The Front Page Cover
"I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened"
Featuring:
Left and Right
Tom McLaughlin
"Know who you are standing with"
"Show me your friends and I'll show you your future"
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Hilly Lied, Four Americans Died
Judicial Watch confirmed Thursday what many Americans already knew: Former Secretary of State Hilly Clinton's attempt to blame the attacks in Benghazi on an "offensive video" was a bald-faced lie. As the result of a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit against the State Department, Judicial Watch obtained a series of critical emails that not only reveal State Department officials knew immediately the American compound in Benghazi was under attack but that the attack was perpetrated by assailants tied to a terrorist group. And despite the infamous exasperated question from the Democrats' likely presidential nominee, the truth does make a big difference at this point. The first email was sent Sept. 11, 2012, at 4:07 p.m. It was forwarded by former Clinton Special Assistant Maria Sand to Clinton's former Chief of Staff Cheryl Mills, former Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Jacob Sullivan, former Executive Assistant Joseph McManus, and a host of other Special Assistants in Clinton's office. It read as follows: "The Regional Security Officer reports the diplomatic mission is under attack. Tripoli reports approximately 20 armed people fired shots; explosions have been heard as well. Ambassador Stevens, who is currently in Benghazi, and four COM [Chief of Mission] personnel are in the compound safe haven. The 17th of February militia is providing security support."
-The Patriot Post 
2016 POWER INDEX: JEB’S ADVERSARY AND HIS ALTERNATE
The three top-tier candidates for the Republican nomination came out of the big Conservative Political Action Conference event better than they went in. Frontrunner Jeb Bush took a moderate message to a conservative gathering and came out unscathed. (His team also demonstrated organizational chops in busing in some prepster-looking folks in Jeb! ’16 stickers from the Hill and downtown to fill up empty space in the hall.) Walker scored a surprisingly close second in the event’s closely watched straw poll. While Sen. Rand Paul delivered an expected win with the youngish, libertarian-leaning activists, Walker being just 5 points off the lead with so many conservative alternatives on the ballots is a testament to his surge. And there was no doubt that Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., won new admirers for his nimble, direct answers. And now we start to see some clearer contours of the race. -Fox News
The three top-tier candidates for the Republican nomination came out of the big Conservative Political Action Conference event better than they went in. Frontrunner Jeb Bush took a moderate message to a conservative gathering and came out unscathed. (His team also demonstrated organizational chops in busing in some prepster-looking folks in Jeb! ’16 stickers from the Hill and downtown to fill up empty space in the hall.) Walker scored a surprisingly close second in the event’s closely watched straw poll. While Sen. Rand Paul delivered an expected win with the youngish, libertarian-leaning activists, Walker being just 5 points off the lead with so many conservative alternatives on the ballots is a testament to his surge. And there was no doubt that Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., won new admirers for his nimble, direct answers. And now we start to see some clearer contours of the race. -Fox News
Different roles - While Rubio and Walker are far apart in public polling, they are the two people most likely to be the nominee other than frontrunner Bush. But for very different reasons. Walker has emerged as the man most likely to beat Bush, a role the party’s conservatives are eager to fill. In 2012 the establishment-backed frontrunner knocked down a series of “Not Romney” rivals, but this time, conservatives seem to be coalescing behind one well-funded candidate. A similar effect emerged in 2012 for Rick Perry, but he broke down at the first turn. Walker looks much more likely to go the distance. Rubio, on the other hand, looks like a good alternate for Bush if the former Florida governor proves unwilling or unable to pacify his restive party. Rubio, who is less mistrusted by conservatives, has consistently impressed big-money donors both center-right and right-wing. If Bush can’t get the job done, Rubio looks ready. -Fox News
WALKER WITHDRAWS SUPPORT FOR IMMIGRATION DEAL
