The Final Five: October 21, 2011

The Final Five: Bedtime Stories for Conservatives

October 21, 2011

Tonight's Crazy Story

Texas Woman Allegedly Calls Ex-Boyfriend 1,001 Times, Shatters Windows With a Sword

A break-up must have been too much for one Houston woman to deal with. She responded by egging her ex-boyfriend's house, breaking windows with a sword and a tire iron, e-mailing him 712 times and calling him over 1000 times. And then to top it off, she started a blog to document everything she did to her ex.

Tonight's Final Five:

#5) Wall St. Area Residents Are Stirring Against Their ‘Occupiers’

The Occupy Wall Street protesters are hurting small businesses in Wall Street's residential areas more than the corporations they are protesting. Avik Roy, an author and Wall Street resident, explains.

#4) The GOP and RomneyCare

After an administration that has led an unprecedented expansion of federal powers in multiple areas, the Republicans need to nominate a candidate who will lead a reform to decrease the size of government. A Wall Street Journal editorial explains why Mitt Romney may not be ready--or possibly even willing--to lead that reform.

Taking a break...

To laugh a little

"There was a truck filled with President Obama's teleprompters and it went missing. Meanwhile Joe Biden’s teleprompter shot itself."

-Conan O'Brien, 10/20/11

Now Back to The Final Five

#3) Obama’s Rape and Murder Bill Fails In the Senate

John Hayward explains why it's not just the Republicans blocking Obama's jobs plan in the Senate. If the bill is actually so good that it needs to be passed "right away," shouldn't it at least be able to pass the Democratic-controlled Senate?

#2) The Economic Disappointment of Generation O

"Generation O" turned out in 2008 to vote for Obama, but they are now finding out that the change he proposed is leaving them jobless and in debt. Diana Furchtgott-Roth explains why Obama's support of corporations, unions, and more government has destroyed the job opportunities for the younger generation.

#1) Raising Cain

I have been a critic of Herman Cain's 9-9-9 plan not because it is an awful plan but because there are better ways to reform taxes. Wayne Allyn Root explains why 0-15-0 might be a better plan.

Tomorrow in History: October 22

October 22, 1879 - Thomas Edison tests the first practical incandescent light bulb with a carbonized thread filament. The bulb lasted 13 1/2 hours before burning out. (Fortunately, modern light bulbs last a little longer.)

Food For Thought - A Bedtime Snack

"Each individual of the society has a right to be protected by it in the enjoyment of his life, liberty, and property, according to standing laws. He is obliged, consequently, to contribute his share to the expense of this protection; and to give his personal service, or an equivalent, when necessary. But no part of the property of any individual can, with justice, be taken from him, or applied to public uses, without his own consent, or that of the representative body of the people. In fine, the people of this commonwealth are not controllable by any other laws than those to which their constitutional representative body have given their consent."

-John Adams

Would you like to receive The Final Five in your inbox each night. Simply send an e-mail to finalfive@defenseoffreedomblog.com with "Subscribe" in the subject line.

The Final Five: October 20, 2011

The Final Five: Bedtime Stories for Conservatives

October 20, 2011

Tonight's Crazy Story

Woman Sues, Claiming Movie "Drive" Doesn't Have Enough Driving

A woman is actually suing the distributors of the movie "Drive" because she feels the movie doesn't have enough actual driving in it. If you agree, you can join the suit, as she has plans to turn it into a class action lawsuit. (You just can't make this stuff up!)

Tonight's Final Five:

#5) Obama Cannot Escape the Facts

Despite the rhetoric of the supposedly "improving" economy, Obama cannot escape the fact that he has been President for almost three years and has failed to improve America's economic state. Peter Wehner analyzes the data and what it means for the President.

#4) Blame the Fed for the Financial Crisis

Ron Paul explains why the Federal Reserve is the responsible party in the banking collapse. He argues that the interest rate is a price, and governmental (or more accurately in this case, quasi-governmental) controls on that price are destructive to the economy.

