WHITE HOUSE NOT HAPPY ON GIBBS COMMENT
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THE WOODWARD REPORT
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THE WOODWARD REPORT
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WH Press Secretary Gibbs: Don't be Surprised if Republicans Win House in November
Robert GibbsA political firestorm for the Democrats began on Sunday when White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs stated on “Meet The Press” that it would not be a surprise if the Republicans take back the House saying "there's no doubt there are enough seats in play that could cause Republicans to gain control.”
Amid new polls showing Democrats losing momentum with voters, the White House is sounding less confident about its chances in November.
The new posture is one-half reality check, one-half calculated strategy -- aimed at waking the party's base from a state of general apathy.
"I think I did what is maybe uncommon in this town," said White House press secretary Robert Gibbs. "I opened my mouth and stated the obvious."
A new NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll found 62 percent of Americans believe the country is moving in the wrong direction, and 57 percent said they disapproved of President Obama's job performance
Another indicator, albeit an unorthodox is that the National League won the All-Star game for the first time in fourteen years.
A National League victory in the MLB all star game has preceded every election with double-digit GOP House gains since 1950.
The pattern is similar in the Senate. Since 1948, every time the Republicans have gained at least five Senate seats the National League has won.
The current projections on RealClearPolitics.com predict that the GOP will pick up 22 seats in the House rather easily with another 35 seats up for grabs. In the Senate the GOP is expected to pick up 7 seats giving them control of 49 seats in the 100 member chamber.
Experts Urge Obama to Stop Ignoring Islamic Ties to Terrorism
Commander General PetraeusIn April, the Obama administration banned the use of the word "Islam" from appearing in the National Security Strategy when describing America's terrorist enemies. The administration’s recently released National Security Strategy does not identify any link between Islam and terrorism. Leading experts from the Washington Institute for Near East Policy published a report this week which warned that failure to realize the Islamic component in terrorist acts is severely detrimental. In addition, the administration’s policy is in contrast to the Top Afghan Commander General Petraeus’s counterinsurgency manual. In the manual, co-authored by General James Amos, references are made to "Islamic insurgents," “Islamic extremists" and "Islamic subversives." It also describes the various ties between Muslim support groups and terrorists. The report published by the Washington Institute titled “Fighting the Ideological Battle: The Missing Link in U.S. Strategy to Counter Violent Extremism” makes the case that al-Qaeda and its terrorist affiliates are not the most dangerous enemy, but instead it is “the extremist ideology that fuels and supports Islamist violence. The Washington Institute’s report stresses that it is imperative that the administration identifies Islamism as the “key ideological driver” responsible for terrorist activity across the globe. The report urges a policy that is tailored to combat not just the terrorist groups but the ideology itself. Nidal Malik Hasan, the U.S. Army major who slaughtered 13 people at Fort Hood, Texas last November; Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, better known as the “underwear bomber, who was taken into custody after attempting to detonate a bomb on a Detroit-bound plane this past Christmas; and Faisal Shahzad, the Pakistani born man who attempted to set off a bomb in Times Square, were all motivated by Islamist propaganda. These are just three examples in this past year. The report expounded on the issue stating, “to be sure, officials need to make very clear that they do not consider Islam itself a danger, only the distorted version of Islam perpetrated by radical extremists. But they – and, in particular, the president – must also come to terms with the fact that individuals implicated in each of the recently exposed plots in the United States were imbued with a common radical ethos.” The Institute’s study, which was released this week, argues that there is an ideological struggle that has manifested itself within the Muslim community. “The conflict between these two visions constitutes a struggle for the hearts and minds of the majority of Muslims, who abhor violence, but who – out of sympathy, apathy, or fear – will not or cannot confront the extremists in their communities. Any strategy, therefore, that does not skillfully contest the claims and actions of radical extremism cannot succeed.” So what is to be done then about the violence initiated by radical Islam? The study proposes that American officials should initiate a cooperation with foreign governments, NGOs and other international groups in order “to empower credible Muslim voices to marginalize” radical Islamists.
