Presidential Decree No. 1

Charles Krauthammer on Obama's 'accommodation':


...let’s for a moment accept the president on his own terms. Let’s accept his contention that this “accommodation” is a real shift of responsibility to the insurer. Has anyone considered the import of this new mandate? The president of the United States has just ordered private companies to give away for free a service that his own health and human services secretary has repeatedly called a major financial burden.

On what authority? Where does it say that the president can unilaterally order a private company to provide an allegedly free-standing service at no cost to certain select beneficiaries?

This is government by presidential fiat. In Venezuela, that’s done all the time. Perhaps we should call Obama’s “accommodation” Presidential Decree No. 1.

Krauthammer's entire column here.

Feds arrest man allegedly heading to U.S. Capitol for suicide mission after sting investigation

Authorities have arrested a man allegedly on his way to the U.S. Capitol for what he thought would be a suicide attack on one of the nation's most symbolic landmarks, Fox News has learned exclusively.

The man, in his 30s and of Moroccan descent, was nabbed following a lengthy investigation by the FBI, initiated after he expressed interest in conducting an attack. It's unclear how the FBI learned of his aspirations, though he came onto the radar screen of law enforcement in early December.

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/02/17/feds-arrest-man-heading-to-us-capitol-for-suicide-mission/

Record 19 reporters, media execs join Team Obama

Paul Bedard writing in the Washington Examiner:

For some Washington reporters and media execs, cheering their team from the sidelines just isn’t good enough: Tugging on a red, white and blue Team Obama jersey is the answer.

That’s the case for a whopping 19 journalists and media executives, including five from the Washington Post and three each from ABC and CNN, who’ve gone into the administration or center-left groups supporting the president.

Those inside the administration hit 14 this month when the Post’s Stephen Barr joined the Labor Department. That’s a record, say some revolving door watchers, and could even be much higher: The Post reports that “dozens” of former journalists have joined the administration, although Washington Secrets couldn’t verify that tally.

Link.

He appears to be a bit fascinated with assassinations

Bill O'Reilly Lands Book Deal for 'Killing Kennedy'

The O'Reilly Factor anchor Bill O'Reilly has landed a book deal to co-write Killing Kennedy: The End of Camelot with Martin Dugard. It will be the second book in his series about presidential history, following up on the success of Killing Lincoln. William Morris Endeavor agent Eric Simonoff negotiated the deal with Henry Holt and Company publisher Stephen Rubin. Henry Holt EIC Gillian Blake will edit. O'Reilly had this statement in the release:... read more>>

Mars to make all candy bars 250 calories or less

Mars Inc., the makers of popular candy brands including M&M's and Twix, will stop making chocolate products that exceed 250 calories by the end of next year.

That means king-sized versions of the company's chocolate bars will disappear from candy aisles. The privately-held company also makes Milky Way, 3Musketeers, Bounty and Kudos bars.

Mars may not have to make radical changes to reach its goal, however; a standard Snickers bar currently has 280 calories. A package of Twix and a bag of peanut M&M's each clock in at 250 calories.

http://yourlife.usatoday.com/fitness-food/diet-nutrition/story/2012-02-16/Mars-to-make-all-candy-bars-250-calories-or-less/53122178/1

More Progressive hypocrisy

The recent revelation that the head of Media Matters walked the streets of Washington with a Glock-toting personal assistant acting as a bodyguard may make it a little awkward for the group the next time it seeks a donation from a gun control advocacy group.

Media Matters reportedly took more than $400,000 from the Joyce Foundation specifically earmarked to promote a $600,000 initiative on "gun and public safety issues." At the same time, Media Matters' gun-guarded boss David Brock reportedly obsessed over his own security.

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/02/16/brock-and-glock-armed-men-guarded-media-matters-boss-as-took-400000-gun-control/

Chicago teachers want 30 percent hike in pay

The Chicago Teachers Union is asking for raises amounting to 30 percent over the next two years, the opening salvo in heated contract negotiations with school officials who are implementing a longer school day across Chicago Public Schools next school year.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/education/ct-met-ctu-proposals-0217-20120217,0,6829485.story