Team Romney jumped on the contrived “war on women” meme as portrayed by Hilary Rosen with both feet, and is already taking advantage of it
We stand with Mitt and Ann in saying that all women play an important role in our country. America deserves a president who will bring us together — not pit us against each other.
Donate $6 to Romney and you can get the bumper sticker.
Read: Team Mitt’s New Bumper Sticker: “Mom’s Drive The Economy” »
Sadly, there may be a criminal case against George Zimmerman. Then again, there may not. Time will tell. But, Harvard professor Alan Dershowitz says charging instrument is unethical, irresponsible, and won’t make it past a judge
(Mediaite) Harvard University law professor Alan Dershowitz appeared on MSNBC’s Hardball where fill-in host Michel Smerconish asked him his opinions of the arrest warrant issued and carried out for alleged Trayvon Martin murderer, George Zimmerman. Dershowitz called the affidavit justifying Zimmerman’s arrest “not only thin, it’s irresponsible.†He went on to criticize the decision to charge Zimmerman for second degree murder by special prosecutor Angela Corey as being politically motivated.
“You’ve seen the affidavit of probable cause. What do you make of it,†Smerconish asked. “It won’t suffice,†Dershowitz replied without hesitation.
“Most affidavits of probable cause are very thin. This is so thin that it won’t make it past a judge on a second degree murder charge,†Dershowitz said. “There’s simply nothing in there that would justify second degree murder.â€
Dershowitz said that the elements that would constitute that crime are non-existent in the affidavit. “It’s not only thin, it’s irresponsible,†said Dershowitz.
Special Prosecutor Angela Corey may very well have evidence that supports the charge of 2nd degree murder, but, this is what 2nd degree murder is in Florida
The unlawful killing of a human being, when perpetrated by any act imminently dangerous to another and evincing a depraved mind regardless of human life, although without any premeditated design to effect the death of any particular individual
There’s a huge question as to who attack whom first, regardless of whether Zimmerman followed Martin, which, remember, is not a crime. And nothing in the affidavit shows a depraved mind (liberal supposition of being a raaaaacist doesn’t count). Perhaps Corey is charging Zimmerman with a higher crime in order to attempt to get a plea bargain to a lesser charge. But, she may have seriously over-reached, perhaps in an attempt to mollify the protesters. Time will tell.
Read: Harvard Prof Alan Dershowitz Unloads On Zimmerman Arrest Affidavit »
Perhaps some of you know who the heck “Draper” is. But, Politico gives us a pretty good preview of how Team Obama will run their campaign
The Draperizing of Mitt Romney is under way.
He may not drink or cheat, and he lacks the fictional ad-maker’s charisma, but Democrats, despite the potential perils of such a strategy, remain determined to paint Romney as a throwback to the “Mad Men†era — a hopelessly retro figure who, on policy and in his personal life, is living in the past.
They write that he doesn’t drink or cheat like that’s a bad thing. As far as charisma goes, well, having it is nice, but, it doesn’t necessarily translate to executive competence and leadership skills, as we’ve witness firsthand since January 20th, 2009.
President Barack Obama has noted the presumptive GOP nominee uses archaic turns of phrase such as “marvelous†and warned in an email to donors Thursday that his rival would usher in “a social agenda from the 1950s.â€
If whining about someone using words like “marvelous” is the best Obama has, this should be a fun election cycle. For Republicans. As for a 50’s social agenda, that was also a time when criminals were treated like criminals, instead of like poor babies who just need nurturing, people were caught up in the liberal doctrine of thinking only of themselves and to hell with everybody else, and the government acted a whole hell of a lot less as our mommies and daddies. Of course, what they mean is the fictional “war on women”. It’s no surprise Obama has to go negative before the general election even gets going: he has a pathetic record to run on.
The president’s chief strategist, David Axelrod, has gone further, quipping that the former Massachusetts governor “must watch ‘Mad Men’ and think it’s the evening news†while jabbing that Romney’s views are out of a time when “bosses could dictate on women’s health.â€
That’s an interesting comment, considering legislation like ObamaCare essentially puts women’s health issues in the hands of Big Government, rather than in the hands of women. Democrats are telling women “we know what is best for you, so, you must listen to us.”
