BRET BAIER: But people looking at Washington from the outside they see this -- that this is always how it is. That it is always about the next election and figuring out how best to position whatever legislation until you get past the next election and then something gets through.
CHARLES KRAUTHAMMER: Generally speaking, you get past the next election by changing your policies, by announcing new initiatives, but not by wantonly changing the law lawlessly. This is stuff that you do in a banana republic. It's as if the law is simply a blackboard on which Obama writes any number he wants, any delay he wants and any provision.
It's now reached a point where it is so endemic that nobody even notices or complains. I think if the complaints had started with the first arbitrary changes, and these are are not adjustments or transitions. These are political decisions to minimize the impact leading up to an election, and it's changing the law in a way that you are not allowed to do.
RON FOURNIER: I didn't believe this is lawless. I certainly don't believe we are in a banana republic, but I do think this is why the president's approval ratings are below 40%, why only 12% of public has faith in Congress and why less than 20% of the public has any faith in government. This is incompetence at the very least --
KRAUTHAMMER: It's not incompetence.
FOURNIER: -- that really turns the public off.
KRAUTHAMMER: It's not incompetence, it's willful breaking of the constitutional order. Where in the constitution is a president allowed to alter a law 27 times after it's been passed?
FOURNIER: I think they would argue, and I'm not a constitutional attorney and certainly don't hold a doctorate, but I think they would argue this is a tax which is ironic -- they are arguing now it's a tax -- and under a tax the Treasury Secretary has wide authority to be able to bend regulations.
Friday, February 14, 2014
Krauthammer On "Lawless" Obamacare Changes: "Now Reached A Point Where It's So Endemic That Nobody Even Complains"
Saturday, January 18, 2014
Phillips Philes Phlashback: January 19, 2004 - The Howard Dean Scream
In Iowa January 19, 2004, Democrat Presidental candidate Governor Howard Dean of Vermont screamed during his third place concession speech.
"Not only are we going to New Hampshire, Tom Harkin, we're going to South Carolina and Oklahoma and Arizona and North Dakota and New Mexico! We're going to California and Texas and New York! And we're going to South Dakota and Oregon and Washington and Michigan! And then we're going to Washington, D.C. to take back the White House, Yeeeeeaaaaaah!"
Watch the video or listen to the original audio of Howard Dean's scream.
Listen to hilarious remixes of the Dean scream:
• Ozzy
Osbourne's Crazy Train (Dean's Aboard)
• Funk Mix
• Welcome to Dean's Jungle
• Dean Megamix
• Dean (Flash)
Gordon
• Deansane
in the Brain
• Dean
Twilight Zone
• Hey
YEAAAAHHHHH!! (Outkast remix)
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
It's Just Another New Year's Eve By Barry Manilow
From the 1991 video Barry Manilow: Because It's Christmas
Phillips Philes Cites Commercials Of 2013
Most Memorable Commercial - Geico Insurance - Hump Day Camel Commerical "Happier Than A Camel On Wednesday" With Chris Sullivan as the voice of the Camel - May 22, 2013
Best Demonstration Commercials - Swiffer - Morty and Lee Kaufman - July 1, 2013
Swiffer Sweeper - July 1, 2013
Swiffer WetJet - July 1, 2013
Best Good Example Commercials - Values.com Foundation For A Better Life - Pass It On
Best Comeback After A Natural Disaster Commercial - New Jersey: Stronger Than The Storm - May 16, 2013
Best Commercial With A Celebrity - Nutrisystem - Melissa Joan Hart: The Magic Of Nutrisystem - July 31, 2013
Best Return Commerical - Campbell Soup - Let It Snow
Best 'Damsel In Distress' Commercial - PC Matic: Back to Work - December 3, 2013
Sunday, December 15, 2013
JPMorgan Chase deal with DOJ may funnel money to liberal advocacy group By Trace Gallagher
New details in the settlement between the Justice Department and JPMorgan Chase have revealed the deal may lead to money being funneled toward a liberal advocacy group, Fox News’ Trace Gallagher reported Monday on “The Kelly File.”
The banking giant agreed to pay the DOJ a record $13 billion to settle state and federal civil lawsuits over faulty mortgage bonds last month. The settlement states that $9 billion of the funds will go toward the lawsuits and the other $4 billion will be allocated for consumer relief.
However, the deal also states that any remaining money from that $4 billion will go to NeighborWorks of America, a liberal group that provides affordable housing and helps fund community organizers.
Critics say some of the community organizers sponsored by NeighborWorks are in the same vein as ACORN, the community organizing group busted in 2010 in a voter fraud scandal.
Fox News’ senior judicial analyst Judge Andrew Napolitano slammed the deal, saying the Obama administration is funneling the funds to liberal causes.
