THE CLINTONS DID WHAT?!?!

Mrs. Obama's backyard White House garden is tainted with.. uh.. "stuff" dating back to the Clintons. Ewww http://buzz.yahoo.com/buzzlog/92869?fp=1

WHAT THEY REALLY WANT

Barney Frank reveals what's really up with the healthcare "reform" push. All the more reason to sign our petition for the RIGHT plan: www.freeourhealthcarenow.com

FLU SCARES

Maybe bureaucrats will crank up flu fears to make us beg for Obamacare: http://edition.cnn.com/2009/US/07/28/military.swine.flu/

THE REAL STORY

As he did at the AARP tele-event (see the whole thing here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1wttp6VCqU), the President makes national health care sound so nice and easy... and free. Here's the latest House version, all 1,000+ pages... get the real scoop: http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=111_cong_bills&docid=f:h3200ih.pdf

WHIPLASH

So what's it supposed to be? New home sales info was surprisingly positive yesterday, yet today we hear consumer confidence is down: http://www.azcentral.com/business/articles/2009/07/28/20090728biz-confidenceindex0728.html

HOME SALES UP

New home sales... biggest increase in years: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/07/27/new-home-sales-rose-percent-june/?test=latestnews Of course the median prices are down, but at least it's a little more good news overall. Big concern: Are banks sitting on loads more inventory of foreclosed homes not yet in the system?

WHAT STIMULUS?

Find out exactly where the money's supposed to be going in San Diego County:
http://interactives.signonsandiego.com/sdcounty/sdstimulus/index/

SHE DOES IT BETTER...

...than Katie Couric and most mainstream media. In this week's Gnooze update, Marta talks space, explains healthcare, channels Obama, goes after Hillary and more!

LOVE IT

Whether you love her... or not... gotta appreciate what she said today: “Let us continue to love our country, be proud of our country, never apologize for our country.”

CHECK THE ATTITUDE

His expression says it all about White House arrogance. Check this piece on Obama's defense of his comments about the cops:http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=8153681&page=1

GOING TOO FAR?

Even some Dems are concerned that Sen. Barbara Boxer is too harsh for the cause of Cap & Trade (aka "tax"): http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0709/25309.html

HE SEES ALL

The all-knowing Leader of the Free World hasn't had time to read variations of the health care bill, knowing when life begins is above his pay grade, etc. etc... but now he can fully know the police in Cambridge acted "stupidly": http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-obama-gates23-2009jul23,0,1646595.story
His God-like abilities are amazing! Need any more evidence that the President and his team are reliving the 1960s visions of anti-cop, anti-business, anti-capitalism?

SCARE TACTICS

President Obama loves to say the "other side" will use scare tactics to frighten "folks". (BTW: He calls Americans AND terrorists "folks". That also bothers me.) In tonight's new conference, The One is using LOTS of fresh scare tactics to make people think only He has the answers to all problems... do it his way or else. How on earth did this nation end up with this guy in charge? Yeah, I know.. $700 million in advertising can move any product.

One of the most telling lines of the night: When the Prez said "Of course I think my plan is the best". That's the problem. He's used to always getting his way, always "right", always the "smartest person in the room". Lord help us.

In the meantime:LOTS of California cities are going to sue the state government if necessary:
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/07/more-than-180-california-cities-vow-to-sue-state-if-budget-is-passed.html
Good times!

DR. OBAMA CALLING

The nation's healthcare system is in need of reform, but not the way the President thinks. It's encouraging that even some members of his own party are concerned about the inefficiency and costs of a government takeover. Then there's the tax dollars promoting abortion: www.nrlc.org

What can you do to stop it all? For starters, learn about what reforms are needed, and sign the petition here: http://www.freeourhealthcarenow.com/

THEY'RE SMILING

And that always makes me nervous. California leaders have agreed on a budget "fix", with $15 billion in cuts (to offset a 26 billion+ sea of red ink). Probably not enough, but the Governator says no new taxes and fees are included. Here are some items NOT touched: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-budgetrejects21-2009jul21,0,3188419.story As Reagan said, we should "Trust but verify".

