Since 9/11 ,there has been a sense of complacency since we have not had another attack on this soil.The Mumbai attack confirms what we know ,that a small group of dedicated ,well trained terrorists who have taken the time to scout out their targets, can cause unbelievable destruction.More than the loss of life and property is THE FEAR THEY INSTILL IN THE POPULACE.
Some names come into mind,Maalot,Munich, 9/11, USS Cole and all the suicide bombs in Israel.The world cannot relax, and when intelligence experts push for safeguards-ie. the Patriot Act, wiretapping on suspected international terrorists, we must be vigilant to prevent the far left from preventing their enactment in the name of civil liberties.
The greatest threat to our civil liberties is terrorism and Islamic fundamentalism.Of course there has to be both Judiciary and legislative oversight,plus good common sense and the use of real experts who have walked the walk and not just talked the talk.
My son Elli may blog for me over the next few days, as we take 2 grandchildren to Disney
Friday, November 28, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Mumbai / Bad girls club
About four or five years ago Sheila and I stayed at the Haj Hotel during our visit to India.It is one of a chain of magnificent 5 star hotels all over the country. It is old worldly with unbelievable amenities.
During that trip, we prayed in the synagogue.but there was no Chabad House there yet.Rabbi and Mrs. Holtzberg had just come to the country a few weeks earlier.They invited us to eat with them in a one room hotel apartment that they were renting on a temporary basis ,until they could get settled.I remember vividly the hot plates with cholent etc with extension cords going out the door into the hall, since there were not enough outlets in the room.Latest reports have them both as hostages and unconscious.
Thus it is personally sad to see what is transpiring.We pray for the safe release of all of the hostages,and the defeat of terror.
One thought: What would have possibly changed if this attack occurred 1 week before our elections?
This morning while changing channels I came across a program "the bad girls club". This is the picture of white trash ,which is none of my business.Except at 11 AM on a holiday day, when kids are by the TV watching the parade and changing channels this is the wrong message to send out.
Drinking, smoking,baring of breasts,sexually fooling around, is the theme of this program.
I do not advocate govt. censorship,however advertisers, parents, TV stations have to live up to their obligations.
Then, when we hear rape is up in the country,we ask why? Similarly when we hear that moral standards are lower, we again ask the same question.
During that trip, we prayed in the synagogue.but there was no Chabad House there yet.Rabbi and Mrs. Holtzberg had just come to the country a few weeks earlier.They invited us to eat with them in a one room hotel apartment that they were renting on a temporary basis ,until they could get settled.I remember vividly the hot plates with cholent etc with extension cords going out the door into the hall, since there were not enough outlets in the room.Latest reports have them both as hostages and unconscious.
Thus it is personally sad to see what is transpiring.We pray for the safe release of all of the hostages,and the defeat of terror.
One thought: What would have possibly changed if this attack occurred 1 week before our elections?
This morning while changing channels I came across a program "the bad girls club". This is the picture of white trash ,which is none of my business.Except at 11 AM on a holiday day, when kids are by the TV watching the parade and changing channels this is the wrong message to send out.
Drinking, smoking,baring of breasts,sexually fooling around, is the theme of this program.
I do not advocate govt. censorship,however advertisers, parents, TV stations have to live up to their obligations.
Then, when we hear rape is up in the country,we ask why? Similarly when we hear that moral standards are lower, we again ask the same question.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
The Indictment / CBS story
The decision to indict Olmert is long overdue,based on the public testimony.That he will not step aside voluntarily, is quite unbelievable.That he thinks he has the power in such a critical moment to run the affairs of State is delusional.
The CBS story on sexual immorality in the hasidic community is of course sad.No group is immune from human frailties, and sexual immorality is as old as the bible.
Once again we see that the definition of a Torah Jew is not the black hat,or any other dress or "chumra" (additional prohibitions )but rather how he/she conducts themselves not only in the synagogue,but in the home, business ,as well as all areas that inter-relate to society whether in their own family,closed community, or the greater world.
Whether these stories are the tip of the iceberg or are anomolies I do not know.However, when I was pushing the investigation into the Lanner affair,the anonymous complaints from students and others made me believe that there is cause for concern.Look at the web sites that specialize in discussing such behavior on the part of "religious" figures
Surely these stories represent an assault on the torah way of life.What is needed is early intervention in schools and synagogues to weed out those that have suffered sexual or physical abuse in their homes and families.
How chasidic leaders will handle the issues of loveless arranged marriages in the
21st century will determine whether we will see more such stories being made public.
Marriage counseling must be made an integral part of the support network of their community.
The CBS story on sexual immorality in the hasidic community is of course sad.No group is immune from human frailties, and sexual immorality is as old as the bible.
Once again we see that the definition of a Torah Jew is not the black hat,or any other dress or "chumra" (additional prohibitions )but rather how he/she conducts themselves not only in the synagogue,but in the home, business ,as well as all areas that inter-relate to society whether in their own family,closed community, or the greater world.
Whether these stories are the tip of the iceberg or are anomolies I do not know.However, when I was pushing the investigation into the Lanner affair,the anonymous complaints from students and others made me believe that there is cause for concern.Look at the web sites that specialize in discussing such behavior on the part of "religious" figures
Surely these stories represent an assault on the torah way of life.What is needed is early intervention in schools and synagogues to weed out those that have suffered sexual or physical abuse in their homes and families.
How chasidic leaders will handle the issues of loveless arranged marriages in the
21st century will determine whether we will see more such stories being made public.
Marriage counseling must be made an integral part of the support network of their community.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Peace / Olim for Knesset
AS A CONTINUATION OF YESTERDAYS THOUGHT-
THE JP HEADLINE TODAY IS THAT
OLMERT TOLD BUSH ,PEACE WITH ABBAS IS STILL POSSIBLE THIS YEAR!
It is nice to see 4 American olim running for the Knesset on the Likud ticket.
If they win in the primary,and are elected,it would be a nice push for changes in the way the Knesset is elected,NAMELY BY REGIONS RATHER THAN BY TOTAL NATIONAL VOTE.
THE JP HEADLINE TODAY IS THAT
OLMERT TOLD BUSH ,PEACE WITH ABBAS IS STILL POSSIBLE THIS YEAR!
It is nice to see 4 American olim running for the Knesset on the Likud ticket.
If they win in the primary,and are elected,it would be a nice push for changes in the way the Knesset is elected,NAMELY BY REGIONS RATHER THAN BY TOTAL NATIONAL VOTE.
Monday, November 24, 2008
The Golan.
