Liberal Activist Compares US Border Patrol to the KKK VIDEO

The liberal agenda for the balkanization of the United States has never been clearer, as intolerance, divisiveness and demonization of those who represent a different view are cheered.

Community activist Elena Herrada speaking at the US Social Form in Detroit, MI on June 23, 2010

Linda McMahon Regular Job VIDEO

We see Linda taking some flack for her background in general and this new TV ad in particular. That brings an important issue to the fore. Linda McMahon has had a JOB, has met a payroll, has built something and created real jobs for real people, not government hand-outs administered by bureaucrats. We're sorry that some may find her family business too coarse but we prefer real world experience to life long politicians with only theoretical knowledge.

“People create jobs, not governments.”

Washington got the stimulus dead wrong. In a matter of months, Washington spent trillions of dollars and ran it all through government bureaucracy. Instead of creating new private sector jobs, we got more job losses, bigger government and more debt — more than $12 trillion in federal debt that will cause long-term harm to the economy.

I believe government’s role in economic recovery must be to help create an environment where small businesses can succeed and grow. Small businesses have historically created 70% of new jobs — jobs that are self-sustaining and have a multiplier effect. Government jobs don’t do that. To grow, small businesses need a reduced tax burden and predictability so that they can plan and make investments. The economy is trying to recover, but Washington won’t let it. It is spending too much and creating tax and regulatory uncertainty that is paralyzing small businesses and stifling job creation.

It’s time for Washington to take an honest assessment, recognize these economic policies are failing and change course. We need to stop government growth and deficit spending. Smaller government will decrease the tax burden on small businesses and it will help reduce debilitating federal regulations that make it difficult to impossible for small businesses to plan for the future, expand and create jobs.

Read Linda's plan in PDF Format, Preserving the American Dream: A Plan to Put Connecticut Back to Work.

TEXT CREDIT: Linda McMahon for Senate 2010 Contact 860-244-2010, info@linda2010.com 973 Farmington Ave | West Hartford, CT 06107 PO Box 271386 | West Hartford, CT 06127

VIDEO CREDIT: LindaMcMahon2010

Congressman Paul Ryan (R-WI) Weekly Republican Address TEXT PODCAST VIDEO 06/25/10

Video of the address will be available here once the embargo is lifted. Podcast of the address: Download MP3 for PODCAST

Washington (Jun 25) In the Weekly Republican Address, Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) says Washington Democrats’ unprecedented decision to cancel this year’s budget will wreak havoc on our economy and make it even harder to put people back to work. The House Budget Committee’s top Republican, Ryan says Democrats’ plan to continue their out-of-control ‘stimulus’ spending spree and raise taxes on middle-class families is a “recipe for disaster.” He also challenges President Obama and Washington Democrats to stop running out the clock and “make the tough choices they promised they would, put moral obligation before political expedience, and focus on what’s in the best interests of the next generation, not the next election.”

With economists saying immediate fiscal discipline is needed to create jobs, Ryan notes that Republicans have already identified $1.3 trillion in specific spending cuts that could be implemented right now. Rep. Ryan is in his sixth term representing the people of Wisconsin’s 1st Congressional District. President Obama will visit Southeast Wisconsin next week to discuss the economy. Text of the address follows; Full Text Transcript of the address follows;

Uploaded on June 25, 2010 by republicanconference

“Hello – I’m Paul Ryan – I work for the people of Wisconsin’s 1st Congressional District and I serve as the top Republican on the House Budget Committee. Yes, Congress does have a budget committee, but I’m afraid it hasn’t been very busy this year. “In fact, this week the House Majority Leader announced that Democrats are canceling this year’s budget.

Instead of reining in out-of-control spending that has pushed our national debt past $13 trillion, Democrats have made clear their intention to raise taxes on middle-class families to fuel their continued spending spree.

“Talk about a recipe for disaster: Democrats are offering no budget, no priorities, and no restraints – yet all their taxing, borrowing, and spending continues unchecked.

“With this budget failure – a first in the modern era – Democrats are missing a critical opportunity to provide the fiscal discipline economists say is needed to create private-sector jobs and boost our economy. This unprecedented budget collapse also sends a clear signal to American families struggling to meet their own budgets that Washington still doesn’t recognize the severity of its spending problem.

