MSNBC anchor Keith Olbermann, who was suspended indefinitely without pay last Friday and promply reinstated to be back on the air Tuesday, after it was reported that he donated to Democrats in the 2010 election cycle, chastised Fox News on October 7 for supposedly "shilling" for partisan causes.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Today on Kresta - November 8, 2010
Talking about the "things that matter most" on Nov. 8
GUEST HOST: PAUL KENGOR
4:00 – Is the Catholic Identity of Orthodox Colleges Under Threat?
In its latest threat to the religious liberty and independence of Catholic colleges and universities, the Obama administration has issued new regulations that open the door to possible state intrusion into curriculum, student policies and hiring decisions. The regulations issued Friday effectively force many states to increase oversight of postsecondary education through state chartering or licensing, which is a necessary condition for colleges to participate in federal student aid programs. Most Catholic colleges accept low-cost federal student loans and grants. “Already the Obama administration has seized direct ownership of student loans, and now a college’s eligibility for student loans is subject to the political whims of its state legislators and regulators. Many states have demonstrated callous disregard for the religious identity of Catholic colleges, from mandating contraceptive coverage in student and employee health plans to requiring employee benefits for same-sex couples,” warned Patrick Reilly, President of The Cardinal Newman Society. He joins us.
4:20 – Keith Olbermann, Political Contributions, and Journalistic Ethics – It May Be More Complicated Than You Think
MSNBC says Keith Olbermann will be back on the air Tuesday, ending his suspension for violating NBC's rules against making political donations after only two shows off the air. The left-leaning cable network's most popular personality acknowledged donating $2,400 apiece to the campaigns of three Democrats. Olbermann's bosses didn't know about them until being informed by a reporter. The incident raised questions about how long-standing rules designed to preserve the appearance of objectivity for news organizations fit at a time that cable news networks, most prominently Fox News Channel and MSNBC, have increased their popularity through prime-time programs that dispense with any notion of impartiality. We talk to Warren Cole Smith, Associate publisher of WORLD Magazine and former professor of journalism and journalistic ethics.
4:40 – Pope Benedict, the bishops, and the “clash of civilizations”
Pope Benedict XVI delivered an important meditation at the beginning of the October Synod of Bishops for the Middle East. The meditation addressed the “false divinities” that govern modern times. Though the Holy Father did not speak explicitly in the meditation about the media-labeled “clash of civilizations” between Islam and the West, a topic central to many of the Synod’s discussions, his remarks apply to that struggle and offer the only real solution to it. The world suffers under two destructive idols, he suggested in the meditation, one from the East that assumes the form of false religion, one from the West that takes the form of no religion. Both idols must fall under the advance of true religion, which alone comes from the Son of God, he said. We talk with George Neumayr, editor of Catholic World Report.
5:00 – The End and the Beginning: Pope John Paul II -- The Victory of Freedom, the Last Years, the Legacy
“As March gave way to April in the spring of 2005 and the world kept vigil outside the apostolic palace in Rome, the pontificate of Pope John Paul II, then drawing to a poignant end, was already being described as one of the most consequential in two millennia of Christian history.” With these words, world-renowned author and NBC Vatican analyst George Weigel begins his long-awaited sequel to the international bestseller Witness to Hope: The Biography of Pope John Paul II. More than ten years in the making, The End and the Beginning: Pope John Paul II—The Victory of Freedom, the Last Years, the Legacy tells the dramatic story of the Pope’s battle with communism in light of new and recently disclosed information and brings to a close Weigel’s landmark portrait of a man who not only left an indelible mark on the Catholic Church, but also changed the course of world history. George is here.
5:20 – SBA List: “Votes Have Consequences” Campaign a Success
An historic election day has left us with a most promising pro-life majority in the House of Representatives. The bellwether health care bill separated the sheep from the goats and gave the best legislative indication of real pro-life heroes — and those who gave lip service but betrayed their constituents. They can’t say the Susan B. Anthony List didn’t warn them; votes have consequences. Fifteen out of twenty self-described pro-life Democrats were defeated last Tuesday sending a clear message that Americans don’t want their hard-earned tax dollars funding abortions through surreptitious legislation like Obamacare. Marjorie Dannenfelser, President of the Susan B. Anthony List is here.
