The GOP is now the party of fear mongering

Zorek Richards

 The GOP is now the party of fear mongering. They spread fear amongst their members and the gullible ones will be subservient. It's how they keep them codependent and "loyal." GOP is NRA bought, and it keeps their members armed. GOP voters are not motivated by God, country, or Constitution. They are motivated by fear and fear alone (usually expressed by hatefulness). Everyone is out to get them one way or another except (of course) the GOP leadership who are going to lead them to the GOP "promised land"....by extracting every nickel and dime they can grift from their fearful devoted goose-stepping minions. Trump didn't start the fire. He just fanned the flames. I think we are, after trying everything else, going to have to send in Yoko Ono to break up these clowns in the House.

     The GOP leader told Megyn Kelly this week that "I could have pardon myself. Do you know what? I was given an option to pardon myself. I had a couple of attorneys that said can you do it if you want." But, seriously, why would he think about if he did not know he was doing something illegal?? He's a old-school criminal and not very bright. He incriminates himself in every interview he makes.
   Republican Congressman Ronnie Jackson is very confused. Ronny Jackson is a political prisoner in the deep deep state between his ears and his own mind. His mind will not pardon him. Reality has a restraining order against him for abuse. He consistently posts a Bible verse on Sunday Twitter, but spends the rest of the time making all kinds of judgments against anyone who is not pro-Trump. Jackson says "Our country is careening off a cliff and this White House's ONLY concern is locking up their political adversaries. They truly hate this country and its people. We need TRUMP back now more than ever!!". No one in the USA that I know of is being jailed for being on the other side of as political party - Democrat or Republican. 
     South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem adamantly denied to Megyn Kelly the rumors that she was having an affair with Trump staffer Corey Lewandowski. I think there is eveidence that she has but until then I will not comment. Megyn Kelly is repeating claims that the Obamas secretly run the government because, when your only audience is MAGA, a racist lie always beats the truth.
    Donald Trump spoke at the Pray Vote Stand Summitt  and said "The moment I win the election, I will appoint a special task force to rapidly review the cases of every political prisoner who has been unjustly persecuted by Biden.. I want to sign their pardons and commutations on day one." At face value that means there would not be any to pardon becasue Biden has not perecuted or jailed anyone.  This week Putin criticized Trump's arrest, trial: 'Shows the rottenness of the American system. When Putin endorses him, you gotta know fascists endorse other fascists.  Liz Cheney put out a statement: "Putin has now officially endorsed the Putin-wing of the Republican Party. Putin Republicans & their enablers will end up on the ash heap of history. Patriotic Americans in both parties who believe in the values of liberal democracy will make sure of it."
    The NRA does not defend the second amendment. They defend the money they make off the fools who think they do defend the second amendment. Their biggest nightmare is not Joe Biden, like they claim. It would be the dues paying members who wake up some day realize the NRA used them as  pawns and for grift.
    Texas Congressman Chip Roy said this week on the House floor that “If we're not going to secure the United States of America, we shouldn't fund the government that REFUSES to do so!”...However, that would be at the expense of every citizen in the USA who will be affected by it..and it will touch everyones life (if not directly than indirectly). Congressmen who are over paid anyway and have usually used their position to make extra profit off grift and back room deals...will be unaffected in the short term. But, their wage should be the first thing cancelled and not exempt. I Bet they would be a little more concerned then. 
              North Carolina Lt Governor Mark Robinson told an audience this week that "It is summer. Soon it will be fall. And it will be winter. After that, it will be spring… That's the only climate change that I believe in… Other Ice Ages that happened, I don't think any dinosaurs were going look there’s an eastern airliner flying over us."   Preachers who preach like that  are dangerous. They generally hold a lot of control over what their congregation believes when they preach outside the gospel. They are commissioned to "Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season.." They are "to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up." Allowing a person to be "built up" is to always plant the seed... and encourage growth in their time. Preaching politics, science etc is like an athiest preaching about the "power of God." It just doesnt work and makes no sense and produces horrible fruit.
​   Congressman Jim Jordan said thsi week that "It’s scary that Democrat governors think they can suspend the Constitution just because they want to. Republicans won’t ever stop standing up for your Constitutional rights." (He was referring to New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham when she said she could suspend part of the Constitution in order to save lives...because of major issues with gun deaths.) January 6, 2021 and the way Jordan has handled, or rather, done everything he can to avoid it, makes Jordan a liar.
Sen.
    On News Nation this week Ted Cruz tried to debunk the false Democrat claim that there is “no evidence” corroborating the allegations of Biden corruption. “There is a growing mountain of evidence." he declared. But even he didnt say what it was. Ted Cruz affirms everything the GOP does and has for years. Facts are irrelevant. He is wrong a lot. As a former right winger I supported him for President and vioted for him in the Mississippi primary. 
    Matt Gaetz tweeted this week that "Kevin McCarthy Is a Sad, Pathetic Man Who Lies To Hold Onto Power." What he means is that he does not accept the lies someone else pushes. Lying to Hold onto power is the Republican Party Platform.

