Supreme Court Overrules Sotomayor

Special Tuesday From the Emails.

Hey folks,

Happy Tuesday to you. You know, I've said this before. I could do the whole blog just from the Emails. I really could. Right now I have 28 to go through and 5 I would love to use right now. I chose this one because it is another clear example of Obama's Nominee Judge Sonia Sotomayor using race in making official decisions and just another case that has be overturned. Something like a 65 percent turn over rate is what Judge Sotomayor's record shows.

Now I'm not going into the whole thing again. We have covered Sotomayor pretty intensely. She is a Racist. She is WRONG on the Law. She THINKS Judges Legislate from the bench. She is a radical.

Now the Supreme Court has stepped in and over turned yet another decision. IG sent this to me, and included this note:

About time.

Reverse discrimination has been been going on way to long.

The Affective Action law started reverse discrimination and it's way past time to end it.

You shouldn't get a job because of your color but because your qualified to do the job.

I could not agree more. As I keep saying, if we are going to have TRUE equality in this country, we have to start treating EVERYONE equally. This is from CNN.

CNN - High court backs firefighters in reverse discrimination suit

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The U.S. Supreme Court sided Monday with white firefighters in a workplace discrimination lawsuit, a divisive case over the role race should play in job advancement.

In the split 5-4 vote, a majority of the justices ruled that the city of New Haven, Connecticut, improperly threw out the results of promotional exams that officials said left too few minorities qualified.

One Latino and no African-American firefighters qualified for promotion based on the exam; the city subsequently decided not to certify the results and issued no promotions.

A group of 20 mostly white firefighters sued, claiming reverse discrimination.

No. It was not "reverse discrimination." It WAS discrimination PERIOD.

High court nominee Judge Sonia Sotomayor heard the case on her federal appeals court last year and sided with the city.

The Supreme Court was being asked to decide whether there was a continued need for special treatment for minorities, or whether enough progress has been made to make existing laws obsolete, especially in a political atmosphere in which an African-American occupies the White House.

At issue was whether the city intentionally discriminated -- in violation of both federal law and the Constitution's Equal Protection Clause.

In a dissent read from the bench, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg questioned the fairness of the test, which was 60 percent written and 40 percent oral.

"Relying so heavily on pencil-and-paper exams to select firefighters is a dubious practice," Ginsburg said, calling the majority ruling "troubling."

"Congress endeavored to promote equal opportunity in fact, and not simply in form. The damage today's decision does to that objective is untold," she said.

So OK. I have a question for her Honor Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Did she NOT just say that Minorities are to stupid to take a test using pencil-and-paper exams? Sure does sound like she just did. Then notice how she COMPLETELY disregarded the Constitutional question and said Congress. Sorry, the Constitution wins out over Congress. I hope this decision will not only damage the stupidity of LEGAL Discrimination, but lead to ENDING it altogether.

Key plaintiff Frank Ricci and others took promotional exams in 2003 for lieutenant and captain positions that had become available in New Haven.

When the results came back, city attorneys expressed concern about the results, and the New Haven corporation counsel -- after several public hearings -- refused to certify the test, and no promotions were given.

The city said that under a federal civil rights law known as Title VII, employers must ban actions such as promotion tests that would have a "disparate impact" on a protected class, such as a specified race or gender.

Which is completely idiotic.

The Obama administration took a nuanced position on the appeal. A Justice Department lawyer told the high court that while the federal government supported the city's discretion to nullify the test results, it also believed the lawsuit should be allowed to proceed on a limited basis.

Kennedy argued that "the process was open [and] fair" and that the city officials "were careful to ensure broad racial participation in the design of the test itself and its administration."

He added that "race-based action like the city's in this case is impermissible under Title VII unless the employer can demonstrate a strong basis in evidence that, had it not taken the action, it would have been liable" under the law dealing with "disparate impact."

Kennedy said the city had not met that threshold.

The case has received added attention because Sotomayor was on the appellate court that dismissed the appeal.

Sotomayor was part of a three-judge panel that ruled in February 2008 to uphold a lower court decision supporting New Haven's move to throw out the results.

In June 2008, Sotomayor was part of a 7-6 majority that denied a rehearing of the case by the full court.

Legal analysts said they expect Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee will want to ask about her role in that case as well as her comments about ethnicity and the bench.

They BETTER. Someone needs to stand up and say enough is enough. Not just with Sotomayor's Nomination, but with ALL the lunacies of the Left in charge. I agree IG. It is ABOUT TIME.
Peter

Sources:
CNN - High court backs firefighters in reverse discrimination suit

Obama Excuses Others From "Global Warming" Due to Bad Economy

From the Energy Front 062909

Hey folks,

Yeah, Obama excuses foreign Countries from worrying about penalties for not cutting emissions, but YOU. You stupid American, you WILL pay big time. His reason? The Economy. I'm not kidding. According to Reuters - Obama opposes energy bill trade penalties: reports

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President Barack Obama on Sunday called a House-passed climate change bill "an extraordinary first step," but spoke out against a provision that would impose trade penalties on countries that fail to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

"At a time when the economy worldwide is still deep in recession and we've seen a significant drop in global trade, I think we have to be very careful about sending any protectionist signals," Obama said in an Oval Office interview reported by The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times and The Washington Post.

So he just excused others from doing their part to help save the planet, based on a bad economy. But YOU? The single Mom working two jobs? The young family just starting off. The Retired folks on a set income? SCREW YOU! You WILL pay higher energy costs. You WILL watch this "Kill The American Economy Bill," increase unemployment, and put unfair and completely unnecessary burdens on ALL Americans. To save the planet of course.

You know folks, I have said this before. Let's talk about an asteroid coming to collide with Earth. Some Scientist somewhere finds it. Sees it's path will strike California. The size of it, is thought to be a World Ending event.

America and all others would come together and come up with some kind of plan. Either attempt to reflect it, changing it's course, or a contingency plan to save the Human race by saving some.

NOTHING ELSE WOULD MATTER! The Economy, Trade Relations, employment, NOTHING. The "Talks" would not be put off. There would be no fanfare. It is a crises that would have to be dealt with. What good would a good economy be if we are all dead?

Now we have "Global Warming," I mean, "Man-made Climate Change" that the Chicken Little Crowd wants you to believe is a World Ending event. But we have to talk about it. We have to regulate some, but not all. We have to make people "Feel Good" about doing their part. We have to have talks to discuss what we will talk about in future talks. {Sigh}

Why? Because there is NO THREAT. Those pushing this, KNOW there is no threat. So Obama is not concerned about China, who pollutes more than any other country on the face of the planet. But YOU? You better follow the agenda. You do not have a choice.

Poor and Middle Class Americans: "But Mr. President, I can't afford higher Energy Costs. With the Economy being as bad as it is. I am going to lose my job with this Cap and Trade bill. I'm hurting here Mr. President."

Obama: "I understand. I feel for you. But you have to do your part. We know what is best for you. We have to save the planet. You have to pay these costs to force companies to seek out cleaner solutions. Besides. You will have new, and better jobs in the Green Field, in ten to twenty years when someone comes up with an alternative."

Still to my utter amazement, a slight majority of Americans: "Oh? OK. I'm sorry for questioning you on this Mr. President. I was listening to those evil, Fear Mongering Republicans that are nothing but Racists. Thank you Mr. President. Thank you for setting me straight. You are right. I'm too stupid to know what is best for me. Of course I will do my part. Thank you, thank you. Long Live Obama."

The Democratic-controlled House on Friday passed the climate change bill that would require large U.S. companies, including utilities and manufacturers to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other gases associated with global warming by 17 percent by 2020 and 83 percent by 2050, from 2005 levels.

This is complete BS folks. Impartial Experts have proven that at the MOST, it MAY alter the Global Temps by half a degree in like 20 to 50 years. MAYBE. It will not do ANYTHING to help the environment.

But it will do A LOT to burden and already hurting US Economy. It will also effect the Global Economy. Why? Less and less Americans will have any MONEY. They will cut there energy use to bare minimums, cut travel to foreign destinations, cut their spending here at home. Kind of hard to go on vacation if Gas is over $4.00 a gallon, energy costs for your home doubles, Air fare doubles, food cost skyrocket do to shipping and transport costs.

