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The Obama Watch
Keeping His Enemies Closer
Even when dining with Obama, Republicans know the prix-fixe is always in.
(Page 2 of 2)
In short, the Wednesday dinner smells (over the lobster) like fear. Fear by Obama that the public may be, even if extremely slowly, catching on to who and what he really is. Fear that demonizing the Republicans for everything is no longer a workable tactic after so overplaying his hand on the sequester. Fear that his dream of taking back control of the House of Representatives, even though the election is nearly two years away, may already be slipping through his fingers.
Now let’s talk about the Republicans. They were absolutely right to accept the invitation to dinner with the president. It is good politics and at least offers an opportunity, however remote, for better governing than we’ve had in the last few years. But they need to recognize and take advantage of the president’s implicitly admitted weakness.
The image of the dinner will make claims of the Senate GOP being obstructionist slightly harder for Obama to prosecute, though he will certainly continue with that line of attack whenever he thinks it might help him.
While it is unlikely that anything said by the most pro-liberty attendees such as Senators Johnson and Toomey actually penetrated Barack Obama’s consciousness, blockaded as it is by a force field of intense statist ideology and Keynesian econo-ignorance, anything that helps the two sides understand each other better — even as people rather than simply on a policy basis — is an exchange worth having.
But Republicans should remember that this president has demonstrated an approach to political debate much like the Qur’an’s approach to honesty: it is permissible to lie to those not already of the faith (leftist in one case, Islamic in the other) in order to further the cause. The Qur’an says that if your intention is the furthering of Islam, “Allah does not call you to account for what is vain in your oaths.” Similarly, neither the “mainstream” media nor most Obama voters will take Democratic politicians to task for prevarications, lies, and all sorts of shenanigans (remember “deem and pass”?) if done in the name of liberalism.
Another Islamic lesson which Republicans, who have been outmaneuvered by Barack Obama far too often, should keep in mind: The Qur’an says that believers should only have friends among unbelievers for the purpose of “guarding” against them, as a form of security, much like Michael Corleone’s sage advice to “keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.”
The senators who broke bread with Barack Obama must never forget that to him, they are the enemy. Not the loyal opposition. Not people with an honest disagreement. Not negotiating partners. The enemy. To be manipulated until they can be finally and permanently defeated.
After the meal, Senator Lindsey Graham encouraged Barack Obama to continue the conversation, raising the image of Ronald Reagan reaching out to Tip O’Neill. An important difference, however, is that Obama is not reaching out to congressional leadership but rather to rank and file, perhaps hoping to peel some votes away from Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Speaker of the House John Boehner (despite Boehner’s being perceived by many conservatives as already too willing to compromise.)
One wonders whether a sincere effort to work with Senate Republicans would include GOP leadership, yet not one of the five senators listed as GOP leadership on the Senate’s web page was invited to the meal. Particularly knowing this president’s history, the Wednesday fine dining and Thursday’s Ryan repast are more likely political tactics and photo-ops than an honest change of heart or mind.
There is good news: On Wednesday, for the first time in his public life, President Obama decided not to stick other people with the costs of his living large. And in case you had briefly forgotten just whose side the press is on, both the CBS News and NBC News websites led the dinner story with the headlines “At GOP outreach dinner, Obama picks up the tab” and “Reaching across aisle, Obama picks up tab at dinner with GOP.” Oh, the humanity.
And in another first for his presidency, Barack Obama seems to have found a fairly good deal: The prix-fixe dinner at Plume is only $85, plus a $5 supplement for the foie gras, quite a bargain for a fine meal in Washington, D.C. But then, spending one’s own money rather than everybody else’s does tend to instill a little discipline, doesn’t it, Mr. Obama?
About the Author
Ross Kaminsky is a self-employed trader and investor and is a senior fellow of the Heartland Institute. He is the host of The Ross Kaminsky Show on Denver’s NewsRadio 850 KOA at 11 AM on most Sundays. You can reach Ross by e-mail at rossputin(at)rossputin(dot)com.
Letter to the Editor View all comments (121) | Leave a comment
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Aristocat| 3.8.13 @ 6:22AM
Truly great article...a classic...
The majority of Americans have no representation at this time....Most are opposed to Obamacare and amnesty, but both parties are forcing them on the citizens. Where do we turn?
arlo price| 3.8.13 @ 7:22AM
obama drama!!!
TLP| 3.8.13 @ 7:50AM
What was that? You stealing my "Lie to the Indidels" bit, now?
Lo and behold, what have we here, in the Jefferson Hotel? A buncha Chickenshits eatin Goose Liver with the Cock of the Walk. And there was Lobster, as well as Sea Bass at President Shared Sacrifice' Table. While I was busy trying to Mix and Match the LEFTOVERS in the Fridge, and boiling water for the Kids' Box of Mac & Cheese. Caligula was in one of his Palaces, glad handing the Roman Senators, playing to their Vanity, and stroking their Egos.
