Blog Smith is inspired by the myth of Hephaestus in the creation of blacksmith-like, forged materials: ideas. This blog analyzes topics that interest me: IT, politics, technology, history, education, music, and the history of religions.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Ian Hunter, 01 Jul 2012, Paddock Wood, Kent England - Hop Farm Festival
Tracie on backup vocals and Mick Ralphs on guitar.
Some pics, along with the other performers at the Festival.
Cf. http://peoplepress.photoshelter.com/gallery/JUL-1-Hop-Farm-Festival-Day-3/G0000j7Q9leBTB58
"Ian Hunter’s sandblasted voice sings his 1970s band Mott the Hoople’s rejuvenating anthem “All the Young Dudes”, during which Mott guitarist Mick Ralphs spirits in to solo."
Cf. http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/hop-farm-festival-paddock-wood-kent-7903541.html
Tag Archives: Ian Hunter
"Ian hunter performed a mixture of tracks from his time with Mott the Hoople and from his solo career, whilst also throwing in a couple of well rehearsed covers: these being Isolation by John Lennon and Sweet Jane by the Velvet Underground (considerably better than when performed by Lou Reed the previous year!). The covers were the only tracks I properly enjoyed throughout the set, though to give Ian Hunter credit I had not listened to anything other than his hits though as a stage performer (along with the rest of the band) he was very good, especially for a man of 73. This was set to change however for Ian’s big finale, ‘All the Young Dudes’. This anthem in glam rock was written by David Bowie and performed by Mott the Hoople in 1972 and is one of my favourite songs of all time. Closing the set with this was clearly a great idea, as I’d imagine almost everyone is aware of the songs existence, making it a real sing along tune. The only niggle at this set is not aimed at the performer, but at the crowd for instead watching Kool and the Gang and not singing along to one of the best songs of all time."
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Robert Lewis, Enola Gay
The 2007 documentary by Steven Okazaki "White Light/Black Rain: The Destruction of Hiroshima and Nagasaki":
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0911010/
Some Hiroshima survivors were flown to the US in 1955 to get plastic surgery for wounds they received when the atomic bomb was dropped. Among them was Shigeko Sasamori, who was interviewed for the film.
At the time, the leader of the mission, Kiyoshi Tanimoto, was featured on the TV show "This Is Your Life" where he met Captain Robert A. Lewis, the co-pilot of the Enola Gay, the plane that bombed him.
Clip from "This is Your Life:"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_58byuLBu0
Independence Mall, 2012
Live stream
Watch video of the protests, as the Occupiers trash the land they “occupy” while berating the officers, before everything descends into chaos:
Or, if you prefer, The Blaze’s very own Mike Opelka went to gathering in the early hours of the morning, long after the most rambunctious had either been arrested or fallen asleep. Check out what he found:
Watch live streaming video from occupyphiladelphia at livestream.com
Useful idiots will justify the establishment of a crackdown.
The big day, of course, is Wednesday, the 4th of July. As usual, it starts at 10 a.m. with the official Celebration of Freedom ceremony at Independence Hall. There will be patriotic music, inspirational speeches, and readings from the Declaration of Independence.
Following the official ceremony, the Philadelphia Independence Day Parade will commence at 11 a.m. More than 5,000 people - from marching bands to military groups and performers on floats - will wind their way around the historic district. It will be a tribute to the 10th Independence Day since the 9/11 attacks.
After the parade, it is time to hightail it over to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway for the noon-to-7 p.m. Party on the Parkway, between 20th Street and the Eakins Oval. Food of all sorts, three stages for music, art activities for children, and a variety of impromptu sporting events and games will dot the Parkway. Radio Disney will be there with face-painting, music performances, and craft-making for the Disney-centric.
All of the celebrations culminate Wednesday evening with the Philly 4th of July Jam and Grand Finale Fireworks, starting at 7 p.m. along the Parkway. Philadelphia's own Ahmir Thompson will be producing a show that will have his band, the Roots, Queen Latifah, Common, Daryl Hall, and Joe Jonas (plus some surprises, said Johnson - Boyz II Men, for example, showed up as a surprise last year). Following the concert, about 10 p.m., there will be those Grand Finale Fireworks over the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP)
An electromagnetic pulse (sometimes abbreviated EMP) is a burst of electromagnetic radiation. The abrupt pulse of electromagnetic radiation usually results from certain types of high energy explosions, especially a nuclear explosion, or from a suddenly fluctuating magnetic field. The resulting rapidly-changing electric fields and magnetic fields may couple with electrical/electronic systems to produce damaging current and voltage surges.
In military terminology, a nuclear warhead detonated hundreds of kilometers above the Earth's surface is known as a high-altitude electromagnetic pulse (HEMP) device. Effects of a HEMP device depend on a very large number of factors, including the altitude of the detonation, energy yield, gamma ray output, interactions with the Earth's magnetic field, and electromagnetic shielding of targets.
It has long been known that there are many ways to protect against nuclear EMP (or to quickly begin repairs where protection is not practical); but the United States EMP Commission determined that such protections are almost completely absent in the civilian infrastructure of the United States, and that even large sectors of the United States military services were no longer protected against EMP to the level that they were during the Cold War. The public statements of the physicists and engineers working in the EMP field tend to emphasize the importance of making electronic equipment and electrical components resistant to EMP — and of keeping adequate spare parts on hand, and in the proper location, to enable prompt repairs to be made.[22][34][47] The United States EMP Commission did not look at the civilian infrastructures of other nations.
22. Report of the Commission to Assess the Threat to the United States from Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Attack
34. EMP Commission Critical National Infrastructures Report
47. Ross, Lenard H., Jr. and Mihelic, F. Matthew, "Healthcare Vulnerabilities to Electromagnetic Pulse," American Journal of Disaster Medicine, Vol. 3, No. 6, pp. 321–325. November/December 2008.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Obama Lies When Interviewed by Stephanopoulos On "Tax Increases"
Sep 20, 2009
On "This Week," George Stephanopoulos and President Obama have a colorful discussion over Obama's health care reform proposal.
Stephanopoulos takes issue with a mandate that obligates Americans to purchase health insurance, or risk being fined as much as $900. "How is that not a tax?"
"A responsibility to get health insurance is not a tax increase," Obama said.
Stephanopoulos then tells Obama that he looked up the definition of "tax" in Merriam Webster's dictionary.
"The fact that you looked up... the definition of tax increase indicates that you're stretching a little bit right now," Obama responded.
Friday, June 29, 2012
MADISON RISING DEFENDS NATIONAL ANTHEM AGAINST LIBERAL ATTACKS WITH THIS PATRIOTIC ‘STAR SPANGLED BANNER’ CHALLENGE
You can download the rock version of the “Star Spangled Banner” here and check out the rest of the band’s music videos on the Madison Rising YouTube page.
