Issue #102

by Art Kelly

1. Newt Gingrich has written a compelling article opposing the construction of a proposed mosque at Ground Zero in New York.

“There should be no mosque near Ground Zero in New York as long as thee are no churches or synagogues in Saudi Arabia…America is experiencing an Islamist cultural-political offensive designed to undermine and destroy our civilization,” he wrote.

Issue #102

by Art Kelly

1. Medicare turns 45 on Friday, July 30, 2010, and Social Security turns 75 on Saturday, August 14, 2010. Both programs are in serious jeopardy.

The last issue of this newsletter reported that 77% of the American people believe that Social Security is either in a crisis or faces major problems.

Issue #102

by Art Kelly

1. Michael Barone, senior political analyst for the Washington Examiner and highly respected editor of the Almanac of American Politics, writes that “House Democrats are headed toward historic loses” in the 2010 elections. But the Gallup Poll still shows Democrats ahead in races for Congress.

In 1994, Barone wrote an article for U.S. News and World Report indicating the GOP had “a serious chance” to win control of the House. His was the first piece in the mainstream media that pointed to the Republican sweep in the elections that year.

Issue #101

by Art Kelly

1. Various abortion rights groups in Atlanta are protesting the pro-life Freedom Rides to pray at the tomb of Martin Luther King, Jr.

These abortion supporters have tried to deny pro-life groups the use of the King Center.

Issue #101

by Art Kelly

1. The U.S. Senate defeated 59-39 an attempt by Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC) to prevent re-instatement of the federal estate tax.

During the Bush Administration, Congress passed legislation that gradually phased out the estate tax so that it is now at zero. However, that legislation provided a “sunset” provision on this tax relief so that the estate tax will automatically be re-instated next year at 55% unless Congress takes action to stop it.

Issue #101

by Art Kelly

1. The latest Rasmussen Reports shows Republicans with a significant lead for Congress 45% to 36%, but the newest Gallup Poll shows Democrats on top 49% to 43%.

Both polls show the GOP with about the same level of support, 45% and 43%, but the results are dramatically different in Democratic support, 36% and 49%.

Issue #100

by Art Kelly

1. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has urged its members to contact Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to request that religiously affiliated hospitals be required to perform abortions.

In an online message, the ACLU stated there was a “need for immediate federal intervention” because religiously affiliated hospitals across the country inappropriately deny “emergency” abortions.

Issue #100

by Art Kelly

1. At the end of June, the IOUs in the Social Security Trust Fund (old age and survivors & disability) amounted to more $2.605 Trillion, according to the latest report from the U.S. Treasury Department’s Financial Management Service.

So far this fiscal year, $100.982 Billion has been “borrowed” from the Trust Fund and used for the general operations of the federal government.

Issue #100

by Art Kelly

1. The National Rifle Association (NRA) may endorse Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (lifetime ACU rating 18.56%) for re-election over stalwart conservative Sharron Angle in Nevada.

RedState blogger Eric Erickson noted a “puff piece” on the NRA in the New York Times stated, “A point of contention on both the left and right is the NRA’s close working relationship with Mr. Reid…That relationship has led some gun rights supporters to lobby against the idea the NRA might endorse Mr. Reid in his tough re-election campaign this November. The NRA is not tamping down speculation.”

Issue #99

by Art Kelly

1. Tony Perkins, President of the Family Research Council, testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee in opposition to Elena Kagan’s nomination to the Supreme Court:

“As one who has spent a number of years in uniform, as a Marine and a police officer, my remarks will focus primarily on Ms. Kagan’s treatment of military recruiters at Harvard Law School.