Taking a break...

To laugh a little

"Michelle Obama said her daughters watch "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" but that President Obama doesn't approve. Obama said, 'If I want to see a giant butt who doesn't do anything, I'll have lunch with Joe Biden.'"

-Conan O'Brien, 10/19/11

Now Back to The Final Five

#3) 'Too Big to Fail' Is Simply Too Big

Jon Hunstman becomes the second Republican Presidential candidate on tonight's Final Five, bringing a case against the idea of "too big to fail."

#2) The Vain And Empty Rituals Of Protest On The Streets

Walter Russell Mead inquires about the point of the Occupy Wall Street protests. Previous protests had the goal of changing things (such as the civil rights, anti-Vietnam, and suffrage protests), but Occupy Wall Street lacks a clear cohesiveness to even become a force like the Tea Party.

#1) The Obama Rule

Victor Davis Hanson argues that Obama seems to be operating under one rule: anytime he lectures on the need for civility in the public arena, a partisan attack is sure to be coming soon.

Tomorrow in History: October 21

October 21, 1983 - At the seventeenth General Conference on Weights and Measures, the meter is officially defined as "the distance light travels in a vacuum in 1/299,792,458 of a second." (Don't even try telling me you knew that definition!)

Food For Thought - A Bedtime Snack

"Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence, (I conjure you to believe me fellow citizens) the jealousy of a free people ought to be constantly awake; since history and experience prove that foreign influence is one of the most baneful foes of Republican Government."

-George Washington

Would you like to receive The Final Five in your inbox each night. Simply send an e-mail to finalfive@defenseoffreedomblog.com with "Subscribe" in the subject line.

You Know You're a Leading Presidential Candidate When...

...the President criticizes your policies.

From USA Today

President Obama doesn't like to talk about the Republican presidential candidates in particular, but he couldn't resist critiquing Herman Cain's 9-9-9 tax plan.

"Well, essentially what it says is that we're going to make sure that the wealthiest among us pay less and we replace any revenues with a sales tax that would be a huge burden on middle-class families and working families," Obama said during an interview on ABC's Nightline.

Of course, the President will say, "This isn't class warfare, this is math."

Reid Says He's Fine With Losing 1.6 Million Jobs

Despite a loss of 1.6 million jobs in the past 3 years, Harry Reid said on the Senate floor yesterday, "private sector jobs have been doing just fine." Even over the last two months, the private sector has created only 179,000 jobs.

I am left to assume that Harry Reid will vote against any bill designed to encourage hiring in the private sector, since by his own admission, it is "doing just fine." However, I'm certainly not holding my breath on that assumption.

The Final Five: October 19, 2011

The Final Five: Bedtime Stories for Conservatives

October 19, 2011

Tonight's Crazy Story

Texas Woman Sues Continental Over Turbulent Flight

A Texas woman is suing Continental Airlines and three other carriers for compensation due to mental trauma she claims to have experienced during a turbulent flight.

Tonight's Final Five:

#5) A Brawl over Romneycare

In the latest GOP debate, the candidates teamed up against Mitt Romney regarding his "Romneycare" insurance mandate. National Review Online's Grace-Marie Turner breaks down why this issue will hurt Romney.

#4) Busting the 1% vs. 99% Inequality Myth

An editorial for Investors Business Daily explains why the 1% vs. 99% myth being propagated by the Occupy Wall Street protesters is wrong. Contrary to their arguments, the gap in wealth is actually decreasing.

Taking a break...

To laugh a little

"Yesterday, President Obama’s teleprompter was stolen. Police are on the lookout for a thief that's eloquent and spreading a message of hope."

-Conan O'Brien, 10/18/11

Now Back to The Final Five

#3) Our Children's Future Doesn't Look So Bright

Robert Samuelson argues at Real Clear Markets that downward mobility will haunt the next generation.

