Supreme Court Exposed

The sudden death of Associate Justice Antonin Scalia has dealt a gut punch to the Republican Party. It is something they couldn't wait minutes before announcing that President Obama cannot replace him on the nation's highest court. Why? Because he's a lame duck. Didn't Ronald Reagan nominate Anthony Kennedy to the Supreme Court when he was a lame duck? (Let's check the record.)

I find that ironic, since Article II, Section 2 of the United States Constitution enumerates that it is the president's expressed power to nominate Supreme Court justices (how about that Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL)?). Of course, that is with the advice and consent of the U.S. Senate. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY, by way of Alabama), is sure that he can mire any Obama nominee in senatorial minutiae, until Hillary Clinton is sworn in as president on January 20, 2017. (Wouldn't that be ironic and just desserts?)

Until then, the U.S. Supreme Court may divided in its votes on important court issues facing it, with only eight members. In such a case, the court could be divided by series of 4-to-4 votes.

On another note, why would a sitting United States Supreme Court justice be visiting a luxury Texas hunting lodge (or ranch) with people flying in on private jets? That seems like a prime recipe for ex-parte discussions about cases that may be facing the court. Republicans, however, may argue that since he was an appointment of Ronald Reagan, he is immune from such impunity.

Hitler in Crimea

Hillary Clinton referred to Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent incursion into Crimea (which is part of Ukraine) to protect Russian minorities as being akin to Adolf Hitler's wolf-in-sheep's clothing declaration of protecting German minorities in Austria, Czechoslovakia, and Poland, during the dawn of World War II.

I don't think Hillary Clinton was calling Putin--himself--Adolf Hitler; she was simply stating that his tactics are similar. We can already see that what she said is true. The Crimean parliament has voted to secede from Ukraine and join Russia. It will put the matter before the people of Crimea in the next ten days.

Secretary Clinton also used an interesting phrase in her speech, in which she stated that President Putin did not simply want to solidify Russia, but he wants something more grand. He is looking to "re-Sovietize" the Russian frontier. Perhaps after bringing Ukraine to heel, he will work on the other former Soviet states. Who's next? Georgia? Armenia? Certainly, they contain Russian minority groups worthy of Mother Russia's very firm protection.

Hillary for President

I was reading an article on Yahoo! extolling the cautious virtues of declaring a political party front-runner in the modern age of presidential elections, when it dawned on me that Hillary must be really putting the screws to Republicans and to Democrats!

If we could go back in time to 2008, with the knowledge we have today (yes, I know, 20/20 hindsight), I know we would have elected Hillary as president. Barack Obama would have continued as the junior senator from Illinois, and America would have been a much better place because of it!

I'm back up and running for Hillary Clinton for president!

Hillary 2016

It's 3am and a phone is ringing in the White House...

I am reminded of that famous Hillary Clinton 2008 presidential campaign commercial today. It sounds like there is a phone (probably a lot of them) ringing at the White House as I type this. Who is answering that phone?

The President has scheduled an address from the White House today at 1:15pm. He has also done due diligence by contacting the Senate and House leadership, which is customary before an attack on a foreign nation. I think all of the indicators are there to support the fact that the United States has already carried out some sort of assault against assets inside of Syria.

America is not ready for another war, even if it doesn't involve "boots on the ground." We can barely tread water as things stand today. I am saddened that people are dying in Syria, but it is hardly the responsibility of the United States to do anything about it. The proverbial can of worms will soon spill over and we will be left with a much larger mess to actually clean up in the end!

Barack Obama: a homophobe?

Yesterday, the Pentagon issued orders allowing military recruiters to accept openly homosexual recruits for the first time in the history of the nation's armed forces. In a step backward, however, Barack Obama's administration applied for a stay from the same San Francisco federal court that declared "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" unconstitutional.

I find this completely unacceptable. The government should be working to enforce the court's ruling that lifted the stigma of hate and exclusion against the gay community. Instead, they cite that the ruling may compromise the armed services in some way.

That is bogus!

President Obama, you do not know your ass from a hole in the ground! Although, you are a Democrat, like me, I never supported your rise to power! Hillary would never have petitioned the court to reverse its ruling.

It's 3am...

It's 3am and a phone is ringing in the White House to tell the president that an assload of oil is leaking into the Gulf of Mexico, which will destroy ecosystems and cost billions of dollars in local revenues. Are you glad it is Barack Obama who is taking the call?

I didn't think so.

You could have had Hillary Clinton, you losers! Instead, we have President Obama, who is stuck in the headlights like a deer. I bet Hillary would have kicked someone's ass right there on the Gulf coast! I would rather have a president who was doing something about one of the worst natural distasters in our country's history, rather than on television making speeches about it, because he's too buddy-buddy with British Petroleum (BP).

Hillary Clinton, The Reprise

After Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's foray into domestic policy yesterday has gotten everyone's attention (including mine), I came across this little tid-bit on the Internet. It is called, "Vice President Hillary Clinton."

