No more!

Jews are growing increasingly disenchanted with the Democratic Party, a move one could hardly have imagined before the Obama presidency. And the RJC is gaining stature nationally as a vehicle of authentic “hope and change” within the Jewish American community.

Jewish liberals have always embraced social justice as a core value, but they are growing increasing suspicious of the Obama-Pelosi-Reid socialist utopian dream.
Barack Obama started his presidency with an astounding 83% approval rating among American Jews. Nine months later, that support had dropped to 64%. At the end of 2009, he was at 48%.

Jewish American scholar, commentator and author Norman Podhoretz says, “Our interests and our ideals, both as Americans and as Jews, have come in recent decades to be better served by the forces of the right.”

Podhoretz not only argues that anti-Semitism has been banished from the right over the past 40 years but points to a long history of Democrat Jews “seeing an anti-Semite under every conservative bed” while remaining blind to the reality that “anti-Semitism has found a hospitable new home on the left, especially where Israel is concerned.”

The RJC platform coincides with the same core principles that propelled Scott Brown to victory in the recent “Massachusetts Miracle.” At the top of the list is a vigorous approach to terrorism.
Where else is Obama losing support among voters? Let me count the ways!

ONLY …

… 43% say they would vote to reelect Obama.

… 37% would vote to reelect their Obama-supported Democratic congressman.

… 35% think global warming is a serious problem.

… 31% think foreign enemy combatants should be tried as civilians in the U.S. federal court system.

… 28% trust Obama to creates jobs in 2010.

… 21% think increased federal spending will help the economy.

… 18% think abortion should be legal in all circumstances.

… 13% think the stimulus bill helped save or create 600,000 jobs.

… 11% think Gitmo should be shut down immediately.

… 8% think Obama is keeping America safe.
The U.S. sent more than 165 people to Denmark for the 15th Copenhagen Climate conference.
It cost tax payers a BUNDLE. But heck, look at how many Super Important People just HAD to be there so they could forge some Super Important something or other … oh wait. They didn’t accomplish a damn thing, did they? And Anthropogenic Global Warming is a big scam besides.

To tell the truth, my only consolation in this is they say it was really, Really, REALLY cold while they were there. Now if we’d had to put out a million plus bucks to send them off to some warm, sandy beach to sip sweet boozey drinks out of coconuts, well, golleee, I’d be really pissed about that!

Attendees:
President Obama
Sen. James Inhofe
Sen. John Kerry
Speaker Nancy Pelosi and husband
Majority Leader Steny Hoyer
Rep. George Miller
Rep. Henry Waxman
Rep. Ed Markey and wife
Rep. Charles Rangel
Rep. Bart Gordon
Rep. James Sensenbrenner and wife
Rep. Sander Levin
Rep. Joe Barton and daughter
Rep. Fred Upton
Rep. Earl Blumenauer
Rep. Diana DeGette
Rep. Jay Inslee and wife
Rep. Shelley Moore Capito and husband
Rep. John Sullivan
Rep. Tim Ryan
Rep. GK Butterfield
Rep. Emanuel Cleaver
Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and husband
Rep. Marsha Blackburn
Stacee Bako
Don Kellaher
Wilson Livingood
Brian Monahan
John Lawrence
Karen Wayland
Drew Hammill
Kate Knudson
Bridget Fallon
Bina Surgeon
Mary Frences Repko
Nona Darrell
Tony Jackson
Josh Mathis
Phil Barnett
David Cavicke
Lisa Miller
Peter Spencer
Andrea Spring
Lorie Schmitt
Greg Dotson
Alex Barron
Christopher King
Shimere Williams
Tara Rothschild
Margaret Caravelli
Gerry Waldron
Ana Unruh-Cohen
Jeff Duncan
Eben Burnham-Snyder
Joel Beauvais
Michael Goo
Tom Schreibel
Harlan Watson
Bart Forsyth
Ed Rice
Steve Rusnak
Carey Lane
Matt Dempsey and wife
George Sugyama
Tom Hassenbohler
Plus, 31 additional unnamed Senate staff