Romney aides echo similar themes in their verbal smackdown of the larger “Don Draper†strategy. “It’s no surprise with the worst job creation record in modern history that President Obama doesn’t want to talk about it. The Obama campaign planned to run on his record and, when that proved futile, they moved to their ‘kill Mitt’ strategy,†said campaign spokesman Andrea Saul. “We’re under no illusions about their intent to smear Mitt Romney to avoid talking about the real issues, and we understand they will do or say anything in an attempt to tear him down.â€
I don’t think Obama ever intended to run on his record. And, while Team Obama will surely continue their “war on women” campaign, Mitt will be able to constantly reference Obama’s pitiful record, Obamacare, the failed stimulus, wasting enormous amounts of money, the price of gas, ect.
“It undercuts Romney’s whole line of attack — every time he says ‘roll back, repeal, overturn,’ he’s also reinforcing their argument against him, and they can say there he goes again, it’s all about going backward,†said veteran Democratic strategist Jonathan Prince. “And it reinforces the best message of Barack Obama, that he’s future-oriented, aspirational and a symbol of progress.â€
Because a time when the government didn’t over-reach and become massively involved in our health care decisions is somehow bad. Chumps.
Crossed at Right Wing News and Stop The ACLU.
We’ve all been waiting with bated breath!
(Treehugger) Searching for the perfect swimwear can be a headache in and of itself. Add eco cred to the mix and it’s a migraine.
Fortunately, we’ve done the work for you, and the result is a sizzling mix of the hottest sustainable swimsuits on the market.
From sultry pin-up girl style full-coverage to a saucy double frill bikini to a rocker-style Ramon’s-themed suit you can DIY yourself, our fourth-annual TreeHugger Swimsuit issue is overflowing with bikinis and one-pieces that will have you planning your next beach-side activity now.
Yeah, but going to the beach is bad for Gaia. First, one has to get in the fossil fueled vehicle to get there. And walking on the beaches messes up nature. And, don’t get me started on suntan oil, many of which are decidedly non-environmentally friendly, and can even leave an oily sheen on the water and despoil the sand!
Interestingly, after taking one for the team and researching all the bikini’s (yes, I’m selfless), it doesn’t seem like most of the companies are really interested in environmental concerns. Consider the first picture
First up: a sexy and sultry Le Chic Keyhole bikini from Vitamin A by Amahlia Stevens. Made in the USA with 100% recycled nylon fiber, this barely-there suit is not for the body shy. (Le Chic Keyhole String Halter Top, $88; Le Chic Keyhole Tie Side Bottom, $88)
I can’t find anywhere on the Vitamin A’s website any notion about the bikini being….you’re not reading this yet, are you?….environmentally awesome. In fact, the top is made from 83% nylon, which is made from “petrochemicals, these synthetics are non-biodegradable as well, so they are inherently unsustainable on two counts. Nylon manufacture creates nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas 310 times more potent than carbon dioxide.” The other 17% is spandex, which can also bad for the environment, depending upon the manufacturer.
Honestly, most of the other bikini photos are, well, boring. And, most of the suits are not environmentally friendly, even if the companies are using recycled materials, and “donating” to environmental causes.
The most eco-friendly materials are cotton, bamboo, and soy. You can also use hemp. Here are 3 sites that provide some examples. And, yes, I am serious. Nothing wrong with being environmentally friendly when you can.
Read: Finally, Treehugger Has Their Annual Eco-cred Swimsuit Issue »
…is an evil refrigerator with an icemaker that is bad for Gaia, you might just be a Warmist
The blog of the day is Grist. (yes, really. I like some of their real environmental stuff)
Read: If All You See… »
Actually, this is kind of a bummer: we do need to use more alternative energy sources. Most conservatives would agree. What we don’t agree with is how they have been pushed by liberal governments
(Bloomberg) Global investment in clean energy dropped to its lowest since the depths of the financial crisis three years ago as the U.S. and European nations cut support for wind and solar projects, Bloomberg New Energy Finance said.
Spending on new wind farms, solar parks and other renewable projects fell to $27 billion in the first quarter, a 28 percent slump from the last three months of 2011 and a 22 percent drop from the same quarter a year earlier, New Energy Finance said today in a statement. That’s the lowest quarterly total since the $20 billion recorded in the first three months of 2009.
The quarterly decline follows a record year in which an estimated $263 billion was poured into renewable energy, according to the London-based research company. The clean-energy industry has been hurt by subsidy cuts in European nations including Spain, Germany and the U.K., and expiring tax credits in the U.S., the biggest market in 2011 for renewables.
