Physicians Betraying Their Oath and Their Professionalism!

Well Stacy McCain has his own memeorandum thread, so I felt I should comment further. Needless to say the Daily Kos has interjected their nonsense to the mix, so there seems to be some room for clarification.

What a week it has been in Madison Wisconsin, of all places. First we have teachers roaming the capital petitioning the government for redress of grievances. Not so bad, until they call in sick, en masse, and bring their students with them as political pawns. Then we have the duly elected State Senators abdicating their sworn obligation to represent the people of Wisconsin in the state senate and literally running away to the Tilted Kilt. Now we have "Doctors" giving out sick notes like they hand out flyers in New York's Times Square.

Being sick of the Wisconsin Governor is not billable code as far as Medicare is concerned and daring an interviewer to get in the middle of a private consultation between a patient and caregiver in the middle of thousands of people is not what is meant by bedside manner. What a joke. All this professionalism is making me sick!

Don't get me wrong, I have written my fair share of sick notes, but these were for people who were, you know, sick. As a Hospitalist (if you want to know, ask Happy), I only treat patients that have been admitted to the hospital, so I shouldn't question the integrity of the Family Practice Docs who are supremely capable of making such judgements on the fly. You see, I actually see my patients, objectively evaluate their medical situation and make a decision. Of course, I take my job very seriously and wouldn't presume that "stress" is a reasonable diagnosis. Unless, of course it was manifested by pseudoseizure or conversion disorder in which case it is serious business.

This brings me to Dr. Lou Sanner. He is a family practitioner whose ego, no doubt, precedes his intellect. I have seen his type before as I meandered through medical school and residency. He is the doc who looks down his nose at you as you struggle for the esoteric answer to some zebra diagnosis, all the while pretending to know the answer himself. Well, I am not a resident anymore and what this fellow has done is professionally obscene. He has abrogated his professional responsibility for political expediency.

Don't believe me? Take his own words into account. From the AP and USA Today, respectively:

"Doctors from numerous hospitals set up a station near the Capitol to provide notes covering public employees' absences. Family physician Lou Sanner, 59, of Madison, said he had given out hundreds of notes. Many of the people he spoke with seemed to be suffering from stress, he said."

"What employers have a right to know is if the patient was assessed by a duly licensed physician about time off of work," Sanner said. "Employers don't have a right to know the nature of that conversation or the nature of that illness. So it's as valid as every other work note that I've written for the last 30 years."

Here is the good doctor in action...



Now I don't know the legality of his actions, although I am sure that the Wisconsin Medical Society may have some thoughts on the matter.

Is it really his position that he is conducting medical examinations in the midst of thousands of people while attaining a right to privacy? One of the most important things in a genuine patient/physician interaction is honesty and this dude is dishonest!

He and his colleagues, Hannah Keevil, and James Shropshire should know better. Undoubtedly they do know better, but let political emotion trump professional integrity.

Update: I think I found another "physicina" and from the video it would seem that there were nearly a dozen of there. In this case it seems to be Dr. Patrick McKenna who is freely giving out notes for activitis. Fortunately, for him he is a 3rd year resident!



Update 2: Let the mocking commence, Breitbart edition...



Update 3: More video leaking out and it isn't getting better. Doctors hiding behind privacy privilege? From top to bottom, this is an abuse of the system. Unfortunately, I can't identify this character, but I have some thoughts...




Thanks to Ann Althouse for her on the ground reporting.

Instalanche, thanks Professor! While you are here, look around. You might find we have a lot to say!

PJ Tattler offers their link, thanks...

Linked by A Moral Outrage, come back for more...

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Members of DU Start "Petition to Indict Sarah Palin as an Accessory to Murder"

There are stupid people and there are stupid people.  Some of the most stupid can be found at the liberal website Democratic Underground.

In the aftermath of the Jared Loughner shootings, crazed assumptions were being thrown out by the left.  From, Loughner is a crazed conservative to, Loughner is a Tea Partier out to get Democrats.  The one that finally took with the left, however, was thus: sure, Jared Loughner was crazy, but people like Glenn Beck and Sarah Palin pushed him to the brink!

Did they have evidence?  No.  Did they have a motive to suggest their assumption?  No.  Was there evidence saying that they were wrong?  Absolutely.  Regardless, however, liberals pushed forward.

Enter Democratic Underground.

Known as a liberal bastion, "DU" is one of the biggest leftist sites on the internet.  Literally minutes after news broke about the shootings in Arizona, DU members were some of the first to blindly blame Sarah Palin for the shooting.  Even more stupid: members of Democratic Underground actually started a petition to "Indict Sarah Palin as an Accessory to Murder."

Some might try to excuse this as a random, rabid liberal trying to pin on Mrs. Palin a horrific crime.  That might be an excuse if over 50 people had not signed it, demanding that Palin be 'brought to justice.'  Here is the petition.

Here is the entire last paragraph from the written petition:

And because this incitement to violence resulted in the deaths of so many people, including a federal judge and a nine-year-old child, who were the innocent victims of what seems clearly an attack on a United States Congresswoman, Gabrielle Giffords, who survives, we believe that Sarah Palin should be made to answer in court, under oath for her egregious abuse of the precious right of Free Speech. In our humble opinion, she is criminally liable for the deaths of the victims of Jared Lee Loughner in Tucson on January 9, 2011, and for the attempted murder of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords.

Just a couple of things:  first, notice the run-on sentence.  Second, and most important, who ever the moron is who wrote this actually got the date of the shooting wrong.

Fifty-one people have signed the petition; those who sign can add a quick message when signing.  From the "party of civility," some messages include:  "She should be drawn and quartered !" "The real criminal is the Republican Party," and "She is as dumb as a mud fence!"

The petition is addressed to (in its entirety): "Dennis K. Burke, US Atty. for the Dist. of Arizona, U.S. Attorney's Office. Two Renaissance Square 40 N. Central Avenue, Suite 1200 Phoenix, AZ 85004-4408."