Which -ghazi will the Right Wing Manufacture Rage About Today?

 

Gas-stoveghazi is a another right wing issue for them to manufacture rage about. No one is out to take anyones gas stoves. Same with Hillarys email-ghazi and Hunter Bidens Laptop-ghazi....not to forget the original Benghazi-ghazi. There's no there there on any of these right-wing rage points. The only intellectual way to pursue it is to not pursue it.

But we now have a benchmark rule: If Boebert, Gaetz, MJ Greene, Tuckkker Carlson or Ted Cruz are on the rage manufacturing trail...then you know whatever the issue it is more than likely not a real issue.

A Cherry-picked Bible verse on top of a nutty "I Screamed."

 

Ive noticed a lot of folks on social media who claim both Christianity and Nationalism love to put out the most absurd nonsense and even QAnonsense and then follow it up by posting a Bible verse. Marco Rubio is one of the most notorious ones that do it. Ted Cruz does it.

Before Cruz went off the rail for The former guy he often touted his Christian convictions. But not having any real moral convictions anymore he seems to scream out crazy stuff with a Bible verse on top. Its like an absurd scoop of ice cream with a cherry picked random Bible verse: A cherry-picked Bible verse on top of his nutty "I Screamed."

In my life as a Christian I know very well that there were times (too many times) I did something stupid then tried to justify with a Bible verse but I also know, from experience, that doing that is not a road to maturity by any means....and has no good end.

As a non Christian I self justified stupid stuff by lying about it (wasn't me") or denying I did it...all designed to make me appear better then I knew I was. I think thats why these people like Cruz and Rubio do it:

they know better and throwing out the Cherry picked Bible verse to cover the "I screamed" stuff helps them comfort their guilt.

It is also a hallmark of Trump Evangelicals. They post the most absurd stuff and then throw out a post and a Bible Verse about how God is prolife. It doesnt help their absurdities by any means. But, I suspect it maybe it helps them sleep at night believing that God is so proud of them for standing up for the "prolife" cause while pushing lies simultaneously

Boulder Strong

 

Back when I lived in Aurora, Colorado one of my favorite places to "hang out" was in Boulder. It was largely a university town. I was in my 30s. It was a bit different from other areas. I always thought if Mork was real he probably really would have fit right in there. But it had a friendly atmosphere. I shopped at a lot of King Soopers store across the front range. The shooting there was tragic but I could see Boulder-ites rallying together. The shooter bought the gun about 6 days before the incident. Closing the loopholes in back ground checks makes sense..in spite of what Ted Cruz wants to bloviate about.

Flyin Lyin Grifting Ted Cruz

 

So Flyin Ted Cruz decided to leave Texas to get out of the cold and fly to Cancun with his family and had booked a return flight for Saturday morning. THEN he got caught and switched into Lyin Ted Cruz mode and started telling lies about how he was just going to take his daughters there and come back...but as the story began to fall apart and it was discovered his wife had texted friends to come down with them to Cancun to stay at the Ritz Carlton for $309 a night....it was revealed that Lyin Ted Cruz was living up to his nickname. The guy claims to be a Christian but really does do an awful lot of lying. I guess he went on Fox News and talked to Hannity. Hannity gave him affirmation, of course. Cruz is one of those Republicans who escapes accountability whenever he can by avoiding the media that will throw him hard questions and only go to the media that he knows will affirm his stupidity. Flyin Lyin Grifting Ted Cruz. GOP & Texas should be so proud of him.

