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>How Safe Are We 10 Years After 9/11?
Friday, 09 Sep 2011 11:10 AM
By Frank Gaffney

So, where are we 10 years after 9/11? It is comforting that we have been blessed with a near-unbroken decade without further mass-casualty attacks since those that killed nearly 3,000 Americans on Sept. 11, 2001.

Unfortunately, our government is pursuing policies that can only encourage those who aspire to do us harm to redouble their efforts.

Such an assessment was implicit in a critique of President Barack Obama’s new counterterrorism “strategy” delivered last week by Senate Homeland Security Committee Chairman Joseph Lieberman.

The Democrat-turned-Independent from Connecticut described the president’s so-called “Empowering Local Partners to Prevent Violent Extremism in the United States” white paper as “ultimately a big disappointment”:

The administration’s plan . . . suffers from several significant weaknesses. The first is that the administration still refuses to call our enemy in this war by its proper name, violent Islamist extremism. We can find names that are comparable to that, but not the one that the administration continues to use which [is] “violent extremism.”

https://www.newsmax.com/Remember911/9-11-Obama-counterterrorism/2011/09/09/id/410383?s=al&promo_code=D036-1

>Thinking About 9/11
Ron DuBois  Bogota, New Jersey


Earlier this evening, Thursday, September 8th, I was at a moderated event in New York City. The moderator was pundit and author Michael Medved, and the speakers were former Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld; former White House Press Secretary, Ari Fleischer; and former Attorney General, Michael Mukasey, who prosecuted the blind Sheik for the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. They spoke about the upcoming 10th anniversary of 9/11, the intervening years since 2001, and the current war on terrorism.

All three were basically in agreement, that while Spain, India, England, and other places, have suffered terrible terrorist attacks in the last few years, the U.S. has avoided them. This has not been due to a lack of effort by the terrorists – remember the “shoe bomber”, the Christmas Day “underwear bomber”, and the truck bomb in Times Square. (Gee, how imaginative our Media is, with titles I would expect from seamy rags.)  Our intelligence agencies, all jokes aside, and police, have actually done a tremendous job of protecting us, preventing dozens of plots from reaching fruition, in spite of hinderence from the White House and the Department of Jokers,  er, I mean Justice. The attempts listed above were prevented by a combination of the bombers own stupidity and brave American civilians, in spite of Janet Napolitano’s declaration that “the system worked”.

The speakers recalled exactly where they were and what they were doing when the planes hit the Twin Towers. Mr. Fleischer was with the President, Secretary Rumsfeld was in the Pentagon, and felt the shock of the plane hitting it, and Attorney General Mukasey, I believe, was at home. They also spoke of current U.S. policy in the Middle East and Africa, echoing my own opinions perfectly. Egypt was at peace with Israel, and no threat to us, yet President Obama helped depose Mubarak, opening the door for the Muslim Brotherhood. While Syria and Iran are threats, and Turkey is becoming one, our White House and State Department have been slow to react, and Libya, no threat at all to us, or to the Middle East, became the victim of NATO attacks on the Qadaffi government. Now, I don’t like Qadaffi much, but there’s a good chance the new government will be worse. What’s more, President Obama did not go to Congress for consent, even after the 60-day maximum under the War Powers Act was exceeded. Just to remind folks, there are only three, clearly itemized, reasons the President may use the War Powers Act, and the situation in Libya was not one of them.

At the end, the speakers fielded questions from the audience, and from 25 satellite viewing places around the country. The question that gave me pause was, “What happened to all the unity and flags and patriotism that was displayed after 9/11?”  Here in New Jersey, where I live, it lasted over a year; what surprised me, according to Secretary Rumsfeld, was that in Washington it only lasted about three months. After that, it was back to “business as usual”. I think it is sad, that so many Americans have failed to continue the high level of patriotism that followed 9/11, but even sadder that many in Washington, who represent us at home, and our country to the world, could not hold their unity together for more than Three months.

