We Did Say Global Warming Was a Stealth Redistribution Plan

Anyone paying even semi-attention knows that the Great Global Warming Swindle was about nothing more that a covert plan to redistribute people's hard-earned money to politicians. Hell, I've been writing that for the last eight years on this blog (officially tomorrow).

As if we needed more proof, we have this:

Successive federal governments have spent more than $5.5 billion over the past decade on climate change programs that are delivering only small reductions in greenhouse gas emissions at unusually high costs for taxpayers and the economy.

It’s all been for exactly nothing. The precise cost of the 17 programs analysed is $5.62 billion, which equals the pre-tax average annual wages of nearly 90,000 Australians – every cent of it blown to hell.

And that's just lightly populated Australia. Worldwide, I'd imagine that number is multiplied a thousand times and all for nothing. Meanwhile, we still no clear science showing that it's actually happening.

Oh well, at least Al Gore made his hypocritical billion dollars and can allegedly assault massage therapist's at his leisure.

Saturday Afternoon News & Notes

A rainy day is good for lazing around. I'll think that's what I'll do. Maybe read a book then watch the Phillies.

Here's some quick hits from around the web:

-Hawkins issues a call to arms for conservatives. Maybe he hasn't read alot but a great many of us have been fighting this way for a long time.

-Obamatons are slowly realizing that Obama used them for political expediency and really doesn't give a damn about giving them hope that he will change what bothers them. Update: Jeralyn at TalkLeft--one of the tolerable lefty sites but she's not the Koolaid drinker most on the left are. They'll rationalize it somehow.

-Did Obama send Biden to an undisclosed secret location to get him to shut up?

-It's the 70's all over again. Obama's politics are like Carter but his strong arm tactics are reminiscent of Nixon.

-The Obama administrations mea culpa to the world and the Obama policy of making us appear weak are being welcomed as expected around the world. First the Russians are getting a bit froggy and Australia is building up their navy because of fear of China. we have fallen more dramatically on the military side in the last 103 days then we have in the last 103 years.

Tuesday Afternoon News and Notes

Happy Tuesday.

Here's what's new in the solar system:

Howard Fineman almost criticizes Obama. He's still on his knees but is realizing that The One may not be the one.

The San Francisco Examiner shows how to really criticize a president. Perhaps the aforementioned Fineman should take notes. You know the BHO administration is a mess when a Frisco paper belittles him.

Pelosi abuses her office and the Air Force by using AF planes as her own personal shuttle. I wonder what her carbon footprint is and I wonder how much the Air Force personnel enjoy having the Diva of Dc aboard so often.

The Chinese Navy is getting chippy. Perhaps it's time to show them who the big fish in the sea still is. I think sneaking an SSN in and pinging the hell out of them would suffice. Hell, they did it to us.

How's that "smart diplomacy" thing Obama promised working out? Not so well. My new favorite mistake is Shrillary claiming that America is an older democracy than anything in Europe. Amateur hour continues.

New Aussie alcohol guidelines explained.

You may recall when Israel launched a raid on Syria back in 2007. It didn't get much play at first because neither the Israeli's nor the Assad said anything about it. Some picked up on it and we eventually heard it was a nuke facility. Here's the rest of the story thus far and a must-read.

Monday Night News and Notes

I'm still on the East Coast clock so I'm all fubar here. I expect 24 to start in an hour and a half not 4 1/2 hours.

Anyway, here's what's happening around the Internet:

Treacher brings us The One pulling a Gerald Ford boarding Marine One complete with appropriate music. Awesome:



That video above is pure gold. Obama has been shown to be less than the Smartest Guy on the Planet over his first month, huh?

Laura Rosen Cohen ponders The Silence of the Leftists.

It seems that the Melbourne fires are Kevin Rudd's Katrina.

Nice, an attorney takes an unorthodox approach in battling the ACLU.

What was old is new again. Obama goes back to the Clinton years in more ways than hiring retreads.

A must read by Michael Totten who helps lead the world of citizen journalism. Please give him a donation if you can to keep reports like these going. I'd love to have a beer with Totten and Michael Yon one day.

Australia Suffering Massive Fires

I'm currently in my former town of San Diego--a place that has seen it's share of recent wildfires.

This time it's not in California, it's Australia and it's a nightmare.

This picture gives a bit of the scope:


My prayers to those affected and those who have the job of fighting it.

Keep up with Tim Blair as he's noting any new news.

Tuesday News and Notes

The second to last day of the year saw Rod Blagojevich give the finger to the Senate and other news. it's all below.

Sarah Palin selected as Most Desirable Celebrity Neighbor. Probably because she is like most of the neighbors you already have.

The 7 Biggest Political Blunders of the Year.

San Francisco "Progressives" not really all that progressive. It sounds as though they're a bit racist...how dare they in this year of hope and change.

Shocka! Bias at CNN.

Paris helps the Aussie economy.

Gender Correctness

Yes, it's a fact that this site is 88% manly.

