On Oct 22, I brought up the question of Scozzafava withdrawing in the NY 23rd race, so Hoffman could win .Well she has taken that step today, and it should change the dynamics of the race.
I am really not pleased with the Christie answer re. his weight. Yes, humor is always effective.
However he should have pointed out that his weight did not stand in the way of putting scores of "thin" corrupt Democratic politicians in jail!
Nor did politicians of "normal " weight do an effective job in NJ on jobs,taxes and corruption.
Of course people in itially react positively when a svelte in dividual comes into the picture.
However the mature person realizes that after the Brooks Bros. suit, comes competence ,leadership, political philosophy and so on.,not how fast you can jump out of a car.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
DO YOU TRUST GOVT??
Question?
How many of you would trust a 2000 page bill originating in Congress, written by one party behind closed doors, to be fair,well run, free of corruption, able to meet the health needs of Americans and not to cost the taxpayers a mint ?
If you say you do, then you will get what you deserve
How many of you would trust a 2000 page bill originating in Congress, written by one party behind closed doors, to be fair,well run, free of corruption, able to meet the health needs of Americans and not to cost the taxpayers a mint ?
If you say you do, then you will get what you deserve
No of Jobs Saved?
I think the White House has understated the new jobs created/saved with the stimulus.They talk about 600,000 or a million.Some more doubting souls count just 30,000.
However if you follow WH logic, then perhaps 20 million jobs saved by WH action-BECAUSE everyone who wasn't fired or laid off- another credit for the stimulus and the brilliant economic team!
Yet today I heard that despite yesterdays numbers, we should not be suprised by 11% unemployment by the end of next year.
I guess more taxes, more uncertainty on the economic front, more govt. hires, more stimulus, more cash for clunkers- surely will solve all problems.
However if you follow WH logic, then perhaps 20 million jobs saved by WH action-BECAUSE everyone who wasn't fired or laid off- another credit for the stimulus and the brilliant economic team!
Yet today I heard that despite yesterdays numbers, we should not be suprised by 11% unemployment by the end of next year.
I guess more taxes, more uncertainty on the economic front, more govt. hires, more stimulus, more cash for clunkers- surely will solve all problems.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Polling / Pelosicare / Hagel
Today we poll everything,as though John-Q-Public has an educated position on every issue.Thus it is funny to see Rasmussen say the there is a 50% DIVIDE AS TO WHETHER CELL PHONE USEAGE IS RELATED TO BRAIN CANCER.
(someone asked me,why sometimes I use capital letters?The truth is I am a terrible typist and have to concentrate on my fingers,and by the time I realize that I used capitals,I am too lazy to go back).
Surely this is a scietific question,and not a sociologic one.
You have to hand it to Speaker Pelopsi,how she can stand there and say with a straight face that the new bill is defecit neutral.
What with the CBO saying this is a 1.0555 trillion dollar bill,and the fact that 250 billion for doctors has been removed, but will be added at a later time,plus all the tax increases and so on this is truly a gigantic hole in our deficit.Plus the bill does away with Meicare Advantage,which millions of seniors love.
The appointment of Sen. Chuck Hagel as Vice-Chairman of the Inelligence Board is another poke in the eye for the pro-Israel community
(someone asked me,why sometimes I use capital letters?The truth is I am a terrible typist and have to concentrate on my fingers,and by the time I realize that I used capitals,I am too lazy to go back).
Surely this is a scietific question,and not a sociologic one.
You have to hand it to Speaker Pelopsi,how she can stand there and say with a straight face that the new bill is defecit neutral.
What with the CBO saying this is a 1.0555 trillion dollar bill,and the fact that 250 billion for doctors has been removed, but will be added at a later time,plus all the tax increases and so on this is truly a gigantic hole in our deficit.Plus the bill does away with Meicare Advantage,which millions of seniors love.
The appointment of Sen. Chuck Hagel as Vice-Chairman of the Inelligence Board is another poke in the eye for the pro-Israel community
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
AARP / AIR AMERICA / J STREET
There is talk of investigating AARP.It is long overdue.People like myself who get close to 60 join because they believe this is an organization that represents seniors.
Who are the officers? who elected them ? what are their salaries? How do they decide what stance to take on public policy issues?
Soon you realize they are basically a front for the sales of health insurance policies sold by United Health.
Their role in initially supporting Obamacare,was a clear attempt to have millions of new subscribers join them, regardless of the fact that SENIORS OVERWHELMINGLY OPPOSED THE BILLS.
Now there is an effort underway to force them to register as an insurance company.Hopefully there will be some sunlight beamed on their operations.