The poll in todays JP, that 1/3 of Israelis believe the IDF soldiers should disregard orders re. the Golan ,if ordered to remove settlers reminds me of a conversation I had with Bibi Netanyahu when he ran successfully for PM.
While campaigning in Netanya, he asked to speak to me privately.I was at the height of my politival activism in the OU,HUVPAC and AIPAC.
His message was clear-the Golan was important to Israel and should not be returned.At that time there was talk of an American military buffer to guarantee the peace.His message was to work the halls of Congress, and impress upon them that such a proposal might wind up a) costing American lives that would lead to b) conflict between Israel and the US.
The reported unity of Iran,Syria and Hizbollah in regard to the Golan,as well as the report that the latter has 44,000 rockets aimed at Israel makes talk of withdrawal ridiculous.
Olmert who is now in Washington has not rebutted the claim by Rice, that only the political problems in Israel have prevented a deal. Never mind Hamas and rockets. Never mind Abbas does not control Gaza.Never mind that there is no Palestinian concesssions on"refugees" or Jerusalem=it's all the fault of the Jews.He says divide Jerusalem,destroy the Jewish areas of Yehuda and Shomrom.What a guy!
I have one word to describe Mr Olmert -If you don't know -please be assured it is not a compliment=He is a M'NUVAL.
At this moment Bibi is leading in the polls-however it is still early
While campaigning in Netanya, he asked to speak to me privately.I was at the height of my politival activism in the OU,HUVPAC and AIPAC.
His message was clear-the Golan was important to Israel and should not be returned.At that time there was talk of an American military buffer to guarantee the peace.His message was to work the halls of Congress, and impress upon them that such a proposal might wind up a) costing American lives that would lead to b) conflict between Israel and the US.
The reported unity of Iran,Syria and Hizbollah in regard to the Golan,as well as the report that the latter has 44,000 rockets aimed at Israel makes talk of withdrawal ridiculous.
Olmert who is now in Washington has not rebutted the claim by Rice, that only the political problems in Israel have prevented a deal. Never mind Hamas and rockets. Never mind Abbas does not control Gaza.Never mind that there is no Palestinian concesssions on"refugees" or Jerusalem=it's all the fault of the Jews.He says divide Jerusalem,destroy the Jewish areas of Yehuda and Shomrom.What a guy!
I have one word to describe Mr Olmert -If you don't know -please be assured it is not a compliment=He is a M'NUVAL.
At this moment Bibi is leading in the polls-however it is still early
Sunday, November 23, 2008
THE ETTINGER REPORT
My friend Yoram Ettinger ,who I have mentioned a number of times in this blog,has truly become no-1 on the issues of the changing demgraphy in Israel.He is lecturing to the Cabinet, the Press,the Military and Academia.He is proving that there is and will be a Jewish majority in 98% of the land west of the Jordan.He was the Congressional liason to Congress from the Israeli Embassy in Washington.
I suggest you place his blog
THE ETTINGER REPORT on your favorites.
HTTP:YORAMETTINGER.NEWSNET.CO.IL
I suggest you place his blog
THE ETTINGER REPORT on your favorites.
HTTP:YORAMETTINGER.NEWSNET.CO.IL
The Pirates / Hillary
The saga of the Pirates, will make a great movie in the future.However, for the present the wrong message is being sent.Michael Oren had a terrific piece in yesterdays WSJ.The bottom line is that unless the free world and those who use the shipping lanes unite with a credible program and action, the problem will get out of hand.
This is a great time for all the naval powers, and those with surveillance capacity from all sources to join and share their combined assets, and solve the problem definitively.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The apparent choice of Hillary as SOS, from our point of view is the best possible pick.She is fully aware of the issues and nuances of the ME, and has a strong record on Jerusalem, and Iran.Though not a neocon, she understands the role of US power and how to respond to threats to our national security.
Yet, let us not assume that this is a 100% gain for our team.
I remember when George Schultz was chosen for that post, and everyone bemoaned his Bechtel experience.Yet he turned into a great friend on all the key issues.Hillary will not be making policy,Obama will,and the appointment of Gen. Jones as Ntl Security Advisor, plus the influence of Brezinski,Scowcroft and others who advocate the Saudi Plan will set up a source of potential conflict.There are many in the foreign policy establishment who do not look kindly on the special US-Israel relationship.
Hillary of course will play the major role.
What will Biden's role be? Will Dennis Ross get an official position? Who will Hillary choose as her team at State?Will Gates stay on for a while ? Will Obama so bogged down in economic problems look to avoid a fight with the pro-Israel community ,who helped him get elected? What happens if Bibi wins in Feb.?
As you can see you, can come up with so many permuations,that it is difficult to predict the future.
The bottom line-Stay Aware!
====================================================================================
I wish I could figure out how much graft, corruption ,favoritism ,waste etc will we witness in a public works program creating 2.5 million jobs?
Stay tuned!
This is a great time for all the naval powers, and those with surveillance capacity from all sources to join and share their combined assets, and solve the problem definitively.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The apparent choice of Hillary as SOS, from our point of view is the best possible pick.She is fully aware of the issues and nuances of the ME, and has a strong record on Jerusalem, and Iran.Though not a neocon, she understands the role of US power and how to respond to threats to our national security.
Yet, let us not assume that this is a 100% gain for our team.
I remember when George Schultz was chosen for that post, and everyone bemoaned his Bechtel experience.Yet he turned into a great friend on all the key issues.Hillary will not be making policy,Obama will,and the appointment of Gen. Jones as Ntl Security Advisor, plus the influence of Brezinski,Scowcroft and others who advocate the Saudi Plan will set up a source of potential conflict.There are many in the foreign policy establishment who do not look kindly on the special US-Israel relationship.
Hillary of course will play the major role.
What will Biden's role be? Will Dennis Ross get an official position? Who will Hillary choose as her team at State?Will Gates stay on for a while ? Will Obama so bogged down in economic problems look to avoid a fight with the pro-Israel community ,who helped him get elected? What happens if Bibi wins in Feb.?
As you can see you, can come up with so many permuations,that it is difficult to predict the future.
The bottom line-Stay Aware!
====================================================================================
I wish I could figure out how much graft, corruption ,favoritism ,waste etc will we witness in a public works program creating 2.5 million jobs?
Stay tuned!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
45 JEWS IN CONGRESS / AMORALITY
The fact that there will be 32 Jewish members of the incoming House, and 13 Jewish Senators, while certainly a point of pride, should not be a source of complacency.Many are on the left side of the political spectrum ,even on Israel.While they would never sit idly by if Israel were endangered, the problem is that she is endangered every single day.
