Things Are Koo-Koo Krazy

Following President Obama's second inaugural, he's finding opposition from some unlikely sources.

During the 2012 campaign, a video went viral featuring a Cleveland, Ohio woman, Michelle Dowery, who was praising a government program that makes available free cell phones to low income individuals. The phones came to be known as "Obamaphones." In that same video, Ms. Dowery expressed displeasure with the GOP candidate, Mitt Romney, saying the former Massachusetts Governor, well, uh, "sucks - bad."

However, in interviews with Libertarian talkradio host, Alex Jones, Ms. Dowery now states her displeasure with the President, his performance and his honesty. In issues ranging from an increase in her payroll taxes despite promises that Obama would not raise any taxes on individuals making less than $250,000 a year to cell phone companies getting rich off the Obamaphones which in her view provide insufficient airtime minutes for users, all the way to gun control (Ms. Dowerey believes that individuals need guns to protect themselves from criminals as she claims the police have not done so in her community), the former Obamaphone lady has no further love for Barack Obama. We include the full interview below.

In an even weirder turn, the generally left leaning, anarchist, hacktivist group, Anonymous has put out a video slamming Obama's gun control proposals, making the point that many gun advocates have expressed that existing laws against guns, murder, etc. have done little to curb violence in America that limiting the liberties of the law abiding will have no effect as well.

To be clear, Anonymous does not have a central policy wing and statements are made in the crowd-sourced, structure free environment that is the Anonymous movement. Suffice to say, however, Anonymous does not generally fall along traditional conservative lines. An Anonymous affiliated Twitter account released the following statement:

Anonymous, however, has no ideology except an overall belief in the resistance to tyranny, government abuse and censorship.

And that was only day one of term two!

Allred, Trump Jump Shark; the Real October Surprise

Two of the biggest media whores in America both teased "October surprises" with speculation about damaging, game changing information about Barack Obama and Mitt Romney, respectively.

Democratic, ambulance chasing, attorney Gloria Allred teased that she had some potentially damaging information about Mitt Romney. The media circus that developed around Allred's mission was very much aware of the game changing bombshell Allred dropped in the run-up to the California Gubernatorial election in 2010, in which "Super Glo" brought forward the alleged illegal alien, former maid of Republican nominee, Meg Whitman, who claimed that the former PayPal CEO had unceremoniously fired the maid prior to her campaign, leading the worker to have "tares on her face."

Republican, bad hair, loudmouth, serially married developer, Donald Trump, who previously had attempted to prove that President Obama was not born in the United States and thus ineligible to serve, also promised "an announcement" that could damage the President and harm his chances at re-election.

The showdown for both was set for early Wednesday morning; in a court hearing in Boston with Allred and a YouTube announcement released by Trump just moments ago.

Both have apparently resounded with a major thud.

As we currently understand it, Allred's "allegations" revolve around the 1990s divorce of Staples founder, Tom Stemberg. Romney's company, Bain Capital, was a major investor in Staples and Romney served on the company's board of directors for some time. According to reports, Romney testified in the case as to the value of Staples stock, apparently an issue of contention between Stemberg and his wife. Allred would like the testimony of the divorce case unsealed and a gag order imposed, lifted. During a hearing in Boston Wednesday morning, attorneys for Romney asked for time to review Allred's submission but noted that Romney has no problem with releasing the testimony. The Governor's attorneys also asked that the case only be held over for one day as they wish to submit their response fairly quickly.

Over in Manhattan, Trump's "bombshell" wasn't even a revelation. The real estate tycoon and reality TV star, in his YouTube video, offered the President a deal - if Obama unseals his sealed college records, Trump will donate $5 million to the charity of the Democrat's choice.

While all of this Matt Drudge - TMZ inspired trash swirls around, the REAL October Surprise, the "what did the President know and when did he know it moment" was revealed in a series of emails surrounding the attack on the US consulate in Benghazi, Libya. According to CNN, two hours after first being notified of an attack on the U.S. diplomatic mission in Benghazi, Libya, a government e-mail to the White House, the State Department and the FBI said an Islamist group had claimed credit. This obviously does not square with the story given by the Obama Administration as to the nature and cause of the violent attack on US Ambassador Chris Stevens and others.

