Where's the "Advancement" if You Constantly Award Failure?

NAACP to Honor Van Jones as 'American Treasure'

FOXNews.com

White House green jobs adviser Van Jones quit the post last year after he was dogged by past remarks and associations, but that isn't stopping the NAACP from awarding him one of its Image Awards

Jones, who served as an adviser to the White House Council on Environmental Quality, generated mounting criticism last summer, first for calling Republicans "assholes" during a videotaped address earlier in the year and then for signing a petition in 2004 supporting the "9/11 truther" movement, which believes the Bush administration may have been involved in the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks.

The latter development, which came on top of several others, was perhaps the most devastating and led to calls for his resignation.

But Jones still has his share of outspoken supporters, and one of them is Benjamin Todd Jealous, president and CEO of the NAACP.

"Van Jones is an American treasure," Jealous writes in an opinion piece posted at CNN.com. "He is quite simply one of the few Americans in recent years to have generated powerful new ideas that are creating new jobs."

And the Bush-Bashing Will begin in 5,...4,...3,...

"The system worked as it should have -- which is why it failed."

Officials: Protocol Followed, but System Failed to Prevent Terror Attempt

FOXNews.com

With a full-fledged review under way, top agencies are making immediate changes that suggest the system in place to flag suspected terrorists is fundamentally flawed -- even though officials say they followed procedure before a suspect armed with explosives boarded a Detroit-bound flight.

That appears to be the answer emerging from top agencies like the State Department in the aftermath of the failed Christmas Day airplane bombing, as officials explain how suspect Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab was able to clear security while armed with explosives and then board a flight bound for Detroit.

President Obama, who is meeting with agency heads Tuesday afternoon, said as much last week when he declared "systemic failure" allowed Abdulmutallab to board the plane bound for Detroit from Nigeria by way of Amsterdam. Other officials have since acknowledged that the system probably needs some adjustment.

"Systemic failure means that individuals probably weren't at fault, but that the systems that were put in place were not adequate to the task," said David Gordon, former director of policy planning at the State Department.

Obama was meeting Tuesday with top officials including Napolitano, Attorney General Eric Holder, CIA Director Leon Panetta, FBI Director Robert Mueller and counterterrorism adviser John "Oh, you mean THAT Nigerian!" Brennan.

The US Constitution: Harry Reid's Toilet Paper?

From Erick Erickson at Red State (by way of Atlas Shrugs):

If ever the people of the United States rise up and fight over passage of Obamacare, Harry Reid must be remembered as the man who sacrificed the dignity of his office for a few pieces of silver. The rules of fair play that have kept the basic integrity of the Republic alive have died with Harry Reid. Reid has slipped in a provision into the health care legislation prohibiting future Congresses from changing any regulations imposed on Americans by the Independent Medicare [note: originally referred to as "medical"] Advisory Boards, which are commonly called the “Death Panels.”

It was Reid leading the Democrats who ignored 200 years of Senate precedents to rule that Senator Sanders could withdraw his amendment while it was being read.

It was Reid leading the Democrats who has determined again and again over the past few days that hundreds of years of accumulated Senate parliamentary rulings have no bearing on the health care vote.

On December 21, 2009, however, Harry Reid sold out the Republic in toto.

Upon examination of Senator Harry Reid’s amendment to the health care legislation, Senators discovered section 3403. That section changes the rules of the United States Senate.

To change the rules of the United States Senate, there must be sixty-seven votes.

Section 3403 of Senator Harry Reid’s amendment requires that “it shall not be in order in the Senate or the House of Representatives to consider any bill, resolution, amendment, or conference report that would repeal or otherwise change this subsection.” The good news is that this only applies to one section of the Obamacare legislation. The bad news is that it applies to regulations imposed on doctors and patients by the Independent Medicare Advisory Boards a/k/a the Death Panels.

