Ex PM Olmert May Soon Get His Just Desserts:Heaping Shame Upon Our Jewish Homeland.Unforgivable….Commentary By Adina Kutnicki

It is always a national disgrace-a tragedy too-when a top elected leader is about to be hauled off to jail, regardless of the reason. By the end of the day ex PM Olmert will know his fate, and he may very well end up behind bars. Whether or not he actually gets convicted is really neither here nor there. The fact that he is less than six degrees separated from activities befitting common (white collar) criminals is the issue. Read this link – http://www.israelnationalnews.com/.

I know, I know, my fellow Americans have their own crosses to bear, dealing with the likes of Congressional reps caught with their paws in the cookie jar. Topping off the US list (their hall of shame) was the forced resignation of President Nixon due to Watergate, followed years later by President Clinton, aka Slick Willie, as he doubled down-literally!-during the Monica Lewinsky scandal. Perhaps his historical epitaph will be-“it depends on what is is”. I wonder how historians will parse Clinton’s voracious sexual appetites. Really now…..most men aren’t pigs, besides, the POTUS should have more self control. You think?

While Olmert’s demons deal with crooked wheeling and dealing, the fact of the matter is his actions are heaping shame and disgrace upon my beloved homeland, and my people. This, in and of itself, is an unforgivable crime. Every nation has its gallery of fools, crooks and knaves, but the Jewish nation is meant to be (for thousands of years, yes, Israel is a re-birthed nation….) a ‘light unto the nations’, reflecting the highest ethical standards.

NOW, it is intrinsic to recognize that no nation/people are perfect, therefore, to hold Jews to an impossible standard is to hold them to a double standard. This is unacceptable, as well as dangerous, because it often veers right into anti-semitic territory, intentional or otherwise. Therefore, PM Olmert’s actions should be viewed as a double crime; a crime in the legal sense and in the ethical moral domain, a sphere no less important, perhaps even more so.

It is no small irony that PM Olmert hails from the left of the left, the milieu where hypocrisy runs so rampant it falls off charts. Being part of the branja set (Israel’s smug, self entitled, self important, holier than thou limousine liberals, all too common in Hollywood, and the confines of the upper east and west sides of NYC) it shouldn’t be shocking (to the readers) to find out that his wife was actively involved with the infamous Women in Black , and their sons fled ! the country to avoid army service – http://www.zimbio.com/Aliza+Olmert/articles/2/Olmert+wife+daughter+demonstrate+against+Gaza. Typical leftist trash.

 Thus, Israel’s PM ultimately steered our ship of state, bereft of proud and ethical moorings, coupled with marriage to a woman who interfered with the operations of our national security. Women in Black & Machsom Watch have only one mission-stopping our forces from self defense, thus aiding our genocidal foes! Code Pink can learn a thing or two from our resident female traitors. To heap outrage atop scorn, Israel is a tiny nation, embattled on all sides The notion that our people had to contend with the likes of Aliza Olmert (as our ‘First Lady’), and her seditious crew, is reprehensible, as well as infuriating.

My readers should also know that PM Olmert crowed that wifey Aliza was his most trusted adviser. A national disgrace on all levels, regardless of the outcome of his trial. Sach ha’kol, at the end of it all, Olmert (and his family too) has to look himself in the mirror, and live with the fact that he lived a life of greed and national debasement.

Too bad the Olmert family had to drag our nation down with them. May his crimes haunt him forever.

UPDATE: PM Olmert’s verdict is in……a mixed bag, but no less indicting…..as he still ! justifies his thievery, incredulously proclaiming his full innocence…..blaming this one and that one, but not himself – http://www.jpost.com/NationalNews/Article.aspx?id=276902 . As expected, the right wing witch hunt begins…… the nationalist devils are too blame….. – http://www.jpost.com/DiplomacyAndPolitics/Article.aspx?id=277125, and this rendition from DEBKAFile offers a probing indictment of Israel’s political/legal sewer (a topic I am very familiar with) – http://debka.com/article/22166/Olmert%E2%80%99s-acquittal-qualifies-him-to-lead-a-new-left-of-center-bloc.

Classic reprobate.

Washington Close To Subsuming the Constitutional Right To Bear Arms….Straight Into Thuggish UN Arms….Commentary By Adina Kutnicki

To all those who scoff at the notion of a “New World Order” (even as George Bush Sr spoke about it on several occasions – heard the clips -joined in by George-the devil incarnate-Soros, as he blithely intoned  to viewers of Fox News, as well as at many other forums, that a re-ordering of the world was on the march), think again! Few believed either of them meant what they said. Huh and duh? However, those who  took them at their word were tarred and feathered as conspiracy theorists, way beyond rational thought processes, thus marginalized as kooks and cranks. Really.

It is under this paradigm that an internal antenna perked up to peak performance, while reading the following report at The Examiner. One suspects the readers will find it equally alarming – http://www.examiner.com/article/senate-set-to-approve-controversial-un-gun-treaty. Go here too – http://mail.aol.com/36542-211/aol-6/en-us/Suite.aspx.

There is some truth to the tried and true refrain, “ignorance is bliss” .This blogger’s head hurts!

It is both ironic and tragic that otherwise clear thinking people refuse to take leaders – elected or non-elected – at their word. Whereas they often float “trial balloons”, this is only one measuring yardstick they use to gauge, whether or not their ideas will bump up against major push back. After all, it is far easier to implement unpopular, mostly anti-democratic plans when few raise a fuss.Hence, Washington’s penchant to relegate controversial items to the Friday evening news dump – read this –http://www.newsmax.com/newswidget/Obama-seize-internet-emergency/2012/07/11/id/445083?promo_code=EE9E-1&utm_source=jPost&utm_medium=nmwidget&utm_campaign=widgetphase1. It is an open secret within the Beltway. How stupid do they think we are, even those living thousands of miles away?

Be that as it may, it is readily obvious that Barack Hussein Obama’s administration is in lockstep with the United Nations, despite being filled to the brim with third world tin-pot dictators, whose only claim to fame has been their serial abuses of human rights! Never mind that this is a gaggle of kleptocrats (many who should really spend their time behind prison bars, never to see the light of day), whose only barometer of what justice entails, is how high their coffers are filled, as they raid the taxes of the hard working citizens of the United States. Now, that’s a just cause they can all agree on, and rally around. No need to pussyfoot around. And if the reader still needs to be convinced, of the UN’s deviant proclivities, take a peek here –http://www.commentarymagazine.com/2012/07/09/iran-u-n-arms-control-post-no-joke-nuclear/.