Fox News: “Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, a presumptive 2016 Republican presidential candidate, says he has changed his immigration stance and no longer backs comprehensive reform that would allow illegal immigrants to be penalized but remain in the country…Walker in 2013 said a plan in which illegal immigrants can become United States citizens by first paying penalties and enduring a waiting period ‘makes sense.’ However, he is now saying such a plan is tantamount to amnesty, amid criticism that he has flip-flopped on that issue and others, including right-to-work legislation in his home state. ‘I don’t believe in amnesty,’ said Walker, who finished second Saturday in the Conservative Political Action Conference’s straw poll for potential 2016 Republican presidential candidates…Walker also is among the 25 Republican governors who have joined in a lawsuit challenging the president’s 2014 executive action that defers deportation for millions of illegal immigrants.” -Fox News
Fox News: “Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, a presumptive 2016 Republican presidential candidate, says he has changed his immigration stance and no longer backs comprehensive reform that would allow illegal immigrants to be penalized but remain in the country…Walker in 2013 said a plan in which illegal immigrants can become United States citizens by first paying penalties and enduring a waiting period ‘makes sense.’ However, he is now saying such a plan is tantamount to amnesty, amid criticism that he has flip-flopped on that issue and others, including right-to-work legislation in his home state. ‘I don’t believe in amnesty,’ said Walker, who finished second Saturday in the Conservative Political Action Conference’s straw poll for potential 2016 Republican presidential candidates…Walker also is among the 25 Republican governors who have joined in a lawsuit challenging the president’s 2014 executive action that defers deportation for millions of illegal immigrants.” -Fox News
Peace with Perry - WaPo: “[Texas Gov. Rick Perry] also addressed a small dust-up between himself and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, who appeared to compare labor protesters in the United States to Islamic State terrorists during a speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference on Thursday. Responding to the remarks, Perry told MSNBC that the comparison was ‘inappropriate.’ During the CNN interview Sunday, however, the former Texas governor said he accepted Walker’s explanation. ‘I think the initial response when I heard that: ‘That’s not right. You don’t make that connect.’ The governor has gone back and clarified his remarks since then and clearly said that’s not what he was talking about,’ Perry said. ‘I respect that clarification and support him on that.’”
“And I want to make it clear right now. I’m not comparing [ISIS and government worker unions]. What I meant was it was about leadership. The leadership we provided under extremely difficult circumstances, arguably, the most difficult of any governor in the country, and maybe in -- in recent times. To me, I apply that to saying if I were to run and if I were to win and be commander-in-chief, I believe that kind of leadership is what's necessary to take on radical Islamic terrorism.” –Gov. Scott Walker, R-Wis., on “Fox News Sunday” Watch here.
“And I want to make it clear right now. I’m not comparing [ISIS and government worker unions]. What I meant was it was about leadership. The leadership we provided under extremely difficult circumstances, arguably, the most difficult of any governor in the country, and maybe in -- in recent times. To me, I apply that to saying if I were to run and if I were to win and be commander-in-chief, I believe that kind of leadership is what's necessary to take on radical Islamic terrorism.” –Gov. Scott Walker, R-Wis., on “Fox News Sunday” Watch here.
-Fox News
1.
Netanyahu, Churchill and Congress
(Richard Kemp) - There are striking similarities between the objectives of Churchill's speech nearly 75 years ago and Netanyahu's today; both with no less purpose than to avert global conflagration. And, like Churchill's in the 1930s, Netanyahu's is the lone voice among world leaders today...There is no doubt about Iran's intent. It has been described as a nuclear Auschwitz. Israel is not the only target of Iranian violence. Iran has long been making good on its promises to mobilize Islamic forces against the US, as well as the UK and other American allies. Attacks directed and supported by Iran have killed an estimated 1,100 American troops in Iraq in recent years. Iran provided direct support to Al Qaeda in the 9/11 attacks. Between 2010 and 2013, Iran either ordered or allowed at least three major terrorist plots against the US and Europe to be planned from its soil. Fortunately, all were foiled. http://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/5302/netanyahu-congress-speech
2.
