Belt tightening Obama style: Do as I say, not as I do

Appropriately named Broadway play: “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone”

President Barack Obama and his First Lady Michelle, landed in New York yesterday afternoon, and then picked up a helicopter from JFK to fly into Manhattan, drove up the West Side Highway, where the northbound lanes were shut down by police for their visit, past Ground Zero, into the Village for dinner at the Village’s trendy Blue Hill restaurant.

From there, the duo and their entourage hit Times Square, where the Obama’s saw a production of “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” at the Belasco Theater on West 44th Street. The title of the play could easily have been, “American Way of Life Come and Gone.”

Following the pair, two other planes carried staff and reporters, Politico reports.  All in all, a pricey date night courtesy of American taxpayers.

Remember Obama’s words during a campaign speech in Ohio? “And that’s why I’m not going to stand here and simply tell you what I’m going to spend, I’m going to tell you how we’re going to save when I’m president. I’ll do what you do in your own family budgets. You got to tighten your belt. You make sure you’re spending money wisely. The government needs to do the same thing.”

We’re waiting, Mr. President.

Controversial life, shocking death

Late-term abortion specialist, Dr. George Tiller, was shot and killed today in the Wichita, Kansas Reformation Lutheran Church where he was an usher. A suspect is in custody.

Tiller’s Women’s Health Care Services clinic, is one of only three such facilities nationally where abortions are performed after the 21st week of pregnancy. Tiller advertised second and third trimester abortions as his specialty since 1973. It was to his clinic that Arizona’s “Jackie Doe,” a 14-year-old ward of the state, was flown for a very late-term abortion amidst a flurry of news reports and legal actions in the summer of 1999.

In March of this year, Tiller was acquitted of 19 misdemeanor counts in a jury trial.  He was indicted after an investigation begun by former Kansas Attorney General Phill Kline. Prosecutors charged that Tiller had gotten second opinions from a doctor who was essentially an employee of his, not independent as state law requires. 

“I am stunned by this lawless and violent act, which must be condemned and should be met with the full force of law,” Kline said in a written statement. “We join in lifting prayer that God’s grace and presence rest with Dr. Tiller’s family and friends.”

Pro-life advocates denounced the shooting and stressed that they support only nonviolent protest.

Muslim detention officer files suit against Sheriff

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has jumped on the anti-Arpaio bandwagon. The far-left group has filed a discrimination lawsuit  against the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO)  The claim? The MCSO discriminated against a former detention officer of the Muslim faith.

ACLU lawyers filed the suit in U.S. District Court on behalf of plaintiff Sinan Fazlovic, 34, who charges that Sheriff Joe Arpaio and the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office made him choose between keeping his facial hair or keeping his job.  Fazlovic alleges he made repeated requests for religious accommodation.

MCSO officials said the agency was simply observing state safety regulations. “The Sheriff’s Office is committed to providing a safe environment for employees and inmates,” said Gerard Sheridan, MCSO chief of custody. “We comply with Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health . . . as it pertains to facial hair and its potential to compromise the effectiveness of safety equipment.”

The beard would impede Fazlovic’s ability to perform his duties since he couldn’t properly wear a special breathing mask necessary during emergencies. Instead, Fazlovic requested being fitted for a special mask that would accommodate facial hair.

Fazlovic, a Bosnian immigrant, shaved his beard for about a year before re-growing his facial hair and requesting a change in position. MCSO then reassigned Fazlovic to a clerical position with lesser pay. He resigned in 2008.

Fazlovic seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages.

Desirous of national security? Be prepared to be called “intolerant, shrill, and xenophobic”

U. S. Rep Jeff Flake (CD6), declaring his support for the old canard of Comprehensive Immigration Reform, claims the Republican party’s reputation has been marred by the immigration debate.

“…..The tone and tenor of the debate drives people who would otherwise be Republicans out of the party. And it’s not just Hispanics. I’m talking about others as well who just don’t want to be associated with a party that is seen as intolerant or shrill.”

“Intolerant or shrill?”  President Ronald Reagan warned us, “A nation without borders is not a nation,” Mr. Flake. In this post-9/11 era, our porous borders are a recipe for disaster on countless levels beginning with an invasion of those who disrespect our laws with their first step into our country.