Air America the left wing blog(?) which has me on their e-mail list,today calls Joe Lieberman "the bummer", and is collecting the top 10 opponents against him for 2012.
(so much for independent thinking)
To read accounts of the J Street convention should make one laugh, if it were not so sad.
THEY DON'T KNOW ARE THEY PRO-PEACE? PR0-ISRAEL?PRO-OBAMA? AND SO ON
Who are the officers? who elected them ? what are their salaries? How do they decide what stance to take on public policy issues?
Soon you realize they are basically a front for the sales of health insurance policies sold by United Health.
Their role in initially supporting Obamacare,was a clear attempt to have millions of new subscribers join them, regardless of the fact that SENIORS OVERWHELMINGLY OPPOSED THE BILLS.
Now there is an effort underway to force them to register as an insurance company.Hopefully there will be some sunlight beamed on their operations.
Air America the left wing blog(?) which has me on their e-mail list,today calls Joe Lieberman "the bummer", and is collecting the top 10 opponents against him for 2012.
(so much for independent thinking)
To read accounts of the J Street convention should make one laugh, if it were not so sad.
THEY DON'T KNOW ARE THEY PRO-PEACE? PR0-ISRAEL?PRO-OBAMA? AND SO ON
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
CHABAD OF BOYNTON- FORECLOSURE
THE SOUTH FLORIDA BUSINESS JOURNAL REPORTS THAT THE CHABAD OF BOYNTON WAS HIT WITH A FORECLOSURE ACTION..
THE SUIT FILED IN PALM BEACH COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT INVOLVES A 3.8 MILLION DOLLAR MORTGAGE ISSUED IN 2007 FOR A 13,038 SQ FT. WORSHIP CENTER ON 2.4 ACRES.
THEY ALSO OWN AN ADJACENT 2.4 ACRE VACANT SITE FOR WHICH THEY PAID 2.3 MILLION IN 2007.
ACCORDING TO THE PAPER THIS IS THE FOURTH MEMBER OF THE MOVEMENT HIT BY FORECLOSURE IN S. FLORIDA THIS YEAR.
THE SUIT FILED IN PALM BEACH COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT INVOLVES A 3.8 MILLION DOLLAR MORTGAGE ISSUED IN 2007 FOR A 13,038 SQ FT. WORSHIP CENTER ON 2.4 ACRES.
THEY ALSO OWN AN ADJACENT 2.4 ACRE VACANT SITE FOR WHICH THEY PAID 2.3 MILLION IN 2007.
ACCORDING TO THE PAPER THIS IS THE FOURTH MEMBER OF THE MOVEMENT HIT BY FORECLOSURE IN S. FLORIDA THIS YEAR.
All Saints Day
All-Saints Day is five days away,and has become one of the most commercially profitable days for business.Tradititionally children go from house to house for"trick or treat.
In our building in Fort Lee, there is a big sign in the lobby, asking those who would welcome these children to sign up.The hours are from 3-6 PM.
The fact that you change the name for commercial purposes to Halloween, doesn't for one moment change its origin or meaning.Three quarters of the people who signed up are Jewish, and the hours are in the midst of shabbat.
I wish these people had as much enthusiasm for say Simchat Torah celebration as Halloween.
In a similar vein, Valentines Day, is St. Valentines Day,and New Years Day Jan 1, is a Christian holiday celebrating the circumcision of their leader.
In our building in Fort Lee, there is a big sign in the lobby, asking those who would welcome these children to sign up.The hours are from 3-6 PM.
The fact that you change the name for commercial purposes to Halloween, doesn't for one moment change its origin or meaning.Three quarters of the people who signed up are Jewish, and the hours are in the midst of shabbat.
I wish these people had as much enthusiasm for say Simchat Torah celebration as Halloween.
In a similar vein, Valentines Day, is St. Valentines Day,and New Years Day Jan 1, is a Christian holiday celebrating the circumcision of their leader.
Monday, October 26, 2009
N Y 23 / A SAFE HAVEN
This mornings poll from the NY 23rd district battle is encouraging and amazing if true.
Conservative Hoffman is now leading at 31% with the Dem Owen at 27% and the Rep. Scozzafava 3rd with 20%.A Hoffman victory along with wins in Va and perhaps NJ will show that the Rep-conservatives can make great headway in 2010.
I just finished reading A SAFE HAVEN -Harry S. Truman and the founding of Israel,by Allis and Ronald Radosh.This 2009 book (a fathers day gift to me)is an extensive study of the events from FDR to the May 15 announcement of Statehood.