“Democrats say their decision is about what’s best for the future of our country. It’s not. With the political season upon us, Democratic leaders believe it’s better to take a pass than to pass a budget. While Americans ask ‘where are the jobs?,’ they seem content to simply run out the clock and let their borrowing binge continue to drain resources from our economy.

“The debt is on track to exceed the size of our entire economy in the next 18 months. We have run out of road to kick the can down. If this is really about the future of our country, then leaders should make the tough choices they promised they would, put moral obligation before political expedience, and focus on what’s in the best interests of the next generation, not the next election.

“This is a time to make tough choices, not run from them. To that end, Republicans on the Budget Committee have already identified $1.3 trillion in specific spending cuts we would implement right now to make Washington do more with less and help small businesses put people back to work. These are specific, common-sense ideas, such as canceling unspent TARP bailout funds and ‘stimulus’ money, that would help us focus on creating more jobs, not more debt. We also propose reducing federal employment and freezing government pay. Instead of growing government, we need to restart the engine of economic growth.

“Of course, this is just a starting point. Much more needs to be done to set our nation on a sustainable economic course. We need to start reining in unnecessary spending now so that we can boost the economy and work together to address our nation’s long term fiscal challenges.

“It is our shared responsibility to take on the challenges before us to make sure that our kids and our grandkids have a better life. Let’s begin this important work today. Let’s make certain we do not simply retreat to the same failed policies. Let’s make the tough, forward-looking choices that will restore the promise and prosperity of this exceptional nation - and let’s do it together.

“Thanks for listening.”

The House Republican Conference - Digital Communications visual.media@mail.house.gov 202-225-5439

Letter from Governor Janice K. Brewer to President Barack Obama VIDEO

Three weeks ago. June the 3d, President Obama in an Oval Office meeting promised Governor Brewer to present details on border security matters within two weeks. I guess it's just not a priority like the President's Department of Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis telling people You Have the Right to Be Paid Fairly Whether Documented or Not.

June 23, 2010

The Honorable Barack Obama The President of the United States The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President:

Thank you for the opportunity to visit with you in person during my recent trip to Washington, D.C. As you know, the issue of border security is foremost in the thoughts of many Arizonans and Americans alike, and I appreciated the chance to personally relate to you my concerns and outline my proposed solutions.

Mr. President, the need for action to secure Arizona's border could not be clearer. Recently, my office received a number of calls from constituents concerned at reports of new sign postings in interior counties of Arizona warning residents not to access federal lands due to criminal activity associated with the border. These warnings signal to some that we have handed over portions of our border areas to illegal immigrants and drug traffickers. This is unacceptable. Instead of warning Americans to stay out of parts of our own country, we ought to be warning international lawbreakers that they will be detained and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. We ought to be establishing measures to ensure that illegal traffic of any sort is kept to an absolute minimum, and that Americans are safe and secure within our own borders.

President Barack Obama meets with Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer in the Oval Office, June 3, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

When we visited, you committed to present details, within two weeks of our meeting, regarding your plans to commit National Guard troops to the Arizona border and expend $500 million in additional funds on border security matters. You also discussed sending members of your senior staff to Arizona to discuss your plans. While I am pleased the 28th has been set for a meeting time and we have reviewed a copy of the Department of Homeland Security's "Southwest Border Next Steps" Press Release,

I am still awaiting details on National Guard deployments and how the proposed additional border security funding will specifically affect Arizona (and the other Border States). As I mentioned to you on June 3rd, it is very difficult to have much of a dialogue without specific details regarding your proposals. I strongly urge you to request your staff provide us with missing details of your proposals prior to the meeting on the 28th.

While we await the specific details of your border security plans, I wanted to take the time to reemphasize some of what I shared with you and respond further to some of what we discussed. In essence, I have proposed a four-point Border Surge strategy, as outlined in my recent letter to Senator Charles Schumer, summarized as follows:

FULL TEXT IN PDF FORMAT: Letter from Governor Janice K. Brewer to President Barack Obama

Governor Chris Christie Unedited interview with the N.J. governor VIDEO

Governor Chris Christie Unedited interview with the N.J. governor.

DISCLOSE Act Passes House 219 to 206 Will “Shred Our Constitution for Raw, Ugly, Partisan Gain” Roll Call Vote

What now seems to be a daily erosion of civil liberties continues.

Uploaded on March 20, 2010 by House GOP Leader All rights reserved.

