MUST WATCH ... hopefully before you vote

Trump's dirty little secret...

...he might just not be a racist or sexist after all. But don't tell that to Hillary.

I understand that 2016 is the season of political info wars. Republicans and Democrats and their respective Super PACs are posting video endorsements right and left on Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, and so many more social media channels. That's to be expected.

You may not be in love with, fully committed to or always agree with Donald Trump, and that's okay. But just think of the alternative. I shudder just thinking about four to eight more years of the same.

And as someone who now has unabashedly jumped head-on into info-war mode, I ask that you take the time to watch the following video and review Trump's position on issues because the facts — love him or hate him — really do matter.

Donald Trump Reveals...

Recently, a colleague forwarded the following QPolitical story on Trump and I thought it well worth sharing and posting to my sorely neglected blog.

It's been almost 12 months since I posted on the 2016 election and for that, I do profusely apologize. But, with the Indiana primary just a few days away, this feature story seemed not only timely but also seems to provide evidence of why Trump continues to befuddle so many of today's political pundits.

http://qpolitical.com/donald-trump-reveals-the-struggles-that-kept-his-faith-in-jesus-strong/

As luck would have it, I met Carly Fiorina

As luck would have it, just a few weeks after posting my last blog post about Carly Fiorina, a few exciting things happened to me.

First, and on a whim, I pitched my writing skills to Politichicks.com CEO/editor-in-chief Ann-Marie Murrell (a lovely person and very encouraging BTW). And guess what? She asked me to start blogging for Politichicks.com on a regular basis. I was thrilled to say the least for many reasons including some fantastic press access.

I do love my own little Elephant Under Glass blog (even though I do ignore it at times due to life) but having a larger monthly viewer base doesn't stink either. Don't worry, I plan to post my Politichicks.com stories to this blog too.

Even better as a Politichicks.com contributor, I am able to blog about just about any topic I feel like as long as it has national and/or political merit, and Politichicks.com readers find it interesting.

As luck and a little networking would have it, I was invited to attend the Salt Lake County GOP fundraiser and VIP reception about a week ago and guess who was the event headliner?! Carly Fiorina!

It was a thrill to finally meet Carly and get a few pix with her and even cooler, I used this event as my inaugural blog post for Politichicks.com.

From left to right: Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes, former HP CEO Carly Fiorina
and Salt Lake County GOP Chairwoman Suzanne Mulet 

To read the full story at Politichicks.com, click here.

A Woman in the White House

I received an email invite from a friend who leans liberal. She's a great lady, creative and smart. The subject of the email: We need a woman in the White House. It was a fundraiser invite for a local, female candidate and her subject line plug included needing a woman in the White House. Her email made me think.

On every level, I agree. It's about time. I would love to see a woman in the White House. Just not Hillary Clinton.

American's deserve better, so much better.

We've endured almost eight years of the Obama admin. with scandals abound. In my opinion, Americans are tired of it no matter their party affiliation. I know I am.

While I would love to see a woman in the White House in my lifetime, I remain discerning about that woman. It's not enough to have just any woman in the White House, we need a quality woman. Someone who embodies the intellect, street smarts, compassion and ability to stand strong against the alluring addiction of political power.

I've spent that last five years working on political campaigns of people I admire and respect. Some have lost and some have won. The difference between these people and many others who run for elected office is a strong character and a clarity between right and wrong. This matters.

Hillary and Bill may have several non-profit foundations which take money from countries across the world. And, some of them may really help improve communities and various cultures. But at the end of the day, they've done so much more "wrong," I am stunned that anyone would be willing to blindly cast a vote for her regardless of how much they want a woman in office.

As a woman who would love to see another woman in the Oval Office, I know I won't be casting my vote for her.

And, it looks like GOP presidential candidate Carly Fiorina won't be either. Take a second to read the recent Hill story where Fiorina candidly shares her view on the former Secretary of State's lack of leadership on the home front and globally, and the inherent lack of trust most Americans have for Mrs. Clinton. God love the recent email scandal - just hoping the GOP lineup is able to seriously call Hillary out and expose her for what she is and has become.

