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MAY 23,  2017

SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE – AT 11:55 P.M. ET: 

MAJOR INTELLECTUAL NEWS – FROM DAILY WIRE:  “Climate change” and “child marriage” are “interconnected” issues, said Chelsea Clinton on Monday. Participating in a left-wing discussion panel framed as a meeting for “social justice,” she was introduced as an “activist, thought leader, and change agent.”  Using "climate change" as a euphemism for the narrative of anthropogenic global warming, Clinton framed the burning of fossil fuels as exacerbating other perceived social and political issues:  “[We] carry multiple concerns in both our head and our heart. Just listening to the concerns around education and climate change, women’s health, child marriage, access to technology, all of those are of course interconnected. We have to focus on each of them in their interconnectedness.”  Intersectionality is now one of the trendy concepts on the left.  Next year it'll be something else.  We're glad, of course, to have Chelsea Clinton's wisdom.  Stop laughing.

DISSENT NOT PERMITTED – FROM COLLEGE FIX:  A Duke University Divinity School professor who called diversity training a “waste” of time has resigned after disciplinary proceedings were launched against him and he was barred by his dean from faculty meetings.  At issue is a February email in which Professor Paul Griffiths advised his colleagues not to bother with a proffered volunteer diversity training, called “Racial Equity Institute Phase I Training.” Slated for March, it would work to ensure the divinity school is “equitable and anti-racist in its practices and culture,” according to the invite.  “I exhort you not to attend this training,” Griffiths stated in his Feb. 6 listserv reply to his peers. “Don’t lay waste your time by doing so. It’ll be, I predict with confidence, intellectually flaccid: there’ll be bromides, clichés, and amen-corner rah-rahs in plenty.”  “… We have neither time nor resources to waste. This training is a waste. Please, ignore it,” he added.   You'd think Duke, which has been the site of a number of scandals involving political correctness and party-line thinking, would be a little smarter.

ON EDGE – FROM THE ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION:  The scoreboard at SunTrust Park briefly flashed an emergency message during the Braves game on Tuesday that later was said to be a false alarm.  During the third inning of the Braves-Pirates game, a scoreboard message indicated that an emergency had been reported in the building and that the stadium should be evacuated. The message was accompanied by a loud alarm signal and flashing lights.  An altercation between fans in one of the ballpark restaurants caused a malfunction that resulted in the alarm sounding, the Associated Press reported.  When the alarm sounded some spectators started to leave their seats and players halted the game action. Once the alarm stopped, fans settled back into their seats and the game continued.  Nervousness after the terror attack in Britain.  The purpose of terror is to terrorize.  It works.

May 23,  2017     Permalink

DANGER IN BRITAIN – AT 11:18 A.M. ET:  As evidenced by the latest attack, Britain faces increased danger from terrorism.  From The Express:   

THE number of potential terrorists being watched in the UK at the time of the Manchester bombing has swelled to nearly 3,500 - but our security services are using powers to monitor them LESS than they did a year ago, Express.co.uk can reveal.

Latest figures show the 3,000 potential terrorists monitored since 2015 has grown after the return of UK-born people who left to fight with ISIS.

About 400 ISIS-trained fighters are believed to have returned from war zones in Syria and Iraq.

Despite being on red alert for more attacks on home soil like last night's Manchester bombing, new statistics show the number of arrests, stop and searches, and examinations of suspected terrorists at ports and airports dropped in 2016 on the levels seen in 2015.

This comes at the same time the number of people arrested on suspicion of plotting terror strikes on British soil has grown by eight per cent.

COMMENT:  Obviously there is work to be done.  Prime Minister Theresa May is poised to win a major victory in next month's voting in Britain.  She takes terrorism seriously.  Based on her record, I'll assume she'll dramatically increase Britain's anti-terror efforts.

May 23, 2017       Permalink

THE PRESIDENT SPEAKS ABOUT THE ATTACK – AT 10:34 A.M. ET:   And what a difference from Barack Hussein Obama Jr.  From Fox: 

President Trump called Tuesday for “all civilized nations” to unite against terrorism and “obliterate this evil ideology,” citing the deadly Manchester attack to underscore the central message of his foreign trip as he concluded a visit to the Holy Land.   

“All civilized nations must be united in this effort. This trip is focused on that goal,” Trump said at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, after meeting earlier with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the West Bank.

The president spoke after a suicide bomber killed 22 and injured at least 59 at an Ariana Grande concert in the U.K. The president held a phone call Tuesday morning with British Prime Minister Theresa May to discuss the “wanton and depraved” attack, according to the White House, and will take his message later this week to meetings with NATO and G7 leaders.

During earlier remarks in Bethlehem, Trump offered his condolences to the victims, calling such attackers the “evil losers in life.”

