Friday, September 28, 2012

RANDOM SHOTS - Obama Finds Out Al Qaeda Not Dead, Guns Sales Explode As Election Nears, Obama Wants Federal Holiday For Prophet Mohammed, and More!


FIRST SHOT!

Obama Finds Out Al Qaeda Not Dead! 

Republican lawmakers are saying, "We have not been told the truth about Libya."

Obama and Biden are finding out that the terrorist must have been watching them celebrate their demise at the Democrat Convention. And now, well now their message for Obama and America is that they ain't dead yet.

Yesterday Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the deadly consulate attack in Libya involved the Al Qaeda affiliate in North Africa, going further than any other Obama administration official in acknowledging the assault was the work of hardened terrorists.
It wasn't the first time Clinton had referred to the attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, as a terrorist attack. But her reference to the group Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb was notable, especially as President Obama still has yet to publicly refer to the attack as terrorism.

Republicans have pounced on the administration's shifting explanation for the latest Sept. 11 attack, which left U.S. Ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other Americans dead.

The Obama administration initially described it as "spontaneous" violence, certain that it was related to protests against an anti-Islam film produced in the U.S., but the administration has had to eat crow while acknowledging that the attack was in fact an act of terror.

It was nice to hear that the White House said Obama, too,considers the deadly assault an act of terror.

The White House acknowledgement came after Republican Mitt Romney accused Obama of failing to "level with the American people" about the nature of the attack.

Obama has declined several chances to call the incident a terrorist attack. He said last week that extremists used an anti-Islam video as an excuse to assault U.S. interests, and in an interview this week on ABC's "The View," he would only say that it clearly "wasn't just a mob action."

For some very odd reason, Barack Obama keeps making excuses for the Muslim terrorists who killed 4 Americans. Even at the UN, Obama still focused his speech on a little known cheaply put together YouTube video - blaming it for the violence in the Muslim world.

On Capitol Hill, eight Republicans who head House committees sent a letter to Obama saying they were disturbed by statements from administration officials suggesting that the attack was a protest gone wrong rather than a terrorist attack.

They said they would be willing to return to Washington from Congress' nearly two-month recess if the administration scheduled another briefing on Libya.

No word if that is going to happen, Obama has other more important priorities as a Campaigner for re-election.  Obama's actions have signified by his actions that he does not find national security or the economy important enough to stop attending fund raisers.


Late Edit:

No threat assessment in Benghazi consulate prior to Ambassador's arrival, source says


Today, September 28, 2012

So Republicans are challenging the Obama administration description of the Libyan consulate attack, but that is expected as they look into what really did in fact take place.

But now there is bigger news, an intelligence source on the ground in Libya told Fox News today that no threat assessment was conducted before U.S. Ambassador Chris Stevens and his team began "taking up residence" at the Benghazi compound - describing the security lapses as a "total failure."

This is incredible on the face of it. This means the Obama administration felt that terrorism in the region is not a concern and susequently decided to hang our people out there like lambs to a slaughter.

This claim comes more than two weeks after Stevens and three other Americans were killed in what is now being described officially as a terror attack possibly tied to Al Qaeda.

But it doesn't stop with there!

The source told Fox News that there were no real security equipment installed in the villas on the compound except for a few video cameras.

On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the worst, the intelligence source said the security lapses were a 10 - a "total failure" because Benghazi was known to be a major area for extremist activity.

Fact is that there had been four attacks or attempted attacks on diplomatic and western targets leading up to the Sept. 11 strike on the U.S. Consulate.

Based on that information, a former regional security officer for diplomatic security told Fox News, the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi had to have been classified or assessed by the State Department as a "critical threat terrorism or civil unrest posting."

State Department standards for diplomatic missions overseas dictate physical security standards for this classification.

There are two sets - classified and unclassified requirements. The unclassified standards include a 100-foot setback for the buildings from the exterior walls which should be three meters high, in addition to reinforced ballistic doors and windows which can withstand an hour of sustained assault.

None were present to protect our people! Looking at the video and photos, anyone can see that none of those security measures were in place at the consulate.

The former regional security officer, who has worked in the Middle East, told Fox News that the standards are designed to give an ambassador, his or her team and diplomatic security that "golden hour" to burn classified dockets and call in military help for an emergency evacuation.

They had zero time!

The mounting questions regarding security at the compound prompted all members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Thursday to write to the State Department asking for additional details about security at U.S. diplomatic posts and for a fuller explanation of the attacks on U.S. compounds in Libya, Egypt and Yemen.

Lawmakers have raised concern about the administration's changing story.

