House Majority leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy raps the White House on its "unknown" foreign policy, calls the Islamic State a direct threat to U.S. interests that the administration needs to address

 * … MCCARTHY: There is no greater threat to peace on the world stage than the Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist group that has carved out a caliphate in a large swath of Syria and Iraq. This is the same group that videotaped the beheading of American journalist James Foley, leading the Obama administration to order a limited bombing campaign. But critics, including  House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield), say the White House has not gone far enough and is reaping the whirlwind of a failed foreign policy. I chatted with McCarthy on First Look with Scott Cox and he pulled no punches, calling out President Obama on his lack of a clear U.S. policy in the Middle East. "Our friends don't trust us and our enemies don't fear us," McCarthy said. "I hear it all the time from our allies across the world."

* … LEASH LAW: On to a more mundane topic on the local level, my recent posts about folks who don't put their dogs on leashes brought this response from reader Ted Grove. "Another part of town with people walking their dogs off leash is on the equestrian trail on Jewetta Avenue between Noriega and Reina roads. Some dog walkers have armed themselves with golf clubs, wooden clubs and pepper spray (that we can see). It's only a matter of time until trouble erupts. People should go to dog parks if they want to walk their pets off lead."

 * … FOODIE BEST BET: I finally made it out to Wikis Wine Dive and Grill, the upscale eatery located at the corner of Ming Avenue and Buena Vista in the Seven Oaks area. Best bet: try the excellent spinach pizza as a lunch special.

 * … GUILD HOUSE: And speaking of good meals, a reminder that The Guild House downtown is reopening for lunch on Tuesday, Sept. 2. All proceeds benefit the Henrietta Weill Memorial Child Guidance Clinic.

 * … TRASH: Here's to all the folks who do their small part to try to keep our community free of trash and litter. Said reader Deanna Haulman: "My husband and I have been meaning to write to you and thank the woman who is frequently out with her garbage can on wheels picking up litter in the same area of Fairfax. Other then those large eyesores she does an amazing job."

 * … CARL'S: My mailbox was full, once again, with notes from readers who are not pleased with those Carl's Jr. ads featuring Paris Hilton and another woman writhing on top of a truck in bikinis while eating burgers. Said Julie Brown: "Many years ago, I wrote a letter to the editor complaining about these ads.  I pointed out that many parents have either installed a V-chip or just physically monitor the things that their children watch on TV. There is no way, however, they can protect their children from the porn Carl’s Jr. is putting into commercials! This really needs to be stopped!"

 * … MORE CARL'S: But some, including Bryan Kelly, took a more whimsical view of the ads. "I contacted Carl's Jr. advertising department and asked why they did not give equal time to scantily clad men enjoying the new Texas burgers," he said. "Although I am extremely shy, I proffered my modeling services and sent a demo DVD. They responded saying that I already looked as if I owned stock and thanked me for my past patronage. What an insult to my Speedo."

House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy: the murder of James Foley is a direct attack on the United States and our way of life

 House Majority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) gives his view of the threat from the Islamic State terror organization.

 "This week, the world witnessed the purest form of evil through the deplorable actions of ISIS on

American journalist James Foley.  First and foremost, I offer my deepest condolences and prayers to his family and friends. His work to shine light on the darkest corners of the world was a heroic service that is indicative of the value of free press that has strengthened America into the greatest democracy in the world.


 "For weeks, I have expressed support for targeted airstrikes against ISIS.  But since the first strikes began, the Administration’s strategy against ISIS has been unclear. It has been made clear that the threat posed by ISIS is not isolated to the Middle East and its people. The murder of James Foley is a direct attack on the United States and our way of life. Therefore I stand ready to work with the Administration to confront this terrorist organization directly. 


 "The men and women of our military selflessly and courageously serve to protect our freedoms. It has been said that “the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Throughout our nation’s history America’s leadership has helped thwart evil throughout the globe.


 "Notably, the greatest generation helped topple one of the most dangerous threats to humanity in World War II. We honor these veterans, as we do all veterans, in Washington with monuments and memorials. One of my greatest honors as a Member of Congress is hosting our own local heroes as they travel 3,000 miles with the Kern County Honor Flight to visit the places that honor their service. This week, my office in Washington, DC welcomed and hosted 39 veterans and their guardians with the Honor Flight as they visited the monuments and toured the U.S. Capitol.


 "These heroes have made our country and the world a safer place. We as a nation are forever grateful for their service.


 "As we continue to fight evil throughout the world, let us never forget the sacrifice so many have made to secure our freedom.