New U.K. Government Bans U.S. Radio Host Michael Savage from Entering Country
Michael Savage, the voice of the third most popular radio show in the country, which garners an audience of 8 million people a week has been banned by the United Kingdom’s newly elected coalition government. The prior administration led by Gordon Brown released an enemies which banned individuals from entering the country. The list which talk show host savage was placed on also includes notorious Islamic extremists (including a Hamas terrorist), neo-Nazis, a former wizard of the Ku Klux Klan and Russian skinheads who murdered more than 10 immigrants. According to British officials, Mr. Savage was "excluded from the U.K. for engaging in unacceptable behaviour by expressing views that seek to provoke others to serious criminal acts and fostering hatred which might lead to intercommunity violence." The government, however, has not cited any specific statements made by Savage.
The Washington Times Jeffrey Kuhner Writes:
“The ban represents a fundamental assault on freedom of speech. In Britain's brave new world, the words of a talk-show host are akin to suicide bombers and gangsters. Ideas must be outlawed. Thought crimes suppressed.
Moreover, there is not a shred of evidence that Mr. Savage has ever - even once - incited hatred or called for violence against anyone. The charges are not only baseless but slanderous. They are lies.”
In government e-mails released last year, it was revealed that British officials - with ties to Mr. Brown's office - originally decided to place Mr. Savage on the list only to "balance" the high number of Muslim militants. This was not about protecting Britain; rather, it was about assuaging the sensitivities of the country's growing - and increasingly assertive - Islamic community. Mr. Savage has been sacrificed on the altar of liberal multiculturalism.
One of the most troubling things about the entire situation is that Secretary of the State Hillary Clinton has not gone to bat for Mr. Savage. Savage, whether you agree with his views or not, has been convicted of thought crime, something straight out of George Orwell’s 1984. The U.K. government, which has been widely believed to uphold the same types of freedom as the United States, is clearly not a big believer in freedom of speech. For the State Department to not defend one of its own is an affront to the freedom of speech. It clearly reveals that the old liberal adage of ‘I may not agree with what you say but I will defend to the death your right to say it no longer exists.
Michael Savage, the voice of the third most popular radio show in the country, which garners an audience of 8 million people a week has been banned by the United Kingdom’s newly elected coalition government. The prior administration led by Gordon Brown released an enemies which banned individuals from entering the country. The list which talk show host savage was placed on also includes notorious Islamic extremists (including a Hamas terrorist), neo-Nazis, a former wizard of the Ku Klux Klan and Russian skinheads who murdered more than 10 immigrants. According to British officials, Mr. Savage was "excluded from the U.K. for engaging in unacceptable behaviour by expressing views that seek to provoke others to serious criminal acts and fostering hatred which might lead to intercommunity violence." The government, however, has not cited any specific statements made by Savage.
The Washington Times Jeffrey Kuhner Writes:
“The ban represents a fundamental assault on freedom of speech. In Britain's brave new world, the words of a talk-show host are akin to suicide bombers and gangsters. Ideas must be outlawed. Thought crimes suppressed.
Moreover, there is not a shred of evidence that Mr. Savage has ever - even once - incited hatred or called for violence against anyone. The charges are not only baseless but slanderous. They are lies.”
In government e-mails released last year, it was revealed that British officials - with ties to Mr. Brown's office - originally decided to place Mr. Savage on the list only to "balance" the high number of Muslim militants. This was not about protecting Britain; rather, it was about assuaging the sensitivities of the country's growing - and increasingly assertive - Islamic community. Mr. Savage has been sacrificed on the altar of liberal multiculturalism.
One of the most troubling things about the entire situation is that Secretary of the State Hillary Clinton has not gone to bat for Mr. Savage. Savage, whether you agree with his views or not, has been convicted of thought crime, something straight out of George Orwell’s 1984. The U.K. government, which has been widely believed to uphold the same types of freedom as the United States, is clearly not a big believer in freedom of speech. For the State Department to not defend one of its own is an affront to the freedom of speech. It clearly reveals that the old liberal adage of ‘I may not agree with what you say but I will defend to the death your right to say it no longer exists.