Tim Blair...er, uh, nevermind. I'm not sure what a "nancy" is, but...er, nevermind.

An Aussie Invasion

Tim Blair is making his way to the states again:

I’m headed for the election excitement in friendly Chicago, where respected Midwestern political authority Iowahawk will join me in a frenzy of change, belief, community organising and rampant wealth redistribution. Posts to commence shortly – and please read this Saturday’s Daily Telegraph for your complete Ayers-to-Zogby US election primer.

Tim should feel free to vote while in Chicago as the election laws we have have been greatly relaxed--but only if you're an Obama supporter. When they try to question you about your selection of McCain instead of The One, just start saying things like "vegemite" and start talking about cricket and you should have them confused enough that they'll allow you to continue.

Update: Better yet Tim, just say "...that's the Chicago way" like Sean Connery in The Untouchables. Most Americans don't know a Scottish accent from an Australian accent anyway

Snooze

On 11 September 2001, the World got a wake-up call.



Since then, it seems the World has rolled over, hit snooze and gone back to sleep.

In the last fortnight in Australia, Islamic clerics have been convicted of terrorism, and plotting the most awful crimes against humanity and the society which has provided them food, shelter, and plenty of money.

The hearing had been told the group originally planned to launch a terrorist strike on the 2005 AFL Grand Final between the Sydney Swans and the West Coast Eagles at Melbourne's packed MCG.

When ASIO and police raids disrupted these plans, the target was allegedly switched to the final of the AFL pre-season competition or Melbourne's Crown casino during Grand Prix weekend in 2006.

The hearing was told that Benbrika had tried to obtain up to 500kg of explosives made from ammonium nitrate fertiliser from an undercover police officer and some of his followers had tried to buy guns, including AK-47 assault rifles.

Federal Attorney-General Robert McClelland welcomed the convictions, describing the case as "the most successful terrorist prosecution that this country has seen".

That report, was a mere 5 days after the anniversary of 9/11. You'd think people had such matters in the forefront of their mind.

Due to some unrelated political upheavals locally however, there was not a single letter to the editor about this in any mainstream newspaper down here, today. It was yesterday's news the day it was reported.

Wake up Australia.

Meanwhile, the restrictions on 'sub judice' reporting mean most of the facts of this trial weren't reported until much later. I cannot help but wonder whether hearing about it months ago may have changed our last federal election result. Instead, Prime Minister John Howard was given the boot and we had to listen to people saying how relieved they were that his 'racist politics' were history. Some of those politics might have prevented this person entering the country or seen him deported. Instead, his deportation had been overturned and the results are there for everyone to see.

Managing Islamic immigration is a discussion we need to have. Sadly, it's just not on the agenda.

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...

Monday News & Notes

Updates from around the Internets:

Yeah, I question this Aussies patriotism.

Suppose President Obama (shudder) meets Justice Clarence Thomas.

Journalists are protecting the Soviets Russians like they're John Edwards or something.

Fat, ugly Hollywood has been lashes out at those who may lean to the right. Uh Roseanne, Jolie married Brad Pitt, you married (and lost a great deal of money to) Tom Arnold. Case closed.

With mistakes like this, I can't wait for the Dem convention. I expect a riot on the floor and a mini Gitmo in the warehouses. Dude, 2008 will make '68 look like the GOP convention in 1996 where we threw up sacrificial lamb Bob Dole.

Asian Porn

Watch and Cheer

Friday Night Music--Aussie Edition

In honor of this site bringing in an Aussie, we dedicate tonight to Aussie music.

The Aussies have given us good, bad and so-so. I'll show all three types.

Welcome Dan.

First we have a great band that melded blues with metal and had a singer whose voice sounded like he gargled with broken glass. I've always loved Angus who never was the greatest but made great music with the abilities he possesses. Bon Scott was a one-of-a-kind rock singer who flamed out way too early.



Next we have a song that any guy of my age remembers fondly. When the The Divinyls I Touch Myself came on MTV, a testosterone-filled boy would definitely stand up and pay attention. We just prayed that Mom wouldn't walk in the room while it was on and doubly prayed she didn't actually make us get up and take out the garbage if you know what I mean:



Next we have a video that essentially introduced many Americans to Australia rightly or wrongly. Men at Work, a band I'm sure that Aussies regret:



Finally, a band that rocks and is the new sound of Australia. Jet makes a gaggle of music for the amount of dudes in the band and will have a long career I suspect. They remind of Blink 182 with the energy they project. I've never seen Jet but friends have and they say live they are an amazing bar band that has to be seen to be appreciated. Here's a 2004 live edition of Are You Gonna Be My Girl from Japan:



I couldn't bring myself to post Peter Garrett and Midnight Oil. Garrett jumping around always made me think his friggin' head was going to pop off. Judging by his politics, it might not have been such a bad thing. I also will not post other noted Aussie acts like Helen Reddy and the Bee Gee's. Why embarrass our new friend?