Carly Fiorina tells it like it is in The Hill story

Keep an eye out for Carly. She may not be the GOP winner next year but this lady elephant certainly believes Fiorina is worth watching and learning more about over the next several months.

April 24, 2015 | 100th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide

This is an incredibly important issue to me and my family as I am Armenian. For anyone who knows about this ugly mar in history, they know how many American Armenians were impacted, how many family members were lost and/or orphaned, and they know how inherently strong the Armenians are as a culture. While I am not the most active of my family members across Armenian orgs/causes, I do have a deep appreciation and understanding of what my ancestors (both grandmothers) went through in the early 1900s and thank them each day for the strength they've instilled in me over the years. #ArmenianGenocide100 #TurkeyFailed

"America" the movie: an outstanding portrayal of the American idea...

...and a theme that has a lot to do with why I inherently rejected much of the progressive reading impressed upon me as an undergraduate by my sociology / anthropology professors. All lovely academics but in so many ways misguided even by my immature, collegiate standards at the time.

Lucky for me, graduate school and an English degree followed.

Last night, I dragged my 12-year old daughter (who stalled all the way out the door) and my husband (who isn't generally an avid movie goer) to see Dinesh D'Souza's America. If you haven't seen it yet, go!

What this movie did for me was reaffirm why I rejected so much of the "required" reading pushed on me during college such as Howard Zinn (People's History of the United States), Karl Marx, among others. Of course, I read the required reading, I had to. How else would I get a decent grade and graduate?! I just didn't understand as I read them why anyone would prescribe to actually like, follow and align with ideology that felt so oppressive to me.

Shame, Communism, Imperialism, plundering and conquest. None of these attributes or governing structures felt morally right or were better ideas than America had enlisted as her doctrine through the Founding Fathers, regardless of her or their imperfections. Let's remember, I was only 19 and 20 at the time, and an easy target. But apparently not so malleable. I suppose my inability to fully succumb to their teachings, is why my professors ultimately treated me more like a "nice to have" but not a "must have" pupil.

While I realize "America" is just one movie, it's a thoughtful movie with a clear vision and logic that are easily understood. I wish every kid in America with the ability to comprehend the impact and consequences of history would go see this movie. After the movie, strangers approached me to discuss the theme and merits, something that almost never happens at a movie theater. This movie is different.

If you still haven't seen America, I suggest you pack up the family and head to the theater. It's a great way to beat the summer heat, learn about some significant historical facts you may not have been taught in school (and that your kids aren't being taught today), and understand why so many worldwide continue to believe that the American idea is libertarian genius, and that without her we'd be a very different nation — and not in a good way.

Watch the trailer:

I shouldn't post this on this blog, but I couldn't resist. I might live in Utah and tilt GOP but I am a Boston girl at heart...and this blog is about humorous pursuits after all.

Make sure you're near a bathroom or you will pee your pants, promise!
   

Mitt Romney was Right, Charles Krauthammer is Right!

I'd even go further to say that Romney, in many ways, was prophetic during foreign policy debates on the Middle East. 

Hmm...not hearing many Liberal Democrats saying much now. In fact many of them are running from President Obama and photo ops as he sails in on Air Force One to raise big bucks for Democrat candidates.

While some liberal Dems continue to remain dumbfounded, even trying to somehow justify the humanitarian crisis on Southern Border (or "humanitarian situation" as the Obama admin. would prefer us to call it) as the fault of Republicans, I'd just like to say:

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! 

The cocktail party discussions focused on whether the Obama admin. has been good for America or not are simply ludicrous banter at this point in time. I predict without hesitation that Obama will go down as one of the worst and most destructive presidents the United States has every experienced in its history. The collective sigh of relief when this presidents steps out of office can't come soon enough. 

