SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE – AT 11:56 P.M. ET: 

THERE'S NO BUSINESS LIKE POLITICS BUSINESS – FROM HEAT STREET:   College Progressives at Penn State University were not happy with the steep entry price to a “Conversation with Chelsea” event featuring former First Daughter Chelsea Clinton, the least successful member of the Clinton political dynasty.  The event, which took place Wednesday in State College, Pa., charged $500 just to get in the door, and $1,000 for a photo with Chelsea. For $2,700, attendees would be granted access to a special reception with the guest of honor.  College Progressives at Penn State really wanted to be a part of the so-called “conversation,” but quite rightly noted that $500 was a hefty price that would exclude many college students from attending.  I'm sure the Clintons would call that a generous discount.

OBAMA TRASHES AMERICA, AGAIN – FROM GRABIEN NEWS:   What is it about traveling abroad that seems to encourage President Obama to unload all manner of grievances on the United States? For whatever reason, traveling abroad appears to help crystallize everything wrong he sees in America. During his recent trip to Cuba and Argentina, for example, we counted 18 separate times he talked down his employer, the United States of America.   His just-concluded trip to Asia was no different.   Here are 18 separate attacks he unloaded while in China and Laos:  There are still too many poor children in the United States  Too many children in America are not getting enough to eat  Despite America's wealth, we’re not providing sufficient educational resources in poor communities  America lacks the “political will” to help poor inner cities that have suffered discrimination.  Americans are “lazy” in thinking we don’t need to learn about foreign nations.  Colin Kapernack is justified protesting the National Anthem, as the NFL star is raising “real, legitimate issues” about things America needs to be talked about.   America suffers from racism, conflicts between ethnic groups, and discrimination against immigrants.  Criticisms of America being imperfect and having problems with racism discrimination are accurate.  America still has “situations where women are not treated equally.”  America “didn't think through” our policy in Vietnam War, as dropping cluster bombs proved counterproductive to "winning hearts and minds."  America’s treatment of Native Americans was “tragic.”  America “struggled to stay true” to our founding ideal that all men are created equal.  When the environment is destroyed in America, it’s because the private sector is being “lazy."
The United States is still to this day learning how to develop industry without destroying the environment.
Due to industrialization, America “used to have terrible pollution … everywhere.”  America’s role in the Vietnam war led to mass displacement of people from their homes.  America dropped more bombs on Laos than on Germany and Japan during World War II … more than 2 million bombs … “the bombs fell like rain.” More bombs, he said on several occasions, were dropped on Laos per capita than anywhere else in the world.  We bombed the “simple homes” of civilians in Laos. “Villages and entire allies were obliterated.” The ancient Plain of Jars “was devastated.” Countless civilians were killed.   We have four more months of this guy.

THE POWER OF CUSTOMERS, AND JUDGMENT –  FROM THE NEW YORK POST:   SAN ANTONIO — The owner of a Texas mattress store has closed his store after apologizing for what he called a “tasteless” advertisement promoting a 9/11 anniversary sale.  The online ad for Miracle Mattress in San Antonio featured a woman screaming as two towers of mattresses topple.  In a statement posted to the store’s social media Friday, owner Mike Bonanno said the store “will be closed indefinitely.” He said the company also “will be silent through the 9/11 anniversary to avoid any further distractions from a day of recognition and remembrance for the victims and their families.”  He repeated his Thursday apology, saying the online ad was produced without his knowledge by employees in San Antonio.  Bonanno says he will announce next week “accountability actions” taken with the employees responsible for the ad.  A bad situation thoughtfully handled by the owner.  But, ultimately, he is responsible and must take responsibility.

September 10, 2016