“A Christmas List” What would Christmas be without my annual gift list. Enjoy, in all good cheer: For: U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer—A time machine The third ranking Senate Democrat now believes the President’s focus on Obamacare was a big mistake; a “distraction…[from the] middle class oriented programs” his Party should have pushed for the past six years. “[Obamacare] wasn’t the change we were hired to make,” added one of the Senate’s leading liberals. Fact: 29 of the original 60 Senate Democrats who supported the bill are now out of office. For: Hillary Clinton--An economics textbook Mrs. Clinton’s recent lament, “Don’t let anyone tell you that corporations and businesses create jobs” rekindles memories of the President’s “You didn’t build that” populist assault during campaign 2012. Has the Democratic base vote in this country gone so far left that such rhetoric actually works? For: Bibi Netanyahu--A friendly U.S. Administration The Prime Minister and former elite Israeli commando was recently derided as a “coward” and “chicken shit” by Obama Administration sources, reflecting the unhealthy animosity between the two leaders. Query: How many insults can a U.S. President deliver to an Israeli Prime Minister and still maintain majority Jewish support? Answer: Apparently, many. For: Kevin Plank – Even greater success As you place the latest and greatest piece of Under Armor apparel in your shopping cart, take a moment to reflect on the historic success of this local franchise. I have met many CEOs in my lifetime; few wow you with the vision CEO Kevin Plank brings to the game. Hey…you could even say Kevin “built that”! For: Lois Lerner’s crew at the IRS – A copy of the U.S. Constitution The IRS’s stonewalling campaign targeted at conservative groups seeking non-profit status included a “BE ON THE LOOKOUT” list (since discontinued) of problematic issues associated with the applicant-group. Identified as sure-to-cause-trouble markers were government spending practices, the federal debt, federal tax policy, how to “make America a better place to live”, criticism of how the country was being run, and whether the proposed group would advocate for public education regarding the Constitution and Bill of Rights. Now, that’s a RADICAL list alright! For: Dottie Donovan--Big book sales Artie’s agent and devoted wife is out there promoting “The Fighting Donovans”, a history of the Hall of Fame career of three Donovans (Mike—middle weight boxing champion; Arthur, Sr. – boxing official; and our beloved Hall of Famer, Artie). A good read for Baltimore sports fans of a certain age. For: Ebola Czar Ron Klain--A gold star The newest czar in the Obama constellation has worked for Janet Reno, Al Gore, and Joe Biden. He is also a near contemporary of Mr. Obama, having preceded the President at Harvard Law by four years. This past familiarity prompted reporters (in 2007) to inquire of Mr. Obama’s campus rep during those formative years. Mr. Klain’s reply: “[H]is is a style of leadership more effective running a law review than a country.” Amen… For: Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith, Sr.—An extended career The former Carolina star plays with a somewhat unique passion. You see, most receivers in this diva era act out when not enough passes are thrown their way. Smith, Sr. acts out WHEN HE CATCHES THE BALL. A Ravens franchise known for its physical, intimidating style of play could not have found a better fit! For: Teachers unions in Florida, New York City, Louisiana, and elsewhere – A lump of coal Teachers unions around the country are busy fighting the proliferation of public charter/private voucher school programs in our most dysfunctional communities. This despite all kinds of academic studies showing a clear majority of kids thrive at such new era institutions. The increasing number of African-American state and local legislators willing to stand up for “choice” will keep the union bosses well occupied over the coming year. For: New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio – TWO lumps of coal The uber-liberal, anti-Giuliani is busily taking “The Big Apple” back to the bad ole days of John Lindsay and David Dinkins. Mr. de Blasio’s progressivism knows no bounds, especially when it comes to education, taxes, and police. Indeed, his proposal to charge co-located public charter schools “rent” is right out of the teachers’ union playbook, as is his vow to raise any number of taxes on the “rich” – you know, the ones Giuliani got to move back into the City to shore up its tax base not so long ago. As for law enforcement, I’m unable to recall a similar circumstance wherein a newly elected executive so quickly lost credibility with people duly sworn to protect him and his City. For: Governor-Elect Larry Hogan—cooperative legislators--good press—and businesses moving BACK to Maryland!
Posted on: Tue, 23 Dec 2014 18:20:00 +0000