Countdown to the Next Attack...

President Obama's naiive new Intelligence chief in speaking in hearings before Congress today...

On Iran: "While policymakers need to understand anti-American leaders, policies and actions in Iran, the intelligence community can also help policymakers identify and understand other leaders and political forces, so that it is possible to work toward a future in both our interests."

Are you kidding me? Iranian leaders will laugh in your face...

On Club GITMO: "I agree with the president that the detention center at Guantanamo has become a damaging symbol to the world and that it must be closed"

Damaing symbol for the World... Right... But George W. Bush sure kept us safe, didn't he?

As he said upon leaving office, he didn't make the popular decisions, but he made the best decisions for the American people...

It seems that President Obama does not... F**king shocker...

Change? Obama 1st President in 56 Years to Snub the Medal of Honor Ball

The 'Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball' is sponsored by the American Legion and honors all those members of the United States Armed Forces who are recipients of the Medal of Honor.

The ball was first held in 1953, at the first inauguration of President Eisenhower and since then all newly inaugurated Presidents have attended. That is, until Tuesday night.

That's right. President Obama sis not show up at the Salute to Heroes Ball. Get used to it.

Remembering the Unborn

Today marks the 26th Anniversary of the Roe v. Wade ruling, which struck down Texas Law prohibiting abortion in the first trimester.

Since then, many millions of children have been aborted. The US pro-life movement continue to try and move ahead in the face of great challenge.

President Obama supports the passage of the Freedom of Choice Act, which will basically, extend abortion 'rights' across all spectrums and force funded abortions, even in religious-oriented hospital centers.

The pro-life movement looks at its bleakest right now. One can only pray for people to return to respect all life, from the unborn to the aged.

An Inside's Guide Into The Birth of American Socialism

Robert Reich is a former Secretary of Labor under former President Bill Clinton. He is relied upon on the Sunday morning round table shows for labor and economic questions. He is also an economic advisor to President Obama.

His blog, http://robertreich.blogspot.com/, is mainly a site where he espouses his political and economic viewpoints. As first pointed out by Michelle Malkin on her blog, Reich makes some interesting statements in his post "The Stimulus: How to Create Jobs Without Them All Going to Skilled Professionals and White Male Construction Workers"

Aside from the post title, here are some of the more controversial points...

But if there aren’t enough skilled professionals to do the jobs involving new technologies, the stimulus will just increase the wages of the professionals who already have the right skills rather than generate many new jobs in these fields. And if construction jobs go mainly to white males who already dominate the construction trades, many people who need jobs the most — women, minorities, and the poor and long-term unemployed — will be shut out.

What to do? There’s no easy solution to either dilemma… People can be trained relatively quickly for these sorts of jobs, as well as many infrastructure j0bs generated by the stimulus — installing new pipes for water and sewage systems, repairing and upgrading equipment, basic construction — but contractors have to be nudged both to provide the training and to do the hiring.

I’d suggest that all contracts entered into with stimulus funds require contractors to provide at least 20 percent of jobs to the long-term unemployed and to people with incomes at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. And at least 2 percent of project funds should be allocated to such training. In addition, advantage should be taken of buildings trades apprenticeships — which must be fully available to women and minorities.

As someone who understands the construction industry, you just don't 'train' the unemployed to involve themselves in heavy construction. That is welfare and not unlike the forced employment under the Soviet regime. In addition, to once again penalize the most qualified people to do the job simply because they are white is flat out wrong. It is racism. It works both ways... If something of this sort is implemented nationally, it will not go over well.

She's Out...

Via the Associated Press:

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Caroline Kennedy has ended her quest for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Hillary Rodham Clinton, halting a campaign that began with popular support but withered quickly over criticism about her experience and her reluctance to answer questions about her finances.

Kennedy made the announcement in a terse statement released early Thursday, ending hours of uncertainty surrounding her intentions as she appeared to waver in her decision to seek the office. "I informed Governor Paterson today that for personal reasons I am withdrawing my name from consideration for the United States Senate," she said in the one-sentence statement.

Good. Caroline Kennedy is not qualified. It's ridiculous that she was even considered by the Governor. If Gov. Sarah Palin got lambasted for her lack of experience, why in God's name would Caroline Kennedy be a good choice for Senator?

Strike Two...

From the AP:

WASHINGTON (AP) — The new Obama administration circulated a draft executive order Wednesday that calls for closing the controversial detention center at Guantanamo Bay within a year and halting any war crimes trials in the meantime.