First the Obama White House described the attack as a "spontaneous" assault triggered by protests in Cairo over some goofy an anti-Islam film - which now we're finding out was the start of a cover-up for their dropping the ball.

Then the Obama administration later described the attack as terrorism after being outed. 

And now, now we're finding out that besides nothing being done to prepare for any sort of attack on the anniversary of 9/11, other breaches of security took place.

Among them, we are finding out that the idiots in the White House have taken the terror threat so lightly that they ignored intelligence officials who knew that a terror attack within 24 hours.  And now, now we find out that neither a basic foundamental security assessment of the situation was not done - along with having absolutely no physical security measures in place to protect our people there.

That, my friends, means that the Obama people literally stake them out like lambs for the slaughter. And yes, now I truly see why Stevens own journal says that he was concerned about being killed there.

But hey, don't expect to find any information about any of what one Republican lawmaker is calling "Benghazi-gate" in the liberal media. The media is running cover for Obama by not reporting any of this.

Fact is that both the public and Congress were lied to. It was a cover-up at the highest levels of our government. It was started for self-serving political reasons, and this needs to be investigated. 


SECOND SHOT!

Gun Sales Soar As Election Nears!

Sales of handguns and ammunition are booming across the country, and retailers say it’s all about the November election.

Gun shop owners around the nation says sales have been good ever since President Obama was elected, but they have exploded in recent months.

Manufacturers are having so much trouble keeping up with the demand that one, Sturm, Ruger & Co., can’t keep up with demand. The Southport, Conn.-based company has had to suspend new orders after taking orders for more than 1 Million guns in the first three months of the year. Smith & Wesson sales are way up as well.

Back in March of this years, Mike Weeks, owner of Georgia Gun Store in Gainesville told Fox News, "Sales usually increase this time of year with tax returns, but this year has been higher than most. People are scared their gun rights are going to be curtailed after the election."

Weeks said his sales were up around 30% in March.

It's All About Fear and Obama!

Industry experts and gun shop owners alike say the factor driving gun sales is the Nov. 6 election. There was a similar spike before President Obama was elected to his first term, and many gun buyers are saying they fear Obama’s re-election could mean more regulations on firearms.

Obama famously told fundraisers in 2008 that many Americans “cling to guns or religion,” and gun owners believe he does not respect the Second Amendment.

A lot of people are worried that their votes won't count and that Obama will be elected to a second term. Many feel that that is when Obama will wage a war on their gun rights. And yes, they are stocking up.

Where usually people would buy three or four boxes for target practice, these days they are buying by the case.

One reason for the spike in sales is that they’re also worried that the economy is not getting any better and that they need to protect themselves.

In 2009, gun sales had shot up after Obama took office and firearm enthusiasts rushed to stores, fearing he would tighten gun control. Sales have continued to grow throughout his administration.

This year’s uptick comes on top of a record 2011, when nearly 11 million firearms were sold in the U.S., according to the National Shooting Sports Foundation, a trade association for the firearms, ammunition, hunting and shooting sports industry.

The group notes the $4 Billion firearms business has bucked the weak economy, with robust sales since 2008.

One of the best indicators of firearms sales is the FBI's National Instant Background Check System, which federally licensed firearm retailers use to conduct the mandatory background check on purchasers of new and used firearms.

Statistics through December showed an unprecedented 19th straight month of background check increases when tabulated year over year. "Black Friday," Nov. 25, 2011, saw a record for the most background checks in a single day --129,166.

Another strong indicator comes from Wall Street. In March, Smith& Wesson shares are up a whopping 125 percent over the past year, while Sturm, Ruger’s are up about 112 percent. Even Taser, which makes non-lethal weapons, has seen its sales surge.

In April, shares of firearms maker Smith & Wesson Holding Corp. hit a new 52-week high.

Sales of tactical rifles have been extremely strong, as well as personal defense handguns which have had a steady rise since 2008. The kind of stuff that fits in the waistband for when someone tries to rob you.

My fear is that the Obama administration will try to tamper with the Second Amendment during his next term. And yes, like others, I am buying guns and ammo just in case he does.

THIRD SHOT!

Red States' Income Growing Faster Than Blue States'

An article in the USA TODAY reported that income is growing much faster in Republican-leaning "red states" than in Democratic-tilting "blue states" or the pivotal swing states that will decide the 2012 presidential election.

Personal income in 23 red states has risen 4.6% since the recession began in December 2007, after adjusting for inflation.

Income is up just 0.5% in 15 blue states and Washington, D.C., during that time.

In the dozen swing states identified by USA TODAY that could vote either way Nov. 6, income has inched ahead 1.4% in 4 ½ years.