(Pictured with the Gov, Assembly speaker Karen bass (center) with an unidentified "hug-ee" from an earlier event in Sacto.)

NEIL ARMSTRONG SPEAKS

While he makes very few public appearances, the First Man on the Moon occasionally makes unadvertised visits to special events. One such engagement was last December at the San Diego Air & Space Museum. The program highlighted the Apollo 8 crew on their 40th anniversary. I had the honor of MC'ing and introducing Mr. Armstrong at the event, which was attended by numerous NASA celebrities and astronauts. Watch the video and you'll understand the quiet power of this American hero...and you'll be proud to be an American.

A GIANT LEAP

40 years ago today the Apollo 11 landing inspired millions around the world. Here's more of the history-making coverage on CBS with Cronkite and "Original 7" astronaut Wally Schirra.

TALIBAN=TERRORISTS

Despite the President's careful attempts to pronounce "Taliban" very precisely and to avoid use of words like "terror" and "terrorists", the bad guys are still, well, evil. Today they released video of the American soldier they've been holding for the past couple of weeks. The good news is: He's alive. Our prayers go out to him and his loved ones.

AND THAT'S THE WAY IT WAS

Walter Cronkite nearly made it to Monday's 40th anniversary of the first moon landing. He passed away today at age 92. There was no other newscaster like him, and some of my favorite memories of him involve the space race - specifically the Apollo 11 mission. In this video from CBS he anchors the history-making live Apollo coverage with my friend Wally Schirra, one of the Original 7 astronauts. Wally was the only man to fly Mercury, Gemini and Apollo, including the first manned flight of Apollo (7). Sadly, we lost Wally two years ago. He was a dear friend of mine, and Cronkite's passing seems to seal that era, at least in broadcast coverage. They remained close friends through later life, despite occasional good-natured political differences. America was richer for both of them. One of my most cherished books is one signed by both men, a transcript of their network coverage on July 20, 1969. I had found a copy of the book from a small publishing house, buying one for Wally and one for myself. Wally got Cronkite to inscribe it, "To Mark, from the other Wally"... Wally signed it "To Mark, from the other Walter." Love it.

APOLLO 11 REMEMBERED

Relive the mission, 40 years ago, in real-time updates and audio here: http://www.wechoosethemoon.org/

ROBERT BORK'S AMERICA?

Despite Ted Kennedy's absurd scare tactics about Judge Robert Bork's nomination to the Supreme Court, life goes on and the truth is revealed. As Sen. Kennedy hopes the nation doesn't remember that, in addition to the Apollo 11 anniversary, this weekend also marks four decades since Chappaquiddick. To this day, he must thank heaven that Apollo pushed his driving-and-Mary Jo-problem out of the news.

On Monday's KCBQ radio show (7-9AM Pacific on 1170AM and www.kcbq.com) we'll remember it all. Guests include astronaut Charlie Duke, the man heard communicating (from Mission Control) with Neil and Buzz on that first moon landing, July 20, 1969. And we'll talk with Tracy Caldwell, a new astronaut now in training to spend six months on the International Space Station in 2010. And yes, Judge Robert Bork will be with us to assess the state of the US Supreme Court, with Sotomayor, and much more. The Judge's new book ("A Time to Speak") demonstrates why he should have been confirmed to the highest court, were it not for Teddy's incendiary rhetoric.

THE BAD GUYS ARE STILL OUT THERE

Despite the White House view that we won't call terrorism by its name, terror still happens, and the evildoers are still busy, including today in Jakarta: http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D99G7JI83&show_article=1 Gee, I thought the bad guys were going to stop all of this, once Bush/Cheney took a hike.

THAR SHE BLOWS!

Barbara "Just call me Senator" Boxer reveals her inner racist today when getting an earful from Harry Alford, President of the National Black Chamber of Commerce. Memo to all who have considering running against Babs here in the Golden IOU State: She's now much more vulnerable, especially when adding this to moments like her dressing down the Brig. General a few weeks ago.

JOE BIDEN ALERT!