“The weak first-quarter number reflects the destabilizing uncertainty over future clean-energy support in both the European Union, driven by the financial crisis, and the U.S., driven by the expiry of stimulus programs,†New Energy Finance Chief Executive Officer Michael Liebreich said in the statement. “There is no sign of a rapid turnaround in either of these regions.â€
Part of the problem is that the money was simply poured into renewable energy projects, with little in the way of a return ever appearing. In fact, most of these projects lost money, which cost taxpayers and raised their energy prices. Renewable energy companies, along with politicians, made promises that could never be kept. And much of the money was simply poured into the bank accounts of campaign donors. The companies went out of business. Their solar panels didn’t work. They were extremely expensive. Wind farms provided no power when it was cold and/or too windy, and many caught on fire or simply collapsed. People complained about the noise wind turbines made.
And the upshot of the idiotic way Government “invested” in alternative energy is that people have been turned off from what should be a smart decision to move towards these other energy sources. As usual, the Left over-reached, and damaged their cause.
Zimmerman has pretty much already been convicted within the media, community agitator activist and race baiting sectors, and by elected Democrats. Many seem to have taken up the Trayvon Martin cause simply as a way to raise the specter of racism and push for gun control. But, what does the Constitution say?
(Amendment VI) In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law,….
Can George Zimmerman obtain a trial with an impartial jury anywhere within the district where he resides? How about in Florida? Any other state? That’s not to presume the guilt or innocence of Zimmerman, because a person is guilty till proven innocent….wait, sorry, I’ve been reading way too many liberal outlets, and hearing people like the New Black Panthers and Al Sharpton determine that Zimmerman is guilty, and should simply be dragged from the courthouse and strung up one his horse in the public square, then the horse should be smacked in the hindquarters, leaving Zimmerman dangling.
Perhaps there is evidence that Zimmerman is guilty. It seems a pretty big stretch for the prosecutor to charge him with 2nd Degree Murder
After an extraordinary public campaign to make an arrest in the shooting of an unarmed black teen, a Florida prosecutor came back with a murder charge in the case that has galvanized the nation for weeks.
But prosecutors face steep hurdles to win a second-degree murder conviction against neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman in the killing of Trayvon Martin, experts say. They will have to prove Zimmerman intentionally went after Martin instead of shooting him in self-defense, refute arguments that a Florida law empowered him to use deadly force and get past a judge’s ruling at a pretrial hearing.
2nd degree murder is often defined as
a non-premeditated killing, resulting from an assault in which death of the victim was a distinct possibility. Second degree murder is different from First Degree Murder which is a premeditated, intentional killing, or results from a vicious crime such as arson, rape, or armed robbery. Exact distinctions on degree vary by state.
Was the death of the victim a distinct possibility, and did Zimmerman assault Martin first? The Sanford PD and prosecutors office dropped the ball in not investigating this in the first place, even when some were recommending Zimmerman be charged.
“(Zimmerman) is concerned about getting a fair trial and a fair presentation,” his attorney, Mark O’Mara said. “He is a client who has a lot of hatred focused on him. I’m hoping the hatred settles down … he has the right to his own safety and the case being tried before a judge and jury.”
Expect Zimmerman’s lawyers to make a big deal over this issue, particularly during jury seating. But, it may not even get that far
The prosecutors must prove Zimmerman’s shooting of Martin was rooted in hatred or ill will and counter his claims that he shot Martin to protect himself while patrolling his gated community in the Orlando suburb of Sanford. Zimmerman’s lawyers would only have to prove by a preponderance of evidence – a relatively low legal standard – that he acted in self-defense at a pretrial hearing to prevent the case from going to trial.
There’s a “high likelihood it could be dismissed by the judge even before the jury gets to hear the case,” Florida defense attorney Richard Hornsby said.
And, if the case is dissmissed, or Zimmerman is found “not guilty” after a trial, what then? Will everyone be appeased that justice was served, or will we see riots similar to the aftermath of the Rodney King affair?
Congressional Democrats have weighed in, and were “thrilled” that Zimmerman was charged with 2nd degree murder. And some have seemed to already convict him
Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.), who sponsored a resolution to memorialize Martin and that seeks a reexamination of “stand your ground†laws, said in an interview that the charge being brought against Zimmerman was proof that “justice is blind.â€
“This is going [to] ensure most Americans that justice is in fact blind and it doesn’t matter who you are — if you believe that you are exempt from justice, this is an example that you’re not,†Cleaver said.
Many will not be pacified that Zimmerman has been charged and will be arrested: they want Justice. Not law.
If there is evidence that Zimmerman is guilty, yes, he should be found guilty. But, getting his fair trial will be virtually impossible.
Read: Now That Zimmerman Has Been Charged, Can He Even Get A Trial With An Impartial Jury? »
Democrats keep beating the drum of their faux “GOP war on women” by…..insulting stay at home moms
(ABC News) Ann Romney’s debut on Twitter couldn’t have come at a more opportune time.