GOP Leader: “With this misguided bill, Democrats would restrict free speech and violate the First Amendment." H R 5175 RECORDED VOTE 24-Jun-2010 4:29 PM QUESTION: On Passage BILL TITLE: Democracy is Strengthened by Casting Light on Spending in Elections Act or the DISCLOSE Act FINAL VOTE RESULTS FOR ROLL CALL 391

Washington (Jun 24) House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) issued the following statement on the Democrats’ unconstitutional bill designed to silence their political opponents:

“The First Amendment says ‘Congress shall make no law … abridging the freedom of speech.’ It’s first for a reason. Freedom of speech is the basis of our democracy. The purpose of this bill, plain and simple, is to allow Democrats to use their Majority in this House to silence their political opponents. This is a backroom deal to shred our Constitution for raw, ugly, partisan gain.

“With this misguided bill, Democrats would restrict free speech and violate the First Amendment. But not for everyone. This bill would muzzle small businesses but protect labor unions. It allows the Humane Society to speak freely, but not the Farm Bureau. It would protect the AARP’s rights, but not 60-Plus. And lastly it would protect the National Rifle Association but not the National Right to Life. The NRA is carved out and gets a special deal in this bill. The NRA is all about protecting the Second Amendment, but apparently its leaders don’t care about protecting the First Amendment. That’s very disappointing.

“Since the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the First Amendment, Democrats have maintained their bill would ‘apply equally across the board’ to corporations, labor unions and advocacy organizations alike. Instead, they produced a bill full of loopholes designed to help their friends while silencing their political opponents. We in this House take an oath to ‘preserve, protect, and defend our Constitution.’ A vote for this bill violates that oath.”

TEXT CREDIT: House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) H-204 The Capitol Washington, DC 20515 P (202) 225-4000 F (202) 225-5117

Americans Target IRS ObamaCare Enforcers

I know this is a priority issue for most Americans, lets spend billions to hire more IRS agents, it'll end the war, economic recession, global warming, illegal immigration and the leak. If only we we'd been in time to save Al Gore's marriage. Republican Study Committee Chairman Tom Price (R-GA) issued the following statement in support of this week’s YouCut vote to save $5 to $10 billion by prohibiting new funding to the IRS for the purpose of enforcing the unconstitutional individual mandate in ObamaCare.

“Spending $10 billion to hire thousands of new IRS agents is not health care reform,” said Chairman Price. “It’s just an expansion of government power. How Democrats can equate health care reform with a more powerful IRS is a mystery. If ObamaCare was actually good for patients, they would not need an unconstitutional mandate enforced by a horde of new tax agents.

“The American people have cast more than one million YouCut votes in the last six weeks. And if not for the intense opposition of House Democrats, the winning initiatives could have already saved $100 billion. The Democrats’ failure to support common sense spending cuts goes hand-in-hand with their failure to budget. They cannot tackle a $1.5 trillion deficit if they balk at the first few steps.”

Note: According to the Congressional Budget Office, over the next ten years the IRS will require between $5 billion and $10 billion in funding to implement ObamaCare. ###

Republican Study Committee (RSC) - The Caucus of House Conservatives: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 6.24.2010

Bobby Jindal federal judge’s ruling to grant an immediate injunction on President Obama’s deepwater drilling moratorium was welcome news.VIDEO

The Governor reiterated his support for the court’s ruling yesterday to lift the moratorium and also noted that for the first time BP said today they will not be paying for any moratorium-related losses.

Governor Jindal said, “The federal judge’s ruling yesterday to grant an immediate injunction on President Obama’s deepwater drilling moratorium was welcome news. We absolutely agree with the judge’s conclusion that the Administration’s six-month, or longer, shut down of deepwater drilling was ‘arbitrary and capricious.’

“Not only does the moratorium threaten thousands of direct jobs in our state, it also jeopardizes many other industries that supply our oil and gas industry and the entire communities that depend on them. It is also deeply concerning that the President’s moratorium was enacted against the judgment of the Department of the Interior’s own expert advisors and scientists.

“The Administration now says that they will immediately appeal the ruling. They just don’t seem to understand that you can’t just turn a switch on and off with these rigs. When they leave our coast to produce oil in other parts of the country or the world, the jobs that support them go too. We absolutely do not want another spill or one more drop of oil on our coast or in our water, but thousands of Louisianians should not have to lose their jobs because the federal government can’t adequately do their job of ensuring drilling is done safely.

