Jonah Goldberg knows Clump.

 From Townhall.com comes this from Citizen Goldberg, a reliable advocate of freedom...

Time for Trump to Put up or Shut up


Donald Trump should put his money where his mouth is.

The real estate mogul says he's worth "in excess" of $10 billion. I think he's lying, as does pretty much every expert and financial journalist who has looked into the question. Forbes has put his net worth at $4.5 billion. Bloomberg says it's below $3 billion. Billionaire Mark Cuban has cast doubt on whether Trump is even a billionaire at all.

I've read the analyses, but common sense always told me he was full of it. Actual multi-billionaires tend not to waste their time recording videos hawking steaks in the Sharper Image catalog. They don't bother with snake oil schemes peddling dietary supplements. They don't claim under oath that much of their net worth depends on how good a mood they're in. And they don't threaten to sue anyone who suggests they aren't as rich as they claim.

This last point is especially significant. Trump's business model is to exploit his brand as a super-successful Manhattan real estate mogul. The fact that he is, in reality, a "relatively minor player" in that world, as economics writer Adam Davidson recently noted in the New York Times Magazine, is entirely beside the point. He's selling the sizzle, not the steak (clearly, not the steaks).

That's especially true overseas, where he does a large share of his business (he's in Scotland for some grand opening right now). He's nowhere near the richest man in America, but he's arguably the American most famous for being rich. That opens doors in Eastern Europe and Asia. It also improves his mood, which apparently can be a real windfall.

I've talked to numerous political pros and quite a few actual billionaires, and the totally uncorroborated theory most of them hold is that Trump never expected to do this well. It was a P.R. stunt that got out of hand. The dog caught the car and now he doesn't know what to do with it.

Circumstantial evidence for this can be found in Trump's latest fundraising report. It was, by any objective measure, a disaster. I wouldn't be surprised if RNC Chair Reince Priebus reacted to it the way that German guy did when he looked inside the Ark of the Covenant at the end of the first Indiana Jones movie.

In short, the alleged decabillionaire's campaign is broke. In May, which should have been a boffo fundraising month, the campaign raised $3.1 million (Mitt Romney during the same period had raised $78 million). The Trump Train went into the crucial month of June with just under $1.3 million cash on hand. That is a pretty good number -- for a congressman. Only 78 representatives and 43 senators have more cash on hand than the GOP's presumptive nominee.

Perhaps more tellingly, the failed steak and vitamin mogul spent nearly a fifth of the money he raised on his own businesses and salaries for himself and his family. One of his biggest outlays was renting out the Mar-a-Lago club -- which he owns. Odd.

During the primaries, Trump routinely insisted that he was turning down millions in donations from fat cats eager to board the Trump train. "The week before last, a lobbyist ... offered $5 million, 'Please. I want to give you $5 million for the campaign,' " Trump recounted to reporters last August. "I said 'I have no interest in taking that.' In fact, I think it's the first time he's ever been turned down."
That was back when Trump's was the great self-funder. But he changed his mind a while ago. He wants help now, but it's not forthcoming.

It seems strange that all of those super-rich friends would be eager to donate during the primaries but now have empty pockets. Perhaps such offers never happened. Or, maybe, no one wants to hand money to a guy who insists he could easily self-fund the whole thing with a fraction of his alleged wealth.

And that's the thing. If Trump's worth $10 billion, spending $1 billion is no great sacrifice. He could still cover the bills for his private jet. OK, maybe he'd have to sell something. Is that really too much to ask? The founders pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor. Surely he could pawn Trump Tower.

So, I ask you, Mr. Trump, just do it already. Put your money where your mouth is. You say you're the only one who can save America. Henry IV said, "Paris is well worth a mass." Surely America is worth a tenth of your alleged fortune.

Enough, you pretentious beer pricks! Enough, I say!

No, I will not try the delightful licorice, bok choi, and kosher sea salt porter you discovered at a little place on the Cape. I most certainly will not drink your home-brewed Middle Aged Masturbatory Marzen regardless of how amusing the tale behind its name is.

I refuse to pretend something that tastes like llama piss filtered through potpourri is anywhere near acceptable for human consumption.

I don't want my beer to startle or even surprise me. I don't want my beer to challenge me. And if my beer is going to speak to me, it had better wait until I polish off a six pack and even then it had damn well better say something like "Go ahead, have another. She's at her mother's".

