WASHINGTON (AP) — Can we agree on this? Americans still think alike much of the time even if our politicians don't.
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Maybe Americans agree about more than they know
Hmmm : “We want somebody who wakes up thinking about jobs, thinking about the economy, thinking about finding a great deal , thinking about training the workforce,” [Democratic Sen. and former Gov.] Tim Kaine said. “That’s why I’m supporting Terry McAuliffe to be the next governor of the Commonwealth.” Oh, I have no doubt McAuliffe is quite skilled at finding a great deal. The question is, “a great deal for whom?” Elsewhere in the Washington Post ’s coverage, they note , “Beyond education, McAuliffe’s policy blueprint calls for targeted business incentive programs and diversifying the state’s economic base.” “Targeted business incentive programs.” Oh, I have no doubt that economic assistance under a Governor McAuliffe would be targeted . As he said in his autobiography : Let me tell you, it’s a lot easier to raise money for a governor. They have all kinds of business to hand out, road contracts, construction jobs, you name it. You may scoff: Surely the risk of humilation would prevent him from directing “incentives” to his friends and donors! But as he proudly boasts when discussing the time a casino owner demanded he go up and sing on a stage for a donation, “For $500,000 I don’t mind humiliating myself for five minutes.” Would a Governor McAuliffe mix politics and business? Heck, he brags about how he does it : McAuliffe has said that his work in politics has bolstered his business career. “I’ve met all of my business contacts through politics. It’s all interrelated,” he told the New York Times in 1999. As he summarized it to the Washington Post in 2009 : I’ve done business with people I’ve met in politics, who I went to law school with, who I grew up with . . . Who do you do business with? People you meet in life.
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McAuliffe Pledges ‘Targeted Business Incentive Programs’
The midweek edition of the Morning Jolt features grim statistics on attitudes in the Muslim world, thoughts on Marvel’s superhero film franchises, and then these notes from the president’s press conference: ‘Hello,’ the President Lied Three quick points on Obama’s press conference from Tuesday … First, Obama demonstrates that the term “Game Change” is now the most useless buzzword since “value-added”: THE PRESIDENT: If I can establish in a way that not only the United States but also the international community feel confident is the use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime, then that is a game-changer because what that portends is potentially even more devastating attacks on civilians, and it raises the strong possibility that those chemical weapons can fall into the wrong hands and get disseminated in ways that would threaten U.S. security or the security of our allies. Q By game-changer you mean U.S. military action? THE PRESIDENT: By game-changer I mean that we would have to rethink the range of options that are available to us. Watch your rear, Assad, or we might have to rethink the range of options. In Syria and all of the world’s trouble spots, the American people are going to resist intervening internationally until they’re confronted with something more horrible than the loss of blood and treasure spent in the war in Iraq. Right now, Americans aren’t convinced that anything can happen overseas that is so bad, so consequential and horrific, they’ll wish they had sent their sons and daughters and neighbors to go fight and die for something. For now, they’re right; they will probably be wrong someday. Secondly, examine Obama’s reaction to Jessica Yellin’s question: YELLIN: Lindsey Graham, who is a senior member of the Armed Services Committee, has said that Benghazi and Boston are both examples of the U.S. going backwards on national security. Is he right? And did our intelligence miss something? THE PRESIDENT: No, Mr. Graham is not right on this issue, although I’m sure generated some headlines. I think that what we saw in Boston was state, local, federal officials, every agency rallying around a city that had been attacked — identifying the perpetrators just hours after the scene had been examined. We now have one individual deceased, one in custody. Charges have been brought. I think that all our law enforcement officials performed in an exemplary fashion after the bombing had taken place. And we should be very proud of their work, as obviously we’re proud of the people of Boston and all the first responders and the medical personnel that helped save lives. Notice the sneer that Graham merely wants to “generate headlines” with his statement, as if it’s outlandish to argue that a terrorist murdering our ambassador or a terrorist bombing on the streets of Boston constitute “going backwards on national security.” Then notice that Yellin asks about the intelligence before the bombing, and Obama responds by citing the work of law enforcement after the bombing. Thirdly, Obama declared about his signature health care reform, “ A huge chunk of it has already been implemented. And for the 85 to 90 percent of Americans who already have health insurance, they’re already experiencing most of the benefits of the Affordable Care Act even if they don’t know it. Their insurance is more secure.” Jonathan Weisman of the New York Times responded , “Obama’s claim that folks who have insurance now have already gone through the ACA implementation is just not right. Lots of issues left.” The tax penalty for not having insurance isn’t in effect yet. Businesses may still decide to drop coverage and pay the fines ( for some companies, it may actually be cheaper to pay the fines ). We’re seeing companies try to shift as many employees as possible to less than 30 hours a week. As Inc. put it : The law’s new mandates–such as requiring insurers to cover preventive care at 100 percent–could drive rates higher. And small employers that buy insurance through the newly created Small Business Health Options Programs, or SHOP exchanges, may find higher costs once they are lumped in with a general-population risk pool. And as for that claim that your health insurance is “stronger,” perhaps the president meant, “ more expensive”: “Premiums could increase by an average of 30 percent for higher-income people in California who are now insured and do not qualify for federal insurance subsidies, the study said.”