Catholic University of America Accused of Discriminating Against Muslims
Muslims Demand Prayer Rooms Without Crosses
http://video.foxnews.com/v/1244953787001/catholic-university-under-attack/?playlist_id=86924
So let me get this straight. I am supposed to feel better about the accusation because an activist anti-Catholic attorney can file a frivolous lawsuit and activist anti-Catholic judges will seriously entertain the motion while CUA must pay private counsel to combat the taxpayer (including Roman Catholics) supported D.C. Office of Human Rights?
Isn't anti-Catholic bigotry, as any prejudice, simply offensive to civil discourse and should be condemned on that basis?
The crux of the issue is to see through the human rights smokescreen which obscures religious First Amendment natural rights.
The distinction between human rights and natural rights deriving inalienably from the Creator is not apparent. There are those that must believe promoting Islamist issues will find a hearing and will be considered seriously.
I do not feel any better after all.
Get ready.
On Becoming Illegal
On Becoming Illegal.
FORMS ARE GOING FAST- SIGN UP TODAY!
Becoming Illegal (Actual letter from an Iowa resident sent to his senator,)
The Honorable Tom Harkin
731 Hart Senate Office Building
Phone (202) 224 3254
Washington DC , 20510
Dear Senator Harkin,
As a native Iowan and excellent customer of the Internal Revenue Service, I am writing to ask for your assistance. I have contacted the Department of Homeland Security in an effort to determine the process for becoming an illegal alien and they referred me to you.
My primary reason for wishing to change my status from U.S. Citizen to illegal alien stems from the bill which was recently passed by the Senate and for which you voted. If my understanding of this bill is accurate, as an illegal alien who has been in the United States for five years, all I need to do to become a citizen is to pay a $2,000 fine and income taxes for only three of the last five years. I know a good deal when I see one and I am anxious to get the process started before everyone figures it out.
Simply put, those of us who have been here legally have had to pay taxes every year so I'm excited about the prospect of avoiding two years of taxes in return for paying a $2,000 fine. Is there any way that I can apply to be illegal retroactively? This would yield an excellent result for me and my family because we paid heavy taxes in 2004 and 2005.
Additionally, as an illegal alien I could begin using the local emergency room as my primary health care provider. Once I have stopped paying premiums for medical insurance, my accountant figures I could save almost $10,000 a year.
Another benefit in gaining illegal status would be that my daughter would receive preferential treatment relative to her law school applications, as well as 'in-state' tuition rates for many colleges throughout the United States for my son.
Lastly, I understand that illegal status would relieve me of the burden of renewing my driver's license and making those burdensome car insurance premiums. This is very important to me, given that I still have college age children driving my car.
If you would provide me with an outline of the process to become illegal (retroactively if possible) and copies of the necessary forms, I would be most appreciative. Thank you for your assistance
Your Loyal Constituent, (hoping to reach 'illegal alien' status rather than just a bonafide citizen of the USA )
Donald Ruppert
Burlington , IA
Get your Forms (NOW)!!
Call your Internal Revenue Service at 1-800-289-1040
Thursday, June 28, 2012
When Is A Tax Not A Tax? When Obama Says Its Not a Tax
2008 Obama: Health Care Should "Never Be Purchased With Tax Increases On Middle Class Families"
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Ronald Reagan Tribute -- Bel Air Presbyterian Church
Ronald Reagan Tribute -- Bel Air Presbyterian Church, 4:47
ECONOMIST SCHIFF VS. ‘THE 99%’ AT OCCUPY WALL STREET
ECONOMIST SCHIFF VS. ‘THE 99%’ AT OCCUPY WALL STREET
What happens when a financial expert tries to take on “the 99%” at Occupy Wall Street? Peter Schiff, CEO and Chief Global Strategist of Euro Pacific Capital Inc., found out when he paid a visit to the occupiers at Zuccotti Park.
The long-time financial industry executive and radio host asked the protesters what they felt was a fair percentage for him to be taxed. None seemed to provide a clear answer, but were intent on telling Schiff that the Bush tax cuts need to be abolished. Schiff then attempted to explain to the demonstrators that, if the Bush tax cuts were allowed to expire, he would end up paying more than 50 percent to the government in taxes. Is “that fair?” he asked. The protesters simply stayed on course, reiterating that Schiff and all those in the “1%“ need to ”pay their fair share.”
Schiff provides a good example of what happens when “the 99%” are confronted with legitimate questions about taxes, entrepreneurship, employment, and giving back to society.
Part II: Muslims Stone Christians in Dearborn, Dearbornistan, MI
CHRISTIANS STONED BY MUSLIMS AT ARAB FESTIVAL RETAIN THE AMERICAN FREEDOM LAW CENTER
Edited tape down to 4:55
RIOT BREAKS OUT AT DEARBORN'S 2011 ARAB FESTIVAL
This disturbing video demonstrates the First Amendment rights violations of those Christians physically attacked at the 2012 Dearborn Arab Festival in the new America, Omerica, a Muslim enclave.
In Europe, these Muslim enclaves have resulted in police refusing to perform their duties and began Muslim run areas with the result that in France, England, and Germany leaders have proclaimed the end of the experiment with diversity.
Shariah-compliant Muslims have succeeded in striking fear into the hearts of the infidels. In the case of the Dearborn Arab Festival, you will see that the dhimmis are not the few Christians who withstood the physical attacks by the Muslims, but the fearful are those who have taken an oath to protect Americans. The fearful, are the Dearborn Sheriff and Police. Sadly, you will see the Police accuse the Christians of endangering public safety.
Newscast
Deputy Chief Mike Jaafar was one of the stars of the now-cancelled TLC show “All American Muslim.”
Cyber Bank Attack: Authorities Can Not Protect Your Money
Fraud Ring In Hacking Attack On 60 Banks
Now there will be calls for regulation and more control over ordinary citizen's accounts because authorities can not protect your money.
"They have identified 60 different servers, many of them in Russia" thus the rogue elements in the former Soviet Union are alive and well. Most likely, as forensic evidence accumulates Russia will be identified as the center of the attack.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
VOTE FOR OBAMA BECAUSE OF PLANNED PARENTHOOD? WAIT UNTIL YOU HEAR WHAT HE SAID AT A N.H. HIGH SCHOOL
According to a White House transcript, President Obama told a New Hampshire crowd Monday that they should vote for him because Republicans will prevent women from making their own health care choices, prevent “young” people from staying on their parent’s health insurance, make college educations a “luxury,” and will somehow prevent Americans from controlling their own energy.