As hard as I know it is for many liberals to chew on: Mitt was Right! Charles Krauthammer is Right!

I am at a lovely dinner with some less conservative friends. Not sure how the conversation came up but one of the friends at the table was flabbergasted that I actually watch Fox News Channel (which I must disclose I have watched for years) asking me with surprise in her voice: Do you really watch Fox???? I just sighed and explained as a PR professional that I do watch all of the news networks. But then, I could not stop myself, I continued. It's just that these other networks aren't covering the Southern Border or ME or other White House crises as they should be, I said. The only station giving the current D.C.-fueled crises and scandals the factual attention Americans should mandate is Fox News. 

Suffice it to say, the table got quiet. The conversation quickly changed but before it did...

...I unabashedly told my friends (while also acknowledging in my head how lucky we were to be having this discussion in a safe, secure restaurant in U.S. sipping on wine and dining on wonderful food and not in a filthy detention building in Texas on Southern Border or being bombed by known Hamas  and Iranian terrorists): YES, I DO WATCH FOX NEWS CHANNEL because it's the only news network with the journalistic balls to share the facts, whether we as Americans can stand to see and/or hear them or not!

Once settled down, I quietly collected my thoughts, sipped on more wine and thought to myself: until main stream media-bias changes, I will continue to turn the channel to other networks from time to time for information and perspective, but will make sure to watch them much like Charles Krauthammer...with a reverse tint. 

Want a good laugh...or cry

Yes, there really are those who remain in deep, deep denial who actually think four more years of an Obama admin would be blissful. Please say it ain't so. 

PROFESSOR: OBAMA SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO RUN FOR A THIRD TERM

Read it and weep! http://www.thecollegefix.com/post/15481/

Articulate Argument Against Common Core, Delivered by a High School Student Nonetheless

Fed up with Healthcare.gov, check out ehealthinsurance.com

I just spent 15 minutes signing up my entire family with the folks at ehealthinsurance.com and it was easy. Even better, the cost to insure my family of four (medical and dental): $391 per month. The ehealthinsurance customer service reps were friendly, the website worked (sorry, healthcare.gov!) and it only takes 48 hours to find out if you are approved.

Many naysayers of online private-sector insurance are quick to bemoan "pre-existing conditions" as a reason to not try the private route. Okay, I might give you that, maybe. The uninsured individual with pre-existing conditions is a serious issue. However, I strongly maintain that Obamacare is not the right approach or solution. If you are someone with pre-existing conditions that make some private insurance hard and/or impossible to get, a free-market solution would be the better and ultimately more affordable approach.

The pre-existing and insurance cost debacle wasn't a scenario that one party (Democrats) wanted to tackle and the other (Republican) didn't. Rather, it's the portability, tort reform and pre-existing conditions approaches of the latter party that simply weren't considered in 2009 when healthcare reform became the hot button issue.

With the president having his lowest approval rating numbers to date and a country that doesn't philosophically align with socialized medicine (let's call it what it is already), Obamacare has taken a public beating and rightfully so.

Government determining what healthcare you get and how much you will pay isn't the answer. Healthcare is a very personal and private issue. Contrary to what many in the mainstream media and far-left would have you believe, healthcare isn't a right, it's a service and profession that tens of thousands of professionals spend years and years paying into higher education for to become general practitioners/internists, specialized doctors and surgeons, and nurses among other healthcare roles.

As a reminder, these healthcare certifications and roles do not come without a cost, and that is what we as individuals and families choose to pay for. Some make healthcare a high priority, some don't and that's the beauty of individual choice and freedom.

Are there costs to society for those who smoke, sure. And, there always will be. I don't know about you, but I'd rather pay those costs than relinquish my healthcare decisions to Uncle Sam.

If you feel the same, are fed up with big government solution healthcare.gov, and are wondering if private online options still exist, check out ehealthinsurance.com, a private-sector alternative with, even better yet, a site that works!

Better Late Than Never...

