The Two Best Libertarians for 2010

FOR LIBERTY & PATRIOTISM

From the Editor:

As voted on by LR readers during the month of December.

Out of 568 votes cast, 58% of LR readers chose Sarah Palin as the "Best Libertarian for 2010." Runners up included New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, Kentucky Senator-elect Rand Paul, and Florida Sen.-elect Marco Rubio.

Out of (approximately) 120 votes cast, 45% LR readers chose Geert Wilders, Member of Parliament in the Netherlands and leader of the Dutch Freedom Party, as the "Best Libertarian Internationally" for 2010. Runners up included Conservative Party MP in the United Kingdom Daniel Hannan, Nigel Farage - leader of the UK Independence Party, and Benjamin Netanyahu - Prime Minister of Israel.

Thanks to all those who participated.

Wilders leads fight to cut Art Subsidies in Netherlands

Spending Cuts "never seen on this scale"

From Eric Dondero:

Geert Wilders and Mark Rutte, coaltion partners in the new Dutch Government, are leading an effort of fiscal austerity.

From the Financial Times of London:

When the anti-Islam politician Geert Wilders joined forces with two mainstream parties to create a new Dutch government in October, it was expected that the Netherlands’ large migrant community would be among the first to feel the effects of his electoral success... [instead] those looking for the real target of Mr Wilders’ political power point to the bleak outlook for the cultural and performing arts, which are facing nearly €300m ($396m) of subsidy cuts, equivalent to a third of their annual state income.

“So there’s a feeling in the Netherlands that cutting spending there is a form of revenge by the ordinary man on the cultural elite.” [says] Dick Houtman, professor of cultural sociology at Erasmus University in Rotterdam.

Another arts community leader was highly critical of the cuts. Continuing:

Those in the arts world are shocked at the magnitude of the cuts.

“In my entire career, I have never seen anything on this scale,” says Jacques Giesen, general manager of the Theater aan het Vrijthof, a 900-seat venue in Maastricht, who at 68 is only months away from retirement

Liberals charge Republicans want drastic cuts leading to a "Randian Libertarian Paradise"

From Eric Dondero:

We're busted. Yes, Liberals we Republicans really do want to achieve our "Randian Libertarian Paradise."

Editorial - ChattaBox.com, "GOP's
s Recipe for Fiscal Disaster: CUT/GO" Dec. 30:

(ChattahBox Political News)—The Republicans in the House are setting the stage to break the federal budget with more unpaid for tax cuts that would add to the deficit. And block any revenue stream to pay for the services and programs Americans have become accustomed to. So, what is their answer? Republican leaders want to cut existing programs to pay for any new spending and then cut again, until they have achieved their Randian Libertarian paradise, wherein the wealthy and the federal government can be relieved of their social contract to help the less fortunate. The House Republicans call their plan CUT/GO, as opposed to the Democratic PAY/GO policy. And as part of the plan to eventually dismantle the social safety net of Medicare, Social Security and Medicaid, the GOP also proposes altering the rules of the legislative reconciliation process to make it easier to pass deficit-busting tax cuts for the wealthy and big corporations. Welcome to the Republican controlled House of Representatives.

Photo - individualist hero Republican Rep. Jeff Flake of Arizona on his last summer's sojourn to a deserted Pacific island.

Gov.-elect Kasich to give Ohioans a nice big fat New Year's gift - a Cut in their Income Taxes

"I was Tea Party before there was a Tea Party"

From BizJournals.com:

Kasich’s Tea Party-like promise of a less-intrusive, more-efficient state government, plus a pledge to cut taxes, resonated with Ohioans who not only voted him into the governor’s office but also provided large Republican majorities in the Ohio House and Senate that will be needed to advance his agenda. That will include balancing the next two-year budget, which faces an estimated $6 billion to $8 billion revenue shortfall, with no new tax revenue. In fact, Kasich said he will reduce potential revenue by restoring a 4.2 percent state income tax cut that was postponed last year in a budget-balancing move by Strickland and lawmakers.

Asked in the interview to comment on the Tea Party:

“I was the Tea Party before there was a Tea Party,” said the conservative former congressman from Westerville. “They don’t like debt, big government and bureaucracy.”

Photo from the campaign, Gov.-elect Kasich and Lt. Gov.-elect Mary Taylor

2011 Promises a slew of Party Switchers to Republican in one Deep South State

"Several [State] Senators" to switch says LA GOP Chair

From Eric Dondero:

Louisiana has seen 3 legislators switch to Republican since the election, two State Senators and one Representative.

Republican Party Chairman Roger Villere recently spoke to a gathering of Republican Women and made the following comments (via Bayou Buzz Dec. 30):

"I fully expect that several Senators will decide to switch parties in the coming months, giving us a majority," he told the assembled lady-activists. Currently, [Noble] Ellington's switch gives the Republicans a 53-52 edge in the House. Democrats still control the state Senate with 20 seats compared to 18 for Republicans.