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Gaddhafi Son Speech

 Muommar Gaddhafi's son Seif el-Islam Gaddhafi is speaking on Libyan state television right now. This comes as speculation is swirling that the dictator has feld the country and is on his way to Venezuela. There are also reports that the Libyan military is siding with the protesters and that the second-largest city, Benghazi, has fallen to the rebels.

UPDATE FROM TODAY'S SPEECH:

Gaddafi Speaks in Underground Bunker: 'I Will Die a Martyr'

It is now confirmed that the uprising has spread to the capital of Tripoli. With this most recent outbreak, it appears that the older Gaddhafi may see that the game is up.

In his son's speech, he is explaining that if Libya is to be split up, it would be difficult to split the country's oil wealth. Furthermore, he says that Libya is not Egypt or Tunisia. He has admitted that the military has made mistakes and that order is needed for the country right now.

We have the feed on al Jazeera, below


http://english.aljazeera.net/watch_now/

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Will This Epic End In Hollywood?

The following is a guest piece from Dan Buri, of TC Huddle.

The NFL season is wrapped up. The Green Bay Packers are clutching the Lombardi Trophy close, while the Pittsburgh Steelers and 30 other NFL teams lick their wounds. The NFL Players Association has recently agreed to mediation with the NFL in hopes of resolving their labor dispute and avoiding a lockout.

Quietly, in the northern most state in the continental U.S., another debate rages. One that may seem potentially futile with a lockout looming. One that many out of work Americans may find offensive, because while they struggle to make ends meet, the powers that be have the gall to ask for their money in the form of taxes. A debate that another city, over 1,500 miles to the Southwest, watches closely in the hope that the failure of one would become their success; in hope that they will finally fill a void that they’ve experienced for nearly 20 years. The debate is important, yet it is so minuscule in the grand scheme of things.

Still, our story is straight out of the ancient epics and transformed into a modern day Greek tragedy. The setting has heroes and villains; preparations and battles; and a band of Norse warriors nearly tasting sweet victory only to see it slip like dust between their fingers. Devastation. There is a Legendary leader and his fiercest enemy coadjuting in Benedict Arnold-like fashion for a chance at supremacy. There is the former field general finding himself displaced by The Legend, while the leader of this northern nation suffers his dreadful demise at The Legend’s hands. There is a massive Coliseum-esque structure collapsing in a magnificent manner, leaving hundreds wandering Northern America in search of a new home. The story is replete with thrilling battles and crushing defeats, magic and wonder, illicit sex and tawdry images. 

Like every great Greek tragedy, though, seeming glory transforms into bitter despair. Leaders are destroyed. Dreams shattered. Almost as if John Woo was directing this story, The Legend suffers blow after blow from jealous enemies and somehow cannot be vanquished. Struggling to go on but too proud give up on his destiny, The Legend continues to fight. In the end, he suffers one blow too many. He can fight no longer. Victory comes, not to our band of Norse warriors, but instead to their most malevolent rivals. The Legend watches in despair as his former contingency, the one that he betrayed, marches on. He can only stare in disbelief as the leader that displaced him in his former land snatches up the destiny written for his name; a cruel twist of fate. Crushed, The Legend disappears into obscurity, the Fates cutting his thread short.

But the story is incomplete. While the larger world of the NFL argues over compensation structures and hopes to avoid a lockout, the smaller world of the Minnesota Vikings argues over a new stadium. Who will fund it? Where will it go? Will it happen at all? Will the aforementioned city to the Southwest, the one that stole the Minneapolis Lakers 51 years ago, now steal our NFL team and rename them the L.A. Vikings? Like any good cliffhanger, the struggle of The Legend was only one part of this epic. And so, Minnesotans wait with baited breath for the ending. While the rest of the NFL world hardly notices, Minnesota is focused on the simple yet complex issue that will decide whether their team remains in Minnesota or leaves forever. Is a new stadium going to be built for the Vikings?

Will our story be finished in devastating fashion by the pen of Aeschylus? Or will we find ourselves celebrating a Homeric victory in the end? As the immortal poet himself wrote in the words one of his greatest warriors, “No man, against my fate, sends me to Hades.” In the end, only the Vikings and Minnesota will be to blame if the great tragedian Aeschylus gets a hold of our story once more and we find ourselves in the Hades of L.A.

Dan Buri is an attorney for a global consulting firm. In addition to writing for various legal blogs, he muses about the adventures of marriage with his wife at Buris On The Couch and is a writer and chief editor for the Minnesota Sports blog TC Huddle.

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New Video of Fake Doctors' Notes in Wisconsin

 This comes to us from the MacIver Institute's YouTube page:




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Taxing Canada

America and Canada are solid allies.

We are diplomatically, financially and militarily linked to each other. Our relationship is the envy of North American politics, and not another country would foolishly attempt to say other wise.

However, President Obama's proposed budget has a new tax that would cost every air and sea traveller from Canada $5.50. Never has America attempted to charge our allies from the North for visiting our country, and never has America's President wanted to.

Until now.

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper is absolutely outraged that America would attempt to raise revenues by taxing the economic boosting travellers of a steadfast ally. Analysts are quite worried that increased air travel costs will result in more Canadians travelling by car to America, which would hurt the industry for both countries.

Daily Kos, Using Gun Imagery: Tea Party "Behind," Wisconsin Protests "Amazing"

Remember when liberal morons tried to blame Sarah Palin for the horrific shooting in Arizona, claiming that because she once mentioned a gun that she may have well shot Rep. Gabrielle Giffords herself?  Well, the Daily Kos, well-known for skewing stories and pushing lies, not only does not care that they are hypocrites, but they are pushing their agenda at the same time.

In a mass-forwarded email, Daily Kos is desperately trying to praise the union strikes in Wisconsin while at the same time putting down the Tea Party.  According to the email, progressives have shot the "opening salvo," and the Tea Party "is reacting to, and several steps behind, [their] activism."