Article: For most, though, especially Texans like me who have suffered through a week without

heat or water in freezing overnight weather, the notion of Cruz leaving his dog behind to hit the beach was all too much — especially the thought of the power being out when they left. (The New York Times reported that Cruz’s wife Heidi had complained that the house was “FREEZING” in a group chat to friends and neighbors that proposed leaving the blackout behind for the Ritz-Carlton in Cancún.)

New York Magazine: Ted Cruz Abandons Millions of Freezing Texans and His Poodle, Snowflake

Gutless Offensive Pathetic: The Republican Party

If Trump was not responsible for the attack on the Capitol then why did Graham, McCarthy & Rubio call Trump to call it off?

Ted Cruz, a juror in Trump's impeachment trial, said he advised Trump's lawyers and told them they'd 'already won' their case

 

McConnells excuse:.. Yeah, you're right that he's guilty of all these things, but because of the technicality that impeachment wasn't filed sooner (even tho I'm the one that delayed it until after the election), this impeachment isn't lawful

The Senate needed a majority vote to decide whether or not they could proceed Constitutionally with the impeachment since Trump was no longer President. A majority vote allowed it to go forward. THAT bound them....or should have to their vote. When the Senate votes on bills, if a person is in the minority of a vote...the bill still binds them. So the original vote took the Non-Constitutional issue out of play. SO, any Senator who claims they voted against the impeachment because of the Constitutional issue is a liar.....and abdicated themselves from Senate rules they were sworn in to abide by. I have ZERO respect for any GOP member who makes the "Constitution" the reason for their vote.😡😡😡 The House Democrats did a GREAT job on the case and it should have been a slam dunk. Trumps attorneys were horrible and as dishonorable as Rudy, Sidney and that other nutjob whose name escapes me right now. And Ted Cruz...dont get me started on him.....

Donald J. Trump has spent decades supporting liberal Democratic politicians

Republicans Deserve a Conservative
Donald J. Trump has spent decades supporting liberal Democratic politicians. I have not. #ChooseCruz
Posted by Ted Cruz on Thursday, March 24, 2016

Mississippi News Notes: Week Ending Mar 12, 2015

Both of these bills are now dead:

House Bill 738 would have required Attorney General Jim Hood to get approval from an oversight commission before starting cases that would seek more than $250,000 in damages and legal fees. The bill previously passed by a margin of one vote but was held for more debate.

House Bill 1386 would have set aside more than $50 million for road and bridge improvements. The money would have come from a settlement with British Petroleum for the 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The bill passed by a margin of 81 votes but was held as lawmakers debated where in the state to focus the repairs.

The Governor of Mississippi announced he is supporting Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz.

This endorsement comes on the day Cruz visited the Magnolia state before Mississippi’s primaries.

Cruz made a stop at Berry’s Seafood in Florence, MS Monday afternoon. Cruz was scheduled to speak in the Pine Belt on Monday but canceled that appearance Sunday because of an illness.

Gov. Phil Bryant has ordered for flags to fly at half-staff in honor of Former First Lady Nancy Reagan.

Reagan died Sunday at the age of 94 from congestive heart failure at her Los Angeles home. Former President Ronald Reagan died on June 5, 2004.

The executive order on the flags was issued Monday.

He said the First Lady was known for her elegance and her “Just Say No” to drugs campaign.

Bryant asked for all U.S. flags and state flags to be flown at half-staff on all buildings belonging to the State of Mississippi and other areas under its jurisdiction. The flags should be lowered immediately and will remain that way until Sunset on the day she is laid to rest. http://wjtv.com/2016/03/07/gov-brya...

The Mississippi Department of Education has awarded a $1.2 million grant for math teachers in public schools.

The grant has been given to the University of Mississippi Center for Mathematics and Science Education. It will fund a development initiative that will help 120 math teachers across the state over the next three years.

The initiative is called Creating Continuity and Connections across Content of C4 Project. The goal is to improve students achievement in math from kindergarten to eighth grade

- See more at: http://www.newsms.fm/math-teachers-...

Jackson County supervisors on Monday afternoon voted to keep flying the state flag on county property and at county buildings.