Chairman Villere said of the switch. "For more than 100 years the Louisiana House of Representatives has remained under Democrat control, but today that has all come to an end. In just three short years a 16-seat Democrat majority has been erased and Rep. Ellington's decision to become the 53rd Republican in the House gives the GOP our first controlling majority in that body since Reconstruction."

Ellington said recently:

"I found myself farther and farther away from what has become the liberal philosophy of the national party," Ellington continued. "My way of thinking, which falls along a more conservative line, has been shrinking within the party. At least nationally, the Republican Party seems to fit my philosophy more than the current Democratic Party."

Number of Party Switchers to GOP in State Legislatures since the election now at 25

Release...

Dec. 29, 2010

GOPAC Chairman Frank Donatelli released the following statement regarding former Democrat state legislators switching to the Republican Party:

"We are pleased with the decision of these men and women to leave the Democratic Party and join with us. They are adding to the ranks of Americans who want to put result-oriented ideas into action to get us moving in the right direction. Each of these legislators' insight, experience and commitment to common sense, conservative policies will make our Party stronger.

GOPAC is dedicated to educating and electing the next generation of Republican leaders. We take seriously our mission as the most influential Republican organization committed to Republicans in state and local governments. Our success enables the Republican Party to govern more legislative chambers, empowering state legislators to move forward pro-growth, pro-free market principles and ideas."

2010 State Legislative Party Switchers
1.Representative Allan Boothe – Alabama House
2.Representative Steve Hurst – Alabama House
3.Representative Mike Millican – Alabama House
4.Representative Lesley Vance – Alabama House
5.Senator Tim Golden – Georgia Senate (photo)
6.Representative Ellis Black – Georgia House
7.Representative Amy Carter – Georgia House
8.Representative Mike Cheokas – Georgia House
9.Representative Bubber Epps – Georgia House
10.Representative Gerald Greene – Georgia House
11.Representative Bob Hanner – Georgia House
12.Representative Doug McKillip – Georgia House
13.Representative Alan Powell – Georgia House
14.Senator Chris Steineger – Kansas Senate
15.Senator John Alario – Louisiana Senate
16.Senator John Smith – Louisiana Senate
17.Representative Noble Ellington – Louisiana Senate
18.Representative Walker Hines – Louisiana House
19.Representative Fred Mills – Louisiana House
20.Representative Michael Willette – Maine House
21.Senator Eldon Nygarrd – South Dakota Senate
22.Representative Allan Ritter – Texas House
23.Representative Aaron Pena – Texas House
24. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (photo)
25. Rep. Bobby Shows

GOPAC.org

5 Arrested in Denmark in Muhammed Cartoon Terror Plot

Islamists wanted to "kill as many people as possible"

From Eric Dondero:

American media have largely ignored the latest story of Muslim Terrorist arrests in Denmark. This follows on the heels of arrests of 12 suspects in the Netherlands over a Christmas terrorist plot.

From the Voice of Russia:

Danish police have arrested five men in Denmark and Sweden suspected of masterminding a terrorist attack against the Jyllands Posten newspaper, which published the notorious Muhammad cartoons in 2005. Since then, the newspaper has repeatedly received threats.

A source in the police has said that the arrested planned to kill as many people as possible at the newspaper’s headquarters.

The newspaper has published controversial cartoons critical of Islam, including from Lars Vilk. The Swedish cartoonist has been a target on at least two occasions of Islamic assasins.

DFW: Prosyletizing ex-Prostitute arrested on Burglary charges

Praising the Lord and Stealing Fur Coats at the same time

From Cliff Thies:

You can't make this stuff up...

The Dallas Morning News reports that an area pastor was arrested on Christmas eve for burglary. The pastor denies the charge, claiming that she was in the neighborhood, driving around in her Jaguar, when she got a word of knowledge to drive by her parishioner's home. Then, something just moved her to enter the house through a kitchen window and secure all the valuable stuff in her car. Seeing the woman enter the house, a neighbor called 9-11. (Reports suggest she may have been drinking?) The police arrived at the scene to see the pastor carrying fur coats to her car. The pastor also denies using fake credit cards under fourteen different names and six different birth dates and says that her conviction for prostitution was from before she was saved. Having posted she is now back on the street doing the work of the Lord.

From the DMN:

The Dallas pastor facing felony charges of burglarizing a church member's home on Christmas Eve said Monday she had no criminal intent.

Sandy McGriff, 52, said she was trying to protect valuables at the home of her longtime friend Serita Agnew and made a horrible mistake.

Police accuse McGriff of stealing more than $10,000 worth of fur coats, designer purses and electronics from a home in the 2200 block of Village Way near Kiest Boulevard and Lancaster Road. She was also charged with resisting arrest.

McGriff spent most of Christmas Day in jail and was released on $26,000 bail in time for Sunday morning services at The Church of the Living God. The sanctuary is in the back of her husband's furniture store on Lancaster Road in east Oak Cliff

Later in the article:

She acknowledges having a criminal record, including a prostitution conviction in 1975. But she disputes the convictions from the 1980s for illegal use of credit cards that turn up in a search of public records under her name.