Let's see. Trip, or paying the Electric Bill? Go to Wal-Mart and buy that new outfit, buy gas to go to work? Go out to dinner, or stay home? You get the point. We already know what happens when gas is at $4.00 a gallon. Yet, some of the same people that were up in arms over it at the time, are now PRAISING Obama's agenda that will do that and more.

So what is Obama's answer to those concerned with this? Light Bulbs. I'm not kidding.

An aide said Obama plans to announce new energy-saving standards for light bulbs this week to keep the focus on energy issues, the newspaper said.

So Obama's answer to those concerned Americans about $4.00 a gallon gas, skyrocketing Energy Costs, and over a million new Job Losses? Light Bulbs. Oh, and do not forget to inflate your tires and for those of you up north, uh, wear a Sweater.

Of course, you could always more to China, then you will not have to worry about any of this. The Economy is bad after all don't you know?
Peter

Sources:
Reuters - Obama opposes energy bill trade penalties: reports

A WELL Deserved Winner

Preview for Sunday 062809

Hey folks,

Welcome to the Big Sunday Edition of the OPNTalk Blog. Glad to have ya today. WE have a lot of ground to cover including me coming clean about something that you folks, some of you, have been wondering about.

We will also be revisiting the FDA Baning or flavored Cigarettes yet leaving Menthol alone. A lot of you have something to say about that. I have a new take on it. Join in the conversation in just a few.

Coming up today?

Rush Limbaugh H.R. 2454: The Cap & Tax Travesty
Ahmadinejad Promises to CRUSH US.
Revisiting FDA To Ban Flavored Cigarettes, EXCEPT Menthol
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Domestic Assault Weapon of Choice: Cheetos
IWA for Sunday 062809

All that coming right up. But first I want to share this story. You know, we always hear of people wining the Lotto that really do not need it. But this is one of those far and few between stories of someone who ACTUALLY deserves it, hitting it big.

AP - Calif. man working 3 jobs wins $39M lottery

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. – A man who works three jobs to support his family — including one as a limousine driver — has won a $39 million jackpot in California's SuperLotto Plus.

Clyde Persley, who is married with a 4-year-old daughter, turned in his winning ticket on Tuesday night and should get his first check for about $16 million in four to six weeks, said a California lottery spokeswoman.

The 49-year-old Santa Cruz man operates candy-making machines for Santa Cruz Nutritionals, drives a limousine and picks up extra hours at a restaurant.

He says his first moves will be taking his wife on a trip to Hawaii and hiring a financial adviser.

He bought his winning ticket at a Santa Cruz market where he has played the lottery twice a week for several years.

Congratulations Mr. Clyde Persley. Hire a GOOD Financial Adviser. Spend wisely. Live long and at peace. Oh, you may also want to think about quiting one or all of those jobs. {Smile}

OK folks, I'll be right back so we can get started. Get your morning Go-Go Juice and I see you in a second.
Peter

Rush Limbaugh H.R. 2454: The Cap & Tax Travesty

Just to prove a point.

Hey folks,

OK. Maybe to gloat a little bit also. I have been talking about GWBS for years. I just told you about the Waxman-Markey Bill going to the House this past Friday on Wednesday. But I told you about Waxman-Markey a while back.

They did Pass this Idiotic Bill, and now we have to move to the Senate and let them know that if they Vote for this THEY are out. But I love this.

A friend just sent me a transcript of none other than Rush Limbaugh. Turns out on his show Friday, he, well, sounded just like ME. {Laughing} I'm not kidding. My friend said it. He is right. Just to prove a point to some of my, uh, "fans" that think all I do is repeat talking points handed down by people like Rush, here is a clear example that sometimes you hear it HERE first. The following is Rush's Transcript talking about Waxman-Markey.

Rush Limbaugh H.R. 2454: The Cap & Tax Travesty

BEGIN TRANSCRIPT

RUSH: This climate bill, I just got something and I can't look at it until the next commercial break. But I'm told here that there was a test vote this morning, the House Democrats narrowly won a test vote on ground-breaking legislation to combat global warming. This is so unnecessary, there isn't any global warming. This bill is not about climate change. It's not about improving the environment. It's not about anything but raising taxes and taking away people's freedom. Folks, we are made of carbon, and what this is is a carbon tax. Theoretically, we could be taxed because of the carbon dioxide we exhale. If they want to figure out how much that is contributing to global warming, we could be taxed on that basis. There's no limit here once you start taxing carbon. We are made of carbon. We are a carbon-based life form. What this legislation seeks to establish is that we, by virtue of our existence, are destructive polluters who have to be punished. We are polluters whether we want to be or not, because we're carbon. It is absurd. In all kinds of countries they're learning that this doesn't work. Spain, it didn't work. Australia, it didn't work.

Kimberley Strassel has a great piece at the Wall Street Journal, which I'm going to cite here in just a moment. This test vote today was 217 to 205 to send Obama and his legislation over to the full House. Thirty Democrats defected. Do you know that there was a tax for cow farts in this bill? Now, Rachel, you watched Gore's stupid movie and you bought it. I'm telling you, there was a tax on bovine flatulence. This upset a bunch of Democrat Congressmen in agricultural states. So they went in there and they removed the tax on cow farts to get the votes. This is how ridiculous it is. There are Republicans on the fence on this. There ought to be no Republicans on the fence on this. This is another one of these premises where we say: no you won't. We don't debate it. We don't say, okay, we're going to do global warming legislation. Fine, well, here's our idea. Our idea on global warming legislation is that there isn't any global warming. Sunspot activity is way, way down. I've got a NASA website series of photos to show you from 2000 to 2009 how the sun's activity has slowed down. It is cooling off all over the planet.

There is no global warming. Temperatures have not risen in the last nine years in an appreciable way and this legislation is not going to lower temperatures. It's not going to do anything they claim it's going to do. Nobody is going to have fully read this. There are over a thousand mandates, meaning limits on freedom, over 1,300 pages. Even the chairman of the committee, Henry Nostrilitis Waxman doesn't know what's all in it. It doesn't matter to him what all is in it. Yesterday I think that I heard there was something like 17,000 or 20,000 calls to Congress opposing this. It's going to take a lot more than that to stop this. Yesterday it looked like this thing is going to go down to defeat. But at like three or four this morning they offered a 300-page amendment that nobody's read. But they told the farmers, the Democrats from farm states, agriculture states, yeah, we're going to take care of you. We're going to take out some of these punitive things to get their votes. This is signature legislation and it would be very embarrassing if this goes down in defeat. They're going to have a tougher time in the Senate with it. But it would be best to shut it down in the House of Representatives today, and that's the vote, and I'm told we're going to need six to seven votes, it looks like, whereas a couple days ago it seemed to be a slam dunk. So six to seven votes on either the Republican or Democrat side to stop this.

Let me tell you something else that's happened. I read about this in a lot of different places today. What I have here is a piece from the Competitive Enterprise Institute which summarizes it pretty well. They are making public an internal study on climate science, which was suppressed by the EPA and Lisa Jackson. "Internal EPA email messages, released by CEI earlier in the week, indicate that the report was kept under wraps and its author silenced because of pressure to support the Administration's agenda of regulating carbon dioxide." There's a defector, there's somebody in the EPA who put together a report: Wait a minute, temperatures are not rising. We can't prove that carbon dioxide is a pollutant. He cited evidence from around the country; he cited scientific data. By the way, the consensus on climate science that you've always heard about on global warming, it's falling apart. It's falling apart. Scientists from Australia and two or three other countries have defected from the so-called consensus. That's what this guy's report was about. They told him to shut up. They suppressed his report and they said don't you dare talk about it. They fired him. They said don't you dare talk to anybody about this.

The point is the Environmental Protection Agency, Obama Administration, they don't care about the truth in any of this. This is not about global warming. It is not about climate change. It's about nothing but taxes. It's taxing everything they can get their hands on. It's revenue generation. Obama yesterday even had the gall to call this a jobs bill. Well, I'll tell you what green jobs did to Spain. George Will wrote about it yesterday. The stimulus bill was supposed to be a jobs bill and it didn't turn out to be a jobs bill, and this is not a jobs bill. This is a jobs-killing bill. Now, I know it's a tough sell because people listening to me talk about this: Why would our government come up and do something? Folks, I know it's hard to understand that we've elected somebody who is willingly, purposely setting out to deplete the capital in the private sector, to destroy the US economy. I know it's hard to understand. Most of you don't have, most of us -- I'll include myself in this -- most of us don't have this concept of that kind of power; of wanting it, wanting to use it for our own personal fun, frolic, frivolity, whatever. We can't imagine that we have elected somebody who really doesn't like the United States as it was founded, but that's what's happened. This is exactly what we've done here.