Thank you Ashton for sharing the truth about hard work and true success with today's teenagers.

Obamacare: A US "Breaking Bad" Moment

I am not a huge "Breaking Bad" fan, it's a pretty rough TV show and concept to digest. But with the finale behind us, I see many comparisons between this popular show about addiction and impending Obamacare.

I do know bad and deceitful, and the short- and long-term nightmare that is projected from fully implementing Obamacare is bad. As I recall my brief time living in England and being distraught about having a simple vaccine in a London teaching hospital, I can't imagine what turn the U.S. healthcare system takes next if the law's individual mandate is not delayed or defunded by Congress today.

With more students opting out of healthcare professions due to Obamacare and more businesses dropping employees hours to ensure they don't have to pay for healthcare and/or not hiring more employees at all, I am flabbergasted at the rhetoric and stubbornness coming from Washington and Democrat leadership.

So many in the media (and in the GOP including former presidential candidate Jon Huntsman and Salt Lake Tribune Cornflakes source) are criticizing Senators Cruz and Lee for hurting the GOP Party's chances in future elections when they are, in fact, the only souls in the GOP Senate caucus right now standing up for all Americans including the middle class. 

Huntsman says we must accept the partisan-forced ACA as a done deal, I think that mindset is a big mistake. It's not parts of the bill that are bad, it's the whole 2,700-page enchilada and its subtle deceptiveness regarding freedom of choice and cost woven throughout.

Some Americans choose to sign up for health insurance and some don't. Some go to doctors to prevent sickness and some don't. Do we really want Big Brother walking us to the doctor's office or deciding what service we can and can't get? Because, that is what's coming if we roll over and allow Harry Reid to usher in Obamacare come hell or high water, which he has threatened to do. 

Senator Ted Cruz may have made enemies on both sides of the aisle in D.C. but he made a friend of me and hopefully of millions of other Americans who are able to see through the legislative healthcare travesty that is Obamacare. It's good to know there still are a few political crusaders left willing to put life and career on the line for what is right. 

I don't know about you, but six years of being on an economic roller coaster is enough for me. If Obamacare doesn't get defunded, we might as well say "adios" to this country's superior healthcare system and choice. 

I, like most GOP and Democrats who agree Obamacare is a train wreck, don't advocate doing nothing, (our healthcare systems needs an overhaul), just not this. 

NOBAMACARE!

No way, no how I keep hearing. The American people have spoken but are our politicians listening?! I sure hope so but sometimes it doesn't feel that way.

Contrary to left-wing media diatribe, the country is not evenly divided on this issue but you wouldn't know it if you opened your morning paper. Even in Utah, a conservative state by design, the main daily continues to spout off about Utah Senator Mike Lee and how "insane" he is for pushing a budget that doesn't include funding for Obamacare - how could that be?!  

Where's that sacred civility I keep hearing my left-leaning friends nattering about? Still waiting.

I will tell you how that could be - it's because most of the nation and a majority of America's small businesses are saying HELL NO! I've looked under the covers and this law sucks. Think about it, if Obama's cronies and lobbyist friends don't want to abide by the law, should you?

The new healthcare law was JAMMED down our throats via a Democratic partisan vote back in the first term when no one wanted it. It never passed with bipartisan support and now businesses and individuals are running from it in droves.

Why would they be running you might be thinking, isn't this new healthcare law about a better healthcare environment for all including easier access to medical treatment, more doctors, and better insurance options and better facilities and innovation? Nope, I am afraid the writing on the wall says it's not.

In fact, if you dig a little deeper across the 2,600-plus pages of the biggie-sized ACA, there are so many subtle red (run away now) flags it's dizzying. For instance, take the section on "school loans" (why is this even in ACA again?) that determines what money is given to what student depending on what type of medical practice they choose to specialize in (ouch!). Or, how about the part that ensures businesses are forced to pay fines if they choose a different healthcare plan for employees that doesn't meet Obamacare standards (when did we decide Washington gets to determine voluntary benefits programs?)... and then there are the attacks on American individuals and their current plans, which are either being eliminated or premiums are doubling, because they don't meet Obamacare lofty standards (wait, I can't keep my current healthcare? Why? Didn't you say I could keep my plan if I liked it?! Yeah, they lied.).

