THE NEXT American president will face the most serious challenge from Russia since the end of the Cold War or, for that matter, since the early 1980s, when the United States and Yuri Andropov’s Soviet Union actively confronted one another around the globe. Russia today is increasingly an angry, nationalist, elective monarchy, and while it is still open for business with America and its allies, its leaders often assume the worst about Western intentions and view the United States as the “main enemy”—indeed, a new poll finds that 72 percent of Russians consider the United States the country most hostile to Russia. Worse, Moscow has been prepared to put its money where its mouth is in proceeding with a massive military modernization. The Russian government is simultaneously tightening domestic political and police controls and seeking new alliances to balance pressures from the United States and its allies and partners.Keep reading.
It is important not to oversimplify this situation. It is not a reenactment of the Cold War; history rarely repeats itself so precisely. Vladimir Putin’s Russia is not a superpower and its top officials are realistic about their country’s military, geopolitical and economic limitations. Russia does not have a universal ideology predicated on the West as an enemy. In fact, Putin and his associates regularly profess interest in resuming cooperation with the United States and its allies—on terms acceptable to the Kremlin. The Russian government is eager to obtain foreign investment and access to Western technology, which requires normalcy in relations with the West.
We cannot be sure how Putin and his associates would respond if the United States and its allies were prepared to reshape their policy towards Russia by defining their interests more narrowly, being less categorical about Russian domestic practices, putting a premium on avoiding confrontation and, when possible, even engaging in cooperation with Russia. All that can be said at this point is that Russia’s trajectory is alarming, but probably not yet irreversible...
Saturday, August 6, 2016
Russia and America: Destined for Conflict?
From Dimitri K. Simes, at the National Interest:
Trump's Movement Could Destroy America
Following-up, "Here's That Sarah Kendzior Piece Mentioned the Other Day."
I think Sarah Kenzior's amping on methamphetamine.
At Quartz, "Donald Trump and his followers could destroy America even if he loses":
It's prophetic.
But keep reading Kendzior, heh.
She's totally amped.
I think Sarah Kenzior's amping on methamphetamine.
At Quartz, "Donald Trump and his followers could destroy America even if he loses":
"Under the right leader, the dog whistles of Trump could end up sounding more like the tune of a pied piper" https://t.co/Ag6hihVtYm— Sarah Kendzior (@sarahkendzior) August 5, 2016
Donald Trump’s erratic behavior over the past week has led to speculation that he is purposefully trying to sabotage his own campaign.This reminds me of the piece I wrote shortly after Obama came to office, in February 2009, "Worst Case Scenario? Preparing for Anarchy in America."
Since Aug. 2, Trump has feuded with a baby, repeatedly insulted the Muslim parents of a deceased veteran, claimed he “always wanted a Purple Heart,” insisted the election will be “rigged,” reignited past campaign controversies like his mockery of a disabled reporter and his comments over Megan Kelly’s menstrual cycle, falsely claimed he was given state secrets about Iran and then announced those “secrets” to the public, and inspired several Republicans to endorse Hillary Clinton.
This is clearly not a winning strategy. But there is no reason to believe Trump is purposefully trying to lose. In January, Trump boasted that he “could stand in the middle of [New York City’s] 5th Avenue and shoot somebody and I wouldn’t lose voters.”
What he is doing now is merely the rhetorical equivalent. Trump’s current behavior should concern Americans–not simply because of the hatred and intolerance his campaign has normalized, but because the leaders who might inherit Trump’s voter base could be even worse.
From its infancy, Trump’s campaign has been about testing the limits of his fans’ loyalty and public tolerance for bigotry, threats, and lies. The Republican Party and the media have repeatedly failed this test. GOP leaders have criticized him but most refuse to retract their endorsements. Some journalists have apologized for their role in promoting Trump during the primaries, and many now critique him harshly, but you can still find his former campaign manager Corey Lewandowski spouting racist birther theories as a paid commentator on CNN. And despite a phenomenal meltdown, Trump still maintains his fan base as well as institutional support.
That said, it is looking more likely that Trump will lose. Though polls are not a reliable predictor of what will happen in November, several recent surveys indicate an unprecedented drop in his approval ratings. According to Gallup, Trump is the first candidate in US history to lose support after his party’s convention.
Although victory is still possible—in this election, anything is possible—it is prudent to examine what will happen should Hillary Clinton win. Over the past year, Trump has built an impressive cult of personality. What happens to the cult if the personality is defeated?
To answer this question, we need to evaluate Trump’s version of patriotism. Trump has promoted himself as the “real” American candidate, the one who will put “America first” (as the old fascist slogan goes) and who cares about the “forgotten Americans.” He has made it clear that he does not care very much about the welfare of Muslims, Mexicans, or other Americans who are not part of his white Christian base. But it is not clear that Trump cares about his white Christian base either, or about the stability and prosperity of America as a whole. Consider this excerpt from an explosive February 2014 interview on Fox News:
“You know what solves it?” he said of America’s sorry state. “When the economy crashes, when the country goes to total hell and everything is a disaster. Then you’ll have a [chuckles], you know, you’ll have riots to go back to where we used to be when we were great.”
Trump does not want to make America great again. He wants to destroy America so that he, alone, can rebuild it.
He wants to destroy America so that he, alone, can rebuild it and subsume it under his control. As he said in his GOP convention speech, “I alone can fix it.” Trump’s stance is not unique: Dictators throughout history have created chaos in order to justify the use of force. But Trump’s ability to carry out this plan relies on him getting elected. With that option off the table, what comes next?
Here are two possibilities. The first is that a charismatic successor will come along who will maintain Trump’s political positions but behave in a more emotionally controlled way. This successor would presumably run for office, as Trump did, but learn from Trump’s mistakes and gain a broader base of support. Given that part of Trump’s appeal rests on an “anti-establishment” persona, this individual will likely not come from within the GOP, but from the fringe movements that Trump has helped push closer to the mainstream. It could be Donald Trump Jr, who could ride the wave of the Trump brand. Or it could be a popular and polished white supremacist, someone like Matthew Heimbach, who has attracted a large following with more explicitly racist rhetoric than Trump’s. Whoever it is will likely be younger than Trump and will tap into the youthful and bigoted “alt-right,” which has supported Trump throughout his campaign.
The second possibility is that Trump’s base may shift its focus from entering the government to annihilating it. In this scenario, his supporters might join militias and white secessionist movements, the ranks and popularity of which have grown exponentially since Obama took office.
As the US becomes less white and the Democratic Party increasingly reflects this diversity, Trump’s base would battle their perceived enemies head on. Picture the Bundy family standoff on a national level, with assorted militias and hate groups united behind the Trump banner, avenging his loss. Trump’s campaign has redefined what counts as “extremism”: Militia and white supremacist groups are enjoying increasingly mainstream appeal, especially as white Americans in a worsening economy feel they have little to lose by joining them...
It's prophetic.
But keep reading Kendzior, heh.
She's totally amped.
Friday, August 5, 2016
Angela Merkel's Popularity Plunges After Wave of Jihad Attacks in Germany — Unexpectedly!
Well, this is a total surprise.
At the Wall Street Journal, "Merkel’s Popularity Plunges After July Attacks":
More.
At the Wall Street Journal, "Merkel’s Popularity Plunges After July Attacks":
Support for Angela Merkel drops 12 points, to 47%, after July attacks in Germany: https://t.co/FR7iBTaBuh
— WSJ Think Tank (@WSJThinkTank) August 5, 2016
BERLIN — Mounting concerns about terrorism, migration and relations with Turkey are eroding support among German voters for Europe’s long-dominant leader, Chancellor Angela Merkel, as she decides whether to run for a fourth term.I guess the German government's never heard of the first rule of holes.
A poll released late Thursday showed Ms. Merkel’s approval rating plummeting 12 points in the space of a month and confidence in her handling of refugee policy at a new low.
It was conducted Monday and Tuesday, following a wave of violence in southern Germany in late July that included two terrorist acts by migrants, allegedly linked to Islamic State, that injured 20 people.
“Of course we can do it. The country won’t collapse,” said Karl-Georg Wellmann, a lawmaker with Ms. Merkel’s Christian Democrats, referring to the chancellor’s slogan regarding the recent wave of around a million migrants.
“But people don’t want to hear this anymore,” he said. “They want to hear that we have things under control.”
The poll conducted by Infratest Dimap found Ms. Merkel’s approval rating at 47%, down from 59% a month before. Nearly two thirds said they disapproved of her refugee policy, the highest level since the pollster started asking the question last fall. The poll had a margin of error of 3.1 percentage points.
In addition to terrorism fears, recent polls register deep discomfort with Ms. Merkel’s bid to keep working closely with Turkey to stem the tide of migrants and refugees trekking to Europe, especially in the wake of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s crackdown on domestic opponents after last month’s failed military coup.
Germans follow events in Turkey closely, in part because of worries that tensions there could spill over into Germany’s large Turkish community.
In the latest poll, 88% said the German government should be more assertive in confronting Turkey.
“The German people clearly believe that Germany should be tougher towards Mr. Erdogan,” said Oskar Niedermayer, professor of political science at Berlin’s Free University. “If Mr. Erdogan moves even more towards dictatorship than he is already doing,” and possibly calls the migration deal with the European Union into question, “this would of course be a very difficult situation for Ms. Merkel,” he said.
A top aide to Ms. Merkel said neither the attacks in Germany nor events in Turkey would affect the basics of the government’s migration policy...
More.
Boring Brazil Olympics — #ThirdWorldGames
Heh.
I didn't watch.
Gisele Bündchen's really cool, though.
And at People Magazine, "Gisele Bündchen Dances Like Everyone's Watching at Rio Olympics Opening Ceremony."
I didn't watch.
Gisele Bündchen's really cool, though.
