ESPN's Stephen A. Smith Apologizes for 'Provocation' Comments (VIDEO)

Truth Revolt reports:

Friday Stephen A. Smith made the grave mistake of attempting to discuss domestic violence as a male on live television, cautioning against coming to conclusions about Ray Rice’s apparent abuse of his then-fiancé, now-wife without full knowledge of the event.

“In Ray Rice’s case, he probably deserves more than a two-game suspension, which we both acknowledged,” said Smith. “But at the same time, we also have to make sure that we learn as much as we can about elements of provocation. Not that there’s real provocation, but the elements of provocation...”

And at the Other McCain, "An Ill-Advised Apology":

This is another sad example of the harmful impact of feminism’s totalitarian impulse to suppress dissent. Anyone who has seriously studied domestic violence knows that, in many cases, bad relationships are characterized by toxic emotions on both sides. You’ve got two people with uncontrollable tempers — often drugs or alcohol are involved, and often one or both partners were raised in households where abuse and violence were a problem — and when they get into an argument, the argument turns into a physical fight.

Doesn’t anybody watch C*O*P*S? The police show up in response to a domestic disturbance call, and they encounter the scruffy tattooed brute and his foul-mouthed tattooed live-in girlfriend.
Both of them are bad drunk, and the police have to question them separately to try to figure out what actually  happened: How did it start? Who hit who? Each partner points the finger of blame at the other, and the police have to sort out the evidence and testimony. Has one or the other partner got a bruise or a busted lip? Does one of them admit doing something that can be considered assault?

Most of the time, it’s the guy who gets handcuffed and put in the back of the patrol car, but as you watch these  C*O*P*S episodes — unedited, unstaged — quite often your sympathy for the female victim is tempered by the fact that (a) she had, after all, chosen to move in with this wretched boyfriend, and (b) she’s not exactly a meek and helpless type. She’s drunk, she’s got a Marlboro hanging out of her mouth, and she’s cussing like a sailor. Lowlife women have a habit of gravitating toward lowlife men, and the fact that their relationships are fraught with ugly violence is an unfortunate but predictable reality. It is what it is.

Here's the "offending" segment: "Stephen A. Smith to Women: ‘Don’t Do Anything to Provoke’ Men Into Beating You."

Michelle Nunn Campaign Strategy Memo

Well, this is interesting.

At the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, "Embarrassing leaked campaign memo spells out Nunn's strategies, vulnerabilities."

And at National Review, which first reported on the memo, "Michelle Nunn’s Campaign Plan." A Scribd version of the memo is at the link. (Via Memeorandum.)

William Jacobson has an analysis, at Legal Insurrection, "Michelle Nunn’s Campaign Plan is “Confidential, Proprietary,” and 100% on the Internet."

Michelle Nunn is a terrible candidate. And her opponent David Perdue is a very formidable Republican who comes from a respected family with a long line of political experience and elected office.

And Michelle Nunn is supposed to be one of the Democrats' best shots to pick up a Republican-held seat? Good luck with that.

100 Years Ago Today: Austria-Hungary Declares War on Serbia

When I was going to sleep last night, actually early this morning because it was after Midnight, I noticed it was July 28th, and I thought about that for second. One hundred years ago. Wasn't that the start of World War One? Then I googled it: July 28 1914. Nothing dramatic at the results, besides a few newspapers with WWI coverage.

Then this morning, after I got up and starting web surfing, I checked over at RealClearHistory for more. Seen there:

* Samuel Chi, "Top 10 Battles of World War I."
* David Reynolds, "How WWI Shaped Our World."
* Alan Taylor, "The Great War: A History in Photos."

Plus, commentary at Grim's Hall, "100 Years ago today..."

I'll have more blogging later...

Monday #Rule5

Well, here's a babe-blogging break from all the global "tranquility."

At Theo Spark, "Benghazi Black Friday Bedtime Totty..."

Also at Blackmailers Don't Shoot, "Rule 5 in Honor of Comic-Con 2014."

And Dana Pico, "Rule 5 Blogging: Hot Active Duty Babes!"

At the Other McCain, "Rule 5 Sunday: Mind the Gap."

90 Miles, "Morning Mistress."

And at Daley Gator, "DALEYBABE ERIN KARPLUCK."

Your Crazy Uncle Bubba, "Face Time!"

The Daily Smug, "William F Buckley Jr & Saul Alinsky - Mobilizing the Poor."

And SDA, "An Exceptionally Long Strike on Canada's Left Coast."

At Soylent, "Bath Night Bubblicious."

Bob Belvedere, "Rule 5 Flashback: Sarah Willis."

See the Nug, "Hot Girls at Random!"

At Drunken Stepfather, "JESSICA LOWNDES SELF SHOT BIKINI SHOOT OF THE DAY."

And Pirate's Cove, "If All You See……is a horrible flooded Earth due to Someone Else using a hair dryer, you might just be a Warmist."

The Hostages, "Big Boob Friday."

At Doubletroubletwo, "Random Hotties ... Enjoy :-)."

Knuckledraggin', "Guess which girl will never drown."

Odie has, "More Blondishness ~OR~ Rule 5 Woodsterman Style."

And from Proof, "Friday Night Babe: Coco Ho!"

See the Chive, "Turn that frown upside down, we’ll Find Her (38 Photos)."

And at Egotastic!, "Jessica Alba Wins Comic-Con Hottest Looker (She Wins Hottest Looker Everywhere)."

VIDEO: Five IDF Soldiers Killed in Gaza as Netanyahu Rejects U.N./Hamas Cease-Fire Call

At the Jerusalem Post, "Five IDF soldiers killed in Gaza as army death toll rises to 48."

Also at Arutz Sheva, "Names of Four Killed Soldiers Released," the Times of Israel, "4 soldiers killed in mortar attack, as PM says Gaza op goes on, vows to counter tunnels."

Four soldiers were killed by a mortar shell. A fifth died while fighting inside Gaza.

Poll: Young People Say Israel 'More to Blame' for Gaza War, Leftists Torn Between Israel and Hamas!

Young people are completely FUBAR, with almost 3-in-10 saying Israel is to blame:

Among Americans under 30, 29% say Israel is most responsible for the current violence compared with 21% who blame Hamas. Pluralities of all other age groups lay more blame for the violence with Hamas, than Israel.

Of course, conservatives and independents put the blame squarely where it belongs: on Hamas.

At Pew, "Hamas Seen as More to Blame Than Israel for Current Violence: Deep Partisan Divide in Reactions to Mideast Fighting."

Polarized reactions to Mideast conflict: 60% of Reps say Hamas is mostly responsible for violence vs 29% of Dems. http://t.co/KKrgR206iZ
— Carroll Doherty (@CarrollDoherty) July 28, 2014

And those poor leftists are torn --- torn! --- between blaming Israel and Hamas:

Liberal Democrats are evenly divided with 30% blaming Israel for the violence and 30% blaming Hamas. Conservative Republicans give more blame to Hamas than Israel by a wide 70%-6% margin.

PHOTOS: Hamas' Useful Idiots Stage 'Die-In' Protest Against Boeing in Seattle

These idiots might as well go to Gaza, where Hamas would use them as human shields.

At KING 5 News Seattle, "Israel protesters conduct 'die-in' outside Boeing."

