The North Haven Way

Obama Invites Backlash on Conscience Rule Betrayal

2012-02-11T08:23:00.002-05:00

by David Limbaugh

As God's instrument, Moses parted the Red Sea. Well, it appears President Obama has a different idea. With a wave of his hand, he's going to reunite our bitterly divided political waters on the hottest of hot-button issues.

Don't get me wrong; Obama's conscious effort to divide Americans on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion and wealth for political purposes is alive and thriving. That's a separate phenomenon.

What I'm talking about here is his apparent conviction that by sheer force of his presence, his charisma, his aura and his gift for supernatural nuance, he can utter magical words on any bitterly controversial matter and instantly reconcile opposing factions, even on matters that do not lend themselves to neat solutions.

This exaggerated sense of self-worth, not just his visceral liberal inclination toward appeasement, is what leads him to believe he can negotiate with terrorists and persuade them to renounce their jihad against America upon witnessing his world apology tour, his outreach to Muslims in Cairo, his witch hunt against CIA interrogators, and his shoutouts to the Muslim Brotherhood. (Don't tell him, but polls show he's even less popular than President George W. Bush was in the Muslim world.)

His stunning absence of any awareness of his own limitations (Socrates' wisdom yardstick) is obviously what convinced him he could deliver a speech at the University of Notre Dame that would induce a bilateral epiphany in which both sides of the abortion debate would finally realize that until he had deconstructed the issue so elegantly, they had been looking through the abortion glass darkly. Henceforth, they would see clearly and bask in the glow of harmonic convergence where pro-life advocates would appreciate the bizarre concept of a mother's sacred reproductive rights and the pro-aborts would come to understand, er, never mind. Only one side in these arguments needs to show movement -- the side that opposes Obama's beliefs.

This robust arrogance is what made Obama believe he could convince freedom-loving Americans that they would love socialized health care. You'd think he might have been discouraged when they still didn't embrace it after 54 speeches, but trapped in his own self-perpetuating personal echo chamber, he had no other options but to keep pummeling us with his propaganda until he decided to just bribe, cheat and steal in order to get the bill crammed through. Through it all, he never lost faith in his ability to place square pegs into round holes.

So it is that we read in The Washington Post that Obama thinks he can lull us into kumbaya over his death-culture assault on Americans' religious liberty with his rule requiring religious institutions to cover contraception as part of their employee health plans. This mandate would require all employers, including religiously affiliated colleges and hospitals that receive federal funds, to provide female employees the full breadth of health care coverage, including birth control, the "morning-after pill" and sterilization services. He deceitfully promised in that Notre Dame speech, by the way, that he would respect the conscience rights of religious institutions and that he would not invoke this abominable rule that he is now vigorously and defiantly embracing.

Once again, he must think he can placate opponents by patting them on the head and telling them they just need to settle down, see the superior wisdom and morality of his position, and understand that everything will be fine if they'll just believe in him. Yes, that's right; the Post reports that administration officials are telling liberal groups and lawmakers that Obama is not backing down from his hard-line position on the rule, but assuring "religious groups that a phase-in period will allow the two sides to agree on an approach to putting the rule into practice."

You see, in Obama's grandiose world -- in which rhetoric, sophism and endless speechifying reign supreme -- every impasse can be breached with his miraculously penetrating silver tongue.

But this time, as has been increasingly the case for the hapless, unreflective Obama, his obfuscation will not work. As Anthony R. Picarello Jr., general counsel for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said, "so far, (the administration's promise to) 'work this thing through' is just the sugar-coated version of 'force you to comply.'"

Indeed, this authoritarian administration prohibited a Catholic Army chaplain from reading a letter by Timothy Broglio -- archbishop of the Military Services, USA -- criticizing the mandate because with it, "the Administration has cast aside the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States" in a way that is "denying Catholics our Nation's first and most fundamental freedom, that of religious liberty."

One way or another -- either by backing down or by facing an electoral spanking -- Obama will not win this one. With the backlash he is inviting, he might finally learn the limits of his mythical magic.

A Letter from the Teacher's Union

2012-02-10T11:35:00.001-05:00

This is an open letter from the North Haven Education Association to the North Haven Board of Education, Board of Finance, and Board of Selectmen outlining our positions on the 2012-2013 budget recommendations that are currently under consideration by the Board Of Education.

The NHEA agrees with the new academic support positions Superintendent Dr. Robert Cronin has requested:

Math coaches, K-5 language arts program coordinator, intervention specialist, computer teacher, middle school autism teacher. These are positions to provide support for both staff and students to improve academic performance. We would even suggest increasing this support. Rather than eliminating special education positions, why not provide more intervention teachers and utilize these educator's skills to further support the academic needs of our struggling students?

Where we disagree with the proposed budget:

We believe that the elimination of pupil personnel service staff such as social workers and a psychologist removes the support our students need for their social and emotional wellbeing. This is a key element of learning. We must consider the impact this will have on the success of students in North Haven public schools. Without these two critical pieces, children will not be available to learn.

In past years, North Haven has prided itself on educating the "whole child." These staff cuts will directly impact and likely reverse this philosophy. It is important to recognize that significant changes have occurred in the responsibility that schools have to supplement the traditional support that families have provided.

Why is there a recommendation to cut back on the support our students need in one area of their lives in order to provide it in another? We feel that this is a false choice. Dr. Cronin must make this choice, unless the Board of Education is willing to seek more funding for next year's budget and allow the district to meet all of the needs of our students.

We believe the Board of Education has an obligation to advocate on behalf of the students of North Haven by asking for an increase in the education budget, which will begin to address the funding shortfalls that have been present for years. We ask that the board work to begin to close the gap in per pupil expenditure that has been increasing for quite sometime.

First Selectman Michael Freda once addressed the board and said, "If you have a need, I will support it."

The students of North Haven have educational needs. Now is the time for the Board of Education to advocate for the funds to support those needs. The NHEA will work with you to convince the selectmen, Board of Finance, and town's people to support your budget. However, if the board does not make the request, none of these groups are aware of the need.

In the past, boards would base their requests on the needs of the students and defend those budgets to the Board of Finance. Elected officials and the people of North Haven must be allowed to make decisions based on complete information. We believe that an increase of 2.86 percent in next year's budget will not fully meet the needs of the students of North Haven. Not recognizing (and listing) the many student needs that are not included in this budget will result in the town leaders and people of North Haven making decisions based on incomplete information.

We look to the Board of Education to provide true leadership and ask for an increase that meets the needs of our students, and work with us to convince everyone that we must to do more, even if supporting this position is uncomfortable.