REVIEW: Brazil Boring... https://t.co/As9nPCVdsX— DRUDGE REPORT (@DRUDGE_REPORT) August 6, 2016
.@giseleofficial is “The Girl From Ipanema” in Olympic #OpeningCeremony: https://t.co/otphOCsXvH pic.twitter.com/xqSR0vbzBJ— NBC Olympics (@NBCOlympics) August 6, 2016
And at People Magazine, "Gisele Bündchen Dances Like Everyone's Watching at Rio Olympics Opening Ceremony."
Phyllis Schlafly et al., The Conservative Case for Trump [BUMPED]
Out on September 6th.
At Amazon, Phyllis Schlafly et al., The Conservative Case for Trump.
At Amazon, Phyllis Schlafly et al., The Conservative Case for Trump.
From Phyllis Schlafly, the woman whose celebrated classic A Choice Not An Echo (over 3 million copies sold) upended the 1964 Republican Convention, comes a persuasive new argument for a surprising conservative choice: Donald Trump.
For the first time since 1980, a significant number of Republicans are considering abandoning their party’s nominee. This is a grave mistake, Schlafly says—because a Donald Trump “radical redirection” could actually set America back on the path of Reagan’s conservative revolution.
Was That Tim Lincecum's Last Game?
I don't think Mike Scioscia's got anyone else to fill in the rotation.
But Lincecum's gotta go.
At the O.C. Register, "Final: Tim Lincecum roughed up again in Angels' loss to the Mariners."
But Lincecum's gotta go.
At the O.C. Register, "Final: Tim Lincecum roughed up again in Angels' loss to the Mariners."
From @JeffFletcherOCR: How much longer will the #Angels stick w the Tim #Lincecum experiment? It's not going well. https://t.co/vJQf2pm0p0
— OC Register Sports (@OCRegSports) August 6, 2016
I really wanted to support #TimLincecum, but he's struggling so much it's impossible. Sheesh. #Angels #Mariners
— Donald Douglas (@AmPowerBlog) August 6, 2016
I rest my case. It's now 6-3 #Mariners over #Angels. https://t.co/KY0uYZPmW0
— Donald Douglas (@AmPowerBlog) August 6, 2016
The Mariners have pounded Tim Lincecum for six hits and six runs here in the first inning, and he is not through it yet. ERA up to 9.84.
— Pedro Moura (@pedromoura) August 6, 2016
This is going to be the 2nd "Is this the last start of his career?" for Tim Lincecum in the last 3. He's allowed 6 runs in 1st.
— Jeff Fletcher (@JeffFletcherOCR) August 6, 2016
That was brutal. #Mariners #Angels
— Donald Douglas (@AmPowerBlog) August 6, 2016
#TimLincecum back in for another nail-biting inning. #Angels #Mariners
— Donald Douglas (@AmPowerBlog) August 6, 2016
In his last 7.1 IP, Tim Lincecum has given up 18 runs. He said he was pitching for his '17 contract. Minor league deal, or retire?
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) August 6, 2016
.@BillShaikin I had high hopes for him, Bill. #TimLincecum #Angels #Mariners
— Donald Douglas (@AmPowerBlog) August 6, 2016
Deadly Tour Bus Crash on California's Highway 99 (VIDEO)
This wasn't too far north of Fresno.
At the Los Angeles Times, "'Catastrophic' charter bus crash leaves five dead, L.A. driver seriously injured":
At the Los Angeles Times, "'Catastrophic' charter bus crash leaves five dead, L.A. driver seriously injured":
At least five people were killed and numerous people seriously injured early Tuesday when a violent crash tore a charter bus down the middle on Highway 99 in Merced County, the California Highway Patrol said.Keep reading.
The northbound bus struck the support pole for a sign marking the Hammatt Avenue exit near the town of Livingston, CHP Officer Moises Onsurez told The Times. The crash occurred about 3:35 a.m., authorities said.
The pole split the white bus down the middle, tearing through it as it kept moving forward after impact, Onsurez said. Video images from the Merced Sun-Star showed firefighters climbing through windows in the early morning darkness, and a road lined with ambulances.
“This collision is a catastrophic event,” Onsurez said.
About 30 passengers were aboard the vehicle, and some suffered major injuries, Onsurez said. About five injured people were flown to hospitals, officials said. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Northbound Highway 99 was closed in the area throughout the day.
Authorities have identified the bus driver as 57-year-old Mario David Vasquez from Los Angeles, Onsurez said. Vasquez “sustained major injuries” and was hospitalized Tuesday morning, he said.
The bus originated in Mexico and had stopped in Los Angeles on Monday night, Onsurez said. It made a stop in Livingston and was headed to Pasco, Wash., Onsurez said...
Two Muslim Women Booted Off American Airlines Flight in Miami; Flight Attendant Prevents Another Possible Terrorist Attack
Following-up, "Hero Delta Airlines Flight Attendant Prevents Possible Terrorist Attack by Getting Two Islamists Booted from Paris to Cincinnati Flight."
I guess this is getting to be a thing now.
Seen just now on Twitter:
Hard leftist Xena Jardin has a huge write-up, at Boing Boing, "2 Muslim women kicked off American Airlines flight in Miami."
One of the Muslims is Niala Mohammed Khalil. I'm surprised she's not wearing the hijab.
I guess this is getting to be a thing now.
Seen just now on Twitter:
Two Muslim women were ordered off an American Airlines flight https://t.co/24JPzZUzyJ— The New York Times (@nytimes) August 6, 2016
— Donald Douglas (@AmPowerBlog) August 6, 2016
Hard leftist Xena Jardin has a huge write-up, at Boing Boing, "2 Muslim women kicked off American Airlines flight in Miami."
One of the Muslims is Niala Mohammed Khalil. I'm surprised she's not wearing the hijab.
WOW, Way to cover yourselves #AmericanAirlines ! This issue of being Muslim was actually spoken about openly... https://t.co/lgbNbcypc9
— Niala Khalil (@nialakhalil) August 4, 2016
Update Not Watching the Olympics — #ThirdWorldGames
Following-up, "Not Watching the Olympics — #ThirdWorldGames."
Via Twitter:
Via Twitter:
.@rogerlsimon That's why I never bothered to watch in the first place. Revolting politics and PC inanity. #ThirdWorldGames #Rio2016
— Donald Douglas (@AmPowerBlog) August 6, 2016
Xenophobia and Islamophobia on the Rise in Great Britain
Actually, they're not. It's just that leftists have nothing left in the quiver to push back against righteous populist nationalism.
But see Zaheer Kazmi, at Foreign Affairs, FWIW, "Islamophobia and the New Britishness: How Brexit Revealed the Conservative Establishment's Intolerance."
Frankly, this guy Zaheer's recycling a lot of lies surrounding the Brexit debate, but this is what passes for "informed comment" on the left.
Pathetic.
But see Zaheer Kazmi, at Foreign Affairs, FWIW, "Islamophobia and the New Britishness: How Brexit Revealed the Conservative Establishment's Intolerance."
Frankly, this guy Zaheer's recycling a lot of lies surrounding the Brexit debate, but this is what passes for "informed comment" on the left.
Pathetic.
Xenophobia and Islamophobia are on the rise in the United Kingdom: https://t.co/hjuHxmeHGC— Foreign Affairs (@ForeignAffairs) August 5, 2016
Hillary Clinton, Queen of War
Very possibly our next president.
Abel Danger: Hillary, Queen of War: The Road Map Ahead https://t.co/CfRuECSgyT #crookedhillary #imwithher pic.twitter.com/YwrLJHf1hZ
— King Robbo (@realkingrobbo) August 6, 2016
Not Watching the Olympics — #ThirdWorldGames
Oh, I'll tune in for gymnastics, swimming, and track and field, etc.
I'm just not watching the opening ceremonies. They're so politically correct it's like pulling teeth. And the show's not even live.
More, from Ed Driscoll, at Instapundit, "NEWS YOU CAN ABUSE: An Incomplete List of Why Nobody Really Gives a Shit About the Olympics Anymore."
I'm just not watching the opening ceremonies. They're so politically correct it's like pulling teeth. And the show's not even live.
More, from Ed Driscoll, at Instapundit, "NEWS YOU CAN ABUSE: An Incomplete List of Why Nobody Really Gives a Shit About the Olympics Anymore."
Donald Trump Endorses Paul Ryan in Wisconsin (VIDEO)
Trump goes back and forth: He gets in hot water with the press, establishment hacks come down on him hard, then he plays nice, doing something unconventional to get back in good graces.
Whatever.
Perhaps the idiot Khizr Khantroversy's blown over by now, and media hacks can momentarily train their fire on Hillary Clinton.
Or, I wish.
In any case, at Politico, "Donald Trump endorses Paul Ryan, John McCain."
Whatever.
Perhaps the idiot Khizr Khantroversy's blown over by now, and media hacks can momentarily train their fire on Hillary Clinton.
Or, I wish.
In any case, at Politico, "Donald Trump endorses Paul Ryan, John McCain."
Hero Delta Airlines Flight Attendant Prevents Possible Terrorist Attack by Getting Two Islamists Booted from Paris to Cincinnati Flight
Heh.
That should be the headline, but of course the two Muslims went straight to unindicted CAIR, who then turned it into a national civil rights crisis.
Rinse and repeat.
At USA Today, "Muslim couple removed from Delta flight: 'It was humiliating'."
That should be the headline, but of course the two Muslims went straight to unindicted CAIR, who then turned it into a national civil rights crisis.
Rinse and repeat.
At USA Today, "Muslim couple removed from Delta flight: 'It was humiliating'."
Alessandra Ambrosio in Brazil
Well, she's Brazilian, so why not chill for the games?
(Actually, I'd rather chill in L.A., but what that heck. She's a local down there as well.)
At Egotastic!, "Alessandra Ambrosio Daisy Dukes In Brazil."
Also, "Alessandra Ambrosio Bikini Dip In Brazil."
(Actually, I'd rather chill in L.A., but what that heck. She's a local down there as well.)
At Egotastic!, "Alessandra Ambrosio Daisy Dukes In Brazil."
Also, "Alessandra Ambrosio Bikini Dip In Brazil."