State Dept:
Special Envoy Todd Stern
Secretary Hillary Clinton
Pershing Deputy U.S. Special Envoy for Climate Change
Maria Otero, Under Secretary for Democracy and Global Affairs
Ambassador Alejandro Wolff, Deputy Permanent Rep. United States Mission to the U.N.
Daniel Reifsnyder, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Environment
Lilburn Trigg Talley, Director of the office of Global Change
Sue Biniaz, Deputy Legal Adviser
William Breed, Director of Climate Change Programs USAID

Energy Dept:
Steven Chu, Energy Secretary
Jean Chu, Spouse of the Energy Secretary
Rod O’Connor, Chief of Staff
Amy Bodette, Special Assistant to the Secretary
David Sandalow, Assistant Secretary for Policy and International Affairs
Rick Duke, Dep. Assistant Sec. for Policy and International Affairs
Holmes Hummel, Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary for Policy and

International Affairs
Elmer Holt, Economist in the Office of Policy and International Affairs
Matt Kallman, Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary for Policy and International Affairs
Dan Leistikow, Director of Public Affairs
Devin Hampton, Lead Advance Representative

Interior Dept:
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar
Deputy Secretary David Hayes
Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks Tom Strickland
Science Advisor Kit Batten
Senior Advisor of Global Change at USGS Tom Armstrong
USGS Director Marcia McNutt
Deputy Communications Director Matt Lee-Ashley
Jack Lynch (Security)
Dave Graham (Security)
Mike Downs (Security)
Director of Advance Tim Hartz

EPA:
Security Officer # 1 Security, Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance
Marcus McClendon Director of Advance, Office of the Administrator
Security Officer # 2 Security, Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance
Jennifer Jenkins Physical Scientist, Climate Change Division, Office of Air and Radiation COP 15 Negotiator
Shalini Vajjhala Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of International Affairs COP-15 Negotiator
Maurice LeFranc Senior Advisor, International Climate Change, Office of Air and Radiation COP-15 Negotiator
Kimberly Todd Klunich Technical Expert, Climate Change Division, Office of Air and Radiation COP-15 Negotiator
Leif Hockstad Environmental Engineer, Climate Change Division, Office of Air and Radiation COP-15 Negotiator
Seth Oster Associate Administrator, Office of Public Affairs
David McIntosh Associate Administrator, Office of Rep.ressional and Intergovernmental Relations
Michelle DePass Assistant Administrator, Office of International Affairs
Security Officer # 3 Security, Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance
Lisa Jackson Administrator, EPA
Gina McCarthy Assistant Administrator, Office of Air and Radiation

White House Executive Office staff:
From the Office of Energy and Climate Change:
Heather Zichal
Tony Russell
Jake Levine
Joe Aldy

White House Executive Office staff:
From the Office of Science and Technology Policy:
John Holdren
Steve Fetter
Shere Abbott

White House Executive Office staff:
From the Council on Environmental Quality:
Nancy Sutley
Amy Salzman
Jess Maher

White House Executive Office staff:
National Security Council:
Mike Froman
Ed Fendley

White House Executive Office staff:
Communications:
Ben LaBolt

—————-
SOURCES:

The GOP’s common ground with American Jews by Kathy Banaszak – Jan. 26, 2010

Jews leaving Dems: ADL’s Foxman Alarmed by Clarice Feldman – Jan 27, 2010

One Year Later: The 40-Percent President By Brad O’Leary – January 27, 2010

Congress Went to Denmark, You Got the Bill By CBS News’ Sharyl Attkisson – Jan. 25, 2010

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With Kennedy, the Democrats had 60 seats in the Senate. With 60 YES votes, they can ram through whatever they like. With 59, they can’t. So this Massachusetts election is, in many ways, a referendum on the health-care issue.

