Socialism. Humanity’s most tragic experiment.

Socialism. Humanity’s most tragic experiment.

For all its varying faces — from the totalitarianism of North Korea, Cuba, and Venezuela to the social democracies of Europe — the truth shows forth in absolute clarity.

Earlier this week, we learned that in 2013, foreign investment in France declined by 77 percent.

That’s 77 percent.

That figure isn’t just bad, it’s unambiguously catastrophic. But the costs of President François Hollande’s failure aren’t simply economic. They’re also societal. Galvanized by popular disenchantment with the establishment, the French far Righthopes to win major victories in forthcoming local elections.

In short, the Fifth Republic isn’t looking so great.

Yet, as strange as it will sound, there is hope to be found here. Facing such an unspinnable socialist meltdown, Europeans might finally begin to realize the fallacy of the left-wing utopia. Meantime, French conservatives are recognizing the need for a more compelling agenda. They should look across the Channel. While socialist regulations continue to wreak havoc in much of Europe, in the U.K., it’s different. Thanks to small but structurally focused reforms, economic growth in Britain has reached a level not seen since 2007.

The dichotomy between conservative leadership and liberal failure is astounding.

Unfortunately, not everyone can see it. Staggeringly, many influential Europeans remain convinced that a socialist magic kingdom lurks just over the horizon. Tellingly, some European leftists are so committed to this delusion that theyfervently celebrate the regimes of Cuba and Venezuela. Castroville and Chavezland — beacons for a 21st-century European enlightenment?

Let’s consider socialism’s record in these nations.

In Cuba, we find an aged leader who rants as his nation crumbles. When the Castros are finally gone from this Earth, the face of their revolution will not be that of Che Guevara. Instead, it will be images like this.

And then there’s Venezuela. Lieutenant-Colonel Lunatic having now departed, President Maduro is proving a worthy successor. Under Venezuela’s embrace of socialism, “the land of grace,” as Columbus called it, has descended into an abyss of 56 percent inflation, warlike murder rates, and toilet-paper rationing. This, from the country with the world’s largest oil reserves. Could there be a more damning indictment of a political theory?

Nevertheless, even in the face of these realities, no one should expect Europeans to give up on cherished state programs (see the U.K.’s celebration of the National Health Service at the 2012 Olympics). But Europeans might use this moment to pare back the power of the state. At present, Europe is like an overweight plane. Denied clearance to take off, a well-educated citizenry is spending its days taxiing slowly in circles. Consider Spain, where youth unemployment now stands at 57 percent. These kinds of statistics are hard to  ignore; they might become a catalyst for action.

Still, paying heed to Hollande’s failure isn’t just a European necessity. There are lessons for the U.S. here too. For a start, in its derisory analysis of the U.K.’s austerity program, the American Left has been proved wrong. The U.K. has demonstrated that cutting spending isn’t only sensible, it’s an absolute necessity. The liberal failure to grasp this speaks to a broader point. While American conservatives must ensure that we join the debates of the moment, we must also face down those who argue that a European governance model holds all the answers. Whether it’s “soaking the rich” or social welfare in Scandinavia, Europe’s experience is a parable.

I should know — I lived it.

Ignoring human nature, socialism is an ideology that dooms itself from the start. By assuming the implicit virtue of common interest without individual empowerment, socialism opens the door to the worst of individualism. It is in fact the very opposite of what it claims to be. It is an agent of the powerful “special” against the broader society, and an agenda of stagnation against opportunity. And today, because of it, Europe rots in economic pain and social tension.

Socialism’s failure has been crystallized.

Don’t believe me? Then test my thesis. If you’re ever in Paris, take a detour from the high-fashion boutiques of the Champs-Élysées. More specifically, get onto the Boulevard Périphérique and head to the eastern suburb of Clichy-sous-Bois. That’s where the socialist dream finds its inexorable reality in a sprawling mass of crime-ridden housing projects, a place of endemic social isolation.

A place where hope goes to die.

—Tom Rogan is a blogger based in Washington, D.C., and a contributor to the Guardian. 

Bloomberg's New Role: UN Climate Change Envoy

Bloomberg's New Role: UN Climate Change Envoy 

Thursday, 30 Jan 2014 08:15 PM

http://www.newsmax.com/Politics/Bloomberg-climate-envoy-U-N-/2014/01/30/id/550075

Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has been tapped to be U.N. special envoy for cities and climate change, sources familiar with the situation said on Thursday.

Barring any last minute changes, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon — who is seeking to re-energize the global climate change debate and boost the United Nations' role — could make the announcement as early as Friday, the sources said on the condition of anonymity.

Bloomberg, a billionaire philanthropist who left office last month, made combating climate change a key focus during his 12 years leading the United States' most populous city. He also advocated for national climate change legislation.

Bloomberg has played a leading role in the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, an international group of mayors created in 2005 and dedicated to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The C40 group, of which Bloomberg is president of the board, is due to meet in Johannesburg next week.

He announced last month that New York City's greenhouse gas emissions have dropped by 19 percent since 2005, putting the city nearly two-thirds of the way to meeting the goal that he set five years ago.

In the climate change blueprint he launched in 2007, called PlaNYC 2030, Bloomberg set a goal to slash citywide emissions 30 percent by 2030 through a number of initiatives, such as requiring hybrid taxi cabs, building bike lanes and retrofitting municipal buildings to make them more energy efficient.

Bloomberg pledged to continue focusing on promoting his key causes — combating climate change, gun control and immigration — after leaving office through his philanthropic work.

The United Nations will host a one-day climate change summit in New York on Sept. 23. Many developing nations want it to be a deadline for rich countries to outline planned cuts in greenhouse gases beyond 2020 as a key step towards a global climate deal in 2015.

