One Solution to the Mancession: More Mining

Informative article about a topic that's underreported and misunderstood by modern Americans - the mining industry.

Rebekah Rast writes, "America could easily sustain itself with its vast wealth of minerals, energy sources and other materials — all that is required is a little digging.

Instead, leaders of this country would rather import these valuable resources. It’s ironic that at a time when our economy is suffering and nationwide unemployment rates continue to rise, the federal government would choose to import rather than extract those very resources itself.

Dr. Madan Singh, director of the Department of Mines and Mineral Resources (DMMR) in Arizona, says that 56 percent of the total land area in the U.S. is not open to mining. Why?

'Permits take a long time to get and the environmentalists are constantly fighting against them,' says Luke Popovich, spokesperson for the National Mining Association (NMA).

Popovich says it can take five to seven years to open a new mine, depending on the area of the mine and how many agencies are involved and how many lawsuits you have to face from green groups.

Carol Raulston, also a spokesperson for the NMA, says it’s not so much the push-back from environmental groups as it is the time it takes to get the proper permits. She adds that this not good for investment into these operations. 'You have lots of duplicate processes at federal, state and local levels,' Raulston says. 'One agency might want you to change traffic patterns, but then that might affect your water permit, and on top of that you have to hold public hearings. These all take a lot of time.' "

There are some employment opportunities - go here.

Ed Kelley: Washington Times Puts a Liberal in Charge

The conservative Washington Times has hired a liberal as its new editor.

Although I'm sure Ed Kelley (pictured, right), who has been working as the editor of The Oklahoman, would prefer to be thought of as a 'sensible moderate.'

Under his watch, The Oklahoman ...

... attacked conservative candidates who financed their own campaigns

... attacked conservative candidates who are strong 2nd Amendment supporters

... published feel-good illegal immigration stories

... promoted gay pride teen literature

and floundered economically, while keeping the good ol' boy network viable.

Way to go, WT.

Update: Insider's insider.

'Nother Update: Look at the sort of journalists getting honored by the Gaylords (who own the Oklahoman) - Thomas Friedman of the New York Times, for one. Big J noted Friedman's obsession with global warming and living large.

Addition: A video of Kelley taking several cheap shots at Sooner State Tea Party candidates and their religious views. In contrast, Pat McGuigan, who used to work with Kelley at the Oklahoman, defends Adrian VanManen, one of the men Kelley the Shallow is attacking.

Friday Fun: Il Volo*

Even though pop-opera is not usually my cuppa tea, I'll take this trio of young Italians - Piero Barone, Ignazio Boschetto, and Gianluca Ginoble - over the cast of the Jersey Shore any day.

Can these teenagers cantare or what?



*Translated: The Flight

HT: Miz Ann

Innocence Robbed

Painful, Barbaric: National Geographic reports on the child brides of Yemen and Rajasthan.

Gov. Deval Patrick: Still Snubbing Dad

Update, from The Fatherhood Coalition, on Bay State Governor Deval Patrick’s refusal to allow a Father’s Day banner at the Massachusetts State House ...

"With little more than a week to go before Father’s Day the Patrick administration’s lead officials still refuse to give the ok to a Father’s Day banner at the State House. The latest excuse according to those who have called his State House office is that the banner did not meet the ‘standards’ required. In fact, we were told the banner and the Father’s Day message was fine by John Billera, head of the Bureau of State Office Buildings, but that The Fatherhood Coalition was ‘political’ and political signs are banned. Nothing could be further from the truth as both the organization (a non-profit not allowed to engage in political activities), and the Father’s Day message are anything but political. Gov. Patrick’s refusal to honor fathers is thus inexplicable.

Please give the governor's office a call, each day until Father’s Day June 19, and request that he reverse this decision and allow a Father's Day banner. Let the governor know he should support and honor fathers."

Gov. Patrick's number is 1 888 870-7770 or 617 725-4005. Inquiries are best directed to Mr. Mo Cowan, chief of staff.

************************************

Two interviews with Jeff Katz, TALK1200 radio, on the Patrick administration’s refusal to allow a Father’s Day banner:

Here's Dr. Peter Hill, media spokesperson, The Fatherhood Coalition

Here's Joe Ureneck, chair, The Fatherhood Coalition

In the photo: D. Patrick.

Update: The guv makes time to attend Gay Pride.

Little Boy Playboy Gets Burned

Tony Tears
Becky Akers serves up a scathing critique of Anthony 'Eat Crow' Weiner.

She writes, "To be clear, the guy is a louse. Which ordinarily wouldn’t concern me or you: a man’s priapic pictures, filthy Tweets, and infidelity are between him, his wife, and the Lord.

But we aren’t talking about a man: we’re talking about one of the sociopaths who rule us. These smug, arrogant bozos micromanage our lives to the tiniest detail – they demand that we light our homes with the bulbs they decree, drink the milk they approve, educate our children where and how they specify, watch broadcasts they regulate – yet they miserably fail at running their own affairs, so to speak. Is there a more dysfunctional set of fools anywhere than Congress? OK, yes: the average bureaucracy. Why do we listen to either, let alone pay their bills and kowtow to their every whim?"