Not only is it Christmas in July with Boxer, but Biden's shooting from the lip:

http://cnsnews.com/public/content/article.aspx?RsrcID=51162

DO AS THEY SAY, NOT AS THEY DO

The US Government told businesses receiving bailout bucks they can't do expensive conference/retreats. But apparently that doesn't apply to Uncle Sam. The Social Security Administration spent $700,000 last week on a fabulous gathering (with dancers!) in Arizona:
http://www.abc15.com/content/news/investigators/story/Congress-demands-answers-after-700-000-Arizona/QquF2A8bO0yZAOhtte5i6A.cspx

THEY'RE SMOKING SOMETHING

In Sacramento, legislators can't resist the temptation of legalizing pot so they can tax it:
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D99F5CG80&show_article=1

NATIONAL HEALTH CARE IS THIS EASY

Or not. Here's a chart showing how Obamacare could "work": http://gopleader.gov/UploadedFiles/House-Democrats-Health-Plan.pdf

EVEN THE TOTUS WANTS OUT

The "Teleprompter Of The United States" decides to do itself in during Obama remarks.

JUST CALL HER "SENATOR"

Barbara Boxer goes nuttier about climate change, this time claiming we'll see "droughts, floods, fires, loss of species, damage to agriculture, worsening air pollution and more" (so noted in this article):

http://news.yahoo.com/s/mcclatchy/20090711/sc_mcclatchy/3269899

ALSO ON CAPITOL HILL TODAY: The posturing begins in the Sotomayor hearings. Republicans could just smile and say "hello" and get branded as "on the attack", and worse.

AL GORE ALERT

Now he says the climate bill (aka "Cap & Trade/tax") will help bring about "global governance". Say what? That on top of Russia's weekend suggestion that we move to a "world currency". Egad.

HERE WE GO

Getting ready for the week ahead: Hearings begin tomorrow (complete with new Senator Al Franken, too) regarding the Sotomayor appointment to the US Supreme Court. Watch what happens very closely, as the media temptation will be to brand anything Republicans say as cranky, obstructionist or just plan "racist". The GOP needs to stick to the issues and ask the right questions, without grand-standing. Allow the American people to hear her reveal what she really believes. Still, barring some unexpected craziness, Sonia Sotomayor will be confirmed, guaranteeing left-of-center influence on the court for decades. BTW: So much of the commentary in favor of Judge Sotomayor involves "her story". Sure, it's quite moving. But Justices aren't there because of their life story or any examples of feelings and "empathy" The job is about reinforcing... not imagining... what the US Constitution says.

In the meantime, despite assertions to the contrary, the nation's Attorney General Eric Holder now may go after some former Bush administration officials for war "crimes". Here's some of what's revealed in a new Newsweek article:

Holder, 58, may be on the verge of asserting his independence in a profound way. Four knowledgeable sources tell NEWSWEEK that he is now leaning toward appointing a prosecutor to investigate the Bush administration's brutal interrogation practices, something the president has been reluctant to do. While no final decision has been made, an announcement could come in a matter of weeks, say these sources, who decline to be identified discussing a sensitive law-enforcement matter. Such a decision would roil the country, would likely plunge Washington into a new round of partisan warfare, and could even imperil Obama's domestic priorities, including health care and energy reform. Holder knows all this, and he has been wrestling with the question for months. "I hope that whatever decision I make would not have a negative impact on the president's agenda," he says. "But that can't be a part of my decision."

Could part of this new twist be a distraction from the fact that the stimulus plan isn't working? Or that America's aren't fully buying the Cap & Trade/Tax and health care pushes? Or have MoveOn.org et al been working overtime to push their agendas forward?

In other news breaking today, the CIA claims VP Cheney withheld info from some members of Congress about key issues. Let's think this through: Do members of Congress know how to keep their mouths shut? Example: Sen. Diane Feinstein blabbing about the CIA flying Predators out of Pakistan. That went over well. Not.

We'll talk more about all of this with Rowan Scarborough, author of SABOTAGE: America's Enemies Within the CIA, tomorrow morning on KCBQ 1170AM (7-9AM Pacific) and http://www.kcbq.com/

SPEAKING OF NEWS: Read the interview with Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in today's New York Times magazine. Sure sounds like some of her views on abortion are right up with Margaret Sanger's (rationalizing that society could be better of off since abortion eliminates some less-desirable members of society through the process). Let's face it: Abortion has caused a huge American genocide, starting with the African-American community. There should be outrage over what's happened there, and agreement on right and left, that it's intolerable. Let's hear more people talk about this issue in upcoming debates.