(Perfect.)

If Hillary were the Democratic candidate for Vice President in 2012, how would that translate into votes for Democrats? Also, how about 2016? (I don't want to hear any Republicans say she is too old! For Christ's sake, Ronald Reagan was three day's older than God, when he ran for president in 1980 and 1984. She'll only be a scant over 70 on Election Day, November 8, 2016.)

(Hopeful.)

Obama, Massachusetts & the One Term Presidency

In a seemingly impossibility, Massachusetts elected a conservative Republican as its next United States Senator, Scott Brown. What is even more shocking is that it is the same seat held by long time Senator Ted Kennedy, who was a member of the Kennedy dynasty of American leaders. 

If you had told me the outcome of this election a month ago I would never have believed it! Massachusetts, or so I believed, is the bastion of liberal politics. It was as if all the progressive ideas and policies of our great land were born and nurtured first in this state's womb (sick analogy, I know). 

President Barack Obama visited the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to campaign for the Democratic candidate Martha Coakley before last week's special election, but was unable to sway the state's electorate that she was the right individual for the job. What does that say for Obama's presidency?

Barack Obama made the pledge to close Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, by January 20, 2010, but that date has come and gone and the illegal W. Bush-era prison is still going strong. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan also seem to be without end. Those are three BIG promises made by the administration during campaign times. If I had been president, I would have ensured at least one of my goals had been accomplished by now!

My friends, including you, get tired of me harping about Hillary Clinton. But let's face it, Hillary Clinton was railroaded out of the presidency. Instead of a lion in the White House, we have a lamb. We have the former junior senator from Illinois, who gave the keynote address at the 2004 Democratic National Convention (which is his only claim to national fame), as president! I said it many times during the 2008 presidential election, and it bears repeating, but America did not need a president who had to be trained on the job. That is exactly what we have with Barack Obama. Americans are starting to see through his thin veneer of simpleton ideas and promises. 

 Now we are doomed to have a Republican become president in 2012, as I do not see Obama being re-elected for a second term. He is simply too timid for the job of president. Perhaps, the Republican Party will nominate the hot new senator from Massachusetts to represent it in the upcoming presidential election. It would fall into the mainstream of what happened in 2008, when Barack Obama was nominated by the Democratic Party for president. 

I'm thinking Hillary Clinton will be only 69 years young in November 2016!

Haiti

 (President) Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is off to Haiti tomorrow to assess the situation there firsthand. It has been more than three days since a 7.0 earthquake devastated the national capital of Haiti, Port-au-Prince.

Financial aid, rescue personnel, and heavy equipment, from all over the world, is slowly trickling into Haiti. Much of the country's primitive infrastructure has been destroyed as a consequence of the earthquake. The main airport is congested and is currently being operated by the United States. Ships carrying aid and personnel cannot be offloaded, because the docks are in shambles in conjunction with bays full of dangerous debris. Helicopters will be used to transport personnel and supplies to the island nation. 

Medical resources and personnel are in dire supply. The Haitian government has waived licensing requirement for physicians arriving from the United States (and probably other countries as well), which means they can go straight work without any red-tape.

Already the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, this will certainly work against Haiti's future. The people of this small country have been wrought with social and nature calamities since its inception as a Spanish colony in the 15th century. 

Whine, Whine, Whine

The United States Senate is dragging its feet deep into the ground as it entrenches itself for what will shape up to be a real let down for the American people. 

I am a bit puzzled when the Democrats hold a majority and they cannot get anything accomplished. I remember that the Republicans did whatever they wanted when they had a majority. They certainly never built any bridges of consensus with the Democratic minority. Now, Democrats are having to water down the healthcare overhaul plan, which really will end up being a screwed up version of what we have always had, which is essentially the middle class and upper class being able to afford healthcare, while the lower class has to do without healthcare or depend on public assistance, such as Medicaid. 

As we all know, Barack Obama was never fully behind universal healthcare. His words before the 2008 presidential election were merely face time with those who wanted equity in our health system. Hillary Clinton was adamant that every single American be insured, either privately or publicly. Another disturbing piece to this ugly puzzle is the fact President Obama is unwilling to fight for his own bill. He went to Congress once. If I were him, and it was truly important to me, I'd be on Capitol Hill every single day until the members of Congress did what was right for the American people. 

Now let's move on to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Barack Obama promised that these wars would be ended within 18 months of him becoming president. Instead, we see escalation of the conflict in Afghanistan by sending an additional 30,000 American troops into that lost country. What is the point, really? Will these additional troops benefit the people of Afghanistan? I do not believe they will. It is merely a way to appease those people who say Obama is too weak to be Commander-in-Chief. It takes more courage to do what is right, such as withdrawing our troops, rather than giving into to the policies of George W. Bush's two terms as president. 