“In this election, on every single challenge that we face, you’ve got the final say,” he told the audience at Oyster River High School in Durham, N.H.
“You can decide that instead of restricting access to birth control or defunding Planned Parenthood, we should make sure that in this country, women control their own health care choices. That’s up to you,” he said to roars of applause, according to both the transcript and available video.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/vote-for-obama-because-of-planned-parenthood-wait-until-you-hear-what-he-said-at-a-n-h-high-school/
“In this election, on every single challenge that we face, you’ve got the final say,” he told the audience at Oyster River High School in Durham, N.H.
“You can decide that instead of restricting access to birth control or defunding Planned Parenthood, we should make sure that in this country, women control their own health care choices. That’s up to you,” he said to roars of applause, according to both the transcript and available video.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/vote-for-obama-because-of-planned-parenthood-wait-until-you-hear-what-he-said-at-a-n-h-high-school/
Religious Liberty Conference, 24 June 2012
Religious Liberty Conference, 24 June 2012
The Christian Meaning of Freedom, Meghan Cokely
Conscience and Cooperation in Evil, Steven Bozza
LAURA INGRAHAM REFEREES A RELIGIOUS-FREEDOM FACE-OFF BETWEEN A PROMINENT PASTOR & AN ATHEIST LEADER
Laura Ingraham (in for Bill O’Reilly) facilitated a spirited ideological and theological match between Pastor Robert Jeffress of First Baptist in Dallas, Texas, and David Silverman, president of American Atheists.
In the beginning of the segment, Ingraham discussed the startling new Gallup poll that found that 44 percent of Americans cannot name Obama’s religion. She also mentioned another poll from last week that found a willingness among more than half of the U.S. population (54 percent) to vote for an atheist candidate for the presidency.
“Has the role of religion in government in the highest office changed?”
But the conversation went haywire when Ingraham and Jeffrees asserted that the federal government is attacking religious freedom. Naturally, the contraceptive mandate came up as evidence for this alleged governmental abuse — something that Silverman flatly disagreed with.
“Contraception? You’re actually saying that humans do not have the right to have contraception the way they see fit,” he proclaimed.
“It’s not just the HHS mandate,” Jeffrees countered.
“What is it? Tell me how there’s an attack again religion? Really, I want to know how I think there’s an attack…,” Silverman responded.
In the end, Silverman didn’t seem to believe that there is widespread angst over the mandate, despite a massive Catholic campaign and response called “Fortnight for Freedom.”
Protesters Articulate Why Karl Rove is Evil
Do these organized protesters even know why they are marching? Or do they even know who they are marching against?
Rep. Issa Letter to Obama Re: Executive Privilege
Rep. Issa Letter to Obama Re: Executive Privilege
Rep. Darrell Issa's Letter to Obama
"Either you or your most senior advisors were involved in managing Operation Fast & Furious and the fallout from it,including the false February 4, 2011 letter provided by the Attorney General to the Committee,or, you are asserting a Presidential power that you know to be unjustified solely for the purposeof further obstructing a congressional investigation."
Rep. Darrell Issa's Letter to Obama
"Either you or your most senior advisors were involved in managing Operation Fast & Furious and the fallout from it,including the false February 4, 2011 letter provided by the Attorney General to the Committee,or, you are asserting a Presidential power that you know to be unjustified solely for the purposeof further obstructing a congressional investigation."
Mother of Hillary’s chief of staff served in Muslim Brotherhood
HILLARY TIED TO NEW MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD PRESIDENT
Saleha Mahmood Abedin, the mother of Hillary Clinton’s chief of staff, reportedly served in the women’s division of the Muslim Brotherhood alongside the wife of Egypt’s new president, the Brotherhood’s Mohammed Mursi.
Abedin represented a Muslim charity known to have spawned terror groups, including one declared by the U.S. government to be an official al-Qaida front.
WND also reported Clinton spoke at Abedin’s Saudi women’s college, where she was introduced by Abedin alongside the Islamic activist’s daughter, Huma, who serves as Clinton’s chief of staff. At the speech, Clinton praised Saleha’s “pioneering work.”
Abedin served as a delegate for the Muslim World League, an Islamic fundamentalist group Osama bin Laden reportedly told an associate was one of his most important charity fronts.
Saleha Mahmood Abedin, the mother of Hillary Clinton’s chief of staff, reportedly served in the women’s division of the Muslim Brotherhood alongside the wife of Egypt’s new president, the Brotherhood’s Mohammed Mursi.
Abedin represented a Muslim charity known to have spawned terror groups, including one declared by the U.S. government to be an official al-Qaida front.
WND also reported Clinton spoke at Abedin’s Saudi women’s college, where she was introduced by Abedin alongside the Islamic activist’s daughter, Huma, who serves as Clinton’s chief of staff. At the speech, Clinton praised Saleha’s “pioneering work.”
Abedin served as a delegate for the Muslim World League, an Islamic fundamentalist group Osama bin Laden reportedly told an associate was one of his most important charity fronts.
Monday, June 25, 2012
Enabling HTTPS mode
Enabling HTTPS mode
HTTPS , the secure counterpart to HTTP, wraps a layer of encryption around the information traveling between your computer and a web server. This is typically used to provide enhanced privacy and security for services like web browsing, e-mail and instant messaging.
Many sites that offer HTTPS support include content from other sites. When some parts of the site are not accessed using HTTPS, browsers generate a “mixed content” warning since not all items on this page are secure. Sites that use HTTPS and add default YouTube video embeds could generate this warning. To avoid that, and to allow your site to support HTTPS more consistently, you can choose the new Use HTTPS embed option.
It is important to note that while embed components are all supported using HTTPS and do not generate the mixed content error, we do not yet support video streams over HTTPS.
Using HTTPS option for embeds
If you'd like to use HTTPS embeds for a video that you're about to embed on another site, simply:
Find the video that you'd like to embed.
Go to the video watch page and click on the Embed button below the video player. You'll see various options, including the Use HTTPS checkbox, directly below the embed code.
Click the Use HTTPS checkbox to enable HTTPS on the embed of this video
Copy the video's embed code and paste the code into the section of the site where you'd like the video embedded. The video will be embedded in HTTPS mode.
HTTPS , the secure counterpart to HTTP, wraps a layer of encryption around the information traveling between your computer and a web server. This is typically used to provide enhanced privacy and security for services like web browsing, e-mail and instant messaging.
Many sites that offer HTTPS support include content from other sites. When some parts of the site are not accessed using HTTPS, browsers generate a “mixed content” warning since not all items on this page are secure. Sites that use HTTPS and add default YouTube video embeds could generate this warning. To avoid that, and to allow your site to support HTTPS more consistently, you can choose the new Use HTTPS embed option.
