Weekly Wrap-Up

Another week, another round of debt ceiling debates.

Here are reasoned, rational takes on the debt ceiling debate from Thomas Sowell and The Washington Times...

And from The Weekly Standard we have instant analysis on the latest developments...

Meet the Obama Economy. This is a grim reminder that our current economic problems didn’t start with this debt ceiling boondoggle... and more proof that regardless of how the debt debate turns out, serious change isn’t possible until we elect a new President.

In other news...

Has everyone seen this story about how John Kerry’s staunchest advocate in the “Swift Boat” saga of 2004 has been stripped of his Silver Star by the Navy? I’m just amazed this hasn’t received more coverage in the media – aren’t you? (Note the heavy sarcasm there.)

We can’t forget this very real threat to America: Islamic fanaticism that has already taken thousands of lives and almost took more.

“Say goodbye to cars and trucks as you know them,” warns The Heritage Foundation as they analyze new regulations that would recklessly raise fuel efficiency standards for cars and light trucks to an average of 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025.

Even Democrats are speaking out against this Obama plan that, according to new reports, could add $10,000 to the cost of a new car and destroy hundreds of thousands of jobs.

Do you support the new standards being imposed by the Obama Administration? Or do you agree with the Conservative Party that America needs a new President who will repeal these dangerous regulations? Vote today in our new Weekly Poll.

And as always, have a nice weekend!

Washington, DC is still debating how to resolve the debt ceiling crisis and everyone has a solution except, of course, the President. The House has passed Cut, Cap and Balance -- the best solution -- and will most likely pass the two-stage debt bill today. Nancy Peolsi's reaction: "We're trying to save life on this planet as we know it today." You really have to ask yourself, what planet is she on...The Washington Post Blog's Chris Cillizza, believes Boehner's plan will pass and hand the ball to the Senate where it will most likely be amended and handed back to the House. The White House, apparently becoming resigned that they will get a two-stage bill is equating the GOP House to the Grinch who stole Christmas. The WH may be unhappy, but Fred Barnes has very high praise for Boehner.

Missed posting this yesterday.

The WSJ has an excellent history lesson on how we got into this mess. If you have time for only one article, make it this one.

Thomas Sowell (who has a doctorate degree in economics) opines on Obama's 'balanced' approach.

Who would have thought the "flower children" of the sixties would come around to be today's conservatives?

With the debate on the debt ceiling still raging, we should remember what Milton Friedman said, "There are four ways you can spend money. You can spend your own money on yourself. When you do that, they you really watch out when you're doing, and you try to get the most for your money. Then you can spend your own money on somebody else. For example, I buy a birthday present for someone. Well, then I'm not so careful about the content of the present, but I'm very careful about the cost. Then I can spend somebody else's money on myself. And if I spend somebody else's money on myself, then I'm sure going to have a good lunch! Finally, I can spend somebody else's money on somebody else. And if I spend somebody else's money on somebody else, I'm not concerned about how much it is, and I'm not concerned about what I get. And that's government."

Still debating the debt ceiling crisis. Suddenly, August 2 may not be doomsday!

Is that good news, or does it just give them more time to hijack Reagan? What will a downgrade for the Nation really mean? Some insight is contained in an interview between Larry Kudlow and David Beers.

Congressman Paul Ryan writes: A step forward, but a long journey remains.

The Hill writes that the GOP is picking up votes for the Boehner plan, while the WSJ warns the GOP of the dangers of falling into Obama's hands.

Jonah Goldberg on Obama's Towering Inferno nails Obama -- cann't you just imagine this as a Saturday Night Live skit.

Pete DuPont is worried about the future. After reading Michael Barone's column, the future looks brighter.

It isn't only the debt ceiling debate or Obamacare that is hurting the economy, it is also the government red tape.

Mr. President, have you seen this? Big mistake closing our space exploration!

Listening to the President address the Nation last night, all I could think of is I've heard this before. Apparently so did the Heritage Foundation. Conservatives are not very happy with Speaker Bohner's approach to solving the debate. In fact the Washington Times calls it a revolt. Bill Kristol calls Obama's remarks condescending and S. E. Cupp wants to know where his leadership is, while the WSJ is fed up with his blaming everyone but himself. Jennifer Rubin writes about Two Speeches, Two Visions. The NY Post Editorial supports the GOP for holding firm. And the Weekly Standard gives the House GOP kudos for bringing the debate this far.

Thomas Sowell on Debt-Ceiling Chicken.

