by Stephen Maloney

Barack Obama, who has never established his eligibility to hold the office of President, is systematically violating the Constitution he has sworn to uphold. Nancy Pelosi recently called serious constitutional questions about the health legislation "a joke." Harry Reid has recently provided many bribes to Senators in order to secure their votes. (Bribery consists of more than just handing over bags-full of cash.) "Bribery" in the Constitution is an impeachable offense.

Republicans in the Senate have raised the issue whether the proposed health legislation is unconstitutional. Clearly, it does great violence to the Constitution.

Although it will come as a surprise to Nancy Pelosi, Congress does not have unlimited powers to do whatever it darn well pleases. It also does not have any authority to force people to spend money on any product, including health insurance.

The enumerated powers of Congress are contained in the Constitution's Article 1, Section 8. As you read through the following, notice how simple and understandable (except for an occasional old word or two) Article 1, Section 8 is. Have Pelosi and Reid ever read it? If so, they regarded it as basically meaningless.

The Constitution is the key document in American history. As the first Supreme Court Justice, John Marshall, said of Article 1, Section 8: "This government is acknowledged by all, to be one of enumerated powers. The principle, that it can exercise only the powers granted to it, would seem too apparent . . . [and] that principle is now universally admitted."

Universally admitted by all . . . except by Obama, Pelosi, Reid and their political cronies. It's impossible to establish socialism in the U.S. without shredding -- and obliterating -- the Constitution.

The following material is Article I, Section 8 -- it's short and simple, and it list no power to rule over health care or impose mandates to buy insurance. If liberals want to do that, they must amend the Constitution (which requires 67 votes in the Senate, not just 60), as well as approval by three-quarters of the states. Good luck getting that.

Enumerated powers of Congress:

Section 8: The Congress shall have power To lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defence and general welfare of the United States; but all duties, imposts and excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;

To borrow money on the credit of the United States;

To regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several states, and with the Indian tribes;

To establish a uniform rule of naturalization, and uniform laws on the subject of bankruptcies throughout the United States;

To coin money, regulate the value thereof, and of foreign coin, and fix the standard of weights and measures;

To provide for the punishment of counterfeiting the securities and current coin of the United States;

To establish post offices and post roads;

To promote the progress of science and useful arts, by securing for limited times to authors and inventors the exclusive right to their respective writings and discoveries;

To constitute tribunals [courts] inferior to the Supreme Court;

To define and punish piracies and felonies committed on the high seas, and offenses against the law of nations;

To declare war, grant letters of marque and reprisal, and make rules concerning captures on land and water;

To raise and support armies, but no appropriation of money to that use shall be for a longer term than two years;

To provide and maintain a navy;

To make rules for the government and regulation of the land and naval forces;

To provide for calling forth the militia to execute the laws of the union, suppress insurrections and repel invasions;

To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the militia, and for governing such part of them as may be employed in the service of the United States, reserving to the states respectively, the appointment of the officers, and the authority of training the militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress;

To exercise exclusive legislation in all cases whatsoever, over such District (not exceeding ten miles square) as may, by cession of particular states, and the acceptance of Congress, become the seat of the government of the United States, and to exercise like authority over all places purchased by the consent of the legislature of the state in which the same shall be, for the erection of forts, magazines, arsenals, dockyards, and other needful buildings;-And

To make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by this Constitution in the government of the United States, or in any department or officer thereof.

Congress has no other powers -- none -- other than the ones listed above. The Founders, unlike our modern "leaders," kept things short and sweet.

Again, why is it important that we adhere to the Constitution? As a legal expert writing in Wikipedia puts it: "The Constitution of the United States of America is the supreme law of the United States. It is the foundation and source of the legal authority underlying the existence of the United States of America and the federal government of the United States. It provides the framework for the organization of the United States government and for the relationship of the federal government to the states, to citizens, and to all people within the United States."