“The federal government has an entire agency dedicated to monitoring safe drilling. It shouldn’t take them six-months or longer to ensure safety measures are in place and their laws and regulations are being followed. Instead of an arbitrary moratorium, the Administration should listen to their own experts and enact the specific recommended steps from their own experts to ensure proper oversight and safe drilling.

“As Judge Feldman stated in his preliminary injunction ruling yesterday, ‘…the Secretary’s determination that a six-month moratorium on issuance of new permits and on drilling by the thirty-three rigs is necessary does not seem to be fact-specific and refuses to take into measure the safety records of those others in the Gulf. There is no evidence presented indicating that the Secretary balanced the concern for environmental safety with the policy of making leases available for development. There is no suggestion that the Secretary considered any alternatives: for example, an individualized suspension of activities on target rigs until they reached compliance with the new federal regulations said to be recommended for immediate implementation.’”

The Governor added, “The Commission that was supposed to study the moratorium for the President for six months now says they won’t have their first meeting until mid-July and they won’t finish their report until next year.

“I want to be very clear on this point. Each month that the work of the Commission is delayed means another month that thousands of Louisiana people won’t be able to work. Each month that the work of the Commission is delayed, we expect additional energy companies to move existing deepwater rigs to other parts of the world and/or to plan new deepwater drilling capacity for other parts of the world in lieu of the Gulf – further extending and expanding job losses in Louisiana. Each month that the work of the Commission is delayed will result in the loss of approximately $65 to 135 million in Louisiana wages.

“Moreover, the $100 million set aside by BP to offset the wage losses of deepwater rig workers will cover only a few weeks of lost wages for those workers – and these funds will do nothing to offset the hundreds of millions in wage losses for workers in support industries that count on deepwater drilling activity for their livelihood. Today, BP told us for the first time that they will not pay for moratorium-related losses above the $100 million.”

TEXT CREDIT: Office of the Governor || PO Box 94004, Baton Rouge, LA 70804 || Contact the Governor||

VIDEO CREDIT: BobbyJindal2007

Gov. Jindal to Feds: No Time for More Studies, Act Now & Restart Dredging Operations so LA Can Win this War against the Oil Spill

NEW ORLEANS – Today, Governor Bobby Jindal called on the federal government to immediately restart dredging operations at the Chandeleur Islands after the federal government ordered the operations there to shut down last night. The Governor landed on the sand-berms today at the Chandeleur Islands today to highlight the progress already made in the state’s dredging project to block the oil from hitting Louisiana’s coast.

Governor Jindal called the federal government’s decision to shut down dredging absurd and requested they immediately allow contractors to get back to work building sand-berms to protect the state’s coastline.

Governor Jindal said, “We got word yesterday that federal officials were going to shut down our dredging operations on the North Chandeleur Islands and those operations were indeed stopped under the federal government’s command at 6PM last night.

“Our request here today is simple. We are again calling on the federal government to allow us to continue these dredging operations as we mobilize pipe for another two miles – which will take around just seven more days. Getting this pipe in place without stopping the dredging operations will allow us a seamless transition as we move the dredge to a new borrow site. After this pipe is in place, our dredger can disconnect and move to the next site where it can then resume dredging operations in just one day.

“We have told Col. Lee of the Army Corps of Engineers and every federal agency that we are in an emergency situation here. This is a disaster for our state. Days count. Hours count. We cannot wait for more conference calls and meetings for discussions. We need to adapt to the situation on the ground and continue our dredging operations for as long as possible until we can move to the next borrow site and continue to create sand boom.

To date, more than 690,000 cubic yards of material have been transported for the eastern and western reaches of the sand berm project on the North Chandeleur Islands. This includes approximately 90,000 cubic yards on the western side. A total of 5,000 feet of sand berm has been created at the site. The state has also dredged over 2.5 miles on East Grand Terre.

The Governor added, “We have jumped through every hoop that the federal government has placed in front of us since this spill started. On May 2, we submitted our initial boom plan to the Incident Command Post since there was not a plan. When BP and the Coast Guard were unable to provide the appropriate boom resources, we began developing innovative solutions like Tiger Dams, air-dropping sand bags, Hesco baskets, opening all freshwater diversions, vacuum barges and many other alternatives.

“On May 11th, we submitted a proposal to the regulatory agencies, BP and the Coast Guard to approve our sand berms. It took almost a month for the federal government to approve the plan and make BP pay for the work. Meanwhile, we had millions of gallons of oil covering our wetlands, killing our wildlife and forcing our people out of work.”

