Crossposted from Flopping Aces

A great sermon by Hamas on the eve of President Carter’s visit to terrorists:

A sermon last Friday by a prominent Muslim cleric and Hamas member of the Palestinian parliament openly declared that “the capital of the Catholics, or the Crusader capital,” would soon be conquered by Islam.

The fiery sermon, delivered by Yunis al-Astal and aired on Hamas’ Al-Aqsa TV, predicted that Rome would become “an advanced post for the Islamic conquests, which will spread though Europe in its entirety, and then will turn to the two Americas, even Eastern Europe.”

“Allah has chosen you for Himself and for His religion,” al-Astal preached, “so that you will serve as the engine pulling this nation to the phase of succession, security and consolidation of power, and even to conquests through da’wa and military conquests of the capitals of the entire world.

“Very soon, Allah willing, Rome will be conquered, just like Constantinople was, as was prophesized by our prophet Muhammad,” he added.

And the man who has been duped by everyone had a grand ole’ time laying a wreath at the big kahuna of terrorists, Yasser Arafat:

And what visit to Hamas wouldn’t be complete without some hugs:

At a reception in the West Bank town of Ramallah organized by Carter’s office, the former president hugged Nasser Shaer, a senior Hamas politician, meeting participants said. Embraces between men are a common custom in Arab culture.

“He gave me a hug. We hugged each other, and it was a warm reception,” Shaer told The Associated Press. “Carter asked what he can do to achieve peace between the Palestinians and Israel … and I told him the possibility for peace is high.”

What a horrible horrible gesture. How about laying a wreath at the victims of Arafats tyranny instead Jimmy? But no, he pays tribute to those who deserve only our scorn.

UPDATE

Yasser Arafat fought for the advancement of the Palestinians and other just causes in the world, former US president Jimmy Carter said after laying a wreath Tuesday on the grave of the deceased Palestinian Authority chairman in Ramallah.

Carter was greeted at the gravesite by Abed Elrahim, general secretary of the Palestinian presidency, who said the Palestinians hope to transfer Arafat’s bones to Jerusalem.

The former American president, who is on a week-long tour of the region, also met with Nasr a-Din Shaar, Hamas’ deputy prime minister and education minister in Ismail Haniyeh’s government. The two embraced and kissed each other warmly.

also:

Fooling The Taxpayer

This is an editorial that has to be read to believed. The writer, Richard Coniff from the NYT’s actually believes that the government is the reason we, as Americans, thrive. Not the private sector, but government! So this is why we should all be happy chappy to pay even more taxes

Of course he also makes the anti-Republican rants, and then to top it all off, wants to change the name of taxes to dues.

THE word “tax” was never pretty. But it has lately become the ugliest word in the English language, right up there with its evil twin, “death.” Even in time of war, ostensibly patriotic politicians blithely pledge to slay any tax that rears its ghastly head. Public officials dodge work they know desperately needs doing because of the possibility that it may cause an increase in taxes.

Hmmmm, so the Boston Tea Party occurred because of why? Was the word “tax” not ugly two centuries ago?

It’s time to take a page from the conservative playbook, the one where they reframe the debate by changing the language — for instance, calling the “estate tax” a “death tax,” or making equal rights for same-sex partners a “protection of marriage” issue. I propose we stop saying “taxes” and start calling them “dues.”

Yes, this is a little sneaky. Some conservatives may even call it Orwellian, and they ought to know. But the word “dues” also plays into the psychology of group identity, and that can work to the benefit of conservatives and liberals alike. Consider that “tax” comes from the Latin for “appraise” with punitive overtones of “censure” or “fault,” as if wage-earners have done something wrong by their labors. “Dues,” in contrast, is rooted in social obligation and duty.

Group identity…..hmmmmm.

Look, no one suggest NO taxes. Flat taxes and other fixes to the current tax system abound but I know of no one who even considers no taxes. Unfair and wasteful taxation is what we rail about. Taxing more so that the “group” can benefit instead of the “individual” being allowed to take more of their earning home does no one good. Look at the socialist countries in Europe. Long long waits for medical care, poor productivity, and so on. Socialism is one great big lie that appeals to people because they can live in a supposed “utopia”. Nevermind the fact that once the state takes away most of what you earn for the common good, why would you even try to become even more successful and earn more? Its counterproductive to human nature.

So this will be an uphill struggle. But we need language to remind us that this is our government, and that we thrive because of the schools and transit systems and 10,000 other services that exist only because we have joined together. Instead of denouncing taxes, politicians would do better to appeal to the patriotic corners of our hearts that warm to phrases like “we the people.” “Taxation” is a throwback to the time when kings picked our pockets. “Paying my dues,” a phrase popularized in the jazz music world, is language by which we can stand together as Americans.

Come on…I’m no Jazz fan but “paying my dues” is not about paying to help out the common man. Its describing the pain and suffering they must go through to get through life….

A completely dishonest and shameful editorial on this tax day…..but what else can you expect from a obvious Socialism groupie. Can’t get what you want, change the name and try to fool everyone.