Afghan President Hamid Karzai said he would insist on certain conditions and set limits on what American and NATO troops could and could not do in his country on Wednesday in an apparent appeasement speech to a grand council of Afghan elders, officials and dignitaries, known as a loya jirga.

"America is powerful, has more money, but we are lions here. Lions have the habit of not liking strangers getting into their house."
Hamid Karzai

There is an old saying that the "old lion" Karzai needs to become familiar with, "don't bite the hand that feeds you."

Americans are sick and tired of this miscreant Afghan leader. I have never seen a country more deserving of Taliban control than Afghanistan. These people were living in squalor when we got there and will continue to do so long after we are gone. America has lost treasure and valuable lives to this moonscape of a country. After all troops are gone it will be back to the Taliban "good old days" of lopping off heads and generalized terror keeping the leaders and people in line with their demented philosophy.

What's really aggravating is our political leaders continually trying to convince us that this country is our friend when it couldn't be further from the truth. Friends have a genuine appreciation and respect for the help that they receive from friends. This cozying up to Karzai and his cave-dwelling thugs is repugnant and needs to stop. Afghanistan appears to be content with remaining in the days of yesteryear foregoing modern civilization in the 21st century.

One more old saying that Hamid Karzai might want to familiarize himself with,"be careful what you wish for..."

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America has always been known as the land of plenty - but there is no longer plenty of money. After decades of frivolous and wanton spending by fiscally irresponsible politicians who needed to placate their campaign donors while building a personal political treasure chest the money is gone and horrendous debt has taken its place. Gone are the days of carefree living when money just seemed to flow in from the heavens and Uncle "Sugar-Daddy" Sam's pockets were filled with cash. The money is gone and Uncle Sam is pulling out nothing but pocket lint. What is it that some people don't understand? Once again, there is no surplus money.

How did we get to the economic situation we are faced with today? Before passing blame it's important to understand that we are all complicit. Politicians did not vote themselves into office. We the voters put them in there and in some cases continue voting into office the same irresponsible and incompetent spendthrifts that have gotten us to this point in time. Americans must do their homework before heading off to the voting booth during elections and not make "blind" choices. It's very easy to research candidates in this age of internet access with a plethora of resources that can help voters make an educated vote.

Earmarks that funnel money back to pet projects in home districts, the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac debacle, stifling government regulation over businesses, no oversight on entitlement programs, bailouts to corporations and an out-of-control tax system are just a sampling of how politicians have systematically broken the financial back of America. This insatiable desire to spend the taxpayers money permeates throughout local, state and federal government in America. After decades of wasteful spending the country is broke. No amount of taxpayer money is going to fix the problem until the spending is under control.

There are many struggling to come to terms with the concept of America being in debt and refuse to accept that they can no longer have their slice of entitlement pie. Now is the time to tighten the financial belt and if you are not willing to support this then you are part of the problem.

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What is this incessant need and desire of the President to continually inform the enemies of the United States of our military intentions? This military retiree finds it extremely galling to observe the Commander-in-Chief standing in front of the world attempting to explain a military retreat when our troops are fully engaged with the enemy and there is nothing that even closely resembles a victory at this time.

These military devices, leading to victory, must not be divulged beforehand.
~excerpt from Sun Tzu's Art of War

Wouldn't it be nice if our enemies would report in kind their numbers, troop movements and intentions.

"Starting next month, we will be able to remove 10,000 of our troops from Afghanistan by the end of this year, and we will bring home a total of 33,000 troops by next summer, fully recovering the surge I announced at West Point. After this initial reduction, our troops will continue coming home at a steady pace as Afghan Security forces move into the lead. Our mission will change from combat to support. By 2014 this process of transition will be complete, and the Afghan people will be responsible for their own security." ~President's speech to the nation (and our enemies), July 22, 2011

The leader of Afghanistan, President Hamid Karzai, is a loathesome creature who is part of the problem and fully aware, as is anyone else that wants to be honest with themselves, that his country will quickly revert back to the days of Taliban control after our troops are removed from this moonscape wasteland.