Stay tuned and don't listen to old media whores with bad hair.

ClassicMayorSam: The 11% Mayor

And finally as the Democratic National Convention, chaired by Antonio Villaraigosa, winds up, probably the most embarrassing thing for Los Angeles is that the Mayor reportedly spends about 11% of his day working on City business, while the rest of the time is spent on political fundraisers, concerts, parties, sitting for a wax dummy carving, dates and other productive events (Oh! Like the DNC!) This now legendary report by the LA Weekly's Patrick Range McDonald was a watershed in local reporting. From 2008...

One of the most delicious stories of 2008 was that of the LA Weekly's Patrick Range McDonald's excellent investigation into the schedule of Mayor Villaraigosa and the revelation that he only spends about 11% of his reported 16-18 hour days actually on any city related business.  The rest of the time is either related to fundraising for himself or other candidates, campaigning for candidates, appearing at photo opps and time spent traveling between all these non city-business related events. (One of the best items from McDonald's report: Villaraigosa's "sitting" for his wax dummy to be placed in Madame Tussaud's museum.)

"Everyone who knows me, knows I work hard. That's why both Sen. Clinton and Obama wanted me to campaign for them."
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa

Apparently Villaraigosa didn't really appreciate McDonald making it known how little work he actually does and threw a zinger against the Weekly in Rick Orlov's Daily News column telling Orlov "It didn't really go anywhere because it wasn't true. They were upset because we only gave them my public calendar. They didn't get to see what I was doing privately, with meetings here (at City Hall) or in other places. Everyone who knows me, knows I work hard. That's why both Sen. Clinton and Obama wanted me to campaign for them."

Yet if you look at the copy of Villaraigosa's schedule the Weekly posted online, you can see that the "private" (blacked out) portions really only account for a small portion of the Mayor's schedule and really don't add up to hours of "working hard."

The truth is the Mayor is an attention addicted photo opp junkie who makes himself look silly whether it's hanging out with Dr. Seuss characters  or playing the conga drums with celebrities  at a taxpayer financed hotspot.

I have a feeling the Mayor could come to regret his statements to Orlov.  Stay tuned.

Classic MayorSam: Doug McIntyre Schools Annoying Democrat on Mayor Villaraigosa

On the eve of Barack Obama's big convention speech, here's a piece by Red Spot from earlier in this year that shows Obama nor even his top lieutenant, Florida Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, apparently didn't know what an embarrassment even LA Democrats think our Mayor is. On a Fox News segment, KABC talkradio host Doug McIntyre tries to explain it to Wasserman-Schultz, who will have none of it.

KABC 790 AM Morning Show Host Doug McIntyre's "political education" of DNC Chairperson Congresswoman Debbie "Blabbermouth" Schultz on the reigning "11% Mayor of Los Angeles" Antonio Ramon Villar, continues its viral national ascension. On Friday, Doug gave the above pre-dawn interview with "Fox and Friends" on DNC Chairperson's sought out interview to discuss the Democratic National Committee's selection of the "visionary" City Terrace native as the "chairperson" of its National Convention in September.

You can link here to hear the "borderline offensive" retort of Doug McIntyre to Congresswoman Blabbermouth-Schultz's attempt to spin revisionist facts on the achievements (or lack of) of Mayor Villar. One can ponder as we near the Democratic Convention in September, how many times McIntyre's exchange with the Florida Congresswoman will be replayed to a national audience?

Your thoughts ..............

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Classic MayorSam: VillarSalinas - We Told You So

More from the MayorSam wastebaskets, uh, archives as we celebrate Obama-nation in Charlotte, NC, glibly presided over by our own Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. This is the story that put MayorSam on the map and Mayor Villaraigosa in the dog house. From July 3rd, 2007


Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who is in the midst of divorce proceedings with his wife, acknowledged he is in a relationship with a Spanish-language television reporter, according to a statement published Tuesday.

Villaraigosa issued a statement, published Tuesday by the Los Angeles Daily News, acknowledging his involvement with Telemundo newswoman Mirthala Salinas, after the paper told the mayor it was set to publish a story about their relationship.

