The Valley Re-Opens: Posts to Look Forward to

Hello again!

After Thanksgiving, I had a problem with my pills.  The lack thereof of one of them caused me to be less sleepy, but my body rebelled in other ways.  So, less sleepy, but unable to Blog due to body functions.  Not cool!

I am now back on my pill again, but it adds the sleepiness factor.  Oy! 

This video fits:

This story is to be continued. 

Now, some upcoming posts that you will read:

1) US - Israel relations and the Sinai;

2) How Republicans can Advance in the post-2012 environment; and

3) Senator Reid turning the Senate into a Jugger Field.

See you at the next post!

Thanksgiving 2012

President George HW Bush Pardoning the Turkey

If you are here on Thanksgiving, go! Spend time with your friends and family.  Eat a healthy dinner, politics can wait until Sunday.

Here is the History of Thanksgiving:
(From Plymouth Plantation)

Giving thanks for the Creator’s gifts had always been a part of Wampanoag daily life. From ancient times, Native People of North America have held ceremonies to give thanks for successful harvests, for the hope of a good growing season in the early spring, and for other good fortune such as the birth of a child. Giving thanks was, and still is, the primary reason for ceremonies or celebrations.

The First Thanksgiving

As with Native traditions in America, celebrations - complete with merrymaking and feasting - in England and throughout Europe after a successful crop are as ancient as the harvest-time itself. In 1621, when their labors were rewarded with a bountiful harvest after a year of sickness and scarcity, the Pilgrims gave thanks to God and celebrated His bounty in the Harvest Home tradition with feasting and sport (recreation). To these people of strong Christian faith, this was not merely a revel; it was also a joyous outpouring of gratitude.
 

The arrival of the Pilgrims and Puritans brought new Thanksgiving traditions to the American scene. Today’s national Thanksgiving celebration is a blend of two traditions: the New England custom of rejoicing after a successful harvest, based on ancient English harvest festivals; and the Puritan Thanksgiving, a solemn religious observance combining prayer and feasting.

Oh, you're still here? The rest is a personal post, so read on then!

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My sister talked to me this week about not being grateful for small things.

She was right, so this post is dedicated to her as this is all the things I am thankful for in the world:

1)  I am thankful for having an eclectic group of friends: Bloggers who opine, Goths who are great people, Capitol Hill Chiefs of Staff  (Karv and Todd) who help this country, and Politicos and Partisans who are some of the nicest people I have met and my friends from High School and College(s) who have seen me grow.. I am lucky to have all these friends;

2) I am thankful for having my best friend Ron who puts up with my Politicking and ever chatting nature; He is a Southern Gentlemen (who needs a nice girl), but I am just a poor kid from Queens. I try to look out for my Future Best Man  (when I find a nice or not so nice girl to settle down with).  He might be quiet, but he has a lot of smarts;

3)  I am thankful, with my disease, that the only addictions I have: Mainstream politics, beautiful Gothy Muses, comic books (Marvel still rocks! But I do like the Dark Detective from DC), and books (sci fi and non-fiction historical). My path could have taken me down drug addiction or alcoholism.   See! Mainstream Politics does keep you healthy!;

4) I am thankful I live in the City of Angels.  Where else can you live where Hollywood stars co-exist with us mere mortals under a cloudless sky?  The Industry is cool (I wish they would treat my Republican Tribe better), but were else can you Politic among Palm Trees and beautiful women?  And I love the challenge of being Han Solo among the Rebel Forces (Democrats run Everything = They are the Empire);

5) I am thankful my head is full of ideas.  From the Southland Fundraiser to the posts in the Valley, I always like creating.  Now, if only I can find a job that would let me do the same at $50,000/year....Step by step, JSF.  Writing is a calming thing.  If I opine or theorize, it is awesome researching and writing on the spot (I never plan the writing of posts, only the subject).  Thanks to all who donate to the Tip Jar that makes my job easier;

6) I am thankful living in the United States.  I grew up in the decaying towers of NYC in the 70's and then among the rising finances of DC until I landed among the sun and beauty of LA.  For me, Presidential Elections don't scare me (There is a future post on this for those scared of my Political Tribe), win or lose, I love my country the same.  Campaigning in LA (and among Goths) is fun.  I am a Congressional geek, tell me how Appropriations go compared to a Presidential race.  That a poor kid from Queens can learn the obscure and move among Politicos shows how great this country is;

 6A) One of the people who never get thanked are our Men and Women of the Outer Dark.  Thanks you all for putting your lives on the line for us, defending America in the dark.  Stay safe this holiday season.