Don't fight a battle if you don't gain anything by winning. ~ Erwin Rommel, German Field Marshal in World War II

The Taliban and al-Qaida need only sit back and wait out our withdrawal as so eloquently outlined by Barack Obama. They are a patient enemy and in no hurry and will quickly have the country of Afghanistan back in their grip soon after the United States departs.

In the future, when embarking on a military solution, it is imperative that our political leadership understand when our country and people are threatened by an unrelenting force of evil it then becomes necessary to unleash "hell and damnation" upon those that would do us harm and allow our armed forces to fully deploy their might to crush our enemies at all costs.

"May God have mercy upon my enemies, because I won't.”
~ General George S. Patton

If our politicians are unwilling and lack the "guts" to commit to this strategy then they have no business sending our military men and women into harm's way. When our military might has to tip-toe around Rules of Engagement our troops bear the brunt of this policy with unnecessary casualties, prolonged war and a fleeting victory.

In war, then, let your great object be victory, not lengthy campaigns.
~excerpt from Sun Tzu's Art of War

Where in the annals of military history has it ever been appropriate to notify the enemy of our intentions? It seems to be the modern-day modus operandi of the political establishment. Whatever happened to "loose lips sink ships", a reference to too much talk tips off the enemy in their favor. At this point it appears to be a futile thought to expect any political philosophy that would allow our military to achieve a victory before withdrawal.

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Is the main stream media highlighting Congressman Weiner's online Twitter escapades a "wag the dog" moment? Taking the spotlight off of the President at this time must be a welcome distraction for the news media's favorite son. Not only is Obama's approval ratings dropping but in the latest ABC News/Washington Post poll Mitt Romney was tied with the President in a general-election trial heat.

For those unfamiliar with the term "wag the dog" it is when an event of lesser importance is purposely brought to primary importance taking the attention off of an event that would otherwise be of greater significance.

Obsessive attention has been given to Anthony Weiner and sucking the life out of every other newsworthy story. There is very little reported lately of the many American troops serving in harm's way with a pending pullout in an unstable Afghanistan to start this summer per order of the Commander-in-Chief. 2011 stock market gains are gone after six consecutive weeks of falling share prices and no end to high gas prices with seemingly no attention to this by the Obama administration. Unemployment is on the rise indicating a slow-growth economy with plunging consumer confidence which directly reflects the failed policies of this President.

It has been non-stop Weiner dominating the headlines. Will we now have to be subjected to the sordid details of Weiner's "treatment" over the coming months to mask any further bad news from the White House? The only way for Weiner headlines to go away is for him to resign, the sooner the better. There is real news happening out there that needs to be reported.

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It's crunch time, time for all remaining prospective GOP Presidential candidates to commit and formally announce their intentions of running for President of the United States of America. The pool of current candidates so far is weak and leaves little hope of ousting Barack Obama from office in the 2012 election.

With only six months before Presidential primaries begin there is little time for procrastination. Once a strong conservative candidate has emerged there needs to be a groundswell grassroots movement promoting this individual as the unquestionable frontrunner. It is important this candidate have a well coordinated, strong internet presence keeping supporters and voters informed. The American people must be reminded of the shortcomings of this current President.

Barack Obama has fallen far short of his campaign promise of hope and change, whatever that meant. There is a list of letdowns for the Obama faithful. Tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans have been extended, CBO estimates that 22 million Americans will still be without health care when health reform takes effect in 2014, the Patriot Act has been extended, after promising to walk the picket lines with union workers he has failed to do so in states that have reduced collective bargaining rights, failed to close Guantanamo Bay prison, and the war in Afghanistan is going strong and despite a surge in troops there is no apparent end to the influx of insurgents into that country.

Let's not forget that unemployment remains high, the housing market is dismal, and the current administration has created tremendous debt and wants to raise the debt ceiling without significant spending cuts. All of these adversely affect hard-working American families.

The GOP must not underestimate the Barack Obama campaign team. They are well-funded and very adept at winning. There's much work to be done with a formidable adversary that needs to be defeated.