This also highlights why the hearings over Sonia Sotomayor are so important. No matter who it's framed, Court appointment battles all swirtl around the baby: So much of it is about Roe v. Wade. Read the Ginsburg article in the Sunday Times Magazine at http://www.nytimes.com/

THE DIPLOMATIC WEEK IN REVIEW

Gnooze's Marta Costello explains it all much better than the network talking heads, especially with her impersonations of Obama and Medvedev.

WHILE WE WERE SLEEPING...

... or just distracted by the celebrity news this week, the world continues to come apart at the seams. President Obama is taking a hands-off role in far too many areas, under the guise of a "let the people decide what they want" approach. That sounds nice but it belies reality. In Honduras, for example: While the world has been immersed in non-stop Michael Jackson coverage, Zalaya, the (for now) ousted leftist buddy of Hugo Chavez, has been fighting to regain power. It hasn't worked so far, but Obama and the UN et al are acting as if Zalaya gained power "from the people" in the first place. No, he broke the rules and was trying to solidify endless authority. The people (aided by the miltary) said no, and world opinion is inaccurately shaped (if people even have this story on their personal radar at all) by continuous disinformation from those who want the left to prevail everywhere. That perception is also aided by the sycophant media. The fact is that Chavez now has deep influence in many countries in our own hemisphere... in other words, at our own doorstep.

The President (ours) seems to want the rest of the world either stay far-left or go there, soon... while the USA plays catch-up. He's also trying to pile on distractions by ramming new spending programs like health care down the nation's throat. In the meantime, the White House is eager to make more huge commitments to stimulus (and Stimulus Part II) spending so that in the near future, America will not be able to afford standing up for liberty around the globe. Such a move allows Obama to claim in the future, "Well, now we can't afford to be the world's 'policeman'". It's the very opposite of what John F. Kennedy proclaimed in his history-making 1961 inaugural speech. Obama knows exactly what he's up to, and it's high time Americans figure it out. Maybe the latest approval numbers in the polls show that's happening, but I'm not so sure. The country's summer nap is on.

This weekend, please take a little time and read some of the fine reporting coming out of publications such as the Financial Times and you'll understand what's really going on. The FT is not consistently conservative, either. Just balanced reporting and analysis and covering in depth the stories that US media consistently ignore. Here's an example: http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/20e77ab8-64fd-11de-a13f-00144feabdc0.html?nclick_check=1

CYBER ATTACK UPDATE

It was another day of repeated attempts by bad guys to hack into vital sources (White House, Pentagon, Wall Street, etc) and more people are oblivious to this news. North Korea could be responsible for all of this, too. But just search You Tube and see how many more users search for stories about Michael Jackson and other less crucial updates. The reality is that North Korea, China, Iran and some terrorist groups would love to cripple the West with successful cyber warfare (or even using an EMP device to knock out all electronic systems). Russia is likely in these nasty games too, having perfected techniques when they shut down the internet in Estonia a few months ago. This is a huge concern that most Americans need to know about, but most likely they won't be interested until their computer or cell phone fails due to these attacks.

G-8 SUMMIT HIGHLIGHTS

World Leaders gather to talk about key issues... and Michael Jackson? You be the judge... check this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTbGR_driaE

NOW IT CAN BE REVEALED

It wasn't just a hunch that the network newscasts went overboard in Michael Jackson coverage. Here are the numbers: http://newsbusters.org/blogs/jeff-poor/2009/07/10/jacko-telethon-primetime-broadcast-network-coverage-devotes-one-third-all

THE COSTS OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION

At least they're discussing the impact in California: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-illegal10-2009jul10,0,3398621.story

WHEN HANGING WITH THE FRENCH...

What were Presidents Obama and Sarkozy inspecting?

Watch a video clip on http://www.newsbusters.org/

Maybe this is all part of Mr. Obama's overall love for the ways of Europe? Or nostaglia for the go-go years of Bill Clinton's administration policies?

