Theater of the absurd;Donald Trump announces 2016 bid

The most arrogant ass hole in the United States, Donald Trump, announced today he was running for The GOP nomination for President in 2016.
In a 45 minute self aggrandizing tirade The Donald made numerous ridiculous, racist and xenophobic comments.
He has made himself even more of a laughingstock!

Gov. Greg Abbott signs an open-carry bill, some irony here

From Texas Tribune; Julian Javier

Gov. Greg Abbott signs an open-carry bill passed by the state Legislature at Red’s Indoor Range, a gun store and shooting range in Pflugerville, Texas, on June 13, 2015.

Calling it a salute to the “genius” of the country’s founding fathers, Gov. Greg Abbott on Saturday signed legislation allowing Texans with licenses to openly tote their handguns in a hip or shoulder holster.

The signing of the open-carry bill, House Bill 910 by state Rep. Larry Phillips, R-Sherman, came at Red’s Indoor Range, a popular gun store and shooting range in Pflugerville. Abbott said he would also sign legislation later in the day that requires the state’s public universities and colleges to allow handguns on campus buildings and in dorms.

“There is nothing more important in democracy than the voice of the people stepping up and saying ‘We expect the Constitution of the United States of America to be our guiding doctrine,’” he said.

The ceremony came on the same day Dallas police said a gunman in an armored vehicle opened fire at the police headquarters and then fled to a local restaurant, where he was shot and believed killed.

Abbott said criticism of expanded gun rights in Texas in wake of the incident was unwarranted.

“The event in Dallas was an isolated incident by someone who had serious mental challenges, as well as a possible criminal background,” he said. “It is no indication whatsoever of empowering people with their Second Amendment right. In fact, the contrary is true.”

Abbott heaped praise on the National Rifle Association and its Texas affiliate, the Texas State Rifle Association, which along with GOP lawmakers he said were instrumental in getting the bill to his desk.

“I don’t think there are any groups in this state — or in this nation — who worked as profoundly to ensure that the Constitution is lived up to,” he said.

On the so-called campus-carry bill Abbott said he would sign later, the governor pointed to other states where similar measures have passed as proof that concerns of increased violence are overblown.

“In general, what we’ve seen in the states that have campus carry, there haven’t been any problems on those campuses,” he said.

That bill, by state Sen. Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury, allows students who are 21 and older and hold a concealed handgun license to carry their firearms on public campuses. Private colleges will be allowed to opt out of the policy.

Under the final version of the bill, public universities and colleges will be able to establish rules on where handguns can be carried and how they're stored.

“I think that the way the Legislature worked this out [that] we will see that campus carry in the state of Texas will also pose no more problems,” Abbott said. 

Ronald Reagan's $2 million paid trip to Japan right after leaving Presidency

Anyone who follows politics and history knows this flap about Hillary Clinton's speaking fees is a load of B.S. Former Presidents, (G.W. made over $2mil in speaking fees since he left office) and  other high profile politicos have been making big dough on the speaking circuit for many years. Some don't even have to speak, just show up! Here is a reminder of how Ronald Reagan eased into his retirement from office. A little cash to ease his time in his Camino Del Cielo Ranch, high above Santa Barbara.

 From the archives of People magazine: • November 06, 1989 • Vol. 32 • No. 19

 Eight Days in Japan Earn Ron and Nancy $2 Million—Now That's Reaganomics He came from the West and journeyed in regal splendor to the land of the Rising Sun, a tall stranger with a macho haircut, and his wife by his side. For his Japanese hosts, he evoked the rawboned cowboy heroes from Hollywood's past. He gave a few speeches. He dined well. He was interviewed on Japanese TV. And, after eight days, Ronald Reagan returned to his California ranch with an estimated $2 million that he didn't have before. Ronald and Nancy Reagan's visit to Japan last week was sponsored by the giant Fujisankei Communications Group, the country's largest media conglomerate, which spent a total of $7 million—that's 1 billion yen—on the Godzilla-size corporate goodwill visit. Sankei Shimbun, the group's flagship paper, led the fanfare with a banner headline that proclaimed MR. AMERICA IS COMING. And a flurry of commercials on the group's radio and TV stations made sure everyone knew that meant Reagan. The former First Couple flew to Japan in a specially equipped Boeing 747, complete with bedroom and shower. They shared the plane, although not the bedroom or the shower, with a retinue of 20 staffers, a dozen Secret Service agents and 229 U.S. military dependents invited along for a free ride to visit their relatives stationed in Japan. After a welcoming ceremony at Tokyo's Haneda Airport, the Reagans toured an outdoor art museum owned by Fujisankei and then retired for the night to the company's guest house near Mount Fuji. Their itinerary after that included a concert to benefit the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Foundation, meetings with business leaders and guest spots on Fujisankei-owned TV stations. The Reagans also had two days of official visits, including lunch with Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko. But was it appropriate, critics asked, for a former President to cash in on his White House luster so blatantly? Of the four living ex-Presidents, Jimmy Carter seems to have done the least for financial gain, spending his time instead on church-, housing-and peace-related efforts. Richard Nixon has published seven books, but accepts no honoraria for public appearances. Gerald Ford has turned himself into a one-man industry, producing endorsements, speeches and public appearances and serving on corporate boards; last year alone he earned an estimated $1 million. All that, however, pales next to Reagan's $2 million single score in Japan. Says Henry F. Graff, a Columbia University professor who specializes in the Presidency: "The founding fathers-Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Madison—would have been stunned that an occupant of the highest office in this land turned it into bucks." Not that the Japanese seemed to mind. As Reagan flitted from one function to another, they were charmed by the smile that has come to be known as the Ron sumairu. And the Imperial Palace even awarded him the Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum for his contribution to U.S.-Japan relations. Reagan-san made plenty of people feel good—and for that, his hosts may have reckoned, the price was right.

Politicians out of their element in search of votes

Perry holding babies!

Rick Perry opens run for prez with anti America song.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/rosiegray/rick-perry-has-a-rapcountry-song-about-rick-perry#.yvyx09361q

Stay classy Rick!
Rick Perry opened his run for prez with an anti America song by an America hating redneck.
Of course, Perry also hates America, the same country where he is running for Prez.
This guy is not the sharpest tack in the box!

Texas lege sends open carry bills to Guv.

Rand reveals he cuts his own hair. Surprised?