And on Twitter:

Jewish activists blocking @Boeing HQ in protest of #Gaza massacre covered on @KIRO7Seattle : http://t.co/zQHgwtG1Yh

— Liza (@lizaveta9) July 28, 2014

Pro-#Palestinian protesters stage 'die-in' outside Seattle #Boeing offices http://t.co/pK8ZaFdFrX #Israel #Gaza pic.twitter.com/ffRptmB06z

— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) July 28, 2014

Protesters dressed all in black have been lying in the road to prevent access to the Boeing parking lot. http://t.co/eB7Mp42wO8

— The Stranger (@strangerslog) July 28, 2014

Three hours locked down outside war-profiteer Boeing in Seattle. We stand with #Gaza. #BDSBoeing pic.twitter.com/tbU9154m5u

— JVP-Seattle (@JVPSeattle) July 28, 2014

Stop the one-sided war of death and destruction. Solidarity to #gaza from Seattle. #BDSBoeing #GazaUnderAttack pic.twitter.com/lGFUBQR7Cs

— JVP-Seattle (@JVPSeattle) July 28, 2014

Protest and blockade of Boeing by Jewish Voice for Peace. #bdsboeing #GazaUnderAttack pic.twitter.com/n2ocbNo0JV

— Alex Garland (@AGarlandPhoto) July 28, 2014

People locked together blocking entrance to Tukwila Boeing facility involved in manufacture of weapons used in Gaza pic.twitter.com/xOEbRxKUMs

— Ansel (@Ansel) July 28, 2014

Brave @JVPSeattle & allies locked down to stop Israeli war machine. Boeing profits from war on civilians #bdsboeing pic.twitter.com/KYwrh9DBFJ

— Matt Weiner (@walkingbassist) July 28, 2014

For real peace take the profit of out violence. #bdsboeing #bds #gaza pic.twitter.com/krFwbCVxWT

— Matt Weiner (@walkingbassist) July 28, 2014

.@JVPSeattle says: Stop killing civilians now. #bdsboeing #bds #GazaUnderAttack pic.twitter.com/SFDGipzvqg

— Matt Weiner (@walkingbassist) July 28, 2014

Caroline Glick: John Kerry Pushing Hamas Cease-Fire Proposal While Waging Economic Warfare on Israel

Man, she's on fire. Secretary Kerry is pushing as "a cease-fire that allows Hamas to regroup."

She will get your blood boiling.

Stay with the video. Caroline's the best! The left is "opposed to Israel's existence."

My Capitol Hill briefing last Friday on war in Gaza and significance for regional events and Israeli strategy. https://t.co/xjY9kk2qSm

— Caroline Glick (@CarolineGlick) July 28, 2014

Caroline Glick Interview on Steve Malzberg Show

Caroline comments on John Kerry's "incredible contempt for Israel."

Interview on Steve Malzberg show yesterday on the new war against Israel and John Kerry's contempt for Israel. https://t.co/GryX4KHB3U

— Caroline Glick (@CarolineGlick) July 23, 2014

CBS News/New York Times Battleground Tracker: Republicans Positioned to Take Senate in November

100 days out. That's the mantra this week as we're just over three months away from the November election, and the consensus view is that the GOP is well-positioned to take the Senate, although a number of races are extremely tight and things could change.

At CBS News, "Republicans narrowly favored to capture Senate in November."

Dr. Gina Gentry Loudon's 18-Year-Old Daughter Lyda Loudon Dating 57-Year Old 'Ray Donovan' Star Steven Bauer

Hat Tip: Wombat Socho at the Other McCain, "LIVE AT FIVE: 07.28.14."

At Us Magazine:

ICYMI: 57-year-old Scarface actor Steven Bauer is dating 18-year-old Lyda Loudon http://t.co/sIIByzont3 pic.twitter.com/aHuCFi0BzT
— Us Weekly (@usweekly) July 28, 2014

She's the daughter of Dr. Gina Loudon, of whom I've had some disappointment of late. Recall, "#Murrieta Protesters @CassandraRules and @BeautifulChaosJ Spew Lies and Hatred, Not 'Civility'."

My 18-year-old son was shaking his head, saying, "I'm all for freedom." So there's that.

#GOP Senate Prospects Brighten: Strong Candidates, Obama's Sagging Approval Expand Party's Map

At the Wall Street Journal, "Prospects Brighten for Republicans to Reclaim a Senate Majority" (via Google):

With 100 days to go until the midterm election, unexpectedly strong bids by several Republican candidates and President Barack Obama's continued sagging approval ratings are boosting GOP chances of capturing a Senate majority.

A battery of recent polling shows Republican candidates mounting competitive bids for at least 10 Senate seats now held by Democrats, including in Iowa and Colorado, states that have been leaning Democratic in recent years. Many Republican candidates have narrowed their opponents' fundraising advantage, according to the latest campaign-finance reports. And a series of international crises has dealt the president some of the lowest approval marks of his second term, weighing on his party's candidates.

"A lot of times, a party has to run an inside-straight to win the majority," said Stuart Rothenberg, editor of the nonpartisan Rothenberg Political Report who handicaps congressional campaigns. "Instead of having five cards in their hand, the Republicans have about 10."

The GOP needs a net gain of six seats for a majority in the Senate, which now has 55 Democrats and allied independents. Republicans have long been expected to contest seven Democratic-held seats in states that voted for Mitt Romney in 2012. But now the GOP is also waging solid campaigns in at least three states that backed Mr. Obama.

Still, Democratic incumbents have remained resilient after weathering millions of dollars in negative advertising. North Carolina Sen. Kay Hagan, for example, holds a narrow lead in publicly available polling after absorbing $18 million in negative ads, far more than the amount spent on ads supporting her, her campaign said. Democratic prospects also are making serious bids for Republican seats in Georgia and Kentucky, the only two GOP-held seats that are thought to be possible Democratic pickups this year.

But Republicans are favored to win Democratic seats in Montana, South Dakota and West Virginia, and GOP challengers are pushing incumbent Democrats to the brink in Alaska, Arkansas and Louisiana, as well as North Carolina. Races for Democratic seats in Colorado and Iowa are now genuine tossups, with some analysts saying the same of Michigan.

This year's map clearly favors the GOP even as Democrats continue to lead on the question of which party Americans would rather see control Congress, according to a compilation of polls by the website Real Clear Politics. The Republican Party also remains far less popular than the president or the Democratic Party, public-opinion surveys show, particularly among women.

But Republicans this year are betting on an anti-Obama message, linking Democratic candidates to a president who is unpopular in many of the battleground states. Democrats, meanwhile, are doing what incumbents typically do when facing a negative election environment: building campaigns around local issues and reminding voters of all the things they do in Washington to help people back home.

Republicans have been here before. In each of the past two elections, the party failed to capitalize on a favorable map to recapture the majority. And to win this year, Republicans would likely have to do something the party hasn't done since 1980: beat more than two incumbents.

Sitting Democratic senators in the four most competitive battlegrounds—Alaska, Arkansas, Louisiana and North Carolina—remain at risk but carry financial advantages and, in three cases, family names that are identified with long service to the state. Polls show close contests in each race, and all four Democrats ended June with more money in their campaign accounts than the Republicans running against them, according to Federal Election Commission data.

"All of these red-state Democrats knew they would have difficult campaigns. They've prepared for difficult campaigns, and they're all experienced politicians," said Democratic pollster Mark Mellman, who is working for Louisiana Sen. Mary Landrieu. "They all have a path to win."

By the end of June, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee had raised $25 million more than its Republican counterpart, allowing the committee to spend freely on television ads and turnout opeartions. Democrats in seven of the 10 most competitive races also ended June with more money than their Republican rivals.