It is important to note that while embed components are all supported using HTTPS and do not generate the mixed content error, we do not yet support video streams over HTTPS.
Using HTTPS option for embeds
If you'd like to use HTTPS embeds for a video that you're about to embed on another site, simply:
Find the video that you'd like to embed.
Go to the video watch page and click on the Embed button below the video player. You'll see various options, including the Use HTTPS checkbox, directly below the embed code.
Click the Use HTTPS checkbox to enable HTTPS on the embed of this video
Copy the video's embed code and paste the code into the section of the site where you'd like the video embedded. The video will be embedded in HTTPS mode.
Domestic drones: What are they good for? Nothing
Domestic drones: What are they good for?
The most interesting aspect of the story is that as drones are deployed to limit the liberties of the American people the stumbling block has been the stifling bureaucracy of the FAA. The worse enemy of the Federal government, as free-market advocates maintain, is the over-regulation of the Federal government itself.
Anti-drone Counter Measures
Recall your basic radio frequency and you will find (by looking at the FCC data base) that, lo and behold, drone radio control frequencies are listed. Understand that the hobby ones are on common public frequencies. The police and para-military ones are on frequencies which are on channels authorized for the police, public safety, and so forth. 1) find the frequencies and plug them into your hand held scanner (preferably with direction antenna); 2) listen for either tones or digital bursts when the drones are in your vicinity; 3) identify those tones or bursts as related to movement of the drone if you want to, but with digital signals it will be difficult without a spectrum analyzer. Next once you have the frequencies (a task of maybe 10 minutes) you can build a burst type transmitter using common hobby parts and usually modified hand-held frequency agile hobby radios such as those made by PuxXing, the radio folks. And, zap away.
Cf. http://www.puxingradio.com/
Miami Beach Drone Checks Out the Babes
The drones are being used to monitor a Memorial Day weekend party on Miami beach. In the video, a party-goer spots the drone and says, “That’s the police.”
Dallas, Texas Police State: Camera as Probable Cause
Dallas Deputy Sheriff James Westbrook
Motorcyclist: Chris Moore
WESTBROOK: “The reason you‘re being pulled over is because I’m gonna take your camera and we’re gonna use it as evidence of the crimes that have been committed by other bikers.”
MOORE: “I have not committed any crimes, and you cannot take my personal property from me, sir.”
The motorcyclist is correct and this is where he should stop, allow the cop to continue to be a bully, violate the principle of probable cause, further his illegal activities by confiscating private property, and thereafter fighting the violations by filing a complaint, suing the law enforcement agency, and following up after the cop's infractions occurred. However, it is difficult for an ordinary citizen to remain calm and fight the offending officer effectively and legally at a later time.
From the tape I do not see any evidence that Moore's license is obstructed, he spouts it off easily so he could have it memorized but in any case I see no probable cause to arrest Moore for the offense.
After the incident Moore spent eight hours in jail and, as promised from the beginning, the video from his camera was turned over to the gang unit as evidence.
The tape shows no evidence that the motorcycle club engaged in illegal driving. The traffic is light and it appears to me that the club is simply out to enjoy a Memorial Day drive themselves; this is an American right.
But the story doesn’t end there. Local station WFAA-TV caught wind of the story and aired it.
The department has said that officers that day were being taunted by large groups of riders, and has released video of that (riders also shut down the freeway last year with their antics).
The video shows that fifteen minutes before Moore was pulled over there were driving violations, and probable cause of some wrong doing particularly where a female rider was seen handing off some unknown objects to a motorcyclist and then she subsequently hops on another bike and rides off. The police were simply out manned and unable to effectively respond to the violations which must have been frustrating to the police.
What Is Probable Cause?
Probable cause must be based on factual evidence and not just on suspicion.
Most probable cause sources can be placed into four categories. These categories are:
Observation – This is information that the officer obtains through their senses, such as sight, smell or hearing. This category is also used when an officer detects a familiar pattern of criminal activity that contains suspicious behaviors (i.e., flashing headlights, circling around a certain neighborhood.)
Expertise – These are skills that officers are specially trained in, such as: being able to read gang graffiti and tattoos, detecting tools that are used in burglaries or knowing when certain movements or gestures indicate that a criminal activity is about to occur.
Information – Statements provided by witnesses and victims, information provided by informants, and announcements made through police bulletins and broadcasts.
Circumstantial Evidence – This is indirect evidence that implies that a crime has occurred but does not directly prove it.
While there are some sources of probable cause that need to be supplemented by other sources, some sources are sufficient enough to stand on their own.
For a judge to issue a search warrant, probable cause must show that it is likely that a crime took place and the person who is accused was involved in the criminal activity. If a search or arrest is made without a warrant, it must meet the standard of probable cause to be admissible in court.
Evidence obtained through searches and seizures made without probable cause can not be used against a defendant in court.
However, even if violations occurred it does not justify the actions against Moore. It does not constitute probable cause. There is no evidence to connect the earlier incidents with Moore; it would be good police work if it could be done but the officer did not perform his duties in an admirable fashion.
The deputy likely felt that earlier and unrelated incidents were frustrating when he pulled over Moore in order to seize Moore’s helmet camera.
“Well, I think in this particular case, you did need a warrant to get that piece of evidence,” Toby Shook, a former Dallas prosecutor, told the station.
He added later, “The Constitution wins out over frustration every time.”
Absolutely. Ironically, the department says no dash cam video exists from Westbrook’s squad car.
the sheriff’s department has launched an internal investigation over the matter.
Motorcyclist: Chris Moore
WESTBROOK: “The reason you‘re being pulled over is because I’m gonna take your camera and we’re gonna use it as evidence of the crimes that have been committed by other bikers.”
MOORE: “I have not committed any crimes, and you cannot take my personal property from me, sir.”
The motorcyclist is correct and this is where he should stop, allow the cop to continue to be a bully, violate the principle of probable cause, further his illegal activities by confiscating private property, and thereafter fighting the violations by filing a complaint, suing the law enforcement agency, and following up after the cop's infractions occurred. However, it is difficult for an ordinary citizen to remain calm and fight the offending officer effectively and legally at a later time.
From the tape I do not see any evidence that Moore's license is obstructed, he spouts it off easily so he could have it memorized but in any case I see no probable cause to arrest Moore for the offense.
After the incident Moore spent eight hours in jail and, as promised from the beginning, the video from his camera was turned over to the gang unit as evidence.