The ACA, it appears, is not so affordable after all. If you don't believe me, check out more facts before you throw torches at folks like Senators Mike Lee and Ted Cruz who are OVER taking it lying down and at least have the guts to throw themselves on the line despite the mighty backlash that is the Obama admin. and their minions.

If you are like me, sick of watching the country divided and stuttering economically at every turn (NO 7.4% unemployment shouldn't be the new norm, don't kid yourself), then sign the petition that DEFUNDS this incredibly bad reform law and give let's give smart healthcare reform for all Americans a real try.

Check out www.defunditnow.com and sign the petition along with millions of other Americans including me who know we can do so much better.

Syria: To Strike or Not to Strike

Yes, I do believe, unlike some of conservative media personalities, that the United States should strike. But, there is one major caveat for me if we do. The United States must not strike without a definitive plan and mission in place that's honestly communicated to the American people on a level that won't jeopardize the mission.

Now more than ever, Americans need to to know why we should strike and send our soldiers in harms way. The President needs to share his mission expectations without press secretary hyperbole and innuendo.

Will we embolden the wrong coalitions if we strike? How many embassy workers are at risk? Who really benefit from the strike? Will it be the Muslim Brotherhood, al Qaeda, both, or the democratic, freedom loving Syrians who want to see their country modernize and progress.

While I have weighed this debate over and over in my mind, even at one time supporting the idea of not striking, the recent videos and photos of dead, bagged children and young Syrians lying side by side on death row has convinced me that all civilized, peace-loving nations who can, must get involved to remove Assad and his deadly regime immediately.

What truly frustrates me is how politically calculated President Obama and his trusty advisors have been on the Syrian issue (not to mention other issues: IRS, NSA, Benghazi, and the list goes on). In recent days, I have heard: we must strike...no we will wait on Congress (so I can blame GOP in Congress if my Syrian proposal fails)...we are not sure of the outcome [but hey, what difference does it make now - sound familiar?].  

Look, while no one is saying it out loud (well, maybe a few are), I feel confident the Benghazi debacle was and remains connected to Syria. It's kind of a duh?! Oh, if Americans would only embrace the facts with open eyes, hearts and minds. 

Obama needs to put a viable Syrian "use of force" proposal in front of the military, Congress and U.S. allies — a proposal the civilized world can get behind and support. It must include a definitive endgame, the mission must be clear and Obama must get Americans behind him, even those who don't inherently trust him like me.

The United States is a noble country, albeit seemingly morally and ethically devoid right now, and always has been despite the past and present bad citizens and politicians who have shaped history for the worse. If we go into Syria, we must triumph, there is no other choice.

I listened yesterday to the guest host on the Glenn Beck radio show. He was right, we can't let ourselves get fatigued. It's important to get out and enjoy family, friends and local surrounding and stay fresh and vigilant. While it is critical that we all stay engaged in this battle because our freedom and liberties are at stake, it's essential to stay lucid.

It is true, this fight against terrorism and radical Islam is thoroughly exhausting and at times feels hopeless. Our children are the light and hope, and should always remain the reason that we as a nation and individuals never give up the noble fight that is for and has always been about life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

O'Reilly Throws "PC" Caution to the Wind

I sometimes struggle with Bill O'Reilly. Not because I don't respect him as a historian and TV personality, but it seems like he, at times, really tries to give give the benefit of the doubt on many issues I feel so strongly he should not. I suppose that's how freedom of speech goes, and that is a good thing.

However, O'Reilly blew me out of the water last night when he decided to throw caution to the wind on the issue of "racism" telling off the African American elite and laying the groundwork in the simplest of terms on why blacks in America continue to struggle while their elite counterparts appear to flourish. 

