Happy New Year

To all my friends and followers; may 2010 bring peace, prosperity and happiness your way.  May we all unite together to bring about real hope and change for our great nation.

Clifton B.

Another Black Conservative

Rasmussen: 58% of Americans say waterboard the Underwear Bomber

Rasmussen has a new poll out on terror and the results could not be worse for Obama and the Democrats. Practically all the changes made by Obama concerning terrorism is not supported by the American people.

From Rasmussen [emphasis added mine]: 

Fifty-eight percent (58%) of U.S. voters say waterboarding and other aggressive interrogation techniques should be used to gain information from the terrorist who attempted to bomb an airliner on Christmas Day.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 30% oppose the use of such techniques, and another 12% are not sure.

Men and younger voters are more strongly supportive of the aggressive interrogation techniques than women and those who are older. Republicans and voters not affiliated with either major party favor their use more than Democrats.

Seventy-one percent (71%) of all voters think the attempt by the Nigerian Muslim to blow up the airliner as it landed in Detroit should be investigated by military authorities as a terrorist act. Only 22% say it should be handled by civilian authorities as a criminal act, as is currently the case.

A few quick things to note here, do you remember how many times Obama and many on the left said that enhanced interrogation techniques did not reflect American values?  I think we can safely say that statement simply isn’t true. Also notice that younger voters, the very ones who came out for Obama in droves, are not on the same page as Obama on this one. Finally, Eric Holder may want to rethink all his nonsense about using civilian courts to handle terrorists.

By the way, Shoe Bomber Richard Reid went the Federal Court route. Reid confessed and said he acted alone even though the evidence pointed to him having assistance. We will never know for sure, because Reid went the civilian court route. We should have learned for this mistake, not repeat it.

Read the rest of the poll, there are very interesting results concerning the nation’s view on terror and how government is currently handling it. The results show that Obama’s views on dealing with terror are totally out of step with the public. Perhaps this is why so many Dems are reluctant to defend Obama on this issue.

Via: Memeorandum

Via: Rasmussen  

The Same Old Blame Bush Game: The White House responds to Dick Cheney

The White House has responded to Dick Cheney’s recent statement that Obama is “trying to pretend” there is no war on terror.  Too bad the White House cannot respond to terror attacks as quickly as they do to criticisms of Dick Cheney. Perhaps if they did, the administration would not be in full panic mode now.

Of course the White House uses the ever-tiresome “blame Bush” tactic. Sweet Jesus, you would think by now they would be embarrassed to go back to that excuse once again.

From the White House blog: 

There has been a lot of discussion online and in the mainstream media about our response to various critics of the President, specifically former Vice President Cheney, who have been coming out of the woodwork since the incident on Christmas Day.  I think we all agree that there should be honest debate about these issues, but it is telling that Vice President Cheney and others seem to be more focused on criticizing the Administration than condemning the attackers. Unfortunately too many are engaged in the typical Washington game of pointing fingers and making political hay, instead of working together to find solutions to make our country safer.

First, it’s important that the substantive context be clear: for seven years after 9/11, while our national security was overwhelmingly focused on Iraq – a country that had no al Qaeda presence before our invasion – Osama bin Laden and al Qaeda's leadership was able to set up camp in the border region of Pakistan and Afghanistan, where they continued to plot attacks against the United States. Meanwhile, al Qaeda also regenerated in places like Yemen and Somalia, establishing new safe-havens that have grown over a period of years.  It was President Obama who finally implemented a strategy of winding down the war in Iraq, and actually focusing our resources on the war against al Qaeda – more than doubling our troops in Afghanistan, and building partnerships to target al Qaeda’s safe-havens in Yemen and Somalia.  And in less than one year, we have already seen many al Qaeda leaders taken out, our alliances strengthened, and the pressure on al Qaeda increased worldwide.

To put it simply: this President is not interested in bellicose rhetoric, he is focused on action. Seven years of bellicose rhetoric failed to reduce the threat from al Qaeda and succeeded in dividing this country. And it seems strangely off-key now, at a time when our country is under attack, for the architect of those policies to be attacking the President.