So, it is to this den of thieves that many in Congress (egged on by the POTUS; via his strong-armed surrogates; with Dems in lock-step, but with some RINO’s – Republicans in name only – in tow) have decided to hand over the (eventual) fate of the US. In addition, they are gunning for total control, specifically, via a twin devil called the Salt Treaty-Strategic Arms Limitation Agreement – among other such UN grabs for power. They even feel entitled to control the world’s sea water rights ! Take a peek at this – http://www.westernjournalism.com/obama-to-give-un-control-of-our-water/ .Their appetite is voracious, uncompromising (dogs with bones) and relentless. They want what they want, all of it cloaked behind humanitarian gobblygook.They wouldn’t recognize a true humanitarian effort if it smacked them upside their collective heads.

Nevertheless, if Washington was not as compromised as it is – beholden to foreign interests – none of this would matter. It would be DOA.

Back to The Examiner…..the gutting of the second Amendment, the Constitutional right to bear arms (regardless of protestations to the contrary that this won’t happen, as if….), should be a line in the sand, a red line, for those who still cherish freedom and liberty. Think of it this way – who are the ones with power, citizens who have the right to bear arms, or a society where the guns are only in the hands of the government? The thinking goes, a stripped citizenry is a submissive citizenry, with all the attendant implications.

Does anyone recall the vile onslaught against Americans who believe in the second Amendment, as their sacred right, as they are pejoratively coined “bitter clingers”? What about the Department of Homeland Security’s continual alerts, assigning high priority to right wing nationalists (aka Tea Party crowd) as potential domestic terrorists, all the while Islamists run rampant. Haven’t they heard of Islamburg? Been  to its perimeter, and the gun popping noises were non-stop, but let’s not digress. Haven’t they read ‘Infiltration’ by Paul Sperry ? Apparently not.

You know what? If were still stilling living in the US, I would take a chance, placing my fate alongside the “bitter clingers”, aka the “lock and load” crowd, hands down. Not being able to go into too much detail here, but when the crap could have easily hit the fan, some “good ole boys” had my back, and they were not even armed at the time! However, it was during a dicey situation (while they were visiting Israel, hence, their firearms were left behind) that I saw/felt the strength of these guys, not only in the physical sense, but in their ability to walk tall and proud, even while in a foreign country!

It is due to their inner convictions; their moral compass; their ability to differentiate between right vs wrong; good actors against bad actors, that they are so feared by the likes of Washington’s scoundrels, as well as their international cohorts at the United Nations.

It is up to each of us to take a stance. It is time to choose sides. There is no way around it.

Muslim Brotherhood’s Supreme Leader Calls For Jihad On Israel…….An Addendum to Connecting The Brotherhood Dots….Commentary By Adina Kutnicki

Egypt’s Islamist President Mohammed Morsi doesn’t hide his abiding roots to the Muslim Brotherhood, in fact, he relishes, embraces and heralds his fealty to its edicts. If anything, he is not a man who flip flops on his beliefs. You gotta give the jihad-loving, Allah-inspired man credit for sticking to his guns! No wishy washy, finger in the air, figuring out which way the wind is blowing guy. No sirree.

As a man who walks the (Islamic) walk, talks the (Islamic) talk, no one (with a straight face) can claim that they ‘misunderstand’ his worldview-of course, unless they want to !

For the uninitiated, I present Morsi’s basic outlook – ‘Allah is our objective. The prophet is our leader. Qur’an is our law. Jihad is our way. Dying in the way of Allah is our highest hope’.  Them’s are fighting words….There is nothing ambiguous about the Brotherhood’s main guiding principle. It is crystal clear. No wiggle room tolerated. To further illustrate their ‘hopes and dreams’, look no farther than their Charter in its entirety –  http://avalon.law.yale.edu/20th_century/hamas.asp. It should be required reading, considering that the President of the largest Arab nation-a core believer-will be feted at the White House, a place where western principles used to have meaning. As an aside, can anyone truly believe that Barack Hussein Obama will be able to moderate such a man, even if he wanted to (the preponderance of evidence does not support such dreamy thinking)?

To make matters more spine tingling, here is another expository reading of the (horrific) facts at hand, courtesy of reformed terrorist Walid Shoebat (you really have to hear this guy in person…..it was part of my investigative work with Lee Kaplan….incredible…..he had me at the edge of my seat……few can accomplish that feat of magic) – http://www.shoebat.com/2012/07/08/head-of-racist-muslim-brotherhood-group-presents-diversity-award-to-local-head-of-another-racist-muslim-brotherhood-front-group/.

So, in light of the above, despite Mubarak’s many shortcomings-enough to fill several books-he understood the urgency of keeping the Brotherhood at bay, as far away from the levers of power as possible. Let me ask the readers a question-who knows what the Brotherhood is capable of, other than those who live cheek to jowl with them? I thought so.

By extension, my previous commentary ‘Connecting the Brotherhood Dots…….’ is not only supportive of the above, but it takes on even more urgency. The very fact that the current US administration is in sync (by not keeping them at bay) with the Brotherhood’s entrance into the ‘democratic’  process, indicates that they have consciously entered into an alliance with the most anti-democratic forces in the world. A deal with the (Islamic) devil. This is indisputable.

In this regard, the highest officials in Jerusalem (while addled on some matters, on this one they are fully up to speed, regardless of anything they demur publicly….don’t believe their blatherings for a nanosecond) are shuddering, some might say, having nightmares, about the possible re-election of Barack Hussein Obama for a second term. (see further evidence substantiating the POTUS’s treachery, and why Jerusalem is suffering collective heartburn) – http://debka.com/article/22164/Israel-perturbed-by-Obama%E2%80%99s-outreach-to-Mursi—against-his-word. Consequently, a second term will give him unrestricted abilities to implement his ‘Islamic outreach’ program. OMG!!

To add to their angst in Jerusalem, here’s another heart stopping, bone chilling exhortation from the Supreme Leader of Egypt’s Brotherhood – http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/157636. The (jihad) hits keep coming. G-d protect us. And, not to put a too fine point, on what the future portends with a Muslim Brotherhood leader holding the reins of power in Egypt, ladies and gents, hold onto your seats – http://www.meforum.org/3280/egypt-sex-slave-marriage.