Editor's Note - Stephen Maloney is a libertarian Republican activist in Western Pennsylvania. He was Co-Founder of Draft Sarah Palin for VP in 2008. Currently he is active with at least 7 Republican Congressional campaigns around the US, including:

TimBurnsforCongress (Burns -- R -- against Murtha - D, PA 12th)
KeithRothfusforCongress (Rothfus -- R -- against Altmire - D, PA 4th)
RickPerryforGovernor (Perry -- R -- against Hutchison -- R)
KJeneretteforCongress (Jenerette -- R -- against Brown - R, SC 1st)
CarlyforSenate (Fiorina - R -- against Boxer -- D, CA, U.S. Senate)
RubioforSenate (Rubio - R - against Crist -- R, FL, U.S. Senate)
ToomeyforSenate (Toomey - R -- against Specter or Sestak, PA, U.S. Senate)

StephenGOP.blogspot.com

Headline from Public Policy Polling PPP:

Bachmann on solid ground

Raleigh, N.C. – Michele Bachmann may constantly be generating controversy in the national news, but back at home she finds herself in a solid position politically. 53% of her constituents approve of the job Bachmann is doing to 41% who disapprove.

Even more encouraging, PPP poll tested the Congresswoman against two likely Democrat opponents:

Bachmann leads Maureen Reed 53-37 and Tarryl Clark 55-37.

Bachman is a heroine of the Tea Party movement, and recently organized a Code Red rally at the Capitol in DC to help Stop the Democrats' Health Care legislation.

Her Congressional District is located in Southeastern Minnesota and includes St. Cloud.

(H/t Hedgehog)

Headline from PPP:

Paul takes big lead in GOP primary

In the contest to be the Republican Senate nominee from Kentucky antiestablishment
candidate Rand Paul holds a large lead over Secretary of State Trey
Grayson in Public Policy Polling’s first look at the race.

US SENATE – KENTUCKY – GOP PRIMARY (PPP)
Rand Paul 44%
Trey Grayson 255

Paul is running for the Senate seat of retiring Republican Sen. Jim Bunning. Kentucky has been moving to solid Republican in recent years.

Paul is the former State Chairman of the KY Taxpayers Association, and is an activist in the State's Tea Party movement.

Less than a day under his new Party registration, and REPUBLICAN Congressman Parker Griffith of Alabama has already received a hearty welcome from America's top libertarian-conservative - Sarah Palin.

From Sarah Palin's Twitter:

Congratulations Alabama! And all Americans concerned about Capitol Hill's current agenda;Rep Parker Griffith just did the right thing. Welcome

From Kristofer Lorreli, Race42008.com:

December 2009

Linda McMahon 37%
Rob Simmons 35%
Peter Schiff 4%
Undecided 25%

Poll conducted by Moore Information Opinion Research.

Also from Quinnipiac:

• Linda McMahon 43%
• Chris Dodd 41%

And Rasmussen:

• Linda McMahon (R) 44%
• Chris Dodd (D) 38%

Though, Simmons polls slightly better against Dodd in the general in both polls.

ALABAMA DISTRICT GOES GOP FIRST TIME IN 150 YEARS

GRIFFITH CITES HEALTH CARE TAKE OVER AS MAIN REASON FOR SWITCH

First term Democrat Congressman from Alabama's 1st District Rep. Parker Griffith made it official today. In a press conference in Huntsville, he formally announced that he was switching his party registration to Republican, and would be running for reelection under the GOP banner. The move caught many Washington insiders by surprise, due to the timing. However, Griffith has been hinting at such a move since the summer. Back in July he gained some minor media coverage for vowing not to vote for Nancy Pelosi as Speaker next time. In November, after the off-year elections in Virginia and New Jersey, he quietly told Washington media not to list him as a Democrat, but rather as a "Blue Dog Independent."

According to Politico: Griffith will become the first Republican [ever] to hold the historically Democratic, Huntsville-based district [in history].

The reasons for Griffith's switch?

In his press conference he "blast[ed] the Democratic health care bill as a prime reason for his decision to switch parties." Griffith is a radiation oncologist.

Politico also notes that Griffith was 1 of only 11 Dem Congressmen to vote against the Stimulus. Also, Griffith, who is strong on Military issues, was very displeased with the Obama administration's decision in October to pull the missile sheild out of Eastern Europe.