VAI BRASIL 💚💛💚 So happy for my country & #Rio to be hosting The #Olympics #RIO2016 !! #Brasil 🇧🇷 É hoje galera !! pic.twitter.com/ZeP9brSCq5
— Alessandra Ambrosio (@AngelAlessandra) August 5, 2016
London Attacker Zakaria Bulhan 'Recently Read the Koran...'
Jeez, we'll never find the motive.
Following-up from yesterday, "Zakaria Bulhan: London Somali Attack Suspect Identified as 19-Year-Old Who Was 'Bullied at School...'"
At Jihad Watch, "UK knifeman recently read Qur’an, life of Muhammad; cops search for motive."
ADDED: From Louise Mensch, at Heat Street, "EXCLUSIVE: CONFIRMED: ‘Mentally Ill’ Suspect Of Somali Descent In UK Attack Studied Jihad before Killing American."
Following-up from yesterday, "Zakaria Bulhan: London Somali Attack Suspect Identified as 19-Year-Old Who Was 'Bullied at School...'"
At Jihad Watch, "UK knifeman recently read Qur’an, life of Muhammad; cops search for motive."
ADDED: From Louise Mensch, at Heat Street, "EXCLUSIVE: CONFIRMED: ‘Mentally Ill’ Suspect Of Somali Descent In UK Attack Studied Jihad before Killing American."
Gold Star Mom Karen Vaughn Says Obama Used Son's Casket as 'Photo Op' (VIDEO)
She's a good lady.
From CNN this morning, "Gold Star Mom Says Obama Used Son's Casket as Photo Op When She Asked Him Not To."
If the Democrats didn't have double standards they'd have no standards at all. *SMH*
From CNN this morning, "Gold Star Mom Says Obama Used Son's Casket as Photo Op When She Asked Him Not To."
If the Democrats didn't have double standards they'd have no standards at all. *SMH*
Donald Trump Expected to Endorse Paul Ryan (VIDEO)
Trump's supposed to endorse Ryan tonight at a rally in Wisconsin.
CNN reports.
Also at the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, "Trump plans to endorse Ryan, according to sources."
CNN reports.
Also at the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, "Trump plans to endorse Ryan, according to sources."
James Piereson, Shattered Consensus
This one's looking more relevant than ever.
At Amazon, James Piereson, Shattered Consensus: The Rise and Decline of America’s Postwar Political Order.
At Amazon, James Piereson, Shattered Consensus: The Rise and Decline of America’s Postwar Political Order.
Here's Jackie Johnson's Forecast from Last Night
I've been slackin' on my Ms. Jackie blogging. She was on vacation for a while and they've had a platoon of meteorologists working the forecasts.
That's cool. But Ms. Jackie's my favorite.
At CBS 2 Los Angeles:
That's cool. But Ms. Jackie's my favorite.
At CBS 2 Los Angeles:
'Shocker: alumni donations drop when colleges reinvent themselves as Orwellian daycare centers...'
Lolz.
That's Iowahawk on Twitter, snarking about this piece:
It's good.
That's Iowahawk on Twitter, snarking about this piece:
.@Instapundit College Students Protest, Alumni’s Fondness Fades and Checks Shrink. @PatriarchTree #SJWs https://t.co/oP6XC1AVXF
— Donald Douglas (@AmPowerBlog) August 5, 2016
It's good.
Bill Only Got a Blowjob ... I'm Gonna F*ck the Whole Country...
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Samantha Hoopes Summer of Swim Beach Body Workout (VIDEO)
She's a cool chick.
Watch, at Sports Illustrated, "SI Swimsuit bombshell Samantha Hoopes teaches us that it's never too late to get a rocking Summer of Swim beach body."
BONUS: At the Blemish, "Samantha Hoopes — Breasts So Big They Don’t Fit Into This Pic." And on Twitter, "Samantha Hoopes topless see through Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2016."
Watch, at Sports Illustrated, "SI Swimsuit bombshell Samantha Hoopes teaches us that it's never too late to get a rocking Summer of Swim beach body."
BONUS: At the Blemish, "Samantha Hoopes — Breasts So Big They Don’t Fit Into This Pic." And on Twitter, "Samantha Hoopes topless see through Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2016."
You Can Rip My Cargo Shorts Off My Cold Dead Booty!
I don't care about freakin' fashion trends. I've got about five pairs of cargo shorts and they're not going anywhere. My wife loves 'em. I've got a big black booty that doesn't look good in skinny-dude Bermuda shorts.
That's just not gonna fly.
And now here comes a "debate" on the fashion-ability of the genre? Get out of here!
From Nicole Hong, at WSJ, "What Happened After I Wrote That Cargo Shorts Story."
Here's the earlier piece that kicked off the debate, "Nice Cargo Shorts! You’re Sleeping on the Sofa."
More, at Galore, "WHAT TO DO IF YOUR BOYFRIEND STILL WEARS CARGO SHORTS."
Even PC political scientist Dan Drezner weighs in, "A Very Important Post about … cargo shorts."
That's just not gonna fly.
And now here comes a "debate" on the fashion-ability of the genre? Get out of here!
From Nicole Hong, at WSJ, "What Happened After I Wrote That Cargo Shorts Story."
Here's the earlier piece that kicked off the debate, "Nice Cargo Shorts! You’re Sleeping on the Sofa."
More, at Galore, "WHAT TO DO IF YOUR BOYFRIEND STILL WEARS CARGO SHORTS."
Even PC political scientist Dan Drezner weighs in, "A Very Important Post about … cargo shorts."
Vote Trump: Finally a Candidate with Some Balls!
In case you missed it, vulgar t-shirts at the video from yesterday, "WATCH: New York Times 'Uncensored' Video of 'Voices' from Donald Trump's Rallies."
All of a sudden things got real and raw in American politics, and the leftist media's gone nuts.
I do like that slogan though, heh.
All of a sudden things got real and raw in American politics, and the leftist media's gone nuts.
I do like that slogan though, heh.
Finally Someone with Balls‼️👍👏 pic.twitter.com/8qGK2GCRgo
— Villi Wilson (@Conservative_VW) March 15, 2016
Cara Delevingne for Esquire
Kurt Loder slammed Cara Delevingne as "out of her depth" in "Suicide Squad," but the young lady is still fine as an icon of the fashion runways.
At Esquire, "CHANGELING: The chameleonic Cara Delevingne is more than just a series of pretty faces."
And at London's Daily Mail, "Cara Delevingne poses naked for stunning magazine shoot.
At Esquire, "CHANGELING: The chameleonic Cara Delevingne is more than just a series of pretty faces."
And at London's Daily Mail, "Cara Delevingne poses naked for stunning magazine shoot.
#ThirdWorldGames
Heh, I gotta get #ThirdWorldGames trending.
Olympic beach water includes high levels of bacteria found in sewage, tests show. https://t.co/8Exi63ZQ9Z pic.twitter.com/UJs4YZujKg
— ABC News (@ABC) August 4, 2016
And tell me why again we're having a world-class athletic competition in that literal shit hole? #Rio2016 https://t.co/8qn7ccPbTU
— Donald Douglas (@AmPowerBlog) August 4, 2016
Australian coach complains of 'soupy' pool water at #Olympics. https://t.co/MsTd4ZXmzc #Rio2016 #ThirdWorldGames
— Donald Douglas (@AmPowerBlog) August 5, 2016
Great Piece from the Globe and Mail's Mark MacKinnon
Just click through and read it all at the link. It's quite perceptive, with a nice personal touch.
Brexit. Trump. Baton Rouge. Nice. Turkey. Syria. It's all connected. https://t.co/oDQVlFVCNq pic.twitter.com/TgFduqxGni
— The Globe and Mail (@globeandmail) July 29, 2016
Here's That Sarah Kendzior Piece Mentioned the Other Day
Louise Mensch was riffing about how we need to stop the Trump movement once and for all (just like the Democrats), so I tweeted Sarah Kendzior's piece to her.
Kendzior is wrong about a couple of things --- Corey Lewandowski did not "assault" Michelle Fields, for one thing --- but it's otherwise an interesting essay.
Trump's campaign has mainstreamed extremism. This will remain even if he loses. https://t.co/TqqzoBIbkS pic.twitter.com/XRS9GnyoLk— Sarah Kendzior (@sarahkendzior) August 3, 2016
Kendzior is wrong about a couple of things --- Corey Lewandowski did not "assault" Michelle Fields, for one thing --- but it's otherwise an interesting essay.
'Why the fuck does ESPN think men are tuning in to hear their priests-with-no-gods sermonizing? ...'
Heh.
A great piece, from Ace at AoSHQ, "Hardcore Social Justice Warrior Advocacy Channel With Occasional Highlight Reels of Home Runs Hemmorhaging Subscribers, For Some Reason."
Also, at Instapundit, "ESPN BECAME AIR AMERICA GRADUALLY, BUT PEOPLE HAVE NOTICED: ESPN Loses 4 Million Subscribers In Past Year."
A great piece, from Ace at AoSHQ, "Hardcore Social Justice Warrior Advocacy Channel With Occasional Highlight Reels of Home Runs Hemmorhaging Subscribers, For Some Reason."
Also, at Instapundit, "ESPN BECAME AIR AMERICA GRADUALLY, BUT PEOPLE HAVE NOTICED: ESPN Loses 4 Million Subscribers In Past Year."
New York Yankees Throw in the Towel Mid-Season
That's fine with me. I hate the Yankees.
But see the Wall Street Journal, "A New Yankees Tradition: Being Totally OK With Losing":
I think it was the 1990s when I really began to loathe the Yankees, heh.
I'd rather watch the Mets.
And thank goodness the Angels didn't throw in the towel. There was talk of trading Mike Trout for a platoon of prospects, but that didn't happen. Phew.
Still more.
But see the Wall Street Journal, "A New Yankees Tradition: Being Totally OK With Losing":
Eric Morris picked up his allegiance to the New York Yankees in the 1990s when the team began throttling the rest of baseball, winning four World Series titles in five seasons. He remembers the roar of the crowd, the champagne showers, the ticker-tape parades.Meh.