Ann’s first tweet came just moments after Democratic strategist and DNC adviser Hilary Rosen lobbed an insult at Ann Romney, suggesting that the 64-year-old mother of five and grandmother of 16 had never held a job.
“Guess what, his wife has actually never worked a day in her life,†said Rosen, who was being interviewed by CNN’s Anderson Cooper about the “war on women.â€
And then, just like that, a familiar name popped up on Twitter: @AnnDRomney.
“I made a choice to stay home and raise five boys. Believe me, it was hard work,†Ann tweeted.
Both Jim Messina and David Axelrod tweeted their disapproval over Rosen’s comments, saying families should be off limits. We’re still waiting for Obama to chime in. But, Rosen decided to keep going.
Following the interview, Rosen herself tweeted, “I’ve nothing against @AnnRomney. I just don’t want Mitt using her as an expert on women struggling $ to support their family. She isn’t.â€
Rosen kept tweeting, not appearing to back off of her comments.
“@AnnDRomney Please know, I admire you. But your husband shouldn’t say you are his expert on women and the economy,†said Rosen.
Right, because a stay at home mom, who would typically deal with all the costs of running a household, such maintenance, clothes for the kids, supplies, and food costs. Even a rich mom like Ann would understand what happens with costs in the economy. Probably better than Rosen.
And this is a direct insult to all the women who chose to stay at home and raise their families rather than enter the workforce. And Hilary decides to have a little freakout at the HuffPo
Spare me the faux anger from the right who view the issue of women’s rights and advancement as a way to score political points. When it comes to supporting policies that would actually help women, their silence has been deafening. I don’t need lectures from the RNC on supporting women and fighting to increase opportunities for women; I’ve been doing it my whole career. If they want to attack me and distract the public’s attention away from their nominee’s woeful record, it just demonstrates how much they just don’t get it.
Yet, despite her claim in fighting for women, she attacks all stay at home mom’s while attacking Ann Romney. As one ABC article commenter writes “Raising 5 kids while battling multiple sclerosis AND cancer isn’t “workâ€?”
@IrishSpy (blog here) tweeted: Will Ann Romney be getting a phone call from Barack Obama now?
Michelle Malkin points out that Democrats have pulled the same stunt on Laura Bush and attacked Sarah Palin for being a working mom.
I wonder what Rosen thinks about women who work at the White House getting paid 18% less than the men?
The Lonely Conservative notes: “(Rearing the next generation is) only under appreciated on the left, so let them keep trashing traditional families and see how that plays out in November.”
Crossed at Right Wing News and Stop The ACLU.
Read: DNC Advisor Hilary Rosen Insults Ann Romney, Freaks Out When Confronted »
This is similar to what I wrote before regarding the NC amendment. One of the writers campaigned for California’s Prop 8, and the other has been a vocal opponent of gay marriage. But…
(Raleigh N&O) But as marriage advocates, we oppose the state marriage amendment now being debated in North Carolina. We hope that when North Carolinians go to the polls on May 8 they will defeat this measure. Let us explain.
The proposed amendment states that “marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this state.â€
That’s a big mouthful, and it goes well beyond the issue of same-sex marriage. For one thing, it means that North Carolina could not, now or ever, take any step or devise any policy to extend legal recognition and protection to same-sex couples. No domestic partnership laws. No civil unions. Nothing.
The comments section at the N&O is getting pretty heated, but, the authors have some good points, some others, not so much. I’d like to see this amendment defeated, then brought back up without the civil union piece.
In reality, I’d like to see the whole issue left to religious organizations, alas, government has become too involved in marriage to start with. Seriously, one actually needs a license to get married?
Be that as it may, North Carolinians support the Amendment by 58%.
Read: Two Anti-Gay Marriage Supporters Say NC Amendment Goes Too Far »
…are dishes being prewashed, which is bad for Gaia, you might just be a Warmist
The blog of the day is DaTechGuy.
Read: If All You See… »
All posts here are my views. None represent my employer. If ye can prove me wrong, so be it. Ye can rant and rave at me, but be mostly polite to any other commentors. I will put up with quite a bit, but be mostly respectful to others.
NOTICE In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C., section 107, some material on this web site is provided without permission from the copyright owner, only for purposes of criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of federal copyright laws. These materials may not be distributed further, except for "fair use" non-profit educational purposes, without permission of the copyright owner.
Pirate's Cove by Pirate's Cove is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