Coz we don't really have a choice in the matter?

P.S. The very juvenile Weiner is (was?) quite the player. Yuck. It's all just a game for him ... until now.

Shocker: Mrs. Weiner is pregnant!

'Nother Shocker: Ashley Herzog blames 'the women.'

Told Ya So: When Libs Agree w/Conservatives

Maybe it's a stretch to include Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie in 'the homeschooling revolution' as we know it, but Ms. Jolie's candid, critical comments about today's schools caught my attention. Here's my newsfeed on the subject.

Discover: Dr. Lyman

He's in this promo (as is Ashley, Q, and Dale).

Starstruck: Et tu, Rick? U2, Rick.

Since Rick Santorum has formally announced that he's running for president, I formally remind readers that Rick hearts Bono and the latter's penchant to use American taxpayer monies (translation: legal plunder) for his bleeding-heart causes, like the Global Fund.

From CQ Weekly, 2005, quoting Rick: “ 'And I usually see Bono when he comes to town, too.' Santorum recently tacked on an amendment to the Senate-passed fiscal 2006 budget resolution that would add $500 million in multilateral funding for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. And he says Bono’s personal lobbying of lawmakers helps get attention to the issues. 'You bring in the president of the Life Insurance Association, and it’s a little different,' the senator says with a laugh. 'He doesn’t have the glasses or the funky clothes.' But Santorum says Bono stands out from the other celebrities who hit the Hill because he comes to meetings prepared - and follows up.' "

Gag.

Irishdude Bono, incidentally, is under fire, in Ireland, for not paying taxes.

Fear the Housekeepers

A sizeable group of hotel maids watch as DSK enters a criminal court building in NYC. Powerful visual!

The Case of the Offensive White T-Shirts

Unbelieveable! These California students did nothing wrong, but I hope they lawyer up.

Update: John P. passed along this story about a pair of UK schoolboys who got reprimanded for "making gun shapes with their hands."

Sat. Sighting: Candy Store on Wheels

My friend Rick N., of Ohio, (who must remember that I have a sweet tooth and I like big rigs) snapped this photo of a handsome truck hauling world-class chocolates.

Kilwins headquarters, btw, is in Petoskey. The company is growing, growing, growing.

Fri. Fun III: Dirk "The Terminator" Nowitzki

The Big German (also known as the Big D) is playing with an injury. But he delivers in a big way and thrills all the Heat haters. Go here. Please.

Fri. Fun II: But It's Not Really That Funny

Anthony Weiner's buddy just can't restrain himself.

Friday Fun: The 320 Square Foot Home

This family of three puts all those self-righteous greens (who don't walk the talk) to shame. The trio are homeschoolers and have a home business making baby gifts. They live debt-free and seem to make the most of the possessions they own. Well worth ten minutes of your time.

Katniss Everdeen Coming to the Big Screen

File under: Pop goes the culture.

First, a quick summary of The Hunger Games trilogy from the New York Times: "The premise of the series is that a corrupt and decadent Capitol rules over 12 impoverished districts in Panem, in the ruins of North America. Every year the Capitol authorities stage a reaping, in which a girl and a boy from each district are chosen by lottery to be tributes in the Hunger Games. When her younger sister is picked, the heroine, Katniss Everdeen, volunteers to take her place, and with the others is styled, trained and then placed in a spectacularly designed high-tech arena, to fight in the televised games until only one contestant survives.

Though the 'Hunger Games' trilogy has by now won many adult readers — there are 5.6 million copies of the series in print in the United States and Canada — it is the perfect teenage story with its exquisitely refined rage against the cruel and arbitrary power of the adult world."

Second, a quick review from TCC: Even though it's a sci-fi-ish fantasy for young people, this series delivers a powerful, unsettling anti-establishment message that, as The New York Times noted, intrigues adults (like me). Truly, it's like nothing out there - not like the Hobbit, Harry Potter, Narnia, or Twilight. Author Suzanne Collins is insightful, funny, and imaginative, and is the queen of cruel cliffhangers. She's not a decadent libertine (like the author of the 'Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' trilogy), nor is she heavenly-minded like Frank Peretti.

Instead, Ms. Collins, a children's television show writer, says she's been heavily influenced by Greek mythology.

"The Capitol" is the sort of regime that would be hated by liberals, conservatives, and libertarians alike. Katniss Everdeen, the prickly archer and main character, represents the vigilant (and armed) citizen who will protect her loved ones to the death from this Capitol's overseers. The books contain no profanity (Hurrah!), but given that they are published by Scholastic, the bigtime distibutor of books for kiddos, they deserve a 'reader advisory warning' due to the violence and a smattering of sexually suggestive material.

Final word: Lionsgate has begun filming the Hunger Games movie; it's already one of the most anticipated flicks of 2012.

Gotta keep the bread and circuses flowing, right? (Which, ironically, is a running theme in this trilogy.)

Update: Kathy Davis, a discerning reader, also has a review.