Truly a fascinating book.I would like to cover 4 main points that impressed me
1-Hatred for the Jews and their place in the ME,has been constant.At every opportunity to discuss,negotiate or allude to the need to bring Jews frem the DP camps to Palestine,the Arabs could only counter a generic " we will wipe their blood on the desert floor. This includeded face to face meetings with FDR, HST, the UN or its Commissions.
2-Political pressure, lobbying and personal contacts works in the U.S. where even Presidents look at potential results from upcoming elections where Jews play a key role.Eddie Jacobson, Trumans buddy and partner,was key in arranging Presidential appointments that Truman did not want to transpire-such as a critical one with Chaim Weitzman.
3-The State Dept is in herently an Arabist institution.Not only did they try to stop the creation of the State, but they used sabatoge against the President.
Even after Truman recognized the State,they were busy trying to negate the Pres.
4-The heroic efforts of Clark Clifford and the role of President Truman deserve everlasting gratitude from the Jewish people and nation.
Conservative Hoffman is now leading at 31% with the Dem Owen at 27% and the Rep. Scozzafava 3rd with 20%.A Hoffman victory along with wins in Va and perhaps NJ will show that the Rep-conservatives can make great headway in 2010.
I just finished reading A SAFE HAVEN -Harry S. Truman and the founding of Israel,by Allis and Ronald Radosh.This 2009 book (a fathers day gift to me)is an extensive study of the events from FDR to the May 15 announcement of Statehood.
Truly a fascinating book.I would like to cover 4 main points that impressed me
1-Hatred for the Jews and their place in the ME,has been constant.At every opportunity to discuss,negotiate or allude to the need to bring Jews frem the DP camps to Palestine,the Arabs could only counter a generic " we will wipe their blood on the desert floor. This includeded face to face meetings with FDR, HST, the UN or its Commissions.
2-Political pressure, lobbying and personal contacts works in the U.S. where even Presidents look at potential results from upcoming elections where Jews play a key role.Eddie Jacobson, Trumans buddy and partner,was key in arranging Presidential appointments that Truman did not want to transpire-such as a critical one with Chaim Weitzman.
3-The State Dept is in herently an Arabist institution.Not only did they try to stop the creation of the State, but they used sabatoge against the President.
Even after Truman recognized the State,they were busy trying to negate the Pres.
4-The heroic efforts of Clark Clifford and the role of President Truman deserve everlasting gratitude from the Jewish people and nation.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
VIOLENCE / MAYOR BLOOMBERG
THIS MORNINGS VIOLENCE ON THE TEMPLE MOUNT IS ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF PLANNED PREMEDITATED MAYHEM BY THE ISLAMIC AUTHORITIES.
The rioting should be handled with force ,as apparently is the plan of the authorities.Those who organized this unrest should be prosecuted.
The announcement of the amount of money that Mayor Bloomberg is spending on his campaign is obscene.
IT IS THE THE BUYING OF AN ELECTION.
No normal candidate can comprte with hundreds of million dollars of personal outlay.
The whole campaign to repeal term limits ,no matter how good a mayor he has been,stinks to high heaven.
However with that kind of money,the rich and powerful line up to kiss his posterior.
The rioting should be handled with force ,as apparently is the plan of the authorities.Those who organized this unrest should be prosecuted.
The announcement of the amount of money that Mayor Bloomberg is spending on his campaign is obscene.
IT IS THE THE BUYING OF AN ELECTION.
No normal candidate can comprte with hundreds of million dollars of personal outlay.
The whole campaign to repeal term limits ,no matter how good a mayor he has been,stinks to high heaven.
However with that kind of money,the rich and powerful line up to kiss his posterior.
Friday, October 23, 2009
J Street
The J Street emergence is extremely troubling.It is not as the Jewish Week in its editorial claims, a matter of different points of view.HERE YOU HAVE AN ORGANIZATION SPONSORED BY ARAB AND MUSLIM SOURCES, THAT ARE OUTIDE THE PARAMETERS OF DIFFERENCES OF OPINION.This includes Gaza, Hamas,JERUSALEM,Iran,and what is the root cause of the PA-Israel divide (Israel of course).Pressure on Israel is one of their main talking points.
With "Zionists" like that what need is there for Arab groups?
It would be comparable to "Jews for J----". The fact that they call themselves Jews,doesn't mean we have accept them as such.
J Sreet can call themselves "Zionists" but that is where the relationship ends.`
Sadly former Minisrter Livni sent 3 Kadimah representatives to the convention.
For myself,, I believe that pro-Israel PAC's and contributers have to lay the law down to members of Congress.If you accept money from J Street, forget the rest of the community.