#2) Barack Obama’s Disastrous First 1,000 Days

As the Obama Presidency passes the 1000 day mark, Nile Gardiner argues at The Telegraph that the first 1000 days have been disastrous.

#1) 5 Reasons Why Income Inequality Is a Myth — and Occupy Wall Street Is Wrong

The American Enterprise Institute's James Pethokoukis lists five reason why the Occupy Wall Street movement's "99%" claim is wrong.

Tomorrow in History: October 20

October 20, 1803 - The U.S. Senate ratifies the Louisiana Purchase, which doubled the size of the United States. This purchase includes at least part of 15 US states and also a small portion of two Canadian provinces.

Food For Thought - A Bedtime Snack

"An honest man can feel no pleasure in the exercise of power over his fellow citizens....There has never been a moment of my life in which I should have relinquished for it the enjoyments of my family, my farm, my friends & books."

-Thomas Jefferson

Would you like to receive The Final Five in your inbox each night. Simply send an e-mail to finalfive@defenseoffreedomblog.com with "Subscribe" in the subject line.

Mr. President, I Agree With You

From The Huffington Post:

He may have his finger on the pulse of crises around the world, but Barack Obama has no interest in keeping up with the Kardashians.

We may not agree on much else, but I am in 100% agreement with the President on this one! My only question is: why is this even considered news?

Congressional Update: October 18, 2011

This update is taken from the e-mail newsletter of Congressman Geoff Davis (R-KY). If you would like to receive his e-mail updates, you may sign up here.

Last Week on the House Floor
Last week, the House was in session Tuesday through Friday, during which the following bills passed the House:

• H.R. 3078, United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act
• H.R. 3079, United States-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act
• H.R. 3080, United States-Korea Free Trade Implementation Act
• H.R. 2433, Veterans Opportunity to Work Act
• H.R. 358, The Protect Life Act
• H.R. 2832, To extend the Generalized System of Preferences, and for other purposes
• H.R. 2250, The EPA Regulatory Relief Act of 2011
• H.R. 2273, Coal Residuals Reuse and Management Act

Anticipated Action on the House Floor This Week
This week, the House is in recess for a Constituent Work Week. The House of Representatives will reconvene on Monday, October 24th.

You can read bills, summaries by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service and keep up-to-date on their progress as they move through the legislative process by visiting http://thomas.gov and typing in the bill number.

The Final Five: October 18, 2011

The Final Five: Bedtime Stories for Conservatives

October 18, 2011

Tonight's Crazy Story

Free Your Toys and Join #OccupyLegoLand

The little Lego men you played with as a kid have a select few controlling the "99%" too! See what happens when the Lego men decide to take a lesson from Occupy Wall Street.

Tonight's Final Five:

#5) This Sunday: 900 Days Without a Senate Budget

Sunday marked 900 days since the Senate proposed a budget, a legal mandate specified in the Congressional Budget Act. Making matters worse, not a single Democrat in the Senate has cast a "yes" vote for any of the five budgets submitted this year (including one from the President). Guy Benson shares some quotes from Senate Republicans and his own analysis for Townhall.

#4) GOP Needs an Entitlement Plan

The CATO Institute's Michael Tanner explains why Republican candidates must develop a plan for salvaging entitlement programs.

Taking a break...

To laugh a little

"Joe Biden once again denied stories that he will be replaced on the ticket in 2012. He says he will continue to embarrass President Obama for another four years."

-Jay Leno, 10/14/11

Now Back to The Final Five

#3) How a New Jobless Era Will Transform America

Despite the claimed end to the recession, Don Peck argues for The Atlantic magazine that the era of high unemployment may just be beginning. See what Peck says could be coming next for America.

#2) The Steve Jobs Model for Education Reform

NewsCorp CEO Rupert Murdoch describes on his own Wall Street Journal a plan to transform education using technology. He claims that schools have failed to keep up with technology in education, and new teaching methods (including use of technology) are what is necessary to bring our education system back up to standard.