Today for example, a former Nobel Peace Prize winner, called for Israel's expulsion from the UN.
The International Atomic Energy Commission confirmed that Syria was building nuclear weapons, and that Iran continues to compile material, which some claim is enough for one nuclear bomb.
The rockets from Gaza continue,yet Jordan,the UN and EU only condemn the closing of the Gaza gates,and not the reason for their closure.
The political battle for Jerusalem and the Temple Mount is just taking form, as the left pressures Obama to accept the Saudi plan.
We should not take for granted these legislators,of different backgrounds and persuasions.
Each of us should use any opportunity we have to reinforce the morality and justice of our cause when we interact with them-and not assume they are all equally sophisicated and knowledgble on our issues.
=====================================================================
A number of years I wrote an op-ed on Amorality.Unlike immorality, where the norm is known but not observed,the former totally denies the relevance of these standards.
I wa thinking of that today, when I saw that an incoming Member of Congress is pregnant,and the father is a long time boyfriend who is not yet married to the woman(who is in her later stages of pregnancy).Not too long ago,such a woman would hide her head in shame.Today, with no moral standards, she runs for Congress and wins.
The second example are the large gay demonstrations against the gay marriage bans.
Every week the NYT, hi-lites some prominent gay "unions".This alone allows for respectability, for that which is an "abomination" in the eyes of G-d.
But who cares about the Bible,the SANCTITY OF MARRIAGE or religion,when hedonistic materialism rules our society via MTV standards etc. People such as myself are "bigoted" "small minded"and "un-American" etc .
Certainly it is harder to bring up children in a permissive society.
Yet, when you look at the children in our communities who go to Day Schools and Yeshivoth,we can be proud, that despite our environment they are growing up as proud Torah Jews with a Torah based morality.
Today for example, a former Nobel Peace Prize winner, called for Israel's expulsion from the UN.
The International Atomic Energy Commission confirmed that Syria was building nuclear weapons, and that Iran continues to compile material, which some claim is enough for one nuclear bomb.
The rockets from Gaza continue,yet Jordan,the UN and EU only condemn the closing of the Gaza gates,and not the reason for their closure.
The political battle for Jerusalem and the Temple Mount is just taking form, as the left pressures Obama to accept the Saudi plan.
We should not take for granted these legislators,of different backgrounds and persuasions.
Each of us should use any opportunity we have to reinforce the morality and justice of our cause when we interact with them-and not assume they are all equally sophisicated and knowledgble on our issues.
=====================================================================
A number of years I wrote an op-ed on Amorality.Unlike immorality, where the norm is known but not observed,the former totally denies the relevance of these standards.
I wa thinking of that today, when I saw that an incoming Member of Congress is pregnant,and the father is a long time boyfriend who is not yet married to the woman(who is in her later stages of pregnancy).Not too long ago,such a woman would hide her head in shame.Today, with no moral standards, she runs for Congress and wins.
The second example are the large gay demonstrations against the gay marriage bans.
Every week the NYT, hi-lites some prominent gay "unions".This alone allows for respectability, for that which is an "abomination" in the eyes of G-d.
But who cares about the Bible,the SANCTITY OF MARRIAGE or religion,when hedonistic materialism rules our society via MTV standards etc. People such as myself are "bigoted" "small minded"and "un-American" etc .
Certainly it is harder to bring up children in a permissive society.
Yet, when you look at the children in our communities who go to Day Schools and Yeshivoth,we can be proud, that despite our environment they are growing up as proud Torah Jews with a Torah based morality.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Left wing Media / GM
I neglected to add the name of Dan Meridor to those who are returning to Likud.The likud primary will be Dec. 8 and will allow their slate to be chosen.
We saw so much left wing biased media coverage of the recent election,and that thankfully it is over.However the coverage of Israel and the left tilt in some papers continues.
Yesterdays Palm Beach Post has a story regarding Obama and ME peace.The headlines on the followup page reads"Neyanyahu may be obstacle ,Middle East experts agree".
Who are these "experts?
Yussie Beilin a discredited FORMER left wing member of knesset,who runs around pontificating on his left wing point of view.
The second is Ziad Abu Amr, a "MODERATE" member of the Palestinian Legislative Council.
That's it folks!
No rebuttal,no Americans .This is the garbage you get from the anti-Israel left wing,under the guise of pushing peace..
I was thinking about all the airlines that came out of bankruptry stronger and invigorated.Pouring taxpayer money into GM will not force consumers to buy their cars.Personally I drive a Hyundai (great car) and a second car Tyota ( '03 but terrific). Over the last years I have driven Lexus, Infiniti and have found them superior to my old American cars.
Until the quality, styling and business models of the big 3 shape up, giving them megadollars is simply a waste.Only a bankruptcy Court can straighten out 20 years of poor management and union excesses.
We saw so much left wing biased media coverage of the recent election,and that thankfully it is over.However the coverage of Israel and the left tilt in some papers continues.
Yesterdays Palm Beach Post has a story regarding Obama and ME peace.The headlines on the followup page reads"Neyanyahu may be obstacle ,Middle East experts agree".
Who are these "experts?
Yussie Beilin a discredited FORMER left wing member of knesset,who runs around pontificating on his left wing point of view.
The second is Ziad Abu Amr, a "MODERATE" member of the Palestinian Legislative Council.
That's it folks!
No rebuttal,no Americans .This is the garbage you get from the anti-Israel left wing,under the guise of pushing peace..
I was thinking about all the airlines that came out of bankruptry stronger and invigorated.Pouring taxpayer money into GM will not force consumers to buy their cars.Personally I drive a Hyundai (great car) and a second car Tyota ( '03 but terrific). Over the last years I have driven Lexus, Infiniti and have found them superior to my old American cars.
Until the quality, styling and business models of the big 3 shape up, giving them megadollars is simply a waste.Only a bankruptcy Court can straighten out 20 years of poor management and union excesses.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Feb 10 is coming
With the Israeli election scheduled for Feb. 10, the slates that will compete are showing a major shuffling of personalities.We already know ( and commented) that Benny Begin is joining Likud.But now,2 additional well know former military leaders are likewise joining Likud. They are Gen. Moshe Ya'alon former IDF Chief of Staff, and former IDF deputy Chief Uzi Dayan.
I recall meeting Ya'alon in the office of Sen. Lieberman in Washington shortly after he was appointed.These 3 will strenghthen the nationalistic front of Likud,but may deprive some old-timers of knesset seats.
A suprise announcement came in the form of Uzi Landau not only returning to politics,but joining Yisrael Bitanu as number 2 to Lieberman.Should Netanyahu win AND PUT TOGETHER A CABINET,UZI WILL SERVE AS A FORCE AGAINST COMPROMISE.
