In the last post I mentioned an individual who wanted to see President Trump impeached and indicted and spend the rest of his life in prison because of "the insanity he has wreaked upon our nation." Would that include the incredible job growth of adding 312,000 jobs in December, which virtually doubled expectations. With the cuts in taxes and regulations, and renegotiated trade deals, our economy is doing exceedingly well. CNBC reported that the "manufacturing industry posts the biggest annual job gain in 20 years." Is that part of the "insanity wreaked upon our nation?" Remember when Obama mocked Trump's claim that he would bring back manufacturing jobs, asking if Trump had a magic wand? The magic wand is a man who knows business versus a community organizer who never ran or understood any business.
Nancy Pelosi refuses to fund a border wall, claiming that "a wall is an immorality, it's not who we are as a nation." But she did vote for a fence in 2006, so I guess a fence is not an immorality. Are all walls immoral? How about walls around prisons? If any members of Congress have walls around their property or live in gated communities, should all such walls and barriers come down? The Israelis built a wall/barrier between themselves and the Palestinians. The result has been their wall has saved Israeli lives. So while Israeli leaders are protecting their citizens, Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats are protecting illegal aliens.
Pelosi did tell the USA Today that Trump was "being a fear monger." Pelosi: "He (Trump) talked about terrorists coming in over that particular border, which wasn't so. He talked about people bringing in diseases and all the rest of that, which wasn't so." And this: "He's using scare tactics that are not evidence-based, and it's wrong." You have to love the mainstream media. Each and every word out of Trump's mouth is vetted, but Pelosi can spew whatever nonsense she wants without a single challenge. No diseases brought in? In June, 2017, for just one example, the CDC reported that the rate of TB in Mexico was five (5) times greater than the US rate. But Pelosi somehow knows that not a single one of the thousands, no, millions who have entered illegally have carried any TB or other diseases. And the media does not think to ask how she knows the unknowable. It used to be knowable, because people were required to have medical exams either here at an immigration center or in other countries before being allowed to enter the US.
As for bad guys coming into the country, the Deputy White House press secretary reported in July, 2018, that in the fiscal year 2017 48,000 criminal aliens were arrested for assault, 12,000 for sexual offenses, and 2000 for homicides. Anybody really willing to bet their safety that terrorists are not coming in illegally as well as all the criminals? Maybe Pelosi can tell the family members of Newman, California police Corporal Ronil Singh, 33 years old with a wife and 5 month old son, why his life was less important than that of the illegal alien accused of murdering him. Singh, who was a native of Fiji, dedicated his life to helping people. His accused murderer had apparently been arrested twice, but given the State's sanctuary law ICE was never notified of his presence here, allowing him to then allegedly murder Cpl Singh. I wonder if anyone in the media might yet have any questions for Pelosi.
California, in addition to being a sanctuary state, passed some rather interesting legislation. As of the end of this year, publicly traded companies must have at least one woman on its Board of Directors; and must have two by 2021. Other than Hawaii, California likely has the highest percentage of Asians - about 15% of the population. So, shouldn't every Board with at least 8 members be required to have one Asian on the Board? This is not only more identity politics, but government mandated quotas based on identity. Every Jew should be very wary of that, assuming they are familiar with the way quotas were historically used to deny entry to Jews to colleges and universities, for instance.
California is also requiring public utilities to develop plans for renewable energy. 60% of the state's electricity is to be from wind, solar, and other renewable/clean energy by 2030, with 100% required by 2045. Don't get me wrong - I am certainly not opposed to clean energy. But one friend regularly emails me articles about the number of flying species killed by these windmills. Not to mention just how unsightly these windmills are. I would ask if the California legislature considered the economic consequences of this law, but let's not be silly.
Sunday, January 6, 2019
Saturday, January 5, 2019
"We're gonna go in there and we're gonna impeach the motherf...er"
So said Rashida Tlaib, newly elected Democratic Congress member from Michigan. Tlaib is a Palestinian American and is a Muslim. Her comment was made to a group of her supporters, telling them that is what she told her son. Nice way for a mother to talk to her son, especially about the President of the United States. And, I am told that someone I know opined that he wanted to see Trump indicted, impeached, forced to forfeit all his property and spend his life in prison "for the insanity he has wreaked upon our nation." Lest anyone think those are just the rantings of an inconsequential person and a freshman left-wing congresswoman, I am telling you that far more important people are of the same mind. Long term Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA) has already introduced Articles of Impeachment against Trump. Why take a chance on Mueller not finding any Russian collusion. Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA) will be the Chair of the House Intelligence Committee. Schiff: "There's a very real prospect that on the day Donald Trump leaves office the Justice Department may indict him, that he may be the first President in quite some time to face the real prospect of jail time."
Schiff would not make such a comment without wishing it to be so. You see, politicians, such as Schiff, exemplify that with which our Founders concerned themselves - the use of their office for personal or political gain. The Founders understood human nature. They understood that future leaders of their country could not necessarily be trusted to do what was right for the common good. For that very reason the Founders made sure to put numerous checks and balances into our governing document. They knew there would be politicians such as Schiff and Tlaib. The Founders understood the lust for power. Having been shocked by Trump's election victory in 2016, the Democrats do not want to take the chance that Trump might win again. Therefore, they will do whatever they can to stop Trump, and to stop the "deplorables" from being able to vote for him again.
In the event impeachment does not work (the Dems in the House can easily impeach, but conviction and removal in the Republican controlled Senate is unlikely), House Oversight and Government Reform Chair Elijah Cummings has another approach. He has sent 51 letters to the White House asking for information on 51 different subjects. Just imagine all of the subpoenas the Committee might issue in pursuit of getting Trump. It appears that the Democrats believe they were elected to get Trump, not to govern. Clearly, everything the Dems do over the next year will be done with one goal in mind - victory in 2020.
As evidenced by one letter writer to the USA Today, the elites of the left do not trust the American people. This letter typifies the left's attitudes towards Americans: "As much as I would love for Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., to run for president and win, I don't think she can. As evidenced by the last election, America will not vote for a woman, even though she is the most qualified, intelligent and experienced. Basically, the American electorate seems to be ignorant, puritanical and small-minded." Funny, I heard essentially identical comments about why Obama, a black man, could not win - Americans were ignorant, small-minded and racist. Obama then won twice. But that is what the Dems think of the American people.