Here is the transcript of the exchange between Jim DeMint and the Senate President:

DEMINT: But, Mr. President, as the chair has confirmed, Rule 22, paragraph 2, of the standing rules of the Senate, states that on a measure or motion to amend the Senate rules, the necessary affirmative vote shall be two-thirds of the senators present and voting. Let me go to the bill before us, because buried deep within the over 2,000 pages of this bill, we find a rather substantial change to the standing rules of the Senate. It is section 3403 and it begins on page 1,000 of the Reid substitute. . . . These provisions not only amend certain rules, they waive certain rules and create entirely new rules out of whole cloth.”

The Senate President disagreed and said it was a change in procedure, not a change in rules, therefore the Senate precedent that a two-thirds vote is required to change the rules of the Senate does not apply.

Senator DeMint responded:

DEMINT: and so the language you see in this bill that specifically refers to a change in a rule is not a rule change, it’s a procedure change?

THE PRESIDING OFFICER: that is correct.

DEMINT: then i guess our rules mean nothing, do they, if they can re define them. thank you. and i do yield back.

THE PRESIDING OFFICER: the senate stands adjourned until 7:00 a.m. tomorrow.

That’s right. When confronted with the facts, the Senate Democrats ran for cover. The Senate Democrats are ignoring the constitution, the law, and their own rules to pass Obamacare.

They're Still At It, Obama,...

Why aren't you helping them out?

Hundreds Protest in Iran, Defy Threats of Further Crackdown

Iranian police fired shots in the air and tear gas into crowds as hundreds of people gathered near Tehran University Thursday, in the latest clash between pro-reform demonstrators and Iranian authorities.

"Police used tear gas twice to disperse the crowd. There was also many Basij militia on motorbikes patrolling the area," a witness told Reuters.

Witnesses also said they saw police detaining several protesters.

Hundreds of young men and women chanted "death to the dictator" and fled baton-wielding police in the capital as opposition activists sought to revive street protests despite authorities' vows to "smash" any new marches.

"It's OK,...Obama likes me!

My ONLY Thoughts on Michael Jackson

Over the weekend, I adamantly resisted posting anything about The Gloved Pederast. Then came the Sunday Talking Heads shows and critical mass was reached in the BitterHouse.

I have come to the realization that I know why, in part, most of the civilized world dislikes the US: we, as a collective society, have the attention span of a 10-year old with ADD!

To wit, for the past week, we watched what could have been this generation's Tienanmen Square or Berlin Wall: In Iran, the populace finally realized they were duped by their leaders. People took to the streets. The 21st Century's greatest tool - the global net - was used again and again to usurp I-Am-A-Mad-Jihad's attempts to squelch the revolution. People watched Fox, CeeNoNews and the Hardcore Liberal Network, wondering if our TelePrompter-addicted leader would finally obtain the cojones to turn his Persian open hand into an iron fist,

Then Jackson died and "Neda" was thrown under the wheels of the LA Coroner's van hauling his carcass away.

Revolution? What revolution? Who cares about democracy, MICHAEL JACKSON DIED!!!

I'm willing to bet Farrah Fawcett died before him just to escape the media onslaught.

And I swear, if he becomes some martyr because rumors persist that his doctors led him down the Elvis Presley path, I'LL SCREAM!!

As always,...

**THAT'S MY OPINION AND YOU'RE ENTITLED TO IT!**

Republicans Finding Their Cojones?

GOP Senators Say Bipartisan Health Deal in Jeopardy
President Obama's declared support for a public insurance plan, which would compete with private insurers, is opposed by nearly all Republicans.

President Barack Obama's hopes for a bipartisan health deal seemed in jeopardy Thursday as GOP senators protested his renewed support for a new public health insurance plan, and a key Democratic chairman declared that such a plan would likely be in the Senate's bill.

A public plan that would compete with private insurers is opposed by nearly all Republicans. Obama long has supported it, but he had avoided going into detail about his health goals, leaving the specifics to Congress and emphasizing hopes for a bipartisan bill.

That changed when Obama released a letter Wednesday to two Senate Democrats saying he believed strongly in the need for a new public plan.