Did it work?
"Rand Paul is a Douchebag." Lindsay Graham.
"Rand Paul is an Inbred Douchebag." John McCain.
As it is with all negotiations with a Despot, this one was "Constructive, Congenial, and Cordial."
What Ross labels as a sign of "Fear"? I see as a TRAP, sprung by a Prince of Lies upon a group of Primadonnas who staunchly believe that you Badmouth your Close Friends and keep your Enemies and their Wonderful Dinners, Good Cigars, and their Media Friends, even Closer.
True to form, all of this was right out of Chicago Mob Tradition. A meeting of the 5 Families, at a Public Place and over Dinner, to try and stop a War.
There's a lot of talk and displays of respect. They come to an agreement on their differences, raise their glasses and Toast to Cooperation.
Not long afterwards, people at that table start getting Rubbed Out by their Amiable Host and his Media Friends, thus abrogating their Deal with the Devil.
Go Figure.
chuck| 3.8.13 @ 7:52AM
Nero fiddles will Rome burns.
TLP| 3.8.13 @ 9:28AM
You spelled "Negro" wrong.
Is that word even still allowed, anymore? It's hard to keep track of all of the VERBOTEN words that Only White People are Forbidden to utter here, in 2013, in the Land of Freedom of Speech.
The Black Panthers can stand outside of a Voting Place on Election Day, dressed in Military Fatigues, Brandishing a Club, and ASSAULTING non blacks who walk up to Vote, in America, in 2013.
But this Comment won't last 5 Minutes on this Site.
Seriously. What words are on the list of words that White America CANNOT SAY?
You can't say Chicago or Lazy, when talking about this Lazy President from Chicago. Big Ears and Uppity are not allowed. Privileged and Professor are "Dog Whistle Words". Holding down the Fort and You people are Insensetive and Hurtful by design.
You can't say: Kitchen Cabinet or Obamacare.
You can't say that he's Angry or that he looks like he's trying to get a spot on the PGA Tour.
"Old Fashioned Values" is a Racist Attack against anyone who doesn't raise their kids, has 10 kids with 10 different Women, commits most of the Violent Crimes, and makes up most of the Prison Population.
Go figure.
And, according to the guy that NPR fired for not being Liberal enough - Juan Williams - Mentioning the Constitution is akin to saying Niger Innis' first name 100 Times, but with one more "g" in it.
Seriously. You spelled "Negro" wrong.
loulou| 3.8.13 @ 12:30PM
We can't even use the word "niggardly" anymore.
Soon they'll prohibit the use of the letter N.
jk carson| 3.8.13 @ 1:25PM
I will use niggardly in a sentence:
The loud-mouthed TLP is never niggardly in his asinine comments.
Would be that he were.
And may I throw in a little weather report:
Sunny today.
Funny tomorrow.
". . . open up your heart and let the sun shine in . . ."
TLP| 3.8.13 @ 1:40PM
Very good, Anna.
You actually used the word correctly.
Obviously, you've learned more at Emory U than just "How to put a condom on a guy who just gave you $20 without using your hands".
You go, Girl.
TNcracker | 3.9.13 @ 12:16AM
TLP, I come here first & foremost for the good belly laughs I have reading your comments! Absolutely therapeutic--you are the BEST! And also 100% right.
TLP| 3.9.13 @ 8:05AM
If you're not too busy?
You could always stop over at Thursday's "Homecoming Dance" Story, and check out the Contest.
7-08| 3.8.13 @ 8:31AM
I hope the cigars were left over from Clinton.
TLP| 3.8.13 @ 3:19PM
Contest at yesterday's Homecoming Dance.
TLP| 3.8.13 @ 10:32AM
I know.
I spelled "Infidelity" wrong.
AlanAnti-RoveCheneyBrooks | 3.9.13 @ 9:33PM
And Ross' solution? (if he has any); nominate this "open"-minded fellow 3 1/2 years from now?:
http://www.abc15.com/dpp/news/.....en-to-idea
Bill Hussein O'Stalin| 3.8.13 @ 6:53AM
There is no leadership in Washington.
There is serious pretense followed by crippled actions and blowhard politicians who like the pretense followed by crippled actions.
The broken government concept is partly to mostly false. Government is not broken. Government is still spewing out thousands of regulations a year and Congress sits back and watches it happen.
The protests by government elected officials are few and far in-between as the non-elected officials continue to tighten their grip on the public and the public's wealth and future.
It's much ado about nothing and all the world's a stage. Only on this stage the pretension is the artful acting job.
If you want a good look at official Washington, look at how many have become rich. I daresay Obama was one of the poorest at the table at one point in his life but now he has gotten a taste of the money.