But, Mike, the Democrats want to eliminate the electoral college in favor of direct election of the president by the people. Doesn't that mean that they trust the people? No. It means the Democrats felt cheated in both 2000 and 2016 after having won the popular vote but losing the electoral college vote. It means that the Dems support whatever they believe will benefit them at the moment. That is why Harry Reid, when Senate Majority leader, used the so-called "nuclear option" allowing a simple majority of votes, rather than the the traditional 60 votes, for approving lower court judges. (Mitch McConnell then did the same for Supreme Court justices.) Additionally, Democrats remain confident in their ability to buy votes. Allow felons to vote. Allow people to enter the country illegally and then give them the right to vote. And, offer an ever increasing amount of "free" stuff to voters - free health care, free education, a guaranteed wage. No doubt you can buy votes. Whether doing so bankrupts the country or has other negative consequences for the common good is of no concern. It is all about gaining power. The Founders were very wise people; not so much this current batch of leaders.
Schiff would not make such a comment without wishing it to be so. You see, politicians, such as Schiff, exemplify that with which our Founders concerned themselves - the use of their office for personal or political gain. The Founders understood human nature. They understood that future leaders of their country could not necessarily be trusted to do what was right for the common good. For that very reason the Founders made sure to put numerous checks and balances into our governing document. They knew there would be politicians such as Schiff and Tlaib. The Founders understood the lust for power. Having been shocked by Trump's election victory in 2016, the Democrats do not want to take the chance that Trump might win again. Therefore, they will do whatever they can to stop Trump, and to stop the "deplorables" from being able to vote for him again.
In the event impeachment does not work (the Dems in the House can easily impeach, but conviction and removal in the Republican controlled Senate is unlikely), House Oversight and Government Reform Chair Elijah Cummings has another approach. He has sent 51 letters to the White House asking for information on 51 different subjects. Just imagine all of the subpoenas the Committee might issue in pursuit of getting Trump. It appears that the Democrats believe they were elected to get Trump, not to govern. Clearly, everything the Dems do over the next year will be done with one goal in mind - victory in 2020.
As evidenced by one letter writer to the USA Today, the elites of the left do not trust the American people. This letter typifies the left's attitudes towards Americans: "As much as I would love for Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., to run for president and win, I don't think she can. As evidenced by the last election, America will not vote for a woman, even though she is the most qualified, intelligent and experienced. Basically, the American electorate seems to be ignorant, puritanical and small-minded." Funny, I heard essentially identical comments about why Obama, a black man, could not win - Americans were ignorant, small-minded and racist. Obama then won twice. But that is what the Dems think of the American people.
But, Mike, the Democrats want to eliminate the electoral college in favor of direct election of the president by the people. Doesn't that mean that they trust the people? No. It means the Democrats felt cheated in both 2000 and 2016 after having won the popular vote but losing the electoral college vote. It means that the Dems support whatever they believe will benefit them at the moment. That is why Harry Reid, when Senate Majority leader, used the so-called "nuclear option" allowing a simple majority of votes, rather than the the traditional 60 votes, for approving lower court judges. (Mitch McConnell then did the same for Supreme Court justices.) Additionally, Democrats remain confident in their ability to buy votes. Allow felons to vote. Allow people to enter the country illegally and then give them the right to vote. And, offer an ever increasing amount of "free" stuff to voters - free health care, free education, a guaranteed wage. No doubt you can buy votes. Whether doing so bankrupts the country or has other negative consequences for the common good is of no concern. It is all about gaining power. The Founders were very wise people; not so much this current batch of leaders.
Tuesday, January 1, 2019
My Personal Reflections on 2018
2018 started out well for our family. Our son was the last of his siblings to get an advanced degree, but the first with a Ph.D. Shortly thereafter he proposed to his girlfriend, and became engaged. Both of them grew up in Southern California, but they had to move across country in order to meet. The religious will tell you that it was no coincidence that they never knew each other when they lived only a few miles apart from one another, and only met when both were living across the country. Rather, it is G-d's way of remaining anonymous. They then moved back to Southern California, and our family was all together again. It looked to be a promising year. We made plans for a trip back east in early October to visit "the boys" in Jersey. One of the boys always puts us up - it saves on hotel expenses, and we have a great time together. Then there's the added benefit of being able to rant about politics one on one with our hosts. I am sure they love it. :\
At the beginning of the year, our miniature Schnauzer became ill. Neither the vet nor the specialists were able to get a handle on it. But his "Mommy" cooked special meals for him, and nursed him as best as anyone could. I believe, and the vet agreed, that he would not have survived his last six months but for my wife's efforts. In July, Trooper died at only 10 years old. It was a painful loss for our family. This pup worked his way into everyone's heart with the love and affection shown to us all.
As we all know, our plans do not always work out. There is said to be a Yiddish proverb: "Man plans, G-d laughs." Come September, my family was not laughing. (Many of you know this next part, but with my email issues I am not sure how many got the story. Also, I have added some details.) What started on September 1 seemed to be a cold; although a few days later it felt like a flu. Then I was unable to keep anything down - for days. Two trips to an emergency room resulted in no improvement in my condition. On September 7 my family had to call an ambulance - I had a 104.5 degree fever and was unresponsive. My daughters were so concerned that each of them called for an ambulance, not knowing the other had. I have no recollection of the ambulance coming nor of much of my week in the hospital. Our planned October vacation had to be canceled.
With a diagnosis of meningitis, the doctors needed to determine if it was viral or bacterial. The test would be a spinal tap, but that failed as they were unable to penetrate through the spinal fusion I had at age 17. So the doctor ordered that a picc line be put in and that I get 10 days of antibiotics through the picc line, just in case it was bacterial meningitis. Although their suspicions were that it was viral. The picc line was actually a blessing as my arms were starting to look like a battlefield with all the IVs and constant drawing of blood. Everything could go through the picc line, and blood could be drawn through it as well. So, the IVs came out and the poking for blood stopped.
During my hospital stay my fever came down from the extremely high 104.5 degrees to mostly normal. My blood pressure, however, remained exceedingly high, with my systolic readings regularly being in the 180s. I do not recall what additional medications they were giving me beyond my usual ones. I had lost so much weight, about 15 pounds in 10 days, and was so weak, that I was unable to walk unassisted. While the doctor said I was ready to be discharged from the hospital after a week, he did not want me discharged to home. Rather, he thought that I should go to a rehab facility. I admit it - I panicked. I simply was not comprehending what that would entail or how long I would be kept there. Fortunately for me, our son's friend's wife works in that hospital and came to speak with me. I just wanted to go home, but she explained why that was not a good idea. My irrational fear that I might not be released for a month or more was eased when she explained it would be two weeks maximum, but likely one week.