Sincerely,

Tom Marak, President North Haven Education Association

Looks Like The BOE has Duped Us Again

2012-02-09T23:48:00.004-05:00

So as I see, last night's meeting certainly had some explanation and some fireworks. The room was jammed so people had to stand outside in the hallway since there was no other space available (I find that hard to believe). In the past, I have stood up for BOE candidates that I thought would drive discussion, vote against the majority and show up to every meeting. Looks like I was wrong once again.

Last night the BOE approved of Dr.Cronin's budget proposal which included a 3% increase and the elimination of positions within the special education and social work departments. There was no discussion amongst the board and the vote was unanimous. The board also approved the promotion of Chris McLaughlin from Administrative Intern to Assistant Principal at North Haven High School which is yet another six figure salary for a position that isn't needed.

I also feel that the BOE has failed in it's communication with parents in the community. This seems to be a trend with them. They also enacted the peanut ban at Clintonville School with very little notice to parents. So I'm just wondering how communicative this board is going to be in the future since it was a priority on more than one BOE candidate's platforms.

Look I work in education, I travel the tri-state area and see firsthand what proper funding in school systems looks like. I also see what amazing things school systems can do with very little funding. But it always comes back to the strength and quality of the staff. If you have good teachers, kids will succeed. Take away teachers and you put the child's ability to succeed at a high level at risk.

I do not like the plan that Dr. Cronin is pushing through. As this blog pointed out last year, there were two reports that were done on the Special Ed department. In one of them, it never suggested that reducing the staff was the solution. The other one did and Dr. Cronin hired the person who wrote that one as Director of the Special Ed program. Not to mention he made that position an administrator position which it has never been before, I wonder if that person also makes more than the First Selectman.

Where is the professional development that Dr. Cronin promised to do before taking this step? From what I've heard, nothing has been done on that front.

But getting back to the BOE, it's time to take some of them to task. And if they feel the need to respond, I will be more than happy to post their responses here.

Let's go with Jennie Caldwell today. So considering that there were people shut out of the meeting, due to the space and the BOE's unwillingness to find another space. Also looking at the lack of communication to parents and the controversial plan to reduce the special ed staff, which is a carbon copy of what Cronin tried to do last year, what did Ms. Caldwell say she would do if she was elected to the BOE? Well thanks to the Q&A we did with her, we know.

What are your top 3 priorities you would like to address if elected?

Currently my top three priorities include improving communication between the Board of Education(BOE) and the public, ensuring that finances are spent wisely and promoting policies and procedures which facilitate educational goals. I will push for a system that provides feedback to and from BOE members and the community. I will also advocate to ensure that financial resources are focused on improving student education, performance and teacher resources so that we are spending money to support our educational system. My third priority will be to evaluate current policies and procedures to guarantee that they are facilitating educational goals and student outcome and not impeding them. With those priorities said I want to be clear that if I am elected to the BOE, I feel that my responsibility will be to address the concerns of the community.

Per Chris's suggestion, will you work to abolish the public comment policy?

I have openly spoken against the current public comment policy. I think public comment should allow parents and members of the community to ask question, state concerns and have answers provided regarding the running of our schools. I will advocate for having BOE meetings held in a setting that encourages the public to attend. We have over 20,000 citizens in North Haven and approximately 30 chairs in the room where the meetings are held.

How would you go about fixing our colossal special ed problems, setting aside approaches already taken and bases already covered?

As a member of the BOE, I will concentrate on the delivery of special education and the continuum of services. I will consider the number of students who are helped through Response to Intervention (RTI) but are not actually identified as a student with special needs. I think it is very important to talk with school based staff to see what they believe we need to do to make sure that we are effective in delivering special education services and providing the most cost effective instruction.

So is Ms. Caldwell staying true to the promises she made to you? I'll leave that one up to you.

BOE Meeting Tonight: More Administrators?

2012-02-09T14:30:00.001-05:00

Tonight's BOE meeting should be pretty interesting. It has previously been announced that Dr. Cronin is planning on making cuts to the Social Work and Special Ed departments with the reassignment or laying off of staff. He is planning on doing this regardless if the budget is passed or not. Obviously that's creating quite a stir in the town.

Now here is something else the BOE is going to try to slip in. According to tonight's agenda, they will also vote on promoting Chris McLaughlin from Administrative Intern to Assistant Principal at North Haven High School. Intern to Assistant Principal? That's quite a leap. I do think that questions and discussion must occur before a vote can happen. I'd like to know what Mr.McLaughlin has done that qualifies such a promotion.

I won't lie, I don't like the feeling I'm getting that Dr. Cronin plans on making cuts in staff and resources in certain areas but increasing the already ghastly number of administrators. I expect that Mr. McLaughlin will be receiving a six figure salary as well.

Folks, at some point the BOE and Dr. Cronin will need to justify their spending. I see no benefit in adding administrators and cutting teachers and services. I also don't think the BOE is justified in making any more demands for more tax payer money either. They have yet to prove that they are spending the $40 Million responsibly. Throwing more money at them to spend unwisely is just like giving more money to the Federal Govt.

I encourage the BOE to have some sort of discussion about this before just blindly voting it through.

The President's Anti-Catholic Duck

2012-02-09T09:37:00.000-05:00

by Hugh Hewitt

When President Obama signed off on the new HHS regulations that demand every Catholic institution in the country not officially designated a "church" either shut down or offer its employees subsidized sterilization, "morning after" pills and all other forms of contraception, neither the president nor his political team recognized the enormity of the mistake they were making.

In attacking the Roman Catholic Church in America on the question of abortion rights absolutism, the president and his team had thought they were dividing women from Republicans when in fact they were uniting Catholics of all political persuasions in a single front instantly organized against this colossal and unconstitutional overreach.

Click here to read rest of article

Some good news for North Haven's School System

2012-02-08T13:59:00.035-05:00

Remember how I wrote about Dave needed to get some major achievements under his belt? Well from the news I read today, he's certainly on his way. I saw today that it has been proposed that North Haven is to get a raise in their ECS funding next year. And it's not just any increase, it's one of the largest in the state.

I saw today that North Haven is proposed to receive a 3.81% increase in it's ECS funding from the state. That happens to be the 16th largest percentage increase in the state.

I don't know about you, but I find this to be very good news. Considering the fact that in 5 years Steve was able to secure a total of 8% and Dave has done almost half of that in one year. I haven't seen the exact figures yet but I'm thinking it's probably only an increase of around $200,000 given what we currently get. And considering the financial position the state is in, I'll take what I can get at this point.