The five-term congressman, who suffered a severe case of amnesia when it came to honoring his term-limits pledge, is taking a page from his mentor John McCain’s play book on opening the floodgates to unsustainable and costly illegal immigration. Flake’s bizarre partnership with Illinois Congressman Luis Gutierrez, a man described by GovTrackUS as far-left, gets little play in his home district.  But East Valley residents remember his central role in the state senate campaign of his immigration lawyer brother-in-law, in an effort to oust then Rep. Russell Pearce. 

Kevin Gibbons sunk to the lowest depths in his challenge, even hiring the disreputable Nathan Sproul to sling mud that became so vicious the Arizona Republic — no fan of Pearce’s — condemned the underhanded endeavor.  The voters saw through the scheme, and presented a solid victory to Pearce.

Like Flake, Congressman John Shadegg (CD3) previously accused his constituents of “intolerance and xenophobia.”  Shadegg, however, took a more convoluted path to insult his fellow Arizona Republicans who believe in the rule of law and orderly, legal immigration. Shadegg used the pages of the New York Times to hurl his invectives.

As to the question of immigration, we suggest you watch this mesmerizing video with Roy Beck of NumbersUSA.  Nothing you can read or view presents the situation with more clarity.

Cooking up “news” where there is none

The daily newspaper’s editorial board, reporters and columnists are not merely content to create negative news concerning Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio when none exists. They have even enticed the Goldwater Institute, a Libertarian “think tank” that would ordinarily be the daily newspaper’s antithesis, to repeatedly slam the sheriff in grand style.

Today, with nothing else to fill their increasingly meager pages, they come after Joe’s ham stew, which they declare as “vile.”  Inmates have been protesting the hot, evening meal, no doubt feeling entitled to menu items found at the finer Valley establishments. 

Ever inventive in their anti-Arpaio zeal, the Republic has enlisted chefs Eddie Matney, Christopher Gross’s assistant and Silvana Salcido Esparza to create enticing recipes, using similar ingredients, more attuned to the refined criminal palate.

Score zero for the Republic and ten each to the anything-for-publicity Valley chefs, obviously hurting for business in a down-turned economy.

Russian reaction to America’s descent into Marxism under Obama

In an article titled. American capitalism gone with a whimper, Mat Rodina an editorial columnist for Russia’s Pravda, writes about the collapse of American capitalism and the leftist zeal to surrender our liberties.

He correctly addresses some of the under-girding that enabled the liberals to gain control of our “sheeple,” with these observations:  First, the population was dumbed down through a politicized and substandard education system based on pop culture, rather then the classics.

Then their faith in God was destroyed, he writes, as….top Protestant mega preachers were more then happy to sell out their souls [for] flocks to be on the “winning” side of one pseudo Marxist politician or another. Their flocks may complain, but when explained that they would be on the “winning” side, their flocks were ever so quick to reject Christ in hopes for earthly power. Even our Holy Orthodox churches are scandalously liberalized in America.

The final collapse, Rodina continues, has come with the election of Barack Obama. His speed in the past three months has been truly impressive. His spending and money printing has been a record setting, not just in America’s short history but in the world. If this keeps up for more then another year, and there is no sign that it will not, America at best will resemble the Wiemar Republic and at worst Zimbabwe.

Rodina concludes his article with this mocking warning: The Russian owners of American companies and industries should look thoughtfully at this and the option of closing their facilities down and fleeing the land of the Red as fast as possible. In other words, divest while there is still value left. The proud American will go down into his slavery without a fight, beating his chest and proclaiming to the world, how free he really is. The world will only snicker.

Seeing Red AZ encourages our readers to take a few minutes and read this account of America’s willing descent into the damning Marxist governmental scheme Russians know well enough to distrust.

Dems: Circling the judicial wagons

President Barack Obama personally sought to deflect criticism of Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor yesterday. The federal appeals court judge has found herself under intensifying scrutiny for saying in 2001 that a female Hispanic judge would often reach a better decision than a white male judge.

 I’m sure she would have restated it,” Obama flatly told NBC News, without indicating how he knew that.

Also rallying to her defense, Obama’s spokesman, Robert Gibbs, told reporters about Sotomayor: “I think she’d say that her word choice in 2001 was poor.”