GUEST HOST: PAUL KENGOR
4:00 – Is the Catholic Identity of Orthodox Colleges Under Threat?
In its latest threat to the religious liberty and independence of Catholic colleges and universities, the Obama administration has issued new regulations that open the door to possible state intrusion into curriculum, student policies and hiring decisions. The regulations issued Friday effectively force many states to increase oversight of postsecondary education through state chartering or licensing, which is a necessary condition for colleges to participate in federal student aid programs. Most Catholic colleges accept low-cost federal student loans and grants. “Already the Obama administration has seized direct ownership of student loans, and now a college’s eligibility for student loans is subject to the political whims of its state legislators and regulators. Many states have demonstrated callous disregard for the religious identity of Catholic colleges, from mandating contraceptive coverage in student and employee health plans to requiring employee benefits for same-sex couples,” warned Patrick Reilly, President of The Cardinal Newman Society. He joins us.
4:20 – Keith Olbermann, Political Contributions, and Journalistic Ethics – It May Be More Complicated Than You Think
MSNBC says Keith Olbermann will be back on the air Tuesday, ending his suspension for violating NBC's rules against making political donations after only two shows off the air. The left-leaning cable network's most popular personality acknowledged donating $2,400 apiece to the campaigns of three Democrats. Olbermann's bosses didn't know about them until being informed by a reporter. The incident raised questions about how long-standing rules designed to preserve the appearance of objectivity for news organizations fit at a time that cable news networks, most prominently Fox News Channel and MSNBC, have increased their popularity through prime-time programs that dispense with any notion of impartiality. We talk to Warren Cole Smith, Associate publisher of WORLD Magazine and former professor of journalism and journalistic ethics.
4:40 – Pope Benedict, the bishops, and the “clash of civilizations”
Pope Benedict XVI delivered an important meditation at the beginning of the October Synod of Bishops for the Middle East. The meditation addressed the “false divinities” that govern modern times. Though the Holy Father did not speak explicitly in the meditation about the media-labeled “clash of civilizations” between Islam and the West, a topic central to many of the Synod’s discussions, his remarks apply to that struggle and offer the only real solution to it. The world suffers under two destructive idols, he suggested in the meditation, one from the East that assumes the form of false religion, one from the West that takes the form of no religion. Both idols must fall under the advance of true religion, which alone comes from the Son of God, he said. We talk with George Neumayr, editor of Catholic World Report.
5:00 – The End and the Beginning: Pope John Paul II -- The Victory of Freedom, the Last Years, the Legacy
“As March gave way to April in the spring of 2005 and the world kept vigil outside the apostolic palace in Rome, the pontificate of Pope John Paul II, then drawing to a poignant end, was already being described as one of the most consequential in two millennia of Christian history.” With these words, world-renowned author and NBC Vatican analyst George Weigel begins his long-awaited sequel to the international bestseller Witness to Hope: The Biography of Pope John Paul II. More than ten years in the making, The End and the Beginning: Pope John Paul II—The Victory of Freedom, the Last Years, the Legacy tells the dramatic story of the Pope’s battle with communism in light of new and recently disclosed information and brings to a close Weigel’s landmark portrait of a man who not only left an indelible mark on the Catholic Church, but also changed the course of world history. George is here.
5:20 – SBA List: “Votes Have Consequences” Campaign a Success
An historic election day has left us with a most promising pro-life majority in the House of Representatives. The bellwether health care bill separated the sheep from the goats and gave the best legislative indication of real pro-life heroes — and those who gave lip service but betrayed their constituents. They can’t say the Susan B. Anthony List didn’t warn them; votes have consequences. Fifteen out of twenty self-described pro-life Democrats were defeated last Tuesday sending a clear message that Americans don’t want their hard-earned tax dollars funding abortions through surreptitious legislation like Obamacare. Marjorie Dannenfelser, President of the Susan B. Anthony List is here.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Olbermann suspended for Dem contributions
"I became aware of Keith's political contributions late last night. Mindful of NBC News policy and standards, I have suspended him indefinitely without pay," MSNBC President Phil Griffin said in a statement.
First reported by Politico and confirmed by Federal Election Commission filings, the primetime television host gave $2,400 – the maximum individual amount allowed – to each of the campaigns of Kentucky Senate candidate Jack Conway, and Arizona Reps. Raul Grijalva and Gabrielle Giffords. Olbermann donated to the Arizona lawmakers the same day Grijalva appeared on his "Countdown" show.