Last month, Ban appointed former Ghanaian President John Kufuor and former Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg as special envoys on climate change to drum up support for the planned September conference.

Ever since the 2009 U.N. climate summit in Copenhagen failed to secure a deal on a binding treaty on reducing carbon emissions, the United Nations has been sidelined, U.N. diplomats and officials say.

Climate discussions have shifted away from the world body to bilateral talks between key world powers and the Group of 20 club of major developed and developing nations.

But Ban has long seen galvanizing support for global action on climate change as key to his legacy as secretary-general, the officials and diplomats say, and is eager to restore the United Nations' relevance to the climate negotiations.

Michael Bloomberg

Michael R. Bloomberg was the New York (NY) mayor, a benefactor for the Harlem Children's Zone, a donor for the Robin Hood Foundation, is a member of the Clinton Global Initiative, and Marjorie B. Tiven’s brother.

Note: Foundation to Promote Open Society was a funder for the Harlem Children's Zone, the Robin Hood Foundation, and the Climate Reality Project.

George Soros was a benefactor for the Harlem Children's Zone, the chairman for the Foundation to Promote Open Society, is a member of the Clinton Global Initiative, and a board member for the International Crisis Group.

Lawrence H. Summers is a member of the Clinton Global Initiative, a board member for the International Crisis Group, was the National Economic Council chairman for the Barack Obama administration, and a 2008 Bilderberg conference participant (think tank).

Jens Stoltenberg is a member of the Clinton Global Initiative, and was the prime minister for Norway.

Ban Ki-Moon is a member of the Clinton Global Initiative, and the secretary general for the United Nations.

Marjorie B. Tiven is the New York City commissioner for the United Nations, and Michael R. Bloomberg’s sister.

Albert A. Gore Jr. is a member of the Clinton Global Initiative, the chairman for the Climate Reality Project, and a partner at Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers.

Tom Perkins Responds To Nazi Germany And 1 Percent Criticism, Says Kristallnacht Was ‘Terrible Word To Have Chosen’ (Past Research for Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers)

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

http://thesteadydrip.blogspot.com/2014/01/tom-perkins-responds-to-nazi-germany.html

Mary Meeker is a partner at Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, and was an analyst for Salomon Brothers.

Michael R. Bloomberg was a general partner at Salomon Brothers, the New York (NY) mayor, a benefactor for the Harlem Children's Zone, a donor at the Robin Hood Foundation, is a member of the Clinton Global Initiative, and Marjorie B. Tiven’s brother.

Democrat Sen. Mark Udall's Son Arrested for Heroin Possession

Democrat Sen. Mark Udall's Son Arrested for Heroin Possession

by AWR Hawkins 31 Jan 2014, 2:23 PM PDT

http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2014/01/31/Senator-Udall-s-Son-Arrested-For-Trespassing-Heroin-Possession

On Janauary 29, Senator Mark Udall's (D-CO) son, Jed Udall, was arrested in Boulder County, Colorado for trespassing and heroin possession.

According to the Daily Camera, when City of Boulder rangers and Boulder County deputies responded to a call, they found Udall had "broken into three cars." They also found "heroin, a used syringe and a spoon on [Jed], who also reportedly admitted to using heroin 48 hours prior to the incident."

In addition, the owner of one of the cars said that "$78 had been stolen," but law enforcement officials found "no large sums of cash" on Udall.

Udall told deputies he was simply "looking for jumper cables because the car his friend was supposed to pick him up in had a dead battery."

Mark Udall

Mark Udall is a U.S. Senate senator, a member of the CO congressional delegation, an honorary co-chair for the Third Way, and married to Maggie L. Fox.

Note: Third Way (Past Research)

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

http://thesteadydrip.blogspot.com/2013/11/third-way.html

Maggie L. Fox is married to Mark Udall, and the CEO & president for the Climate Reality Project.

Foundation to Promote Open Society was a funder for the Climate Reality Project, the International Rescue Committee, and the Aspen Institute (think tank).

George Soros was the chairman for the Foundation to Promote Open Society.

Albert A. Gore Jr. is the chairman for the Climate Reality Project, and a partner at Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers.

Tom Perkins Responds To Nazi Germany And 1 Percent Criticism, Says Kristallnacht Was ‘Terrible Word To Have Chosen’ (Past Research for Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers)

http://thesteadydrip.blogspot.com/2014/01/tom-perkins-responds-to-nazi-germany.html

Colin L. Powell is a strategic limited partner for Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, an overseer at the International Rescue Committee, and Michael K. Powell’s father.

Michael K. Powell is Colin L. Powell’s son, and a trustee at the Aspen Institute (think tank).

James S. Crown is a trustee at the Aspen Institute (think tank), and a member of the Commercial Club of Chicago.

Commercial Club of Chicago, Members Directory A-Z (Past Research)

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

http://thesteadydrip.blogspot.com/2013/12/commercial-club-of-chicago-members.html

Lester Crown is a member of the Commercial Club of Chicago, and was a lifetime trustee at the Aspen Institute (think tank).

William D. Budinger is a trustee at the Aspen Institute (think tank), and a trustee at Third Way.

Mark Udall is an honorary co-chair for the Third Way, a U.S. Senate senator, a member of the CO congressional delegation, and married to Maggie L. Fox.

