Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Several unrelated postings for this blog :

Yesterday's strong rejection of any public health option by the Senate finance committee was obviously a very welcome event. All 10 Republicans held firm(including Maine moderate Olympia Snowe), and were joined by 5 and 3 Democrats in the respective votes. In addition to the importance of the committee vote itself, I believe it prognosticates severe difficulty for passage of a public option in by the full Senate. It is notable how strongly Red state Democrats are opposed to the idea. Democratic Senators from states such as Arkansas,Florida,Louisiana,Nebraska and others have already voiced strong concerns and/or will be under intense pressure to vote against any such plan. One poll in La. for example found respondents against a government run health option by a 2:1 margin.

Tomorrow is the opening round of negotiations with Iran. It will be interesting to watch both the tone and content of the talks. I fear the Obama administration is only interested in talking tough to the press, as opposed to the Iranians. The chance of meaningful sanctions, at least at this stage seems unlikely. I hope I am wrong.


Lastly, I would like to suggest reading Maureen Dowd's piece in the Times today. Although right thinking people would ordinarily avoid her column like swine flu, today is an exception. She wrote an insightful and touching mini-memoir about William Safire. It is actually interesting to get a glimpse of an arch liberal's interaction with and estimation of one of the great conservative writers of our time.


Paul Ratzker

Friday, September 25, 2009

THE PARTY OF NO

It was disappointing to read today's front page New York Times review of their recent poll. Basically, it found that Americans are skeptical regarding Obama/Democrats health care plans. In fact, despite Obama's recent address to Congress and his appearance on five Sunday news shows this week, 55% of those surveyed feel he has not explained his plans for changing the health care system. Unfortunately, the same survey found that 76% felt Republicans in Congress have not clearly explained theirs. The Democrats and a compliant media have successfully portrayed the Republicans as the "Party of No". That is simply being in opposition to reform without any ideas of their own.
Actually, many Republican strategists and politicians have very clearly expressed well defined proposals. These have generally appeared in the Wall Street Journal, FOX News etc. Clearly these ideas have not reached the general public. I feel the best way to counteract this would be for all Republicans to articulate two to three of the following very well defined principles and challenge the Democrats to challenge why they are against them.

1. Malpractice Reform: Caps on non- economic damages have been successful in California for 35 years. Most recently, Texas demonstrated that malpractice reform very quickly leads to increased health care availability, lower premiums and greater competition. There is no need for "demonstration projects".

2. Tax breaks or credits for individuals buying health insurance: There is no reason for individuals not to have the same tax benefits that businesses do.

3. Allow people to purchase health insurance across state lines: If one can buy auto insurance in any state, why can't one purchase health insurance as well? Individual state mandates often require one to purchase coverage for such things as in vitro fertilization, chiropractic care, or even hair transplants. Obviously, many would choose to forgo these items in favor of cheaper policies. Nothing would increase the competition amongst the insurers ,something that Democrats supposedly favor,more than this.

The public best understands brief , well defined points. Republicans would be best served by simply asking why Democrats are opposed to malpractice reform that has not only clearly worked, but is also favored by the overwhelming majority of Americans. Why are they opposed to allowing individual tax breaks for health care coverage? Why are they opposed to allowing Americans to choose from any and all available policies throughout the country? In other words, make the Democrats the "Party of No".

- Paul Ratzker

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Standing up to Washington is nothing new

THE TRUTH IS THAT FROM THE VERY BEGINNING OF THE CREATION OF THE STATE OF ISRAEL, PRIME MINISTERS HAVE HAD TO SAY "NO" TO PRESIDENTS OF THE US.
IN ESSENCE THE PRES. HAD TO BACK DOWN JUST FOR A PHOTO-OP.
As was clear, he did not allow either Abbas or Bibi to speak.Had they done so, it woulkd have been clear, that they are not on the same page.
Year after year, Arabs go out of their way to screw themselves by being impractical.Why Abbas believes he will see Bibi talk about a divided Jerusalem , or stopping natural growth of settlements is beyond me.
As the new year unfolds, and we get closer to Congressional elections, this issue will fade in importance.This is especially true if the Reps pick up Va. and N.J. gubernatorial races this Nov. and unemployment stays at 10%.
By then we will know what if anything will have passed in healthcare,but it doesn't look like a major Obama victory.Tnen will come "tax and trade", and again a major battle that will take administration energy.Add this to Afghanistan, and the Pres. has a fullplate.