Oh my, gun imagery!  Clearly Daily Kos is responsible for countless deaths and random nut-jobs.

The email further pleads with Kos readers to donate to the cause, because we all know that politicians and unions need more money.  Here is the email in its entirety, with the username removed to protect anonymity (click for much better quality):

And hey, if Kos is sending out this email to so many sheeple, why not add some lies too, right?  For example, one line states:

So, in response to a Republican attempt to pass a bill making public sector unions virtually illegal, all 14 Democrats simply left the state.

You see the word "virtually" in that sentence?  Well, that was added because the bill does not make unions illegal.  Such a claim is a big, fat lie.  But Kos believes that adding the word will absolve him from his lie.  Nope, sorry, still a big, fat lie.

Sigh.  When will liberals learn?

Also, who the hell are the Koch brothers?

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Interview with the Dinner Table

 Pundit Press is proud to present interview number 26 in our ongoing series. Today we're interviewing Nathan Sass, the founder and editor of the site The Dinner Table. For those that don't know, the name of the site comes from words of wisdom of the 40th President, Ronald Reagan, as shown below. We encourage our readers to check out the site and thank Nathan for taking part in the interview!

1. When and why did you start the Dinner Table?

The Dinner Table was born in January of 2010 in response to the health care reform debate.  I was looking for a way to publicize a reform proposal I had been working on for some time, and decided that I would use a blog to do so.  Since then, it has evolved into a blog on a wide range of issues, political and non-political.

By the way, the name of my blog comes from a quote from President Reagan:  “All great change in America begins at the dinner table.”

2. What is the best part about running your site?

It is really gratifying to have a venue to express my thoughts on the issues of the day.  I am sure that my friends are also happy, since before I was blogging, I would talk their ears off in an effort to express my opinions.

What I most enjoy is when something I wrote gets picked up and has some small influence on the conversation.  That doesn’t happen too often, but when it does it is so exciting.

3. Has President Obama been better or worse than you expected?

He has been exactly what I expected.  I told many people in the months leading up to the election that he would be Carter’s second term, and that is coming to pass.

The Egypt mess is his Iran, and Stagflation is right around the corner.

The good news is that Carter was one reason we got Reagan, and I think history will repeat itself in this regard as well.

4. Any 2012 favorites yet?

I have written several discussions (read more here) handicapping the 2012 race, and if she chooses to run, I think Sarah Palin will win in a rout.  She has what I like to call “the it factor” that comes along once in a generation.

I think the conventional wisdom on her is wrong, as it was with Reagan in the late 70’s.  When she is on the stage besides “Professor” Obama, she will out shine him on many levels, and connect with voters personally.

From a policy perspective, she is a rock ribbed conservative, again like Reagan before her, and has the courage of her convictions to withstand the left’s typical assaults.

Incidentally, I believe we are watching her running mate come of age in Madison, WI as we speak in Scott Walker.

5. As a resident of Wisconsin, can you comment on the situation regarding public unions?

I have discussed the issues at length on my blog (full article), and in short the unions have been totally out maneuvered by Governor Walker.  The requests he has made are reasonable in the minds of most people in WI, and the unions have responded in such a disproportionate manner that they are actually assisting Walker in his efforts.

The unions have already lost, and they still haven’t figured that out.  The more they fight this, the worse they look and the faster they destroy themselves.  Do not be surprised when there are more and more violent demonstrations, and Walker refrains from using any force to stop them.  He is smart enough to know that the more they act out, the less support they will have.

Walker’s end game is brilliant, and there is literally nothing the left can do to stop it.  When the public unions lose their bargaining rights, and more importantly when they lose members, they will lose tens of millions of dollars.

Democrats in WI are almost completely dependant on union money for their campaigns, and will be financially crippled in the 2012 races.

Add to that the redistricting that will occur this year under the total control of Walker and the GOP, the introduction of voter ID laws hurting the WI Democrats and their “get out the ‘vote’ efforts” (for people in IL and the grave), and the retention the Supreme court Justice Prosser who is an established conservative and those 2012 races are even more difficult for Democrats.

The reason you see this wild and emotional response from even the national unions and Democrats is obvious when viewed in this context.  They see their own destruction coming, and cannot do anything to stop it.  WI will likely be a red state for a long time, and that makes national elections even more difficult for Democrats.  It also lays the blueprint out for other states like OH and the rest to follow suit.

It has been so fun watching Walker use the Democrats perceived strength against them.  For a guy like me who is very influenced by Sun Tzu, the strategy has been just brilliant.  Walker is like a political ninja.

6. What should be the most important national issue in the 2012 elections?

I am a bit biased, but I don’t think the GOP has done anywhere near enough on the issue of health care reform.  There is so much room to make game changing, simple, consumer focused and lasting changes that will actually reduce costs for consumers and taxpayers.  (Shameless self promotion: read my blog for one idea)  They would be foolish not to use that issue in 2012 as a wedge issue.

Of course, I think the center stage issue will be the economy.  There will be more pain coming, with high unemployment and massive debts and deficits.

Like I said before, this will be a repeat of the 1980 election, with the same results.  Obama will be a one and done POTUS.  The GOP may gain control of both houses, and the White House, something Reagan never really had.

7. Anything else you'd like to add?

I want to thank all those people in my life that encouraged me to keep writing.  I am not a professional writer by any stretch (I am an IT guy, by profession), but I believe I have enough talent to keep people interested.

I also want to thank Pundit Press for taking the time to do this interview.  I have to say I am really humbled and honored by the opportunity, and I am very grateful.

 

http://thedinnertableblog.wordpress.com/

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A Call for Contributors

 Pundit Press is slowly growing, in case you didn't hear. That's why we're asking for those that read the site and think that they should be heard if they would like to write for our blog. Your level of participation is up to you-- an article a day, an hour, or per week. It's a no-pay but rewarding experience.

