#TCOT lays out 4 C’s

Top Conservatives on Twitter is a rapidly growing tech-savvy grassroots movement whose members are connected on the social networking site Twitter.  Though this group only sprang into existence following November’s elections, it already counts 2,145 members as of this writing. 

Unlike some other conservative networks that were created in response to Democrats’ overwhelming victory last year, from the start #TCOT founder Michael P. Leahy and other early members of the group began to organize and implement action projects designed to advance conservative causes.

Today, one of those action projects, Operation Statement of Principles, has resulted in the release of #TCOT’s 4 C’s–the guiding principles of the group.

1. Conservatism

2. Collaboration

3. Constructive Dialogue

4. Community

For a detailed explanation of each “C” click here.

If you agree with these 4 principles and would like to help in the fight to advance the conservative agenda, join us on #TCOT.

Israeli Consulate on Gaza via Twitter

#TCOT #diggcons

Today, from 1-3 pm EST, the Israeli Consulate held a public press conference via the social networking site Twitter.  Under the username IsraelConsulate, the consulate fielded questions on all aspects of the military assault on Gaza.  You can view a list of questions asked along with the consulate’s response via the following links:

Press Conference: Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV

The following is my synopsis of the Q & A from the press conference, inferred from my reading of the questions and responses.  I’m not attempting to speak for the Israeli government, and I welcome any corrections or clarifications it wishes to make regarding my interpretation.  Many thanks to the Israeli Consulate for making this available to us via Twitter.–John Allison, III

Questions were fielded from a diverse group of Twitterers, including users sympathetic to Israel and those sympathetic to the terror group Hamas.  Some of the questions posed even came from inside Israel.  Topics covered addressed addressed the military action underway–it’s causes, conduct, and what will be required to end it, how to deal with the humanitarian crisis inside Gaza, and such things as the incident involving the Dignity and journalists’ access to the area.

The Israeli Consulate explained the cause of this military campaign was the firing of more than 10,000 rockets and mortars at Israeli civilian targets since 2001.  This Hamas assault endangers the lives of 500,000 Israelis.  Though civilian casualties are occurring, the IDF targets only military installations.  This policy is the exact opposite of Hamas, which intentionally targets civilians in an effort to maximize civilian casualties.

Though Hamas was elected to govern Gaza, the terror organization’s refusal to accept Israel’s right to exist and its policy of exterminating Israeli civilians disqualify it from being defined as a “Democratic” government in the eyes of the Israeli government.  The consulate emphatically stated the government of Israel is not declaring war on the Palestinian people of Gaza, and it mourns every lost civilian life–Palestinian or Israeli.  Civilian deaths are a result of Hamas’ placement of military installations in close proximity to civilians, in effect using those civilians as shields.  Israel believes Hamas relishes even Palestinian civilian deaths for their propaganda value.

Addressing the cease fire proposed by the international community, Israel desires peace and diplomacy to achieve it.  But, Hamas used these periods in the past to rearm, refortify, and strategize for the next wave of assaults against Israel.  The objective of the operation is to eliminate the threat of rocket and mortar attacks on 500,000 Israeli civilians.  When the IDF and the Israeli government believe that objective has been achieved, the operation will end.

Humanitarian aid is being allowed into Gaza.  Thirty-eight truckloads of supplies were allowed to cross the border today and 17,000 such truckloads entered before the violence began.  The wire services have correspondents in place inside Gaza, but more reporters are not being allowed in for their own safety.

Israel wants a peaceful, two-state solution.  However, as long as Hamas continues to deny its right to exist and attacks Israeli civilians, Hamas cannot be a part of that solution.

The consulate chose to conduct this press conference via Twitter because it noticed many on the web dispersing inaccurate information.  Israel continues to give press releases to the MSM, but believed this forum would help reduce the misinformation being propagated on the internet.

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Related Posts

How the Israeli Consulate Brought the State to the People–Read, Write, & View

Israeli Consulate to Hold Public Press Conference on Twitter

 #TCOT #diggcons

The Israeli Consulate is evidently fed up with MSM coverage of the Israeli-Gaza conflict and is now giving bloggers and Social Networking fans an opportunity to get the scoop.  Today, between 1-3 pm EST, the Israeli Consulate in NY will hold a public press conference on Twitter.

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Israeli Consulate to Hold Public Press Conference on Twitter

The Israeli Consulate in New York will be holding a public press conference on Twitter from 1 to 3 PM EST. Twitter is a popular microblogging and social networking website that allows users to communicate with other users through 140 characters or less.

To join the conversation with the Israeli Consulate, follow Israeli Consulate on Twitter or use the hashtag #AskIsrael.

Are We On the Verge of a Rightroots Movement?

by Aaron Marks on NextGenGOP

It’s been a while since I’ve heard chatter on the blogosphere about building a Rightroots movement (I last commented on it at the end of October). However, over the past few weeks, I’ve seen a number of major developments that suggest we might be on the verge of establishing a true and effective Rightroots movement.