So I do think this is an achievement for Dave to use going into election season. We do know he's met with Commissioner of Education, Stefan Pryor about the funding of education and now we're getting the 16th largest increase in the state. In fact, Dave brought up doing this during his debates with Steve and Steve said this:

“My opponent doesn’t really understand how the process works. A person doesn’t go up and just change the formula."

Well Steve, Dave just did in his first year, what was your excuse for your 16 years?

Steve also said, “The larger grand list you have, the lesser grant you’ll get.” That's funny because grand list is getting bigger and we're getting more money. So Steve, do you think you're right on anything else? Anyway, this a good news for the school system and a good sign that we have people in Hartford actually delivering results.

Super PAC-Men: Obama Bundlers Gone Wild!

2012-02-08T06:28:00.000-05:00

by Michelle Malkin

The White House didn't blow a dog whistle for deep-pocketed liberal donors on Monday. No, the administration whipped out a supersized vuvuzela. Blaring message: Let loose the campaign finance-bundling hounds of super PAC war!

President Obama's campaign manager, Jim Messina, who served as White House deputy chief of staff for operations before assuming 2012 re-election duties, announced the super PAC super-flip-flop in a mass e-mail to supporters and a blog post published on the left-wing Huffington Post website. In a related conference call to major campaign finance bundlers, Messina encouraged these high-dollar donors to start funding Priorities USA Action. That's the Democratic super PAC founded by former White House staffers Bill Burton and Sean Sweeney.

Super PACs and campaigns are barred from coordinating with each other. Nevertheless, Messina said that "senior campaign officials as well as some White House and Cabinet officials will attend and speak at Priorities USA fundraising events." Of course, they "won't be soliciting contributions." Wink-wink, nudge-nudge.

Click here for rest of article

The BOE & Dr. Cronin has some explaining to do

2012-02-07T18:52:00.000-05:00

This was an email I received from a reader. Apparently Dr. Cronin's plan to cut staff, if the budget is approved, isn't going over too well with parents. Especially those in the special education dept. Here is the email below.
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February 7, 2012

To Every Parent of Every Special Education Student and Every Vulnerable Child in the Town of North Haven:

For those of you who don’t know, our children are more at risk than ever before. Superintendent Dr. Robert Cronin has proposed to the Board of Education to cut deeply into the School Psychologist and Social Work Departments. Currently, each of the six North Haven schools has one School Psychologist and one Social Worker, with the exception of the high school, which has two Social Workers. Dr. Cronin has proposed to cut one School Psychologist and two Social Workers or 23% of North Haven school’s mental health staff.

In addition, Dr. Cronin has, once again, proposed to eliminate up to six special education teachers, compromising Special Education services as well. Remarkably, he has not proposed to eliminate any Special Education students. Therefore, if your child receives Special Education services, fewer teachers translate into less time, less instruction and fewer services for your child.

Currently, North Haven taxpayers spend an astronomical amount of money on students who are out-placed to specialized programs both in and out of state. It is the School Psychologists and Social Workers who intervene and work daily with students who have psychiatric, social, emotional and behavioral needs and crises. Without this mental health support, these students would likely join their peers in additional costly out-placements.

So, Dr. Cronin has proposed to 1) cut one School Psychologist and two Social Workers or 23% of North Haven school’s mental health staff and 2) return to the North Haven Public Schools, students who are currently out-placed in specialized programs due to psychiatric, social, emotional and behavioral needs. Get the picture. Reduce the staff that work with the most challenging students in our schools and then return even more challenging students to our schools. The impact of such an action on every student’s education and well-being is obvious.

For many students, the only trusting relationship they may have is with their School Psychologist or Social Worker. Nationally, most students in need of mental health services receive these services in school. By reducing the staff trained to provide these services to our most vulnerable students, where are these students to turn? The research speaks clearly about the prognosis for students who do not have access to the mental health support they desperately need when they need it.

Many eventually turn to drugs, alcohol, prescription drug abuse and other forms of self-medication, early exit from school before high school graduation, unemployment, criminal involvement and a host of other anti-social behaviors. It really boils down to “Pay me now or Pay me later.” Don’t we, as adults, parents and educators, have the moral and ethical obligation and responsibility to provide every one of our students with the mental health services and support they need now?

Dr. Cronin will say that other districts get by with fewer mental health staff. Maybe other districts are forced to get by with part time School Psychologists and part time Social Workers for their students, while our kids are fortunate to currently have full time mental health services. I ask you, is this something to be ashamed of and to conform to or rather something to be proud of, celebrate and be emulated for?

Get real folks! Nobody gets more for less! You get less for less! There are more struggling families than ever before, even in North Haven. Therefore, there are more struggling, vulnerable and needy students than ever before. If we won’t provide for the neediest children in our schools, then who will? If we don’t take care of our own, then who will?

I leave you Parents, the North Haven Board of Education and Dr. Cronin with this quote to consider:

“The school is the last expenditure upon which America should be willing to economize.”

~Franklin D. Roosevelt

Stand Up For Our Kids! Get Involved, Get Mad and Get Loud!! Get to The Board of Education Meeting February 9, 2012 at 6:30pm at 5 Linsley Street North Haven and Make Your Voice Heard!! Your Child and Mine Deserve Nothing Less!!

What Does Steve Fontana Know?

2012-02-07T12:43:00.000-05:00

I'm not going to unload all the items on Steve's record that I have compiled yet. I'm going to wait for his party to actually give him the State Senate nomination first. However I figured why not bring back some old favorites. So sit back and enjoy.

An Important Message

2012-02-06T12:13:00.003-05:00

Chris,

Thank you for your kind words you wrote about me under your post, “My Endorsements for DTC & RTC Chair” on January 18, 2012. Unfortunately due to medical reasons, I will not be pursuing the role of Chairman of the Republican Town Committee. Although I am in remission, a spot on my lungs came up on my last scans and I will be scanned again in the next couple of months. My oncologist and I agreed that it would not be a good time to take on this responsibility at this time. I plan on maintaining my membership on the Republican Town Committee and being a part of the campaigns to re-elect State Senator Len Fasano and State Representative David Yaccarino.

I would like to thank everyone for their well wishes and words of encouragement regarding me pursuing the position of Chairman. I would also like to thank the people who said, “I’m too young.” “I haven’t been around the block yet.” “I’m crazy!” “You can’t lead that group!”

The only thing they were right about is that I am crazy. I’m sure my family and friends would back me up on that one. Hopefully in the future I will have the opportunity to become Chairman of the RTC. I am positive the next RTC Chairman will continue to lead the party in the right direction. I also encourage any resident that wishes to volunteer or “get involved” to do so.

I cannot stress enough how important it is to get a physical each year. If you find a “suspicious” lump or feel different; GO TO THE DOCTOR!

Sincerely,

John Bimonte

North Haven

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I want to send John and his family all my best thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery. Let me add that courage is another reason why I thought John was the best person for the position.

Funniest Comment I've ever seen

2012-02-06T11:07:00.003-05:00

This morning I received what might have been the funniest comment I've ever read. So I'm going to use it in a post and add some commentary with it. My comments are in bold.
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Replacing Fontana with Yaccarino hurt North Haven.[no proof] We previously had a Democrat with seniority, poised to be House Majority leader[and looks where that got us], now replaced with a FRESHMAN state rep of the MINORITY party.[actually if you talk to most Dems in the GA, Steve never had a shot to be majority leader, it was always going to be Sharkey] North Haven would have been much better of if Fontana were reelected.[no proof] I think Fontana won by such decisive margins in the past that his team just got complacent this time and didn't work as hard to turn out their supporters.[so it was his campaign team's fault he lost, not the anger of his constituents?] Hope North haven do the right thing and push him into the State Senate.

Finally, just because there are over 50 comments on this blog entry does not "prove" that is either relevant or popular.[I never said it did] These comments mostly appear to be those of party insiders--of both parties--arguing amongst themselves.[no proof of that either] These comments could have been easily generated by a tiny handful of people posting under multiple aliases giving the illusion that it is a popular blog, when it's not.[true but if someone is doing that, then I had to question how much of a life they have] It's not like other blogs where you have to post under your real name or pseudonym every time you post.[Like ctfreeradical.com, ran by Steve's treasurer team? Sorry for letting all of you post freely without fear of retribution(sarcasm)] There are thousands of voters in North Haven, it it appears that only the tiniest fraction post here and the blog is owned by someone who doesn't even live in town anymore--not a "constituent" that Steve needs to respond to anyway.[If Steve doesn't care about non-constituents, he should fire his Dep. Treasurer right now since she lives in Milford, you know, to look consistent] Heck, half the anonymous comments could have been posted by Peterson himself.[Like I have the time to do that?] Nobody knows. There's no accountability. Plus, it's dumb to act as though Steve not responding to this blog is a slap in the face to his constituents, because those constituents have NUMEROUS other venues through which to ask him questions.[Yeah total slap in the face of answering questions from constituents. You know because it's so unpopular when Mike does it on a monthly basis(sarcasm)] Steve's response to this blog would only provide it a legitimacy it does not deserve.[sour grapes] Anybody who uses this platform to spread the words of bigots like Bill O'Reilly and Michelle Malkin does not deserve our attention.[that's a close minded bigoted thing to say] Plus, the Republicans here asking him questions are not asking them in good faith--they will twist whatever he says to suit their own purposes and nothing he says can win them over.[Really? Because Democrat Jennie Caldwell did a Q&A here and won her election]

This the last time I'm posting here[I doubt that]...my advice to all Democrats, do not waste your time here and contribute to this blog's popularity[so you're admitting that it's popular?]. There are many other ways to help Steve--posting here is not one of them.[yes come to ctfreeradical.com]
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So I'm willing to bet that:

1. This came from someone either close to Steve or on his campaign team since they alluded to what had happened to his campaign team in 2010.

2. That this won't be the last time they post here.

3. They are trying to come up with a new excuse as to why Steve lost in 2010, it was his campaign team's fault now. God forbid Steve takes some accountability for his loss.

4. This post obviously shows that Steve is feeling some heat and is scared of what this blog can do.

My biggest piece of advice to Steve, his campaign team and Steve supporters: Ignore this blog and act like it doesn't exist. The more you folks post here and the more you try to downplay the blogs effect on town politics, the more you elevate it.

I think it's hilarious that you make it a point to keep coming back here to tell me how much this blog doesn't matter.

This comment show us all how scared the Fontana team is of what his prospects look like and what numerous(and there will be numerous) posts about how bad Steve's record is, will do to his chances.

So feel free to come back here any time because you're only making your candidate look weaker and making us laugh.

Who Would Jesus Tax?

2012-02-06T09:16:00.000-05:00

by Doug Giles

This past Thursday at the National Prayer Breakfast, Obama said that his Christian faith crafts his domestic policies—particularly his desire to rob from the rich and give to the poor. In my humble opinion, I think the president is getting Jesus and His disciples confused with Robin Hood and his Merry Men.

I don’t know which White House wizard crafted that speech for him, but the verse he or she gave to our Spender in Chief to back his socialism was more twisted out of joint than a Gumby doll being worked over by a frustrated Gary Busey.

I can’t believe that hot coffee didn’t spew from hundreds of Christians’ mouths when Obama took a text that refers directly to believers’ judgment and contorted it to be interpreted as a ratcheted-up government imposed higher tax rate upon those who already bear the brunt of the tax burden.

From a theological standpoint it appears as if the president takes more of an eisegetical approach to Luke 12:48 than and exegetical one—which is convenient. But who are we to judge? Judge not.

Now … before I plow on with the topic of Obama’s Christian faith influencing his policies, I thought that in our current culture of sassy secularism elected officials, especially the president, are forbidden to merge biblical beliefs and public policy. Hell, GW couldn’t even tell Cheney “God bless ya” after Dick phlegmed his tie without Media Matters, Maddow and Matthews calling him a theocratic dominionist Nazi who was violating the Establishment Clause and who, left to his own devices, would be hanging homosexuals and burning Harry Potter books. Does Obama get a pass when he parlays his faith-based policies? Shucks … that ain’t fair, is it MSNBC?

Click here to read rest of article

Giants Champions Again!

2012-02-06T08:49:00.001-05:00

Political Correctness and Muslims

2012-02-04T21:11:00.000-05:00

by Bill O'Reilly

The story is grisly: a husband and wife murdering their three young daughters, ages 19, 17 and 13, by drowning them along with their stepmother. The couple was assisted by their 21-year-old son. All were found guilty of first-degree murder in Ontario, Canada. They were sentenced to life in prison.

Mohammad Shafia and his wife, Tooba, immigrated to Canada from Afghanistan in 2007. Being Muslims, they believe in Sharia law, which in some cases allows so-called "honor killings" -- that is, if a family member deviates from strict Muslim teachings, other family members can execute them. Of course, that's insane. But under the Taliban in Afghanistan and in some other parts of the world, "honor killings" are allowed.

In his eyes, Shafia's three daughters were guilty of becoming westernized, wearing nontraditional Muslim clothing and associating with the dreaded Christians. So this demented father ordered the girls killed, as well as his first wife, whom he believed was aiding them in their alleged transgressions.

