SCVNews.com | Opinion/Commentary: Click Three Times

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside

Weather

Calendar

Today in
S.C.V. History

December 4

1962- Actress and future Soledad Canyon big-cat rescuer Tippi Hedren, "Hitchcock's New Grace Kelly," makes cover of Look magazine for upcoming thriller, "The Birds" [story]

Click Three Times

The Real Side | Commentary by Joe Messina

Joe Messina | Monday, Oct 12, 2015

Click Here to Get Our 'SCV This Morning' Newsletter

Tweet This

Facebook

Digg This

Bookmark

Stumble

RSS

Mr. President, please return from Oz, or Mars, or wherever your mind is currently. Really successful people surround themselves with people of knowledge. They don’t do it to spend hordes of money. They do it to have the best information from those who have expertise so they have a greater chance of being successful.

President Obama loves to convene “commissions” and “committees” of these “knowledgeable” people – and then totally ignore them.

He ignores his NSA briefings. By his own admission, he almost never reads them. When he read something about ISIS gaining ground, orders were given to dumb down the reports so Americans would not know how these guys operated. I believe he didn’t think they would really amount to anything at the time.

During the debate with Romney, you’ll recall Obama saying Russia was not a problem. He even quipped with something like, “The 1980s called. They want their Russian fear-mongering back.” He was sure they were not a threat and that only al-Qaida was, but even al-Qaida was really no longer a big threat.

The president brought together a “jobs” dream team to help strengthen the jobs situation in America. He appointed Jeffrey R. Immelt, chairman and CEO of General Electric.

He might as well have appointed Attila the Hun to the U.N. Human Rights Commission (they have also done that several times). Immelt has moved most of the manufacturing and jobs for GE overseas, yes, to a foreign country. He is supposed to help rebuild America’s job market – not another country’s.

He and the president set up for a great recovery. We still have 92 million Americans out of work (a record high number), and more than 72 percent of all new jobs are part-time. Just what we need, right?

Recently in the wake of gun violence, he brought together a group of law enforcement officials to the White House. Not one was a pro-gun official. No conservative sheriffs or chiefs of police. Whom did he choose? Mostly policy makers and legislators.

Who better to help figure out how to deter gun violence than people who aren’t involved with it day to day, right? It doesn’t make any sense.

But again, the Prez, after saying he doesn’t have the ability to do it alone through executive order, is working on an executive order for gun control. That must have been Oz-speak. Like the whole, “if you like your doctor,” and the classic, “I can’t act on immigration alone” – and then did it anyway. Lie after lie after lie.

Anyone see a pattern here?

John Kerry, during his presidential run, said: “We have to beat these guys because they are such liars.” Hello? “Those guys” need to look in the mirror, take off the political blinders, and see what they are doing to this country.

How about we just enforce the law and live by the Constitution, for starters? Stop making it easier for so many to break the law and skirt jail. Just enforce the laws on the books.

Only a little over 22 percent of Americans support the Iran nuclear deal. The president is pushing for it like his life depends on it. So is this deal for the American people or for Obama? Because he thinks it’s right. And if he thinks it’s the best, it must be, no matter what other security and Middle East experts say. So much for representative government.

He promised to strengthen relationships with our allies. Fail. We have one ally left, and that’s only until Iran has the capability of launching nukes at Israel. Even the English prime minister recently asked Obama to stop ignoring the reality that it is extremist Muslims currently causing all of the chaos.

The Saudis, Iranians, Syrians and more are running to Russia for protection and alliances. Why? Because Obama has strengthened the U.S. position with our allies so much that they are now certain we can’t be relied on. What Obama has shown them is they can count on us to set a goal and then abandon them.

He is now looking for a way to get out of Afghanistan. Why? To leave another vacuum for ISIS and the Russians?

Mr. President, it’s not war-mongering to say we will defend our allies and then actually do it.

Instead of defending our enemies, Iran, Muslim Brotherhood, ISIS (whom you never bombed) and others looking to kill us, you should start defending those who would have stood with us but now can’t trust us because we haven’t been there for them at all.

Why don’t you come out of the Land of OZ and back to reality? Protect American men and women like you said you would; help our veterans like you promised; and promote real, full-time jobs instead of trying to figure out how to get a part-timer $15 an hour.

Shouldn’t we take care of our own first? Get them on solid ground. Then we can help others get solid.

We’re waiting for you over here in the real world. So come on back from Oz.