When John Hawkins wrote about this topic, he noted that (emphasis added):

One of the biggest problems online — and this extends outside of the blogosphere — is that there are far more liberals online than conservatives and they’re much more enthusiastic.

Because of that, huge websites that can drive a lot of traffic like Digg, Fark, and YouTube have come to be dominated by liberals, even though they aren’t liberal per se.

…(Read full article)

Little Piggies’ Activity 12-19-08

We now know Little Piggy Wagoner was in Detroit yesterday, where he gave a press conference at GM headquarters.  I’m not sure if he took questions from reporters because the only video I can find only shows him reading a prepared statement.

Wagoner thanked everyone at GM, his competitors, Little Piggy Gettelfinger, the President, Congress, etc. for their work in getting Bush to approve the taxpayer bailout “loan”.  He went on to say he is confident GM can meet the requirements laid out by the administration.  (I don’t know if he’s considering Gettelfinger’s threats to challenge the UAW’s part of the requirements.)  He also wants GM to lead the country’s recovery during the economic crisis.  (I don’t know how he can lead it when he’s part of what’s holding it down.)

I wasn’t impressed, but here’s the video so you can judge for yourself.

I still can’t find anything on the whereabouts of Little Piggy Nardelli, but he did send a lengthy letter to Chrysler employees yesterday.  Like I said, it’s lengthy so I won’t clutter this post with it.  You can read the text of the letter here.  It doesn’t do anything to make me feel like Bush’s investment in Socialism was money well spent.  He uses a lot of words to say Chrysler is the victim of a global recession and everyone’s been doing a great job and they should simply keep doing so.  Everything will be fine.

Right.

I haven’t found anything new on Gettelfinger today.  Last word I have on him is still that he plans on pressuring Obama to remove the “unfair conditions” Bush’s Socialist agreement makes on the proletariat.

Remember, at TCOT we’re looking for any info readers may find on the Three Little Piggies.  So if you see them out and about, snap a few pictures or video them (if you can do so without being intrusive) and let us know.

Headlines in Detroit, After the Bailout

I just thought it would be interesting to take a look at some of the headlines in Detroit to see what they’re thinking after Bush pushed our country even closer to the United Socialist States of America on Thursday.

From the Detroit News:

Givebacks in Bush plan rile UAW

Commentary: Forging new path will be rough road for Detroit automakers

Chrysler considered at risk, despite aid

From the Detroit Free Press:

Detroit automakers look to Obama administration

Someone needs to watch over changes at the Detroit 3

Reactions: From support to “Let Detroit die”

Canada: $3.29 billion to Big 3 subsidiaries

Chrysler: All will have to give a little

Tough challenges still ahead for GM

GM-Chrysler deal will help Ford, too

Loans give GM, Chrysler 3 months

Perusing these articles, it appears obvious that few, if any, believe this will be the last of the government assistance needed to make GM and Chrysler viable again.  Rather than a bridge to traverse troubled waters, this is an inflatable life preserver with a hole in it.  The two recipients will only be able to stay afloat until the cash runs out, when we’ll most likely be called on to “rescue” them once again.

Please let us know if you see anything of the “Three Little Piggies“; Gettelfinger, Wagoner, or Nardelli.  Top Conservatives on Twitter (#TCOT) is still trying to document how the bailout money is spent.

Little Piggy Gettelfinger Disappointed with Bush Bailout

DETROIT, Mich. (WXYZ) – United Auto Workers President Ron Gettelfinger has issued a statement in support of the bridge loans announced this morning by President Bush.  However, Gettelfinger says he is disappointed by some of the conditions put on the workers.

READ THE STATEMENT BELOW

Waaaaahhhhhh!

“We’re pleased that the Bush administration has acted today to provide urgently needed emergency bridge loans to America’s auto companies and to pursue a process for restructuring outside of bankruptcy. This will keep the doors of America’s factories open, keep Americans working and prevent the devastating economic consequences for millions of Americans and thousands of businesses that would have resulted from a liquidation of operations by one or more auto companies.”

“All stakeholders – management, directors, bondholders, suppliers, dealers, workers – will have to participate in shared sacrifices to help the industry move forward.”

“While we appreciate that President Bush has taken the emergency action needed to help America’s auto companies weather the current financial crisis, we are disappointed that he has added unfair conditions singling out workers.* These conditions were not included in the bipartisan legislation endorsed by the White House, which passed the House of Representatives and which won support from a majority of senators.”

“We will work with the Obama administration and the new Congress to ensure that these unfair conditions are removed*, as we join in the coming months with all stakeholders to create a viable future for the U.S. auto industry.”

*emphasis added

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Just as we thought.  Bush’s willingness to subvert the will of the Senate and the American people has once again emboldened Gettelfinger just when he was beginning to hint at a willingness to make concessions.