No Father’s Day banner at MA State House

I received this email from a pro-daddy organization based in Massachusetts:

"The Patrick administration has taken the extraordinary position that the State House is no place for a banner to honor fathers on this upcoming Father's Day, June 19. An application to hang a banner, as has been done by a variety of organizations and groups recently, was submitted to the Bureau of State Office Buildings, a department under the governor's jurisdiction, by The Fatherhood Coalition.

The application was denied and several requests for the governor's office to intervene have gone unanswered.

Since Governor Patrick has spoken in the past about the importance of fathers and stable families his administration's refusal to allow a banner honoring fathers is both inexplicable and disturbing. Public support for fathers, and by extension families and children, by the governor should be a priority.

Please give the governor's office a call, each day until June 19, and request that he reverse this decision and allow a Father's Day banner. Let the governor know he should support and honor fathers.

Governor Patrick's office number is 1 888 870-7770. Inquiries are best directed to his chief of staff Mr. Mo Cowan."

Like an Airhead

Florida Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, the head of the DNC and the mother of three young school-age children, clearly has mucho on her plate. Too much, IMO. In this clip she argues that illegals are "part of the backbone of our economy," ergo we must grant them amnesty. She is also dismayed that Republicans think that illegal immigration "should be a crime."

Psssst, Deb. It is a crime.

Hat Tip to William H.

I, Reefer

ESPN The Magazine features a story, in the May issue, about cold-climate cannabis smugglers.

From the article: "For years, hockey equipment bags have been the luggage of choice for the sophisticated criminal networks that smuggle Canadian marijuana into the U.S. Pot shipments of 100 pounds at a time are 'a daily event' in New York's North Country, says Franklin County district attorney Derek Champagne, who estimates that $1 billion worth of weed crosses the border into his remote jurisdiction every year. "

This Canadian marijuana is potent stuff, and it yields a decent profit for the drug runners: "A 100-pound load has a street value of about $500,000 in New York City, which helps explain why a mule who picks up a load at the border in northern New York can make $50 a pound for a four-hour drive to Albany; that's $5,000 for two hockey bags -- enough to purchase 5,000 hockey pucks on puckshop.com or one Canadiens season ticket in the Red section, provided you make it through the waiting list."

In order to appeal to the ESPN readership (translation: manchildren with disposable income), an otherwise serious article is riddled with these 'clever' ice hockey jokes.

Petoskey's Batman Brings Out the Joker (in Residents)

The Caped Crusader, mistaken for a common criminal, gets arrested.

The Caped Crusader has an aggressive attorney.

Getting justice for the Caped Crusader has become a cause célèbre.



He even has a Facebook page.

Sun. Inspiration: The Strongest Among You May Not Wear a Crown

In this promotional video, the rock band 3 Doors Down pays tribute to the National Guard. The catchy lyrics to "Citizen Soldier" are here.



I hope you and yours have a pleasant Memorial Day. Be back on Tuesday.

Politicized Child Care

Item 1: According to this article, a Chinese immersion charter school in western Massachusetts is under investigation for neglect, because a 9-year-old was "confined to a small room for over seven hours for disciplinary reasons." The student was allowed to eat lunch and go potty, but he didn't have any interaction with peers.

The little boy is now being tutored at home. The family of the boy has an attorney. The charter school's principal says the disciplinary action used against the child was "appropriate."

Item 2: A commentator at Larry Kelley's blog chimes in by sharing that he/she/heshe received an email, from a school parent, claiming that the newspaper article is wrong and that there is "no finding of neglect" and that loads of families are thrilled with this charter school.

Email also argues: "Obviously, there are some ‘powers that be’ who are opposed to charter schools. Please consider the global picture. On the federal level, it is widely recognized that it is critical for reasons of national security, prosperity, and global peace that a portion of our citizens are bilingual in Chinese as well as other languages. You and your family will benefit from the PVCICS’s [Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School] efforts and successes. I urge you to be a supporter of this important project in the interest of all of our futures."

Item 3: Larry adds that the boy's mom and dad were not contacted about the suspension; he was not allowed to see the nurse when he complained about not feeling well during the confinement, and that a child protection agency says there is "reasonable cause" to "support evidence for the allegation of neglect."

Moral of this edu-story? You supply it. My head is starting to spin.



Sidebar: The Daily Mail, of the UK, features a story about America's female teachers gone wild (and criminal).

Saturday Sighting: Petoskey Pierhead

We have a small lighthouse in our harbor. It's a tourist attraction for the many visitors that pass through the city of Petoskey in the summer months. But the crowds and yachts haven't arrived ... yet. For now, we have the lighthouse all to ourselves.

H/T to Ethan for snapping this photo of his Anatomy & Physiology classmate

Friday Fun: Dude Thinks I'm a Dude

Man up, Nathan, and try clicking on the "contact" section next time. Thanks.

P.S. The blog is named after "Roberto" not Robert.

P.S.S. I'd be happy to send you an en ingles copy of the booklet I edited, The Victims of Illegal Immigration, but it might jar your cliche-filled worldview.

