Fwd: Rep. Hoyer: Obama Medicare Nominee Qualified, Rationing Already Happening

Today's Headlines Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Rep. Hoyer: Obama Medicare Nominee Qualified, Rationing Already Happening (CNSNews.com) - House Majority Leader Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) said the man nominated to run Medicare and Medicaid, Donald Berwick, is qualified to oversee the two massive government health care programs despite Berwick's claim that the government must ration health care. Hoyer added that health care rationing is already happening in America -- because not all Americans can afford it. Boehner: Republicans 'Committed to Repealing the Health Care Law' If They Take Back House (CNSNews.com) - House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) said Tuesday that the House Republican leadership is "committed to repealing the health care law" if Republicans win a majority in the House in the November elections. Boehner  also announced the launch of the House Republicans' new Web site, AmericaSpeakingOut.com, where citizens can submit ideas for congressional Republicans to consider making part of their agenda. Obama Should Visit U.S.-Mexico Border to See the Threat to Americans Firsthand, Republican Senators Say (CNSNews.com) – On the same day President Barack Obama announced he was ordering 1,200 National Guard troops to the U.S.-Mexico border, two Republican senators from Arizona said it's about time – and it's too few troops. International Community Has 'Responsibility and Duty to Respond' to Ship Sinking by North Korea, Clinton Says (CNSNews.com) – On Wednesday, one day after North Korea threatened to sever all remaining ties with South Korea, North Korea did not prevent South Korean employees from entering a joint industrial project that employs thousands of North Koreans. The Stalinist regime warned, however, that it would bar entry to South Koreans if Seoul resumes anti-Pyongyang propaganda broadcasts along their shared border, which South Korean President Lee Myun-bak has said he would do. Suspected Terror Mastermind Free to Rail Against India and 'Blasphemy' (CNSNews.com) – Hafiz Mohammad Saeed, the Islamist leader released from house arrest by Pakistan's highest court, remains one of that country's most outspoken advocates of jihad against India, and he is now free to press his case that the U.N. should declare 'blasphemy of prophets' a capital offense. Bill Requires Rhode Island to Pay Taxpayers Interest on Delayed Tax Refunds (CNSNews.com) – Several Rhode Island state congressmen have introduced a bill requiring the state to pay the same rate of interest after 60 days on tax refunds owed to taxpayers that the state assesses for overdue taxes. CNSNEWS.COM VIDEO Dave Matthews: 'Too Bad If We Have To Pay a Little Extra Money for Gasoline' (CNSNews.com) – Grammy award-winning musician Dave Matthews told CNSNews.com that higher energy prices are what "we have to do" to protect the environment. Rocker Dave Matthews: 'I Would Pack the Bags' and Leave Afghanistan and Iraq (CNSNews.com) - Grammy award-winning musician Dave Matthews told CNSNews.com that if he could, he "would pack the bags" and remove U.S. troops from Afghanistan and Iraq, adding that the ongoing wars there are a "big disappointment." He also said there is enough evidence that "fighting for peace is a broken model." OTHER CNSNEWS.COM HEADLINES Obama's New National Security Goals Include Diplomacy and Support From Abroad Obama's Border Plan Looks Similar to Bush's, AP Says USDA Offers $1.3-Billion Settlement to Female, Latino Farmers Who Claim Discrimination Obama Applauded, But Also Chastised, At Private Meeting With Republicans Mexico Arrests Cancun Mayor on Drug Charges Oil Spill Brings Mini-Job-Boom to Gulf Region As Oil Spills, Obama Touts Alternative Energy Iran's Ahmadinejad Urges Obama to Accept Nuclear-Swap Deal Car Bomb Explodes Outside NATO Base in Kandahar City U.S. Prison in Afghanistan to Hold First Trial International Red Cross Defends Giving First Aid Courses to Taliban Donate Today! Please help CNSNews.com keep bringing you 'The Right News - Right Now!' Make a contribution to CNSNews.com today. It's fast, simple and secure. Help CNSNews.com and Donate Today!  NEWSPAPER ROUNDUP: Biden tells E.U., Brussels could be 'capital of the free world' Minnesota will pick up tab to counsel divorcing couples Justice Dept. lawyers draft challenge to Arizona immigration law Activists blast Mexico's immigration law Congressman: White House job offer to Sestak may be an 'impeachable' offense Sen. Brown, a Massachusetts Republican, says no to repeal of 'don't ask' U.S. military Reconsiders Army's use of M4 rifles in Afghanistan Mass. lawmakers consider charging inmates various fees stemming from incarceration After meeting with GOP, Obama says day for 'partnership' with GOP has passed State's cash flow problems mean longer wait for R.I. tax refunds California Democrats: Let's borrow cash to save welfare Building oversize federal courts wastes millions; Maintenance adds to costs Backyard cottages seen as way to address Seattle's need for affordable housing House Democrats would add $50 billion in domestic spending to war legislation Senate showdown over EPA climate rules scheduled for June 10 Dems say 9/11 first responders have earned guaranteed healthcare Florida gets $25 million from BP to tell the world its beaches are still clean Lawyers flock to seminar on Gulf of Mexico oil spill issues COMMENTARY Obama Names Rationing Czar to Run Medicare By Terence P. Jeffrey President Obama's choice to run the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services does not like free enterprise, but he does like rationing. To Dr. Donald Berwick of the Harvard Medical School, America's health care system is not the model for the world. Great Britain's is. Look Who's Behind the White House/Sestak Stonewall By Michelle Malkin After three months of zipped lips and feigned ignorance, the Obama White House is finally taking real heat over Pennsylvania Democratic Rep. Joe Sestak's consistent claims that the administration offered him a job to drop his Senate bid. Now it's time to redirect the spotlight where it belongs: on the top counsel behind the Washington stonewall, Bob "The Silencer" Bauer. Preposterous Bill Press By L. Brent Bozell Radio talk-show host Bill Press is the tiniest of fish in the radio ocean, but this minnow's all over the place complaining about the whales in his new book about how the 'radical right' has 'poisoned' the airwaves. He discusses 'hate on the right," while ignoring hate on the left. The Gulf of Ocean By Rich Galen President Obama has been roundly criticized for planning to attend fundraisers and other political events in California while forcing Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Interior Secretary Ken Salazar to be the public faces of the increasingly inept government handling of the increasingly destructive oil spill in the Gulf of Ocean. I hope someone is keeping track of the stuff that keeps spewing out of Napolitano's mouth because there is going to be a best-selling book involved.

