 @ 2:08AM

I'm free to say as I please and to defend my opinions as I see fit. if you don't like them, feel free to post a reply. If you enjoy talking grown-up conversations with proper grown ups, I suggest you criticize my opinions, not me. Children do this when they run out of clever things to say, however I always like a good laugh, and I have sarcasm on tap.

I was actually hoping to learn something about how your country works, what people there think about it - you know, exchange of ideas. I had also heard the people are generally nice, polite and friendly, so what exactly happened to you?

Maybe you figured I just ain't awesome enough to deal with your mighty intellect right now.

Although I enjoyed reading your... creative.. response - it's notable that it contained a lot of crap but nothing whatsoever of real substance. Like diarrhoea.

Therefore I can't subscribe to your point of view, because I'm not sure you even have one, apart from 'mine's better than yours'

Seeing you throw your toys out the pram quite amuses me. Feel free anytime.

Next question - Are you sure you even fully understand what communism is? you use the word as if someone should be offended. but I'm not.
Communism isn't a dirty word, it's just a concept for a social system.

However you are incorrect. I never have been a communist. I had a cuban girlfriend once though, does that make me a little bit commie?

I'd recommend reading a little Karl Marx ..books on communism won't indoctrinate you unless you want them to, but if you hate something you should least understand it first.

Nonetheless think before you label someone you don't know with a concept you don't appear to fully understand. For the future, feel free to refer to me as a right-wing socialist. I believe the state should provide certain essential services, protections and guarantees to it's citizens, and good old market forces can sort out the rest. Not really as bad as it sounds, most of europe works like this, and no, we're not all commies.

In any case, it has nothing to do with the health system here in Catalunya, which is excellent and actually works very well. I can get treatment for anything for free and if I feel the need to show how important I am, I even have an excellent private insurance plan, so I get the best of both worlds.

I can choose to see any type of specialist I want, when I want. The hospitals and clinics here are clean and well equipped and waiting times are usually minimal.

So, I'm not sure what your issue is with our way of doing things? It does exactly what it should do and we don't get bills. it's efficient and effective, and no-one gets refused if they have a right to stay here, which obviously all EU citizens have.

You do now of course have the unreserved right to tell me how much us poor dumb socialist eurocommies have been missing out on here. Convince me.

Therefore at this point you have no authority to tell me which is better and which is best. Your lack of any kind of useful comment just shows you up for what kind of person you are: impatient, rude and arrogant.

Last but not least, it's OK to call *me* a slow witted moron, I don't really mind. However, if by employing the plural ('morons') you intend on talking about my people also, Even you must admit your appalling lack of manners. Thankfully I taught my children better.

I find it hard to imagine you're the sharpest tool in the box either, so at least you won't feel left out.

Most importantly, do also remember some of these slow witted morons you seemed to refer to are out in Iraq and Afghanistan helping your boys clean up their problems. We didn't choose to start them, but we're still sending our men and women out to fight and die alongside equally brave Americans, so my country and people deserve a little more respect from you, it really isn't hard.

Feel free to send more offensive brainfarts to me if you feel the need for a tantrum.

Anyway, I look forward to more of your colourful language/rhetoric / abusive text /etc. I always kept an open mind, and I do respect what others have to say, even when I don't like it. Maybe you should try sometime.

I won't bother holding my breath.

Happy 2010

Patriot| 1.2.10 @ 5:23PM

Tels/Liberal Reader, you are a hypocrite. You whine and cry about your First Amendment rights and at the same time, you try to deny Margie's.

Fasicst Pig Liberal/Euro-Commie, as usual, it's free speech for thee but not for me.

Margie| 1.2.10 @ 7:30PM

Why thank you Sir Patriot. Since Sir Trollian and friends are so much more intellectually advanced than I, it is a bit of a wonder why they don't choose to pick on somebody their own size.. but the bones they have to "pick" are the ones that stick in their craws... by the likes of some of the "lessers" who are nincompoops and "know-nothings!"

Miguel Saavadera| 1.2.10 @ 9:42AM

I think, sadly, it is going to take much, much, much more than a p-l-e-a-s-e ...

Problem I have is what "is" that?