SHABBAT SHALOM
With "Zionists" like that what need is there for Arab groups?
It would be comparable to "Jews for J----". The fact that they call themselves Jews,doesn't mean we have accept them as such.
J Sreet can call themselves "Zionists" but that is where the relationship ends.`
Sadly former Minisrter Livni sent 3 Kadimah representatives to the convention.
For myself,, I believe that pro-Israel PAC's and contributers have to lay the law down to members of Congress.If you accept money from J Street, forget the rest of the community.
SHABBAT SHALOM
Thursday, October 22, 2009
NY-23 /JORDANIAN NEIGHBORS / MAZEL TOV
I certainly echo the Conservative voices and the WSJ editorial regarding the special Congressional election in the 23 NY district.Dede Scozzafava a very liberal Republican is running against a liberal Dem.However, a Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman is picking up speed.
Many are asking Scozzafava to step down, as her finances are dry and she has no chance of winning in this conservative district.Hoffman can win if she withdraws.
On this the 15th an n iversary of a Jordanian -Israel treat,almost 99% of Jordanians have neg feelings for Israel,and by a 2-1 majority support rocket attacks on Israel.NICE NEIGHBORS!
MAZEL TOV TO OUR GRANDSON JACK GANCHROW,AND HIS PARENTS ARI AND BANJI ON THE OCCASION OF JACK'S BAR-MITZVAH THIS SHABBAT
Many are asking Scozzafava to step down, as her finances are dry and she has no chance of winning in this conservative district.Hoffman can win if she withdraws.
On this the 15th an n iversary of a Jordanian -Israel treat,almost 99% of Jordanians have neg feelings for Israel,and by a 2-1 majority support rocket attacks on Israel.NICE NEIGHBORS!
MAZEL TOV TO OUR GRANDSON JACK GANCHROW,AND HIS PARENTS ARI AND BANJI ON THE OCCASION OF JACK'S BAR-MITZVAH THIS SHABBAT
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Gen. Jones / Rubio in FL
WHAT I DIDN'T MENTION YESTERDAY IS THAT THE GUEST SPEAKER AT THE J STREET CONVENTION IS GEN JAMES JONES, OBAMA ADVISOR AND THE NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR.THE WHITE HOUSE KNOWS EXACTLY WHAT J STREET REPRESENTS.THEY ARE TRYING TO ZAP IT TO AIPAC A-LA FOX NEWS.
This Aug will be the primary date for candidates for the Senate seat vacated by Sen. Mel Martinez. It opriginally looked like an easy Republican victory for Gov. Charlie Crist.But now, former Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio is coming up in the polls.Todayhe has halved the margin of Crist who is now at 50-35%.
If the election were held today,I would vote for Rubio,because once Crist endorsed the stimulus package,who can assure me he will not be another Olympia Snowe.?
This Aug will be the primary date for candidates for the Senate seat vacated by Sen. Mel Martinez. It opriginally looked like an easy Republican victory for Gov. Charlie Crist.But now, former Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio is coming up in the polls.Todayhe has halved the margin of Crist who is now at 50-35%.
If the election were held today,I would vote for Rubio,because once Crist endorsed the stimulus package,who can assure me he will not be another Olympia Snowe.?
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Fasting for Gaza / Fox / J street
I wonder if the left-wing "Rabbis" group Taanit Tzedek fast on Tisha B'Av, and other fast days the way they allegedly do monthly to protest the Gaza closing.
Did they fast monthly when 8000 rockets hit Sderot etc. from Gaza?
The Jewish people are so small in number,yet masochism and self-hatred are endemic.
Which brings us to Judge Goldstone, who is upset that the UN Human Rights Commission took his anti-Israel report,and deleted any neg references to Hamas,and added charges against Israel for E. Jerusalem activities.THEY DON'T PLAY FAIR!
If the US doesn't veto the report in the Security Council, then all lingering doubts about Obama's feelings will go down the tube.
When I was in college,as a pre-med,I wanted to take a course in English Constitutional and Political History.When asked by the Dean ( who was the course instructor ), why I AS A PRE-MED STUDENT wanted to take this course, I answered "Nil Humani a me alienum puto" Nothing human do I consider alien.That to me is the defintion of a liberal approach to life,an open mind and a desire to hear all sides in a controversy.
When the Republicans were in the WH,and the NYT released the Pentagon papers, or criticized the war or domestic policy,no one accused the Times,or WashPo ,CNN etc of being un-American.No, dissent was our constitutional right. Today the all-out WH war on Fox not only turns our constitution on its head, but will come back to bite the Dems in the next Rep. administration.
Surely a slippery slope.
