04-13-11: Senator Reid (D) Omits 'Under God' While Referencing U.S. Pledge (Plus: M. Malkin)

The Case for Pessimism in the Middle East Robert Weissberg In the Middle East, it is far easier to expel an autocrat than for a dependency-inclined population to transform itself into one prizing individual initiative and entrepreneurship. * VIDEOS * TODAY'S HOT PICKS * 1. Video: Senate Leader Reid (D) Omits 'Under God' While Reciting Pledge 2. Video: Actual 50-year-old Commercial - YOU WON'T BELIEVE THIS! WATCH IT! 3. Video: CNN's Piers Morgan: ‘I'm quite an Obama Fan' 4. Audio: CA Rep. Sanchez (D) Mocks Congressional Tea Party Republicans as Slow for Caring About the Constitution 5. Video: TSA Responds to Parents' Concern About Child Pat Downs 6. Video: Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick (D) admitted racism may be playing into the birther movement. 7. Video: Rand Paul (R) at congressional hearing: Let me drop an Ayn Rand truth bomb on you 8. Video: Pawlenty (R): ‘I'm running for president' 9. Video: White House Deficit Plan: Higher Taxes and Cut Medicare 10. Video: College Students Lament Being in Debt: ‘I Might Have To Do a Job I Don't Want" The Anachronism of Apostasy Amil Imani The concept of apostasy as a crime, where leaving a religion is seen as worthy of death, is now only upheld by Islam. The New Axis of Jihad Peter Huessy The revolts in the Middle East began with grievances about liberties and economics, but if the West is not careful, it could assist the creation of an "axis of jihad"... Make 70 the New 65 Michelle Malkin While people live longer, what's the problem with raising the retirement age? Today's Hot Topics We choose, you peruse. 1. Obamacare's $200 million propaganda campaign revealed (WASHINGTON EXAMINER) 2. Border Sheriff on Mexican Cartels: ‘If Decapitating Police Officers Is Not Terrorism, What Is?' (CNS) 3. China blocks coastal waters, enlarges military (WT) 4. Syrian soldiers shot for refusing to fire on protesters (GUARDIAN) 5. Japan quake's economic impact worse than first feared (ASAHI) 6. The campaign of Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Posser: Opponent Should 'Avoid The Unnecessary Drama Of A Recount' 7. Ryan's Medicare-Medicaid plan a game-changer in benefits debate (WT) 8. As Libya Bombs Drop, Cost to Taxpayers Soars (FOX) 9. Have U.S., International Spies Penetrated Deep Within Iran? (PAJAMAS) 10. Six-month spending bill unveiled: What's cut and what's not (THE HILL) The New, Improved War Cabinet Dr. Michael Ledeen On issues of foreign policy and national security, some tough decisions will need to be made by the POTUS, including nominating new appointees as some staff bow out. Jasmine Mendacity G. Murphy Donovan The internet celebrated and enabled Arab revolutions, and the media praised such events as "democratic". However, the outcomes are unlikely to be at all democratic. The 'Dumbest' Debate in America: 'Make The Rich Pay Their Fair Share of Our Taxes!' Frank Hill One of the issues that stalled the acceptance of a budget in Congress was the administration's plans to make the rich pay an astronomical tax bill, even though they create wealth. Protecting Chavez, Endangering America? Frank Gaffney, Jr. The administration's conciliatory policies toward Latin America - where the USA is not treated as a true ally - suggest a problem that lies at the heart of government. American Journalists Rub Elbows with Terror-Friendly Middle East Dictatorship Cliff Kincaid American politicians and journalists shared a podium with Qatari representatives, even though a leaked cable shows the U.S. thinks Qatar has been protecting terrorists. Advisor to PA Prime Minister Dismisses Missile Attack on Israeli School Bus Itamar Marcus, Nan Jacques Zilberdik An anti-tank missile attack on a school bus elicits this comment: "The bus wasn't that badly damaged... Israel uses the attack on the bus as an excuse for war crime" Caption Contest: Top Entries - April 13, 2011 Caption Contest And the winner is... Click here to sign up for FSM's e-mail updates!