Conway lost his bid to Republican Rand Paul while Grijalva eked out a win over Tea Party-backed candidate Ruth McClung for a fifth term. Grijalva found himself in an increasingly competitive race after he announced his support of a boycott of Arizona businesses in response to the state's controversial new immigration law and often appeared on Olbermann's show where he found a sympathetic audience.
The contributions may have violated an NBC policy that requires employers of the news organization to obtain permission ahead of any political donations or activities that could be deemed as a conflict of interest.
In a statement to Politico before the suspension was announced, Olbermann defended the contributions:
"One week ago, on the night of Thursday October 28 2010, after a discussion with a friend about the state of politics in Arizona, I donated $2,400 each to the re-election campaigns of Democratic Representatives Raul Grijalva and Gabrielle Giffords," he said in the statement. "I also donated the same amount to the campaign of Democratic Senatorial candidate Jack Conway in Kentucky."
Olbermann, as well as MSNBC executives, was a vocal critic of the $1 million donation by Fox News' parent News Corp. to the Republican Governor's Association earlier this year, saying at the time, "We now have another million reasons Fox News is the Republican news channel."
In a subsequent show, Olbermann also pressed House Majority Whip James Clyburn if there was a "legislative response" to a networks that "starts to shill for partisan causes."
UPDATE: Olbermann had been reinstated and will be on the air Tuesday. I guess two days off the air is enough of a punishment.
Outrageous Statement of the Day
You know spin is just a matter of time, but this is a good one from Rachel Maddow. After the Republicans historic victory in the House of Representatives, she claims that the victory is "more normal than not normal". Now it's certainly true that in midterm elections, the sitting President's party historically loses seats - yes - that is normal. What's not normal is losing 60+ seats in the House. That happens once every 60 years or so. Unbelievable.
Today on Kresta - November 5, 2010
Talking about the "things that matter most" on Nov. 5
4:00 – Parents' Effort Key to Child's Educational Performance
A new study published in the latest issue of the MIT based Review of Economics and Statistics has concluded that parents' efforts towards their child's educational achievement is crucial -- playing a more significant role than that of the school or child. It found that children work harder whose parents put more effort into their education. The authors recommend policies that aim at improving parental effort might be effective in strengthening educational attainment. Dr. Greg Popcak is here to discuss this study
4:20 – Anniversary of Fort Hood Shooting – Has the Media Finally Gotten the Story Right?
The Fort Hood community will kick off a series of events on Friday to mark the one-year anniversary of a shooting rampage that left 13 dead. It was one year ago today that we talked to Robert Spencer in the wake of the massacre and wondered why nobody in the mainstream media was reporting that Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan was a Muslim and evidence was pointing to this being a religiously motivated act. We have Robert back a year later to discuss how the story developed over time and how the media handled the religious dimension of it.
4:40 – TBA
5:00 – Gifts to Notre Dame plunged $120M during year of Obama’s appearance. Just the economy?
Contributions to the University of Notre Dame fell by over $120 million, or roughly 30%, during the fiscal year in which President Barack Obama was awarded an honorary degree. Several dozen bishops criticized the university’s decision during the months preceding the May 17, 2009, commencement ceremony, and an alumni group called for the withholding of donations. Is it just the economy or is there more to the story? David DiFranco, Notre Dame graduate and Spokesman for ReplaceJenkins.com has done the research and has the numbers.
5:20 – Finance Friday: “Inside Job”
Today we continue our series intended to fully explore the practical, political, moral and philosophical underpinnings of the financial meltdown of 2008. Our guide will be Dr. Max Torres and each “Financial Friday” we will be using as a base of discussion, one book written on an aspect of the financial crisis. Today, we mix things up a bit and review the documentary film being released today “Inside Job.”
4:00 – Parents' Effort Key to Child's Educational Performance
A new study published in the latest issue of the MIT based Review of Economics and Statistics has concluded that parents' efforts towards their child's educational achievement is crucial -- playing a more significant role than that of the school or child. It found that children work harder whose parents put more effort into their education. The authors recommend policies that aim at improving parental effort might be effective in strengthening educational attainment. Dr. Greg Popcak is here to discuss this study
4:20 – Anniversary of Fort Hood Shooting – Has the Media Finally Gotten the Story Right?