Congress and the Administration doesn't connect the dots between bad, too big, etc., management such as TSA, HSS, and they honestly think they are doing us a 'favor' in creating another even BIGGER bureaucracy to help us. The administration sincerely do not understand motivation, hope, and drive which has made America great ... their desire to level the playing field just de-motivates everyone, depressing the ability to pull one's self up by the boot straps and to get ahead.

Why work when the system is stacked against you? Just crawl into the fetal position and allow a non-working bloated bureaucracy to take care of you until you are not 'worth anything to them? Then allow you to die?

Not on my watch!

tels| 1.2.10 @ 12:23PM

Totally. They love adding chiefs into the system without enough indians.

This is why, if this reform is going to be done, like it or not, it's probably better to be administered by a body which is independent of gov't, with set charter and responsibilites. Have a not-for-profit comittee with some experienced hands run it and DO NOT LET A POLITICIAN NEAR IT, so that it can't be used as political football or messed around with every changing agenda.

This kind of micromanagement has screwed up so many things at home, and politicians are always trying to fix a broken system, by adding more managers. Breaking it more. Go figure.

This reform stuff is obviously a huge undertaking, and it may work, it may not. I guess if it will go ahead regardless, you may as well back it, try to make it work, even if you don't agree with the principle of it, 1/6 is a huge chuck of economy to throw at a failure.

Beurocracy is one of those things definitely to be very wary of, no good ever comes from too much beurocracy. And I reckon this could make the difference between success and failure, for sure.

We have this awful system which I hate - we have to pay TV licenses every year. (a tax by any other name) The money goes to the BBC, but one good protection is, love it or hate it, they are at least run independantly and run well. They don't overtly push anyones private or political agenda/propaganda, they are independant, well run, and their charter is to provide quality education and information programming, among others, but responsibility is to the consumer only.

No shareholders, no sponsors, no government interference. No reason to run it in anyone elses private interests, and there are times this will be useful, because if done properly, you end up with a stable system, free of unneeded influence. Their only job is to make it work at maximum efficiency, and they are responsible for maximising whatever is important to the taxpayers who will be dependant on the service.

The independant management idea could be useful, I never saw a government that could manage a damn thing properly.

TomBoston| 1.2.10 @ 12:30AM

The fact that you believe your healthcare is "free" as stated in you first paragraph indicates no need to read further. If you are stupid enough or ignorant enough to believe you health care is free your thoughts on this and other topics are of limited value.

tels| 1.2.10 @ 3:00AM

You have a point, and I can answer that: It's free at the point of use. Of course we pay for it through taxation, but I leave my wallet at home if I need to go to see the doctor. Don't even need to take an insurance card for normal things.

Since the govt. run it, it's not run for private profit, and I would guess that re/investment seems to be there. I don't know the figures, but I always find the facilities well run and well maintained. Up to date equipment etc.

Nonetheless, if you have no job it is truly free, since you can't possibly pay taxes, right? The european social healthcare system is better in some countries than others: but the principle is that any resident citizen is treated on basis of need, and not on ability to pay. Of course we all take the strain for the needy, but since treatment and diagnostic costs don't include a profit margin, the costs are lower anyway, and no-one worries about this. Taxes here aren't as bad as you think, disposable income is OK and the standard of living is quite high, but I couldn't say now what proportion of that tax goes to healthcare. If you want some figures let me know and I'll take a look, might be interesting to see the difference.

I've heard many great things about the US and would love to see how it is... I understand that care in the US is excellent when you have good insurance, I've lived with this system (or similar) all my life, and never ever seen anybody worry about this. The concept of people not going to get proper care for things they need help with because of inability to pay is very hard for us to understand, My whole life I always had a socialist care system. It's simple, but I never have thought about it.

This is why it's quite difficult for most west europeans to understand why the system in US is so different, with different priorities. It also seems quite harsh on the lower echelons of society who don't have insurance, however for us the priority is to give treatment to those who need it. It works. Probably all the tax I pay to support those who can't pay, is offset by my first 17 years of care (broken wrist, 2 operations, etc.) while I grew up, Since I started work I've always paid my taxes. Not such a hardship, very easy to live with.

Drugs are also highly subsidised, although they make a lot of use of generics, obviously cheaper.