We're looking forward to your response.

Send all inquiries to punditpress-at-gmail.com.

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Fake Doctors' Notes Being Handed Out at Wisc. Union Rallies

What would you expect from a group of people who believe it is okay to lie to children and skip states?

Sources tell Pundit Press that fake doctors' notes have been obtained from union rallies in Wisconsin.  They read:

Feb 19, 2011

Patient’s name ______________________

Date of birth ____/_____/_____

To Whom it May Concern:

This is confirm I have seen and evaluated the above named patient.

Please excuse from work/school due to a medical condition from

____/____/____ through

Please contact me at badgerdoctors@gmail.com if additional information is needed. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Physician Signature:

Physician Name

WI license number

The purpose of these phony notes are to enable random people to hand in fabricated notes to their employers or superiors.  This would make it appear that they weren't lying about being sick, but that they had in fact been ill and had seen a doctor.

One woman who obtained a fake note stated:

“I asked if they were handing out doctors’ excuses and a guy said yes and asked me if I needed one.  When I told them I needed one for February 16 and 17th, he wondered if I wanted to come back here for the protests next week.  I said, ‘sure,’ and I received a doctor’s note for the 16th through the 25th of February, without a medical exam.”

Another man stated:

“I asked this doctor what he was doing and he told me they were handing out excuses to people who were feeling sick due to emotional, mental or financial distress.  They never performed an exam–he asked me how I was feeling today and I said I’m from California and I’m not used to the cold, so he handed me a note.”

These "doctors" are the same people who think that lying to people and children is a great idea.  The Democrats they support believe it is a good idea to leave the state to defy legally and rightfully elected officials, thus giving a metaphorical middle finger to voters.

And

H/T Unlikely Hospitalist

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Breaking: Doctors' Notes Being Handed Out at Wisconsin Teachers Union Rally (Video Added)

And a second video care of Big Government~



According to the MacGiver Institute men and women sporting white lab coats were handing out medical excuse notes without being examined by a physician. Being a doctor myself, I don't think Hippocrates would look very fondly on this.

The notes read


Feb 19, 2011

Patient’s name______

Date of birth ____/_____/_____

To Whom it May Concern:

This is confirm I have seen and evaluated the above named patient.

Please excuse from work/school due to a medical condition from

____/____/____ through

Please contact me at badgerdoctors@gmail.com if additional information is needed. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Physician Signature:

Physician Name

WI license number

Pretty nice note, just fill in the blanks and life is good. It is further reported that the doctor has been identified by signature and Wisconsin medical license number as James H Shropshire MD, an Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine at the Wisconsin School of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine. So much forr that professional integrity I keep hearing about.

I can't say if Dr. Schropshire is aware of this activity, but The MacGiver Institute is looking into it. It's forgery or fraud, time will tell.

Updated with pictures~





None other than The Happy Hospitalist has thrown a link my way and has much more to add! Whatever did I do to deserve this?

If I was an employer who received one of these sick notes, I would demand proof of a billing statement from the doctor's office before I would let it slide. There is no place for this in the work place. And those doctors should be sanctioned by their state certifying organizations for not having adequate documentation of their confidential patient interactions.

To make matters even worse, what we have here is theft of state tax payers money. Every protester who doesn't show up for work but brings back a sick note is stealing money from the government. In fact, the 14 Democrats who left state lines on the clock could even be considered felons for stealing their salaries and crossing state lines.

And you wonder why the government is going bankrupt. It is a systemic sense of entitlement and dishonesty that has made public service the golden ticket for those in the club and the road to ruin for everyone else paying their bill. With just about every state in this Union being threatened with unfunded and unsustainable pension liabilities, I commend Wisconsin for taking the bold stop to keeping Wisconsin in the game for year to come. Eveyone who feels threatened by their actions should.

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Quietly, The Wisconsin Teachers Union Has Blinked, Updated

With Governor Walker standing his ground and seemingly no end in the current standoff the teachers unions are beginning to offer concessions. This does not bode well for Wisconsin's runaway senators as they are clearly demonstrating who is in charge. They claim they are representing their interests, but union bosses and the DNC are calling the shots. Before this is over Wisconsin democrats will need the Viagra just to cover their own impotence!

Unions offer concessions as Capitol stalemate, protests continue~emphasis mine.

The Legislature may be at a stalemate for now — Democratic senators haven't returned from Illinois after fleeing Wisconsin on Thursday, and the Assembly adjourned after a brief but heated session — but major union officials came forward Friday to offer concessions.

Top leaders of two of Wisconsin's largest public employee unions announced they are willing to accept the financial concessions called for in Walker's plan, but will not accept the loss of collective bargaining rights.

Mary Bell, president of the Wisconsin Education Association Council, and Marty Beil, executive director of AFSCME Council 24,
said in a conference call with reporters that workers will do their fair share to narrow Wisconsin's budget gap.
Walker's plan calls for nearly all state, local and school employees to pay half the costs of their pensions and at least 12.6 percent of their health care premiums. That would save $30 million by June 30 and $300 million over the next two years, the governor has said.

The measure also would prohibit most unionized public employees, except local police and fire fighters and the State Patrol, from bargaining on issues besides wages. Wage hikes could be negotiated only if they don't exceed the consumer price index."We want to say loud and clear — it is not about those concessions," Bell said. "For my members, it's about retaining a voice in their professions.

Right, this isn't about concessions, but professional integrity. There has surely been a lack of that lately!

Update:

Governor Walker says no..... Will post the video when able.



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Gallup: Reagan is America's "Greatest President"

Out just in time for this year's Presidents Day, Gallup's annual "greatest United States president" poll will probably result in large masses of the Democratic Party committing suicide, because Ronald Reagan destroyed the competition - especially his political adversaries in the Democrat Party.

