Iran Update: European Embassies Taking In Wounded Protestors – The People In Iran: “Khomeini Has Blood On His Hands"

The protests continue today in Tehran – information is being relayed via Twitter from those involved in the protests, as well as European Embassies offering aid to protestors. On Friday, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khomeini, warned those intending to protest to stay home – or else – at 4 pm Tehran time, thousands of students and people began to mobilize against the government – many Twitters noting that individuals were ready to die for freedom. The freedom fighters inside Iran area also using Facebook – a young woman watching the protests was shot in front of her father – the video is posted to Facebook by a doctor: here – the text follows:

مکان: خیابان کارگر، تقاطع خسروی و شهید صالحی، ساعت 7:20 مورخه 20 ژوئن، سی خرداد، Basij shots to death a young woman in Tehran's Saturday June 20th protests

At 19:05 June 20th
Place: Karekar Ave., at the corner crossing Khosravi St. and Salehi st.

A young woman who was standing aside with her father watching the protests was shot by a basij member hiding on the rooftop of a civilian house. He had clear shot at the girl and could not miss her. However, he aimed straight her heart. I am a doctor, so I rushed to try to save her. But the impact of the gunshot was so fierce that the bullet had blasted inside the victim's chest, and she died in less than 2 minutes.
The protests were going on about 1 kilometers away in the main street and some of the protesting crowd were running from tear gass used among them, towards Salehi St.
The film is shot by my friend who was standing beside me.
Please let the world know.

A tweeter inside Iran posted that finally the world media is paying attention – from FOX President Barak Obama, under pressure from Republican to speak out more forcefully, issued the following written statement: "The universal rights to assembly and free speech must be respected and the United States stands with all who seek to exercise those rights."

Tweeters have reported the use of chemical’s by Khomeini’s “mercenary” forces, others are giving directions on how to treat chemical burns, while others are giving tips on how to block tanks by throwing blankets over the tank so that forces cannot see and fire upon the protestors.

Those brave young men and women inside Iran fighting for their freedom are asking that anyone get the word out about what is happening –
From Twitter:

oli2be: EMAIL FROM IRAN : WE NEED HELP! MAKE OUR VOICE HEARD, MORE & MORE. THERE'S BLOOD UNDER OUR FEET. #IranElection (via @lotfan) less than 10 seconds ago from Tweetie

From YouTube video below: they are fighting with their bare hands – pray for the freedom of the people of Iran.

Iran Update: European Embassies Taking In Wounded Protestors – The People In Iran: “Khomeini Has Blood On His Hands

The protests continue today in Tehran – information is being relayed via Twitter from those involved in the protests, as well as European Embassies offering aid to protestors. On Friday, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khomeini, warned those intending to protest to stay home – or else – at 4 pm Tehran time, thousands of students and people began to mobilize against the government – many Twitters noting that individuals were ready to die for freedom. The freedom fighters inside Iran area also using Facebook – a young woman watching the protests was shot in front of her father – the video is posted to Facebook by a doctor: here – the text follows:

مکان: خیابان کارگر، تقاطع خسروی و شهید صالحی، ساعت 7:20 مورخه 20 ژوئن، سی خرداد، Basij shots to death a young woman in Tehran's Saturday June 20th protests

At 19:05 June 20th
Place: Karekar Ave., at the corner crossing Khosravi St. and Salehi st.

A young woman who was standing aside with her father watching the protests was shot by a basij member hiding on the rooftop of a civilian house. He had clear shot at the girl and could not miss her. However, he aimed straight her heart. I am a doctor, so I rushed to try to save her. But the impact of the gunshot was so fierce that the bullet had blasted inside the victim's chest, and she died in less than 2 minutes.
The protests were going on about 1 kilometers away in the main street and some of the protesting crowd were running from tear gass used among them, towards Salehi St.
The film is shot by my friend who was standing beside me.
Please let the world know.

A tweeter inside Iran posted that finally the world media is paying attention – from FOX President Barak Obama, under pressure from Republican to speak out more forcefully, issued the following written statement: "The universal rights to assembly and free speech must be respected and the United States stands with all who seek to exercise those rights."