Closing the facility in Cuba "would further the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States and the interests of justice," read the draft prepared for the new president's signature.

While some of the detainees currently held at Guantanamo would be released, others would be transferred elsewhere and later put on trial under terms to be determined.

Stupid, stupid, stupid... typical hopey changey, feel good nonsense. On point, this makes us less safe. Period.

Here We Go Folks...

So, one of the first actions taken by the Obama Administration is to halt military tribunals of terror suspects at Gitmo... Here from the Washington Post.

In one of its first actions, the Obama administration instructed military prosecutors late Tuesday to seek a 120-day suspension of legal proceedings involving detainees at the naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba -- a clear break with the approach of the
outgoing Bush administration.

The legal maneuver appears designed to provide the Obama administration time to refashion the prosecution system and potentially treat detainees as criminal defendants in federal court or have them face war-crimes charges in military courts-martial.

Or, if he was my type of leader, he would just halt trials indefinitely. I don't have as much faith in him. He is most likely setting things up to close the prison and try these thugs as criminals (they are not, they are combatants and non-citizens).

Thank You President Bush

A very big thank you to President George W. Bush. For as many times I have disagreed with him (immigration, the bailouts), he has kept us safe. Our aggressive tactics against terror have prevented any major domestic attacks since 9/11.

Thank you President Bush. We at TBV will never forget you.

Post-Racialism?

So, after the main pomp and circumstance of the Inaugural Address, Rev. Joseph Lowery concluded his benediction prayer with the following...

'Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get in back, when brown can stick around... when the red man can get ahead, man; and when white will embrace what is right. That all those who do justice and love mercy say Amen. Say Amen'...

Lovely. Is this what we are in for for four years? If this is post-racial, we are in bad shape...

BREAKING: Sen. Ted Kennedy Hospitalized

Breaking News from the Congressional Luncheon with President Obama.

Sen. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass., who is battling a brain tumor, was taken away from the congressional luncheon in convulsions.

Kennedy was at a table with Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., Vice President Mondale and Mrs. Mondale, and others. While at the table, Kennedy began having seizures that lasted for several minutes. As they were carrying Kennedy out of the room, he was still seizing. President Barack Obama went out of the room with him, but he is back in the luncheon room now.

We disagree with Sen Kennedy vehemently but we wish him all the best as he continues to battle brain cancer.

Congratulations Mr. President

Well, Barack Hussein Obama took the Presidential Oath of Office and became the 44th President of the United States. We at TBV wish the President of the United States well. It's a difficult job. I hope that this President, who is underqualified for this position, will learn and grow and realize that leftist, liberal tactics would be devastating to this country.

Good luck. You need it.

Local Catholic Schools to Close...

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn, of which my parish is a part, has been investigating a number of ways to consolidate Catholic elementary school operations. Their criteria for doing so is based upon projections of students now through 2013, projected school surplus/deficits through 2011 as well as regional demographics and other miscellaneous criteria. The Diocese made it's draft proposals available on Monday, January 11. Here is their press release (which is never a good idea with draft proposals)...

Diocese Announces 29 Regional School Reconfiguration Proposals

As president of each parish corporation, Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio has asked that a diocesan wide strategic planning process, that would ensure the long term stability of
Catholic schools in the diocese, be undertaken. The Diocesan Reconfiguration Committee (DRC) submitted its twenty-nine (29) regional proposals to ensure the
long term vitality and strength of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Brooklyn. The process entitled “Preserving the Vision” was initiated by the (DRC) in the beginning of September. It has involved the unprecedented collaboration and input of parents, teachers, principals, Parish and community leaders, pastors and Diocesan employees.
The twenty-nine (29) regional proposals, which will become the roadmap, is to be implemented over the course of five years and will impact every school in the Diocese. “I am committed to ensuring that our Catholic Schools are accessible geographically and financially to the people of our Diocese. When we determined that our schools are operating at only 85% of capacity it became clear that we had to consider why this was happening and how we might reverse the trend” said Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio of the Diocese of Brooklyn.

Bishop Frank Caggiano, Vicar General and Dr. Thomas Chadzutko, Superintendent of Catholic School Support Services, lead the effort to undertake a study of each Catholic school in Brooklyn and Queens. “The DRC has also proposed a model for revenue sharing. The willingness of the pastors of our Diocese and their cooperation on the proposed new tax that will raise $3 million in new revenues for our schools is a sign of the Churches continued commitment to Catholic education.” said Bishop Frank Caggiano. He continued, “…at the outset we believed that this process had to be comprehensive and inclusive. Over the course of several months we compiled the best possible data from many different sources. We were determined to engage all parties with an interest in Catholic Schools to share that data and our analysis.”