Zuckerberg Touts Center for American Progress, WH Data to Push Amnesty

Zuckerberg Touts Center for American Progress, WH Data to Push Amnesty

by Matthew Boyle 31 Jan 2014, 11:00 AM PDT

http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2014/01/31/Zuckerberg-touts-Center-for-American-Progress-Obama-WH-data-in-pro-amnesty-House-GOP-literature

Billionaire Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg is using material from the far left-wing Center for American Progress (CAP) and from President Barack Obama’s White House to argue to House Republicans that amnesty would be good for the economy and for American workers.

In an effort to try to support House Republican leaders' sprint towards amnesty for illegal aliens and a massive increase in legal immigration (including more cheap tech labor for Facebook), Zuckerberg’s lobbying outfit FWD.us distributed a packet of information to House Republicans this week at their retreat in Cambridge, Maryland. The Zuckerberg packet runs directly counter to the one Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL), a longtime conservative and ranking member of the Senate Budget Committee, prepared for House Republicans ahead of their retreat.

On page 5 of the Zuckerberg packet, Republicans are presented with a link to and quotation from a September 2013 CAP study that argues such open borders-style policies as contained in the Senate-passed “Gang of Eight” immigration bill and the House GOP leadership immigration “principles” released on Thursday would be good for American workers.

“The detrimental effect our current immigration system has on American workers is a problem that is not often talked about, but workers all across America see it each day,” the quote from the CAP study reads. “Currently, our broken immigration system creates an opportunity for some employers to use the immigration status of workers to undermine their employment protections. This has serious implications for all workers in America."

"Our employment laws are strongest when all employees protected under them are able to invoke their rights when faced with workplace violations," the study argues. "A broken immigration system that stifles immigrants’ employment rights ultimately undermines the workplace safety of all American workers.”

On page 7 of the Zuckerberg packet, Republicans are presented with a September 2012 CAP study that argues granting amnesty to illegal alien youths through a DREAM Act-style proposal, like what House Majority Leader Eric Cantor has pushed, would be somehow economically beneficial. A chart from that study argues that a DREAM Act-type amnesty would add billions to various state economies around the country.

CAP is a far left-wing progressive research and lobbying shop, funded by donors including George Soros and connected intimately with left-wing leaders like John Podesta—who headed the organization until recently joining President Obama’s White House team.

The Zuckerberg immigration lobbying packet distributed to House members also cites a Regional Economic Models, Inc., (REMI) report, which was first published on July 17, 2013 that argues hundreds of thousands of new jobs would be created in the first few years after granting amnesty to illegal immigrants. “REMI examines how the policies will expand the economic pie for individuals and businesses across the nation,” Zuckerberg’s team wrote about the REMI report in the packet.

That REMI report was used by President Obama’s White House to argue on August 1: “Commonsense immigration reform will strengthen the U.S. economy and create jobs.” The White House used that report alongside a series of products from the institutional left—various foundations and groups funded by left-wing billionaires, including Soros. GOP establishment organization American Action Network (AAN) also used the consortium of left-wing data to push the same argument in August, as Breitbart News detailed at the time.

Republicans like Sessions and others counter what is in those left-wing reports with hard economic data that shows American workers will be hurt by amnesty for illegal immigrants and a massive increase in legal immigration like Zuckerberg wants. For instance, they point to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) which estimates that the Senate Gang of Eight bill, or a plan like it, would drive wages of American workers down and unemployment numbers up.

Sessions’ communications director Stephen Miller told Breitbart News in August that the CBO’s estimates prove Americans will be hurt by amnesty.

“Based on conservative CBO projections, the Senate bill would add approximately 46 million immigrants by 2033,” Miller said at the time. “Even using AAN's inflated claim of 6 million jobs -- for which they provide no supporting data -- that's not nearly enough to keep up with the expansion of guest workers and low-skill immigration contained in the proposal. That's why CBO reports that joblessness will grow, wages will fall, and per-capita GNP will shrink for the next 25 years.”

Likewise, a platoon of 16 House Republicans led by Rep. Mo Brooks (R-AL) wrote to President Obama in early January to note how there are about 102 million Americans either out of the workforce or officially unemployed who should be prioritized for American jobs over illegal aliens seeking amnesty or future foreign labor CEOs want to import.

“Rapidly expanding unskilled immigration – at a time when factory work and blue collar jobs are disappearing – would represent the final economic blow for millions of workers who have been struggling to gain an economic foothold,” those 16 House GOP members wrote. “Yet, despite this jobs crisis for American workers, the White House continues to advocate that CEOs and business executives seek lower cost labor."

"The White House has entertained a parade of high-powered business executives to discuss immigration policy, all while shutting out the concerns of everyday wage-earners who overwhelmingly oppose these measures," they stated. "You even released an economic report saying that the ‘hospitality and leisure industry’ needs ‘legislation that would legalize workers in the U.S. and facilitate the lawful employment of future foreign-born workers.’”

Mark Zuckerberg

Mark Zuckerberg is the co-founder & chairman & CEO for Facebook, Roger B. McNamee is his adviser, and Chris Hughes’s was his Harvard roommate.

Note: Chris Hughes was Mark Zuckerberg’s Harvard roommate, is a co-founder for Facebook, and a member of the Democracy Alliance.

George Soros was a member of the Democracy Alliance, the chairman for the Foundation to Promote Open Society, a supporter for the Center for American Progress, and is the founder for Soros Fund Management.

Foundation to Promote Open Society was a funder for the Center for American Progress, the Brookings Institution (think tank), and Amnesty International.

Facebook was a funder for the Center for American Progress.

Soros Fund Management is a partner with Silver Lake Kraftwerk Fund.

Silver Lake Kraftwerk Fund is a fund for Silver Lake.

Roger B. McNamee was a co-founder for Silver Lake, and is Mark Zuckerberg’s adviser.