But the edge is diminishing in some states. In Colorado, where Democratic Sen. Mark Udall is defending his seat, Republican Rep. Cory Gardner trails in cash on hand by $2.3 million, according to campaign-finance reports. That gap is smaller than the $3.8 million lead that Mr. Udall held at the end of March.

There's a great graphic at the click through.

It think they'll do it. Republicans will take the Senate. They'll at least get the six seats needed for the majority. And if current events continue to dog the president, I expect they'll get more than that. The only bummer here is that Kay Hagan's looking stronger than I'd hoped for, but what can you do? It's gonna be good.

PREVIOUSLY: "Odds of a GOP Wave."

Professor Fernando Guerra: Local Governments Step Up as Obama Has "No Coherent Policy' on Border Invasion

I've never met him, but Dr. Guerra's a Professor of Political Science and the Director of the Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Center for the Study of Los Angeles at Loyola Marymount University.

He's got a good analysis --- especially on Obama's FUBAR border (non)policy --- although I disagree on the impact of the border invasion on the political mobilization of parties' core constituencies. Sure, the Republican base is already fired up, but I don't see how the border invasion increases Democrat Party mobilization. The Dems already have a huge enthusiasm gap going into November. And polls have shown a significant increase in support for greater border security, a trend that's put the Democrats on the defensive. See National Journal, "Immigration Isn't A Slam-Dunk Issue for Democrats Anymore."

But we'll see.



Also, at NewsMax, this sounds about right to me, "Dick Morris: Border Crisis Could 'Wipe Out' Democrats in Midterms."

Anti-Zionism is Anti-Semitism: A Global Contagion of Hatred Is Now Breaking; It's Fully Encapsulated by the Left

The global left right now is engaged it what is being called the most violent campaign of anti-Semitism since the 1930s.

I've been on top of these developments for weeks, as has Professor William Jacobson. See, "Anti-Semitism on open display in the name of anti-Zionism."

Meanwhile, that ghastly hate-driven troll Walter James Casper tweets a defense of the global left's anti-Semitism. As always with Repsac hate-troll, it's just "a few bad apples," as it always is when the left's hatred and ideological violence is on display.

Of course Repsac's a liar. Anti-Zionism is anti-Semitism. The global campaign is anti-Jew, because no other state is singled out for the same demonization and deligitimation as Israel. Apartheid exists literally across the Arab world, but only Israel is attacked as an "apartheid state." No other country in the world is subject to an ongoing genocidal campaign of extermination. If you're on the side of the global left, you're on the side of the left's hoped-for Holocaust.

It's anti-Semitism straight up, and Repsac3's down with it:

Disagreeing with 1+ Israelis because of what they do (as opposed to who they are) does NOT make one an anti-Semite. pic.twitter.com/aDi3Mg6pYj

— W. James Casper (@repsac3) July 18, 2014

Rising Tide of Anti-Semitism in #Britain as Jewish People Face Backlash Over Bloodshed in Gaza

And remember, it's a rising tide of leftist anti-Semitism.

At London's Daily Mail:

Jewish people in Britain are enduring a backlash of attacks, bomb threats and anti-semitic insults fuelled by the bloodshed in Gaza.

More than 100 hate crimes have been recorded by police and community groups this month, more than double the usual number.

Community safety groups fear the total could be the second highest ever recorded, after an explosion of violence during the 2009 Gaza war.

In several disturbing cases attackers have invoked the Holocaust and even shouted: ‘Heil Hitler’ at victims...

More.

NBC's Richard Engel During #Gaza Cease-Fire: 'Didn't see Hamas men out helping with relief and recovery...'

The world saw dramatic photos of the horrendous carnage in Gaza during the 12-hour cease fire. NBC's Richard Engel was on the ground, and --- no flaming right-winger he --- reports that he didn't see "Hamas men" breaking out bread sticks and brooms.

Huge damage in #gaza. But didnt see hamas men out helping with relief and recovery. pic.twitter.com/2rlfwuj2Yu

— Richard Engel (@RichardEngel) July 26, 2014

Shejaiya devastated. But still unclear if hamas will accept ceasefire. Increasingly hearing in #gaza they should. pic.twitter.com/UCLeAvJfhu

— Richard Engel (@RichardEngel) July 26, 2014

Entire blocks devastated in #gaza. Increasingly hearing calls for hamas to accept ceasefire. pic.twitter.com/z5HOjjF2c1

— Richard Engel (@RichardEngel) July 26, 2014

gazans can't afford to rebuild all of this. an analyst asked me: will hamas help? or buy more weapons + tunnels? pic.twitter.com/Dv0iqxlDYs

— Richard Engel (@RichardEngel) July 26, 2014

Gazans say this - the 3rd recent Israel-Hamas war - has been the most destructive yet pic.twitter.com/nFgqoxOQAt

— Richard Engel (@RichardEngel) July 26, 2014

Israel agrees to extend fighting pause in Gaza by four hours http://t.co/4lZOJC7hcR

— NBC News (@NBCNews) July 26, 2014

Sr Israeli official tells NBC cabinet approved a humanitarian ceasefire until tomorrow midnight, while Israel continues anti-tunnel mission

— Richard Engel (@RichardEngel) July 26, 2014

still very fluid. tonight is quiet. not hearing explosions in gaza. just the wind, sea (and drones)

— Richard Engel (@RichardEngel) July 26, 2014

two big Israeli strikes in central gaza city short time ago. at least one woman killed. one man injured man. #Israel. #Gaza

— Richard Engel (@RichardEngel) July 27, 2014

This is no precision war vs Hamas- it's punishment. Israel telling Gaza: you fire rockets, you will pay. http://t.co/ZIooh56Bzd

— Richard Engel (@RichardEngel) July 27, 2014

Still no clarity abt ceasefire. How long. If.. But it feels different in gaza. A sense perhaps its winding down..(could change quickly)

— Richard Engel (@RichardEngel) July 27, 2014

Hottest Instagram Babes This Summer!

Some nice women, lol.

At the College Pill (via Linkiest).

VIDEO: Lightning Strike Kills Man at Venice Beach in Los Angeles

At the Los Angeles Times, "1 beach-goer dead, 8 hurt when freak lightning storm hits Venice."

And the number injured may be as high as 14. The man who died was swimming, according to KABC-7 Los Angeles.

More from CBS News Los Angeles:

Witnesses react after #lightning strike injures at least nine, kills one at #Venice Beach: http://t.co/ul3wufKoPJ

— CBS Los Angeles (@CBSLA) July 28, 2014

'Think Progress' — and Karoli LOL! — Punk'd by Parody Claiming Michele Bachmann Wants Illegals in 'Camps'

Boy, the leftist stooges at "Think Progress" -- and leftist loon Karoli lol! -- must have been really jonesin' for some dirt to smear Congresswoman Michele Bachmann. I mean look at their posts. They've got cut and paste from virtually the entire parody site KCTV7 News, as seen here: "MICHELE BACHMANN SUGGESTS LABOR CAMPS FOR IMMIGRANT CHILDREN."

And lol here's "Think Progress," where the idiots forgot to, you know, think: "CORRECTED: Bachmann And Migrant Children."

And at Crook and Liars (and Retards), "Crazy Eyes Bachmann Wants Central American Children Put In Indoctrination Camps (UPDATED)."

Karoli even had a Memeorandum thread to broadcast teh stupid.