This season, Mr. Morris says he has fallen in love with the Yankees all over again, but for an entirely different reason—because they decided to trade away all of their best players and give up.
“I’ve been rooting for this for a few years now,” he said.
The imperial Yankees, the team that has come to define the aggressive, relentless pursuit of excellence in American sports, have finally looked down the barrel of a mediocre season and chosen to surrender.
On Sunday, the team announced it was trading pitcher Andrew Miller to the Cleveland Indians for a quartet of anonymous young prospects. The following day, it sent Carlos Beltran to the Texas Rangers. Those moves followed a July 25 trade that sent star pitcher Aroldis Chapman to the Chicago Cubs.
The Yankees aren’t the first proud, old American business, or even the first baseball team, to bow to the chorus of actuarial nagging. Baseball’s modern conventional wisdom teaches that the best way to build a winner is to take advantage of the lean years by trading your best players to contending teams in exchange for promising young talent.
But for years, the Yankees resisted that idea. The team’s brass found the idea of capitulation abhorrent. They preferred to stand pat, or to open their checkbooks to sign expensive stars who might help them stay competitive. Though they have only won the World Series once since 2001, they haven’t posted a losing record since 1992...
I think it was the 1990s when I really began to loathe the Yankees, heh.
I'd rather watch the Mets.
And thank goodness the Angels didn't throw in the towel. There was talk of trading Mike Trout for a platoon of prospects, but that didn't happen. Phew.
Still more.
Thursday, August 4, 2016
In the Mail: Karen Greenberg, Rogue Justice [BUMPED]
I was on campus yesterday, starting my syllabus prep for the fall semester, and I picked this up from my mailbox.
At Amazon, Karen J. Greenberg, Rogue Justice: The Making of the Security State.
At Amazon, Karen J. Greenberg, Rogue Justice: The Making of the Security State.
Aly Raisman
This young lady's looking good.
Practice makes perfect.
— NBC Olympics (@NBCOlympics) August 4, 2016
See @Aly_Raisman nail her landing at today’s podium training.
→ https://t.co/tLFht4oaW9 https://t.co/uQWW01Zoi8
Amy Walter at Cook Political Report: Election 2016? It Ain't Over 'Til It's Over
As I mentioned this morning, I'm bearish on the Trump campaign at this point. And just as much as anyone else, I know that it's a long season and lots can happen between now and November. And I also know that there's a lot of unknown variables that make predicting outcomes extremely risky, especially those based on current polling trends. What's mostly gotten to me is the leftist media's relentless attack strategy, which is so one-sided it's literally sickening. No, it's not Trump's fault, with his gaffes or whatever, that the press isn't covering Hillary and the administration's massive failures, scandals, and cover-ups. It's just what they do, and I'm reminding myself of how hard Andrew Breitbart used to hit the "Democrat Media Complex" for its corruption. Indeed, I was almost shocked at the practically extreme and brutal tirade he launched at the press corps during Sarah Palin's campaign rally in Anaheim in 2010. I wrote at the time, "Breitbart brought the crowd to cheering roars when he went straight at the press corps on top of the media stand beyond the crowd..."
So, I'm extremely skeptical of Donald Trump's chances right now and I'm almost given over to throwing in the towel. This morning I was just making light of all the polls on Twitter, engaging Louise Mensch, who's now trying to get me to retract my support for the Manhattan mogul. (And see, from earlier, "Donald Trump '24-Hours of Disaster' Screencap.")
But I'm not there yet.
Meanwhile, here's Amy Walter, at the Cook Political Report, "The 2016 Race Is Not Over."
Walter's a leftist, but she's an empirical numbers lady. I've always thought she was pretty fair overall. She apparently loathes Trump (if her Twitter feed is any evidence), but she's not ready to join the collective beat down announcing the Trump implosion.
I'll have more, as always.
So, I'm extremely skeptical of Donald Trump's chances right now and I'm almost given over to throwing in the towel. This morning I was just making light of all the polls on Twitter, engaging Louise Mensch, who's now trying to get me to retract my support for the Manhattan mogul. (And see, from earlier, "Donald Trump '24-Hours of Disaster' Screencap.")
But I'm not there yet.
Meanwhile, here's Amy Walter, at the Cook Political Report, "The 2016 Race Is Not Over."
Walter's a leftist, but she's an empirical numbers lady. I've always thought she was pretty fair overall. She apparently loathes Trump (if her Twitter feed is any evidence), but she's not ready to join the collective beat down announcing the Trump implosion.
Why it's too early to predict epic collapse for Trump
— amy walter (@amyewalter) August 3, 2016
1) lots of unknowns, terrorism, wiki leaks to CGF to change focus from Trump to HRC
3 reasons this race isn’t over: 1) unknown events; 2) 2 deeply disliked candidates; 3) voters not as plugged in as u https://t.co/IUgYQ8QaUd
— amy walter (@amyewalter) August 3, 2016
I have zero time/sympathy for Trump enablers who are 'shocked' & dismayed by his lack of discipline. Should come as NO surprise
— amy walter (@amyewalter) August 4, 2016
I'll have more, as always.
WATCH: New York Times 'Uncensored' Video of 'Voices' from Donald Trump's Rallies
I saw this at the NYT homepage at least a week ago, and rolled my eyes.
And according to Truth Revolt, for good reason.
See, "New York Times Edits Video of Trump Supporters Only Being ‘Angry, Provocative’."
NYT should make a video of anti-Trump voices and see how that turns out. Costa Mesa alone was enough to shock the nation. And then you had Sacramento, which was in some ways even more vicious.
FWIW, here's the video on YouTube, "Unfiltered Voices From Donald Trump's Crowds - The New York Times."
And according to Truth Revolt, for good reason.
See, "New York Times Edits Video of Trump Supporters Only Being ‘Angry, Provocative’."
NYT should make a video of anti-Trump voices and see how that turns out. Costa Mesa alone was enough to shock the nation. And then you had Sacramento, which was in some ways even more vicious.
FWIW, here's the video on YouTube, "Unfiltered Voices From Donald Trump's Crowds - The New York Times."
Britney Spears Flaunts Bikini Body in Hawaii
She's keeping in good shape.
At London's Daily Mail, "Beach bum! Britney Spears shows off her enviable figure in a red bikini as she enjoys bonding day with family."
At London's Daily Mail, "Beach bum! Britney Spears shows off her enviable figure in a red bikini as she enjoys bonding day with family."
Israel Charges World Vision's Gaza Director of Funneling Cash to Hamas
Shoot, we might as well open up Western banks for terrorists and their state-sponsor to walk in and clean house.
We're talking millions of dollars funneled to Hamas through so-called "humanitarian" NGOs.
I'd say it's a bloody joke, but it's much too deadly serious. It's Murder Inc.
At London's Daily Mail, "Israel alleges Gaza World Vision head sent millions to Hamas."
And at the Times of Israel, "Israel charges senior Gaza aid worker with funneling tens of millions to Hamas: Muhammad Halabi indicted in Israeli court."
We're talking millions of dollars funneled to Hamas through so-called "humanitarian" NGOs.
I'd say it's a bloody joke, but it's much too deadly serious. It's Murder Inc.
At London's Daily Mail, "Israel alleges Gaza World Vision head sent millions to Hamas."
And at the Times of Israel, "Israel charges senior Gaza aid worker with funneling tens of millions to Hamas: Muhammad Halabi indicted in Israeli court."
Israel accuses manager of Christian aid charity of siphoning off $50m to Hamas militants https://t.co/eIBECL6B5Q pic.twitter.com/CjcYcNp3WH
— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) August 4, 2016
Letter to my counterparts in world foreign ministries re #WorldVision revelations. #Hamas exploiting aid for terror. pic.twitter.com/wnXJ28aKDQ— Dr. Dore Gold (@DoreGoldMFA) August 4, 2016
Zakaria Bulhan: London Somali Attack Suspect Identified as 19-Year-Old Who Was 'Bullied at School...'
Saw this just now, at London's Daily Mail. It always takes them forever to release the name of the suspect when it's a Islamic jihad attack.
See, "Somali Russell Square knifeman, 19, was 'a quiet shy pupil who was bullied at his London secondary school'..."
Also, at the Mirror U.K., "Teenage Russell Square attack suspect named after American killed and five others stabbed."
PREVIOUSLY: "'Mentally Ill Norwegian-Somalian' Somehow Creates 'Knife Bloodbath' in London's Russell Square," and "Yovel Levkowski, Beautiful Young Israeli, Stabbed by 'Norwegian-Somalian' in London Russell Square Attack."
See, "Somali Russell Square knifeman, 19, was 'a quiet shy pupil who was bullied at his London secondary school'..."
Also, at the Mirror U.K., "Teenage Russell Square attack suspect named after American killed and five others stabbed."
PREVIOUSLY: "'Mentally Ill Norwegian-Somalian' Somehow Creates 'Knife Bloodbath' in London's Russell Square," and "Yovel Levkowski, Beautiful Young Israeli, Stabbed by 'Norwegian-Somalian' in London Russell Square Attack."
Australian Cartoonist Bill Leak Accused of Racism
Heh.
I think it's a funny cartoon.
You needed a WHITE cop to be really racist, lol.
The drawing ran at the Australian, which is Murdoch-owned, hence the outrage.
At the Guardian U.K., "Bill Leak accused of racism in 'insulting' cartoon on Indigenous parenting."
I think it's a funny cartoon.
You needed a WHITE cop to be really racist, lol.
The drawing ran at the Australian, which is Murdoch-owned, hence the outrage.
At the Guardian U.K., "Bill Leak accused of racism in 'insulting' cartoon on Indigenous parenting."
this Bill Leak effort is basically a clean sweep for every racist stereotype you can cram into one cartoon pic.twitter.com/vIsdsE5LsY— Josh Butler (@JoshButler) August 3, 2016
The Australian has defended *that* Bill Leak cartoon, calling his work "confronting and insightful" pic.twitter.com/6lp7dLcRRW— Josh Butler (@JoshButler) August 4, 2016
Donald Trump '24-Hours of Disaster' Screencap
"24-hours"?