I have great respect for his integrity, which is on par with Benny Begin.
Similarly some Labor people are moving to Meretz which will further weaken Labor.
These are good moves for the "good guys"
I recall meeting Ya'alon in the office of Sen. Lieberman in Washington shortly after he was appointed.These 3 will strenghthen the nationalistic front of Likud,but may deprive some old-timers of knesset seats.
A suprise announcement came in the form of Uzi Landau not only returning to politics,but joining Yisrael Bitanu as number 2 to Lieberman.Should Netanyahu win AND PUT TOGETHER A CABINET,UZI WILL SERVE AS A FORCE AGAINST COMPROMISE.
I have great respect for his integrity, which is on par with Benny Begin.
Similarly some Labor people are moving to Meretz which will further weaken Labor.
These are good moves for the "good guys"
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Saudi" Peace Plan" / Media Bias
The rumors that Pres-elect Obama will push the Saudi "peace plan" is of course cause for concern.We really do not know if this is correct.
The Arab League placed a full page NYT ad, calling for peace-based on the plan.
The problems are many:
They don't want to negotiate-take it or leave it.
The plan if accepted is a formula for the destruction of Israel, by accepting Palestinian " refugees" within Israel proper. Yes ,if there is a Palestinian State, that is where they belong, not in the Jewish State.You cannot have 2 Arab States.Within a few years,the influx would change Israel from a Jewish State into a Muslim one.
The possibility of giving up the holiest place in Israel-site of the Holy Temple to Arabs,is totally unacceptable (Temple Mount).
Equally unacceptable is a Juden-frei West Bank of Judea and Samaria,where over a quarter of a million Jews live.
The whole plan is a massivbe PR scheme, that must be exposed for what it is.
===============================================================================
As rockets continue to fall on the Negev, we are back to the daily warnings from Olmert. Livni and Barak. As in the past, usually no one on the other side cares.
Oh yes, the Europeans care that the gates to Gaza are closed for their aid packages,but are not concerned about Jewish lives at risk.
========================================================================
The Washington Post ombudsman, Deborah Howell after concluding that the paper was tilted to the left in its recent coverage,now advocates a litmus test for applicants to ensure fairness.
It will never work.Human nature in the form of young liberal applicants,the type of students going to Journalism School, favor the Democrats.
What is needed is proper suervision of the writers,journalists,headline writers and editorial staff to return to a balanced and fair approach. Information and bloggers must be thoroughly vetted. The story of a fictitous person,organization and quote regarding Sarah Palin is a disgraceful commentary,(that she did not know Africa was a continent)
Is the coverage of candidates fair? are both sided receiving an equal amount of coverage?If Palin's wardrobe is discussed,do we read obout Michelle Obama's or the male candidates? If we read about Palin's medical history amd McCain's melanomas,,do we read about when Obama ,a smoker had his last chest x-ray, or Biden his last neurologicxal-vascular exam based on his history?
I only wrote for a college newspaper,but I recall the standards that were used in issues that were controversial.The Wall Street Journal,is a conservative paper from the editorial point of view,but has a totally different staff,editors and direction in reporting the news.
If the media,decides it wants to tear apart a politician like Palin,or to glorify one like Obama,then they do a disservice to their readership and the country.The time for media to address the problem is before the election, not as a post-mortem
The Arab League placed a full page NYT ad, calling for peace-based on the plan.
The problems are many:
They don't want to negotiate-take it or leave it.
The plan if accepted is a formula for the destruction of Israel, by accepting Palestinian " refugees" within Israel proper. Yes ,if there is a Palestinian State, that is where they belong, not in the Jewish State.You cannot have 2 Arab States.Within a few years,the influx would change Israel from a Jewish State into a Muslim one.
The possibility of giving up the holiest place in Israel-site of the Holy Temple to Arabs,is totally unacceptable (Temple Mount).
Equally unacceptable is a Juden-frei West Bank of Judea and Samaria,where over a quarter of a million Jews live.
The whole plan is a massivbe PR scheme, that must be exposed for what it is.
===============================================================================
As rockets continue to fall on the Negev, we are back to the daily warnings from Olmert. Livni and Barak. As in the past, usually no one on the other side cares.
Oh yes, the Europeans care that the gates to Gaza are closed for their aid packages,but are not concerned about Jewish lives at risk.
========================================================================
The Washington Post ombudsman, Deborah Howell after concluding that the paper was tilted to the left in its recent coverage,now advocates a litmus test for applicants to ensure fairness.
It will never work.Human nature in the form of young liberal applicants,the type of students going to Journalism School, favor the Democrats.
What is needed is proper suervision of the writers,journalists,headline writers and editorial staff to return to a balanced and fair approach. Information and bloggers must be thoroughly vetted. The story of a fictitous person,organization and quote regarding Sarah Palin is a disgraceful commentary,(that she did not know Africa was a continent)
Is the coverage of candidates fair? are both sided receiving an equal amount of coverage?If Palin's wardrobe is discussed,do we read obout Michelle Obama's or the male candidates? If we read about Palin's medical history amd McCain's melanomas,,do we read about when Obama ,a smoker had his last chest x-ray, or Biden his last neurologicxal-vascular exam based on his history?
I only wrote for a college newspaper,but I recall the standards that were used in issues that were controversial.The Wall Street Journal,is a conservative paper from the editorial point of view,but has a totally different staff,editors and direction in reporting the news.
If the media,decides it wants to tear apart a politician like Palin,or to glorify one like Obama,then they do a disservice to their readership and the country.The time for media to address the problem is before the election, not as a post-mortem
Friday, November 14, 2008
Sec. Hillary ? big 3 bankruptcy / other thoughts
The rumors of a Hillary appointment as Sec. of State is interesting and provocative.As is this Monday meeting in Chicago with Sen. McCain it raises the spectre of reaching out to your former enemies and across the aisle.
Appointing a left-wing "Republican" like Chuck Hagel, who did not support thr ticket, would not be accepted as a move toward bipartisanship.
Hillary is smart, ready to take her place,provided there can be a meeting of the minds on issues such as missile-defense,N0rth Korea, Iran and Israel as prime examples.
However, the Obama team so far is thinking out of the box.Of course it is a revival of the Clinton Administration, and it is hard to discern a mood of change -yet.
One main reason to allow the big 3 to move toward bankruptcy would be the necessity of reorganizing, and renegotiating union contracts that would allow either a combined company,or 2 companies to survive.This is the example of the airlines,and despite the aggravation,it does work.