Are there pockets of white racists in America. Of course there are, and shame on them. But, if you really dig deep and look at the facts and current statistics, it's clear that neither the Obama administration nor big talkers like Al Sharpton, Rev. Jesse Jackson or Louis Farrakhan are driven to actually solve the problem and improve life for the people they supposedly care about so much.

In fact, it seems almost like that these same supposed preachers of civil rights actually get off on exacerbating the "racist divide" for their own profit. For that matter, I've not heard any of these men or many of the elite African Americans contributing on Fox News and other major news cable networks talk about the real problems and dismal cultural statistics African Americans face in so many of America's inner cities and rural counties with the exception, of course, of Star Parker. 

In an ironic twist, I suppose we need to thank Mr. Bill O'Reilly for setting the racism record straight. It's clear Bill would like to see life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness improve for all Americans including African Americans. If you don't believe me, just watch as O'Reilly challenges President Obama and the Black Caucus to sincerely address the race problem once and for all perfectly defining the problem in a way that even the low information voter should understand.

MSNBC Hardball Host Chris Matthews Goes Off on Obama Admin Lack of Accountability

Like Matthews had to tell any of us this...most of us who did their research knew this would be the eventual fallout even before Obama was elected. But, still the video is worth watching. Just feels good.

 

You Go Kid! Kyle MacKinnon Brings Back Pledge of Allegiance to Wellesley Middle School

A breath of fresh air amidst so much politically correct garbage these days. Gives me hope and makes me believe the generation coming up is smarter than we know.

8th grader leads Pledge of Allegiance back to Wellesley Middle School

by By bbrown | Published: May 28, 2013 in The Swellesley Report

Students at Wellesley Middle School, starting today (Tuesday, May 28), have the option of reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to start the school day.

Most 8th grade students, in response to a survey orchestrated by classmate Kyle MacKinnon as part of a yearlong effort to bring the Pledge back to the school, indicated they wanted the option to say the pledge, and now every classroom is outfitted with a flag.

MacKinnon was inspired to bring the pledge back to WMS (it’s unclear when it went away) after an old and worn American flag was replaced in the courtyard at the urging of a former WMS student. MacKinnon’s mother, Beth, says “Kyle realized that it would be really  great for the students to recognize and respect the flag.  Bringing back the Pledge of Allegiance was the perfect solution.” She credits “the countless hours” that Principal Mark Ito put in working with Kyle to make the student’s effort succeed.

The principal, who says the Pledge had not been recited during his roughly 10 years at the school as a teacher and administrator, met with Kyle multiple times throughout the course of the school year. “Not knowing the outcome, I wanted it to be a learning opportunity about initiating a request, researching/polling, proper steps, communicating with appropriate parties,” Ito says.  “I wanted to focus on the process more than the outcome. I believe Kyle gained much along the way.”

Here’s Kyle speech from Friday, before the Memorial Day Weekend, at a school assembly:

I first came up with the idea to get the Pledge of Allegiance in Wellesley Middle School when the old American flag was replaced in the courtyard.  Someone had seen that the American flag in front of the school was in need of replacement.  At first I didn’t think much at all about the event.  After a little while a question had developed in my mind….”Why would we replace our American flag but not properly show it our respect?”  At that point I knew I wanted to do something.  I talked with some members of my family and discovered that I should work with the faculty of WMS and bring back the Pledge of Allegiance.  I started emailing Mr. Chisum the principal, at the end of 7th grade.  2 or 3 months later it was summer vacation.  Mr. Chisum then moved to the high school, and Mr. Ito became principal of WMS.

This year I worked very hard to make progress on my mission.  My first big step was when I sent out a survey to all of the 8th grade students.  95% of students said they would feel comfortable saying the Pledge at any time.  If you don’t want to say the Pledge of Allegiance that’s okay because you always will have the choice not to say it.