Tweeters have reported the use of chemical’s by Khomeini’s “mercenary” forces, others are giving directions on how to treat chemical burns, while others are giving tips on how to block tanks by throwing blankets over the tank so that forces cannot see and fire upon the protestors.
Those brave young men and women inside Iran fighting for their freedom are asking that anyone get the word out about what is happening –
From Twitter:

oli2be: EMAIL FROM IRAN : WE NEED HELP! MAKE OUR VOICE HEARD, MORE & MORE. THERE'S BLOOD UNDER OUR FEET. #IranElection (via @lotfan) less than 10 seconds ago from Tweetie

From YouTube video below: they are fighting with their bare hands – pray for the freedom of the people of Iran.

Iranian Protests On – Defiance of Khomeini & Regime Central – CNN reports Protests Off – information supplied by: Khomeini

Tweeter – the “tweets” are coming fast and furious – as the Iranians who are heading now to Azzadi Square in Tehran are asking for the world’s prayers. Apparently, the state media has issued statements that the protests are off – which has been picked up by CNN , further inflaming those who are desperately trying to tell the world that they have suffered 30 years of tyranny. Today, a revolution has begun, the result is, of course, unknown – that said, like so many justified revolutions to break the chains of tyranny, success is more than probable. To keep up with what is going on in the streets: suggest Twitter search iranelection.

Quote of the Week: “Barney Frank is the Democrats Sarah Palin”

In a political conversation with a bright, politically engaged, insurance adjuster who coined this statement - context: agreeing to disagree on some issues, agreeing on others.
Location: Massachusetts
Implications: mind-boggling!

Hawaii as North Korea’s Target – Possible - More Probable: Strategic Alaska

Projected Path of North Korean Missile - Hawaii Target image: Daily Mail

From the Daily Mail Japanese Intelligence is fairly certain that North Korea will launch a long-range missile in the direction of the U.S. State of Hawaii on this 4th of July. The article notes that the North Korean missile has a range of approximately 4,000 miles, 500 short of the main Hawaiian islands. Although concerns regarding nuclear weaponry are valid, a greater concern may be the stockpile of chemical weapons held by North Korea, which said missile could be employed to deliver to the U.S.

The North Korean Government has ignored all “strongly worded” condemnations from the United Nations and the U.S. administration, which is, frankly, nothing new. That said, Secretary Gates, has ordered missile interceptors to Hawaii in the hopes of stopping any missile should there be a launch.

On might suggest that Gates also deploy those interceptors to the State of Alaska, which is well within range of the North Korean missile . Further, in March of 2003, a piece of a North Korean missile was found in Alaska:

NEWS BRIEF: "`North Korea Missile Warhead Found in Alaska’, The Korea Times, [Seoul, South Korea] March 4, 2003, By Ryu Jin Staff Reporter, http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/nation/200303/kt2003030417272311970.htm
"The warhead of a long-range missile test-fired by North Korea was found in the U.S. state of Alaska, a report to the National Assembly revealed yesterday. 'According to a U.S. document, the last piece of a missile warhead fired by North Korea was found in Alaska,’ former Japanese foreign minister Taro Nakayama was quoted as saying in the report. `Washington, as well as Tokyo, has so far underrated Pyongyang’s missile capabilities.' "

It is now 2009, and Alaska has become a strategic target due to the natural resources (natural gas and oil) which are critical to the U.S. economy as well as defense. One has to believe that the administration and the Pentagon are well aware of the scenario and although there has been no statement issues from the White House regarding this particular threat (as of yet), a failure to protect and defend Alaska or any United States Territory, in this instance, would be not merely politically suicidal but geographically suicidal. Without a direct military intervention at that point, the Peoples Republic of North Korea, as well as other nations holding such weaponry that would see the United States harmed, would be further emboldened and unfettered by any threat of retaliation. That said Barak Obama, regardless of political affiliation, has, at times, shown a moderate approach to issues, and in the case of defense has yet been tested. Silence, or a lack of statement, can prove to be planning and execution of military action: “Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far”: Theodore Roosevelt

Letterman Loses Olive Garden Advertising – Conservative Feminism Triumphs

Letterman apologizing to Paris Hilton - from topnews.in

David Letterman may, in the end prove costly to CBS, as advertiser Olive Garden, has pulled its remaining schedule from the late-night television program. Although the company’s official statement denies this move was due to pressure from protests over sexist and inappropriate comments made by Letterman, the news site, Politico, confirmed that the Franchise had bowed to pressure from protester's.