Joe Messina is host of The Real Side (TheRealSide.com), a nationally syndicated talk show that runs on AM-1220 KHTS radio and SCVTV [here]. He is also an elected member of the Hart School Board. His commentary publishes Mondays.

Comment On This Story

COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

17 Comments

Gary says:

Monday, Oct 12, 2015 at

Joe,

The most famous NSA non-listener was George Bush, who now notoriously didn’t read the emails from Clinton’s previous NSA advisors, warning of an impending attack by airliners on the Trade Towers by Osama Bin Laden. It doesn’t get any worse than that.

But it did: After those attacks, Bush did what you’re suggesting, and over-reacted, launching America into a 12 year middle east war that is still raging… Bush took Bin Laden’s bait, hook, line, and sinker… just as you would, now.

President Obama is intelligently not overreacting to anything. You would have had us invade Ukraine! But 8 years ago Ukraine was a lackey government of Putin. Today, it is a stabilized though volatile independent Democracy. Putin has caused trouble, but he is now stymied, without the use of US military troops!

Obama knows how to play chess, and is a master who nearly always wins in the end. You would have us lurch around the world with a club, beating humans into submission, until we are totally bankrupt both morally and economically.

Joe, learn to think three dimensionally. You always have the same answers to diverse questions without consideration of the nuances of each event’s unique demands.

Reply
mellie says:

Monday, Oct 12, 2015 at

I wish everyone would quit calling that usurper “President;” he is not.

Reply
Anthony Malone says:

Monday, Oct 12, 2015 at

Joe you sound like like fox spews…..always complaining about Obama, It’s Obama’s Fault, blame your bad bad luck on Obama, Obama won’t listen to reason, yada, yada and yada.

Reply
- Shirley Vercelli says:
  
  Monday, Oct 12, 2015 at
  
  Yep, Anthony, yada,yada,yada,fits Obama’s whole 7 years of improving the economy, cutting the budget,keeping us safe from terrorists,getting along with Russia,Israel ,China,and most of the United States. You’re a real jokester!?
  
  Reply
- Anthony Malone says:
  
  Monday, Oct 12, 2015 at
  
  No Shirley I’m not a Jokester it’s my viewpoint just like you have a viewpoint. My comments were not DIRECTED TOWARDS YOU. Remember that ok.
  
  Reply
- Shirley Vercelli says:
  
  Tuesday, Oct 13, 2015 at
  
  Sorry, I didn’t take the remarks personally, but your defense of this administration is hard to let it just go by with out comment. You must be kidding, right!
  
  Reply
- Anthony Malone says:
  
  Tuesday, Oct 13, 2015 at
  
  Thank you for your comments Shirley….do I sound like I’m kidding, well I’m not !
  
  Reply
Lee Uber says:

Monday, Oct 12, 2015 at

Hey Joe…there’s this thing called “compromise”. Maybe things would get better for everyone if Republicans learned the meaning of the word.

Reply
- Shirley Vercelli says:
  
  Monday, Oct 12, 2015 at
  
  Lee, after watching Obama not compromise or even talk to congress,not let bills pass through Harry Reed, for over 7 years, you must be kidding!!
  
  Reply
Jayne Ann Saporito says:

Monday, Oct 12, 2015 at

I think it is Obama who is not listening to most of us!

Reply
Judy Longyear Rich says:

Monday, Oct 12, 2015 at

Oboma is not in the land of Oz. He knows very well what he’s doing. He’s purposely bringing our country down in every way possible. He is a MUSLIM
( although during the elections he claimed to be Christian….. Muslims are allowed to lie and decieve if it’s for the cause of Allah)

Reply
- Pearl Obispo says:
  
  Monday, Oct 12, 2015 at
  
  Drinks beer, eats pork, had a hand in killing Bin Laden, for women’s rights, for gay marriage…he seriously is the worst “Muslim” ever. BTW Judy – you think Christians have never lied or killed in the name of God? Get over yourself.
  
  Reply
- Jared Gardner says:
  
  Monday, Oct 12, 2015 at
  
  Wow. Dorks still believe this? Unreal!
  
  Reply
- Sean Cohen says:
  
  Monday, Oct 12, 2015 at
  
  I think yall need to read his books^
  
  Reply
- Dobie Gillis says:
  
  Tuesday, Oct 13, 2015 at
  
  The irony is that this article and RESPONSE was on Columbus Day. You know the day when Christianity found a new continent to conquer by lies, disease and killing.
  