Second, the former Vice President makes the clearly untrue claim that the President – who is this nation’s Commander-in-Chief – needs to realize we are at War. I don’t think anyone realizes this very hard reality more than President Obama. In his inaugural, the President said “our nation is at war against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred.” In a recent speech, Assistant to the President for Terrorism and Homeland Security John Brennan said “Instead, as the president has made clear, we are at war with al-Qaida, which attacked us on 9/11 and killed 3,000 people. We are at war with its violent extremist allies who seek to carry on al-Qaida’s murderous agenda. These are the terrorists we will destroy; these are the extremists we will defeat.” At West Point, the President told the nation why it was “in our vital national interest” to send an additional 30,000 U.S. troops to fight the war in Afghanistan, adding that as Commander in Chief, “I see firsthand the terrible wages of war.” And at Oslo, in accepting the Nobel Peace Prize, the President said, “We are at war, and I am responsible for the deployment of thousands of young Americans to battle in a distant land.”

There are numerous other such public statements that explicitly state we are at war. The difference is this: President Obama doesn’t need to beat his chest to prove it, and – unlike the last Administration – we are not at war with a tactic (“terrorism”), we at war with something that is tangible: al Qaeda and its violent extremist allies. And we will prosecute that war as long as the American people are endangered.

Dan Pfeiffer is White House Communications Director 

Another thing to note here, is that Dan Pfeiffer makes mention of the various things Obama said as proof of Obama’s understanding we are at war. However, it was Obama’s actions that Cheney had questioned i.e. Miranda rights, KSM, Gitmo, etc.

Via: Memeorandum

Via: The White House Blog

Say a prayer for Rush: Rush Limbaugh taken to hospital for chest pains

While on vacation in Hawaii, Rush Limbaugh was taken from the Kahala Hotel to Queens Medical Center in Honolulu for chest pains.  Needless to say that some on the left are hoping for the worst, so we had better pray for the best. 

From KHVO: 

HONOLULU -- Conservative radio talk host Rush Limbaugh was rushed to a Honolulu hospital on Wednesday afternoon with chest pains, sources told KITV.

Paramedics responded to the call at 2:41 p.m. at the Kahala Hotel and Resort. 

Limbaugh, 58, suffered from chest pains, sources said. Limbaugh was sitting in a chair in his ninth-floor hotel room at the Kahala when emergency crews arrived, sources said. He told medical crews that he was taking medication for a back problem, sources said.

Paramedics treated him and took him to Queen's Medical Center in serious condition. He will not be released from the hospital on Wednesday night, sources said.

Officials wit the Rush Limbaugh Program released a statement Wednesday night.

"Rush was admitted to and is resting comfortably in a Honolulu hospital today, after suffering chest pains. Rush appreciates your prayers and well wishes, and he will keep you updated via RushLimbaugh.com."

He was seen golfing at Waialae Country Club earlier this week. The country club is next to the Kahala Hotel and Resort.

The radio show host had been in the islands during the holidays. Coincidentally, his visit comes at a time when two of the nation's most powerful Democrats, President Barack Obama and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, are also staying in Hawaii.

Via: Memeorandum

Via: KHVO

Dick Cheney: Obama “trying to pretend we are not at war”

We all knew Dick Cheney would have something to say about Obama’s handling of the Underpants Bomber.  Today we hear an earful:

From Politico: 

"As I’ve watched the events of the last few days it is clear once again that President Obama is trying to pretend we are not at war. He seems to think if he has a low key response to an attempt to blow up an airliner and kill hundreds of people, we won’t be at war. He seems to think if he gives terrorists the rights of Americans, lets them lawyer up and reads them their Miranda rights, we won’t be at war. He seems to think if we bring the mastermind of 9/11 to New York, give him a lawyer and trial in civilian court, we won’t be at war.

“He seems to think if he closes Guantanamo and releases the hard-core al Qaeda trained terrorists still there, we won’t be at war. He seems to think if he gets rid of the words, ‘war on terror,’ we won’t be at war. But we are at war and when President Obama pretends we aren’t, it makes us less safe. Why doesn’t he want to admit we’re at war? It doesn’t fit with the view of the world he brought with him to the Oval Office. It doesn’t fit with what seems to be the goal of his presidency – social transformation—the restructuring of American society. President Obama’s first object and his highest responsibility must be to defend us against an enemy that knows we are at war."

I think Cheney has touched on the key thing why Obama is getting fried for his response to the Underpants Bomber.  It is Obama’s actions leading up to the Underpants Bomber that gives the perception that Obama is weak on terror.

Many are trying to draw the comparison of how people reacted to Bush and the Shoe Bomber vs. Obama and the Underpants Bomber. Perception is the key. The Shoe Bomber incident happened shortly after 9-11.  The Bush administration was still doing a gazillion things to get new security in place. Bush was still putting TSA together too. Even though it took Bush 6 days to speak to the American people about the Shoe Bomber, there was no crazy statements or missteps from Bush underlings prior to his speaking. America had a perception that things were under control and that everything humanly possible was being done to thwart terrorism.