“This is an utter perversion of justice,” he said, “for the federal government to extort billions of dollars from the second-largest bank in the United States and give it away to the president’s political friends and favorite political causes.”
Wednesday, December 04, 2013
Hello, Again!
Hi Everyone, It has been a while since I have posted here. I have been busy trying to get some personal things done, and not spending a lot of time blogging, going on Facebook, etc. It never goes as fast as you want, but I keep on trucking. In the meantime, I try to get what I can get done when I can. Working two jobs (although I only consider the "day job" a job), getting an average of five hours of sleep a day, and doing one job or the other every day of the week (four days doing both) makes it rough. With the state of the economy and most people having financial issues, I speak on behalf of many. Even though I am off from the "day job" until December 10, I am trying my best of not being so on-the-go. It is hard, but I will get adequate rest, at some point. Regardless of which holiday(s) you celebrate, I wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday season. May 2014 be your best year yet. Take care! William N. Phillips, Jr. "Bill" Phillips Philes founder
Sunday, December 01, 2013
Advertisers...Don't Fire Santa Claus! By Erin Reilly
Ugh. My first post. The pressure to amuse and entertain is giving me hives. Not really, but if saying that gives you an unpleasant picture than I have succeeded. ;)
As I look around there are many, MANY things going on outside my window that cause me great frustration. Whether it'd be the neighbor not picking up their dogs' waste, drivers who take my Jedi skills for granted (please, no need to signal, of course I knew you were turning there), or that when I wake up Obama is still President. Even with those delights on the buffet table of daily annoyances, one thing that I can count on to really twist my under-roos is that TV ads are killing Santa. Let me digress...
As a child, before I put the emphasis of Christmas where my Irish Catholic guilt reminds me it need be, I was a soldier in Santa's army. Truth be told that during the months of January-November I may not have been the epitomy of a golden child, but I'd be damned if come December 1st my name crossed over to the naughty side of Santa's list. But now here I sit, a few decades later, with children of my own, gulping down my wine in fear that my spawn will put the connection together..."Mommy? Why is Target telling parents to shop there for Christmas toys? Why is Walmart telling you that the place to get all your Christmas gifts is with them? " And Toy R Us????? I have no comment.
Contrary to popular belief, not many things get past me; some days it's just easier to play possum. So yes, I understand capitalism. I understand what the holiday "spirit" does to the once almighty dollar. I get it. But with our children's innocence being stripped away on a day to day basis, can't we just try to set aside a schmidge of belief for good 'ole Saint Nick? I mean, think about Rudolph, think about Mrs. Claus and oh my Heavens THE ELVES, not to mention the parents damn it! We feed your need to make $$! Show some love and STOP KILLING SANTA CLAUS! Try to embrace your childhood memories of sitting on Santa's lap, and for those of the non Christian faith, think about the beauty of the season. Putting Santa in the unemployment line would take a great deal of that away (and your Christmas bonus).
Santa gets one gig a year, let the poor guy Ho Ho Ho and eat his cookies.
Monday, November 18, 2013
R.S.C.'s The American Health Care Reform Act: A Better Way
Source: http://rsc.scalise.house.gov/solutions/rsc-betterway.htm
*Original Cosponsors
|
*Rep. Roe (TN-01) |
Rep. Cole (OK-04) |
Rep. Griffin (AR-02) |
Rep. McCaul (TX-10) Rep. McClintock (CA-04) Rep. McHenry (NC-10) Rep. McKinley (WV-01) Rep. Marchant (TX-24) Rep. Messer (IN-06) Rep. Miller (FL-01) Rep. Mullin (OK-02) Rep. Mulvaney (SC-05) Rep. Noem (SD at large) Rep. Nunnelee (MS-01) Rep. Olson (TX-22) Rep. Palazzo (MS-04) Rep. Pearce (NM-02) Rep. Perry (PA-04) Rep. Pittenger (NC-09) Rep. Radel (FL-19) Rep. Ribble (WI-8) Rep. Roskam (IL-06) Rep. Ross (FL-15) Rep. Rothfus (PA-12) Rep. Salmon (AZ-05) |
Rep. Scott (GA-8) Rep. Sessions (TX-32) Rep. Simpson (ID-02) Rep. Smith (TX-21) Rep. Southerland (FL-02) Rep. Stewart (UT-02) Rep. Stivers (OH-15) Rep. Stockman (TX-36) Rep. Stutzman (IN-03) Rep. Thompson (PA-5) Rep. Thornberry (TX-13) Rep. Wagner (MO-02) Rep. Walberg (MI-07) Rep. Weber (TX-14) Rep. Wenstrup (OH-02) Rep. Westmoreland (GA-03) Rep. Williams (TX-25) Rep. Wilson (SC-02) Rep. Wittman (VA-01) Rep. Woodall (GA-07) Rep. Womack (AR-03) Rep. Yoder (KS-03) |
Conservatives recognize that patient-centered reforms rooted in free markets are the best way to lower costs and solve problems in our health care system. That is why the Republican Study Committee (RSC) is proud to bring forward a pragmatic, practical, and portable free-market alternative to the current health care system. Simply put, our bill is a better way forward. Specifically, H.R. 3121, the RSC's American Health Care Reform Act:
- Fully repeals President Obama's health care law, eliminating billions in taxes and thousands of pages of unworkable regulations and mandates that are driving up health care costs.