"48-hours"?
I don't think NBC's got an exact hour-count of Donald Trump's so-called "disaster," although Louise Mensch is getting a kick out of it.
At Heat Street, "Donald Trump – Quit, Or Trade The Apprentice For America’s Biggest Loser."
More at the link.
Louise is predicting a landslide defeat for the Trump campaign.
Okay.
Fox News is out with another national poll showing a double-digit lead for Clinton, so I'm convinced now that Trump's collapse is no fluke.
I'll be blogging some of those polls today, but flashback to yesterday at this time, "Reince Priebus and Newt Gingrich Reportly Planning 'Trump Intervention' After 'Disastrous 48 Hours'."
Maybe there's to be no "intervention" after all. See Politico, "Giuliani blames Gingrich for Trump 'intervention' reports." Also, "Trump campaign spins a brutal week: This is fine - There's plenty of time to make up ground, campaign chairman Paul Manafort says."
Yeah, well.
We'll see.
"48-hours"?
I don't think NBC's got an exact hour-count of Donald Trump's so-called "disaster," although Louise Mensch is getting a kick out of it.
At Heat Street, "Donald Trump – Quit, Or Trade The Apprentice For America’s Biggest Loser."
The Apprentice made the Donald’s career. He looked richer and tougher and smarter than he was. And he loved it. This pathological narcissist had all the attention he could eat, and ratings were through the roof.
They used to say that politics was ‘showbiz for ugly people’. But the Trump candidacy has made politics ‘ugly for showbiz people’.
Trump’s fight with the grief-stricken mother of a dead Muslim hero was only the last in a long line of failures, so long that NBC had to screen-cap them into 24 hours of disaster...
More at the link.
Louise is predicting a landslide defeat for the Trump campaign.
Okay.
Fox News is out with another national poll showing a double-digit lead for Clinton, so I'm convinced now that Trump's collapse is no fluke.
I'll be blogging some of those polls today, but flashback to yesterday at this time, "Reince Priebus and Newt Gingrich Reportly Planning 'Trump Intervention' After 'Disastrous 48 Hours'."
Maybe there's to be no "intervention" after all. See Politico, "Giuliani blames Gingrich for Trump 'intervention' reports." Also, "Trump campaign spins a brutal week: This is fine - There's plenty of time to make up ground, campaign chairman Paul Manafort says."
Yeah, well.
We'll see.
Yovel Levkowski, Beautiful Young Israeli, Stabbed by 'Norwegian-Somalian' in London Russell Square Attack
Following-up, "'Mentally Ill Norwegian-Somalian' Somehow Creates 'Knife Bloodbath' in London's Russell Square."
At the Sun U.K., "'SHE DIED BEFORE MY EYES' Israeli tourist stabbed by Russell Square attacker tells of horrific moment US woman was killed: Yovel Levkowski had tried to help 19-year-old knifeman before realising he was the attacker."
She's supposed to start her required national military service next week.
Also at London's Daily Mail, "'I don't know if it's luck or fate but it's a miracle. The woman standing next to me perished before my eyes': Israeli holidaymaker, 18, reveals horror of Somali knifeman's Russell Square carnage."
She's lucky to be alive.
At the Sun U.K., "'SHE DIED BEFORE MY EYES' Israeli tourist stabbed by Russell Square attacker tells of horrific moment US woman was killed: Yovel Levkowski had tried to help 19-year-old knifeman before realising he was the attacker."
She's supposed to start her required national military service next week.
Also at London's Daily Mail, "'I don't know if it's luck or fate but it's a miracle. The woman standing next to me perished before my eyes': Israeli holidaymaker, 18, reveals horror of Somali knifeman's Russell Square carnage."
She's lucky to be alive.
#Israeli #YovelLevkowski in #London stabbed by #Somali #Muslim & saw American murdered!https://t.co/sW2pfdA9Bp pic.twitter.com/92EBDEcGgR
— Dana Schmidt (@IsraeligirlDana) August 4, 2016
'Mentally Ill Norwegian-Somalian' Somehow Creates 'Knife Bloodbath' in London's Russell Square
Because, of course, a "Norwegian-Somalian" with "mental health issues" couldn't possible have anything to do with global jihad.
See Sky News, "A 19-year-old Norwegian believed to have mental health issues is in custody after a deadly knife attack in London."
They don't even get the "Somalian" part in there. You'd think it was another Anders Brevik just looking at the headline.
And then there's the Telegraph U.K., "Russell Square attack: American woman stabbed to death in London rampage by 'mentally ill' Norwegian-Somalian knifeman as police find no link to terrorism."
At least they got the "Norwegian-Somalian" part in there.
Not much better at London's Daily Mail, although that's more likely because the police aren't releasing much information.
Here, "PICTURED: The moment police bundled crazed Norwegian-Somali knife attacker to the ground after he stabbed US woman to death in Russell Square. Police claim attack was 'spontaneous and random'."
It turns out, though, that Islamic State didn't get the message of the "crazed" Norwegian-Somalian killer with "no link to terrorism."
See Jihad Watch, "Islamic State hails stabbings in “centre of ‘Christendom’ London”."
Following the link there takes us to the Sun U.K., "'NICE TO WAKE UP TO SUCH NEWS' Vile ISIS supporters celebrate Russell Square ‘terror’ attack just hours after knife bloodbath: One Arabic account which posted the tragic scene at Russell Square glorified the attack - near where 7/7 bomb was detonated."
The death of just one alone is already horrific, but thank goodness more weren't killed. This obviously won't be the last attack, and also not the last time leftists dismiss militant jihad as "mental illness."
See Sky News, "A 19-year-old Norwegian believed to have mental health issues is in custody after a deadly knife attack in London."
They don't even get the "Somalian" part in there. You'd think it was another Anders Brevik just looking at the headline.
And then there's the Telegraph U.K., "Russell Square attack: American woman stabbed to death in London rampage by 'mentally ill' Norwegian-Somalian knifeman as police find no link to terrorism."
At least they got the "Norwegian-Somalian" part in there.
Not much better at London's Daily Mail, although that's more likely because the police aren't releasing much information.
Here, "PICTURED: The moment police bundled crazed Norwegian-Somali knife attacker to the ground after he stabbed US woman to death in Russell Square. Police claim attack was 'spontaneous and random'."
It turns out, though, that Islamic State didn't get the message of the "crazed" Norwegian-Somalian killer with "no link to terrorism."
See Jihad Watch, "Islamic State hails stabbings in “centre of ‘Christendom’ London”."
Following the link there takes us to the Sun U.K., "'NICE TO WAKE UP TO SUCH NEWS' Vile ISIS supporters celebrate Russell Square ‘terror’ attack just hours after knife bloodbath: One Arabic account which posted the tragic scene at Russell Square glorified the attack - near where 7/7 bomb was detonated."
The death of just one alone is already horrific, but thank goodness more weren't killed. This obviously won't be the last attack, and also not the last time leftists dismiss militant jihad as "mental illness."
Korryn Gaines Shooting in Baltimore (VIDEO)
Did you hear about this?
It's not getting as much attention as some of the other police shootings. This one's extremely interesting, though. The woman basically taunted and threatened the cops until they shot and killed her.
And she had a history of abusing the police too.
At Twitchy, "Shaun King posts videos from #KorrynGaines’ social media accounts, but they don’t show what he says they show."
Plus, "The #KorrynGaines shooting is worse than you probably know":
It's not getting as much attention as some of the other police shootings. This one's extremely interesting, though. The woman basically taunted and threatened the cops until they shot and killed her.
And she had a history of abusing the police too.
At Twitchy, "Shaun King posts videos from #KorrynGaines’ social media accounts, but they don’t show what he says they show."
Plus, "The #KorrynGaines shooting is worse than you probably know":
During the standoff between Korryn Gaines and the Baltimore Police Department on Monday, officers took the unusual step of contacting Facebook and having the social media company temporarily suspend her account while negotiations were taking place.And watch, at CBS News 13 Baltimore, "Police: Armed Woman Killed In Shootout With Police; 5-Year-Old Injured," and "Police: Followers Urged Woman Live-Streaming Standoff to Defy Officers."
This has produced a stunning backlash, with some going as far as to accuse Facebook of helping “Baltimore police kill” the young woman...
Wednesday, August 3, 2016
Democrats Looking to 'Annihilate' the 'Movement' Behind the Rise of Donald Trump
Well, I'll post it later, but Sarah Kendzior has a great piece up today at Foreign Policy arguing that even if Trump loses, the changes we're seeing in American politics aren't going away. (She's worried about "far-right" militias, populist "white supremacy," and a broken media that fails to stop the other two.)
More on that later.
Meanwhile, get a load of this.
The Democrats are looking to crush the Trump movement before it breaks out of its cage. They're hoping to run up the electoral margin in November, effecting such a large landslide as to "annihilate" the enemy.
Boy, as if the stakes weren't already high enough.
Here's Amy Chozick, at the New York Times, "Democrats, Looking Past Mere Victory, Hope to End the Trump Movement":
To be honest, though, I wouldn't count Donald Trump out just yet, to say nothing of the movement that's behind him. It's a little premature to suggest a political realignment away from the Republican Party. The anger and frustration in the electorate remains extremely raw, and voter volatility usually follows from that. As I noted yesterday in looking at some of the battleground polls, it's still a very close race. I expect Trump to get past this latest brouhaha just like he's gotten past the earlier ones. The challenge, as always, will be to get his message out to the people, over the heads of the media hacks who aren't even trying to hide their disdain for Trump and his supporters.
That said, I don't think the Dems are going to need to crush the opposition in November. The demographic changes sweeping the country, specifically the continued high rates of immigration and the rise of crypto-Marxist Millennial voters, will be enough to position a far-left Democrat Party as the country's majority party for a generation. That's the frightening possibility, and the rank-and-file folks behind Trump's rise are well aware of it.
Still more at the link.