Compare and contrast Obama today.  The Underpants Bomber comes on the heels of Ft. Hood, where there was great reluctance to even mention terrorism and Nidal Hassan in the same sentence. Furthermore, Obama has spent a year undoing many of the security measures that Bush put in place (attempting to close Gitmo, sending Uygers to paradise, investigating the CIA, etc). But most damaging for Obama was having to come out after Janet Napolitano made a complete fool of herself. To make matters worse, Obama allowed the image of himself being interrupted from his fancy Hawaiian vacation (Bush was vacationing quietly at Camp David) to take hold in the minds of Americans.

If Obama wants to regain control of the situation, then he is going to have to take some bold steps to appear like he takes terrorism seriously. I would start by kicking Napolitano to the curb.  The last thing you want is the impression that your administration is comprised of incompetent boobs. Next, halt the closing of Gitmo.  Everyone knows there are tons of terrorists there from the new terror hot spot Yemen. Finally start briefing the public regularly as to what you are doing to get to the bottom of the situation. Inform the public what actions you are taking to make sure this never happens again.

Via: Memeorandum

Via: Politico

Via: Politico

Obama and the Underpants Bomber round II: “Systemic failure”

Obama again addressed the public concerning the Underpants Bomber’s failed bomb plot.  This time Obama admits that there was a “systemic failure”.  I guess all that clap trap about allegedly and suspect didn’t get his ass out of hot water so no he is going one step further.

From The New York Times:

“A systemic failure has occurred, and I consider that totally unacceptable,” Mr. Obama said. He said he had ordered government agencies to give him a preliminary report on Thursday about what happened and added that he would “insist on accountability at every level,” although he did not elaborate.

Mr. Obama alluded to the intelligence in his statement. “Had this critical information been shared, it could have been compiled with other intelligence and a fuller, clearer picture of the suspect would have emerged,” the president said. “The warning signs would have triggered red flags, and the suspect would have never been allowed to board that plane for America.”

Well it seems like Obama is finding out the hard way that crapping on the CIA and hampering their efforts has its bad points. This is what happens when he allows Eric Holder to run rough shod over the CIA. The CIA stops sticking its neck out.

Also what is interesting to note here is that Bush faced the same situation [not enough intelligence sharing] almost 8 years ago and many on the left was not happy with that answer.  I wonder if they will be happy with it now?

Oh, and another thing. Would someone please tell the Ding Dong in Chief to put on a necktie? Appearing without a tie and speaking on such important matters only reminds people that he is still on his Hawaiian vacation.

Via: Memeorandum

Via: The New York Times

My notes on Obama’s speech regarding the Underpants Bomber and Iran

I just read Obama’s speech to the public on the Underpants Bomber and Iran (full transcript of Obama’s speech here).  Needless to say the speech is too little too late. Three days after what appears to be the grace of God saving us from another 9-11 and Janet Napolitano’s buffoonery, Obama pulls himself away from vacation to speak to the public. This has got to be the most inadequate response to terror yet. Keep in mind Obama could not get in front of the cameras fast enough of tout his shitty health care reform, but to address a act of terror, Obama gets all mañana about it! Furthermore, I found some of the things he said absolutely troubling.

Starting with the second paragraph: 

The investigation's ongoing. And I spoke again this morning with Attorney General Eric Holder, the secretary of homeland security, Janet Napolitano, and my counterterrorism and homeland security adviser, John Brennan. I asked them to keep -- continue monitoring the situation to keep the American people and members of Congress informed.

Notice he mentions Holder first and Napolitano second and no mention of the FBI or CIA.  Does this mean that Obama considers this a criminal justice matter?

The third and fourth paragraphs are troubling too [emphasis added, mine]: 

Here's what we know so far: On Christmas Day, Northwest Airlines Flight 253 was en route from Amsterdam, Netherlands, to Detroit. As the plane made its final approach to Detroit Metropolitan Airport, a passenger allegedly tried to ignite an explosive device on his body, setting off a fire.

Thanks to the quick and heroic actions of passengers and crew, the suspect was immediately subdued, the fire was put out, and the plane landed safely. The suspect is now in custody and has been charged with attempting to destroy an aircraft.

This is the language of a lawyer not a Commander in Chief. Does Obama think this guy is innocent?  The dude is nursing a charbroiled crotch, we have his toasted underwear and have identified the high explosive PETN, so what gives with the “allegedly” and “suspect” talk? This does not bode well for actually fighting terror.