And I’m not the only one who sees it this way. MoveOn.org is sending out an email to its members that says, in part,

“In 11 days, we could lose progressive hero Ted Kennedy’s Senate seat — and with it, any hope for passing major progressive legislation this year. … A Republican victory here would be a catastrophe — Democrats would lose their 60th vote in the Senate, health care could die, and the Republicans could block pretty much anything they want.”

The Boston Herald just reported that Democrats have ADMITTED that, if Brown wins, they will do whatever they can to delay his taking the Senate seat, which is currently occupied by a temporary, pro-health-care voter.

The Herald notes, “In contrast, Rep. Niki Tsongas (D-Lowell) was sworn in at the U.S. House of Representatives on Oct. 18, 2007, just two days after winning a special election to replace Martin Meehan.”

In other words, the Democrats’ attitude is “election be damned, we’ll ram this thing through no matter what the people want.”

SOURCE: “Scott Brown swearing-in would be stalled to pass health-care reform” By Frank Quaratiello – January 9, 2010
http://www.bostonherald.com/business/healthcare/view.bg?articleid=1224249

Even if you are a die-hard progressive who thinks Congress is doing a bang-up job with this health-care reform business, you should be opposed to Democrats using sleazy, underhanded means to get it passed. Any corruption in the political process undermines our freedoms and sets a precedent for whoever is in power next. And elections happen every year.

Consider these recent Rasmussen poll results:

Sixty percent (60%) of U.S. voters say it’s at least somewhat likely that the next president will be a Republican. (The question did not specify whether that next president will be elected in 2012 or 2016.)

Fifty-eight percent (58%) of voters now say Congress is doing a poor job. That’s the highest negative finding since Rasmussen Reports began surveying on the question in November 2006.

Fifty-four percent (54%) of likely voters disapprove of Obama’s performance as president and 75% of these STRONGLY disapprove. Forty-six percent (46%) of likely voters approve of Obama’s performance, but only 58% of these STRONGLY approve.

Fifty-two percent (52%) of likely voters oppose the Democrat’s health-care reform plan, while only forty-two (42%) favor it. The remainder are undecided. Rasmussen has been tracking this issue since before Thanksgiving and has found this ten point spread favoring the “against” position to be fairly consistent.

Forty-five percent (45%) of likely U.S. voters now think a group of people selected at random from the phone book would do a better job addressing the nation’s problems than the current Congress. Thirty-six percent (36%) disagree. Nineteen percent (19%) are not sure.

Americans are currently divided almost evenly between Democrats, Republicans and Independents.

Only one in three Americans currently feel that America is moving in the right direction.

——————-
SOURCES:
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/mood_of_america/right_direction_or_wrong_track
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/mood_of_america/partisan_trends
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/obama_administration/daily_presidential_tracking_poll
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/mood_of_america/partisan_politics
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/current_events/healthcare/september_2009/health_care_reform
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/general_politics/january_2010/45_say_random_group_from_phone_book_better_than_current_congress
Moveon.org By Big Fur Hat – Jan 8, 2010 @ http://iowntheworld.com/blog/?p=14586

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—————————–

SNIPS from:  “Analysis: Many question ’system worked’ comment”
By Jennifer Loven – Dec 29, 2009

Obama is dealing with … Friday’s attempt by a 23-year-old Nigerian to blow up a Detroit-bound flight from Amsterdam. … Though it ended with only a fire that was quickly put out, no lives lost and the man in custody, it has raised alarm about the government’s performance.        – How did airport security, improved at much cost after the 2001 terrorist attacks, miss the explosives concealed on the bomber’s body?        – How did the terrorist watchlist system allow Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab to both keep his American tourist visa and avoid extra flight screening despite his father telling authorities his concerns about the younger man’s radicalization?        – Why didn’t Abdulmutallab’s lack of luggage, and cash purchase for an international flight, raise suspicions?        – Why was the plot thwarted only by an apparent explosive malfunction and fellow passengers’ aggressive action?   Amid those questions, administration officials’ repeated statements Sunday that “the system worked” were jarring. They made it sound like the administration doesn’t get it, like it is paying too much attention to political fallout and too little to public fears.   For Obama, still short of one year in office, his narrative, critical or otherwise, isn’t set yet. … Rumblings keep resurfacing about emotional distance, even coldness. Whether it’s Wall Street bonuses or terrorist near-disaster, people wonder whether he feels as they do or ever acts out of passion.