Yes, some members of Congress are simply liars or crooks or even worse, outright thieves. But as Hillary noted, "What difference does it make?"
http://www.washingtonpost.com/.....sk-matrix/
Von Mises Jr| 3.8.13 @ 8:55AM
The leadership was on the Floor of the Senate. Rand Paul is a doctor and a brilliant Senator. Ted Cruz is a Graduate of Haavad with the same attitude towards his Alma mater as William F. Buckley. Rubio is a bright and articulate defender of liberty whose family escaped Castro's Marxism.
The Republican senators who participated in the filibuster with Paul include, Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Pat Toomey (R-Penn.), John Thune (R-S.D.), John Barrasso (R-Wy.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.). Kudos to them all.
The traitors that sold out for a lobster dinner and some foie gras were Elmer Fudd McCain and his girl Lindsey. Some described them as the "Old Bulls of the Senate." Perhaps they are more like old dried bull chips.
Al Adab| 3.8.13 @ 11:22AM
Jr:
interesting that McCain would use the name of Jane Fonda when criticizing those who fear the federal government and its arbitrary power. She, along with John Kerry might just be the ones on which a hellfire missile should have been used. At the very least they should have been indicted for their treasonable acts.
We have reason to fear the intentions of this government. The question for us all is whether this represents a long series of usurpations and whether this government is now "destructive of these ends". If we answer in the affirmative, what are we prepared to do?
TLP| 3.8.13 @ 2:41PM
Contest at Yesterday's Prom Dance.
TLP| 3.8.13 @ 2:43PM
Homecoming Dance.
Cobalt| 3.8.13 @ 10:45AM
Obama, Graham, McCann and others of their lot will always get to be in the top 5%, at the top of the oligarchical pyramid.
Politics is a show, and in some ways not unlike a professional wrestling match.
We are like the frog in a pot of water waiting for the water to boil.
"Beautifully Medieval California"
By Victor Davis Hanson
http://pjmedia.com/victordavis.....epage=true
TLP| 3.8.13 @ 3:19PM
Contest at yesterday's Homecoming Dance.
Pecos Pete| 3.8.13 @ 6:54AM
Ross: Do you have any "word" on how much tip King O left for the restaurant's staff?
TLP| 3.8.13 @ 8:00AM
He left them Drivers Liscences, applications for Welfare, Food Stamps, and Disability, as well as Machine Guns left over from Fast and Furious, a Chevy Volt, Amnesty, an Earned Income Check, and Free College.
Nancy in NC| 3.8.13 @ 8:24AM
That would be amusing if it were not so true. It's difficult to find a service worker in DC who was born in this country...some of them are no doubt illegal. I'm sure some of them are in possession of a few of the things on your list.
TLP| 3.8.13 @ 2:43PM
Contest at yesterday's Homecoming Dance.
Mike G| 3.8.13 @ 9:06AM
But the Volt caught fire on the way home, so it doesn't count.
TLP| 3.8.13 @ 3:20PM
Contest at yesterday's Homecoming Dance.
Ross Kaminsky| 3.8.13 @ 9:15AM
I heard the same thing TLP heard.
rjh| 3.8.13 @ 6:56AM
obama has proven himself to be without character and an untrustworthy, inveterate liar. He has no credibility on any level. Anyone who thinks that he can be dealt with as a mature individual is a fool.
Stephie| 3.8.13 @ 7:14AM
This was all for show, on both sides. While the person who really gives a damn was standing the Senate speaking for 13 hrs against the rogue behavior of the tyrant hosting the dinner party.
I wonder if he blessed the meal with mention of his friend who had just passed into hell down in Venezuela.
chuck| 3.8.13 @ 7:45AM
I'm sure the Liar-in-Chief is mourning the loss of Comrade Hugo.
My only question is, when Obozo takes his dirt nap, will his body be put on permanent display, like Stalin, Mao, and now Chavez?
Stephie| 3.8.13 @ 8:15AM
It seems it has Chuck. The lines of wailing dirt poor masses has begun.
TLP| 3.8.13 @ 2:44PM
Contest at yesterday's Homecoming Dance.
Butch| 3.8.13 @ 3:48PM
People who worship tyrants amaze me. When the tyrant dies, they call the taxidermist instead of the undertaker.
loulou| 3.8.13 @ 9:13AM
I just wish that Paul and the Republican senators hadn't caved so quickly to confirm the Muslim Brennan.
TLP| 3.8.13 @ 2:44PM
Contest at yesterday's Homecoming Dance.
William L. Gensert| 3.8.13 @ 7:20AM
I laughed when Barack said his biggest mistake of his first term was to have not told America a better story. But, sad to say, it was probably the first time, in my recollection at least, that the man was right. His periodic slips in popularity have always been a result of the narrative getting away from him -- if only just a little bit.
