“Iowa radio host Simon Conway said Cruz’s warning that a split in the conservative vote would allow a moderate Republican to win the nomination could be directed at Huckabee and Santorum.”
“I mean when one candidate starts telling other candidates where they should be in this race, I’m just thinking, frankly, you’re not the reason I got into the race, and you’re not going to be the reason I get out…”
“If a person has a job that the taxpayers are paying for, shouldn’t that person do that job,” Huckabee, who announced his own 2016 bid this week, said Wednesday on ABC’s Good Morning America…”
Because of our past we don’t want to appear prejudiced against other races. We worry that even mentioning someone’s skin colour or place of origin might be construed as racist so healthy debate is closed down before it can even start.”
I’m reminded of the San Bernardino shooting here where neighbors would turn a blind eye for fear of being called racist. Luckily, in that case, we were able to find out rather quickly about the perpetrators. In Germany though, where it took several days just for word of the attacks to see the light of day, it appears it will take much longer before all the information is given. And longer still for the government to admit citizens are no longer safe when your welcoming arms have opened too wide.
Full speed ahead: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has joined other voices calling for a Convention of the States. Abbott said yesterday he will ask lawmakers to pass a bill authorizing the Lone Star state to join with their like minded brethren calling for a convention, says Dallas Morning News. A Convention of the States is one of two ways the Constitution can be amended. For his part, Abbott laid out nine proposed amendments . But, Abbott isn’t the only Texan wanting new amendments. The Daily Caller said while speaking in Iowa Friday Sen. Ted Cruz offered up has his own list of amendments:
“We need quite quite a few constitutional amendments,”Cruz said. “I will fight hard for a balanced budget amendment including also a term limits amendment. I think a term limits amendment is absolutely critical. If you look at the abuses of power we’re seeing in Washington—term limits for members of Congress and the Supreme court.”
Cruz has, in fact, submitted an amendment before Congress. Getting two thirds approval from both Congressional Houses is the other way amendments can be proposed.
Serious power: That $800 million Powerball jackpot which may (or may not) pay out tonight sure would buy a lot of missiles. Zack’s reports Lockheed Martin was just given the go-ahead to supply Iran with 5000 Hellfire missiles and 10 Captive Air Training missiles to help fight ISIS at a cost of $800 million. Need to keep a tight reign on these missiles because sometimes they end up where you least expect.
You’ve heard the rumor: You know the one that says if Donald Trump implodes many of his votes will go to Ted Cruz. I don’t know if that’s a rumor or not we’ll just have to wait and see..in the meantime what happens when the Dems implode? A survey in Mercury Analytics and reported in US News
“Nearly 20 percent of likely Democratic voters say they’d cross sides and vote for Trump, while a small number, or 14 percent, of Republicans claim they’d vote for Clinton. When those groups were further broken down, a far higher percentage of the crossover Democrats contend they are “100 percent sure” of switching than the Republicans.”
Not so happy closing thoughts: The S&P 500 just finished its worst five-day opening to a new year going back to 1929. The Dow fared worse, marking its worst start to a year since 1897. Any advice? Anybody? “There is nothing we can do except step back, hunker down and wait for the carnage to play out.”- Phil Orlando, chief equity market strategist at Federated Investors in New York.
Watercooler time is OPEN THREAD time. Drop a line about something you’ve seen here or found elsewhere. Whether breaking news or just interesting bits this is the place for idle chatter.
* all emphasis mine