When losing ground, President Obama turns former Presidents for quotes. Last night, he quoted Ronald Reagan, NRO corrects Obama by with the rest of the story. (Thanks to Paul Harvey for the tag line.)

Wisconsin is losing GE's business to China.

E. J. McMahon explains why NY's tax administration earned an "F".

Each day New York fails to begin hydrofracking is another day government fails its citizens!

Sen. Lee Zeldin (3rd SD R/C) has a 10 point to do list for the MTA and its new Chairman which includes elimination of the MTA payroll tax as the #1 thing to accomplish.

Liberty Counsel files suit for declaratory and injunctive relief against the same-sex marriage law. The NY Post Editorial points out California's new law to teach students beginning in kindergarten the role and contributions of the LGBT community. The Editorial continues "Here in New York, Board of Regents Chancellor Merryl Tisch says that lessons on gay marriage will soon be part of the state's official curriculum -- which sounds like an open invitation to pro-gay indoctrination in the schools."

Washington, DC is still at odds over the debt ceiling. The Heritage Foundation calls Obama's strategy dangerous. The Washington Post's Jennifer Rubin, thinks the President may be playing with fire. Joseph Curl, writing in the Washington Times wants to know if the President is a pathological liar? Charles Gasparino questions if Obama, Geithner and Daley have the good of the country in mind. The WSJ questions the President's commitment to spending cuts.

The debt ceiling isn't the only problem in DC. And Fast and Furious is still percolating...while our tax dollars end up in Taliban hands.

I guess all of the above explains why the President's approval continues to drop.

This is what happens when you have a strong leader.

Weekly Wrap-Up

Today is the self-imposed deadline to reach an agreement on the debt ceiling debate and it certainly looks like this deadline will come and go without being resolved.

The Democratic led US Senate, led by the cowardly lion, AKA, Sen. Harry Reid, pushed through, by deploying a rarely used tactic the “Cut, Cap and Balance Bill” one day early after calling it “weak and senseless”. The bill would cut spending by $111 billion in 2012, cap spending over the next decade and prohibit more borrowing until Congress passes a balanced-budget amendment to the Constitution. To a leader that has been unable to pass a budget for over 800 days, it may appear to be “weak and senseless” but to Americans who understand the debt crisis, it is the only realistic solution. After the vote to destroy hope, Sen. Reid, again, showing his lack of courage and understanding, quickly left town for the weekend.

The Heritage Foundation reminds us of the reasons why the economy is stuck in neutral. This week marks the anniversaries of job-killing legislation passed by the democratic majority when they controlled both houses.

Here in New York, there is renewed reason to believe that hydrofracking may begin.

Atlantis has landed, and with the final landing comes the realization that America, under the Obama Administration, has relinquished its role in space exploration. The achievements of NASA go far beyond landing on the moon and building the space station. Simple items, for example, cordless power tools, have made our lives simpler, but far more important is the advances in medicine, from laser heart surgery to new arms and legs. Cancer research has also benefited from NASA’s research and saving the life of an infant within the womb is possible with pint size transmitters. The Space Program, hailed by John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan has benefited mankind in ways never imagined and this week all of the potential future benefits have ended when Atlantis landed.

NASA is closed for business. Yes, private industry is poised to take over, but it will be years until it does. Meantime, we will pay Russia over $60 million each time we need to “hitch a ride” to the space station. We will give our hard- earned tax dollars to Russia allowing them to use their financial resources to aid our enemies. Do you think this was a good move by our President? Let us know in our weekly poll.

This is a You Tube video of the Shuttle Launch Director's comments during practice for the final launch of the space shuttle.

The heat wave may continue through Sunday, if so, bring plenty of water, when you attend the “Let the People Vote” rallies throughout the state on Sunday. They begin at 3:00 PM - after the worst part of a days heat.

Keep cool and enjoy you weekend.

If you had maxed out on all your credit cards after getting substantial increases through the years, do you believe that your bank(s) would increase it again? Of course not! Why is it so difficult for the President, Senators Reid, Schumer and Gillibrand, among many others to understand this simple fact. CUT, CAP and BALANCE NOW, it really is the only solution. Call (202-224-3121) now, as the US Senate, is supposed to begin considering the GOP proposal on Saturday.

Need more information? The Heritage Foundation has a good analysis, check it out here.

New poll numbers show Obama's popularity is dropping, while layoffs are, unfortunately, increasing.

House is looking into fast and furious.

Government (State of Florida) is selling your driver's license information!

Small businesses under assault. While the lawsuit is filed by a NY couple in Vermont, it is only a matter of time before your business will be sued. Stand up for traditional marriage at Sunday's Rallies in Albany, Manhattan, Rochester and Buffalo. Click here for more details.