In addition I have health insurance which is subsidised through my company and I can go to any private clinic for specialist diagnostics or treatment, so I get the advantage of this. I think private insurance is cheaper here, because the state provides all primary and emergency care, (broken leg, see a doctor etc.) you pretty much use insurance only when you need to see a specialist or a diagnostic done quickly, or to get a better room if you need to stay in hospital. etc. It's a luxury because most people don't take private insurance here, well certainly not in England anyway!

Hope you find that to be informative.

Miguel Saavader| 1.2.10 @ 11:08AM

“is treated on basis of need, and not on ability to pay.” Tels 2010 Similiar to;

“From each according to his ability, to each according to his need” Karl Marx 1848

Tels, thank you for your fine dissertation of what ‘socialized’ medicine is – and I shall call you no names, nor do I in “concept” disagree with you. We should watch out and be our ‘Brothers Keeper.’ There are major Problems, however.

The US was founded, and away from what was going on in Europe at the time 17/18th Century. We came as and are ‘individuals,’ and can sink or fail based upon our own abilities … when people of need were in the community, people of compassion helped out. Corporations, companies, industries were founded upon this need. And to profit from it.

Our founders created our first Constitution (articles of Confederation) that was so bound up with Freedoms that no one could operate, because of too much individuality/freedom … the fix was to modify it based upon many ideals from Old Europe, Classical Greece and Roman, even down into Asian beliefs into a newer, better law … on that had some governance but not too much … the individual still had the ability to be free to grow, profit, and get ahead based upon his abilities.

But since the late 19th century, when European ‘thought’ was introduced into our University system, and the Elites (which govern) have begun to slip back into those old European ideas … the concept of a BIG Govt helping us out has gained over the last century and a quarter. Couple with that American ability to advance, the ‘Greed is Good’ crowd has advanced without moral convection of balance between needs and wants … I’ll point directly at our salons in Washington. Check the pay they were receiving when then went into that swamp verses what they have ‘earned’ coming outa the swamp and you will find they have aggrandized themselves a 1000 percent. Do they distribute their wealth to the needy? No, they just seek more money, more control and the growing need of their power… their views of the Judean/Christian values are totally askew. They are not into giving back to the great nation which they were lucky to be born into. With those values are sometimes they are far worse than those who have no foundations in or of ethics.

In an effort to help the poor, we have enslaved them – made them dependent upon the ‘Master.’ Examples the Govt. run housing projects: “1) Abolition of property in land and application of all rents of land to public purpose”
In our current healthcare Insurance bill we have tax penalties which punish those who have insurance, and those who do not; “2) A heavy progressive or graduated income tax.”
We are and have tried to remove hard work by the family to NOT be handed down, or forward to generations to come – the Inheritance Tax: “3) Abolition of all right of inheritance.”
Currently we are labeling free thinkers, or people with training (prior military) as ‘potential’ home grown terrorists – Massachusetts under their health care system is thinking of removing emigrants from it to ‘save’ money: “4) Confiscation of property of all emigrants and rebels.”
The US Federal Government has ‘Federalized’ several major banks, Insurance Companies, Auto and loan systems in 2009: “5) Centralization of credit in the hands of the State, by means of a national bank with state capital and exclusive monopoly.”
The Federal Government has ‘proposed’ in bring all Mass transit under its ‘safety and standards’ protection; “6) Centralization of the means of transport in the hands of the state.”
The Federal Government has through threats, cajoling, and interconnection with the so-called free mass press – trying to remove descent: “7) Centralization of the means of communication.”
This Federal Government is all about Unions (SEIU) and Unionization (card check) “ 8) Equal liability of all to labor. Establishment of industrial armies, especially in agriculture.” Removing farms to plant trees?
9) Combination of agriculture with manufacturing industries; gradual abolition of the distinction between town and country, by a more equable distribution of the population over the country.
10) Free education for all children in public schools” … right down to promoting the indoctrination of ‘Stuff,” “Inconvenient truth” and the Obama brigade, to denying vouchers or the ability of a few to get out of a corrupt, wasting system in Washington D.C. schools system.