One week it was, as I made good progress with the help of my therapists. I continued physical therapy through the end of the year. My left leg still feels weaker than the right, so I do use my cane for walking longer distances. Some of you know that I had about a 90% hearing loss in the hospital, but thank G-d the hearing has returned. The blood pressure came back to normal, or at least my normal of slightly elevated. My severe fatigue lasted for over two months, but then my energy returned. However, my endurance for lasting all day, including working after dinner, is not yet the same. Of course, I am not exactly a young guy, either.
The comfort that my family felt in my coming home was then tempered by the death of my wife's Aunt, the only sibling of my mother-in-law. It seemed as if we were destined to continue with bad news.
During my combined two weeks in the hospital and the rehab hospital, my wife put in her own extraordinary efforts. Once I was out of danger, she was again working daily in my office, while visiting me nightly, regardless of her level of exhaustion. She also spent weekends with me, and I cannot thank her enough. We discussed getting another dog, knowing all along we would eventually do so. While there were mixed feelings about the timing, on October 13 my wife visited an animal shelter with her sister, and brought home a little 13 pound cutie. Our vet estimates that she is two years old. We think that she is a Schnauzer/Shih Tzu mix. The shelter said she was a stray, but it was immediately clear that she had lived with people before. She knew to sit, shake and do her "business" outside. Her first day with us she was very nervous, even shaking. I do not think she spoke (barked) for a full week. A couple of times I bent forward to pet her and she backed away. Our suspicion is that some person of the male persuasion was mean to her and maybe hit her. But she knows she is loved here.
My wife has always done the baby naming in our family. I give my input, but if she disagrees... With this little addition to the family, it took her about ten days to settle on a name - Ruby. But with all the nicknames already I wonder if she knows her name. Rubis. Rubic. Rubala. And "Little One." I loved this pup from day one. In mid-October I was still going to bed between 8:00 and 8:30 pm as a result of the fatigue. Ruby just knew something was amiss, as she would jump up onto the bed (she is quite the jumper) and stay with me. Now, she waits to go bed until her Mom does. But she did that for me for weeks.
Only a few weeks after Ruby came home to us we were evacuated because of the Woolsey fire. The smell of smoke permeated our entire house. The sheriff drove down our street using their bullhorn/loudspeaker to tell everyone to get out. It was the only way I was able to convince my wife we had to go. We packed, put Ruby in the car with us, and headed off for our youngest daughter who lives in a one bedroom apartment. She is very sweet and let us sleep in her bed (for four nights) while she slept on the couch. She loves Ruby and Ruby loves her so Ruby had a good time on her big adventure. But we were heartbroken by the number of people who lost their homes, while being sad, yet grateful, that the number of deaths was kept to three. It could have been far worse in such a fast moving fire. We love our firefighters!
While the only long term side effects for me are the left leg weakness and lack of staying power, I continue to worry about and pray for a number of friends. One of the boys in Jersey, the one we stay with and my dearest friend, is on dialysis and needs a kidney. One of my college buddies had his own serious infection resulting in multiple complications, from which he is still recovering. And another friend has just completed his 12 sessions of chemotherapy following a third bout with cancer, but with good test results. Yet another had a major heart attack. I know, we are not getting any younger. But I thank G-d that all of us are alive. And I continue to thank G-d for each day - for myself and for these friends.
At the beginning of the year, our miniature Schnauzer became ill. Neither the vet nor the specialists were able to get a handle on it. But his "Mommy" cooked special meals for him, and nursed him as best as anyone could. I believe, and the vet agreed, that he would not have survived his last six months but for my wife's efforts. In July, Trooper died at only 10 years old. It was a painful loss for our family. This pup worked his way into everyone's heart with the love and affection shown to us all.
As we all know, our plans do not always work out. There is said to be a Yiddish proverb: "Man plans, G-d laughs." Come September, my family was not laughing. (Many of you know this next part, but with my email issues I am not sure how many got the story. Also, I have added some details.) What started on September 1 seemed to be a cold; although a few days later it felt like a flu. Then I was unable to keep anything down - for days. Two trips to an emergency room resulted in no improvement in my condition. On September 7 my family had to call an ambulance - I had a 104.5 degree fever and was unresponsive. My daughters were so concerned that each of them called for an ambulance, not knowing the other had. I have no recollection of the ambulance coming nor of much of my week in the hospital. Our planned October vacation had to be canceled.
With a diagnosis of meningitis, the doctors needed to determine if it was viral or bacterial. The test would be a spinal tap, but that failed as they were unable to penetrate through the spinal fusion I had at age 17. So the doctor ordered that a picc line be put in and that I get 10 days of antibiotics through the picc line, just in case it was bacterial meningitis. Although their suspicions were that it was viral. The picc line was actually a blessing as my arms were starting to look like a battlefield with all the IVs and constant drawing of blood. Everything could go through the picc line, and blood could be drawn through it as well. So, the IVs came out and the poking for blood stopped.
During my hospital stay my fever came down from the extremely high 104.5 degrees to mostly normal. My blood pressure, however, remained exceedingly high, with my systolic readings regularly being in the 180s. I do not recall what additional medications they were giving me beyond my usual ones. I had lost so much weight, about 15 pounds in 10 days, and was so weak, that I was unable to walk unassisted. While the doctor said I was ready to be discharged from the hospital after a week, he did not want me discharged to home. Rather, he thought that I should go to a rehab facility. I admit it - I panicked. I simply was not comprehending what that would entail or how long I would be kept there. Fortunately for me, our son's friend's wife works in that hospital and came to speak with me. I just wanted to go home, but she explained why that was not a good idea. My irrational fear that I might not be released for a month or more was eased when she explained it would be two weeks maximum, but likely one week.
One week it was, as I made good progress with the help of my therapists. I continued physical therapy through the end of the year. My left leg still feels weaker than the right, so I do use my cane for walking longer distances. Some of you know that I had about a 90% hearing loss in the hospital, but thank G-d the hearing has returned. The blood pressure came back to normal, or at least my normal of slightly elevated. My severe fatigue lasted for over two months, but then my energy returned. However, my endurance for lasting all day, including working after dinner, is not yet the same. Of course, I am not exactly a young guy, either.
The comfort that my family felt in my coming home was then tempered by the death of my wife's Aunt, the only sibling of my mother-in-law. It seemed as if we were destined to continue with bad news.