There was a great piece, and I had it in the stack yesterday. I thought this is a little too esoteric to get into. And I may try to find it and do it again today. It is a piece in the AmericanThinker.com by a woman from Nigeria who says: Barack Obama is no different than any other African colonial. Meaning he's a despot. The British went in and colonialized all Africa. By the way, her piece tells us why -- she doesn't say this, but if you have a basic knowledge, this piece will instruct you why Obama so often disses the UK. They went in there, they colonialized Africa and they set up despotic leaders and they end up being Marxist, Mugabe and these other guys. This woman from Nigeria thinks that's exactly what we have here, an African colonial-type president who views this country in ways unlike most Americans view this country, in ways unlike most Democrats view the country. And when I read the piece yesterday, I put it together with what he's trying to do with healthcare, what he's trying to do now with this cap-and-trade climate science, all this rotgut, what she says has a lot of credence. I'll find it. I'll share it with you as the program unfolds before your very eyes today.

Kimberley Strassel, op-ed in the Wall Street Journal, focuses on Australia's parliament's efforts to curb their own carbon emission scheme. They had the same thing. They tried to do what we are on the verge of doing. She writes about the Australian parliament's efforts to curb their own scheme due to many politicians' doubt in human causes of global warming. More and more Australian politicians are being convinced now that the human contribution to climate change, global warming, be it cooler or warmer, is something you can't factor. We don't have that kind of power. So as the global warming debate climate is shifting, the backlash has fallen on Australia and Europe and Japan. The consensus has broken down. The scientists and politicians in those countries are taking a second look and saying: Wait a minute, we don't see any evidence here that man's causing any of this, and we don't see any evidence that there's any warming going on.

Now, this is not being reported widely in the United States, but it's happening in Australia and Japan and Europe. It's happening there and the reason it's not being reported here is because, of course, our star is Al Gore and the United Nations. The media goes out and they smear any dissenters. After listing scientists from all over the world who are skeptical of manmade global warming, Kimberley Strassel writes this: "The collapse of the 'consensus' has been driven by reality. The inconvenient truth is that the earth's temperatures have flat-lined since 2001, despite growing concentrations of C02. Peer-reviewed research has debunked doomsday scenarios about the polar ice caps, hurricanes, malaria, extinctions, rising oceans. A global financial crisis has politicians taking a harder look at the science that would require them to hamstring their economies to rein in carbon," and they're deciding around the world they don't have the desire and it makes no sense to put even more stress on their economies to reduce carbon when there's no evidence that more carbon is harming anything, bottom line.

Our official climatologist here, Roy Spencer at the University of Alabama at Huntsville, sent me a note last night. Let me find it in the stack here. It's about fish. They're finding that fish ears are growing because of carbon dioxide in the ocean. Remember all the horror stories that we have seen over the years about deformed frogs at birth and we have been told this is due to global warming and their ecology all out of whack. We find out that that's not the case, and the left-wing BBC is nonetheless the source: "Scientists think they have resolved one of the most controversial environmental issues of the past decade: the curious case of the missing frogs' legs. Around the world, frogs are found with missing or misshaped limbs, a striking deformity that many researchers believe is caused by chemical pollution.

However, tests on frogs and toads have revealed a more natural, benign cause. The deformed frogs are actually victims of the predatory habits of dragonfly nymphs, which eat the legs of tadpoles. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, researchers started getting reports of numerous wild frogs or toads being found with extra legs or arms, or with limbs that were partly formed or missing completely. The cause of these deformities soon became a hotly contested issue."

It had to be caused by global warming, this and that. And people said, no, no, this is happening naturally. They were debunked and then called deniers and so forth. But they have now proven that these deformed frogs are simply nature taking its course. Nothing to do with man. Nothing to do with us. The cap-and-trade bill will probably tax dragonflies once they learn about this.

BREAK TRANSCRIPT

RUSH: One thing that you need to know about this test vote that the AP, the State-Run Media is talking about all over is the test vote is designed to make you think it's all over. The test vote is designed to make you say, "Oh, it's too late now! I can't do anything about it." That's not true. This thing is still up for grabs. I've got two different lists here of Republicans and Democrats on the fence. One's from Red State and I don't know where the other one's from. But they're a little different from one another. And there are too many names here to give out. Let's go with the short list, the Republicans. Here are the last names of the Republicans on one of the list. Some of these names I don't see on both lists so we'll do the best we can here. But these are the Republicans that are on the fence about it -- and there ought to be no Republicans "on the fence."

This is nothing to do with saving anything. This is nothing to do with global warming. It is nothing to do with saving the climate or saving the planet or saving the polar bears. It is nothing to do with that. The problems that this legislation claims to address do not exist. Well, to the extent that some problems exist, they are not caused by us. Regulating our behavior, changing our behavior, limiting our freedom will not have any effect on whatever climate changes are or are not taking place out there. It's just that simple. So we can argue about this. We can debate the merits of it all day long, but just in an ideological or philosophical way, this is a no-brainer, a non-starter. It is unnecessary. It is a pure power and money grab by the same people in Washington who have been grabbing power and money since Obama was inaugurated.

Now, according to the Washington Post: Rep. Collin Peterson, a Democrat from Minnesota -- he's the agricultural committee chairman -- "said he was not sure what the offset program would look like: 'The truth is, nobody knows for sure how this is going to work.'" This is a Democrat chairman of the Ag Committee talking about cap and trade. Nobody knows how it's going to work! Nobody's read the full thing. Waxman has admitted he doesn't know what's all in it. All they know that's in it that matters to them is tax increases, limitations on liberty and freedom and Washington regulating more and more of the behavior of the American public. That's what's attractive. Here are some Republican names on the short list that I'm told are on the fence. Buchanan in Florida. Gerlach in Pennsylvania. I forgot how to pronounce this rookie's name C-a-o in Louisiana. Chow? Cho? I'm not sure how. Johnson in Illinois. Ehlers in Michigan. Kirk in Illinois. Frelinghuysen in New Jersey and Smith in New Jersey. Those are the Republicans on the short list of on the fence.

BREAK TRANSCIRPT

RUSH: I'm told the pronunciation of Mr. Cao's name, the rookie -- the guy that replaced Congressman William Jefferson (Democrat-Louisiana) -- is "cow." Regardless, some people are asking, "Is there a number on this bill, Rush?" Yes. H.R. 2454. Look, all you have to do is call your member of Congress. In fact, I'm now told there are a million and a half calls yesterday, not 17,000 to 20,000. Some of those million and a half calls yesterday were about healthcare as well, I'm sure. But regardless. H.R. 2454. The message is, "No, we won't!" It's just very simple: "No, we won't!" Obama's out there saying, "Yes, we can." The answer is, "No, you won't. No, we won't." Here's more from the Competitive Enterprise Institute analysis: The report finds that EPA, by adopting the United Nations' 2007 'Fourth Assessment' report, is relying on outdated research and is ignoring major new developments. Those [new] developments include a continued decline in global temperatures..."

And you know by virtue of your own life global temperatures are not rising. If you live in the Northeast, you live in Chicago, you live in the upper tier of states, you know you're barely... You haven't seen summer yet and it's June 26! "Rush, you can't use this anecdotal stuff." BS! Reality is reality. Global warming is not happening. The polar ice caps are not shrinking! At any rate, "developments include a continued decline in global temperatures, a new consensus that future hurricanes will not be more frequent or intense..." We know that. We've had fewer hurricanes since that bad year of including Katrina. New findings are that "water vapor will moderate, rather than exacerbate, temperature." The point is that this old "consensus" we've all heard about for all these years, "A consensus of scientists agree global warming is appearing..."