The vote was 4-1.In a resolution, they referred to a previous statewide vote 2001 to keep the flag and said that until the state addresses the issue, the county will continue to fly the flag.

Board President Melton Harris, who is black, strongly opposed the vote. The others, who are white, Barry Cumbest, Troy Ross, Ken Taylor and Randy Bosarge voted for it. Read more here: http://www.sunherald.com/news/local...

Pearl River County: Where Do My taxes Go:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5...

Melanie Sojourner:

Republicans in MS Congressional District 3...

We've all been so focused on the presidential race we haven't discussed the House races.

Harper has one of the worst conservative scores of all House Republicans. He has not been fighting for us.

He'll win by a landslide today because, everyone knows he's name and no one has discussed his record. It's time we do so! He is a part of the DC problem! https://www.facebook.com/sojournerf...

 

 

Last week the Mississippi House passed a bill that would allow any licensed U.S. physician who has examined a child to grant a medical exemption from the vaccines required for school and licensed day cares.

To stay alive, the bill must pass out of Senate health committee by March 22 and be considered by the full Senate by March 30.

Current law requires exemptions to be submitted by Mississippi-licensed pediatricians, family physicians and internists, who have examined the child, and approved by the health department’s district health officers, who are licensed physicians. The health department has said it is willing to work with out-of-state physicians.

Mary Jo Perry, co-director of Mississippi Parents for Vaccine Rights, said that the state’s laws are out of step with practices in the rest of the country and add unnecessary hurdles for parents and physicians. http://djournal.com/news/docs-vacci...

The latest fascination by the Tupelo City council with the possibility of a downtown entertainment district would likely stir relatively little concern or controversy did it not include legal strolling around with alcoholic beverages in certain areas.

Tupelo, in various guises, has flirted with that idea for many years, but has never fully embraced the concept.

A bill in the Mississippi Legislature, if approved by the Senate and signed by Gov. Phil Bryant, would allow Tupelo to have an entertainment district.

The bill passed the state House last week, and it must pass the Senate in identical form before it goes to the governor for his signature.

If approved, the designation of a leisure and entertainment district would allow customers to walk out of establishments with alcoholic beverages. It also could foster the sale of liquor and mixed drinks at festivals. http://djournal.com/opinion/our-opi...

Crews are working across the city of Jackson, making repairs on streets that have been backlogged since 2007.

The utility cut repairs are part of the Operation Orange Cone initiative that addresses problem areas on roads in the city.

“This is Jackson’s 1 percent dollars at work,” said Mayor Tony T. Yarber. “In coming weeks, Jackson citizens will see the City break ground on a number of projects included in the City’s infrastructure improvement plan.”

Operation Orange Cone was launched in 2015 as part of the Yarber Administration’s push to address the condition of the city’s streets and eliminate the presence of orange cones throughout the city where potholes exist.

While this initiative was first discussed in relation to the 1% Sales Tax program, it is part of the City’s Bold New Infrastructure Improvement Program. http://www.msnewsnow.com/story/3141...

The Department of the Navy and Mississippi Power, a Southern Company subsidiary, broke ground March 2 on a large-scale solar facility at Naval Construction Battalion Center (NCBC) Gulfport.

The facility will have roughly 13,000 panels, providing enough electricity to supply the equivalent of 450 homes. To be installed on 23 acres of base land, the facility will generate up to four megawatts of direct current power once operational. Mississippi Power estimates grid connection by the end of 2016. http://www.navy.mil/submit/display....

Mississippi

MS01: Incumbent freshman Republican Congressman Trent Kelly defeated challenger Paul Clever 89-11. Kelly will meet Democrat Jacob Owens in the general election.

MS02: Neither party's candidate was opposed. Incumbent Democrat Congressman Bennie Thompson will face Republican John Bouie in the general election.

MS03: Incumbent Republican Congressman Gregg Harper defeated challenger Jimmy Giles. Democrat Dennis Quinn defeated Nathan Stewart 66-34. Unofficial results show Harper, who was first elected, with a wide lead over Giles (89-11), a beekeeper. Giles is also a white supremacist and supporter of Donald Trump. Both men are Pearl residents. In November, Harper will face the winner of a Democratic primary Tuesday between Dennis C. Quinn and Nathan Stewart, as well as Reform Party member Lajena Sheets. http://www.wapt.com/politics/gregg-...

