Raving and Ranting

In a move that is likely to create buyers remorse among Jewish voters who voted for Obama, the White House announced that it would cut in half the size of this year Hanukkah party. This is supposedly as a result of budgetary constraints. Aren't you glad that Obama is so concerned about the deficit? With more savings like this one, in a million years the budget of the US will be balanced.

In a related story, the Obama administration, as well as the European Union, was critical of Israel's decision to build 900 housing units in Gilo, a neighborhood of Jerusalem. The Palestinians, as can be expected, welcomed the criticism of Israel. In the meantime PM Nethanyahu resumed his invitation for Palestinians to resume peace talks. I wont hold my breath waiting.

In another idiotic report based on unsubstantiated data by the United Nations Food Population Fund (UNFPA), a claim is made that in The Philippines global warming is forcing women into prostitution. This is the result of lower income because of floods in coastal areas and a decline in fishing. What the study fails to clarify is how come despite the lower income and a raise in poverty, men will have enough money to patronize prostitutes. I am sure that with a contribution of a billion dollars to the UNFPA, they would be able to solve this crisis. All they need is some more luxurious buildings in New York, Paris and Zurich, some new furniture, and another one thousand bureaucrats. Actually, they could bring the Filipino prostitutes to work for the UN. After all, it is the largest bordello around.

Are you one of those who voted for Obama to put an end to racial politics? Did you think that Jackson and Sharpton would stop their blackmailing? If so, here is a quote from yesterday's Politico:
The Rev. Jesse Jackson on Wednesday night criticized Rep. Artur Davis (D-Ala.) for voting against the Democrats’ signature healthcare bill. “We even have blacks voting against the healthcare bill from Alabama,” Jackson said at a reception Wednesday night. “You can’t vote against healthcare and call yourself a black man.”
I agree with Jackson, those who voted against the healthcare bill can only call themselves "Americans."

The ratings war, as reported by Drudge November 18, 2009

FOXNEWS HANNITY/PALIN 4,200,000
FOXNEWS O'REILLY 3,868,000
FOXNEWS BECK 2,512,000
FOXNEWS GRETA 2,383,000
FOXNEWS BAIER 2,235,000
FOXNEWS SHEP 1,980,000
MSNBC OLBERMANN 1,041,000
CNNHN GRACE 1,036,000
MSNBC MADDOW 957,000
CNN KING 835,000
MSNBC HARDBALL 625,000
CNN COOPER 611,000

By the way, studies have shown that the audiences attracted to FOX News are better educated and more politically independent than the audiences of the rest of the cable news channels. MSNBC and CNN, keep the current lineups. The Republicans thank you.

UCLA students protested proposed increases in tuition. I have such mixed emotions on this topic. On one hand I understand that California is bankrupt. On the other hand, I know the contributions to society of having another million college graduates with degrees in Chicano Studies, Psychology, Political Science, Queer Studies, Women Studies, Theater, Black Studies, Judaic Studies, Puerto Rican Studies, just to name a few of majors that have provided California with some of the most talented waiters and limo drivers in the nation.

I don't like unions. I think that they are abusive, intransigent and greedy, and have tremendous damage to America. My experience dealing with unions in the field of education have given me enough material to substantiate my claims. Here is a small vignette from The Morning Call, in Alentown, Pennsylvani:

In pursuit of an Eagle Scout badge, Kevin Anderson, 17, has toiled for more than 200 hours hours over several weeks to clear a walking path
in an east Allentown park.

Little did the do-gooder know that his altruistic act would put him in the cross hairs of the city's largest municipal union.

Nick Balzano, president of the local Service Employees International
Union, told Allentown City Council Tuesday that the union is considering filing a grievance against the city for allowing Anderson to clear a 1,000-foot walking and biking path at Kimmets Lock Park.

"We'll be looking into the Cub Scout or Boy Scout who did the trails," Balzano told the council. Balzano said Saturday he isn't targeting Boy Scouts. But given the city's decision in July to lay off 39 SEIU members, Balzano said "there's to be no volunteers." No one except union members may pick up a hoe or shovel, plant a flower or clear a walking path.