Of course Obama does a lot of covering his ass in the speech as well, as seen here with the “I” statements:

Since I was first notified of this incident, I've ordered the following actions to be taken to protect the American people and to secure air travel.

First, I directed that we take immediate steps to ensure the safety of the traveling public. We made sure that all flights still in the air were secure and could land safely. We immediately enhanced screening and security procedures for all flights, domestic and international. We added federal air marshals to flights entering and leaving the United States. And we're working closely in this country, federal, state and local law enforcement, with our international partners.

Second, I've ordered two important reviews, because it's absolutely critical that we learn from this incident and take the necessary measures to prevent future acts of terrorism.

On Iran, Obama seems to mention it as an afterthought in the speech:

Before I leave, let me also briefly address the events that have taken place over the last few days in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The United States joins with the international community in strongly condemning the violent and unjust suppression of innocent Iranian citizens, which has apparently resulted in detentions, injuries, and even death.

In the entire six paragraphs devoted to Iran, Obama never once utters the word “Freedom”, instead he uses the term “universal rights”.  WTF are universal rights anyway and where were they ever defined?  It is a bit appalling that an American president cannot think to use or bring himself to utter the word “freedom” when speaking of the Iranian struggle.  Again this does not bode well for a successful outcome in Iran.

Via: Memeorandum

Via: The Washington Post

Bristol Palin sues for full custody of Tripp

In a normal setting this should be a slam dunk for Bristol. Since announcing the break up between her and Levi, Bristol has quietly gone about her business.  She has gotten her high school diploma and is diligently working to provide for her son. Levi on the other hand has gone about trying to cash in on publicly trashing the grandmother of his son and exposing himself to the public. There has been no indication anywhere that he has even tried to provide for his son and Levi certainly isn’t thinking about his son’s future.  Levi’s demand to make this hearing public is proof of that.

Now  without knowing who the judge is in this case, it is hard to tell if this is going to become a circus that leads to the travesty of Levi getting custody. Already we can see the lunatic thinking coming from the Palin Hating crowd.  Exhibit A: Palin obsessed Andrew Sullivan is already trying to paint Sarah Palin as a bully for wanting to keep the proceeding private.  Sullivan would want a public spectacle because it feeds his school girl crush on Palin.

No doubt we will be hearing a lot more about this custody battle.  Pray sane heads prevail and Bristol ends up winning.

Via: Memeorandum

Via: Associated Press

Via: The Daily Dish

Epic Fail: Art therapy rehabilitation for terrorists

If ever there was an example for the desperate need for common sense in Washington, this is it.

Two of the four men who plotted the Detroit bombing were released Gitmo detainees.  What is even more shocking is that these men were released to Saudi Arabia under; now get this, an “art rehabilitation program”.

From ABC News: 

Two of the four leaders allegedly behind the al Qaeda plot to blow up a Northwest Airlines passenger jet over Detroit were released by the U.S. from the Guantanamo prison in November, 2007, according to American officials and Department of Defense documents. Al Qaeda claimed responsibility for the Northwest bombing in a Monday statement that vowed more attacks on Americans.

American officials agreed to send the two terrorists from Guantanamo to Saudi Arabia where they entered into an "art therapy rehabilitation program" and were set free, according to U.S. and Saudi officials.

Guantanamo prisoner #333, Muhamad Attik al-Harbi, and prisoner #372, Said Ali Shari, were sent to Saudi Arabia on Nov. 9, 2007, according to the Defense Department log of detainees who were released from American custody. Al-Harbi has since changed his name to Muhamad al-Awfi.

Both Saudi nationals have since emerged in leadership roles in Yemen, according to U.S. officials and the men's own statements on al Qaeda propaganda tapes.

Both of the former Guantanamo detainees are described as military commanders and appear on a January, 2009 video along with the man described as the top leader of al Qaeda in Yemen, Abu Basir Naser al-Wahishi, formerly Osama bin Laden's personal secretary.

Am I the only one who thinks that this art therapy rehabilitation program was designed by the Saudis as a mockery of politically correct thinking?  It is almost like they knew some ding dong in America would fall for this BS.

Now many on the left are jumping up and down pointing to the fact that these guys were released under the Bush administration. While it is correct that the Bush administration has to answer for this blunder, let us not forget exactly where the pressure to close Gitmo comes from.  The very same folks who are happy to blame Bush for this one are also the same folks who urgently want Gitmo closed.

A little bit of common sense would have made clear that the Saudi program was a sham and that Gitmo is the proper place for these terrorist to be, even if that means indefinitely. 