You can have no consensus in science. It's not up for vote, it's not up for an opinion. But whatever. That consensus was so-called preferred scientist software even falling apart now. "All of this demonstrates EPA should independently analyze the science, rather than just adopt the conclusions of outside organizations." Now, this is what the Competitive Enterprise Institute writes. That's not the point. "EPA should independently..." The science is irrelevant to the EPA! They don't want to analyze the science. It's not that they're accepting science from outside sources; they're accepting a political conclusion from outside sources. This whole issue is nothing but politics and it has been nothing but politics since I first heard of it in 1980. Back in 1984 -- I've told you the story -- I was watching This Week with David Brinkley and there was some global warming alarmist on named Oppenheimer. "We've got 20 years, George!" he said to George Will.

"We've got 20 years. If we don't get in gear fast the oceans are going to rise." Twenty years? Well, 20 years was 2004. It's 2009 and everything's hunky-dory. All of this is just absurd. The EPA is not relying on science. Everything that Barack Obama has taken control of is pure politics. It is purely political, 100%. So to ask the EPA to look at different science? They just suppressed an internal report from one of their own employees. It says, "What you guys are doing is wrong. They said shut up. Don't tell anybody about this," and they fired the guy. "Shut up. You're not going to get out there." Anything that contradicts the political desire -- and the political desire here is power, control, regulation of human behavior, the weakening of the US economy all for the benefit of the creation of more power for Obama and his minions. So, it's down-to-the-wire time on all this. And again here's the short list of Republican Congressmen and women who are on the fence on this the legislation H.R. 2454.

Buchanan in Florida. Gerlach in Pennsylvania. Cao in Louisiana. Johnson in Illinois. Ehlers in Michigan. Kirk in Illinois. Frelinghuysen in New Jersey. Smith in New Jersey. Now, there's a lot of Democrats on the fence, way too many to name here. Heath Shuler from North Carolina is one. But he's not on both lists. Here's the short list of Democrats. Altmire from Pennsylvania. Bright from Alabama. Dahlkemper from Pennsylvania, Driehaus from Ohio. Ellsworth from Indiana. Kissell, North Carolina. Kratovil, Maryland. Paul Kanjorski, Pennsylvania. Minnick in Idaho. And Teague from New Mexico. That's the short list of Democrats apparently on the fence. That test vote you're hearing about, if you have heard about it, it was 217 to whatever it is. They need 218 to pass this. That's the majority. The test vote's designed to make it look like they've got it and to dispirit people from opposing it. That's not the case.

BREAK TRANSCRIPT

RUSH: You know they call this the Waxman-Markey bill but they should call it the Madoff-Waxman-Markey bill. Put Madoff's name in this bill because this bill is a con game. It promises what it cannot deliver.

• Heritage Foundation: The Economic Impact of the Waxman-Markey Cap-and-Trade Bill
• Wall Street Journal: The Climate Change Climate Change - Kimberley Strassel
• CBS: Will Congress Read Bills Before Voting?
• American Thinker: A Lame Liberal Media Response to a Lame EPA Response to Cover-up Allegations
• Seattle Times: Spain's Experience With the 'Green' Economy: Save the Planet, Lose Some Jobs - George Will
• Washington Examiner: 'Green Jobs' Studies Contain Fundamental Flaws, Think Tank Experts Say
• BBC: Legless Frogs Mystery Solved
• Sweetness & Light: Biggest Tax Increase In US History
• Investor's Business Daily: Waxman-Markey: Man-Made Disaster
• Investor's Business Daily: How Unions Define Environmentalism
• HotAir: Cap and Trade Vote Today, Complete with AP Apin; 300-Page, Last-Minute Amendment
• Science Daily: High Carbon Dioxide Levels Cause Abnormally Large Fish Ear Bones

Be right back.
Peter

Ahmadinejad Promises to CRUSH US.

A Visit with Little Hitler

Hey folks,

During my daily visit with Little Hitler, I learned that he wants to CRUSH the US. Yeah, the Obama speech did wonders for our relationship. As a matter of fact, talking about Obama calling for an end of the crack down in violence toward the Protesters, Little Hitler said this.

"You should know that if you continue the response of the Iranian nation will be strong," Ahmadinejad said in a speech to members of Iran's judiciary, which is directly controlled by the ruling clerics. "The response of the Iranian nation will be crushing. The response will cause remorse."

Now I have seen this statement all over the place. There is no doubt he said this. But I like the way Newsmax.com reports this. According to Newsmax.com - Iran Pledges a 'Crushing' Response to U.S. Critiques Saturday, June 27, 2009 2:55 PM

EDITOR'S NOTE: Iranian authorities have barred journalists for international news organizations from reporting on the streets and ordered them to stay in their offices. This report is based on the accounts of witnesses reached in Iran and official statements carried on Iranian media.

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad vowed Saturday to make the U.S. regret its criticism of Iran's postelection crackdown and said the "mask has been removed" from the Obama administration's efforts to improve relations.

Ahmadinejad — with his internal opponents virtually silenced — all but dared Obama to keep calling for an end to repression of demonstrators who claim the hardline leader stole re-election through massive fraud.

"You should know that if you continue the response of the Iranian nation will be strong," Ahmadinejad said in a speech to members of Iran's judiciary, which is directly controlled by the ruling clerics. "The response of the Iranian nation will be crushing. The response will cause remorse."

Ahmadinejad has no authority to direct major policy decisions on his own — a power that rests with the non-elected theocracy. But his comments often reflect the thinking of the ruling establishment.

It's actually the other way around folks. Little Hitler is running the show. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is the figurehead. The Cleric? They are just there to keep the faithful in line.

The cleric-led regime now appears to have quashed a protest movement that brought hundreds of thousands to the streets of Tehran and other cities in the greatest challenge to its authority in 30 years. There have been no significant demonstrations in days, and the most significant signs of dissent are the cries of "God is great!" echoing from the rooftops, a technique dating to the days of protest against the U.S.-backed shah before the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Days of relatively restrained talk from both Washington and Tehran appear to be returning to a familiar pattern of condemnation and recrimination despite Obama's stated desire to move away from mutual hostility. Iran and the U.S. still appear interested in negotiations over Iran's nuclear program, but the rising rhetorical temperature can be expected to slow progress toward a deal, experts said.

"The political feasibility of pursuing it, and the likelihood of success has changed," said Trita Parsi, president of the National Iranian American Council. "I have a hard time seeing any real engagement taking place for at least four to six months."

Obama acknowledged Friday that Iran's violent suppression of unrest would hinder progress, saying "There is no doubt that any direct dialogue or diplomacy with Iran is going to be affected by the events of the last several weeks."

But he did not say he would NOT talk with them. Now did he?

Obama struck a conciliatory tone toward Iran after taking office, sending a video greeting for Persian New Year that used the government's formal name — the Islamic Republic of Iran — in a signal that the goal of regime change had been set aside. He even avoided strong language as Iran began suppressing street protests, saying he wanted to avoid becoming a foil for Iranian hard-liners who blame the United States and other Western powers for instigating internal dissent.

I'll let you draw your own conclusions about the video, and Obama calling them "the Islamic Republic of Iran."

But Obama decried Iran's crackdown more vigorously as amateur videos of beating and shootings began flooding the Internet. He said Friday in his strongest condemnation yet that violence perpetrated against protesters was "outrageous," and dismissed a demand from Ahmadinejad to repent for earlier criticism.

"I would suggest that Mr. Ahmadinejad think carefully about the obligations he owes to his own people," Obama added.

Iran also had been stopping short of its normally harsh language about the U.S., mostly blaming Britain and even France and Germany as Mousavi's supporters demanded a new election. Ahmadinejad had made relatively few appearances in an apparent attempt to avoid inflaming the situation.

The protests dwindled to scattered clashes as riot police and Basij militiamen put down the unrest using batons, tear gas, water cannons and, in at least 17 cases, live ammunition. Mousavi said Friday that he would seek official permission for any future rallies, effectively ending his role in street protests.

Ahmadinejad appeared self-assured and even invigorated Saturday in the face of the previous day's personal challenge from Obama.

"We are surprised at Mr. Obama," Ahmadinejad said. "Didn't he say that he was after change?

"They keep saying that they want to hold talks with Iran. All right, we have expressed our readiness as well. But is this the correct way?" Ahmadinejad told judiciary officials. "They showed their hand to the people of Iran, before all people of the world. Their mask has been removed."