Reporting on the story in America has been scant and strange. According to the Media Research Center, the initial Associated Press report made no mention of the fact that the convicted murderers are Muslim. They were described as "Afghan." In fact, the only theology mentioned in the AP dispatch is Christianity, used while describing the boyfriend of one of the daughters.

On NBC's "Nightly News," anchor Brian Williams said this: "A verdict has been reached in a murder case that's gotten a lot of attention because it involved so-called honor killings of family members. In this case, an Afghan family living in Canada. It is a culture clash getting a lot of attention to our north."

Culture clash? Between whom? Afghans and Canadians? What is Williams talking about?

The reporter on the story, Kevin Tibbles, also avoided using the word "Muslim." He described the motivation for the violence as "a strict religious family that felt it had been disgraced."

What religion? Incredibly, the reporter didn't say.

This is no coincidence. The politically correct U.S. media are frightened by Muslim violence. They avoid the issue whenever they can.

Just think about what would happen if a Catholic father murdered his daughter for having an abortion. Would the AP and NBC News not have mentioned the religion involved? I think we all know the answer to that question.

Political correctness is dangerous because it obscures the truth. It allows certain people and groups to avoid scrutiny for destructive actions. Today, the press in America is dominated by liberal editors who believe they are protecting "minorities" by failing to mention facts that might cast them in a negative light. Thus, honest reporting is becoming almost obsolete when certain groups are involved.

Shafia, his wife and his son are Muslim fanatics who believe they have the right to commit murder in the name of their religion. Somebody get that dispatch to the media.

Board of Selectman Meeting Running Diary

2012-02-03T13:32:00.031-05:00

I had a chance to watch the BOS meeting that happened last night, so I thought I would do a running diary on my thoughts about the meeting. Enjoy!

- Lightly attended meeting tonight. Not a lot of notable names in the audience. All three selectman are finally dressed in a tasteful manner. Yes, even Alan isn't offending me with his gawdawful sweater choices.

- I have to say that I am on board with the solar panel plan. It is using unusable land and saving the town money in energy costs. I believe the figure was over $1 Million over 3 years which is a very good thing.

- Mike goes over the bonding plan which is way to detailed to get into here. I suggest to anyone who wants to know more about it, to watch the meeting on NHTV or call town hall directly.

- Mike goes on to say that he has a goal of a 0% tax increase with next year's budget. I hope he can deliver.

- Ray Fowler makes a great presentation about Child Abuse prevention. The BOS endorses the plan to make April a Child Abuse Awareness Month. It looks like if anyone has any questions, they should contact the community services dept.

- With that said it's always important for everyone to look up the sex offender registry to see who is registered here in North Haven.

- Raymond Sonazarro is the first to get up for public comments. I love the rantings of a crazy old man.

- Sherman Katz is next. After complaining about the number of people who show up to vote for referendums, he then asks the BOS to deliver a 0% tax increase.

- Hey Charlie Wickline is back and he's already acting like a jerk. And then Mike takes him to school.

After a couple more speakers the meeting is adjourned.

So the take away from this is that Mike is going to work to try to deliver a 0% tax increase. He's not promising anything but he stated that it was his goal to not raise taxes.

An Administration in Denial

2012-02-03T08:34:00.002-05:00

by Len Fasano

I try not to write articles which can be perceived as having a political slant; however, there are times when criticism is required because all of us suffer if certain issues are not brought to light. Such is the case with our state budget.

Denial is dangerous because it blinds a person from analyzing their decisions.

"There are none so blind as those that will not see." The proverb has been traced back to Biblical times, but fits the current administration’s denial regarding our state's lack of fiscal stability.

According to objective spectators we are　on shaky ground at best.　 There has been a serious of warning signs that our budget - pushed by Gov. Malloy is beginning to collapse.

First our budget deficit has deepened. In early January the Office of Fiscal Analysis (OFA) - a bipartisan office of actuaries reported that in the first five months of the new fiscal year (July to July) a state surplus of $88 million has evaporated. The current budget shortfall is now $145　million according to OFA.

Our Governor's response to the state's fiscal news　came　as he was in　the Swiss Alps attending a world economic summit. Malloy said, "OFA has it wrong." In the legislature the golden rule is that if OFA advises the economic impact of any bill, it is taken for full faith and credit even if we disagree. This is the common ground for which all the entire legislative branch operates.

Gov. Malloy’s statements fly in the face of the very rule for which all legislators live by. Further, if OFA is not reliable as the Governor suggests then one has to wonder why the Governor's Office of Policy and Management Chief, Ben Barnes invoked the OFA four times in a recent opinion piece to substantiate various fiscal arguments.

The second warning sign came after a recent report by private pension fund actuaries showed Connecticut's pension fund remains in poor fiscal shape. As a result, questions have surfaced as to how much the state will actually save from the pension package negotiated in the union concession deal.

Governor Malloy claims $21.5 billion will be saved over 20 years. But OFA has been unable to validate some of the savings. Additionally, GOP leaders in both the Senate and the House requested OFA compare the numbers from the private pension fund report and the results from OPM's analysis. OFA says the Governor's numbers don't add up.　 And infact will fall short by 65 percent.

The third warning sign and most telling, a downgrade of the state's credit rating by Moody's Investment Services.　　Skyrocketing pension and healthcare costs have caught up with a democratically controlled legislature who voted to put off payment into the fund because spending was more important.

Governor Malloy's response, "We are in an environment where rating services are for lack of better term covering their back side." The OPM Secretary decided to just go for the jugular claiming, "Moody's is wrong." The denial continues.

The fourth warning sign of fiscal collapse: inadequate cash flow. In December despite the anticipation of new revenues coming in - the state ran out of cash and had to use bonded funds (borrowed money) to pay employee salaries and pay operating bills.

The administrations answer to all of these warning signs is to ignore the facts and say everyone else is wrong.

You may hear the Governor is using his recessionary authority to cut $79 million from the budget and that he's consolidating agencies. These are feel good answers.　 More than half of the recessionary cuts have already been counted in the budget according to the governor's own staff.

The end result of all of these discrepancies and denials is that the taxpayer suffers. We as taxpayers will pay for it.　 I forewarned of this exact result back in March of 2011 when I wrote:

The Governor's central argument for proposing a $1.5 million tax increase　is that the state's fiscal crisis would be solved.　 (Remember "shared sacrifice?")

state employees would sacrifice through union concessions
taxpayers would sacrifice through increased taxes

state government would shoulder its share of the burden by vastly reducing spending

We have yet to see government truly reduce spending, the union concessions are not adding up but taxpayers are paying and paying dearly.