To wrap matters up, if 1 + 1 (still) = 2, then the strategic outlook for Israel in particular, and the west in general, could not be more dire, without even factoring in the Iranian Hitler! Again, the prospect of another 4 years of an Islamist leaning/sympathizing POTUS at the helm-heaven forbid-we (in Israel), and lovers of liberty world over, will be in for some very dark times. Not according to the guiding ‘principles’ of the Muslim Brotherhood, but according to western principles of liberty and freedom.

Some may be loathe to admit this, but we are in a ‘clash of civilizations’. Darkness vs light.

Connecting the Brotherhood Dots, Courtesy of The US Commander-In-Chief & His Islamic ‘Outreach’….Commentary By Adina Kutnicki

NOTHING happens in a vacuum, particularly within the arena of geo-politics.

Unless one has been hibernating in a cave, for at least the past few years, few are unfamiliar with Barack Hussein Obama’s Muslim outreach tour in June 2009. For a refresher course, here’s the link-http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/full-text-president-obama-speech-cairo-university-article-1.372558.

Furthermore, those who are equally attuned to his close friendships with notorious Islamic Jew-haters (more politely termed, anti-Zionists), his close bond with Rashid Khalidi (a relationship so hot to handle, that the LA Times is still keeping a tape of a farewell party, in honor of Khalidi’s move from U of Chicago to Columbia U, under lock and key), stands out above the rest.

Another unrepentant Jew-hater, Edward Said, the late, non-lamented Columbia U prof (aka Bir Zeit-on-the-Hudson), the very same prof who turned history upside its head, through a fabricated construct called ‘Orientalism’ (he told so many lies about his own personal history, as well as the history of the region….liar, liar pants on fire), was also his good buddy, as were several others, including the anti-white, Jew-baiting Black Panthers, and leaders from the equally vile Nation of Islam. A veritable laundry list of anti-American racists and anti-semites. Birds of a feather.

As such, one needn’t be a cynic to see a pattern emerging, thus concluding – Obama hearts Islamists/Muslims…six of one, half a dozen of another.

Now that that is off the table, let us turn our attention to the full and final penetration/Infiltration of the Muslim Brotherhood Mafia, as the new Egyptian Brotherhood President prepares to strut his stuff at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, as the head of the largest ! Arab nation-http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/full-text-president-obama-speech-cairo-university-article-1.372558.

To understand the full, and explosively dangerous, implications of the above, please, I beg of you, read Muslim Mafia & Infiltration – http://www.amazon.com/Paul-Sperry/e/B001HCW03K. My library is bursting with the most spine chilling, truth-telling books (making Barnes & Noble/Amazon rich in the process), yet these two set the bar. Just keep your lights on after reading them….I’m just saying.

On its face, it is no longer in question whether or not Washington allows this bad actor, or that bad actor, into their halls of power. That ship has sailed.

It is the bitterest of ironies that Obama, a serial liar (Obamacare is not a tax….) has kept one promise, the one he made (behind the backs of the American people) to the Brotherhood, as they hung onto his every word, from their front row seats in Cairo. To further give patriots heartburn, the POTUS has ensured that the progenitors of Al Qadea are fully honored guests at the White House…..a pox on his head.

The Islamic barbarians are not at the gates of Washington, they are inside it!!

Strange Bedfellows…..A Societal Cause Many From The Left & Right Can Rally Around…..Did I Just Say That?? Commentary By Adina Kutnicki

One could barely fill a thimble with the number of causes a leftist and rightist will agree upon. But that doesn’t mean that a worthy one should be ignored, just because the opposite side is embracing and championing it. Not at all. Morally right – no pun intended – is morally right. Period. 

To catch American (and other nationals) readers up to speed, here’s the deal-there is a growing, some might say gaping, chasm traversing the Israeli landscape. Its core revolves around the Tal Law (to be explained below), and the Knesset commissions set up to address this volatile issue.

In particular, the above law is designed to exempt the ultra-Orthodox (mainly Haredim) and Arab communities from army enlistment and national community service. The ultra-Orthodox are “up in arms” about pressures – via public heat applied upon the politicians – exerted on them to enlist (in either IDF or national community service),due to their insistence on learning full time in Torah-based studies, and that nothing should be allowed to interfere with that. Beg to differ.

Whereas Israel’s essence derives from its place as a “light unto the nations”, this is not a mandate for full time learning for many thousands of boys and girls post high school. Firstly, not all Torah learners are equal. Let’s face facts. Just as in any discipline there are those who will be exceptional scholars, others – not so much. Besides, a deep connection to G-d does not require full time learning! The Orthodox concept, “Torah v’madah” – Torah and work – is a much accepted and central Orthodox construct.

Specifically, those who want to learn will find the time, be it in the evening hours or on the weekends. (My son, and many of his friends are passionate Torah learners, yet they combine IDF reserve service, full time professional jobs, and weekend Torah learning, why can’t the Haredim?) More to the point, those who are exceptional Torah scholars – there are many tests/ways to pick them out-are the ones who should be exempted in order to dedicate themselves to full time Torah studies, for it will be their unique grasp of Torah studies which will guide future generations. As to the rest, they must either choose between army or communal service, and an agreeable formula can be reached. Either way, this group of healthy citizens will need to shoulder the national burden. They would serve their nation well if they finally ! got with the program.

Let’s also face (uncomfortable) facts – many want to (mis)use Torah studies – a very worthy and noble pursuit, in and of itself – as an easy cop out to not shoulder their national burden.

As to the Arabs, this is another kettle of fish, but equally important to address. Many, though hardly all, display utter contempt for the nation which has given them more freedom, wealth and opportunity than they can dream of, let alone ever find in the Arab nations they heart with. Talk about biting the hand that feeds you! Of course, their ever inciting Arab leadership – political and communal – whine about this or that disparity between Arabs and Jews, therefore, their people should be exempt from any national service. Poppycock.

Nevertheless, the Arab formula for national service must be more nuanced, even though many will rail against it. Too damn bad. Therefore, it behooves cooler heads to prevail, getting real in the process. Except for special cases – these exceptions can be discerned through various intelligence agencies – in no way, shape or form dare our leadership enlist Arabs en mass into our IDF! Fox in the hen house.