The Fort Hood community will kick off a series of events on Friday to mark the one-year anniversary of a shooting rampage that left 13 dead. It was one year ago today that we talked to Robert Spencer in the wake of the massacre and wondered why nobody in the mainstream media was reporting that Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan was a Muslim and evidence was pointing to this being a religiously motivated act. We have Robert back a year later to discuss how the story developed over time and how the media handled the religious dimension of it.
4:40 – TBA
5:00 – Gifts to Notre Dame plunged $120M during year of Obama’s appearance. Just the economy?
Contributions to the University of Notre Dame fell by over $120 million, or roughly 30%, during the fiscal year in which President Barack Obama was awarded an honorary degree. Several dozen bishops criticized the university’s decision during the months preceding the May 17, 2009, commencement ceremony, and an alumni group called for the withholding of donations. Is it just the economy or is there more to the story? David DiFranco, Notre Dame graduate and Spokesman for ReplaceJenkins.com has done the research and has the numbers.
5:20 – Finance Friday: “Inside Job”
Today we continue our series intended to fully explore the practical, political, moral and philosophical underpinnings of the financial meltdown of 2008. Our guide will be Dr. Max Torres and each “Financial Friday” we will be using as a base of discussion, one book written on an aspect of the financial crisis. Today, we mix things up a bit and review the documentary film being released today “Inside Job.”
Thursday, November 4, 2010
After the massacre, the "dilemma" of Iraqi Christians / many prepare to flee
“We are living something that is really terrible,” Father Vincent van Vossel told the Fides news agency. “There had never been a massacre of such magnitude, all within a church during the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. I have visited the church and listened to the testimonies of the faithful in shock. The terrorists mercilessly killed women and children. The community is traumatized. The church looked like a cemetery.”
“Yesterday a number of attacks hit Baghdad and Shiite areas, which means that not only Christians are under attack, but the whole area is flooded by terrorism,” added Father van Vossel, who has lived in Iraq for four decades. “Many Christian families are organizing themselves to leave the country. The excruciating dilemma is whether to flee in search of a better future, or stay, risking their lives.”
Father van Vossel noted that the November 2 funeral of the massacre victims “was attended by many Muslim leaders who asked the government to defend Christians. We hope that, after yet another massacre, civil authorities listen to the cry of Christians in Iraq and place an end to their suffering.”
In an interview with the AsiaNews service, Archbishop Louis Sako of Kirkuk said that government officials have an obligation to provide security for Christians, especially at churches on Sunday. Muslim leaders, he added, have a moral duty to denounce the terrorist attacks on Christians.
Raul Castro attends opening for new seminary in Cuba
The new seminary, dedicated to Sts. Charles and Ambrose, is the first major Catholic institution established in Cuba since the 1959 revolution that brought Fidel Castro to power. After years of open hostility toward the Church, the nation’s government has shown a growing appreciation for Catholic leadership in recent months; Cardinal Jaime Ortega y Alamino of Havana was instrumental in securing the release of political prisoners earlier this year.
In a message to Cardinal Ortega, made public at the opening ceremonies on November 4, Pope Benedict XVI said that the seminary should be “a sign and a stimulus for a renewed commitment to strive for the careful human, spiritual and academic preparation of the those who, in that institution, ready themselves for the priestly ministry.”
In his own remarks, Cardinal Ortega thanked “both the former president, as well as current President Raul Castro, who honurs us with his presence, for the state's support of this work."
From an Empty Ballroom, Footage of the Alvin Greene Campaign Reception
Alvin Greene on election night. What can you say?
Today on Kresta - November 4, 2010
Talking about the "things that matter most" on Nov. 4
Post midterm election special: What is the role of government in society, in the Church, in our lives?
4:00 – Render Unto Caesar: Serving the Nation by Living our Catholic Beliefs in Political Life
Few topics in recent years have ignited as much public debate as the balance between religion and politics. Does religious thought have any place in political discourse? Do religious believers have the right to turn their values into political action? What does it truly mean to have a separation of church and state? The very heart of these important questions is here addressed by one of the leading voices on the topic, Archbishop Charles Chaput of Denver. He is with us.