More on that later.
Meanwhile, get a load of this.
The Democrats are looking to crush the Trump movement before it breaks out of its cage. They're hoping to run up the electoral margin in November, effecting such a large landslide as to "annihilate" the enemy.
Boy, as if the stakes weren't already high enough.
Here's Amy Chozick, at the New York Times, "Democrats, Looking Past Mere Victory, Hope to End the Trump Movement":
Democrats had hoped the party’s convention last week in Philadelphia would win over skeptical voters and ease concerns about Hillary Clinton’s trustworthiness, giving her a slight advantage in an unpredictable election year.Well, as I always say, we'll see.
But after Donald J. Trump criticized the parents of a slain Muslim-American soldier, that cautious optimism morphed into a widespread belief that the race had fundamentally shifted in Mrs. Clinton’s favor.
“It’s a more permanent turning point,” said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York.
Allies remain skittish and say that by many measures Mrs. Clinton is a weak candidate with a muddled message who faces an electorate in which a majority of voters do not trust or like her.
But Mr. Trump’s inability to seize on his own party’s convention and emerge a more disciplined candidate has eased early concerns that he could appeal to a broader electorate in the fall.
“People are waking up to how unsound Donald Trump is,” said Gov. Dannel P. Malloy of Connecticut. He specifically pointed to Mr. Trump’s criticism of Khizr and Ghazala Khan, the parents of a Muslim-American soldier killed by a suicide bomber in Iraq.
“He couldn’t have done a better job of reminding people who were on the fence why they can’t vote for him,” Mr. Malloy said.
Democrats, prompted by Mr. Trump’s latest antics and the string of Republicans who have spoken out against him, have, perhaps prematurely, started discussing a loftier goal than just winning in November: a wide margin of victory, driven by a record turnout among black, Latino and young voters, that could help squash Mr. Trump’s movement.
David Plouffe, President Obama’s former campaign manager, proposed the idea in June. “It is not enough to simply beat Trump,” he wrote on Twitter. “He must be destroyed thoroughly. His kind must not rise again.”
The proposition seemed far-fetched at the time, given the realities of the electoral map and Mrs. Clinton’s weaknesses. But in recent days Democrats and advisers have, delicately, embraced the idea.
“The first order of business is winning,” said Geoff Garin, a strategist for Mrs. Clinton’s 2008 campaign who now advises Priorities USA Action, a pro-Clinton “super PAC.” “But the larger stakes of the election are putting the country on a path where Trump’s views of the world are far in our rearview mirror.”
Senator Barbara Boxer of California said that a Democratic win in November was far from guaranteed, but that she hoped for “a complete revulsion of the Trump wing” that would lead to a “realignment” of the Republican Party.
Mr. Obama, who is famously competitive, has also prioritized making sure the voters who backed him in 2008 and 2012 turn out in equal numbers for Mrs. Clinton. “He wants them to not just vote for him but to vote for the issues he cares about,” said Dan Pfeiffer, a former senior adviser to Mr. Obama.
Mr. Plouffe, elaborating on his earlier Twitter post, said in an email, “This could still be a relatively close race, but it’s more likely to be a blowout than a Trump win.”
To be honest, though, I wouldn't count Donald Trump out just yet, to say nothing of the movement that's behind him. It's a little premature to suggest a political realignment away from the Republican Party. The anger and frustration in the electorate remains extremely raw, and voter volatility usually follows from that. As I noted yesterday in looking at some of the battleground polls, it's still a very close race. I expect Trump to get past this latest brouhaha just like he's gotten past the earlier ones. The challenge, as always, will be to get his message out to the people, over the heads of the media hacks who aren't even trying to hide their disdain for Trump and his supporters.
That said, I don't think the Dems are going to need to crush the opposition in November. The demographic changes sweeping the country, specifically the continued high rates of immigration and the rise of crypto-Marxist Millennial voters, will be enough to position a far-left Democrat Party as the country's majority party for a generation. That's the frightening possibility, and the rank-and-file folks behind Trump's rise are well aware of it.
Still more at the link.
Rukmini Callimachi: How an Elite Corps of Islamic State Jihadists Built Global Network of Killing
This is fine journalism, from an awesome journalist.
Say what you will about the New York Times, you do get the occasional nuggets from the paper.
From Ms. Callimachi:
Say what you will about the New York Times, you do get the occasional nuggets from the paper.
From Ms. Callimachi:
After days of unending toil, I hope to soon be able to share an awesome story with you based on 1000s of pgs of investigative docs on ISIS
— Rukmini Callimachi (@rcallimachi) August 3, 2016
Fascinating, deeply reported piece by @rcallimachi on how ISIS has inserted a network of operatives into Europe https://t.co/6UUt0zJnAs
— Liz Sly (@LizSly) August 3, 2016
How a Secretive Branch of ISIS Built a Global Network of Killers (@rcallimachi) https://t.co/kqjaOqz07Q https://t.co/4CICmejuVm
— memeorandum (@memeorandum) August 3, 2016
Howard Kurtz: The Media's Coverage of Donald Trump is Insane (VIDEO)
A very nicely done commentary from Howard Kurtz, who closes by suggesting that it's the pathetic MSM hacks who have "a screw loose or two."
Watch, via Fox News, "Is media coverage of Trump turning insane? 'MediaBuzz' host Howard Kurtz reacts to recent suggestions by some media outlets that Donald Trump might be mentally ill."
Kurtz is a good guy. One of his best segments ever.
Watch, via Fox News, "Is media coverage of Trump turning insane? 'MediaBuzz' host Howard Kurtz reacts to recent suggestions by some media outlets that Donald Trump might be mentally ill."
Kurtz is a good guy. One of his best segments ever.
Reince Priebus and Newt Gingrich Reportly Planning 'Trump Intervention' After 'Disastrous 48 Hours'
Following-up, "Here's Jonathan Karl on the Trump Campaign Pandemonium, Mentioned Earlier (VIDEO)."
Here's the latest, from Bloomberg, "Priebus, Gingrich Said Planning Trump Intervention: NBC":
Earlier at ABC it was a disastrous "24 hours." Now NBC's going with the "48 hours."
Hell, the whole year's been disastrous from the left's perspective. I'll concede though that MSM types really think Trump's going down for the count this time.
Here's the latest, from Bloomberg, "Priebus, Gingrich Said Planning Trump Intervention: NBC":
RNC Chair Reince Priebus, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani hope to persuade Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump to reset his campaign, NBC reports, citing unidentified sources.Here's the NBC report, "Trump Allies Plot Candidate Intervention After Disastrous 48 Hours."
Earlier at ABC it was a disastrous "24 hours." Now NBC's going with the "48 hours."
Hell, the whole year's been disastrous from the left's perspective. I'll concede though that MSM types really think Trump's going down for the count this time.
Trump Was Cracking Wise About the Crying Baby, But for the Leftist Media it's DEFCON 3 (VIDEO)
Following-up, "Here's Jonathan Karl on the Trump Campaign Pandemonium, Mentioned Earlier (VIDEO)."
Here's more on the Trump pandemonium at ABC News, "24 Hours of Trouble for Donald Trump."
I saw the video yesterday, but thinking more about it now, and really seeing it in context, he wasn't just speaking his mind. He was mostly just joking around. Yeah, the baby screaming was a nuisance, but he made light of it. That's his personal side. You don't see the personal side of politicians. I've been around them for two decades now, and they're the most guarded people you'll ever see. That is, they're totally fake. They won't utter a word that might damage their electoral prospects. It's stultifying. And that's why Trump's such a breath of fresh air.
I tweeted it yesterday, but today I'm seeing the lighter side of this. For the MSM hacks, there's no humor in politics. They've literally got to destroy The Donald.
Here's more on the Trump pandemonium at ABC News, "24 Hours of Trouble for Donald Trump."
I saw the video yesterday, but thinking more about it now, and really seeing it in context, he wasn't just speaking his mind. He was mostly just joking around. Yeah, the baby screaming was a nuisance, but he made light of it. That's his personal side. You don't see the personal side of politicians. I've been around them for two decades now, and they're the most guarded people you'll ever see. That is, they're totally fake. They won't utter a word that might damage their electoral prospects. It's stultifying. And that's why Trump's such a breath of fresh air.
I tweeted it yesterday, but today I'm seeing the lighter side of this. For the MSM hacks, there's no humor in politics. They've literally got to destroy The Donald.
No one likes a screaming fussy baby drowning out a proper function. #DonaldTrump was just willing to say what everybody else won't, cuz PC.— Donald Douglas (@AmPowerBlog) August 3, 2016
Here's Jonathan Karl on the Trump Campaign Pandemonium, Mentioned Earlier (VIDEO)
Previously, "Top Republican Party Officials Exploring Options Should Donald Trump Quit."
ABC News finally uploaded the videos.
Watch, "Donald Trump Feuds With the GOP."
The party's biggest "frustration" is that while Hillary's totally vulnerable, and the GOP's got the best chance at the White House in a decade, Trump keeps committed these "unforced errors."
I only agree up to a point. The so-called "errors" are magnified exponentially, while blockbuster reports on Hillary Clinton and the Democrats are almost completely ignored. Case in point: the administration's stunning $400 million ransom payment to Iran, blogged here, "Obama Administration Secretly Shipped $400 Million in Cash to Iran as Hostages Were Released."
ABC News finally uploaded the videos.
Watch, "Donald Trump Feuds With the GOP."
The party's biggest "frustration" is that while Hillary's totally vulnerable, and the GOP's got the best chance at the White House in a decade, Trump keeps committed these "unforced errors."
I only agree up to a point. The so-called "errors" are magnified exponentially, while blockbuster reports on Hillary Clinton and the Democrats are almost completely ignored. Case in point: the administration's stunning $400 million ransom payment to Iran, blogged here, "Obama Administration Secretly Shipped $400 Million in Cash to Iran as Hostages Were Released."