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Who Knew ‘Game Changer’ Was a Synonym for ‘the Status Quo’?
Bill Cassidy, a three-term Republican congressman and a medical doctor, is running for Senate in Louisiana against incumbent senator Mary Landrieu. His announcement begins warmly, with him discussing his work teaching medical students and working in the state’s charity-hospital system, and his wife mentioning her work as a breast-cancer surgeon and working in a charter school for children with dyslexia
By Steve Holland WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President Barack Obama will launch a fund-raising drive for the 2014 mid-term elections on Wednesday with addresses to deep-pocketed donors in California, hoping the Democratic Party can defy the odds and gain congressional seats in the polls. The party in power in the White House usually loses seats in election years in which the presidency is not up for grabs. This means Democrats have their work cut out for them in trying to win a majority in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives and add to their majority in the Senate. …
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Obama launches fund-raising blitz to help Democrats in Congress
**Written by Doug Powers In February it was reported that the Obama administration would soon be announcing a ten year plan to create a human brain map. I speculated the plan then might include putting America back to work folding it. That time is now : President Barack Obama on Tuesday proposed an effort to map the brain’s activity in unprecedented detail, as a step toward finding better ways to treat such conditions as Alzheimer’s, autism, stroke and traumatic brain injuries. He asked Congress to spend $100 million next year to start a project that will explore details of the brain, which contains 100 billion cells and trillions of connections. That’s a relatively small investment for the federal government — less than a fifth of what NASA spends every year just to study the sun — but it’s too early to determine how Congress will react. Obama said the so-called BRAIN Initiative could create jobs, and told scientists gathered in the White House’s East Room that the research has the potential to improve the lives of billions of people worldwide. “As humans we can identify galaxies light-years away,” Obama said. “We can study particles smaller than an atom, but we still haven’t unlocked the mystery of the three pounds of matter that sits between our ears.” As with many other government proposals, first you get the money for it, then you try and figure out what the hell you’re going to do with it : The goals of the work are unclear at this point. A working group at NIH, co-chaired by Cornelia “Cori” Bargmann of The Rockefeller University and William Newsome of Stanford University, would work on defining the goals and develop a multi-year plan to achieve them that included cost estimates. The NIH already spends $5.5 billion a year on neurosciences. Obama is now fully qualified to help lead the study, because he’s named himself Scientist-in-Chief : At a speech this morning at the White House to outline a new science initiative, President Barack Obama named himself “Scientist-in-Chief.” “I’m glad I’ve been promoted Scientist-in-Chief,” Obama said to laughter at the White House. “Given my grades in physics, I’m not sure it’s deserving. But I hold science in proper esteem, so maybe that gives me a little credit.” Doing his part to contribute to the mapping effort, Joe Biden made a selfless offer . Video via Twitchy : **Written by Doug Powers Twitter @ThePowersThatBe
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Obama names self ‘Scientist-in-Chief’ — asks Congress for $100 million for ‘BRAIN Initiative’
It’s been three months since the horrific murders at Sandy Hook Elementary School unfolded in Newtown, Conn. And as the police continue their investigation into what motivated 20-year-old Adam Lanza to commit the unthinkable, some disturbing, new (alleged) details have emerged. Rather than a spur-of-the moment attack, a new report purports that authorities believe that Lanza spent a great deal of time researching and collecting information about past shootings. In fact, according to an article in the New York Daily News , his information-gathering was much more robust and progressed than previously thought. Adam Lanza (Credit: AP) An off-the-record source, described as an expert career cop, told the outlet about some of the shocking alleged revelations in