Congrats, Gov. Brewer, et. al.

Re: Chamber of Commerce of the United States v. Whiting, the 5-3 Supreme Court decision which upholds the Legal Arizona Workers Act of 2007 (that imposes sanctions on employers who hire illegal aliens and requires them to use the federal e-Verify* system for new hires).

Of yesterday's 5-3 ruling, which affirmed the Ninth Circuit's ruling, Carol Helm (in the tiny photo), the director of I.R.O.N., stated, "Today is a giant win for the American Worker." She added, "Rule of law without discrimination has been upheld and must be rigidly enforced."

I'm happy Carol is happy. She's been volunteering for many years on behalf of the cause of immigration reform in Oklahoma. This is an important victory for state activists and patriots like her.

It's also nice to see the Chamber of Commerce taken down a notch.

*used by about 250,000 employers

Manchild in the New Girl Order

Here's my review, for the Belgrade News, of Manning Up: How the Rise of Women has Turned Men into Boys by Kay Hymowitz of the Manhattan Institute.

More reviews at Amazon.

The author argues that preadult* women are not only the new force in higher education, they are also outearning men in the knowledge economy. Preadult males, conversely, are regressing. They much prefer to be in the mancave, in the company of their nonjudgmental male buddies, playing Halo 3 and snacking on Chipotle burritos - far from the feminist boss or the girlfriend who wants him to 'put a ring on it.'

Ms. Hymowitz understands, very well, current cultural flash points and the realities of the age. She also backs up her arguments with credible statistics. It's a breezy read; ideal for a chick-oriented book club.

But it's also an unsettling work. Dr. Jim Eckman, president of Grace University in Omaha, also read Manning Up. He concludes that in the New Girl Order "husbands and fathers are now optional."

One caveat: Some bawdy language.

*This is the term Hymowitz uses to define those who are "college-educated, single (not married), young adults, almost always living in cities."

Lawn Ornament Possibilities

I entered the contest (See "Free Decoys.") hoping to win the antelope doe.

The Volunteer Spirit ... in a War Zone

America's best-known super-sized homeschool family, who live in Arkansas, are heading to Joplin, MO to provide assistance to tornado victims. (As of today, the media is reporting a mindboggling 117 118 122 124 deaths.)

Several of the Duggars are volunteer firefighters; training that ought to come in handy as the Show-Me State faces this catastrophe.

On a personal note: I've been through and to Joplin many times. The small city exudes that quintessential Heartland-Midwestern vibe - a wonderfully unpretentious place. Now the city's recovery will be so heartbreakingly arduous, even with all the help and prayers they'll receive from hospitable Missourians and unselfish Americans. All those displaced people ... so sad.

Update: Say it ain't so! More twisters coming to the plains and coming to Joplin!? How horrible.

Update 2: Various ideas on how to lend a helping hand.

Update 3: At least 60 injured in Oklahoma and 4 7 8 deaths.

Update 4: Still looking for Baby Skyular. Praying, praying.

Harold Camping: Prediction Machine

Radio broadcaster Camping (pictured) didn't get raptured this past weekend. That much we do know.

So now what?

The Christian Post has the latest from America's 89-year-old false prophet du jour.

The man has his groove back: "On May 21, this last weekend, this is where the spiritual aspect of it really comes through. God again brought judgment on the world. We didn’t see any difference but God brought Judgment Day to bear upon the whole world. The whole world is under Judgment Day and it will continue right up until Oct. 21, 2011 and by that time the whole world will be destroyed."

Mr. Harold has a degree in civil engineering. From Berkeley, no less. Whassup with that? Orderly, logical engineers aren't known for such, er, creative apocalyptic doomsdaying.

Racketeering Academics

This video, released by the National Inflation Association last week, is an expose of the college-industrial complex. Oh, I love it. Love it!

From the blurb: "NIA today officially released the most comprehensive documentary ever produced about higher education in the U.S. NIA’s hour-long documentary called ‘College Conspiracy‘ exposes the facts and truth about America’s college education system. ‘College Conspiracy’ was produced over a six-month period by NIA’s team of expert Austrian economists with the help of thousands of NIA members who contributed their ideas and personal stories for the film. NIA believes the U.S. college education system is a scam that turns vulnerable young Americans into debt slaves for life.

NIA tracks price inflation in all U.S. industries and there is no industry that has seen more consistent price inflation this decade than college education. After the burst of the Real Estate bubble, student loans are now the easiest loan to receive in the U.S., and total student loan debts now exceed credit card debts. The government gives out easy student loans to anybody, regardless of grades, credit history, what they are majoring in, and what their job prospects are. NIA believes it is illegal for the U.S. government to be in the student loan business because the U.S. constitution doesn’t authorize it. Just like how the U.S. government created Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to make housing affordable, but instead drove housing prices through the roof; the U.S. government, by trying to make college more affordable, is accomplishing the exact opposite and driving tuition prices to astronomical levels that provide a negative return on investment.