The big drivers of red state income growth: energy and government benefit payments such as food stamps.

By contrast, Democrat blue states such Connecticut, dependent on the financial industry, suffered the largest income drop except swing-state Nevada. Yet Connecticut residents still make $10,000 a year more on average than people in fast-growing North Dakota.

When averaged nationally, the robust gains in red states and meager gains in blue states produced a national growth rate remarkably similar to that in the swing states.

USA TODAY analyzed income data released this week by the Bureau of Economic Analysis to compare how red, blue and swing states have fared through June 30.

The difference in income gains is partly because blue states are richer and more populated than red states — 42% of the nation's income vs. 30% in red states. Also, the economic recovery since the recession officially ended in June 2009 has been distributed unequally around the country.

North Dakota, a red state, tops the nation in income growth thanks to an oil boom. Other major energy states — Alaska, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas — are solidly Republican, polls show. Poor, southern red states depend heavily on government transfers for income and benefited from increases in Medicaid and other federal programs.

The 12 swing states are diverse, but combined, they are remarkably average. Annual income per person is closer to the U.S. average than that in red or blue states. Last year, income rose 1.5% in swing states and 1.6% in the USA. Since Obama took office, income growth is up 1.9% in swing states and 2.0% in the USA.

Michael Ettinger of the liberal Center for American Progress, says, "Polls show more people blame former president Bush for a recovery that hasn't been satisfying and Mitt Romney is very Bush-esque."

Jonathan Williams at the conservative American Legislative Exchange Council says income growth in red states shows that low taxes and business-friendly regulation produce economic growth.

Columbia University statistician Andrew Gelman, author of Red State, Blue State, Rich State, Poor State, says local conditions matter less than people think. "People vote based on what they think is good for the country, not what's good for themselves."

Key swing state findings:

•Declines. Four of the 10 slowest growing are swing states: New Hampshire, Michigan, Florida and Nevada. The Silver State's income plunge is in a class of its own, down 10.8% because of its real estate collapse.

•Gains. Eight of the top 10 states in income growth lean Republican.

•Working. Compensation has fallen 2.1% in swing states and 1.8% in blue states since December 2007. It's up 1.7% in red states. Keeping income afloat everywhere: a 25% increase in government payments nationwide.


FOURTH SHOT!

Obama Wants A Gun Buy Back Program From Mexican Drug Cartels

I've received word that supposedly the Obama administration is working to do a Gun Buy Back Program with the Mexican Drug Cartels.

The Cartels were the recipients of over 2,000 assault weapons when Eric Holder and others in the Justice Department allowed those 2,000 guns to be smuggled into Mexico.

The guns have been used in hundreds of murders, including the murder of a U.S. Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry. Of the Obama administration people involved in the gun smuggling, none have been prosecuted for these deaths.

Now Obama wants to end the investigation into the gun running DOJ operation known as Fast & Furious by buying back the guns from the murderers who have been using them. The idea being floated is that if he gets the guns back, than nothing more can be said or done about the matter.

The Cartels have already been contacted and want $1.2 Billion from the United States to buy back the guns.

The funds are said to be authorized under the ObamaCare as a health risk. It appears that funds allocated for health services can be used for Gun Buy Back Programs.

I have not been able to verify this, but I wouldn't but it pass this administration.

FIFTH SHOT!

Obama Supports Effort To Make The Prophet Mohammad’s Birthday A Federal Holiday

An American Muslim Imam in New York has been campaigning to make April 26, the birthday of the Prophet Mohammad, a national holiday.

Now Obama is said to be on board with the idea.

Supposedly, the reason Obama is supporting this legalization of Mohammad's Birthday is to once and for all demonstrate to Muslims in the Middle-East that he sympathizes with them and that America is not a Christian Country.

It is being bantered about that Obama will finally come out of the closet and admit to being a practicing Muslim. Something he supposedly did not want to admit to until well after he is elected to a second term.

Mohd Qayyoom, head of the Muhammadi Community Center, at 37-46 72nd St., said he believes having a national celebration for the prophet’s birthday would enable the growing Muslim population in America to have an annual celebration and would foster a spirit of cooperation with those of other faiths.

“We’ll give the message of peace, we’ll give the message of interfaith harmony,” Qayyoom said.

Since the Islamic calendar is lunar, Muslim holidays are never held at the same time in the Gregorian calendar, which is solar-based. Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting, can be held in the summer one year but take place in the winter years later.

When the Prophet Mohammad’s birthday should be celebrated in the Islamic calendar differs depending on the denomination. Sunni Muslims observe the holiday on the 12th of the Islamic month Rabi’ al-awwal, while Shi’ites observe it on the 17th.