Right on: @FoxNews going all out on the #Obama-Iran ransom bombshell. At @CNN, crickets. #FoxNews #CNN #Iran #Hostages #Ransom #Jihad #DEMS
— Donald Douglas (@AmPowerBlog) August 3, 2016
Prediction: Most of the press will focus more on Kahn story today than the WSJ story about Pres O giving Iran $400m to pay ransom.
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) August 3, 2016
Jessica Simpson Almost Got a Breast Reduction
Which would've been a national tragedy, heh.
At Us Weekly, "Jessica Simpson revealed in the September 2016 issue of Women’s Health magazine that she once considered getting a breast reduction, but ultimately decided against going under the knife."
Here's the cover shot at Women's Health.
PREVIOUSLY: "Looking Great! Jessica Simpson Posts Revealing Photo on Twitter Days After Confirming She's Expecting Second Child."
She's a glorious woman.
At Us Weekly, "Jessica Simpson revealed in the September 2016 issue of Women’s Health magazine that she once considered getting a breast reduction, but ultimately decided against going under the knife."
Here's the cover shot at Women's Health.
PREVIOUSLY: "Looking Great! Jessica Simpson Posts Revealing Photo on Twitter Days After Confirming She's Expecting Second Child."
She's a glorious woman.
#Angels' Cam Bedrosian Shuts Down #Oakland A's to Record First Career Save (VIDEO)
I guess Huston Street's gone on the DL since that disastrous blown save on Sunday.
Cam Bedrosian was in to close last night. The Angels were ahead 5-4, so it was a maximum save situation. And boy did Bedrosian come through. It was very nice.
From Susan Slusser, at the San Francisco Chronicle, "Poor defense leads to A’s 4th loss in row - and why Marcus Semien is unlikely to get a break soon."
And from Pedro Moura, at the Los Angeles Times, "Marte, Bandy homer while Bedrosian closes the door in Angels' win."
Plus, video at MLB, "8/2/16: Bandy, Marte homer to power Angels past A's."
Cam Bedrosian was in to close last night. The Angels were ahead 5-4, so it was a maximum save situation. And boy did Bedrosian come through. It was very nice.
From Susan Slusser, at the San Francisco Chronicle, "Poor defense leads to A’s 4th loss in row - and why Marcus Semien is unlikely to get a break soon."
And from Pedro Moura, at the Los Angeles Times, "Marte, Bandy homer while Bedrosian closes the door in Angels' win."
Plus, video at MLB, "8/2/16: Bandy, Marte homer to power Angels past A's."
Collette Francisco, 9-Years-Old, Brought to Tears by Puppy for Her Birthday (VIDEO)
Donald Trump Won't Back Down on Khizr Kahn
Again, I'll post more as the morning rolls on, but leftist MSM types are truly in their element amid the so-called Trump campaign meltdown.
I read this NYT piece, which is interesting, FWIW.
It's worth a read, in any case, for some background. The "Khantroversy" is supposed to be the "gravest crisis" of the campaign.
I read this NYT piece, which is interesting, FWIW.
It's worth a read, in any case, for some background. The "Khantroversy" is supposed to be the "gravest crisis" of the campaign.
Ignoring Advice, #DonaldTrump Presses Attack on Khan Family and G.O.P. Leaders https://t.co/vj5IptqYpZ #KhizrKhan #Khan #Islam #Jihad #Dems— Donald Douglas (@AmPowerBlog) August 3, 2016
Muslims Firebombed Bus in Paris Last Week; U.S. Media Dead Silent, Lest They Hurt Hillary's Campaign
Well, here's the video on Twitter, "BREAKING: Muslims Firebomb Bus in Paris yelling Allahu Akbar."
And at Gateway Pundit, "BREAKING: Muslims Firebomb Bus in Paris (VIDEO)."
But the story dates back to July 28th, which was the same day as Hillary's acceptance speech in Philadelphia.
At France Bleu, "Un bus de la RATP incendié à Saint-Denis." And Le Figaro, "Un bus incendié dans une cité de Saint-Denis."
Arutz Sheva has it thins morning, however, "Watch: French teens set bus ablaze, shout 'Allahu Akhbar' - Muslim teenagers threw a molotov cocktail at a bus in Paris, screaming "Allahu Akhbar." The bus became a conflagration."
And at Gateway Pundit, "BREAKING: Muslims Firebomb Bus in Paris (VIDEO)."
But the story dates back to July 28th, which was the same day as Hillary's acceptance speech in Philadelphia.
At France Bleu, "Un bus de la RATP incendié à Saint-Denis." And Le Figaro, "Un bus incendié dans une cité de Saint-Denis."
Arutz Sheva has it thins morning, however, "Watch: French teens set bus ablaze, shout 'Allahu Akhbar' - Muslim teenagers threw a molotov cocktail at a bus in Paris, screaming "Allahu Akhbar." The bus became a conflagration."
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency Guide to Avoid Deporation
Well, if you're illegal, you'll be safe at schools, daycare facilities, hospitals, and places of worship (church sanctuaries), at the least.
Here's the website, "U.S. Customs and Border Protection: Sensitive Locations FAQs."
Via Instapundit, "HENCE, TRUMP: Obama Admin Has Online Guide Telling Illegals Where They Can Avoid Deportation."
Here's the website, "U.S. Customs and Border Protection: Sensitive Locations FAQs."
Via Instapundit, "HENCE, TRUMP: Obama Admin Has Online Guide Telling Illegals Where They Can Avoid Deportation."
Sarah McDaniel for Treats Magazine
At London's Daily Mail, "Playboy's clothed cover girl FINALLY poses naked: Model who starred as first non-nude Playmate of the Month strips down for very sexy shoot in Treats! magazine."
And at Hot Celebs, "SARAH MCDANIEL – TREATS MAGAZINE TOPLESS PHOTOSHOOT."
RELATED: "Playboy Magazine's First Non-Nude Issue."
And at Hot Celebs, "SARAH MCDANIEL – TREATS MAGAZINE TOPLESS PHOTOSHOOT."
RELATED: "Playboy Magazine's First Non-Nude Issue."
The Fruits of Unfettered Immigration
At Cold Fury, "NOT WHO WE ARE: The fruits of unfettered immigration":
Mike writes, "He’s gonna get accused of all sorts of racism for the rest of it. But not by me. I don’t necessarily agree with every last word of it, but I think it’s on the beam overall."
I mentioned a grim prediction from Vox in an update to an earlier post. This one is…uhh, grimmer? More grim?More.
It’s hard for the older generation to realize things are as bad as they are. Trapped in memories and increasing isolation, they have no idea what the USA has become. It’s all but impossible for the younger generation to realize what they have lost, or more precisely, of what they have been robbed.
Conservatives have betrayed America. Progressives have destroyed it. What remains is the tattered remnants of a nation that still cannot grasp that not only is it not stronger, healthier, and more powerful than ever before, but it is on the verge of collapsing under the weight of its invaders. The USA is like a cancer-stricken patient whose oncologist keeps assuring him that the cancer cells are white blood cells that are strengthening his immune system...
Mike writes, "He’s gonna get accused of all sorts of racism for the rest of it. But not by me. I don’t necessarily agree with every last word of it, but I think it’s on the beam overall."
Woman is Strangled to Death and Dumped in a Bog Marsh While Going for a Jog in Broad Daylight in New York
Well, the crime rate's going back up in New York, so this is no surprise.
Bratton quit yesterday too, so weird timing.
At London's Daily Mail, "Woman is murdered after going for an evening jog near her New York City home: Karina Vetrano, 30, vanished yesterday while jogging near Howard Beach."
And on Twitter:
Bratton quit yesterday too, so weird timing.
At London's Daily Mail, "Woman is murdered after going for an evening jog near her New York City home: Karina Vetrano, 30, vanished yesterday while jogging near Howard Beach."
And on Twitter:
Tragedy in Howard Beach. Karina Vetrano, 30 found dead in a marsh after going on a jog Tuesday afternoon. @PIX11News pic.twitter.com/cJrxNsOrgy
— Anthony DiLorenzo (@ADiLorenzoTV) August 3, 2016
Karina Vetrano's dad Phil arrived to speak w/Dets.Stayed for a 5 min.#NYPD Chief Boyce now here @fox5ny #howardbeach pic.twitter.com/0FS9MbXA0h
— Teresa Priolo (@Fox5Teresa) August 3, 2016
Donald Trump Campaign Memo Calls on Surrogates to Make 'Urgent Pivot'
Well, it's apparently pandemonium at the Trump campaign, which is why I got up early to blog. I'll be posting links and such throughout the morning, until I get tired and go back to bed.
For now, though, here's Ed Morrissey, at Hot Air, "Team Trump to surrogates: Operation Urgent Pivot has begun."
For now, though, here's Ed Morrissey, at Hot Air, "Team Trump to surrogates: Operation Urgent Pivot has begun."
Top Republican Party Officials Exploring Options Should Donald Trump Quit
I don't think Trump's a quitter.
And we still have three more months until the election. The mass media hacks arre out to get his scalp, if it's the last thing they do.
At Bloomberg, "Senior GOP Officials Exploring Options If Trump Drops Out: ABC News":
But on Twitter:
And we still have three more months until the election. The mass media hacks arre out to get his scalp, if it's the last thing they do.
At Bloomberg, "Senior GOP Officials Exploring Options If Trump Drops Out: ABC News":
“I am told that senior officials at the party are actively exploring what would happen if Trump dropped out, how to replace him on the ballot,” ABC News’ Jonathan Karl says on “Good Morning America.”I don't see video; it's still early on the West Coast.
But on Twitter:
Good morning, America. See you soon on @GMA -- I'll have news on the RNC/Trump meltdown. pic.twitter.com/fsk1AnGtfm
— Jonathan Karl (@jonkarl) August 3, 2016
Michelle Goldberg Puts Mother of 5-Year-Old Migrant Rape Victim on Trial
From Pamela Geller, at Breitbart, "Slate Puts Mother of 5-Year-Old Rape Victim on Trial":
Really vile. Her book, "The Means of Reproduction," literally made me want to throw up while I was reading it.