Remove the class system, make everyone, except for the Federal Government – ruling elite, the same …

We have major problem, because instead of trying to help all of us,get out of the mire which is enslavement of a large bureaucracy of the Federal Government … the Bureaucracy is trying to further push us into this mire. The 25 of the Top slums/welfare/despicable cities in the United States are and have been for decades ruled by progressive Democrats playing plantation politics - jump into that soup and ya get stuck, never get out – too damned poor to even leave … they are all looking for Obama’s ‘stash.’ Take from the Rich, give to the poor.

All those numbered things above are directly from the Communist Manifesto of Karl Marx.

“From each according to his ability, to each according to his need” Karl Marx 1848

tels| 1.2.10 @ 11:37AM

Enlightened commentary and very useful. You've illustrated well what kind of mess this represents.

The only other reason I think that the european social model works, and perhaps the reason that it will only work in europe, is that the costs within the state system are kept low by the of a profit/loss model.

In fact, as there is no direct interest in taking money out of the system, as consumers without a choice in the matter we really are paying the cost of delivering the treatment. Staff and material costs are easier to control.

One side effect is that pay rises more slowly, but as government employees, medical staff in the UK get (or at least used to get,) excellent pension and severage packages.

When it is underbudgeted we have to support it somehow, I can't see anyone here agreeing to this.
When it is overbudgeted, we don't see the surplus, it goes back in.

All in all, good points and bad points, ignoring the marxist link.

In a nutshell you have a system so long in place and so different to what's here, that changing over would be hard work, if not impossible. It would require a high level of nationalisation and I don't think we'll see this done voluntarily in America. I guess this is Obamas idea of a '3rd' way??!?

Thanks very much for the reply.

tels| 1.2.10 @ 11:42AM

Reading again through point by point... Well worth it. Scary similarities. Nicely stated case, Miguel.

Nobama| 1.2.10 @ 5:56PM

What's scary is that you have no life, Lib Reader. Moron.

tels| 1.16.10 @ 9:00AM

The enlightened people in this world respect other people's opinions, always find useful things to learn from other people's opinions (whether they agree or not) and argue their own cases constructively.

You have done none of this. I respect the republican point of view, however you disgrace it with your ignorance.

If you don't agree with me, state your case and prove your point. Name calling is something children do.

George F.| 1.5.10 @ 4:18PM

There are a lot of problems with the healthcare bill that is being considered. There will rationing of care, four panels that decide which drugs doctors can prescribe for specific condition so the doctor is not in charge of taking care of the patient. He is merely the prescriber. Doctors will have a huge amount of regulation to follow with penalties if they prescribe differently than the panels recommend.

Bet you wouldn't like that.

Pingback| 12.31.09 @ 3:06PM

“Systemic Failure” | Social Debate: Barack and American Politics links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

“Systemic Failure” | Social Debate: Barack and American

Tex Expatriate| 12.31.09 @ 3:27PM

Jim (above), for now all we can do is get people to the polls--in local elections, state elections, and national elections everytime one is held. If we fail at that, remember that only 30 percent of Americans brought about the first Revolution.

Jim O'Brien| 12.31.09 @ 3:46PM

The FL Attorney General says he hopes to band together with other states to mount a legal challenge if Congress passes a bill with sections considered unconstitutional. Other state attorneys general are looking at this, including the vote buying provisions, such as exempting Nebraska from paying Medicaid costs in exchange for Ben Nelson's flip flop.

SpiralArchitect| 12.31.09 @ 4:06PM

BO is a man of words ( -seemingly not of his word).
Actions, we know, speak louder than words.

BO's actions tell much of what he desires and what he does (not) know.

When this nation is fiscally leveled he can then userp power .... that is, the people that neutered the Clinton juggernaught will be ushered on in.

BO could not have taken out the powerful Clinton machine - not alone.

Remove the safety and security of people, they will get desperate. People will do things most unrational if presented as advantagous by a forked tongue.

"take their money, then you will own them"

Beware the Fed (reserve) in sheeps clothing.

That is our nations Achillies Heal.

Sir Toby Belch| 12.31.09 @ 7:18PM

Obama.