The tape shows no evidence that the motorcycle club engaged in illegal driving. The traffic is light and it appears to me that the club is simply out to enjoy a Memorial Day drive themselves; this is an American right.
But the story doesn’t end there. Local station WFAA-TV caught wind of the story and aired it.
The department has said that officers that day were being taunted by large groups of riders, and has released video of that (riders also shut down the freeway last year with their antics).
The video shows that fifteen minutes before Moore was pulled over there were driving violations, and probable cause of some wrong doing particularly where a female rider was seen handing off some unknown objects to a motorcyclist and then she subsequently hops on another bike and rides off. The police were simply out manned and unable to effectively respond to the violations which must have been frustrating to the police.
What Is Probable Cause?
Probable cause must be based on factual evidence and not just on suspicion.
Most probable cause sources can be placed into four categories. These categories are:
Observation – This is information that the officer obtains through their senses, such as sight, smell or hearing. This category is also used when an officer detects a familiar pattern of criminal activity that contains suspicious behaviors (i.e., flashing headlights, circling around a certain neighborhood.)
Expertise – These are skills that officers are specially trained in, such as: being able to read gang graffiti and tattoos, detecting tools that are used in burglaries or knowing when certain movements or gestures indicate that a criminal activity is about to occur.
Information – Statements provided by witnesses and victims, information provided by informants, and announcements made through police bulletins and broadcasts.
Circumstantial Evidence – This is indirect evidence that implies that a crime has occurred but does not directly prove it.
While there are some sources of probable cause that need to be supplemented by other sources, some sources are sufficient enough to stand on their own.
For a judge to issue a search warrant, probable cause must show that it is likely that a crime took place and the person who is accused was involved in the criminal activity. If a search or arrest is made without a warrant, it must meet the standard of probable cause to be admissible in court.
Evidence obtained through searches and seizures made without probable cause can not be used against a defendant in court.
However, even if violations occurred it does not justify the actions against Moore. It does not constitute probable cause. There is no evidence to connect the earlier incidents with Moore; it would be good police work if it could be done but the officer did not perform his duties in an admirable fashion.
The deputy likely felt that earlier and unrelated incidents were frustrating when he pulled over Moore in order to seize Moore’s helmet camera.
“Well, I think in this particular case, you did need a warrant to get that piece of evidence,” Toby Shook, a former Dallas prosecutor, told the station.
He added later, “The Constitution wins out over frustration every time.”
Absolutely. Ironically, the department says no dash cam video exists from Westbrook’s squad car.
the sheriff’s department has launched an internal investigation over the matter.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
OCCUPY WALL STREET PROTESTERS ARE ASKED: WHO’S MORE DANGEROUS — RUSH LIMBAUGH OR AL QAEDA?
Who’s more dangerous to American society: Rush Limbaugh or al Qaeda?
Obama Cairo, Egypt Apology Speech: The fifth issue that we must address together is religious freedom
"The fifth issue that we must address together is religious freedom."
OBAMA, Cairo, Egypt, June 4, 2009
“So let me be clear: No system of government can or should be imposed by one nation by any other.
That does not lessen my commitment, however, to governments that reflect the will of the people. Each nation gives life to this principle in its own way, grounded in the traditions of its own people. America does not presume to know what is best for everyone, just as we would not presume to pick the outcome of a peaceful election. But I do have an unyielding belief that all people yearn for certain things: the ability to speak your mind and have a say in how you are governed; confidence in the rule of law and the equal administration of justice; government that is transparent and doesn’t steal from the people; the freedom to live as you choose. These are not just American ideas; they are human rights. And that is why we will support them everywhere. (Applause.)
Now, there is no straight line to realize this promise. But this much is clear: Governments that protect these rights are ultimately more stable, successful and secure. Suppressing ideas never succeeds in making them go away. America respects the right of all peaceful and law-abiding voices to be heard around the world, even if we disagree with them. And we will welcome all elected, peaceful governments — provided they govern with respect for all their people.
This last point is important because there are some who advocate for democracy only when they’re out of power; once in power, they are ruthless in suppressing the rights of others. (Applause.) So no matter where it takes hold, government of the people and by the people sets a single standard for all who would hold power: You must maintain your power through consent, not coercion; you must respect the rights of minorities, and participate with a spirit of tolerance and compromise; you must pla ce the interests of your people and the legitimate workings of the political process above your party. Without these ingredients, elections alone do not make true democracy.
AUDIENCE MEMBER: Barack Obama, we love you!
PRESIDENT OBAMA: Thank you. (Applause.)
The fifth issue that we must address together is religious freedom.
Islam has a proud tradition of tolerance. We see it in the history of Andalusia and Cordoba during the Inquisition. I saw it firsthand as a child in Indonesia, where devout Christians worshiped freely in an overwhelmingly Muslim country. That is the spirit we need today. People in every country should be free to choose and live their faith based upon the persuasion of the mind and the heart and the soul. This tolerance is essential for religion to thrive, but it’s being challenged in many different ways.
Among some Muslims, there‘s a disturbing tendency to measure one’s own faith by the rejection of somebody else’s faith. The richness of religious diversity must be upheld — whether it is for Maronites in Lebanon or the Copts in Egypt. (Applause.) And if we are being honest, fault lines must be closed among Muslims, as well, as the divisions between Sunni and Shia have led to tragic violence, particularly in Iraq.”
OBAMA, Cairo, Egypt, June 4, 2009
“So let me be clear: No system of government can or should be imposed by one nation by any other.
That does not lessen my commitment, however, to governments that reflect the will of the people. Each nation gives life to this principle in its own way, grounded in the traditions of its own people. America does not presume to know what is best for everyone, just as we would not presume to pick the outcome of a peaceful election. But I do have an unyielding belief that all people yearn for certain things: the ability to speak your mind and have a say in how you are governed; confidence in the rule of law and the equal administration of justice; government that is transparent and doesn’t steal from the people; the freedom to live as you choose. These are not just American ideas; they are human rights. And that is why we will support them everywhere. (Applause.)
Now, there is no straight line to realize this promise. But this much is clear: Governments that protect these rights are ultimately more stable, successful and secure. Suppressing ideas never succeeds in making them go away. America respects the right of all peaceful and law-abiding voices to be heard around the world, even if we disagree with them. And we will welcome all elected, peaceful governments — provided they govern with respect for all their people.
This last point is important because there are some who advocate for democracy only when they’re out of power; once in power, they are ruthless in suppressing the rights of others. (Applause.) So no matter where it takes hold, government of the people and by the people sets a single standard for all who would hold power: You must maintain your power through consent, not coercion; you must respect the rights of minorities, and participate with a spirit of tolerance and compromise; you must pla ce the interests of your people and the legitimate workings of the political process above your party. Without these ingredients, elections alone do not make true democracy.