Griffith's district has been trending Republican, and his reelection now seems assured.

Tea Party Patriots, Libertarians and other Free Marketeers have been clammoring for the Republican leadership to take a more hardline approach to opposing Democrat initiatives. RNC Chairman Michael Steele may be leading the way.

"They're willing to basically flip the bird to the American people on this issue..."

(Editor's Note: The bayonet is figurative. It's time to fight for principled government and freedom in America at the ballot box. Run for Office, or help a Libertarian Candidate. Fill out the application for office at the right on lpin.org. If you're on the sidelines in 2010, you're electing Democrats and Republicans.)

read more

Just Breaking...

There's now full unity on the GOP side in the Senate in opposition to Obama's take over of the Nation's Health Care system.

From The Hill:

Snowe says 'no' to health bill, lamenting hastened pace

Snowe had been seen as maybe the only Republican likely to cross the aisle to support Democrats' healthcare bill...

"Here we are today with a bill that's dramatically different and more expansive than the Finance Committee -- in fact it's 1,200 pages more -- it was placed on the floor just short of three weeks ago," Snowe said Sunday during an appearance on CBS.

"In less than 24 hours yesterday we get a 400 page amendment that was filed by the Senate Majority Leader. We are scheduled to vote on that major amendment 15 hours from now, at 1 o'clock in the morning, with no opportunity to amendment."

"All to get done the entire bill with no opportunity to amend it, to change it by Christmas so that we can adjourn for a three-week recess for a bill that doesn't become implemented until 2014," the Maine centrist added.

Senator Susan Collins of Maine has not said yet on the record that she will oppose the bill, but indicated last week, that she was seriously leaning against.

From the Editor: Late last week, Libertarian Republican had the opportunity to interview John Randall, eCampaign Director for the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC).

We present the interview here:

1. What do you all see as some of the key issues that Republican candidates need to emphasize for 2010?

“This cycle, the American people have really made the issue they’re concerned about clear. Jobs and healthcare, as well as the endless spending we’ve seen coming out of Washington, are the topics that are really driving concerned citizens at this point in the cycle and Republican candidates have been responding to their worries.”

2. What do you all see as some of the key races on a national scale for both the House? Alan West in Florida? Andy Harris in Maryland CD 1? Others? Maybe a few seats under the radar that we have a better-than-expected shot of picking up?

“Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of this cycle so far has been the rise of the citizen candidate. All across the country we’ve seen regular people – doctors, farmers, construction workers, members of the Armed Forces for example – announce bids for Congress, which highlights just how far out of touch Democrats have pushed their radical agenda. A lot of these career politicians haven’t had a challenge like in several cycles, and they’re going to give Democrats a run for their money.

In terms of House races that we’re working on, there are a number of notable match ups on the horizon. We got several solid rematches from the 2008 cycle, which include Andy Harris against Frank Kratovil in MD-01, Steve Stivers against Mary Jo Kilroy in OH-15, and Lou Barletta against Paul Kanjorski in PA-11.

Although there’s a primary with several candidates currently going on in CA-11, Rep. McNerney is going to have a tough election. We’re also seeing strong challengers emerge against Carol Shea-Porter in NH-01, Glenn Nye in VA-02, Loretta Sanchez in CA-47, AND Betsy Markey in CO-04.”

One race to definitely keep an eye on is a Special Election in HI-01, where Rep. Abercrombie just announced he in planning to resign to focus on his race for governor. The Republican in the race – Charles Djou – has proven himself a strong candidate and advanced to ‘On the Radar’ status in the NRCC’s Young Guns program. With the projected date of this election being sometime in March, the outcome of this race could serve as a barometer for November elections.”

3. How will the NRCC go about fielding candidates better suited to winning crucial seats throughout the Northeast, the Northwest, California, and other areas where Republicans don't typically do as well?