4:20 – The Contested Public Square: The Crisis of Christianity and Politics
While many assume that the question of Christian involvement in politics is a recent one, Dr. Greg Forster traces the 2,000-year history of Christian thinking on the place of religion and politics—the story of how we got to where we are now—a philosophical tradition going back to the ancient Greeks. He locates the origins of this story in the faith's first three centuries, when believers faced persecution, making the church suspicious of political power. Even after Christianity was established as the religion of the state, this initial experience with persecution continued to influence Christian thinking about the relationship between the church and political institutions. Greg joins us.
5:00 – Render Unto Caesar: Serving the Nation by Living our Catholic Beliefs in Political Life
Few topics in recent years have ignited as much public debate as the balance between religion and politics. Does religious thought have any place in political discourse? Do religious believers have the right to turn their values into political action? What does it truly mean to have a separation of church and state? The very heart of these important questions is here addressed by one of the leading voices on the topic, Archbishop Charles Chaput of Denver. He is with us.
5:20 – The Limits of Liberal Democracy: Politics and Religion at the End of Modernity
Exploring the question of the place of religion in the modern nation-state, Scott H. Moore observes that the easy alliance between the modern liberal democracy and Christian faith in particular is showing some serious stress fractures. He offers an incisive analysis of the ways government, operating according to the ideals of a liberal democracy, has encroached on religious freedom and how the church, of both liberal and conservative leanings, has largely acquiesced. Moore offers a bracing critique of the limits of liberal democracy that calls for and points the way toward a more faithful engagement of Christians with public life--a participation that takes seriously the reality of the Christian church and both the private and public moral teachings of its Scriptures.
Post midterm election special: What is the role of government in society, in the Church, in our lives?
4:00 – Render Unto Caesar: Serving the Nation by Living our Catholic Beliefs in Political Life
Few topics in recent years have ignited as much public debate as the balance between religion and politics. Does religious thought have any place in political discourse? Do religious believers have the right to turn their values into political action? What does it truly mean to have a separation of church and state? The very heart of these important questions is here addressed by one of the leading voices on the topic, Archbishop Charles Chaput of Denver. He is with us.
4:20 – The Contested Public Square: The Crisis of Christianity and Politics
While many assume that the question of Christian involvement in politics is a recent one, Dr. Greg Forster traces the 2,000-year history of Christian thinking on the place of religion and politics—the story of how we got to where we are now—a philosophical tradition going back to the ancient Greeks. He locates the origins of this story in the faith's first three centuries, when believers faced persecution, making the church suspicious of political power. Even after Christianity was established as the religion of the state, this initial experience with persecution continued to influence Christian thinking about the relationship between the church and political institutions. Greg joins us.
5:00 – Render Unto Caesar: Serving the Nation by Living our Catholic Beliefs in Political Life
Few topics in recent years have ignited as much public debate as the balance between religion and politics. Does religious thought have any place in political discourse? Do religious believers have the right to turn their values into political action? What does it truly mean to have a separation of church and state? The very heart of these important questions is here addressed by one of the leading voices on the topic, Archbishop Charles Chaput of Denver. He is with us.
5:20 – The Limits of Liberal Democracy: Politics and Religion at the End of Modernity
Exploring the question of the place of religion in the modern nation-state, Scott H. Moore observes that the easy alliance between the modern liberal democracy and Christian faith in particular is showing some serious stress fractures. He offers an incisive analysis of the ways government, operating according to the ideals of a liberal democracy, has encroached on religious freedom and how the church, of both liberal and conservative leanings, has largely acquiesced. Moore offers a bracing critique of the limits of liberal democracy that calls for and points the way toward a more faithful engagement of Christians with public life--a participation that takes seriously the reality of the Christian church and both the private and public moral teachings of its Scriptures.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Susan B Anthony List Defeats 15 of 20 "Votes Have Consequences" Candidates
“Last night, the SBA List accomplished its overall goal and delivered on our promise that votes have consequences,” SBA List President Marjorie Dannenfelser said. “In these races, the abortion issue was a determining factor. We flexed the muscles of the pro-life movement. Our project started more than a year ago when we targeted these districts to strengthen pro-life Democrats' resolve to vote against abortion funding in health care reform. When the so-called ‘pro-life’ Democrats caved, our mission had to change. By defeating 15 of 20 these self-described pro-life Democrats, we have sent a clear message to Washington that voting against the deeply held pro-life views of your constituency has serious political consequences.”