7) Finally, I am thankful for having a great family.  My Sis is one of the most down to earth people I know (or as I like to say: She has her shit together) and My Mom is one of the coolest and nicest people you would ever get to know.  I am thankful both of these Ladies have helped through my disease and beyond.  When I do my posts to LAUSD, that's just a son trying to help his Mom.  Thanks Sis for helping me keep everything in perspective.

And finally, I want to thank all my readers from Studio City to Vegas to Moscow and all over the world -- THANK YOU!

A Southland Republican Looks at the Romney Campaign

The Goth Republican (JSF) not the Punk Republican (PJ)

(Or how the Romney campaign effed up the Southland Campaigns)

I speak up against my Party twice during an Election year (I am much more comfortable working on the Governing side) -- The Primaries and the After-election.  Primaries are over, and now its time for me to speak up at the follies and faults of our Top of the Ticket.


As a "local Yokel," on the ground, the problems for Romney were seen kilometers away.  G-d Bless LA's beautiful weather or I would go crazy with the stupidity on Top.

Let's begin with this post....

I gave the choice in that post for Romney to play Reagan or Dukakis; By his hiring practices, he became Dukakis within the Republican Party. 

Issue One

Why hire staff from a losing campaign that threw away an easy Gubernatorial campaign? Because you are friends?

The Maya Bukis of the GOP have no experience of knowing what's going on "on the ground," or what "the people" of the District think of the candidate.  MEG WHITMAN LOST.  SHE LOST LOS ANGELES and you hire her staff?!?!? 

Methinks I'm not the stupid one here.

Issue Two 

The Establishment Republicans (i.e. the Country Club Republicans from the Sprawl) went along with major media (i.e. the MSM) on pushing for a(nother) Moderate Republican for the Top of the Ticket.  While Romney was buying Primaries, the Establishment Republicans like Frum and Hewitt kept pushing for Romney (and yes, Hewitt is an Establishment Republican)

When the General Election came, where were these Establishment Country Clubbers?

 Letting the "Local Yokels," fight! 

This link shows how to fight against the Establishment and Country Club Republicans. 

Issue Three

No communication between the Romney office in Boston and the Ground Forces run by the "Local Yokels," 

If you know history, Democrats are known for their cheating:

1. 1960 IL  POTUS Campaign (Historic)
2.  1992 IL Sen Campaign 
3. 1996 POTUS Campaign
4. 2000 NY Sen Campaign
5. 2004 WA Gov campaign
6. 2008 MN Sen campaign
7. 2012 FL House Campaign

And then came Sandy!  How much voter info was lost under the Tides in the North east.?

Let's also not forget I tried calling the Romney campaign multiple times in the summer and relieved no reply. As a Blogger who is on the Right, that is a problem.  MSNBC will not support any GOP candidate, no matter how Moderate (i.e. Paul Ryan).

You cannot have "Smart," people running your campaign without having experienced people to help guide them on what works.

Issue Four

By not investing with the CAGOP or RPLAC (or even throw some fiscal supporters to Prop 32), you killed California. No Establishment Republicans gave funds because you were angry with Meg Whitman losing.

Here's a hint: Meg Whitman would never win -- she bought the Primary from Steve Poizner. (and had Mike Murphy betray his client) But her Major Mistake was that she never, never, never took hard questions from Primary Voters in Los Angeles (Thanks Maya Buki!).   

Poizner had most of the Ground Forces because he did his job of showing up!

Governor Romney, all you did was turn California into an ATM (without an ROI) -- here's a hint: Don't rule out anywhere for votes! And with a decades worth of financing, Los Angeles can crack the state Red.

Final issue

Governor Romney, you allowed the Obama campaign to define you and Ryan.  

We on the Right must learn how to defeat the Tarkin Doctrine Talking Points by the Left and Media.

Mr. Romney, please leave the stage NOW.

My question: How did Romney lose your state?

Why Does the CIA Allow Itself to be the Whipping Post of the Obama Administration?

I trust Our Men and Women in the Outer Dark.

But it seems when a Democratic President comes into office, the Intelligence Agencies set themselves up for abuse and attacks.

Case in Point: For six months, the FBI had information General Petreaus on a personal, yet nasty, soap opera.  And right before Petreaus was about to go to Capitol Hill during a news day (between Tuesday and Thursday), he was fired from the CIA.  Between the attack on Benghazi on 9/11/12 and his planned trip to Capitol Hill, Petreaus investigated for himself.

Then comes the soap opera charges, then he gets fired.

I don't care who slept with whom or wrote nasty letters, it's not what I noticed.

Since the Church Committee, the Left has held the CIA and the Other Intelligence Agencies as the "enemy," not as "silent heroes," And yet, when the Democrats start the attacks, the Agencies don't counterattack.