It's time to stop denying what is painfully obvious the Administration's plan is not working.

(Senator Len Fasano represents the 34th district towns of Wallingford, North Haven and East Haven)

Game On, Steve Fontana

2012-02-02T16:25:00.005-05:00

Well it looks as though Steve Fontana, who's running for State Senate, won't be doing a Q&A with us. While he hasn't had the courage to tell me personally, he's done it through different avenues and in not so many words. In an article released online today, Steve Fontana did sit down for a Q&A with the North Haven Citizen and proceeded to blast not only Len Fasano, Dave Yaccarrino, the North Haven Way's readers but also the entire North Haven voting population. Steve also goes on to imply that he wasn't always working for his constituents interests. If you would like to read the interview in full, here is the link.

Let's discuss some of Steve's answers.

Q: In 2010 you lost your state rep. seat to Republican David Yaccarino. What caused that?

A: I think that had far less to do with me than the anger and frustration that so many middle-class families and seniors were beginning to feel about what was happening to the state and country, and they came out to the polls to express that. That wasn't the first election where this happened. In 2006 and 2008 we had similar circumstances, where a huge amount of anger and frustration was directed at the people in office.

So once again Steve is going to stick with the idea that his loss was due to things beyond his control and had nothing to do with himself. I find this insulting to the voting population of North Haven, many of whom are independents, that don’t go and just vote blindly for Republican or Democrat rows. I’d like to think that many of you vote based on the quality and records of the candidates. I’d also like to think that many of you make your opinions known on state and national issues by voting on state and national candidates. The more Steve plays this line, the more it shows me how out of touch with his electorate he actually is.

Q: How has the local, right-leaning citizen blog The North Haven Way affected town culture and politics?

A: I'm not sure that blog has the readership that some people think it has. I think that the people who read it already have their minds made up about certain people and certain issues. These days, people go online looking not only for a forum to express their opinions on issues, but also to seek out like-minded individuals.

Folks, there is nothing that pisses me off more than when someone insults the readers of this blog. If you’re going to insult the blog, come after me, but don’t go after the people who come here every day and voice their opinions and concerns.

I am not naïve to think that this site has thousands of readers. But here is what I do know. The site has an average of 21,000 hits per month averaging just over 700 hits a day. In fact while I’m writing this, the blog has gotten 30 hits. In the past 2 ½ years alone, the site has generate over half a million hits. I have no clue how many people come to this site every day. I don’t know if they are Republicans, Democrats or Independents. Hell I don’t even know if they all live in North Haven. But what I do know is that the people who read and comment on this site are passionate people. They might be leaning one way or the other but they are a vocal about their beliefs and what they stand for. Many of them are undecided about candidates and issues and use this as a resource. And for you to belittle them and at the same time run away from their questions, is cowardly. For all you know there might be some people who come to this site who might not have made up their minds yet, but your blind assumption of them probably just swayed them a little.

What you don’t understand Stevie is that in 21^st Century politics, the blogosphere is one of the more important tools out there. Don’t believe me, just ask your Deputy Treasurer, she’s a blogger for a radical leftist blog. Piss off the blogosphere and it could spell bad things for any campaign. And you’ve just pissed me off.

So that’s why going forward, even before you have your party’s nomination(which I hear isn’t even a lock yet either), I’m going to launch the most detailed and factual attack on your record you’ve ever seen. I’m going to look back on the votes your cast and the bills your introduced. I’m going to pull out quotes you forgot you said. I’m going to invite anyone who wants to voice their opinions on you to come to the blog. I’m going to do Q&A’s with your opponents, even Democratic ones if they emerge.

You better make sure to put a link to your website in all the interviews and articles you do, because you do not want people doing Google searches on your name. Because I will make sure the first things they see will be the posts here on the blog and the comments that follow. Why else would I put your full name in the title and make sure to mention “State Senate” as much as I can. So please keep thinking the readership of this blog is small because it’s only going to get bigger as more people hear your running for office.

It’s been a little while since the last time I felt truly inspired, but you’ve just provided me with that. I wish you the best Steve because it’s going to be a long spring and summer for you. Game on buddy.

First, They Came for the Catholics

2012-02-01T22:06:00.000-05:00

by Michelle Malkin

President Obama and his radical feminist enforcers have had it in for Catholic medical providers from the get-go. It's about time all people of faith fought back against this unprecedented encroachment on religious liberty. First, they came for the Catholics. Who's next?

This weekend, Catholic bishops informed parishioners of the recent White House edict forcing religious hospitals, schools, charities and other health and social service providers to provide "free" abortifacient pills, sterilizations and contraception on demand in their insurance plans -- even if it violates their moral consciences and the teachings of their churches.

NARAL, NOW, Ms. Magazine and the Feminist Majority Foundation all cheered the administration's abuse of the Obamacare law to ram abortion down pro-life medical professionals' throats. Femme dinosaur Eleanor Smeal gloated over the news that the administration had rejected church officials' pleas for compromises: "At last," she exulted, the left's goal of "no-cost birth control" for all had been achieved.

As always, tolerance is a one-way street in the Age of Obama. "Choice" is in the eye (and iron fist) of the First Amendment usurper.

Like the rising number of states who have revolted against the individual health care mandate at the ballot box and in the courts, targeted Catholics have risen up against the Obamacare regime. Arlington (Va.) Bishop Paul Loverde didn't mince words, calling the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services order "a direct attack against religious liberty. This ill-considered policy comprises a truly radical break with the liberties that have underpinned our nation since its founding." Several bishops vowed publicly to fight the mandate.

Bishop Alexander Sample of Marquette, Mich., asserted plainly: "We cannot -- we will not -- comply with this unjust law."

It's not just rabid right-wing politicos defying the Obama machine. Pro-life Democratic Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania denounced the "wrong decision." Left-leaning Bishop Robert Lynch threatened "civil disobedience" in St. Petersburg, Fla., over the power grab. Lefty Washington Post columnist E.J. Dionne wrote that Obama "botched" the controversy and "threw his progressive Catholic allies under the bus" by refusing to "balance the competing liberty interests here."

White House press secretary Jay Carney blithely denied on Tuesday that "there are any constitutional rights issues" involved in the brewing battle. Yet, the Shut Up and Hand Out Abortion Pills order undermines a unanimous Supreme Court ruling issued just last week upholding a religious employer's right to determine whom to hire and fire. And two private colleges have filed federal suits against the government to overturn the unconstitutional abortion coverage decree.

Hannah Smith, senior counsel at the nonprofit law firm The Becket Fund, which is representing the schools, boiled it down for Bloomberg News: "This is not really about access to contraception. The mandate is about forcing these religious groups to pay for it against their beliefs."