She said she hopes to continue to expand her church, which she started in September. The congregation numbers about 30. She said she sees herself as a messenger for the word of God.

Wisconsin Gov.-elect wants to have "Jobs" tatooed on Cabinet Sec's foreheads

His magic formula; Cut regulations and simplify taxes

From Eric Dondero:

A figure of speech no doubt. But an example of how determined incoming Republican Governor Scott Walker is to bring 250,000 new jobs to Wisconsin.

He ran on a campaign promise of 250,000 jobs created or he'll be a "one-term governor."

From Business Week "Wis. GOP governor-elect makes bold jobs promise" Dec. 28:

Walker insists he can create more jobs with his policies. He promises to cut and simplify taxes and ease regulations that will make businesses in Wisconsin more willing to expand and businesses elsewhere more willing to move in. He says his administration will be actively recruiting new economic opportunities.

"I want my cabinet secretaries to have branded across their heads, `250,000 jobs,'" Walker said at a recent meeting of the Dairy Business Association. "I want them to know their job is on the line because my job is on the line to create 250,000 jobs in the private sector."

Walker will be sworn in Jan. 2.

Cuba Socialism superior to Obama's version: At least the Castros guarantee Cubans Jobs

"Democrat moochers prefer to sit at home and get a check from the government"

Excerpt from Ron Hart's latest syndicated column "Pork Bill Showdown: A Win for the GOP" Dec. 28

Some call the Democrats socialists, but I think it is worse than that. Centrally-controlled countries like Cuba guarantee everyone a job, a troubling prospect for most Democrat moochers who prefer to sit at home and get a check from the government. And no one will lend Cuba any money, so it cannot run up massive deficits while giving everything away to the hitchhikers of society.

Ron Hart is a syndicated "P.J. O'Rourke-like" libertarian humorist living in Panama City, FL. Read his full column at Santa Rosa Gazette.

Now illegal to pamphleteer against the Government in Janet Napolitano's America?

FIJA Activist given citation, threatened with Jail time for passing out brochures

Description of arrest from activist Julian Heicklen via Mikiverse.blogspot.com "Heicklen and Bile arreted for pampleteering on Fed Property":

I passed out about 15 flyers, when three police from the Department of Homeland Security approached me at about 12:20 pm. The leader was my friend Officer Barnes from two weeks ago. After we exchanged the usual pleasantries, he placed me under arrest, and I fell to the ground. He confiscated my remaining five brochures and my JURY INFO sign. He left a receipt and a citation 41 CFR, Sub C Section 102 #74.415(c).

During the exchange with the police, the Free Talk Live reporter videotaped the event and interviewed me until he was stopped and cited by the police under 41 CFR, Subsection C, §102–74.420 for photographing without a permit.

The regulation:

Distributing materials, such as pamphlets, handbills or flyers, unless conducted as part of authorized Government activities. This prohibition does not apply to public areas of the property... However, any person or organization proposing to distribute materials in a public area under this section must first obtain a permit from the building manager...

Protecting Rights of Jurors to Aquit Defendents

From the NY Daily Post "Libertarian activist defies judge’s order" Dec. 29:

A pro-pot libertarian activist who’s been repeatedly busted in front of the Manhattan federal courthouse has defied a judge’s order to stop sending him letters.

Julian Heicklen, 78, told Manhattan federal Judge Richard Holwell that he’ll cease only when Holwell recuses himself from Heicklen’s civil-rights case, "as I have requested previously."

"In the event that you are considering a contempt of court charge against me, you have misjudged the situation," Heicklen wrote in a letter filed today.

"My feeling toward this court is not contempt. It is hatred, intense hatred."

Heicklen, 78, is suing the Department of Homeland Security and numerous other defendants over his arrests, which took place while he was distributing pamphlets urging jurors to acquit defendants if they don’t agree with the law.

Seaside Republican Sen. in New Hampshire wants to deregulate Happy Hour advertising

From Eric Dondero:

Portsmouth is a New Hampshire town with taverns and bars on every street corner servicing local sailors and dock workers. Republican Nancy Stiles is the new State Senator for the town having beaten incumbent Democrat Martha Fuller Cook in November. She's a limited government advocate and a strong backer of decentralization. From an editorial to local papers via NancyStiles.com:

DOVER — Nancy Stiles (R-Hampton) feels New Hampshire's government could do more to lower spending and is a big believer that local communities and not the state should have control over how and what to spend on education.

Now she's already at work trying to ease government restrictions in another area.

Nashua Telegraph, "Happy Hours soon to be advertised" Dec. 28:

A newly elected state senator is planning to introduce a law that would let bars and restaurants advertise happy hour prices outside their establishments.

Currently it’s against state law to advertise drink specials.

But Republican Sen. Nancy Stiles of Hampton is drafting a bill that would remove the ban on such ads.

Stiles says she’s writing the bill at the request of the New Hampshire Restaurant and Lodging Association.

Geert Wilders not just a mere Politician, but a living Prophet?