An Ambassador (the 8th in American History, the 6th not by a plane crash) died protecting CIA Assets and the Administration has not done any counterattacks to show support for the people lost.

Nothing.

The SMS Panther; Protecting the Kaiser's People in North Africa

Every modern President since Nixon, always responded to threats to Americans with a counter attack.  Even Ford. Carter and Clinton failed, but Obama did not even try.

The Democrats and the Obama Administration has left the Intelligence Men and Women out to dry.  I wonder if the Men and Women of the Outer Dark are willing to put up with Obama's attitude of taking the glory and attacking the missions. 

If I was in charge of the Intelligence Agencies (or more specific, the CIA), here is how I would respond:

1) Destroy the Chicago Democratic Machine before 2016;

2) Help NYC, NJ and CT get back on its feet and help the survivors find the GOP;

3) Battle the Democratic corruption in Philadelphia;

4) Stop the Crime in the Gateway Cities and East LA, disrupt the allience between the gangs and the Los Angeles Democrats; and

5) Destroy the Alliance between the MSM and the Democrats -- even the Electoral Board;

6) Frustrate the Administration by being involved in all the Federal Agencies; and

7) Take back your Honor.


My question: Why do Our Spies put up with Abuse and worse from the Obama Administration?

Open Letter to Chairman John Deasy, LAUSD, Part 6

Chairman Deasy,

Congratulations on your Presidential candidate winning and Prop 30 passing!

Many of us on the opposite side of the political line will be licking our wounds and prepping for Local Elections.  As long as taxpayer funds are spent wisely, and no kids are harmed by their teachers, the spotlight will not shine in your direction (from me anyway in this Local Electoral Cycle).

All I want is my Mom to return from the industrial wasteland where she works and get back to Baudry where she can contribute a lot of good whatever department she works in.  The paperwork is in, please expedite her return as soon as possible because she injured herself in this empty area -- she needs to be around people, and Baudry is "Her Home,"  

All my Mom wants is to work continuously during the full 12 months at Baudry. 

Please keep her happy.

Thanks for all your help.

Sincerely,

JSF

PS: I take office in December for two years and if any constituent has problems with LAUSD, it is part of my job to help. 

Veteran's Day 2012

Armistice Day in Flanders Fields

Today we remember all the Americans who put themselves on the Front Lines (and other places) who made the ultimate sacrifice -- Veterans day (formerly Armistice Day).

Here is a history of this day:

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"

The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m.

The United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926, with these words:

Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and
Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations; and
Whereas the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared November 11 to be a legal holiday: Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.

An Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday—a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as "Armistice Day." Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting in its place the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation (Public Law 380) on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.


In 1958, the White House advised VA's General Counsel that the 1954 designation of the VA Administrator as Chairman of the Veterans Day National Committee applied to all subsequent VA Administrators. Since March 1989 when VA was elevated to a cabinet level department, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs has served as the committee's chairman.

The Uniform Holiday Bill (Public Law 90-363 (82 Stat. 250)) was signed on June 28, 1968, and was intended to ensure three-day weekends for Federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays: Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day. It was thought that these extended weekends would encourage travel, recreational and cultural activities and stimulate greater industrial and commercial production. Many states did not agree with this decision and continued to celebrate the holidays on their original dates.

The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed with much confusion on October 25, 1971. It was quite apparent that the commemoration of this day was a matter of historic and patriotic significance to a great number of our citizens, and so on September 20th, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed Public Law 94-97 (89 Stat. 479), which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978. This action supported the desires of the overwhelming majority of state legislatures, all major veterans service organizations and the American people.

Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

Post Game Analysis of Election 2012: Welcome to the Status Quo

h/t Washington Post for Map

Tonight feels like a literary between-the-wars kind of night.  A European night where one can hear the Radio say "The Lights are going out over America; No one knows when they will turn on again,"

Now that I've licked my wounds (somewhat), time for my take on the past Electoral Tale. First let me say, I apologize. My predictions were wrong.

Here is what I noticed:

1) There is a "Blue" wall: The Northeast, Upper Mid-West past IL and Far West -- this can be beaten (FIGHT IN LOS ANGELES! FIGHT IN LOS ANGELES! -- can you hear me now?);

2) The Tarkin Doctrine was in full swing by the Democrats and the Media. We on the Right must understand the future battlegrounds lie not only on the ground or in the air, but against the Media too. And we must destroy the use of the Tarkin Doctrine by the Left.

3) Sometimes the SoCons are wrong and must be asked to leave the Electoral Realm (I'm looking at you Akin and Mourdock!); Is 55 Electoral votes worth it for the SoCons?

