Does Jobs Report Signal Double-Dip Recession?

Let's hope not, but the unemployment numbers are not encouraging.

First, the April 2011 unemployment rate jumped up to 9.0% (up 0.2 percent from March 2011).  This uptick means more and more Americans are out of work, based on report of unemployment benefits.  And the total unemployment numbers prove that, with 15.9% percent of the American out of work as of April 30, 2011.

Graphically, Obama's economic recovery plan is failing to deliver:

Official Unemployment Rate

Total Unemployment Rate

The political outlook for President Obama looks dire.  Historically, no President has won re-election with an unemployment rate above 7.2 percent.  If the election were held today, Obama would lose.

South Carolina Presidential Debate Recap

Last night, five Presidential hopefuls stood in front of the nation and made their case why they should be the Republican nominee for President in 2012.  The five hopefuls do not represent the complete Republican list of candidates looking to unseat current President Barack Obama.  The five hopefuls in round one were: Representartive Ron Paul (R-TX), entrepreneur Herman Cain, former Governor Tim Pawlenty (R-MN), former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA), and former Governor Gary Johnson (R-NM).

So who won this round?  Herman Cain clearly won and gave the best answers in a concise decisive response.

Despite Cain's strong performance, there were some other themes that came out in this debate.  All candidates believe that President Obama is a weak, and despite a victory in the capture and assassination of terrorist mastermind Osama Bin Laden, that was on small victory in the midst of a an ocean of failures.

Rick Santorum highlighted that Obama was only successful when continuing former President George W. Bush's policies (notably taking out Obama).

The strategy of when to use military force was widely debated and this generated a wide array of responses.  Cain emphasize using force only when you have an objective, a sense of how it benefits United States and roadmap to victory.  Gary Johnson is opposed to nation building.

Ron Paul stated he would cut all foreign aid to Middle Eastern countries, a sign that giving money to foreign countries is not a prudent way to be strong foreign policy.  Given our national debt, this is also why foreign aid should be limited, unless humanitarian.

The next big segment of the debate focused on the economy, jobs and rising (gasoline) prices.  Unilaterally they all criticized Obama for his failure on this front.  As you can imagine the candidates had differening opinions on how turn things around

• Gary Johnson stated he would eliminate the federal corporate tax rate, elimintate the federal minimum wage and suspend the extension of unemployment benefits
• Herman Cain stated he would establish a real energy independence plan to mine resources in the U.S.; and also eliminate the IRS and replace the tax code with a fair tax.
• Tim Pawlenty criticized the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) for telling a private firm (Boeing) where they can put a plant. 
• Ron Paul stated that the union wage is tantamout to an artificial wage and should be eliminated.

The embattled health care reform bill passed last drew wide criticism.  Santorum stated the bill should be repealed.

On the federal deficit, Paul stated we should not raise the debt ceiling. 

Cain was very decisive on immigration.  He laid out a four-prong plan.  The plan is: secure the border, enforce the laws, define a path to citizenship and empower states to comply with the laws.  On this issue, Gary Johnson stated he would invoke a work visa, that would have a background check and must have work for work visa to be valid.

National Day of Prayer

"I will say to the Lord, my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust." - Psalm 91:2


Today is the National Day of Prayer.  The National Day of Prayer has been a part of America's DNA and the root of our national history.

On this National Day of Prayer, please take time to pray for the leaders of this nation, our states, our communities; the troops in the field, the first responders; and families who make American great.

2012 Presidential Poll

Please take our online poll, located on the right toolbar for your choice(s) for the 2012 GOP nominee for Preisdent.  The poll will remain active until Sunday, May 8th at midnight.  Results will be announced on Monday, May 9th.

This poll is to guage preference on who readers would like to see in the White House.  Candidates may not necessarily be a candidate in 2012, although media reports indicates possibility of a candidacy for 2012.

Delaware House Bill 86: End RGGI (Cap & Trade)

For those that are not aware, Delaware is part of a Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.  This initiative is simply, Cap and Trade, but done regionally by member states.  Delaware has been a part of the RGGI since 2008 when Senate Bill 263 was signed by former Governor Ruth Ann Minner.

Simply put, Delaware's participation in RGGI has failed Delaware's economy.  Cesar Rodney Institute has eloquently articulated and championed House Bill 86 to force Delaware's withdrawal from RGGI.  The basis for the withdrawal hinge on higher energy cost for Delaware and its citizens, lack of transparency over RGGI funds, and the ineffectiveness to acheivement environmental standards as promised.

This is a call to action as well.  Every Delawarean citizen must call their Delaware State Representative and Senator to approve the passage of House Bill 86.  Continued pressure must also be done to persaude Governor Markell, who enthusiastically champions Delaware's participation in RGGI.  Apparently, Markell failed to witness the defeat of former Congressman Mike Castle, of which his support for Cap and Trade in Washington was a catalyst for his defeat. 

Read House Bill 86 here.

After Bin Laden

The death of Osama Bin Laden brings a lot of questions as to what the U.S. foreign and military policy should be in the wake of taking out the leader and financier of the al-Qaeda terrorist network. While the al-Qaeda terrorist network does have a chain in command, one can hope that with his death so went the financing. If that is the case, then the nearly War on Terror can be come to a close, or at the most redefined.