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Osama bin Laden is dead, buried beneath the sea and being served up as dinner for a number of unknown species. Very appropriate. But it's not over, there are still Islamic extremists who intend to do harm to as many "infidels" as possible. We cannot allow ourselves to let down our guard or become complacent. Now maybe our political and senior military leaders are possibly convinced that the rest of our military units are also quite capable of killing our enemies. Allow them to do just that by dropping the foolhardy Rules of Engagement policy currently in place that our warriors must live and die by.

It should now be perfectly clear that Pakistan is no ally in our pursuit of terrorists. I actually posted an article in 2008 - Pakistan Fiend or Foe - that bears re-reading. That is not a misprint, I meant fiend not friend.

"From this day forward, any nation that continues to harbor or support terrorism will be regarded by the United States as a hostile regime."
~President George W. Bush
Address to a Joint Session of Congress and the American People
September 20, 2001

Any thought process that even remotely suggests that Pakistan is a friend or ally should be quickly quashed. If I hear any more claims that they are even remotely loyal or faithful partners of America I may have to issue my own fatwah condemning this rhetorical nonsense. Furthermore, given our country's present economical situation the amount of financial aid that our government gives to Pakistan is obscene and should offend each and every American. There should no longer be any question that money handed over to this country is obviously being used to aid and abet our enemies. Not so you say - convince me otherwise.

Obama's one mistake may have been a missed opportunity by having bin Laden killed. With the presidential campaign coming into full swing a live Osama bin Laden would have been a great campaign prop. Obama could occasionally rattle his cage and bin Laden would spew out some hateful message to the world and we would all be reminded that he is safely locked away. Then there would be the long drawn out pathetic circus trial that would bring out a myriad of once obscure characters vying for the inevitable spotlight. I must admit that the President made the right choice in having this pathetic excuse for a human being exterminated and resting as bottom-feed.

So it's time to celebrate the demise of this monster. It's not a pretty picture or pleasant thought when one tries to envision some guy scrubbing down Osama's nasty butt before placing him in a burial shroud. Hopefully he got a five star belly flop when his wretched carcass hit the water during the burial at sea.

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Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus announced on Tuesday that it is time to move away from "birther" claims and concentrate on the urgent issues of the day. With today's release of the Obama birth certificate one would have to agree that this issue should be laid to rest. Potential presidential candidate Donald Trump claimed a victory today on being the one responsible for the release of the birth certificate.

Except for a select handful of people no other American witnessed the birth of little Barack Hussein Obama. Therefore, even though not present during this event the facts remain that he was born and he is President. Any time and energy spent after today proving his birthplace should instead be used to ensure that the latter does not happen again in the 2012 election.

To the average American it appears nothing is moving forward in a positive way. Unemployment numbers are dismal, a gloomy housing market, gas prices are skyrocketing, horrendous national debt, war still raging, and an out-of-control deficit and spending mindset with no positive message that any of this is going to change in the near future. Additionally, we have a President that seems content on globetrotting around the planet bowing and apologizing on behalf of America - disgraceful.

The fact that Barack Obama was born cannot be changed but what can change is preventing him from being elected to a second term in office which is where the GOP should be placing their emphasis.

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"Raising taxes on the wealthy" makes for a good liberal campaign promise. I imagine it gives many that are not wealthy a warm, fuzzy, feel-good feeling to stick it to the wealthy because they have enough money. Democratic legislators are counting on the unknowing masses to feed on this liberal fallacy. It's what keeps millions locked into an entitlement state of mind that would otherwise allow many to become self-sufficient and get off the government dole. This dependency becomes the Democratic voter base when promoting the redistribution of wealth theory.

This reminds me of the movie "Back to the Future". "Hello, Hello, anybody home McFly (as he's being bopped on the head), Think! Think!"

Do you actually think that the wealthy are going to dig into their own pockets and come up with more money for taxes? No they're not! Companies will just raise the prices on goods and services as well as maybe decrease hiring and increase firing of employees. That is where the tax revenue will come from - you, the hard-working Americans in this country.