"It is true that I have a relationship with Ms. Mirthala Salinas. As I've said I take full responsibility for my actions, and I once again ask that people respect my family's privacy. For my part, I intend to stay focused on my job, and to work as hard as I can every day to be the best mayor I can be," Villaraigosa said.

Classic MayorSam: The Anyone But Antonio Meme

More from the MayorSam archives as Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa leads Barack Obama's three day infomercial in Charlotte. Here's when even the left leaning bloggers turned on the Mayor prior to his re-election.

The Mayor and his minions have launched a "campaign" that is almost comical in it's lies, distortions and mistruths when it comes to representing his record over the last four years (or would that be acutally the 161 days he actually worked on City business?).

If you've read this blog you're familiar with all his mis-doings from Mirthala to toilets to more serious matters like the fiscal health of the city.  You know how big of a kleptocracy Los Angeles has become. So its not a surprise that blogs beyond this one are starting to call for rejection of this 11% mayor.

Not known for being a radical MetBlogs' David Markland gets the ball rolling asking voters to "head to the polls March 3rd and vote for anyone BUT Antonio."  Next Joseph Mailander at Street Hassle picks it up hat tipping to Markland and saying that the Mayor and his handlers have "denied democracy to Los Angeles" this election season.  Fishbowl LA is next to chime in offering that Markland's "reasoning is sound."

So who's next?

Image from Fishbowl LA

Classic MayorSam: Mayor Loses His Democratic Mojo

In honor of Mayor Villaraigosa's role as the Chairman of this week's Democratic National Convention, we're going to post a few of our past Antonio stories from the Mayor Sam Archives. This gem from August 21st, 2008 details how the Mayor was virtually ignored by the Obama campaign during the 2008 Convention. My, what a difference four years have made.

  It's not a good week for Mayor Villaraigosa when it comes to being a Democratic party superstar.

First off the Mayor was passed over for a speaking spot at the Democratic National Convention in Denver.  Next Barack Obama didn't pick the Mayor for his Latino- but Bill Clinton was chosen.  Finally Villaraigosa's home state Democratic rival Gavin Newsom will be hosting a big deal.

Speculation is rampant that the Obama campaign wants to distance themselves from the Mayor due to his high-profile extamarital affair with former TV newswoman Mirthala Salinas.

Not to worry, I think Antonio's sharing a room with Bill Rosendahl and Jack Weiss at the Days Inn and will be on a panel discussion on "travel tips" Sunday before the Convention starts.

Obama Evolves

Following the annoucement that President Obama now supports gay marriage (since he was for it before he was against it and is now for it) reaction was completely predictable ranging from the openly gay chairman of the Los Angeles Democratic Party, Eric Bauman, saying "This is not just a victory for the LGBT community; it's a historic day for all Americans," to former Arkansas Governor and Presidential candidate, Mike Huckabee, calling on supporters to "make sure Congress and our state legislatures are stacked with conservatives who don't want our President and the federal government defining marriage for us."

Quite frankly, though I agree with the Biblical view on homosexuality, I don't care if gay marriage is legal or not.

I have repeatedly argued with conservatives that seeking a government means to enforce traditional values is no different than what liberals do to indoctrinate minds towards their out of the mainstream views. When it comes to marriage, it's an issue that should belong to the church and to individuals as a whole. Seeking government bans is just a big waste of time, and gives a wedge issue to polarizing politicians such as Obama to rile up the base.

There's a significant number of gays and lesbians who are opposed to higher taxation, the growth of government and the socialist-like, anti-business policies of the Obama administration. However, the GOP's manic focus on gay marriage (which I mean come on - how many Lesbian couples groomed by LL Bean are actually staging nuptials?) is out of whack when we consider the far more serious and defining issues facing America today.

Christians in particular would do far better to follow Christ's example of love of those who are sinners, bring gays and lesbians into the fold, love them, support them and let God handle the rest.

Doing otherwise, plays right into the other side's hands.

In the meantime, we've got a country to save.

Heroes Don't Brag

I can not take credit for this but it was something that was forwarded to me this morning. I don't normally post items that come in through e-mail, but given the recent flap over President Obama's remarks on the mission to exterminate Osama Bin-Laden, these comments are timely and poignant.