Via: Memeorandum

Via: ABC News

Great Balls of Fire: Photos of the Underwear Bomber’s briefs

ABC News has released photos of the Underwear Bomber’s [is that what we are calling him now?] briefs. 

From ABC News: 

In the second photo (below), the packet of actual explosive powder has been removed from the underpants and displayed separately.

It is a six-inch long packet of the high explosive chemical called PETN, less than a half cup in volume, weighing about 80 grams.

A government test with 50 grams of PETN blew a hole in the side of an airliner. That was the amount in the bomb carried by the so-called shoe bomber Richard Reid over Christmas 2001.

The underpants bomb would have been one and a half times as powerful.

I have been reading here and there about the left side of the web how some people think Abdulmutallab was not a threat because he was basically a f--- up.  I would like to point out that any man willing to place a high explosive like PETN that close to his family jewels is serious as a heart attack about what he wants to accomplish. I certainly would not put an explosive anything anywhere near my manhood, nor would 99.9% of men across the globe. So any man willing to do something like this should be taken seriously.

Another thought that we all should be keenly aware of in the aftermath of the Underpants Bomber is that the Naked Scanner is coming to an airport near you!

Via: Memeorandum

Via: ABC News

Via: Wired

Clown Napolitano now says the system failed

This morning on the today show with Matt Lauer, Dept. of Homeland Security head clown Janet Napolitano tried to hide her bright red nose and floppy shoes by using the old “my words were taken out of context” defense.

She claims what she really meant was that the system worked after the attempt was made. Everything leading up to then failed miserably. Credit to Matt Lauer for pressing her somewhat, some harder follow up question would have been nicer.

From The WSJ Washington Wire:

Lauer pressed: How does a guy who’s on this general terror list, who buys a one-way transtlantic ticket with cash, who checks no luggage, and who’s own father has flagged him to authorities, get on the plane? Napolitano said that “our system did not work in this instance” and no one “is happy or satisfied with that.” She maintained “air travel is safe.”

Sorry but so long as Janet Napolitano is running Homeland Security, I would not consider air travel safe. Count me in with guys over at National Review…FIRE JANET NAPOLITANO!

For a more damning view of Janet's incompetence, check out Left Coast Rebel who juxtaposed Janet's two latest interviews.

Via: Memeorandum

Via: The WSJ Washington Wire

Video H/T: News Busters
Via: The Campaign Spot

Jasper Schuringa: The Individual triumphs over government again

There are so many different facts emerging from the failed Christmas bombing of the Northwest Flight 254 to Detroit. One fact that has caught everyone’s attention was the heroics of the passengers who subdued Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab.  Jasper Schuringa, a 32-year-old Dutch filmmaker, was one of those passengers who took the initiative to stop Abdulmutallab.

I find this poignant as the current administration races to place government ahead of the people. Time and time again, it has been the spirit of the individual that has come to save the day way faster than the government ever could.

Think back to 9-11, it was individuals who brought down Flight 93 and saved the White House or the Capitol. During Katrina, it was individuals who played first responders that saved their fellow citizens. In both cases, government was slow and plodding to respond and failed to detect both disasters in their early stages.

Despite all of this, this administration insist that it is government that can save the day economically, never mind that it has been the individual who has created vast amounts of new wealth for the nation, like Bill Gates or Sam Walton just to name a few.  So instead of encouraging the individual by having government step out of the way, we throw away billions on a stimulus plan conceive by government and not surprisingly only benefiting government.

Will this administration ever learn?  Sadly, methinks not.

Was Max Baucus drunk on the Senate floor?

I am going to let you judge for yourself. But personally, I have seen this type of rambling many, many, times before. Usually just after "Last Call".  It would explain why the Baucus Bill took so long and finally emerged as vapor legislation.

FYI: this happened last week and no one in the lame steam media covered it.  I wonder why?

Via: News Busters

A brief word about Obama’s Hawaiian vacation

I said it before and I will say it again, image counts.

First of all, unemployment is over 10% (17% if you are really counting). That means that this Christmas many Americans no doubt had a severely limited or no Christmas at all. Needless to say vacationing for these unemployed Americans was strictly out of the question.  So why isn’t our president at least making the attempt to appear like he shares their pain?  Spending Christmas at the White House or Camp David would have at least conveyed the message that these are tough times and we are all feeling the pinch.