Well, Senator Coburn's solution, is no solution, rather it appears to be harmful, why are we not surprised that the President and liberals like it. Very, very disappointing.

Senator Jim DeMint says supporting Sen. McConnell's plan "suicidal" for House GOP Members.

Kudos for the House GOP for passing Cut, Cap and Balance! More here, here and here. The Post Journal understands. Now is the time to take action in the US Senate. Call Senators Schumer, Gillibrand, Reid and McConnell (202--224-3121 main number) and demand they do the same.

We are not surprised by this either. President Obama, once again, is planning on forcing his position, while playing coy in the media. Obamacare to consider mandating birth control, your tax dollars to be used to pay for it. This percentage will increase as more information is released on Obamacare.

The Watertown Daily Times is calling for fiscal restraint when considering judicial raises.

New York businesses are mailed a huge unexpected bill. So, let me see if I understand; taxpayers paid for the stimulus and part of the stimulus was used for mandated extended unemployment benefits, and now businesses have to pay $95 million for the interest only due on Sept. 30. Something isn't right with this picture, you know you will end up absorbing this cost.

A word of advice to Governor Cuomo, before you spend $10M advertising that NY is open for business, be sure it is.

The assault on marriage continues.

July 24, speak out for traditional marriage: click here to find out how.

Totally outspent by the supporters of non-traditional marriage, NOM continues to protest the fact that our voice was not heard. Join thousands of New Yorker across New York State, this Sunday, July 24 to make your voice heard. Rallies will be held in Albany, Manhattan, Rochester and Buffalo. Click here for more information.

The Heritage F0undation on Conservative Solutions, White House Attacks.

Jonah Goldberg: Obama is the real ideologue.

Steve Wynn, who understands a thing or two about creating jobs, understands that Obama (and his policies) are the problem!

Republicans can and will win in the long run as long as they stand strong, united and make it possible to create jobs.

Sen. Tom Coburn may have the solution.

Patrick Buchanan writes about the long retreat of liberalism.

Living in poverty in the United States with an air conditioner, cable TV and an X-Box? Does that sound like poverty to you. Read the report here.

It's Tuesday, so it must be time for a new Thomas Sowell column.

Bob Turner has some fans. John Gizzi writes about his chances of winning in the 9th CD. and Michael Goodwin highlighted Ed Koch's endorsement in his Sunday column. Needless to say Sheldon Silver did not like the column which is, in reality, another endorsement for Bob Turner!!

Sen. Charles Schumer's choice for a Federal Judge leaves a lot to be desired.

Did republicans who voted against traditional marriage sell their vote? Wouldn't that be illegal to sell your vote? Just asking..... Roy McDonald likes the influx of money. A lot of money went into lobbying for non-traditional marriage Town clerks who don't want to preform non traditional marriages are being given legal advice. If you support traditional marriage, there are rallies being held on July 24, 2011 across the state. Click here for more information.

The NY Post calls for a ban on "member items" and a veto on a stealth tax.

The Heritage Foundation wants to know what is poverty in America.

Are we heading to pre-Reagan tax rates?

The President's real agenda.

The federal government uses how much on gasoline a day? If my math is correct, that is about
$3M a day (based on $4.00 a gallon which 8 states are at again.) Think they can find some savings here?

Privacy...a thing of the past!

Weekly Wrap-Up

As the debt ceiling debate continues, Charles Krauthammer hits another one out of the park...

And as he notes: “If conservatives really want to get the nation’s spending under control, the only way is to win the presidency.” Who is your current choice for the GOP presidential nomination? Cast your vote today in our new Weekly Poll.

Good to see somebody calling out Chuck Schumer on his loose interpretation of the truth...

It seems that Schumer is so busy misquoting people and looking for ways to use his favorite word (“extremists”) he and Harry Reid aren’t getting much done in the Senate.

Chuck and Harry sure can’t be bothered with mundane details like presenting an actual budget – but then, if I had their ideas for higher taxes and more spending, I’d be trying to keep things off the record too.

And then there’s Sen. Gillibrand, insightful as ever...

This is going to break Andrew Cuomo's heart - but we applaud what The New York Post describes as his “Pension Smackdown”... and we’re also on board for his crackdown on illegal sales of tax-free cigarettes on Indian reservations.

Based on his “Anti-Christ” comments yesterday to The New York Times, it seems that Gov. Cuomo lives quite happily in some strange fantasy world – one in which he is under constant attack from a vengeful Conservative Party with an automatic, knee-jerk hatred for everything he does.