Wall Street Reform Bill Passes Senate
President Of The United States Barack ObamaOn Monday, Senator Scott Brown became the first Republican to commit his support to the financial regulatory bill. Shortly after Republican Senator Olympia Snowe of Maine voiced her support for the bill giving the bill the 60 votes needed to pass. Senator Brown stated that he in no way thinks that the bill is perfect, but believes that it is a necessary measure in order to insure confidence in both the economy and financial markets. Today Brown said, “I appreciate the efforts to improve the bill, especially the removal of the $19 billion bank tax. As a result, it is a better bill than it was when this whole process started. While it isn't perfect, I expect to support the bill when it comes up for a vote. It includes safeguards to help prevent another financial meltdown, ensures that consumers are protected, and it is paid for without new taxes.” The regulatory passed the Senate Thursday and is expected to be signed by President Obama next Wednesday. Senator Richard Shelby, the ranking Republican on the Senate banking committee, echoed House Minority Leader John Boehner’s call to repeal the bill. “We have empowered a lot of the regulatory bodies that failed us before and the question is what have they learned,” Shelby said. “And it is not going to create jobs which we desperately need, it is going to cost jobs. It is going to hurt the economy.” Shelby sighted the lack of reform of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac as well as the formation of a consumer protection agency, calling it the creation "of one of the largest bureaucracies" in years.
Montana Schools Propose Kindergarten Sex Ed
A crowd of over 300 people crowded the Helena, Montana school board meeting Tuesday, with another 100 plus people forced to stand outside. They came to voice concerns, and support concerning a proposal to which would extend sex education to children as young as five.
In accordance with the 62 page proposal, kindergartners would have time set aside from regular studies in order for school nurses to teach students terms such as "nipple, breast, penis, scrotum and uterus." In first grade children will be taught that sexual relations are not only between man and woman, but also between man and man as well as woman and woman. At the always mature age of 10 years old, students will be instructed on the various ways sexual acts can be performed. The proposal indicates that among other things students will be informed of intercourse, be it vaginally, orally or through "anal penetration.”
"As educators and as parents and as communities, we need to be more proactive in helping inform our students at an appropriate age what the risk factors are associated with their own behaviors so that they can make better decisions about their well-being," said Dr. Bruce Messinger, the Superintendent of Helena Public Schools.
The Montana Family Foundation is leading the crusade against the proposal asserting that its gravest concern is teaching graphic sexual detail to kids who are not emotionally able to process or comprehend it.
Opponents of the proposal seem to be upset not as much with the actual things that would be taught to their kids, although they are vehemently opposed to those things as well, but to the notion that somehow kids are the property of the state. The proposal that the state is responsible for teaching kids things outside the subjects of English, Math, and Science is a gross infringement upon the institution of the family. "I think the reason it is such a concern is it tramples parental rights, it places government squarely between parents and their children," said Jeff Laszloffy of the Montana Family Foundation.
Supporters of the agenda claim that sex education plays a vital role in allowing kids to know the dangers and risks associated with risky sexual behavior. Melanie Reynolds, a district health officer, defended the proposed curriculum, saying early education and intervention was needed to prevent HIV infection or other sexually transmitted diseases. She cited a report that said 40 percent of reported Chlamydia cases in county were people between the ages of 14 and 18.
A crowd of over 300 people crowded the Helena, Montana school board meeting Tuesday, with another 100 plus people forced to stand outside. They came to voice concerns, and support concerning a proposal to which would extend sex education to children as young as five.
In accordance with the 62 page proposal, kindergartners would have time set aside from regular studies in order for school nurses to teach students terms such as "nipple, breast, penis, scrotum and uterus." In first grade children will be taught that sexual relations are not only between man and woman, but also between man and man as well as woman and woman. At the always mature age of 10 years old, students will be instructed on the various ways sexual acts can be performed. The proposal indicates that among other things students will be informed of intercourse, be it vaginally, orally or through "anal penetration.”
"As educators and as parents and as communities, we need to be more proactive in helping inform our students at an appropriate age what the risk factors are associated with their own behaviors so that they can make better decisions about their well-being," said Dr. Bruce Messinger, the Superintendent of Helena Public Schools.
The Montana Family Foundation is leading the crusade against the proposal asserting that its gravest concern is teaching graphic sexual detail to kids who are not emotionally able to process or comprehend it.
Opponents of the proposal seem to be upset not as much with the actual things that would be taught to their kids, although they are vehemently opposed to those things as well, but to the notion that somehow kids are the property of the state. The proposal that the state is responsible for teaching kids things outside the subjects of English, Math, and Science is a gross infringement upon the institution of the family. "I think the reason it is such a concern is it tramples parental rights, it places government squarely between parents and their children," said Jeff Laszloffy of the Montana Family Foundation.