This is why Rand Paul’s filibuster was so significant. It was the first time someone other that he, a minion or his media sycophants didn't control the message.
Dinner with Barack, is his way of trying to recapture the narrative.
And as far as him paying, he will probably take it out of Michelle's per diem.
Stephie| 3.8.13 @ 8:17AM
"And as far as him paying, he will probably take it out of Michelle's per diem."
I see little barry being the recipient of a moochelle bitchslap.
TLP| 3.8.13 @ 8:25AM
First of all: Welcome, Mr. Gensert. Long time no Slumming it at TAS. Although I must disagree with your Dinner Assessment.
He doesn't need to "regain the narrative". He never lost it.
Unlike the Wall to Wall coverage of someone like a Cindy Sheehan, a Bernie Sanders, or an ex-Saddam Hussein Human Shield Jim McDermott, and their recitations of "Bush lied, People died"? Nobody saw Rand Paul. And, even if they did? It was just for the Blink of an eye, followed by 25 Minutes of trashing the way he looks, the way he talks, where he lives, and the obligatory Genealogy Jokes whenever someone outside of The Corridor, and far away from the Gay Life Meccas that the Liberals call Home, dares to Shine a bright light on their Dark Lord.
The one they've been waiting for.
The Domestic Enemy that our Founders knew would come, one day.
The Reason they gave us The Right Bear Arms.
The Reason the Left has worked tirelessly to Disarm us for the last Hundred Years.
"And I saw the Beast rise from the Sea."
7-08| 3.8.13 @ 10:06AM
My ancestors participated in ritual cannibalism (they made us quit). Dinner with Barack has a bit o connotation here as well, he hasn't quit, he is having RINO for supper.
Al Adab| 3.8.13 @ 12:04PM
7:
great restaurant in Nairobi is The Carnivore. Full of exotic meats including rhino.
TLP| 3.8.13 @ 2:44PM
Contest at yesterday's Homecoming Dance.
Butch| 3.8.13 @ 3:50PM
Hey, Al, do they serve Idi Amin's favorite dish?
George S| 3.8.13 @ 10:27AM
The House timidly and cowardly passed a funding resolution till the end of the year without cutting one dime. ObamaCare is fully funded and inexorably leading to permanent roots. Rand Paul -- despite his filibuster bluster -- will vote 'aye' on Obama's EPA and CIA nominees.
The narrative is still Obama's. He just misplaced it like a set of car keys.
KennesawJack| 3.8.13 @ 7:28AM
If I were the Republicans who were at dinner with Obamarx, I'd check my pockets. As for McCain and Graham, the stunt they pulled on the floor of the Senate yesterday was the ounce that broke the camel's back for me. Interesting, McCain and Graham ridicule Rand Paul just minutes before the White House caves on the drone issue. Even our side has its share of useful idiots.
chuck| 3.8.13 @ 7:47AM
How in the hell did South Carolina, one of the most conservative states in the Union, elect such an idiotic pansy?
Moe Blotz| 3.8.13 @ 8:22AM
As with other RINOs, Senator Grahamnesty and Senator McQueeg quack like conservatives when they enter campaign mode. Low information voters rarely become privy to the actual records the gentlemen mentioned accrue. Out of habit they vote for the incumbent so that a man (or woman) with experience represents their state in Washington.
Al Adab| 3.8.13 @ 8:30AM
Scott from SC, the other Senator, assisted Paul with the action. He was among those, listed in another article today, that stood together in this issue.Compare the list with that of those who had dinner with the president and it becomes clear that what we have been saying about the accomodationist GOP is true. What we need are fewer old bulls and Senate lions and more young turks willing to stand when the time comes.
TLP| 3.8.13 @ 2:45PM
Contest at yesterday's Homecoming Dance.
loulou| 3.8.13 @ 9:14AM
Can't this little pansy clown be primaried out?
Anyone, anyone?
Maxwell| 3.8.13 @ 9:22AM
loulou, I have asked that question many times. No answer as of yet.
sane person| 3.8.13 @ 12:34PM
Folks,
Although he keeps it secret, Graham is as gay as they come. This fact is well known in DC, but apparently not in his home state. If word gets out in SC, I think he would go down and hard in a primary.
-Sane
Stephie| 3.8.13 @ 3:04PM
"I think he would go down and hard in a primary."
Like, literally?
Sorry, I just couldn't resist.
sane person| 3.8.13 @ 9:10PM
Stephie,
You make me horny. What to go down and hard on my primary?
-Sane
R Martin| 3.8.13 @ 7:31AM
It is deja vu all over again. Obama meets with Republican senators presumably to set the stage for some bipartisan deal on the budget, spending and taxes knowing full well that such deals in the past are exactly why we’re in such a mess now. He knows spending will not be reined-in and Republicans will cave on taxes like the little puppy dogs they are.