 

This is what the Navy Seal team looked like when they went in to get Bin Laden.

A couple of things to notice:

• 50 caliber sniper on the right.
• Knee, knuckle, and forearm protection.
• Various plastic/wire ties.
• Absolute identity denial to protect their families.
• Free choice of footwear.
• Fourth from the right has three artillery simulators and CS gas grenades on his belly. He's the 'shock and awe' guy.

Group Photo of Seal Team Six, .. . . . . . .and you can imagine the look on Bin Laden's face when these guys came through the door?

Let's be clear on this: OBAMA did NOT kill Bin Laden. An American sailor, who Obama, just a few weeks ago, was debating on whether or not to PAY, did.

In fact, if you remember a little less than two years ago, his administration actually charged and attempted to court-martial 3 Navy Seals from Seal Team Six, when a terrorist suspect they captured, complained they had punched him during the take down and bloodied his nose.

His administration further commented how brutal they were. The left were calling them Nazi's and Baby Killers. Now all of a sudden, the very brave men they vilified are now heroes when they make his administration look good in the eyes of the public.

Obama just happened to be the one in office when the CIA finally found the b...... And our sailors took him out. Essentially, Obama only gave an answer. Yes or No, to him being taken out. This is NOT an Obama victory, but an AMERICAN victory!! Forward on IF YOU AGREE!!"

Ed Schreiber
Col. USMC (Ret.)
"Semper Fi"

OBAMA'S OWN WORDS TRAP HIM:

2008: "Navy Seal Team 6 is Cheney's private assassination team."
2011: "I put together Seal Team 6 to take out Bin Laden."

2008: "Bin Laden is innocent until proven guilty, and must be captured alive and given a fair trial."
2011: "I authorized Seal Team 6 to kill Bin Laden."

2008: " Guantanamo is entirely unnecessary, and the detainees should not be interrogated."
2011: "Vital intelligence was obtained from Guantanamo detainees that led to our locating Bin Laden."

Herman Cain Winning the Tchotchkes War

"Rock You Like a Herman Cain"

Republican Presidential candidate Herman Cain may be outdoing his GOP rivals in current polls, but he's achieved another dubious distinction.

He is besting not only all the Republican hopefuls but President Obama as well when it comes to sales of thongs, mugs and ballcaps emblazoned with his name on the do-it-yourself crap website, CafePress.

With 58% of political sales, Cain is outselling his nearest rival, Texas Congressman Ron Paul, more than two-to-one; Paul is capturing 27%. The remainder of his fellow Rs are in low single digits with some such as former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum selling nothing.

Since his arrival on the scene in 2008, President Obama has dominated CafePress sales, however, Chris Harlhar, a marketing consultant in New York, reports that in October Cain overtook the President who had been hovering around 33% of sales.

If umbrellas, golf towels and baby doll tees are any indication of the voters' mood, Cain could find himself in the White House.

Obama's Record

Remember gas less than $2?

Osama: Dead!

Developing: Reports that Osama bin Laden may be dead. Obama is gearing up for some address.

Could also have to do with strike on Khadaffi. Stand by.

UPDATE: We can confirm, Fox, MSNBC, CNN all confirmed Osama is dead.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Tuesday

Because of the budget shortfalls facing local schools, incoming boss of the LAUSD John Deasy is going to take on some of the pain and cut his salary.  Instead of earning $325K per year, Deasy will only get a $275K annual payout.  Despite the great pain this will cause him, do not worry.  Deasy will still earn more than the Superintendent of the New York City school system, a far larger district than LAUSD.

The Times says business is scoping out the Downtown area for new locales because of talks of a new football stadium.  Or could it be that retailers such as CVS, Walgreens and Fresh N Easy are just following the population growth in the City Center?  When Gucci moves in next to Staples however, we will know it's because of Farmers' Field.

Read more »

President Obama at USC Alumni Park Today

President Obama will be spending today in Los Angeles starting with an event for Barbara Boxer and then a DNC rally at USC's Alumni Park.  Live musical performance by LA's Ozomatli. Gates open at 10am, the event begins at noon, and the President is scheduled to address what is anticipated to be a large crowd around 1:55pm. Street closures and traffic delays are expected. If you are planning on attending, arrive early! Neon Tommy covers it live.