- Spurs competition to lower health care costs by allowing Americans to purchase health insurance across state lines and enabling small businesses to pool together and get the same buying power as large corporations.
- Reforms medical malpractice laws in a commonsense way that limits trial lawyer fees and non-economic damages while maintaining strong protections for patients.
- Provides tax reform that allows families and individuals to deduct health care costs, just like companies, leveling the playing field and providing all Americans with a standard deduction for health insurance.
- Expands access to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), increasing the amount of pre-tax dollars individuals can deposit into portable savings accounts to be used for health care expenses.
- Safeguards individuals with pre-existing conditions from being discriminated against purchasing health insurance by bolstering state-based high risk pools and extending HIPAA guaranteed availability protections.
- Protects the unborn by ensuring no federal funding of abortions.
Repeal and Replace Obamacare: It's Time for Reform
There is a better way to the one-size-fits-all approach of Obamacare. That is why the Republican Study Committee (RSC) isproud to bring forward a pragmatic, practical, and portable free-market alternative to the current health care system without the unworkable taxes and mandates forced on American families through the President’s health care law.
What They Are Saying About the American Health Care Reform Act
| “I would urge all Congressmen to co-sponsor and vote for this pro-taxpayer bill. This legislation is perfectly consistent with The Taxpayer Protection Pledge, and is a quantum leap forward for both health and tax policy.” – Grover Norquist, President, Americans for Tax Reform |
| "On balance, the RSC plan builds on what has made American health care unique and a step ahead of all the rest. It would reinvigorate competition based on value—that is, competition focused not only on reducing costs but also on increasing quality and benefit—and would encourage innovation. Those are the characteristics that, in the past, have led others around the world to look to America for the highest quality care." – Nina Owcharenko, Director, Center for Health Policy Studies: The Heritage Foundation |
| “Such a shift toward portability in coverage would better align tax policy with today’s dynamic workforce and help to expand insurance options by providing financial flexibility directly to individuals and families...I hope the tax and fiscal provisions of the American Health Care Reform Act are quickly adopted into law. NTU applauds you for your dedication to repealing Obamacare and implementing those important reforms.” – Brandon Arnold, Vice President of Government Affairs, National Taxpayers Union |
| “On behalf of Americans for Prosperity’s two million activists across this country, I applaud you for introducing the American Health Care Reform Act…Americans for Prosperity is encouraged by efforts to repeal ObamaCare and finally move towards a free-market health care system.” –Christine Hanson, Federal Affairs Manager, Americans for Prosperity |
| "With Obamacare failing on virtually all fronts this is a truly well thought out legislative solution in an effort to fix what's broke, preserve what's right and enhance quality, access and affordability for millions of Americans, particularly the elderly. 60 Plus enthusiastically endorses your proposals." - Jim Martin, Chairman, 60 Plus Association |
| "A constant trope of the left, repeated yet again by President Obama, is that the right doesn't have alternatives to Obamacare -- that they just care about cost, that they want to take healthcare away, that they don't care about helping people or providing real solutions to the problems that beset out health care system even before the Affordable Care Act passed. And if you ask if people who don't yet support repealing the ACA why not, even if they don't like it, it is because they see no other options. It is critical that opponents of this law -- which will do so much to harm medical care and the choices and innovation we used to take for granted -- put forth a range of reform bills that expand choice and personal control, reduce costs, ensure access, and maintain and enhance the quality of medical care in this country." - Heather Higgins, President and CEO, Independent Women's Voice |
| “Chairman Scalise and Dr. Roe have developed, with their RSC colleagues, a package of key health reform initiatives that move us toward a system that would put doctors and patients, not remote bureaucracies, in charge of medical decisions. Giving people more choices of portable health coverage would stimulate innovation in both insurance and medical care. This competition would drive down costs and make coverage accessible to millions more Americans. This is the right vision for health reform” - Grace-Marie Turner, Galen Institute (for identification purposes only) |
Monday, November 11, 2013
Mount Laurel author pens a book to show children the joy of giving By Barbara S. Rothschild
Source: http://www.burlingtoncountytimes.com/life-style/local-feature/mount-laurel-author-pens-a-book-to-show-children-the/article_a2fbc7c3-e2ce-59b7-9f15-b08c742854c9.html
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Lynn Taylor Gordon is staring at the photo of a gobbler named Martha and deciding that this fowl, rescued from a live market before Thanksgiving 2012, is the one she wants to sponsor this year through an online “Adopt a Turkey” program providing sanctuary to animals who might otherwise become holiday dinner.