The proposal moves all schools towards the adoption of a two-tiered governance model. Under this model, pastors of parishes aligned with an Academy are members of the Corporation with particular responsibility for the spiritual care of faculty, students and families. A Board of Directors composed of lay-leaders with specific competence is responsible for the fiscal oversight and governance of the new school.

It is initially proposed that eleven (11) schools in the Diocese close at the conclusion of the 2008-2009 school year. Schools recommended for closure are: Flatbush Catholic Academy (Bk), St. Vincent Ferrer (Bk), Most Precious Blood (Bk), St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (Bk), Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Bk), Our Lady of Angels (Bk), St. Anthony of Padua (Qns), St. Benedict Joseph Labre (Qns), St. Catherine of Sienna (Qns), St. Aloysius (Qns) and Blessed Sacrament (Qns).

It is initially proposed that nine (9) schools merge and three (3) new schools be created. In the Windsor Terrace section of Brooklyn, it is proposed that Immaculate Heart of Mary (Bk) and Holy Name (Bk) merge and form one school with a single campus to be located at Prospect Park West. In Flushing, it is recommended that three (3) schools, St. Michael, St Ann, Mary’s Nativity merge to form one (1) school with one (1) campus. The school will be located at the St. Mary Nativity site. The four (4) Williamsburg schools are recommended to merge in 2010-2011. The number of sites is to be determined by the Board of Directors following a consultation process. These schools are Northside Academy, St. Stanislaus Kostka Ss. Joseph and Dominic Academy, St. Nicholas.

Mary, Gate of Heaven (Qns) is invited to adopt academy status prior to the 2009-2010 academic year. It is the conviction of the committee that this will strengthen and ensure continued vitality for the school.

It is initially proposed that the three (3) schools close, and then reopen at their same site as an Academy. It is our hope that they will be able to achieve academy status prior to the opening of the 2009 – 2010 academic year. Each of the schools in this category faces unique challenges. These schools are: Our Lady of Grace (Qns), St. Anastasia (Qns), Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal (Qns).

A special task force has been created to explore the creation of a new academy at St. John the Baptist, (Bk).

In offering these twenty-nine regional proposals Bishop Caggiano remarked “We are confident that as a result of this process our schools will have more resources to insure that children have greater access to Catholic education. Our schools will be better able to meet the diverse and changing needs of students and parents and, we will provide thriving Catholic schools that are better able to offer teachers and staff
competitive compensation and benefits while remaining vibrant institutions for generations to come.”

I am close to the situation at one of the schools marked to close and reopen as an Academy. I can tell you that the present proposal is very confusing to staff and administrators.

While I do agree that some work has to be done to ensure that Catholic Elementary education remains a priority, one has to wonder if the Church will remain viable if young people are not strongly educated in the faith. More to come on this topic...

Back After a Break

Well, I am back after a self imposed break from the blogosphere. Things are heating up domestically as the start of The Great Error is just days away... Israel is getting their revenge against the Hamassoles in Gaza and, as always, is getting beat up by the media and the United Nations for their actions. With the inauguration days away, Israel knows it is now or never.

As for the economy, it still blows. President-Elect O is readying another pork-laden, stimulus-palooza bill which the Congressional deadheads are going to pass with much fanfare. We have Conservatism in Exile, with Congressional GOP members acting like frightened 6 year olds after hearing the story of the boogeyman.

And so it goes... But I am back and will be once again, posting regularly...

Israel's Assault on Gaza

In my opinion, Israel should never have pulled their homesteads out of the Gaza Strip back in 2006. Since then, on a daily basis, Hamas has fired rockets from positions in the Gaza into Israel, killing Israelis and Arabs together. Well, we have waited and waited and finally, the Olmert government has decided enough is enough and have begun airstrikes against Gaza.

My question is whether Israel has done this at this point in time before Obama takes over? It angers me that we urge 'restraint' on behalf of Israel. If San Diego were under missile attack from Tijuana, would we really not do anything? Didn't think so...

Here is hoping Israel does what they need to do to prevent any further terrorist actions from Gaza.

Sarah Palin Will Not Accept Raise

Well, as I wrote earlier about the failure of the do-nothing Congress to curb spending, including their own pay raises for their most excellent work (sarcasm...), Governor Sarah Palin will not accept her pay raise.