At a press conference following the tour of the dredging site, the Governor highlighted a picture of the Chandeleur Islands from 2001 to 2005 that shows the erosion of the area. Governor Jindal noted that The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service own these islands and they are supposed to be a wildlife refuge.

Governor Jindal said, “People used to live on these islands. It was a fishing community and even had some farming. From the mid-90s until recently, the islands lost up to 300 feet per year under U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service management. Now, this same agency has concerns that we are not being sensitive to the islands by wanting to continue to dredge for seven more days to ensure a smooth transition? They have not invested a penny in this area and are allowing it to erode at extraordinary rates. Meanwhile, they invest millions in other refuges in other parts of the country.

“Louisiana's coast is one our most important resources. That is why we are fighting so hard to protect our wetlands, protect our fisheries and birds and to protect our way of life from this oil spill – with these sand booms.

“We have said from the beginning that we would backfill any dredging that would adversely affect these islands. That commitment still stands. Shutting down dredging operations while oil continues to hit our shores and the oil continues to flow into the Gulf is absolutely absurd. We need to act now.

“The area where the state was dredging remains within the area permitted by the federal government. When the dredging contractor began operations, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service voiced objections to the location of the dredge. In an effort to prevent delay to the project, we worked out an agreement that would provide for backfilling the dredge site and the movement of the dredge vessel to a new location. The state remains committed to moving the dredge to another location within the permitted area and backfilling the first dredge site.”

TEXT and PHOTO CREDIT: Office of the Governor || PO Box 94004, Baton Rouge, LA 70804 || Contact the Governor||

John McCain’s remarks with Lieberman and Graham regarding President Obama’s decision to appoint General Petraeus commander in Afghanistan VIDEO

“We applaud the decision of the President of the United States to ask General Petraeus to go serve again in defense of our nation. We think there is no one more qualified or more outstanding leader than General Petraeus to achieve a successful conclusion of the Afghan conflict. We praise the service of General McChrystal and thank him for his service to our nation and wish him well, every success in the future. We are confident that General Petraeus' leadership will have a very positive effect on the situation in the region.”

“We know there's tough sledding ahead. … The concern that we have is, and the issue that will be raised in General Petraeus' confirmation hearings is, exactly what is meant by ‘withdrawal in the middle of 2011,’ whether that is ‘etched in stone’ as the President's spokesperson … stated or whether it will be conditions based. Obviously, we feel strongly it needs to be condition based because if you tell the enemy when you are leaving, then obviously it has an adverse effect on your ability to succeed. So that is a major concern and there's a great deal of ambiguity about that issue. I'm convinced that we can succeed in Afghanistan with the leadership and the talent of the young men and women who are serving, but we have to send the message that we will do whatever is necessary in order to achieve success. ... The withdrawal of U.S. troops must be based on conditions at the time, not on an arbitrary date.” – Senator John McCain

TEXT CREDIT: United States Senator John McCain United States Senate, 241 Russell Senate Ofc. Bldg. Washington, DC 20510, Main: (202) 224-2235, Fax: (202) 228-2862

VIDEO CREDIT: SenatorJohnMcCain

Howard P. “Buck” McKeon's Statement on President Obama's decision to relieve General Stanley McChrystal

Washington, D.C.—U.S. Rep. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-Calif.), the Ranking Member of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee, today released the following statement in response to the President’s decision to relieve General Stanley McChrystal of command in Afghanistan and replace him with General David Petraeus, the current commander of U.S. Central Command:

“We are at a critical time in our Afghanistan campaign with our troops engaged in tough fighting throughout the country. While the current situation is unfortunate, our focus must remain on the mission at hand: defeating al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and their extremist allies.

“The counterinsurgency strategy our troops are implementing in Afghanistan remains strong. I believe the appointment of General Petraeus will ensure continuity in this effort. In Iraq, he proved that a counterinsurgency campaign can work and is well prepared to do the same in Afghanistan.

“Now is the time for the President, as Commander-in-Chief, to exert stronger leadership over the course of the war. By focusing more on the effort, everybody—from the top commanders and diplomats to the warfighters and civilian professionals in the field—will know that he is engaged and singularly focused on winning.

“I encourage the President to recommit his entire Afghanistan-Pakistan team to the seriousness of purpose at hand. This will allow the President to reassure our troops and diplomats, and their families, that he has a cohesive team committed to providing the time and resources they need to win in Afghanistan.

“Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t thank General McChrystal for his decades-long service to our country and for his counsel to Congress on both Iraq and Afghanistan.” ###

TEXT and PHOTO CREDIT: June 23, 2010 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Lindsey Mask Washington, D.C. Office Congressman Howard P. Buck McKeon U.S. House of Representatives 2184 Rayburn HOB Washington, D.C. 20515 ph: (202) 225-1956 fax: (202) 226-0683

Obama’s Chicago Network VIDEO

Lite summer fare Youtube mashup from the Republican National Committee.

Obama’s Chicago Network brings the hottest, most drama-filled political intrigue to a national audience. President Obama brought to the White House both seasoned actors of the Chicago Way Rahm Emanuel, Valerie Jarrett, and David Axelrod, and fresh new faces Robert Gibbs and Jim Messina. Together they’re bringing Chicago-style politics to the biggest stars in DC. You may be sitting at home, but thanks to Obama’s Chicago Network, you’ll feel like you’re watching from the Wrigley bleachers eating a hot dog…except this dog gives you indigestion.

Paid for by the Republican National Committee Not Authorized By Any Candidate Or Candidate's Committee. www.GOP.com

House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) Statement on New U.S. Military Leadership in Afghanistan

Uploaded on December 3, 2009 by House GOP Leader © All rights reserved.

"Every one of you carries a marshal's baton in his knapsack; It is up to you to bring it out". - Napoleon Washington (Jun 23) House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) issued the following statement on the leadership changes for the U.S. military in Afghanistan announced today:

“Our fight in Afghanistan is critical to the security of the American people, and nothing should distract us from our goal of defeating al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and Islamic terrorists and denying them safe haven in the region. Afghanistan is a tough operating environment, and our military, intelligence, and civilian personnel are doing a tremendous job. We need to focus our efforts on supporting their efforts and providing them with all the resources they need, and that means Congress should pass its troop funding bill without any further delay. House Republicans stand ready to work with the President to ensure our troops have all the resources and support from Congress they need to complete their mission successfully.

“I have great respect for General McChrystal and the job he’s done in Afghanistan and elsewhere in service of our country, but I respect the decision of our Commander-in-Chief. I thank General McChrystal for the sacrifices and enormous contributions he has made on behalf of our country. General Petraeus has also dedicated his career to this country and he deserves great credit for his leadership in helping to stabilize Iraq and bring it to a critical transition point this summer. I believe he is the right person take over this command.”

TEXT CREDIT: House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) H-204 The Capitol Washington, DC 20515 P (202) 225-4000 F (202) 225-5117

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates Issues Statement on McChrystal Profile VIDEO

Gates on McChrystal 22 June 2010. Defense Secretary Robert Gates issued a statement June 22 regarding GEN Stanley McChrystal's comments in a Rolling Stone magazine story.

WASHINGTON, June 22, 2010 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates issued a statement today regarding a profile article on Army Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, commander of the International Security Assistance Force and U.S. forces in Afghanistan.

Here is the secretary’s statement:

"I read with concern the profile piece on Gen. Stanley McChrystal in the upcoming edition of ‘Rolling Stone’ magazine. I believe that Gen. McChrystal made a significant mistake and exercised poor judgment in this case. We are fighting a war against al Qaeda and its extremist allies, who directly threaten the United States, Afghanistan, and our friends and allies around the world. Going forward, we must pursue this mission with a unity of purpose. Our troops and coalition partners are making extraordinary sacrifices on behalf of our security, and our singular focus must be on supporting them and succeeding in Afghanistan without such distractions. Gen. McChrystal has apologized to me and is similarly reaching out to others named in this article to apologize to them as well. I have recalled Gen. McChrystal to Washington to discuss this in person."

From a Defense Department News Release.

Steny Hoyer : ‘No’ to a Budget, ‘Yes’ to Middle Class Tax Hikes

It’s clear from the harsh partisan rhetoric that President Obama, his administration and Democratic leaders in both houses have run out of excuses for their broken promises

Uploaded on November 5, 2009 by House GOP Leader © All rights reserved.

Washington (Jun 22) House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) released the following statement on House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer’s budget speech this morning: “In his speech today, Majority Leader Hoyer admits that House Democrats will not do a budget this year, for the first time in modern history. He also admits that he supports raising taxes on the middle class to pay for more government spending.