John S. Chen is a special adviser for Silver Lake, and a trustee at the Brookings Institution (think tank).

Glenn H. Hutchins was the founder & managing partner for Silver Lake, and is a trustee at the Brookings Institution (think tank).

Sheryl K. Sandberg was a trustee at the Brookings Institution (think tank), and is the COO & director for Facebook.

Lee H. Hamilton is an honorary trustee at the Brookings Institution (think tank), a co-chair for the Independent Task Force on Immigration and America's Future, and was a co-chair for the Iraq Study Group.

Vernon E. Jordan Jr. is an honorary trustee at the Brookings Institution (think tank), Valerie B. Jarrett’s great uncle, a director at the American Friends of Bilderberg (think tank), a senior counsel for Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, LLP, and a 2008 Bilderberg conference participant (think tank).

Cyrus F. Freidheim Jr. is an honorary trustee at the Brookings Institution (think tank), and a member of the Commercial Club of Chicago.

Valerie B. Jarrett is Vernon E. Jordan Jr’s great niece, the senior adviser for the Barack Obama administration, and a member of the Commercial Club of Chicago.

Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, LLP was a funder for the Center for American Progress.

Facebook was a funder for the Center for American Progress.

Melody C. Barnes was the EVP for the Center for American Progress, the domestic policy council, director for the Barack Obama administration, and is Barack Obama’s golf partner.

Ezekiel Emanuel is a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, Rahm I. Emanuel’s brother, and was the health care policy adviser for the Barack Obama administration.

Rahm I. Emanuel is Ezekiel Emanuel’s brother, a member of the Commercial Club of Chicago, the Chicago (IL) mayor, and was the White House chief of staff for the Barack Obama administration.

Commercial Club of Chicago, Members Directory A-Z (Past Research)

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

http://thesteadydrip.blogspot.com/2013/12/commercial-club-of-chicago-members.html

John D. Podesta is Barack Obama administration’s counselor, and the chair & counselor for the Center for American Progress.

Facebook was a funder for the Center for American Progress.

Microsoft Corporation is an investor in Facebook.

William H. Gates III is a co-founder & chairman for the Microsoft Corporation, and a co-chair for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation was a funder for the Center for American Progress, and the Brookings Institution (think tank).

Ann M. Fudge is the U.S. program advisory panel chair for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and a trustee at the Brookings Institution (think tank).

Sheryl K. Sandberg was a trustee at the Brookings Institution (think tank), and is the COO & director for Facebook.

Lee H. Hamilton is an honorary trustee at the Brookings Institution (think tank), and a co-chair for the Independent Task Force on Immigration and America's Future.

Koch Brothers Fire Back at 'Disrespectful and Divisive' Harry Reid

Koch Brothers Fire Back at 'Disrespectful and Divisive' Harry Reid

Friday, 31 Jan 2014 12:59 PM

By Melanie Batley

http://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/koch-brothers-slam-reid/2014/01/31/id/550206

Billionaire brothers Charles and David Koch fired back at Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid on Friday in a rare public rebuke after the Democrat used the Senate floor to accuse them of trying to "buy the country."

Reid's comments came during a debate with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell Thursday after the Republican blasted new rules proposed by the IRS that would crack down on the political activities of tax-exempt organizations, many of which are conservative and were targeted by the agency for heightened scrutiny.

"Senator Reid falsely accused the Kochs of trying to 'buy the country' because they have exercised their First Amendment rights of free speech and free association," said Philip Ellender, president and chief operating officer at Koch Companies Public Sector, according to Politico.

"Sen. Reid's divisive remarks were not only disrespectful and beneath the office he holds, they were indicative of what lengths he and his Democratic allies will go to eliminate and silence their political opposition."

McConnell contends the rules are an attempt by the administration to silence conservative groups, many of whom have said the regulations would infringe on their rights of free speech.

Ellender praised McConnell for his "great courage" in taking on Democrats over the issue, Politico reports.

"Charles Koch and David Koch will continue to exercise their First Amendment rights to advocate for their fundamental beliefs in individual liberty, limited government, and promotion of policies that help people improve their lives," Ellender said.

The Kochs, whose political network reportedly raised over $400 million in 2012, have signaled through a new fundraising push that they intend to increase their involvement on behalf of candidates in the 2014 midterm elections.

David Koch

David H. Koch is the EVP for Koch Industries, a trustee at the Aspen Institute (think tank), and a trustee at WNET.org.

Note: Foundation to Promote Open Society was a funder for the Aspen Institute (think tank).

George Soros was the chairman for the Foundation to Promote Open Society, and is the founder & chairman for the Open Society Foundations.

Open Society Foundations was a funder for the Atlantic Council of the United States (think tank).

Henrietta Holsman Fore is a trustee at the Aspen Institute (think tank), and a member of the Belizean Grove.  

Deborah L. Wince-Smith is a member of the Belizean Grove, and was a member of the IRS Oversight Board.

IRS Oversight Board is a citizen’s board for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Belizean_Grove is the equivalent to the male-only social group, the Bohemian Club.

Henry A. Kissinger was a lifetime trustee at the Aspen Institute (think tank), is a member of the Bohemian Club, a director at the American Friends of Bilderberg (think tank), a director at the Atlantic Council of the United States (think tank), and a 2008 Bilderberg conference participant (think tank).

Walter L. Cronkite was a member of the Bohemian Club, and a life trustee at WNET.org.