Fwd: Seniors Will Lose Big Under Obamacare

May 25, 2010 Seniors Will Lose Big Under Obamacare Passage of Obamacare will have negative consequences for practically all Americans. However, it is the nation's senior citizens who will get the short end of the stick after enactment of the President's health care agenda. In a recent paper, Heritage health policy expert Robert Moffit, Ph.D., lays out the specific provisions of Obamacare that will hurt seniors: – Less Choice. Obamacare will reduce payments to Medicare Advantage, likely decreasing benefits and causing approximately half of current participants to drop out. These seniors will have little choice but to go back to traditional Medicare, and buy a supplemental policy to cover Medicare's big gaps in coverage. – Reduced Access to Care. Writes Moffit, "With the retirement of 77 million baby boomers beginning in 2011, the Medicare program will have to absorb an unprecedented demand for medical services. For the next generation of senior citizens, finding a doctor will be more difficult and waiting times for doctor appointments are likely to be longer. The American Association of Medical Colleges projects a shortage of 124,000 doctors by 2025." Obamacare does nothing to reverse this worrisome trend, instead making it worse. – Medicare Payment Cuts. Moffit explains that "creating a real problem for seniors, the CMS Actuary estimates that roughly 15 percent of Medicare Part A providers—the part of the Medicare program that pays hospital costs—would become unprofitable within 10 years" due to reductions in hospital payment updates under the new law. – Higher Taxes. "The higher taxes on drugs (effective in 2011) and medical devices (effective in 2013) will affect seniors especially, as they are more heavily dependent on those very products." Moreover, federal premium taxes will apply to Medicare Advantage, as well as federal retirees' health plans. Moffit's research outlines how Obamacare fails to address the pressing need for systemic reform of the Medicare program while also hindering the entitlement's ability to adequately meet the needs of those it serves. To read more, click here. RECENT ENTRIES ER Overload Will Only Get Worse Small Businesses Still Left Empty-Handed Fewer Flippin' Hamburgers at White Castle Share Today's Side Effects Facebook Myspace Digg Linkdin Twitter   Facebook Twitter YouTube Kindle Flickr Support our work by becoming a member with your gift of $25 or more. The Heritage Foundation 214 Massachusetts Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002-4999 Call us at (202) 546-4400 Add newsletters@heritage.org to your address book to ensure that you receive emails from us.

Fwd: Obama?s Nominee to Run Medicare: ?Please Don?t Put Your Faith in Market Forces?