“That is the ideology of Washington Democrats: just keep spending taxpayers’ money - with no plan, no discipline, and no accountability. Every American knows that our country is going through tough times. Unemployment is near ten percent nationwide. In my home state of Ohio, it’s even higher. Every American family also knows what Washington Democrats can’t seem to grasp: in tough times it’s more important - not less - to have a budget, to set priorities, and to live within your means.

“As the Obama Administration’s Office of Management and Budget Director flees the rising tide of red ink, it’s time to be honest with the American people. To tell them how much their federal government is spending, how much it owes, and how big a bite it will take out of their paychecks this year and in years to come. Struggling small business owners can’t save, invest, and hire if Washington Democrats won’t even tell them how much they’ll owe in taxes next year.

“Economists have told us a fiscally-responsible budget will help create jobs, and the American people know they’re right. House Republicans have offered better solutions to cut spending now, and impose real spending caps in the future. We know that higher taxes, higher deficits, and more debt are not the answer. That’s why the Majority Leader is dead wrong about the future of this country, and what we need to do - right now - to make sure the American dream is alive and well for our kids and grandkids.”

NOTE: On June 10, a group of more than 100 economists sent a letter saying that failing to offer a budget this year would, “mark a massive missed opportunity to help our economy grow and create private-sector jobs.” House Republican Leader Boehner gave a copy of that letter to President Obama at the White House.

TEXT CREDIT: House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) H-204 The Capitol Washington, DC 20515 P (202) 225-4000 F (202) 225-5117

Steny Hoyer Permanent Middle Class Tax Cuts Too Expensive VIDEO

The other shoe drops for desperate Dems. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) announced that the House will not pass a budget blueprint this year.

Leader: House Won’t Pass Budget Resolution Boozman says ‘failure to govern’

Since the implementation of current budget rules in 1974, the House of Representatives has never failed to pass a budget resolution – until now. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) today announced that the House of Representatives will not pass a budget blueprint this year.

This “is a failure by the Majority to govern at its most basic level,” U.S. Representative John Boozman (R-AR) said in a speech on the House Floor. During his remarks, Boozman said Washington needs to make difficult financial decisions just like hardworking Arkansas families are forced to do.

The following is a transcript of Boozman’s comments:

Mr. Speaker when hardworking Arkansans receive their paychecks they are forced to make difficult decisions about their finances and how they spend their money. Arkansas families are forced to tighten their belts in this economic climate and change their spending habits and they expect Washington to do the same.

It is the job of Congress to be responsible stewards of taxpayer money, but not passing a budget is far from responsible, it is a failure by the Majority to govern at its most basic level.

The level of discretionary increases and spending in the past year is unsustainable. Failing to produce a budget only places future burdens on our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

We need fiscal discipline and a balanced budget that controls the national debt, does not raise taxes and achieves lower deficits. Not passing a budget for the first time in modern history demonstrates how out of touch Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Hoyer are with the American people and shows the lack of leadership. We owe it to the American people to do better.

I yield back the balance of my time.

TEXT CREDIT: U.S. Representative John Boozman (R-AR) Washington D.C. Office: 1519 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-4301 Fax: (202) 225-5713

VIDEO CREDIT: BoozmanPressOffice

Federal judge grants injunction, blocks Obama administration's drilling moratorium

Martin Leach-Cross Feldman federal judge on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana granted the motion for preliminary injunction, blocking the offshore drilling moratorium imposed by President Barack Obama's administration after BP Gulf oil spill.

This case asks whether the federal government’s imposition of a general moratorium on deepwater drilling for oil in the Gulf of Mexico was imposed contrary to law. Before the Court is the plaintiffs’ motion for preliminary injunction. For the following reasons, the motion is GRANTED.

The plaintiffs in this case provide a myriad of services to support offshore oil and gas drilling, exploration, and production activities in the Gulf of Mexico’s Outer Continental Shelf.1 They challenge the six-month moratorium on offshore drilling operations of new and currently permitted deepwater wells that was imposed on May 28, 2010 by the Department of the Interior and the Minerals Management Service.

FULL TEXT IN PDF FORMAT, Gulf Oil Spill Moratorium Decision (Hornbeck v. Salazar CA 10-1663)

Martin Leach-Cross Feldman (born 1934) is a United States federal judge.