"It wasn't helpful, it wasn't helpful," said Sen. Charles Grassley of Iowa, top Republican on the Senate Finance Committee, which is taking a lead role in crafting a health care overhaul. "Words make a difference. And this made a difference."

"Didn't help. It hurt," said Sen. Mike Enzi of Wyoming, top Republican on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.

Added Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev.: "If he wants a bipartisan bill, he has to recognize that a government-run plan doesn't get you to a bipartisan plan." Ensign spoke in an interview following a Senate Finance Committee meeting on the legislation.

The White House spokeswoman for health policy, Linda Douglass, responded: "As the president said in his letter, he remains hopeful that many Republicans will see fit to join with Democrats to enact legislation that will lower health care costs for businesses, families and government."

Another Predictable Democratic Response

HT to Michelle Malkin.

Amazing what happens when you corner a Democrat and confront them with the truth:

DoubleStandarddradnatSelbuoD?

Lisa Mossie at Bluftooni reports that this NYPost pic is racist and inappropriate:





OK,..then what where these darling hits of the leftosphere:





Y'know,..if the Obamessiah and his "non-cowardly brethren" can't stand the heat, leave the White House. I know a family in Alaska looking to relocate soon,..like in 2012!

From the "I Told You So" Files,...

What's a good detergent to remove bus tracks off my back??

01/07/09

CBS RADIO AND DIAL GLOBAL TO SYNDICATE
"THE MICHAEL SMERCONISH PROGRAM"

One of America's Great Radio Talents To Launch Additional Two Hour Program;
WOR-AM In New York To Carry Program Beginning on Monday, February 2

CBS RADIO, one of the nation's largest major market radio operators, and Dial Global are proud to announce the syndication of "The Michael Smerconish Program." Smerconish, currently heard weekday mornings (6:00-9:00AM, ET) on CBS RADIO's The Big Talker WPHT-AM in Philadelphia and WHFS-AM in Washington, D.C., will launch an additional live program (12:00Noon-2:00PM) beginning on Monday, February 2. WOR News Talk Radio 710 in New York is the first affiliate to sign on to carry the two hour show and will broadcast the program from 8:00-10:00PM each weekday night.

Smerconish, who has been recognized by Radio and Records as "one of the best local talk show hosts in America," and "one of America's most important talk show hosts" by Talkers Magazine, is a Philadelphia lawyer turned political commentator, best-selling author, and columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer and Philadelphia Daily News. Prior to Smerconish's arrival at WPHT in Fall 2003 the station earned a 2.2 share among listeners 12 in morning drive. In the most recent ratings survey, Smerconish delivered a 5.5 share among the same demographic.

"We are thrilled to partner with Michael Smerconish and CBS RADIO and expand his program nationally," says David Landau, co-president of Dial Global. "Michael takes compelling positions on both sides of the issues and successfully moves the dialogue beyond politics alone. No doubt that is why his ratings track record in Philly is so strong against industry titans."

"Listeners all over America are looking for a fresh and unpredictable talent who sees the issues from all sides - Michael is just that person," says Amy Bolton, Senior Vice President, News and Talk for Dial Global. "He is poised to be the next great radio talk star."

Hmmm,....just like a good "Fairness Doctrine" zombie!!

Who's the Bigger Terrorist? Ahmadinejad, Palin, or the Democratic Party?

In all the furor over Hillary's fear of facing her worst enemy - a strong, popular woman - several things have come to light:

FOX News contributor and National Public Radio correspondent Juan Williams said Clinton, whose presidential aspirations are far from over, wants to campaign for Obama but does not want to challenge Palin because it would hurt her standing with white, working-class women.


From Waste of my Oxygen:

Clinton Furious Palin To Be At Protest, Not Furious Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Will Be At UN

In the tradition of Liberal politics, Hillary bails on Pro-Israeli demonstration at the UN against Iran. The reasoning is that Sarah Palin was also invited.