During my combined two weeks in the hospital and the rehab hospital, my wife put in her own extraordinary efforts. Once I was out of danger, she was again working daily in my office, while visiting me nightly, regardless of her level of exhaustion. She also spent weekends with me, and I cannot thank her enough. We discussed getting another dog, knowing all along we would eventually do so. While there were mixed feelings about the timing, on October 13 my wife visited an animal shelter with her sister, and brought home a little 13 pound cutie. Our vet estimates that she is two years old. We think that she is a Schnauzer/Shih Tzu mix. The shelter said she was a stray, but it was immediately clear that she had lived with people before. She knew to sit, shake and do her "business" outside. Her first day with us she was very nervous, even shaking. I do not think she spoke (barked) for a full week. A couple of times I bent forward to pet her and she backed away. Our suspicion is that some person of the male persuasion was mean to her and maybe hit her. But she knows she is loved here.
My wife has always done the baby naming in our family. I give my input, but if she disagrees... With this little addition to the family, it took her about ten days to settle on a name - Ruby. But with all the nicknames already I wonder if she knows her name. Rubis. Rubic. Rubala. And "Little One." I loved this pup from day one. In mid-October I was still going to bed between 8:00 and 8:30 pm as a result of the fatigue. Ruby just knew something was amiss, as she would jump up onto the bed (she is quite the jumper) and stay with me. Now, she waits to go bed until her Mom does. But she did that for me for weeks.
Only a few weeks after Ruby came home to us we were evacuated because of the Woolsey fire. The smell of smoke permeated our entire house. The sheriff drove down our street using their bullhorn/loudspeaker to tell everyone to get out. It was the only way I was able to convince my wife we had to go. We packed, put Ruby in the car with us, and headed off for our youngest daughter who lives in a one bedroom apartment. She is very sweet and let us sleep in her bed (for four nights) while she slept on the couch. She loves Ruby and Ruby loves her so Ruby had a good time on her big adventure. But we were heartbroken by the number of people who lost their homes, while being sad, yet grateful, that the number of deaths was kept to three. It could have been far worse in such a fast moving fire. We love our firefighters!
While the only long term side effects for me are the left leg weakness and lack of staying power, I continue to worry about and pray for a number of friends. One of the boys in Jersey, the one we stay with and my dearest friend, is on dialysis and needs a kidney. One of my college buddies had his own serious infection resulting in multiple complications, from which he is still recovering. And another friend has just completed his 12 sessions of chemotherapy following a third bout with cancer, but with good test results. Yet another had a major heart attack. I know, we are not getting any younger. But I thank G-d that all of us are alive. And I continue to thank G-d for each day - for myself and for these friends.
Monday, December 24, 2018
Year End Reflections, Part II
Syria. The USA has only 2000 troops in Syria. However, claiming that ISIS in Syria has been defeated, and vowing to keep another campaign promise, President Trump ordered the removal of those troops. Respectfully, President Trump, that is a bonehead decision. I agree that the troops should not remain for the purpose of "nation building," and 2000 troops is insufficient for that purpose in any event. Trump: "Why are we fighting for our enemy, Syria, by staying and killing ISIS for them, Russia, Iran and other locals?"
In tendering his resignation, Defense Secretary Mattis thanked Trump for being able to serve, and praised what they were able to accomplish - such as an increased defense budget, and improved readiness of our troops. Then Mattis opined: "...I believe we must be resolute and unambiguous in our approach to those countries whose strategic interests are increasingly in tension with ours. It is clear that China and Russia, for example, want to shape a world consistent with their authoritarian model - gaining veto authority over other nations' economic, diplomatic, and security decisions - to promote their own interests at the expense of their neighbors, America and our allies. That is why we must use all the tools of American power to provide for the common defense."
Iran will now benefit by having a clear path from Iran to the Mediterranean - through Iraq to Syria and Lebanon/Hezbollah. Our Sunni Arab allies and Israel cannot be happy over this decision, as Iran is a threat to all of them. Russia has sought influence and control over events in the Middle East ever since they were part of the Soviet Union. Neither Trump nor Obama nor Bush (W) understood the threat of Russia. Romney did, but Obama mocked him about it and the mainstream media joined in. Russia already has a base in Syria. Does anyone doubt Russia's desire to stir up trouble everywhere? Think Crimea and Ukraine. Meanwhile, it is a total abandonment of the Kurds, who have been regular allies of the US. Those troops in Syria acted as a deterrent to Turkey, whose Islamist leader would like to declare war on the Kurdish people.
So what will the outcome be? Will Turkey, a NATO member, attack our allies, the Kurds? Will war break out between Iran and their Hezbollah proxies against Israel? Hezbollah is said to have more missiles (all aimed at Israel) than most countries in the world. Will Russia use its increasing presence and influence in the Middle East to "gain veto authority over other nations' economic, diplomatic, and security decisions," as suggested by Mattis? Will ISIS regroup? That small number of US troops sent a clear message that the US had an interest in keeping stability in the Middle East, and preventing bad actors such as Iran and Russia from dominating a large swath of the world. America first should not mean America isolated.
Pittsburgh. Following the horrific massacre at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, Jewish journalist Julia Ioffe said this: "A word to my fellow American Jews: This president makes this possible. Here. Where you live. I hope the embassy move over there, where you don't live was worth it." Wow! Let's deconstruct that. The massacre in Pittsburgh was a result of American Jews helping to elect Trump, and supporting the move of the American embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, Israel's capital city. I mistakenly thought the massacre was carried out by an evil, Jew-hating, may he rot in hell, individual. Why can't American Jews just be proud of Israel, be proud that like every other country in the world, Israel is finally allowed to have recognition of the city that the Israelis have deemed their capital. Jerusalem. Would Ms. Ioffe deny any other country in the world the right to name their capital city?
Chuck Schumer. Okay, most of us would agree that politicians often speak out of both sides of their mouth. When in power, they say one thing. When out of power, they often say the opposite. But it is funny when a politician speaks out of both sides of his mouth in the same sentence. Recall that President Trump accused the Courts of making politically motivated decisions. That, in turn, prompted Chief Justice John Roberts to issue a statement defending the independence of the judiciary. Which, in turn, prompted the Senate Minority Leader to defend Roberts' comments, while declaring: "I don't agree very often with Chief Justice Roberts, especially his partisan decisions which seem highly political, (such as) Citizens United, Janus and Shelby..." Partisan decisions? Which seem highly political? Hmmm.
Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays? An NPR/PBS/Marist poll found that 56% of adults think people should wish others a "Merry Christmas," with 31% preferring "Happy Holidays," and 11% not caring one way or the other. But only 38% of the 18-29 age group preferred "Merry Christmas." The biggest difference was between Democrats, preferring "Happy Holidays" by 47% with only 42% preferring "Merry Christmas," and an overwhelming number of Republicans, 80%, preferring "Merry Christmas," with only 13% preferring "Happy Holidays." So, Merry Christmas!
In tendering his resignation, Defense Secretary Mattis thanked Trump for being able to serve, and praised what they were able to accomplish - such as an increased defense budget, and improved readiness of our troops. Then Mattis opined: "...I believe we must be resolute and unambiguous in our approach to those countries whose strategic interests are increasingly in tension with ours. It is clear that China and Russia, for example, want to shape a world consistent with their authoritarian model - gaining veto authority over other nations' economic, diplomatic, and security decisions - to promote their own interests at the expense of their neighbors, America and our allies. That is why we must use all the tools of American power to provide for the common defense."
Iran will now benefit by having a clear path from Iran to the Mediterranean - through Iraq to Syria and Lebanon/Hezbollah. Our Sunni Arab allies and Israel cannot be happy over this decision, as Iran is a threat to all of them. Russia has sought influence and control over events in the Middle East ever since they were part of the Soviet Union. Neither Trump nor Obama nor Bush (W) understood the threat of Russia. Romney did, but Obama mocked him about it and the mainstream media joined in. Russia already has a base in Syria. Does anyone doubt Russia's desire to stir up trouble everywhere? Think Crimea and Ukraine. Meanwhile, it is a total abandonment of the Kurds, who have been regular allies of the US. Those troops in Syria acted as a deterrent to Turkey, whose Islamist leader would like to declare war on the Kurdish people.
So what will the outcome be? Will Turkey, a NATO member, attack our allies, the Kurds? Will war break out between Iran and their Hezbollah proxies against Israel? Hezbollah is said to have more missiles (all aimed at Israel) than most countries in the world. Will Russia use its increasing presence and influence in the Middle East to "gain veto authority over other nations' economic, diplomatic, and security decisions," as suggested by Mattis? Will ISIS regroup? That small number of US troops sent a clear message that the US had an interest in keeping stability in the Middle East, and preventing bad actors such as Iran and Russia from dominating a large swath of the world. America first should not mean America isolated.
Pittsburgh. Following the horrific massacre at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, Jewish journalist Julia Ioffe said this: "A word to my fellow American Jews: This president makes this possible. Here. Where you live. I hope the embassy move over there, where you don't live was worth it." Wow! Let's deconstruct that. The massacre in Pittsburgh was a result of American Jews helping to elect Trump, and supporting the move of the American embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, Israel's capital city. I mistakenly thought the massacre was carried out by an evil, Jew-hating, may he rot in hell, individual. Why can't American Jews just be proud of Israel, be proud that like every other country in the world, Israel is finally allowed to have recognition of the city that the Israelis have deemed their capital. Jerusalem. Would Ms. Ioffe deny any other country in the world the right to name their capital city?
Chuck Schumer. Okay, most of us would agree that politicians often speak out of both sides of their mouth. When in power, they say one thing. When out of power, they often say the opposite. But it is funny when a politician speaks out of both sides of his mouth in the same sentence. Recall that President Trump accused the Courts of making politically motivated decisions. That, in turn, prompted Chief Justice John Roberts to issue a statement defending the independence of the judiciary. Which, in turn, prompted the Senate Minority Leader to defend Roberts' comments, while declaring: "I don't agree very often with Chief Justice Roberts, especially his partisan decisions which seem highly political, (such as) Citizens United, Janus and Shelby..." Partisan decisions? Which seem highly political? Hmmm.
Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays? An NPR/PBS/Marist poll found that 56% of adults think people should wish others a "Merry Christmas," with 31% preferring "Happy Holidays," and 11% not caring one way or the other. But only 38% of the 18-29 age group preferred "Merry Christmas." The biggest difference was between Democrats, preferring "Happy Holidays" by 47% with only 42% preferring "Merry Christmas," and an overwhelming number of Republicans, 80%, preferring "Merry Christmas," with only 13% preferring "Happy Holidays." So, Merry Christmas!
Thursday, December 20, 2018
Year End Reflections, Part I
Identity Politics. A Katrina Trinko had a piece in the 12/19/18 USA Today. Citing Yale and Princeton researchers, she wrote "researchers found that it's conservatives, not liberals, who treat everyone the same." Then, quoting Yale Insights, this: "Liberal individuals were less likely to use words that would make them appear competent when the person they were addressing was presumed to be black rather than white. No significant differences were seen in the word selection of conservatives based on the presumed race of their partner." I could have told the author that. Liberals tend to believe minorities cannot achieve on their own without government assistance.
Moving? If so, you may be interested in knowing what states people are moving to. According to the 12/19/18 USA Today, Texas gained the most people in 2017 - 379,128. Florida was next with 322,128. Rounding out the top five are California with 157,696 people, Arizona with 122,720, and North Carolina with 112,820. Three more Western states were in the next five: number 6 Washington with 110,159 people, number 8 Colorado with 79,662, and number 10 Nevada with 61,987. Texas and Florida, two states that remain conservative, have by large margins gained the most people.
Civil Forfeiture. The 11/30/18 Wall Street Journal editorial discussed a recently heard case at the Supreme Court, Timbs vs. Indiana. While the facts in the case are not very favorable to Timbs, the issue of when the government may seize someone's property is extremely important. The issue is when do takings under civil forfeiture constitute excessive fines and therefore violate the 8th Amendment to the Constitution. The problem is that state and local governments have increasingly turned to civil forfeiture as a means of raising revenue. During oral argument, The Journal tells us that "Justice Stephen Breyer asked Indiana's solicitor general whether someone caught driving five miles an hour above the speed limit could be forced to forfeit his Bugatti, Mercedes or Ferrari."
Socialism. Oh, you wanted to know what the solicitor general of Indiana answered Justice Breyer. Did you have any doubt? Yes, he said, the government could take your very expensive car because you slightly exceeded the speed limit. Government, big government, has an unending appetite for revenue - aka your money. California is thinking of taxing text messages. Back to socialism. A letter to the editor in the 12/4/18 Ventura County Star was written by a young voter. "We want a living wage, health care, clean air and water, and an education without being punished for doing so. If you do not support these things, then us young people will not vote for you." We want? I never thought that way, as I was not taught that way. I'm guessing many young people never heard of "rugged individualism."