This is the least thing wrong with Obama’s vacation. The failed Christmas bomber is much bigger. Remember how some people raked Bush over the coals for continuing to read that book to the school kids at the onset of 9/11?  Well this is looking a whole lot worse. We have what appears to be a genuine Al Qaeda attempt that failed simply by the grace of God.  Homeland Security Clown Janet Napolitano is not making anyone feel safe with her bizarre world explanations that the system is working. Even CBS’s lame attempt to spin is pathetic.  Fighting terror via conference calls and BlackBerry looks like a half ass attempt to everybody.

Finally, once again revolution seems to be stirring in Iran. Aside from the military option, revolution is our second best chance for foiling Iran’s nuclear ambitions. So where is our fearless leader while this second opportunity unfolds?  Golfing and island hopping out in Hawaii, of course!

My advice to Obama: get your ass home and handle the people’s business!

Via: Memeorandum

Via: CBS News

Via: The Jawa Report

Abdulmutallab’s privileged background is another reason why we should not bring KSM to NYC

I just got through reading about Abdulmatallab’s privileged background. Abdulmatallab access to the best that the Western world had to offer; yet he embraced the culture of death of Radical Islam.  If such a young man could fall for Radical Islam’s BS, imagine what can be possible when we provide Khalid Sheikh Mohammed [KSM] a platform to spew his crap?

Many who argue in favor of bringing Khalid Sheikh Mohammed KSM and other Gitmo detainees to America all seem to think that it is merely at matter of keeping them physically locked up, but the true danger lies in the spreading of their ideology. There are no Supermax prisons that can contain those evil thoughts. As such we will be risking the creation of more Abdulmatallabs and if there is one thing that should be perfectly clear by now, it is that it only takes one of them to cause a disaster.

Via: The UK Independent

Napolitano: “The system worked”. WTF?

This video is simply stunning! DHS chief Janet Napolitano clearly has no idea what the hell she is talking about.  They system worked?  How the hell can she say that when a failed detonator and alert passengers saved the day?  Where was the system to stop Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab from boarding the plane in the first place or to detect he was carrying PETN?

I think we can see what the problem is from this video. Listen to how Napolitano seems to leave the whole matter to criminal justice system (see the 1:00 mark).  For Napolitano stopping terrorism isn’t at Homeland Security issue, it is more a matter for criminal justice.  Well, if that is the case what the hell do we need Homeland Security for? The FBI, CIA, local police and fire can do the job without her.

Early in this blog I labeled Napolitano a clown. Michelle Malkin and Pundit and Pundette appears to agree with me. Jonas Goldberg at the National Review is suggesting Napolitano be fired and I could not agree more.

Via: Memeorandum

Via: Politico

H/T: Michelle Malkin

H/T: Pundit & Pundette

Via: National Review 

A shameless use of Google to raise my traffic

As many of you readers know, Clifton B. has Sitemeter Peeping Disorder. I constantly check the traffic of my site to see how many hits I am getting and where they are coming from. Being new to the blogosphere, this is my first year encountering the effects of holiday traffic. Good grief as of Thursday morning my traffic has slowed to a crawl. Holiday traffic sucks! I am off a good 200 hits per day.

So in order for me to maintain my sanity and my hit average, I am going to let you all in on a little secret. Google can bring traffic right to your door. By linking to popular search terms found on Google Trends, you can get people clicking on your blog.

Tonight a brief look at Google Trends finds that people are really looking for information on the University of Florida [Florida Gators], head football coach Urban Meyer.  Urban Meyer held a press conference to announce that he is stepping down because of health issues. Meyer is said to suffers from a heart valve muscle defect.

Now by linking all these terms for this very popular story, I should get a boost of traffic. Mind you, even though ABC is a political blog, you would be surprised at how many people not searching for politics see the title "Another Black Conservative" under their search term and click out of curiosity.

Some find that they share the same political point of view, others not so much. However, in the end we both gain something. I get much needed hits and they get an example of black conservative thought. 

Yeah, I know it is a shameless thing to do, but damn, holiday traffic really sucks!

Via: Google Trends

A brief word about Kwanzaa

Today begins the first day of Kwanzaa and I read that the celebration of Kwanzaa is on the decline.  Excuse me if I don’t shed a tear.  I am one of those blacks who never bought into Kwanzaa. Aside from the fact that it is basically socialism hiding behind Kente cloth, it pales next to the rich religious history behind Christmas.

I, like many blacks in America don’t just see Christmas as a secular commercial holiday. I see Christmas as the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior with its timeless message to “Peace on Earth and Goodwill to Man”. When Christmas is viewed in this context, Kwanzaa comes up amazingly short.