She is a real person who understands these times are real bad. She was vilified on the campaign trail because of that. People who put her down continually for her lack of experience are now ready to embrace Caroline Kennedy for Senate in NY, despite nothing in Ms. Kennedy's background except being the daughter of a President and niece of a raging alcoholic Senator.

Good for Sarah...

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin would not accept a pay raise recommended by a state compensation commission, according to a spokesman.
The State Officers Compensation Commission, appointed by the former GOP vice-presidential candidate, recommended boosting the governor's pay from $125,000 to $150,000. It also suggested raises for the lieutenant governor, department heads and legislators.

If the commission follows through with the pay raise, Palin will not accept the money, spokesman Bill McAllister said. "Her view is, it's just not appropriate to accept a pay raise in the middle of the term," McAllister said.

The Failure of Congress... The Voted Themselves a Pay Raise!

As the US Congress muddles themselves with inefficiency and single-digit approval ratings, what do they do? They voted themselves a pay raise! Way to make yourselves look even more useless...

A crumbling economy, more than 2 million constituents who have lost their jobs this year, and congressional demands of CEOs to work for free did not convince lawmakers to freeze their own pay. Instead, they will get a $4,700 pay increase, amounting to an additional $2.5 million that taxpayers will spend on congressional salaries, and watchdog groups are not happy about it.

Nothing should surprise us anymore but this is a bit excessive. At the same time when they are throwing our money out the window to bail out private corporations, they also want to make sure their own coffers are taken care of.

A$$holes.

BREAKING: Bailout Maina Continues...

Via the Wall Street Journal...

The White House on Friday unveiled a $17.4 billion rescue package for the
troubled Detroit auto makers that avoids bankruptcy. "Allowing the auto
companies to collapse is not a responsible course of action," President George
W. Bush said.

Speaking from the White House, he said that a bankruptcy was unlikely to work for the auto industry at this time and would deal "an unacceptably painful blow to hard-working Americans" across the economy.

The deal would extend $13.4 billion in loans to General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC in December and January, with another $4 billion likely available in February. The deal is contingent on the companies' showing that they are financially viable by March.

My analysis... The autos will not be financially viable by March. They will come crawling to Chairman Obama for more money. Obama is beholden to the UAW and Unions in general and will give them more money...

Just keep printing that money... Then watch the value of the dollar fall flatter than a pancake...

Caught in a Lie?

Well, well, well... It sure seems like perhaps The Anointed One did not necessarily escape the corruption of Illinois...

It seems that The One's Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, had numerous discussions with Gov. Rod Blagojevich...

From today's Chicago Sun-Times...

President-elect Barack Obama's incoming chief of staff Rahm Emanuel had a deeper involvement in pressing for a U.S. Senate seat appointment than previously reported, the Sun-Times has learned. Emanuel had direct discussions about the seat with Gov. Blagojevich, who is is accused of trying to auction it to the highest bidder.

Emanuel talked with the governor in the days following the Nov. 4 election and pressed early on for the appointment of Valerie Jarrett to the post, sources with knowledge of the conversations told the Sun-Times. There was no indication from sources that Emanuel brokered a deal, however.

A source with the Obama camp strongly denied Emanuel spoke with the governor
directly about the seat, saying Emanuel only spoke with Blagojevich once recently to say he was taking the chief of staff post.

Someone is lying... Color me surprised it might be Obama's camp...

Michael J. Totten: On the Hunt in Baghdad

Michael J. Totten is a citizen journalist and blogger who has been chronicling the events on the ground in Iraq. With our troops. Not sitting cozy in Baghdad's hotels.

This new dispatch from him is very real and quite gripping. It evokes a place that is filed with uncertainty and danger. It also shows that we are winning the war in Iraq, contrary to what the mainstream media would portray.

Michael J. Totten: On The Hunt in Baghdad

BREAKING NEWS: MTA Approves Doomsday Budget

This plays nicely into the story below. The MTA is poorly run, the system is poorly maintained. Employees are wasteful and take no pride in their work.

NEW YORK (AP) -- The board of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority has passed a 2009 budget that ultimately would raise subway and bus fares in New York while cutting service.

The agency says it needs to raise fare and toll revenues by 23 percent in order to plug a budget gap worsened by the global financial crisis. Board members say they still hope for a bailout from Albany or Washington that might allow them to avoid the
increases. Details of the hikes and cuts won't be finalized until early next year. Under the worst-case scenario, a single bus or subway ride could rise to $2.50, and a monthly pass could cost around $100. Service cuts would include the elimination of bus and subway lines in areas where there is either low ridership or a duplication of services.