Watching MSNBC as I flip channels from Fox to CNN, one cannot be but negatively impressed with the mean spirited approach of Rachel Maddow.Her description of Sen. Lieberman last nite and her thoughts on how she would handle him,left a bitter taste at least in my mouth.
The strange events unfolding in Minn. as they daily find "LOST" ballots,almost all of them against Norm Coleman, reminds me of Chicago,where ballots were found in the river in the Nixon -Kennedy election. Statistcally, it is almost impossible that in such a huge state with a 50-5o vote.all the revised and found ballots are in a Democratic district,and for Al Franken.
Appointing a left-wing "Republican" like Chuck Hagel, who did not support thr ticket, would not be accepted as a move toward bipartisanship.
Hillary is smart, ready to take her place,provided there can be a meeting of the minds on issues such as missile-defense,N0rth Korea, Iran and Israel as prime examples.
However, the Obama team so far is thinking out of the box.Of course it is a revival of the Clinton Administration, and it is hard to discern a mood of change -yet.
One main reason to allow the big 3 to move toward bankruptcy would be the necessity of reorganizing, and renegotiating union contracts that would allow either a combined company,or 2 companies to survive.This is the example of the airlines,and despite the aggravation,it does work.
Watching MSNBC as I flip channels from Fox to CNN, one cannot be but negatively impressed with the mean spirited approach of Rachel Maddow.Her description of Sen. Lieberman last nite and her thoughts on how she would handle him,left a bitter taste at least in my mouth.
The strange events unfolding in Minn. as they daily find "LOST" ballots,almost all of them against Norm Coleman, reminds me of Chicago,where ballots were found in the river in the Nixon -Kennedy election. Statistcally, it is almost impossible that in such a huge state with a 50-5o vote.all the revised and found ballots are in a Democratic district,and for Al Franken.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Lame Duck Session
All this talk about a lame duck session next week seems to play down the role of the Reoublican minority in the Senate,which can delay or defeat any proposal re: GM etc.
The Dems should negotiate with the Reps. before they try to ram something through Congress.
The Dems should negotiate with the Reps. before they try to ram something through Congress.
Olmert
Ehud Olmert as he awaits possible indictment and upcoming elections has thrown out all of his long held positions.
I remember very well when he was Mayor of Jerusalem,and I had many discussions with him rergarding Orient House and the attempts to prevent Arab infiltration into Jerusalem.Then he was a pure likudnick.
Now, as the end nears, he shames himself by staying in office and attempting to negotiate without a mandate. He proposes to divide Jerusalem and now he publicly decries "60 years of deep-seated discrimination against ...Arabs" in Israel.
Nowhere does he talk about the security dangers that are present every day, despite which Arabs have full voter righs .The freedoms of Arabs is off the chart,when compared to all the ME countries.
With rockets coming in from Gaza,Iran claiming to have new solid-fuel rockets that can hit Israel,and Hizbollah to the north waiting with Syria for their chance to hit Israel,Israel can be proud of how it tries to treat its citizens.
Of course it is not perfect-but Israel is still at war and the Gaza withdrawal of Mr. Olmert only endangered the country.
It is time for new leadership.
I remember very well when he was Mayor of Jerusalem,and I had many discussions with him rergarding Orient House and the attempts to prevent Arab infiltration into Jerusalem.Then he was a pure likudnick.
Now, as the end nears, he shames himself by staying in office and attempting to negotiate without a mandate. He proposes to divide Jerusalem and now he publicly decries "60 years of deep-seated discrimination against ...Arabs" in Israel.
Nowhere does he talk about the security dangers that are present every day, despite which Arabs have full voter righs .The freedoms of Arabs is off the chart,when compared to all the ME countries.
With rockets coming in from Gaza,Iran claiming to have new solid-fuel rockets that can hit Israel,and Hizbollah to the north waiting with Syria for their chance to hit Israel,Israel can be proud of how it tries to treat its citizens.
Of course it is not perfect-but Israel is still at war and the Gaza withdrawal of Mr. Olmert only endangered the country.
It is time for new leadership.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Jerusalem elections / l wing attacks on Obama / Bush
We have become so dependent upon our computers,cell phones etc,that we are lost without them.
Yesterday,my computer crashed and it require a new hard drive. This afternoon as it was being fixed,I recieved a call from Israel from our travel agent.( I am once again leading a mission of my Talmud shiur-in late April-May with CME credits-anyone interested please call me).She informed me she couldn't e-mail as her computer was down.In the middle of the conversation we had a power outage here in Boynton !
The results of the Jerusalem Mayorality election today are stunning.The haredi candidate lost , and there is reason to hope that the next Chief Rabbi of the city,will be modern orthodox.
The commotion over possibly asking Sec. Gates to stay on for one year as head of the Defense Dept.,is only the first round of left wing criticisms of Obama over adding troops to Afghanistan, and going slow over the efforts to change intelligence methodology.
Speaking of which,this nation owes Pres. Bush a great debt for calmly but steadfastly keeping our country safe after 9/11. He is about to realize the victory in Iraq for which he staked his reputation on, and unfortunately lost the confidence of the people.
Americans like a quick war-Grenada or Panama- in and out with victory. We have no patience for a protracted conflict.
Bush, did not use his veto during his early years, and let govt. grow and grow.
It will take a decade for his polling data to come up to the levels he deserves.
I used to like Jay Leno.However lately his jokes are stale and politically correct.He never makes fun of Obama or Biden. Last nite, it was Bush-Cheney- Palin and McCain .
This reverse rascism where you can't make fun of Obama presumably because of his skin color is what should I call it-stifling!
Yesterday,my computer crashed and it require a new hard drive. This afternoon as it was being fixed,I recieved a call from Israel from our travel agent.( I am once again leading a mission of my Talmud shiur-in late April-May with CME credits-anyone interested please call me).She informed me she couldn't e-mail as her computer was down.In the middle of the conversation we had a power outage here in Boynton !
The results of the Jerusalem Mayorality election today are stunning.The haredi candidate lost , and there is reason to hope that the next Chief Rabbi of the city,will be modern orthodox.
The commotion over possibly asking Sec. Gates to stay on for one year as head of the Defense Dept.,is only the first round of left wing criticisms of Obama over adding troops to Afghanistan, and going slow over the efforts to change intelligence methodology.
Speaking of which,this nation owes Pres. Bush a great debt for calmly but steadfastly keeping our country safe after 9/11. He is about to realize the victory in Iraq for which he staked his reputation on, and unfortunately lost the confidence of the people.