Way to go Comrade President.  (Clap..Clap…Clap….Sigh)

Senator Graham (R-SC) Statement on Automotive Bailout

Press Release

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement on President Bush’s plan to offer $17.4 billion to General Motors and Chrysler.

Graham said:

“I’m disappointed with President Bush’s decision in many respects. 

“I do not believe it’s appropriate to use the TARP (Troubled Asset Recovery Program) funds to bail out the automotive companies.  These funds were supposed to be used to stabilize financial institutions.  The TARP legislation would certainly not have passed it we had known it was going to be used for this purpose. 

“The plan announced by the President today will not lead to the necessary reforms which will make these companies profitable.  The only viable solution is for them to enter Chapter 11 reorganization. 

“There the companies would be able to renegotiate their labor and health costs to make them competitive in the global marketplace.  It would also allow the reorganization to be accomplished without political considerations.  Presidential or congressional restructuring will end up being a political exercise more so than a business exercise to make these companies profitable. 

“If we continue down this road, I expect this will be the first of many government payments to the Big 3 automotive companies.”

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3 Little Piggies Gorging Selves at Gov’t Trough

from

President Bush: Automakers to get $17.4B

By DEB RIECHMANN, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON – The Bush administration came to the rescue of the U.S. auto industry Friday, offering $17.4 billion in loans in exchange for concessions from the deeply troubled carmakers and their workers.

Official Flag of the United Socialist States of America

“Allowing the auto companies to collapse is not a responsible course of action,” President Bush said, citing danger for the entire national economy as well as the carmakers. Bankruptcy, he said, would deal “an unacceptably painful blow to hardworking Americans” across the economy.

One official said $13.4 billion of the money would be available this month and next, $9.4 billion for General Motors Corp. and $4 billion for Chrysler LLC. Both companies have said they soon might be unable to pay their bills without federal help. Ford Motor Co. has said it does not need immediate help.

…(Read full article)

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Well, he officially did it–undermined everything we accomplished in getting the original House bailout defeated.  Bush ignored public opinion and the US Senate in a vain attempt to keep his legacy from being forever tied to the current economic crisis.

The statement says concessions were made by the auto companies.  What concessions?  That they’ll pay the loan back if they haven’t developed a plan to become viable by March? What in the Hell are they going to pay it back with?  And if this money is to keep them afloat until then, will they need another bailout in March?

Where are the concessions by the UAW?  Hell, in this interview yesterday Gettelfinger was finally getting used to the idea that concessions were going to be unavoidable.  This irresponsible move by the Bush White House will only embolden him once again and make it much more difficult to force contract amendments that could once again make American automakers competitive.

You’d think the President would have learned after the financial industry bailout failed to achieve it’s goal.  Government bailouts don’t work!  All he’s done is ensure that it will be business as usual in Detroit, with the same incompetent management and the same bloated labor contracts that create a drag on the American auto industry as if it was trying to pull an aircraft carrier anchor along behind it.

Welcome ladies and gentlemen, to the United Socialist States of America (USSA)!  Comrade Kruschev must be quite pleased now.

“I once said, “We will bury you,” and I got into trouble with it. Of course we will not bury you with a shovel. Your own working class will bury you.”

–Nikita Khrushchev

And we didn’t even have to wait for Obama to take office.

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See what others are saying

George Bailout Bush drives the final nail in his coffin–Michelle Malkin

President Bush Gives Up On The Free Market Economy–Jane Q. Republican

Bush’s Awful Auto Bailout–The Foundry

Outrage! Bush Trashes the Constitution, the Free Market, and the Taxpayers–Leslie Carbone

3 Little Piggies Activity, 12-18-08

I haven’t had any luck pinning down two of the little piggies, GM CEO Rick Wagoner and Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli, but it seems the third was hanging around Detroit today and did an interview with WXYZ Channel 7 in Detroit.

Here’s a report on Channel 7 that leads saying Gettelfinger has not been directly involved in talks with the White House.  You may have already heard that Bush hinted today that an “ordered bankruptcy” may be the best course of action.  Well, evidently that has Gettlefinger feeling a little nervous because today he began talking like the UAW knows it’s going to have to make concessions.  This is a dramatic reversal from a month ago when he emphatically stated there would be no more concessions from the union.

The UAW chief flatly states he’s not sure what an administration bailout will look like, but hopes it will look like the bill that passed the House of Representatives and subsequently stopped by conservative Republicans in the Senate.  He’s clearly nervous though because he goes on to basically say that he’ll take anything at this point, even if it’s just “a bridge to a bridge,” which means at least give him enough to tide him over until Obama takes office.

Clearly our concerted efforts are making an impact.  We finally have Bush considering bankruptcy for the auto companies and Gettelfinger considering concessions that may well lead to GM and Chrysler once again becoming competitive, eventually.  But now is not the time to pack it in.  Let’s continue to hold their feet to the fire.  Keep the pressure on by contacting the White House and letting them know that you’re against the bailout!

Gettelfinger's Bridge to a Bridge