Charles O. Rossotti is a director at the Atlantic Council of the United States (think tank), and was the commissioner for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

IRS Oversight Board is a citizen’s board for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

CDC: More Children Killed by Fire, Drowning Than by Firearms

CDC: More Children Killed by Fire, Drowning Than by Firearms

by AWR Hawkins 31 Jan 2014, 8:27 AM PDT

http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2014/01/30/CDC-More-Children-Accidentally-Killed-With-Fire-Or-Water-Than-Firearms

According to the 2010 Death and Mortality numbers released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more children under the age of ten are unintentionally killed in fire or water-related incidents than are killed in accidental gun deaths.

Gun scholar John Lott pulled together various CDC tables showing that thirty-six children under the age of ten were killed in firearm-related accidents in 2010.

The number of children under the age of ten killed in "unintentional fire/burn deaths" was 262, and the number killed in "unintentional drowning" incidents was 609.

This is viewed as a "death rate per 100,000" and translates into "age-adjusted rates" of .09 for unintentional gun-related deaths, .64 for unintentional fire/burn deaths, and 1.4 for unintentional drowning deaths.

The number of children unintentionally killed in fire-related deaths was over seven times higher than the number of children killed in unintentional gun-related deaths, and the number of children killed in unintentional drowning deaths was sixteen times higher than the number of children killed in unintentional gun-related deaths.

CDC

CDC Foundation is a foundation for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Note: Bloomberg Family Foundation was a funder for the CDC Foundation.

Michael R. Bloomberg is the founder of the Bloomberg Family Foundation, a co-chair for Mayors Against Illegal Guns, was a benefactor for the Harlem Children's Zone, and a donor for the Robin Hood Foundation.

NRA-ILA (Mayors Against Illegal Guns, History)

http://nraila.org/search.aspx?s=Mayors%20Against%20Illegal%20Guns

George Soros was a benefactor for the Harlem Children's Zone, a benefactor for the Human Rights Watch, and the chairman for the Foundation to Promote Open Society.

Foundation to Promote Open Society was a funder for the Harlem Children's Zone, the Robin Hood Foundation, the Human Rights Watch, and the Millennium Promise.

Larry Robbins is a director at the Robin Hood Foundation, and was married to Amy Robbins Towers.

Amy Robbins Towers is a director at the Human Rights Watch, a board member for the CDC Foundation, was married to Larry Robbins, and a director at the Millennium Promise.

Jimmy Carter was an honorary co-chairman for the Millennium Promise, and the president for the Jimmy Carter administration.

Jimmy Carter on Gun Control

President of the U.S., 1977-1981

http://www.ontheissues.org/Celeb/Jimmy_Carter_Gun_Control.htm

First Lady, Barbra Streisand Raise Cash for Dems, Warn of GOP Resurgence

First Lady, Barbra Streisand Raise Cash for Dems, Warn of GOP Resurgence

by Breitbart News 30 Jan 2014, 4:30 PM PDT

http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Hollywood/2014/01/30/first-lady-streisand-team-dem-fundraiser

Barbra Streisand, Tim Robbins and other progressive stars helped First Lady Michelle Obama fill Democrat coffers yesterday to keep both the House and Senate out of the GOP's mitts.

The L.A. fundraiser, held at the home of Everybody Loves Raymond creator Phil Rosenthal, also included James Brolin, Paul Reiser, Dolores Roberts and L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti. The event netted $700,000 for the liberal cause.

The First Lady did the political heavy lifting, scaring the soiree attendees by saying the GOP could not only keep the house later this year but win back the Senate.

What I want all of you to think about for just a minute is what could happen if we lose those six seats,” saying it could mean the repeal of the ACA, interference with a woman’s ability to obtain contraception, the banning of same-sex marriage, cutting off unemployment insurance, according to a pool report on the first lady's comments. “That’s just the beginning," she said. "Thirty-seven governor’s seats are up for grabs, nearly 3/4 of our state houses. We’ve got state legislatures in play, and remember, these are the folks who draw those congressional districts.

Barbra Streisand

Barbra Streisand is married to James Brolin, the founder of the Barbra Streisand Foundation, a William Morris Endeavor Entertainment client, and made the National Rifle Association enemies list listed in 2013.

Note: Margery Tabankin is the treasurer for the Barbra Streisand Foundation, and a director at the People for the American Way.

Foundation to Promote Open Society was a funder for People for the American Way, the International Rescue Committee, and the Aspen Institute (think tank).

George Soros is the chairman for the Foundation to Promote Open Society.

Alec Baldwin is a director at People for the American Way, made the National Rifle Association enemies list listed in 2013, and was the host for Up Late With Alec Baldwin.

Up Late With Alec Baldwin was a MSNBC program.

Harold E. Ford Jr. is a political commentator at MSNBC, an overseer at the International Rescue Committee, and a 2008 Bilderberg conference participant (think tank).

Condoleezza Rice is an overseer at the International Rescue Committee, a client of the William Morris Endeavor Entertainment, a trustee at the Aspen Institute (think tank), and a 2008 Bilderberg conference participant (think tank).

James Brolin is married to Barbra Streisand, Josh Brolin’s father, and made the National Rifle Association enemies list listed in 2013.

Josh Brolin is James Brolin’s son, and a William Morris Endeavor Entertainment client.

Ari Emanuel is the co-CEO & director for William Morris Endeavor Entertainment, and Rahm I. Emanuel’s brother.

Rahm I. Emanuel is Ari Emanuel’s brother, a member of the Commercial Club of Chicago, the Chicago (IL) mayor, and was the White House chief of staff for the Barack Obama administration.

R. Eden Martin is the president of the Commercial Club of Chicago, and counsel at Sidley Austin LLP.

Michelle Obama was a lawyer at Sidley Austin LLP.

Barack Obama was an intern at Sidley Austin LLP.

Newton N. Minow is a senior counsel at Sidley Austin LLP, and a member of the Commercial Club of Chicago.

James S. Crown is a member of the Commercial Club of Chicago, and a trustee at the Aspen Institute (think tank).

Lester Crown was a lifetime trustee at the Aspen Institute (think tank), and is a member of the Commercial Club of Chicago.

Cyrus F. Freidheim Jr. is a member of the Commercial Club of Chicago, and an honorary trustee at the Brookings Institution (think tank).

Foundation to Promote Open Society was a funder for the Aspen Institute (think tank), the Brookings Institution (think tank), the Human Rights Watch, and the Natural Resources Defense Council.

George Soros was the chairman for the Foundation to Promote Open Society, a benefactor at the Human Rights Watch, and the founder & chairman for the Open Society Foundations.

Open Society Foundations was a funder for the Human Rights Watch, the Natural Resources Defense Council, the American Constitution Society, the Bill, Hillary & Chelsea Clinton Foundation, the Center for International Policy, and the Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

Barbra Streisand Foundation was a funder for the Human Rights Watch, the Natural Resources Defense Council, the American Constitution Society, the Bill, Hillary & Chelsea Clinton Foundation, the Center for International Policy, and the Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

Barbra Streisand is the founder of the Barbra Streisand Foundation, married to James Brolin, a William Morris Endeavor Entertainment client, and made the National Rifle Association enemies list listed in 2013.

Former National Security Adviser Hadley: Iraq War Worthwhile

Former National Security Adviser Hadley: Iraq War Worthwhile

Thursday, 30 Jan 2014 11:56 PM

By Cathy Burke

http://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/al-qaida-iraq-stephen-hadley-war/2014/01/30/id/550086

Though al-Qaida has regained control in some parts of Iraq, the Americans who served there should be proud of their service, says Stephen Hadley, the former assistant to the president for National Security Affairs under George W. Bush.

"All is not lost," Hadley writes in an op-ed piece published online Thursday night by The Wall Street Journal.

"Americans who served [in Iraq] can be proud of their service: toppling a brutal dictator, defeating al-Qaida in Iraq in 2007-08, and giving the Iraqi people a chance to build a nation unique in the history of Iraq and the Middle East," he writes.

Now it's time for Washington and its allies to do their part to "make sure that this opportunity is not squandered," he added, including congressional approval of the funding and transfer of missiles, helicopters and other military equipment.

"The American people need to understand that their own security now rides on this fight," he wrote. "For we know this about al-Qaida: Ultimately, Americans and our interests, friends and territory will be their target."

Hadley lamented that "people have forgotten" the bloody and violent history of Saddam Hussein's Iraq, but that U.S. soldiers have every right to "be proud of their role in ending this criminal regime and freeing the Iraqi people from a brutal tyrant."

America needs only to look to Syria to see "what happens when a bloody dictator goes unchecked," he wrote.

"The removal of Saddam opened up a very different possibility: an Iraq in which Sunni, Shiites, Kurds, Christians and other minorities would work together to build a democratic and peaceful future," Hadley wrote.

Conceding mistakes made by both the Bush and Obama administrations in Iraq, Hadley said the recent spike in al-Qaida attacks in Iraq "results from nearly three years of civil war in neighboring Syria, mistakes by the Iraqi government, and an inadequate response from the U.S. and its regional allies."

And he wrote the numbers of "foreign fighters involved" are in the thousands, "more than were present at the height of the Iraq War."

Yet Hadley said he's optimistic about Americans' help in building and training an an Iraqi security force, and that Sunni tribes "are rejoining the fight against al-Qaida."

If the Sunni gain the greater role in the Iraqi government they're seeking, it could help restore "the original vision of a tolerant and inclusive Iraq," he wrote.

Hadley also pointed out now that the Arab Spring euphoria of 2011 has faded, the region needs an example of communities working together to defeat terrorism, establish "tolerant and inclusive politics" and produce a growing economy.

"If it can overcome its current challenges, Iraq can be that example," Hadley wrote.

Stephen Hadley

Stephen J. Hadley was the national security adviser for the George W. Bush administration, the under secretary at the U.S. Department of Defense, and is a director at the Atlantic Council of the United States (think tank).

Note: Open Society Foundations was a funder for the Atlantic Council of the United States (think tank).

George Soros is the founder & chairman for the Open Society Foundations.

Chuck Hagel was the chairman for the Atlantic Council of the United States (think tank), and is the secretary at the U.S. Department of Defense for the Barack Obama administration.

Zalmay Khalilzad is a director at the Atlantic Council of the United States (think tank), and was a U.S. ambassador for Iraq.

Barry R. McCaffrey was a director at the Atlantic Council of the United States (think tank), and an advisory board member for the Committee for the Liberation of Iraq.

James A. Baker III is an honorary director at the Atlantic Council of the United States (think tank), and was a co-chair at the Iraq Study Group.

William J. Perry is an honorary director at the Atlantic Council of the United States (think tank), and was a member of the Iraq Study Group.

James L. Jones Jr. is a director at the Atlantic Council of the United States (think tank), and was the chairman for the Congressional Independent Commission on the Security Forces of Iraq.

Walter B. Slocombe is a director at the Atlantic Council of the United States (think tank), and was a senior adviser for the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq.

Endorsement of Wendy Davis Triggers National Boycott of Girl Scout Cookies

Endorsement of Wendy Davis Triggers National Boycott of Girl Scout Cookies

by Austin Ruse 29 Jan 2014

http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2014/01/29/Wendy-Davis-Triggers-National-Boycott-of-Girl-Scout-Cookies

A part of every Thin Mint and Do-Si-Do, every Samoa and Savannah Smile goes to support abortion advocacy. So say John Pisciotta, who runs a tiny pro-life organization in Waco, Texas, and a dozen national pro-life organizations he has convinced to join him in a national boycott of Girl Scout cookies that will be announced in Texas tomorrow.