Americans like a quick war-Grenada or Panama- in and out with victory. We have no patience for a protracted conflict.
Bush, did not use his veto during his early years, and let govt. grow and grow.
It will take a decade for his polling data to come up to the levels he deserves.
I used to like Jay Leno.However lately his jokes are stale and politically correct.He never makes fun of Obama or Biden. Last nite, it was Bush-Cheney- Palin and McCain .
This reverse rascism where you can't make fun of Obama presumably because of his skin color is what should I call it-stifling!
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Say No to the Big Three
The desire of the big 3 auto makers to grab federal bail-out funds is understandable but not in the public interest.
These companies have been mismanaged,including overpaying their employees, working hand in hand with the unions for benefits that raised the price per unit of car beyond that which the non-unionized auto makers in the South have to pay.They have too many models,and for too long were behind Japan,Korea and Germany in quality.
Perhaps one half of the money requested is for payment for workers benefits.This will do nothing to make them build more efficient or cheaper cars. They will simply use up the money and ask for more-and rather quickly.
Sadly, it might be preferable that we not have 3 auto manufacturers but one or two successful ones.
To give them 50 billion sends the wrong signal to all of industry,that we will bail out each and every company if they are large enough.Capitalism does not reward economic failure.Here the problem is not a credit crunch,but a failure to run their business properly.
These companies have been mismanaged,including overpaying their employees, working hand in hand with the unions for benefits that raised the price per unit of car beyond that which the non-unionized auto makers in the South have to pay.They have too many models,and for too long were behind Japan,Korea and Germany in quality.
Perhaps one half of the money requested is for payment for workers benefits.This will do nothing to make them build more efficient or cheaper cars. They will simply use up the money and ask for more-and rather quickly.
Sadly, it might be preferable that we not have 3 auto manufacturers but one or two successful ones.
To give them 50 billion sends the wrong signal to all of industry,that we will bail out each and every company if they are large enough.Capitalism does not reward economic failure.Here the problem is not a credit crunch,but a failure to run their business properly.
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Palin- Emanuel the new COS
Here's how a rumor starts.
This morning in synagogue,a gentlemen indignantly asked me how I felt about Obama appointing an Arab as his Chief of Staff.? Despite my insistence that Rahm Emanuel was Jewish,the son of an Irgun fighter from Israel,it took the intervention of the Rabbi to quiet my friend. He sends his children to a Day School,and prays at an Orthodox Synagogue.He speaks Hebrew,and has spent much time in Israel, including a stint in the IDF during the first Gulf War.
As far as his appointment goes,I have mixed feelingsHe is a tough extremely partisan,angry and hard-nosed politician.From the point of view of bi-partisanship,that a difficult pill to swallow.However,Obama needs an inside man to keep Pelosi and Reid at bay.The Dems in Congress,probably will be looking to fullfill each campaign promise.Obama is smart,and doesn't wish to repeat Clinton's first 2 years,where despite 58 Dem. Senators,he accomplished nothing for failing to compromise.Emanuel,if that is his task,is the best man for the job.It is a back-breaking assignment,and with small children he won't be able to last 2 terms.
The stock market is certainly sending a message to our new President-Don't abandon us!
The Palin leaks are disgusting.Traditionally every losing candidates team looks for scapegoats.The McCain campaign handled her terribly.That includes the vetting process and their fear of letting her go out and be herself.
For the time being,she should withdraw,allow the Stevens matter to come to a conclusion,and then decide if she wants to be a national player.She must travel the world,get up to speed on the myriad of issues our nation faces and develop relationships with more mature thinkers of public policy.It is too early to think about 2012, even if some of her detractors are trying to pre-empt her in that regard.
The ascendency of Cong. Eric Cantor to no. 2 in the Republican House leadership is a good and healthy move.Note todays WSJ editorial on the alte kockers in the Democratic Congressional leadership.Their turn will come in 2-4 or 6 years and a fresh young Republican team must lay the groundwork for it.
This morning in synagogue,a gentlemen indignantly asked me how I felt about Obama appointing an Arab as his Chief of Staff.? Despite my insistence that Rahm Emanuel was Jewish,the son of an Irgun fighter from Israel,it took the intervention of the Rabbi to quiet my friend. He sends his children to a Day School,and prays at an Orthodox Synagogue.He speaks Hebrew,and has spent much time in Israel, including a stint in the IDF during the first Gulf War.
As far as his appointment goes,I have mixed feelingsHe is a tough extremely partisan,angry and hard-nosed politician.From the point of view of bi-partisanship,that a difficult pill to swallow.However,Obama needs an inside man to keep Pelosi and Reid at bay.The Dems in Congress,probably will be looking to fullfill each campaign promise.Obama is smart,and doesn't wish to repeat Clinton's first 2 years,where despite 58 Dem. Senators,he accomplished nothing for failing to compromise.Emanuel,if that is his task,is the best man for the job.It is a back-breaking assignment,and with small children he won't be able to last 2 terms.
The stock market is certainly sending a message to our new President-Don't abandon us!
The Palin leaks are disgusting.Traditionally every losing candidates team looks for scapegoats.The McCain campaign handled her terribly.That includes the vetting process and their fear of letting her go out and be herself.
For the time being,she should withdraw,allow the Stevens matter to come to a conclusion,and then decide if she wants to be a national player.She must travel the world,get up to speed on the myriad of issues our nation faces and develop relationships with more mature thinkers of public policy.It is too early to think about 2012, even if some of her detractors are trying to pre-empt her in that regard.
The ascendency of Cong. Eric Cantor to no. 2 in the Republican House leadership is a good and healthy move.Note todays WSJ editorial on the alte kockers in the Democratic Congressional leadership.Their turn will come in 2-4 or 6 years and a fresh young Republican team must lay the groundwork for it.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
A NEW ERA
Thank the Good Lord that I was a more successful surgeon than a political prognosticator.
Congratulations to our new President .His victory was both a personal one based on his personality,and unbelievable oratorical skills.It was also a huge protest vote against the war, and the economy and President Bush.
Obama ran a skillful campaign.Aided by young people with no memory of the Cold War or WWII, and blacks-latinos his victory was powerful.
Thank D-d the Dems did not reach 60.As I write this early in the AM,four races have not been decided.Minn,Georgia,Alaska and Oregon. If all 4 stay Rep.,then Mitch McConnell will have enough conservatives to block too liberal and radical legislation.
Once the dust settles,then the varied Obama supporters,will be pulling in many directions.When he sends more troops to Afghanistan ,will liberals cheer and support it?
If he is wise and holds off temporarily on the Union demands for "open " elections because the country and business is against it,will they cheer?