Poor guy – he probably has to say such nonsense to keep the welcome mat out at the Times, and to keep the cash rolling in from the labor unions, the gay marriage activists, and so forth – none of whom would take kindly to the suggestion that conservatives are anything less than evil (and none of whom, I would bet, actually know many conservatives, despite their pretensions of "diversity").

Well, so be it. Governor Cuomo can be as overwrought and melodramatic as he likes, but the Conservative Party certainly doesn’t view him as the “Anti-Christ.”
Our focus right now is on holding elected officials accountable – making sure they say what they mean, and mean what they say. So politicians who scheme to get the Conservative Party endorsement, but then turn around and betray our conservative principles – well, you can be sure they won't be getting our support in the future.

And if politicians with whom we generally disagree take a principled stand on controlling taxes and spending, we applaud their actions – with the understanding that we’re still going to disagree with them most of the time.

Sticking to deeply held principles, holding elected officials accountable, even “speaking truth to power,” as Andrew Cuomo’s lefty friends might put it... too bad these things seem to be unacceptable in the Governor’s world.

Have a nice weekend.

A stunning statement by Governor Andrew Cuomo. Chairman Long responds.

Talk about scare tactics! More on the Obama scare tactics. The Heritage Foundation explains that

The NRO cheers Boehner.

Larry Kudlow passes on the peas but will take the porridge.

Please, he is not serious, is he?

GOP wants the health care review board jettisoned.

A scathing column by Michael Goodwin and right on the mark!

Unfortunately, there is no reprieve for the incandescent light bulb.

Separation of Church and State when it is convenient, but when it is a bill that the left wants, it is okay to have religious organizations involved?

A much needed veto, what were they thinking when they passed the bill?

The NY Post Editorial agrees that the taxman is overextending its reach in this case.

Walter Williams writes about Failing Liberty 101 and Thomas Sowell writes about Unknown Unknowns.

Conservative/Republican Candidate, for the 9th CD, Bob Turner, is off and running! And Ed Koch wants you to vote for him.

Sen. Jim DeMint to hold forum with GOP hopefuls.

More on the debt ceiling here, here, here and Charles Krauthhammer really tells it like it is. Mychael Massie has some advice for the President. The Jamestown Post-Journal editorial board supports conservative lawmakers who want to hold the line against Obama's plan for higher taxes.
The Washington Times on Boehner's position.

A reminder as to how we got into this crisis.

But will the Senate consider repealing this?

Reagan asked this question in 1980..... time to ask again? We already know the answer.

Kudos to the Appeals Court.

Is the IRS really that short of cash that they have to do this? (If he kept the ball and sold it to the highest bidder, maybe then I would understand.)

The one topic in national news is the debt ceiling. Read about the latest developments here, here, here, here, here, and here. One more, in this one, Obama spells out how the Republicans must agree to raise revenues; "I do not see a path to a deal if they don't budge, period," he said.
Our response: Stand strong, Speaker Boehner.

The NY Post on Saturday wrote Clueless About Jobs.

From the Washington Examiner an article that wants to know what Obama's auto bailout chief said regarding the bailout.

Victor David Hanson: Mexican border; double standards

This is very unsettling.

If you doubt that liberal ideal increase the cost of doing business, read this.

The Liu-nacy continues.

John E. Sununu writes about "Smart Fracking"

United front for Turner!

Weekly Wrap-Up

As the debt ceiling debate rages, here is a blistering column by Charles Krauthammer highlighting Obama’s flip-flopping on reining in the deficit.

Republicans are under pressure to compromise on the debt ceiling, and there are plenty of ideas for bringing down the deficit – everything from huge tax hikes and massive defense cuts to cutting corporate welfare, eliminating redundant or inefficient federal agencies or even abolishing whole departments like the education bureaucracy.

If you were House Speaker John Boehner, which ideas would you accept for cutting spending and bringing down the deficit? Give your opinion today by voting in our new Weekly Poll.

Here is the latest proof – as though we needed more – that the Obama Agenda isn’t working...

And here is another example – as though we needed convincing – of how Washington’s efforts to run our lives often have disastrous consequences.

Meanwhile the “Fast and Furious” guns-for-Mexico scandal continues to erupt.

And it’s looking more and more as though left-wing political correctness – not the concerns of 9/11 families or the actual truth about what happened almost 10 years ago – will define the Ground Zero Memorial... which means it will be no memorial at all. What a pity.

Have a nice weekend.