Crazy Eyes Bachmann Wants Central American Children Put In Indoctrination Camps (UPDATED) http://t.co/2y2k2y9y1d http://t.co/8vBOOzQI8a

— memeorandum (@memeorandum) July 27, 2014

And as Jonah Goldberg noted earlier, that's some correction lol:

Now that's a correction http://t.co/RjMXtAHjob (h/t @mt_newman)

— Jonah Goldberg (@JonahNRO) July 27, 2014

Former Irvine Mayor Larry Agran Under Fire as 'Great Park' Execs Say Millions of Taxpayer Dollars Wasted

The Irvine Great Park development project, which has been under planning since the early-2000s, has been a slush fund for the local Irvine Democrat Party machine. Former Mayor Larry Agran, who ran for the Democrat presidential nomination in 1992, is pushing back hard against allegations that the city wasted millions of taxpayer dollars on the Great Park boondoggle.

At the Costa Mesa Daily Pilot, "Great Park execs testify to dysfunction, waste of millions":

Irvine Councilman Larry Agran is brushing off scathing testimony from current and former Orange County Great Park executives that allege millions of taxpayer dollars were wasted through poor budget planning and incompetence under a dysfunctional management system.

Among the allegations are that powerful consultants, one with close political ties to Agran, were authorized to run the project above the direction of city staff members.

The allegations were revealed July 21 through the release of testimony given over the past three months as part of the Great Park forensic audit approved by the Irvine City Council last year. The audit is examining more than $200 million spent on the Great Park so far.

The cost of the audit has risen to more than $1 million, and a final report is expected by September. Four of the audit depositions were released July 21 on a public records request.

Agran served as chairman of the Great Park Corp. for five of the seven years, 2005-12, covered by the audit. The corporation was folded into city operations in 2013.

"It's the kind of gossip and backbiting that's part of any major project," Agran said after stating he had not read the depositions two days after they were released.

Assistant city manager Mike Ellzey has functioned as the Great Park chief executive since shortly after he was hired by Agran in 2008. Ellzey told investigators he immediately encountered an unusual power structure in which consultant Arnold Forde, under a contract to his PR firm Forde & Mollrich, had more decision-making power than he did as CEO. Forde has served as a strategist in several of Agran's City Council and mayoral campaigns.

Ellzey submitted that with Forde as his right-hand man, and Yuhedi Gaffen of the design management firm Gafco, Agran created a "triumvirate of power" within the Great Park Design Studio. He testified the Design Studio routinely operated ahead of proper oversight by city staff members.

"That was just wrong," Ellzey stated in his deposition on June 18. "It was just wrong that a contractor/consultant was directing a public body."

Similar testimony was offered by former Great Park CEO Walter Kreutzen, former Chief Financial Officer Colleen Clark and former Manager Mary Ann Burgess. Ellzey is the only one among the four that remains attached to the Great Park project.

Ellzey said excessive contracts, with sloppy invoicing and design work that often could not produce deliverables, churned through millions of Great Park funds. Forde & Mollrich was paid $100,000 per month for public relations work — a figure Ellzey placed as much as 300% too high.

The release of the depositions hasn't moved Agran from his stance that the entire forensic audit is nothing more than a "political witch hunt," as he has stated in the past.

Right.

A "witch hunt," because public accountability for a leftist Democrat taxpayer boondoggle is all about politics. What a typical big-government leftist. Siphoning money off the public purse for his own cronies. The park's budget is over $200 million and after more than a decade all they can show for it is balloon rides.

Freakin' crook should do time. He and his leftist city council thugs and cronies. Sheesh.

VIDEO: Israel Ambassador Gets 'Thunderous Applause' at Huge Hungarian Pro-Israel Rally in Budapest

Hungarians standing up against lefitst, Hamas anti-Semitism.

Photos from Janos Kis, "Pro-Israel demonstration in Budapest."

4000-5000 demonstrators at "Hungary supports Israel" rally in downtown Budapest pic.twitter.com/IIa1NvHWvw
— FreeHungary (@FreeHungary2014) July 27, 2014

"Anti-Israel is the new form of anti-Semitism". Participants at #proisrael rally #budapest pic.twitter.com/Szn1J4mpal
— Laci Molnar (@Laci_Molnar) July 27, 2014

Pro-Israeli rally: Israel's ambassador amidst thunderous applause: http://t.co/6MWm2ergp5 @YouTube által
— Laci Molnar (@Laci_Molnar) July 27, 2014

Hundreds of #Zionists hold pro-Israel rally in #Budapest http://t.co/fu6IClk5br
— Ruptly (@Ruptly) July 27, 2014

Sunday Cartoons

At Flopping Aces, "Sunday Funnies."



Also at Reaganite Republican, "Reaganite's SUNDAY FUNNIES," and Randy's Roundtable, "Friday Nite Funnies" (from 7/18).

More at Theo Spark's, "Cartoon Roundup..."

CARTOON CREDIT: Legal Insurrection, "Branco Cartoon – Israeli vs Hamas Defense Shields."

VIDEO: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Confronts NBC's David Gregory on Pro-Hamas Propaganda

A great interview.

Watch, "Israeli PM Netanyahu Confronts NBC’s David Gregory - FULL INTERVIEW 7/27/2014."

Also at Fire Andrea Mitchell, "Netanyahu schools NBC hack David Gregory over pro-Hamas propaganda (Video)," and MRC, "Benjamin Netanyahu Confronts NBC’s David Gregory Over Claim That Israel Targeted a U.N. School."

PHOTOS: Bodies from Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 Shot Down Over Torez, Ukraine

At Time, "Photo Essay: Malaysia Airlines Ukraine Crash: ‘Unreal’ Scenes from Photographer Jerome Sessini."



CAPTION: "The body of a passenger, still strapped into his seat, rests in a wheat field in eastern Ukraine."

And see this week's cover story, "In Russia, Crime Without Punishment."

Dana Bar-on: Hamas 'Has Found a Way Into Our Homes Now...'

The Israeli Defense Forces, a week or so back, killed 10 Hamas terrorists who had infiltrated into Israel through tunnels built under the kibbutz at Nir Am, located near the border at Gaza in Southern Israel.

The Jerusalem Post reports, "WATCH: 10 terrorists killed attempting to infiltrate Israel through tunnel." Also at the Times of Israel, "Israeli southern border towns empty, adjust to tunnel threats":

Earlier this week 10 Gaza terrorists dressed in Israeli army uniforms popped out of the ground less than a mile (1.6 kilometers) away. They killed four Israeli soldiers before an airstrike killed them, preventing them from moving deeper into the country.

Most of Nir Am’s 350 residents had already been relocated to safer areas in central and northern Israel, as happened in two previous wars with Hamas terrorists in Gaza, kibbutz spokesman Ofer Liberman said. Those remaining were shocked as Israeli troops entered the agricultural community in full combat gear fearing that gunmen had sneaked inside.

At the video, Dana Bar-on, who lives at Mir Am, shares her experiences and feelings --- and note especially how she's heartbroken at the civilian casualties in Gaza. She cries. But she explains that she loves the IDF --- who are friends and brothers and uncles --- as they always try to protect civilian lives, while protecting Israeli citizens from the Hamas terrorists burrowing below, attempting to murder the Jews in their homes.

A riveting clip, especially the second half, so stay with it, via Elder of Ziyon, "Saving Dana Bar-on."

VIDEO: Wide Open Spaces: Aerial Report Shows No Border Fence for Miles Along Arizona/Mexico Border

American Border Patrol's Glenn Spencer recently videotaped aerial footage of miles of the Arizona/Mexico border. See "Open-Borders Arizona."