The U.S. has been experiencing 5.15% annual college tuition inflation this decade. Despite this, 70.1% of high school graduates are now enrolling into college, a new all time record. 2/3 of college students are now graduating with an average of $24,000 in debt. There is nothing special about getting a college degree if everyone else has one, and it is certainly not worth getting $24,000 into debt to camouflage yourself into the crowd."

Hat tip: John P.

Sunday Inspiration: Matthew 24:26

Since 'Judgment Day' was a non-event (at least on May 21, 2011), I think Jesus should have the last word about when He's going to return: “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.”

Neener-neener alert: Andy Malby says the world will end on Dec. 21, 2012.

One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish

In the photo: Some of the aquarium fishies available at Meijer. It's the neon tetra, which has blue and red in it, that rules. Can you spot it?

I wonder how many children, preoccupied with electronic gizmos and age-inappropriate distractions, even like gazing at small, colorful fish in tanks anymore.

Or, reading and enjoying the classic Dr. Seuss book.



Missing simpler, humbler days.

Another May Day Casualty

This letter appeared in the most recent Amherst (MA) Bulletin.

"Tea party member angered by vandalism"

To the Bulletin: I would like to thank the person or persons who vandalized (keyed) my car while it was parked at the Dion Tack Shop on Route 116 in Amherst on May 1, causing over $4,000 in damage. As it was the only car vandalized in the middle of the day on a Sunday, in a rural area devoid of street gangs and foot traffic, I have no doubt it was targeted by a patron of the Dion Tack Shop because of the "Tea Party Patriot" bumper sticker on my rear window and not because it bore a Connecticut license plate!

Happening on the celebrated communist holiday of May Day also gives one insight into the mind of the individual, if such persons could actually think for themselves. Thank you for proving once again that you who claim the high road and accuse those having opposite political views of being intolerant and hateful will stoop to the level of street punks, themselves hateful and self-righteous in addition to being common criminals.

I also thank you for demonstrating that Amherst, Smith and Hampshire colleges have not only not instilled civility in the populace but foment such actions through infiltration by radical, left-wing professors of the Bill Ayers persuasion.

People have had enough and this nation has woken up. Our difference is that we're not street punks or paid protesters but hard-working, self-made people in a country where the freedom to excel also gives you the freedom to act as you do. I believe you're actually doing good for this country by demonstrating who and what you are. Keep it up. You're precisely what's wrong with this country.

Our current, but soon-to-be-former leadership encourages actions such as yours by painting the opposition with his and your own attributes. The left calls us ignorant, greedy, self-centered, misguided, intolerant, hateful and racist -- just a few of the many epithets the left wing uses to denigrate the opposition. By your actions you're proving your hypocrisy.

Happily, your message is getting through loud and clear. No one we've spoken to, police included, shows any surprise this could and would happen where it did.

Steve Podhajecki
Norfolk, Conn.

TCC note: Steve generously volunteers with the ambulance service pictured above. Poor guy.

Fri. Fun: Jon Stewart Raises His Eyebrows

Economist and not-amusing actor Ben Stein has been busy defending DSK. Comedian Jon Stewart nicely takes Stein DOWN. The fun starts at the 2:12 mark.

The Daily Show
Tags: Daily Show Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,The Daily Show on Facebook

Update: Larry Kudlow, an economist in the Ben Stein mode, wants to 'fix' the IMF. Where do they get these tools?

Friday (not) Fun: SEIU May Day Photos

If you missed the civic-minded folks gathering in Los Angeles on May Day.

Be my guest.

Or, if you prefer.

Be my guest worker.

See how the self-described commies defiled Lady Liberty and patriotic Americans. How dispiriting. Why do these people even live here?



H/T: Mrs. Santana

That's Just Gay

Whoops. I'm not supposed to utter that phrase according to some self-righteous athletes.

But isn't it so appro-pro after Newt and Calista Gingrich get a bucket of glitter confetti dumped on them in Minneapolis by a rainbow-coalition supporter.



Immature. Tasteless.

Lionizing Persuasive Wordsmiths

The International Policy Network, the sponsor of the Bastiat Prize for Journalism, has announced another writing contest: the R.C. Hoiles Prize for Regional Journalism. Go here for details.

If you are unfamiliar with the Bastiat Prize, which was created in 2002, here's a little summary: " ... inspired by 19th-century French philosopher Frédéric Bastiat’s compelling defence of liberty and eloquent explanations of complex economic issues. Judges have included former UK Chancellor Lord Lawson, Pulitzer prize-winning author Anne Applebaum, former Bastiat Prize winner and best-selling author Amity Shlaes, Lady Thatcher and Nobel laureates James Buchanan and the late Milton Friedman."

Besides cash awards, winners also receive an engraved crystal candlestick. The Candlemakers' Petition is a satire about protectionism written by Bastiat. The essay is here in English. It's here in français.

More Bang for the Buck: Ivy League v. Community

I like how he thinks. A convincing article on the cost-effectiveness of community colleges.

Don't Be An Immigration Girlie-Man, Mr. Smith

The American Enterprise Institute has published a piece, by one Nathan Smith, called "What If Justice Demands Open Borders?"