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PSEG Saluted as International Sustainability Leader
Dow Jones recognizes NJ energy company’s commitment to economic, environmental and social responsibility

(September 8, 2011 – Newark, NJ) – Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG) was today named to the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index. Along with Duke Energy, it was one of only two U.S. utilities to make the international list. PSEG was also included in the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index. The indexes serve as benchmarks for investors who integrate sustainability considerations into their portfolios and they are important indicators of success, given that companies that embrace sustainability are consistently among the highest performers in their industry.

“The DJSI have become the gold standard in recognizing the world’s corporate sustainability leaders,” said Michael A. Petronella, President, Dow Jones Indexes. “These indexes have become an invaluable market tool for those seeking to support companies that are committed to creating and adopting sustainable business practices.”

The Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) tracks the financial performance of the leading sustainability-driven companies worldwide. The DJSI selects leading companies for investment purposes, based on the quality of a company’s strategy, management and its performance in dealing with opportunities and risks deriving from economic, environmental and social developments.

The results are watched by market participants and are used by asset managers in 16 countries to manage a variety of sustainability-driven portfolios, such as mutual funds. Empirical evidence indicates that companies with higher sustainability scores are more likely to outperform their peers over the long-run.
“Businesses often define sustainability in terms of the environment, but it is about much more. It means considering our overall impact on the people and communities we serve, while striving to grow a strong, solid business,” said Anne Hoskins, PSEG’s senior vice president of public affairs and sustainability. “We view our plans and investments through the lens of relevant economic, environmental and social issues.”

>BOE looks to monitor students diets 


How better to gather information about your child’s eating habits and use them to tailor health insurance policies and create behavior control programs.Dig deep on this one, there is probably some government $$ out there to be had if you have the data to back up the need for an obesity awareness program or some other intrusive nonsense.


Then again it can just be another incompetent move by the BOE and school administration


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>Ridgewood schools taking a delicate approach to teaching 9/11

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2011
BY JOSEPH CRAMER
STAFF WRITER
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

On most days, Ridgewood’s proximity to New York City would be considered one of its greatest merits and conveniences. That was not the case, however, on Sept. 11, 2001, as the catastrophe that claimed the lives of 12 Ridgewood residents could be viewed all too clearly from the peak of Crest Road or Route 17.

This proximity, both geographic and painfully personal, doubtlessly contributed to the ultimate impact of those attacks on the village’s consciousness moving forward, and it is with that proximity in mind that the Ridgewood Public Schools administration decided to take a more measured approach to educating students about the tragedy.

“Ridgewood is a community that suffered a lot of loss in 9/11 and we still have students in the schools, some who were just infants when it occurred,” Superintendent Daniel Fishbein said.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/129476688_Ridgewood_Schools_taking_a_delicate_approach_to_teaching_9_11.html

>FBI raids solar panel company hailed by Obama


Firm got $500 million in stimulus funds

FBI agents executed search warrants Thursday at the California headquarters of Solyndra LLC, which was awarded more than $500 million in federal stimulus loans in 2009 to make solar panels in what the Obama administration called part of an aggressive effort to put more Americans to work and end U.S. dependence on foreign oil.

But the firm filed a bankruptcy petition Tuesday in Delaware, shedding more than 900 full-time employees, leaving just a “core group” of 113 employees, according to bankruptcy records.

FBI spokesman Peter D. Lee said multiple search warrants were served at the company’s Fremont, Calif., headquarters in what he called a joint investigation by the FBI and the Energy Department’s Office of Inspector General. But he said he could not provide any details about the ongoing probe.

https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/sep/8/fbi-raids-solar-panel-company-hailed-by-obama/

>FEMA Disaster Assistance

On Wednesday, August 31, President Obama declared a state of emergency for New Jersey, freeing up federal funds and resources to assist New Jersey in dealing with Hurricane Irene and the recovery efforts. Bergen, Passaic, Warren and Sussex Counties have all been named official disaster areas and are eligible for both individual and public assistance.  This means aid is now available for individuals, small businesses, localities and non-profits.


If you would like to apply for this assistance, please read the information below about the qualifications and apply directly to FEMA using the phone numbers or websites provided. Please pass this information along to anyone who might need it.


This has been a difficult time for many New Jersey families, and I once again ask everyone to help your neighbors and friends by lending a helping hand as the rebuilding process begins. I have faith in the will-power and strength that has always defined the Garden State. 


