Opinion and Commentary on state, regional and national news articles from a conservative feminist point of view expressed and written by conservative moderate: Tina Hemond
As news of the senseless shootings at a movie premier in Aurora Colorado came over the airways at approximately 4:00 am eastern, reports began to surface regarding one, possibly two suspects in the shooting. The first indication that a suspect had been caught came from News9 in Denver, (Video from You Tube)
There are a slew of contradictions that can only come into play in a horrific scene such as what occurred in Aurora, however, one finds it somewhat a cautionary tale, as news breaks, and fingers are pointed, and suspects named – those in the media might, instead of completely eradicating the initial post naming the Iranian national as the suspect, and instead, edit it to indicate that this information was a) incorrect, and b) make an apology to said suspect for putting that information out on the web.
The fact that today, screen shots can be taken in a matter of seconds, to prove or disprove media complicity by some who may be seen as “conspiracy theorists”, it would behoove news organizations to edit and correct rather than replace entire posts – thus putting to bed any suspicion that may follow.
As it is, it would be, from a conspiracy theorists point of view, more politically correct to have a white male perpetrator, than an Iranian immigrant perpetrator. It is not uncommon tactic for those who wish to make a statement through terror, do so by killing innocent women and children.
Again, if it were an error, strike the error, call it an error –
The gunman now named, is most likely a repeat of the disturbed individual who attacked former Congresswoman Gabby Gifford’s, in Arizona, no discernable ties to any particular organization right or left.
The media has already jumped into speculation mode: specifically with the announcement of a 24 year old white male suspect – Apparently no major media linked the original story by news 9 naming a completely different suspect. That could be linked to prudence, or waiting, or the fact that there actually are two suspects, one not politically correct. (Conspiracy).
From CNBC Jobless Claims Spike again to Smart Money’s, “Rising Corn Prices and Your Grocery Bill” one does not see a reasonable time-line in which to turn the economy around – even if tomorrow the President decided to cut all corporate tax rates, and repeal all unnecessary spending, while increasing the tax cut, across the board, for all income levels (Federal taxes, not Social Security Taxes) – it would be too little too late. (Granted the act of cutting taxes eludes some, however, the theory goes: (This theory has worked under both Democrat (JFK) and Republican (Reagan, Bush) administrations) when one cuts corporate taxes, that leads to investments and jobs, jobs by the millions not thousands, which in turn increases the taxes paid to the Federal and by the same token, State Department of Revenues. More individuals working and paying taxes makes up for the slight but effective across the board tax cuts – and the Federal Government, without unnecessary spending, can see a vast improvement in income within a relatively short period of time (10 to 12 months).
However, with a draught and the emphasis on use of corn for ethanol (both parties guilty), corn products (including high fructose corn syrup found in everything from salad dressings to cereal to soft drinks) become more scarce, the price rises, and this hits consumers of these products directly. Those prices won’t come into play until the end of summer – early fall- however, there has been an increase in food products over the past three years – inflation caused by rising fuel, labor costs, and other factors including new Federal regulations that affect all businesses. This scenario sets up a “Romney is looking better by the minute” point of view from every household who goes to the grocery store.
Meanwhile, the President’s campaign is attacking Romney is what can only be classified as “class warfare” – asking for tax returns, after they have been supplied, demanding answers regarding investments (while the President’s tax returns reveal that he also has Foreign Income), going so far as to insinuate that Romney’s leave of absence on several occasion from Bain Capital – a company he built, but then left on several occasions (To run for Senate against Ted Kennedy), 1999 to run the Olympics in Salt Lake City), that was when Romney decided to sever his relationship which in real terms might take years – was criminal in nature. Go figure.
As that tactic appears to be gaining little to no traction (given the polls) a new tactic was conceive - attack business – all business – Romney is, after all, a businessman. Class warfare was begun with the Presidents insistence that no one who built a business did it on their own – it was the Government who helped that person, the government built roads, supplied teachers, and so on. The fact that the person who built the business and hired employees and paid taxes to the government so it could function, and took the risk to begin with – in progressive think, does not matter. (See Elizabeth Warren, Candidate for Senate (D), running against Scott Brown (R-MA), and similar verbiage the President used, brought up by Warren several months ago.
Romney has, to date, not answered the call to supply more than two years of tax returns, (which – there is no rule that a candidate need to submit any tax returns at all), and waited it out – as the calls from the media and the Obama Campaign became more shrill.
However, once the President made the remarks about business as the benefactor of government (not the reality of the other way around), Romney chose that moment to fight back. The ad below is an exemplary political ad, hard-hitting, factual and above all – drawing a distinction between candidate Romney and the President on an ideological plane. Therefore one had a clear understanding between a Progressive Ideology versus the more traditional Democratic Republic – Free Market Ideology – brilliant and effective.
What is most amazing is that the Obama Campaign is pulling out all the stops now, months prior to the election – the only hope they might have is if, and only if, Romney makes an unacceptable choice of running mate – and unacceptable to the “mainstream” media, rather than rank and file Republicans and those Independents that are so pivotal in any election. However, as concerns the choice of V.P. – one would think Romney will consider a logical and statistical choice, based upon the political advantage the V.P. brings to the table, a candidate that will be completely vetted.
Notwithstanding it will, in all likelihood remain in the polls a tight election, however, that said, when individuals are voting with their pocketbook, strange occurrences take place, as happened in 1980 – those who went into the voting booth convinced they would vote for Carter as both the President and the individual were Democrats, came out having voted for Ronald Reagan or Jon Anderson (an Independent), propelling Reagan to a landslide not seen in electoral history.
Of course, the above is conjecture based on the premise that history repeats, and any number of events could take place that would change the course of events – if this were 2010, or even 2011.
Lucia Italian Restaurant (upstairs) on Thames - image NewportRestaurants.com
Every so often one needs a break from the routine of general life, and there is one place on earth that brings the peace, tranquility and conversely excitement than Newport, RI. There is much to do and see from an historical perspective, however, dining being one of the joys of life – finds a plethora of restaurants from which to choose. Understanding that this is not a food blog by any means, it was the repeated experience that compelled this blogger to share with readers or anyone who happens upon the blog favorites well worth visiting.
Two restaurants in particular are well worth the trip. The first is Lucia Italian Restaurant on Thames. Italian fare that is exemplary. The ambiance, is old style Italy – with a wait staff that is extremely knowledge and the service beyond reproach –from soup, to entrees to desert, it is by far one of my favorites. Suggested, what-ever soup of the day happens to be available (in this case it was a fresh pea soup), followed by the Haddock Sapporito, Haddock filets baked with marinated (fresh) tomatoes, red onion, asparagus and a Balsamic glaze, where there the delicate haddock is not overwhelmed, rather complemented by the combination of flavors - the presentation is simply beautiful. One must top off dinner with the excellent mascarpone mousse and of course, espresso.
Note on Lucia’s, it is the only place where I have found, I can return and find that the excellent meal almost a year prior, which was so well done, will remain the same, in taste, presentation and quality.
The second, The White Horse Tavern(off Farewell Street), has a rich history and an eclectic menu. Options range from buffalo streak to the Hessian’s Fete, a filet mignon wrapped in bacon with a stout infused sauce – served with a grilled half lobster tail, topped with a mango relish – simply suburb, desert, of course, crème broulet topped with seasonal berries and, yes served with espresso to finish. . Reservations are required. Again the wait staff is knowledge and the service impeccable.
Whether one is inclined to day sail, or visit a nearby beach, shop or take a walking tour of the rich historical sites that abound in this port city, there is truly, something for everyone – those of us who gravitate towards the sea, history and of course, fine food, will continue to return as often as possible.