  Judy, be honest with yourself. Even if he was a Muslim (for you obviously in caps) you saying Muslims are allowed to lie as if Christians don’t shows the simplicity and myopia of this country and it’s people.
  
  I know, it was much better with Bush. Economic collapse, 9/11, Iraq WMD as a lie, Cheney becoming beyond rich with said lie, thousands of young soldiers dying, property value at impossible low with people upside down, banks ripping off the people and closing all over the place, an auto industry dead… I can go on.
  
  Obama is FAR from a great President. He was decent. That’s it but the amazing racism and anti-muslim sentiment (which he is not nor is he from Africa… yeah, black people always become POTUS and this plan was in place from birth) and you use it as a way to hide from your prejudices is obvious.
  
  Joe is simple minded. I’m used to that. Not because he’s on the right. Because he’s unreasonable. Because he whines every time he writes. I take it you get comfort from that.
  
  Reply
- Michael Nyberg says:
  
  Tuesday, Oct 13, 2015 at
  
  Lol. Speechless at this ignorance. Judy, please just try giving something besides a Republican conspiracy theory a thought.
  
  Reply
Jared Gardner says:

Monday, Oct 12, 2015 at

I’m glad Joe took a break from his “carnal relations” with Betty Arenson to give us yet another insightful article.

Reply

Click here to cancel reply.

Opinion Section Policy

All opinions and ideas are welcome. Factually inaccurate, libelous, defamatory, profane or hateful statements are not. Your words must be your own. All commentary is subject to editing for legibility. There is no length limit, but the shorter, the better the odds of people reading it. "Local" SCV-related topics are preferred. Send commentary to: LETTERS (at) SCVNEWS.COM. Author's full name, community name, phone number and e-mail address are required. Phone numbers and e-mail addresses are not published except at author's request. Acknowledgment of submission does not guarantee publication.

Bill Miranda | Family Literacy Festival in Candyland!

Friday, Nov 29, 2024

When my kids were young, one of their favorite games was Candyland.

Ken Striplin | Thankful for Our Nonprofits

Monday, Nov 25, 2024

The Thanksgiving holiday is all about gratitude. Being thankful for what we have and all the blessings we have in our lives.

Mayor Cameron Smyth | Experience Holiday Cheer on the Tracks

Thursday, Nov 21, 2024

The holiday season is just around the corner and it’s one of the most magical times of the year.

Barger on Protections for Youth in Juvenile Halls

Wednesday, Nov 20, 2024

Supervisor Kathryn Barger commented on Attorney General Rob Bonta’s announcement that he is pursuing additional monitoring and strengthened protections for youth in Los Angeles County’s juvenile halls.

Marcia Mayeda | Winter, Holiday Safety Tips for Pets

Wednesday, Nov 13, 2024

I think we’re all glad that the extreme heat of the past few months here in southern California has passed, and we are now enjoying some beautiful fall days.

Kathryn Barger | Oath of Office

Monday, Nov 11, 2024

This week, I took my Oath of Office for my third and final term as Fifth District Supervisor.