“Local constituents are best suited to select someone as a candidate who will represent their concerns in Congress. In that light, the NRCC launched its Young Guns program – which is every candidate is welcome to enroll in regardless of whether a primary is taking place. Those enrolled will work with the NRCC to complete various series of benchmarks regarding fundraising, communications, campaign structure, etc., in order to ensure that whomever comes out of the primary is in the best possible position to win on election day.”

4. There's both encouragement and fearfulness by some in the Republican leadership of the Tea Party movement. How do you see that shaping up?

“Those involved with the Tea Party movement are concerned citizens who are worried about what’s going on in Washington like the rest of us and have shown that they are ready to participate in the 2010 elections. We hope to work with them towards our goal of defeating Democrat candidates and retiring Nancy Pelosi. Morton Blackwell, approaching from the Conservative angle, authored an interesting piece in RedState this morning where he highlighted that Republicans across the board need to come together to win in 2010. Republicans across the spectrum agree on considerably more issues than disagree, and this is a time for us all to be united rather than divided.”

5. What is the GOP leaderships message to the Libertarians?

“We are the National Republican Congressional Committee – our two objectives are to retire Democrats and to support Republicans. We’re happy to work with anyone who shares those goals.”

6. Does the Republican leadership plan to perhaps meet Libertarians half-way on some of the hot button social issues?

“By the nature of our committee, we do not weigh in on policy issues but rather focus solely on ensuring Republicans are elected to Congress. We’ll use our limited resources to the best of our ability to help elect whomever emerges as the locally chosen Republican candidate.”

7. How can Libertarian Republicans best help the NRCC to win in 2010?

“As with all groups and political parties, the most invaluable resources that can be provided is information, time and money. At the NRCC, we recognize the importance of open and active lines of communication and always make ourselves available.”

Note - Joe Sciarrino, New Media Director for the NRCC participated in this interview.

Candidates in Photos: Lou Barletta is the former Mayor of Hazleton, Pennsylvania who garnered national publicity in 2007 for cracking down on illegal immigration after a horrific murder by an illegal in his town. Charles Djou running for the Abercrombie seat in Hawaii, is a Honolulu City Councilman and current Army Reserve Officer. Dr. Andy Harris barely lost his race in 2008 by less than 2% on Maryland's Eastern Shore.

"This War is lost..." -- Sen. Harry Reid, Nevada, Senate Majority Leader, 2006

From Eric Dondero:

Here are some poll numbers that you're unlikely to see commented upon over at some of the isolationist/non-interventionist leftwing Libertarian sites like LewRockwell.com, Justin Raimondo's AntiWar.com, Radley Balko's The Agitator, The Free Liberal, or at Reason On-line. You may recall virtually all of these sites and organizations allied with the Left to help defeat Republicans in the 2006 and '08 election cycles over the Iraq War.

Seems Americans have changed their opinions on the War quite substantially since then, from the views expressed by the Democrats and Leftwing Libertarians. By a large majority they don't seem to agree with the sentiment that the "War was lost."

Now this from NBC's Mark Murray via MSNBC:

Here's a final set of numbers from our new NBC/WSJ poll that we find fascinating: 57% say the Iraq war has been successful, versus 40% who say it has been unsuccessful.

It's a reversal from July 2008, when 43% said Iraq was successful, and 53% said it was unsuccessful.

What's more, nearly six in 10 (59%) believe the U.S. has accomplished as much as can be expected in Iraq, and 70% say they approve of President Obama's plan to pull most troops out of Iraq by 2011.

Another recent poll found that 44% of Americans surveyed would prefer George W. Bush as President rather than the current occupant of the White House.

Seems that the Bush legacy is turning out as some on the Right had predicted: He kept us safe, and safe from further terrorist attacks for 7 years.

And he held firm in the dark days of the War, when just about everyone was aligned against him. Bottom line - the Surge worked amazingly well.

Co-Founder, Libertarians for Bush, 2004

From Eric Dondero:

Republican primary candidate and former CT Congressman Rob Simmons has been on the defensive over a letter of praise he wrote in 2005 to Jimmy Carter. Rep. Simmons was thanking the former Democrat President for helping to keep open a submarine base. But he went over the top in praise:

"I can only say, Mr. President, that the courage, character and integrity you have shown over the many years of your extraordinary career makes us all proud to have voted for you so many years ago, and makes us proud to be Americans."