Unlike many Muslims, one of Qayyoom’s primary focus has been fighting and speaking out against terrorism.

He said if Muslims have a holiday when they can hold parades and games every year and their non-Muslim neighbors can celebrate, it can bring an understanding between the peoples.

“Prophet Muhammad said, ‘I am not the prophet of only Muslims. I am the prophet of all human beings,’” he said.

Since the historical birthday of Mohammad is April 26, 570. Qayyoom said holding a national celebration on that day will allow American Muslims to celebrate at the same time every year.

"We want one day, an annual holiday like Christmas,” he said.

President Obama is said to be in favor of enacting that date as a federal holiday and may do so by Executive Order after being re-elected.

We can only wait and see if it happens.

SIXTH SHOT!

According to New Book: Taxpayers Spent $1.4 Billion On Obama Family Last Year

Taxpayers spent $1.4 billion dollars on everything from staffing, housing, flying and entertaining President Obama and his family last year, that's according to a new book on taxpayer-funded presidential perks.

In comparison, British taxpayers spent just $57.8 million on the royal family.

Author Robert Keith Gray writes in “Presidential Perks Gone Royal” that Obama isn’t the only president to have taken advantage of the expensive trappings of his office. But the amount of money spent on the first family, he argues, has risen tremendously under the Obama administration and needs to be reined in.

Gray told The Daily Caller that the $1.4 billion spent on the Obama family last year is the “total cost of the presidency,” factoring the cost of the “biggest staff in history at the highest wages ever,” a 50 percent increase in the numbers of appointed czars and an Air Force One “running with the frequency of a scheduled air line.”

“The most concerning thing, I think, is the use of taxpayer funds to actually abet his re-election,” Gray, who worked in the Eisenhower administration and for other Republican presidents, said in an interview with TheDC on Wednesday.

“The press has been so slow in picking up on this extraordinary increase in the president’s expenses,” Gray told TheDC.

Specifically, Gray said taxpayer dollars are subsidizing Obama’s re-election effort when he uses Air Force One to jet across the country campaigning.

When the trip is deemed political, it’s customary for the president to pay the equivalent of a first class commercial ticket for certain passengers. But Gray says that hardly covers the taxpayer cost of flying the president and his staffers around on Air Force One.

“When the United States’ billion-dollar air armada is being used politically, is it fair to taxpayers that we only be reimbursed by the president’s campaign committee for the value of one first-class commercial ticket for each passenger who is deemed aboard ‘for political purposes?’” Gray asks in the book.

“And is that bargain-price advantage fair to those opposing an incumbent president?”

In his book, Gray admits Americans want their president to be safe and comfortable but argues the system should be reformed to stop the amount of unquestioned perks given to the president.

“There is no mechanism for anyone’s objection if a president were to pay his chief of staff $5,000,000 a year,” he told TheDC. “And nothing but a president’s conscience can dissuade him from buying his own reelection with use of some public money.”

Aside from a salary, the president gets a $50,000 a year expense account, a $100,000 travel account, $19,000 entertainment budget and an additional million for “unanticipated needs,” he notes.

Here is a sample of other pricey taxpayer funded perks exclusively reserved for the President of the United States.

The president can to appoint high-paid staffers without Senate confirmation: Obama has 469 senior staffers and 226 are paid more than $100,000 a year, according to the book. Seventy-seven are paid as much as $172,000 per year. He also has appointed 43 “czars.”

The president can vacation for free at Camp David: Gray writes that each round trip made to Camp David costs the taxpayers $25,350. It’s also estimated that the combined transportation and personnel costs for a Camp David visit are $295,000 per night.

The president has a full-time movie projectionist in the White House theater: Projectionists sleep at the White House and are there 24 hours a day in case anyone needs to see a movie. “Compared to the 450 times President Carter used the movie theater in his four years in the White House, the average American citizen, according to industry statistics, goes out to see a movie slightly less than five times a year,” Gray writes.

The president’s family’s gets certain travel and security expenses paid while vacationing: “First Lady Michelle Obama drew flack from the media and irate citizens when it was disclosed that, not counting Saturdays and Sundays, she spent 42 days on vacation — within the span of one year.”

The president’s dog gets its own high-paid staffer: “Bo made the news when he and his handler were flown to join the president on vacation in Maine,” Gray wrote about the Obama family dog. “It has been reported that the first family’s dog handler was paid $102,000, last year.”

Is it no wonder that Obama wants to keep his day job while he works with Letterman at night.

Story by Tom Correa

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