Targets defeated included: Rep. Brad Ellsworth (IN-SEN); Rep. Steve Driehaus (OH-01); Rep. Kathy Dahlkemper (PA-04); Bart Stupak (Retired, MI-01); Alan Mollohan (Primary defeat, MI-01); Baron Hill (IN-09); Paul Kanjorski (PA-11); John Salazar (CO-03); Jim Oberstar (MN-08); Bob Etheridge (NC-02); John Boccieri (OH-16); Chris Carney (PA-10); John Spratt (SC-05); Ciro Rodriguez (TX-23); and Charlie Wilson (OH-06). The SBA List also supported the re-election campaign of Democratic Rep. Dan Lipinski (IL-03), the lone member of the Stupak Coalition to vote against the health care bill because of its abortion funding problems.
The SBA List’s $3.4 million Votes Have Consequences project included a comprehensive political campaign involving bus tours, billboards, radio and television ads, nearly one million mailers to pro-life voters, robo-calls, newspaper ads and local grassroots organizing.
The Susan B. Anthony List spent $11 million during the 2010 midterm elections, including: $3.4 million on its “Votes Have Consequences” project targeting self-described “pro-life” Democrats who voted for abortion funding in the health care bill; $2.3 million on its efforts to elect pro-life women to the U.S. Senate, U.S. House, and Statewide Office; and $1.4 million spent defeating pro-abortion incumbents and protecting pro-life leaders. SBA List members across the country bundled over $600,000 in direct contributions to candidates. Overall, the SBA List was involved in 90 races.
Cardinal: US must not abandon defenseless Iraqis
“The October 31 attack on the Syrian Catholic cathedral in Baghdad that killed 58 and wounded 75 has shocked and horrified the Catholic community and all people of goodwill,” he said. “We join Pope Benedict XVI in expressing our profound sorrow at this savage violence and offer our heartfelt prayers for the victims, their families, and the Church and people of Iraq.”
Cardinal George added:
In the recent Synod on the Middle East, the bishops from Iraq spoke of the perilous situation facing Christians and other minorities in that country. They recalled: kidnappings for ransom; bombings of churches, schools, and other property occupied by Christians; threats to Christian-run businesses and livelihoods; and the death of Archbishop Rahho and other priests following kidnappings. Together with this most recent murderous attack, this pattern points to an appalling lack of basic security. Many Christians have been forced to leave their homes or have fled abroad in search of safety. Many have little hope of return to Iraq in the near future. The Synod called on the international community to help Iraq “put an end to the consequences of a deadly war and re-establish security, something which will protect all its citizens …”At the conclusion of the Synod, the pope said, “Peace is possible. Peace is urgent. Peace is the indispensable condition for a life of dignity for individuals and society.”
The United States bears responsibility for working effectively with the Iraqi government to stem the violence. Our Conference of Bishops raised grave moral questions prior to the United States military intervention in Iraq and then called for a “responsible transition.” While we welcomed the end of US-led combat in Iraq, we share the Iraqi bishops’ concern that the United States failed to help Iraqis in finding the political will and concrete ways needed to protect the lives of all citizens, especially Christians and other vulnerable minorities, and to ensure that refugees and displaced persons are able to return to their homes safely. Having invaded Iraq, the US government has a moral obligation not to abandon those Iraqis who cannot defend themselves.
“We offer our prayers and solidarity with the suffering Christians of Iraq at this terrible time of loss and horrific violence,” Cardinal George concluded. “We stand with the bishops, Church and people of Iraq in their urgent search for greater security, freedom and protection. We call upon the United States to take additional steps to help Iraq protect its citizens, especially the most vulnerable.”
Keynes, Kenya: Not the Same?.
Is President Barack Obama really a Keynesian?
When comics at Second City posed the question at Comedy Central’s “Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear” Saturday on the National Mall, some of the responses were pretty heated. One flannel-clad Obama supporter said, “He was born in Hawaii. That is a state of the United States. He is born here legally, and he is an awesome president.”
Keynesian, of course, refers to the economic philosophy of John Maynard Keynes, the Depression-era economist who believed governments sometimes needs to intervene in market economies. Many have said Mr. Obama channeled Mr. Keynes when he pushed a $787 billion stimulus bill through Congress last year.