4) Never have a POTUS candidate who does not rise through the Party Ranks. Period!

5) The GOP should stand for Freedom for Everybody! The details can be worked out in local policy shops in every county, but the endgame should be is that the GOP stands for every American! ( #3 drowns out that message).

6) State and National Parties and campaigns should hire Bloggers to communicate (Why don't RS McCain, DaTechGuy and Pamela Geller not have an office on First Street in DC?); And also, Republican converts to be their communicators because they know the Democratic arguments (Tarkin Doctrine, anyone?)

7) Forget about new systems and Ivy league Consultants, Old fashioned helping people at the ground level always works.  If the NYGOP, CTGOP and NJGOP had done that, well, the Election would have changed. 

I am prepping an idea for Bloggers to come to Los Angeles in January - March to help plan re-structuring of the GOP from bottom to top. Stay tuned. RS and Gary, I will have the proposal by next week.

My question: Which of the 7 can you work on?

Congratulations for Obama and his Supporters!

Before the Valley goes into talking with other Republicans and Conservatives, here are two posts that Democrats can enjoy.

So, tipping my hat to Obama and the Democrats who held the Senate.  I will hold my rhetorical cannons for a little bit as everyone gets settled into the new Paradigm.

Now, a video for Obama supporters to enjoy:

The Valley's Final Guess Before Election Day is Over

Ready!

The last guess....

First we'll start with the States in Play.

Then my guesses....

 

Now, here is my AM prediction:

Here are the factors as I see it:

"The Coal Wall," From PA, WV, OH, KY, TN and NC -- the Obama Administration have attacked Coal.  This is their return.

Vegas -- Slanting Right

WI -- Local son Ryan

MI -- Local son Romney (his dad was Governor of this state)

NJ and CT -- the attacks on Wall Street, even commuters gotta eat. 

NH - returning back to its Libertarian status

Don't forget to vote!  

***I will also be on the air later today. From 2:00 - 5:00PM PST on ConnecTV App. (breaking between 2:30 and 4:00)

PS: Here are Prop and Candidate Endorsements.

And a song to sing as you vote:

The Alternate History of the Obama Administration: How to Change Washington in 09

I am a Comic Book geek.

A Marvel Comic Book geek especially.

I enjoyed their stories, then I enjoyed how  Uatu the Watcher would ask "What if?"

Tonight, hours before the Election, with the polls skewing all ways, I will show you how the Senate could have been fixed and the GOP could have been mollified.

But it requires listening and understanding.  History happens when you aren't watching, but I was.

On 60 Minutes, the question for the Senate majority and Minority leader was simple: why can't you work together? The point of divergence occurred in the CT Primary of 06 -- the "New breed" of Democrats primaried Senator Lieberman for working across the aisle.  

When it came time for the Tea party to elect members to the Senate, they followed the precedent set by the Democrats in 06.  Why work together if the other side doesn't want to? 

That's one answer.  Now, to get to the Alternate History of the Obama Administration.

Inauguration Day 1/20/09

After spending 6-8 years attacking President Bush, the democratic crowd let loose their attack on their Emmanuel Goldstein:

If I were the Senate Minority leader(an R), I would put the call to the House Minority leader(also, an R) immediately. "Saving Face," and "Class," should be shown on a day where there is a peaceful transfer of power.

These Democrats thought with their anger first, to hell with the consequences.  Well, the consequences of attacking Bush (on his final day, during a peaceful transfer of power) was to act like assholes.  How to respond?

If President Obama was the same guy who was sold in the 2004 speech, and let me quote:

 

The pundits, the pundits like to slice-and-dice our country into Red States and Blue States; Red States for Republicans, Blue States for Democrats. But I’ve got news for them, too. We worship an "awesome God" in the blue states, and we don't like federal agents poking around in our libraries in the red states. We coach Little League in the blue states, and yes, we've got some gay friends in the red states. There are patriots who opposed the war in Iraq, and there are patriots who supported the war in Iraq. We are one people, all of us pledging allegiance to the Stars and Stripes, all of us defending the United States of America.

In the end -- In the end -- In the end, that’s what this election is about. Do we participate in a politics of cynicism or do we participate in a politics of hope?

But...he wasn't. 

Had he stood up on that day, at that time, the anger the GOP rank and file and Elected officials had over how President Bush was treated would not have erupted in a meeting later that evening.  

By not telling his people "This is not how we do things in America. We have opponents, not enemies," This would be a different post.

Onward.

The First year is the Hardest year

Clinton made the same mistake as Obama.  When the Election turned after his half term, he didn't have the phone number of the House Majority leader.

