re: "What If the ObamaCare Mandate Isn’t Struck Down?"

Frank J. at IMAO ("Unfair. Unbalanced. Unmedicated.") worries about Constitutional over-reach by Congress (and the president).

Money quote(s):

"(T)he 11th circuit is discussing Obamacare and whether it’s constitutional for the government to force people to buy things.

That answer is “No”, by the way. Not just “No”, but “If you even contemplated allowing this, you should go to the nearest mirror, stare yourself in the eyes, and punch yourself really hard in the face.” This is just insane in a free country to think the government can force you to buy things, so much so that we really need to start deporting people for completely not understanding the concept of America." (Bold type added for emphasis. - CAA.)

That's what I love about IMAO and Frank J. He never beats around the bush, letting you guess at what he really thinks.

The problem is one of ideological orientation. If you think government exists to do stuff, whatever stuff you think needs doing, then requiring people to do what they don't want (this is known as coercion) is fine. After all, you know best.

If, on the other hand, you think that the purpose of government is to do those things for The People (who are, by the way, sovereign) that they can't better do for themselves and that you've helpfully listed those things, as well as the methodology to be employed in their implementation (this is known as a Constitution); well, you can see where there'll be some disagreement.

"Not sure what to do if the courts don’t strike it down. We’d need to get an amendment in place immediately. Otherwise, Republicans will just have to make liberals choke on it by forcing people to buy things like gun and ammo, gas guzzling SUVs, and bacon. Maybe all our money will be spent, but at least we’ll have cool stuff."

JO - Cases of 'bullying' US politics

From my archive of press clippings:

Jamaica Observer

Cases of 'bullying' US politics


Analysis by Rickey Singh


Sunday, March 07, 2010

IT would be a pity if the rest of our Caribbean Community governments do not see it necessary to acquaint themselves with the circumstances of the current sharp dispute between Jamaica and the United States over Washington's demand for the extradition of Jamaican Christopher 'Dudus' Coke.

Read the whole article here.

Snippet(s):

"The very sovereignty of Jamaica seems to be at stake in its Government's defence of its constitutional right, within the framework of an existing bilateral extradition treaty it has with the USA, which would require extending that right for a ruling by the courts in Jamaica BEFORE Coke could be handed over to US authorities, or that such a process be denied."

"In a sense, the explosion of the bitter extradition row resulting from Jamaica's refusal to extradite Coke is a classic case of déjà vu in terms of relations between Washington and Kingston under different administrations.

As it was under previous governments of the now Opposition People's National Party (PNP), and the administrations of both presidents Bill Clinton and George W Bush, Jamaica remains a favourite "punching bag" in America's diversion to cover up its own woeful failures to effectively deal with its immense problem as the world's biggest consumer of illegal drugs as well as its involvement in gun-running linked to narco-trafficking."

"The 'Coke extradition case' reminds us of other instances of the USA wielding the 'big stick' to force small and poor states in this and other regions to genuflect to the assumed legal demands of Washington."

"Such is Washington's concept of "democracy" and "sovereignty' when dealing with small and poor states like ours in the Caribbean -- something for which it is occasionally applauded by sections of the region's media."

"In the current political episode involving Coke, Prime Minister Golding has made it clear that it is NOT a case of his Government's refusal to co-operate with Washington.

Jamaica's objection relates to the manner in which the USA was muscling its way to secure Coke's extradition, even to the extent of obtaining information illegally by violating key provisions of the Extradition Treaty between the two countries."

&

"He went on to state that "constitutional rights do not begin at Liguanea" (location of the United States Embassy in Kingston)."

re: "Falklands responses"

EURSOC takes the U.S., among others closer at hand, to task.

Money quote(s):

"US President Barack Obama's administration certainly takes the booby prize for disloyalty to its allies, following the state department's declaration of neutrality in the issue of sovereignty.

Washington's betrayal has unleashed a torrent of anti-Obama comments on the British blogs, and an equal number of apologies from decent Americans, who are as horrified as us that their President has chosen to repay British support in two wars with a snub."

re: "Britain Considers South Atlantic “Sovereignty” Rights"

Robert at Atlantic Crossings ("Between the Hudson Highlands and the South of England") comments on the nature of sovereignty as Argentina asks the Falklands question.