Thank you and God bless.
Sincerely,


Scott Garrett

Aid for Families and Individuals

Individual and Household Programs (IHP)

Individual assistance can be provided to eligible individuals and households who are uninsured, or under-insured, and suffered losses due to disaster damage.  By law, the amount of individual assistance a person or household can receive is capped and may not cover losses to the extent that a flood insurance policy would.  IHP is not intended to restore damaged property to the condition it was in prior to the disaster; IHP home repair may only provide enough money, up to the limits, to return a house or item to service.  IHP is not intended to cover businesses; they must seek loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA) prior to seeking IHP assistance.  With each case, the disaster victim must register for assistance to establish eligibility.  FEMA (or the providing agency) will verify eligibility and need before assistance is offered.

For more information about the above programs, please call 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362) or visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov

Temporary Housing, Rental and Mortgage Assistance

FEMA’s Temporary Housing Assistance and Rental Assistance programs ensure that people whose homes are damaged by disaster have a safe place to live until repairs can be completed.  These programs are designed to provide funds for expenses that are not covered by insurance and are available only to homeowners and renters who are legal residents of the United States and who were displaced by the disaster.  Also available is Mortgage and Rental Assistance (MRA), which provides a check to pay the rent or mortgage to prevent eviction or foreclosure.

For more information about the above programs, please call 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362) or visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov

Individual and Family Grants

The Individual and Family Grant Program (IFG) provides funds for the necessary expenses and serious needs of disaster victims that cannot be met through insurance or other forms of disaster assistance (including low interest loans from the Small Business Administration).  Applicants will be tested for a loan first.  To obtain assistance for housing and personal property, applicants may be required to apply to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for a disaster loan.  If the SBA determines the applicant ineligible for a loan, or if the loan amount is insufficient, the applicant is referred to the IFG program.  Among the needs that can be met through the IFG Program are housing, personal property, medical, dental, funeral, transportation and required flood insurance premiums.

For more information about the above programs, please call 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362) or visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov

Aid for Small Businesses

Small Business Administration Disaster Loans

The Small Business Administration (SBA) can provide three types of disaster loans to qualified homeowners and businesses: Home Disaster Loans to homeowners and renters, Business Physical Disaster Loans to business owners to repair or replace disaster-damaged property, and Economic Injury Disaster Loans, which provide capital to small businesses and to small agricultural cooperatives to assist them through the disaster recovery period.  For many individuals, the SBA Disaster Loan program is the primary form of disaster assistance.  Other FEMA programs for individuals include: Disaster Unemployment Assistance, Legal Services, Tax Relief Considerations and Crises Counseling.

For more information about the above programs, please call 1-800-659-2955 or visit https://www.sba.gov/content/business-physical-disaster-loans

Aid for Localities and Nonprofits

Public Assistance – Reimbursement to Municipalities & Private Nonprofits

FEMA Public Assistance funds the repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement of a public facility or portion of the infrastructure that is damaged or destroyed by a disaster.  Certain private nonprofit (PNP) organizations may also receive assistance.  Eligible private nonprofits include educational, utility, emergency, medical, rehabilitation, and temporary or permanent custodial care facilities (including those for the aged and disabled), and other private nonprofit facilities that provide essential services of a governmental nature to the general public.

Projects fall into the following categories: Debris Removal, Emergency Protective Measures, Road Systems and Bridges, Water Control Facilities, Public Buildings and Contents, Public Utilities, and Parks and Recreation.

For insurable structures within Special Flood Hazard Areas, primarily buildings, assistance from FEMA is reduced by the amount of insurance settlement that could have been obtained under a standard National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policy.

FEMA reviews and approves the project applications and obligates the federal share of the costs (75 percent) to the state. The state then disburses funds to local applicants.  For small projects, payment of the federal share of the estimate is made upon approval of the project and no further accounting to FEMA is required.  For large projects, payment is made on the basis of actual costs determined after the project is completed, although interim payments may be made as necessary.