According to the Hartford Courant, the letter was uncovered by self-described "libertarian Republican," D. Dowd Muska.

No word on whether the hit came from the libertarian Republican campaign of Peter Schiff or the libertarian-leaning Republican campaign of wrestling entertainment wife Linda McMahon. But Simmons took the opportunity to take a shot directed at only McMahon.

Continuing from the Courant:

Questions about the letters roiled the Simmons campaign into firing buckshot at Republican competitor Linda McMahon, who has made hefty contributions to Democrats, declaring she and her husband "have dodged federal authorities and come under congressional investigation" in their wrestling empire.

"Dodged federal authories and under investigation" by a Democrat-controlled Congres?

That could actually serve as a great positive for McMahon in the GOP primary, particularly with staunchly conservative and libertarian Tea Party minded primary voters.

Recent polls show all three potential GOP candidates to be comfortably ahead of embattled incumbent Democrat Christopher Dodd.

Fight Against Jihad! Fight for Art, Music and Love

The estimable Pamela Geller of Atlas Shrugs weblog has penned an editorial in the American Thinker this morning. Geller gives praise to the unique American culture, while criticizing those who seek to destroy it.

Excerpted from American Thinker, "Fight for Art, Music and Love":

Gone with the Wind, a national treasure, turned seventy on Tuesday. Turner Classic Movies aired it Tuesday night... This is one of the films that reflects American culture's finest hour.

Essentially, such films are a reflection on our values, morality, and art. Ayn Rand said it best:

"Art is a selective re-creation of reality according to an artist's metaphysical value-judgments. An artist recreates those aspects of reality which represent his fundamental view of man's nature."

The fundamental view of man's nature reflected in American films of the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s was noble, just, and courageous.

When America was America, films like these were made in large quantities. Rita Hayworth, Humphrey Bogart, Cagney, Ingrid Bergman, Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly...

This is why I do what I do. Islamic law forbids representational art. It forbids music. With its laws allowing polygamy and wife-beating, it forbids love. And these are the kinds of laws they are trying to bring in to Europe and America today, right under our noses.

And so that is why I fight: for art, music, and love.

American music, American film. These things should rightly be considered one of our unquantifiable gifts to the world... Kick off the jihad and indulge in a thoroughly Western past time! Revisit the days when America was still America. And gather the strength to fight - for art, for music, and for love.

Read Pamela's full piece at American Thinker.

NANNY STATE UPDATE

Setback for Private Property Rights

The Fairfax, Virginia Man who walked around his home in the nude was convicted yesterday of a Misdemeanor. Erick Williamson had been making coffee in his kitchen one morning at 5:30 am last October, when a mother and her 7-year old son walked on a path near his home. She is the wife of a local police officer. They saw Williamson through the kitchen window. The curtains were open.

Williamson is a commercial diver, and a native Hawaiian. He complained to the judge, "They're looking into my home. I live in a fishbowl, an ant farm..."

According to MyFoxDC.com:

All witnesses testified that Williamson never stepped outside his home and made no gestures.

Such convictions are rare, but Williamson's case could impact further cases involving couples having sex in their yard or patio, in their hot tub, adult party goers, or even sunbathers who choose to go topless by their pools, or totally nude.

MoJo Nude Blogger Rick Romig of Ohio, a self-described Constititutionalist who rants against political correctness from both the Left and the Right, wrote recently, Nov. 16, "Moral Implications of Nudity":

Nudity is neither immoral nor immodest. Morality and modesty are matters of behavior and intention. Nudity is not harmful to life, limb, property or mental state. Nor does nudity infringe on anyone’s rights. If one finds nudity offensive then it is that person’s doing, not the one who is nude. There is no right to not be offended. To be offended is a personal choice. No one can offend you without your permission.

Apparently realizing the notoriety of the case, the judge ruled that Williamson would not have to spend any time in jail, nor pay a fine. However, according to Fox 5: He and his lawyer say they will appeal based on principle.