But “Keynesian” also looks a little bit like “Kenyan,” the homeland of Mr. Obama’s father. The president’s ties to Africa have caused some to believe he was born in Kenya, not America. During the 2008 presidential campaign, Mr. Obama’s camp released a birth certificate from Hawaii.
“What proof do you want? He gave you proof,” one woman told the Second City folks, referring to the president’s birthplace. “You people are trying to make something out of nothing.”
When comics at Second City posed the question at Comedy Central’s “Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear” Saturday on the National Mall, some of the responses were pretty heated. One flannel-clad Obama supporter said, “He was born in Hawaii. That is a state of the United States. He is born here legally, and he is an awesome president.”
Keynesian, of course, refers to the economic philosophy of John Maynard Keynes, the Depression-era economist who believed governments sometimes needs to intervene in market economies. Many have said Mr. Obama channeled Mr. Keynes when he pushed a $787 billion stimulus bill through Congress last year.
But “Keynesian” also looks a little bit like “Kenyan,” the homeland of Mr. Obama’s father. The president’s ties to Africa have caused some to believe he was born in Kenya, not America. During the 2008 presidential campaign, Mr. Obama’s camp released a birth certificate from Hawaii.
“What proof do you want? He gave you proof,” one woman told the Second City folks, referring to the president’s birthplace. “You people are trying to make something out of nothing.”
Today on Kresta - November 3, 2010
Talking about the "things that matter most" on Nov. 3
4:00-6:00 – Post-Midterm Election Analysis Special
Today we look at the midterm elections from all angles. Guests include Dr. Paul Kengor, Michael Barone, Fr. Frank Pavone, Gary Bauer, Fr. Robert Sirico, Deal Hudson, Matt Smith, and more. We look at the impact of the newly elected pro-life legislators in the House and Senate, we look at what this means for the economy and “Obamacare”, we look at State Governorships, the Tea Party influence, redistricting, 2012, state referendums, the Catholic vote, and much much more.
4:00-6:00 – Post-Midterm Election Analysis Special
Today we look at the midterm elections from all angles. Guests include Dr. Paul Kengor, Michael Barone, Fr. Frank Pavone, Gary Bauer, Fr. Robert Sirico, Deal Hudson, Matt Smith, and more. We look at the impact of the newly elected pro-life legislators in the House and Senate, we look at what this means for the economy and “Obamacare”, we look at State Governorships, the Tea Party influence, redistricting, 2012, state referendums, the Catholic vote, and much much more.
What should Republicans do now? List your answers, ask your questions
With a victory in the House larger than any since the Second World War when in 1946 they took 56 seats and again in 1994 when they took 52.
At this moment, Republicans could pick up 65 seats in the House and 7 or so in the Senate as well 7-9 governorships. This doesn't even deal with changes of state legislatures.
If you were speaker of the house what would be your agenda?
Will President Obama call Dick Morris like Clinton did in order to refurbish his image?
Will they try to convince the Presidency to think less anout his place in history and more about the details of the stimulus package?
Was this a rejection of OBama or a rejection of incumbents or a show of support for Republicans?
At this moment, Republicans could pick up 65 seats in the House and 7 or so in the Senate as well 7-9 governorships. This doesn't even deal with changes of state legislatures.
If you were speaker of the house what would be your agenda?
- Hearings on Health Care Bill
- Repeal of Health Care trying to override an Obama sweep of the pen.
- Get the deficit down.
- Get the national debt down
- Rebuild America's infrastrucure and reduce unemployment
- Change trade policies so our workers are not punished by having to compete with lower wage workers in less developed countries.
Will President Obama call Dick Morris like Clinton did in order to refurbish his image?
Will they try to convince the Presidency to think less anout his place in history and more about the details of the stimulus package?
Was this a rejection of OBama or a rejection of incumbents or a show of support for Republicans?
Pat Toomey vindicated
Toomey was left out in the cold in spite of his talent, convictions and believable candidacy.
Spector ended up changing parties a few years later. Sestak then beat Spector in the Democratic primaries. And then, lo and behold, Toomey whipped Sestak in the mid-term election to take Spector's old seat. It's enough to make one believe in justice. The Washington Post reports.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