But keep reading Pamela, in any case.
Plus, more here.
Slate magazine on Sunday published “If You Want to Live Here, You Need to Live by the Rules Here,” a 5,000-plus word exposition of the Muslim migrant rape case in Twin Falls, Idaho. Author Michelle Goldberg subtitles her piece: “A sexual assault case involving refugee children in Idaho. A microcosm of America in the age of Trump.” That tells you all you need to know: Goldberg and Slate are using this case to demonize opposition to the Democrats’ suicidal policies regarding Muslim migrants.Goldberg's vile.
Goldberg doesn’t care about the five-year-old rape victim in Twin Falls in the slightest degree. In fact, throughout her lengthy piece and in texts with the victim’s mother, she puts this little girl and her family on trial.
Goldberg’s agenda is further exposed by the fact that throughout her wordy article, she doesn’t deign to include a full description of the attack itself. The closest Golberg comes to this is her account of the victim’s mother’s brief description of the video that the attackers took while they were raping the girl: “Her fiancé, she said, told her it showed oral sex as well as their daughter being urinated on.” But Goldberg follows this with prosecuting attorney Grant Loebs waxing “indignant at all the misrepresentations still swirling around about the case. ‘I’m a lifelong conservative Republican, and the behavior of the right-wing alternative press on this is atrocious.’” Loebs’ own dishonesty I have shown in a previous article.
The full exchange between Goldberg and the victim’s mother, whom Goldberg calls “Lori,” reveals how manipulative and deceitful Goldberg is. In text messages since shared with me, Goldberg appears determined to make the rape charge out to be some kind of cynical money-making scheme, questioning Lori about the GoFundMe page that was set up for the family — as if the family was claiming their daughter was raped by Muslim migrants only to make money. Goldberg presses Lori about the one-day suspension of the GoFundMe page in the wake of false charges that the rape claim was a “hoax” – was Goldberg hoping to expose the whole thing as a “hoax” as well?
In reality, the family is desperately poor and have not yet been able to move out of their apartment, where they have been living right next door to the rape suspect. Without any resources or powerful allies, they are going up against the well-greased leftist/Islamic machine in the media, law enforcement, refugee resettlement programs, and more.
In her text exchange, Goldberg repeatedly tries to manipulate Lori into reflecting Goldberg’s point of view. She disputes Lori’s account of what happening, at one point asking, “Wait, I thought there was no rape?” Lori has to remind her (spelling as in original): “Forced oral sex is a rape mam.”
Meanwhile, the victim’s mother told me this: “This is what my daughter has told me: that they grabbed her at knifepoint and forced her into the laundry room and told her that if she tried to leave, they would kill her. The seven-year-old boy took her clothes off. She tells me he put his private in her mouth and peed in her mouth, and put it in her private, and then peed all over her. And she said they recorded her, too… She also told the emergency room CARES doctor that they had a knife as well, and they found on her neck a cut. Then the day after, they claimed it was a scratch, when in fact it looked like a cut.”
Lori’s fiancée told me what he saw on the video: “I watched the 8-year-old boy push my daughter up against a wall and pull her pants down and his pants down; he then attempted to penetrate her from behind. She was able to run away and crouch in a corner shaking in fear while the boy danced around naked laughing at her. I stopped watching after that.”
How is it that Goldberg found these facts unremarkable, too insignificant to report?
Goldberg repeatedly asks Lori manipulative questions designed to depict Lori as having an anti-refugee agenda: “I’m just asking if you agree with those who want to make it a story about refugees, or if they’re taking advantage of your family’s tragedy.” “Are they not being charged because they’re refugees, or because they are minors?” “Did you worry about having people from the Middle East in your complex before, or only since this happened?”
Then in her article, Goldberg compares Cambodian refugees of the 1980s to what’s happening now. But this is a whole other thing: no previous group of refugees or immigrants has had a holy book that sanctions the sexual enslavement of non-believing women (cf. Quran 4:3, 4:24, 23:1-6, 33:50, 70:30). Goldberg does not, of course, discuss that. Instead, she writes: “At first glance, it might seem like an odd idea to bring traumatized foreigners to a remote, conservative American farming town.” But don’t worry: Michelle Goldberg will convince you otherwise.
Goldberg quotes Zeze Rwasama, whom she identifies as “the director of the CSI Refugee Center and a Congolese refugee himself,” saying: “The integration process happens faster than in big cities,” he said. “In small towns like this, everyone knows everyone. People are approachable.” Yeah, and rape-able, with a political and media machine ready to come to the aid of the rapist.
Further tilting the playing field, Goldberg writes: “Refugee advocates insist that the vast majority of Twin Falls citizens support the newcomers.” Who are these “advocates”? Has there been a vote, a referendum?
Zeroing in on her agenda, Goldberg also says: “This mounting demonization of refugees in Twin Falls has coincided, of course, with the rise of Donald Trump.” Of course, blame Trump. The fact is, this is not a which-came-first, the chicken or the egg thing. Anti-jihad and anti-sharia sentiment led to the rise of Trump, not the other way around. But Goldberg relentlessly pushes her agenda, looking for witnesses who call members of the counter-jihad group ACT “pure racists.” It’s plain slander.
Who is really looking to exploit the story here?
Really vile. Her book, "The Means of Reproduction," literally made me want to throw up while I was reading it.
But keep reading Pamela, in any case.
Plus, more here.
Tuesday, August 2, 2016
Not All U.S. Muslim Soldiers Are Equal
From Michelle Malkin:
Bronze Star and Purple Heart recipient Captain Humayun Khan died heroically. But his exceptional courage in Iraq and his Muslim father’s post-Democratic convention histrionics on TV do not erase the security threat posed by killer warriors of Allah infiltrating our troops.Keep reading.
Don’t take my word for it. Ask all the forgotten Gold Star moms and dads who have lost their children because politically correct pushovers at the Pentagon looked the other way at the Muslim military menace.
Don’t take my word for it. Just re-read the ignored warnings issued by Muslim soldier Nidal Hasan, the vengeful mass murderer who gunned down 13 service members — including a pregnant private first class who lost her life and her child — and wounded more than 30 others at Fort Hood in 2009.
Two years before his rampage, while a senior-year medical school resident in psychology, U.S. Army Major Hasan delivered a 50-slide PowerPoint presentation to classmates and military superiors at Walter Reed. It was titled “The Koranic World View As It Relates to Muslims in the U.S. Military.” Quoting chapter and verse, Hasan illuminated “what the Koran inculcates in the minds of Muslims and the potential implications this may have for the U.S. military.”
Hasan cited the Verse of the Sword (“I have been commanded to fight the people until they testify that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah”), explained “offensive” and “defensive” jihad and summarized the concept of “abrogation” — in which warring verses of the Quran trumped “peaceful verses.”
In Slide 11, Hasan bemoaned: “It’s getting harder and harder for Muslims in the service to morally justify being in a military that seems constantly engaged against fellow Muslims.”
Slide 48 warned: “If Muslim groups can convince Muslims that they are fighting for God against injustices of the ‘infidels;’ i.e.: enemies of Islam, then Muslims can become a potent adversary i.e.: suicide bombing, etc. We love death more then you love life!”
Under Conclusions, Hasan recommended that the Department of Defense “allow Muslim Soldiers the option of being released as ‘conscientious objectors’ to increase troop morale and decrease adverse events.” Cowed military superiors ignored the presentation, just as they had dismissed complaints from fellow students who noted Hasan’s exaltation of Sharia over the Constitution and support for suicide bombings.
“Adverse events” was Hasan’s euphemism for bloody jihad attacks and betrayals by Muslim soldiers against their own fellow U.S. soldiers. He included a case I’ve never forgotten: Traitor Hasan Akbar, the 326th Engineer Battalion Muslim-American soldier who lobbed stolen hand grenades and shot his M-4 automatic rifle into three tents filled with sleeping commanding officers at the 101st Airborne Division’s 1st Brigade operations center in Kuwait in 2003.
Capt. Christopher Seifert, 27, and Maj. Gregory Stone, 40, died during the fragging. Fourteen others suffered wounds from grenade shrapnel.
Willful blindness to a Muslim-American soldier’s fundamental internal conflict of loyalties led to those murders and injuries. Despite several incidents of insubordination and prior invocation of his Islamic beliefs to skip out of the 1991 Persian Gulf War, Akbar’s superiors sent him to Kuwait — and put him in charge of clearing land mines.
A decade later, in 2013, former Muslim-American Navy veteran Abu Khalid Abdul-Latif and an accomplice were convicted of plotting to kill officers and employees at a Seattle military recruiting center. The would-be killers wanted to retaliate against “the American military presence in the Middle East” and to prevent our troops “from going to Islamic lands and killing Muslims.” The co-conspirators cited Nidal Hasan’s Fort Hood attack as inspiration.
In March, U.S. Air Force vet and avionics weapons systems expert Tairod Nathan Webster Pugh, who declared himself a “Mujahid,” was convicted of providing material support to ISIS. Last spring, 22-year-old Army National Guard specialist Hasan Edmonds was arrested on his way overseas to join the Islamic State. He had plotted attacks on his Illinois National Guard Armory, police stations and courts.
Over the years, I’ve reported on many more of Allah’s soldiers in American uniforms, including...
Boy Shouts 'Take That Bitch Down!' (i.e., Hillary Clinton) at Donald Trump Rally; Leftist Media Goes Nuts
Look, we had eight years of the left's "climate of hate" when George W. Bush was in office, and now all of a sudden mainstream media outlets are outraged that some kid yelled "take that bitch down!" at a Donald Trump campaign rally?
Because, you know, we have an "objective" press.
At WSJ, "Boy’s Crude Chant Draws Attention at Trump Rally."
Because, you know, we have an "objective" press.
At WSJ, "Boy’s Crude Chant Draws Attention at Trump Rally."
America in 2016 https://t.co/qkxK0APufP pic.twitter.com/LYA0JGlQCe
— Reid J. Epstein (@reidepstein) August 3, 2016
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