AUDIENCE MEMBER: Barack Obama, we love you!
PRESIDENT OBAMA: Thank you. (Applause.)
The fifth issue that we must address together is religious freedom.
Islam has a proud tradition of tolerance. We see it in the history of Andalusia and Cordoba during the Inquisition. I saw it firsthand as a child in Indonesia, where devout Christians worshiped freely in an overwhelmingly Muslim country. That is the spirit we need today. People in every country should be free to choose and live their faith based upon the persuasion of the mind and the heart and the soul. This tolerance is essential for religion to thrive, but it’s being challenged in many different ways.
Among some Muslims, there‘s a disturbing tendency to measure one’s own faith by the rejection of somebody else’s faith. The richness of religious diversity must be upheld — whether it is for Maronites in Lebanon or the Copts in Egypt. (Applause.) And if we are being honest, fault lines must be closed among Muslims, as well, as the divisions between Sunni and Shia have led to tragic violence, particularly in Iraq.”
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Bill Ayers Says Promote The Violence That Already Exists To His Revolutionaries
On October 20th, 2011 #occupychicago invited Domestic Terrorist turned University of Illinois professor, Bill Ayers, to lead a "teach-in" on the virtues of confrontational tactics dubbed "non-violent disobedience" in the anti-capitalist revolution.
CALIF. CITY CHANGES ZONING CODE TO ALLOW HOME BIBLE STUDY AFTER COUPLE WAS FINED
CALIF. CITY CHANGES ZONING CODE TO ALLOW HOME BIBLE STUDY AFTER COUPLE WAS FINED
Posted on June 22, 2012 at 11:32pm
If a mega-mosque is to be built without any apparent funding (http://atlasshrugs2000.typepad.com/atlas_shrugs/2012/06/mysterious-money-and-motive-behind-monster-mosque-in-mufreesboro.html) the DOJ gets involved because the claim is that the Muslims are being discriminated against. No one in Justice asks where all the funding is coming from.
On the other hand, if a small group of Christians wishes to meet in a home to study the Bible they are restricted by zoning and they have to appeal to a private, independent Justice group.
Something is wrong with this picture.
NZKIWI
Posted on June 23, 2012 at 4:25am
Indeed there is.
The muslim brotherhood, through its subsidiary groups, has succeeded in berating your various forms of government (state, federal, and local), punishing them with endless litigation, until they are whipped, whimpering, and compliant.
Meanwhile, these same officials land on ordinary, decent people like anvils.
LIVESTREAMING TONIGHT! "A SUMMER NIGHT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS" FIGHT FOR FREEDOM, DEFEAT SHARIA
Live streaming
Pamela Geller and Robert Spencer host:
Nonie Darwish: Ex-Muslim and human rights activist raised in Gaza; director of Former Muslims United; author of Now They Call Me Infidel; Cruel and Usual Punishment; and The Devil We Don't Know.
Ibn Warraq: Pakistani ex-Muslim and renowned scholar; author of Why I Am Not A Muslim; The Quest for the Historical Muhammad; Leaving Islam; Why the West Is Best; and many other books.
Walid Shoebat: Palestinian former jihad terrorist and member of the Muslim Brotherhood; now a Christian and a peace activist.
Ishmail Zarouali: Originally from Morocco, the son of a religious Muslim family. Because of rumors that he was an apostate, he was stabbed several times in his stomach and left for dead on the streets of Morocco by people crying "apostate." Now he has gained asylum in the U.S.
Wafa Sultan: Psychologist and Syrian ex-Muslim; author of A God Who Hates.
Dr. Bushra Qader: Originally from Iraq, she is an activist for the rights of former Muslims.
Ramin Parsha: Iranian NajatTV host who was born and raised as a devout Shiite Muslim is Shiraz, Iran. He is associate Pastor at Nejat Church with Pastor Reza Safa, who also was an Islamic supremacist in Iran and is now one of the most prominent ex-Muslim Christian pastors in America.
Amani Mustafa: Ex-Muslim from Egypt, TV producer and host of a Christian show, The Muslim Woman, appealing to Muslim women in the Middle East, North Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula. Her show reaches 300 million households globally with 50 million viewers per live program.
Mohammed Asghar: Originally from Bangladesh, ex-Muslim author and an authority on the Qur'an.
Pamela Geller and Robert Spencer host:
Nonie Darwish: Ex-Muslim and human rights activist raised in Gaza; director of Former Muslims United; author of Now They Call Me Infidel; Cruel and Usual Punishment; and The Devil We Don't Know.
Ibn Warraq: Pakistani ex-Muslim and renowned scholar; author of Why I Am Not A Muslim; The Quest for the Historical Muhammad; Leaving Islam; Why the West Is Best; and many other books.
Walid Shoebat: Palestinian former jihad terrorist and member of the Muslim Brotherhood; now a Christian and a peace activist.
Ishmail Zarouali: Originally from Morocco, the son of a religious Muslim family. Because of rumors that he was an apostate, he was stabbed several times in his stomach and left for dead on the streets of Morocco by people crying "apostate." Now he has gained asylum in the U.S.
Wafa Sultan: Psychologist and Syrian ex-Muslim; author of A God Who Hates.
Dr. Bushra Qader: Originally from Iraq, she is an activist for the rights of former Muslims.
Ramin Parsha: Iranian NajatTV host who was born and raised as a devout Shiite Muslim is Shiraz, Iran. He is associate Pastor at Nejat Church with Pastor Reza Safa, who also was an Islamic supremacist in Iran and is now one of the most prominent ex-Muslim Christian pastors in America.
Amani Mustafa: Ex-Muslim from Egypt, TV producer and host of a Christian show, The Muslim Woman, appealing to Muslim women in the Middle East, North Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula. Her show reaches 300 million households globally with 50 million viewers per live program.
Mohammed Asghar: Originally from Bangladesh, ex-Muslim author and an authority on the Qur'an.
U.S. Military Invades St. Louis
June 21-28 in St. Louis. Presence of tanks will be most noticeable in the area of the sixth district.
SOURCE:
http://www.dailypaul.com/241599/dont-be-alrmed-army-trains-mps-to-drive-tanks...
"Sightings of vehicles provokes fears of martial law"
Paul Joseph Watson
Infowars.com
Friday, June 22, 2012
St Louis City residents have been warned to not be alarmed at the sight of U.S. Army tanks rolling down residential neighborhoods after sightings of the vehicles provoked fears of martial law.
The exercise is part of a U.S. Army program run by military police from Fort Meade, Maryland focused around training MPs from St. Louis how to drive heavily armored tanks "on highways and on city streets."