Maybe we should all get together and have a nice
hot cup of ......tea.

aeroguy48| 12.31.09 @ 10:27PM

To kieth 1, I read you buddy loud and clear and dont blame you a bit for your attitude. You sound like a real American Patriot like most people of the USA, who despair at how political correctness is destroying our country.

Letscheck| 1.1.10 @ 12:03AM

It's 2010. Time to get to work and turn this country back in the right direction.

Obama had his chance to be a President. Instead he chose to push through his agenda which is hurting everyone whether they know it or not.

We have from now until November to work so we can get our Country back.

11/3/2010 cannot come soon enough.

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American Fluorescent RDS213RBEC Radio City Wall Sconce, Square Edge Deco Styling, 13- links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

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The American Spectator : Systemic Failure American Me links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

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Pingback| 1.1.10 @ 3:33AM

The American Spectator : Systemic Failure American Me links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

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Margo Veillon: Painting Egypt: The Masterpiece Collection at the American University links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…at these auctions on eBay: Please specify a query! (9003) Possibly related posts: (automatically generated) Related posts on American The American Spectator : The Politics of Incompetence The American Spectator : Systemic Failure The American Spectator : In a World of His Own Related posts on Cairo Dec 30 (day 8 I think) — Cairo, Egypt | Air London Air Flights Cairo Weather-Forecast Friday 01/01/2010 FINALLY…. THE NY…

Pingback| 1.1.10 @ 4:33AM

The American Spectator : Systemic Failure capital university links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…two suspi cious acts that should have alerted seasoned American s ecurity officers. Finally, he brought no baggage. No baggage, a one-way ticket, and one purchased … See original here: The American Spectator : Systemic Failure By admin | category: AMERICAN | tags: brown, communist, his-family, north, one-way-ticket, state, the-communist-left, the-content, the-show, will-continue | Jules Crittenden » American Down…

Pingback| 1.1.10 @ 4:33AM

The American Spectator : Systemic Failure capital university links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…cious acts that should have alerted seasoned American s ecurity officers. Finally, he brought no baggage. No baggage, a one-way ticket, and one purchased … Originally p osted here: The American Spectator : Systemic Failure By admin | category: AMERICAN | tags: angela, angela-martin, bolton, brown, department, his-ticket, one-way-ticket, state-department, ticket | The American Spectator : Rookie of the Year…

humphy| 1.1.10 @ 6:11AM

Systematic failure is a failure that happens systematically, systemic failure is a failure of the system.
http://blog.itechtalk.com/2009.....n-muscle-x

martin j smith| 1.1.10 @ 8:55AM

I agree with letscheck.

Here is what i would help:

A more assertive Republican leadership
that challenges Obama's policies and more directly and in the face manner so to speak--offers alternative views. Behave in manner that shows Republican-Conservative recognition that Obama is a power grab not "normal" political behavior.

My fear: That too many people still do not see the dangers that they and all of us are getting ourselves into because of Obama's policies. There are too many"true believers" of the Statis, give me a freebie model. Too many who do not care . And too many who want this country destroyed..

This is the challenge:

Tim Buck II| 1.1.10 @ 9:24AM

I wonder who's actually running Homeland Security? I'm fairly certain, given Detroit on Christmas Day, that we're simply "wide-open" to any terrorist who wants to gain entry to the country and one would have to assume that the country has been simply flooded with terrorist "sleepers" since the advent of the Obama administration.

UFA wasn't stopped because Homeland Security didn't want to stop him. To them, it was more important that we avoid "profiling" a black Muslim from Africa - even one with a bomb - than it would be to stop him. I'm afraid at the end of the day, that will be only possible explanation for ineptitude on this scale and that is this pervasive.

We've spent untold billions on our security. We've inconvenienced and humiliated millions who do not remotely fit any terrorist profile (including my own mother). Result: UFA waltzes onto a plane with a bomb, the obvious incompetent in charge of Homeland Security pronounces that "the system worked" and, like KSM, UFA will be tried in civil court - insuring we have no chance to interrogate him to quickly determine how many more attacks are coming.

