Never Forget

It is hard to believe that 14 years have passed since the 9/11 attacks. Today is a good day to talk to your children and grandchildren who, in many cases, were not alive or were too young to understand what happened or why.

Unfortunately, all too often, they are getting a warped analysis of that day. Some colleges are actually teaching about 9/11 from the perspective of the hijackers.

While I applauded George W. Bush's leadership in the days that followed, I do think that the Bush Administration made a fundamental mistake that has only grown under the politically correct policies of recent years.

That mistake was thinking that we only had a bin Laden problem or an Al Qaeda problem. Osama bin Laden and Al Qaeda are only symptoms of a much larger radical Islam problem.

While we have been able to avoid another 9/11-type event, we are facing the growing prospect of multiple, though less spectacular attacks by radicalized Muslims in the United States. And the threat is indeed growing. A report by the House Homeland Security Committee states:

"There have been more U.S.-based jihadist terror cases in 2015 than in any full year since 9/11. . . The number of U.S. terrorist cases involving homegrown violent jihadists has gone from 38 in July 2010 to 122 today -- a three-fold increase in just five years."

And it's not just the U.S. Terror arrests are at a record high in Great Britain too. Western Civilization is under siege.

Iran is closer to a nuclear weapon. ISIS continues to claim territory. Meanwhile, America's military capabilities are strained after years of decline. This is a multi-generational struggle, and, sadly, I fear we have not seen the worst.

Today is also a good day to thank first responders -- policemen, firemen and anyone you know or see in the U.S. military. Thank them for their service to our country and all that they do to keep us safe and free.

Putin Pushes Russian Power

Press reports indicate that Russia's massive military buildup in Syria has the White House "scrambling for a plan." Respected intelligence sources are saying that the Russian deployments have been going on for weeks. Russian Marines are in Syria, along with tanks and Mig fighters.

So we now have Russia and Iran supporting Assad's brutal regime, which is responsible for the majority of deaths in the Syrian civil war and for the deluge of humanity flooding into Europe.

By the way, Saudi Arabia has made its contribution to the refugee crisis. The kingdom is not offering to accept refugees. Instead, it is offering to build 200 mosques in Germany. The Islamic conquest of Europe may succeed in this century without a shot being fired.

Out of curiosity, if the roles were reversed and hundreds of thousands of Christian refugees were streaming out of Europe, is there one Muslim nation that would welcome them and permit the construction of hundreds of churches to accommodate them?

In a few weeks, the only aircraft carrier we have in the region will be heading home and, thanks to years of defense cuts, it won't be replaced for at least two months. Meanwhile, 42 senators prevented the United States Senate from voting yes or no on Obama's sanctions relief sellout for Iran.

As you read the headlines today, keep in mind that this is what a world without America looks like.

Stop The Insults

Why on earth has the GOP presidential competition degenerated into the equivalent of an elementary school recess taunting contest?

Earlier in the week, Donald Trump and Ben Carson were trading barbs over their faith. Then, Trump makes disparaging comments about Carly Fiorina's looks. Governor Bobby Jindal attacked Trump's appearance. (He said Trump looked like he had a squirrel on his head.) And it's only September. America deserves better than this!

Whichever candidate you are backing, please tell them to stop the insults and stick to the issues.

Here's one issue that deserves more attention: Immigration. A Gallup poll this week found that 80% of voters believe immigration is an important issue. That probably doesn't surprise you.

Now consider this: The vast majority of Hispanics are against massive levels of high immigration, which is exactly what our political elites in both parties are demanding. Only 36% of Hispanics said U.S. immigration levels should be increased.

L'Shanah Tovah

To all of our Jewish friends and supporters, Carol and I wish you a happy Rosh Hashanah!