Sightings of the tanks prompted hundreds of residents to flood news channel KSDK's Facebook page, with some expressing fears that martial law had arrived with others promising to "stop and salute" the tanks as they rolled by.
Reporting that he was told by the Army not to disclose the location of where the exercise was operating out of for "security reasons," KSDK reporter Casey Nolan downplayed the exercise as "not such a big deal."
Friday, June 22, 2012
Economic History, Graphed
Original source
In Year 1, India and China were home to one-third and one-quarter of the world's population, respectively. It's hardly surprising, then, that they also commanded one-third and one-quarter of the world's economy, respectively.
Before the Industrial Revolution, there wasn't really any such thing as lasting income growth from productivity. In the thousands of years before the Industrial Revolution, civilization was stuck in the Malthusian Trap. If lots of people died, incomes tended to go up, as fewer workers benefited from a stable supply of crops. If lots of people were born, however, incomes would fall, which often led to more deaths. That explains the "trap," and it also explains why populations so closely approximated GDP around the world.
The industrial revolution(s) changed all that. Today, the U.S. accounts for 5% of the world population and 21% of its GDP. Asia (minus Japan) accounts for 60% of the world's population and 30% of its GDP.
So, one way to read the graph, very broadly speaking, is that everything to the left of 1800 is an approximation of population distribution around the world and everything to the right of 1800 is a demonstration of productivity divergences around the world -- the mastering of means of manufacturing, production and supply chains by steam, electricity, and ultimately software that concentrated, first in the West, and then spread to Japan, Russia, China, India, Brazil, and beyond.
Trey Gowdy: Nancy Pelosi – Mind-Numbingly Stupid – Fast and Furious
Original source
Transcript courtesy of Fox Nation:
GRETA VAN SUSTEREN, FOX NEWS HOST: Well, watch out! It’s getting worse! Capitol Hill is getting downright dangerous. Party leaders come out swinging at everyone in their path.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
REP. JOHN BOEHNER (R-OH), SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: The decision to invoke executive privilege is an admission that White House officials were involved in decisions that misled the Congress and have covered up the truth.
REP. NANCY PELOSI (D-CA), MINORITY LEADER: The attorney general of the United States is the person responsible for making sure that voter suppression does not happen in our country, that issues that relate to the civil liberties of the American people are upheld. These very same people holding him in contempt are part of a nationwide scheme to suppress the vote.
BOEHNER: The House will vote next week on a contempt resolution unless these documents that we’re looking for are, in fact, turned over.
But this is about getting to the truth for the American people and the Terry family. It’s not — it’s not about personalities here.
PELOSI: Don’t forget they’re going after Eric Holder because he is supporting measures to overturn voter suppression initiatives in the states. This is no accident. It is no coincidence (INAUDIBLE)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
VAN SUSTEREN: Joining us is a member of the House Oversight Committee, Congressman Trey Gowdy. Nice to see you, sir.
REP. TREY GOWDY (R), SOUTH CAROLINA: Good to see you also, Greta.
VAN SUSTEREN: In light of the latest developments, the last couple days, I’m curious. Do you believe the president or the attorney general is hiding something?
GOWDY: Well, they have to be. There’s no other explanation. I was talking to my daughter tonight and I said, Honey, when you make a good score on a test, you can’t wait to tell me, but I have to pull it out of you when you don’t get a good score.
I mean, we — we by human nature volunteer good information. If these documents exonerated the attorney general or the Department of Justice, he would have given them to us eight months ago. So it doesn’t take a very smart lawyer — and the good news is I’m not, so it doesn’t take a smart lawyer to deduce something in these documents will be damaging for either the White House, the Department of Justice or maybe both.
VAN SUSTEREN: There is one argument, though, on the other side, is that you don’t want to go down a slippery slope that if this is — if these documents are, indeed, protected legitimately by executive privilege, that you don’t want to have that privilege pierced just because they’re asked for, that there is some — some, you know, need to have this executive privilege to protect communications.
Are you unconvinced that this is a legitimate use of that privilege?
GOWDY: Well, there’s several different forms of executive privilege. The one that is most absolute would be close advisers talking to the president himself. Well, Greta, we know that that didn’t happen because the attorney general says he never discussed it with the president. The president said he’s never discussed Fast and Furious. I take them both at their word. So the highest level of executive privilege is not at play here.
Then you move to what’s called the deliberative process, or a lower of executive privilege, which, frankly, Greta, is weak as water. The only thing we have to prove is that the documents are relevant to an investigation that may involve wrongdoing.
We could convince the DNC of that. There’s not a jury in America we couldn’t convince of that. So executive privilege, talking about national security secrets, the president being able to rely on the advice and counsel of his closest advisers — that’s not at play here by their own admission!
The third point I would raise is this. If executive privilege were so sacrosanct, if we were so worried about this slippery slope, why did they wait eight months to invoke the privilege? The return date on the subpoena was October 25th of last year! Why wait until 10 minutes before we start the markup on contempt of Congress if it’s such a wonderful, valid defense?
VAN SUSTEREN: I’m going to ask our next guest, who is a Democratic member of Congress, so let me ask you, as well — Leader Pelosi says that this vote for contempt is a Republican plan to suppress the vote. Her theory, I guess, is that you’re trying to get the attorney general of the United States and that he is aggressively going out there, fighting a suppression of the vote.
Your response to that?
GOWDY: Well, you know, my friend Allen West said the race card was the last card in the deck. I think former speaker Pelosi has opened up a new deck and has found the 2 of clubs.
I could not believe it when I heard her saying that. Is that all you have to come back with? Is that the best you can come up with, is that we got together in this grand scheme to suppress votes? And I’m sure she didn’t say Southern states, but that’s what she meant.
I — I — it’s really beneath the office of a member of Congress to say something that outrageous, and the fact that she was once the speaker is mind-numbing! I honestly — and I’ve her a lot in my 16 years as a prosecutor. I couldn’t believe the words coming out of her mouth.
But keep in mind, Greta, this is the same woman who said that she would have arrested Karl Rove any day she wanted. So I don’t know what was wrong with her yesterday or today or whenever she said that, but I would schedule an appointment with my doctor if she thinks that we are doing this to suppress votes this fall. That is mind-numbingly stupid.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Obama, the Killing of Anwar al-Awlaki and the US Constitution
Obama, the Killing of Anwar al-Awlaki and the US Constitution
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or
otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or
indictment of a Grand Jury...nor be
deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due
process of law...."