What a mishmash of girly-man thinking, to quote a famous immigrant who is, of late, having to publicly man up.

Smith writes: "Open borders would lead to more inequality and visible poverty in the United States. But the great injustice in today’s world is not economic inequality within countries, which partly reflects people’s effort and choices, but economic inequality between countries, which is larger, and which guarantees some people a relatively comfortable life from birth, irrespective of their merits and efforts, while trapping others in desperate poverty."

And this: "Immigrants are 'stealing our jobs,' critics say. The truth is that most workers cannot substitute for one another. Their skills, locations, habits, and relationships are too different. Deporting an illegal immigrant might just mean one less job in the economy. It might mean two less jobs in the economy: the illegal immigrant’s, and the manager or coworker whose work was complementary with his. It all depends. There is not much reason, theoretical or empirical, to think illegal immigration affects the employment rate of natives one way or the other."

And this: "Since 2008, there seems to be a feeling that the United States is in decline, that a great stagnation has set in, that Americans’ customary optimism is obsolete. One antidote to this declinism can be found in the ideal expressed on the Statue of Liberty:

Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
Send these, the homeless, the tempest-tossed to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door.

That famous poem remains part of American patriotic mythology, even after a hundred years of immigration restrictions have been betraying it."

Oh, brother.

Can you imagine the reaction of these long-suffering folks to this la-di-da way of thinking?

Their response should be: Su opinion no es muy importante para nosotros.

Tawk: Bronx Meets Brooklyn*

This should be good.

From Mike Cutler: "I taped a brief interview yesterday for the Michael Savage (pictured, left) radio program, 'The Savage Nation' that will air today at approximately 8:30 PM, Eastern Daylight Savings Time.

Here is the link."

*Mike S. was born in the Bronx. Mike C. lives in Brooklyn.

Attack of the Public Service Announcements

This PSA was shown during the NBA playoffs.

Next, came the one below:



There's a game tonight (Oklahoma City Thunder v. Dallas Mavericks). Wonder if there'll be a number three PSA.

Idea: Tim Hawkins and friends should make a PSA making fun of such PSAs. They got the chops for it. In the video below, they make fun of teens wanting iPhones, baggy pants, texting, and Beyonce.

Bravo, Matt! Bravo, Florita!*

My hatchback is almost as old as the Drudge Report. Both are still fine-tuned machines (without all the bells and whistles) that get the job done, and get it done well.

*My car's name.

Globo-Socialist and Possible Serial Rapist

Dr. Ron Paul, passionate critic of globalist financial schemes, offered his thoughts about Dominique Strauss-Kahn (pictured, right), the International Monetary Fund head who was apprehended in New York City on an attempted rape charge. "These are the kind of people that are running the IMF and we want to turn the world finances and the control of the money supply to them," Paul said. "That should awaken everybody to the fact that they ought to look into the IMF and find out why we shouldn't be sacrificing more sovereignty to an organization like that and an individual like he was."

Character counts! Thank you, Dr. Paul, for telling it like it is.

DSK is 62 years old and was arrested “on charges of criminal sexual act, attempted rape, and an unlawful imprisonment in connection with a sexual assault on a 32-year-old chambermaid in the luxury suite* of a Midtown Manhattan hotel yesterday.”

HT: KR

*$3000 a night!

Aside: This unnecessary attack on Ron Paul (described as the "butt of jokes) by a Tea Party 'insider' (big whoop) reveals a pettiness in character. Note to Warner: What the AP wrote was a compliment, Dude.

Sherry Lee Presses On: Bless Her Heart

Mrs. Lee, widow of Tom Lee and mother of 13, has a prayer request.

Via her blog, this is for one of her sons who was badly injured when the tornado hit their Alabama home.

She writes: "Jacob (in the photo) was pinned face down between the piano and a large beam for hours after the storm. He was carried to the triage center and the hospital that night and received excellent care, but we noticed days after his release that he only smiles with one half of his mouth. I asked our doctor friend what he thought and he asked if Jacob could close his eyes. I never would have even thought of that. He checked Jacob and found that he could not close both eyes completely. He recommended that I take him back to see the neurologist, and I am so grateful. My step brother is also a medical professional and recommended the same thing. The neurologist saw him immediately and gave him a prescription and eye drops. My prayer request is that Jacob's nerve damage will heal nicely and that his eyes will be protected."

25 Years Later, It's the Better Advice

With all the handwringing about bullying and all the chatter about school readiness, this article, written in 1986 by the husband-wife team of Dr. Raymond and Dorothy Moore, contains many pearls of wisdom about improving the well-being and education of young children.

Their suggestions (which, in this day and age, are considered subversive):

1) More of home and less of formal school;

2) More free exploration with the guidance of warm, responsive parents and fewer limits of classrooms and books;

3) More concern for readiness for learning and ability to think and less training to be simple repeaters;

4) More attention to educating parents and less to institutionalizing young children;

5) More and higher priorities to child-rearing and fewer to material wants; and

6) More old fashion chores — children working with parents — and less attention to rivalry sports and amusements.