Let us learn from our American friends, as they are waking up to their own internal horror, due to the enlistment of over a hundred (who knows how many more will be identified) “Islamic soldiers” within the US Army. The Pentagon has become dangerously infected with the PC virus, therefore, none of this should come as a shock. Thus, the FBI is now busy tracking them down-http://www.npr.org/2012/06/25/155710570/fbi-checking-100-suspected-extremists-in-military, attempting to avert another mass killing akin to Fort Hood’s “servant of Allah”, Major Nidal Hasan. His was not an isolated case, far from it.

Thereby, in order to pretend that all communities are considered “equal” in Israeli society, does this delusional thinking warrant giving many – who abhor us to the extreme, identifying with our genocidal foes – the tools to kill us, but this time, from within? Are our leaders that insane? Let’s hope not. However, national/communal service definitely fits the bill for the Arab community. Why in the world shouldn’t Arabs, who enjoy all our social services, contribute their time? In fact, it may even open up their (biased) eyes, showing them that Jews are also poor, victimized and in need of many helping hands. Why shouldn’t they extend theirs? Indeed.

Back to the convergence of leftists and rightists rallying around a cause. There have been many demonstrations, from different sectors of the community, calling for the same thing-service for all. The leaders of this are mainly IDF recruits, feeling betrayed and taken advantage of, hence, “Camp Sucker”. To get a glimpse into their protest movement please see this very informative encapsulation-http://www.jpost.com/NationalNews/Article.aspx?id=276433&R=R2.

As a patriot, as a woman who understands that our people would be lost without our Torah, and as an equal opportunity sharer of our national burden, this movement is not only moral, but it is just. Besides, why should my sons, olim/immigrants too – as well as many others – protect the nation, while others sit idly by at their expense?

Not nice. Not nice at all. The repeal of the Tal Law can’t come soon enough!

The Mother Of All Wars Is Knocking At Our Door…Wishful Thinking Is Not An Option….Nor Prudent Strategic Policy! Commentary By Adina Kutnicki

Living in the Middle East, a region rife with strife, is akin to living on the edge of a knife. Events change so rapidly, before one finishes internalizing one report, another development ensues, rendering the previous reading obsolete.

Therefore, one is forced to develop heightened senses, the same feeling one gets when the hair on the back of the neck stands up. A sixth sense of sorts. Most especially, when one is immersed with the nitty gritty of geo-politics (as I am), plus associates with those who are deeply attuned to affairs of the state, ones antenna operates at a maximum plane, aside from having the privilege of gleaning insights that others aren’t regularly privy to.

As such, I offer the reports below as more than ‘food for thought’, thereby, pay particular attention to the frequency with which the IDF Northern Commander held his most recent international press briefings. Moreover, Haaretz, a left wing, pro Arabist media outlet rarely gets their facts straight, as they spike the news about as often as The New York Times does, the heretofore ‘paper of record’. In speaking with several of my trusted contacts, many who interface regularly with IDF officials, there is little doubt that Haaretz got it right. Oh well, even a broken clock tells the correct time every so often.

With the above in mind, it is important for all those who care about Israel to pay rapt attention to the contents of these links-http://www.haaretz.com/blogs/east-side-story/israel-issues-stark-warning-to-hezbollah-amid-political-instability-in-syria-iran.premium-1.449158. In conjunction, DEBKAFile, more often than not, hits its mark, therefore, I seriously urge you to read both links, and share with others –http://debka.com/article/22162/Clinton-Syria-on-brink-of-catastrophe-as-rebels-advance-The-region-in-danger.

Israeli parents, at least those with sons and daughters in the IDF (regular or reserves), would do well to pay particular heed to its implications, even if they usually tend to avert their gaze. Who can blame them. After all, how much bad news can a person tolerate without becoming immune and numb in the process.

As one of those mothers-with two reservists of my own-I don’t dismiss the hairs standing up on the back of my neck, even if it would be easier to do so. No one knows precisely when the mega firefight will begin (I am not referring to the incessant lobbing of missiles/rockets, for over a decade ! , into our southern cities), but those who are paying extremely close attention understand that war is knocking at our door, soon to explode with a ferocity not seen in decades.

Know this. It will be do or die. Kill or be killed. Forewarned is forearmed.

G-d have mercy on my beleaguered-and beloved-homeland!

.UPDATE: http://debka.com/article/22180/Israel-advised-to-brace-for-Syrian-missile-attack-%E2%80%93-conventional-or-chemical !

The Underbelly of Substance Abuse & Its Crossing of All (Societal) Red Lines…..Commentary By Adina Kutnicki

Though preoccupied with geo-politics (particularly,involving Israel), as events swirl faster than the speed of lightning throughout the Middle East, I am equally concerned about the fate of the United States, the greatest experiment in individual liberty known to man. Though no nation can claim a perfect record, the foundations of the US are set upon stellar Judeo-Christian pillars, moorings which are in danger of collapsing, each and every day.

As such, this blog expends much angst over the fate of both beloved nations (my birth home, and the home of my Jewish heart); one a beacon of light in a hopelessly barbaric Middle East; the other, a nation which led the world for countless decades, now on the verge of receding into the background. Not a pretty picture. Heaven help us if their edifices shatter.

Nevertheless, there are other societal issues which cry out for our attention, especially in light of the immediate and direct wreckage they cause. Specifically, I am referring to the problem of alcohol and drug abuse; addictions/afflictions which cross all spheres of society. One may be rich, poor, young, old, smart, not so smart and from any religious/ethnic makeup (yes, the Iranian Hitler claims there aren’t any substance abusers in Iran!), in essence, it is an equal opportunity destroyer.

Due to the above,this site has dedicated countless of hours of research into this devastating scourge. Immigrating to Israel in 2008, I became duly aware of the effects of substance abuse upon Israeli society. A real eyeopener. Thus, it became incumbent to share said information with others, chiefly through op-eds on the subject.

‘Alcoholism:The Wreckage In Its Wake’ was a first attempt to reach out to the Jewish community (and others), hoping to wake up the addicts and the enablers in their midst- http://www.jewishpress.com/in-print/alcoholism-the-wreckage-in-its-wake/2011/12/18/ .Truth be told, a mission of herculean proportions.