Today's Headlines Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Obama's Nominee to Run Medicare: 'Please Don't Put Your Faith in Market Forces' (CNSNews.com) – Dr. Donald Berwick, nominated by President Barack Obama to head the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, published an article in the British Medical Journal, advising leaders of Britain's socialized health care system: "Please don't put your faith in market forces." The article, published in the July 26, 2008 issue of the BMJ, compared the U.S. health care system unfavorably to the British system, which Berwick said he was "romantic about." White House, Congressional Dems Reach Agreement to Force Vote on Repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell (CNSNews.com) – The White House and congressional Democratic leaders reached an agreement Monday night on a "compromise" that could force a vote within days on a bill to end the military's Don't Ask Don't Tell policy on homosexuality -- after the congressional elections. "Tonight, President Obama and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi made a back room deal that disregards the views of our troops and uses the military to advance the political agenda of a radical special interest group," Family Research Council President Tony Perkins said in a statement. New York Times' Front Page Announces U.S. Expansion of 'Secret Military Acts' in Middle East (CNSNews.com) – The New York Times, giving America's friends and foes a heads-up, reports that Gen. David Petraeus signed a "secret directive" in September authorizing "a broad expansion of secret military activity" in the Middle East. Poll Finds 65 Percent of Texas Voters Still Support Off-Shore Drilling (CNSNews.com) – Nearly two-thirds of all Texans believe off-shore drilling should continue, despite the Gulf oil spill, according to a new poll. The poll places Texas voters in line with the national average of 64 percent of Americans who support offshore drilling, according to the Rasmussen Report. Dave Matthews: 'Too Bad If We Have To Pay a Little Extra Money for Gasoline' (CNSNews.com) – Grammy award-winning musician Dave Matthews told CNSNews.com that higher energy prices are what "we have to do" to protect the environment. He also said although he admires the military, he would like to see it downsized. Rocker Dave Matthews: 'I Would Pack the Bags' and Leave Afghanistan and Iraq (CNSNews.com) - Grammy award-winning musician Dave Matthews told CNSNews.com that if he could, he "would pack the bags" and remove U.S. troops from Afghanistan and Iraq, adding that the ongoing wars there are a "big disappointment." He also said there is enough evidence that "fighting for peace is a broken model." Despite U.S. Prodding, China Does Little More Than Call for Restraint on the Korean Peninsula (CNSNews.com) – As South Korea and the United States turn up the pressure on North Korea over the sinking of a South Korean warship, Kim Jong-il's closest ally looks unwilling to do or say anything about the incident beyond its customary calls for calm. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, in Beijing for bilateral strategic and economic talks, urged China Monday to "work together" with the U.S. to address the "serious challenge provoked by the sinking of the South Korean ship." CNSNEWS.COM VIDEO Sen. Rockefeller Tells Neil Armstrong: America's Drive to Explore is Not All 'Glorious' (CNSNews.com) - Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee Chairman John D. Rockefeller (D-W.V.) says he is "a substantial skeptic of human spaceflight" and that not all outlets for American exploration are "glorious." Rocker Dave Matthews on Energy Policy: 'Algae is the Future' (CNSNews.com) - Grammy Award-winning rock musician Dave Matthews said Thursday that he is confident his carbon footprint is "bigger than most people's" and suggested that people who do not need to travel as much as he does with his band "can take a bike" to help save the planet. OTHER CNSNEWS.COM HEADLINES Obama Administration Says Virginia Lacks the Standing to Challenge New Health Care Law Obama Administration Warns Health Insurance Industry on Mergers Obama White House Is First to Mark Jewish Heritage Month Deadly, Ultra-Pure Heroin Arrives in U.S. From Mexico Wyoming Judge Blocks Newspapers From Publishing Stories About College President's Trip Hillary Clinton Gets Personal in China, Discussing Daughter's Wedding in TV Interview Fired U.N. Diplomat Galbraith Running for Seat in Vermont Senate Arizona Sheriff Urges no Travel to Mexico After Ad House May Vote This Week on Proposal to Repeal Military's Ban on Homosexuals Salazar Calls Inspector-General's Findings on Federal Drilling Agency 'Deeply Disturbing' Offshore Drilling Here to Stay, but Changes Coming Donate Today! Please help CNSNews.com keep bringing you 'The Right News - Right Now!' Make a contribution to CNSNews.com today. It's fast, simple and secure. Help CNSNews.com and Donate Today!  NEWSPAPER ROUNDUP: Government keeping records of people who show temper, mouth off at TSA employees FBI details surge in death threats against lawmakers When passengers spit at them, bus drivers take months off Warning labels urged for food that can choke Police classify vandalism at Catholic Church as hate crime Attempt to recall U.S. senator moves to N.J. high court Congress gets ready to quadruple tax on oil L.A. council panel backs 37 percent hike in ambulance fees Income from private sector shrinks State Department to increase 'nonimmigrant' visa fees Ariz. immigration law said to be making Census count tougher Number of U.S. forces in Afghanistan exceeds total in Iraq for the first time Gov. Ritter signs bills to lessen punishment, promote rehabilitation of criminals New York City police furious at 'don't-shoot-to-kill' bill Funding for Ground Zero mosque would come from Muslims in U.S and overseas Animal hoarding called a gathering crisis Oil spill linked to Congress' policy of tax breaks and financial benefits, some say COMMENTARY The War Over America's Past By Patrick J. Buchanan Liberals are enraged that a Republican-dominated Texas Board of Education is rewriting textbooks. But is the rewrite being done to falsify history, or to undo a liberal bias embedded for decades? Pass A Budget, Or Take A Pass? By Ed Feulner Every year we spend more. Every year we owe more. And there's no end in sight. In fact this year, Congress won't even bother passing a budget resolution: "It's difficult to pass budgets in election years, because they reflect what the [nation's fiscal] status is," House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer told FOX News last month. But isn't that exactly the point? Americans elect lawmakers to make the spending decisions for the government. We deserve to know what those decisions are before we go to the polls.