Sorry folks. This is deliberate. It's not incompetence. This administration wants us to be attacked and, for that reason, "the system worked."

martin j smith| 1.1.10 @ 10:19AM

To: Tim Buck II--I agree with yourtheory of purposeful behavior. As V. I. Lenin put it: "What is to be Done " ? Question: How do the 49 + or - who support Obama support him when they themselves might well be casualties in a terror attack. It does not take a geius to figure out that major US cities such as NYC,LA etc are prime targets populated by many Obama faithful. -
So if Gd forbid a major strike happened what would they do --Blame Bush? Blame Israel ? Blame Rush Limbaugh ?

Pingback| 1.1.10 @ 12:27PM

More Black American Playwrights: A Bibliography | The African Art Store links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…(automatically generated) Related posts on American The American Spectator : AmSpecBlog : Americans Fear "Reform" Will … The American Spectator : The Politics of Incompetence The American Spectator : Systemic Failure Related posts on bibliography Bibliography of physics & literature « katy price Deep Focus » Blog Archive » Francis Loeb Library: Bibliographies Breaking Out : A Woman's Guide to…

Cindy Merrill| 1.1.10 @ 12:59PM

The director of Security at the Netherland's airport should be fired, along with those directly responsible for screening passengers. A full body scan, given the suspicious facts in this care, would have prevented this unholy mess.

Brooke| 1.1.10 @ 4:57PM

I'm never flying again; NO WAY, NO HOW am I going to let those TSA morons take pictures of me buck naked!

Fire the clown in the White House, his witless, weak liberal policies are responsible for this mess.

tels| 1.2.10 @ 5:20AM

Agreed. Screw the debate on profiling right/wrong, he could have been wearing a blonde wig and miniskirt, the manner of his travel alone was damn suspicious, enough that anyone who actually cared to notice would see the irregularity and check it out properly.

In any case, I saw the pictures of his exploding Y fronts, I reckon he burned his jewels pretty good. Bonus if the idiot suffers more (salt + vinegar?)

Even so, last time I checked, it wasn't so easy for a non-us national to get even a visa on entry without showing a means to return, so why did they let him on the plane in the first place? Correct me if I missed something here....

Patriot| 1.2.10 @ 5:15PM

He got on the plane because you morons are running the show right now and you don't know how to govern.

We'll rectify the situation in November; I just hope we don't get blown up before then.

tels| 1.18.10 @ 8:20PM

I'll give you that with one caveat - I don't support the current govt in the UK and I'm personally voting against them in the next election.

If you weren't so bent on personal attacks you would actually find I agree with you 100% on this point. Morons in the UK are running the show.

Pingback| 1.1.10 @ 1:15PM

Friday: January 1, 2010 – New Year’s Day : DBKP REPORT links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

Friday: January 1, 2010 – New Year’s Day : DBKP REPORT DBKP REPORT News 24/7 Friday: January 1, 2010 – New Year’s Day Posted on January 1, 2010 Systemic Failure. Calling a spade a spade. The Most Important Three-Year Period in History? Dem recruits continue to head for exits The 2009 Image of the Year PUK AWARD Nominees Time’s running out… The Left’s End…

martin j smith| 1.1.10 @ 5:20PM

Avoiding flying will not avoid terrorism. We have more than an incompetent in the WH--We have a rogue so called president.. He is dangerous along with his fellow bureaucrats. What troubles me isthat so called approval ratings are mot MUCH LOWER
than they are. As I said above. Many of his most ardent supporters will fall victim to terrorism just as much as any of us. They are truly stupid.

Brooke| 1.1.10 @ 5:52PM

I never said it would--I just said I'm not going to let those morons take pictures of me buck naked. It's another intrusion into our personal lives, and for this girl, unacceptable. We have to draw a line somewhere; this is mine.

Full body imaging won't work anyway, the terrorists will just find a way around it. We have to do what Israel does--profile!

And, yes, I'm aware that Obama is dangerous not just incompetent.

Ken (Old Texican)| 1.1.10 @ 7:07PM

Hey Brooke
You gave me a chuckle. Thank you. heh.

Hey, look on the bright side. Those minimum wage TSA personell will probably give you an 8 or 9 on the sexy scale.
So skan me and profile to perps. Fair enough.

Jamie| 1.1.10 @ 9:19PM

What about your wife, Old Tex? You okay with her body being photographed? Bet she's not real thrilled about the prospect.