Itinerary:

The President departs San Francisco, California en route Los Angeles, California
Local Event Time: 10:15 AM PDT
Location: San Francisco International Airport

The President arrives in Los Angeles, California
Local Event Time: 11:20 AM PDT
Location: Los Angeles International Airport

The President delivers remarks at an event for Senator Boxer
Local Event Time: 12:45 PM PDT
Location: Ronald Tutor Campus Center, University of Southern California

The President delivers remarks at a DNC rally
Local Event Time: 1:55 PM PDT
Location: Alumni Park, University of Southern California

The President departs Los Angeles, California en route Glendale, California
Local Event Time: 2:50 PM PDT

The President tapes an interview for the Piolin Show
Local Event Time: 3:25 PM PDT
Location: California, Glendale, Piolin Productions Studio

The President departs Glendale, California en route Los Angeles, California
Local Event Time: 4:05 PM PDT

The President departs Los Angeles, California en route Las Vegas, Nevada
Local Event Time: 4:30 PM PDT
Location: Los Angeles International Airport

The President arrives in Las Vegas, Nevada
Local Event Time: 5:30 PM PDT
Location: McCarran International Airport

The President delivers remarks at a DNC rally
Local Event Time: 6:10 PM PDT
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada, Orr Middle School Park

The President attends a dinner for Senator Reid
Local Event Time: 7:45 PM PDT
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada, Private Residence


Read more »

The Socialist Shape of Things To Come (Unless You People Wake Up And Smell the Horse Shit)

By David Berger, Exclusive to Mayor Sam

People often ask me why I left England. Oftentimes the question is posed after they've just come back from a trip to 'Old Blighty' and they've seen sights; Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, the Guards with their funny furry hats standing to attention outside Buckingham Palace, the Crown Jewels on display at The Tower of London, the Food Court at Harrods, the Hyde Park Memorial to dear departed Princess Diana, and Tower Bridge (you know, the bridge over the River Thames that opens to allow tall ships to pass and that some American millionaire thought he had bought).

Read more »

In the Interest of Balance

Well not only are Republican female governors of Arizona prone to looking foolish on camera. Here is someone who we all know and do not love in one of his many examples at struggling at extemporaneous speech.

More Politicians in Costume

Open Thread for Mond... errr, Tuesday

Long weekend comes to a close today with OBama's nomination for the Supreme Court earlier and the announcement of the California Supreme Court's decision on Prop 8 at 10am.

Locally, we have signs signs everywhere signs on the City Clowncil agenda.

Ron Kaye has the details of serious election irregularities in the CD 5 runoff.

And Matt Dowd is still speaking in public comment this morning.


BREAKING: Looks like Prop 8 stands, but existing marriages remain valid. Nothing too surprising, sadly.

From Mayor Sam via Twitter: Prop 8 Rally in Downtown LA Today 6PM. Meet at Pershing Sq. 532 S. Olive St.

Via Twitter: AWESOME via @johncoulthart Prop 8 decision protest blocking traffic in SF: http://bit.ly/15IWWW


Opine away.... dum dums?

The First 100 Days of "TOTUS"

Good collective morning to all in the people's bloggersphere!

In case if you were in some cave where the ACORN activists could not force you to face Washington D.C. or not expose to column inches of "scribegasms" penned by some graying hack at the "OLD GRAY HAG ON SPRING STREET", today marks the first 100 days of your children and future generations of debt courtesy of one Barack Hussein Obama.

As a public service, (the only growth industry in the "TOTUS" economy), we provide you with this "free before taxation" space to opine on the impact of President Obama on the local and national political landscape.

So in the theme of our current "TOTUS", BLOG AWAY CONRADES!!!

My other social networking: The TV.

Okay, the last time I recommended a show to Mayor Sam, Life on Mars, that episode was so preachy! I apologize for their bad writing. But things are different now. Life on Mars is dead and buried. Prison Break has been pronounced dead by Fox for 3 months now, with just a few shows left, moved to the always dead Friday.