~ Fifth Amendment to the US Constitution
Radical Nuns on the Bus Attack Rep. Paul Ryan/Walsh
On June 20, Nuns on the Bus reached Rep. Paul Ryan's Wisconsin office. Nuns on the Bus, a cross-country bus tour of sisters sponsored by NETWORK, hopes to protest the House Republican budget that drastically cuts safety net programs and disproportionately targets the poor. Sister Simone Campbell, executive director of NETWORK, spoke outside of Ryan's office in Janesville, Wis., following a meeting with his staff.
University sponsors campaign to undermine 'white privilege'
7 Blacks Beat Up 1 White Boy in an unprovoked racial attack
Post Fight Interview With Old Vietnam Vet After Racist Attack By Black Thug
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HswxRzBkCTw
Racist attack on white females
"RIP" RYAN CARTER ... 12 YEAR OLD "KILLED" IN "RACIST ATTACK"
"WHITES" TARGETED BY "RACIST ATTACKS" ALL ACROSS AMERICA
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Uganda Gets US Special Forces that Obama Sent to help region “remove” LRA leader Joseph Kony
The rebel chief is wanted by the International Criminal Court.
U.S. troops will be supporting the Islamists against the militant Christians.
The Lord's Resistance Army is a heterodox Christian militant group, which operates in northern Uganda and South Sudan. The LRA was formed in 1987 and until about 2007 it was engaged in an armed rebellion against the Ugandan government. It is led by Joseph Kony, who proclaims himself the "spokesperson" of God and a spirit medium, primarily of the Holy Spirit, which the group believes can represent itself in many manifestations.
This action is in line with the Northern Uganda Recover Act of 2009 - authorizing American aid. Obama deployed approximately 100 American troops to Uganda, South Sudan, DRC and the Central African Republic.
The troops will not directly engage the marauding Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) fighters unless fired upon.
Placement of the second combat-equipped team, associated headquarters, communications and logistics personnel will take two months, a senior official at the US Mission in Kampala said.
Since 2008, the US has expended over $40 million in critical logistical support, equipment and training to enhance counter-LRA operations by regional militaries here, according to the Department of State.
RON PAUL‘S LESSON ON THE BENEFITS OF FREEDOM STUN ’MORNING JOE’ PANEL
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
EGYPTIAN TV PANEL DEBATES CLERIC’S CLAIM THAT JERUSALEM WILL BE CAPITAL OF THE CALIPHATE
EGYPTIAN TV PANEL DEBATES CLERIC’S CLAIM THAT JERUSALEM WILL BE CAPITAL OF THE CALIPHATE, Safwat Higazi
Why Never Wrong Pundit Is Wrong: Obummer Loses 8 to 5
Below are each of the keys and how it falls for Obama.
Party mandate: After the midterm elections, the incumbent party holds more seats in the U.S. House of Representatives than it did after the previous midterm elections. Says Lichtman, “Even back in January 2010 when I first released my predictions, I was already counting on a significant loss.” Obama loses this key.
Contest: There is no serious contest for the incumbent party nomination. Says Lichtman on Obama’s unchallenged status, “I never thought there would be any serious contest against Barack Obama in the Democratic primary.” Obama wins this key.
Incumbency: The incumbent party candidate is the sitting president. Easy win here for Obama.
Third Party: There is no significant third party challenge. Obama wins this point.
Short term economy: The economy is not in recession during the election campaign. Here Lichtman declares an “undecided.”
The economy is pathetic; Obummer loses here decidedly.
Long-term economy: Real per capita economic growth during the term equals or exceeds mean growth during the previous two terms. Says Lichtman, “I discounted long term economy against Obama. Clearly we are in a recession.” Obama loses this key.
Policy change: The incumbent administration effects major changes in national policy. “There have been major policy changes in this administration. We’ve seen the biggest stimulus in history and an complete overhaul of the healthcare system so I gave him policy change,” says the scholar. Another win for Obama.
The stimulus was a complete bust; health care rationing will go down to defeat since it is unconstitutional. Loss for Obummer.
Social unrest: There is no sustained social unrest during the term. Says Lichtman, “There wasn’t any social unrest when I made my predictions for 2012 and there still isn’t.” Obama wins a fifth key here.
The Occupy movement reflects social unrest from the Left; they oppose Obummer, the TEA party has been defeating Republican and Democratic candidates all over the country; this may be a factor in one of Lichtman's other points, Third Party challenge. You pick which category you want it in but in either case Obummer loses.
Scandal: The incumbent administration is untainted by major scandal. “This administration has been squeaky clean. There’s nothing on scandal,” says Lichtman. Another Obama win.
Has he heard of the unfolding, even as we speak, Fast and Furious fiasco? Obummer just implicated himself in the scandal by invoking Executive Privilege, previously Obummer himself has been untainted by the fiasco. He just implicated himself in this unfolding scandal. In addition, the national security leaks also involve Obummer, a clear loss here.
Foreign/military failure: The incumbent administration suffers no major failure in foreign or military affairs. Says Lichtman, “We haven’t seen any major failure that resembles something like the Bay of Pigs and don’t foresee anything.” Obama wins again.
Foreign/military success: The incumbent administration achieves a major success in foreign or military affairs. “Since Osama bin Laden was found and killed, I think Obama has achieved military success.” Obama wins his eighth key.
Incumbent charisma: The incumbent party candidate is charismatic or a national hero. Explains Lichtman, “I did not give President Obama the incumbent charisma key. I counted it against him. He’s really led from behind. He didn’t really take the lead in the healthcare debate, he didn’t use his speaking ability to move the American people during the recession. He’s lost his ability to connect since the 2008 election.” Obama loses this key.
Challenger charisma: The challenging party candidate is not charismatic or a national hero. Says Lichtman, “We haven’t seen any candidate in the GOP who meets this criteria and probably won’t.”
This is going to be mixed; Romney clearly beats Obummer on the economy which is the major consideration in this election.
Obama wins, according to Lichtman, bringing his total to nine keys, three more than needed to win reelection; however, after a consideration of why Lichtman is wrong, the keys show five for Obummer, and eight against.
Never-Wrong Pundit Picks Obama to Win in 2012
"I Opt Out:" BLOGGER OUTWITTED TSA FULL-BODY SCANNER, AGAIN
A video posted Wednesday on Jonathan Corbett’s “TSA Out of Our Pants!” blog appears to show him go through an airport scanner with the undetected object — all from the TSA’s very own security footage, said to have been obtained through the Freedom of Information Act. As Corbett prepares to go through the scanner in the video, a small object is briefly visible on the side of his body. Corbett’s video describes it as a “metal object in the handmade side pocket.” A few moments later, the footage shows him passing through the scanner and being allowed to leave without incident. The object would be on the opposite side of his body and is not visible as he exits the screening area.
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