For starters, the U.S. must get out of Libya. Launching a military campaign against Libya was a failed mission from day one. Muammar Gaddafi was not a threat to the United States, and the Obama Administration knows this. Even more important than that, Obama failed to gain approval from Congress before launching a military campaign. Obama's hypocrisy on launching a military campaign against Libya has been widely reported and contradicts Obama's 2007 harsh criticism on former President George W. Bush's rush to war in Iraq, and the surge.

In addition, the United States has created a complete blunder in allowing NATO to dictate the military strategy in Libya. If the United States does not want to lead and has no strategy to win, then they should not be there in the first place. Mr. President, withdraw all U.S. military forces related to the military conflict in Libya now.

The second realignment of U.S. military forces abroad must consist of removing all U.S. forces from Iraq. By now, Iraq is stable and stand on its own two feet. The U.S. military should not be used for nation building and we Saddam Hussein is long gone. Mr. President, please bring our troops home from Iraq. The mission is done.

The final realignment deals with the nearly ten year-old conflict in Afghanistan. After the September 11, 2011 attacks, the right thing to do was to rid the world of Osama bin Laden, al-Qaeda and the Taliban who was given bin Laden cover. This month, the world received news that the supreme leader and architect of the al-Qaeda terrorist network was killed. This milestone should be the nail in the coffin in wides-spread terrorist attacks carried out by al-Qaeda. Let's hope the funds have dried up with bin Laden's death.

While there are still remnants of al-Qaeda that still exist, the U.S. foreign and military strategy in Afghanistan must be limited to monitoring to ensure that the al-Qaeda does not rebuild. Such monitoring can done via satellite and drones. What can be done is to withdraw all ground forces from Afghanistan. Further military operations can be done and should be done via naval aircraft carrier and battleship groups in the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea.

Continuing military operations to current levels is no longer necessary, and continues to weaken the U.S. military. Many troops have been deployed to the Middle East many times, and for lengthy periods. As long as Obama, Defense Secretary Gates and General Petraeus allow three conflicts to occur at once and failing to define the mission at hand, there is no sense in allowing military operations to continue.

CATO Institute has recently launched two videos, of which echo a more sensible approach to U.S. Middle East strategy:





American forces should be commended for what they have accomplished, even dealing with vague objectives at times. Thank God for the U.S. military! For they heed the call when needed, and always complete the mission.

Osama Bin Laden is Dead

President Obama last night confirmed that the CIA and U.S. Special Forces shot and killed Osama Bin Laden.  Bin Laden's son and several others were killed in the attack. 

The death of Osama Bin Laden hopefully will bring closure to those families whose loved ones perished or were injured on the September 11, 2011 attacks in New York, Washington DC and Schenksville, Pennsylvania.

This death of the mastermind of the September 11th attacks on America marks a historic turning point in bringing down the al-Qaeda terrrorist network.  The resolve and determination of the intelligence community, namely the CIA and the U.S. Special Forcees was pivotal in once again making the world a safer place.  President Obama deserves credit for authorization the attack and seizing an opportunity to bring justice to the heinous crimes committed nearly ten years ago.

The news of Bin Ladens's death draw positive remarks from current and former leaders from both sides of the polticial aisle:

"Earlier this evening, President Obama called to inform me that American forces killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of the al-Qaida network that attacked America on September 11, 2001. I congratulated him and the men and women of our military and intelligence communities who devoted their lives to this mission. They have our everlasting gratitude. This momentous achievement marks a victory for America, for people who seek peace around the world, and for all those who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001. The fight against terror goes on, but tonight America has sent an unmistakable message: No matter how long it takes, justice will be done. " — former President George W. Bush


"I congratulate the president, the national security team and the members of our armed forces on bringing Osama bin Laden to justice after more than a decade of murderous al-Qaida attacks." — former President Bill Clinton


"This is great news for the security of the American people and a victory in our continued fight against al-Qaida and radical extremism around the world. We continue to face a complex and evolving terrorist threat, and it is important that we remain vigilant in our efforts to confront and defeat the terrorist enemy and protect the American people. I want to congratulate — and thank — the hard-working men and women of our Armed Forces and intelligence community for their tireless efforts and perseverance that led to this success. I also want to commend President Obama and his team, as well as President Bush, for all of their efforts to bring Osama bin Laden to justice." — House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio.


"The death of Osama bin Laden marks the most significant development in our fight against al-Qaida. I salute President Obama, his national security team, Director Panetta, our men and women in the intelligence community and military, and other nations who supported this effort for their leadership in achieving this major accomplishment. It is a testament to the professionalism of our dedicated national security professionals that no American lives were lost in this operation.  As we approach the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, I hope that today's action provides some comfort to the 9/11 families who lost loved ones in the devastating attacks on our shores.  Though the death of Osama bin Laden is historic, it does not diminish our relentless pursuit of terrorists who threaten our country." — House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi of California

"Osama bin Laden is dead, killed in a targeted U.S. operation authorized by President Obama. This is the most significant victory in our fight against al-Qaida and terrorism, but that fight is not over. We will continue to support our troops and the American civilians who are fighting every day to protect our homeland.  Nine-and-a-half years ago, Osama bin Laden masterminded the horrific attacks against the United States that killed nearly 3,000 people. As we remember those who were killed on that dark day in September and their families, we also reaffirm our resolve to defeat the terrorist forces that killed them and thousands of others across the globe. Because of courageous Americans in our military and intelligence community, their leader is now gone." — Senate Majority Leader Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev.