Ireland attempts a revolution

The middle east has seen governments violently, or turbulently fall because they have no means to change other than getting out in the streets.

Ireland has shown the way that revolutions, within a framework of a constitution can be started at the ballot box, rather than with a bullet box.

The good citizens of Ireland have tried to bring a revolution to their country within their political system. Irish voters made a fundamental change to their leadership by the electoral kicking to the curb of Fianna Fail. This is the established and well entrenched political party, who the people of Ireland blame for the dismal financial situation among other failings in their country.

This election opened the door for "new" leadership to step in. There is the "talk" of new direction and change, but talk is cheap and will this change bode well for the citizens of Ireland? Will it be change that the people desire? Or is it another political shell game?

But the question is, was there a real choice put on the ballot for the people of Ireland to enthusiastically support? Or is this just change for the sake of change and ominously for the politics of this country, there were no better options for the people to vote for.

People need to see their governments act for the citizens best interests, be fiscally responsible, have honesty and integrity so the citizens can trust their leaders.

To our Brothers and Sisters in Ireland. If this new group of leaders doesn't produce the type of government you desire, you can look to America and how we went about making fundamental change to our politics. We started the Tea party and forced the established ones to listen to us. We defeated many of the complacent double talkers and put in a new crop who promised to carry out our wishes. They have a little time to prove themselves and if they don't come through, we will get a new bunch in.

Courtesy of Thomas Jefferson: "A little rebellion now and then is a good thing."

Courtesy of our American sage, Mark Twain: "Politicians are like diapers, they need to be changed often and for the same reason."

The left wing gets the water hot with soft tyranny.

Not to alarm my PETA friends out here in the west, this is theoretical only...no frogs were harmed in the making of my metaphor....that I know of.

The premise is that if a frog is placed in boiling water, it will jump out, but if it is placed in cold water that is slowly heated, it will not perceive the danger and will be cooked to death. The story is often used as an example of humanity's inability to react to significant changes that occur gradually.

Slowly and inexorably we are being prodded down the cattle chute of soft tyranny where the government, at the behest of the president and his unelected czars, can selectively decide which laws it will obey and which laws it will ignore.

Yesterdays announcement by the Obama administration that it will not defend the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is just the latest temperature increase. This Clinton-era law bans federal agencies from recognizing the legal marriages of gay and lesbian couples and allows states to ignore such marriages. Attorney General Eric Holder said on Wednesday that he and the president believe parts of the law are unconstitutional.

Obama and Holder think the law passed by congress and signed by President Clinton in 1996 is unconstitutional so they will not defend it?

Add that to the selective enforcement of our immigration laws by the federal government. The aggressive prosecution of states which do try to enforce the immigration laws. Appointed czars in Washington passing edicts down by a stroke of the pen that cost industry and consumers billions of dollars. Efforts by unelected partisan regulators to decide what news we should see and hear and you realize we are being assaulted on all sides without our consent.

A federal appeals judge found that the Obama health care bill was unconstitutional, which carries with it an injunction to cease and desist. The Obama administration has ignored the judges ruling and carries on with the attitude of "judge? what judge?"

These are just a few examples of our how our nation of laws with its existing system of checks and balances, is slowly getting subjugated by legal legerdemain and outright illegal means. We are witnessing soft tyranny.

I ask my fellow Americans on the left how they would feel if President Jeb Bush decided Roe Vs. Wade was unconstitutional and decided not to defend it ? Or if President Palin decided that national interests overpowered existing law and it would be best to send oil drilling rigs into the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and off the California coastline? My bet would be a cacophony of protests that the country has never witnessed and there would be calls for the Presidents impeachment.

The frogs in the pot have sweat on their brows.

Wisconsin: A lesson in biased journalism

The morning AP headline on my computer screen read:

"For compromise in Wisconsin, 3 GOP Senators needed"

What the headline actually should read is: The 14 Democrat Senators who fled the state in order to circumvent the law, need to return and do their job, they have paralyzed the legislative process. There is no need for GOP lawmakers to compromise. They overwhelmingly won the election and are trying to carry out the mandate the voters of Wisconsin gave them. Elections have consequences, as our President has reminded us time and again.

When you get your information from only the main state approved media, you aren't given the whole story. So the subscribers of Irish Central, the smartest and most astute readers in the world, here's what you might have missed:

1. The state of Wisconsin is broke, it has no money left. The Governor campaigned on public union reform and getting the budget balanced. He won by a large margin.

2. President Obamas Democratic National Committee — specifically Organizing for America, is deeply involved in a state issue and has taken sides with the unions.
http://www.barackobama.com/

3. Thousands of demonstrators on the streets of Madison have been bussed in from out of state aided by Organizing for America.

4. Many who are demonstrating, called in sick to attend. Many schools have closed because 40% of the teachers have called in sick. There are Doctors on the street handing out medical excuses to the demonstrators. This is also illegal, this is documented on film.

5. Thousands of supporters showed up in Madison over the weekend to show support for the Governor. The Governor said he was getting almost 1,000 emails an hour in support.

6. In spite of bogus polls designed to make you think the public is against the Wisconsin Governor in his quest to rein in the unions, American are overwhelmingly behind the Governor.

7. Millions in the private sector lost their jobs and many millions who still have jobs have taken pay cuts. Millions have lost everything. Public sector unions need to recognize where the money comes from that pays their wages and benefits.

Just in case you didn't happen to catch the above facts that may have been omitted from your news reports. You can get the rest of the story here, on Irish Central.

Thousands fill the streets, is Greece in Wisconsin?

The television screen showed angry shouting demonstrators filling the streets of the city. At first I thought I was looking at Athens, Paris or Madrid, where angry civil workers fill the streets when their socialist governments suggest the retirement age be increased from 53 to 55. Oh the wailing and gnashing of teeth! The burning of cars! The breaking of glass! The stamping of feet!

Then I realized the streets filled with demonstrators were American and it was happening right here in the USA, the heartland of the country, Madison Wisconsin.

Where's the civility pledged so eloquently by the President at the Tucson gathering? How quickly things change as shouting protesters carry signs depicting the Governor of Wisconsin as Hitler. There have been arrests for violence and the government has been stopped from doing its business because of the demonstrators and also because the Democrat senators ran out of the state so a quorum couldn't be achieved.

Wisconsin is just first in a long line of states that have come face to face with the fact that the private sector (the goose that laid the golden egg) is in critical condition. It can't be forced to lay anymore golden eggs for awhile and when/if it does, they will be of smaller size. The private sector is tapped out and the public sector unions will have to give back some of the wage and benefits given them by their political minions. In other words unionized public employees will share the private sectors financial pain. They will have to reduce wages and benefits more in line with the private sector and there really is nothing to negotiate because there is no money left.

To complicate matters and take them to another level, President Obama has stepped into middle of this and proclaimed his support for the unions. Through his former community organizing group, "Organizing for America" busloads of protesters and organizers are descending on Madison to add to the volume and chaos. Unions from all over the country are converging on Madison. Will this be a modern day Battle of Gettysburg between the citizens of the United states and organized labor?

Governor Walker told Obama to stay out of Wisconsin and tend to his own federal budget which is wildly out of control with a 1.6 trillion dollar deficit. He said Wisconsin would take care of its own budget problems without his help.

The voters of Wisconsin overwhelmingly sent their resident tax and spend politicians packing last November and voted in a new majority of Legislators and Governor who promised to restore their state to fiscal discipline. This included dealing with the public employee unions. The newly elected officials are carrying out the will of the Wisconsin voters.

Whats lost in all of this, are the children of Wisconsin. Nowhere in the unions concerns are mentioned the welfare and education of the children. Wisconsin is # 44 out of 50 in the quality of education, almost at the bottom. Yet Wisconsin's unionized teachers are near the top in wages and benefits. Where's the cost to benefit analysis?

What happens in Wisconsin will have a powerful effect on the rest of the country.

Pat Buchanan says Obama voting "present" on budget

I happened to tune in today when two conservative commentators were on the air, Sean Hannity and Patrick J. Buchanan. They were expressing their opinions on the new US budget proposed by President Obama. The budget has a 1.65 Trillion deficit , yes that's a T!!! We are spending 1.65 Trillion more than what we take in, borrowing more from the Chinese communists and getting ourselves more in the hole, to the value of 15 trillion dollars.

President Obama says he has made cuts to the budget with a scalpel, which may be true, however the size of this deficit requires a chain saw. The smoke and mirrors and budget tricks make it seem that this is only play money. If this is the best the President can do, then he has abrogated his responsibilities. He does not seem to have the courage to get this deficit under control.

America has maxed out its credit cards. I suppose we will be asking Uncle Hu very nicely(again) just maybe he can raise our credit limit? He might have to charge us a point or two though, but what's a point or two? (1 point of interest on 14 trillion is how many zeroes?)

Buchanan said "in political circles it may be considered clever and smart for the President to let others make the financial tough decisions and let them take the heat, but our country is at risk".

In a way only Patrick Buchanan could say it, he went on: "This is deadly serious and not the time for silly political games. It is time for a bold leader not a wishy washy politician".

The President is elected to lead and make responsible decisions for our country. Sometimes those decisions will anger different segments of the population, sometimes everyone will be angry, but that goes with the territory of being President. . This is not the U.S. or Illinois Senate, where you are just one of many.

There is no where to hide. You can't vote present when you are President.

Did the Tea Party inspire Egypt's citizens?

Americas original Tea Party against the British in 1773 symbolized throwing off a tyrannical yoke on a freedom loving people. A few years later, in 1787, French citizens inspired by Americas success, took to their streets. Both the British and French aristocracy of the day, ignored their citizens protests and found out the hard way the price for being tone deaf.

Today's Tea party has inspired millions of Americans to peacefully demand that the government change direction. As a result of this grass root flexing of citizen power, there was a seismic shift in the political landscape. American voters galvanized to show their determination for change at the voting booth and sent a message to their rulers in DC.

It seems this lesson in grass roots citizens taking power back from their government wasn't lost on citizens in the middle east. In Tunisia a long standing regime toppled after their citizens took to the streets and said enough. Egypt's citizens took a cue from them and sent their ruler to an early retirement. It seems oppressed people in other countries are starting to feel the same unrest.

The citizens of Egypt, Tunisia, Algiers, Iran and the others have been and are demanding change and freedom. The wild card is that they have no present form of government structure to effect that change and with a power vacuum, what may emerge is not what they desire.

In America, there is a system in place for citizens to effect change on their government. We also have the guarantees of the constitution, to peacefully assemble in the streets and express our views. We are doing everything possible in a peaceful way to show the present government we want you to change course.

Patriotic Arizona strikes back at the Federal government over illegal immigration.

It's a sad day when a state has to sue the federal government in order to enforce the nations immigration laws. Arizonans have had it with the federal government telling them they have it all under control. Arizona is a main conduit for illegal drug smuggling and illegal aliens into our country. Peaceful neighborhoods find kidnap houses springing up in their midst. Ranchers are inundated with illegal trespassers who, if confronted can sue for harassment by immigration attorneys and some ranchers have been shot. The world is upside down in Arizona.

At a news conference in Phoenix, Governor Brewer said Arizona would counter sue the federal government for the right to police its border with Mexico. She called border security "by far the No. 1 issue" in Arizona. "Our citizens have lived with this dark cloud for too long," the Governor said. "It's time for the federal government to do its job and secure the border."

"Illegal immigration is costing us a billion dollars a year to maintain the level we're at, and the federal government sits by and does nothing," she said. "It's the federal government's responsibility to protect the public safety, health and welfare of the people of this country.

"Arizona did not ask for this fight with the federal government," Brewer said. "But now that we are in it, Arizona will not rest until our border is secured and federal immigration laws are enforced.". With grassroots support & donations from all over the U.S. Brewer says no taxpayer money will be spent on the court fight.

The Chief of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano has repeatedly said our borders are secure. However the boots on the ground in Arizona have a far different view. Local and state law enforcement/ government officials say the borders are as porous as a sieve under the feds policy, drugs and illegals come across at will.

We are either going to be a nation with borders and laws, or sink into being a hazy lawless territory where citizenship means nothing. Enough of the factions who are allowing us to be drowned in illegal immigration in exchange for cheap workers and assured democrat votes. Put the American citizens first: secure our borders and enforce the laws that are on the books.

GOP Congressman Lee resigns over topless photos

I can hear the bass tones of the Don Henley song, Dirty Laundry, as the press starts to latch on. It makes a sensational headline, front page news:"Republican Congressman resigns because of topless photos". But they are of himself, so what's the harm?

President Obama had topless photos while he vacationed in Hawaii, the main stream press breathlessly sent the images to us and boasted what an in shape president we are so fortunate to have.

Do we have a double standard here?

Obamas shirtless photos were while on an expedition/vacay in Hawaii, enjoying the surf and sun. Congressman Lee's was while he was on a different type of expedition, trolling for a good time.

In that context Congressman Lee, a married man, immediately resigned from office. It was the right thing to do, for the Congressman, his family, his party and the country. He needs to get out of the public spotlight and deal with his actions that have caused harm to his family.

There are too many seriously important issues facing our country right now and the last thing the lawmakers need is a morality scandal, the flames of which will be whipped by the press. It would be too much of a distraction at this crucial time while congress is trying to right our listing economic ship.

Our congress is peppered with quite a few who have had far more serious charges against them for misconduct while in office, yet they continue to stay, unmoved by public opinion.

Some of them only leave office after going through lengthy court trials, then get convicted and sentenced to jail. Others have been found guilty by their own congressional committees and have been censured by the full congress, yet remain in office. One sitting president made the country endure the process of public impeachment rather than resign. This lead to a polarization of our country and a lowering of moral values for our youth. The mantra of the day was "character doesn't matter", what only counts is can he do the job.

So from that perspective, Congressman Lee is a patriot for resigning, rather than dragging the country through another public scandal and/or lengthy court process.

Michelle Obama's advice: eat what I say, not what I eat

Reminiscent of Marie Antoinette's dietary advice to her French subjects, our present day Marie who occupies the White House, Michelle Obama, has been lecturing us on the virtues of eating carrot and celery sticks instead of McDonalds super sized meals. Her zeal for healthy food for the rest of us, has put federal edicts on school lunch programs and restaurants, to force them to feed the unwashed masses "healthy food".

Well, it is always a good idea to practice what you preach and lead by example so the saying goes. So when I happened to see what was on the White House menu for the super bowl glitterati guest list, I almost fell over. Expecting to see carrot and celery sticks, fresh fruit, bean sprouts and 'tofurkey' strips, the menu featured the following heart stopping items: Bratwurst, Kielbasa, Cheeseburgers, Deep dish pizza, Buffalo wings, Potato salad, Twice baked potatoes, Potato chips, Pretzels, Chips and dips, Salad, Ice Cream...Defibrillation Paddles (just kidding).

As the rest of the country dutifully struggled with Michelle Obama's dietary edicts, the first lady herself was serving up a witches brew of cholesterol, sodium, high fat, calories and sugar. Do I hear double standard?

Which brings me to another glaring double standard of do what I say, not what I do. President Obama has been lecturing the President of Egypt, Mubarrak to listen to his people who are demonstrating in the streets.

On Tuesday the Obama Administration asked Hosni Mubarak to step aside.
On Saturday morning the Obama Administration said Mubarak must stay.
On Saturday evening the Obama Administration said Mubarak should step aside.
On Sunday Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Mubarak must stay in power.

Besides sending the mixed messages to the world regarding Egypt, President Obama you should take your own advice and listen to the American people. We have been peacefully assembling in the streets and demanding a reversal of course that you have set for our country.

Listen to us Mr. President, we want you to go on a fiscal diet.

The Greatest of Presidents

February is the shortest month of the year with only 28 days. Yet it is a month packed with importance that no other month can boast. It is the birth month of Americas three greatest Presidents and another President whose potential greatness was nipped in the bud after only 34 days in office.

It is a month who sets aside a special day for lovers when Valentines days is recognized.

The entire month is celebrated as Black History Month.

Of course it is the only month that honors the mighty Groundhog who determines what our weather will be for the next 6 weeks when February 2, dawns....What power!

But without the 3 greatest Presidents who lead our country through its most turbulent eras, we might not be here today as a nation to celebrate February.

President Washington, first and only Father of our country, whose strength and determination saw us through those dark days of Valley Forge and on to victory over the British. His leadership brought us the beginning of the greatest country on earth.

President Lincoln, who saw it as his sole most important role as the leader who would preserve our union. In spite of overwhelming losses, calls for his resignation, criticisms from every corner, he persevered through our country's dark days and kept us e pluribus unum.

Which brings me to our greatest President, the humble man from humble beginnings, an Irish American who loved the USA, President Ronald Reagan. With that unmistakable twinkle in his eye, the gift of gab that only comes from a close encounter with the Blarney stone, he inspired our country to greatness in a time of national malaise and sweater wearing. When he took office we were faced with cataclysmic consequences on all fronts. Nuclear war and annihilation were a button push away.

Ronald Reagan's charismatic leadership inspired us to greatness. He steadfastly stared down the Soviet leaders which eventually broke the Soviet Union. This lead to the crumbling of the Berlin wall and opened up the floodgates of freedom around the world. We had unparalleled prosperity without the threat of nuclear annihilation hanging over our heads. He was truly a great man needed for that time. He was also the man on whose principles the modern day Tea Party is based on.

This humble man once said: " I am not a great man, I just believe in great ideas".

Happy 100th President Reagan, God Bless you up there!

PS: Could you please send us another February born President...soon!

Editors note: Feb 21, 2011 ... (NewsCore) - A Gallup poll taken ahead of President's Day reveals that Americans believe Ronald Reagan was the nation's greatest president, ...

Bill O'Reilly gets Al Gores attention

Like Punxsutawney Phil, the celebrated groundhog who pops his head up to predict the next 6 weeks of weather. Al Gore pops his head up above the wall of his coast side Montecito mansion, whenever a weather anomaly occurs.

But this time Gore surfaced because Bill O'Reilly looked out of his window and noticed that southern New York was turning into the arctic Tundra. O'Reilly remarked that he needed to call Al Gore.

Al Gore replied to O'Reilly via his website saying: “As it turns out, the scientific community has been addressing this particular question for some time now and they say that increased heavy snowfalls are completely consistent with what they have been predicting as a consequence of man-made global warming.”

Whenever I hear someone say "for some time now", my radar goes off. Some time is just that, a nano secod to a lifetime, which is it? Ever since (some time ago) the East Anglia Climate email scandals exposed temperature manipulations were used to bolster their global warming "science", worldwide skepticism of the science has risen dramatically.

No longer do the media lap up Gores pat answer to anyone questioning his man caused Global Warming thesis, as: "The argument is over, it is settled science". But it is not settled science, not by a long shot and many experts do not agree with the "science" behind the now "climate change" theology.

But undeterred by the thermometers in front of their faces, Obama and the rest of the left have herded us in a stampede to stop drilling for our own oil. They are making it difficult and expensive to mine and use our own coal/natural gas and hydro-electric resources. In fact they propose penalizing us for the use of our own fossil fuels which we have in abundance. Most of which is by regulation, not legislation and based on unsubstantiated "science".

In the meantime, we are becoming more at the mercy of despotic governments around the world, who are the suppliers of the fuel for the engines of our economy: oil.

One thing I learned the hard way was to not quit a job unless I had another one lined up. Well that is exactly what Washington DC is doing to us, quitting our most prolific and abundant resources in order to gamble on truly unproven and expensive technology of wind and solar.

Show some sense Washington, don't be at the mercy of special interests for a change, watch out for the citizens of the US. Embark now on a new Manhattan project of making the USA energy independent, exploit all of our oil, coal & hydro electric resources, let wind and solar catch up when they become economically feasible on their own. Use our real science to make our own fossil fuels clean. I am tired of being held captive by the worlds tin horn dictators who happen to have oil.