The President's tax returns. In a letter to the editor in the 12/14/18 USA Today, we are told that "Congress should enact a law requiring presidential candidates to disclose their tax returns before they can run for office...we deserve full and complete transparency before we decide on a candidate." I am curious as to what a candidate's tax returns tells me about their likely policies. Furthermore, Article 2, Section 1 of the US Constitution sets forth who is eligible to hold the office of president. It would likely require a Constitutional amendment to add the further requirement of disclosing tax returns. After all, an Amendment (the 22nd) was needed to limit a President to terms.
George H. W. Bush. The former President (41) died on 11/30/18 at the age of 94. The 12/2/18 LA Times had this headline: "A patriot and servant." The 12/2/18 New York Times headline was "A Genial Force in American Politics." In a special section that day, The New York Times led with "A Genial President Who Guided the Nation to the End of the Cold War." The 12/6/18 USA Today had this headline: "A Great, Noble Man." I recall similarly flattering things being said upon the death of John McCain. I get that it is considered declasse to speak poorly of the dead. However, I just get the feeling that the only Republicans the mainstream media respects are dead ones.
Moving? If so, you may be interested in knowing what states people are moving to. According to the 12/19/18 USA Today, Texas gained the most people in 2017 - 379,128. Florida was next with 322,128. Rounding out the top five are California with 157,696 people, Arizona with 122,720, and North Carolina with 112,820. Three more Western states were in the next five: number 6 Washington with 110,159 people, number 8 Colorado with 79,662, and number 10 Nevada with 61,987. Texas and Florida, two states that remain conservative, have by large margins gained the most people.
Civil Forfeiture. The 11/30/18 Wall Street Journal editorial discussed a recently heard case at the Supreme Court, Timbs vs. Indiana. While the facts in the case are not very favorable to Timbs, the issue of when the government may seize someone's property is extremely important. The issue is when do takings under civil forfeiture constitute excessive fines and therefore violate the 8th Amendment to the Constitution. The problem is that state and local governments have increasingly turned to civil forfeiture as a means of raising revenue. During oral argument, The Journal tells us that "Justice Stephen Breyer asked Indiana's solicitor general whether someone caught driving five miles an hour above the speed limit could be forced to forfeit his Bugatti, Mercedes or Ferrari."
Socialism. Oh, you wanted to know what the solicitor general of Indiana answered Justice Breyer. Did you have any doubt? Yes, he said, the government could take your very expensive car because you slightly exceeded the speed limit. Government, big government, has an unending appetite for revenue - aka your money. California is thinking of taxing text messages. Back to socialism. A letter to the editor in the 12/4/18 Ventura County Star was written by a young voter. "We want a living wage, health care, clean air and water, and an education without being punished for doing so. If you do not support these things, then us young people will not vote for you." We want? I never thought that way, as I was not taught that way. I'm guessing many young people never heard of "rugged individualism."
The President's tax returns. In a letter to the editor in the 12/14/18 USA Today, we are told that "Congress should enact a law requiring presidential candidates to disclose their tax returns before they can run for office...we deserve full and complete transparency before we decide on a candidate." I am curious as to what a candidate's tax returns tells me about their likely policies. Furthermore, Article 2, Section 1 of the US Constitution sets forth who is eligible to hold the office of president. It would likely require a Constitutional amendment to add the further requirement of disclosing tax returns. After all, an Amendment (the 22nd) was needed to limit a President to terms.
George H. W. Bush. The former President (41) died on 11/30/18 at the age of 94. The 12/2/18 LA Times had this headline: "A patriot and servant." The 12/2/18 New York Times headline was "A Genial Force in American Politics." In a special section that day, The New York Times led with "A Genial President Who Guided the Nation to the End of the Cold War." The 12/6/18 USA Today had this headline: "A Great, Noble Man." I recall similarly flattering things being said upon the death of John McCain. I get that it is considered declasse to speak poorly of the dead. However, I just get the feeling that the only Republicans the mainstream media respects are dead ones.
Monday, December 17, 2018
Mueller vs. Flynn
Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn was President Trump's incoming National Security Adviser. As such, it would not be improper for him to be speaking to foreign officials. On January 24, 2017, former FBI Director James Comey sent two agents into the White House of the four day old Trump Administration to interview General Flynn. Comey told the MSNBC audience how proud of himself he was, because sending in agents to the White House is "something I probably wouldn't have done or wouldn't have gotten away with in a more organized administration." You see, the agents knew Flynn had spoken with the Russian ambassador. Whether the FBI or NSA picked up Flynn's conversations, the name of a US citizen should not be "unmasked" without some good national security concern. The Obama Administration was not concerned with that.
A few comments on the above. Four days into the Trump Administration Comey was already after Trump. His own comments reflect that he knew he was "getting away" with something. Even if not illegal, he knew it was clearly improper. But Comey has demonstrated his propensity for improper behavior previously. After all, instead of reporting the FBI's findings on the Hillary Clinton investigation to Attorney General Lynch, who had the responsibility of deciding whether or not to prosecute, Comey, not the prosecutor, took it upon himself to close down the investigation and decide there would be no prosecution. Then there was Comey's leak of his written memos of conversations with Trump to friend and Columbia Law School professor Daniel Richman, in order to get the information leaked to the press and get a special counsel appointed. It was hardly a surprise that Comey's colleague and good friend, Robert Mueller, was appointed the special counsel.
The memos in question had to do with Trump asking if Comey could "let this go" with regards to Flynn. When Flynn met with those FBI agents he either forgot (questionable) or lied about speaking with the Russian ambassador. Which means, if he lied, he lied about something that was not illegal. When Comey testified before the Senate he was asked why he didn't just tell Trump that it was improper to ask the FBI Director to let it go. Comey: "If I were stronger, I would have. I was so stunned by the conversation that I just took it in...maybe other people would be stronger in that circumstance." Trump was neither a lawyer nor a politician. Just how difficult would it have been to explain the impropriety to a new President? (Then again, Comey's boss A.G. Lynch, was not strong enough to tell Bill Clinton it was improper for him to be speaking with her in private on the tarmac in Phoenix, while she was investigating his wife.) Or, maybe Comey has repeatedly demonstrated his desire to "get" the President, rather than help a non-politician new President understand the process.