HATING SARAH

The left still can't stop their obsession and disdain for Sarah Palin: http://www.slate.com/id/2222523/

NEVER FEAR

While President Obama's away, VP Joe Biden is in control here at home. Now, for your edification (and entertainment), here are some of the #2 guys best moments:

WAS IT NORTH KOREA?

Another story missed during the MJ adoration was a vast cyber attack on US interests... even the White House and Pentagon. Some reports suggest Kim Jong Il's techo geeks may be responsible: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Government-Web-sites-attacked-apf-1342411279.html?x=0&.v=5

FOOD FIGHT

While California's financial situation worsens, bureaucrats are busy fighting over fruits and veggies: http://cbs13.com/local/california.food.fight.2.1076357.html

MICHAEL JACKSON, RIP

OK, now may we move on to other more pressing stories? While the nation continues to wallow in MJ coverage (more than after JFK's assassination), bureaucrats continue finding new ways to tax us until we bleed. Now it's more class warfare in the search to fund government health care: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=a3wUXb42NPX0

WOULDN'T IT BE NICE...

...if national media were this passionate about asking tough questions of President Obama? Here's just one example of the tenacious obsession (and lack of respect) for Gov. Palin and her staffers:

MAN-TO-MAN SUMMIT

The Russian meetings are with Medvedev, but the power behind him is still Putin. Watch what's said vs. what's being done behind the scenes... and what Russia expects the US to give up in exchange for "progress". It's also important to contrast the summit with other events around the world (and Russia's connections) such as Iran and North Korea. Wild card: Honduras.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

May this nation always adhere to the ideals set forth in the Declaration signed 233 years ago today. God bless America!

THIS JUST IN: Watch this funny, pointed "Gnooze" video regarding typical TV MEDIA COVERAGE in the past few days...it'll only get worse next week:

GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS: PALIN

ANNOUNCING HER DECISION TO LEAVE OFFICE: Good for Gov. Palin, choosing to make a major change that could be very beneficial for her family. Bad for media coverage of Michael Jackson's endless saga (ok, that's GOOD for TV viewers who have been OD'ing on MJ). Not so good a move for Palin as the left will now parse every word and go psycho in analysis of every nuance (hey, it drives me crazy how she says "Alaska" too). I hope she's not getting out of public life entirely and want her to make a killing on the speaking circuit. Loved how she made her remarks without the usual political props (cue cards, teleprompters). Bad news, though, if she now intends to leave the public stage.

Bonus: Her new book (co-written by my friend Lynn Vincent) should be even more interesting and popular.

WATCHING NORTH KOREA

They're ready for a missile launch toward Hawaii. And... how will the White House respond?

JULY 4TH UPDATE: At last count, seven missles (Scuds) lobbed from North Korea. This is on top of four launched yesterday. The US State Department's response: It's "not helpful" to relations in the region. No kidding. Well, that's a variation from White House standard blurb of "we're concerned". The burning question: What technology (such as it is) is Kim Jong Il selling... and to whom?

GOV. SCHWARZENEGGER IS RIGHT

This time around, anyway.

Here's his excellent Op/Ed on the budget battles in today's LA Times: http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-schwarzenegger3-2009jul03,0,6857410.story BTW: Conservatives need to thank him and encourage more of this tougher, clearer stance in Sacramento.

THE SPIRIT OF JULY 4th

Something to ponder this Independence Day weekend... as Edmund Burke (1729-1797)said:

"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.

WHAT KIND OF RESPONSE...

...will come from the White House regarding the capture of a US soldier by militants?
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ijSi9m3h-DBGg4Cv6E4XiAYH6YcwD9968L1O0 I can hear it now... "we're DEEPLY concerned".

MICHAEL JACKSON'S FAITH

Actually this part of the non-stop MJ story is interesting. Did he convert to Islam in recent months? Here's the latest: www.boston.com/news/local/articles_of_faith/2009/07/michael_

DISTORTING THE GUN ISSUE

There they go again, making it seem like all the guns used in Mexico's drug wars come from the USA: http://newsbusters.org/blogs/warner-todd-huston/2009/07/01/now-its-sf-chron-using-false-90-mexican-guns-us-line