The fact that Sarah Palin, controversial Republican Governor of Alaska and former V.P. presidential candidate, and her 14 year old daughter were the target of the talk-show hosts “jokes" was moot and served to bring attention to the greater issue – which was the crass jokes applied to women across the board. This was evidenced by the remark made about Governor Palin vis a vis a “slutty flight attendant look". Further, the “joke” regarding the Governors’ 14 year old daughter was reprehensible, suggesting that a 14 (or as Letterman claimed an 18 year old) female, would get “knocked up” by a baseball player during a game. This implies that regardless of age, females are “objects”, while the male “superstar” baseball player, is worthy of praise – able to impregnate an “object” while continuing athletic excellence.

Hillary Clinton "demeaned" as flight attendent -photo: blog: bagnewsnotes

The argument pro-Letterman, stemmed from the fact that the object of his ridicule was only a Republican, Conservative, woman – one that is high profile and therefore, not off limits. That argument is fallacious as the terms used by Letterman were rather broad – indicating a general lack of respect for women using generalizations and stereotypes. Therefore, Olive Garden should receive letter of thanks from women regardless of political afflation, because the franchise rose to the occasion in a positive manner.

Whether it is music (lyrics), movies, television sitcoms or variety shows, women are treated as “less than" their male counterparts, and more often than not: “objects” – objects of sexual innuendos, as well as scorn. The protests and letter writing campaign which was initially suggested and organized by the blog Hillbuzz, a cooperation between politically diverse groups, was responsible. They are due the thanks of women everywhere. The result of their campaign, was twofold, one Letterman directly apologies to Governor Palin, who accepted the apology for all women (She is undoubtedly a Conservative Feminist), and one sponsor, of many who are on the Hillbuzz list, has pulled advertising. This message must be sent, to those who are in a position to “entertain” millions - objectifying women is off-limits, regardless of political affiliation, race, religion, or sexual preference.

Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) Fundraising Email Regarding Republicans: “History is on their Side”

In a recent fundraising email from the Republican National Senatorial Committee, an excerpt from an email to potential donors to the opposition team was noted in the body of the text as follows:

“The DSCC email went on to say that Republicans "not only have cash, but also history on their side. There are only a handful of times in our nation's past when the party that won the White House hasn't lost big the following midterm election. That would spell disaster for President Obama's agenda."

Although the intent of the RNSC email was fundraising, it also served the purpose of letting its base know that not everything is as bad as the media (constant drumbeat of Republican’s in dissarry) would have it - and with good reason - Apparently, this type of fundraising does not sit well with all Democrats. From the blog Persuasian, Perseverence and Patience: text from the DSCC is demeaned as a “cry-wolf” tactic and additional text is provided by the blogger:

Don't believe what you've heard about a GOP in disarray. They're mad, they're organized, and they're determined to return to what they see as their rightful place: ruling the halls of Congress.

How do I know? $14.4 million.

That's how much Newt Gingrich raised during a fundraising dinner last week for Republican House and Senate committees. One speech. $14.4 million.

They not only have cash, but also history on their side. There are only a handful of times in our nation's past when the party that won the White House hasn't lost big the following midterm election. That would spell disaster for President Obama's agenda.

What is perhaps, the most interesting aspect of this exchange, is that one the one hand, one can find the blogger who favors the Democrat Party in general, dismissing the emails contents:

“I wonder how many people who contribute would be so out of touch to actually buy the argument that the Republicans are organized."

It is interesting because conservatives decry mainstream media bias towards the left, dismissing the strengths of the more conservative party, and touting the invincible Democrat Machine, led by the “American Idol, Rock Star, President Obama. Therefore, the media, seen as a friend to the DNC, may ultimately end up aiding their downfall – by convincing the millions who are so in “lock-step” with a particular party, that they avoid alternative media outlets such as FOX (which is consistently dismissed by the President in speeches given to rally the “troops”.) Unfortunately, the end result is that those who believe that the Democrat Party is invincible are receiving their information from a single-minded source. (Granted, the same could be said of those conservatives who never tune into MSNBC, even for the entertainment factor.)