With 19% of the public's vote: Reagan defeated Abraham Lincoln by 5%; Bill Clinton by 6%; John Kennedy by 8% and George Washington by 9%. Barack Obama finished seventh with only 5% of the vote, while George W. Bush was lucky to place tenth with 2%. Only one small percent of Americans say there have been no great Presidents.

Notice the two greatest Presidents in American history are both Republicans, and the Democrats who made the top five are more Moderate than their political brethren today. Liberal icons of the Presidency were rated quite low, which is not surprising in our increasingly right-of-center Nation. Although, I am surprised that Franklin Roosevelt didn't break the top five.

Greatest President by Political Affiliation

Just one thing is for sure: Democrats (5th), Independents (1st) and Republicans (3rd) alike view Abe Lincoln as one of America's greatest presidents. In fact, I'm willing to argue that Honest Abe is our top President of all time - only rivaled by Washington and Jefferson, while Reagan is the top dawg of the modern era.

What say you?

Bahrain Protesters Claim Central Square

The demonstrators in Bahrain are now claiming to have captured a key part of the capital Manama. This follows a week of protests in this tiny Persian Gulf island-state, which is also home to the US Fifth Fleet. According to the anti-government protesters, the army and the police left the square and ceded it to the mob.

From earlier this week

People circling through the square clapped, whistled and wept. Some wore white sheets symbolizing their readiness for martyrdom, while others carried Bahraini flags, flowers and signs that said “Peaceful.”
“We are victorious!” they chanted as they marched back into the square that has been the headquarters for their revolt against the Sunni monarchy in the predominantly Shiite island nation.

The Bahraini people have their equivalent of Tahrir Square. The Monarchy here is more progressive that Mubarak’s Egypt was but still has a stranglehold on power.

Cross-posted at WorldThreats.

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More than 80 Killed in Libya

According to some reports, at least 80 people have been killed in protests in Libya. This comes to us via opposition groups as it is increasingly difficult to get accurate information out of the socialist dictatorship.

Protesters Knocking Down Kadhafy's Green Book

This also comes after yesterday, when reports surfaced that a city was captured by demonstrators.
One former opposition leader does not see the same fate for Kadhafy as other leaders:

“I don’t think Libya is comparable to Egypt or Tunisia. Gadhafi would fight to the very last moment,” he said by telephone from the Libyan capital.

But the severity of the protests in eastern Libya seem to say otherwise:

Ashour Shamis, a London-based Libyan journalist, said protesters had stormed Benghazi’s Kuwafiyah prison and freed dozens of political prisoners. Quryna said 1,000 prisoners had escaped and 150 had been recaptured.

So at this point the situation is very fluid– and can go any way.

Cross-posted at WorldThreats.

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Videos of Iranian Protests

While the MSM sits on their hands, ignoring the outrages of the Iranian government, Pundit Press will not.  For whatever reason, the fall of the Egyptian government was covered 24/7, yet the protests in Iran are being largely ignored; this includes President Obama.

Iran needs to know that we support their call for democracy.  Here are videos taken this past week of demonstrations by civilians and the brutality of Iranian police:

This one calls for the downfall of Seyed Ali:


This one calls for the death of the autocratic leaders in Iran:


This one shows people demanding that political protesters be freed:


This one shows that people in Iran "would rather die" than live under oppression:


The spirits of these protests cannot die.  The world must stand with Iran in their fight for freedom.

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Milwaukee Teachers Union Demanding That Sex Be Paid For!

Found this little tidbit of information via Protein Wisdom. Last August the Milwaukee teachers union sued the school system to require the school board to include big Pharma Pfizer's erectile dysfunction drug Viagra in its healthcare plan. While the headline may be risible, it is no laughing matter, but it certainly gets a rise out of me.

Sorry folks, but the American people are not interested in paying for your sexual activities...

(AP) "With the district in a financial crisis and hundreds of its members facing layoffs, the Milwaukee teachers union is taking a peculiar stand: fighting to get its taxpayer-funded Viagra back.

The union has asked a judge to order the school board to again include Pfizer Inc.'s erectile dysfunction drug and similar pills in its health insurance plans.

The filing last month comes as the union, the Milwaukee Teachers' Education Association, is also protesting hundreds of layoff notices issued to teachers for the coming school year. Citing a "financial crisis" caused by exploding benefit costs and revenue shortfalls, the district's outgoing superintendent proposed laying off 682 employees in April.

The district gave layoff notices to 482 teachers in June, but recalled 89 of them last month. Additional teachers may be called back, but these are still the first layoffs of Milwaukee teachers in decades.

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Sex-crazed Democrats? Can't go two weeks without it

Hot Latina legislator in Texas advises fleeing Wisconsites - Sex with spouses key to Happy Escape

From Eric Dondero:

As is now widely known, Democrat State Senators in Wisconsin have fled the State to Illinois to avoid the crucial vote on Public Sector benefits and pay. Some have been spotted hiding out at a Best Western across the State line.

The same thing happened in 2003 in Texas. Democrat State House members fled to Oklahoma and New Mexico. Ironically, they too stayed at a Best Westerns.

Now, a Democrat Texas State Senator has stepped into the controversy, with some advice to fleeing Dems in Wisconsin. From HuffPo "Texas Dems To Fleeing Wisconsin Lawmakers: 'Call Your Spouses For Conjugal Visits'":

"If you are going to be out more than two weeks call your spouse for conjugal visits," explained Texas Democrat Leticia Van de Putte, who, back in 2003, was one of 11 state senators who fled to New Mexico in order to stall Republican redistricting plans. "After two weeks -- and most of my colleagues are men -- I said get their wives here and quick because you are under intense stress."

Senator de Van de Putte and her husband Henry, have been married for 32 years. So, there's obviously no problems with that couple's - ahem - bedroom escapades.

It is as if America stopped producing adults!

A letter from Allen West to his constituents. Posted in full, without comment.