And these guys criticize the financial services industry for self-destructive behavior.
chuck| 3.8.13 @ 7:51AM
Yep, the next deal is coming. The GOP finally won with the sequester, showing that trimming the spending does not harm anything. So naturally it is time for Boehner to cave, restore the cuts, and raise taxes. McCann and butt-boy Graham will take to the floor of the Senate and applaud, and once again we will be screwed.
Have a nice weekend!
TLP| 3.8.13 @ 2:46PM
Contest at yesterday's Homecoming Dance.
JAWilson| 3.8.13 @ 7:55AM
Brack didn't pick up the tab, we did. Otherwise, the article is dead on accurate.
Ross Kaminsky| 3.8.13 @ 9:16AM
I have a feeling that Barack actually did pick up the tab. That's likely to be the best thing I say about him for a very long time.
TLP| 3.8.13 @ 9:32AM
You're such a wimp, ya know that?
Ross Kaminsky| 3.8.13 @ 10:09AM
Yep
Sue| 3.8.13 @ 10:37AM
You're joking right? He gets millions of dollars of taxpayer monies to run the White House and you honestly think that he personally paid for this? I would say that the lobster fest, motorcade, security paid overtime, drinks, and desserts, cost the taxpayers somewhere around $50,000. How many taxpayers are working today to pay that $50,000? None; it is borrowed money complements of the Fed. A perfect example of waste, fraud, and the air of "aristocracy" or royalty of whatever. We were screwed.
Ross Kaminsky| 3.8.13 @ 10:58AM
Your point is well-taken, Sue. It definitely cost us all money for the transportation and security. But I'm still guessing the actual meal was paid for him personally. It would be great to learn I'm wrong after those news outlets trumpeted his generosity.
TLP| 3.8.13 @ 1:48PM
The only way Caligula would pay for that meal, himself, would be if he actually got up from the table, walked over to another table, and took the Credit Card away from the Guy that was sitting there, with his Family.
Drunken Sailor| 3.8.13 @ 11:29AM
Not to worry Sue, he paid and then took it as a tax deduction.
Al Adab| 3.8.13 @ 12:06PM
Now that, D/S is funny. LOL
CJW| 3.8.13 @ 5:35PM
Obama used Biden's credit card.
Mike G| 3.8.13 @ 10:56AM
In all likelihood, he did what I used to do when the boss needed to entertain visitors from corporate headquarters. I would pick up the phone and tell one of my vendors that I needed them to pay for dinner for us at a 5 star restaurant.
The king simply had one of his lackeys call a political donor to do the same.
DRed| 3.8.13 @ 9:05AM
And make not Allah's (name) an excuse in your oaths against doing good, or acting rightly, or making peace between persons; for Allah is One Who heareth and knoweth all things. And make not Allah's (name) an excuse in your oaths against doing good, or acting rightly, or making peace between persons; for Allah is One Who heareth and knoweth all things.
I'm not sure how you read that to mean muslims (like, I guess, Obama? I'm really not even sure why you're talking about the Koran at all) lie to further their religion. But this is one of the more mendaciously vicious articles you've written, so I suppose it fits the tone. Quite a disappointment after your article from yesterday.
John Navratil| 3.8.13 @ 9:14AM
DRed,
Have you ever lived among the Arabs? The lie with an alacrity that makes Clinton seem like a little boy with crumbs on his face. I wonder where they get it?
Al Adab| 3.8.13 @ 12:07PM
John:
Simply put, just as this administration views things, the ends justify the means.
Al Adab| 3.8.13 @ 12:07PM
John:
Simply put, just as this administration views things, the ends justify the means.
DRed| 3.8.13 @ 12:15PM
However this administration views things, it has nothing whatsoever to do with the Koran. Ross is misusing out of context quotes because it's a cheap way to get his readers to associate their islamophobia with the Obama administration. It's a pathetic tactic.
Al Adab| 3.8.13 @ 12:19PM
Ah but my dear friend DRed, Truth is a defense.
DRed| 3.8.13 @ 12:29PM
Well of course. Are you a muslim, Al?
Al Adab| 3.8.13 @ 1:11PM
In the interest of candor and honesty, I became a Christian convert in 1980. I am not unfamiliar with Islamic theology and doctrine as you may imagine.
DRed| 3.8.13 @ 1:17PM
Do you think that Islam taught you to lie?
Sorry if the question made you uncomfortable. That wasn't my intention.
TLP| 3.8.13 @ 1:53PM
It's why they always say One Thing in English, and The Oppsite in Arabic.
It's the Muslim Version of: By any means necessary.