Money quote(s):

"Being next door to anywhere does not rightful sovereignty confer: if it did, for instance, England would still rule France."

&

"When that comes into existence, does that mean also that good parts of their populations will then also exclude the U.S.A. and Canada from their list of destinations for illegal entrance?"

"That" refers to BBC reports that "Leaders at the summit, between the Rio Group and the Caribbean Community (Caricom), are also said to have discussed plans for a new pan-American alliance which would exclude Canada and the United States".

WT - GAFFNEY: Death of 1,000 cuts. Transnationalists imperil our liberties on multiple fronts

From my archive of press clippings:

Washington Times

GAFFNEY: Death of 1,000 cuts


Transnationalists imperil our liberties on multiple fronts


By Frank J. Gaffney Jr.


Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Seasoned observers understand that, in official Washington, the so-called "death of a thousand cuts" technique is the preferred means of stealthily undermining, and ultimately defeating, initiatives and institutions too strong to be taken on via a frontal assault. The Obama administration appears intent on applying this approach of inflicting myriad attacks on the essential ingredient of American exceptionalism - our sovereignty - in ways that seem individually innocuous but that will, over time, surely prove lethal to our Constitution and country.

Read the whole article here.

Snippet(s):

"Mr. Obama's recent Executive Order 12425 is a case in point. Issued with no fanfare on Dec. 17 in the run-up to the Christmas holidays, this document amends an earlier order promulgated by President Ronald Reagan in 1983. The Reagan directive granted the International Criminal Police Organization (popularly known as Interpol) limited immunity with respect to its operations inside the United States. Mr. Reagan, however, ensured that Interpol was subject to constitutional protections (notably, the Fourth Amendment's prohibition of unreasonable searches and seizures) and U.S. laws (including the Freedom of Information Act).

By contrast, the Obama executive order strips away those limitations, granting the international law enforcement agency blanket immunity from official and private efforts to assess its activities in the United States."

_____
Frank J. Gaffney, Jr. is president of the Center for Security Policy, a columnist for The Washington Times and host of the nationally syndicated program, "Secure Freedom Radio."

re: "Why Honduras matters"

Neo-Neocon ("to tell the tale of my political change and provide a forum for others") explained the significance of Hondura's "coup".

Money quote(s):

"The summary version: the UN, which is now mostly a vehicle to promote tyranny, wants Zeleya back, whereas patriots in Honduras are working feverishly to prevent their country from becoming another Venezuela. Obama, of course, is on the side of the UN."

"I happen to be in favor of not only democracy, but constitutional checks on the possible tyranny of the majority in a democracy. And I would like to preserve such things even for little countries like Honduras, whose government is trying mightily and heroically to maintain its sovereignty, and to stop those who would usurp its ability to protect itself from that tyranny.

Unfortunately, our very own President Obama is among those people."

"(T)o recognize what’s been occurring there and what it signifies, one must know something about history, most particularly about how such power grabs occur. Then the patterns become clear. "

&

"(T)yrants very often use “democracy” as an excuse to get the people to override a constitution and grant them what turns out to be dictatorial, or near-dictatorial, powers, as well as the ability to extend or abolish term limits and stay in power longer than the constitution says (and in many cases indefinitely). Once the rules are changed about term limits, and power is consolidated and the voting apparatus compromised, staying in power is a relatively easy matter, really a trifle.

Most dictators of recent history have gone this route; the path is well worn and the methods tried and true. Zeleya was attempting to follow in the footsteps of compadre Chavez, and the government and people of Honduras knew it."

SFCN - Caribbean leaders reaffirm integrity of Guyana and Belize sovereignty

South Florida Caribbean News

Caribbean leaders reaffirm integrity of Guyana and Belize sovereignty


Tuesday, March 17, 2009


BELIZE CITY, Belize - The border issues between Guyana and Venezuela and Belize and Guatemala were discussed in Belmopan by Caribbean Heads of Government during the just-concluded 12th Inter-Sessional.

Read the whole article here.

Snippet(s):

"Heads of Government reaffirmed their unequivocal support for the safeguarding of Guyana’s territorial integrity and sovereignty and its right to develop its resources in the entirety of its territory."

"Heads of Government reaffirmed their unequivocal support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Belize."