DNC Chooses the 2012 Convention Site

And the winner is...Charlotte, North Carolina.

News broke today that the Democrat National Committee has chosen Charlotte as the host city for its 2012 Convention, to take place the first week of September, 2012. There is no word yet as to whether Obama (or a Democrat who may defeat him in a primary) will give their acceptance speech from the Time Warner Cable Arena or Bank of America Stadium.

Also in the running were St. Louis, Cleveland and Minneapolis. While I understand the political decision in choosing Charlotte, considering Democrats want to win North Carolina again (not likely in 2012), a Convention in Charlotte can pose potential distractions. First, North Carolina is the least unionized state and the Time Warner Cable Arena's workers are not unionized, something that will likely tick off the Democrat base and get them screaming, taking attention away from Obama or the Democrat candidate. Then there is former NC Senator/Kerry's Veep/2008 Presidential nominee/current sleazebag, John Edwards, and the chance he could be indicted for illegal misuse of campaign donations. A trial in his homestate would be a major diversion from the political show and will remind Americans about the Democrat "culture of corruption." Nothing against Charlotte; it's a great city, but there is too much political baggage.

Republicans, whose 2012 Convention will be in Tampa, at the St. Pete Times Forum (And I predict Senator Marco Rubio as the Keynote Speaker), have the potential to be very happy about their opposition's decision!

For Fun...Men and Attractive Female Anchors

They do studies on the most obvious things these days. One such is a recent study that found men are distracted by beautiful anchorwomen...DUH! I actually think they gain the man's attention, and can get higher ratings as a result, especially when they are intelligent and tough interviewers, (I disagree with the study that states beautiful anchors are not intelligent) but that attention may not get a thumbs up if the man is watching the beautiful anchor's broadcast, with his wife.

On a side note, I find it funny when the guest is so taken with an anchor that he openly hits on her during the live broadcast. Big tip of the cap to Ainsley Earhardt for taking this with grace a couple of years ago!

NOTE: The beautiful (I might also add intelligent) anchor pictured above is Alicia Vitarelli, formerly of News 12, currently of ABC 6 Action News in Philadelphia. I had the pleasure of meeting her during her time at News 12 and she couldn't have been any nicer!

Florida Court Rules on ObamaCare

Almost one hour ago, US District Court Judge Roger Vinson, in Pensacola, FL, ruled the Health Care Reform Law, signed by Obama and the Democrats last March, is unconstitutional, centering his decision around the validity of the individual mandate in the law. This is a good sign for those of us who honor and respect the Constitution, as well as those of us who want less Federal intrusion on to the lives and decisions of Americans. In the end, if this law is tossed, it will more easily allow for job creation as the Health Care Law in its current form stifles it.

This case is going to move to the next level and we are sure to hear it before the Supreme Court. As I have stated in the past, Congress must still continue to push for its repeal and defunding, as we should not rely on the courts decision as a way of ending this misguided and unconstitutional law.

A major tip of the cap must be given to not only Judge Vinson, but former Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum for bringing this case forward, as well as the Attorneys General of the additional states who joined in and the governors who authorized the cooperation.

I look forward to seeing newly elected Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, bring this case forward, and once and for all, seeing the Supreme Court get rid of this trainwreck of a law!

New Poll By Scott Rasmussen: The Sarah Factor

One of the most reliable pollsters, Scott Rasmussen, (who happens to operate out of New Jersey) released results from a recent poll that is definitely a headline grabber. The results state that 46% of GOP Primary voters who support Sarah Palin might back a Third Party if she does not run.

I am still sticking by the prediction that I believe Sarah Palin will not run, but with that being said, her supporters must realize backing a third party will not defeat President Obama in 2012, which is their secondary goal. (Their primary goal, of course, is to see Sarah Palin as President.) Knowing the importance of these voters, whichever candidate wins the nomination must not only endorse conservatism, but realistically embrace it and build an agenda around it. History shows us that the Republican candidate for president wins when that candidate endorses and embraces Conservatism.

If Palin does not run or prevail, strong Conservative alternatives consist of Haley Barbour and John Thune; both of whom have the potential to snag Independents and disaffected Democrats.

More on Egypt

New information has come to my attention, which requires me to change some previous statements I made and in the end, bring me to a clearer conclusion on what should happen in Egypt.

In my previous post on Egypt, I was not very clear on the current living situation of the Coptic Christians in a post-Nasser Egypt and in this entry, I will touch on their plight, which also brings about some more concrete positions regarding the current situation in Egypt.

When Gamel Abdel Nasser came to power after dethroning King Farouk in 1952, he moved to a governmental practice of socialism (nationalizing industry in Egypt; much of which, was owned by Coptic Christians) and pan-Arabism (uniting the Arab world under a single banner); both of which wronged the Coptic Christian population of Egypt; undermining their identity and standing in the way of a peaceful practice of their religion.

As Egypt moved away from pan-Arabism in the late 1960s, and Sadat took power, the situation did not improve, as it should have for the copts, with, most notably, the house imprisonment of Pope Shenouda III.

Sadly, the treatment of Christians under Mubarak's rule did not improve, as during his reign there were many incidents consisting of the El Kosheh Massacres, the Nag Hammadi shootings, and the New Year's Day 2011 Alexandria Church Bombing, along with continued persecutions and crimes against Christians in Egypt.