Like all of your Bullsh*t in Defence of your Messiah.
Al Adab| 3.8.13 @ 2:02PM
DRed: No apology necessary. Civility covers that need. I am taking your question as honest inquiry.
In retrospect the morality of Islam does accept my earlier comment about the ends justifying the means. In that sense lying to advance the cause is acceptable. Just as the American Left feels no guilt in lying (or in subverting the Constitution and the rule of law) to advance their agenda. Anytime we hear a politico say "It's the right thing do do", we must beware. That is a euphamism (sp?) for ignoring limits and law.
John II| 3.8.13 @ 6:00PM
You misspelled "euphemism," Allie, but your response is well taken.
I have taught the Qur'an for several years in a medieval survey course. Dreddie's use of the term "islamophobia" is enough to mark where he's coming from. The one thing he may have in common with GW Bush is the peculiar article of faith that Islam is "a religion of peace." A few weeks after 9/11, I sensed that we were in pretty serious trouble when Bush used that asinine comment with apparent and dangerously ignorant sincerity.
The issue is complex, of course, but two pretty straightforward points are clear. (1) Islam has never developed a concept of natural law, and (2) Islam's notion of Allah (as unfettered divine Will) doesn't even come close to the Judaeo-Christian notion of God (as the Logos). In the shallow domain of secular takes on comparative religion, such profound differences are never explored.
What follows is that Dreddie's (and his hero the Professor's) secular-Left utilitarianism is deeply in harmony with Islam, which helps explain why the Left is so solicitous of the world's most violent and destructive religion, more or less despite the latter's contempt for and treatment of women and homosexuals and notions of due process and civil liberty and the rest. There is much less contradiction in the Left's peculiar solicitousness for Islam than many might suppose, and the Left's comparative hostility to Christianity also is resonant to Islam's.
TLP| 3.8.13 @ 3:23PM
NAVRITIL!
Contest at yesterday's Homecoming Dance.
loulou| 3.8.13 @ 9:16AM
Go knock your head on the floor whilst your butt is in the air. Several times a day.
George S| 3.8.13 @ 10:15AM
"Today it seems to me providential that Fate should have chosen Braunau on the Inn as my birthplace. For this little town lies on the boundary between two German states which we of the younger generation at least have made it our life work to reunite by every means at our disposal." - Excerpt from Mein Kampf.
I'm not sure how you read that to mean the Holocaust is the intention of Adolf Hitler.
I would quote Quran 3:28 where it explicitly calls for deception to promote and protect Islam.
I would also encourage you to look up the literal definition of "Taqiyyah".
DRed| 3.8.13 @ 12:18PM
Why would I look at the literal definition of Taqiyyah instead of looking at what the concept has meant for muslims?
TLP| 3.8.13 @ 1:56PM
Yeah. Why would actually look up the Actual Definition of Taqiyyah, now that you know that it blows your garbage right out of the water?
That would be Stupid.
Right?
Occam's Tool| 3.8.13 @ 4:31PM
The answer, DRed, is that lying is permitted to advance the cause of Islam. That's the name of that tune.
Islam has a code of ethics for how to treat fellow Muslims, and a code of ethics for how to treat non-Muslims.
Imagine my joy when I read about Nidal Hassan and the assault on Fort Hood, knowing that NO ONE had told me that this guy was in the department I was applying (and had been accepted) for a job within.
That's Taqiyyah for the Dhimmis.
loulou| 3.8.13 @ 12:46PM
Dred doesn't need to look up taqiyyah--he lives it.
TLP| 3.8.13 @ 1:58PM
So, what you're saying is that Taqiyyah means - Full of Sh*t.
Warrior| 3.8.13 @ 5:00PM
Kind of like a bad tacquito gives you the sh*ts.
Kwan| 3.8.13 @ 9:32AM
Fear by Obama that the public may be, even if extremely slowly, catching on to who and what he really is. .....If you are on the Board of Directors of a auto manufacturing company and a candidate for CEO informs you that he intends to fundamentally transform the company into a skateboard manufacturing company, you would quickly escort this psycho to the door and begin to interview the next candidate. Yet when Obama informed the electorate that he intended to fundamentally transform the country, Obama voters never bothered to ask into what. After 4 years of Obama's so called leadership it's quite clear that this totalitarian has plans for our country that are exactly the opposite of what the founders envisioned, and warned us that the country was not set up to be a monarchy, but a Republic if we can keep it. It's quite clear that Emperor Obama and the Democrats don't want us to keep it.
loulou| 3.8.13 @ 12:48PM
You're right. Both he and his beast of a wife have made it abundantly clear what their intentions were. The idiots lapped it up.
TLP| 3.8.13 @ 2:47PM
Contest at yesterday's Homecoming Dance.