the case. In addition to the notion that Lanza may have been planning his rampage for years, the source claims that authorities retrieved a massive spreadsheet — a document that is seven feet long and four feet in length (with nine-point font) — from the Lanza home. In the document, the killer had allegedly assembled a plethora of information about past mass shootings. In addition to information surrounding horrific events that took the lives of countless Americans, the young man apparently also studied and documented attempted attacks. This information, along with many other troubling details, was apparently recently shared by Colonel Danny Stebbins, a staff member with the Connecticut State Police, during an event for law enforcement officials. According to the source, Stebbins shared the details with other police officers at the International Association of Police Chiefs and Colonels meeting last week. In his interview with the Daily News , the source called the document a “score sheet” and described its purpose in detail. This undated photo circulated by law enforcement and provided by NBC News, shows Adam Lanza. Authorities say Lanza killed his mother at their home and then opened fire inside the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, killing 26 people, including 20 children, before taking his own life, on Friday. Credit: AP “We were told (Lanza) had around 500 people on this sheet,” he said. “Names and the number of people killed and the weapons that were used, even the precise make and model of the weapons. It had to have taken years. It sounded like a doctoral thesis, that was the quality of the research.” Equally troubling was the bizarre world that Lanza apparently immersed himself in. An avid video game fan, cops purportedly believe that, at some point, the killer took his on-screen quest and translated it into a real-life, murderous bloodbath. Here’s how the Daily News recapped the unnamed cop’s description of this portion of Stebbins’ speech: “They don’t believe this was just a spreadsheet. They believe it was a score sheet,” he continued. “This was the work of a video gamer, and that it was his intent to put his own name at the very top of that list. They believe that he picked an elementary school because he felt it was a point of least resistance, where he could rack up the greatest number of kills. That’s what (the Connecticut police) believe.” The man paused and said, “They believe that (Lanza) believed that it was the way to pick up the easiest points. It’s why he didn’t want to be killed by law enforcement. In the code of a gamer, even a deranged gamer like this little bastard, if somebody else kills you, they get your points. They believe that’s why he killed himself. “They have pictures from two years before, with the guy all strapped with weapons, posing with a pistol to his head. That’s the thing you have to understand: He had this laid out for years before.” The first part of the source’s statement about schools’ vulnerability has been one advanced by gun control opponents and Second Amendment enthusiasts (i.e. the notion that gun-free zones breed or even attract danger). According to this account, Lanza specifically selected the school, because it was an easy target, complete with victims who were unable to adequately protect themselves. Based on the Daily News’ interview with the source, Lanza certainly was “murder-obsessed,” as the outlet notes in the headline of its article. “The fascination (Lanza) had with this subject matter, the complete and total concentration,” the cop said. “There really was no other subject matter inside his head. Just this: Kill, kill, kill.” Read the Daily News report in its entirety here . – Other Must-Read Stories: Sympathizing With Rapists? See What CNN Said About the Steubenville Rapists That Has It Taking Major Heat Is Pope Francis a Socialist Who Will Allow Liberation Theology to Infiltrate the Catholic Church? Wisconsin’s New Concealed Carry Law (and a Former Marine) Just Saved This Woman’s Life Sympathizing With Rapists? See What CNN Said About the Steubenville Rapists That Has It Taking Major Heat Madonna Chastises Boy Scouts Over Stance on Gays During GLAAD Awards…While Wearing This Bizarre Outfit Follow Billy Hallowell on Twitter Follow Billy Hallowell on Facebook Read more stories from TheBlaze Video: Catholic Grandmother Assaulted While Praying Outside Planned Parenthood Does ‘Satan’ from Sunday’s Episode of ‘The Bible’ Remind You of Anyone? Karl Rove Snaps Back at Sarah Palin: ‘If I Did Run for Office & Win, I Would Serve Out My Term’ Eurozone Country: Surprise! We’re Putting at Least a 6.75% Tax on Your Bank Deposits John Boehner: ‘Can’t Imagine’ Ever Changing My Position Against Gay Marriage