Israel "the cradle of Western Civilization"

From Eric Dondero:

Earlier this month Dutch Member of Parliament and leader of the Freedom Party Geert Wilders made a 4-day sojourn to Israel. He delivered a speech to an audience in Tel Aviv and made the following remarks (LR "Wilders speech in Tel Aviv" Dec. 7):

"Ladies and gentleman, Israel is a source of great inspiration for me. I am not ashamed to stand with Israel. I am proud to do so. I will always defend Israel. Your country is the cradle of Western Civilization. We call it a Judeao-Christian civilization for good reason."

Wilders was criticized strongly in the Euro media and attacked by Muslim media sources for calling Israel "the cradle of Western Civilization."

Israel replaces Africa as originator of Human Species?

Now, 20 some days later, Geert Wilders's remarks indeed seem almost prophetic.

From the AP (via Breitbart) "Researchers: Ancient human remains found in Israel" Dec. 28:

JERUSALEM (AP) - Israeli archaeologists say they may have found the earliest evidence yet for the existence of modern man.

A Tel Aviv University team excavating a cave in central Israel said Monday they found teeth about 400,000 years old. The earliest Homo sapiens remains found until now are half that old.

Archaeologist Avi Gopher said Monday further research is needed to solidify the claim. If it does, he says, "this changes the whole picture of evolution."

and this very provocative line. Continuing from AP:

Until now, remains of humans from only 200,000 years ago have been found in Africa, and the accepted approach has been that modern man originated on that continent.

Note - Our blogging friend Pamela Geller of Atlas Shrugs has the photo of the hominid find. Photo h/t Reuters.

Three elected Democrats in Mississippi leave for GOP: Switcher says Whites no longer feel welcome in Dem Party

BREAKING NEWS!!

From Eric Dondero:

Three elected Democrtats just switched to the Republican Party; one a State Senator, another a legislator, and the third a County Superintendent of Education. This makes 4 MS legislators since November who've switched to Republican.

From Hattiesburg American, Dec. 28:

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Three elected Mississippi Democrats announced Tuesday they are switching to the Republican Party, a move Republicans described as a victory for the GOP and a rebuke of Democratic Party ideology.

State Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, state Rep. Bobby Shows and Simpson County Superintendent of Education Joe Welch announced the changes in their party affiliation during a news conference Tuesday at Mississippi Republican Party headquarters in Jackson

One of the switchers Rep. Shows blasted the Democrat leadership in the State. Continuing:

Shows said there's an element of the Democratic Party leadership in Mississippi that believes the party is no longer a place for white conservatives.

"So I'm here to be a white conservative Republican," Shows said.

The switch by Shows is not entirely surprising. He supported the Republican House Speaker in the last legislative session.

Democrats still hold the majorities in the MS House and Senate. But Republicans hold all statewide offices except for one.

Hope Floats in Pasadena, California, literally

From Cliff Thies:

A Float honoring Ronald Reagan to be in the January 1 Rose Bowl Parade.

From the Whittier Daily News "Rose Bowl parade float honors Ronald Reagan" Dec. 27:

PASADENA - The centennial celebration of Ronald Reagan's birthday begins New Year's Day, when a float dedicated to the 40th president will make its way down Colorado Boulevard.

The 55-foot-long float is designed by Fiesta of Irwindale. It features a 26-foot-high bald eagle and 11 black-and-white photographs of Reagan, which will be decorated with onion seeds, poppy seeds and crushed sweet rice.

"President Reagan always believed America's best days were ahead. At a time when many Americans look forward to a New Year with a similar optimism and pride, we at the Reagan Foundation are honored to be invited to participate in the 122nd Rose Parade," said Stewart McLaurin, executive director of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation.

Though, it has yet to be confirmed, the latest hot rumors floating around say that Sarah Palin will be waving to the crowd and riding on it!

Rand Paul advocates Spending off-sets to the Max

From Eric Dondero:

Senator-elect Rand Paul was quoted in The Hill backing a plan to off-set any proposed new spending:

"I think that every piece of major legislation that goes forward from now on needs to have attached to it spending cuts," Paul said during a podcast with conservative blogger Ben Domenech. If Congress is serious about the nation's ballooning debt and deficits, "We have to be serious and introduce spending cuts.

"That's one thing that I will do when I am there, is introduce it at every opportunity and we will have votes on it," he said.

Interestingly, later in the piece The Hill identifies his father as a "libertarian" Congressman.

McConnell originally endorsed Paul's primary opponent Trey Grayson, but he eventually presented a united front with the son of libertarian Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) following his primary victory.

Note- Congressman Paul is a Lifetime Member of the Libertarian Party, but runs as a Republican, which makes him officially a dual-party Libertarian/Republican.

It's Bush all the way... Jeb that is

From Eric Dondero:

A whopping 72% of Florida GOP primary voters prefer Jeb Bush to be the Republican nominee for US Senate in 2012 to challenge incumbent Democrat Bill Nelson.

The Senator is considered to be one of the most vulnerable Democrats for 2012.