Clinton aides are “FURIOUS” that Palin was going to be there. This is a demonstration against a potential threat the world security and a country looking to destroy Israel, but they are furious that Sarah Palin, the Vice Presidential nominee of the United States will be in attendance. They are not furious that a terrorist like Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who held Americans hostage in the 1970s will be present in the UN. Wow.

Also they claim they were not advised this was a bipartisan event. So Hillary who is representing Obama in this is showing the true colors of the Obama campaign… Divisiveness… Not Unity, unless of course you are a liberal.

This should be a bitartisan event, it should be a show of unity of all Americans against this terrorist. Hillary you are a discgrace to your Senate position in NY for playing a childish game like this.

(snip)

Sarah Palin has been UN-invited to the rally against Ahmadinejad. The Jewish groups are claiming that it is because they do not want the media frenzy of having major politicians there… What a load of shit. That is exactly what this rally should have. The Media should be all over it, how they get there does not matter.

This invitation should be reopened and extended back to the Obama camp. If the Obama camp does not want to participate, it will show their silly politics as usual.

This is without doubt a decision that was made because Hillary pulled out and is nothing more than a political posturing move by Obama.

The Jews in this country still do not realize it is the conservative base that has supported Israel all along and will continue to support Israel. The liberals only want the Jewish votes…

And From WCBS-TV:

Sources: Intense Pressure Led To Palin UN Snub
CBS 2 HD Has Learned Democrats Threatened To Attack Jewish Groups' Tax Exempt Status Over VP Nominee Invite

NEW YORK (CBS) ― Hillary Clinton won't be speaking at Monday's anti-Iran rally at the United Nations -- and neither will Republican Sarah Palin or any other politicians for that matter.

The reason? A heated behind the scenes tug-of-war.

Sources tell CBS 2 HD that a decision to disinvite Palin from the high profile rally after Clinton pulled out in a huff came as the result of intense pressure from Democrats.

"This is insulting. This is embarrassing, especially to Gov. Palin, to me and I think it should be to every single New Yorker," Assemblyman Dov Hikind, D-Brooklyn, told CBS 2 HD.

Sources say the axes were out for Palin as soon as Sen. Clinton pulled out because she did not want to attend the same event as the Republican vice presidential candidate.

"I have never seen such raw emotion -- on both sides," said someone close to the situation.

The groups sponsoring the rally against Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad speaking at the UN were reportedly told, "it could jeopardize their tax exempt status" if they had Palin and not Clinton or Democratic VP candidate Joe Biden on hand.

So all politicians were disinvited, most prominently, Palin.

"It's an absolute shame that this has happened," Hikind said. "To threaten organizations … to threaten the Conference of Presidents that if you don't withdraw the invitation to Gov. Palin we're going to look into your tax exempt status … that's McCarthyism."

Another Jewish group tried to step into the breach by inviting Palin to a different protest a day earlier.

"I'm absolutely appalled at the behavior of the Democrats," said Bob Kunst of Defenders.net. "I'm a Democrat and for the first time in my life I'm going to vote Republican. I can't take it anymore."

As for Sen. Clinton, she brushed right past CBS 2 HD's Lou Young when he tried to ask her about the issue on Thursday night.

Lou Young: "Were the organizers of Monday's rally right to depoliticize it?"

Clinton walked past Young, said "Thank you all very much" and started hugging people.

Clinton's people tell CBS 2 HD she intends to make some statement of support for the protestors. She is also expected to attack Ahmadinejad's pro-nuke, anti-Israel stance.


The TrekMedic is disgusted:

Party politics and outright hatred are emboldening the leader of a terrorist state. Nice work, Dems. This is what we want for the next 8 years??

I'm Sure Palin is Shaking in Her Shoes, Now!

Lindsay Lohan farts (isn't that the loud noise assholes make?) and Leftywood listens:

From her MySpace page:

“I really cannot bite my tongue anymore when it comes to Sarah Palin.

I couldn’t be more supportive of a woman in office, but let’s face it, it comes down to the person, and their beliefs, male or female.