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New Allegations About ‘Murder-Obsessed’ Sandy Hook Killer Shows Scary Depth of Sinister Plans
Scientology is a religious construct that is mired in controversy, skepticism and mystery. That said, some of the church’s alleged secrets are being revealed in a new book that was written by a relative of its leader — a literary work that likely has Scientology officials on-edge. Published by Jenna Miscavige-Hill, “ Beyond Belief: My Secret Life Inside Scientology And My Harrowing Escape ,” makes some shocking claims about the church’s conduct. Miscavige-Hill is the niece of Scientology leader David Miscavige (his official title: Chairman of the Board of Religious Technology Center). A description published on Amazon credits the book, which was released last month, with offering an intense look into Miscavige-Hill’s personal experience. The author details her exit from the 2005 faith and the experiences she had as a member of the Sea Org, the group’s most prominent ministry. The AFP adds additional details about the book, including claims that Miscavige-Hill, 29, was disconnected from outside family during her time in Scientology and that she was brainwashed. Additionally, the text alleges that she was pushed into forced labor as a child. The church is calling these claims false. “The Church has long respected the family unit while accommodating and helping those raising children,” spokeswoman Karin Pouw told AFP . “The Church does not engage in any activities that mistreat, neglect or force children to engage in manual labor. The Church follows all laws with respect to children.” 1) But the book paints a very different story. Miscavige-Hill recalls hours of hard work in the California desert, as she and other children were implored to toil on the “Ranch” a place she described, as per AFP and her book, as being “like a military boot camp, with grueling drills, endless musters, exhaustive inspections, and arduous physical labor that no child should have to do.” “The conditions we worked under would have been tough for a grown man, and yet any complaints, backflashing (Scientology term for talking back), any kind of questioning was instantly met with disciplinary action,” she explained. See Miscavige-Hill explain some of her experiences and the book on WHAM-TV: 2) She also claims that she barely was able to spend time with her parents. In fact, their work hours as members of the Sea Org were so intense that she purportedly interacted with them a couple of hours on the brief occasions she was allowed to see them. Last month, The Daily Beast outlined some of the book’s most shocking claims, further explaining this scenario: At a young age, Miscavige Hill found Sea Org all-consuming. Her parents became members, and she would only see them at bedtime. Typical Sea Org members were required to work 14 hours a day, seven days a week, she says, starting at 9 a.m. and ending at 11 p.m., with an hour off each night for “family time.” Miscavige Hill would sleep at the Scientology nursery until her parents were off and could pick her up. 3) In addition to intense work and rarely seeing her parents, Miscavige-Hill claims that she signed a billion-year contract with the Sea Org when she was only seven years old. Considering she left the faith at age 21, it’s looking as though she cut that agreement pretty short. For anyone wondering how a billion-year contract is possible, consider her explanation. At the time, the then-young girl was told, according to the Daily Beast and the text of her book, that she would come back after she died over and over again to fulfill her contract. Photo Credit: Jenna Miscavige-Hill 4) At age 13, Miscavige-Hill claims she was forced to fill out a very-detailed form about her sexual history. Beyond any sexual encounters that might have happened, she also had to give the church her Social Security number, IDs, credit card information and more, Daily Beast reports . “I knew I had to do it, but it was hard to understand why the church needed this information,” she wrote in the book. “Even though I had nothing to hide, I felt like the church was asking me for information just for the sake of having it, almost asking for material they might blackmail me with that served no Scientologic purpose.” 