Bravo to Amb. Oren for refusing to attend the J Street convention next week.There can be no compromise with haters of the Israeli democracy while they reside outside of Israel.If they want to criticize-good, make aliyah- and do so within the Israeli body politic, and not try to divide the American public.
Did they fast monthly when 8000 rockets hit Sderot etc. from Gaza?
The Jewish people are so small in number,yet masochism and self-hatred are endemic.
Which brings us to Judge Goldstone, who is upset that the UN Human Rights Commission took his anti-Israel report,and deleted any neg references to Hamas,and added charges against Israel for E. Jerusalem activities.THEY DON'T PLAY FAIR!
If the US doesn't veto the report in the Security Council, then all lingering doubts about Obama's feelings will go down the tube.
When I was in college,as a pre-med,I wanted to take a course in English Constitutional and Political History.When asked by the Dean ( who was the course instructor ), why I AS A PRE-MED STUDENT wanted to take this course, I answered "Nil Humani a me alienum puto" Nothing human do I consider alien.That to me is the defintion of a liberal approach to life,an open mind and a desire to hear all sides in a controversy.
When the Republicans were in the WH,and the NYT released the Pentagon papers, or criticized the war or domestic policy,no one accused the Times,or WashPo ,CNN etc of being un-American.No, dissent was our constitutional right. Today the all-out WH war on Fox not only turns our constitution on its head, but will come back to bite the Dems in the next Rep. administration.
Surely a slippery slope.
Bravo to Amb. Oren for refusing to attend the J Street convention next week.There can be no compromise with haters of the Israeli democracy while they reside outside of Israel.If they want to criticize-good, make aliyah- and do so within the Israeli body politic, and not try to divide the American public.
Monday, October 19, 2009
THE WH VS. FOX
THE RECURRING ATTACKS BY THE WH AGAINST FOX IS QUITE CONFUSING.
The decision to paint Fox as a non"news" entity, and that it has a "point of view" appears to be counter-productive.
Every President desires to be loved,and hates criticisms However criticism from left and right are part of our system.This President has been placed on a pedestal by the media,and the mainstream media avoid even the mildest objections to policies or personel.Thus when one network seems to have hit a raw nerve, they cannot take it.They lash out,and hope to quarantine the network not only from the public, but from other networks using material that originates on Fox.
The problem for them, is that not only is the public responding by increasing the Fox ratings , but slow as they are to react eventually other networks have no choice.Thus ACORN, Van Jones and now Anita Dunn are stories that wind up on other networks.
Rev. Wright,Bill Ayers,examination of czars,tea parties, the summer Congressional healthcare local confrontations,and so on have primarily originated on Fox.
Yet when MSNBC talking heads like Rachel Madow advocate a public option,or attacks Republicans every nite,that is acceptable because she supports Obama.
Even non-conservative media are telling Obama -get a life,and accept the criticism like a man,or better yet,send your representatives to Fox and express your point of view.
As we get closer to election time,the WH will abruptly reverse their stand.In fact a good percentage of the Fox listening audience are independents,who put Obama into office.Polls now show this group is leaving Obama.Attacking Fox will not help his poll numbers with that group.
The real question is why CNN and other networks are appearing to go along with their soft ball approach to the tough issues?
The decision to paint Fox as a non"news" entity, and that it has a "point of view" appears to be counter-productive.
Every President desires to be loved,and hates criticisms However criticism from left and right are part of our system.This President has been placed on a pedestal by the media,and the mainstream media avoid even the mildest objections to policies or personel.Thus when one network seems to have hit a raw nerve, they cannot take it.They lash out,and hope to quarantine the network not only from the public, but from other networks using material that originates on Fox.
The problem for them, is that not only is the public responding by increasing the Fox ratings , but slow as they are to react eventually other networks have no choice.Thus ACORN, Van Jones and now Anita Dunn are stories that wind up on other networks.
Rev. Wright,Bill Ayers,examination of czars,tea parties, the summer Congressional healthcare local confrontations,and so on have primarily originated on Fox.
Yet when MSNBC talking heads like Rachel Madow advocate a public option,or attacks Republicans every nite,that is acceptable because she supports Obama.
Even non-conservative media are telling Obama -get a life,and accept the criticism like a man,or better yet,send your representatives to Fox and express your point of view.
As we get closer to election time,the WH will abruptly reverse their stand.In fact a good percentage of the Fox listening audience are independents,who put Obama into office.Polls now show this group is leaving Obama.Attacking Fox will not help his poll numbers with that group.
The real question is why CNN and other networks are appearing to go along with their soft ball approach to the tough issues?