Sue| 3.8.13 @ 10:29AM
Ross, you miss the obvious. He picked the easiest Senators to pick off in 2014. By encouraging these Senators to "stand with Obama" he's dividing the Tea Party, the conservatives and the conservative Republicans. Evidence of that was the immediacy of the attacks against Rand Paul by RINOs Mc"Insane" Cain and Flimsy Graham.
How McCain who is vehemently agains so-called "waterboarding" (which leaves the terrorist breathing), but for drone attacks which may involve the killing of innocents is beyond the pale. It's schophrenic.
"Flimsy" Graham fed us a few crumbs to enhance his bonafide conservative "cahones" by grabbing onto the tragic Benghazi disaster. He's calculating that these crumbs will ensure his reelection by his large dollar donors.
Once the voting conservative public and independents get fed up with trying to live on "crumbs" these no count RINOS will be tossed overboard but with the annual taxpayer pensions and benefits to boot.
Al Adab| 3.8.13 @ 12:18PM
Sue:
Interesting note on another thread of the irony of the date being March 6th, the anniversary of the fall of the Alamo.
Maybe TLP, there is an analogy therein, eh?
TLP| 3.8.13 @ 2:00PM
Maybe there'll be a Pop Contest, today?
Rand Paul's Filibuster.
Anthony| 3.8.13 @ 12:30PM
An excellent point Sue. We have McLame, who for years, excoriated the Bush Administration for the use of "inhanced interrogation techniques: i.e waterboarding, which leaves no marks and no pain, yet is oblivious to Obozo's unconstitutional declaration that he has the right to use drones on Americans, on American soil, without due process rights.
If this is not proof positive that McLame is either feeble minded beyond hope, or is so corrupted by his decades of power, then nothing will convience the American people of how dangerous to our liberties the current Washington establishment is.
We are indeed in deep, deep, trouble as a nation.
TLP| 3.8.13 @ 3:24PM
SUE.
Contest at yesterday's Homecoming Dance.
Russel| 3.8.13 @ 10:44AM
What did Rand Paul talk about ? . About drones that could be used to kill Americans on American soil , without so much as an arrest warrant , much less a trial . Stand back , look at what the government is doing , and you'll see the threads are forming a pattern . Most of these threads are coming from the ubiquitously named Homeland Security . They are arming themselves . Not in prep for a foreign invasion , but a domestic insurrection . The politicians are not stupid ; they are preparing as well . The DC elitists like their lifestyle and now understand their actions have finally really pissed off the people . A rabble-rouser like Paul cnnot go unchecked . We're going to see a mini war - that between the DC insider elitit's ( many Rino ) and the ' upstarts ' who are challenging them . Bout time , for all our sakes .
Connection Not Compromise| 3.8.13 @ 11:06AM
While most of us do not spend our days anxiously scanning the sky waiting for that killer drone to head our way, I find it profoundly disturbing that Eric Holder, as spokesman for our Dear Leader, was not able to give an immediate and unequivocal "No!" in answer to the question of drones being used against American citizens on American soil.
Equally (and perhaps more) disturbing in this exchange was the response of Senators Graham and McCain. As Senior ranking senators, these two men should have been the first to link arms with Rand Paul and the other conservatives who stood with him on this keystone issue of American freedom.
If there were any doubts before as to why our government continues to expand its appetite and power without restraint and more specifically as to why the GOP seems impotent to stand against this progressive march, there is now no longer any doubt.
With friends like these, who needs enemies?
It's time for the voters to clean house! Or, as the Good Book says, "Judgment must first begin at the house of God."
BackToBasics| 3.8.13 @ 11:25AM
Bible, Proverbs 23:3 - "When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what is before you and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony. Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive."
Al Adab| 3.8.13 @ 12:08PM
...translated, those who lie down with dogs get up with fleas.
Connection Not Compromise| 3.8.13 @ 11:56AM
To add another Biblical reference, McCain and Graham have sold their souls for a plate of foie gras.
Instead of guarding the treasure in the castle as they were sent to do, they've been carousing in the wine cellars.
Disgusting! Revolting!
Anthony| 3.8.13 @ 12:19PM
Well Ross, while the Washington establishment is awash in corrupt crony politics, a few brave R senators took to the floor of the senate to bring to the attention of Americans the unthinkable; that a president would actually posit the concept that he has the right to take out American citizens on American soil without due process of law.
McLame and Graham, instead of joining Paul and others, dined with Obozo to nibble on budget cuts as America sinks into fiscal oblivion.
Not satisfied with his smug demonstration of out of touch cluelessness, McLame goes to the microphones to condemn Paul, totally and completely oblivious to concept of what Obozo was proposing. Yet, had this been Bush, McLame would have filed articles of Impeachment.
