http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/monacharen/ en-us Fri, 1 Jan 2010 14:33:06 GMT Focus Forum 15 http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2418931/posts It may not be President Obama's fault that our multibillion-dollar Homeland Security apparatus is more Keystone Kops than "24," anymore than it was President Bush's fault that city, state, and federal agencies failed to respond adequately to Hurricane Katrina. The federal government is (alas) a vast ungovernable enterprise. And the bigger it gets, the less effective it will become. Still, the entire Democratic Party -- led by Nancy Pelosi, Hillary Clinton, and Harry Reid -- swarmed over President Bush like piranhas as the waters rose in 2005. "Brownie, you're doing a heck of a job" entered the lexicon as one... Townhall.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2418931/posts#comment Fri, 1 Jan 2010 14:33:06 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2397639/posts We must overcome our self-delusions about the enemy. When tens of thousands of Iranians took to the streets last spring and braved the most brutal repression the regime could inflict, Michael Ledeen was the least surprised man in Washington. In season and out, Ledeen has chronicled the profound weakness of the mullahocracy and its deep unpopularity with the Iranian people. Impatiently, year after year, he has identified opportunities for the United States to help the people of Iran replace their sinister and menacing rulers. After each new post on the subject, Ledeen signed off with, “Faster please.” In Accomplice to... NRO http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2397639/posts#comment Tue, 1 Dec 2009 15:56:14 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2385426/posts Former President Bill Clinton visited Capitol Hill recently to deliver a pep talk to Senate Democrats. "It's not important to be perfect here. It's important to act, to move, to start the ball rolling," he reportedly told senators. White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel sounded a similar theme in an interview with the New York Times. "I'm sure there are a lot of people sitting in the shade at the Aspen Institute ... who will tell you what the ideal plan is. Great, fascinating. You have the art of the possible measured against the ideal." So the strategy on... Townhall.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2385426/posts#comment Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:05:35 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2365102/posts Tide turns in D.C.2010 elections could be painful for Democrats By Mona Charen Published: October 18, 2009 As Obama, Pelosi and Reid rush to transform America into a European-style social democratic state, they must be nervous; they must feel the sand sliding under their feet. The 2010 elections are just over the horizon and the omens are not encouraging for them. Thomas Jefferson warned that "Great innovations should not be forced on slender majorities.” Maybe so. But the Democrats may be calculating that a slender majority is better than an anorexic majority, or no majority at all. In 2006, it... News OK http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2365102/posts#comment Sun, 18 Oct 2009 14:22:59 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2350686/posts Well, that's one way to look at it. Writing in Haaretz, Orna Coussin praised Yom Kippur (the Jewish Day of Atonement that began Sunday night and ended Monday night) as the ultimate green holiday. Coussin is a secular Israeli and was expressing her appreciation for the fact that everyone is obliged to travel by foot on Yom Kippur. All traffic stops in Israel. No cars, busses, trains, or taxis clog the streets on that day. The shops and offices are closed and the city is given over to pedestrians. "Last year, on Yom Kippur," she exults, "carbon monoxide levels fell... Townhall.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2350686/posts#comment Tue, 29 Sep 2009 13:00:16 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2326420/posts The death of Sen. Edward Kennedy, we are being told, should strengthen our resolve to act in a bipartisan fashion. Many of the tributes, from former presidents and Republican colleagues, have stressed the late senator's willingness to find "common ground." Well, since ancient Rome we've been exhorted not to speak ill of the dead. But neither should we completely disfigure the truth. Before offering some less than hagiographic reflections on the late Sen. Edward Kennedy (may he rest in peace), one pleasant memory: About a decade ago, I was late for a party in northwest Washington D.C. -- a neighborhood... Townhall.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2326420/posts#comment Fri, 28 Aug 2009 10:30:58 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2321134/posts He was certainly brave, but was he crazy? That's what I wondered when I picked up Rory Stewart's "The Places in Between," an account of the Scotsman's 2002 solo walk across Afghanistan. That's right, he walked. Many Afghans doubted he would survive the journey. Just weeks after the fall of the Taliban, in the dead of winter, in some of the most remote and difficult terrain in the inhabited world, he went from village to village on foot. Relying on the tradition of hospitality, Stewart found welcome, sustenance, and shelter (mostly, but not always) graciously offered by people who had... Townhall.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2321134/posts#comment Fri, 21 Aug 2009 12:09:41 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2303289/posts July 28, 2009 Mr. Oblivious to Evidence Obama should be the last man to talk about keeping others honest. By Mona Charen The final moments of President Obama’s press conference last week have gotten the most attention, and some of the president’s supporters have wondered whether his big-footed interference in the Harvard professor’s melodrama has overshadowed his push for health-care reform. But the president’s response to Gatesgate actually sheds a lot of light on his approach to health care and other issues, for this reason: Obama adopts his positions before knowing what he is talking about. To be fair, Obama... National Review http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2303289/posts#comment Wed, 29 Jul 2009 03:41:00 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2300005/posts There were so many examples of presidential mendacity on view Wednesday night that I had planned to itemize a few in this column. But since even the New York Times is challenging a number of presidential whoppers -- for example, Obama's assertion that "If we had done nothing, if you had the same old budget as opposed to the changes we made, the deficit over the next 10 years would be $2.2 trillion greater" is pure deception. OK, the Times didn't use that word, but reporters Peter Baker and Robert Pear did say, "In fact, $1.5 trillion of those 'savings'... Townhall.