Flynn talking to the Russian Ambassador was not illegal. Lying to the FBI is illegal. The issue with Flynn's conversation with the Russian Ambassador is that Flynn was not yet the National Security Adviser. The conversation occurred during the transition period when Obama was still in office. The Logan Act of 1799 (date not a typo) makes it criminal to have unauthorized negotiations with foreign governments. A total of two (2) people have been indicted for a violation of the Act - in 1802 and 1852. Neither was convicted. More recently, John Kerry as a former Secretary of State, took it upon himself to speak with foreign leaders in order to try to save the Iran nuclear deal. There was Kerry, then a private citizen, undermining the official policy of the United States of America. He could have/should have been prosecuted. But he was not. No, that was reserved for Flynn, a Trump associate. Hillary Clinton could have/should have been prosecuted. But she was not. Nor has Lisa Page, Peter Strzok, Andrew McCabe or James Comey.
As for Flynn, the Wall Street Journal reported that "Mr. Flynn pleaded guilty to avoid bankruptcy and spare his son from becoming a legal target." Frankly, I am sickened by the entire Mueller investigation. But let me be clear. I opposed the Bill Clinton impeachment proceedings. He had two years left in his term. He was elected to that office. I objected to Trump saying "lock her up" with regards to Hilary Clinton. Impeachment should be rarely used. Prosecution of high government officials should also be rare. So, what are you saying, Mike? That government officials are more important than the rest of us? That they are above the law? No. I am saying that I do not want to see this great country degenerate into a third world style government - where people on the outs are either imprisoned, exiled or worse. The political divide between the two parties is as bad as any of us can recall. The Democrats and the Left have wanted Trump out of office since Trump was inaugurated. So, the next time a Democrat gets elected to the office of president with a Republican Congress, that person gets impeached? Or indicted?
I'm kind of old fashioned. I prefer that people who win presidential elections (absent death or resignation) be able to serve out their full term. Or, maybe we can go with coup d'etats - if not violent ones, then through special counsel. Because that is exactly what is happening now.
A few comments on the above. Four days into the Trump Administration Comey was already after Trump. His own comments reflect that he knew he was "getting away" with something. Even if not illegal, he knew it was clearly improper. But Comey has demonstrated his propensity for improper behavior previously. After all, instead of reporting the FBI's findings on the Hillary Clinton investigation to Attorney General Lynch, who had the responsibility of deciding whether or not to prosecute, Comey, not the prosecutor, took it upon himself to close down the investigation and decide there would be no prosecution. Then there was Comey's leak of his written memos of conversations with Trump to friend and Columbia Law School professor Daniel Richman, in order to get the information leaked to the press and get a special counsel appointed. It was hardly a surprise that Comey's colleague and good friend, Robert Mueller, was appointed the special counsel.
The memos in question had to do with Trump asking if Comey could "let this go" with regards to Flynn. When Flynn met with those FBI agents he either forgot (questionable) or lied about speaking with the Russian ambassador. Which means, if he lied, he lied about something that was not illegal. When Comey testified before the Senate he was asked why he didn't just tell Trump that it was improper to ask the FBI Director to let it go. Comey: "If I were stronger, I would have. I was so stunned by the conversation that I just took it in...maybe other people would be stronger in that circumstance." Trump was neither a lawyer nor a politician. Just how difficult would it have been to explain the impropriety to a new President? (Then again, Comey's boss A.G. Lynch, was not strong enough to tell Bill Clinton it was improper for him to be speaking with her in private on the tarmac in Phoenix, while she was investigating his wife.) Or, maybe Comey has repeatedly demonstrated his desire to "get" the President, rather than help a non-politician new President understand the process.
Flynn talking to the Russian Ambassador was not illegal. Lying to the FBI is illegal. The issue with Flynn's conversation with the Russian Ambassador is that Flynn was not yet the National Security Adviser. The conversation occurred during the transition period when Obama was still in office. The Logan Act of 1799 (date not a typo) makes it criminal to have unauthorized negotiations with foreign governments. A total of two (2) people have been indicted for a violation of the Act - in 1802 and 1852. Neither was convicted. More recently, John Kerry as a former Secretary of State, took it upon himself to speak with foreign leaders in order to try to save the Iran nuclear deal. There was Kerry, then a private citizen, undermining the official policy of the United States of America. He could have/should have been prosecuted. But he was not. No, that was reserved for Flynn, a Trump associate. Hillary Clinton could have/should have been prosecuted. But she was not. Nor has Lisa Page, Peter Strzok, Andrew McCabe or James Comey.
As for Flynn, the Wall Street Journal reported that "Mr. Flynn pleaded guilty to avoid bankruptcy and spare his son from becoming a legal target." Frankly, I am sickened by the entire Mueller investigation. But let me be clear. I opposed the Bill Clinton impeachment proceedings. He had two years left in his term. He was elected to that office. I objected to Trump saying "lock her up" with regards to Hilary Clinton. Impeachment should be rarely used. Prosecution of high government officials should also be rare. So, what are you saying, Mike? That government officials are more important than the rest of us? That they are above the law? No. I am saying that I do not want to see this great country degenerate into a third world style government - where people on the outs are either imprisoned, exiled or worse. The political divide between the two parties is as bad as any of us can recall. The Democrats and the Left have wanted Trump out of office since Trump was inaugurated. So, the next time a Democrat gets elected to the office of president with a Republican Congress, that person gets impeached? Or indicted?
I'm kind of old fashioned. I prefer that people who win presidential elections (absent death or resignation) be able to serve out their full term. Or, maybe we can go with coup d'etats - if not violent ones, then through special counsel. Because that is exactly what is happening now.
Monday, December 10, 2018
The Immoral Hypocrisy of the Left
The December 8, 2018 Los Angeles Times reported that the faculty of Pitzer College voted to suspend a study abroad program at the University of Haifa in Israel. Pitzer is a small liberal arts college in Southern California, and is highly regarded academically. The motion to suspend the study abroad in Israel program was brought by Professor Daniel Segal, who is Jewish. Segal claims he brought the motion to counter Israel's restriction on academic exchanges, with the Times citing a 2017 law which the paper says "bar(s) entry (to Israel) to those who support boycotts, divestment or sanctions against the Jewish state." Segal was also disturbed by restrictions to Israel based on "ancestry..." Jews do have a right of return, with some exceptions. Why just Jews? From a religious viewpoint, the land of Israel was promised to the Jews by G-d. From a historical viewpoint, no other people have been as persecuted throughout history as much as the Jews. From a legal viewpoint, the UN, having been granted control of the British Mandate in Palestine, voted to partition the land into a Jewish state (which became Israel) and an Arab state, which the Arabs declined.