In the end, isn't that who Barack Obama is? He is merely a newer, more eloquent, dolled up version of George W. Bush. I hate to say it, but it is true. He didn't really accomplish anything that he set out to do. Healthcare reform is a joke, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan press on, and the economy is still reeling. It may have only been 11 months, but I really believe that more could have been accomplished. He should have hit the floor running on January 20, 2009 at 12:01pm, but instead he dilly-dallied around and let the special interests dig in a bit deeper, so they can do what they do best: run the country from the inside.

I may sound bitter. That's because I am. In our greatest time of need, we needed a doer rather than a dreamer. We needed someone who can get the job done, without having to learn on the fly.

Hillary Clinton fractures her elbow

I want to wish Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton a speedy recovery after her recent accident resulting in the fracture of her elbow.

Yesterday, she fell at the State Department, while preparing for a visit to the White House. She was taken to George Washington University Hospital where she was treated and released. Clinton is expected to have surgery on her elbow at a later date to repair the damage.

Hillary Clinton Confirmed

The United States Senate voted 94-2 to confirm Hillary Rodham Clinton as secretary of state. Senators said they wanted to expedite the vote because of all the tough issues the State Department is facing around the world.

Caroline Kennedy is no Sarah Palin

Some disillusioned Republicans are attempting to railroad Caroline Kennedy from being appointed to Hillary Rodham Clinton's seat in the United States Senate by comparing her to Republican Alaska Governor Sarah Palin.

Let's face facts here. Caroline Kennedy is the daughter of a president of the United States and her mother was Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Sarah Palin is no where near that caliber, and the world knows it!

Senator Bill Clinton?

Upon the nomination of Senator Hillary Clinton as secretary of state attention has turned to her replacement in the upper-house of Congress.

One name to be circulated is President Bill Clinton. Although, I believe his appointment by the governor of New York is a long-shot, it does have precedent. Former presidents are not barred from public service, except in the Executive Branch if they are a two-termer like President Clinton. John Quincy Adams served Massachusetts in the U.S. House of Representatives until his death. Also, William Howard Taft went on to become the chief justice of the Supreme Court.

Will it happen? I do not think he would accept a position in the United States Senate. It just doesn't seem like his style.

I've often wondered what would be the constitutional ramifications, if any, of a president who nominates himself/herself to a lifetime position on the Supreme Court of the United States. It would be a nice job to retire into from the presidency. I do not think the Constitution bars such a move. For example, I am the president and I am entering my waning days, like George W. Bush is now, and a vacancy becomes available on the Supreme Court. I could nominate myself (via the president's duties in the Constitution) and be confirmed by the Senate after my term as president has concluded (or resign if the confirmation is before January 20).

Something to consider. I'd do it!

It's Official

True to the buzz and gossip, Hillary Clinton was nominated by Barack Obama to be the next secretary of state of the United States. The only obstacle left now is confirmation by the United States Senate. It will be a shoe-in for her.

Secretary of State

Senator Barack Obama will nominate Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton to the post of secretary of state on Monday.

Hillary Clinton

Will she or won't she accept the appointment as Secretary of State in Barack Obama's administration?

She and President Clinton have been clearing a path that seems to be leading toward that destination, but there is now talk the Senate leadership is preparing to give her a special leadership position.

After Thanksgiving, perhaps, we'll know her decision.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton

I think Hillary Clinton will take the position as America's top diplomat, secretary of state. There seems to be a lot of buzz around a meeting she had with Obama regarding the matter.

I've still got my hope for Hillary 2016!

McCain, Obama: The First Debate

The first presidential debate of the 2008 season got off to a rocky start last night, considering many didn't know if Senator John McCain was going to be able to make it.

After McCain's political stunt to look super-presidential back-fired in his face, he decided that he should probably participate in the debate, which was held in Oxford, Mississippi. I'm not sure it was to Obama's credit, however.

John McCain, who is seemingly three days older than God, made Barack Obama look more than a little green, when it came to such things as foreign policy. Senator McCain dropped world leaders' names left and right, including his impressive collection of passport stamps, leaving Senator Obama appearing as if he is an amateur on foreign affairs.

I wonder which Democrat could have made McCain's resume seem a little less daunting? I can't think of anyone, can you? (Hint: Hillary Clinton.)

I'm afraid the Democratic contender for the White House, Barack Obama, who seems strong on domestic issues, comes up short on international affairs. That is something Senator Hillary Clinton had in abundance. (Yes, I am crying over spilled milk!)

SNL: Clinton & Palin

I really enjoyed the Saturday Night Live skit of Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin. When I first saw it Saturday night (duh), I thought it really was Sarah Palin playing a cameo part. But it turns out that it was Tina Fey, who looks strikingly similar to the Alaska governor. She even plays up her Minnesota-like accent.

"Hillary" stated that she should "have wanted it more," while talking about the presidency. Of course, fewer people could have wanted it more than her.