A second attempt focused upon some enormously troubling events, events which transpired in Israel over the past few months. Waking up to the news of an increase in teenage murders – by other teenagers – jolted me into further research. As such, I contacted several highly connected medical professionals from NYC, people who knew how to put me in touch with the “highest authorities”, in the arena of substance abuse, in the NYC metro area. To put it more bluntly, I decided to call in some favors.

Upon relating certain concerns to several renowned substance abuse professionals, a most definite starting point to explore this troubling phenomena emerged. Specifically, the question became: what shaped seemingly normal teenagers to turn into stone cold killers? To begin with, I was advised – by each professional – to dig deeper into the synthesis between teenager murders and the causal relationship to being raised in homes where substance abuse is the “norm”. Good grief.

These contacts – G-d bless them for their assistance and patience – sent pdf files rife with supportive medical information. Therefore, I was able to put together a brief, but succinct op-ed built upon a definitive, emerging pattern. ‘Teenage Murders Shock Israelis, Many Seek Answers’ – http://www.israelnationalnews.com/Articles/Article.aspx/11631 lays bear some very painful points, at least for those who are more inclined to sweep (shameful) family matters under the rug. See no evil, hear no evil.

It was under the above mindset that something so shocking, even after having explored the underbelly of the insidious disease of substance abuse, came to light. Compiling data for some additional research, I started exploring the mother of all addiction stories – literally. Many readers may recall the horrific drunk driving accident caused by Diane Schuler, a mother ! from Westchester, New York, in the summer of 2009. In brief, she killed 8 people, including herself, her baby daughter, 3 nieces, and 3 men in an oncoming car, while driving the wrong way on the Taconic Parkway (btw, a stretch of road this blogger traveled many times….). Her wreckage is laid bare for all to see in the link provided –http://www.thefix.com/content/%E2%80%9Cdrinking-mom%E2%80%9D-syndrome.

So, if the above horror is not unsettling enough, consider this new fad -mothers who join blogs (there are several) to find like-minded peers who relish their vodka to “deal” with their daily pressures of life! Kid you not. Take a peek at this blog, unabashedly called Vodka Momhttp://www.vodkamom.com/#.T_Qc1ZnL8Cw.facebook.

Being immersed in this subject, and fully understanding the many complex and intertwining layers (mental and physical) of addiction, this much is overwhelmingly clear – the multi-faceted, life long prices paid by spouses, children, siblings, relatives, friends, employers, and society at large, is too high to pay for another’s addictive behavior. NO one has the right to inflict such misery upon others, however unintentional. Simply put, excuses for their addiction just won’t cut it. Just ask those (if they are alive to tell the tale) who suffer due to their reckless behavior; whether living with them; interacting with them as relatives (slowly watching them kill themselves, a nightmare like few others); occasionally interfacing; or not even knowing the addict from a hole in the wall, as the addict’s car plows into anyone unlucky enough to be in their careening path, never knowing what hit them!

Suffice it to say, if it were up to this American-Israeli, each and every person – regardless of their station in life – who is caught driving drunk would never have the opportunity to get behind the wheel again. Ever.Tragically, too many maim and kill, before they are hauled into jail and into mandated rehab. Let them rot in jail. As to the rest – who have yet to kill or maim – they must also pay for the crime of drunk driving and take public transport, that is, only if they have not harmed anyone during their drunk driving sprees. At its most base, drunk driving is a criminal offense, and those accused – if parents -are not fit to raise cats or dogs, let alone their own children.

A societal tragedy….deeply ignored…hidden behind closed doors. Time to open our (collective) eyes. Therefore, but for the grace of G-d, go all the (potential) victims of the likes of Diane Schuler!

Leftist Treachery? Good. Nationalist Patriotism? Bad. Thus, ‘Justice’ In The Holy Land Is Both Predictable & Ideological…..Commentary By Adina Kutnicki

Just as one can predict that the sun will invariably rise and set, so too can Jewish nationalists count on Israel’s leadership to continually harass them. Their actions are Pavlovian.

It matters not a whit whether a heretofore right wing leadership (Likud) holds the reins of power, or its evil leftist twin (Labor, Kadima, Meretz) holds sway, the results are one and the same. I offer more than ample proof of this thesis, in my thoroughly researched op-ed ‘The Paradox Of Israeli Politics:Vote Right, Get Left’ , you can read it here-http://www.americanthinker.com/2012/06/the_paradox_of_israeli_politics_vote_right_get_left.html.

As I often demonstrate (mainly through my op-eds), the perpetual harassment and incitement evinces many forms; it continues unencumbered; it is relentless, and it also requires many (creative) avenues to execute. Nevertheless, one tactic stands out above all others, primarily due to its pernicious effect. Administrative Detention, a useful tool when utilized against genocidal foes, becomes an anti-democratic and wholly persecuting tactic when used against ones loyal citizens! My deeply sourced op-ed ‘Administrative Detention Against Jewish Nationalists’ is irrefutable in its content and conclusions-http://www.freeman.org/serendipity/index.php?/archives/475-ADMINISTRATIVE-DETENTION-ORDERS-AGAINS-JEWISH-NATIONALISTS.html#extended.

If the rendering from the above op-ed requires a companion piece, here is another one I wrote to add to the running indictment against our leadership, it is aptly titled ‘Hunting Down Rabbis Under The Guise Of Law & Order’ http://honenu.org/articles/hunting-down-rabbis-under-the-guise-of-law-order/. I suspect my readers may be feeling nauseous after reading the above op-eds, and some might even be reeling. I apologize. But there is no better cure than a spotlight shined on said (ideologically driven political) ills.

Back to this week’s news-predictable, as always. I hereby further present two supportive/substantive reports, named Exhibit Number One & Exhibit Number Two. Exhibit Number One is the plea bargain arranged for Uri Blau, a reporter for the ultra leftist, pro Arabist Haaretz, a newspaper which many deem as reliable as Al Jazeera, often used as the ‘paper of record’ to indict Israel in the court of public opinion…… but I digress. In any case, the ‘punishment’ he received, less than a slap on the wrist, for crimes which western democracies treat as treason, makes a mockery of Israel’s system of justice, as well as the much ballyhooed concept of ‘rule of law’. Not only that, no one should be surprised if Uri Blau is nominated for the Israel Prize, a prize often given to those whose work undermines our Jewish homeland. See the report on his ‘sentence’-http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/157533. You be the judge and jury.You decide.