Today we leave for Israel until after Succoth, and my son-in-law Dr. Paul Ratzker will be blogging as his schedule permits.
Again a G'mar chatimah tovah, and a good yom tov to all

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

PHOTO-OP

NICE PHOTO-OP
However, the Arabs are learning, you cannot negotiate with a government and refuse to consummate the deal in the hope that a better deal will come along, and then go back to where you left off with a new administration.
Arafat and Abbas missed the boat,and with Bibi's election with a R wing govt.,and the lessons of Gaza, Israel is not in a mood to stop either settlements,divide Jerusalem or admit a fifth column of Arabs.
Thank G-d Olmert is history!
Obama who looked strong 3-6 months ago is now weak. His concern for a failing domestic agenda, THE LEAKS OVER A FAILING POLICY IN AFGHANISTAN AND NO PROGRESS WITH IRAN, are part olf his problem.
The Europeans are unhappy over the lack of action on environmental issues ,and his party is fractured on that issue, financial reform and healthcare.
The polls are not a positive issue for him.
Thus he settled for a photop-op,howevever Abbas is too weak to compromise,Hamas too strong to allow him to do so, and Bibi does not have his heart or political will in the direction of Palestinian murderers.
Bibi is doing great, and let the talk about more talk begin!

Monday, September 21, 2009

GOLDSTONE-A WAR CRIMINAL/ TASHLICH IN TEANECK

Judge Goldstone has con tinued his war on Israel,claiming that those who refuse to punish the evil-doers ( the IDF), are in effect war criminals themselves.
I have a different take for our modern Dr. Goebbels.
He who undertakes to smear and defame a country whose only crime is to defend themselves and their citizens must share the guilt with the aggressors.Not only does the good Dr.,who represents Cuba , Libya and a whole cast of world degenerates on the Un-Human Rights Commission, dirty the name of righteous and heroic defenders of the Jewish people, but he and his cohorts will encourage Hamas. Hezbollah and Iran to plan further attacks on Jews.
After all if a Jew like the good DR. belittles the value of Jewish life, then little is expected of the Islamic fundamentalists.
IN ESSENCE IT IS GOLDSTONE WHO IS A WAR CRIMINAL,AND SHOULD BE BROUGHT TO JERUSALEM LIKE EICHMANN AND TRIED FOR HIS CRIMES.

We spent Rosh Hashonah with our children in Teaneck.
Cong,B'nai Yeshurin had 1700 praying in 4 minyanim.What was amazing yesterday from 4-7 P.M,was when THOUSANDS OF ORTHODOX JEWS MARCHED DOWN ENGLEWOOD AVE TO THE LAKE BY RIVER RD. TO CELEBRATE TASHLICH(symbolically throwing your sins into the water). All the streets were closed, with a heavy police presence. There was a holiday mood,as children in strollers,and seniors in wheel chairs witnessed the gathering from many of the Teaneck synagogues. In this festive spirit, there was no rowdyness, only smiles as neighbors greeted each other in their holiday finest.

Friday, September 18, 2009

POLITICAL CORRECTNESS /. AT-A -BOY BIBI

Now that the NAACP Bill Cosby and many prominent Blacks ,as well 12- 17 % ( who are these people) of those answering polls believe that criticism of the President is racist then the following must be asked.
What are the parameters of dissent against a black politician?Are you allowed to get passionate in your disagreement?How do we know that disagreeing on legislation is not a sign - to paraphrase our great former President of "Racism in my heart"?
Or are we trying to stifle dissent?
I was thinking that when Colin Powell and Condi Rice were Sec. of State, and one disagreed, race never came up.Now this political correctness is a major problem, that threatens open debate.


