President Obama's decision to close Guantanamo Bay prison within a year is infuriating. It's more infuriating than the fact that he spent more in one month than President Bush did in seven years. It's more infuriating than his predicting catastrophe if we don't do exactly what he says. It's more infuriating than the fact that he got unlimited free passes from the media on his way to the presidency. 

Shutting down the only appropriate place we've got to house suspected terrorists without a plan is foolish.  Obama made promises during the campaign that he's already broken -- including making transparency a priority and pulling troops out of Iraq immediately. But closing down Gitmo is, unforunately, one promise he has decided to keep.

Americans are angry. After one prisoner released in 2007 became a top Al Qaeda leader, they are worried. What about the others? Will the several hundred prisoners go back to their countries better prepared, more angry and ready to take American lives? At this point, Obama has no concrete plans on the fate of Gitmo prisoners. They certainly can't release them all but what American prison is willing to take them in? Apparently, Rep. John Murtha is cool with it but I'm not sure about the rest of Pennsylvannia.

As Doug Feith said recently, "The real issue is whether we can make sure that the extremely dangerous people that we're holding at Guantanamo can continue to be held so they don't engage in terrorism in the future."

Obama is happy to rail against interrogation tactics that have delivered valuable intelligence information but doesn't seem as concerned with protecting Americans from those already in our custody. Is this so-called international image more important than our national security? I think not.

Sen. Mitch McConnell weighed in this morning with this: "The Obama Administration needs to answer a question: Where exactly do they expect to send these guys next January? They have no answer. Well I do: these terrorists are right where they belong."

I concur.

In a post-CPAC speech meeting with bloggers, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell addressed today's breaking news of the government takeover of Citibank. McConnell was criticized last year for supporting the Wall Street bailout but now says he has "bailout fatigue."

He said last year he was "convinced it was an imminent systemic meltdown" but that original plan is now "being used as a precedent for unlimited, continued infusions of cash."

McConnell also touched on Card Check, refusing to predict a final outcome but assuring that at least two of the three Republican Senators who voted for the stimulus bill, would oppose Card Check.

"I'm somewhat optimistic that we will have everyone on Card Check," he said. "No part of this bill is acceptable...no part should go through."

During his public speech, McConnell praised the crowd for tripling the number of attendees of the Left's CPAC imitation Take Back America. Despite the numbers gap, he reminded that Democrats claim a powerful national influence at the moment.

He emphasized a growing theme in the conservative movement -- attracting Hispanic voters. CPAC hosted a panel yesterday dedicated to building the Conservative Hispanic Coalition and the Young Conservatives Coalition (YCC) this morning featured Hispanic conservative leader Mario Lopez, who told the crowd, "You have to care about reaching Hispanics in the conservative community."

I'm here at CPAC 2009 in Washington, DC and the positive energy is flowing. Conservatives are revitalized and ready to move into the future holding firm to the foundational principles that once made us great. One of my favorite leaders of the right, Indiana Congressman Mike Pence spoke earlier today. Pence's heart for Indiana and empowering local citizens is the attitude necesary for conservative leaders nationwide.

He emphasized the historic nature of right now and the opportunity conservatives have to direct the future of our country.

"This Administration and this Congress is barely a month old, and already the problems facing this nation have grown in magnitude -- eclipsing the ones the nation faced when voters case their ballots in November," Pence said.

To numerous standing ovations, Pence declared that the American people "get it" when big government doesn't. He denounced Card Check, the Fairness Doctrine and federal funding of Planned Parenthood.

Pence emphasized basic conservative ideas that have simply required a new shine. In the midst of political turmoil, he reminded the audience that "our present crisis is not merely economic and political but moral in nature.

Pence, who identifies as "a Christian, a conservative and a Republican, in that order," talked about his practice of opening staff meetings in prayer and the importance of that in his life as a Congressman. The Hoosier Congressman was certainly a crowd pleaser, preparing the young conservatives here at CPAC for a weekend of inspiration and motivation.

In his latest video response, House Minority Leader John Boehner calls the 9,000 earmarks included in the new $410 billion spending package "absolutely crazy."