“Something about her is calling to me,” the Mount Laurel animal activist said. It’s just one manifestation of Gordon’s passion for saving the world a step at a time. It’s a message she is spreading this season with the publication of her first book, “Gracie’s Night: A Hanukkah Story,” centered around the Jewish holiday of miracles that begins on Thanksgiving eve this year.
“Gracie’s Night” began as a tale for Gordon’s own three children more than a decade ago and is now a whimsically illustrated children’s book with messages for adults, too.
“The star of the story is not Hanukkah — it’s compassion. The book is about love, caring and being a miracle for somebody,” Gordon said.
Set in the 1950s, “Gracie’s Night” has as its heroine a New York City teen who works at Macy’s so she can buy her widowed father gifts for each night of Hanukkah, the holiday that celebrates an ancient victory over oppressors and the miraculous burning of oil for eight nights when there was really only enough to last for one. But Gracie gives all the fine gifts away to a homeless man living in a cardboard box, without leaving a clue to who she is.
It’s a parable for the Jewish tenets of tzedakah and tikkunolam — giving to charity and repairing the world through social action. “There is no dialogue with the man in the box. Giving anonymously is the highest form of giving,” Gordon said.
The pescatarian, who is also a certified yoga instructor and stages homes for sale, started the story of Gracie for her youngsters, now in their 20s, when they were attending Mount Laurel public schools.
“We’d have a Gracie’s night during Hanukkah when we didn’t get presents ourselves, but we’d find someone in need — maybe by going to a school counselor who knew of somebody — and bring in gifts for them,” Gordon said. She would purchase the gifts and the counselors would distribute them anonymously, just as Gracie did.
Said middle child Brooke Gordon, 22, a graduate student studying speech pathology at LaSalle University, “ ‘Gracie’s Night’ showed me at a young age that there are people to think about other than yourself. Now that I know how easy it is, I find myself giving back more often than just one night a year.”
Gordon, 53, began practicing yoga for its physical and spiritual aspects. “It aligns with how I want to live my life, helping get in touch with the inner self and knowing generally what is more important and less important.”
That same philosophy also drew her to prepare homes for market by filling empty spaces with vibrant furnishings. “Yoga is solitary, and I wanted another aspect of creativity that gets me in touch with people,” she said.
Gordon, whose family attends Adath Emanu-El in Mount Laurel, recalled growing up in Northeast Philadelphia as culturally Jewish but not as observant as her husband, David, her best friend in high school before the couple began dating at Temple University.
She based Gracie’s story in part on her own childhood, which included sharing a home with her Yiddish-speaking maternal grandmother and jumping up and down when her father, a Philadelphia bus driver, returned from work in his Eisenhower-style jacket, cap and shield. Gracie’s papa drives a New York bus and wears the same kind of uniform.
Nothing is coincidental in the tale. Gordon even priced the book at $18 because the number 18 stands for chai, or life, in the Hebrew lexicon.
An advertising major at Temple, Gordon worked as a copywriter and freelanced while raising her children. She also began writing at her kitchen table, with “Gracie’s Night” one of several children’s stories she has penned. Unable to find a publisher and especially determined to spread Gracie’s message, she created her own publishing company, Cookie & Nudge Books, and sought out professional editors to mentor her.
She found an illustrator in Texas and a Macy’s historian to supply details about the famed department store where Gracie works. Illustrator Laura Brown isn’t Jewish but was receptive to Gordon’s descriptions. For example, the Hanukkah potato pancakes known as latkes needed to look fluffier, Gordon explained, and Brown obliged. From Rachelle Stern, Macy’s in-house historian, Gordon and Brown gleaned details such as how Macy’s shopping bags looked during the 1950s.
Macy’s has agreed to mount a display featuring her book at its flagship store at Manhattan’s Herald Square, Gordon said. She hopes Gracie becomes a mass-market ragdoll, based on one she had made to order by an Etsy crafter. Her publishing website is full of Gracie-centered children’s activities. And, she said, it’s possible there will be more Gracie books.
But on this Hanukkah, as Gordon helps save a turkey, she’ll be thankful to share Gracie with others and inspire them, in turn, to show compassion and make miracles happen during this most giving season.
