A strong and sturdy plea for Jews to pursue social justice in a world that needs mending.
Book Excerpt: Where Justice Dwells
Jill Jacobs on doing social justice as a spiritual practice.
Fmr. Florida Guv Jeb Bush cracks a pudge joke at Chris Christie’s expense
Fat Jokes just fine if they're made on fellow Republicans
From Eric Dondero:
It appears the Bush clan is on the verge of endorsing Mitt Romney over Texan Rick Perry. The former Florida Governor drops some hints in a recent CNN interview.
CNN Political Ticker "Jeb Bush issues Romney praise":
On backing Romney:
"I continue to be impressed with Mitt Romney's performance in these debates. He's cool, calm, collected. He's quick, he's agile," the former Florida governor told CNN's Piers Morgan Wednesday. "I think he could do well going up against President Obama in the fall if he's the nominee.
But while commenting favorably on Romney, he also commented on Gov. Christie's recent endorsement of the former Massachusetts Governor droppping what many would view as a bit of a slap: 
Bush, the son of former President George H.W. Bush and brother of former President George W. Bush, also acknowledged that his eventual endorsement might not hold the same importance as that of New Jersey Gov. Chris, who backed Romney Tuesday.
"I don't have as much weight behind me as Chris Christie but I'm getting up there," Bush said. "I'm going to wait. There's no urgency to this."
Now, imagine the absolute uproar if Bush had made such a wisecrack at the expense of Democrats Senators Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, or Maryland'ds Barbara Mikulski?
Busted yet again! We Libertarians are just Republicans who Smoke Pot
by Eric Dondero
About every month or two, this description comes up in some media - we libertarians are just pot smoking Republicans.
From Yahoo Answers , Oct. 15:
Resolved Question...
Why are libertarians such tools for the republican party?Best Answer - Chosen by Asker
libertarians are basically just republicans who don't go to church and smoke pot instead
More responses:
* (ZaZa) Libertarians are tools for Republicans? LOL
They could not be more different. The only thing they have in common is less government. Other than that they are completely at opposite ends of the spectrum.
* (YoYo Mame) Anyone that loves freedom cannot be for the Democrat party. That leaves the Republican party as the lesser of two evils.
* (Gunwalker) The same reason liberals are such fools for the socialist party.
* (Cashius King) Because the Libertarian Movement has been hijacked
And our personal favorite here at LR...
* (GOP Mcturtle) cause they are really gop
Herman Cain now has a powerful Free Market economist in his corner
From Eric Dondero:
Human Events reports that self-described "libertarian supply-sider" and a pal of former Reagan-era Budget Director David Stockman, none other than Arthur Laffer himself, has endorsed Herman Cain's 9-9-9 plan.
"Mr. Cain’s plan is simple, transparent, neutral with respect to capital and labor, and savings and consumption, and also greatly decreases the hidden costs of tax compliance. There is no doubt that economic growth would surge upon implementation of 9-9-9."
Ron Paul to meet with Marine Le Pen?
by Eric Dondero
My first reaction, perhaps the message that we've been pushing for years here at LR, is finally getting through to the Ron Paul people; that Radical Islam presents a serious threat to our Individual Liberties.
Here's the jist of it. From Roll Call:
Rep. Ron Paul (Texas), a GOP presidential hopeful, is expected to meet next month with French politician Marine Le Pen, whose party has been connected to anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant violence (sic) in her country.
In a statement released to Agence France-Presse, which first reported the meeting, Paul spokeswoman Rachel Mills said, “Madame Le Pen has requested a meeting and Congressman Paul has agreed to a meeting, if he is in town, and as of today it looks like he will be.”
And more:
Le Pen announced a tour of the United States last month with the express purpose of meeting with tea party leaders and others in the U.S. conservative movement.
She singled out Paul, whom she described as “a great defender of an international monetary system anchored on the gold standard.”
This dovetails with the release in the last few weeks of a series web-ads from the Paul campaign on Military stances. (This one Pro-Vets, is particularly good.)
We have said repeatedly here at LR, that we absolutely agree with Ron Paul's positions entirely on economic and other domestic matters; that our differences with him center around his strident views on non-interventionism, and against wars against Islamism.
The web ads, and now the announced meeting with European Anti-Islamist champion Marine Le Pen, suggest that maybe, just maybe, the Paul people are getting it. And that's a good thing.
New recruitment ad from Occupy Wall Street
Covering all the bases...
From Eric Dondero:
Leftist, America-hating, Anti-Free Enterprise, Pro-Islamic Jihad.
For a right-libertarian, does it get any worse than that?
Republican Senator Pat Toomey of PA stands on principle with vote for Free Trade
From Eric Dondero:
The vote on trade sanctions on China in the Senate was 63 to 35.
The WSJ makes note that one Senator from a traditionally Rust Belt State took a particularly courageous free market stance.
the Senate voted 63-35 on Tuesday to impose tariffs on China for manipulating its currency...