He still appeared to leave some opening for dialogue, saying Iranians officials "have expressed our readiness" and still want the U.S. to "join the righteous servants of humanity as well."

Translation time folks. "As long as the Great Satin converts to Islam, we will be their friend."

Experts said, however, that it was not yet certain that Ahmadinejad and his most powerful backer, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, would emerge from the unrest as strong as before. Many speculated that the fight between hard-liners and reformists had moved behind the scenes and would add more uncertainty to U.S. dealings with the already opaque regime.

No. He will emerge STRONGER. Especially if Obama decides to go ahead with the talks.

Authorities briefly arrested relatives of Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani in a move seen as a warning to the powerful former president not to work against Ahmadinejad and Khamenei. Other prominent conservatives such as Tehran's mayor and the parliament speaker have criticized the government in recent days in another indication of possible internal divisions.

"This will complicate the decision-making process inside Iran," said Bahman Baktiari, an expert on Iranian factional politics and director of the Middle East Center at the University of Utah. "I think we will see paralysis in the Islamic Republic when it comes to making important decisions."

{Sigh} The "experts said Ahmadinejad was in trouble when the opposing Party gained power. They said he was nowhere near being ready to complete a Nuclear bomb or the delivery system for it. They said he was out this election. The "Experts have been WRONG on everything when it comes to Little Hitler.

A 30-year-old resident of the central city of Isfahan told The Associated Press on Saturday that people continue to shout "God is Great!" and other anti-regime slogans from their roofs at night in Tehran and Isfahan.

"People are angry and afraid," he said on condition of anonymity for fear of government reprisal. "They are afraid of the future and angry because they failed to achieve change with their ballots."

Members of the Basij militia have been raiding homes and beating residents in an attempt to stop the chanting, Human Rights Watch said, accusing authorities of seizing satellite dishes to prevent citizens from seeing news broadcast from overseas. Iranian officials have blamed the British Broadcasting Corp., Voice of America and other news channels for fomenting unrest on behalf of Western governments.

"While most of the world's attention is focused on the beatings in the streets of Iran during the day, the Basijis are carrying out brutal raids on people's apartments during the night," said Sarah Leah Whitson, the rights group's Middle East director.

Italy has granted visas to Iranians seeking to flee the violence and wants the European Union to adopt a common policy on how to assist them, the Italian foreign minister said.

Italy and other members of the Group of Eight industrialized nations called Friday for an end to the violence in Iran and urged the authorities to find a peaceful solution.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Hasan Qashqavi was quoted by the official news agency IRNA as accusing the G-8 of "interventionist and hasty remarks."

In Sweden, Foreign Ministry spokesman Andre Mkandawire said the Swedish ambassador was summoned by Iran's foreign ministry Friday after clashes between demonstrators and Iranian Embassy officials outside Stockholm.

Demonstrators broke into the embassy, climbing through shattered windows and injuring one embassy worker, police said.

So Mr President Obama? The ball was batted back into your court. Your move. What now?
Peter

Sources:
Newsmax.com - Iran Pledges a 'Crushing' Response to U.S. Critiques

Revisiting FDA To Ban Flavored Cigarettes, EXCEPT Menthol

Enough of you want to keep discussing this. Lets.

Hey folks,

On Sunday June 14, 2009 I posted this. FDA To Ban Flavored Cigarettes, EXCEPT Menthol

Well, the Loony Left did it. They gave the power to the FDA to regulate Cigarettes. A responsibility that they do not even want. That's right. They do not want this. Then you have the Government showing just how Racist THEY are. We have talked all about this in the past. Let me bring you back to May 15, 2008. I posted Will The REAL Racist Please Stand Up

Some public health experts are questioning why menthol, the most widely used cigarette flavoring and the most popular cigarette choice of African-American smokers, is receiving special protection as Congress tries to regulate tobacco for the first time.

One possible answer? They do not care if they die? Maybe, just maybe, they see the fact that 75 percent of Black Smokers smoke Menthol is a good thing? We have been told for years that cigarettes kill. Yet, if smokers were to quit tomorrow, where do you suppose all the money would come from that helps fund health care? It is bad, it kills, yet no ban? That is really just a side note.

The legislation, which would give the Food and Drug Administration the power to oversee tobacco products, would try to reduce smoking’s allure to young people by banning most flavored cigarettes, including clove and cinnamon.

But those new strictures would exempt menthol — even though menthol masks the harsh taste of cigarettes for beginners and may make it harder for the addicted to kick the smoking habit. For years, public health authorities have worried that menthol might be a factor in high cancer rates in African-Americans.

I wrapped it up with this.

So we have Liberal programs that have destroyed the Black family. We have Planned Parenthood taking donations set aside to kill Black Babies. Now we have a ban on flavored Cigarettes, with an exemption of Menthol that is enjoyed by 75 percent of Black smokers, causing them a 50 percent higher rate than anyone else of getting cancer and DYING. Who is in charge of ALL these things? Liberal far Left Fringe Democrats. Affectionately dumbed here the LWL {Left Wing Loonies}

I talked about the fact that they actually did do it. They gave authority to the FDA to regulate Tobacco. I also thought about this. Another possible answer as to why the would leave Menthol alone was because they {Congress} do not want to be seen as Racists themselves for Banning a cigarette that 75 percent of Blacks smoke, and leaving the White folks cigarettes alone.

Well this has started quite an interesting conversation. So I am revisiting this complete with all the comments that keep coming in. Want to join the conversation? Please feel free.

Anonymous said...
HA. This is ridiculous. You're saying it's racist that they are not banning menthol cigarettes just to up the chances for blacks to get cancer? Last I checked - SMOKING IS A CHOICE. If anyone chooses to smoke menthols, or any cigarette, THEY are increasing their own risks for cancer, NOT the government. You've got to be kidding me.

10:26 PM
Peter said...
Hey Anonymous,

Welcome to the OPNTalk Blog.

HA. This is ridiculous. You're saying it's racist that they are not banning menthol cigarettes just to up the chances for blacks to get cancer?

Can you give me another reason why they will not ban Menthol? They are baning Orange, Cherry, and other FLAVORED Cigarettes. They say they are banning these flavors and raising taxes on cigarettes in general because they are BAD for you. Yet, they are going to leave Menthol, a Flavoring, alone. Why?

It is worse than regular Cigarettes. Some studies have shown that they are the worse kind. So why not ban them?

Because 75 percent of Blacks CHOOSE to smoke them. So if they cared about CHOICE, they would leave ALL flavors alone. Correct?

Of course all smokers have the choice. But if the Government is going to step in and limit that choice, one has to wonder why they are leaving a choice that is the most dangerous alone.

If you have another explanation, I would LOVE to hear it.
Peter

6:10 AM
alex d said...
hey pete,
i'm white as rice and i smoke menthol. i believe that the reasoning behind the exclusion of menthol is that some companies, such as newport, salem, and kool, market only menthol cigarettes.

clove cigarettes like blacks[that's a brand, i'm not being racist;)]account for 1% or less of total tobacco sales. menthol, however, is responsible for 23% of all sales. if the feds were to ban menthol, then they would be forcing a large number of companies to go out of business.

btw:i in no way whatsoever support this bill.this is just me trying to understand their thought process.i think its total bull that they will decriminalize marijuana and turn around and take our blunt wraps.
what a bunch of 8----D's

-alex d

4:22 PM
Anonymous said...
if the feds were to ban menthol, then they would be forcing a large number of companies to go out of business.
Swisher Sweets, White Owls, Black n Mild, and Phillies are going to go out of business. Swisher ONLY sells flavored cigars. Don't forget the dip! spearmint, chocolate, etc. they don't care about business.

11:02 PM
AnotherViewPoint said...
You can also view this as a way to increase the tax penalty on those that DO NOT smoke menthol cigarettes. If "75% of Black choose to smoke them", couldn't that mean that lawmakers, who surely were aware of this fact, were looking to tax non-blacks?

3:42 PM
Anonymous said...
I can tell you why they aren't messing with menthols. They aren't because President Obama smokes menthols.

11:22 PM
Anonymous said...
OP is an idiot to bring up racism as a reason to keep menthols around. I'm black myself and I don't see anything racist about it. If anything, op is racist for even seeing it that way. Hating on the whities?