#1) Government the Job Killer

John Stossel argues at Reason.com that the government is the biggest job killer in our economy today. Get the government out of the regulation business and the economy will take off.

Tomorrow in History: October 19

October 19, 1987 - The Dow Jones Industrial Average falls 22% (508 points) in a scare known as Black Monday.

Food For Thought - A Bedtime Snack

"As on the one hand, the necessity for borrowing in particular emergencies cannot be doubted, so on the other, it is equally evident that to be able to borrow upon good terms, it is essential that the credit of a nation should be well established."

-Alexander Hamilton

Would you like to receive The Final Five in your inbox each night. Simply send an e-mail to finalfive@defenseoffreedomblog.com with "Subscribe" in the subject line.

Texas Students Assigned to Memorize and Recite Mexican Pledge of Allegiance

As part of a Spanish assignment, students at Achieve Early College High School in McAllen, Texas were instructed to memorize the Mexican pledge of allegiance and recite it in class. The Blaze has a complete description of the expectations and the reaction of one girl.

I do not see a problem with teaching the Mexican pledge, although forcing students to recite it in class seems a little overboard. However, it is very concerning that students can be forced to say the Mexican pledge or face a possible penalty (in this case, the student was offered an alternative assignment), but the Supreme Court has ruled that a student cannot be penalized for refusing to say the American pledge.

Obama Teleprompter Stolen

USA Today Reports:

A Richmond television station is reporting that "a truck filled with President Obama's podiums and audio equipment was stolen in Henrico just days before his visit to Chesterfield (Virginia)."

"When you see President Obama speak, there is a pretty typical setup including the presidential seal on a podium, the see-thru Teleprompter and a portable sound system," reports WWBT-TV. "Thieves saw the truck carrying that equipment and couldn't resist the target."

Upon hearing the news, the President was left speechless.

The Final Five: October 17, 2011

The Final Five: Bedtime Stories for Conservatives

October 17, 2011

Tonight's Crazy Story

What's the Meaning of Life? Ask the iPhone 4S

Siri, the personal assistant included with the new iPhone 4S, will answer your questions. However, some users have gotten creative and started asking "What is the meaning of life?", "Why am I here?", and even "Will you marry me?" Find out Siri's responses from FOX News.

Tonight's Final Five:

#5) China's Economy: The Correction History Will Remember

As economic signs appear to point to a Chinese recession, Gordon Chang at Forbes argues that this correction will be one that history will remember.

#4) Fallen Leaves

The economy and foreign affairs have left urban renewal policies on the back burner. However, Ronald Brownstein writes at National Journal that an attempt to revive one Chicago neighborhood may put Obama's plans to the test.

Taking a break...

To laugh a little

"Warren Buffett’s company reportedly owes the IRS a billion dollars in back taxes. When he said he wasn't paying enough taxes, he wasn't kidding."

-Jay Leno, 10/14/11

Now Back to The Final Five

#3) Rise of the Unemployables

America is facing a long-term unemployment crisis that rivals anything since the end of World War II. John Hayward argues at Human Events we are seeing the potential rise of a permanent unemployed class.

#2) America Wrongly Thinks Its Prosperity Can't End

Mark Steyn presents the case at Investors Business Daily that America has too many people who believe it will always be the world's leading power, and that attitude and its effects are what will eventually cause America's decline.

#1) I Support Occupy Wall Street

Ben Howe explains on RedState why he supports the Occupy Wall Street protesters.

Tomorrow in History: October 18

October 18, 1867 - The United States officially takes possession of Alaska after purchasing it from Russia for $7.2 Million, or 1.7 cents per acre.

Food For Thought - A Bedtime Snack

"A free people [claim] their rights as derived from the laws of nature, and not as the gift of their chief magistrate."

-Thomas Jefferson

Would you like to receive The Final Five in your inbox each night. Simply send an e-mail to finalfive@defenseoffreedomblog.com with "Subscribe" in the subject line.