Fwd: Morning Bell: The Buck Stops Nowhere

05/24/2010 The Buck Stops Nowhere According to best estimates, the collapsed Deepwater Horizon oil rig is pumping about 210,000 gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico every day. But don't worry, President Barack Obama has appointed an "independent" commission to investigate the spill. Our federal government will post an estimated $1.5 trillion budget deficit this year, and our debt is projected to equal 140 percent of gross domestic product within two decades. But don't worry, President Obama has appointed a debt commission to solve the problem. Our nation's southern border has degenerated into a violent, lawless and lethal zone. But don't worry, Congress wants to empower a new commission to control the problem. And millions of Americans don't know whether or not their health plan will be exempted from Obamacare. But don't worry, faceless bureaucrats at the Department of Health and Human Services are already hard at work determining whether or not you will be allowed to keep your current health insurance. Is this any way to run a country? Should the President of the United States be passing off responsibility to "independent" commissions? Should Congress be passing off responsibility for securing our nation's borders to an unaccountable commission of experts? How is any of this consistent with our nation's First Principles or the United States Constitution? It's not. The authors of our Constitution never meant to create a federal government with the power to force you to buy health insurance, let alone one where it would be unelected bureaucrats who determine what type of health insurance you could buy.

Fwd: ?Obama White House Is Admitting That Their Health Care Plan Will Ration Health Care,? GOP Senator Says