Sunday, October 18, 2009
The world we live in
My son Elli,had to attend a fancy black tie dinner for one of the clients of his law firm at a fancy hotel.At the conclusion of the event, he and another Associate got up to leave.Both of them as orthodox Jews were wearing yarmulkes.
The guest of honor had arranged a large gift for their attendees as they each left the ballroom.As my son and his colleague approached the table where they anticipated this nice gift,the woman behind the desk turned to them and said"I'm sorry only one per couple"!
The guest of honor had arranged a large gift for their attendees as they each left the ballroom.As my son and his colleague approached the table where they anticipated this nice gift,the woman behind the desk turned to them and said"I'm sorry only one per couple"!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Big Hoax
This morning Drudge reports on an apparently deranged individual that caused a riot in Columbus Ohio. She rented a limo and driver,went to a clothing store,and announced she had won a lottery of $500,000, and had 1.5 million to spend to buy clothing for everyone in the store.
People got on their cell phones and called friends etc, and soon there was mayhem.Why? because it was all a hoax.After she maxed out her $5000 credit card ,she ran away.The limo driver turned her in to the police, because he was not going to be paid.In the meantime, when the people in the store found out that they were not getting free clothing, they rioted and destroyed the store.
Sounds to me like Obama healthcare-promise the people-no taxes, better care,no problems with reduced coverage,no bias against elderly citizens and so on,and of course no increase in the defecit.
Seven years from now,when the people will find out,that we have socialized medicine a-la Canada and G.B., and that all the promises were a hoax,and a crude political scheme,will they riot? throw the rascals out of office, or just be complacent? By then Obama and team will be about ready to retire to the lecture circuit.
People got on their cell phones and called friends etc, and soon there was mayhem.Why? because it was all a hoax.After she maxed out her $5000 credit card ,she ran away.The limo driver turned her in to the police, because he was not going to be paid.In the meantime, when the people in the store found out that they were not getting free clothing, they rioted and destroyed the store.
Sounds to me like Obama healthcare-promise the people-no taxes, better care,no problems with reduced coverage,no bias against elderly citizens and so on,and of course no increase in the defecit.
Seven years from now,when the people will find out,that we have socialized medicine a-la Canada and G.B., and that all the promises were a hoax,and a crude political scheme,will they riot? throw the rascals out of office, or just be complacent? By then Obama and team will be about ready to retire to the lecture circuit.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Wexler leaves, / Nobel Committee
As a constituent I am overjoyed that Cong. Wexler will be leaving the House tomorrow.His new position with a left wing group financed by Slim-fast owner Danny Abraham will certainly afford him a better salary.However what effect he can have on ME peace is problematic,as there is no movement visible in the near future.And if Hamas and the PA join in a unity move without Hamas accepting Israel and previous agreements,likely Israel will call off any real contact with Abbas.
Perhaps if I were 20 years younger,I would consider a try for the GOP nomination in the district(in truth I am only in the area 7 months a year).However it is a job for a younger person,who wants to spend their days raising funds for the next election.
My friend Yoram Ettinger in his letter to his friends, notes an interesting aspect to the Nobel Prize.
Look at the awards committee.It's Chairman Thorbjorn Jagnon,is a former PM, and
Foreign Minister.He is known for his opposition to US and Israeli policies.He is also Chairman of a Peace and Human Rights group that has advanced a dovish-leftist world view,in cooperation with Jimmy Carter.As a member of Parliament,he represents a body that wishes to deal with Hamas,have dialogue with Iran, condemns Islamophobia, and until Obama has attacked US and Israeli policies.
They believe the US must resist unilateral military or political interventions.
The purpose of the award says Yoram, is to Europeonize US policies.He concludes , that the negative reactions to the award, may turn out to be a reverse of the Baalam story-they came to bless but wound up cursing.
The group that does the choosing are not experts, but ideologically-oriented politicians.
Perhaps if I were 20 years younger,I would consider a try for the GOP nomination in the district(in truth I am only in the area 7 months a year).However it is a job for a younger person,who wants to spend their days raising funds for the next election.
My friend Yoram Ettinger in his letter to his friends, notes an interesting aspect to the Nobel Prize.
Look at the awards committee.It's Chairman Thorbjorn Jagnon,is a former PM, and
Foreign Minister.He is known for his opposition to US and Israeli policies.He is also Chairman of a Peace and Human Rights group that has advanced a dovish-leftist world view,in cooperation with Jimmy Carter.As a member of Parliament,he represents a body that wishes to deal with Hamas,have dialogue with Iran, condemns Islamophobia, and until Obama has attacked US and Israeli policies.