NANNY STATE UPDATE!

From Eric Dondero:

It started with banning texting in cars, even though there were laws already on the books against "distracted driving," in virtually all state and local jurisdictions. Now, the creeping Nanny State is moving into other areas regarding the operation of one's vehicle. But whose property it it anyway?

The City of Austin, a liberal mecca in the heart of staunchly conservative Texas, has just become the first city in the State to ban texting. But now the city council is wanting to take it a step further.

From the Austin American-Statesman, Dec. 15:

[Democrat] Council Member Chris Riley . "The language we're proposing is broader ... but it really is about safety."

But the proposal from Morrison and Riley also shows how tricky it can be to regulate the use of rapidly changing technology. For instance, why should a driver be penalized for changing the music settings of an iPhone but not those of an iPod? That is a concern of Chip Rosenthal, chairman of the city's Community Technology and Telecommunications Commission, which advises the City Council.

Rosenthal and other critics say that the ban is already worded awkwardly and could pose enforcement difficulties and that the proposed changes make it worse.

"Part of the task of being a good driver is managing what they call secondary activities," Rosenthal said. "Some, like texting, are dangerous and shouldn't be allowed. Others, like tuning radio stations, a driver can do safely in most conditions. I'd like to know under what circumstances all secondary activity using a phone is deemed unsafe.

Switching tracks while Rocking Out could soon become a Crime

Libertarian Tech Guru Scott Allen, who lives in Austin, writes on his Social Media blog:

There’s already a law that covers this – it just needs to be enforced. And the existing law takes care of all the ambiguities and irrationalities around the new law. For example, just pressing the next song button on your phone seems to be illegal under the new law, but shuffling through radio stations or even swapping CDs isn’t. And how is a GPS on your dash any less distracting than the GPS on your phone, which you can hold up in front of your face so you can see the road at least a little better? Or what about the proverbial putting on makeup or shaving while driving?

No one will probably ever get stepped for pressing the next song button, because cops can’t see it, and it doesn’t noticeably affect their driving. But the point is…that shouldn’t be illegal. The point is…it’s not the act of texting itself that violates the harm principle; it’s the reckless driving that results from it. And there’s already a law against that.

So really, Austin City Council, don’t you have anything better to do with your time???

Similar statewide bans are currently under consideration in Missouri and Pennsylvania. Meanwhile Congress is currently considering legislation to force states to adopt a federally mandated ban on all texting while driving, or lose federal transportation dollars. (Source: Pennlive.com)

Hat tip to Cindy Mallette of Americans for Prosperity - Texas for brining us this news.

Florida Rep. wants Obama's AG Holder to investigate Tea Party activist

Democrat Congressman Alan Grayson recently sent a letter to US Attorney General Eric Holder requesting that he investigate a Web Blogger who was critical of the Representative. Annie Langley of Clermont, Florida, an Orlando suburb, posted a parody site called mycongressmanisnuts.com. However, Grayson complains that Langley doesn't actually live within the boundaries of his district, and thus the site is "fraudulant." Clermont, while not physically in District 8, borders the CD to the West.

From the Orlando Sentinel (via Memeo):

Specifically, Grayson accuses Republican activist Angie Langley of lying to federal elections. His four-page complaint highlights the fact that the Clermont resident lives outside his district, but that Langley still uses the term “my” in “mycongressmanisnuts.com.”

“Ms. Langley has deliberately masqueraded as a constituent of mine, in order to try to create the false appearance that she speaks for constituents who don’t support me,” writes Grayson. “[She] has chosen a name for her committee that is utterly tasteless and juvenile.”

Grayson’s office did not respond with comment other than to confirm the letter exists — including its request that Langley be fined and “imprisoned for five years.”

Langley, of course, is a Tea Party Patriot. From her site:

Alan Grayson's recent self indulgent behavior has paralyzed his ability to serve as an advocate for the citizens of Central Florida. On December 16th 2009, the day on which the Sons of Liberty dumped 342 chests of tea into Boston Harbor, Central Floridians will again say no to the overreaching government intrusion propagated by Grayson.