Why is there not more emphasis on controlling the spending? What is the thought process that allows politicians to spend our country into trillions of dollars of debt? Billions of American dollars sent overseas so that countries will be our "friends" (aid to foreign countries). Billions of dollars wasted on pork barrel spending (Pig Book) and let's not forget entitlement programs with little to no oversight.

Our expenditures have far surpassed our income. It is not a difficult concept and should be very easy to understand although difficult to except. We no longer have any money and are in exorbitant debt. Drastic measures are now necessary at the federal level as well as the state level to bring about a balanced budget throughout the country.

There is enough blame to go around from both sides of the aisle for how we got here. Maybe the American voter should be cast into that same net of blame, voting in the same financially irresponsible politicians squandering away the taxpayers money each and every election. We have now reached the point of having to contemplate raising the debt ceiling, the next big battle in Congress.

So here we are on tax day 2011. The current tax code is so inextricably complex that the majority of Americans require help, and pay for that help, when preparing their tax forms each year. Even the commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service, Douglas Shulmand admitted, "I find the tax code complex, so I use a preparer.” Treasury Secretary Timothy Geitner made mistakes when preparing his taxes and apologized to Congress.

It's time to dispense with the mantra of raising taxes on the wealthy. In the end we all pay for that mindset. Maybe it's time for a flat tax and level the playing field for all those that pay taxes.

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The bad news is official - Barack Obama will be running for a second term in office. Was there ever a doubt? There is nothing good about this announcement. He can set aside the Presidency for now and do what he does best - campaign. One might think that he never stopped campaigning and the Presidency was just a sideline.

'We're doing this now because the politics we believe in does not start with expensive TV ads or extravaganzas, but with you - with people organizing block-by-block, talking to neighbors, co-workers, and friends. And that kind of campaign takes time to build.'
~Obama statement in an e-mail to supporters

Under Obama's leadership millions of people continue to be unemployed, he signed into law health care reform that the majority of Americans did not want, the housing market remains down, gas prices have skyrocketed, and he is directly responsible for this country being trillions of dollars in debt. Let's face it, he's done enough already. How much more can America bear of this burden or President? Maybe he will resurrect the "Blame Bush" mantra.

Barack Obama is a living, breathing, walking example of a good gift of gab does not a good leader make, just easier to cover up one's incompetencies with flowery oratory. He has even disappointed his ardent supporters. A surge in Afghanistan, backtracking on a decision to try terror suspects in civilian court and Gitmo is still open for business.

No doubt we will soon be reminded that he must be re-elected otherwise a loss would indicate a racist conspiracy.

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Obama's speech lacked passion and was less than convincing when defending actions against Libya. There may have been good reason to attack the Gaddafi regime. While it appears that a potential slaughter was averted it's still unclear as to 'why there'? Why there and not Tunisia, Syria, Iran, North Korea, Dafur, the Congo or any number of other places throughout the world where people are slaughtered and oppressed?

And while we're at it, just who are these rebel forces that are poised to overthrow Gaddafi? What kind of government will they bring to bear on Libya? Will it be the democracy that the White House administration is looking for?

There are many unanswered questions and Barack Obama fell short on making his case to the American people during last night's speech.

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Permits for future housing construction fell to a new all-time low in the month of February, steepest drop in 27 years. Where is the Obama recovery? Gas prices are rising unchecked, 3.3% for the fifth straight month. Where is the Obama solution? Significant increase in food prices up 3.9%, largest since 1974. Any response from Obama? Consumer Affairs

A no-fly zone over Libya is being contemplated. Where is the Obama decision?

Stocks fall amid Japan's nuclear disaster. What is the Obama response?

Obama's unions are under attack. How does he support the unions that helped put him in the White House and appease the taxpayers at the same time?

The U.S. deficit is in the trillions of dollars. What is the Obama plan for spending cuts and reducing the deficit?

We have a White House administration that appears to be unable to convey a message of confidence that apparently comes from a lack of previous leadership experience.