An interesting scenario that I could concoct,is that if Stevens wins in Alaska,and his conviction upheld he must resign.Perhaps Palin looking to the future,would resign and be appointed or run or that position.
In the next few days I will devote some space to Pres. Bush,and the 78% of Jews who voted for Obama.
One personal sad note is that a number of months ago I volunteered to speak throughout S. Florida for McCain in front of Jewish groups.I did this through a friend in Washington close to the campaign leadership.I sent a bio.etc-no response.I called the head of the Florida Republican Party on the Friday before the Republican convention with the same offer.He promised to call me back in one week.-no resonse.
I called in Sept. a local leader to volunteer to man a phone bank,with Florida friends-he never called back.
As my son pointed out, the Republicans deserved to lose on a national scale,since they abused their mandates.Locally they ran a poor campaign,and probably were guilty of "campaign malpractice".
The only happy news of the last few days is that Benny Begin is returning to Likud and Israeli politics.He is a true gentleman and honest atypical politician.
I recall when he was made a Minister in a previous Cabinet,he told me two stories that indicate his character.
He love to swim early in the AM.So he told his bodyguard,that he could sleep a little later.Benny would take the car to the Univesity to swim,and pick up the bodyguard afrter he finished..Security nixed that after a while.
One one occasion he was waiting for his luggage at Kennedy after a flight from Israel. A group of Knesset members saw him at the luggage area,and commented that they did not know he was on the flight.He answered that since he was flying on Govt. money, he flew coach unlike them who used public fund for Business Class.Welcome Back Benny!
Congratulations to our new President .His victory was both a personal one based on his personality,and unbelievable oratorical skills.It was also a huge protest vote against the war, and the economy and President Bush.
Obama ran a skillful campaign.Aided by young people with no memory of the Cold War or WWII, and blacks-latinos his victory was powerful.
Thank D-d the Dems did not reach 60.As I write this early in the AM,four races have not been decided.Minn,Georgia,Alaska and Oregon. If all 4 stay Rep.,then Mitch McConnell will have enough conservatives to block too liberal and radical legislation.
Once the dust settles,then the varied Obama supporters,will be pulling in many directions.When he sends more troops to Afghanistan ,will liberals cheer and support it?
If he is wise and holds off temporarily on the Union demands for "open " elections because the country and business is against it,will they cheer?
An interesting scenario that I could concoct,is that if Stevens wins in Alaska,and his conviction upheld he must resign.Perhaps Palin looking to the future,would resign and be appointed or run or that position.
In the next few days I will devote some space to Pres. Bush,and the 78% of Jews who voted for Obama.
One personal sad note is that a number of months ago I volunteered to speak throughout S. Florida for McCain in front of Jewish groups.I did this through a friend in Washington close to the campaign leadership.I sent a bio.etc-no response.I called the head of the Florida Republican Party on the Friday before the Republican convention with the same offer.He promised to call me back in one week.-no resonse.
I called in Sept. a local leader to volunteer to man a phone bank,with Florida friends-he never called back.
As my son pointed out, the Republicans deserved to lose on a national scale,since they abused their mandates.Locally they ran a poor campaign,and probably were guilty of "campaign malpractice".
The only happy news of the last few days is that Benny Begin is returning to Likud and Israeli politics.He is a true gentleman and honest atypical politician.
I recall when he was made a Minister in a previous Cabinet,he told me two stories that indicate his character.
He love to swim early in the AM.So he told his bodyguard,that he could sleep a little later.Benny would take the car to the Univesity to swim,and pick up the bodyguard afrter he finished..Security nixed that after a while.
One one occasion he was waiting for his luggage at Kennedy after a flight from Israel. A group of Knesset members saw him at the luggage area,and commented that they did not know he was on the flight.He answered that since he was flying on Govt. money, he flew coach unlike them who used public fund for Business Class.Welcome Back Benny!
Monday, November 03, 2008
Election Eve
Elli Ganchrow writes:
The day many of us have dreaded for a number of weeks is upon us and if the polls are to be believed, it will not be a happy night. How did we get to the point that Republicans are facing a rout?
1. John McCain- I thought his nomination would prove disastrous and it appears I have been proven correct. His campaign has reminded many of Bob Dole's (and that is not a compliment). His failure to make Rev. Wright a campaign issue is simply inexplicable. The campaign's focus on his previous service to America showed that the campaign hadn't paid attention to the previous 4 elections in which George H. W. Bush, Dole, Al Gore and John Kerry tried to make their service a focus of their campaigns and each lost to a non-veteran. People respect military service but that is not a reason (in itself) to vote for someone. Campaigns need themes, ideas and focus and John McCain's had none.
2. The Economy- Who would have thought that we would be winning the Iraq War, oil would be $65 and McCain would still be losing. His gamble in suspending his campaign and vowing not to debate unless the bailout was passed (but then debating anyway) was a boneheaded move which backfired on him.
3. Money- It is quite ironic that the namesake of McCain-Feingold (one of the worst pieces of legislation of the last twenty-five years)is losing because his campaign is being badly outspent. Getting rid of contribution limits would allow both sides to raise sufficient funds to run equivalent camapaigns and allow candidates to focus on things other than fund-raising.
4. The Media- As pointed out in an earlier blog, you could confuse the New York Times and CNN for Obama media outlets.
5. Congressional Republicans- Their performance during the bailout debate, in which they claimed that they voted against the first bailout bill because Nancy Pelosi insulted Bush in her speech, was reminscent of Gingrich's claim that he shut down the government because Clinton insulted him by not letting him off the front of Air Force One. The Gingrich ploy didn't work out well for the Republicans in 1998 and tomorrow night figures to be a long night for House Republicans.
6. New York State Republicans- What was that? You didn't know that there were any Republicans left in New York. Starting tomorrow night, the last bastion of Republican power in New York may disappear if the Republicans lose the State Senante as expected. The Republicans in New York have not prepared for the future and now are stuck with a complete dominance by Democrats statewide.
As I have written here before, anyone who loves Israel and cherishes her security should be very nervous about an Obama presidency.
So what are my predictions for tomorrow? I believe the Presidential election will be much closer than the polls suggest although I believe Obama will end with 51-52% of the vote. I believe Obama will lose Florida and Virginia but win Ohio, Pennsylvania and Colorado and ultimately the Presidency with 298 Electoral Votes. I believe the Democrats will end the night with 58 Senate seats (although Republicans will maintain Norm Coleman's seat) and will lose 23 House seats. They will also lose the New York State Senate.
Lets hope I am wrong and a miracle happens.