Grayson first garnered national attention for having said on the House Floor that Republicans who didn't support ObamaCare wanted Americans "to die." And he has since made numerous other highly controversial statements like calling a female DC lobbyist "a whore." His District leans Republican, and he is a top GOP target for 2010.

You can contribute to Annie Langley's "Money Bomb," to help defeat Grayson at mycongressmanisnuts.com

From the Editor: We apologize for the graphic nature of this article. But in order to truly show the horrors of Radical Islam and Jihadist ideology, we felt it was extremely important to take this step. Such graphic photos are out of the norm for this weblog and will be done so, only on the rarest of occasions. -- Eric Dondero, Publisher

by Clifford F. Thies

Shocking news coming out of the war-torn region of Somalia...

From the London Daily Mail, Dec. 15:

This barbaric scene belongs in the Dark Ages, but pictures emerged today of a group of Islamic militants who forced villagers to watch as they stoned a man to death for adultery.

Mohamed Abukar Ibrahim, a 48-year-old, was buried in a hole up to his chest and pelted with rocks until he died. The group responsible, Hizbul Islam... The executions took place yesterday in Afgoye, some 20 miles south-west of the capital of Mogadishu.A woman who had confessed to fornication had been sentenced to 100 lashes, he added.

'This is their day of justice,' the judge, Osman Siidow Hasan, told the crowd. 'We investigated and they confessed.'

Al Shabaab, and to a lesser extent Hizbul Islam, are fighting the government to impose their harsh interpretation of Islamic Sharia law across the drought-ravaged country.

Al Shabaab clerics have banned movies, dancing at weddings and playing or watching soccer in the areas under their control, as well as carrying out executions and amputations.

The Jewish scriptures identify several offenses for which stoning is the punishment, for two examples: a rebellious son (Deut. 21:21) and the man and the woman who are engaged in adultery (Deut. 22:23-24). Yet, it is clear from Jewish practice even from ancient times, that this punishment was a euphemism. It actual meaning was to declare the person legally dead and, thus, stripped of all rights as a member of the family or as a member of the community. This is also clear from two of the most beloved teachings of Jesus of Nazareth.

In the Parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32), Jesus spoke of a father who had expelled a son who was engaged in riotous living. When the son repented of his ways and returned to his father, the father declared, "my son was dead and now is alive." We might insert the word "legally" into the phrase. "My son was [legally] dead and now is alive." Jesus was saying to parents that if you raise your children in the faith and they nevertheless behave badly so that you have to expel them, trust that they will return to the faith and be willing to then accept them back, and don't shun them forever. Jesus was also saying to us, both insofar as we are like the prodigal son and as we are like the faithful son, we can trust that will be forgiving of our sins and will honor our good works.

In the story of the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11), certain learned and holy men brought the woman to Jesus, as though he were a judge, and asked him to sanction her being stoned. Apparently, they thought Jesus was something of an ignorant country preacher who had only a superficial understanding of the scriptures. But, Jesus deflected their feigned righteousness, by saying "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone," and, when they departed, he turned to the woman and said, "go and sin no more." Jesus upheld the Law exactly as it was intended. She, being an adulteress, no longer had any right to be supported by her husband but had to "go;" but, hopefully, she would repent of her evil ways "and sin no more."

The world is nowadays a spectator to the practice of stoning for offenses such as adultery and homosexuality in a small number of Islamic countries, mostly anarchic countries or ungoverned regions within larger countries. Famously, in Kabul, Afghanistan, the Taliban made a public display of stoning and other punishments in a sports stadium that was constructed with foreign aid. Today, soccer is played in that stadium; and, along with that, citizens are free to fly kites on the hillside adjoining the city (which had been forbidden by the Taliban).

Yes, there is a basis for the practice of stoning in the Koran, but scholars grapple with whether the verses are to be understood as literal or as allegorical. Islamic Jihadists do not grapple, though. They're minds are made up on the issue.

Notes - Dr. Thies is a professor of economics, and a Messianic Jewish scholar.