For more information about the above programs, please call: 1-609-963-6900

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>Strangers in Our Homeland
By Floyd and Mary Beth Brown September 2, 2011

Summer is a time of strong memories. Memories of sunshine, lemonade and bicycles flood our minds. Summertime is the season when our youth is so close we can almost reach out and touch it. This summer we have been extra reflective, the marriage of our first child and the contemplation of our parents mortality have only heightened our introspection. Because it is so integral to our lives, much of our analysis has focused on America and her changes.

Change is not always negative, but as we review the changes of the last decade, we are simply aghast at what has happened. It’s like comparing before and after snapshots of a person addicted to methamphetamines, and the picture isn’t pretty. Hence, today we often feel like strangers in our homeland.

The social upheaval of the past decade has been beyond monumental, and it has resulted in a broken America, with a high number of dysfunctional and lost people. Like a colony of termites stealthily destroying the wooden beams of a house, Liberalism has devastated the social fabric and consensus that made America the preeminent country in the world.

First, the rule of law is a fading memory. Obama and the radicals he has surrounded himself with in the White House think less about following the law than they do achieving political objectives. A liberal outcome is first and foremost on their minds above America’s laws. Three examples are the treatment of GM bondholders, the ongoing war in Libya and the Obama stealth amnesty for illegal aliens.

In the case of GM, the bondholders who had primary liens on the physical assets of General Motors were illegally striped of their legal rights in the Obama takeover of the company. Obama’s primary objective was to protect the United Auto Workers, a major contributor to his campaign. The UAW was essentially transferred the monies that should have been paid to bondholders in the reorganization. The stock the bondholders should have had went to the Union in the form of shares for healthcare.

Next is the ongoing Obama war in Libya. The Obama administration has ignored the legal requirements of the War Powers Act. We never liked the War Powers Act or Gadhafi, but the act is still law and Obama’s failure to follow either the US Constitution or statue in this crisis is a flagrant disregard for the rule of law.

Finally, Obama’s latest act, to use his power to overrule both immigration statues and court orders to suspend the deportation of illegal immigrants, amounts to the outrageous violation of the law.

If George W. Bush had been involved in any of these illegal acts, impeachment hearings would be in full swing with live C-Span coverage available for you to watch in your home. Because of the weakness of Republican leadership in the US Congress, Obama flaunts the law with impunity.

The debt ceiling legislation is a perversion of the US Constitution with the Republicans in Congress actually transferring the power of the purse from themselves to the executive against both tradition and the Constitutional framework developed by the founders to divide power. Now Obama will be able to unilaterally increase the debt by over 2 trillion dollars without as much as a whimper of opposition. If you are a sucker who actually believes the so-called “super committee” will reduce spending, we imagine you still believe Obama has the best interests of the country at heart.

As youngsters, we lived in an America that protected children from abortion. In those halcyon days we would never have contemplated the act of sodomy as somehow proper, even if characterized as a monogamous same sex marriage.

In our youth, which now seem like a distant memory, Christian virtue was actually lauded. You were taught to look up to people who believed in the difference between right and wrong. Instead, today the social disorder has degenerated to the point where Rap stars leading flash mobs are considered community heroes.

We are strangers in this homeland, yet we never give up hope. Before the America that we love becomes even more foreign, the breaks must be applied to the runaway liberalism that is destroying America from the inside out.

>Teachers’ unions: all for accountability … in theory
By Bob Bowdon

In 1984, the Ministry of Plenty handled rationing. The Ministry of Love
was in charge of torture. And in the summer of 2011, life imitated art
when the National Education Association announced it supports the use of
student performance in teacher evaluations. So says the group’s latest position paper on the subject. Sometimes, you see, organizations say the opposite of what they mean.

The New York Times took the bait, using the headline
“Union shifts position on teacher evaluations.” The casual
headline-skimmer might be led to wonder, have bona fide education
reformers infiltrated the NEA Politburo? Then you come across this
Orwellian head fake of a phrase in The Times’s coverage:

“But blunting the policy’s potential impact, the union also made
clear that it continued to oppose the use of existing standardized test
scores to judge teachers, a core part of the federally backed teacher
evaluation overhauls already under way in at least 15 states.”

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