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com


LASD: Acton Bank Robbery Suspect Arrested The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Major Crimes Bureau, Metro Detail detectives and LASD Palmdale Station detectives responded to the California Bank and Trust in Acton, in response to a reported bank robbery.	Celebrate The Winter Season at L.A. County Parks The County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation is excited to announce the return of two favorite winter celebrations: Parks After Dark Winter Wonderland and Holidays in the Park.	Dec. 10: SCV Water Holds Special Board Meeting The Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency will be holding a special board meeting Tuesday, Dec. 10.	County Certifies 2024 General Election Results Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk Dean C. Logan certified the final results for the Nov. 5, 2024 General Election on Tuesday, Dec. 3, the first day counties are permitted to certify under the timeframe prescribed in the California Elections Code.	State Secures Broad Voluntary Recall of Raw Milk and Cream to Protect Consumers Continuing its action to protect public health, the state has secured a broad, voluntary recall of all raw whole milk and cream products from Raw Farm, LLC.	CSUN’s Jewish Studies Program to Co-Host ‘Compassionate Conversations’ California State University, Northridge’s Jewish Studies Program is collaborating with the UCLA Dialogue Across Difference Initiative and Bedari Kindness Institute to host a conversation between Miriam Udel and Reza Aslan about charting a course toward peace and understanding
Dec. 8: 45-Year Anniversary Celebration of Santa Clarita McDonald’s Franchise Santa Clarita Valley McDonald’s Owner/Operators Jay and Shelly Schutz are celebrating 45 years in Santa Clarita at their 18850 Soledad Canyon Road location with a special event to thank customers and neighbors for their decades of support and cherished memories.	Dec. 9-12: All Lanes of I-5 SB to be Closed in Newhall A nightime closure of all southbound lanes of the Interstate 5 Freeway in Newhall is scheduled to run Monday, Dec. 9 through Thursday, Dec. 12 due to the I-5 North County Enhancements Project.	Today in SCV History (Dec. 4) 1962- Actress and future Soledad Canyon big-cat rescuer Tippi Hedren, "Hitchcock's New Grace Kelly," makes cover of Look magazine for upcoming thriller, "The Birds" [story]	Nathan Hochman Sworn In As New L.A. County District Attorney Nathan Hochman, a former federal prosecutor and Assistant U.S. Attorney General, was sworn in Tuesday, Dec. 3 as the 44th District Attorney of Los Angeles County.	Buckstead, CEO of Child & Family Center, Appointed to County Interagency Council The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has approved Supervisor Kathryn Barger’s nomination of Nikki Buckstead, CEO of Child & Family Center, to serve on the Los Angeles County Interagency Council on Child Abuse and Neglect (ICAN).	Dec. 14: Ken & Joe’s Season of Giving Winter Charity Event Ken & Joe’s Second "Season of Giving Winter Charity Event" will be held Saturday, Dec. 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the dealership's location at 21618 Golden Triangle Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91350.
Barger Becomes Chair of Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger started her term as Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors for 2024-2025 on Tuesday, Dec. 3.	Dec. 20: Santa Clarita Youth Orchestra Presents ‘Carnival of the Animals’ Experience the magic of live music and animated visuals at the Santa Clarita Youth Orchestra’s "Carnival of the Animals" concert, Friday, Dec. 20, 6 p.m. at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons.	SCV Chamber Business Choice Awards Nominations are Open The Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce has announced nominations are officially open for the Santa Clarita Valley Business Choice Awards and will remain open till Tuesday, Dec. 31.	Schiavo Offers Relief, Relocation Bills for Those Impacted by Chiquita Canyon Landfill Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo (D-Chatsworth) was sworn in on Monday, Dec. 2 in Sacramento to represent Assembly District 40, which includes the Santa Clarita Valley, Castaic, Northwest San Fernando Valley and North Sylmar.	Dec. 9: Public Invited to Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Valencia Community Center The city of Santa Clarita invites the community to the ribbon cutting ceremony of the new Valencia Community Center on Monday, Dec. 9 at 10 a.m. at Valencia Summit Park.	Valladares Introduces ‘Home for Heroes Act’ on Her First Day in Office On her first day in office, Senator Suzette Martinez Valladares (R-Santa Clarita) introduced Senate Bill 23, to provide meaningful support for California’s disabled veteran homeowners.
Today in SCV History (Dec. 3) 1887 - Prohibitionist Henry Needham purchases land in Newhall, attempts to establish "dry" colony [story]	SNAP Sports Seeks Support on Giving Tuesday, Dec. 3 As the holiday season nears, SNAP Sports, (Special Needs Athletes and Peers), is excited to participate in Giving Tuesday, a global day of giving back, on Dec. 3.	CSUN on The Hollywood Reporter’s List of Top 20 Music Schools California State University, Northridge’s Department of Music has been named one of the top 20 music schools by The Hollywood Reporter alongside schools such as The Juilliard School, the University of Southern California and Berklee College of Music.	Get a Flu, COVID Shot to Boost Family Immunity During the Holidays The California Department of Public Health is reminding the public that holiday gatherings can lead to holiday colds and to get vaccinated against influenza, COVID-19 and other winter viruses to protect yourself and loved ones this winter.	COC’s Torres Named De Anza College President Dr. Omar Torres, who serves as chief instructional officer at College of the Canyons, has been named President of De Anza College, effective Friday, Jan. 3, 2025.	Dec. 2-8: Six Productions Filming in Santa Clarita The city of Santa Clarita’s Film Office has released the list of six productions currently filming in the Santa Clarita Valley for the week of Monday, Dec. 2 to Sunday, Dec. 8.