How far has the “star power” of the Head of the DNC fallen? A Fundraiser slated for today with Obama as the “headliner”, is expected to net 3 million dollars, a pittance for high profile speakers at such events (see Newt Gingrich reference in the DSCC email; which is not verified). Additionally, the campaign promise to ban lobbyist has gone by the wayside, as Democrats are “dodging the ban on cash” from that quarter, as reported upon by Politico.

What is missing in this entire: have and have not, crying for financial help, raffling off personalized photo’s with the President, is the current dismal state of the economy, one which, can no longer be assigned to the Bush Administration or the “Republicans”. Here again, the media came to the rescue. When Obama was pushing his Stimulus Package through the legislature at the speed of light, it was noted in press, local, regional and national, that the Republican’s were simply not cooperating; in fact, they were maligned for not voting for the stimulus. As a student of history, at that point, one had to sit back and admit: tactical error! Specifically if the student has the understanding that the stimulus would go astray, that spending more would end up meaning higher taxes, and that the “Ghost of Jimmy Carter” was in the House.

As the nation takes a sharp swing to the right, the media is still touting the strength of the DNC – which will further affect their fundraising capabilities. One must also take into consideration that the perceived ownership of certain groups, specifically those who are dependent upon the government for financial aid and college students, may have resulted in votes (at the time) but the base is not capable of financial support in the long run – leaving the bulk of the support to come from industry, unions and Hollywood – all of whom are feeling the financial crunch.
On the flip side, the return of Carter, has moved the nation right – those who have had to cut back, will still find $10 to send to the various fundraising arms of the Republican Party – in order to help the nation, both fiscally and in issues of national security. This will, of course, be either proven or disproved with the coming elections: 2009 governorships, 2010 congressional and senatorial races – should the Republican’s gain seats, and it appears that both History, the Media and the DNCC itself are on their side, then there will be a solid return to conservative governance and a reversal of the tax and spend mentality currently found in DC. That said, if this does occur, the Republican members sent by the nation to rescue the country, had best stick to those fiscally conservative principals – and finally, speak up against any bias perceived by those who would seek to usurp the government.

(See: the press as viewed by the Founding Fathers: the Federalist Papers. Reference: The Federalist Papers #84 “From the Federalist Papers: #8, Hamilton

"I go further and affirm that bills of rights, in the sense and to the extent in which they are contended for, are not only unnecessary in the proposed Constitution but would even be dangerous. They would contain various exceptions to powers which are not granted; and, on this very account, would afford a colorable pretext to claim more than we granted. Fro why declare that things shall not be done which there is no power to do Why for instance, should it be said that the liberty of the press shallot be retrained, when no power is given by which restrictions may be imposed? I will not contend that such a provision would confer a regulating power, but it is evident that it would furnish, to men disposed to usurp, a plausible pretense for claiming that power.")

Democrats Gone Wild - Senate To Finalize War Spending Bill – Includes “Cash for Clunkers” Program

Fuel Efficient? 2009 Hummer: 16MPG Highway - photo: truckinweb.com

An “emergency” spending billis set to move from the Senate to the Oval office today – the House passed the bill early this week with objections from Republican’s and anti-war Democrats. The majority of the bill’s funding is geared towards the Afghanistan-Iraq wars, however, it also includes 7.7 billion dollars for the flu pandemic, 108 billion to bail out the IMF (International Monetary Fund), and 1 billion for a program which can be credited to Sen. Diane Feinstein called “Cash for Clunkers”.

The fact that the U.S. economy is not exactly “healthy” should prevent any funds from being dispersed in the form of “loans” to the IMF, at least temporarily – Republican’s argue that the funds may end up in the hands of countries that aren’t exactly friendly towards the U.S. and did not support that particular portion of the bill. The kicker, however, is the “Cash for Clunkers” bill, which will offer a “rebate” to consumers who currently have low mileage vehicles and trade-up for a more fuel efficient model. Among auto’s one might want to consider: the Hummer (ironically produced by General Motors - or Government Motors).