And Infowars has this report:



BONUS: From 2008, "ABP's Border Cams Featured on Fox News."

GRAPHIC VIDEO: Dozens of Civilians Dead as Ukaine Artillery Pounds Rebel-Held City of Horlivka

Video, "Ukraine: Dozens dead after Ukrainian troops shell Gorlovka *GRAPHIC*," and "RAW: E. Ukraine city of Gorlovka under heavy bombardment."

At at WaPo, "Ukraine poised to try to reclaim Donetsk, its military says."

'UNRWA is not a neutral force attempting to do good things; it is an arm of Hamas, raising its children to hate, hiding its weapons, and allowing itself to provide human shields as Hamas attempts to attack Israel's citizens...'

From Paula Stern, at A Soldier's Mother, "What is UNRWA?"

Today's Feminists Can't Write for S***

An interesting piece, from Charlotte Allen, at the Los Angeles Times:

.@RSMcCain I don't understand today's feminists -- because they can't write http://t.co/X8tQij1JQh via @MeanCharlotte #RadFem

— Donald Douglas (@AmPowerBlog) July 27, 2014

Heteronormativity and Gender Roles in Children's Movies

Another opus, from Robert Stacy McCain:

Sex Trouble: Feminists Worry That Disney Movies Are Making Girls Heterosexual http://t.co/6z231JRdqQ #tcot pic.twitter.com/bBWSW1eApy

— Robert Stacy McCain (@rsmccain) July 27, 2014

VIDEO: Toronto Al-Quds Day Protesters Demand 'Destruction of Israel and the Jews on Our Streets...'

At Blazing Cat Fur, "Canada, this is your future."

Also at the Toronto Sun, "Both sides drawn to Al Quds Day rally."

VIDEO: Violence and Anti-Semitism at 'Gaza Solidarity' Protests Across Europe

Once again, a resurgence of the eliminationist hatred of the 1930s, located at the center of the global anti-Israel left.

At Telegraph UK, "Anti-Semitism on the march: Europe braces for violence."



More video, "Germany: Thousands of Berliners condemn Israel for Gaza operation."

The Degree to Which Barack Obama Is Now Phoning It In – Sleepwalking Perfunctorily Through His Second Term, Amid Golf Rounds and Dinner Parties – Is Astonishing

From Matt Lewis, at Telegraph UK, "Barack Obama has already checked out of his job":

If Nero fiddled while Rome burned, then Obama is dining out, golfing, and raising money while the world collapses.

As Rome burns, Obama plays pool http://t.co/XA0U9gXPyX #TCOT pic.twitter.com/fjBnhLDA2n

— The People's Cube (@ThePeoplesCube) July 10, 2014

Israel Extends Humanitarian Cease-Fire in #Gaza: Hamas Keeps Shelling Israeli Civilians

At WSJ, "Israel Extends Cease-Fire in Gaza: Gaza-Based Hamas Spokesman Rejects Extension, But Another Spokesman Says No Decision Made."

Also at Israel Matzav, "Yes, Israel accepted another cease fire rejected by Hamas."

Irina Shayk for Maxim

Nice, "Irina Shayk: Maxim July/August Cover Girl."



BONUS: At London's Daily Mail, "No beach needed! Irina Shayk finds a way to show off her enviable stomach without a bikini."

Russian Woman Does Striptease to Prevent Her Car from Getting Towed

It's a Ruptly video, "Russia: Watch this woman stage striptease to save her car."

Via Uproxx:

Watch A Russian Woman Perform A Striptease For The Cops So Her Car Won’t Get Towed http://t.co/7ohaP3mY9p

— UPROXX (@UPROXX) July 25, 2014

Chicago 'Gaza Solidarity' Protest: 'Hitler Would Be Proud'

Wow. Just wow.

Click through at Tabitha Bliss' tweet for a roundup.

Seriously. Just wow.

‘Hitler would be proud, Israel!’: Fox News’ Jonathan Hoenig documents anti-Israel Chicago protest http://t.co/Y4eRxHFRHK

— Tabitha Bliss (@BlissTabitha) July 26, 2014

Michigan Ave protester https://t.co/YxAzPmQdzy

— Jonathan Hoenig (@JonathanHoenig) July 26, 2014

'We Are All Hamas!' Thousands Attend London's #Gaza Protest Glorifying Terrorism

More death to Israel protests, at Breitbart London.

#gazaj26 London outside israli embassy pic.twitter.com/XDkyBjCe6X

— Simon Carr (@simonstweet) July 26, 2014

Whole of London at TOTAL stand still with thousands of #gaza supporters. #gazaj26 pic.twitter.com/304osyaGgX

— Princess Fiona (@KashmirKiKalli) July 26, 2014

Taking the streets of London for Gaza #gazaj26 pic.twitter.com/X7cIeKyycB

— sarah colborne (@sncolborne) July 26, 2014

Britain at its best, in solidarity with Palestine. #Gazaj26 #freepalestine pic.twitter.com/U4hAhVnCPj

— Helen Seeger (@chooriyah) July 26, 2014

Free free Palestine! London #GazaJ26 pic.twitter.com/IDI01HiW7S

— Stop the War (@STWuk) July 26, 2014

'In our millions, in our billions - we are all #Palestians.' #GazaJ26 @PSCupdates pic.twitter.com/GkJfoRqsSP

— Kerry Abel (@kerryabel) July 26, 2014

London protests the massacre in #Gaza. Incredible photo by @GuySmallman. #GazaJ26 pic.twitter.com/hV1iMAhzp6

— CND (@CNDuk) July 26, 2014

Despite Public Backlash, Caltrans to Put HOT Lanes on 405 Freeway in Orange County

"High occupancy toll roads." HOT lanes.

Caltrans will install toll lanes along the 405 freeway in Orange Country, from Costa Mesa to Seal Beach, despite the public opposition from local transportation agencies across the board.

This really is an astounding case of state bureaucratic tyranny, and there will be a backlash.

At the Los Angeles Times, "Caltrans to put toll lanes on 405 Freeway in Orange County":

Diana Carey, a Westminster councilwoman who also represents the corridor cities, said the group will be looking at options to fight back against the proposal.

"They've really overstepped their bounds big time," she said.

'In the pre-transformed America, it was understood that the Commies had infiltrated Hollywood and academia. No one really expected subversion of the IRS...'

From Linkmaster Smith, at the Other McCain, "Just Relax In Your ‘Fundamentally Transformed’ Country, Americans."

Hamas' Depraved Strategy

A phenomenal editorial, at the Washington Post, "The U.S. should push for the disarming of Hamas in Gaza-Israel cease-fire":

THE DISTINGUISHING feature of the latest war between Israel and Hamas is “offensive tunnels,” as the Israeli army calls them. As of early Wednesday, 28 had been uncovered in Gaza, and nearly half extend into Israel, according to Israeli officials. The tunnels are the reason that the government of Benjamin Netanyahu decided last weekend to launch a ground invasion of Gaza, and they explain why that operation has strong support from Israelis in spite of the relatively heavy casualties it has inflicted. Most significantly, the tunnels show why it has been difficult to reach a cease-fire and why any accord must forge a new political and security order in Gaza.

Hamas’s offensive tunnels should not be confused with the burrows it has dug under Gaza’s border with Egypt to smuggle money, consumer goods and military equipment. The newly discovered structures have only one conceivable purpose: to launch attacks inside Israel. Three times in recent days, Hamas fighters emerged from the tunnels in the vicinity of Israeli civilian communities, which they clearly aimed to attack. The ­concrete-lined structures are stocked with materials, such as handcuffs and tranquilizers, that could be used on hostages. Other tunnels in northern Gaza are designed for the storage and firing of missiles at Israeli cities.