America’s locust years
(Jim Talent) - According to a Washington Post story, the German army is so poorly funded that it cannot afford machine guns for its armored vehicles. German soldiers tried to hide the fact — and you have to give them credit for ingenuity — by using broomsticks instead...They painted the broomsticks black and mounted them on top of their vehicles during a NATO training exercise last year. America’s military isn’t using broomsticks, at least as far as I know, but it too is in a steep decline, largely as a result of the spending cuts imposed four years ago by the Budget Control Act. The Navy should have, as a minimum, 325-346 vessels; it has about 280 ships and is headed down to 250 or below. The Air Force is smaller, and flying older aircraft, than at any time since the inception of the Service. Less than half of its combat squadrons are fully ready. The Army has been cut by 80,000 troops in the last three years and will shrink to pre–World War II levels. Other readiness and modernization issues abound, and are getting worse. http://www.aei.org/publication/americas-locust-years/?utm_source=today&utm_medium=paramount&utm_campaign=AEIToday030215
3.
Retaking Mosul
(Thomas Donnelly) - “Mr. Secretary, do you plan to halt bombing during Ramadan?” “My answer would be . . . I’m not going to tell you. Yes?” Under the command of Barack nObama, the traditional idea that “loose lips sink ships” has gone out of fashion...In mid-February, anonymous officials from U.S. Central Command told reporters of a coming assault to wrest Mosul, Iraq’s second-largest city, from the grip of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. ISIS has held Mosul, which had nearly two million residents, since June 2014. The announcement was a surprise to new defense secretary Ashton Carter and to the White House. It was also disturbing to many in Congress; senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham complained to the president about the leak of the detailed campaign plan, writing: “Never in our memory can we recall an instance in which our military has knowingly briefed our war plans to our enemies.” http://www.aei.org/publication/retaking-mosul/?utm_source=today&utm_medium=paramount&utm_campaign=AEIToday030215
4.
God is Sending a Warning to America!
(Mathew D. Staver) - This week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to address a joint session of Congress to warn lawmakers of the impending danger to Israel and the United States...if the nObama administration moves forward in allowing Iran to obtain nuclear weapons. It appears that President Barack Obama and his Secretary of State, John Kerry, have actually joined with those who seek the “destruction of the Jewish state.” There is no other option for American Christians than to stand in opposition to the destructive actions and policies of the Obama White House. http://barbwire.com/2015/03/02/0800-god-is-sending-a-warning-to-america/
5.
Hanoi Kerry Blasts UN Council's 'Obsession' With Israel
(Pamela Dockins) - U.S. Secretary of State Hanoi John Kerry criticized the United Nations Human Rights Council for what he calls its “obsession with Israel.”...In a Monday speech in Geneva before the U.N. intergovernmental body, Hanoi Kerry said the group’s heavy focus of Israel’s human rights records “risks undermining the credibility of the entire organization.” “We will oppose any effort by any group or participant in the U.N. system to arbitrarily and regularly delegitimize or isolate, Israel,” Hanoi Kerry said. He said no country should be free from scrutiny on human rights, but no country should be subjected to “unfair or unfounded bias.” Hanoi Kerry finally did something right. http://www.voanews.com/content/kerry-criticizes-un-human-rights-councils-obsession-with-israel/2664290.html
6.
Paula Broadwell
Paula Broadwell Pentagon doc suggests secret U.S. detention facility
(Aaron Klein) - Information contained in newly declassified Pentagon documents may resurrect questions about claims the U.S. was running an interrogation center or secret prison in Benghazi, Libya, prior to the Sept. 11, 2012, attacks there...Last week, the Pentagon produced 486 pages in response to a Judicial Watch Freedom of Information Act lawsuit asking the Defense Department to release “any and all” records produced by the U.S. Africa Command Operations Center concerning the Benghazi attacks. One document was entitled, “Commander U.S. Africa Command request for forces.” http://www.wnd.com/2015/03/pentagon-doc-suggests-secret-u-s-detention-facility/
7.