As leaders around the world joined May in condemning the horror targeting young concert-goers, Trump reiterated a message he’s been delivering across the Middle East since Saturday – that common threats are uniting countries and peoples with historic differences. 

Trump since the start of his trip has focused on the threat from Iran, suggesting it could unite countries like Saudi Arabia and Israel, and again mentioned threats like Hamas and Hezbollah during remarks at the Israel Museum.

“We are telling you right now that Iran will not have nuclear weapons,” he vowed.

COMMENT:   The president is now flying to Rome.  His trip to the Mideast was remarkably successful, and Melania emerged as a star, although she is virtually ignored on outlets like CNN.

Some criticize the president for being short on specifics.  That's true, but this trip wasn't the time for details. It was a time to rebuild alliances, to announce that America was back as a major power in the region.  And it was a time to show that we can fight terror and yet support Muslim nations with genuine warmth.

The president gave special attention to rebuilding our close alliance with Israel.  Compare please with the Obama administration, whose last foreign-policy move was to knife Israel in the back at the UN. 

There can be, as a result of Mr. Trump's efforts, a new spirit in the Mideast, and a pro-American spirit at that.  Let's hope it lasts.

May 23, 2017       Permalink

THE ATTACK – AT 9:56 A.M. ET:  The terrorist attack on young concert goers in Manchester, England, which killed at least 22 and wounded at least 59, was carried out by a 23-year-old named Salman Abedi.  From CBS News: 

LONDON -- CBS News confirmed Tuesday that the man who blew himself up the previous night at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England, was 23-year-old Salman Abedi, who was known to British authorities prior to the attack.

In a generic statement posted online, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) claimed responsibility for Abedi's suicide bomb attack, which left 22 people dead, including children, at one of the entrances to the Manchester Arena.

Officials said one man was arrested Tuesday in southern Manchester in connection with the attack, and urged people to avoid the center of the city as operations continued. Police and British Prime Minister Theresa May made it clear the focus of the investigation was to determine whether the bomber "was acting alone, or was part of a wider group."

ISIS issued its claim of responsibility in a brief, generic statement that did not identify the bomber and appeared to get some of the facts of the attack wrong. It claimed a "caliphate soldier managed to place a number of devices among a gathering of crusaders in Manchester, and detonated them."

Officials say there was only one explosion, and there have been no indications that other devices were discovered at or near the arena.

U.S. intelligence sources told CBS News they were exercising caution on the early claim of responsibility from ISIS. Authorities are still looking into whether it was a killer who acted alone or who might have had some level of support from the terror network. U.S. intelligence officials were offering assistance in the investigation, as is standard practice in any case involving a close ally.

COMMENT:  Some Obama leftovers in the administration will desperately try to blame this on a "lone wolf."  There are no lone wolves.  Someone, or some group, radicalized this young killer to the point where he killed himself while looking directly into the faces of his young victims.  No lone wolf he.  Oscar Hammerstein II said it well in the musical play, "South Pacific":  "You've got to be taught to hate."

Terror attacks have now become regular features in Europe and Britain, as we've pointed out.  We're getting too used to them.

May 23,  2017     Permalink

MAY 22,  2017

SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE – AT 11:51 P.M. ET: 

GOOD TASTE – IVANKA IS A HIT ON SAUDI TWITTER – FROM LONDON'S EXPRESS:  One fan took it a step further reportedly asking for her hand in marriage over the social media site.   In a video posted on Twitter, the Saudi resident is believed to address King Salman and ask for Ivanka's hand in marriage.   Wearing traditional clothing, Alalam news outlet reports the man introduces himself as Badr bin Fahd and proposes to Donald's daughter - unfortunately mispronouncing her name at the same time. 
Badr says, in Arabic: "I ask our king, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, for the daughter of US President Trump, Evikana's hand in marriage."  She's already married, of course, but the flattery is, I'm sure, appreciated.

A QUARTER CENTURY – It was 25 years ago tonight that Johnny Carson hosted his last "Tonight Show."  As readers know, I was a talent coordinator for Carson during part of his remarkable 30-year run on NBC.  He still reigns, in my view, as the king of late night.  He was genuinely funny, had the best guests, and never tried to sell the audience a political line.  He always stressed to us that "Tonight" was a variety show, not a talk show.  It's sad that millions of young people never had the pleasure to see him, and that millions more have probably never heard of him.  I was lucky to learn from him, and I learned a great deal.

HYPOCRISY – FROM AFP:  Havana (AFP) - Cuba's first ultra luxury hotel opened its doors Monday in Havana, with guests paying up to $2,500 a night to stay in five-star comfort on the Communist island.  The "Gran Hotel Manzana," part of the Swiss group Kempinski Hotels, is situated in the heart of the Cuban capital in front of the verdant gardens of Parque Central and the grand Alicia Alonso theater, home to the Cuban National Ballet.  Guests in each of the hotel's 246 rooms, 50 of which are suites, have the pick of four bars and two restaurants and can take a swim in the rooftop infinity pool.  The European-style building first opened in 1917, before undergoing a complete renovation.  I'm sure it will attract many high-income tourists who love to rub shoulders with genuine leftists.  Makes great dinner conversation on Manhattan's west side. 