“I am appalled at their ignorance, belligerence, and dishonest rhetoric filled with empty emotional platitudes. Have they no shame in realizing that their inept, incompetent failures are the reason why we are debating this continuing resolution. They failed to pass a budget during the 111th Congress.

“Have they no honor in realizing that their fiscal irresponsibility over the past four years has resulted in our standing on the precipice of a fiscal canyon from which we may not recover.

“Also troubling are the events in the state of Wisconsin which mirror those that happened in Greece several months ago. We are witnessing the abject hostility of a unionized entitlement class that is being lauded by the liberal left, seemingly to include our President.

“It is such a critical time for our Republic, yet there seems no visionary leadership — it is as if America stopped producing adults. I have never seen a greater assembly of petulance and sophomoric behavior as what I have witnessed this week on the floor of the House of Representatives.

“To those across the aisle, please explain to the American people how your economic policies have created a better environment for long-term sustainable growth.

“This debate is about jobs and the economy.

“It begins with remedying the spending problem on Capitol Hill. It includes tackling the burdensome taxation and regulation policies strangling our country. It is the understanding that Keynesian tax and spend policies did not grow America’s economy, but the indomitable, entrepreneurial spirit of the American people.

“Government sets the conditions for job and economic growth, it does not create jobs.

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Average Annual Compensation for Milwaukee Public School Teachers to Exceed $100,000

The MacIver Institute is doing great work!



The Public School system, not so much...



Michelle Malkin has much more information on union salaries.
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Has the Media whitewashed the latest Islamic Terrorist Attack on the US?

Sam Daly mild-mannered San Diego cab driver, or Osama Hassan El-Darandaly Egyptian Muslim Terrorist?

by Eric Dondero

It happened in the early morning hours last Saturday. Full details are just now leaking out, from mostly blogs and other non-mainstream media sources. Plus, the first eyewitness video of the attack was just posted on YouTube hours ago. See "Chaos erupts in San Diego Nightclub District as Crazed Muslim drives Taxi-Cab into Party goers" at link.

Looking at all the various reports, eyewitness video, and from reading between the lines of mainstream media, it is now clear: San Diego was just the target of an Islamic extremist Terrorist attack.

Here's how the NBC affiliate described the scene:

At 1:54 a.m., an Emerald Cab driver jumped a curb and plowed through a group of people standing outside the popular Stingaree downtown nightclub... of what firefighters and police officers described as a “melee.”

“It was so scary when I realized what had actually happened,” said Guy Handy, a nearby resident.

A witness who wished not to be identified said "there were women and men just lying on the ground, just everywhere."

NBC, usually reliable KFMB AM Radio News and other local news stations identified the Taxi-Cab driver as "Sam Daly."

After the initial media flurry died down, his real name started to emerge: Osama Hassan El-Darandaly.

But that wasn't all. Many mainstream media reports described the scene as simply an accident, by a drowzy driver. AP even reported "Cabbie out of hospital after crash that hurt 35" implying that El-Darandaly himself was one of the ones "hurt" in the crash. In actuality, we now know 36 San Diegans were injured, 22 of them seriously, 1 women from Encinitas critically injured. She had her leg completely torn off after El-Darandaly pinned her to the wall in his Cab.

Suspect is "Devoutly Muslim"

Towards the end of one article, from KFMB, this little gem of information slipped by his roomate, a guy named Dan Rose:

"'pretty solitary man' who is devoutly Muslim."

Rose also said that "Daly" was a recluse, depressed, and was planning to head back to Egypt.

And then you have to go to yet another source to learn that El-Darandaly has quite a criminal background, mostly minor stuff, but included one charge of battery from 2005, that was later dropped.

SignonSanDiego.com, a couple days after the attack, has a follow-up piece mainly focusing on the progress of the one female victim, who had her leg successfully reattached - "Surgeons save woman's leg after Stingaree crash." Once again the incident is described as a simple "crash" not an attack, let alone an attack by a crazed Islamic Terrorist.

However, buried in the article, is this little nugget of information:

Stingaree club owner James Brennan has said that Daly had a pair of scissors in his hand and took a swing at one of the club’s managers.

So, we now learn that not only did Osama "Samy" Hassan El-Darandaly plow his cab through a crowded street corner, but he then got out of his cab and attacked the Club owner, and who knows how many others.

National News Media Black-out - Muslim Man attacks young Partygoers in All-American city, doesn't quite fit the template

Wizbang blog sums it up all nicely:

a devoutly Muslim man from Egypt named Sam Hassan Daly slowly and methodically drives a cab into a crowd of bar patrons injuring 36 then emerges from the cab with scissors in hand swinging at the club's owner, the incident occuring within hours of Mubarak's ouster in his home country.

Are you hearing anything about this in the national media?

And this all happened the very night that Mubarak was overthrown and hundreds of thousands of Egyptians were celebrating in the streets of Cairo and Alexandria.

The night too, that Lara Logan, and other Western reporters were brutally attacked, and in the case of Logan raped, by scores of Egyptian Islamists in downtown Cairo.

Imagine a similar story line, with a different cast of characters. Say, white guy Tea Party member, plows into a crowd of Teachers at the Capitol in Madison, Wisconsin, and jumps out of his pick-up with a hunters knife, aiming it at liberal Union official, wearing an SEIU t-shirt.

Does anyone doubt for a moment, that such a story would be a front page headliner all over liberal media outlets all over the Nation for weeks on-end?

On the map, the attacks occured in what is known as SD's Gaslamp District, near downtown.

Don't Not Do That!

For the first time the Federal Government has mandated that all citizens must purchase a product: health insurance.  If citizens fail to purchase the product they become law breakers subject to fines and penalties enforced by the IRS although we’ve been repeatedly assured this is not a tax.  According to the Federal attorneys arguing that this ground-breaking regulation is constitutional the Commerce Clause provides the authorization.  In other words, not taking an action is now considered commerce by the Federal Government.  In effect the Federal Government maintains for the first time in American History and perhaps in the History of the world that not doing something is doing something.  It is this type of newspeak, circular logic, and sophistry which destroys the credibility of those who tell us less is more.