Hanoi John Kerry Ruins White House’s Anti-Israel Party
(Nicholas Kurch) - On the eve of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s arrival to the United States, where he will give a speech to a joint session of Congress, Secretary of State Hanoi John Kerry contradicted National Security Advisor Susan Rice...Netanyahu’s speech will focus on the threat of Iran and the possibility that the Iranians possess nuclear weapons. Rice has said that Netanyahu speaking in front of Congress would be “destructive” to relations between the U.S. and Israel. As the NY Times reported: But Hanoi Kerry has stated that the U.S. should welcome Netanyahu. As the Secretary of State said in an exclusive interview on ABC’s This Week: http://www.ijreview.com/2015/03/260938-trouble-among-ranks-kerry-contradicts-rice-netanyahu-speech-congress/?utm_source=afternoonalert&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=email
8.
The Real Crisis in U.S.-Israel Relations Lies Ahead
(Steven J. Rosen) - The brouhaha over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's March 3 speech to Congress is diverting attention from more important U.S.-Israel controversies that will escalate soon after this comparatively minor contretemps fizzles out...At the U.N., the Palestinians and Europeans will press forward after the March 17 Israeli election, submitting draft United Nations Security Council resolutions that they postponed at the request of Secretary of State Hanoi John F. Kerry. They are pressuring the administration to join this effort to impose terms on Israel, and not to veto. In the Iran talks, there either will or won't be a framework agreement by the March 31 target date, and either way there will be a clash between friends of Israel and the nObama administration — either about the terms of the agreement, or about intensified sanctions in the absence of an agreement. http://www.meforum.org/5064/crisis-us-Israel
9.
They’re Lying – Hilly Clinton, nObama Knew Benghazi Was Terrorist
(rickwells.us) - Aside from their natural propensity to lie, the reason why the nObama regime chose to manufacture a ridiculous fairy tale about the nature of the Benghazi attacks rather than admit the truth...is still a topic which will certainly be debated. The fact that Hussein nObama and his operatives, including Secretary of State Hilly Clinton, made a conscious decision to deceive the American people and attempted to cover up the events that took place can no longer be disputed. Judicial Watch has obtained multiple emails, two of which in particular prove beyond any reasonable doubt that the excuse of an inflammatory YouTube video as the cause of the attacks was a complete fabrication. The emails show that Clinton and her staff knew almost immediately that approximately 20 terrorist were engaging in an assault on our facilities. There was no mention of a demonstration or a response to a video and no other supposed motivation other than terrorism was indicated. http://www.rickwells.us/proof-theyre-lying-hillary-clinton-obama-knew-immediately-benghazi-was-terrorist-attack-foia-documents-reveal/
10.
Military Judge Orders Replacement Of “Hurry Up And Release Them”
(rickwells.us) - The nObama mad rush to empty Gitmo by determining as quickly as possible that most of the prison population has abandoned their terrorist ways now simply wish to live out their days in the company of goats or as rehabilitated agricultural workers has hit a snag...A military judge, Air Force Col. Vance Spath has determined that the overseer of war crimes tribunals at Guantanamo Bay has been improperly attempting to accelerate the process and in doing so has exerted unlawful influence. The culprit is retired Marie Corps Maj. Gen Vaughn Ary. The pivotal point that led to his removal was an order he issued requiring Guantanamo judges to move to the U.S. Naval Base in Cuba to focus on hearings related to the fast-track emptying of the prison. The relocation was ordered in spite of the fact that the affected judges already have other cases on their calendars. http://www.rickwells.us/not-so-fast-military-judge-orders-replacement-of-hurry-up-and-release-them-gitmo-overseer-of-tribunals/
Left and Right
Tom McLaughlin
(tommclaughlin.blogspot.com) - You could call it the “Wayne’s World” of politics. Every other Wednesday, I go to the Valley Vision studio in North Conway, New Hampshire and argue politics for an hour with a liberal named Gino. We call the show “Left and Right” but I keep suggesting we call it “Right and Wrong” instead. Gino doesn’t agree. Each episode runs over and over in different time slots for two weeks until we tape another. Only people who subscribe to the local Time Warner Cable franchise can watch it on channel three, and we have no idea how many tune in. I think my mother would, but she has a satellite dish.
Gino and I are both political junkies who keep up on issues of the day. Each of us keeps notes on whatever is happening to bring up on the show, but I have an advantage: I used to be a liberal and I remember how I thought back then when I was young and foolish. Gino, however, was never a conservative. It would be accurate to say that I’m a personification of the adage: “If you’re not a liberal when you’re twenty, you have no heart. If you’re not a conservative when you’re forty, you have no brain.”
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| Churchill's biographers say they can't find the quote, but someone said it. The left/right dichotomy has strongly influenced my life for decades. When I was teaching in the public schools, my history textbooks were slanted liberal. I provided balance by offering a conservative point of view to contrast the book’s perspective. Lately I’ve been teaching a group of ten home-schooled, high school-age students in Auburn with whom I’m doing something I’ve always wanted to try: using both a liberal text and a conservative text, and assigning them readings on a particular period in history from two perspectives. Each student has “A People’s History of the United States” by the late Howard Zinn - a closet communist. They also have “A Patriot’s History of the United States” by Schweikart and Allen. I’ve got students only once a week for two hours, and we cannot cover too much in one year, but it’s very instructive to compare and contrast the two points of view. Authors of both books claim to be unbiased, but neither Zinn nor Schweikart, nor Allen are of course. Neither am I, but I try to be. No one is really, but we should keep our minds open.
When I started teaching in 1975, I was pretty far to the left. After dropping out of college in 1972, I worked with liberals in Hanoi John Kerry’s failed congressional campaign in the Massachusetts 5th district that year. I also worked with “community organizer” disciples of Saul Alinsky and Noam Chomsky in Lowell, Massachusetts. After all that I went back to school to become a teacher and began my long metamorphosis from left to right. When I first started publishing columns in 1989, I was still straddling the fence. By about 1993, however, I had become a full-fledged conservative.
Around that time, I began publishing regular weekly columns for local newspapers in which I expressed my opinions without reserve. Many readers on the left assumed I taught my history classes the same way I wrote my columns. At first, they wrote letters to the editor suggesting I was unfit to teach and these were published frequently. Several leftists went further by trying to influence principals, superintendents, school boards, and state teacher licensing agencies to discipline me, silence me, or pull my teaching certification. By the time I retired, I had amassed quite a paper trail documenting their efforts. For the past three years, I’ve been working on and off writing a book about this, being careful to get it all down as it happened. Last month, I thought, “Okay, I’m done. It’s all down there in black and white.” I printed it off, made some copies, and asked friends to read it with the condition that they be ruthless in their feedback. Well, that feedback is trickling in and I’m thinking maybe I’m not all done. Looks like I need to expand it. Some suggest I add more on what caused me to move from left to right. Others said it reads too much like “just the facts, ma’am” written by a detective or a reporter, and I need to put in more about what it felt like as events unfolded.
Then there’s the business of book publishing. It’s not like publishing columns, except that both are changing rapidly. The more I look into it, the more I realize how much I still have to learn. It looks like I may have been premature when I announced on the “Left and Right” show that my book about moving from left to right was finished. It was hard enough to get down what happened. Now I’m going to have to write about my feelings? That’s not something I’m used to or very good at either, but it appears to be still another thing I have to learn. http://tommclaughlin.blogspot.com/2015/03/left-and-right.html |
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