Among Republicans, freshman Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania cast one of the braver nays. The industrial western areas of the Keystone State are suffering, and Democrat Robert Casey voted the labor line.
Of note, 30 Republicans in total voted Pro-Free Trade. They were joined by 4 Democrats from Pacific Coastal States, and Independent Sen. Joe Lieberman.
Editor's note - This website was an early and enthusiatic supporter of Pat Toomey for Senate.
New Video from the Koch Foundation on Economic Freedom
Description: For years the United States has been a world leader in economic freedom. But runaway government spending and burdensome regulations have caused a decline in economic freedom in the United States. If our economic freedom continues to fall, how will it affect our quality of life?
Poland: Market-liberal Party finishes a strong first
by Clifford F. Thies
An almost complete tabulation of the vote shows that the market-liberal Civic Party has finished first, with 39 percent of the vote, well ahead of the conservative Justice Party, which finished with 30 percent.
The Civic Party's current junior partner, the social conservative Peasant's Party, received 9 percent and, together, they would maintain a narrow majority in the Polish parliament.
Palikot's Movement, a centrist, social-liberal party, finished third, with 10 percent. This new party was formed by certain former members of the Civic Party, and has a secularist and libertarian agenda on social issues, e.g., gay rights and legalizing marijuana.
The Left Alliance, a left-wing party, finished fifth, with 8 percent. This party as well as the Civic Party suffered from defections to Palikot's Movement.
It is probable that the Civic Party will simply maintain its current coalition with the Peasant's Party. Nevertheless, it is possible that the Civic Party will explore relations with the other two minor parties represented in the Polish national assembly. On the other hand, it is thought that the Justice Party would not be able work with any of the minor parties.
While Poland's real GDP growth slowed consequent to the global recession, the country avoided falling into a recession, and has in the past year the country returned to a 4 percent growth rate.
Poland is currently running a budget deficit of 6 percent of GDP, about half as bad as the U.S. and the troubled countries of the European periphery (e.g., Greece, Ireland, Italy and Spain). With a resumption of strong economic growth, the country anticipates meeting the EU deficit target next year.
Alabama Republican Rep. introduces Medical Marijuana bill
Sister's battle with Cancer convinced him
The Anniston Star reports "Rep. K.L. Brown plans to introduce medical marijuana bill in Montgomery" Oct. 2:
Before Rep. K.L. Brown’s sister succumbed to breast cancer 25 years ago, she used medicinal marijuana to ease her suffering.
Brown now wants legislation to provide similar relief to other chronically ill Alabama patients.
A Republican of Jacksonville, Brown said Friday that he will sponsor a bill during the 2012 legislative session to legalize medicinal marijuana in Alabama.
“My sister used it very successfully to control her nausea and pain,” Brown said. “I think the time has come for the state to consider medical marijuana.”
Editor's note - This website fully applauds Rep. Brown's efforts, and urges any and all Alabama LR readers to thank him for introducing this legislation.
Texas Democrat leader fails to get Republican to switch parties
From Eric Dondero:
Numerous Democrats from state legislators to county commissioners have switched to Republican in the last two years. The Dems haven't had much luck in doing the same.
From the Burnt Orange Report, by Keith Hampton, Austin Attorney, Oct. 12 "Turned a Republican into a Democrat... Almost":
For over a year, I have worked tirelessly to persuade Republican Judge Larry Meyers to become the first statewide Republican to switch parties. I was so convinced he would run against Presiding Judge Sharon Keller as a Democrat, I decided to run in an open seat to ensure we had a Democratic candidate in each race. But after weeks of meetings at Texas Democratic Party offices, it recently became clear that Judge Meyers would remain a Republican.
Sidenote; Democrats were successful most recently in persuading Carolyn Crist wife of former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist to become switch.
"Hardline libertarian" party in Slovakia holding up EU bailouts
“We are a classical liberal party. We are defenders of the Austrian school of economics,” -- uraj Droba, SaS MP
From the Financial Times of London, "Eurozone hopes hinge on Slovakia" Oct. 9:
A hardline libertarian party... looks set to throw a spanner in the machinery of expanding the eurozone’s bail-out fund – seen as crucial to restoring market confidence in the bloc.
Despite pressure from across the continent, Richard Sulik, leader of Slovakia’s libertarian Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) party, repeated on Sunday that his party would reject the measure.
Additionally:
Senior European officials have intensified pressure on Slovak officials... In recent days, some of Europe’s most high-profile leaders – including Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, and José Manuel Barroso, president of the European Commission – have publicly called on the remaining refuseniks to pass the deal...
“For Sulik it is not a question of popularity, it’s a question of doctrine,” says Grigorij Meseznikov. “He is a libertarian and he does not have the sense of the EU being a community.”