MS04: Neither party's candidate was opposed. Incumbent Republican Congressman Steven Palazzo will face Democrat Mark Gladney in the general election.

A South Carolina lawmaker, who should stay out of Mississippi’s business, is joining other black leaders in calling for Mississippi to change the last state flag that includes the Confederate battle emblem.

Democratic Rep. Justin Bamberg spoke Tuesday to more than 200 people at a change-the-flag rally outside the Mississippi Capitol — an event organized by attorneys suing Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant in federal court. The suit asks a federal judge to declare the flag an unconstitutional vestige of slavery.

"If your governor needs to see an example of what it means to lead as governor, maybe he should look at South Carolina's very own Republican governor, Nikki Haley," said Justin Bamberg, who is from the same hometown as Haley. http://www.gulflive.com/news/index....

A bill that would cut state revenues by $575 million over the next 15 years is on its way to the House.

S.B. 2858, otherwise known as the Taxpayer Pay Raise Act of 2016, eliminates the corporate franchise tax, reforms the state’s self-employment tax and creates a five percent flat individual income tax.

The bill is aimed at cutting the state taxes by about 575 million dollars over the next 15 years and was passed by the Senate by a vote of 38 to 10, yesterday.

Republican Senator Joey Fillingane of Sumrall is the Chair of the Senate Finance Committee. He says cutting the taxes would allow for greater state revenue growth in the form of sales taxes. http://www.mpbonline.org/blogs/news...

The Mississippi state flag no longer flies at the Oregon Capitol.

The flag was removed from the Capitol's Walk of Flags display, which included all 50 states and the flags of Oregon's nine federally recognized Native American tribes.

The presiding officers in the Oregon House and Oregon Senate sent a letter to their counterparts in Mississippi to notify them of the action this week. http://www.wlox.com/story/31442495/...

Local legislators are working on bills that focus on the area they represent and are facing a legislative deadline in April.

Both Sen. Sally Doty and Rep. Becky Currie have bills and efforts concerning the new baseball complex in Lincoln County. The deadline for local and private bills that are not revenue bills in the Mississippi Legislature is April 15. Sen. Sally Doty said local and private bills have extended deadlines to allow action to be taken throughout the session. Generally, Doty said, these types of bills are handled in the last week or two of session. Doty said she is working on bills to do with tax credits affecting historic efforts downtown, King’s Daughters Medical Center and the new baseball complex.

Cheap Seat Report: Iowa Caucus Edition

An unexpected and icy cold front moved into New Hampshire overnight. Meteorologists had no explanation until they were informed that Hillary Clinton had arrived. With Bernie Sanders arrival bringing hot air and mixing with the cold front it is expected to create a very volatile mix. It's expected to last through February 9.

 With a close finish in Iowa, Hillary will have to step up her game and will likely start promising that her free stuff is even more free than Sanders free stuff.

 Hillary gave Iowans a farewell speech last night  while keeping an eye out for Feds coming her way with hand cuffs. The race had not been called yet as it was still too close to call. There was concern that if Clinton & Sanders tied, Martin O'Malley's voter would have to decide it. Clinton Voter Fraud was reported in one county. But, really,  she's always been so honest!????


 Martin O'Malley suspended his campaign and if Jim Gilmore quits his campaign they may  announce they will  become a folk singing duo. Jim Gilmore took  a terrible beating by "Other" in last results.  At one point, Gilmore had only two votes. Write in votes for Happy Gilmore were beating him by 6 votes.

Yesterday  the Trump team texted to reporters that "we've almost reached 50,000 Iowans." It would be 50,002 but they never  found those two Corinthians. In the end there were two things to be happy about: Cruz won and Trump didn't. You have to wonder if Donald Trump will remember this:

Most polls before the caucus showed Trump would win. Just goes to show it ain't over til it's over. Today, however, Donald Trump saw his shadow, so six more weeks of Trumpees screaming Iowa was rigged. Actually,  Trump saw his shadow and it looked liked Ted Cruz. And an added six more weeks of Twitter flames by Donald Trump.

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MEME REPORT:
TRUMP WANTS A REDO IN IOWA

Why Trump?

