FOX, China and a Manatee

Dear Mark: It is curious that the Obama administration is attacking FOX News as not being a reputable news organization. FOX is my preferred news source, but I also flip to the other networks as well as the Internet and my local paper for information. I find FOX to be quite accurate and credible. Why is the White House so worried about a television network? — FOX Fan in Fairfax

Dear FOX Fan: President Obama and his minions have spent the last two weeks putting down the FOX News Channel as "opinion journalism masquerading as news" and implying that it is basically "talk radio." The reason is clear: FOX News is the only major media outlet that dares to raise tough questions — and President Obama can't take the heat.

This latest episode makes the president look weak and insecure because it appears he cannot accept anyone who actually has the nerve to challenge his policies. In addition, it is a concerted effort to destroy his detractors a la "Joe the Plumber" and the "town hallers." His administration's actions are coming dangerously close to the Nixonian enemies list.

Love him or hate him, President Bush never seemed to be rattled by even his harshest critics, which is an admirable quality President Obama should quickly adopt. Ultimately, we have learned that Obama's skin may be black or his skin may be white, but it is definitely thin.

Dear Mark: I am hoping that with your all-knowing mind and your all-seeing eye that you will be able to tell me how we became so indebted to China. This nation used to be our avowed enemy with a bad human rights record and has sent us lead-filled toys and poisoned pet food.

China makes almost everything we buy, including tires. — No to Foreign Debt Jim

Dear No Debt: According to the U.S. Treasury Department, China is our largest foreign debt holder as of July 2009. The simple answer to your question is that politicians have no conscience and are only concerned about re-election and hence have sold our children's future to a communist country.

The reason we need money from foreign countries like China comes down to basic economics. Our country spends more money than it collects. Instead of reigning in their outrageous spending and presenting the voters with tough choices to balance the budget, politicians have taken the easy way out by accepting cash from any source available.

Our leaders have been so irresponsible with our money that they would gladly make a deal with the devil — or in this case, Red China — in order to hide their mistakes from the electorate. Bernie Madoff is spending the rest of his life in prison for a financial Ponzi scheme — maybe our government officials should take notice.

Dear Mark: I am saddened that authorities have lost the poor Florida manatee that somehow made its way to New Jersey and could now be in danger with the colder waters. I hope it finds its way back to the warmer waters of Florida. How do they track a manatee, anyway? — Marine Mammal Lover in Miami

Dear Mammal Lover: I don't have a scientific answer other than this particular manatee, named Ilya, has a unique head scar and a jagged tail. The bigger question is, if our government can follow a 2,000-pound sea cow from Florida to New Jersey, why can't it track the stimulus money, the TARP funds and all those illegal immigrants crossing our borders?

Dear Mark is a public platform for your entertainment and enlightenment. Please e-mail your questions or comments to marklevy92@aol.com. To find out more about Mark Levy, and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit www.creators.com.

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