Three cheers for Bibi for not caveing in to pressure of Mitchell both on settlement construction , and not agreeing to continue negotiations from where they left off.As Bibi said,if there is a meeting -fine ,if not also fine.

shana tovah to all

Thursday, September 17, 2009

NEGATIVE MUSES

There is so much to write about in this crazy world.
The UN report by Judge Goldstone is a wonderful place to start.Thousands of rockets for months and months on innocent civilians,and Israel is accused of war crimes in Gaza. The whole report is a biased blood libel against the morality and dignity of the nation of Israel and its brave soldiers.
ONE EXAMPLE-.THE REPORT CLAIMS THAT THE IDF AIMED "NOT AT THE ENEMY,BUT AT THE SUPPORTING INFRASTRUCTURE" NAMELY CIVILIANS.
Yet we know for a fact that thousands of warning leaflets were dropped on civilian areas, missions aborted when civilians were present,and 200,000 telephone calls were made by the IDF to Gaza residents prior to ATTACKS IN SPECIFIC AREAS.THE REPORT DEPENDS HEAVILY ON ARABS WHO LIE THROUGH THEIR TEETH,ESPECIALLY REGARDING USING THEIR OWN CIVILIANS AS HOSTAGES.
Like the rumors goung around in Arab countries that Israel is harvesting organs from their children for sale,we are once again in an era of blatant anti-semitism a-la Goebbels-THE BIG LIE.

Watching Fox and their expose of ACORN has been a learning experience.Yet, when I skimmed channels and listened to Rachael Madow on MSNBC,my wife and I were in major laughing mode,as she and some kook,described the Republicans and conservatives as off the mental chart.The guest said that soon they will call Obama the "anti-Christ".
The failure of CNN,MSNBC,CBS and NBC to cover this story up until last nite,and the failure to cover the Van Jones story speaks to the deterioration of the media as an independent modality in our society.TIME MAGAZINE HAS AN ATTACK , AND UNFLATTERING PICTURE OF GLENN BECK ON THEIR COVER.

The decision to cancel the ABM's in Poland and the Czech Republic may or may not be a wise move.However taking this path without obvious concessions from Russia on Iran, is pure amateur nite in diplomacy.The possible gasoline embargo,the need for real sanctions,and the prevention of the sale of S-300's are not mentrioned.
Israel is being forced to act on its own ,as the WSJ 's Bret Stephens pointed out yesterday.

That is enough complaining for 1 day.
I hope that all my readers will have a Healthy and Prosperous New Year,and may we see peace iin the world.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

DAMN RACISTS!

In other words=
OPPOSE CAP AND TRADE========RACIST
OPPOSE CLUNKERS FOR CASH ======RACIST
OPPOSE CHANGES IN HEALTHCARE======RACIST ETC.

I GET IT EVERY REPUBLICAN,CONSERVATIVE,AND INDEPENDENT WHO CHANGED THEIR MINDS ON ANY ISSUE--THEY ARE ALL BIGOTS.
THOMAS FRIEDMAN IS RIGHT-WHAT WE NEED IS A ONE PARTY SYSTEM-
perhaps run by the NT Times-Washington Post editorial Board.

Ask the Black Caucus=or Gov. Patterson(Pres. Carter, Charlie Rangel etc)
THERE IS NO PLACE IN AMERICA FOR DISSENT IF YOU ATTACK A BLACK POLITICIAN!

A few years ago I sat next to Thomas Friedman on the NY-Washington shuttle.I told him I disagreed with his whole weltaanschung regarding the Middle East.He answered that as long as I read his columns, he was happy.
Sorry to say, that I don't have the stomach for him or his paper anymore.Living in an apartment house where the read newspapers lie in the incinerator room,I occasionally steal a a peek at the NYT prior to their heading for where they belong'

Fridman's column on China is so puzzling as to make you wonder how could he write such nonsense.But of course the underlying theme-Obama is great,and the opposition ia pathetic!

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

BROTHERLY LOVE

HOW CAN ANYONE BELIEVE THAT ARABS ARE PREPARED TO ACCEPT ISRAEL AS A NEIGHBOR IN THE REGION?
just yesterday every arab COUNTRY except egypt and jordan walked out of an atomic energy meeing in vienna, when the head of the israeli Atomic Energy commission gave a talk.
No hugging-kissing-shaking hands etc.NO COURTESY!

Monday, September 14, 2009

American prejudice?

It is amazing that Democrats are using the race card to to explain Obama's falling numbers.
First it was a mob,then they were un-american, then mobsters and right wing hooligans.
No mention of budget deficits,10% unemployment, a general feeling that the President has NOT LIVED UP TO "CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN"
Now because he is black!There is no way to disprove such nonsense-of course we have prejudice in our society,however the polls are representing Independents who voted for Obama.