A few weeks ago, the Girl Scouts designated Wendy Davis as an “incredible woman” who deserved to be on the list of 2013 “Women of the Year.” Only a month earlier, the organization promoted Kathleen Sebelius as a woman of “courage” on its Facebook page.

Davis is not known for much more than exaggerating her life story and for her filibuster of a pro-life bill in the Texas legislature. Her critics point out that the bill she filibustered was one that limited abortions after viability.

Kathleen Sebelius has been the bête noir of the pro-life movement for her role in Obamacare and mandating abortion coverage even for religious entities, what some Catholic bishops have called the largest expansion of abortion in the country since Roe v. Wade.

All this was too much for Pisciotta, who will ask families across America not to participate in the Girl Scouts' fundraising through cookie sales.

Pisciotta told Breitbart News, “The Girl Scouts were once a truly amazing organization, but it has been taken over by ideologues of the left, and regular folks just will not stand for it. Anyone who cares about this ought to go to www.cookiecott.com and find out why.”

Pisciotta says people should look closely at where the money goes from these sales. The Girl Scouts claims that 100% of cookie revenue stays with the regional councils, with a portion going to the local troop, and that the national office receives no revenue from cookie sales. However, Girl Scouts USA receives millions in licensing fees for every box sold, money that contributes substantially to its enormous budget.

Ann Saladin, who runs MyGirlScoutCouncil.com, points out that even the regional councils, and therefore much of the cookie money, are directly implicated in abortion advocacy. Her website lists all the local councils with abortion troubles.

The Girl Scouts also claims that no cookie money goes to any other group. However, Girl Scouts USA makes an annual donation of $1.5 million to the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, a group on record as supporting reproductive health and rights for its members.

There is a quixotic aspect to Pisciotta’s fight. Pro-Life Waco is hardly a match for the Girl Scouts. Guidestar, the online tracker of non-profit organizations, doesn’t even list a tax filing for his organization because his group never raises more than the $50,000 annual minimum that requires tax filings. Pisciotta is a volunteer, as are all the rest who work there.

On the other hand, the national office of the Girl Scouts raised more than $100 million last year. This does not include $700 million in cookie sales. Pisciotta’s group can’t even compete with the Girl Scout Council of San Jacinto, which raised more than $15 million last year.

The Girl Scouts is fighting back against its detractors. Just yesterday, Ann Saladin received a threatening email from a Girl Scout attorney threatening legal action if she persisted in using the Girl Scout logo on MyGirlScoutCouncil.com. “We demand that your organization immediately cease using the Girl Scouts® logo on your flyers. We would appreciate receiving your assurances by return mail, email, or fax on or before February 7, 2014 that you will comply with our demand,” wrote Brian Crawford of the Girl Scouts.

Even so, Pisciotta believes he can have an effect. After all, he’s been here before.

In 2003 Pisciotta ran what started as a local boycott after the local Girl Scout Council sponsored a controversial conference with Planned Parenthood called Nobody’s Fool, at which a booklet was offered to young children that included, among other things, a boy masturbating, a drawing of a boy standing at a school chalk board looking at the bulge in his pants, a naked woman straddling a man, and more. The local council also named the CEO of Planned Parenthood-Waco as a Woman of Distinction.

That campaign put Pisciotta and his allies on local and national television and caused Girl Scouts USA CEO Kathy Cloninger to go on the Today Show to try to cauterize the wound. It was on that program, however, that Cloninger admitted that the Girl Scouts works with Planned Parenthood groups around the country, a statement that has bedeviled the Girl Scouts since then.

After that boycott, a veritable cottage industry of Girl Scout reform and opposition groups has sprung up around the country including MyGirlScoutCouncil.com, 100questionsfortheGirlScouts.com, SpeakNowGirlScouts.com, GirlScoutsWhyNot.com, and even a Facebook page called “Make The Girl Scouts Clean Again.”

Since that time, the Girl Scouts has been on a remarkable slide. Its membership is down 7% from 2.8 million members to 2.2 million. It has had to consolidate councils from 312 to 112. From 2007 to 2011, donations dropped 29% from $148 million to $104 million, and a once $150 million in the black pension fund is now $347 million in the red.

The Girl Scouts organization has shown sensitivity to the political and humanitarian concerns of its members. According to the Girl Scout FAQ page, the cocoa used in the cookies is “conflict free,” and no cookie can be made with genetically modified crops. It even promises its cookies are made with “corporate sustainability” and “social responsibility” in mind.

When it comes to pro-life concerns, however, the Girl Scouts lines up opposite the wishes of millions of former Girl Scout members who have walked away over that issue in recent years.

Kathleen Sebelius

Kathleen Sebelius is the secretary at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for the Barack Obama administration, and Dora Hughes was her counselor at HHS.

Note: Howard K. Koh is the assistant secretary at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for the Barack Obama administration, and Harold H. Koh’s brother.

Harold H. Koh is Howard K. Koh’s brother, was the State Department legal adviser for the Barack Obama administration, Harry A. Blackmun’s clerk, a director at the Human Rights First, a trustee at the Brookings Institution (think tank), and a lawyer for Covington & Burling LLP.

Harry A. Blackmun’s clerk was Harold H. Koh, and wrote majority decision for Roe vs. Wade.