More old fashion play would also make my list. I'd also add the adjective "patient" to #2. Oh, and read, read, read to your little kids.

Pictured: Raymond, who passed away in 2007, and Dorothy, who passed away in 2002.

Waiting on the 'Cable Guy'

Sorry, I'm having issues with my internet service provider ... probably won't be posting till Monday.

Fri. Fun: "Batman" Gets Arrested 2 Miles From My Home

This Batman impersonator seems more disturbed than dangerous. And what a tacky getup. Honestly, I found his escapade risible; glad no one was harmed.

Update: Maybe he, too, had Navy SEAL aspirations.

Glide, Swivel, Whippoorwill, Peep Squeak

I enjoyed this short descriptive article about the small nocturnal critters of northern Michigan.

That's a photo of a "flying" squirrel.

Aside: Do you Baby Boomers remember Rocky and Bullwinkle?

Everybody's Talking About OBL

My latest Belgrade News column is up.

I asked various Americans (including Dane Fletcher who plays for the New England Patriots and was a Montana State University football standout) what they think of the demise of Osama bin Laden.

Focus Group Favorite: Herman Cain

After hearing Herman Cain's to-the-point, sensible responses to Eric Bolling's questions, it's understandstable why he made such an impression on this focus group. The pair chat about immigration, the debt ceiling, and the Obama Administration. (Eric was subbing for Glenn Beck.) Herman's website is here.

NumbersUSA gave the folksy H.C. a grade of "D+" for his immigration views. Given how many categories were left blank on his scorecard, this low grade seems premature and/or unfair.

Human Smuggling Goes First-Class

Only the best accomodations for these illegals.

From the New York Daily News: "A Malaysian man smuggled illegal Chinese immigrants into Brooklyn in style - aboard the ultraposh Queen Mary 2 cruise ship, federal authorities say.

Five women and four men were taken into custody last month after the QM2 - touted as the most luxurious ocean liner ever built - arrived at the New York Cruise Terminal in Red Hook.

The accused smuggler, Fatt Kwee Wong, told agents he was paid $3,000 for each of the nine passengers by an unidentified person in China. The illegal immigrants also forked over $500 each when they boarded the ship in Dubai, according to court papers."

Deer in the Flash

A wannabe wildlife paparazzi stalks and snaps a beauty at twilight ... and, unfortunately, captures the proverbial deer-in-the-headlights look. Help!?

It Gets Better?

My, my, the cutting-edge, avant-garde, push-the-envelope celebrity people can't bring themselves to advise picked-on gay kids to just get out of these pedestrian public schools.

Thomas Lee Family Update

The Lee Home, Pre-Tornado

Earlier this month I blogged about Tom Lee, the heroic homeschooling father of 13, who died saving members of his family during the recent tornado outbreak that devastated north/central Alabama.

I communicated with the late Mr. Lee's cousin, Jimmy Horton, who shared that a furniture company is going to donate a full house of furniture and that there has been an "outpouring of support" for the heavily-impacted family. Before the tornado hit, the Lees lived a modest, homesteading-type lifestyle.

If you are also interested in making a donation to the Lees, please contact me for further information.

The Lees have a website in which Sherry (Mrs. Lee) did report some gratifying news: "Our son and daughters are out of the hospital now and are healing nicely. Two daughters require physical therapy and are using a wheelchair and a walker, but full recovery is expected."

PTL.

Supermom

What a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious story! Last year, in Australia, a premie was pronounced dead by a doctor in a hospital in Sydney. Kate Ogg (the mom) cuddled, fed, and talked to baby Jamie for two hours after the M.D.'s grim prognosis. A midwife taped the miracle that occurred.



Happy Mother's Day!

HT/AS

Saturday Sculpture: "Time"

The futuristic-looking sculpture is part of a collection found in the Harris Garden of North Central Michigan College.

Friday Fun: Deathers

No Closure for 9-11 Father

I'm writing a column about OBL, and yesterday afternoon I spoke with Peter Gadiel.

Peter's son, Jamie, died on 9-11. He worked on the 103rd floor of the North Tower.

Peter, a forthright man who believes our borders should be sealed, shared that he appreciates and understands the spontaneous outpouring of joy among his fellow Americans that the announcement of bin Laden's death has caused. But he won't be waving a flag or taking to the streets. Instead he states, "I'm glad to see justice done. But there's no closure for me. My son is not here. I don’t find much to celebrate."

He expanded upon those remarks in a column for CNN. In my opinion, he strikes the right tone.

Re-Inventing the Phoenix University Model

From the Mid-America Christian University website: " 'In the Industrial Age people went to college. In the Information Age, the college must come to people,' President [John] Fozard said at the April 8 grand opening of the new campus. He was quoting renowned business expert Peter F. Drucker, who saw years ago that technology and lifestyles were changing the future of education."

Roman Owen's Moneyball

While attending Tuesday night's NBA playoff game in OKC (Thunder v. Grizzlies), spectator Roman Owen was selected to shoot from halfcourt during a timeout. He not only made the shot, he won $20,000 from the MidFirst Bank. Yowza!