Officially known as America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009, this was the first entitlement passed without bipartisan support.  The only bipartisan part about it was that thirty nine Democrats voted with the Republicans against it.  Thus it passed with a slim majority and no Republican votes.  It was also passed over the objections of a majority of the population.  The new entitlement popularly known as Obamacare purports to insure tens of millions of previously uninsured people maintain the benefit levels of everyone else and lower the costs.  But will it stand the tests to which it is being subjected?  Will it ever be implemented?

With the date for full implementation placed years in the future step-by-step the new regulations, fees, and mandates are trickling into our lives.  However, although the President and his party managed to push this through Congress it won’t stand without a fight.  The debate has moved from the legislature and is wending its way through the courts.  So far two judges have ruled it constitutional and two have ruled it unconstitutional.  These rulings also followed party lines.  Judges appointed by Democrats ruled it constitutional and judges appointed by Republicans ruled it unconstitutional.  This will eventually be decided by the Supreme Court. 

If this is decided in favor of the Federal Government it paves the way for a classic 10^th Amendment confrontation.  Several states such as Virginia, have passed laws saying that no law can require their citizens to purchase health insurance.  Since nowhere in the document does the Constitution give the Federal Government the power to mandate that citizens purchase anything this would clearly lie with the confines of the 10^th Amendment which states, “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.”

In contravention to the States appeal to the 10^th Amendment the Federal Government will point to the Supremacy Clause which states, “This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land; and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding.”  Using this as their rational as they did in the Arizona Immigration case the Federal Government using the Federal Courts will force states to legally step aside.  Then buying health insurance will no longer be an option because failing to do so will be illegal. In other words, “Don’t not do that!” or face the full force of the law and miraculously not doing something becomes doing something.

Another issue which might surface along the way is the question of waivers.  It seems many of the organizations, unions, and businesses who supported the law and helped lobby for its passage don’t want to live under its benevolent care.  Consequently the Obama Administration has issued hundreds of waivers exempting the President’s supporters from compliance.  This raises the question of the government passing laws that apply to some people but not to others.  Traditionally legislatures have always had the power to suspend the enforcement of laws in special cases.  However this has never been a power wielded by the executive in any except authoritarian states.  This flood of waivers raises another potential constitutional question with reference to the Equal Protection Clause of the 14^th Amendment which states that everyone is guaranteed, “the equal protection of the laws” meaning that the state must apply laws equally and cannot give preference to one person or class of persons over another.

In reference to all these matters whatever the courts may say President Obama has already signaled that he will enforce the strictures of the law even if they are found unconstitutional.

Considering not taking an action to be commerce opens the door to many interesting possibilities. I didn’t buy Apple stock when it was $10 a share can I have my profits now? 

Dr. Owens teaches History, Political Science, and Religion for Southside Virginia Community College.  He is the author of the History of the Future @ http://drrobertowens.com View the trailer for Dr. Owens’ latest book @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ypkoS0gGn8 © 2011 Robert R. Owens dr.owens@comcast.net  Follow Dr. Robert Owens on Facebook.

Rebels Take Libyan City

According to scattered reports from Libyan exiles, protesters have taken control of one of Libya’s cities. The sources say that the city of Bayda has been seized after  police joined the demonstrators.

“Al Bayda is in the hands of the people,” Giumma el-Omami of the Libyan Human Rights Solidarity group told Reuters in Geneva.

“The city is out of the control of the (Muammar) Gaddafi regime,” said Fathi al-Warfali of the Libyan Committee for Truth and Justice.

Reuters is quick to report that this cannot be independently verified. The UK’s Daily Telegraph has a quick blurb from an opposition force stating that the government is attempting to retake the city and that pro-Kadafy militias are massing on its outskirts.

Cross-posted at World Threats

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The Badger 14 are Lost

H/T The Badger 14
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Ugandan President to Release Rap Album

Which world leader has the dopest rhymes?  Well, if I knew what that meant, I might be able to tell you.  Either way, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni will likely put his hat in the ring.

Acknowledging a rap single that became a "smash hit" in Uganda, President Museveni has stated that after upcoming elections in the country that he may release an entire album of his raps.  "I was very happy with the reaction of the youth because that means they are very thirsty for the music of their ancestors," the 67-year-old Museveni stated in a news conference on Friday.

Pundit Press has more odd news

President Museveni, nicknamed "M7"

"[A]fter the election you may get quite a big album of the classics," he continued.

Yahoo has more:

The leader, nicknamed "M7", performed two children's folk chants from his birthplace in Western Uganda at several election rallies over the last few months -- "Naatema akati" (I cut a stick) and "Mp'enkoni" (Give me the stick). 

Record producers then mixed the performances with hip-hop beats and audio of Museveni talking to the crowd about a genre of music that he said was new to him. 

"Today these young people taught me about this 'rap'. I was not following what they were saying. Well, I can even give you some rap myself," he says, before launching into a rhythmic rendition of the chants in his distinctive gravelly voice.

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Patriot: Bill O'Reilly.

Earlier tonight, Bill O'Reilly released a refreshingly pro-responsibility, anti-political correctness article on Michael Bloomberg's tasteless remark about drunkenness and the Irish on St. Patrick's Day in New York City.

The piece was only 463 words long, which is longer than my usual columns, but the meaning was far more significant than most would think. O'Reilly didn't just set the record straight that Mayor Bloomberg is not anti-Irish, just anti-humor, but he also advocated for something that few dare to do in the 21st century.

My advice to my Irish brothers and sisters has always been this: It is a great day for the Irish. Don't sully it by drinking like a camel.

I couldn't agree more.

Irish-Americans fought decades for equality in this nation, and we have become a proud people in this great land of opportunity. However, the only one we have to blame for the public stereotype that all Irishmen are drunkards - is ourselves.