Foundation to Promote Open Society was a funder for Human Rights First, the Brookings Institution (think tank), the NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund, the Aspen Institute (think tank), the Natural Resources Defense Council, and the Committee for Economic Development.

George Soros was the chairman for the Foundation to Promote Open Society, and is the founder & chairman for the Open Society Foundations.

Open Society Foundations was a funder for the American Constitution Society, the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, and the Natural Resources Defense Council.

Barbra Streisand Foundation was a funder for the American Constitution Society, and the Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

Eric H. Holder Jr. was an intern at the NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund, a board member for the American Constitution Society, a partner at Covington & Burling LLP, a director at the Eugene and Agnes E. Meyer Foundation, and is the attorney general at the U.S. Department of Justice for the Barack Obama administration.

Newman T. Halvorson Jr. was a partner at Covington & Burling LLP, and is a director at the Eugene and Agnes E. Meyer Foundation.

Barbara J. Krumsiek is the chair for the Eugene and Agnes E. Meyer Foundation, and a director at Girl Scouts of the USA.

Ingrid Saunders Jones is a director at Girl Scouts of the USA, and a director at the Apollo Theater Foundation.

William Lighten is a director at the Apollo Theater Foundation, and a director at the NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund.

Henry Louis Gates Jr. was a director at the Apollo Theater Foundation, an honorary trustee at the Brookings Institution (think tank), is a director at the NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund, an Oak Bluffs (MA) homeowner, and a trustee at the Aspen Institute (think tank).

Vernon E. Jordan Jr. is an honorary trustee at the Brookings Institution (think tank), a senior director at the NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund, an Oak Bluffs (MA) homeowner, Antoinette Cook Bush’s stepfather, Valerie B. Jarrett’s great uncle, a director at the American Friends of Bilderberg (think tank), and a 2008 Bilderberg conference participant (think tank).

Antoinette Cook Bush is Vernon E. Jordan Jr’s stepdaughter, and a director at the Eugene and Agnes E. Meyer Foundation.

Barbara J. Krumsiek is the chair for the Eugene and Agnes E. Meyer Foundation, and a director at Girl Scouts of the USA.

Nancy A. Reardon is a director at Girl Scouts of the USA, and was the SVP for the Campbell Soup Company.

Denise M. Morrison is the president & CEO for the Campbell Soup Company, and her sister is Mary Agnes Wilderotter.

Mary Agnes Wilderotter is a Denise M. Morrison’s sister, and a member of the Belizean Grove.

Belizean_Grove is the equivalent to the male-only social group, the Bohemian Club.

Henrietta Holsman Fore is a member of the Belizean Grove, and a trustee at the Aspen Institute (think tank).

Henry A. Kissinger is a member of the Bohemian Club, a director at the American Friends of Bilderberg (think tank), was a lifetime trustee at the Aspen Institute (think tank), and a 2008 Bilderberg conference participant (think tank).

James S. Crown is a trustee at the Aspen Institute (think tank), a member of the Commercial Club of Chicago, and a director at the General Dynamics Corporation.

Lester Crown was a lifetime trustee at the Aspen Institute (think tank), a director at the General Dynamics Corporation, and is a member of the Commercial Club of Chicago.

Nicholas D. Chabraja is a director at the General Dynamics Corporation, and a director at the Northern Trust Corporation.

David W. Fox Jr. is the head of the Americas for corporate & institutional services for the Northern Trust Corporation, and a member of the Commercial Club of Chicago.

Connie L. Lindsey is the EVP for the Northern Trust Corporation, and the president of Girl Scouts of the USA.

Susan Crown is a director at the Northern Trust Corporation, a member of the Commercial Club of Chicago, and was a trustee at the Natural Resources Defense Council.

Barbra Streisand Foundation was a funder for the Natural Resources Defense Council, and the Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

R. Eden Martin is the president of the Commercial Club of Chicago, and counsel at Sidley Austin LLP.

Dora Hughes is a senior policy adviser for Sidley Austin LLP, and was Kathleen Sebelius’s counselor at HHS.

Michelle Obama was a lawyer at Sidley Austin LLP.

Barack Obama was an intern at Sidley Austin LLP.

Newton N. Minow is a senior counsel at Sidley Austin LLP, and a member of the Commercial Club of Chicago.

W. James McNerney Jr. is a member of the Commercial Club of Chicago, and the chairman & president & CEO for the Boeing Company.

Barbara G. Fast was a VP at the Boeing Company, and a VP for the CGI Group Inc.

CGI Group Inc. was the Obamacare contractor that developed Healthcare.gov web site.

Obamacare is Barack Obama’s signature policy initiative.

Donna S. Morea was the EVP for the CGI Group Inc., and a trustee at the Committee for Economic Development.

Foundation to Promote Open Society was a funder for Committee for Economic Development, and Media Matters,

George Soros was the chairman for the Foundation to Promote Open Society, a contributor for MoveOn.org, is the founder & chairman for the Open Society Foundations, and the co-chair, national finance council for Ready for Hillary.

Open Society Foundations was a funder for the Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

Ilyse Hogue is a senior adviser for Media Matters, the president for the NARAL Pro-Choice America, and was a director of political advocacy for MoveOn.org.

Amber A. Mostyn is a national finance council member for Ready for Hillary, and the chair for Annie's List.

Wendy Davis was a supporter for the Annie's List, is a Texas Senate senator, and the candidate for the 2014 Wendy Davis (TX) gubernatorial campaign.

Single Teen Mom? Texas's Wendy Davis Lied About Life Story (Past Research)

Monday, January 20, 2014

http://thesteadydrip.blogspot.com/2014/01/single-teen-mom-texass-wendy-davis-lied.html