Until Monday, the president had not been heard from publicly since the Christmas Day scare. He was ordering stepped-up security measures and after-action reviews behind the scenes, but also enjoying his Hawaiian vacation with games of golf, basketball and tennis and trips to the beach.   He drew questions about his level of involvement by not getting his first briefing on the incident until two hours after it was all over – and then only for 15 minutes, when he departed for the gym. http://apnews.myway.com/article/20091229/D9CT6TE80.html

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You can sign a petition in favor of his amendment here.

http://fleming.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=55?iontree=29,55

It’s very simple, takes about one minute!

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I first visited Hillbuzz when one of their postings was cross-linked at American Thinker, my favorite stop for meaty conservative think pieces. It seems the boyz at Hillbuzz had experienced a 180 degree change of heart about Dubya after the Fort Hood shooting and had written a long and passionate piece apologizing for all the rotten things they’d said about him during the previous decade.

I really respect that they could change their minds and apologize. IMHO, it shows a greatness of character, so I stayed to read some other stuff they’d written and discovered that they’re really thoughtful and often very funny guys. The more often I went back, the often I wanted to go back and yesterday … brag brag … I got honored ))) by them!

Here’s the post:

The Frog Princess Discussion Thread by Hillbuzz – Dec 11 2009

http://hillbuzz.org/2009/12/11/the-frog-princess-discussion-thread/

Today Disney releases “The Frog Princess”, its latest hand-drawn fairytale, and first featuring a black princess. …

Disney movies become instant parts of our pop culture, and because of the Race Industry in this country, this cartoon in particular is going to take on all sorts of unintended meanings on all sides. Who knows what those will be, because none of us have seen the film yet, but we’re sure it’s going to make a big impact (if not a lot of money at the box office).

Already, we see so many parallels between the current president and the film’s main villain, Dr. Facilier. Maybe when we see the movie, those similarities will disappear, but the way Disney drew its villain, he’s just a SPOT-ON send up of Dr. Utopia … as created below by a reader who was kind enough to create this photoshop for us:

Thanks again to Chrissy-the-Hyphenated for doing the Photoshop. We hope it inspires many, many more in a similar vein.

COMMENTS

TheJane Says: Great Photoshop!

Buttered Says: Hip! Hip! Hooray! for Chrissy-the-Hyphenated!

garlicnosedho Says: CHRISSY THE HYPHENATED: Bravo to you!!! Wow, it’s brilliant. Thank you!!!!

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Researchers from the UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science have genetically modified a cyanobacterium to consume carbon dioxide and produce the liquid fuel isobutanol, which holds great potential as a gasoline alternative. The reaction is powered directly by energy from sunlight, through photosynthesis. The research appears in the Dec. 9 print edition of the journal Nature Biotechnology and is available online.

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Shatner has shown up on “Tonight” several times since it premiered in June with Conan O’Brien as the host to read various Palin missives — from her resignation speech to Tweets to passages from “Going Rogue” — in the style of a beat poet.

He did so again Friday, only this time Palin emerged from backstage after he finished to return the favor, reading excerpts from Shatner’s autobiography.

Palin is wonderful and Shatner looks so flummoxed that I thought maybe he really didn’t know she was coming until I saw the photos Sarah posted. I guess he just really is a good actor! )

Her Tonight Show appearance is funny, only about 2:30 and posted here:

http://www.ktuu.com/Global/story.asp?S=11665171

and here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zKtR2aSj-0

ATTACHED: Photos from Sarah’s Facebook posting about the show

TEXT of Sarah’s Facebook posting: The Conan visit was fun – the best part was that we had Wounded Warriors with us in the audience. I can’t express how proud I am of their courage and patriotism. I’m extremely happy that Laura Ingraham had the great idea to put the simple coat from the cover of my book to good use. It’s being auctioned to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project and the Fisher House. Laura pulled it all together with a live auction that continues through December 18th. Click here to see the auction and God Bless the U.S.A!

http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=197710073434

Palin’s book sells a million copies in two weeks by Allahpundit – December 1, 2009
http://hotair.com/archives/2009/12/01/palins-book-sells-a-million-copies-in-two-weeks/

After HarperCollins massively boosted the initial run print, I wondered whether they might conceivably have to boost it again. Ten days later, we have our answer.