In my entire life I have only known one black person who celebrated Kwanzaa. She was a teacher of African American studies and a flaming liberal. Although born and raised in Atlanta like her folks, this young lady fell hook line and sinker for the whole Kwanzaa is African scam.

It seems to me that Kwazaa has mostly survived today because to those who are overly gun ho about diversity. They put forth Kwanzaa on the same equal footing as Christmas and Chanukah, despite the fact that Kwanzaa is a made up holiday that never really caught on with the black community. I think when the diversity fad fades, Kwanzaa will disappear all together and I won’t shed a tear then either.

Via: Press of Atlantic City

The Shoe Bomber 2.0

Abdul Farouk Abdul Mutallab, 23, a Nigerian terrorist tried to ignite a powdery substance strapped to leg while landing on a Northwest flight to Detroit. Abdul Mutallab claims to have been directed by Al Qaeda to blow up a plane on American soil. Mutallab’s method is very similar to Shoe Bomber Richard Reid.

From ABC News: 

Federal officials and police are interviewing a Nigerian man, who allegedly tried to "explode" a powdery substance aboard a Northwest flight from Amsterdam to Detroit, injuring himself and two other passengers, law enforcement officials said.

The man said he was directed by al Qaeda to explode a small device in flight, over U.S. soil, ABC News has learned. Authorities have no corroboration of that information, and the credibility of the suspect's statements are being questioned, officials said.

The suspect was identified as Abdul Farouk Abdulmutallab, 23, who according to federal documents is an engineering student at University College of London.

He was flying from Nigeria to the United States for a religious seminar, according to his entry visa, which was issued June 16, 2008 and was good until June 12, 2010.[MORE]

Once again the Pointy Object Police (TSA) has failed us. How did this guy have anything strapped to his leg and get on a plane? The question I really want to know is, did this guy use any of the information that the TSA accidentally posted on the Internet to evade security. If the media actually pursues this line of thought, we might get an idea just how much trouble we are in.

These terrorist attacks seem to be coming a little faster now that Bush is gone. I think Obama’s unwillingness to take a proactive stance against terror is giving Al Qaeda a green light to try something.

Via: Memeorandum

Via: ABC News

Via: Google Trends

William Daley sounds the alarm

On Thursday William M. Daley, son of the famous Chicago mayor  Richard J. Daley and brother of the current Chicago mayor Richard M. Daley had an Op-ed in the Washington Post that can only be surmised as a warning shot for Obama.

Basically, Daley’s piece says that the radical left agenda currently being followed is a stinker that will damage the Democrat brand.

From the Washington Post: 

The political dangers of this situation could not be clearer.

Witness the losses in New Jersey and Virginia in this year's off-year elections. In those gubernatorial contests, the margin of victory was provided to Republicans by independents -- many of whom had voted for Obama. Just one year later, they had crossed back to the Republicans by 2-to-1 margins.

Witness the drumbeat of ominous poll results. Obama's approval rating has fallen below 49 percent overall and is even lower -- 41 percent -- among independents. On the question of which party is best suited to manage the economy, there has been a 30-point swing toward Republicans since November 2008, according to Ipsos. Gallup's generic congressional ballot shows Republicans leading Democrats. There is not a hint of silver lining in these numbers. They are the quantitative expression of the swing bloc of American politics slipping away.

And, of course, witness the loss of Rep. Griffith and his fellow moderate Democrats who will retire. They are perhaps the truest canaries in the coal mine.

Despite this raft of bad news, Democrats are not doomed to return to the wilderness. The question is whether the party is prepared to listen carefully to what the American public is saying. Voters are not re-embracing conservative ideology, nor are they falling back in love with the Republican brand. If anything, the Democrats' salvation may lie in the fact that Republicans seem even more hell-bent on allowing their radical wing to drag the party away from the center.

All that is required for the Democratic Party to recover its political footing is to acknowledge that the agenda of the party's most liberal supporters has not won the support of a majority of Americans -- and, based on that recognition, to steer a more moderate course on the key issues of the day, from health care to the economy to the environment to Afghanistan.

For liberals to accept that inescapable reality is not to concede permanent defeat. Rather, let them take it as a sign that they must continue the hard work of slowly and steadily persuading their fellow citizens to embrace their perspective. In the meantime, liberals -- and, indeed, all of us -- should have the humility to recognize that there is no monopoly on good ideas, as well as the long-term perspective to know that intraparty warfare will only relegate the Democrats to minority status, which would be disastrous for the very constituents they seek to represent.