Then there were three: Trump, Cruz, Rubio [Maybe four: Christie]

[c]2016 Zorek Richards

I think there are only three (maybe four) Republican candidates that are still viable for the Republican nomination going forward after the last debate: Trump, Cruz, and Rubio.

Chris Christie, I will throw in as a wild card because he says a lot of the right things (and often say it very well) but doesn't always practice it and that's the kind of things the Republican Party likes (IMHO). It is unlikely that Christie could defeat Hillary Clinton, though.

Personally, I have been leaning Cruz, but Trump stepped up his game in this debate when it came to actually addressing issues...and his intelligence is underestimated by the people who time after time have said "well, Trump is not going to survive this." Trump's speaking skills are brash and not politically correct and leads to a lot of misinterpretation by a media that doesn't understand that kind of language, and it falls immediate prey to left wing ideologues who don't have a grasp of language nuance of anything to the right of them and are always looking for something to be offended by anyway. . . 

Though I still lean Cruz, I am OK with Trump. Rubio is a "maybe" on down the line, but a "maybe" that may be  irrelevant after Iowa. I believe that if Trump takes Iowa...he will sail to the nomination. States like New Jersey, Texas will likely not give it to Trump, but I think Florida is a maybe for him and...if Bush and Rubio haven't already dropped out....will have to concede defeat then. 

I have an issue with Rand Paul and his loyalties and it kind affirms to me that I was right to write him off months ago. When Paul did his "filibuster" I recollect there was one other Senator who aided him and that person was Ted Cruz. So I think it clarifies his loyalty when he has said what he did on the Cruz "eligibility" claim. 

I have much respect for Ben Carson and he was an early favorite. I don't think, however, that his time is now...but he would likely be viable for a future run should he attempt to do that. He has already put out sound bytes suggesting he might only be a one term president or that he might run for a congressional seat. That, to me, is a sign of a lack of commitment to this race. 

Mike Huckabee and Rick Santorum both hold strong Christian values but not enough, it would appear, for them to grab the evangelicals (like Huckabee did last time around). If they stay in it will be only for sound bytes...but their survival viability is pretty much zero. 

Carly Fiorina is the antithesis of Hillary in many ways. That is good on some issues. but I  have seen too much of her pushing her way into debates or media time because she is "a woman." I'm for a candidate based more on substance rather then gender (or race for that matter). Fiorina might claim--and rightly claim--that Hillary's campaign is very sexist. But I don't think Fiorina's campaign can escape that label either.

Anyway..this is the way I see it today.

The Power (and the weakness) of the Press

Just to underscore how the media prioritizes "news," all the major stations are reporting that "Four prisoners being released from Iran including Wapo reporter Jason Rezalan." The other three don't carry the same weight in their minds so they emphasize that one of their own were released. In order to get their attention you have to make it about them somehow. Ted Cruz pointed that out in an early debate on immigration and it is the method Donald Trump uses almost daily to keep the press following his every move.

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MEME REPORT:
OUR CRYING PRESIDENT

Ted Cruz's Apology to New Yorkers

Hillary Clinton and Andrew Cuomo and Bill de Blasio have all demanded an apology. I’m happy to apologize:

I apologize to the millions of New Yorkers who have been let down by liberal politicians in that state. I apologize to the hard working men and women of the state of New York who have been denied jobs because Governor Cuomo won’t allow fracking. Even though there had been many high paying jobs just south in Pennsylvania, New Yorkers are denied the ability to provide for their families.

I apologize to all the pro-life and pro-marriage and pro-second amendment New Yorkers who were told by Governor Cuomo that they have no place in New York because that’s not who New Yorkers are.

I apologize to all the small businesses who have been driven out of New York city by crushing taxes and regulations.

I apologize to the millions of unborn children, many African-American and Hispanic, whose lives have been taken by politicians who relentlessly promote abortion on demand with no limitations.

I apologize to all of the African-American children who Mayor de Blasio tried to throw out of their charter schools that were providing a lifeline to the American Dream.

I apologize to the people of New York who are offended when the New York Daily News lambastes anyone who prays for victims of violence.

I apologize to the people of faith who are ridiculed and insulted by the New York media.