After hearing first hand stories of the social and religious conflicts in Egypt, as well as furthering my research, two things are clear to me. First, when America gives foreign aid, that compassion must be done with conditions; in the case of Egypt, providing services to their people, providing freedoms and making sure sectarian violence does not take place. Second, it is clear that Mubarak has become complacent and derelict in his leadership, therefore he needs to go. Copts have faced discrimination and persecutions under Mubarak and the population at large face high unemployment rates. I am still concerned about more radical groups like the Muslim Brotherhood hijacking the Egyptians' justified calls for change.

It is my hope a new government that may be formed in Egypt continues and improves its status in relations with the West and Israel, gives freedoms to its people for which they yearn and does not ally with Iran or form a government similar to that of Iran. The "what's next question" makes it imperative the American and Israeli goverments keep a close eye at what is going on in Egypt and do their best to make sure Muslim Brotherhood does not take power. "The 'Right' Solutions" continues to pray for the people of Egypt and safety of its people in these very trying times.

UPDATE 1/31/11: A good column by Christoper Ruddy on Mubarak and why he needs to go.

TSA Screenings Back in the News

With the coverage of Egypt, the 25 year Anniversary of the Challenger Explosion, the State of the Union and Gabrille Giffords, some stories have fallen under the cracks, as did the one I will momentarily discuss.

Not much of a surprise here, but the TSA is back in the news. They are now banning new applications for airports to hire private screeners in lieu of TSA agents. In response to this directive, Florida Representative John Mica, who is now the chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and who has Orlando-Sanford Airport in his district, has rightly called for hearings regarding this matter to learn more. I would also hope Mica or another related committee, down the road, examine why the TSA has not adopted the Israeli system of security, considering its effectiveness over the years.

In my recent experience with flying, I had a positive experience with the TSA at Newark-Liberty and Orlando International Airports and while the directive is under discussion, I hope for the same professionalism and courtesy extended to me, to be extended to all airline passengers in the United States.

A Missed Opportunity?

We've been hearing a lot in the news the past couple of days about the financial support the United States has given to Egypt over the years. Our close relations with Egypt go back to the time of the Cold War and the practice of bipolarism. (defined as states falling under the poles of influence of either the US and USSR) Because of their large population and strategic location, and also knowing that Nasser played both sides for the benefit of his country, Eisenhower and Dulles wanted to make sure Egypt was under the United States pole, as the Soviets would less likely give them support. Over the years, Egypt has further endeared themselves to the United States as they contributed to saving a lot of their historical sites that Lake Nasser would have drowned, during/after the construction of the Aswan High Dam. For those of you who have been to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, evidence of this relationship is the Temple of Dendur, as it was given to the United States as a gift by the Egyptians. After the years of war with Israel, being on the losing side of those wars, and seeing this previously built relationship, Anwar Sadat took it a step further by making peace with Israel, thus gaining further financial support from the United States.

Since Sadat's assassination, (by the Muslim Brotherhood) Hosni Mubarak has ruled Egypt with an iron fist and both political parties in the United States have continued to financially support Egypt, however, they did not threaten to cut aid if Egypt did not provide better services for their people or more freedoms. As the situation has deteriorated, frustration has built and once people began rising up, other elements, such as Muslim Brotherhood, saw the opportunity to join in.

When President Obama came to power, he had an opportunity to bring up these incentives with the Egyptians, especially early on in his term. In 2009, President Obama was at his heights in popularity and went to Egypt to give a speech about America's relationship with the Muslim world; more or less, apologizing for America's actions in the past and speaking of the history of the Muslim population. That speech was a missed opportunity and could have also contributed to preventing what we are seeing today.

Instead, he should have spoken of freedom and how openness both in government and rights can lead to financial success and stability, citing Iraq and Israel as examples in the region. When we look at what is currently going on in Egypt, this speech was a missed opportunity. As the American President, Obama holds much sway and influence in the world and instead of slamming his "predecessor" and America's relations with the Muslim world, he needed to slam Egypt, Syria, Iran and Jordan, by name, for their positions on human rights, personal freedom(s) and availability of jobs to their people.

A couple of hours ago, Dick Morris came out with a column that argues Obama could be blamed if Egypt falls into the hands of the Muslim Brotherhood and under the umbrella of Iran. He also cites Caroline Glick and her assertion that the possibility of Mohammed ElBaradei leading Egypt would not provide for stability in the Mideast and the world because of his close relationship with Iran and the possibility he could form a relationship with the Muslim Brotherhood. I agree with the assertions of Morris and Glick, and yesterday, spoke of the importance to make sure Muslim Brotherhood does not take power. Knowing the potential for chaos, I am disappointed President Obama did not lead on this issue and speak out in yesterday's address against the Muslim Brotherhood.

For the largest country (in terms of population) in the Middle East at 80 million people to have a government that allies with Iran, the consequences of that alliance would be dire. Within Egypt, I am doubtful of additional freedoms a Muslim Brotherhoood government would give and I would fear for the safety of the Coptic Christians within Egypt, knowing the reputation of Muslim Brotherhood. In the region, a Muslim Brotherhood Egypt allied with Iran would have great worldwide economic consequences as it controls the Suez Canal. If that were to close, as occurred in the past, oil prices would skyrocket and it would be felt in the United States. There is also the chance a new Egyptian Government ruled by the Muslim Brotherhood would void the treaty with Israel and they would face a greater threat of annihilation as a result of this new alliance, which may drag the United States into a larger war in the Mideast.

In the late 1970s, President Jimmy Carter lost control of the situation in Iran and that was the last straw with America, costing him his presidency. The same could very well happen to Obama with the Muslim Brotherhood ruling Egypt. He campaigned on "change" and could very have pushed hard for that "change," but did not, and that lack of "change" could play a role in his chances for re-election in 2012.