The party's moment of choosing is drawing close. While it may be too late to avoid some losses in 2010, it is not too late to avoid the kind of rout that redraws the political map. The leaders of the Democratic Party need to move back toward the center -- and in doing so, set the stage for the many years' worth of leadership necessary to produce the sort of pragmatic change the American people actually want. [Read the whole thing here]

What is significant to note here is from whom these words are coming from. William M. Daley is part of the very old Chicago Democrat party machine. The very same party machine that vaulted Obama to the White House and the very machine where Chicago political power is held.

These words should carry weight with Obama. Daley is saying; the machine won’t be able to deliver for you against the backlash that is coming, so chill out. I am reminded about the delay in health care reform and wonder is Obama did not receive this message privately first.

Daley represents what I consider old school Democrats. These are your typical run of the mill bleeding heart liberals that derive their power from “helping the people”. These are the Democrats that your mom and pop probably belong to. Yeah, they are shady, but they are very much true Americans.

Daley can clearly see the damage being done the brand as radical leftists foist their agenda on the American people. Daley smartly realizes that the American people are like wild Mustangs. As a people we have know freedom from day one. Americans never really lived under monarchies, dictators or centralized anything. As such, Americans do not take well to the type of European government control that Obama and Congress are pushing. Daley can see the great “buck” that the American people are about to deliver to the Democrats for trying to rough ride us into submission.

I do believe that Daley has the Republicans figured out wrong. The Republicans are not being dragged to the far right. If anything they are being dragged to American’s true political center, which is conservative in nature. Tea Party protesters simply want fiscal responsibility, politicians to say what they mean and mean what they say and politicians that abide by the Constitution.  There is nothing far right in any of those things.

All in all we should look at Daley’s Op-ed as the first signs of the unspoken rift developing in the Democratic Party. What will be interesting to watch is if the far left hears this message or ignores it. I am putting my money on that they ignore it. The radical left is on a mission and they are using the Democrat Party as a vehicle to achieve their goals. Damaging that party is not a concern.

Via: The Washington Post

A brief word on the Obamas skipping church on Christmas

It has been noted the Obamas did not go to Church this Christmas season. It is also noted that since coming to the White House that the Obamas have been rather infrequent churchgoers.

I make mention of this not because it is important to me whether the POTUS attends church regularly, but because of the whole Rev. Wright incident.  I never really accepted Obama’s answers about Rev. Wright. Obama said he went to the Reverend’s church for twenty years, yet never heard a peep of the reverend’s nuttiness. 

I always thought this had to be a lie. Either Obama was lying about not hearing any of Wright’s “damning” statements or Obama was lying about being a regular attendant of the church.  Seeing how things have played out thus far with the Obamas and church attendance, I think we now have a truthful answer.

Via: Time Magazine

There sure are a lot of crazy people in Italy

Yesterday, a crazy lady knocked down Pope Benedict XVI at the beginning of Midnight Mass. This makes the second time in less than a month that some crazy person attacked a public figure in Italy.

It kind of makes you wonder how can the great European socialized medicine scheme not be able to cure all the crazy people roaming the streets? At least the public figures have to deal with the system's shortcomings just like everybody else.

Thank goodness the Pontiff was not hurt.

From Gateway Pundit: 

UPDATE: This same nut tried to attack the pope in 2008.

FOX News reported:

French Cardinal Roger Etchegaray, an 87-year-old Vatican diplomat, fractured his hip in the commotion and will be operated on at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, Vatican spokesman the Rev. Federico Lombardi said.

Benedict appeared a bit unsteady as he approached his chair on the loggia overlooking St. Peter’s Square to deliver his traditional Christmas blessing and was steadied by an attendant.

But he then spread open his arms, blessed the crowd and delivered his “Urbi et Orbi” speech, Latin for “To the city and the world,” without any problem. He followed with Christmas greetings in 65 different languages that drew sustained cheers and chants from the crowd…

Lombardi identified the woman who toppled Benedict as Susanna Maiolo, 25, a Swiss-Italian national with psychiatric problems. He said Maiolo, who was not armed, was taken to a clinic for necessary treatment.

She was the same woman involved in a similar incident at last year’s Midnight Mass, Vatican officials said. In that case, Maiolo jumped the barricade but never managed to reach the pope and was quietly tackled by security.

You’d think they would have kept an eye out for this crazed woman before the service. You’d think.

Via: Memeorandum

Via: Gateway Pundit

Hoping you all had a Magical Christmas

To all my friends and followers, I hope you all had a very Magical and Merry Christmas. Over the next few days, be sure to take time to appreciate those special things that makes the Christmas season all worthwhile.

Clifton B.

Another Black Conservative