The administration should look in the mirror, and examine why middle America is angry-and it's not because our Pres. is black, but his total shift to the left sans bipartisanship.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

NY TIMES-ANTI-ISRAEL AS ALWAYS

In its classical anti-Israel stance,todays NY Times has pieces definately meant to reinforce the liberal agenda.
One is a crtical negative book review of Norm Podhoretz's book "Why Jews are Liberals?".
I suggest those who would like to hear a con servative point of view, look at the symposium in the current Commentary magazine on this topic.
The other is a puff piece in the Sunday magazine section on "J Street".
For an in depth analysis of who they are I suggest you look at todays Jerusalem Post where Lenny Ben-David, a former AIPAC professional and a senior diplomat in the Israeli embassy in Washington , gives the true scoop.
Tonite I spoke in Rockland County at ASHAR on the topic "were Jews wrong about Obama?. I DISCUSSED BOTH OF THESE ISSUES EXTENSIVELY!

Thursday, September 10, 2009

The world is ignored

THERE IS SO MUCH HAPPENING IN THE WORLD ASIDE FROM HEALTHCARE,AND WE HEAR ZERO FROM THE ADMINISTRATION.
American soldiers dying in Iraq,a fixed election in Afghanistan with a war going poorly lead the news.Iran thumbs its nose at the US, as it steps up its nuclear development.At the same time they send weapons to the Taliban,and make deals with Chavez.
Will Iranian rockets aimed at the US be placed in Venezuela as payment for the gasoline?
N. KOREA LIKEWISE THUMBS ITS NOSE AT THE WORLD AS SYRIA SHIPS ROCKETS TO IRAQ,AND MAY HAVE ADDITIONAL NUCLEAR SITES.
You could keep going, but the only issue raised is "health"This is a weak Presidency a-la Jimmy Carter.
No wonder the Europeans are happy with Obama-they see no US leadership!

Wednesday, September 09, 2009

The President's talk I / HEALTHCARE TALK VS TIME WITH MY WIFE

Of course the appearance of the President of the US to school children should be welcomed in a non-partisan manner.However, it now comes out that when Bush 41 spoke, the Dems blasted him and held hearings to uncover that it took 26,000 dollars to stage the event.
The problem with the Obama talk was the proposed lesson plan. Whether the talk was diluted of political matter after the hoo-hah- we don't know.


TONIGHTS TALK,IS THE SUBJECT OF MUCH SPECULATION REGARDING THE PUBLIC OPTION.
It now appears he will go for it, and appease his left base.Certainly it is a gamble which I hope he loses.
FOR ME I HAVE HAD ENOUGH TALKS ON THE SUBJECT, AND WILL TAKE MY WIFE OUT TO DINNER.
DON'T WORRY, THE TALKING CABLEHEADS WILL FILL ME IN !

Tuesday, September 08, 2009

REPUBLICAN SILENCE / Pressure

I don't understand the relative silence of Congressional Republicans on the Honduras situation .I find it hard to believe that we are imposing penalties on a country that is a friend,and one that follows the rule of law.The Supreme Court of Honduras and the Legislature have both ruled that the attempt to rewrite election laws was unconstitutional. Republicans should force a sense of the Congress resolution supporting Honduras.
WE HAVE WITNESSED THE PREVENTION OF ANOTHER CHAVEZ!

I just have the feeling that the attacks by Obama on Bibi,are part of a charade that will allow Bibi to say to his coalition,look at the pressure I am under.It will allow the US to say to the PA , we have placed as much pressure as possible.

Sunday, September 06, 2009

SLOPPY AND FALSE REPORTING

THIS WEEKS NORTH JERSEY JEWISH NEWS REPORTS ON THE DEATH OF SEN. KENNEDY.IT ALLEGES THAT IN MY BLOG I CALLED HIM AN "IDIOT"
"That view (high praise) wasn't shared by the far rightlike the OU former President who blogged on the eve of Kennedy's death"rarely in America has a more unworthy person been accorded such deep respect as is regularly heaped upon Kennedy.Ganchrow, a retired proctologist opposed Kennedy's health care proposals and said instead of being treated with expensive modalities the ailing idiot Senator from the Peoples Republic of Massachussets should go into Hospice,take an Asparin (sic) and say his daily prayers."