After a couple of weekends playing golf the President will soon be on his way to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Will this be a head clearing vacation? Clean out the ol' cobwebs so maybe a decision making process can formulate.

But wait. There was a Presidential decision made today. Barack Obama completed his NCAA tournament bracket predictions.

Maybe there is some hope afterall. That would be a change.

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Is there no end to the thugocracy of unions? Workers are already threatened with job loss if they refuse to have the union garnish their wages each payday in the name of "fair-share". Let's not forget there are many of these same workers that are strongly opposed to union organizations supporting Democratic candidates for office.

Wisconsin unions are now apparently threatening Wisconsin businesses with either supporting their efforts to denounce Governor Walker or face a boycott. You be the judge. Is this a threatening letter?

March 10, 2011
Mr. Tom Ellis, President
Marshall & Ilsley Corporation
770 N. Water Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
SENT VIA FASCIMILE AND REGULAR MAIL
Dear Mr. Ellis:
As you undoubtedly know, Governor Walker recently proposed a “budget adjustment bill” to eviscerate public employees’ right to collectively bargain in Wisconsin. ..

As you also know, Scott Walker did not campaign on this issue when he ran for office. If he had, we are confident that you would not be listed among his largest contributors. As such, we are contacting you now to request your support. The undersigned groups would like your company to publicly oppose Governor Walker’s efforts to virtually eliminate collective bargaining for public employees in Wisconsin. While we appreciate that you may need some time to consider this request, we ask for your response by March 17. In the event that you do not respond to this request by that date, we will assume that you stand with Governor Walker and against the teachers, nurses, police officers, fire fighters, and other dedicated public employees who serve our communities.

In the event that you cannot support this effort to save collective bargaining, please be advised that the undersigned will publicly and formally boycott the goods and services provided by your company. However, if you join us, we will do everything in our power to publicly celebrate your partnership in the fight to preserve the right of public employees to be heard at the bargaining table. Wisconsin’s public employee unions serve to protect and promote equality and fairness in the workplace. We hope you will stand with us and publicly share that ideal.

In the event you would like to discuss this matter further, please contact the executive Director of the Wisconsin Professional Police Association, Jim Palmer, at 608.273.3840.

Thank you in advance for your consideration. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

James L. Palmer, Executive Director
Wisconsin Professional Police Association
Mahlon Mitchell,President
Professional Professional Fire Fighters
Jim Conway, President
International Association of Fire Fighters Local 311
John Matthews, Execuctive Director
Madison Teachers, Inc.
Keith Patt, Executive Director
Green Bay Education Association
Bob Richardson, President
Dane County Deputy Sheriffs Association
Dan Frei, Prersident
Madison Professional Police Officers Association.

It bears repeating. If the unions were such a great deal then everyone would join without the arm-twisting, intimidation tactics that are currently used and all taxpayers would whole-heartedly support the union creed. This apparently is not the case and unions are in high-anxiety crisis mode creating a state of fear-mongering among its members who exhibit spittle-flecked rhetorical rage. The Obama civility message appears to be lost in the mayhem.

Has the end of the union stranglehold on this country begun? One can only hope.

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Guantanamo Bay military prison - a home for suspected terrorist detainees. In a campaign pledge Obama was fervently committed to closing Guantanamo and during his first week in office issued an executive order closing the prison. If he issued an executive order then surely it must be closed by now.

**WAIT** **Hold The Presses** **NEWS FLASH**

Guantanamo Bay military prison is still open.

And in a reversal this past Monday, Barack Obama signed an executive order that will formally establish a system of indefinite detention at the Guantanamo military prison for detainees. Is this a sign of poor judgement or maybe poor leadership? He did in fact have the majority of Congress on his side. So what happened?

Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), a faithful civil liberties supporter was disappointed with the decision and called Guantanamo "a blot on our national honor." Only in your mind Congressman.

Republican Rep. Peter King (NY), who happens to chair the House homeland security committee actually praised Obama's move as "clearly another step in the right direction."