5) While she lived on the Ranch, Miscavige Hill said that she and the other kids were told not to trust people who lived outside of Scientology’s realm. Anyone who doesn’t embrace the faith, as the Daily Beast notes , was referred to as “Well and Orderly Gentlemen” (Wogs). Because these individuals were considered “unenlightened,” members were told to avoid them, as they simply wouldn’t understand the religious system. Want to know more about Miscavige-Hill’s life, her marriage and eventual escape? Be sure to read the Daily Beast article , which has five additional informative tidbits about the woman’s fascinating life and upbringing. (H/T: AFP and The Daily Beast ) – Other Must-Read Stories: Is Pope Francis a Socialist Who Will Allow Liberation Theology to Infiltrate the Catholic Church? Wisconsin’s New Concealed Carry Law (and a Former Marine) Just Saved This Woman’s Life Sympathizing With Rapists? See What CNN Said About the Steubenville Rapists That Has It Taking Major Heat Madonna Chastises Boy Scouts Over Stance on Gays During GLAAD Awards…While Wearing This Bizarre Outfit Follow Billy Hallowell on Twitter Follow Billy Hallowell on Facebook Read more stories from TheBlaze Video: Catholic Grandmother Assaulted While Praying Outside Planned Parenthood Does ‘Satan’ from Sunday’s Episode of ‘The Bible’ Remind You of Anyone? Karl Rove Snaps Back at Sarah Palin: ‘If I Did Run for Office & Win, I Would Serve Out My Term’ Eurozone Country: Surprise! We’re Putting at Least a 6.75% Tax on Your Bank Deposits John Boehner: ‘Can’t Imagine’ Ever Changing My Position Against Gay Marriage
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5 Secrets About Scientology Alleged in Tell-All Book by Church Leader’s Niece
**Written by Doug Powers Which will Joe do first: Beg for a ride in the Popemobile, or ask when he’s going to get to meet “Mrs. Francis”? From CBS News : According to a senior U.S. government official, Vice President Joe Biden – America’s first Catholic vice president and the highest ranking Catholic official in the country – will lead the U.S. delegation to witness the installation of Pope Francis in Rome, CBS News Chief White House correspondent Major Garrett reports. The White House has yet to announce the full delegation for the inauguration Mass, which will be held next Tuesday. “I am happy to have the chance to personally relay my well wishes, and those of the American people, when I travel to Rome for his Inaugural Mass,” Biden said in a statement today. “The Catholic Church plays an essential role in my life and the lives of more than a billion people in America and around the world, not just in matters of our faith, but in pursuit of peace and human dignity for all faiths. I look forward to our work together in the coming years on many important issues.” Biden is expected to tell Pope Francis that the Obama administration is committed to ongoing dialog with the Catholic church and its affiliates. Well, their lawyers at least. If Biden attends a service, he shouldn’t expect to receive holy communion: Moreover, on behalf of the bishops of Latin America, also in 2007, Cardinal Bergoglio presented the “Aparecida Document” regarding the situation of the Church in their countries. The document, approved by Pope Benedict XVI in July of that year, made a very clear statement regarding the consequences of supporting abortion, disallowing holy communion for anyone who facilitates an abortion, including politicians. The text states in paragraph 436 that “we should commit ourselves to ‘eucharistic coherence’, that is, we should be conscious that people cannot receive holy communion and at the same time act or speak against the commandments, in particular when abortion, euthanasia, and other serious crimes against life and family are facilitated. This responsibility applies particularly to legislators, governors, and health professionals.” Twitchy on Biden’s trip to Rome: What could go wrong? **Written by Doug Powers Twitter @ThePowersThatBe
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Joe Biden heading to Vatican to witness installation of Pope Francis, say something stupid
And typically unhinged (The Hill) House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said Thursday that she opposes a cut in congressional pay because it would diminish the dignity of lawmakers’ jobs. “I don’t think we should do it; I think we should respect the work we do,” Pelosi told reporters in the Capitol. “I think it’s necessary for
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Queen Nancy Really Upset About A Possible Congressional Paycut
