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MARCH 5,  2022

SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE – OVERNIGHT: 

DISGRACE – OVERNIGHT:  The Biden crowd regularly figures out new ways to mess things up.  Get this one, from Law Enforcement Today:   AUSTIN, TX – House Republicans are seeking a hearing to investigate how the Biden administration released a suspected Islamist terrorist into the United States after being stopped crossing the southern border illegally.  Issam Bazzi, a 50-year-old Venezuelan born in Lebanon, is not supposed to be in America due to his suspected connections to terrorist groups. Yet thanks to the Biden administration, he now lives in Michigan. https://t.co/SsdhFJDzSe  Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security, sent a request to House Democrats requesting authorization to hold the hearing, writing:  “There is no known case in which a foreign national who pinged on a terror watch list was simply released on his own recognizance.  The facts in the case strongly suggest that the Biden Administration failed to follow appropriate protocols with respect to suspected terrorists.”  The letter sent to subcommittee Chair Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) was signed by eight Republican subcommittee members.  Democrats are unlikely to permit the hearing, and one aide to Rep. Biggs told The Federalist, “They’re ignoring us.”  Of course they are.  The modern Democratic Party has little interest in border control or national defense.  It doesn't have much regard for the country either.

March 5, 2022       Permalink

IT'S GETTING TENSE IN THE EAST – OVERNIGHT:  The US and Britain warn their citizens to get out of Russia.  From Hot Air: 

The US State Department is warning Americans not to travel to Russia and warning those who are already in Russia to leave “immediately” lest they face harassment by Russian security forces.

Do not travel to Russia due to the unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces in Ukraine, the potential for harassment against U.S. citizens by Russian government security officials, the Embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in Russia, COVID-19 and related entry restrictions, terrorism, limited flights into and out of Russia, and the arbitrary enforcement of local law.  

U.S. citizens residing or traveling in Russia should depart immediately.  Limited commercial flight options are still available.  Overland routes by car and bus are also still open.  If you wish to depart Russia, you should make arrangements on your own as soon as possible.  If you plan to stay in Russia, understand the U.S. Embassy has severe limitations on its ability to assist U.S. citizens, and conditions, including transportation options, may change suddenly.  U.S. citizens who are able to depart Russia for another country and are in need of emergency assistance upon arrival may contact a U.S. embassy or consulate in that country.

The UK issued a very similar warning today to its citizens.

If your presence in Russia is not essential, we strongly advise that you consider leaving by remaining commercial routes…

Before the latest update, the advice had been that people outside Russia should not travel to the country.

The warning of possible harassment of US citizens may have come a little too late for one WNBA all-star player. Brittney Griner was arrested at the airport after authorities claimed they had found drug residue in her suitcase.

COMMENT:  I'm assuming the harassment of American and British citizens is a direct response to the sanctions we have placed on Russia.  It is critical that the Western countries not back down in imposing those sanctions, even though there will be some blowback.  The Biden administration, which has a spine of whipped cream, must now show rare courage, and commit this country to the long game against Putin's Russia.  The president must especially speak to the young generation, the generation that knows little about World War II or the Cold War.  He must teach the importance of sacrifice and endurance.  I don't know if he'll get far.

March 5, 2022       Permalink 

MARCH 4,  2022

SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE – OVERNIGHT: 

YOU CAN'T MAKE IT UP – OVERNIGHT:  Another advance in social justice.  From Legal Insurrection:  The federal government has allocated $2.14 million dollars to “root” out oppression in plant sciences.  The National Science Foundation’s Directorate for Biological Sciences recently awarded $2.14 million to the American Society of Plant Biologists for the development of a multi-organization research coordination network called ROOT and SHOOT.  ROOT stands for Rooting Out Oppression Together. And SHOOT? SHaring Our Outcomes Transparently.
“The demographic distribution of scientists, especially those in positions of authority, does not reflect that of the US population,” the award’s abstract states.  “Some of the causes of this disparity are known, such as a lack of role models and the tendency for people to look within their own circles when they recruit, appoint, and promote. This award will provide resources, training, opportunities, and structures that will allow participating plant science and affiliated organizations to change that construct.”  The award follows the release of a 2021 Dear Colleague Letter from National Science Foundation’s Directorate for Biological Sciences encouraging “professional societies to submit proposals to develop collaborative networks for facilitating cultural changes in the biological sciences to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion.”  In the letter, NSF BIO stated that it “recognizes culture change in the biological sciences as an urgent priority and is committed to supporting efforts that use evidence-based practices to remove barriers for individuals historically excluded from science.”  Not a word about excellence or professionalism.  It's all about race, gender, and ethnicity.  This is how great civilizations die.

March 4, 2022       Permalink

THE WAR – OVERNIGHT:  The Ukraine war is less than two weeks old, and, for a media-run generation, that seems like a long time.  You mean, it ain't over yet?  Did someone win?  What's on the next channel?

Two weeks after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, we were just starting to salvage what was left.

But even after two weeks, several things are clear:  One, the Western nations were far too late in supplying the Ukrainians, and that may doom the mission.

Two, we are losing.  Despite all the proper hype about the brave Ukrainian people, the Red Army is, bit by bit, overwhelming them.  It's the same old story.  Please remember the Americans at Bataan, in the Philippines, at the start of World War II.  They were brave too.  And they, too, were let down.  ("We're the battling bastards of Bataan.  No mama, no papa, and no Uncle Sam.") Douglas MacArthur, who commanded those troops, once said that all military disaster start with two words: "too late."  In Ukraine, we are again too late.

So what will happen when it's over, and the Russian flag flies over Ukraine?  Some showmen are saying we will never deal with Putin again, and will continue to stand, or sit, with the Ukrainian people.  Don't count on it. While the Ukrainian remnant is shoveling rubble from destroyed cities, the "realists" among us will be saying that we should just call Ukraine a bad experience, and "move on."  That's what usually takes place. Idealism comes with a price, and it's a price few these days are willing to pay.  Moscow shredded the Hungarian uprising of 1956.  We moved on.  Moscow put down the Czech revolution of 1968.  We moved on again. 

Only when Ronald Reagan ordered a massive defense buildup in 1981 did things start to change.  Reagan's policy:  "We win, they lose."  The sophisticates and tofu chefs of the time were horrified by such language.  But he applied it, and the old Soviet Union started to crumble without firing a shot.

Joe Biden ain't no Ronald Reagan.  And Kamala Harris...well, let's just skip that. 

We face an uncertain future made more uncertain by weakness in Washington.  Will the next Ronald Reagan please stand up.

March 4, 2022       Permalink