Forgive me for pointing out Exhibit Number Two, thus further ruining your day, but this is the reality of Israel’s two tiered justice system. Note, I did not say three tiered. This is because Israel’s Arabs are treated as delicately as our resident leftists (in Israel we call it etrog-like), sometimes even more so. After all, PC mandates require a kid gloved approach, regardless of the treachery. Yesterday’s news, of the unabated harassment of Rabbi Meir Kahane’s, z”l (of blessed memory) family, tragically supports all of the above. As you will see, through the following report at Israel National News, the above topic of Administrative Detention (though not directly mentioned) is part and parcel of the torture inflicted upon Jewish nationalists. Read it, and it will all become clear-http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/157558.

May G-d save us from our errant leadership!

A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words……And This Story Is The Stuff of Jewish Strength & Courage….Commentary By Adina Kutnicki

Some stories are worth their weight in gold. This one rates several gold stars.

Firstly, being a contributing op-ed writer to The Jewish Press, I always check on their news and views, and this story resonates to my core. Secondly, I tune into Malkah Fleisher’s radio show, featured at Israel National News/Arutz7 (another site I contribute to) on a regular basis.

But most inherently, I am of like-mind with this Texas born and raised lioness of Zion (as opposed to where I hail from, the loony east/left coast in the heart of NYC). She is my Zionist sister, in the truest sense of the word. Due to the above, I hereby nominate her as the pin-up/poster woman that all Jewish girls-whatever their ages-should strive to emulate, regardless whether they are traditionally religious (like Malkah) or not.

Read this, http://www.jewishpress.com/news/on-the-anniversary-of-entebbe-malkah-is-home-on-the-range/2012/07/04/, then tell me if you think she makes her mark too!

You go, girl…….shoot off a few rounds in my name, next time you hit the range!

And, by the bye, my ‘blood brother’ and best friend in Israel, Tsafrir Ronen, z”l (of blessed memory…he is sorely missed….most especially during trying times ) was part of the force which stormed Entebbe, having operated under Yoni Netanyahu’s command as a Sayeret Matkal (General Staff Reconnaissance Unit) commando. Here’s my op-ed in his memory ‘Israel’s Hero, My Hero’http://www.israelnationalnews.com/Articles/Article.aspx/8469. Therefore, Malkah’s article, in honor of the anniversary of Entebbe, strikes a very personal chord too.

Halting A Death Cult In Its Tracks…….The Fissures Between Washington’s & Jerusalem’s Iranian Timeline……Commentary By Adina Kutnicki

The civilized world’s most urgent task is to assure that the Iranian regime does not attain nuclear weapons. This issue is NO longer up for debate.

The fault-lines lie in how to go about stopping their bloody march, and herein the POTUS and PM Netanyahu (his Israeli counterpart) part company. Whereas Obama and his advisers place their eggs in the jaw-jaw basket, Jerusalem knows better. The fact of the matter is that Israelis (and Sunni regimes too, but to a lesser degree) are living-or dying-in their cross hairs, and Israel’s leaders also understand what animates the Iranian Hitler and his leadership, in their unstoppable/unquenchable quest for the penultimate arsenal-nuclear weapons.

Whereas, the poohbahs in Washington dismiss Mahdi-driven eschatology, (see here-http://www.wnd.com/2012/07/israel-shall-burn-to-ashes-says-iran/) consigning it to the babblings of 7th century lunatics, these rantings are the driving force of Iran’s fanatical, death cult driven leadership, as well as their followers! This is a fact. Therefore, so called, Washington ‘realists’ must immediately catch up to (Middle East) speed, and finally get real !  What Washington elitists (mis)understand from the confines of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave and K Street, the mad mullahs view from an entirely different prism, centuries older. It is their vision that decides which tack Washington and Israel must take. Sorry.

The point being, Obama has surrounded himself with people who truly believe that diplomacy holds sway with those who adhere to dreams of a world awash with blood, all in order to ‘purify’ the planet towards a future of peace and harmony. Holy smokes. Hallucinations of the advent of the 12th Imam run rampant, and there is nothing, nada, zippo that western leaders can do about it.

Thus, the penultimate question before us is – will Jerusalem pre-empt, or will Washington? Having been immersed in this issue for over a decade, I am strongly convinced that Israel has the requisite tools to do the job (to at least set them back for several yrs, a lifetime in Middle East politics), having prepared for this mission for decades. Not only that, but the motivation to succeed is existential in nature. When a leadership vows to wipe us off the map, our forces take this very seriously.

Additionally, I have been in close contact, for over a decade, with one of the world’s experts on nuclear war doctrine,  Professor Louis Beres, the author of ‘Project Daniel’. This is the main policy paper given to President Bush and PM Sharon, regarding this very issue-pre-empting Iran’s nuclear project. I urge everyone to read these two links, it is that important. Firstly, here is his background-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_Ren%C3%A9_Beres. Secondly, I refer you to his earth shattering policy paper –http://www.acpr.org.il/ENGLISH-NATIV/03-issue/daniel-3.htm.

In summation, the fly in the ointment is not Jerusalem, nor is it the Iranian leadership, they will do what they will do, regardless of the west’s pressure. This too is a fact. The wild card is Obama and his political calculations. Obama will decide his course based on how it will affect his chances for re-election. Over the course of his Presidency we have witnessed-to our collective horror-a wealth of evidence demonstrating that all his policies (domestic or foreign) are calibrated in perpetual campaign mode. Obama is not a patriot, and that is that.

Israelis and Americans must hope and pray that the options are quickly taken out of Obama’s hands, allowing Jerusalem to do what it must, via the entirely lawful doctrine of  anticipatory self-defense via pre-emption. Once the heavy lifing is accomplished Washington’s duty will be one of ‘mop up’, in all its permutations. It is in America’s interest to do so, as well as the rest of the civilized world.

In a perfect world the US would take the lead, but such is not the case, as half the electorate tragically installed a self serving, wholly unqualified, anti-American, Islamist sympathizing, socialist, Marxist as POTUS. We are all reaping the whirlwind of this electoral disaster.

The clock is ticking. The countdown is upon us. It is what it is.

Happy Fourth of July…..Patriotic Marching Orders…….Commentary By Adina Kutnicki

Here’s the deal-if the Fourth of July will have any real meaning (other than as a footnote in history books) for future generations, the next four years will seal its fate-one way or another-further illuminating how this generation stood up to leftist revolutionaries, and to their biggest challenge during this critical test of citizenship.