12:59 AM
Anonymous said...
I find it interesting that I am only now hearing that Obama smokes cigarettes, and am a little turned off by the fact actually. I do think that the governement is still concerned about cigarette companies going out of business, and since so many people (of all colors) smoke menthols, that would be a lot of taxes the government doesn't see. That being said, I think it's ridiculous that menthols are not included in the ban. They do contain fiberglass, and are known to be the worst kind of cigarette you can smoke.

I think this bill is a good idea. I know a lot of young people who only smoke flavored cigarettes, including my young cousin, and I'm willing to give up my blunts for her. They hurt my throat and I always liked my bong better anyway :)

3:57 PM
Jan-Erik said...
personally i think the reason why menthol cigarettes are excluded in this bill is because philip morris' profit is dependent on their continued existence.

they can ban labelings like 'light' and 'mild' and ban flavored cigarettes in order to achieve the illusion of action against smoking, but philip morris' lobbyists would never allow for an outright ban on ANY of it's products.

10:08 PM
Anonymous said...
guess its time to rebel, we were told by the constitution to bare arms in the event of an oppressive government....sounds like its time to do sumthin about it.

11:25 PM
Ben said...
well ok now we all go roll our own unfiltered flavored cigarettes. I guess I don't see the point in essentially deregulating flavored cigarettes by making them a black market commodity, It's not done anything against the sale/distribution of weed except put the profits in criminal hands. Empty gesture on the governments part, there are some things you just can't ban.

9:14 AM
Peter said...
Hey Alex,

Welcome to the OPNTalk Blog.

"I believe that the reasoning behind the exclusion of menthol is that some companies, such as newport, salem, and kool, market only menthol cigarettes."

Interesting point. I'm sure that is one reason they were thinking about. Look at the reduction of tax income if these companies DID shut down.

However, if tobacco is so deadly, why no just ban it. Right? I mean, they love banning things. But you are right, TAXES.

The original article though made it clear that one of the BIGGEST reasons they are leaving Menthol alone is because that IS what most Black folks smoke.

Let's leave aside my argument of Racial, well, no, let's look at it this way. Perhaps they are also AFFRAID of being CALLED Racists if they ban what 75 percent of Black Smokers choose to smoke and leave Marlboro alone. I can hear it now.

"They left the White people Cigarettes alone and ban Black's"

THEN smoking would become a Civil Rights issue. {Laughing}
Peter

10:16 AM
Peter said...
Hey Anonymous,

"Swisher ONLY sells flavored cigars. Don't forget the dip! spearmint, chocolate, etc. they don't care about business."

They sure do care about taxes though. Your right about them not caring. They have agenda's and they are sticking to them. To hell with whatever the People think.

That is the whole original point to my posting this. If they are going to do this, knowing some companies WILL go out of business, then WHY leave the most DEADLY produce alone? Because MOST Black folks smoke them. Then you have to wonder WHY that would matter.

Interesting conversation going on here. Thanks for adding.
Peter

10:22 AM
Peter said...
Hey Another,

Welcome to the OPNTalk Blog.

"You can also view this as a way to increase the tax penalty on those that DO NOT smoke menthol cigarettes. If "75% of Black choose to smoke them", couldn't that mean that lawmakers, who surely were aware of this fact, were looking to tax non-blacks?"

Uh, actually no. I'm not sure how you came up with that. If they leave Menthol alone and allow Black folks to keep smoking them, they will pay just as much tax as anyone else that smokes. So I'm not sure your point. Could you elaborate a bit?
Peter

10:29 AM
Peter said...
Hey Anonymous Huh, 3

"I can tell you why they aren't messing with menthols. They aren't because President Obama smokes menthols."

I was wondering what he smoked. Just flat out curiousity. Interesting point though.
Peter

10:33 AM
Peter said...
Hey Anonymous 4

"OP is an idiot to bring up racism as a reason to keep menthol around. I'm black myself and I don't see anything racist about it. If anything, op is racist for even seeing it that way. Hating on the Whites?"

I'm assuming that you are referring to me OP {OPNTalk}? My name would be Peter, Pete, whatever. Just to simplify things {Smile}

I do not think you are Hating on Whitey, although I haven't heard that phrase in a long time.

So you really do not think Race has any part of this? Seriously. I'm asking. You see, this is why I will be posting this on this Sunday 062809, in an attempt to keep the conversation going and to bring it to the attention of new folks.

What do you think about my new possible reason? They {Congress} are afraid to be called Racist if they DO ban Menthol? Leaving the White's cigarettes alone and baning what 75 percent of Black folks smoke? You do not think someone would be attempting to play the Race Card on that. You basically called me a Racist for bringing it up. {Smile}

So if you do not feel Race plays a part in banning all Flavors EXCEPT Menthol, then why do you think they are leaving the most dangerous one on the market?
Peter

10:43 AM
Peter said...
Hey Anonymous 5

"I find it interesting that I am only now hearing that Obama smokes cigarettes, and am a little turned off by the fact actually. I do think that the government is still concerned about cigarette companies going out of business, and since so many people (of all colors) smoke menthol, that would be a lot of taxes the government doesn't see. That being said, I think it's ridiculous that menthol are not included in the ban. They do contain fiberglass, and are known to be the worst kind of cigarette you can smoke."

Exactly. Why? They do get taxes from all other flavors as well. Why not KEEP them and Tax Flavored MORE. Then people who chose to smoke the Flavored, will simply pay more for them.

If they are banning them for "health reasons" then WHY not ban the most dangerous kind?

I love your closing remarks. {Smile}
Peter

10:48 AM
Peter said...
Hey Jan-Erik,

Welcome to the OPNTalk Blog.

"personally i think the reason why menthol cigarettes are excluded in this bill is because philip morris' profit is dependent on their continued existence.

they can ban labelings like 'light' and 'mild' and ban flavored cigarettes in order to achieve the illusion of action against smoking, but philip morris' lobbyists would never allow for an outright ban on ANY of it's products."

What about the taxes that the Government gets? Like Gas, they get far more "Profit" for doing nothing than those that actually produce the product does.

What about all the other companies that will go out of business? I understand your disdain for Lobbyists. Trust me on that one. But this Administration LIVES by Lobbyists. They LOVE ACORN. and many others. So you have a good point.

I hope we can continue this on Sunday. Really interesting conversation so far. Thank you to all who are participating.
Peter

10:55 AM

Just click on add comment and I will make sure it gets posted. For those of you who may be new here, it may take a little bit to show up, I do have to make sure it's not spam, but other than that, I do not censor your comments.

So what say you? AM I right? Race is playing a major part in this. Or am I wrong? Why? Do you agree with those that have left comments? What is your take?
Peter

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Health and Science For Sunday 062809

Hey folks,

OK. Time for me to come clean with all of you out there. I haven't been feeling well. I'll be honest. This is going to be a little difficult for me to share this with you because I really do NOT like talking about myself. But I know many of you have caught on that I have been missing some days, not on "my game" from time to time, and some of you have even asked me flat out. "What's up?"

I got tired of being tired. I mean completely worn out and run down. I bought a bike, and me and Josh go biking nearly every day when I get home from work. I walk MILES a day and even went back to the Gym. I have started eating right and doing some of the things I should do. So what happened? Nothing. I'm still tired.

I'm not talking drowsy after a hard day's work or the exercising thing. I'm talking falling asleep at a red light. Drowsy WHILE driving. Worn out and feeling beat up. I have started going to see some Doctors. I have High Blood Pressure. Debilitating Head Aches, and Heart Burn so bad it makes me sweat. So what is wrong?

Well, after months of blood work, tests, and a handful of medications, I went in for a Cat Scan. They did not like my test results that showed a little something. I went to see a Specialist just this past Friday after leaving the OPNTalk Office and he said this.

"I'm not so concerned about the Cat Scan. It's little. Tiny. We could go in and take it out to see if it is Cancer, but I would rather wait a little bit. Do a Cat Scan in three to four months and see if it grows. But I think that you have Obstructed Sleep Apnea. As a matter of fact. I'm sure you do."

So he wants me to go in and do a sleep study. That is where you spend the night and they monitor you while you sleep. Then I would get fitted for a machine that will make me sound like Darth Vader while I sleep. I haven't decided yet if I'm going to go through all this. But you know me. It got me curious.