How did we get here? The first salvo came in December 2010, when the American Civil Liberties Union pushed HHS and its Planned Parenthood-championing secretary, Kathleen Sebelius, to force Catholic hospitals to perform abortions in violation of their core moral commitment to protecting the lives of the unborn.

The ACLU called for a litigious fishing expedition against Catholic hospitals nationwide that refuse to provide "emergency" contraception and abortions to women. In their sights: Devout Phoenix Catholic Bishop Thomas Olmsted, who revoked the Catholic status of a rogue hospital that performed several direct abortions, provided birth control pills and presided over sterilizations against the church's ethical and religious directives for health care.

The ACLU and the feminists have joined with Obama to threaten and sabotage the First Amendment rights of religious-based health care entities. The agenda is not increased "access" to health care services. The ultimate goal is to shut down health care providers -- Catholic health care institutions employ about 540,000 full-time workers and 240,000 part-time workers -- whose religious views cannot be tolerated by secular zealots and radical social engineers.

Is it any surprise their counterparts in the "Occupy" movement have moved from protesting "Wall Street" to harassing pro-life marchers in Washington, D.C., and hurling condoms at Catholic school girls in Rhode Island? Birds of a lawless, bigoted feather bully together.

Will Dave Yaccarino have an opponent?

2012-02-01T11:41:00.000-05:00

With all the hoopla with Steve Fontana trying to get the Democratic nod to face Len Fasano this fall, attention has been taken away from the State Rep race. As of right now, there isn't a race. Dave doesn't have an opponent yet. But sources are telling me, that could change within the month. From what I'm hearing there are 3 possible candidates in the mix.

The first is obvious, Janet MacCarty's name has been circulating as a possible candidate. Apparently, a part of the planning meeting at her house was to push Steve for Senate and her for DTC Chairman and State Rep candidate. Since Steve has declared his intentions, I can only guess that Janet will follow. While it will be a fight for her to be DTC chair, there won't really be a fight if she faces Dave. Dave's overwhelming likability factor and bipartisan attitudes will trump anything Janet's got to throw him. The same goes for the second possible candidate.

Bill Leiserson. Yes, I have heard our friend Billy is a possible name as well. I'm not going to spend too much time talking about this because I don't really take it as a serious possibility.

The third name is interesting, Theresa Ranciato-Viele. In the past I have supported Theresa to step up to run against Mike and lead the party. Theresa is a past Rotary Club president and Third Selectman. She is also on the completely opposite side of Janet which might appeal to Democrats who have been dissatisfied with the way that Janet has done things in the past few years. The main issue with a Viele campaign is that she comes off just as likable as Dave, it's a bit tougher when people tend you like your opponent. I would imagine that a Viele campaign would be positive, focused on the issues and display contrasts to what Dave does. Might be interesting to watch.

In the next month we should be seeing what the Dems plan on doing. As I have said, before they can start choosing candidates, they need to find their leader. I have endorsed Walt Spader and will continue to do so for that role.

The Florida Smear Campaign

2012-01-31T20:01:00.002-05:00

by Thomas Sowell

The Republican establishment is pulling out all the stops to try to keep Newt Gingrich from becoming the party's nominee for President of the United States -- and some are not letting the facts get in their way.

Among the claims going out through the mass media in Florida, on the eve of that state's primary election, is that Newt Gingrich "resigned in disgrace" as Speaker of the House of Representatives, as a result of unethical conduct involving the diversion of tax-exempt money. Mitt Romney is calling on Gingrich to release "all of the records" from the House of Representatives investigation.

But the Wall Street Journal of January 28, 2012 reported that these records -- 1,280 pages of them -- are already publicly available on-line. Although Speaker Gingrich decided not to take on the task of fighting the charge from his political enemies in 1997, the Internal Revenue Service conducted its own investigation which, two years later, exonerated Gingrich from the charges. His resignation was not due to those charges and occurred much later.

Do the Romney camp and the Republican establishment not know this, a dozen years later? Or are they far less concerned with whether the charges will stand up than they are about smearing Gingrich on the eve of the Florida primaries?

There are also charges made about what Congressman Gingrich said about Ronald Reagan on March 21, 1986. But this too is a matter of public record, since his remarks are available in the Congressional Record of that date, so it is remarkable that there should be any controversy about it at this late date.

On that date, Gingrich praised Reagan's grasp of the foreign policy issues of the day but later questioned whether the way the actual policies of the Reagan administration were being carried out was likely to succeed. Gingrich was not alone in making this point which such conservative stalwarts as George Will, Charles Krauthammer and others made at the time.

Since a column of my own back in the 1980s suggested that the administration's policies seemed to be to "speak loudly and carry a little stick," I can well understand the misgivings of others. But that is wholly different from saying that all who expressed misgivings were enemies of Ronald Reagan.

One can of course lift things out of context. But if you want to read the whole context, simply go on-line and get the Congressional Record for March 21, 1986. Among the other places where the smears are exposed are the Wall Street Journal of January 29th, Jeffrey Lord's article in the American Spectator's blog of January 27th, and an article by Heather Higgins in Ricochet.com of January 29th.

Unfortunately, there are likely to be far more people who will see the smears than will have time to get the facts. But, if nothing else, there needs to be some understanding of the reckless accusations that have become part of the all-out attempt to destroy Newt Gingrich, as so many other political figures have been destroyed, by non-stop smears in the media.

Gingrich is by no means above criticism. He has been criticized in this column before, over the years, including during the current primary season, and he will probably be criticized here again.

But the poisonous practice of irresponsible smears is an issue that is bigger than Gingrich, Romney or any other candidate of either party.

There have long been reports of people who decline to be nominated for federal judicial appointments because that means going before the Senate Judiciary Committee to have lies about their past spread nationwide, and the good reputation built up over a lifetime destroyed by politicians who could not care less about the truth.

The same practices may well have something to do with the public's dissatisfaction with the current crop of candidates in this year's primaries -- and in previous years' primaries. Character assassination is just another form of voter fraud.

There is no law against it, so it is up to the voters, not only in Florida but in other states, to punish it at the ballot box -- the only place where punishment is likely to stop the practice.

Shocking Video

2012-01-31T20:00:00.001-05:00

In all seriousness do watch this if you have a weak stomach. I don't often spout my anger on other causes on here but a friend who works for an animal rights group asked me to put something on the blog about this. Apparently in Denmark, it is a regular practice for fisherman to force whales, dolphins and other mammals to the beach by netting them in. Once then become beached, they are hacked to death by the people on the shore. They think this is more humane then fishing on open water.