Photos are of actual recent stonings in the Muslim world, Iran, Sudan, and Somalia within the last year. (H/t Spencer at Jihad Watch for Somali photo).

Top Photo - The Stoning of Soraya, a 2008 film depicting the real life killing in a small Iranian village, of a women accused of adultery is now available on DVD at Netflix and other video outlets.

State of Ohio, Court-appointed Counselors and Liberal Media become Mr. Scrooge

From Denise Clark:

Things just keep getting worse in the case of Rifqa Bary, the islam apostate who fled her Columbus, Ohio, home for fear of the fate that could await her for converting to Christianity. Though her family has said that they have no issues with Rifqa's new faith, the actions of the Bary family lawyer say otherwise.

Omar Tarazi, a CAIR (Council for American Islamic Relations) attorney representing Rifqa's parents, filed a motion in Franklin County court last week to ban Rifqa from receiving any Christmas cards through her attorneys and asking for confiscation of any cards the teenager may have already received. Tarazi cites that the Christmas cards are "dangerous to her health and safety".

The Counselors for Rifqa appointed by the Judge in Ohio, have filed an affidavit in favor of the motion from the radical Islamic group.

Ironically, as Jawa Report(s):

Meredith "Hijab" Heagney of the Columbus Dispatch to Michael Kruse of the St. Petersburg Times, insisted that the Bary family intends to respect Rifqa's Christian faith? Haven't these media stooges repeated assurances from the Bary parents that Rifqa has nothing to fear from returning home?

ADDENDUM:

A hearty Christmas Cheer to Pamela Geller at Atlas Shrugs, who originally called attention to Rifqa's plight and the plight of other muslim women who have become victims of "honor killings." Had Pamela not taken on the task of exposing this aspect of the "religion of peace," we would have no idea what an "honor killing" is or who Rifqa Bary is. Thank you Pamela!

A hearing to settle the matter of Rifqa receiving Christmas cards will take place on December 22. Pamela and other supporters will be there to rally for Rifqa.

Continuous coverage of Rigqa and information on the rally at Atlas Shrugs.

Join them! And as always, please keep Rifqa in your prayers.

Editor's Note - Denise Clark resides in Western Pennsylvania. Her blog, from a right libertarian pro-Family pro-Christian view, is the RightStuff.

A last minute deal was cut on the Senate floor to switch the originally proposed tax on cosmetic procedures for an equal percentage tax on tanning salons. Lobbyists for the cosmetic industry had pushed hard for the removal of the tax. Tanning salon small business owners were caught off guard.

Breaking News from the LA Times:

Senate plan would tax tanning services

Democrats replace the 'botax' on cosmetic procedures with a 10% sales tax on the use of tanning beds, citing skin cancer concerns. The tax would raise an estimated $2.7 billion over 10 years.

Citing concerns over skin cancer, Senate Democrats inserted a last-minute provision into their healthcare overhaul that would tax the use of tanning beds.

The 10% sales tax would be imposed on individuals who purchase tanning services...

The tanning tax would help pay for the massive overhaul by raising an estimated $2.7 billion over 10 years. It replaces a proposed excise tax on elective cosmetic surgery that was previously included in the bill. The "botax" would have raised more than twice the amount as the tanning tax. But cosmetic surgeons, who argued that it would discriminate against middle-class women, launched a successful lobbying campaign against it.

Jennifer Fermino at the NY Post opines this morning:

If Botox users could move their faces, they'd be smiling wide over the proposed Senate health-care plan, but tanning-bed fanatics are sure to be seeing red.

The bill's provisions that will likely sail through the Senate will slap a 10 percent tax on all trips to the tanning bed.

The fake-bake tax replaces an earlier tariff on cosmetic procedures like Botox, tummy tucks and hair transplants, which were scrapped in the latest negotiations.

A number of prominent Democrat Senators and even a Vice-President have been known to have Botox procedures and hair-transplants.

Blogger Far Right Democrat quipped:

The tanning association trade organization (if there is one) needs to hire better lobbyists and start giving campaign donations to Obama.