Others who place, from PPP Dec. 27:

Rep. Connie Mack IV, 15 percent;
McCollum, 14 percent;
outgoing appointed Sen. George LeMieux, 11 percent;
state Lt. Gov.-elect Jennifer Carroll, 10 percent;
state Senate President Mike Haridopolos, 9 percent;
Rep. Vern Buchanan, 7 percent;
and state Rep. Adam Hasner, 3 percent.

Note - Mike Haridopolos is a libertarian-leaner aligned with the Republican Liberty Caucus. Both Jennifer Carroll and Vern Buchanan also share libertarian-leaning views. Though, the Lt. Gov-elect, fresh off a brutal election, has given no indications that she has any desire to run for the Senate.

Former Governor Bush scored a 90/100 on the World's Smallest Political Quiz at the 1992 Florida Young Republicans convention. He told RLCers at the info booth, the only issue he disagreed with somewhat with libertarians on was "outright drug legalization."

Former longtime resident of Florida, graduate of Florida State Univ. and fmr. member of the Florida YRs.

Meet New Jersey's new Democrat? Governor - turns out he's a Fiscal Conservative

Doing things the Jersey way

From Eric Dondero:

One more day left in Stephen Sweeney's reign as Acting Governor of the State of New Jersey. Both Republican Governor Chris Christie and Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno are on winter vacation out of the State.

Sweeney has actually been quite busy during his one week stint.

From Fox News:

"The first action I took as Acting Governor was to receive a complete briefing on the state's storm preparations from the State Police, the Commissioner of Transportation and the Governor's Chief of Staff," Sweeny said in a statement Sunday. "Based on current conditions and the forecast I am declaring a state of emergency throughout New Jersey."

Both Governor Christie and Lieutenant Governor Guadagno are Republicans and their absences turn the New Jersey governor's office from red to blue since Acting Governor Stephen Sweeney-third in the state's line of succession--is a Democrat.

Turns out, Sweeney is not your typical Democrat. He's a former hardhat, blue collar worker. While he takes standard Democrat stances on issues such as minimum wage, he departs on taxes.

Labor likened him to a Rodent

From NJMonthly.com "Power Play - Ex-ironworker Stephen Sweeney is suddenly the state’s top Democrat.":

In the world of organized labor, placing a large inflatable rat outside someone’s workplace is the worst possible insult. But that’s what state employees did to Stephen M. Sweeney, the South Jersey labor leader and Democratic state senator, when he suggested cutting state workers’ pay and benefits to avoid a proposed one-cent sales tax increase.

"They’re lucky we didn’t find each other in a bar somewhere,” says the thick-necked Sweeney, a former ironworker. “That’s blasphemy, calling somebody that.”

State workers—specifically, members of the Communications Workers of America—threatened to run Sweeney out of office if he didn’t support the tax hike.

In the Senate, Sweeney is known as a fiscal conservative. He has championed shared municipal services, pushed for pension reform (he sponsored a bill raising eligibility requirements), and, not surprisingly, stood up for organized labor. [Yet] labor likens him to a certain rodent.

And he looks the part of a Jersey lawmaker. Continuing:

the 50-year-old Sweeney looks more the union guy than the lawmaker. That’s part of the down-to-earth appeal that has won over voters and fellow legislators on both sides of the aisle.

Though he comes from the South Jersey school of hard knocks, Sweeney has a softer side. Oddly enough, the Acting Governor shares a common bond with Republican Sarah Palin. He and his wife Patty have a special needs child.

Best of Hate Republican Videos for 2010

From Eric Dondero:

Not everyone loves us Republicans. Surprise, surprise. Here's a sampling of some recent Hate Republican videos for the Year End.

Feel free to cast your vote for the funniest of these Videos in the comments section.

VIDEO I



Parody of Eminem, "Love the Way you Lie" by Chandler Dean

"It really sucks to lose elections"

VIDEO II



The very originally titled, "Fuck the GOP" by some obscure southern California garage punk band Pseudo Star.

VIDEO III



The Republican Christmas Song by Anonymous artist

[The Homeless] are "lazy parasites" who "dine on garbage rich folks throw..."

Radical Muslim Suicide Bomber attacks UN Aid Workers in Pakistan

Food Relief agency to withdraw from the region

300,000 put at risk of starvation

by Clifford Thies

From Business Week:

Dec. 27 (Bloomberg) -- A female suicide bomber carried out a Christmas Day attack in northwest Pakistan that killed 46 people, a local official said, as the UN food agency caught up in the blast closed centers that had fed 41,000 families.

The burqa-clad woman aged between 18 and 22 lobbed grenades and detonated an explosive vest near a World Food Programme distribution center after being stopped by security personnel, Mustaqeem Khan, a government official in the tribal region of Bajaur, said by phone today. At least 96 people were injured in what Dawn newspaper said was Pakistan’s first suicide bombing known to have been carried out by a woman.

This was how the terrorists turned Iraq into hell. Upon our overthrow of Saddam, when we were planning to turn the country over to the blue helmets, they attacked the international aid workers, who promptly vacated, leaving us with the choice of seeing the country fall into Somali-like anarchy or assuming the job of imposing order. What was supposed to be a walk in the park turned into a part of the Long War. This attack was the third in the region during the month of December.