May 22, 2017       Permalink

THE FIRST LADY EMERGES – AT 11:52 A.M. ET:  The emerging star of the president's trip is the first lady of the United States, Melania Trump, who will soon move to the White House permanently. 

She has handled herself superbly, and with enormous class.  From Breitbart:

First Lady Melania Trump has won rave reviews from the foreign press — and even the American press — as she accompanies President Donald Trump on his first foreign trip.

The visit, which has taken President Trump to Saudi Arabia and Israel thus far, and which will conclude with a stop at the Vatican on Tuesday, is the first foreign trip of the administration. It is also one of the first major public events for the First Lady, who has kept a low profile thus far.

Yet she made her mark immediately in Saudi Arabia, descending Air Force One in a flowing black pantsuit and golden belt that was hailed by the local press as “classy and conservative,” even though both she and Ivanka Trump declined to cover their faces in deference to local custom.

The Los Angeles Times noted Melania Trump’s “newsmaking style,” quoting a local television host who described her outfit as a “a really considerate gesture.”

Even the British press was impressed, gushing later in the day: “Melania Trump dazzles in purple Reem Acra gown for first evening in Saudi Arabia.”

She also impressed observers in Israel with her choice of outfit: a crisp white jacket and skirt, in deference to the main color in the Israeli flag, as well as to the color of peace.

More than her sartorial savvy, however, what was most impressive was the First Lady’s gesture of holding the hand of Israel’s First Lady, Nechama Rivlin, who carries an oxygen tank due to a respiratory illness. The image of the tall Mrs. Trump guiding the congenial but frail Mrs. Rivlin (above) went beyond normal diplomatic protocol and presented an image of kindness.

COMMENT:  I would not be shocked if Melania emerges as a wise counselor to her husband, a more consequential first lady than first appeared after the inauguration.  She clearly is now an asset.  Watch for her on magazine covers.

May 22, 2017       Permalink

TRUMP'S MESSAGE – AT 11:16 A.M. ET:  President Trump seemed to be negotiating out loud in his message to Israelis this morning.  From Fox: 

President Trump, on the second leg of his first foreign trip as commander-in-chief, greeted Israeli leaders in Jerusalem Monday with hopes to lay the groundwork for a peace deal with the Palestinians – saying a “rare opportunity” exists, and the threat posed by Iran is bringing Arab neighbors together toward that goal.  

“There is a growing realization among your Arab neighbors that they have common cause with you in the threat posed by Iran,” Trump said, speaking alongside Israeli President Reuven Rivlin.
He said earlier “there’s a great feeling for peace throughout the Middle East,” and suggested a potential warming by other countries toward Israel could be one “benefit” to the long-running tensions over Iran.

“It’s brought a lot of folks together,” Trump said.

COMMENT:  That is correct.  Obviously, the feeling of partnership could be short-lived, or disappear as soon as the Iranian threat is diminished.  Or...the Sunni Arab nations, led by Saudi Arabia, will see benefit in an alliance with Israel.

If Trump can pull this off, he'll be a great president by definition.  But he shouldn't expect a Nobel Peace Prize.  Reagan wasn't given one for ending the Cold War.  Obama was given one after two days in office. 

The president has announced that he'll be returning to the Mideast soon to visit Egypt.  There's clearly a lot going on, and the Mideasterners are showing more respect for Trump than they ever did for Obama.  It's the old story of following the strong horse.  Flash strength and people listen.

May 22, 2017       Permalink

THE PRESIDENT IN ISRAEL – AT 9:53 A.M. ET:  President Trump is in Israel, and is performing at the same high level he did in Saudi Arabia. 

It was inspiring to see the president visiting the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, one of the holiest sites in Christianity, and the Western Wall, the holiest site in Judaism.  He handled both visits with sensitivity and style.

Mr. Trump will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, in an attempt to advance peace.  He will then fly on to the Vatican, where he will have an audience with Pope Francis.

Henry Kissinger, after speaking with President-elect Trump, said that Trump could become a "considerable" president.  We have not been uncritical of the president here, and he does self-destructive things.  But this trip demonstrates that he may indeed become a "considerable" president.

Most press coverage I've seen has been reasonable.  Some of the CNN types have, of course, gotten in their little digs, but even CNN is showing some restraint.  That may end, of course, when Mr. Trump arrives home to face multiple investigations.  But if his foreign policy has some breakthroughs, and if he can chalk up some legislative victories, he can emerge very well, and the pundits will have egg on their faces.  I'll welcome that day, and pay the cleaning bill.

May 22,  2017     Permalink