Sheldon's Shaky Financial Foundation Imperils Freedom's Watch

Sheldon Adelson's Las Vegas Sands Corp saw a drop in its stock price from over $100 to a paltry $3 per share. That kind of casino hit has to impact donations, political and charitable. JTA reported:

The Sheldon Adelson-backed conservative group Freedom's Watch "is pretty much kaput," reports the Las Vegas Review-Journal. A spokesman tells the paper the future of the group has yet to be decided by its board, but the paper's sources say staff has been paid through the end of the year and "after that, Freedom's Watch is likely to shut its doors permanently."

The Las Vegas Review-Journal article stated Mr. Adelson was "the source of the overwhelming majority of the group's funding as well as the guiding force behind its decisions." It noted his company faced major problems due to the financial crisis.

Sands has suspended construction on projects in Las Vegas and Macau, and the company recently said it was in danger of defaulting on $5.2 billion in credit facilities.

No credit, no loan. No credibility, no vote. Let's hope real freedom is a phoenix and America can rise from its ashes. Unfortunately, the financial flames are still licking.

Israel Dangles Carrots to Minimize Blowback

Outgoing Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert dangled the carrot of a Palestinian state. He noted an agreement could be reached soon. Olmert also stated the U.S. had not tied Israel's hand on military intervention in Iran or Gaza.

"In principle there is nothing to prevent us from reaching an agreement on the core issues in the near future," Olmert said during a briefing with Israeli reporters. "I believe it is possible. I believe it is timely. A declaration is needed. I am ready to make it. I hope the other side is."

He also stressed the US had not tied Israel's hands when it came to military operations in the waning days of the Bush administration, despite media reports to the contrary.

"I don't remember that anyone in the administration, including the last couple of days, advised me or any of my official representatives not to take any action which we will deem necessary for the fundamental security of Israel, and that includes Iran," he said.

Israel has no government in place to approve Olmert's vision, should he act quickly. Rest assured, his promises are intended to keep recalcitrant Arabs and Palestinians in line, should Israel launch a preemptive military strike.

Secretary Rice Blames Change of Israeli Leadership for Lack of Peace

The Arab League Peace Plan might be a basis for lasting peace between Israel and Palestine, if only there wasn't turmoil in Israeli leadership. Secretary of State Condi Rice offered Israel's upcoming elections as the major cause as her term winds down.

The problem is this alibi doesn't hold water. The peace plan was offered in 2002. Is Condi blaming six years of Israeli leadership turmoil for the missed peace opportunity? Of course not. She's sandbagging for her and George W.'s heavy handed legacy.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is visiting the U.S. Yesterday, he met with Elliott Abrams of Iran-Contra pardon fame.

British Foreign Minister David Milband offered a rationale for an Israeli/U.S. strike when he called Iranian nukes an immediate threat.

Pirates of the Arabian

Two world events point to impending conflict in the Middle East, specifically an Israeli raid on Iran's nuclear facilities. First, Israeli PM Ehud Olmert and Defense Minister Ehud Barak met secretly with Jordan's King Abdullah in Amman. Israel needs an air route to Iran. American allies of Jordan and Iraq provide one means to the target.

Israel needs quiet on all other fronts, Gaza, Syria and Lebanon. Jordan pushed the Arab Peace plan, on the table since 2002. Israel dusted it off. Dangling the prospect of peace might tamp down widespread retaliation.

Second, pirate attacks in the Arabian Sea off Somalia are way up. The U.S. Navy used to patrol this huge area. While they couldn't protect every ship, they kept pirates somewhat under control. The uptick in piracy means the Navy isn't there. Where did they go? Maybe the Persian Gulf? We will be ready to contain the blow back from an Israeli strike.

President Bush and Prime Minister Olmert meet this coming week. The two pariahs could finish their dwindling terms with a bang. They have no popularity to lose. Will the heavy handed pair pursue peace through war? If so, they'll need minions.

Private Jet Set in Denver vs. Washington

Can you tell the difference between the pictures above? The top picture are private jets landing in Denver for the Democratic National Convention. The bottom is an auto executive's jet, flown into Washington, D.C. for Congressional bailout hearings.

My question is, did Rep. Brad Sherman ride a private jet to the DNC? If so, did he pay for it using donor money? Were his donors aware of the lifestyle to which so many of our politicians have become accustomed?

If not, Rep. Sherman needs to castigate his big money peers. Surely, some of those DNC Congressmen flew private to their "populist party." How many, other than John Kerry took a private jet? Brad wasn't the only Congressman making those big auto execs squirm. Enough leaders ground their guests into the sidewalk, such that it looked like an orchestrated theme. The question is who they want to pay, corporate chiefs or labor unions? As they move toward a deal, the details will point to the target of their hypocritical shoe grinding.

Caretakers to Take Last Shot at Widow Making?

President George W. Bush invited Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to the White House for a swan song. Both leaders are Chinese melamine tainted dog food. However, the toxic pair can meet to "stategerize" their exit. Might it involve a huge middle finger salute to Iran? Pull it, and kaboom!

Psy ops did their job with today's headline, "Iran said to Have Nuclear Fuel for One Weapon." Actually they don't, but that would require reading the piece. A different Jerusalem Post article talked about P.M. Olmert's schedule:

Under the cloud of an increasing Iranian nuclear threat and escalating violence in Gaza, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert heads to Washington Saturday to part from outgoing President George W. Bush.

While in Washington, Olmert plans to meet with other top American officials including Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Vice President Richard Cheney and National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley. He will also visit with members of Congress and Jewish community leaders.

Will the care taking pair exercise their last opportunity for widow making? Both men have track record of violence and a legacy to shore up. Stay tuned...

World Headlines: Iran Has Fuel for One Nuclear Bomb

The New York Times and Jerusalem Post greeted readers with a headline that Iran has nuclear material for one nuclear bomb. One had to get fairly deep into the pieces to find the fuel needs further enrichment for weaponization.

Numerous Israeli leaders said the Jewish state would act before Iran reached a point of no return. How much closer to this point are we? Headlines sell readers to explore the article. Is anything else being sold?