President Obama said the attack was an "affront" on the people of Pakistan. "Affront" means "an intentional insult." Sort like giving the people of Pakistan the middle finger, Mr. President? Is this response meant to comfort the families of those who were killed or those who now must forage for food in a barren country, many to see their children starve to death? Or, is this meant to communicate to a group that is in league with the devil that we, the United States, will not over-react?

There are limits to what we, the United States, can do. Bringing order to Iraq taxed us to our limit, even to the point of enabling the socialists to take over our country. And, we would not have been successful if the Iraqi people, including the Sons of Iraq, had not rose up to defend their own country. This is what the Pakistani people must do. They must rise up to defend themselves from the evil of our time. They must crush the radicals like so many cockroaches. Where are the Sons of Pakistan?

Photo from previous bomb blast in Peshawar, Oct. 2010.

Surprise Tea Party GOP winner already shaking up Congress

And he hasn't even been sworn in yet

From Eric Dondero:

We wrote here at LR on November 17 "Meet your Newest REPUBLICAN Congressman from Illinois":

Another Democrat-incumbent Congress Member bites the dust.

Fox News is reporting:

Three-term Congresswoman Melissa Bean tonight is flying home to her district in northeast Illinois having come-up just short in her re-election bid. Today, the last of the ballots were counted - absentees and provisional ballots - in portions of Cook, Lake and McHenry Counties. Out of over 200,000 votes cast, Bean trails by a scant 291 votes to Republican chalenger Joe Walsh.

Tomorrow [today], Bean has called a news conference in Schaumburg to discuss the results and what she may do next.

Walsh is a Tea Party member, an Anti-Tax Crusader and a Reaganite on National Defense.

Now Congressman-elect Walsh has made national news by announcing that he will refuse to take the lavish health care package for Congress members.

Turns down free Health Care, Pension and Retirement benefits

From the NY Times "Surprise Representative Plans Surprises of His Own in Washington" Dec. 27:

Mr. Walsh, 48, will get about $1.4 million annually to run his operation and plans as many as three district branches. He’ll sleep in his office in Washington, while his family stays here in McHenry. And get this: he’s turned down the usual congressional health care, pension and retirement packages.

“I don’t think congressmen should get pensions or cushy health care plans,” he said. His wife is not exhilarated with the latter decision; she has a pre-existing medical condition and is now forced to hunt for a plan.

The Times goes on to explain:

Mr. Walsh... was radioactive to most establishment Republicans, who were miffed over his surprise primary victory and gave him scant help and money during the general campaign.

Deemed extreme by Republican honchos, Mr. Walsh — an unabashed Tea Party member, a business consultant and graduate of the University of Chicago’s public policy school — stunned Melissa Bean, the incumbent moderate Democrat, even though he had been dramatically outspent.

Mike Pence: "Fiscal and Military Hawk" - Could he attract Pro-Defense libertarian support?

From Eric Dondero:

The Wall Street Journal has a feature story on Congressman Mike Pence of Indiana, a potential GOP presidential candidate for 2012. From WSJ:

Indiana Rep. Mike Pence is a military and fiscal hawk who frequently plugs his Christian credentials. To some, he's the potential candidate best able to unite two wings of the Republican Party—its fiscal conservatives and social conservatives.

Though his appeal is mainly to social conservatives, fiscal conservative may be attracted to him, as well. Continuing:

A former radio personality, the 51-year-old Mr. Pence became a darling among fiscal conservatives for opposing two of President George W. Bush's signature initiatives, the 2001 No Child Left Behind education act and the 2003 Medicare Part D drug benefit. He saw both as violating his party's small-government principles.

Mr. Pence favors reducing the size of the federal government, and even the power of the presidency. He wants to amend the Constitution both to ban abortions and to allow marriage only between men and women. He says increased security along the Mexican border must precede any immigration overhaul.

Mr. Pence was also among the first congressmen to jump on the tea-party wave in early 2009, speaking at rallies across Indiana and in Washington.

Andre Traversa, a Defense Hawk and host of the blog talk show "Libertarian Politics Live" told LR he believes Pence would be like Reagan:

He voted against Bush's big government items like No Child Left Behind and the Presceiption Drug bill. He can easily unite social, fiscal and defense conservatives.

New Jersey's Fattest Woman: Is she on Food Stamps?

MOOCHER WATCH!

From Eric Dondero:

Her name is Donna Simpson. She is a mother of two, living in New Jersey. She currently weighs 650 pounds. But she's vying to be America's fattest woman.

Over Christmas she sat down for two hours and ate a meal of 30,000 calories, live-streamed on internet TV.

According to the Toronto Star:

She ate two 25-pound turkeys, two maple-glazed hams, 15 lbs. of potatoes, five loaves of bread, 5 lbs. of herb stuffing, four pints of gravy, four pints of cranberry dressing and 20 lbs. of vegetables.

After that main course, Simpson also ate a "salad" of marshmallows, cream cheese, whipped cream and cookies.