I want two things only from beer. First, I want it to coldly quench my thirst after a hot afternoon of mowing the lawn. Second, I want it to give me a slight buzz so I don't mind that my favorite sports collective's bullpen has gone to crap before my very eyes in beautiful HD.

I get it. I really do. Your self-worth is all wrapped up in a giant internet circle jerk where you and all the other bearded, man-bun wearing hipsters compete to see who can choke down [and keep down] a growler of the latest over-priced swill while keeping a straight face.

If that's the way you want to be, that's fine. Just stop expecting the rest of the world to play along.

Whew!

All that being said, if you are looking for a refreshing summer brew, try Grapefruit Cream Ale from Lancaster Brewing Company.

Holy crap! Even those filthy British perverts yearn to be free!

  Is your humble narrator exhibiting a strange new respect for the vile British? Not exactly, but it is alarming that they can dump the kleptocratic Brussels elite while we are about to enslave ourselves with Clump.

From Townhall.com:

Obama Stepped In It On Brexit–And It's Not The First Time Opening His Mouth Delivered Poor Results

• ‘How dare the American president come here and tell us what to do?’ 

 UKIP's Nigel Farage said that Obama getting involved in the Brexit referendum gave the "Leave" camp a big boost (via The Hill):

“Threatening people too much insults their intelligence,” the United Kingdom Independence Party head said. “A lot of people in Britain said, ‘How dare the American president come here and tell us what to do?’ ” Farage continued on Sirius XM’s “Breitbart News Daily,” citing Obama’s U.K. trip in April.
“It backfired. We got an Obama-Brexit bounce, because people do not want foreign leaders telling them how to think and vote.”

*** Former Conservative MP Louise Mensch cited President Obama sticking his beak in a British issue over the then-looming vote over whether the nation would remain in the European Union. Yesterday Britain made their choice known: they want out. And Mensch noted that once Obama decided to overreach and tell British voters that they should remain in the EU, support for the Leave camp increased. In the end, it seems to have been a contributing factor in the UK’s decision to say goodbye to the massive political project, long criticized, among other things, for usurping sovereignty among its member nations. 

That point was referenced during the coverage of the vote last night by Fox Business’ Stuart Varney, who said that President Obama planned on calling Prime Minister David Cameron at some point today over the results, quipping that he’s probably going to apologize for “ruining the vote.” 

In short, one could argue that Obama stepped in it—and it’s not the first time the president’s mouth has cost him or his allies politically. This is one of many failures brought on by Obama’s arrogance that his learned diction can sway minds. It certainly hasn’t worked on the Russians, who view him (rightly) as a lightweight. That’s how they’re able to buzz our warships with fighter jets and annex Crimea from Ukraine. It’s how Syria is still a mess. It’s how the security concerns over absorbing 10,000 Syrian refugees, some of which could be infiltrated by ISIS, haven’t subsided.

Obama Ensures World the US and UK Will Remain in ‘Close Contact’

I can't wait for the day that jug-eared jackass fades into oblivion. BTW, did you notice how the world didn't end when the Brits pulled out? It may bring good things for others as well. Northern Ireland [the prod part of Eire] voted to stay with the EU. If the Irish play this right, they can reunite their whole country. Of course, this means they must obey the Brussels mafia, but in the short term that is a small price to pay for Catholics and prods learning to live together in a real Ireland.

Also, the Scots want to stay in the EU. WTF happened to the fiercely independent Scotsmen of yore? They seem to have given way to a race of craven slaves. A pox on them! Even being an Englishman's dog is better than selling your soul to that euro trash.

 

 

Left-fascist criminal cult attempts coup d'etat.

 From Townhall.com:

Democrats End Gun Control Slumber Party, Fold Up Their Occupation Of House Floor 

 

The sit-in that was launched by House Democrats to force a vote on gun control has finally come to an end. The House adjourned until after the Independence Day holiday, which meant that there would certainly be no votes on gun control. Prior to the protest’s conclusion on the House floor, the will of Democrats to stand fast began to falter (via Politico):

House Democrats ended their sit-in protest on gun control Thursday, a full day after they seized control of the floor. The protest wrapped up with closing remarks by Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.), who helped spearhead the effort, and a rally with supporters outside the Capitol. Democrats vowed more action when the House returns after the July 4 recess.
[…]
“Members of our Caucus are still on the Floor speaking about No Bill, No Break. Please come to the Floor to continue showing unity and to relieve colleagues who have been on the Floor since the House adjourned earlier this morning,” read the notice blasted to the Democratic caucus this morning.
Rep. Lacy Clay (D-Mo.) led a group of non-members into the House chamber about 10:30 a.m. and huddled with them off to the side, a move that is allowed because the House is currently not in session.
Several lawmakers had vowed not to give up until they get votes on their gun control bills. But the House adjourned until July 5, and Democrats decided to shut down their historic protest.

Speaker Paul Ryan aptly noted that this was nothing more than a publicity stunt and a fundraising campaign. He also said these antics degrade the institution. Regardless, for now, this occupation is over. Hill Democrats seized the floor around 11:30 a.m. yesterday and remained throughout the night. Sens. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) joined their colleagues in an act of solidarity yesterday. Did it bring attention to the issue? Yes. Was it also a colossal waste of time over a bad gun control bill that strips Americans of their constitutional rights without due process of law? Absolutely. House Republicans quickly adjourned all business this morning.

 

Here's What The Democrats Ate Last Night

 

 The right-fascists are up to similar evil...

ICYMI: The Susan Collins Gun Control Amendment is a Nightmare For Innocent Americans

 

SEX IS DEATH. [And so is false religion.]

I came to Carthage, where I found myself in the midst of a hissing cauldron of lusts. I had not yet fallen in love, but I was in love with the idea of it, and this feeling that something was missing made me despise myself for not being more anxious to satisfy the need. I began to look around for some object for my love, since I badly wanted to love something.

 — St. Augustine, Confessions

 
This one is so sick and evil, you wouldn't believe it if Hollyweird made a movie about it. Pray for these poor girls...I can't bring myself to pray for the "adults" involved just yet. Doesn't anybody fear Hell anymore?

Lancaster County couple 'gifted' teenage daughter...

 An ex-Amish couple from Lancaster County “gifted” their teenage daughter to a 51-year-old Bucks County man who helped them get out of financial ruin, police said Thursday. 

Daniel Stoltzfus, 43, and Savilla Stoltzfus, 42, both of 10 Locust Lane in Quarryville, face felony charges for providing their then-14-year-old daughter to Lee Kaplan as part of an agreement in 2012, according to a criminal complaint.

The girl, her two children reportedly fathered by Kaplan and nine other children were located by police Thursday at Kaplan's home at 428 Old Street Road in Feasterville, Bucks County.

Lower Southampton police went to his residence in response to a children’s health and safety complaint around 9:30 a.m. Thursday. There, police found 12 females ranging in age from 6 months to 18 years.

Kaplan had told neighbors that no children lived there, according to the criminal complaint.

The other nine children are safe with Bucks County Children and Youth, Lower Southampton police Lt. John Krimmel said. 

Information on the location of the Stoltzfuses’ teenage daughter, now 18, and her two children was not immediately available.

Many of the children are believed to be Amish and from Lancaster, although the investigation is still ongoing, Krimmel said. He declined further comment.

“Our main concern is making sure these children are safe,” he said.

The Associated Press reported that the other nine children belonged to the Stoltzfus family. The family appeared to be living with Kaplan for an unspecified amount of time, according to the AP. 

Kaplan is charged with eight felonies related to statutory sexual assault.

The 18-year-old told police she was the mother of a 6-month-old and 3-year-old found at the scene.

Both children were fathered by Kaplan, she told police.

They began having sex when the girl was 14, Kaplan told police. 

She and Kaplan are not married.

The girl was given to Kaplan in appreciation for helping the family out of financial ruin after Daniel Stoltzfus researched the legality of the transaction on the internet, Daniel Stoltzfus told police.

Savilla Stoltzfus was aware that her daughter was having sex with Kaplan, according to the criminal complaint.

Daniel Stoltzfus is charged with conspiracy of statutory assault and endangering the welfare of a child, both felonies. Savilla Stoltzfus is charged with endangering the welfare of a child.

They are being held at Bucks County prison on $1 million bail.

Kaplan faces two felony counts each of the following charges:

— Statutory sexual assault.

— Unlawful contact with a minor.

— Aggravated indecent assault.