Today's Headlines Monday, May 24, 2010

'Obama White House Is Admitting That Their Health Care Plan Will Ration Health Care,' GOP Senator Says (CNSNews.com) – President Barack Obama's nominee to head the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is a strong supporter of the government-run health care system in Britain. In a 2009 interview about Comparative Effectiveness Research, Donald Berwick said, "The decision is not whether or not we will ration care – the decision is whether we will ration with our eyes open." In choosing Berwick, the Obama administration is implicitly admitting that the health care law passed by the Democrats in March will lead to the rationing of health care, said Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.). Islamic Nations Praise Obama's Outreach and U.S. Plans to Close 'Islamophobia Prison' at Guantanamo (CNSNews.com) – President Obama's Cairo speech to Muslims, his plan to shut down the detention center at Guantanamo Bay and the dropping of language deemed offensive to Muslims are among the positive developments highlighted in the Organization of the Islamic Conference's new report on "Islamophobia." Areas requiring more work include winning the Obama administration over to the OIC-held position on the need for legal recourse to counter "religious defamation." Awlaki Not Among FBI's 'Most Wanted' Terrorists; No Reward Offered for His Capture (CNSNews.com) – Anwar al-Awlaki, the U.S.-born Islamic cleric who in a new video clip urges Muslims to kill American civilians, does not appear on the FBI's list of wanted terrorists and the government has yet to place a reward on his head. Likewise, no references to Awlaki could be found Monday on the Web site of the U.S. Embassy in the Yemeni capital, Sana'a. Brennan: U.S. Should Foster 'Moderate Elements' of the Terrorist Group Hezbollah (CNSNews.com) – President Obama's counterterrorism adviser John Brennan called Hezbollah a "very interesting organization" in remarks last week at a Washington think tank, and he said the United States needs to "build up the more moderate elements" of Hezbollah, which the State Department has designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. DEA: No Comment on Drug Cartel Obtaining Intelligence Reports That DEA Provided to High-Level Mexican Authorities (CNSNews.com) - The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency declined to comment on reports that a drug cartel from the northwestern Mexican state of Sinaloa had access to documents detailing Mexico's counter-narcotics operations, including information that the DEA had provided to high-level officials in Mexico's Public Safety Department. Senate Passed Financial Bill Contains Debit Card Price Controls (CNSNews.com) – The recently passed financial regulatory bill contains a little-noticed provision allowing the government to set price controls on the fees banks charge retailers who accept debit cards. FCC Says It Has 'No Record' of Any Communication to or from Its Chairman Mentioning Limbaugh, Hannity, Levin, Beck, Ingraham or Savage (CNSNews.com) – The Federal Communications Commission says it has "no records" of any communication either "to or from" its chairman that mentions Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Mark Levin, Glenn Beck, Laura Ingraham or Michael Savage. The FCC made the declaration in response to a Freedom of Information Act request by CNSNews.com that sought all its records reflecting communications from FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski mentioning the popular radio hosts. Senate Democrats Pass Bill Allowing Gov't to Collect Addresses, ATM Records of Bank Customers (CNSNews.com) – Senate Democrats united to pass a financial regulatory bill that allows the government to collect data on any person operating in financial markets at any level. The bill would create the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection and empower it to gather the names and addresses of account holders, ATM and other transaction records, and the amount of money kept in each customer's account. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) said that Democrats who claim this new bureaucracy will protect consumers are misleading the public. Rep. Kennedy Says Mexican President 'Right On' in Criticizing Arizona Immigration Law Washington (CNSNews.com) - Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, told CNSNews.com that Mexican President Felipe Calderon was wrong to criticize Arizona's anti-illegal immigration law, adding that Calderon had also "mischaracterized the law." Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.), however, said that Calderon was "right on" in criticizing the new law. Obama's Comment That Nations Are Defined by Bonds, Not Borders, Called 'Wishful Thinking (CNSNews.com) – It is wishful thinking on the part of the president to imply that borders are no longer important, one policy analyst told CNSNews.com. CNSNEWS.COM VIDEO Sen. Rockefeller Tells Neil Armstrong: America's Drive to Explore is Not All 'Glorious' (CNSNews.com) - Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee Chairman John D. Rockefeller (D-W.V.) says he is "a substantial skeptic of human spaceflight" and that not all outlets for American exploration are "glorious." Rocker Dave Matthews on Energy Policy: 'Algae is the Future' (CNSNews.com) - Grammy Award-winning rock musician Dave Matthews said Thursday that he is confident his carbon footprint is "bigger than most people's" and suggested that people who do not need to travel as much as he does with his band "can take a bike" to help save the planet. OTHER CNSNEWS.COM HEADLINES Obama Seeks New Power to Eliminate Earmarks, Other Spending White House Mum on Whether Sestak Offered a Job Ahmadinejad's Speech Marred by Shouts From Crowd Hawaii's New U.S. Congressman, a Republican, Hopes for Quick Swearing-In Health Care, Financial Overhauls May Not Help Democrats at Polls, AP Reports New Financial Rules May Not Prevent Next Crisis, AP Reports Andrew Cuomo Announces He's Running for Governor of New York Obama Tells West Point Grads, Diplomacy and Military Must Work Together PETA Buying Stock to Gain Influence in Boardrooms Supreme Court Says Black Firefighter Lawsuit Can Proceed State of Emergency in Jamaica, As Drug Lord's Supporters Fight His Possible Extradition to U.S. Obama Backs South Korea's Response to Sinking of Warship BP Says It's Doing All It Can, As Interior Secretary Questions BP's Competence Clinton: Koreas Security Situation 'Precarious' Move Afoot in Congress to Ban Drop-Side Cribs White House Spokesman Says U.S. Is Hunting for Awlaki Donate Today! Please help CNSNews.com keep bringing you 'The Right News - Right Now!' Make a contribution to CNSNews.com today. It's fast, simple and secure. Help CNSNews.com and Donate Today!  NEWSPAPER ROUNDUP: Congressional Dems seek $23 billion in 'emergency' funding for public schools Arizona seeks to reassign heavily accented teachers Democrat lawmaker urges White House to release details on Sestak job offer Industrialized Midwest farmers said to be altering the region's climate Bipartisan Senate bill aims to take 'retarded' out of federal lexicon Healthccare law's tax credits encourage small businesses to stay small, not hire Mass. health insurers may slash rates to hospitals Health reform bill mandates firms create a space for moms who breastfeed Cuts to child care subsidy thwart more job seekers Palin highlights oil industry's financial contributions to Obama campaign Pro-life group fights disclosure law; Suit cites violation of free-speech rights Airlines add $10-$30 fees for peak travel days in summer COMMENTARY It's an Obama-Nation By Rich Galen According to Obama's most fervent defenders, his administration's reaction to the BP oil spill in the Gulf is an abomination. And if Barack Obama has lost James Carville, Chris Matthews, and Donna Brazile, then his presidency may be lost. Energy Policy? What Energy Policy? By Alan Caruba When the government controls the provision of energy, it controls the lives of all citizens and the growth or failure of the nation's economy. The administration is bent on reducing access to national energy resources, coal, oil and natural gas, combined with a bizarre emphasis on "alternative" or "renewable" sources in the form of wind and solar energy. European nations that went this course ended up with fewer jobs, insufficient energy for the money invested, and massive fraud in its carbon credits exchanges. The Obama energy policy can be summed up as no new energy, no new jobs, and a very dark future for America.