Simpson, who has been a celebrated guest on liberal daytime television talk shows has told interviewers that she makes her living off of men watching her eat on her live stream internet show.

She has also stated recently that her weekly food bill is $815. Now some are starting to wonder if she indeed receives government benefits such as food stamps, WIC or AFDC.

Typical of comments at Right Pundits:

betcha Donna has foodstamps...

And:

who is going to pay for her healthcare. Us through Obama... who will take care of her children. Us through government programs.

Islamist Rebels attack Christians in Nigeria on Christmas eve: At least 32 dead

Christian Pastor dragged into the Streets and shot to death

Christmas Carolers killed in Church

32 Christmas shoppers killed in bomb blast at Market

From Eric Dondero:

The Government of Nigeria received numerous warnings of impending Christmas eve/day attacks on Christians in the north. The Muslim-dominated north has been pushing Christians in the central region out of their rich farm lands owned for centuries.

The Christian Post reports on the resulting carnage:

At least 38 people have been killed since Christmas Eve in attacks across Nigeria, including assaults against two churches.

Local police suspect radical Muslim group Boko Haram, which has a history of anti-Christian violence, in the church attacks.

In the northern town of Maiduguri, armed men dragged the pastor of Victory Baptist Church out of his home and then shot him to death. Two men rehearsing for the carol service at the church and two people walking nearby were also killed. Afterwards, the mob set the church and pastor’s house on fire.

Also within the same city and on the same day, another group of men attacked the Church of Christ in Nigeria and killed an elderly security guard.

Adding to the death toll are bomb blasts Friday evening in central Nigeria that killed 32 people. Two bombs exploded near a market where people were Christmas shopping, another exploded in a predominantly Christian area in Jos, and a fourth bomb blasted near a road leading to a mosque.

A Muslim blogger at The Islamic Standard believes the killings are justified (via BlogsforVictory):

The Believers everywhere are rightly enraged against the policies of America and the secularist and nationalist governments that were left in control of their lands by the retreating colonialists after WWII...

Many in the mainstream media are reporting this as a "Christian - Muslim clash" despite the fact that all the dead are Christians. As the Christian Post notes, earlier this year 500 were killed in central Nigeria - Jos - and at the time the media similarly reported it as "Christian - Muslim violence." It has since been verified by authorities that the Muslim extremist group Boko Haram was responsible for nearly all the killings.

(Boko Haraam in the local language of Hasu translates: "Western values prohibited".)

Photo h/t Apostolic News.

European news sources reporting Geert Wilders the target of planned Christmas Day attacks on the Netherlands

From Eric Dondero:

American media sources have been suggesting a possible cause for the planned bomb attacks in Rotterdam on Christmas day were likely a reaction to Dutch troops participating in NATO coalition actions in Afghanistan. However, more evidence is emerging that the alleged terrorists may have had other motives.

The European press is giving the story in-depth coverage and zeroing in on the more likely motive: Revenge against Geert Wilders.

The German news source N.TV.de reports:

Islamic fanatics have been calling for months for violence in Holland, in revenge for anti-Muslim right-wing politician Geert Wilders...

In September, Dutch media reported on the views of a prominent Muslim preacher of hate in Holland, calling for the decapitation of the enemy of Islam Geert Wilders. The right-wing politician had offended Muslims and their prophet, and must die for it, said the Lebanese-Australian Islamist Feiz Muhammad in internet chat rooms.

See a video of Feiz Muhammad calling for Geert Wilders's head at the New Zealand news source Newstime.co.nz

Meanwhile, Dutch News is now reporting that some of the suspects are alleged to have ties with the Somali terrorist group Al Shabaab.

The 12 Somali men arrested on Friday in connection with planning a terrorist attack on an unknown Dutch target are suspected of having connections to Islamic terror group Al Shabab, the Volkskrant reports on Monday.

The paper bases its claims on sources in the Somali community in the Netherlands, Mogadishu and Kenya.

The paper says one of the 12 men is related to a commander in Al Shabab known as Mohamed Garmashqo

The Sunatimes has more details:

Mohamed Kahiye, known as 'Garmashaqo', the father of Farhan Mohamed Kahiye, the commander of Alshabaab fighters was one of 12 Somalis who were arrested on Christmas Eve on suspicion of plotting an imminent terrorist attack in the Netherlands.

So far, the arrest of the suspected terrorist's links to Al Shabaab is not being reported by any American media.

Editor's note - The translation from the German news source is mine. (My German is mid-level.)

Fmr. New Mexico Gov. takes tough stance on Mexican Illegals

Work Visas - Sí; Green Cards - absolutamente No!

Gary Johnson, former two-term Governor of New Mexico and prospective 2012 libertarian Republican presidential candidate. From interview with NewsMax:

On the subject of illegal immigration, Johnson advocates a system that would make it as easy as possible to get a work visa but cautioned that it would not be a green card or citizenship. It would entail a background check and require paying applicable taxes.