— Corruption of minors.

He also faces two misdemeanor charges of indecent assault of a person less than 16.

Kaplan is also held at Bucks County prison on $1 million bail.

Bucks County District Attorney David W. Heckler was unable to be reached for comment Friday evening.

Police provided no further details on the family's financial issues...

 

Further details revealed on bizarre story...

 

Relative of woman in 'gift' child case describes...

 

Bucks County judge issues gag order

Fascist Catholic-haters attempt to subvert the law.

Statutes of limitation go all the way back to English Common Law and exist to protect everyone involved. This proposed law is designed to bankrupt Catholic dioceses and slander the Church. Contact your state rep and state senator and stop this unconstitutional fraud.

From PennLive.com:


In a three-hour long hearing steeped in references to Pennsylvania case law, the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday heard expert testimony on the validity and viability of proposed legislation that would change how child sexual predators are prosecuted.

The hearing, which tipped markedly in favor of opponents of House Bill 1947, was held in a hearing room packed with victims advocates as well as past victims of sexual abuse. Many of them wiped away tears as a cadre of expert witnesses – with the exception of one – argued how the Pennsylvania Constitution prohibits the General Assembly from retroactively altering expired statutes of limitations.

The hearing, which featured five expert witnesses, only one testifying in support of the bill, focused on the constitutionality of the bill, which would impose look-back measures for past victims of abuse, including those molested by priests as children.
Much of the testimony centered around the state's constitutional remedies clause, which ostensibly bars the General Assembly from retroactively altering expired statutes of limitations.
Prior to the experts giving their testimony, Attorney General Kathleen Kane, who in March released findings of a grand jury report that found systemic child sex abuse over decades in the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese, delivered a short appeal.
 
Kane, whose law license has been suspended in the wake of criminal charges stemming from the grand jury leak investigation, begged the panel to pass the bill immediately.
"I'm asking you to do that because every single day that goes by... is a day more and more and more victims are denied justice," she said.

Kane said that if after approval of the bill,the Senate found that it violated the state's Constitution, lawmakers should "figure out a solution" to the constitutional issue, whether that meant amending it "or whatever needs to be done but make firm commitment" to finding a way that "we are never denying justice to anyone in the Commonwealth."

"We as government will prove by our actions that we support child survivors and their families and not cruel, cold-hearted criminals who prey upon our criminals," Kane said. "We will not protect the institutions that harbor them."

In contrast to Kane's opening remarks, the witnesses who followed reiterated respective arguments that the bill would not pass state Constitutional muster.

Coming on the heels of Kane's short appeal, the second-highest ranking official in her office, Bruce Castor, the solicitor general, testified that the bill would violate the remedies clause of the state's Constitution, and therefore, prove to be unconstitutional.

"House Bill 1947, if enacted into law in its current form and without amendment will, in our opinion, violate the remedies clause of the Pennsylvania Constitution," Castor argued. "Potential defendants, who have had the statute of limitations pass without their being subjected to suit, will rightly claim a vested right in the applicable statute of limitations."

 Castor said that while the bill represented "a laudable attempt to provide a remedy for a well identified social problem", the the General Assembly "in its zeal, cannot overrule a state constitutional right."

Castor based his conclusion in large part on a 1908 case involving a retroactive claim. In Lewis v. Pennsylvania Railroad Company, the  state Supreme Court ruled against the widow of railroad worker who had filed a negligence claim retroactively against the company. The court, Castor said, had concluded that "retroactive legislation that reduces a defendant's defenses or "exemptions from demands" cannot be applied where the defense has "vested."

The state's remedies clause states that "all courts shall be open; and every man for an injury done him in his lands, goods, person or reputation shall have remedy by due course of law, and right and justice administered without sale, denial or delay. Suits may be brought against the Commonwealth in such manner, in such courts and in such cases as the Legislature may by law direct."

House Bill 1947 came in the wake of the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese grand jury report as a groundswell of advocates called for reform in the law. The bill, which was approved in the House by a 180-15 vote, would eliminate all criminal statutes going forward on most child sex crimes and retroactively amend civil statutes. The bill would retroactively extend civil statutes that expired at a victim's age 30 to 50.

Castor was followed by three other speakers - all of them law experts - who reiterated his stance that the bill would violate the state's remedies clause...