Fwd: MyHeritage.org: What's in the New START Treaty?

FEATURED VIDEO Heritage senior legal fellow Cully Stimson discusses the potential modification of Miranda rights for terrorism suspects. More videos » May 21, 2010 | By Amanda J. Reinecker What's In the New START Treaty? Is it really too much to expect that our lawmakers know exactly what they're voting on before they pass it into law? First there was Obamacare, and now there's the new START treaty between the US and Russia for example, which is up for ratification in the Senate. There seems to be some uncertainty as to whether or not the treaty places limitations on American missile defense capabilities. The Russians are under the impression that it does.  The treaty will only work, Russian officials argue, if the U.S. "refrains from developing its missile defense capabilities." On the contrary, the U.S. State Department insists, albeit in a watered-down version of its previous statement, that the language of the treaty "does not constrain the United States from deploying the most effective missile defense possible." It's worrisome that the two signatories are delivering such contradictory messages when they're supposedly reading the same treaty. Why? State Department veteran David Kramer, in an interview with The Heritage Foundation's Rob Bluey, explains: The Russians have to spin this at home as saying they have laid down markers on missile defense.  Here in the United States, the administration is going to underscore that this in no way ties the administration's hands on missile defense. So what's the truth? Does this new treaty protect America's flexibility to develop and deploy missile defenses or doesn't it?  Former U.N. Ambassador John Bolton warns, "advances in missile defense [will be] effectively impossible if this treaty enters into and is to remain in force." The looming questions about missile defense must be resolved, and the consequences of the treaty need to be clearly defined during the Senate hearings. Senators can and should turn these stones by "demanding access, in classified form, to the Treaty's negotiating record," suggests Heritage's Baker Spring. This will enable them to break through the spin and mixed messaging and clarify specifically what the treaty does and does not say about missile defense.  Anything that compromises American sovereignty and security – such as limiting our defense capabilities - is not worthy of ratification. In Congressional testimony earlier this week, Secretary of State Hilary Clinton urged her former colleagues in the Senate to ratify the treaty. Now, some may argue that we don't need the new START treaty. But the choice before us is between this treaty and no treaty governing our nuclear security relationship with Russia, between this treaty and no agreed verification mechanisms on Russia's strategic nuclear forces, between this treaty and no legal obligation for Russia to maintain its strategic nuclear forces below an agreed level. And as Secretary Gates has pointed out, every previous president who faced this choice has found that the United States is better off with a treaty than without one, and the United States Senate has always agreed. The 2002 Moscow Treaty was approved by a vote of 95 to nothing. The 1991 START treaty was approved by 93 to 6. But our choice isn't between the START treaty and nothing. It should be a choice between the START treaty and something better that explicitly protects America's defense capability. Not to mention, if the new START treaty isn't ratified than the old START treaty remains in place through 2012. So the "no treaty" option isn't an option to begin with. > Other Heritage Work of Note On Wednesday, two Democratic Senators blocked attempts to move Sen. Dodd's financial reform bill forward, writes Heritage's Conn Carroll. Were they protesting the fact that the bill is "a big government monstrosity, expanding powers for existing Washington regulators as well as creating and empowering new ones?" No, shockingly, they don't think the big government bailout bill does enough to increase the power of Washington bureaucrats. The legislation subsequently passed after Sen. Scott Brown (R-MA) changed his vote. It now faces reconciliation with the House version of the bill. Looking back on 2009, Heritage's Bill Beach recalls, "Not only did the federal government effectively take over half of the U.S. economy, it also expanded public-sector debt by more than all previous governments combined." Most of that growth of the state stems from the creation and expansion of programs that increase dependency on government. Government dependency rose 13.9 percent in 2009, according to a recent Heritage report. This is because these programs falsely portray a "free lunch," but they're cost is great – neither the recipient, citizens, nor the provider, government can afford them.  And, as Beach explains, their effects are quickly chipping away at our economy, our civil society and the overall well-being of our nation. Heritage's David John weighs in on why the Security needs a drastic makeover. He argues that "since 1983, Americans have paid more in payroll taxes than Social Security needed each year for benefit payments. Unfortunately, Congress spent the extra money on everything from roads to aircraft carriers. All that is left are government bonds that, like all IOUs, have to be repaid." Significant reform will require sacrifice in the short run. John recommends changing current benefits -- not raising taxes, as liberals suggest, since the problem is with spending to begin with -- in order to increase individual private retirement savings without reducing both economic growth and employment. > In Other News States are making drastic cuts to their Medicaid programs because of the financial burdens they impose. Many of these cuts target the mentally disabled living at home. Obamacare would expand Medicaid and impose still more financial burdens on the states. Says Germany's finance minister about the European debt crisis: "I'm convinced the markets are really out of control. That is why we need really effective regulation, in the sense of creating a properly functioning market mechanism." Unfortunately, panicked lawmakers here in the U.S. are expanding government intrusion into markets rather than ensuring free markets can function -- and stock markets are responding predictably. In a show of solidarity with his Mexican counterpart, President Obama criticized Arizona's new immigration law and, instead, called for a federal fix (read: amnesty) for the nation's illegal immigration problem. Heritage's James Carafano argues the President should stop playing politics with the Arizona law. South Korea is pointing the finger at communist North Korea for the death of 46 sailors in the sinking of a naval warship. North Korea, which has denied involvement, has threatened war if punished. The Associated Press reports: "The number of people filing new claims for unemployment benefits unexpectedly rose last week by the largest amount in three months...Applications for unemployment benefits rose to 471,000 last week, up by 25,000 from the previous week." Amanda Reinecker is a writer for MyHeritage.org—a website for members and supporters of The Heritage Foundation. Nathaniel Ward, the Editor of MyHeritage.org, contributed to this report.