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2300005/posts#comment Fri, 24 Jul 2009 12:51:10 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2289589/posts Obama economic adviser Laura Tyson has suggested that the U.S. should consider a new economic stimulus package because the $787 billion bill enacted in February was "a bit too small." Right. That $787 billion came just months after the Bush stimulus of $150 billion (how quaint it seems in retrospect), the $700 billion TARP program, the $60 billion auto bailout, and a $3.6 trillion budget for the next fiscal year among other spending orgies. President Obama has declined to rule out another gargantuan transfer payment from the future to the present. Other Democrats, Roll Call suggests, are less enthusiastic. "Bailout... Townhall.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2289589/posts#comment Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:03:45 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2287109/posts The French Republic is not blessed or burdened with a First Amendment. So when President Nicolas Sarkozy recently suggested that France ban the wearing of the burqa in all public places, the Chamber of Deputies took it up. Unlike the headscarf, which covers a woman's hair but leaves her face visible, the burqa is a head-to-toe covering that makes walking draperies of women. Some, like the chador worn in Afghanistan, feature a mesh covering for the face. The Saudi version usually sports a slit for the eyes. Here's an online catalogue's description of one: "Khimar and niqab set made of... Townhall.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2287109/posts#comment Tue, 7 Jul 2009 09:45:52 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2281332/posts "The author is ending her marriage. Isn’t it time you did the same?” So The Atlantic provocatively introduces its July/August feature “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off.” It comes at a propitious moment. This seems to be the week for TMI — too much information. South Carolina governor Mark Sanford has told more, much more, than we needed to know about his mistress (how he met her, how their relationship ripened), his views on God’s laws, on the Appalachian Trail, and on forgiveness. Why must wayward American public figures stage these auto autos-da-fé — these self-immolations on TV? Dignity, which... nationalreview.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2281332/posts#comment Sun, 28 Jun 2009 21:36:20 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2279879/posts "The author is ending her marriage. Isn't it time you did the same?" So the Atlantic Monthly provocatively introduces its July/August feature "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off." It comes at a propitious moment. This seems to be the week for TMI -- too much information. South Carolina's Gov. Mark Sanford has told more, much more, than we needed to know about his mistress (how he met her, how their relationship ripened), his views on God's laws, on the Appalachian Trail, and on forgiveness. Why must wayward American public figures stage these auto autos da fe -- these self-immolations on... Townhall.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2279879/posts#comment Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:35:44 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2275014/posts Someone few Americans had ever heard of one week ago now stands poised to alter history. His name is Mir Hossein Mousavi and his case utterly debunks the school of historians who insist that history is made by large impersonal forces rather than by key individuals. While it is certainly true that Iran's current crisis had many antecedents, it is equally true that the decisions of this one man will play a decisive role in the outcome. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has accepted the congratulations of Syria's Bashar Assad and Russia's Dmitri Medvedev on his wonderful victory. Many people find it... Townhall.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2275014/posts#comment Fri, 19 Jun 2009 11:05:41 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2253566/posts In times past, coalminers working in the depths of the earth took along caged canaries. As long as the canaries warbled, the miners knew they were safe from the methane and carbon monoxide that would kill them in minutes. But when the tiny songbirds stopped singing, the miners knew to run for their lives. Jews have always been the canaries in the coal mines of civilization, serving as a warning of impending doom to those who believed, as Churchill said, that the crocodile — of tyranny — would eat them last. The Jews of Hitler's Germany who listened carefully to... Renew America http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2253566/posts#comment Tue, 19 May 2009 00:13:45 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2249189/posts In early April, Vice President Biden was asked if the administration was concerned that Israel might strike at Iran’s nuclear facilities. “I don’t believe Prime Minister Netanyahu would do that,” Mr. Biden replied. “I think he would be ill-advised to do that.” A few weeks later, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton explained the administration’s solution to the threat of an Iranian bomb: “For Israel to get the kind of strong support it’s looking for vis-à-vis Iran it can’t stay on the sideline with respect to the Palestinians and the peace efforts . . . they go hand-in-hand.” And on May... National Review http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2249189/posts#comment Tue, 12 May 2009 13:12:50 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2227813/posts Six members of the Congressional Black Caucus traveled to Cuba last week and were delighted with their reception. They met with Raul Castro