Firstly the paper combined two different blogs by 2 different persons. Had they read the blogs and not tried to play cutesy they would not have done what transpired.

On August 16, questioning the lack of response on the part of the Aministration re: questions raised as to how without additional doctors,additional funds and rationing of care, they could add 45 million new subscribers,I wrote that Senator Kennedy an aged person with a terminal disease,insists on receiving expensive modalities of treatment.He should , I said,be an example, go to a Hospice,take an Asparin (as previously advocated by the President to the 100 year old lady in need of a pacemaker) and say his prayers,.I CONCLUDED (NOT PART OF THE NEWSPAPERS QUOTE) THAT THIS APPROACH IS ON TAP FOR MERE MORTALS UNDER OBAMACARE. That of course was the point I was trying to make!

NOWHERE DID I CALL KENNEDY AN IDIOT.
NOWHERE DO THEY BRING PROOF THAT BECAUSE I AM A CONSERVATIVE, I AM PART OF THE FAR RIGHT
NOWHERE DO THEY BRING PROOF THAT I EVER COMMENTED ON KENNEDY'S HEALTH PLAN,PRO OR CON .

ON AUG 25, WHILE I WAS OUT OT THE COUNTRY(AS I NOTED ON THE BLOG) my son Elli wrote
Quoting Kennedy's first Senatorial opponent,that if his name was Edward Moore,(not Kennedy) his candidacy would be a joke.Then he went on to say that "rarely in America has a more un- worthy person been accorded such deep respect as is regularly heaped upon Kennedy....(see todays NYT interview of Norman Podhoretz on Kennedy).
Turning to the attempt by the Kennedys to change the succesion law,he wrote "In 2004 as John Kerry the other idiot masquerading as a US Senator from the Peoples Republic of Massachussets chased the Presidency,the Dems changed the State law........
Again he never called Kennedy an idiot.

The paper certainly owes me and the blog GANCHROWWORLDVIEW.BLOGSPOT.COM an apology for its sloppy approach in order to make headlines.

Friday, September 04, 2009

Extremism- Jewish style

The healthcare debate has become quite heated over the summer.However the self-apponted arbiters of Jewish extremism have raised the issue that when someone says "socialism," or "euthanasia" it is part of a right wing plot.
Says the Jewish Week story this week,"flash ther words euthanasia and Nazi and socialism"in front of them ( the r-wing) and it taps all this built-in anger.
It is outrageous to add a fewLaRouche supporters into the mix of the huge majority of those who oppose a public option, and claim that opponents are extremists or using the contoversy to advance r-wing causes..
In the whole story on the reform backlash in the JW,,there is no mention of budget deficits,and the rationing of medical care.
I have written twice that the witholding of medical care from seniors is a form of euthanasia.Indeed,the British press these last few days have highlited such activitity.
THE REMARKS BY SELF-APPOINTED LEADERS OF JEWISH OPINION
REPRESENT THE POLITICAL CORRECTNESS THAT STEMS FROM MOVE-ON.ORG AND LIBERAL GROUPS AS WELL AS DEMOCRATIC LEADERS.
To oppose all or some of the President's plan is not immoral, radical or un-American.
Perhaps it is the attacks on the protesters that are immoral and un-American.

Thursday, September 03, 2009

Ireland

I thank my son for blogging for me while we were in Ireland.The Jewish community in Ireland today measures 1200 individuals.The Orthodox synagogue in Dublin has 3 minyanim a day,and about 100 people came for Shabbat services.
The Rabbi is a young Chabad Rav,but the entire congregation is ashkenaz.At the kiddush asfter services I had an opportunity to speak with the Israeli Ambassador to Ireland.He is obviously on the liberal side of the political spectrum in Israel.
Unlike the 4% my son quoted as thinking Obama is pro-Israel,the Ambassador believes he is a friend.He notes that (he just returned from Israel) that the Mitchell-Bibi talks are going well,and the eventual resumption of talks with the PA are a good beginning.Whether this is his personal belief or the party line I do not know.
The weather was rainy each day,however the people are just about the warmest you could find.
For the first time ever we stayed in a B&B that was recommended by the Rabbi,near the shul.The owner serves a kosher breakfast,and has a constant flow of orthodox Jews from the states and Israel