They believe the US must resist unilateral military or political interventions.
The purpose of the award says Yoram, is to Europeonize US policies.He concludes , that the negative reactions to the award, may turn out to be a reverse of the Baalam story-they came to bless but wound up cursing.
The group that does the choosing are not experts, but ideologically-oriented politicians.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Thoughts from Israel
I am most appreciative to my son-in-law Dr. Paul Ratzker for his excellent blogs, while we were away.
On Friday,as I was getting ready for shabbat,I found out about the Nobel Award-I thought it was a joke,and I quipped "Is he sharing it with Ahmenadjead?"
Of course the joke was on me!
The whole world has commented on Why?
Black ? He is not Bush!,A backhanded jab at Israel from the worlds left,reinforcing a warning not to attack Iran ?
Cerainly the award has been cheapened,but then again Arafat and Carter have done their share.Although in truth Carter did have the peace treaty!
Someone forgot to tell N. Korea,Iran and the Arab world that they are supposed to be more inclined to allow the Nobel Laureate to do his magic.
I wish the Pope much good health ,for if he passes away,Obama would be a natural!Perehaps he can elected as Papal Designee?
I spoke to the Chairman of the Republican Jewish Coalition in Israel.He noted there are 500,000 American citizens in Israel,of whom 300,000 voted in the last election.Over 70% voted Republican.
When Succoth started someone walked into our shul succah,and announced that Brazil won the Olympic slot.Everone especially the Americans were hi-fiving it .
As Israeli Ambassador Oren has said there cannot be peace unless the Israeli public feels that Obama can be trusted.Right now the polls show only 4% of Israelis believe Obama is a friend.
It is not clear to me why Israel and and the American pro-Israel community is supporting Egypt.They are instigators of problems at the UN etc., even as they take megadollars from the US. Similarly the PA is getting money and support for their police/army as they poison the atmosphere with Israel.
Reading Haaretz, is like reading Al-Gezeera.Three different people told me the same "joke", namely that Haaretz really would like to go back to the good old days-the British Mandate.
The good news is that the Shalem Institute is beginning a liberal arts college, that will be zionistic.This is the Dore Gold.Michael Oren, Sharansky school of Zionism.
Finally we spent Yom Kippur in the Great Synagogue in Jerusalem.Great Cantor and choir.It is something that one must experience, as 1600 Jews gather under one roof.
However, to a certain extent it is part of the social scene of "see and be seen", primarily for affluent foreigners.The atmosphere in Netanya where we spent Succoth to me at least had a richness of warmth and tradition, perhaps because the synagogue is smaller and the atmosphere more in timate.
On Friday,as I was getting ready for shabbat,I found out about the Nobel Award-I thought it was a joke,and I quipped "Is he sharing it with Ahmenadjead?"
Of course the joke was on me!
The whole world has commented on Why?
Black ? He is not Bush!,A backhanded jab at Israel from the worlds left,reinforcing a warning not to attack Iran ?
Cerainly the award has been cheapened,but then again Arafat and Carter have done their share.Although in truth Carter did have the peace treaty!
Someone forgot to tell N. Korea,Iran and the Arab world that they are supposed to be more inclined to allow the Nobel Laureate to do his magic.
I wish the Pope much good health ,for if he passes away,Obama would be a natural!Perehaps he can elected as Papal Designee?
I spoke to the Chairman of the Republican Jewish Coalition in Israel.He noted there are 500,000 American citizens in Israel,of whom 300,000 voted in the last election.Over 70% voted Republican.
When Succoth started someone walked into our shul succah,and announced that Brazil won the Olympic slot.Everone especially the Americans were hi-fiving it .
As Israeli Ambassador Oren has said there cannot be peace unless the Israeli public feels that Obama can be trusted.Right now the polls show only 4% of Israelis believe Obama is a friend.
It is not clear to me why Israel and and the American pro-Israel community is supporting Egypt.They are instigators of problems at the UN etc., even as they take megadollars from the US. Similarly the PA is getting money and support for their police/army as they poison the atmosphere with Israel.
Reading Haaretz, is like reading Al-Gezeera.Three different people told me the same "joke", namely that Haaretz really would like to go back to the good old days-the British Mandate.
The good news is that the Shalem Institute is beginning a liberal arts college, that will be zionistic.This is the Dore Gold.Michael Oren, Sharansky school of Zionism.
Finally we spent Yom Kippur in the Great Synagogue in Jerusalem.Great Cantor and choir.It is something that one must experience, as 1600 Jews gather under one roof.