But Reaper, the rare comedy-drama that works both ways, and is totally, always compelling has just recently been pronounced dead by Hollywood Reporter. I think it's a premature burial, and still very much alive. Do you remember the Bee Gees song? I forget it, but it's something about staying alive.

If you liked The Screwtape Letters, (yes, the same C. S. Lewis who wrote the Narnia books, which are much better books than movies) you'll love Reaper. Basically, it's letters from Uncle Screwtape, a demon, to his demon nephew, on how to do it better: that is, how to tempt man and womankind, and what evil is, and how to make it.

I don't know if the extremely clever writers of Reaper actually read this book, but I read that Ray Wise, the only actor in Reaper I already knew, saw a lot of films with a devil to design his portrayal. And boy, does he knock it out of the park. He is the perfect devil. And Sam is his perfect victim.

The series begins with Sam, a slacker who works at a Home Depot type place because "college made him sleepy" waking up on his 21st birthday, ready for a normal day at his boring job. Then he meets the devil. Turns out his father, an attractive advertising exec, promised Sam's soul to the devil when he turned 21, in exchange for keeping his mother alive during some illness. (I think, the deal isn't quite clear.) Sam has 2 jobs now: his job at The Bench, and his work for the devil to find different souls who have escaped from hell and bring them back. He's allowed to let Sock and Ben, co-workers at The Bench, in on his secret, and they help him out in the chase.

One of the most beautiful things in this show is that even with the setup of a different soul (scary bad people of all types) to send back to hell every week, EACH EPISODE IS ALMOST TOTALLY SURPRISING! This is just not a predictable show. How rare is that! And thank Gah!

Other things I love:

* The casting is impeccable. Give the Casting Director an Emmy!!! Sam, Sock, especially Ben, Andi, of course the Devil, and even the supporting characters, like Ted, the funniest boss ever, Gladys at the DMV (because souls have to be handed back at hell on earth: the DMV. Hee!), Nina, who I'm very sorry to read is leaving - bad, Nina, bad-, Sam's parents, and even Morgan. I also especially liked Andi's ex, Greg - bring him back, brilliant!

* Locations. I know it's filmed in Canada, and I'm a union person - hate runaway production. But I like it when they go to various outdoor lakes, forests, houses, that are NOT LA. And I have to add that since I've been watching this, I've had to go to the DMV twice, and I didn't mind!! And to Home Depot. They weren't as bad or boring after this show.

* The first season, Reaper had a makeout session (and more) between Gladys (who happens to be a demon) and Sock. A twenty-something guy and 50-something woman get it on. On the CW. Is this not scream-worthy? In a good way? The brilliant part is they made it work. Sock was sexier in that scene than when he did his step-sister. (oops, hope I didn't spoil anything.)

* You might imagine that as a cartoonist I laugh a lot. Unfortunately for me, that is not the case. Yes, I often laugh at my own cartoons - at least the first few times - but I don't think a lot of other people are as funny as they think they are. TV hardly ever is. But I laugh a lot, and loudly, at this show. And the writing is so tight that I can watch it again, several times, and find even more cleverness in it.

* It's not just the funny. There are a lot of interesting iffy situations with good and bad, and constant choices. Is Sam really Satan's son? Ray Wise constantly tempts him and goads him. And who hasn't done more bad things than the latest soul, a young man who was a virgin, and coveted a woman? He went to hell for that! That wasn't fair! The Devil pointed up to the sky and said "His rules, not mine." Still not fair!

And just to prove my love, now look what I did. I wrote my latest Slate cartoon, above, to incorporate both Obama, his first 100 days, and Reaper. (You can also see it here on Gocomics, with comments - and add your own.) No, I don't really think Obama signed any deal, but he certainly isn't the angel some people think he is. I particularly disagree with some of his Cabinet appointees, and most of his economic decisions.

You can read more about this in my blog, Why I Did It.

Who isn't terrified of being buried alive? Don't do it to Reaper! It's on tonight at 8 PM on Channel 5.

Caption: About Barack Obama: "I can't believe it's been 100 days and he's still standing. Do you think it's like Reaper, and he made a deal with the Devil?" © D. Barstow 2009, All rights reserved.