The resources devoted by Hamas to this project are staggering, particularly in view of Gaza’s extreme poverty. By one Israeli account, the typical tunnel cost $1 million to build over the course of several years, using tons of concrete desperately needed for civilian housing. By design, many of the tunnels have entrances in the heavily populated Shijaiyah district, where the Israeli offensive has been concentrated. One was found underneath al-Wafa hospital, where Hamas also located a command post and stored weapons, according to Israeli officials.

The depravity of Hamas’s strategy seems lost on much of the outside world, which — following the terrorists’ script — blames Israel for the civilian casualties it inflicts while attempting to destroy the tunnels. While children die in strikes against the military infrastructure that Hamas’s leaders deliberately placed in and among homes, those leaders remain safe in their own tunnels. There they continue to reject cease-fire proposals, instead outlining a long list of unacceptable demands.

More.

And see Ed Morrissey, at Hot Air, "WaPo editorial: Why is the world ignoring Hamas’ depravity?"

Constitutional Tipping Point: Americans Must Stop Obama's Dictatorial Executive Amnesty (VIDEO)

At Breitbart, "SESSIONS: MELT CONGRESS' PHONE LINES, STOP OBAMA'S PLANNED EXECUTIVE AMNESTY."

And a great video clip, also featuring Sen. Ted Cruz:



PREVIOUSLY: "Obama to Ram Through 'Large Scale Expansion' of Rights to 'Shield' Illegal Aliens from Deportation — Tyranny!"

VIDEO: Around the World, Al Quds Day Protesters Demand Extermination of Israel and 'Death to the Jews'

Muslims across the world chant "death to the Jews," and the global anti-Israel left backs them in solidarity.

At the Jerusalem Post, "Protesters across Muslim world denounce Israel in al-Quds Day rallies":

Demonstrators call for "Death to Israel" and "Death to America" while expressing solidarity with Palestinians.

It's all of a piece.

As Europe ignites with the most violent anti-Semitism seen since the Holocaust, the left's Hamas supporters give legitimacy to protests for Israel's annihilation across the Islamic world.

Dark time, my friends. Dark times indeed.

Surprise, Anti-Semitic Harvard Professor Stephen Walt Blames AIPAC for War in Gaza

Back in 2006, when The Israel Lobby first came out, I still had a lot of respect for Professor Stephen Walt. When I was in graduate school, I admired Walt's work, and my dissertation built on some of his theories in the balance of power literature.

Sigh. The older the wiser, as they say.

It turns out that Walt is at it again, blaming Israel's self-defense policies on the "Israel Lobby," and once again positioning himself as one of the more disgusting and hateful commentators on Middle East international politics.

Check Walt's piece at the Huffington Post (not Foreign Policy, tellingly, where Walt still writes a regular column), "AIPAC Is the Only Explanation for America's Morally Bankrupt Israel Policy."

Elder of Ziyon responds, "13 Questions for Stephen Walt."

The repudiations of Walt back in 2006 are just as powerful today. One of my favorites is from Eliot Cohen, at the Washington Post in April 2006, "Yes, It's Anti-Semitic."

I'll have more later, as always...

FLASHBACK: "Harvard's Stephen Walt Speaks at Code Pink's Move Over AIPAC! Summit, May 21, 2011."

Final Collapse of Obama's Failed Libya Policy as U.S. Abandons Embassy in Tripoli

It's over.

The U.S. is evacuating its personnel in Libya and abandoning the embassy complex in Tripoli for the "foreseeable future." Basically, we're done. Overthrow the dictatorial regime and refuse to put in ground troops and you're just creating a breeding ground for global jihad.

At Fox News, "US evacuates embassy in Libya amid clashes in Tripoli," and USA Today, "U.S. Embassy in Libya evacuated amid growing violence."

And at Atlas Shrugs, "Obama’s Epic Failure: U.S. Evacuates Embassy Compound In Libya Amid Jihad Fighting."

And from Walter Russell Mead, "As Libya Implodes, “Smart Diplomacy” Becoming a Punch Line":

The United States is pulling embassy staff out of Tripoli, and has issued a travel advisory that nicely outlines what a nightmare Libya has become. If Obama were a Republican, the press coverage of this stinking corpse of a policy flub would be quite different.

FLASHBACK: "Obama's Libya Intervention Created North Africa's Worst Terror State, Drug Trafficker, and Arms Exporter."

Villagers Near Malaysia Airlines Site Feel Abandoned and Overwhelmed — #MH17

A powerful report, at WSJ, "After Flight 17 Crash, Agony, Debris and Heartbreak in Ukraine Villages."

Read it all at the link.

Illegal Alien 'Emergency Funding' Stalls as Dems Refuse Changes to 'Inapplicable' '08 Human Trafficking Law

The majority of the illegal aliens streaming over our borders are grown adults, and thus the 2008 William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Act is "inapplicable" to the current alien invasion.

No matter. The depraved open-borders Democrats won't approve changes to the law and thus have abandoned any chance of congressional approval of the administration's emergency funding request.

See the Washington Post, "Little hope in White House for emergency funds to stem influx of migrants at border," and the New York Times, "Obama Presses Central American Leaders to Slow a Wave of Child Migrants":

The debate over how to handle the migrant children has all but stalled on Capitol Hill, where Senate Democrats and House Republicans this week unveiled competing proposals for Mr. Obama’s request for emergency funds — each far less than the $3.7 billion the president initially requested.

A major issue dividing lawmakers is a 2008 law intended to combat human trafficking, but which has made it more difficult to quickly return Central American children to their home countries. Republicans refuse to support any legislation that does not change the law in order to expedite the deportation of the young migrants, and Democrats are reluctant to vote for any legislation that changes the law. Democrats say they fear it could hurt children who are fleeing dangerous situations in their home countries.

Democrats don't care about "children who are fleeing" their homelands. They just want amnesty or else. See National Review, "Gutiérrez: ‘I Think We Can Get 3 or 4, Maybe Even 5 Million People’ Amnesty via Executive Action."

Yeah, "executive action." I blogged about that yesterday, "Obama to Ram Through 'Large Scale Expansion' of Rights to 'Shield' Illegal Aliens from Deportation — Tryanny!"

The Moral Chasm Between Israel and Hamas

From General James T. Conway, at the Wall Street Journal.

VIDEO: Oscar-Winning Patriot Jon Voight Slams Obama, Kerry at Las Vegas Pro-Israel Rally

At FrontPage Mag, "Video: Jon Voight Slams Obama, Kerry at Pro-Israel Rally."

And at PJ Media, "Jon Voight: Obama Does ‘Not Really Have Israel’s Back’; Admin Response a ‘Travesty’":

“Our President Obama said he would transform America, he certainly has for the worse, not for the better,” Voight said outside of the U.S. Federal Courthouse in Las Vegas to boos from the audience.

“President Obama and Secretary Kerry are sending the wrong messages to the entire world. They do not really have Israel’s back covered as they say they do. Instead of telling Hamas to stop sending rockets into Israel aimed at its civilian population, they say Israel has to stop killing civilians. What a travesty of justice,” he added.

According to the Israel Defense Forces, Hamas and other Palestinian militants have fired more than 1,840 rockets toward Israel since July 8.

“We have serious concerns about the rising number of Palestinian and civilian deaths and the loss of Israeli lives,” Obama said on Monday. “That is why it now has to be our focus and the focus of the international community to bring about a cease-fire that ends that fighting and that can stop the deaths of innocent civilians, both in Gaza and in Israel.”

Obama sent Kerry to the region to negotiate a deal to end the fighting. Kerry met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday.

Voight encouraged “every patriotic American,” Jewish or not, to show their outrage with the Obama administration’s reaction to the situation.

“We will not tolerate propaganda, lies about Israel being the aggressors and suppressors of the Palestinians and Hamas must understand they cannot keep sending missles into Israel year after year,” he said at the “We Stand With Israel” rally, sponsored by the Israeli American Council.

Obama to Ram Through 'Large Scale Expansion' of Rights to 'Shield' Illegal Aliens from Deportation — Tyranny!

Astonishing dictatorial rule, man.

At the Los Angeles Times, "White House pursuing plan to expand immigrant rights":

Even as President Obama grapples with the crisis of immigrant children arriving at the Southwest border, White House officials are laying the groundwork for a large-scale expansion of immigrant rights that would come by executive action within weeks.

Officials signaled strongly Friday that Obama's move would shield from deportation large numbers of immigrants living in the country illegally, as advocacy groups have demanded.

Roughly 5 million of the estimated 11 million people who entered the country without legal authorization or overstayed their visas could be protected under a leading option the White House is considering, according to officials who discussed the proposals on condition of anonymity.

Obama said last month that because Congress had failed to act on comprehensive immigration reform, he would take executive action to "fix as much of our immigration system as I can on my own."

At the video above, far-left Rachel Maddow from a few weeks back, when Herr Führer first launched his dictatorial grab for illegal alien amnesty. She is 100 percent down with unlawful executive action and asks --- gleefully! --- how far unchecked executive power can go? They're all about unchecked power!!

Leftists: Destroying the United States like there's no tomorrow.

Israelis Take 'Bomb Shelter Selfies' as Hamas Rains Down Indiscriminate Shelling on Tel Aviv

And putting on a happy face too.

Amazing.

At London's Daily Mail, "Bizarre trend of 'bomb shelter selfies' takes off in Israel as under-siege Tel Aviv residents vow to 'keep on smiling'."

VIDEO: Texas' Collin County Commissioner Warns of 'Illegal Immigrant Tsunami'

Collin County includes Plano, just north of Dallas.

At KDFW FOX-4 News Dallas-Fort Worth:

French Jews Tracked Down, Attacked IRL After Anti-Semitic Facebook Page Publishes Identities and Photos

You can see why record numbers of French Jews are making aliyah to Israel.

At Blazing Cat Fur, "Facebook page publishing identities of French Jews to encourage attackers; 15 men assault a Jew in Paris suburb after confirming photo."

And at Jihad Watch, "Paris: Jew assaulted after Facebook page publishes pics of French Jews":

Still more victimization of Jews in France. Will French authorities act? Or will they continue to cower in fear before predatory Leftists and Islamic supremacists?

VIDEO: Joan Rivers' Epic Israel/Palestine Rant

She gets going, heh.

At TMZ, "Joan Rivers GOES OFF on Epic Israel/Palestine Rant."

Michele Bachmann Might Seek GOP Presidential Nomination in 2016

At RCP, "Bachmann Says She Might Seek Presidency in 2016."

Bachmann was my pick in 2012. I'll back her again in 2016, on the condition that she eschews policy positions on the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine Gardasil causing mental retardation, heh.

Halbig May Be Death Blow to #ObamaCare

From Betsy McCaughey, at IBD, "Halbig v. Burwell Court Decision May Be Death Blow to ObamaCare":

Obamacare in Critical Condition—Facing Death Spiral.

Yesterday, a federal appeals court slapped down the Obama administration in a 2-1 ruling that could kill the president's signature health care law.

If upheld by the Supreme Court, the ruling would force Congress back to the drawing board to design a health law that is actually affordable rather than simply bearing the false title "Affordable Care Act."

The ruling in Halbig v. Burwell bars the federal government from handing out taxpayer-funded subsidies to people who buy ObamaCare plans in nearly two-thirds of the states.

Those subsidies took the sting out of being forced to buy pricey ObamaCare plans. If the ruling sticks, buyers in those states will have to pay full price, which is, on average, a whopping four times the subsidized price that they paid this year.

Quadrupling the price would likely trigger a mass exodus out of the plans, causing what the insurance industry calls a "death spiral."

The ruling by the influential appeals court for the District of Columbia also chastised the Obama administration for rewriting the law to suit its own ends.

Halbig is the latest in a series of warnings from federal judges that in America, the rule of law is king, not President Barack Obama.

More.

And the big debate now is on Obama health consultant Jonathan Guber, at Memeorandum. See especially Peter Suderman, at Reason, "Watch Obamacare Architect Jonathan Gruber Admit in 2012 That Subsidies Were Limited to State-Run Exchanges (Updated With Another Admission), " and Ed Morrissey, at Hot Air, "ObamaCare architect explained in 2012 video why only state exchanges pay subsidies."

Ludivine Sagna Miami Beach Bikini Pics

She's a soccer WAG, married to French international football player Bacary Sagna.

At Egotastic!, "Ludivine Sagna Shows Off Her Curves in a Pink Bikini on Miami Beach."

Also at London's Daily Mail, "Bacary Sagna takes to the beach with wife Ludivine before beginning life at Manchester City."

The Hard-Left 'Took Over' the Democrat Party

And this guy, Doug Sosnik, is just now noticing?

At Politico, "Blue Crush: How the Left Took Over the Democratic Party."

A good piece, especially Sosnik's commentary on the public's growing preference for smaller government, which contradicts the natural ideological program of the Democrat big-government socialists hacks.

FLASHBACK: From March 2013, "Barack Obama, the Democrats, and the Mainstreaming of Socialism."

Putin's Crime, Europe's Cowardice

From Bernard-Henri Lévy, at the New York Times:

To see the European Union acting so pusillanimously is very discouraging. France wants to hold on to its arms contracts for the jobs they are supposed to save in its naval shipyards. Germany, a hub of operations for the Russian energy giant Gazprom, is petrified of losing its own strategic position. Britain, for its part, despite recent statements by Prime Minister David Cameron, may still not be ready to forgo the colossal flows of Russian oligarchs’ ill-gotten cash upon which the City, London’s financial district, has come to rely.

In European parlance, this is called the spirit of Munich — appeasement. And it is a disgrace.

Odds of a GOP Wave

Following up from yesterday, "Larry Sabato: GOP Has 'No Lock' on Senate Majority in November."

This piece, from Josh Kraushaar, at National Journal, is much more in line with my thinking, especially on the polling. See, "The Odds of a GOP Wave Are Increasing":

If anything, this year's environment for Democrats is shaping up to be as bleak. Sizable majorities oppose the Obama administration's handling of nearly every issue, including the economy, health care, and foreign policy. The administration looks out of its element, lurching from foreign policy crises to domestic scandal over the past year. Even out of the headlines, Obamacare is still a driving force for Republicans and for unfavorable poll numbers. This week, Democratic pollster Stanley Greenberg released new data showing Obama's disapproval at a whopping 60 percent in 12 Senate battlegrounds, with half strongly disapproving of his performance. Overall, Republicans held a 2-point edge on the battleground generic ballot, 46 percent to 44 percent.

Those are the numbers that foreshadow wave elections. In the House, the outlook is already decidedly favorable toward Republicans, even with a limited pool of competitive seats. The Cook Political Report only ranks four GOP-held seats as toss-ups or worse, while 13 Democratic seats are in the same category. Perennial targets, like suburban Reps. Joe Heck and Mike Fitzpatrick, are looking in strong shape, while Democrats in friendly seats like Reps. Brad Schneider and Scott Peters are facing challenging campaigns. In Senate races, where voters pay closer attention to individual candidates, Democrats are working aggressively to disqualify challengers from capitalizing on the public discontent, hoping that widespread dissatisfaction with the GOP brand will translate into support for their incumbents.

But in an environment like this, it's more likely we'll see more races come into play late than to see close contests fall by the wayside. Republicans aren't guaranteed a wave election at this point, but those dismissing the possibility are whistling past the graveyard.

Obama on 'Acting White'

The Wall Street Journal praises President Obamam's "My Brothers Keepers" initiative. See, "Some honest remarks about culture and authenticity" (via Google):

...Mr. Obama had some pointed but honest remarks at a town hall in Washington, D.C. on Monday: "Sometimes African Americans, in communities where I've worked, there's been the notion of 'acting white'—which sometimes is overstated, but there's an element of truth to it, where, okay, if boys are reading too much, then, well, why are you doing that? Or why are you speaking so properly? And the notion that there's some authentic way of being black, that if you're going to be black you have to act a certain way and wear a certain kind of clothes, that has to go. Because there are a whole bunch of different ways for African American men to be authentic."

Mr. Obama added that young men should know their specific cultural heritage while also appreciating our common culture in which everyone must be equipped to participate and strive to succeed. This is a message that Mr. Obama can deliver with particular authority, and good for him for doing so.

NewsBusted — Majority of Americans Want Newly Arrived Illegal Aliens to Be Sent Home Immediately...

NewsBusted 7/25/14, with Jodi Miller:

VIDEO: No 'Photo Op' Obama Goes for Fist Bumps, Selfies, and Trash Talk at Canter's Deli in L.A.

Remember how O was totally dissin' illegal alien photo ops at at the Texas border as not serious, or something? Well, get the man out to a Los Angeles delicatessen and now we're talkin' serious business.

At the Los Angeles Times, "President Obama in L.A.: Fundraiser, fist bumps, trash talk in a deli":

On Thursday that locale was Canter’s Deli, the venerable Fairfax district eating spot, where Obama struck up conversations with diners about basketball, his failing jump shot and other regular-guy concerns.

Fresh from a morning fundraiser at the Pacific Palisades home of Live Nation Chief Executive and President Michael Rapino — the bookend to a Wednesday night fundraiser at the Hancock Park home of television impresario Shonda Rhimes — Obama strode into the deli and shook hands with line cooks, who snapped pictures and fist-bumped the president.

Then he moved to the dining room, where he engaged in a little reverse trash talk, impugning his own basketball skills...

President Obama greets an enthusiastic customer at Canter's delicatessen in LA today pic.twitter.com/OWlQTw1Js6

— petesouza (@petesouza) July 25, 2014

'I will not apologise for surviving...'

From Eitan Chitayat, at the Times of Israel, "Shalom, motherf****r":

I’m tired of the argument lobbed against us where I read people saying it’s ‘not fair’ because more Palestinians have died than Israelis. Of people asking ‘why are we complaining when we’re the stronger ones?’ My heart bleeds for every innocent killed no matter what side they’re on. Palestinain or Israeli innocents – it matters not.

But I will not apologise for surviving.

For surviving missiles intended to kill me. The fact they didn’t kill me doesn’t mean they weren’t sent with the intention to murder. We have a defence system, shelters, evacuation procedures and governments who take care of us – I will not apologise for living and surviving thanks to being prepared because we have a culture that celebrates our lives and cherishes them instead of sending 10-year old children to be fighters and bombers. I will not apologise for having a business, a home, a family and friends here who want normal lives and to live in peace with our neighbors. I will not apologise for existing and I want nothing more than to co-exist quietly with neighbors who accept me here.

But this is not what Hamas wants.

Let me be very clear. Hamas is trying to kill ME. My family. My baby son. All of us here. That is their purpose. Get it through your heads – that is what is happening. And it’s VERY personal. For all of us here....

If anyone doesn’t understand any of the above; if anyone doesn’t get it; if any of my friends are going to post anti-Israel messages in a time where over 500 Palestinians have tragically died in this current conflict yet you remained silent while almost 200,000 Arabs were murdered by Arabs these past few years; if you’re not writing about Assad using chemical weapons against his people; if you’re not writing about ISIS who crucified 8 christians the other day and who are telling Iraqi Christians ‘convert, pay tax, or die’; if you only have criticism for the State of Israel that is doing EVERYTHING in its power to avoid civilian losses to Palestinians during a war; if you’re going to do nothing but sit wherever you’re sitting and just dish out your anti-Israel dirt while rockets are being aimed at my house, family and friends as our boys are fighting to protect us – and you’re going to dish it out simply because we’re living in this land and you haven’t got a clue as to our connection to it; if you’re going to join the anti-semitic and anti-Israel demonstrations flaring up in the world like we’re seeing in France, Turkey, Berlin, most Arab states and even in the US that have nothing to do with this conflict but are really just expressions of hatred directed at Jews and Israelis (and these expressions will be directed at the host countries soon); if you’re going to stay quiet and just accept, then go ahead and unfriend me from Facebook now because you’re probably no friend of mine...

California Attorney General Kamala Harris Will Help Illegals Get Lawyers for Deportation Hearings

At KCRA Sacramento, "AG Kamala Harris will help immigrants get lawyers":

Reports: California AG Kamala Harris to help secure lawyers for Obama's illegals at deportation hearings. #NoAmnesty pic.twitter.com/IYZ3Tt8nro

— Donald Douglas (@AmPowerBlog) July 25, 2014

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. —California's attorney general said Thursday she is helping secure lawyers to represent minors from Central America during immigration hearings.

Kamala Harris called the surge in young immigrants a humanitarian crisis, echoing comments made a day earlier by Gov. Jerry Brown, a fellow Democrat. More than 57,000 minors have arrived at the border since October, mostly from El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala, along with tens of thousands of families.

Harris said she wants "to make sure that we're giving those children due process of law" and added that children as young as 8 shouldn't have to go through the hearings without the benefit of a lawyer to help explain their condition.

Harris made the comments after presenting valor awards to law enforcement officers at the California Highway Patrol Academy in West Sacramento.

She said providing lawyers is among the steps that can be taken at the state and local levels to aid the situation. "But ultimately, it's an issue that is a federal issue," said Harris, who is running for re-election to a second four-year term.

"We need to pass comprehensive immigration reform and Congress is not acting. And it's a shame."

Yes, she's running for reelection, and pandering to the lawless open-borders Democrat Party vote.

More at the Imperial Valley News, "Attorney General Kamala D. Harris Issues Bulletin to Law Enforcement on Federal Immigration Detainers."

Arizona 2-Hour Execution Rekindles Debate on Death Penalty

A federal judge argued this week to bring back the firing squad, and that's where the debate should be going --- toward functionally more humane executions.

And here's the Wall Street Journal, "Lengthy Arizona Execution Heightens Lethal-Injection Questions: Condemned Man Dies Two Hours After Drugs Were Administered."

And video at KNXV-TV ABC15 Phoenix , "Arizona inmate dies 2 hours after execution began," and "Reaction from latest Arizona execution."