And I apologize to all the cops and the firefighters and 9/11 heroes who had no choice but to stand and turn their backs on Mayor de Blasio, because Mayor de Blasio over and over again stands with the looters and criminals rather than the brave men and women of the law.

And to the millions of conservatives–working men and women in New York, with common sense values, trapped by the failures of your political leaders–I am glad to tell you, help is on the way. 2016, like 1980, will bring America back.

The Constitution Strikes Back: The Cruzade, starring Ted Cruz

Cheap Seat Report: Republican Picks As of Today

1) Ted Cruz. Most of the  more important part of the debate this week was between Cruz and Marco Rubio.
Not sure about the "carpet bombing" strategy. I mean, what if it turns out they just have linoleum? 
Dana Bash purposely asked a question that is really irrelevant to national issues when she hit Cruz with the one about something that was recorded in private that he said about Trump.  Pretty low for Bash and CNN to be purposely picking fights. There were not many attacks against Hillary during the debate, but were quite a few against  Trump and Cruz.
Cruz: "All horse thieves are Democrats, but not all Democrats are horse thieves."

2) Mike Huckabee. Granted, he was at the small first debate, but he stayed to message and offered great insight. I think he is terribly underrated. He may not stand a chance to win, but I suspect he will stick around for awhile longer.  And I hope he does.
Huckabee: "If Islam is as wonderful and peaceful as its adherents say, shouldn't they be begging us" to surveil their mosques?"

3) Rick Santorum. Still at the smaller debate, but he and Huckabee have my interest for their appeals to religious liberties. I think Santorum did a great job in defending those issues but got a little flustered by Lindsey Graham. "The fact of the matter is, Islam is different ... the idea that that is protected under the First Amendment is wrong." said Santorum. I agree. Why do we keep extending Constitutional rights to non-Americans???
Santorum: "We have to stop worrying about offending some people and start defending all Americans."
 Santorum: "Not all Muslims are jihadist but "all jihadists are Muslim"

4) Donald Trump. My interest in Trump is falling somewhat. I would certainly still vote for him if he is nominated but there is a difference between conservatism and populism. Trump appeals to populism and to conservatives who find populism appealing .  Trump is strong on National security and I am not sure who interjected it, but the talk of "innocent civilians" being killed is the reason wars become politically correct and then people lose. Trump did not clarify very well (or at all) what he meant by "shutting down parts of the internet."
 I might be OK with shutting down part of the internet if that means cat pictures. Except for the fact that that would only leave 25% of the internet left. :-) 
The Mosques that were shut down in France weren't shut down for their message but because they were stockpiling weapons. I'm not so sure just listening to the message will cut it.Vladimir Putin pretty much unofficially/officially endorsed Donald Trump calling him "bright and talented" and the "absolute leader" in the 2016 race. Trump did say just after the debate that  he will NOT run as third party no matter what

 5) Ben Carson. Carson is about to drop off the radar. I hate to say it but I think he may have already peaked. I believe his support will likely shift to Cruz. Ben Carson just told the press that he would likely be a "one term president." I like the guy but I think making that kind of an announcement will more likely make him a no term president.
 Between naps, Ben Carson had some good responses.

6) Marco Rubio. If he would get his stuff together on amnesty and immigration reform he might be a candidate of interest.
This would have been a good night for Rubio to take a drink of water. Better Press.
Marco Rubio said this week that  we need a "top-down review" of our Immigration system. Yeah right, just what we need: another government committee to investigate the government.

7) Chris Christie.  He did perform strong on national defense. I will give him that. He referenced a couple times that because he was from Jerssey, he would be tough.
"A no fly zone is a no fly zone" --Old New Jersey Proverb
Christie will close down every bridge to the United States to keep out terrorists
Christie: "Terror threats "is the new normal" under Obama and Clinton."

8) Rand Paul. His libertarian ideas are some of the good things about him and his libertarian idea are some of the bad things about him. Rand Paul is terrible on foreign policy. Much like his dad. Paul also started out with an attack on Trump (again). He has tried it at every debate and it NEVER helps him. He is slow to learn.

9) Carly Fiorina: I am tired of this "because I am a woman" stuff from her. The review of her work history with HP is mixed....but mostly not good. And she claims to know all the world leaders.
 Carly Fiorina made a critical mistake when she mentioned Kim Jong Un and then didn't throw in that she knew him, too.