Smug in their latest victory lap over the passage of Obamacare/tax, Obama and his surrogates are continually upping the ante, confident in their ultimate ability to wrest complete control from the people, thereby, finally placing centralized power in the hands of the Federal government. Under Obama’s 4 year creeping tyrannical rule, they have every reason to believe that they will prevail. The open question is, will US patriots allow them to destroy the greatest experiment in freedom the world has ever known, without even putting up a brave and concerted struggle?

As a final nail, to the notion that the US is indeed a Constitutional Republic, Chief Justice Robert’s ‘legal’ jujitsu proved, that the so called ‘rule of law’ is as malleable as a pretzel. He allowed their original legal argument, predicated under the Commerce Clause, to be turned upside its head, just as long as it fit neatly into the newly created ‘tax box’. The intent being, to fit it into a politically prescribed/dictated outcome, under the gobbylygook of  a sort of, kind of, putrid wafting concoction of judicial discretion. As if.

At this dangerous juncture in time, the reasons why Roberts caved hardly matters. That can be left for another day. What matters is that the Obama regime is closer to usurping all powers than ever before, having co-opted the Supreme Court in the process. Tyranny is close at hand.

Thereby, I offer up three holiday gift goodies to fellow patriots, each one filled with a wealth of information-marching orders of sorts, on this unique day of patriotism.

‘Hero General:Obama Following Castro’s Plan’ is outlined by Retired Lt. General William Boykin. If there ever was a blueprint for patriotic marching orders, this is it –http://www.wnd.com/2012/07/hero-general-obama-following-castros-plan/. Fellow patriots, chazak v’ametz, go from strength to strength.

In tandem, ‘Lies We Can Believe In’ by the inestimable Daniel Greenfield, AKA Sultan Knish (my favorite writer/analyst on geo-politics, based out of NYC-go figure-G-d bless his patriotic soul), gives a chilling, but highly accurate rendering of the mask worn by the most dangerous POTUS in US history. In addition, he lays down a doable challenge of his own-http://sultanknish.blogspot.co.il/2012/07/lies-we-can-believe-in.html.

Last, but not least, the following is another trenchant column to ponder, replete with historical parallels to boot –http://pjmedia.com/blog/chief-justice-roberts%E2%80%99s-dred-scott-moment/2/. All three columns should be spread wide and far to every American, to the young and not so young. They are concrete lesson plans, replete with action-oriented guideposts that must be implemented-faster….faster….please!

As is said in Israel, sach ha’kol, at the end of it all, citizens can decide to be passive onlookers or active doers. But know this. Those who choose to sit this fight out also bear the consequences of their inaction. It has never been more true-to be silent IS to agree.

The Passing of A Statesman……What Israel’s Seventh PM, Yitzhak Shamir, Stood For………Commentary By Adina Kutnicki

Within today’s morally ambiguous society certain values-as well as words-are deemed out of bounds. Once utilized, its user becomes an outcast within ‘civilized/polite’ society-ethical behavior be damned.

Atop this PC mandated pyramid exists certain lexicon, toxic language which leaders understand relegates them to political purgatory. Chief among them includes verbiage smacking of nationalism and patriotism. To adhere to these moral constructs renders most leaders mute, thus lending themselves incapable of  saying NO – NO to any compromises which infringes upon their nation’s core interests (strategic or otherwise) and integrity.

Hence, the passing of Yitzhak Shamir, Israel’s Prime Minister for two terms (from 1983-1984 and 1986-1992), at the ripe old age of 96, is more than noteworthy. Unlike others, I do not adhere to the notion that all leaders (or for that matter, all people) deserve the same respect. This is nonsense. There is a world apart between those-especially leaders-who conduct themselves as statesmen, as opposed to political whores.

That being said, there is little reason for me to attempt to eulogize the passing of this stalwart patriot, particularly since several others have already done adequate justice to his memory. However, an op-ed by Deputy Speaker of the Knesset MK Danny Danon (himself an outstanding patriot), in tribute to PM Shamir’s passing, is especially noteworthy.

Just as a foretaste, MK Danon quoted PM Shamir’s guiding principle – Do not negotiate on core ideology. His op-ed is a KEEPER – http://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Op-EdContributors/Article.aspx?id=276042. The inestimable Caroline Glick penned her usual masterpiece for your reading pleasure-http://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Columnists/Article.aspx?id=276442.

Patriots, wherever you reside, would do well to internalize MK Danon’s message to the public. By choosing leaders who emulate the core ideology of PM Shamir, we may very well help elect those who are both deserving to be called leaders, and will secure our national interests for generations to come. We owe as much to future generations. Simple as that.

An addendum to Tzedek, Tzedek Tirdof……Nullum Crimen Sine Poena, June 28, 2012……Commentary By Adina Kutnicki

Once again, I do not pretend to be a soothsayer-far from it-but I do stake a claim to reality based thinking/analysis. Therefore, my June 28, 2012 commentary ‘Tzedek, Tzedek Tirdof….Justice, Justice You Shall Pursue’ finds unquestionable support from the following article today at Israel National News –http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/157403.

Entitled, ‘Life Sentence Means Until The Next Kidnapping’ it exposes the cruel unvarnished reality behind Israel’s much exhorted strategy of deterrence. Its conclusions are backed up by comprehensive statistics, which flies in the face of the actual underpinnings of strategic deterrence within a western based democracy. The tactics employed by Israel’s leadership renders their strategy moot. A dead letter. I knew as much, even when I still lived in the US (back in 2007), as evidenced by one of my many op-eds on the subject –http://www.israelnationalnews.com/Articles/Article.aspx/7296.

Most intrinsically, Israel’s leaders have basically ignored the critical recommendations of the Shamgar Committee , a panel set up to ensure that lopsided (terror) negotiations do not harm Israel’s interests, examining whether they should even be conducted in the first place! Its essence can be found here-http://www.israelhayom.com/site/newsletter_article.php?id=2523. Besides, civilized nations generally do not negotiate over the release of terrorists!

When a leadership, for any reason, releases mass murderers, including those who slit children’s throats, kill pregnant women, and exalt in their Jew-killing, suffice it to say, the crazies are the ones who allow them to ever walk free again.

.