Unbelievable: Should one purchase a new SUV, that gets 2 miles per gallon more than the old vehicle, they are entitled to a $3,500 rebate, should that new vehicle get 5 miles per gallon more, the rebate increases to $4,500.
The new owners of GM, Car Czar, Massachusetts 4th Congressional District Congressman Barney Frank and the U.A.W, are ecstatic over the measure. Apparently, this is one of the few areas in spending in which the Democrat Controlled Congress feels it is necessary to move “slowly” - fuel efficiency.

What is most interesting is that harsh critics of the measure are coming from, of all places, Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi’s backyard. The San Francisco Chronicle is appealing to Republican Senator Judd Gregg of New Hampshire, to stop the madness. Should Gregg be unable to fend off Feinstein’s vision of promoting fuel efficiency thought government handouts, one can bet the house that the Bill will barely touch the Oval Office Desk before it is signed, sealed and delivered.

Will they never learn? As the comparisons increase between the failed Carter Presidency (foreign policy and economics) and the Obama administration, one has to question why not one of those individuals writing this junk and imposing it upon the American Taxpayer, either does not have, or refuses to investigate historical data that would indicate abject failure as a result of frivolous spending, bailouts, and pork! As Obama and the U.N., work out the latest “strongly worded’ missive to North Korea, the Senate and Congress continue to play fast and loose with Taxpayers dollars and the President is likely to either have pre-approved of this nonsense, or he is unaware of the consequences. Either way, Carter’s doppelganger has made a complete transformation from “hope and change” to “chaos and confusion”, be it in concert with or fooled by a like-minded (confused and chaotic) congress.

The Obama Health Care Plan – At Odds with The AMA, Hospitals and Providers - Politics Trump Justice

Speaking to the AMA in Chicagoyesterday, the President, touting his proposal for Universal Health Care, ran into a snag when he indicated that he would not support limits on jury damages in malpractice suits. In fact, the audience booed – of course, as noted in the AP release, supporting legislation that would limit damages in malpractice suits, would offend the largest donors to the Democrat National Committee: trail lawyers and unions. In his usual manner, the President, used “crisis” to emphasis the need for haste in passing Government run healthcare – he compared it to GM, in fact, and as of yet, there is no indication that the Government run Auto Maker will have any success what-so-ever.

Case in point - The Universal Health Care plan that is being foisted on the American Public at the speed of light (similar to the Stimulus plan that certain members of the administration now admit, was done without a clue), has hospitals and other health care providers concerned; simply put, in order to pay for the entire plan, services must be cut somewhere, and cuts to these benefits, would be just the beginning. The plan currently being drafted by the Democrats includes $600 million in new taxes. The model is similar to the Massachusetts plan – in that it allows individuals to choose a government plan, and/or a private insurer – with the Government plan being far less pricey, (subsidized by the state) than the traditional health insurance plan. Several scenarios’ develop, rates under the traditional carriers rise, and taxes on individuals rise, in order to cover the plan subsidies.

Should anyone study the Massachusetts model, the original intent of the Governor Mitt Romney, being to offer insurance through a system that had basic coverage, morphed into a complete coverage program under the Patrick administration – the costs rose significantly as the Commonwealth (Legislature), added mandate upon mandate to the new State Plan, including elective surgery, not fully covered under most private plans Therefore, a trial of universal health care is in place, in the State of Massachusetts, and to date, it is a dismal failure. How does the State pay for the pricey program? Through increases in premiums for those who can “afford” to pay, through fees assessed on those who cannot afford, or will not participate in the plan, and, of course, increases in general taxes.

Perhaps more than one of the Senators now opposing the model of Universal Health Care, have looked at the Massachusetts model, or more to the point, perhaps they understand now, that decisions made in haste, with a president that uses fear as a factor to get legislation passed, are not always in the best interest in the nation. Suffice it to say, that this version may not make it past the planning stages.

Way to Go Joe – Biden Acknowledges Stimulus Guessing Game

Vice President, Joe Biden - image: Time.com

From Time Magazine: Vice President Joe Biden, in a recent appearance on “Meet the Press”, put forth the notion that everyone involved in the stimulus “guessed wrong” (key quotes from Time follow):

"No one realized how bad the economy was. The projections, in fact, turned out to be worse. But we took the mainstream model as to what we thought -- and everyone else thought -- the unemployment rate would be."
"Everyone guessed wrong at the time the estimate was made about what the state of the economy was at the moment this was passed."
"The bottom line is that jobs are being created that would not have been there before."
"Can I claim credit that all of that's due to the recovery package? No. But it clearly has had an impact."