When pressed, Gibbs, said he did not hear that from Sotomayor directly. He said he learned it from people who had talked to her, and he did not identify who those people were. Sotomayor herself has made no public statements since her nomination became official Tuesday and was not able to be reached for comment.

Memorial service scheduled for Kerry and Austin Martin

The Funeral Service is open to the public and will take place at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 11001 N. 40^th Street, Phoenix Arizona. Burial will immediately follow the service at Desert Hills Memorial Park, 6500 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale, Arizona.

The familyrequests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Martin Charitable Foundation in memory of Kerry Martin and Austin Michael Martin. Remembrances can be sent to dean@americanvisuals.com, cards mailed to the Hansen Desert Hills Mortuary and Memorial Park, 6500 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85254.

The family wishes to thank the public for the great outpouring of support. In order to provide more time for people who have been touched by this tragedy, visitation for Kerry, and baby Austin, will be open to the public between 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and between 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. on Tuesday June 2, 2009 at Hansen Desert Hills Mortuary and Memorial Park, 6500 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85254.

Visitation: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (open to the public)

Eulogies: Noon (open to the public and media)

Visitation: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. (open to the public)

Prayers and the rosary at 7:30 p.m. (open to the public, but upon conclusion will be closed to just family)

Treasurer Dean Martin announced the Martin Family Charitable Foundation has been established in memory of Kerry Martin and Austin Michael Martin.  Donations to the Foundation can be made at any Chase Bank or WaMu Branches nationwide. The Martin Family Charitable Foundation (in memory of Kerry Martin and Austin Michael Martin) has been established as a charitable organization, and has applied for tax-exempt status under 5013c which makes donations tax deductible.

“The foundation will promote the education and well being of children, mothers and families,” said State Treasurer Dean Martin. “Kerry’s life was dedicated to numerous causes. Many know how she helped efforts to teach children how to swim in order to prevent child drowning.  But, she also previously taught financial literacy across the Valley including classes for new Habitat for Humanity homeowners and for young servicemen and women at Luke Air Force Base.  Simply stated, Kerry touched the lives of thousands across the Valley.  Kerry was always the volunteer, organizer and leader.  She jumped in to help donate her time, talent, and enchanting smile to support efforts she believed in.  This Foundation will ensure that while her work on this earth has come to an end, her spirit will endure to continue to help others.”

“During her joyous pregnancy she had many ideas on charitable efforts she wanted to champion as a new mother.  The Foundation will also help expectant mothers, both in healthcare and education, based on ideas Kerry had and the experiences we shared during her pregnancy,” Martin said.

Novel brand of belt tightening at Phoenix City Hall

They didn’t think we were looking

Although we have been told the recent budget cuts have forced the Phoenix Police Department to delay the hiring of at least 250 police officers, the fiscal strife didn’t reach the level of Chief of Police…er…Public Safety Manager Jack Harris.  He was able to pocket a nice little chunk of change in the form of a $5,000 bonus this past October.

You remember Harris? He’s the chief who retired January 19, 2007 only to be rehired a month to the day later with the brand-spanking new title of Phoenix Public Safety Manager.  As the Manager, he continues to wear his four star police department uniform and prefers to be addressed as Chief in discussions regarding police business or with the public present.

At the time this bonus was given, the city was already in the process of asking for across the board cuts and axing services due to the faltering economy.

A stellar KPHO Channel 5 report includes a three page list of Performance Achievement Cash-based Awards given to nearly 140 city executives and managers — over and above their salaries.

Check out the excellent  investigative report here.  The video can be viewed here.

Stammering Phoenix City Manager Frank Fairbanks calls the $354,800 in cash awards “longevity” pay although some of the recipients were short-timers.

Obama’s motor works has blown a gasket

The General Motors (GM) restructuring is taking its toll. Seventy-four percent of United Auto Workers 54,000 union workers voted in favor of ratifying a package of concessions today, in anticipation of an expected bankruptcy protection filing on Monday.

GM is expected to identify 14 assembly, parts stamping and engine and transmission factories that it plans to close as part of its restructuring plan, cutting 21,000 jobs.

GM shareholders are left holding an empty bag, as shares plummeted 29 percent, to 80 cents in afternoon trading. Earlier in the day, they plunged to 75 cents their lowest level since the Great Depression.

Read the AP report here.