I do hope that Mr.O'Reilly's article will awaken the Irish community.

A Modest Proposal

MacIver Institute has the details.


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The Rape and Sexual Molestation of Lara Logan Video

I have only been active at this blog for a short time, but from time to time I will check the site meter to see how who is reading what and how they are reaching the site. Recently, Aurelius, posted a brief commentary regarding his hope that video of the assault of Lara Logan never be produced. I am in agreement with his assessment.

Since this post we have seen a fairly significant increase in traffic from people searching for video of the rape of Lara Logan. The search terms used will not be referenced, but you can use your imagination, which will not suffice to reach the debauchery of those searching!

Whoever you are, you should be profoundly ashamed! What would your mother think?

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Repeated Calls for Civility Falls on Deaf Ears

Civility? Screw civility! All those things we heard about the TEA Party is seen in this lefty conglomeration, but media is unexpectedly silent on the hyper-inflated rhetoric witnessed in Madison.

As I recall, shortly after the attempted assassination of Gabriel Giffords, Sarah Palin was immediately blamed. Well.....humor me as I try to connect these dots. Unions spent more than $40 billion electing Barack Obama to the Presidency. Today, President Obama steps out to voice strong support for the Wisconsin Public Employees Union.

Organizing for America, a functional remnant of Obama's 2008 campaign steps up to play an active role in organizing protests against Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker. The protests go on to reveal thuggish tactics, bussing in protesters (astroturfing), and Hitler comparisons. Furthermore, they use students as political pawns, block entrance to state buildings and litter. There I said it, littering. Obviously, Obama is responsible for any untoward actions that may take place. I would expect a President to be presidential, but suspect that our President is feeling quite at home getting his havds back into the community organizing business.

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Wisconsin Senators in Illinois Meeting with TEA Party Patriots

Thankfully Illinois TEA party groups are mobilizing to catch up with Wisconsin Senators. Big Government has the video and it is worth watching. I am not entirely sure of the identity of the first fellow in the video, but he carries a resemblance to Jim Holperin. I believe the second senator is Robert Jauch, but am unsure. If anyone can clarify this I would be appreciative.

The excuses for abdicating ones sworn duty are slowly starting to come out. First listen to Senator Jon Erpenbach(sorry, trouble embedding video) as he tries to explain himself and the actions of his caucus. Then see the video of the two runaways caught AWOL. I swear I have heard these arguments made before, but for the life of me can't seem to recall where. Oh, wait, now I remember. This is TEA Party rhetoric that has been made over the last two years, only we didn't run away from a fight.




H/T Big Government

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Interview with the Humble Libertarian

Pundit Press is proud to present its 25th interview in our ongoing series. Today we're interviewing Wes from the Humble Libertarian. As our readers know, most of us here are not libertarians but we do like to hear opinions from all over the blogosphere. We suggest checking out their site, which has been featured on many prominent sites around the net.

1. When and why did you start the Humble Libertarian?

I started The Humble Libertarian with a friend of mine as a junior in college in the Fall of 2008 in order to advocate for libertarian ideas. 

2. What is the best part about running your site?

I just love to write. It's an added bonus to have an audience of readers who love to hear what I have to say.
 

3. Who would you support (if anyone) if Ron Paul or Gary Johnson are not the GOP nominees?

I'd probably focus my electoral activism on one or two important U.S. House or Senate races. I'm not very impressed with the rest of the field of candidates. I could maybe, maybe do some serious soul searching about supporting Chris Christie, but his wiretapping in the Bush Administration is a pretty egregious violation of law and liberty in my book.
 

4. Has President Obama been better or worse than you expected?

I was definitely not fooled by his act like all the people who voted for him, so I fully expected it to be this bad. I'd probably have to say about the same.

5. What is the most under-reported story of the last five years?

The explosion of Christianity in the southern and eastern hemispheres. Also the explosion of wealth, productivity, and standards of living in those same parts of the world. I don't think your average American is fully aware how radically the rest of the world is changing.
 

6. Anything else you'd like to add?

" Nobody can give you freedom. Nobody can give you equality or justice or anything. If you're a man, you take it." -Malcolm X

http://www.humblelibertarian.com/

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Wisconsin Senate Democrats Run Away From Their Responsibility

With a vote pending in Madison Wisconsin taking on the entrenched interests of the teachers union Wisconsin Senate Democrats run away. They have been found though. All 14 of them, holed up in a hotel in Rockford Ill.

Channel 3000 reports from Madison~

No Democrats were present at the start of the state Senate session shortly after 11 a.m. to vote on a bill stripping public employees of collective bargaining rights. The Democratic members are currently out of state, WISC-TV reported.

The absent lawmakers have been found in a Rockford, Ill., hotel on Thursday, according to a Rockford TV station. WTVO-TV has interviewed some of the legislators.

The Senate's Republican majority sought to convene on Thursday to pass Gov. Scott Walker's union bill. The Democrats' move out of state means the Senate can't act at this point.

Now, police officers are looking for the lawmakers who were ordered to attend a vote. Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald said law enforcement officers were searching for them.

Earlier Thursday, state Sen. Jon Erpenbach said the group of 14 Democratic lawmakers are boycotting the vote. They said they want to force negotiations over the Republican-backed bill. Erpenbach told The Associated Press that he and his colleagues had left Wisconsin, but he wouldn't say where.

He said the plan is to slow down the bill because it's "tearing the state apart."

"We're not in Wisconsin. We decided this morning in a caucus and all 14 of us were unanimous in the decision, that in order to really focus down, this was the only option we had," Erpenbach said.

Senate Republicans can't vote on the bill unless at least one Democrat is present. Police could be dispatched to retrieve them, but it was unclear if they would have the authority to cross state lines.

Walker issued a press release on Thursday afternoon calling on the missing lawmakers to return.

Run away, the killer bunny has returned!



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