"I commend the Obama Administration for issuing this Executive Order. The bottom line is that it affirms the Bush Administration policy that our government has the right to detain dangerous terrorists until the cessation of hostilities."
~Rep. Peter King (R-NY)

The Obama reversal gives legitimacy to the George Bush decision of establishing this holding facility for the scourge of the earth that is hell-bent on killing all infidels. Much to the chagrin of the liberal left it vindicates the Gitmo policy of the former President.

The administration remains committed to closing the prison, whatever that means. Shouldn't they also have the same committment to close every prison in the United States. That would be nice, as soon as all prisoners serve out their time and no one ever commits another crime.

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Another day, another increase in the price of oil equating to ever increasing financial pain at the gas pump. As reported today, gas prices rose more than 30 cents in the past two weeks. This pain at the pump effects the general overall economy with many Americans having to cut back and tighten their belts.

So does George Bush continue to get the blame along with his so-called money hungry oil buddies as he was accused by the left while in office?

When oil prices fell after the last spike in 2008 Democrats felt smug with an attitude of "see, we don't need to drill." The fact remains that we do need to tap into our own resources, we do need to drill for our own oil, we do need to move forward on nuclear power plants, we definitely need to become energy independent. Wind, solar and other alternative means of energy should also continue but are nowhere near ready for primetime.

There is no significant increased demand for oil or decrease in oil production just a fear-driven theory that there is some conflict somewhere that will somehow impede the flow of oil. Energy analysts state there is no shortage of oil. To blame the turmoil in Libya is a flat-out lie, as in any excuse will do to raise the price on a barrel of oil. This just happens to be the convenient conflict du jour.

The Obama administration is currently considering tapping into the strategic petroleum reserve in an effort to lower oil prices. This is not a long term plan. Until this President gets serious about breaking our oil dependency it appears political leadership will consider it acceptable for Americans to be held hostage to the whims of every oil producing country on this planet.

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Wisconsin is facing a $137 million budget deficit this year and a projected $3.6 billion deficit over the next two years. Action needs to be taken, inaction is no longer an option. Union members are staging massive protests against Governor Scott Walker's proposed bill to help balance Wisconsin’s state budget.

This is a battle between the progressive state of unions and conservative fiscal responsibility. Unions love it when they work their minions up into a frothy frenzy. It's the people doing the dirty work of the union thugs who are feeding the fear as they line their own pockets with membership fees.

Schools have closed due to a teacher "sick out." Walking out on students is both morally and ethically reprehensible not to mention down right selfish. To make matters worse, Wisconsin Democratic leaders fled the state in a dispicable act of corwardice to avoid standing up to their responsibilites of floor debate over the union reform package. Hiding out and quivering in another state speaks volumes.

The White House added fuel to the fire by siding with union members.

“Some of what I've heard coming out of Wisconsin, where you're just making it harder for public employees to collectively bargain generally seems like more of an assault on unions.”
~The President in an interview on Milwaukee's WTMJ TV

House Speaker John Boehner responded to the President's comments.

“Republicans in Congress and reform-minded GOP governors like Scott Walker are daring to speak the truth about the dire fiscal challenges Americans face at all levels of government, and daring to commit themselves to solutions that will liberate our economy and help put our citizens on a path to prosperity. I’m disappointed that instead of providing similar leadership from the White House, the president has chosen to attack leaders such as Gov. Walker, who are listening to the people and confronting problems that have been neglected for years at the expense of jobs and economic growth.”
~statement from Speaker of the House John Boehner

What is so difficult to understand? The money has to come from somewhere. Is it not better to cut back than to cut out? In other words if union employees do not agree to cut back then thousands of their members will be cut out of a job. Again, we're back to selfish and not for the good of all. It is important to remember that Governor Walker inherited this problem and now has the unenviable responsibility of correcting it.

So where does this fight go from here? There are a number of states that appear to be facing similar instances of discourse resulting from huge state deficits that have gone unchecked for years. Those past governors that rode into office in the hip pockets of union leaders have always been reluctant to bite the hand that fed them. Republican majorities were voted into office during this past election with a mandate to cut costs.

Could this signify the beginning of the end of union strangleholds over state governments?

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