(snip)

Well hey, if she wants to drill for oil, she should DO IT IN HER OWN backyard. This really shows me her complete lack of real preparation to become the second most powerful person in this country. (Hey, Lindsay, maybe if you weren't snorting so much coke, you'd know where ANWR is located! Here's a clue: Palin is governor of this state.....tick,...tick,..tick,.. TM)

(snip)

Is our country so divided that the Republicans best hope is a narrow minded, media obsessed homophobe? (Media obsessed? Who changed Invesco Field into Mount Olympus? - TM)

(snip)

Oh, and…Hint Hint Pali Pal- Don’t pose for anymore tabloid covers, you’re not a celebrity, you’re running for office to represent our, your, my COUNTRY! (Where do you start with this one? Pot, meet kettle? Ever hear of media bias? OMFG! - TM)

Puff on This, Diddley-Squat!

Also from new Friend O' Trek, NEPALibWatch:



Available at CafePress!

Word, yo,...

Achey,..Breaky,...Skanky?

Does anybody see a gun being pointed at her head in these pics??

Miley Cyrus Says Vanity Fair Photo Spread Embarrasses Her

Monday, April 28, 2008

LOS ANGELES — Miley Cyrus is taking issue with a photo of herself that's going around, and it's not another amateur, truth-or-dare Internet snapshot — it's the handiwork of Annie Leibovitz.

"I took part in a photo shoot that was supposed to be 'artistic' and now, seeing the photographs and reading the story, I feel so embarrassed," Cyrus said Sunday in a statement through her publicist. "I never intended for any of this to happen and I apologize to my fans who I care so deeply about."

The photos, appearing in the upcoming issue of Vanity Fair, were taken by Leibovitz, a renowned celebrity photographer whose edgy, silver-toned portraits have included subjects such as Angelina Jolie, Scarlett Johansson and a naked, pregnant Demi Moore.

Click here to see the Vanity Fair photos.

"I'm sorry that my portrait of Miley has been misinterpreted," Leibovitz said in a statement released by Vanity Fair. "Miley and I looked at fashion photographs together and we discussed the picture in that context before we shot it. The photograph is a simple, classic portrait, shot with very little makeup, and I think it is very beautiful."

The Cyrus pictures accompany an interview with the 15-year-old pop star and her father, singer Billy Ray Cyrus. One photo in particular is causing the biggest stir: the teen idol is wrapped in what appears to be a satin bedsheet, looking over her shoulder with her back exposed.

The Disney Channel, which airs Cyrus' TV show "Hannah Montana," was also critical of Vanity Fair.

"Unfortunately, as the article suggests, a situation was created to deliberately manipulate a 15-year-old in order to sell magazines," a network statement said.

Vanity Fair defended the story and photo shoot in a statement of its own.

"Miley's parents and/or minders were on the set all day," the magazine said. "Since the photo was taken digitally, they saw it on the shoot and everyone thought it was a beautiful and natural portrait of Miley."

In a caption released by Vanity Fair with the photo, Cyrus expressed her comfort with how the apparently topless picture turned out.

"I think it's really artsy," she told the magazine at the time. "It wasn't in a skanky way. Annie took, like, a beautiful shot, and I thought that was really cool. That's what she wanted me to do, and you can't say no to Annie."

A handful of borderline racy snapshots of a girl who appeared to be Cyrus have appeared on the Internet in recent months, including images of a girl posing in her underwear and bikini last week. In one shot, she's draped over a young man.

Cyrus is one of the biggest — and most G-rated — acts in the country and is often considered a role model for young girls. Her "Best of Both Worlds" tour sold out arenas, and her successful 3-D concert film collected $31.3 million in its opening weekend in February.


The TrekMedic ponders:

Hypocrisy for the sake of a few more magazine sales??

Hmm,...

Is this pic:





Any worse than what can be found after a few moments of Googling:



Feh! Tempest in a "B" cup! Call me when she starts smoking dope and popping out fatherless children at age 17, then we'll talk!