Anyway below is a video of the hunt and as you will see, if you can stand watching it, boats forcing whales into the beach where they are met with hundreds of people hacking them to death. If you are angered by this to the point where to want to help put an end to this barbarism, then please contact the The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, http://www.wdcs.org/

All I can say after watching this is, Denmark sucks

North Haven Way Q & A

2012-01-31T08:47:00.000-05:00

Alright folks, it's about that time again. Got any questions about the blog? The Elections? What do I think of certain topics and people? Ask away and I'll do my best to answer all of them.

Poll Results

2012-01-30T15:21:00.000-05:00

WHO WILL YOU SUPPORT FOR STATE SENATE

Len Fasano	71 (77%)
Steve Fontana	20 (21%)
Undecided	1 (1%)

Votes so far: 92

Update on Q&A with Steve Fontana

2012-01-30T08:57:00.001-05:00

I wanted to give you all a quick update on the Q&A session with Steve Fontana, who is running for State Senate.

This morning I send Steve's campaign email, which is fontanaforstatesenate@gmail.com, the following email.

Good Morning Steve,

I hope you had a wonderful weekend. As I'm sure you're well aware, your recent announcement that you will be seeking the nomination to challenge Len Fasano for the State Senate seat this fall as generated a lot of discussion on my blog, The North Haven Way. Because of this, many have requested that I do a Q&A session with you. I have been doing them with First Selectman Freda for the past year and they have always received positive feedback.

While you and I are on different sides of the political aisle and I have been a constant critic of yours, I do feel that answering the readers questions will be looked at with respect rather than criticism. I have attached the questions to this email. Feel free to answer any or all of the questions and I will publish your answers unedited on the blog. If you decide to decline my invitation, please let me know so I can notify those who have submitted questions, that they will not be answered. Once again let me emphasize that these questions do not come from me, they come from the people that visit the blog, who I can only assume are people who will be voting in your race. Please give this consideration. I look forward to your response.

Best Regards,

Chris Peterson

Founder & Moderator

The North Haven Way

So now I will wait and see what the Fontana team wants to do.

Mr. and Mrs. Cranky Pants

2012-01-28T08:16:00.002-05:00

by Michelle Malkin

So, it turns out that the cool cat billed as "No Drama Obama" by his sycophants is actually quite the drama queen. While the White House publicly pretends to ignore conservative detractors of his administration, Chief Touchy-Touchy seems to be personally consumed by our critiques. Yes, mine included.

On Wednesday, the president had himself a mini-"Toddlers and Tiaras"-style meltdown with Arizona GOP Gov. Jan Brewer after landing in Phoenix for a post-State of the Union dog-and-pony show. As Brewer told pool reporters on the scene, Obama took umbrage at Brewer's recent memoir. She minced no words on the cover: "Scorpions for Breakfast: My Fight Against Special Interests, Liberal Media, and Cynical Politicos to Secure America's Border."

And she minced no words describing her impressions of Obama as they sparred over her state's tough immigration enforcement law, which is now the subject of a Justice Department witch-hunt. Brewer called Obama "patronizing" and "condescending." I'd say she was excruciatingly polite.

According to Brewer, "He was a little disturbed about my book. ... I said to him that I have all the respect in the world for the office of the president. The book is what the book is. I asked him if he read the book. He said he read (an) excerpt." In the shadow of Air Force One, Obama complained that Brewer hadn't "treated him cordially" and then stalked off while she was responding mid-sentence.

Photogs captured the fracas on film. The civility police gasped at Brewer's "disrespectful" finger-pointing. On cue, one progressive commentator insinuated the gesture was a "racist" jab tantamount to lynching.

The president was singing a more laid-back tune last summer. As debate on Capitol Hill over the debt ceiling and spending sizzled, Obama bragged to reporters: "I'm not trying to poke at you guys. ... I generally don't watch what is said about me on cable. I generally don't read what's said about me even in The Hill (newspaper), so part of this job is having a thick skin and understanding that a lot of this stuff is not personal."

Uh-huh. At least two other Republican governors -- Rick Perry of Texas and Bobby Jindal of Louisiana -- have recounted similar presidential snit fits on the tarmac. He sulked over a letter Jindal wrote to the administration about food stamps for Gulf oil spill victims; he bolted after a half-minute meeting with Perry at an Austin airport over border security issues.

You know those "petty grievances" of "Washington politics" that Obama has long condemned? Now it can be told: He knows whereof he squawks.

As New York Times reporter Jodi Kantor's new book, "The Obamas," reveals, the president and his inner circle spent even more time carping about conservative influence on public opinion. "He wanted the media to be more of a referee; to put unfair Republican charges to rest," Kantor discovered. "He could brush off the wildest, most baseless attacks themselves, he told (senior adviser and Chicago pal) Valerie Jarrett, along with (campaign finance bundler and treasurer) Marty Nesbitt and (bundler and finance mogul) John Rogers, at lunch in the little dining room next to the Oval Office."

But what "galled him," the book observed, "was when they gained mainstream credibility despite distortions of truth."

Kantor then dutifully served as a pro-Obama referee:

"Rogers had just noticed a new book by the conservative columnist Michelle Malkin called 'Culture of Corruption: Obama and His Team of Tax Cheats, Crooks and Cronies.' Among many other allegations, Malkin wrote that Michelle Obama -- the president's 'bitter half' -- was secretly running the country in Lady Macbeth-like fashion. Malkin even took a hatchet to long-dead Fraser Robinson (Mrs. Obama's father), arguing with no evidence that his job at a water plant made him part of the 'Chicago political corruptocracy.' The book debuted at number one on The New York Times nonfiction bestseller list and stayed there for weeks."

The facts? It was a former alderman in Chicago, Leon Depres, who provided evidence that Robinson's job in the city water department was a reward for loyalty to the Daley political faction.

It was Washington Post writer Liza Mundy who reported that the department was "a renowned repository of patronage jobs."

It's the Illinois press that has long documented Mrs. Obama's ties to the Chicago machine. It's Kantor herself who spotlighted the first lady's internecine warfare with her husband's Cabinet. And from her meddling in everything from the AmeriCorps inspector general firing case to her aggressive, Big Labor-backed push for a publicly subsidized food police corps, Michelle Obama has been openly expanding her East Wing fiefdom in Marie Antoinette-like fashion.

How long before we see a FLOTUS tarmac tantrum? We did get two divas for the price of one. As longtime observers of the royal Obamas have long observed: Mr. and Mrs. Cranky Pants' problem has never been the color of their skin. It's the thinness.