“With regard to the 11 million illegal immigrants that are in this country right now I would set up a grace period by which they can get a legal work visa, again not a green card, not citizenship, but a legal work visa,” he said. “And then once you’ve set this up, once you allow that grace period to pass, then make it a one strike you’re out: If you’re in this country illegally you’re going to be arrested, you’re going to be deported, and you’re not going to come back.”

Read more: Ex-NM Gov. Johnson: Spending Threatens Security at NewsMax.

Tea Party Republican lawmaker in Arizona brutally attacked at his place of business, left to die

From Eric Dondero:

Arizona State Rep. Frank Pratt is in his second term in the legislature. He had the backing of the Tea Party for his reelection. He was also endorsed by controversial tough-on-illegal immigration Pimal County Sheriff Paul Pabeau. He's a close ally and friend of Governor Jan Brewer.

On Christmas Day he went to check on his business, a pool and spa company in Casa Grande. An assailant was waiting inside for Pratt. Dr. Janice Pratt his wife, found him after a four-hour search.

According to news reports he was "beaten, bound, and left unconscious." His Gold Yukon GMC was stolen.

His colleague in a neighboring district commented (via KOLD):

"I'm shocked and horrified to hear this. I mean, I think it shows how vulnerable all of us are," said Republican representative Vic Williams.

Republican House Speaker Kirk had this to say:

I am shocked and appalled someone could do such a thing. Frank has impeccable integrity and is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet....

"I think what happened to Frank here over the holidays is going to shine some light on some of the key issues we're going to have to face in the state. Sure, we're going to have to balance our budget, it's out of whack right now, we've got to the heart of the problem, but, still, we have to make sure that we keep our public safety values where they need to be so we can protect our citizens," Williams said.

Rep. Pratt voted Yes on HB 107, the controversial House bill to restrict illegal immigration. (Source: AZCentral.com)

Longtime LPC leader says Wikileaks not clear cut for Libertarians

From Eric Dondero:

Gail Lightfoot has served in every capacity imaginable in the Libertarian Party of California. She's been a candidate herself for statewide office on the LP ticket and for local offices. She is currently editor of the LPC News.

She is also a diehard Ron Paul supporter.

Gail is an infrequent reader of Libertarian Republican. She sent us this note, in regards to the ongoing controversy over Wikileaks.

I read that Assange first gave all the documents to selected American Press and only released on his web site those documents the press decided to expose to the light of day. Having said that, I will admit I did not research and examine the issue fully. I am simply repeating one of many brief mentions that crossed my eyes or ears. It was noted that the press blacked out names which Assange left in the documents which could be considered more harmful than what the press released.

Personally, I think crying Freedom of the Press is a knee jerk reaction to the entire issue and demonstrates a complete lack of interest in examining the potential harm done. I would think we would err on the side of caution in waiting for the dust to settle and hope that a jury - given all the facts - could determine if this be treason or not. (Of course, that assumes the jury would be given all the facts and not led by the judge into a false conviction).

Thank you for you site. I am not a hawk but I can see the sensitivity of this issue.

We thank Gail for her comments, and look forward to working with her and other Libertarians who hold a sensible view on foreign policy/defense, in the future.

"Chistmas Terrorist Plot" - 12 Somalis arrested in Netherlands

RADICAL MUSLIMS CONTINUE ASSAULT ON ROTTERDAM

News report:

Taliban may be targeting the Netherlands

The police investigation and subsequent arrests were the result of information issued by the Dutch intelligence agency (AIVD) on Friday afternoon. The National Counter-terrorism Coordinator (NCTb) Erik Akerboom was kept informed of developments.

The leaders of both the Pakistani and Afghan branches of the Taliban have recently warned that the Netherlands could be the target of an attack.

Mr Akerboom says that "the Jihardists view the Netherlands as a legitimate target because of what they see as discrimination against Muslims and blasphemy against Islam and the Prophet Muhammad."

EuroNews reports:

Arrests prompt fears Netherlands is prime terror target

Since October, the Dutch Freedom Party, led by controversial politician Geert Wilders, has backed a restriction on immigration and a ban on the head-to-toe burka.

There is concern those moves, together with comments by Wilders, who has described Islam as a ‘fascist ideology’, could have angered extremists.

Rotterdam is the third largest city in the Netherlands with a population of 585,000. It has one of the highest concentrations of Muslims in the country - 13%. The Italian publication, Chiesa Espression has called Rotterdam the "most Islamicized city in Europe."

There is one city in Holland where this new reality can be seen with the naked eye, more than anywhere else. Here, entire neighborhoods look as if they have been lifted from the Middle East, here stand the largest mosques in Europe, here parts of sharia law are applied in the courts and theaters, here many of the women go around veiled, here the mayor is a Muslim, the son of an imam.

The city's mayor is Ahmed Aboutaleb. He is a Moroccan citizen. As a Muslim immigrant in the West who has achieved high office, he's been called "Obama on the Maas" by supporters, (referring to the river that runs through the city.) Aboutaleb has been a critic of Wilders and Dutch values in general.

Two city councilman in Rotterdam are also Muslim.

Graph of Netherlands map areas of highest concentration of Muslim immigrants. Deeper blue represents heaviest Muslim population centers.