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

January 17

1994, 4:31 a.m. - Magnitude 6.7 Northridge earthquake rocks Santa Clarita Valley [video]

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.

Laurene Weste | Preserving the Past, Building the Future at Hart Park

Friday, Jan 16, 2026

There are places in our community where history is not simply remembered, but carefully safeguarded and brought to life every day. William S. Hart Park is one of those rare treasures.

Pilar Schiavo | California State Budget

Tuesday, Jan 13, 2026

Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo (D-Chatsworth) released the following statement on Friday, Jan. 9 in response to Governor Gavin Newsom's proposed 2026–27 State Budget.

Kathryn Barger | One Year Later

Saturday, Jan 10, 2026

This week marked the one-year anniversary of the Eaton Fire. As I reflect on the past year and look toward what lies ahead, my message to survivors is clear: I see your pain, I respect your resilience and I remain committed to walking with you on the long road ahead.

Councilwoman Marsha McLean | New Year, New Amenities

Friday, Jan 2, 2026

As we usher in a new year, I want to wish you and your family a very happy and healthy 2026.

Ken Striplin | Happy New Year, Santa Clarita

Friday, Jan 2, 2026

It’s hard to believe 2025 is now in the rearview mirror.

Happy New Year and Becoming Father Time

Monday, Dec 29, 2025

The end of the year points out that time speeds up as you get older, or get bored, or think too much.

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com


Today in SCV History (Jan. 17) 1994, 4:31 a.m. - Magnitude 6.7 Northridge earthquake rocks Santa Clarita Valley [video]	Lady Mustangs Power Past OUAZ On the Road A strong defensive performance by The Master's University Lady Mustangs basketball team led to a 73-45 win against OUAZ in Surprise, Ariz.	Tejon Ranch Conservancy Offers February Nature Programs The Tejon Ranch Conservancy has published its calendar of nature programs it will host in February.	Jan. 20: SUSD to Meet in Closed Session with City Regarding Santa Clarita Elementary The regular meeting of the Saugus Union School District Governing Board of Trustees will be held Tuesday, Jan. 20 beginning at 6:30 p.m. The board will first meet in closed session at 5:30 p.m.	Hart District’s Collyn Nielsen Named ACSA Negotiator of the Year The William S. Hart Union School District has announced that Dr. Collyn Nielsen, Deputy Superintendent, Human Resources, has been named the 2026 Negotiator of the Year by the Association of California School Administrators.	Jan. 20: City of Santa Clarita Planning Commission Plans Site Tours The city of Santa Clarita Planning Commission has scheduled a site tour of the Princessa Crossroads Specific Plan Project and a virtual tour of the Belcaro at Sand Canyon Project. These projects are expected to hold public hearings in the near future.
COC SBDC Hosting Free Webinars to Help Grow Businesses Free business training webinars are available from the College of the Canyons Small Business Development Center this January.	March 7: ‘Live From Santa Clarita, It’s Saturday Night’ SCVHS 50th Anniversary The Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a unique gala on Saturday, March 7, 6-10 p.m.	Saugus High Music Clothes for Cash Fundraiser Saugus High School Instrumental Music gives back while raising much-needed funds for the high school's music program.	Feb. 10: Non-Profit Council Roundtable’s ‘Non-Profit Love Match’ at Child & Family Center Join the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce for a special Non-Profit Council Roundtable, "Non-Profit Love Match: A High-Impact Networking Experience for Professionals & Nonprofits," 5-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10 at the Education Center at Child & Family Center.	Laurene Weste \| Preserving the Past, Building the Future at Hart Park There are places in our community where history is not simply remembered, but carefully safeguarded and brought to life every day. William S. Hart Park is one of those rare treasures.	Jan. 18: CBS Film Series Presents ‘Truth & Treason’ Congregation Beth Shalom offers a monthly film series that shows selected independent films one Sunday per month at 2 p.m.
CDPH Reminds Retailers, Public About Dangers of Kratom, 7-OH Products The California Department of Public Health is collaborating with the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control and the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration to remind consumers and retailers that products containing kratom or 7-hyrdroxymitragynine, commonly known as 7-OH, are associated with addiction, serious harm, overdose and death.	Foothill League Soccer: The Big Push Foothill League soccer is coming into a final flurry of league matches that will sort out standings.	Jan. 18: Valencia FivePoint Farmers Market Free Cooking Demonstration The Valencia FivePoint Farmers Market will offer a special live cooking demonstration and tasting on Sunday, Jan. 18.	Jan. 19: California State Parks to Offer Free Vehicle Entry on MLK Day In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that California residents and visitors will receive free vehicle day-use entry to participating California state parks on Monday, Jan. 19.	Today in SCV History (Jan. 16) 1926 - Newhall Community Hospital, est. 1922, opens in larger, more modern hospital building at 6th & Spruce streets [story]	Jan. 19: Schiavo to Host MLK Day of Service, Donations Encouraged Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo will host the Third Annual MLK Day of Service on Monday, Jan. 19. The event will be held 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Santa Clarita Vallet Boys and Girls Club Thomas E. Dierckman Clubhouse.
Jan. 18: Ridge Route Preservation Organization Work Day The Ridge Route Preservation Organization will host a Ridge Route Storm Clean Up Day Sunday, Jan. 18 at 7 a.m.	Jan. 17: Santa Clarita Community Hike in Quigley Canyon Open Space The city of Santa Clarita January Community Hike will be held Saturday, Jan. 17, at 10 a.m. in the Quigley Canyon Open Space, Cleardale Avenue, Santa Clarita, CA 91321.	Jan. 22: City of Santa Clarita to Break Ground on Via Princessa Park The city of Santa Clarita invites the community to celebrate the groundbreaking of Via Princessa Park on Thursday, Jan. 22, at 10 a.m.	Jan. 29: ‘Teen Library Eats: Ramen Noodle Bar’ at Canyon Country Library Canyon Country Jo Anne Darcy Library will host a "Teen Library Eats: Ramen Noodle," event Thursday, Jan. 29, 4-5 p.m. at 18601 Soledad Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91351.	Traffic Alert Issued for SCV Water Pipeline Installation on Smyth Drive The city of Santa Clarita has issued a traffic alert for Smyth Drive in Valencia.	Jan. 23-Feb. 1: Eclipse Theatre LA Presents ‘Curse of the Starving Class’ at The MAIN Sam Shepard’s dark comedy "Curse of the Starving Class," presented by Eclipse Theatre LA, will run weekends beginning Friday, Jan. 23-Feb. 1 at The MAIN.