He mentions that House Republicans have requested a federal spending freeze, though it doesn't seem likely. Rep. Mike Pence yesterday suggested Democrats start acting like American families are being asked to act -- disciplined, thrifty and wise with their money.

"Democrats need to start putting our money where their mouth is," said Pence. "If they continue to use their expanded majorities...on a liberal agenda, House Republicans will fight them every step of the way."

Meanwhile, Sen. Tom Coburn has been Twittering details of the new spending bill and sea creatures are among the many benefactors. Coburn messages that the bill includes $7.1 million for conservation of Hawaiian sea turtle populations, $250,000 for Bluefin Tuna Tagging, $10 million for blue crab disaster assistance and $150,000 for lobster research -- just to name a few. Fox News reported provisions for a tattoo removal program earlier today as well.

Sen. Mitch McConnell noted Sunday on CNN that “We’ve spent, in this new administration, 32 days, $36 billion a day. If you add all that up, that’s as much as the previous administration spent over seven years on both the war on terror and the recovery from Katrina.”

When you lay it out to the American people, they get it:

At the New American Tea Party, J.P. Freire included a quote at the end of a blog post:

It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people’s minds. — Samuel Adams

Such is the essence of grassroots political action necessary to make a difference on tough issues. But the number of American people set against the recent housing bailout, economic stimulus bill, this week's congressional $4 billion package for the fiscal year and other bailouts is staggering. Americans hunger to wield some type of power over a big government that leaves them feeling helpless.

The New American Tea Party effort spreading across the country offers a way for every person to get involved by setting up peaceful protests to voice their anger over the Democrat Administration's economic decisions. Spurred by CNBC's Rick Santelli’s suggestion for a “Chicago Tea Party," Freedomworks has created an information forum, documenting the times and places of the parties, now popping up in every state.

Santelli asked, "Why don't we reward the people who carry the water instead of the people who drink the water?" Good question.

Freedomworks will even help you organize a protest. While many people are unsure about organizing such an event, the details are easy and the message is important.

President Obama's most ironic remark last night came when he said he didn't want to rack up debt for future generations. After facilitating massive amounts of future debt in just over one month of his presidency, Obama's words are unconvincing. He can blame the previous Administration -- as he continues to do -- but it doesn't change present realities.

The New American Tea Party is your chance to make a difference. Find organizing tips here and get started.

As Chuck Schumer so smugly put it -- "the American people really don't care" about the extra money spent on fish hatcheries, smoking prevention programs, dog park construction, golf courses, office reconstruction and more.

American Issues Project asks, "Do you care?" If so, you can text ENOUGH to 97180 and join their cause. You can also visit their website to be a part of this new organization, which represents conservatives on important issues in policy and politics. Their latest ad speaks to the "chattering class" that Schumer and other Democrats so disdain:

After President Obama repeatedly told us his healthcare plan would make no individual mandates, he may soon flip flop on that position. Philip Klein reports on the possible reversal, noting that "President Obama's vision for health care reform made a mandate inevitable, no matter what he said during the campaign." He cites a blog by Ezra Klein, who "confirm[ed] with multiple senior administration sources that the health care proposal in Obama's budget will have a mandate."

One of the top issues vocalized by Obama supporters during the election was the hope for "universal healthcare." It was a magic word, abused up and down by those with no understanding of the detriment such a system will reek on the American healthcare industry as a whole. Nevertheless, as Ezra Klein points out, "Universality means everyone has coverage, not just the ability to access it. And that requires a mechanism to ensure that they seek it."

As Philip Klein notes, this was one of the only big policy issues in which Obama and Hillary Clinton differed. If the mandates happen, he seriously mislead the American people in effort to obtain that middle ground he needed to push forward.

Education is among one of the top political priorities for American families. In a place like Washington, DC, where the public schools demonstrate a dismal return, school choice is essential for families who want more for their kids.

Since January 2004, the DC Opportunity Scholarship program has provided more than 1700 kids annually a chance for a better education. The scholarship vouchers of up to $7,500 may soon be nonexistent thanks to a Congress and a President not interested in keeping the program alive.

The new $410 billion spending package (nicknamed "son of stimulus" by Indiana Congressman Mike Pence), includes a provision that will end funding for the successful program. The language concludes that the DC City Council would have to approve the re-authorization of program funding and according to Executive Director of DC Parents for School Choice Virginia Walden Ford, there is "virtually no support on the council."