Roman is a former hoops teammate of the youngest Lyman child. The Oklahoman's sports editor does a nice write-up about him and notes Roman's new status as a 'folk hero.' Even Kevin Durant, the Thunder's star, noticed him on his Facebook page.



Here's a quality version of the video.

Congrats, RO! Enjoy your 15 minutes ...

Humor Her on Mother's Day

A saucy gift for mom? Ordering information is here.

This colorful mug tweaks the saying a bit, but it's the same price as the plaque.

A Modern Woman Elects to be Second Fiddle

Kate Middleton's next career move: homemaker and supportive wife. That sounds waaaay unambitious given that she just starred in the wedding of the century. But since she's now a powerful role model for many young ladies, perhaps the Duchess of Cambridge will breathe new life into an age-old calling that's fallen on hard times.

Update: The perk this housewife rates while she grocery shops in pricey boho duds - a hunky security guard.

After Osama: A Soldier's Advice

Allan Wall (pictured) writes, "The killing of Osama bin Laden is a great opportunity for us. We should declare 'Mission Accomplished' and withdraw our troops from Afghanistan. We could actually be out by the 10-year anniversary of the invasion on October 7th. Wouldn’t that be fitting? After all, the original purpose of the invasion was to get bin Laden, and now he’s been killed. Mission Accomplished.

So what would we do with all the soldiers we bring back from Afghanistan? Put them on the Mexican border, of course!"

Of course!

(Read the rest here.)

Update: The Silence of the SEALS; a word about "Team 6," the highly-skilled warriors responsible for hunting down Mr. bin Laden.

Fight v. Flight: Mob at the TUSD Meeting

Watch obnoxious Arizona students illegally disrupt a school board meeting. Watch spineless adults do next to nothing.

Wait! Some of the 'adults' were complicit in encouraging this brouhaha. Pathetic.




My turn to chant:

Separate!
School and State!

See author Sheldon Richman's excellent interview, below, on this very topic.
If you want to go with the ethnic-studies-Tuscon-flow, albeit in an orderly manner, you can even read a defense, in Spanish, of Sheldon's ideas. Go here.

Now, Release the Osama Photo, Obama

Just include the obligatory "viewer discretion is advised." But, yes, it should be made public, ASAP.

Update: iSteve has a plethora of meaty posts about the bin Laden-Islamabad-Abbottabad connection. Head on over ... now!

And, yes, this hasty business of 'burying the body at sea' is very weird.

'Nother Update from Mr. Michael Cutler: "Hi Gang, By now I am certain you know that while most Monday's can be problematic - this Monday is truly fabulous! Osama Bin Laden met his demise yesterday at the hands of some of America's best members of the military and intelligence services - what an excellent way to start the week!

Later today, at 4:00 PM Eastern Daylight Savings Time, I will be on the Armstrong Williams Radio Show to discuss what this means for America. His show is broadcast daily on WGCV Radio in Columbia, WLMC Georgetown, SC, WCPK Chesapeake, VA, from 4-5:00 PM and Sirius/XM Satellite Radio New 128 daily from 7-8:00 PM."

Oklahoma: Buckle of the Qur'an Belt?

Imam Gülen
This Oklahoman article - "Schools' backers say Islamic ties pose no threat" - is about four successful Sooner State charter schools that were founded by members of the Turkish Student Association at Oklahoma State University. One researcher claims that the schools are Gülen-inspired schools (Gülen being Muhammed Fethullah Gülen, a Muslim scholar who supposedly condemns terrorism). There are 120 similar schools in the United States, and the FBI is investigating the ones in Pennsylvania due to speculation that school employees are required to "kick-back 60% of their salaries to Gülen's Hizmet [movement]."

The story, which I encourage you to read, prompted a guest blog from Howling Hurricane.

HH writes: The extremely red tax dollars of the uber-conservative Okies flow freely to charter schools founded by Muslim Turkish nationals (to the tune of $8 million per year for four schools). Is this what charter-school advocates had in mind when they championed this publicly-funded experiment in school choice? But the door is wide open, and educational visionaries are comin' on down for some of that Sooner State hospitality and government largesse. At least these schools are helping to ease the unemployment crisis in Turkey and other Muslim countries, given that many of the teachers and administrators are here on H1-B visas,* doing the work educated Americans either can't do or won't do. Aaah, the tasty fruits of multiculturalism ...

*According to this report, “Gülen schools are among the nation’s largest users of the H1B visas. In 2009, the schools received government approvals for 684 visas ...”

Sun. Inspiration: Det. Derek "Mac" McLaughlin

Mac and Jen
Twenty-two years after Cindy Jo Zarzycki, age 13, was last seen at a Dairy Queen in East Detroit, MI, Detective Mac and his young partner, Jen Leibow, solved the case and located the teenager's remains.

Dateline did a long show about Cindy's disapperance, which took place in 1986, and the cop who just wouldn't give up. Mac spent 13 (13!) years on the case and grew quite close to the longsuffering Zarzycki family, especially Ed, Cindy's gentle dad.

Cindy