If these two events of the last few days, in juxtaposition to one another, have not convienced thinking Americans that Washington is corrupt and clueless beyond salvation, nothing will.
As for McLame and Graham, they are so far gone into their power trips, nothing short of an Obozo drone landing on them will put an end to their madness.
America is governed by a cabal of mindless, corrupt and power hungry petty dictators.
cicero| 3.8.13 @ 1:05PM
Ross - What makes you think he even has a wish list? All of his wishes have already been fulfilled. He got the idiot 51% to elect him twice. He has plundered the fisc of the country he hates, and is bringing it to the brink of destruction. In the meantime, he and his friends have enriched themselves beyond their wildest dreams. He and they will be laughing about this for years to come, while they watch the country struggle in a death throe that they will not bde able to win, because they will stuck with his posicies. All he is doing now is running out the string, and amusing himself by toying with the Republicans foolish enough to allow themselves to me made fools of. Do you really think he has any interest in stopping the spending?
All of this spending without benefit of a budget, and with no accounting is no more or less that investing in himself. If we had any kind of honest governmental accounting process that required tracing of every tax dollar spent, we would see that Obama and his friends have been accumulating billions on the skim.
Ross Kaminsky| 3.8.13 @ 7:32PM
i very much disagree.
i think that his wish list includes "transformations" we haven't even begun to think of, and some we have such as cap-and-trade, which would make Obamacare look small in terms of economic destruction.
Jack in Wi| 3.10.13 @ 2:30PM
I agree with you Ross, almost 100%. Of course we will continue to disagree about the Middle East. Have a nice weekend.
vigilant| 3.8.13 @ 7:09PM
Ross, Obama's dinner date wasn't motivated by fear that people are wising up to "who and what he really is"- that would require self-awareness and admission of responsibility. That's not how pathological narcissists roll. But we can be sure the motive involved feeding his ego and giving him a one-up position.
Thank you, John and Lindsey, for outing yourselves in a way that makes very clear who YOU are, if anyone had lingering doubts. Be sure your sins will find you out.
John II-always appreciate informed, well-presented commentary that educates rather than just denigrates. Is it any surprise that Islam and Leftist ideology are so similar? Same source.
My friends, we are going through dark times, but God is still in His heaven, and all is NEVER lost as long as there are a faithful few left standing. Read Psalm 10. You'll feel better.
Bill8472| 3.8.13 @ 7:20PM
No doubt everyone's seen tonight's news for Friday, March 8, 2013, in which the stock market hit a fifth straight day of record highs and the unemployment rate has dropped to 7.7%.
CBS News reports that the lower unemployment rate is the result of the stock market rise and rising housing prices. There hasn't been a whiff of a suggestion that the lower unemployment rate is the result of a rising market, the most logical causative factor. The rising market, in its turn, seems to be rising on the leading edge of the news of forced spending cuts due to sequestration.
I bet tomorrow the CBS News folks will report that the improving stock market and the rising economy is the result of Obama's political policies. They won't attribute it to sequestration, though, that is the Republicans' fault. It will be due to some sort of Obama stimulus.
Jeff1000| 3.9.13 @ 9:06AM
Did they mention the 297,000 that gave up looking for work?
Martin kzovich| 3.9.13 @ 6:56AM
McCain and Graham are Obama's best friends.
As for Obama's future moves ? He will use those two useful idiots or try to. Given what we know of Obama and the useful idiots nothing good will come out of this for the American People.
JimH| 3.9.13 @ 9:33AM
Please pass the sweet and sour shrimp.
FiddlerBob| 3.9.13 @ 4:34PM
Obama and his cohorts in treason fear the truth more than anything.
And the 500 pound gorilla in the room continues to grow far surpassing a ton by now: Obama is, has always been, and will forever be ineligible for the office of POTUS. By his own admissions he was born a British/Kenyan subject and is not a US citizen.
In fact, in over 200 cases brought against Obama regarding his failure to qualify for office Obama has yet to present a single piece of evidence that supports any claim of US citizenship. Oh, and that includes his forgeries. Even though he's willing to use false documents to fool the folks, he's not stupid enough to enter them as evidence in court.
When will our leadership tire of lying for this consummate liar and fraud?
Isn't it about time we honored our Constitution? You know, that document that all of our leaders have sworn to preserve, protect and defend against all enemies foreign and domestic - like Obama.
de toqueville| 3.9.13 @ 6:09PM
Ross: Do you have any "word" on how much tip King O left for the restaurant's staff?
log in or register to reply
TLP| 3.8.13 @ 8:00AM
He left them Drivers Liscences, applications for Welfare, Food Stamps, and Disability, as well as Machine Guns left over from Fast and Furious, a Chevy Volt, Amnesty, an Earned Income Check, and Free College.
TLP, thank you so much! That is just too funny!
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