Naomi Chazan, Retiring President of The New Israel Fund, A Dangerous & Unrepentant Enemy of Jewish Patriots……Commentary By Adina Kutnicki

To augment a commentary from July 1, ‘Leftist Dogma The Same World Over….Freedom Loving People, Beware’ – adinakutnicki.com/2012/07/01/leftist-dogma-the-same-world-over-freedom-loving-people-beware-commentary-by-adina-kutnicki-32-2/ – this gem is offered as proof positive of its efficacy – http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/157419, please read the article.

In brief, Naomi Chazan, the outgoing President of the radical left ‘New Israel Fund’ could be channeling any functionary (elected or non-elected) from leftist cadres throughout the west, as attested to by her comments upon her retirement, as well as throughout her reign as its President. Her interpretation of democracy parrots the likes of Nancy Pelosi (elected by the people) and Mao swooning Anita Dunn (a non-elected “adviser” to Barack Hussein Obama, himself a dedicated revolutionary Marxist/socialist). This IS the POTUS’s real religion of choice, aside from his visceral inclinations towards Islam.

The article (viewed after my 7/1/12 commentary) supports a primary thesis, that propaganda-laden cliques, plus the twisting of facts into pretzels, is the core component of leftist doublespeak. Without its implementation the left would be deprived of its most potent weapon, thus dying a quick death (let’s help it along….). Orwell said it best, and Goebbels implemented its efficiency. Saul Alinsky, a neurotic little boy became a leftist icon, once he learned the art form outlined by Goebbels.

LESSONS LEARNED: It is a (deadly) mistake to ignore the rabble rousing of those who have the ears of powerful people, as well as the masses. Their co-opting of main power organs leaves the public as veritable hostages, albeit less so with the advent of alternative media. Never forget, words do matter! Just ask the godfather of language bastardization, linguistics Professor Noam Chomsky, MIT’s resident inciter against Israel and the US, and the west in general (adding insult to personal injury, MIT is my son’s alma mater….). As a dedicated leftist, he too understands that dogmatic group-think is the only way to push forward with ones personal career (when dependent upon the approval of leftist functionaries), regardless of the facts at hand-http://www.americanthinker.com/2012/07/what_chomsky_got_right.html.

In a nutshell, to die hard leftists facts are fungible.

Leftist Dogma The Same World Over; Freedom Loving People Beware…Commentary By Adina Kutnicki

Leftist bullying (usually mental, but it crosses into the physical realm too) knows no bounds.(see- http://mail.aol.com/36515-112/aol-6/en-us/Suite.aspx). Their leaders and their shock troops are relentless, merciless and unparalleled in their shamelessness (see here too- http://www.jpost.com/NationalNews/Article.aspx?id=275826). Thereby, the ends always justifies the means, regardless of the cost to human capital.

Their tactics have been honed to an art form, and have evolved over many decades throughout the US, but most especially since the early 1960’s. Israeli leftists are very eager pupils -ape-like- they mimic their US mentors. They also understand the intrinsic value of infiltrating every sphere of public discourse and opinion. In general, leftists leave little to chance, operating faithfully to certain prescribed guidelines, but also ready to pounce when a crisis emerges, whether of the spontaneous, or manufactured variety. Never let a good crisis go to waste, where have we heard that before?

Is it any wonder that “occupy Wall Street” is being played out in Israel, tents and all? The notion that citizens (and even illegals ! ) are entitled to “cradle to the grave” goodies is a centerpiece within the US “social justice” movement, as well as its Israeli cousin. A preposterous notion. How can this be?

Simply put, leftist dogma can leap tall buildings, swim across oceans, and implant its poisonous seeds on the other side of the world. This is a result of the “religious” and fixed component to their ideology. Of course, without the generous assistance of George Soros’s maze-like pyramids-radical revolutionary entities – much less damage would accrue, at least on a global scale. While it is an open secret that his above tentacles are spread out all over the US, so too are they embedded within the Israeli leftist scene – domestic interference, from foreign funded entities, at the highest levels.

Specifically, Stanley Greenberg (a highly paid Democratic operative), in tandem with the radical New Israel Fund, is busy as a beaver, creating mayhem wherever he can, hoping to upend Israel’s economic viability to effectuate leftist political ends. A chief suspect in Israel, within the radical left movement, is Daphne Leef, a paid operative (pretending to be a nobody, someone just outraged over the cost of cottage cheese and apartment rentals. If only….) of New Israel Fund, one of Soros’s many pet projects. Leef’s machinations are best described here – http://mail.aol.com/36515-112/aol-6/en-us/Suite.aspx. Though much younger, she would be proud to be a Van Jones clone when she reaches the pinnacle of her revolutionary career.

Most perniciously (and of intrinsic importance), the left’s tentacles are burrowed deep within the education system, the media, legal venues, cultural forums, and policy making spheres of government, both in the US and Israel. At the same time, they pretend to take the high road, and insist it is the only moral road to tread. They brook no dissent, yet feign the mantle of liberalism.

Nonetheless, due to the advent of alternative media, their hegemony is slowly coming to a halt. Educating the public on the arsenal utilized by the left, (via emotive, clique-driven propaganda, see -http://www.americanthinker.com/2012/06/review_the_tyranny_of_cliches_how_liberals_cheat_in_the_war_of_ideas.html) has never been more urgent. Freedom loving people must avail themselves of the “new media”, to better discern when smoke is being blown in their face. The left is becoming desperate, but make no mistake, desperate people often become very dangerous. Cornered like rats, they will likely attack anything/anyone standing in their way, as they attempt to grasp onto the levers of various power centers. The unbridled takeover of the US Federal government by committed socialists, Marxists, communists, who behave as if freedom of choice is yesterday’s news, intend to control as much as they can (while they still can), regardless of the people they have to mow down in the process.

The only way to viably organize an effective push back, against committed opponents, is to understand the method to their madness. Doing so requires much more than showing up at a rally; it requires being able to speak their language, knowing how to counter punch effectively, to deconstruct their subliminal messaging and their laser focused precision.

Thus, I can offer no better primer than Saul Alinsky’s Rules for Radicals”It is the left’s playbook, their bible of record. Heck, Hillary Clinton wrote her senior college thesis on Alinsky, deifying him in the process! In fact, Obama is so in tune with Alinskyite tactics he uses them chapter and verse. The trick is, you have to understand them (the tactics and ideas) to challenge them.