Fwd: Democrats Have No Plan for Dealing with Fannie and Freddie; Ignore Republican Proposal

Today's Headlines Friday, May 21, 2010

Democrats Have No Plan for Dealing with Fannie and Freddie; Ignore Republican Proposal (CNSNews.com) – House Democrats appear to have no plans for dealing with the failed mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, despite acting on dozens of other matters in the two months since Republicans proposed a way to rescue the two government-sponsored enterprises. So far, taxpayers have spent $145 billion to keep Fannie and Freddie solvent, and that tab is expected to go much higher. Hoekstra: Resignation of Director of National Intelligence Results From 'Obama Administration's Rampant Politicization of National Security' (CNSNews.com) - Rep. Pete Hoekstra of Michigan, the ranking Republican on the House intelligence committee, says the resignation of Director of National Intelligence Dennis Blair is "a disturbing sign of the stranglehold the Obama White House has placed on America's intelligence agencies." Gulf Spill Sparks Drilling Debate Along Party Lines But Gov't Says Less Than 0.001% of Oil Spilled in Federal Waters Since 1980 (CNSNews.com) – Congressional hearings on the Gulf oil spill reveal the political divide between pro-offshore drilling lawmakers and those who cite the accident as a reason to halt any expanded drilling in the Gulf. Government reports show that less than 0.001 percent of oil culled from rigs in federal waters has been spilled in the last 30 years. As Sestak Repeats Charge of Job Offer, White House Still Ducks Detailed Answer Washington (CNSNews.com) – Rep. Joe Sestak, the Democratic nominee for Pennsylvania's U.S. Senate seat, said again this week that the White House offered him a job to keep him from challenging Sen. Arlen Specter in the Democratic primary. But White House spokesman Robert Gibbs has declined to provide any response, other than to repeat that nothing "problematic" occurred. Will the Obama Administration Accept China-Pakistan Nuclear Collaboration? (CNSNews.com) – Analysts in India and the U.S. are voicing concern that the Obama administration may tolerate a Chinese bid to build more nuclear power reactors in Pakistan, despite Islamabad's poor non-proliferation record. The U.S. has been trying to win Beijing's support for fresh U.N. Security Council sanctions against Iran. Facebook Accused of Hurting Muslims With 'Anti-Islamic Sentiments' (CNSNews.com) – The Facebook page at the center of angry protests in Pakistan because of depictions of Mohammed also has been blocked in Saudi Arabia, the latest development in a controversy first sparked almost five years ago by a Danish newspaper's publication of cartoons satirizing Mohammed. CNSNEWS.COM VIDEO Rocker Dave Matthews on Energy Policy: 'Algae is the Future' (CNSNews.com) - Grammy Award-winning rock musician Dave Matthews said Thursday that he is confident his carbon footprint is "bigger than most people's" and suggested that people who do not need to travel as much as he does with his band "can take a bike" to help save the planet. McCain: 'Insulting' for Obama State Department to 'Compare' Arizona Illegal Immigration Law to China's Human Rights 'Abuses' OTHER CNSNEWS.COM HEADLINES Intelligence Director Knew His Days Were Numbered Democrats Applaud As Mexico's Calderon Criticizes Arizona Immigration Law in Address to Congress Rand Paul: Obama's Criticism of BP 'Un-American' Clinton: North Korea Must Face Consequences for Attack Congress Passes 'Too Big to Fail' Financial Reform Bill, But Leaves Out Fannie and Freddie Behavior Detection Program Questioned After Airport Watchers Missed 16 People Linked to Terror 'Immediate' US Aid in Drug War Slow to Help Mexico Nations Pledge to Crack Down on Online Alcohol Ads Jews in Arab East Jerusalem Defy Obama's Peace Push Two Police Officers Killed During Traffic Stop in Arkansas UC Berkeley Plan to Test DNA of Freshmen Criticized Feds Change Rules So Farmers Can Kill Geese Faster Obama Expands National Fuel Efficiency Program, Aiming for Better Mileage Beyond 2016 German Lawmakers Approve Euro Rescue Package Donate Today! Please help CNSNews.com keep bringing you 'The Right News - Right Now!' Make a contribution to CNSNews.com today. It's fast, simple and secure. Help CNSNews.com and Donate Today!  