Therefore, based upon the Vice-Presidents take on the out-of-control government spending, it was a “guessing game”, based on a model of assumptions. Moreover, those who feel that Barack Obama and company are studiously moving the country to the left, may be in error, because, based on what Biden has to say, they are instead, floundering about, taking stabs at what they “think” might work. Herein lays the problem, although it is apparent that the President is to the left of center, with a Vice-President that is somewhat of a “loose cannon”, most view the man as competent, brilliant in fact – surrounded by brilliant people who will make good sound decisions in order to further American interests – so say the media, and those pundits that pontificate on certain cable networks. That said, what appears to be the case, and may more likely be a fact, blinded by a Progressive education that gave former President Jimmy Carter, sainthood status, no one in the administration bothered to research historical data, and therefore, the results of overspending, bailouts and stimulus – and the outcome are predictable.

Had anyone with an ounce of sense, gone back over what had happened in the past 40 years, with clarity of mind and lack of political rhetorical think – the situation America is now facing would have been a shade different – the nation needed deeper tax cuts, allowing banks, and auto-makers to fail, so that in the long-run, the healthier businesses (note: political ties to each and every one of those institutions that were given aid), would have risen – the others would have become “history”, and the nation would have recovered rapidly – specifically the private sector. It is a proven economic model, while the current model is proven as well, to be somewhat disastrous, economically.

Rushing forth in panic, driven by political ideology with no sane historical references, is what has happened to our country – according to Joe Biden. Ironic is it not? Historically, those that rush blindly into situations of an economical nature (See Carter, “inheriting” a fiscal disaster from his predecessor and the response which caused the coinage of a new term “Misery Index”), serve one –term in office. Therefore, those who are caught in the middle of this – the unemployed, those who are sick at heart at what has happened to our nation in such a short period of time – should take heart – in a mere three years the polls will once again be open, and someone, man or woman, will step forth, offering advice of an historical nature, that will of course, sound very good to those masses who are beaten down by high inflation, out of control taxation from federal and state administrations, and the result will be – predictable. Although one cannot look for another “Reagan”, as that would be counter-productive, one can bet the house that a new conservative (notice no mention of Party Politic) one who is fiscally grounded, will lead the nation forward in 2012. For those who feel they should have looked harder at Clinton instead of blindly following the “American Idol” of presidential candidates, keep in mind, packaging is what it is, packaging - the more attractive the package, the harder one must dig to find out what that “package’ actually has accomplished – and then, take a look at the other package – the one that may have some “baggage”, but has a clear record. Simple lock step, slogans, should not shape a campaign, unless of course, there is more than rhetoric to substantiate the slogan. Therefore, the privilege of going to the polls to vote and hire a new administrator for the country (which is what the President’s function is – a CEO so to speak), requires some dedicated research on the part of those who actually wield a vote.

In retrospect, therefore, the blame should not be placed on the shoulders of Barack Obama, as President, he is doing what he can, in order to move the nation forward – the blame should rest with those who put forth a candidate of limited experience, undermined a candidate who had the right experience (Clinton), and packaged this candidate so well, that the nation surely would “purchase the goods” so to speak, and then, the blame also lies with those who voted blindly, on rhetoric or on endorsements. Case in point: a family member who, one would think, given gender and age as a factor, would have naturally supported Hillary Clinton (while this blog clearly supported Mike Huckabee, another moderate – but conservative with a proven governing record), however, true shock and awe were in store, when this dear person said when queried who she would support: “Obama (breathlessly) – Caroline Kennedy endorsed him!”. Now, a short six months later, buyer’s remorse, and the inability to look the family conservative in the eye, has set in. Therefore, a lesson of sorts to conservatives everywhere, regardless of Party (yes there are conservative democrats), be kind to those who were blinded by packaging and endorsements and offer to help make more educated choices in future elections. Additionally, send a note of thanks to Vice President Biden; he is truly the gift that keeps on giving.