Ford also said that President Obama has not publicly declared an opinion but he has "made it clear to us....he does not support this program."

In 2008, the Department of Education found that students in the program performed better academically and the Heritage Foundation reports strong parental satisfaction as well. Voices of School Choice features numerous videos of parental testimonies to the great difference the vouchers have made in their childrens' lives.

Part of the problem is Del. Eleanor Norton Holmes (D-D.C.), who has vocalized intention to phase out the program. According to Washington Post staff writers, Holmes opposes it in part because she fears vouchers harm the public school system.

Ford noted that Holmes is a "powerful" figure and "a lot of people do not want to step on her toes." But with 83% of public school children not meeting "adequate yearly progress" under No Child Left Behind, what acceptable option does the city leave?

When government aims for less individual choice, they are not looking out for the people. Parents and children should be first priority here, not public schools, the teachers union or any other big government endeavor that blurs names and faces into a collective statistic.

If this provision succeeds, 1715 children will be affected for the 2010 school year. 1715 D.C. children will not have the opportunity for a better education. With efforts around the country following the national lead, it could be detrimental to the school choice movement as a whole.

"I believe it would give those in the states who oppose school choice the ammunition they need to go after State programs," Ford wrote in an email. "The eyes of the world watch D.C. and if this program is ended it will be devastating to programs either already in existence or to future programs."

If you want your member of Congress to know how you feel, find them here and speak out on behalf of school choice.

UPDATE:

Michelle posted these awesome protest pics in Mesa, Arizona, where citizens came out with colorful signs to playfully let President Obama know what THEY want now that he's in the business of bailouts, refunds and shared wealth.

"Henrietta got a house, all I want is a swimming pool" is my favorite one.

It's amazing that just days after signing the $787 billion stimulus package, Obama has already unveiled a $75 billion mortgage relief plan. Obviously, there are major problems in the housing market but at least one Republican is concerned. According to CBS, "Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA), ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee sent letters to administration officials asking for assurances that anti-fraud measures will be put in place to guarantee that taxpayer dollars are not used to re-do mortgages that were originally based on fraudulent documentation."

One thing is for sure -- we better be watching the pathway of that money. As I pointed out yesterday, the White House seems to be selective with what they choose to tell the public.The American people are becoming numbed to these numbers. Rows of zeros and daily proclamations of "catastrophe" have molded the national attitude to be cynical and expectant.

While the technically-named Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan will help those in situations beyond their control, it will reward the irresponsible as well. If this were rare, fine. But it's becoming the norm and we will see the effects of entitlement mentality down the road in a dramatic way. Megan McCardle writes:

There are exceptions, of course, such as people who have just lost their jobs, but most of the people being helped are, nearly definitionally, people who bought more house than they could afford in the belief that prices would keep rising indefinitely and they would make big bucks.

While we're at it, could I get a $50,000 check to go toward a graduate degree? I need it and I don't have the cash and that's just not fair.

"Sunlight before signing" seems to be a legend. President Obama broke his promise to post laws to the White House Web site for five days in January, just weeks into his presidency. That was the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. Then, it was signing an update to the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. Byron York smartly notes:

He signs nonemergency legislation in the blink of an eye. And he lets emergency legislation sit for days before lifting his pen.

Obama’s delay in signing the stimulus is particularly ironic in light of the fact that Republicans had begged that the public be given more time to learn what was in the $787 billion bill — before it was passed.

If you do things in the wrong order, will it confuse people enough that they won't ask what's going on? No. And there's more. Politico's Josh Gerstein reported that Obama was able to "shut down his predecessor’s system for reviewing regulations, realigned and expanded two key White House policymaking bodies and extended economic sanctions against parties to the conflict in the African nation of Cote D’Ivoire" and all without any mention from the White House Press Corps.

Apparently, these changes were never announced or placed on the White House website. According to the White House website, the "Sunlight" policy "will be implemented in full soon" but for now, they are "working through implementation procedures..." Why make something more difficult than it is? We get five days to review before signing. That's transparency the way Obama defined it yet he's not sticking to his own campaign promises.