However, to a certain extent it is part of the social scene of "see and be seen", primarily for affluent foreigners.The atmosphere in Netanya where we spent Succoth to me at least had a richness of warmth and tradition, perhaps because the synagogue is smaller and the atmosphere more in timate.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Nobel Speech Prize
The awarding of the Nobel Peace prize to Barack Obama takes an award that had already become suspect down to joke level. At least prior unsavory recipients such as Jimmy Carter or Yasir Arafat had actually achieved something. Certainly reasonable,serious people would scoff at the Oslo peace accords or the successful promulgation of questionable climatological science.At least these were actually accomplishments. As even Saturday Night Live (hardly a conservative outfit) noted, Barack Obama has achieved next to nothing.
It is even more astonishing to recognize that the committee had to submit their votes by early February - after three weeks in office! Essentially the award must have been, based on his landmark inaugural and campaign speeches that we all know have changed the world. Some have surmised the award is predicated on the (hope) for the future. This is akin to giving the Heisman award to the highest rated high school football recruit. Why actually play the games?
Perhaps most disturbing of all, is the denial of the award to those truly deserving. There are many freedom fighters who have risked their lives in Burma ,Iran and other repressed regimes who were passed over. In fact this award, voted on by five Norwegians selected by Norway's parliament should not be given anywhere near the attention it receives. If recipients' accomplishments are a joke, the award itself should be treated as such.
Paul Ratzker
It is even more astonishing to recognize that the committee had to submit their votes by early February - after three weeks in office! Essentially the award must have been, based on his landmark inaugural and campaign speeches that we all know have changed the world. Some have surmised the award is predicated on the (hope) for the future. This is akin to giving the Heisman award to the highest rated high school football recruit. Why actually play the games?
Perhaps most disturbing of all, is the denial of the award to those truly deserving. There are many freedom fighters who have risked their lives in Burma ,Iran and other repressed regimes who were passed over. In fact this award, voted on by five Norwegians selected by Norway's parliament should not be given anywhere near the attention it receives. If recipients' accomplishments are a joke, the award itself should be treated as such.
Paul Ratzker
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
NJ and Va.
We are entering the homestretch of the two important political races this year, for the New Jersey and Virginia Governorships. These offer interesting contrasts.
Chris Christie has lead by 10 - 12 points throughout the spring and summer. His lead has now shrunk to 2 - within the margin of error.The race was his to lose and he is doing a good job.Corzine's approval rating is below 40% . The state is an economic basket case with the highest combined income,sales and property taxes in the nation. The only net jobs that have been created in the past ten years are in a public sector that is out of control.
One would think that Christie would be hammering away on reducing taxes and spending. He basically has been doing anything but. He believed his anticorruption record would be all he would need. Now Corzine has been putting out ads tying Christie to Bush, and himself to Obama. Apparently in New Jersey this works.
The state may in fact be hopeless, perhaps suicidally liberal. Yet certainly a better, more focused campaign on Christie's part would be welcome.
The story is far different in Virginia. Republican candidate Bob McDonnell leads Democrat Creigh Deeds by 8 points. He has successfully linked Deeds to many of Obama's core policies such as cap and trade, card check and public option health care. Former Democratic Governor Wilder declined Obama's urging to endorse Deeds. Obama's approval rating in Virginia is below the national average i.e. in the mid 40's. In a sensible, middle of the road state like Virginia, connection to Obama is a liability.
It will be interesting to watch these races evolve over the next month.
Paul Ratzker
Chris Christie has lead by 10 - 12 points throughout the spring and summer. His lead has now shrunk to 2 - within the margin of error.The race was his to lose and he is doing a good job.Corzine's approval rating is below 40% . The state is an economic basket case with the highest combined income,sales and property taxes in the nation. The only net jobs that have been created in the past ten years are in a public sector that is out of control.
One would think that Christie would be hammering away on reducing taxes and spending. He basically has been doing anything but. He believed his anticorruption record would be all he would need. Now Corzine has been putting out ads tying Christie to Bush, and himself to Obama. Apparently in New Jersey this works.
The state may in fact be hopeless, perhaps suicidally liberal. Yet certainly a better, more focused campaign on Christie's part would be welcome.
The story is far different in Virginia. Republican candidate Bob McDonnell leads Democrat Creigh Deeds by 8 points. He has successfully linked Deeds to many of Obama's core policies such as cap and trade, card check and public option health care. Former Democratic Governor Wilder declined Obama's urging to endorse Deeds. Obama's approval rating in Virginia is below the national average i.e. in the mid 40's. In a sensible, middle of the road state like Virginia, connection to Obama is a liability.
It will be interesting to watch these races evolve over the next month.
Paul Ratzker
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