Feldman was born in St. Louis, Missouri. He received a B.A. from Tulane University in 1955. He received a J.D. from Tulane Law School in 1957. He was in the United States Army Reserve Captain, JAG Corps from 1957 to 1963. He was a law clerk, Hon. John Minor Wisdom, U.S. Court of Appeals, 5th Circuit from 1957 to 1959. He was in private practice in New Orleans, Louisiana from 1959 to 1983.

Feldman is a federal judge on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. Feldman was nominated by President Ronald Reagan on September 9, 1983, to a seat vacated by Jack M. Gordon. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on October 4, 1983, and received his commission on October 5, 1983. Biographical Directory of Federal Judges
Feldman, Martin Leach-Cross

Senator George LeMieux Avoid Reliance on Russians; Add Shuttle Flights

Of all the "missteps" that the President has taken, we find the discontinuation of the manned space program to be the most revealing of his methods and motives. WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator George LeMieux (R-FL) today issued the following statement in response to comments by former astronaut and U.S. Senator John Glenn in support of additional Space Shuttle flights.

Senator LeMieux said:

"I fully support Senator John Glenn's call for additional Shuttle flights. Relying solely on the Russians for access to space is irresponsible. President Obama's ill-conceived plans for NASA will cost Florida thousands of jobs while dismantling a critical workforce and national capability. I look forward to working with Senator Glenn and other leaders in space exploration to correct the Obama Administration's misguided plans to outsource human space exploration to the Russians." ###

June 21, 2010 United States Senate, 356 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Main: (202) 224-3041, Toll free: (866) 630-7106 Fax: (202) 228-5171, TTY: (407) 254-5548

Secretary of State Beth Chapman Pleased with Recount Process in Alabama Republican gubernatorial primary election

former state Senator Bradley Byrne • 1 June 2010: Received 28% in the primary. Proceeds to 13 July runoff. state Representative Robert J. Bentley • 1 June 2010: Received 25% in the primary. Proceeds to 13 July runoff.

MONTGOMERY, AL – Secretary of State Beth Chapman was pleased, but not at all surprised, to hear that last week’s recount from the unprecedented Republican gubernatorial primary election resulted in virtually no change in the original vote count from June 1. “It’s good to know the democratic process is still safe and secure in Alabama,” Chapman said. “Every legally qualified vote in the Republican primary election for governor was counted. Then they were recounted, proving the system was sound and accurate from the start.” “This unprecedented situation was properly managed and is solid confirmation that the integrity of the ballot box is still intact in Alabama,” Chapman continued.

According to Chapman, the voting machines used in Alabama are 99.9% accurate and all of them must count 10 million marked ballots without a single error in order to be certified for use in an election.

“I am grateful to the Republican Party and the election officials in all 67 counties for the excellent job they did with the recount,” Chapman said. “It is reassuring that the numbers show two clear first and second place winners once again and we can now move forward with the runoff election to be held on July 13th.”

Chapman certified the ballots on June 11th and because of the timely certification the run-off ballots will be printed and sent to absentee voters without any undue delay. ###

For more information, visit Secretary of State Beth Chapman’s Web Site: www.sos.alabama.gov/

Pelosi’s Deficit Desires Hold us Hostage but "The Times They Are A-changin'"

Speaker Pelosi hasn't got the message "Don't block at the doorway Don't block up the hall" she must feel "The chance won't come again" she is tough and resourceful but "The Times They Are A-changin'"

Washington, Jun 21 - Congress’ inability to find a permanent fix to the scheduled 21 percent cut in Medicare reimbursements is forcing an increasing number of physicians to stop participating in Medicare.

Yet on Friday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she would prevent the House from voting on a fully paid-for bill to delay the reimbursement cut unless the Senate first passes legislation that would create tens of billions of dollars in new debt. Republican Study Committee Chairman Tom Price (R-GA) issued the following statement in response.

“Seniors’ access to health care is being held hostage to the Democrats’ deficit spending addiction,” said Chairman Price. “Every year, more and more physicians leave Medicare because the reimbursements do not cover their costs. A 21 percent cut will turn this steady flow into a deluge. Unlike Washington, doctors’ offices cannot operate with enormous annual deficits. Slashing Medicare reimbursement rates will make it incredibly difficult for seniors to get the care they need. We owe it to every generation to find a permanent and fiscally responsible solution to the Medicare reimbursement crisis. The American people are tired of politicians looking for leverage when they should be providing leadership.” ###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 6.21.2010 House Republican Study Committee 424 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 226-9717 Fax: (202) 226-1633