Photo credit - Thirdage.com
World’s newest nation South Sudan adopts English as a First Language
Pro-Western values now codified by law
From Cliff Thies:
Most educated people in Africa speak at least two languages: their home language (usually, a tribal language) and a national language. The national language helps to unify the people of the nation and better enables them to be part of the greater global society and economy. The adoption of English as its national language reflects South Sudan's self identity as a Black African and predominantly Christian country.
While continuing to negotiate some remaining issues with Sudan, South Sudan has turned it eyes to its south, applying to join the East Africa Community. The EAC consists of Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. Membership would enable South Sudan to develop roads and other infrastructure oriented to the south, with access via Kenya to the Indian Ocean. Interestingly, Sudan itself has also made such an application.
Source - BBC
Editor's note - This website was an early and enthusiastic supporter of South Sudanese independence from the Islamic-dominated north.
CAMERON MOVES TO PROTECT BRITISH BORDERS, BRITISH HISTORY AND BRITISH PRIDE!
by Eric Dondero
The Prime Minster gave a speech to Parliament on Monday on reforming British immigration laws. He is immediately directing immigration officials in his administration to crack-down on immigrants from mostly Muslim countries who have no loyalties to Britain, British values or British culture.
•Forced Marriages to be a criminal offense
•End to Anchor babies - Families will need to post a bond of thousands of pounds to bring in other family members from overseas
•A call on all loyal Citizens of Great Britain to turn in illegal immigrants, particularly those who overstay their Visas
•Lengthening and strengthening the Test for British citzenship, including adding a section on British history
Excerpt from the text of the Prime Minister's speech via The UK Guardian:
"So let me say one more thing abut the journey to becoming a British citizen," he added. "We're also going to change the citizenship test. There's a whole chapter in the citizenship handbook on British history but, incredibly, there is no question on British history in the actual test.
"Instead you'll find questions on the roles and powers of the main institutions of Europe and the benefits system within the UK. So we are going to revise the whole test … and put British history and culture at the heart of it."
Editor's note - This website was an early and enthusiastic supporter of David Cameron and his Conservative Party. Photo credit - The UK Sun
Leftist AntiWar activists protest Wounded Warriors run
Code Pink now the mirror image of Westboro Baptist Church?
From Eric Dondero:
Pro-Defense libertarian Congressman Allen West reported on a truly disgusting act over the weekend.
From his Facebook:
Just finished running Army Ten Miler...
.by Congressman Allen West on Sunday, October 9, 2011 at 12:02pm.
and unofficial time was 1 hr 29 mins and change, great seeing many old friends and former bosses. However, what struck me as shameful was Code Pink being out on the run course protesting.
There were many Wounded Warriors doing the wheelchair race and running with their prosthetic devices. Perhaps Code Pink does not realize that those "Army Strong" men and women make it possible for them to stand on Independence Ave and demean their service, sacrifice, and commitment.......Land of the Free because we are the Home of the Brave!" Army Strong!
Really, is there now any difference at all between the Westboro Baptist Church protesting at funerals of deceased hero Army soldiers and Marines, and Code Pink protesting Wounded Warriors at benefit events?
Note - Some left-libertarian groups, such as AntiWar.com, have worked with Code Pink in the past. See 2010 LR article on AntiWar's Justin Raimondo and Code Pink opposing Rand Paul's candidacy for Senate.
Ed Coleman Launches New Television Ad in Indianapolis
Indianapolis City-County Councilor Ed Coleman has launched a TV spot is his effort to seek re-election to the governing body of America’s 11th largest city. Coleman was elected in 2007 as a Republican, but left for the Libertarian Party a year later due to the constant pressure to raise taxes and support corporate bailouts. Indianapolis [...]
Imagine
Inept Government Begs People to Pay Tickets
This article is pure hilarity:
If you have an unpaid traffic ticket that's been gathering dust for three years or more, the state has a deal for you: Pay up during the first six months of 2012, and get 50 percent off.
The one-time discount, authorized by a new state law, is designed to help both delinquent drivers and financially strapped state and local governments.
Yeah, I don't think that this discount will "help" victims of ticketing, since they clearly aren't being persecuted or suffering much when not paying the fines.
This seems like a classic case of the government biting off more than it can chew. It overcriminalizes but then cannot enforce, and now it is literally on its knees, begging for its victims to let it suck their blood, offering what it laughably considers to be an incentive: 50% off.
Epic California fail. I hope nobody takes advantage of this bullshit offer. I hope the police's ability to enforce these fines further erodes, and I hope that the state declares bankruptcy soon. Choke on your own fat, California!
Dimensional argument for the impact of turbulent support on the stellar initial mass function
Authors: G. Chabrier and P. Hennebelle.<br />Astronomy & Astrophysics Vol. 534 , page A106<br />Published online: 14/10/2011<br />
Keywords:
stars: formation ; stars: luminosity function, mass function ; turbulence.