But I will post this other Aussie who gave a whole generation of us young Americans a woody:

Both Kinds of Music

Infrequent listeners of Country and Western Music in Australia often ask why Australian performers tend to sing with an American accent, when they probably can't even spell Tennesee let alone have traveled there.

Australian performer Peter Denahy has no such issues. This song will make sense to anyone who has (or ever was) a teenager. It's also hilarious.

Happy Australia Day

To my friends down under: enjoy the day. I've been there only once for three glorious days but fell in love with the great land immediately.

As a side note, no news on Tim Blair of late, here's to hoping his recovery is progressing as quickly and pain free as possible.

History of the holiday here and here.

Good News For Tim Blair

The worldwide outpouring of support may have had the desired effect:

*WEDNESDAY MORNING UPDATE* Results of Monday’s CAT scan are in. There is no spread of the malignancy; zip, zero, zilch. It’s entirely localised. Medical science may disagree, but I think credit should go to readers and fellow bloggers. Your thoughts and prayers have eerie powers.

Massive thanks to all.

Man, the blogosphere has more power than even I thought.

Good news.

Rudd Wins In Australia

The Aussies have elected Kevin Rudd of the Labor party to replace John Howard.

You can read how it went down by following this link, then this one and finally this one.

Howard had a good run that was the equal of Tony Blair's in Britain. One can only hope that Rudd doesn't continue this analogy and start off like Gordon Brown has. Let's further hope that Rudd realizes the importance of the battle against al-Qaeda and the importance of a united front against all terrorism.

One last thing that occurs to me, no Aussie leader has had to deal with the wrath of the right-wing blogosphere. Howard had to deal with some of it from the left but it was mostly people like Blair foil Margo Kingston who was easily ridiculed. I don't know if blogs have the same impact as they do here (the immigration battle being the best example) but I would suspect that they do. Rudd is now in a leadership position and all those in political groups in Oz who allied against Howard and slammed his policies will have to, you know, actually lead their nation in what is a very tumultuous time--at least on the foreign affairs front.

Update: The NY Times headline reads: Bush Ally Defeated in Australia. I don't recall the headline Bush Ally Wins in France when Sarkozy was elected, do you?

Aussie Polls Are Open

It's going to be a tight one for PM John Howard versus the earwax-eating Kevin Rudd of the Labor Party.

Updates can be found here and of course, Tim Blair is the one to read about Aussie political goings on (don't miss this fisking that is devastating). Here's (PDF) a guide for those of us outside of Oz that sums up each party and their views.

Let's hope Howard can pull this one out as we need his continued support in a crucial time such as now.

Update: Howard was within four percentage points going into today.

Update 2: Tim notes that there are Aussie leftists who say they would leave Australia if Howard were elected again, much like Alec Baldwin and others said they would do if Bush were re-elected. Here's to hoping they're too stupid to figure out how to get to America because we already have enough idiots here.

The Aussie Election

I'm just an American who has visited Australia exactly once for a total of three days so I have little understanding of the political situation in that beautiful country. For that, I read Tim Blair (the guy who inspired me to start this blog nearly five years ago) who has given me an increased understanding of the voting preferences of different regions, etc. For the record, I still don't understand what the hell the guy is talking about with cricket but that's for another post.

Anyway, John Howard has been in office for 11-years and this year it seems he has some serious competition from Kevin Rudd, the opposition leader. Again, I may not know the specifics of Aussie politics but I do know polling and a Howard win this weekend may not be as much a long shot as it was a month ago.

Check out these numbers (link in PDF):

Labor (the party of Rudd) has a 5% lead over the coalition (Howard, the conservative, is in the Liberal Party (?) but leads the Coalition), down from 14% just one month ago. That's to be expected in any election as it approaches, yet look at the numbers on certain topics:

Howard's performance number has increased and a majority now are satisfied with his leadership. Rudd's numbers are better but he is not the national leader, he's akin to Nancy Pelosi or Harry Reid I would assume and thus his policies have not been scrutinized as much as Howard's.

Rudd beats Howard when the question is who would make a better Prime Minister but again, those numbers have drawn much closer than a month ago.

Finally, Howard destroys Rudd on national security and the economy while Rudd wins hands down on education and health care. I would guess that just like in the US, national priorities will dictate who wins. It hasn't been all that long since the Bali nightclub bombings in which 202 people were killed. The majority murdered were Australians and young ones at that. I have no idea if the Australian left has been as diligent about repressing the memory of the bombings as the American Left has been about 9/11 but I would imagine that it would have some bearing on the election. For the record, I was in Bali in 1992 and was at the location of the bombings ten years before they occurred so I have strong feelings about that act of terror and the people it affected.

Here's to hoping that Howard wins another term as we have several world leaders who have good working relationships with President Bush. Angela Merkel, Nicolas Sarkozy, Stephen Harper and John Howard make a formidable team on the world stage. Australia has been one of our most reliable allies throughout the years and Howard has been a major reason for that. Rudd may continue that policy, especially if he sees what Gordon Brown--a man who has not always been as pro-American as Tony Blair was--is currently dealing with in Great Britain.