I really want students at WMS to understand what the Pledge and the flag really mean.  I see the Pledge as a way to give back to our country and to respect it.  Think about what you can do in America every day and how fortunate we are to live here.  America protects you from people who don’t think we deserve what we have, and would want to take it away from us. But most importantly it gives us our freedom, freedom which people have protected for generations and even sacrificed their lives for.  We have many brave men and women that help protect our country’s values so that we can always be free.  We need a way to say thank you, I am in your allegiance.  When we say the Pledge of Allegiance, we are not saying that America controls us, we are saying that we are proud to be American.  Even if you were not born in this country or maybe you have dual citizenship, you are a citizen of the USA and as a citizen we have duties.  One of them is showing respect for our country.  I think that over the years people have lost the realization of how great this country is, and by saying the Pledge every day, starting now, we will come to a deeper love and understanding of our country, the United States of America.    

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America,

And to the republic for which it stands, 

One nation, under God, indivisible,

with liberty and justice for all.

Separately, Wellesley High School began reciting the Pledge of Allegiance during morning announcements following April vacation.

Superintendent David Lussier says it’s actually state law to recite the Pledge at school, so when students at the high school and middle school noted its absence, the schools worked to re-introduce it. “For me, the issue has far less to do with complying with the law and much more to do with supporting values related to citizenship,” he says.

Benghazi, AP, Fox, CBS, IRS...What's Next?!

Many in my circle are calling Obama's second term: The Age of Soft Tyranny. Frankly, I am not so sure it is all that soft. The idea of what's next isn't just kind of scary to me, it feels closer to evil.

Over the past several weeks and months, it has come to the nation's attention that our DOJ might be fibbing. I find it funny how no one, not even many of the GOP politicians going on Fox and other network opinion shows almost nightly, have the guts to come out and call it like it is: that the Eric Holders, WH staffers (can you say Jay Carney) and the Obama's of the world are willing to lie and spin to achieve their progressive socialist agenda. It's just that simple. 

So it appears the IRS has made tax-exempt status requests for ONLY Tea Party / conservative groups a tad <wink> more difficult to obtain for maybe 100s of conservative groups...and possibly hundreds more.

As the most powerful "non-partisan" agency in government, the IRS and its Cincinnati-based, allegedly low-level scapegoats appear to have taken sides. Adding to the "you have to be kidding" factor: Lois Lerner's ability to testify at her council's recommendation and take the "Fifth" all in the same breath.

SERIOUSLY, THIS HAS TO BE A SICK JOKE! 

While the IRS scandal certainly made fundraising in 2011 and 2012 (who knows just when it all started) just a tad easier for Democrats and progressive left-wing ideologues who supported Obama, it was an egregiously and likely illegal tactic that we can only hope will haunt Secretary Timothy Geithner, Doug Shulman, that other acting IRS guy Steven Miller who just resigned, and Lois Lerner (currently on "PAID" leave) until the end of time (or their careers, whichever comes first).

To me, it remains kind of comical how mainstream media has become so uppity all of a sudden. They don't appear to mind so much the cover-up and mysteriously changing Benghazi talking points or how obliterating to liberty, not to mention illegal, oppressing those who differ in opinion can be. But boy, when it comes to spying on journalists and their parents and friends, watch out, the media wakes up! Sort of.

I suppose mainstream might wake up at some point. At this point, it's still a unknown. Who knows, maybe the ABC networks are trying to figure out how to smooth over the scandals with the "court of public opinion" on behalf of Obama yet again. Been done before. Or, maybe this internal attack on journalists will become a day of awakening for all media. While I have friends that are more cynical, I am still an optimist with the hope that "objective journalism" will make a comeback sometime before 2030.

Scandal and outrage, the underpinnings of today's soft tyranny movement, seem to remain on the radar — let's just pray the IRS, AP/Fox/CBS and Benghazi are more than just fleeting headlines for the families of those murdered who served this nation with honor and our entire country's sake.