Earlier this year, on 3/25/18, Pitzer issued a press release announcing "Pitzer College Professor Daniel A. Segal has been accepted to participate in the Palestinian American Research Center (PARC) US Faculty Development Seminar on Palestine this summer." The press release tells us that there will be "visits to Palestinian universities, research institutes and cultural institution(s) as well as roundtable discussions, tours of historic cities and meetings with Palestinian colleagues."
We further learn from the press release that seminar participants will "deepen their knowledge of their fields of interest in Palestine and build relationships with Palestinian colleagues and institutions." The good news is, from a historic point of view, the Palestinians have nothing in their past or present that would disqualify them from interaction with American academics - or that would deter Professor Segal.
June 5, 1968. Palestinian Sirhan Sirhan assassinates US Senator and Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy. Sirhan specifically chose the date of June 5, 1968 as it was the one year anniversary of the start of the Six Day War, in which Israel miraculously defeated the Arab armies massed at their borders. Sirhan: "My only connection with Robert Kennedy was his sole support of Israel..."
September 5, 1972. At the Munich Olympic Games, Black September, a front for the Palestinian Fatah group, took 11 Israeli athletes hostage. In the ensuing rescue operation, 9 athletes were killed, including American-Israeli David Berger.
May, 1974. Palestinians took 115 people, mostly teenagers, hostage in the town of Ma'alot. Utimately, 25 people were killed; 22 were teenagers. 68 were injured. Prior to what became known as the "Ma'alot Massacre," the terrorists murdered a young couple and their 4 year old boy in their home. The 5 year old daughter was injured.
October 7, 1985. The Palestine Liberation Front hijacked the cruise ship Achille Lauro. During the hijacking, the Palestinians brutally murdered American Leon Klinghoffer. Disabled and in a wheelchair, Klinghoffer's body was then thrown overboard.
2000-2005. The Second Intifada. These numerous terrorist attacks on civilians began after Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat walked out on President Bill Clinton, Clinton having brokered a deal in a meeting in DC with Arafat and then Israeli leader Ehud Barak. Arafat chose to return to Ramallah and begin the Second Intifada rather than make peace. Palestinian terrorists blew up innocent Jews of all ages on buses, in cafes, shopping malls, and, of course, at what came to be known as the Passover Massacre. During the 3/27/02 attack on Jews at a Passover Seder, 30 people were killed and 140 were injured.
More recently, of course, were all the stabbings of Jews; and the multiple attacks from Gaza, with Palestinians firing their rockets and missiles at civilian targets. At least 54 Americans have been murdered by Palestinian terrorists. Needless to say, the above list constitutes a small portion of all the terrorist attacks carried out by Palestinians against innocent Israeli Jews. The good news is that there is nothing the Palestinians have done that disturbs Professor Segal enough to consider a boycott of Palestinian universities. PA leader Mahmoud Abbas has repeatedly said that not a single Jew may live in a future Palestinian state. Apparently, that also is not a problem for Professor Segal. The problem for Professor Segal? His fellow Jews and the State of Israel. Then again, Israel denying entry to a few people who want to stir up anti-Israel sentiment and even anti-Israel activity within the country is worse than the countless murders carried out by Palestinian terrorists. Right?
Earlier this year, on 3/25/18, Pitzer issued a press release announcing "Pitzer College Professor Daniel A. Segal has been accepted to participate in the Palestinian American Research Center (PARC) US Faculty Development Seminar on Palestine this summer." The press release tells us that there will be "visits to Palestinian universities, research institutes and cultural institution(s) as well as roundtable discussions, tours of historic cities and meetings with Palestinian colleagues."
We further learn from the press release that seminar participants will "deepen their knowledge of their fields of interest in Palestine and build relationships with Palestinian colleagues and institutions." The good news is, from a historic point of view, the Palestinians have nothing in their past or present that would disqualify them from interaction with American academics - or that would deter Professor Segal.
June 5, 1968. Palestinian Sirhan Sirhan assassinates US Senator and Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy. Sirhan specifically chose the date of June 5, 1968 as it was the one year anniversary of the start of the Six Day War, in which Israel miraculously defeated the Arab armies massed at their borders. Sirhan: "My only connection with Robert Kennedy was his sole support of Israel..."
September 5, 1972. At the Munich Olympic Games, Black September, a front for the Palestinian Fatah group, took 11 Israeli athletes hostage. In the ensuing rescue operation, 9 athletes were killed, including American-Israeli David Berger.
May, 1974. Palestinians took 115 people, mostly teenagers, hostage in the town of Ma'alot. Utimately, 25 people were killed; 22 were teenagers. 68 were injured. Prior to what became known as the "Ma'alot Massacre," the terrorists murdered a young couple and their 4 year old boy in their home. The 5 year old daughter was injured.
October 7, 1985. The Palestine Liberation Front hijacked the cruise ship Achille Lauro. During the hijacking, the Palestinians brutally murdered American Leon Klinghoffer. Disabled and in a wheelchair, Klinghoffer's body was then thrown overboard.
2000-2005. The Second Intifada. These numerous terrorist attacks on civilians began after Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat walked out on President Bill Clinton, Clinton having brokered a deal in a meeting in DC with Arafat and then Israeli leader Ehud Barak. Arafat chose to return to Ramallah and begin the Second Intifada rather than make peace. Palestinian terrorists blew up innocent Jews of all ages on buses, in cafes, shopping malls, and, of course, at what came to be known as the Passover Massacre. During the 3/27/02 attack on Jews at a Passover Seder, 30 people were killed and 140 were injured.
More recently, of course, were all the stabbings of Jews; and the multiple attacks from Gaza, with Palestinians firing their rockets and missiles at civilian targets. At least 54 Americans have been murdered by Palestinian terrorists. Needless to say, the above list constitutes a small portion of all the terrorist attacks carried out by Palestinians against innocent Israeli Jews. The good news is that there is nothing the Palestinians have done that disturbs Professor Segal enough to consider a boycott of Palestinian universities. PA leader Mahmoud Abbas has repeatedly said that not a single Jew may live in a future Palestinian state. Apparently, that also is not a problem for Professor Segal. The problem for Professor Segal? His fellow Jews and the State of Israel. Then again, Israel denying entry to a few people who want to stir up anti-Israel sentiment and even anti-Israel activity within the country is worse than the countless murders carried out by Palestinian terrorists. Right?
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