In all likelihood, with Christmas coming up, sales aren’t even to the halfway point yet.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091201/ap_en_ot/us_books_palin

The print run for “Going Rogue” has been increased again, to 2.8 million copies. The original printing was 1.5 million, then moved up to 2.5 million.

“Going Rogue” joins a select club of million-selling political memoirs that includes Barack Obama’s “The Audacity of Hope,” Hillary Rodham Clinton’s “Living History” and Bill Clinton’s “My Life.”

BJ’s memoir sold in excess of 2.2 million. How close will Sarahcuda come to that? Well, if the Daily Beast was right about HC aiming for a sell-through rate of 75 percent, presumably this means they think she’s going to glide in at 2.1 million or so. Or does it? If they’ve already got a print run of 2.5 million on hand, why boost production further unless they think it’s necessary to meet demand? Maybe they honestly think she’s going to sell somewhere just south of … 3 million copies.

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Image via Wikipedia

A deadly ambush at a coffee shop near Tacoma, Washington on Sunday morning left four police officers dead. The shooter, Maurice Clemmons, had a violent history that included a life imprisonment sentence. Former GOP Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee set him free, despite his violent history and vehement protestations from prosecutors and victims’ family members.

12/1 8am Eastern. Clemmons is dead. SPD found him in South Seattle early this morning and fatally shot him.

VIDEO: Huckabee Grants Clemency (set to “Yesterday” by The Beatles)

Video link posted by Allapundit who says, “It’s worth revisiting this relic from last year’s GOP primaries to remind you how much the issue dogged Huckabee even then. Given the mammoth volume of clemencies he granted, cases like Dumond and Clemmons are best viewed not as isolated lapses in judgment but as statistical inevitabilities.

Mike Huckabee ran in the 2008 presidential campaign and is considering making a second presidential run in 2012. I didn’t support him in 2008, because he has a pastoral background. Nothing against ministers, but I can’t think of a worse preparation to be Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. I hadn’t heard about his penchant for mis-applying “Christian forgiveness” to convicted criminals until today, but it merely affirms for me that my instincts were correct. Pastors should stick to saving souls and leave the dirty business of law enforcement and war to others.

Huck’s comment on the Clemmons fiasco: “If I could have known nine years ago, looked into the future, would I have acted favorably upon the parole board’s recommendation? Of course not,” he said. “One of the things that is horrible and just, again, one of the realities you have to confront is the criminal justice system is far from perfect, and in this case it failed miserably on all sides.”

Allahpundit says, “Actually, the justice system succeeded: Clemmons was locked up and hit with a nice long sentence. It was you who failed, champ. This makes twice in 24 hours that Huck has none-too-subtly tried to evade responsibility for his role in this.”

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ATTACHED: Oil and water – Senate and House health care bills – Oct 16 2009
The healthcare reform bill has passed the House and must now make it through the Senate before it can move on to Obama’s desk. As of mid-October, 49% of likely voters nationwide felt that passing no health care reform bill this year would be better than passing the plan currently working its way through Congress. Only 39% disagreed. 57% were opposed to any plan that included a single-payer system. Only 32% favor such a system.