for four hours (including dinner). Three lucky members of the delegation were even entertained by Fidel at his home. As the Miami Herald reported, the representatives found Castro, to be "very engaging, very energetic . very talkative.'' Imagine. The dictator known for his five-hour speeches. Who could have guessed? Jewish World Review http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2227813/posts#comment Mon, 13 Apr 2009 03:09:54 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2223983/posts One of President Obama's first official acts was to grant an interview to Al Arabiya, the Arabic language network that broadcasts worldwide. It signified, aides explained, the new page that Obama meant to turn in relations with the Arab and Muslim worlds. Just as he did last week in Europe, Obama began the conversation by criticizing America. Asked about relations between Israel and the Palestinians and the appointment of George Mitchell as special envoy, President Obama said " ... what I told (Mitchell) is start by listening, because all too often the United States starts by dictating -- in the... Townhall.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2223983/posts#comment Tue, 7 Apr 2009 12:02:43 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2179577/posts In his inaugural address, President Obama promised to initiate a "new era of responsibility." These heights were to be scaled following a successful campaign to transcend the "old politics" of Washington, D.C. Two weeks is a short period of time on which to judge an era, so let's just say it hasn't gotten off to a roaring start. The hallmark of this new era is apparently the cap on executive compensation for banks taking bailout money from Uncle Sam. This makes Democrats giddy, as they despise high salaries for executives, except when those executives are Democratic former members of Congress,... Townhall.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2179577/posts#comment Fri, 6 Feb 2009 12:22:08 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2172692/posts "Lending Drops at Big U.S. Banks," reports the front page of the Wall Street Journal. Even those banks that have just received an infusion of $148 billion in taxpayer dollars as part of the TARP saw their loans drop by 1.4 percent between the third and fourth quarters of 2008, the paper reports. The economy seems to be shedding jobs like a dry fir tree losing needles. People speak of a "consensus" that only a huge stimulus plan by government can save us. Certainly President Obama seems supremely confident that the federal government, in his own capable hands, can tackle... TownHall http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2172692/posts#comment Tue, 27 Jan 2009 16:22:50 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2157984/posts Just for a lark, I decided to google “international condemnations of Hamas” this morning. You can guess what came up, right? Naturally, searching for condemnations of Hamas, one finds only international condemnations of Israel. An Australian report noted that the “British Foreign Secretary David Miliband is calling for an urgent ceasefire, while Russia’s Foreign Minister says he’s told his Israeli counterpart to urgently halt the military action.” The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, “strongly condemned Israel’s disproportionate use of force,” as did Brazil. Indonesia called on all countries to “sever all forms of diplomatic and business... National Review http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2157984/posts#comment Sat, 3 Jan 2009 06:23:18 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2154374/posts Barack Obama's decision to have Pastor Rick Warren deliver the invocation at his inauguration next month has provoked anguish among some of his formerly ardent supporters. Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign, upbraided the president-elect according to The Politico. "Your invitation to Reverend Rick Warren to deliver the invocation at your inauguration is a genuine blow to LGBT Americans. (W)e feel a deep level of disrespect when one of architects and promoters of an anti-gay agenda is given the prominence and the pulpit of your historic nomination." Washington Post columnist Richard Cohen accused Obama of condoning a man... Townhall.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2154374/posts#comment Fri, 26 Dec 2008 12:25:39 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2154477/posts Barack Obama's decision to have Pastor Rick Warren deliver the invocation at his inauguration next month has provoked anguish among some of his formerly ardent supporters. Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign, upbraided the president-elect according to The Politico. "Your invitation to Reverend Rick Warren to deliver the invocation at your inauguration is a genuine blow to LGBT Americans. (W)e feel a deep level of disrespect when one of architects and promoters of an anti-gay agenda is given the prominence and the pulpit of your historic nomination." Washington Post columnist Richard Cohen accused Obama of condoning a man... TownHall http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2154477/posts#comment Fri, 26 Dec 2008 17:18:49 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2143329/posts I can see it now. The world will be very different. The president of the United States will receive the Nobel Peace Prize for his lifesaving aid to victims of disease in Africa. Government and civic leaders from Europe and Asia will express their admiration. Americans will walk a little taller. Barack Obama will bow his head as the ribboned medal is extended But wait. The president who deserves such an honor is in office now. It is George W. Bush who has devoted so much time, energy, and money (well, our money, but it was legal) to fighting AIDS... Townhall.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2143329/posts#comment Fri, 5 Dec 2008 12:03:54 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2118385/posts From the Palestinian Authority Daily: "Twenty-three-year old Ibrahim Abu Jayyab sits by the computer in the Nusairat refugee camp (in the Gaza Strip) trying to call American citizens in order to convince them to vote for the Democratic candidate for president, Barack Obama..." Jewish World Review http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2118385/posts#comment Wed, 29 Oct 2008 12:28:35 GMT