But Obama made a mistake Clinton did not -- Obama started his term saying "I won,"

Last I checked, in our fragile Republic, the Republican members of Congress were elected too.  

During the Bush Administration, the Democrats filibustered a whole slew of Judges.  Had the Obama Administration brought those names through, that would have been a MAJOR compromise before passing Obama's Pet project, health Care.

And if you want to complain about Filibusters by Republicans in the Senate, the precedent was set by Democrats, during Bush fils and starting during the 80's with a man named Bork (i.e. Borking). 

And before Obama went onto Health Care Project, would it have cost anything for Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Reid and President Obama to apologize how their partisans acted during the last Administration? 

History did not begin on 1/20/09, but it would have been smart (as Democrats and this President claims to be) to mollify how the GOP and their leaders were treated.  

Instead, nothing.

When the Democrats worked on Obamacare, the House Democrats locked out the House GOP; same with the Senate. 

(And we won't even mention how neither Democratic House or Senate neglected their Budgetary Duties)

And meanwhile, the provinces were exploding.

Tea Time: Obama Failed Again

The basis of the Tea Party is Fiscal Conservatism.

The Democrats, unused to having Fiscal Conservatives protest anything, did what they do best: call names, accuse everyone of racism.

Again, if the Senator Obama of 04 was real, he would have listened, he would have....."brought us together," to quote a former President. 

The racism charge has been going since 07, attacking Hillary! supporters and any opposition to Obama.  By attacking American citizens (most of the Tea Party crowds in 09 were new to politics, most voted for Obama). the Left burned many bridges.

When the choice comes for a Lefty Partisan to learn why people oppose or call names, what is done first?

Hint: They don't think they have any side to learn -- how else did the "False Equivalence," meme start?

The Dawning of a New Age

Why is the election close? Because Romney talks of "love of country," and Obama speaks of "revenge,"

This all could have been avoided in this Alternate world, but guess who is not that smart?

My question: Why do Democrats try name calling first rather then learn of their oppositions views? 

UPDATE 2:54 AM PST Hello Insty readers! After you vote, make yourself at home in the Valley.  

Help Queens and Staten Island (and the Other Outer Boroughs!)! Hurricaine Sandy Charities

An early Con Ed Map of Power Outages

Tomorrow I go partisan.

Tonight, I ask you to help these Outer Borough Charities (Everyone helps Manhattan, Bloomberg is the kind of guy to forget about the rest of the City).

Since Staten Island needs the help and Queens is my old stomping grounds, these charities rise first:

I. Red Cross

1) Text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10

Donating by Telephone

2) 1-877-REDCROSS (1-877-733-2767), ext. 2617.

Donating by Mail
3) You can also make a donation by mail as follows:

To support your local chapter, the American Red Cross in Greater New York, please send a check or money order to:

The American Red Cross in Greater New York

Development Department

520 West 49th Street

New York, NY 10019

II) Queens County Economic Development Corporation

Providing disaster relief efforts for Queeens County

Contact:  Seth Bornstein  (718) 263-0546 

III)  Project Hospitality (Staten Island)

Providing help for those left Homeless throughout the borough

Contact (718) 448-1544, ext. 127

IV. Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers campaign 

In memory of FDNY Stephen Siller, killed in the WTC on 9/11/01

2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10306

Phone: 718.987.1931

Here are other charities to donate to.

New York has risen from 9/11 -- it will rise from Hurricane Sandy! 

November 2012 Gothy Muse (with a Touch of the Tip Jar)

It's the beginning of the month, so after you help the Hurricane Sandy victims, please help here. 

As always, just trying to raise $500.  I got hit with hypertension** so Blogging (and writing) will be slow until my body gets used to the Pills again.  So, please hit my Tip jar for whatever you can. Thanks!

Now, our Gothy Muse for this month is someone who truly embodies Gothic Beauty:

Fairuza Balk. 

She has starred in many Gothic movies such as The Craft, Things to do in Denver when you're Dead, and The Island of Doctor Moreau with Marlon Brando. She was born in California and moved to Canada with her parents. After The Craft, she stayed in LA, bought a Magick Shop (now sold) and now she is a musician and sells candles. 

She is a beautiful Gothy Muse. 

Please hit the Tip jar. 

Balk in The Craft

On a Wallpaper

Gothy Muse Publicity

From Details magazine

With Tats outside AFI fest

Looking Great (and Gothy!) in 2011

Please follow this great star! 

And please hit the Tip Jar! 

** I found a pill that will help counteract the breathing issue so I don't sound like Dark Helmet.  But Doc says 3 days rest and no heavy lifting.  Blogging, however, is allowed!