SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE – AT 11:46 P.M. ET: 

HE'S BAACK – From The Hill:  "President Obama boarded a plane back to Washington late Sunday after a two-week trip to Martha's Vineyard plagued by criticism from Republicans and some Democrats.   Republicans continuously criticized Obama during the trip for vacationing while events unfolded in Iraq and Ferguson, Missouri."  Now the idea is for Obama to roll up his sleeves and get down to work, planning his next vacation.  It's a burden, but I think he's up to it.

A WAY TO REDUCE CRIME? – From the Washington Times:  "Since Illinois started granting concealed carry permits this year, the number of robberies that have led to arrests in Chicago has declined 20 percent from last year, according to police department statistics. Reports of burglary and motor vehicle theft are down 20 percent and 26 percent, respectively. In the first quarter, the city’s homicide rate was at a 56-year low."  It's hard to assess cause-and-effect, but there are serious studies that point to a lowering of crime rates when the criminals don't know who is and who is not armed.  Sounds logical.

THE INSANITY GOES ON – From Breitbart:  "Local Winooski, Vermont restaurant Sneakers Bistro has removed a sign that read, 'Yield Sneakers Bacon,' citing opposition from a Muslim community member and safety concerns.  The sign was put up as part of a city program that allows businesses to post an advertisement in an area where they have helped maintain city flowerbeds. The sign that read 'Yield Sneakers Bacon”' was removed after a woman, identifying herself as a Muslim, posted in an online community forum, stating she was personally offended by the sign, according to a WPTZ News report. WPTZ wrote that the woman who complained online called the sign 'insensitive to those who do not consume pork.'"  It's those pork lovers again.  Always starting wars.

August 24, 2014