But that single-payer system (government-run health-insurance plan) is the treasured baby of the ultra left that currently dominates the Democratic Party and the most powerful Democrats in Congress. The prospect of having that and tax-payer funded abortions foisted on us are the reason I have been feeling so bummed. But …

ATTACHED: Lieberman NO on Reid plan – Nov 24 2009
A former Democratic vice presidential nominee, now an independent, Senator Joe Lieberman is one of the 60 votes Democrats will need to force a final vote on health legislation. He absolutely opposes any health-care overhaul that includes a public option which the current bill does. His opposition is strong enough that Mr. Lieberman says he won’t vote to let a bill come to a final vote if a public option is included. So, good news. And when combined with the following, possibly even great news.

ATTACHED: HillBuzz talks about Burris and healthcare – Nov 23 2009
The HillBuzz Boys are big supporters of Senator Burris, the black fellow who was appointed to the Senate by disgraced Gov. Blagojevich to fill Obama’s seat. Burris is leading the cause FOR public option, but Hillbuzz thinks it’s his way of killing the disastrous reform bill altogether AND damaging the White House to boot. Read it. It’s only 3 pages and very interesting.

——————–
SOURCE:

49% Say No Health Care Reform Better Than Current Plan – October 23, 2009
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/current_events/healthcare/october_2009/49_say_no_health_care_reform_better_than_current_plan

HAPPY THANKSGIVING
2 Chron. 7:14 in God’s Word, He states, “If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

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A few months after taking office, Obama replaced Bush’s Afghanistan general and tasked him with taking fresh eyes to the situation and sending him a recommendation for a new strategy for winning. General McChrystal reported back to Obama privately in August with a plan that would require more troops.

Obama pronounced himself skeptical of any plan that would require more troops. And here I thought the important thing about a strategy was “Will it work?”

Silly me.

The only thing that matters to people like him is politics. Never mind the morale of troops fighting and dying in Iraq; if slamming Bush will help win elections, then have at it. Never mind whether a strategy will be good, bad or indifferent to our national security; if it might tick off the pacifist Left whose money was and is so vital to Democrats’ political security, screw national security.

A MONTH after sending in his private report, McChrystal still had gotten no word back from CINC. So he submitted a public report. Another month with no word from the White House and McChrystal took the extraordinary step of speaking to the press about the delay.

ATTACHED: Return of the crotch salute – Nov 2009

On October 31, The Washington Post reported that “More than 1,000 American troops have been wounded in battle over the past three months in Afghanistan, accounting for one-fourth of those injured in combat since the U.S.-led invasion in 2001. The dramatic increase in amputees and other seriously injured service members comes as October marks the deadliest month for U.S. troops in Afghanistan.”

On Thursday, November 19, 2009, President Obama announced that he has AGAIN decided not to decide anything about Afghanistan any time soon. Aides are certain he will definitely not make a decision before Thanksgiving, though Obama himself said he wanted “several weeks” to ponder.

This is just the latest in a long line of delays and lame excuses. He said he had to talk to everybody first and think hard and get it right. He said he needed to wait until the Afghani elections were over. (They are and the new president has been sworn in.) Then he said he had to wait until after his Asia tour, so he could consult with allies who are many thousands of miles away from the conflict.

In Tokyo, he said his decision will come soon and he is bent on “getting this right.” In Beijing, he praised himself for listening to both sides. “If I was just listening to hawks or doves on either side of the debate, then I probably wouldn’t be making a very good decision.”

In South Korea, he actually talked about Afghanistan with President Lee Myung-bak, whose government is sending 150 civilian aid workers to Afghanistan. Wow, 150 civilian aid workers. We have … hmmm, lemme think … SIXTY-THREE THOUSAND combat troops over there!

ATTACHED: Four months waiting for a strategy – Nov 2009

A MONTH ago, he told troops, “I will never rush the solemn decision of sending you into harm’s way,” which kinda begs the question of his failure to do something about the troops who are already in harm’s way and whose general says need reinforcements.

VIDEO: Oct 24, 2009 [3:24] @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tS83nhA-KY4 — erakis says, “Look at the faces of the Troops behind Obama…they do not look happy. I am sure it is difficult for them to be used as props while their comrades are on the front lines waiting for reinforcements and the order from the Organizer in Chief.”