Then I remembered when I shared with you folks a while back about Sleepwalking, Anthony posted a comment that lead me to post this. More Serious Sleep Disorders on May 10, 2009

Anthony chimed in and left a link to the Sleeping Disorders Home Page.

Here is what I found when I went to the Link.

Medindia.com - Heart Disease Risk Heightens In Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Researchers have uncovered a link between obstructive sleep apnea (ie periodic interruptions in breathing throughout sleep) and a hike in the risk of several forms of heart and vascular disease.

What's more, the common sleep apnea thickens sufferers' blood vessels, the study published in the May 1 issue of the American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology claimed.

Emory researchers have found enzyme NADPH oxidase as important for the effects obstructive sleep apnea has on blood vessels in the lung.

Standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnea involves a mechanical application of air pressure. Anything that blunts sleep apnea's effects on blood vessel physiology could reduce its impact on disease risk, senior author C. Michael Hart, professor of medicine at Emory University School of Medicine and Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center said.

Cyclically depriving mice of oxygen - researchers call this "chronic intermittent hypoxia" -- in a way that simulates obstructive sleep apnea gives them pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary hypertension, which can be life threatening, is a condition in which the right side of the heart has trouble pumping blood because of resistance in the lung's blood vessels.

Chronic intermittent hypoxia forces the blood vessels in the lung to make more NADPH oxidase, Hart and his colleagues found. Mice that lack NADPH oxidase are immune to hypoxia's effects.

NADPH oxidase is a helpful enzyme because it is responsible for making superoxide, a reactive free radical that the immune system uses to kill bacteria. But superoxide also interferes with nitric oxide, a signal that allows blood vessels to relax.

Humans with mutations in genes for NADPH oxidase have recurrent bacterial infections because their ability to fight the bacteria is weakened. Therefore, according to Hart, inhibiting the NADPH oxidase enzyme in the entire body may be harmful, and he favors an indirect intervention.

"We think that strategies to lower NADPH oxidase expression induced by hypoxia may be useful in preventing hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension," says Hart.

I had forgotten all about me saying this to him.

Thank you again Anthony. I snore too. Maybe I should add that to the growing list of things my doctors should be checking out. I encourage you all to check out this site. You may find it as interesting as I did.
Peter

Well, I am looking into it even more now that I have been told by the Doctor that I DO have this. All the symptoms that I have been having ARE symptoms of Sleep Apnea. I had the answer right here in front of me thanks to Anthony.

Do not worry. I will do the follow up Cat Scan to see what this little Lymph Node {?} is doing. But I guess I have to decide what to do about what I KNOW I do have. Thank you again Anthony.
Peter

Domestic Assault Weapon of Choice: Cheetos

You Can't Make This Stuff Up 062809

Hey folks,

I have heard of many things being used as weapons during a Domestic Violence attack. Guns, Knives, Fry Pans, Bats, ETC. But I never heard of this.

AP - Tenn. couple accused of assault using Cheetos

SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. – Authorities said a couple got into a fight using Cheetos. The Bedford County Sheriff's Department said a 40-year-old man and 44-year-old woman became involved in a 'verbal altercation.' Somehow, the orange puffy snacks were used in the assault.

Deputies said they were charged with domestic assault. No one was hurt.


According to the Shelbyville Times-Gazette, both posted bond of $2,500.


Can't make that up. No one was hurt? That's because they were not consuming the yet to be regulated snack, they were throwing them at each other. {Smile}

Be right back with our IWA.
Peter

Sources:
AP - Tenn. couple accused of assault using Cheetos

IWA for Sunday 062809

A regular Winner, does it again.

Hey folks,

It's Sunday, HERE is the Idiot of the Week. Ladies and Gentalmen, the Speaker of the House, on the House Floor

"No matter how long this Congress wants to talk about it, we cannot hold back the future. And so, in order to move on with the future, I want to yield back my time, submit my statement for the record, and urge my colleagues to vote for this important legislation. And when you do, just remember these four words for what this legislation means: jobs, jobs, jobs, and jobs. Let's vote for jobs."

THERE ARE NO JOBS IN THIS BILL!!! NONE! People will LOSE JOBS!!

The following are the remarks that the Speaker submitted to the Congressional Record:

"Madam Speaker, today the House has an opportunity to pass historic and transformative legislation: the American Clean Energy and Security Act.

"I would like to acknowledge the authors of the legislation:

Chairman Waxman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce
Chairman Markey of the Select Committee on Energy Security and Climate Change

Both deserve to be thrown out. Then again, so does our Idiot.

"I would also like to acknowledge:

Chairman Collin Peterson of the Agriculture Committee for bringing the priorities of America's farmers to this bill.

Which will be ignored in the long run.

And Chairman Rangel who helped ensure that this bill is fiscally responsible and fully paid for.

OK RANGEL? You Political Junkies and insiders like myself, get this connection. Makes sense. Rangel is the one that came right out and PROPOSED the biggest tax increase in history a while back.

"And I would like to acknowledge the many staff who worked so hard on this legislation."

Since you did it, I will not fire you. {Smile}

"In his Inaugural Address, President Obama called upon us to, 'harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories.' One week and one day later, we did just that. We passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act - the single largest investment in history in clean energy - with over $69 billion for new investments in clean energy."

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is another Bill will NEVER do what they claim it will. {Sigh} Then she goes on to all the OUT OF CONTROL And BOGUS Promised Spending they are so proud of.

"Shortly thereafter, we passed the omnibus spending bill, with significant investments in advanced energy research and the labs and equipment necessary to perform the next generation of advanced energy research.

We passed the budget, which included a 10 percent increase in investment in clean energy and energy efficiency.

This was building upon the work of the last Congress:

The Farm Bill was the first in history to include a real investment in energy independence, with over $1 billion to leverage renewable energy industry investments in new technologies and new feedstocks.

And the historic and bipartisan energy bill signed by President Bush increased fuel efficiency standards for vehicles for the first time in 30 years and redirected this country's energy policy toward clean, renewable energy.

Creating a new energy policy and addressing the global climate crisis is: Energy independence is:

a national security issue by reducing our dependence on foreign oil;

It will INCREASE it! Dependence!

an environmental and health issue;

Just complete BS.

it is a moral issue;

WHAT? You know, I'll leave that alone for now.

and it is an economic issue for America's families.

THAT IS TRUE!!! It is an economic issue for America's families. A NEGATIVE ONE! It will hurt America's families.

"There are four words that can describe this bill: jobs, jobs, jobs, and jobs."

You forgot to add four words. Lost, lost, lost, and lost.

"Madam Speaker, we debate this legislation as millions of Americans are struggling in this economy. This is our moment to transform our economy and create jobs."

Yet we are about to Vote on and pass a MAJOR tax increase, HIGHER Energy Costs and insane pointless regulations.

"This is the moment when we can unleash private sector investment in clean energy to create millions of new jobs and make America the global innovation leader. It will promote clean energy technology - made in America. It will put America in the lead in the global competition."

NO IT WILL NOT! Idiot. MILLIONS of Jobs will be GONE! I hope your's is one of them.

"As we rebuild America in a green way, we will create jobs that cannot be shipped overseas. We are creating a framework in which innovation can occur and that gives business certainty that we are moving to a clean energy economy. That will unleash innovation, investment, and venture capital to drive new technologies into the market."

Stupidity. Complete and utter Stupidity.

"America's farmers will fuel America's energy independence. They will do so with carbon-offsetting crops and forests, and biofuel and wind farms to repower America."

{Sigh} Already failed attempts at this folks.

"This historic legislation is the product of months of consensus building to achieve an effective and affordable transition to a clean energy future."

Oh looky here. It's historic. Go figure.

"I am so pleased that the diverse coalition supporting this bill includes everyone from:

The Union of Concerned Scientists to the Evangelical Climate Initiative and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

Proof of the Bishops? Like to see that. But all Lib groups here.

From the business community to labor organizations, from ALCOA to the U.S. Steelworkers of America

From the U.S. Conference of Mayors to members of the U.S. Climate Action Partnership, a coalition of business and non-profit groups.