NEWSPAPER ROUNDUP: Demand for copies of the U.S. Constitution is skyrocketing Aging congressional lawmakers flummoxed by ATMs Unions to spend $100M on saving Democrats Illegal immigrant tells police a group of 60 is lost in Arizona desert Prayer dropped from New Hampshire Technical Institute's graduation ceremony Arizona-style immigration bill touches off protest at Rhode Island State House FDIC says number of 'problem' banks is growing Calderon blames U.S. guns for violence; NRA disputes claim of illicit arms exports Rand Paul pushes back on racism charge Gov. Christie instantly vetoes millionaire's tax Authorities say Mojave Desert replacement memorial cross must come down Obama's middle name ignites textbook battle Washington University gets $60 million gift, no strings attached Stimulus money used to replace good school furniture found in trash bins? Some Democrats are running against President Obama and his agenda Kerry: Academy of Sciences Report shows 'urgent' need for climate bill COMMENTARY Take the Deal, Mr. President By Patrick J. Buchanan If Barack Obama is sincere in his policy of "no nukes in Iran—no war with Iran," he will halt this rude dismissal of the offer Tehran just made to ship half its stockpile of uranium to Turkey. But maybe the powers that be don't really want a deal with Iran. They want Iran smashed. The Shady ShoreBank Bailout By Michelle Malkin The federal government and a coalition of big banking interests are poised to bail out a crony Chicago bank with longtime ties to the Obama administration. Chicago's ShoreBank engages in Obama-esque social engineering to "create economic equity and a healthy environment." Social and environmental justice may make for good Volvo bumper stickers, but they do not make for a good bottom line. But ShoreBank is too politically connected to fail. And now you, the taxpayer, may be on the hook for helping its cronies engineer a special rescue. Stock Market Jitters By Rich Galen The world is a very fragile place right now. Economies are teetering; Thailand is close to civil war; North and South Korea are snarling at each other; Iran is threatening Israel, the BP well is still spurting oil into the Gulf of Mexico, the Director of National Intelligence resigned last night, and the Washington Nationals have lost 6 out of their last 7 games. I'm going to dig up that coffee can and put my total accumulated wealth of $12.73 under my mattress. But the way things are going, there will be an earthquake and my money will fall into the center of the earth. A Global Sports Problem By L. Brent Bozell III Once upon a time, human rights advocates denounced the conditions in which prostitutes were forced into their degrading business, even as children. But now prostitution is viewed as just another business transaction

Fwd: Morning Bell: Raising Arizona's Defense

05/21/2010 Raising Arizona's Defense It isn't easy being Arizona these days, especially when President Barack Obama puts politics before Americans' interests, a foreign head of state before the United States, and an agenda of apology before much-needed, sensible reforms. But that's just what happened this week when Mexican President Felipe Calderon visited Washington, DC. President Obama extended a warm hand to Calderon and demagogued Arizona's illegal immigration law all in the name of politics. Standing in the White House Rose Garden with Calderon, President Obama took the unprecedented step of publicly siding with Mexico against Arizona, saying: We also discussed the new law in Arizona, which is a misdirected effort — a misdirected expression of frustration over our broken immigration system, and which has raised concerns in both our countries... And I want everyone, American and Mexican, to know my administration is taking a very close look at the Arizona law. We're examining any implications, especially for civil rights. Because in the United States of America, no law-abiding person — be they an American citizen, a legal immigrant, or a visitor or tourist from Mexico — should ever be subject to suspicion simply because of what they look like."