Speaking of using troops as props … before leaving South Korea, Obama went to Osan Air Base for a quick visit. And I do mean QUICK. His plane’s wheels were on the ground for 52 whole minutes, during which there must’ve been the usual Secret Service checking things are safe, getting off and back on the plane and — unless he never left the runway — some minutes moving to and from the speaking venue.

And … oops … the whole time he was there, he never once mentioned the Big Thing our troops are most concerned about – Afghanistan. I’ve had longer, more personal and meaningful visits with Jehovah’s Witnesses at my front door.

Did they have to take time to set up TOTUS, I wonder?

Here is what he did during the brief period during which Obama had his feet on the ground at Osan. He reassured the troops of “the gratitude of the American public.”  (Yeah, we’re grateful. Is he?)  After that, he talked about himself and his eight days in Asia, made a lame joke about all the cameras snapping away — “You guys make a pretty good photo op.” Then he announced he was increasing military pay and jumped back on Air Force One.

Wow, what a guy! Grabbing an exit applause line for something he has no control over. Not only does the military get a standard annual COLA increase, but also it’s Congress (not the President) that decides how much it will be. Even worse, the amount Obama recommended to Congress for the military pay increase for 2010 was LOWER than the amount Congress decided on in the end!

ATTACHED: Truly A Man Without A Clue

At Hot Air, the commentary on his visit to Osan was SCATHING!  Below is a short list of the most representative (and least scatological) samples. Only one poster said he thought the criticism was over the top:

Risawn – He has no sense of humor, so when he does attempt to tell a joke, it usually falls flat. In this case, it was very unpresidential of him, but honestly I do believe it was tongue in cheek. There are a lot of things to criticize Obama about, but this is just nit picky and reminds me when people would criticize Bush over stupid things like this. For the record, I’m a Staff Sergeant in the Army, if that is even relevant.

I do get Risawn’s point. In fact, under normal circumstances, I’d even agree, because I don’t think it serves our cause when we behave badly. Unfortunately, this “joke” came on the heels of a very much planned and utterly out of line and offensively tacky use of dead soldiers as props in a photo op at Dover AFB on October 29. So with all due respect to the SSgt … on this one, I agree with Cindy and Bishop:

Cindy Munford – Risawn, since he’s your boss, he’s very lucky that you will give him the benefit of the doubt. To me it’s just one more unintended glimpse of this man’s soul. Or lack there of.

Bishop – President Pantload telling his personal truth again without really meaning to; everything and everyone is meant only to be a prop for good profile shots of the historic POTUS.

Other comments:

BadgerHawk – So he was at the base for less than an hour, got his picture taken, said he was giving us a pay raise (which happens every single year) and then left. Way to lead.

Poppieseeds: 10 yrs my husband spent in the military he received a raise every yr.

Brat4life – Besides, Congress is the one who approves our raises. He has to sign it but he’s not giving it to us.

Sue – Anyone seen the video of this love fest? I have to see it with my own eyes to believe our military did anything other than be polite until he mentioned a pay raise.

Spc Steve – The upcoming pay raise of 3.4% is the smallest in the past 3 years. President Obama’s proposal was 2.9%. In other words, Obama was playing three card monte with soldiers in the name of a photo op and applause on a courtesy stop. I’m less than impressed.
Our pay raises have been steadily declining since FY 2006. The attempts by the Bush administration to close the pay gap between the military and similar private sector jobs ended when the “most ethical congress evah” took control of the legislature.       The 2010 raise is less than the increase in cost of living and comes with a pretty deep cut in re-enlistment bonuses, particularly for re-enlisting in a combat zone.

Juno77 – “You guys make a pretty good photo op.” Did he actually say that? Maybe it was the TOTUS acting up?/sarc

Realist – Greater love hath no man than to provide a good photo op for The One.

WisCon – That’s the only reason he does anything related to the military.

Mwbri – Way to communicate that you understand the solemn sacrifice our armed services personnel make for our freedom, Commander-In-Chief.