Ann Coulter is very upset about this issue, too; no way her photos will be kept confidential. Dirtbag liberals will plaster her image all over the internet. Bet on it.

Ken (Old Texican)| 1.3.10 @ 12:03PM

Good one, Jamie. heh.
She and I travel a LOT in our business. If the profiling starts along with the scans...she will get over it. No profiling...she will remain pithed.

SoCon| 1.3.10 @ 6:21PM

Don't surrender your dignity and that of your wife too soon, Old Tex; body imaging doesn't work anyway. Al Qaeda has already figured out how to beat it.

John Wilson | 1.1.10 @ 7:27PM

So, let me get this straight: because the government isn't perfect (wow, I wasn't aware that before reading this article) and was barely able to prevent the Christmas Day attack, then we shouldn't trust the government to institute health care reform?

But we should still trust the government to use the military to protect us, right? Or are we all going to join state militias and hit the gun range?

Give me a break. If you can trust them to provide the nation's security, you can trust them to institute a little bit of reform.

Patriot| 1.1.10 @ 9:08PM

A LITTLE bit of reform? You mean like taking over 1/6 of our economy? If you think the U. S. government can administer good health care to 300 million Americans (Conveniently EXCLUDING all of our elected officials, I might add!), especially after observing the poor performance of DMV, USPS, Medicare and Medicaid, then I've got a "DEATH PANEL" I'd like to sell to you.

Moron liberal.

tels| 1.2.10 @ 9:19AM

1/6 IS pretty massive. May as well be double if you are sure it'll screw up.

On the other hand, if it's gonna go ahead anyway, wouldn't rather it work, or are you hoping it's FAIL of the decade, and waiting for the fall?

Patriot| 1.2.10 @ 5:12PM

60% of Americans reject ObamaCare--you're right, I want it to fail. Better, yet, don't pass the piece of garbage in the first place.

I want all of you fascists to fail; November can't come soon enough.

Ken (Old Texican)| 1.3.10 @ 12:18PM

tels,
I for one will just take you at your word that you are a Brit living in Spain.
OK...let me esplain it to you. heh.

1. You are a subject...we are sovereign individuals.
2. We kicked Briton out of our lives...twice.
3. Then we returned the favor by saving your arses...twice. (WWI And II)
4. The muslims are now your real masters in Briton now.
5. Your class system is still in place though shattered...very little upward economic mobility there.
5. 230 years later...your working blokes still only have pitchforks to defend yourselves from your "betters".

Finally, unless you are one of the fortunate few in the "toff" class, you have no gut idea of what freedom means. It is a truly "foreign" concept in your world view.
Bottom line...the "death-care" bill will not stand here in the US.
Our indigent have better health-care than you do. It is the law here.

SoCon| 1.3.10 @ 6:16PM

Well said, Old Tex.

Tels| 1.18.10 @ 8:35PM

Nothing wrong with your comments at all. There's a reason I left the UK, I don't like my life being run by an old boys club, who clearly don't care what their people actually want, who tax indiscriminately and spend it on crap that makes no positive difference to my life at all.

And one last thing to correct you on, since the UK is a member of the EU, EU law has primacy over UK law, and I am a citizen of the UK and EU, I don't consider myself a subject in any way.

I don't really feel like defending 'my country' against comments like this, because your founding fathers had good reason to risk everything for freedom, and all the american blood spilt in europe over 2 world wars should never be forgotten.

All the same, I will defend my people; The British (the real british) are some of the finest people in the world: Not so the government - but we've had the same system so long, and been used for so long, we simply aren't in a position to do what the settlers in north America did and declare ourselve free from this crap.

All I'm saying is that as far as 'The British' go you should distinguish between the people and the system, because as people, british and americans are connected in a unique way, and it isn't all bad.

mulp| 1.1.10 @ 11:32PM

The system in place today is the one put in place by the Republican Congress and the Bush-Cheney administration.

If it is a bad system, the error for Obama was in thinking Republicans knew anything about preventing terrorism. And it was the Bush administration that released from gitmo in 2008 the terrorists in Yemen believed involved in al qaeda.