Today, we have an opportunity to lead America toward an effective and affordable transition to a clean energy future. It is a moment we cannot afford to miss. We have a responsibility to create jobs and make America more secure, protect the health of our citizens, and honor our moral responsibility to our children and our future generations."

IT WILL NOT CREATE JOBS you TWIT!

"Vote to create jobs. Let's put this Congress on the right side of the future. Vote yes on the American Clean Energy and Security Act.

I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to protect God's beautiful creation by supporting this legislation."

And I urge my fellow Americans to FIRE your ass. You and all those that Voted for this insane piece of trash. Congratulations AGAIN! Nancy Pelosi. You are the Idiot of the Week. Now to Healthcare. Want to go for three? Or would it be four now.
Peter

Sources:
Office of the Speaker of the House

Waxman-Markey Passes The House

BREAKING NEWS : 44 Democrats deserve our thanks and all those that voted against it.

Hey folks,

Time to move on to the Senate. After your voices were heard. Some ignored you. The lobbying pushed by Obama won. Some of those Farm State Democrats ignored you. I hope you ignore them when it comes time for YOU to vote. I hope you ignore ANY of those that voted FOR it.

The Idiocy Bill passed 219 to 212, with 44 brave Democrats standing up for what is right. Now it is time to move to the Senate. Let them know, in no uncertain terms, if they take the House lead, they are done. There is still hope to kill this Kill America Economy Bill in the Senate. There is also time for it to get worse. It will be up to you.

According to the Washington Post, some that voted for it, STILL wants MORE power, control and money. Get this.

There were moments of unrehearsed drama: Liberal Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-Tex.), who in the morning issued a release saying he opposed the bill because it was "too weak" and moved "billions from the public to polluters," took the floor in the afternoon to say he had changed his mind.

"I believe there is still some hope to make improvements once it gets out of the House," Doggett said. "Better to have a seat at the table to try to influence the change that is needed in this legislation."

Folks, I'm not going through all this again. You already KNOW what is in this thing. You already KNOW that it will KILL and already floundering economy and effect EVERY American. Those 8 Republicans that voted for it? GONE! I do not care where they stand on ANY other issue.

This is one of the biggest tax increase in history during a RECESSION based on a SCAM! It's time to let your voices be heard in the Senate. It's time to tell these Morons who the Boss is. We do not have a Dictatorship yet. DO NOT ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN. There is still time to stop it. But it is up to you.

Look for the gloating on the morning shows today by the Idiots that Voted for this. Look for the MMD to spin this as a good thing. Watch pressure on the Senators to Vote for this. Look for King Hussein Obama to move on to Healthcare next while pushing behind the scenes for this Bill to become Law.

You know, this is all I really have to say right this second on this Kill the American Economy Bill. I'm sure I will have more to say in the future. But for right now. I'm aggravated and I'm done with this nonsense.
Peter

Sources:
The Washington Post - In Close Vote, House Passes Climate Bill Measure Aims to Change Energy Use

Wesley Pruden: Stopping the bomb what counts

From the Emails 062609,

Hey folks,

I can not wait until the Big Sunday Edition of the OPNTalk Blog. I already have idea's forming on what we will talk about. It has indeed been a busy week. Lots of topics. One of them is to revisit the EPA control over Tobacco and the exception of Menthol. As of 10 pm last night, comments are still coming in about that. So, since this seems to be something you all want to continue to talk about, we will revisit it on Sunday.

But today is Friday. Happy Friday to you. It's time to go to the Emails. This one sent in by BG. It's by a TRUE Journalist and a person in the Mass Media that actually GETS it. It's by Wesley Pruden, and was posted in the Washington Times. LINK : Washington Times - Stopping the bomb what counts By Wesley Pruden Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Raw numbers don't mean very much in the Middle East, where running into the streets to demonstrate, usually but not always against the Great Satan, is the national sport. It's more fun than evening prayers at the mosque.

What is impressive is the simple fact of the outpouring of popular sentiment in Tehran. Lifting even a finger to mock the indifference and arrogance of the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (Impertinence Be Upon Him), or even President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (Palaver Be Upon Him), is asking for a hard thump on the head, or worse. Usually much worse.

So only a churl would rain on the parade of the brave and the bold, but a realist can see the limits of the romantic view of what's going on inside Iran. The most important of the losing candidates, Mir Hossein Mousavi, was no doubt cheated of many votes - maybe enough to have been cheated out of the presidency. But as sad as that is, the greater danger for America and the West is that the boiling rage in the streets will divert attention from what's most crucial, most urgent and most important. Stopping the Iranian bomb, not correcting theft of an election, is what counts most.

Indulging the romantic view of the rage diverts attention from Iran's nuclear scientists, who continue to build centrifuges and enrich uranium on the way to developing a bomb, by most estimates a year away. This seems finally to have occurred to Barack Obama, who imagines that his golden tongue is more than a match for anything the radical Muslims can build to throw at America and the West.

Mr. Obama first talked of the outpouring of Iranian grief and wrath as if the demonstrations were merely the work of an overly zealous community organizer. Vice President Joe Biden, always eager to share his manifold speculations and apprehensions, conceded "doubts" about the "official" results, but said the Obama administration just "wasn't prepared to say" whether the election was free and fair. By the time Mr. Obama got home from a round of golf later that day, his admiration for "robust debate" had faded to "troubled." But he could muster only an implied apology for President Eisenhower's meddling in Iran more than a half-century earlier. Nobody does apologies better than the One.

Perhaps the crowds merely got a little more worked up than they should have by the "robust debate." Mr. Obama had sometimes seen that happen in Chicago, where he, too, was a community organizer. But then he realized that not only had his flippant dismissal of the demonstrations angered nearly everybody at home, but he was missing an opportunity to help himself. By keeping the focus on the brutal suppression of the demonstrators, he could put off a little longer dealing with an Iranian bomb.

Jaw-jaw is always preferable to war-war, as Winston Churchill famously said, but it's difficult to imagine how even such a prolific talker as Mr. Obama can talk his way out of the dilemma in the Middle East. He probably can't get tougher sanctions from the freeloaders at the U.N., for whatever good that might do. The Russians and the Chinese are ready to protect Mr. Ahmadinejad's interests there. He doesn't want to praise democracy too much, lest it sound like a call for regime change. That would vindicate George W. Bush.

The rage in Tehran's streets suggests that time may be running out for a brutal regime, but that same clock is ticking for Barack Obama and what to do about the Iranian bomb. A reprise of the Cairo speech won't work; the Muslims are masters of endless, empty rhetoric themselves, and know how to figure the discount on words. The consequences of taking out the Iranian nuclear works, or enabling Israel to do it for him, would be awful, exceeded only by the consequences of allowing the mullahs in Tehran to get their bomb. Then everybody in Arabia would want one. The Saudis would buy one from Pakistan; certain intelligence sources say a deal is already in the works to deliver it once an Iranian bomb is in place. If the Shi'ites have a bomb, it's only logical, as logic is measured in that miserable corner of the world, for the Sunnis to get one. Every thuggish eighth-century theocracy must be fully armed.

The implications are frightening and easily measured, even by a timid White House. Mutually assured destruction kept the Cold War confrontation between Washington and Moscow in check, with one or two close calls, because both East and West had something to lose. The prospect of Sunnis and Shi'ites shooting it out with nuclear weapons, with nothing to lose but each other, is not a happy one. Dealing with it will require something with more firepower than a teleprompter.

• Wesley Pruden is editor emeritus of The Washington Times.

THANK YOU MR.PRUDEN. Then again, this is the same guy that was talking about Journalism today when he said this.

"We've developed a distinctly holier-than-thou tone in our voices, painting the very people we're trying to persuade to read our newspapers as irredeemable racists, depicting our businessmen as crooks, our religious heritage as bigotry, and the culture of the democratic west as evil."

That was back in 2001. It has never been truer than today. I wonder what he thinks of ABC completely selling out to Obama and Crew. I wonder what he thinks of the NYT.

Anyway, he is right on target here about Iran. Thank you BG for sending it in. See you all Sunday. Have a GREAT Weekend.
Peter

Note: "From The Emails" is a weekly segment in the Friday edition of the OPNtalk Blog. If you care to send in News Articles, Comments, Stories, or anything else you may wish to share, please feel free to send it to opntalk@aim.com As always, you never know what you are going to see here.