The day many of us have dreaded for a number of weeks is upon us and if the polls are to be believed, it will not be a happy night. How did we get to the point that Republicans are facing a rout?
1. John McCain- I thought his nomination would prove disastrous and it appears I have been proven correct. His campaign has reminded many of Bob Dole's (and that is not a compliment). His failure to make Rev. Wright a campaign issue is simply inexplicable. The campaign's focus on his previous service to America showed that the campaign hadn't paid attention to the previous 4 elections in which George H. W. Bush, Dole, Al Gore and John Kerry tried to make their service a focus of their campaigns and each lost to a non-veteran. People respect military service but that is not a reason (in itself) to vote for someone. Campaigns need themes, ideas and focus and John McCain's had none.
2. The Economy- Who would have thought that we would be winning the Iraq War, oil would be $65 and McCain would still be losing. His gamble in suspending his campaign and vowing not to debate unless the bailout was passed (but then debating anyway) was a boneheaded move which backfired on him.
3. Money- It is quite ironic that the namesake of McCain-Feingold (one of the worst pieces of legislation of the last twenty-five years)is losing because his campaign is being badly outspent. Getting rid of contribution limits would allow both sides to raise sufficient funds to run equivalent camapaigns and allow candidates to focus on things other than fund-raising.
4. The Media- As pointed out in an earlier blog, you could confuse the New York Times and CNN for Obama media outlets.
5. Congressional Republicans- Their performance during the bailout debate, in which they claimed that they voted against the first bailout bill because Nancy Pelosi insulted Bush in her speech, was reminscent of Gingrich's claim that he shut down the government because Clinton insulted him by not letting him off the front of Air Force One. The Gingrich ploy didn't work out well for the Republicans in 1998 and tomorrow night figures to be a long night for House Republicans.
6. New York State Republicans- What was that? You didn't know that there were any Republicans left in New York. Starting tomorrow night, the last bastion of Republican power in New York may disappear if the Republicans lose the State Senante as expected. The Republicans in New York have not prepared for the future and now are stuck with a complete dominance by Democrats statewide.
As I have written here before, anyone who loves Israel and cherishes her security should be very nervous about an Obama presidency.
So what are my predictions for tomorrow? I believe the Presidential election will be much closer than the polls suggest although I believe Obama will end with 51-52% of the vote. I believe Obama will lose Florida and Virginia but win Ohio, Pennsylvania and Colorado and ultimately the Presidency with 298 Electoral Votes. I believe the Democrats will end the night with 58 Senate seats (although Republicans will maintain Norm Coleman's seat) and will lose 23 House seats. They will also lose the New York State Senate.
Lets hope I am wrong and a miracle happens.
Sunday, November 02, 2008
PREDICTION
This will be my last blog until after the election,as we drive back to Florida.It has been an unsatisfyng election experience from the point of view of the one-sidedness of the media-press.They can kill you without reason-it is unfair, but this is America.
Unfair also was the huge money advantage of BHO, and now the NYT says the system should be fixed.Where were they when BHO did a 180 degree turn on public financing? One other area I believe is wrong is early voting-Unless you are out of town,you should hear all the candidates arguments.Things can change in the last few days.
Nevertheless, we are at an end,and the people will have spoken.I am well aware of all the polls,which I read a few times a day.Therefore I go out on a huge limb, knowing that I will be laughed at by many-certainly before Tues,and probably thereafter.
I believe that Obama will win the popular vote by 3-4 percentage points.I base this on a huge black turnout in NYC,Boston,Chicago etc,all Democratic states.
I believe John McCain ,will narrowly win the electoral College and be our next Preident.
Why?
All the polls talk about a 6-12% undecided.Since all the blacks have decided,(reverse racism?) having committed themselves to Obama,this removes them from the mix.I believe that the undecided,are looking at a number of issues
1-Is Obama fit and ready to lead?
2-Does Obama have the national security credentials to be Pres?
3-Does the Obama tax plan smell of Socialism-Marxism and the worst of Liberal dogma?
4-Do the many charges and unknown facts about Obama and his choices of friends,colleagues and religious advisor from his days in law school until he began running for President speak to poor judgement or a proclivity for the radical left?
5-Will the Bradley facter play a role especially in rural America?
6-Will the Evangelical movement be able to surpass their get-out the vote efforts of the last elections,thus being able to overcome the black and supposed youth vote?
7-What percentage of these undecided are concerned about BHO's religious upbringing as a child?
I BELIEVE THAT AS THE RACE NARROWS IN THESE LAST 60 HOURS, THE VAST MAJORITY OF THESE UNDECIDED WILL BREAK FOR McCAIN ,AND MANY WILL NOT MAKE UP THEIR MINDS UNTIL THEY ENTER THE POLLING BOOTH.
Unfair also was the huge money advantage of BHO, and now the NYT says the system should be fixed.Where were they when BHO did a 180 degree turn on public financing? One other area I believe is wrong is early voting-Unless you are out of town,you should hear all the candidates arguments.Things can change in the last few days.
Nevertheless, we are at an end,and the people will have spoken.I am well aware of all the polls,which I read a few times a day.Therefore I go out on a huge limb, knowing that I will be laughed at by many-certainly before Tues,and probably thereafter.
I believe that Obama will win the popular vote by 3-4 percentage points.I base this on a huge black turnout in NYC,Boston,Chicago etc,all Democratic states.
I believe John McCain ,will narrowly win the electoral College and be our next Preident.
Why?
All the polls talk about a 6-12% undecided.Since all the blacks have decided,(reverse racism?) having committed themselves to Obama,this removes them from the mix.I believe that the undecided,are looking at a number of issues
1-Is Obama fit and ready to lead?
2-Does Obama have the national security credentials to be Pres?
3-Does the Obama tax plan smell of Socialism-Marxism and the worst of Liberal dogma?
4-Do the many charges and unknown facts about Obama and his choices of friends,colleagues and religious advisor from his days in law school until he began running for President speak to poor judgement or a proclivity for the radical left?
5-Will the Bradley facter play a role especially in rural America?
6-Will the Evangelical movement be able to surpass their get-out the vote efforts of the last elections,thus being able to overcome the black and supposed youth vote?
7-What percentage of these undecided are concerned about BHO's religious upbringing as a child?
I BELIEVE THAT AS THE RACE NARROWS IN THESE LAST 60 HOURS, THE VAST MAJORITY OF THESE UNDECIDED WILL BREAK FOR McCAIN ,AND MANY WILL NOT MAKE UP THEIR MINDS UNTIL THEY ENTER THE POLLING BOOTH.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)