Supporters of the agenda claim that sex education plays a vital role in allowing kids to know the dangers and risks associated with risky sexual behavior. Melanie Reynolds, a district health officer, defended the proposed curriculum, saying early education and intervention was needed to prevent HIV infection or other sexually transmitted diseases. She cited a report that said 40 percent of reported Chlamydia cases in county were people between the ages of 14 and 18.
U.S. paid Iranian nuclear scientist $5 million for aid to CIA, officials say.
The Iranian nuclear scientist who claimed to have been abducted by the CIA before departing for his homeland Wednesday was paid more than $5 million by the agency to provide intelligence on Iran's nuclear program, U.S. officials said.
Shahram Amiri says he was abducted by the U.S. and psychologically tortured to give false testimony against Tehran. He says he has no 'expertise in any nuclear domain.' U.S. denies any coercion. Amiri arrived home Thursday, despite efforts by the Central Intelligence Agency to convince him to stay in the U.S., beginning another stage in a saga in which both countries suggest they came out on top.
U.S. officials say Mr. Amiri defected to the U.S. about a year ago and provided valuable information on the country's nuclear program. In return, he was offered the opportunity to resettle and given a $5 million resettlement package to establish his new life in the United States, officials say. CIA officials warned Mr. Amiri that he could face execution if he returned to Iran.
The Iranian nuclear scientist who says he was abducted a year ago by U.S. agents was an informant for the CIA inside Iran for several years, The New York Times reported on Thursday, citing U.S. officials.
Army suicides hit record number in June
Thirty-two soldiers killed themselves in the month of June marking the largest amount of suicides since the Vietnam War., the most Army suicides in a single month since the Vietnam era. Eleven of the soldiers were not on active duty. Of the 21 who were, seven were serving in Iraq or Afghanistan.
Army officials said they were unable to put their finger on what is causing an increasing number of soldiers to take their own life.
An all time high 245 soldiers committed suicide last year. 145 soldiers have killed themselves so far this year, which is on pace to surpass last years record.
Many experts, including Tim Embree of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Of America Organization, claim that a big cause is the reluctance of soldiers to seek psychological help.
"The heavy stigma associated with mental health care stops many service members and veterans from seeking treatment," Embree said. "More than half of soldiers and Marines in Iraq who tested positive for a psychological injury reported concerns that they will be seen as weak by their fellow service members."
Obama Photos By: RD/Kabik/Retna
The Iranian nuclear scientist who claimed to have been abducted by the CIA before departing for his homeland Wednesday was paid more than $5 million by the agency to provide intelligence on Iran's nuclear program, U.S. officials said.
Shahram Amiri says he was abducted by the U.S. and psychologically tortured to give false testimony against Tehran. He says he has no 'expertise in any nuclear domain.' U.S. denies any coercion. Amiri arrived home Thursday, despite efforts by the Central Intelligence Agency to convince him to stay in the U.S., beginning another stage in a saga in which both countries suggest they came out on top.
U.S. officials say Mr. Amiri defected to the U.S. about a year ago and provided valuable information on the country's nuclear program. In return, he was offered the opportunity to resettle and given a $5 million resettlement package to establish his new life in the United States, officials say. CIA officials warned Mr. Amiri that he could face execution if he returned to Iran.
The Iranian nuclear scientist who says he was abducted a year ago by U.S. agents was an informant for the CIA inside Iran for several years, The New York Times reported on Thursday, citing U.S. officials.
Army suicides hit record number in June
Thirty-two soldiers killed themselves in the month of June marking the largest amount of suicides since the Vietnam War., the most Army suicides in a single month since the Vietnam era. Eleven of the soldiers were not on active duty. Of the 21 who were, seven were serving in Iraq or Afghanistan.
Army officials said they were unable to put their finger on what is causing an increasing number of soldiers to take their own life.
An all time high 245 soldiers committed suicide last year. 145 soldiers have killed themselves so far this year, which is on pace to surpass last years record.
Many experts, including Tim Embree of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Of America Organization, claim that a big cause is the reluctance of soldiers to seek psychological help.
"The heavy stigma associated with mental health care stops many service members and veterans from seeking treatment," Embree said. "More than half of soldiers and Marines in Iraq who tested positive for a psychological injury reported concerns that they will be seen as weak by their fellow service members."
Obama Photos By: RD/Kabik/Retna
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