Tomboston| 1.2.10 @ 12:35AM

In case you aren't aware the blame Bush thing has jumped the shark, as soon as you bring it up people get bored with you.
Janet Napolitano is in charge of Homeland security. She and the president are responsible not the former president.
If they can't handle the job they can quit.

Patriot| 1.2.10 @ 1:44AM

Mulp (nice name, nimrod), the "SYSTEM" worked fine for President Bush; we haven't had any problems until you fascist freaks were elected.

Nice try, but you loser liberals are going down next year. You've destroyed the economy, you've thrown millions of Americans out of work and now you incompetent clowns are trying to kill us all! Fact: Democrats can't govern.

You're scared and you should be; gonna be a reckoning next year. Bye bye.

martin j smith| 1.2.10 @ 8:28AM

mulp--your boarding pass is rejected on this flight.
Reason:Blaming Bush
Solution: Hold Obama responsible for his policies.
Reason: He is the President, our Commander in Chief.
If Obama did not like the system change it.
He has certainly spent enough time trying to change his view of our immage--he could have spent more time being concerned about our security. No I do not believe changing his view of America's immage is making us more safe,in fact it is making us less safe.
Obama's policies of criminalizing a war,his o so politically correct refusal to say: " War on Terror",his bringing terrorists into our civilian courts etc etc. All of these attitudes I blame for where we are now. On Obama
One final point: If gd forbid there was a major terrorist attack on our soil I would blame Obama and all who support him including voters to some degree.

Yosemeti Sam| 1.1.10 @ 11:34PM

Source - http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/empsit.pdf

5,642,000 jobs lost in 1 year since BHOs' swampland LMSM facilitated election.

B-plus, huh, for that 'accomplishment'?

Has anyone - cleaning staff of the White House -
counted the number of kisses BHO plants on bathroom mirrors each day; wanting to start off each day - just right; lying to himself before he
heads on out to lie to the public?

But, I digress.

Or, was his self-congratulatory B-plus for:

Coddling Islamofascists - the rodents on the ground and the vultures of the skies
- with Miranda rights, yet.

Aw - perhaps awe in his case - shucks: behold BHOs' warped egalitarianism.

So, there's the mystery - just what was his self-congratulatory B-plus for?

BTW, what kind of grades did he receive at Harvard? Or did he grade himself there
as well? LOL.

Patriot| 1.2.10 @ 1:47AM

Strictly pass/fail, Yosemeti; affirmative action all the way.

Margie| 1.2.10 @ 6:39PM

When Obummer looks in his magic mirror each day he says, "Mirror, mirror on the wall~who's the most treacherous of them all?" And the mirror always replies.. "it's George Bush! Remember, it's ALWAYS George Bush!"

Ken (Old Texican)| 1.3.10 @ 12:26PM

Systemic Failure:

Our system failed when it allowed an unvetted candidate to be elected.

Everything else is a spin-off from that failure.

As one of our more blunt commenters put it the other day:
STORE FOOD.

JJ| 1.3.10 @ 7:55PM

just wait till the government's carastrophic systemic health care failure's kill us. just what al-quada was hoping for: government run health care.

Pingback| 1.4.10 @ 6:06AM

BizzyBlog links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…2005 August 2005 July 2005 June 2005 May 2005 April 2005 March 2005 February 2005 January 4, 2010 Lucid Links (010410, Morning) Filed under: Lucid Links — TBlumer @ 6:05 am R. Emmett Tyrell at the American Spectator (HT Hot Air Headlines ): The president’s healthcare monstrosity is an even more unwieldy government effort than Homeland Security. Its goals are more various and vaguer. Its protocols are…

Pingback| 1.4.10 @ 7:42AM

Health Care BS - THESE PEOPLE SHOULD RUN HEALTH CARE? links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…she is indeed incompetent. But Napolitano is just a symptom. The disease is government bureaucracy. Emmett Tyrrell summarizes the multiple failures of our Homeland Security apparatchiks in the American Spectator : All failed repeatedly to recognize the threat that this terrorist, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab (UFA) posed. UFA’s father, a prominent Nigerian, had warned our CIA about his son’s growing…

Joe Hafsten| 1.6.10 @ 4:53PM

Get your facts straight. The father notified some flunky at our embassy, not the CIA

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