10) Jeb Bush. Not even a consideration any more.
 "________" - Jeb Bush's most memorable response tonight. 
They should have a moment of silence for Jeb Bush since this will likely be his last debate.
Shorter Jeb Bush: Refugees aren't a problem. Let them all in!

11) George Pataki. He talked strong on national defense, I was surprised. But he was governor of New York during 911.  

12)Lindsey Graham. 
Lindsey Graham needs to start using decaf stuff as he was over wound.
 If you took a drink whenever Lindsay Graham eye rolled at Rick Santorum. You wouldn't be awake for the 2nd debate.
Of ISIS, Graham said he  will "knock them off the internet" --What does that mean??
His most memorable line: "Princess Buttercup would not like this!" 
He would rate higher if the issue was entertainment value.


13)CNN  The biggest loser as they clearly showed their disdain for the Republican party. You won't see a performance like that when CNN moderates the Democrat debate. But perhaps Wolf Blitzer clarified it best when he said "CNN is America." They truly think they are. CNN also interpreted the Bible their own way as they asked about refugees. But I have never been able to find the Bible verse that says we should let terrorists in the country because you're supposed to love them. Neither did CNN.

Wolf kept saying"we're only just beginning" before each commercial break.
And in the first debate they were purposely  making Trump the subject when he was not there to defend himself.

Ted Cruz at the Rising Tide Summit

Dan Bongino: The Media's New Strategy: Mock God!

In this episode I discuss the Wall Street Journal’s Holman Jenkins’ piece about a stunning theory about radiation exposure and the dangers to human beings. I also address the Wall Street Journal’s excessive attacks on presidential candidate Ted Cruz. The core topic of today’s show is the disturbing tactic of the media, and some on the Left, to immediately politicize a tragedy to gain a perceived political advantage. I discuss the narratives the Left is using to manipulate American citizens and how they immediately tried to use the media to tell their inconvenient narrative about the San Bernardino attacks.

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MEME REPORT:
NO WHITE PEOPLE CAST IN NBC'S "THE WIZ"

States Can Nullify Federal Laws

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MEME REPORT:
IT'S THE LEFTISTS WHO HAVE THE GENDER IDENTITY PROBLEM

Congressman Jim Bridenstine: Ted Cruz is ready to be our Commander in Chief

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MEME REPORT:
GROW YOUR OWN DOPE

CRUZ: America must stand with our allies against the scourge of radical Islamic terrorism

HOUSTON, Texas — Presidential candidate Ted Cruz issued the following statement in response to the terrorist attacks in Paris:

“America must stand with our allies against the scourge of radical Islamic terrorism. This is an evil that does not discriminate between French, German or American, Christian, Muslim or Jew, soldier, football player, or concert goer. Their only goal is to murder those who do not submit to their vicious, totalitarian ideology. Our deepest condolences go out to our French allies, and I know the government of the United States stands by to offer any assistance necessary.

“We must now face the facts. Between the downing of the Russian jet over Egypt and this massive coordinated attack on Paris, we are seeing an unmistakable escalation of ISIS’ ambitions and the scale of their terrorist attacks outside Syria and Iraq. Even as chaos rages in Paris, we need to take immediate, commonsense steps to preserve our own safety. We need to consult closely with our NATO allies who may be targeted for additional attacks. We need to immediately declare a halt to any plans to bring refugees that may have been infiltrated by ISIS to the United States. We need to redouble our efforts to prevent ISIS agents from penetrating our nation by other means.

“Such steps, however, are defensive reactions to an enemy that will continue to try to attack us until they succeed once again. We must immediately recognize that our enemy is not ‘violent extremism.’ It is the radical Islamism that has declared jihad against the west. It will not be appeased by outreach or declarations of tolerance. It will not be deterred by targeted airstrikes with zero tolerance for civilian casualties, when the terrorists have such utter disregard for innocent life. We must make it crystal clear that affiliation with ISIS and related terrorist groups brings with it the undying enmity of America—that it is, in effect, signing your own death warrant.”

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https://www.tedcruz.org/news/cruz-america-must-stand-with-our-allies-against-the-scourge-of-radical-islamic-terrorism/