Stars and Stripes – It was worse. “You volunteered in a time of war, knowing that you could be sent into harm’s way,” the president said. “Many of you served in Iraq.” The comment brought applause and affirmative shouts of “Hoo-ah!”
“Others among you served in Afghanistan.” More applause and hoo-ahs.
“… Others among you will deploy yet again,” he said.
This time, barely three or four people in the crowd made sounds of approval, then quickly fell silent.

Simon – Military response: “You make a lousy Commander in Chief.”

DrAllecon – I think Obama trying to walk out a window of the Oval Office thinking it was a door, and Obama hitting his head getting into AF1 makes for a good photo op, too.

HadithHarry – No decision on troop levels in Afghanistan until after Thanksgiving. Keep playing that fiddle Barry.

Sonofdy – Photo op, glad to know you think we are useful for something. NOW MAKE UP YOUR F#$KING MIND ABOUT AFGHANISTAN!!!!!

Kasubo – I predict he’ll announce his intention to pull out of Afghanistan on Black Friday. Not only a slow news day, but much of the country will be focused on their holiday shopping.

Skywise – Bush, “You guys make a great photo op.” MSM spends the next month slamming Bush for hating the troops, decries every action Bush has or will take and demands he step down from the Presidency. Next year they make calendars and T-Shirts with the phrase and for the next 8 years brings it up anytime somebody tries to make a positive point about Republicans. Obama, “You guys make a great photo op.” Most of MSM ignores the quote, some wink and laugh and talk about what a funny and warm guy Obama is. Next year they deny he ever said it.

Del Dolemonter – Admitted draft dodger Bill Clinton stages five aircraft carrier photo ops = “Good”. Actual military fighter pilot Chimpy Bush does one aircraft carrier photo op = “Bad”.

NeoCon – I’m kinda depressed his overseas junket is ending. I tolerate him more when he’s out of the country, even though he humiliates the U.S. every chance he gets.

Tom – Look on the bright side. If Obama is coming back into the country, then Holder must not have any more bad news for us at the moment.

Wethal – Even if Mohammed is eventually convicted and executed – by no means a slam dunk – could that result possibly be worth the pain? What sort of man could fail to take into account the pain he is likely to cause for the 9/11 families, and for the people of New York? The kind of man who told 9/11 victims that their deaths should lead to an examination of why people hated America. The kind of man who singles out a hard-working cop and calls him ’stupid’ just for doing his job. The kind of man who defends infanticide. The kind of man who jokes about Special Olympics participants. The kind of man who sides with Iran and against the families who lost loved ones in the Beirut barracks attack. The kind of man who waits until the anniversary of the fall of Poland to the Soviets to announce that he is giving in to Russia on missile defense. The kind of man who goes back on his campaign promises and forces massive, regressive tax increases. The kind of man refers to those who serve their country as a “photo op.” The kind of man who sees everyone as a tool or an obstacle — things, not persons.

Daggett – I think we need to pray for Obama. Psalm 109:8. “May his days be few; may another take his place of leadership.”

ATTACHED: Revile the flag – Nov 6 2009
What passes for “respect” from the liberal media.

—————–
SOURCES:

U.S. combat injuries rise sharply – Three-month total in Afghanistan surpasses 1,000 – October 31, 2009
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/30/AR2009103003759.html?hpid=topnews

White House aides: No Afghan decision before Thanksgiving – Nov 19, 2009
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/19/AR2009111900904.html

Obama Won’t Make Afghan Decision Before Thanksgiving, Aides Say – November 19, 2009
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/11/19/obama-wont-make-afghan-decision-thanksgiving-aides-say/

Obama to troops: “I will never rush the solemn decision of sending you into harm’s way” by Allahpundit – Oct 24, 2009 PLUS COMMENTS
http://hotair.com/archives/2009/10/26/obama-to-troops-i-will-never-rush-the-solemn-decision-of-sending-you-into-harms-way/

COMMENTARY on Obama’s visit to Osan
http://hotair.com/headlines/?p=60362

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