Tuesday, April 30, 2013
FDA: MORNING-AFTER PILL OK FOR AGES 15 AND UP
News fromThe Associated Press:
"Tuesday's decision by the Food and Drug Administration lowers the age limit to 15 - and will allow the pill to sit on drugstore shelves next to condoms and spermicides or other women's health products. But customers must prove their age at the cash register."
"Tuesday's decision by the Food and Drug Administration lowers the age limit to 15 - and will allow the pill to sit on drugstore shelves next to condoms and spermicides or other women's health products. But customers must prove their age at the cash register."
This US soldier ‘found alive’ in Vietnam 44 years after being left behind |
This US soldier ‘found alive’ in Vietnam 44 years after being left behind
"A NEW DOCUMENTARY called Unclaimed claims to introduce the world to former Army Sergeant John Robertson, lost over Vietnam in 1968 and left behind for over four decades."
"A NEW DOCUMENTARY called Unclaimed claims to introduce the world to former Army Sergeant John Robertson, lost over Vietnam in 1968 and left behind for over four decades."
ESPN Apologizes for Commentator's Christian Worldview on Homosexuality
ESPN Apologizes for Commentator's Christian Worldview on Homosexuality:
"Broussard then seconded that motion, and gave an example of that conversation and how it could be productive:
I’d like to second what LZ said. “I’m a Christian. I don’t agree with homosexuality. I think it’s a sin, as I think all sex outside of marriage between a man and a woman is. [ESPN's] L.Z. [Granderson] knows that. He and I have played on basketball teams together for several years. We’ve gone out, had lunch together, we’ve had good conversations, good laughs together. He knows where I stand and I know where he stands. I don’t criticize him, he doesn’t criticize me, and call me a bigot, call me ignorant, call me intolerant."
"Broussard then seconded that motion, and gave an example of that conversation and how it could be productive:
I’d like to second what LZ said. “I’m a Christian. I don’t agree with homosexuality. I think it’s a sin, as I think all sex outside of marriage between a man and a woman is. [ESPN's] L.Z. [Granderson] knows that. He and I have played on basketball teams together for several years. We’ve gone out, had lunch together, we’ve had good conversations, good laughs together. He knows where I stand and I know where he stands. I don’t criticize him, he doesn’t criticize me, and call me a bigot, call me ignorant, call me intolerant."
Immigration Bill Gives Amnestied Residents 'Immediate' Access to Welfare
Exclusive–-Sessions: Immigration Bill Gives Amnestied Residents 'Immediate' Access to Welfare:
"The immigration bill introduced to the Senate a week and a half ago would, if passed, allow illegal immigrants to access state and local welfare benefits immediately, Breitbart News has learned.
The financial impact of allowing potentially millions of immigrants onto state and local public assistance could overwhelm these programs' budgets."
"The immigration bill introduced to the Senate a week and a half ago would, if passed, allow illegal immigrants to access state and local welfare benefits immediately, Breitbart News has learned.
The financial impact of allowing potentially millions of immigrants onto state and local public assistance could overwhelm these programs' budgets."
Monday, April 29, 2013
Michigan 'brain drain' bill would give tax credits to college graduates who stay in state, pay loans
Michigan 'brain drain' bill would give tax credits to college graduates who stay in state, pay loans | MLive.com
"Michigan is working to keep college graduates in the state, and new legislation seeks to slow the "brain drain" with an additional incentive:
A tax credit for student loan payments.
"For me, it's kind of a first step in talent retention," said sponsoring state Rep. Andy Schor, D-Lansing,
"We have some of the best colleges and universities in the world, but people get educated here and then leave for Chicago or San Francisco or some place else.
We need to keep them in Michigan, and we need to keep them in our cities."
"Michigan is working to keep college graduates in the state, and new legislation seeks to slow the "brain drain" with an additional incentive:
A tax credit for student loan payments.
"For me, it's kind of a first step in talent retention," said sponsoring state Rep. Andy Schor, D-Lansing,
"We have some of the best colleges and universities in the world, but people get educated here and then leave for Chicago or San Francisco or some place else.
We need to keep them in Michigan, and we need to keep them in our cities."
People Making Over $100K Received Unemployment Benefits in 2011, Media Mum
People Making Over $100K Received Unemployment Benefits in 2011, Media Mum | NewsBusters:
"The unemployment insurance program in the U.S. offers benefits to workers if they lose their jobs through no fault of their own.
In 2011, this program cost $108 billion, of which nearly $3.3 billion was spent on overpayments due to fraud."
"The unemployment insurance program in the U.S. offers benefits to workers if they lose their jobs through no fault of their own.
In 2011, this program cost $108 billion, of which nearly $3.3 billion was spent on overpayments due to fraud."
Pinning the Tail on D.C.'s 'Assclowns'
Blog: Pinning the Tail on D.C.'s 'Assclowns':
"The media is supposed to exist to hold these people accountable.
Instead, they choose to play dress up and throw themselves a "nerd prom" to schmooze with them.
I thought it was pathetic, and many other ordinary Americans did as well.
Sarah Palin's tweet spoke for all of us.
The "assclowns" threw themselves a party while the people they are all supposed to be serving are feeling the consequences of their good-old-boys networking."
"The media is supposed to exist to hold these people accountable.
Instead, they choose to play dress up and throw themselves a "nerd prom" to schmooze with them.
I thought it was pathetic, and many other ordinary Americans did as well.
Sarah Palin's tweet spoke for all of us.
The "assclowns" threw themselves a party while the people they are all supposed to be serving are feeling the consequences of their good-old-boys networking."
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Adreian Payne announces return to Michigan State for senior year
Adreian Payne announces return to Michigan State for senior year | Detroit Free Press | freep.com:
"So far in Izzo’s tenure at MSU, every four-year player who fulfilled his eligibility has been to at least one Final Four.
That recruiting pitch will be at stake next season, when Appling and Payne are seniors."
"So far in Izzo’s tenure at MSU, every four-year player who fulfilled his eligibility has been to at least one Final Four.
That recruiting pitch will be at stake next season, when Appling and Payne are seniors."
1975 Newsweek: The Coming Ice Age
1975 Newsweek: The Coming Ice Age | Sweetness & Light:
\"From the now notorious April 28, 1975 issue of Newsweek (a pdf file):"
\"From the now notorious April 28, 1975 issue of Newsweek (a pdf file):"
Dozens of air shows cancel without military jets
My Way News - Dozens of air shows cancel without military jets:
""The worst case is that they either cancel and go out of business, or they don't cancel and they have such poor attendance and they go out of business," he said."
""The worst case is that they either cancel and go out of business, or they don't cancel and they have such poor attendance and they go out of business," he said."
After the Obama Surge: A New Rush on Gun Stores
After the Obama Surge: A New Rush on Gun Stores - Corporate Intelligence - WSJ:"Gun buyers have long demonstrated a tendency to stock up on weapons and ammunition ahead of possible changes to gun laws, and a so-called “Obama surge” in gun sales kicked off in the lead-up to Barack Obama’s first election victory in 2008."
Sanford memorial dedicated for Trayvon Martin, other families
Sanford memorial dedicated for Trayvon Martin, other families:
"The new Trayvon Martin Memorial was established at the Goldsboro Welcome Center on Historic Goldsboro Boulevard in Sanford."
"The new Trayvon Martin Memorial was established at the Goldsboro Welcome Center on Historic Goldsboro Boulevard in Sanford."
Tourism Study Flawed
Commentary: Tourism Study Flawed [Michigan Capitol Confidential]:
My colleague Michael LaFaive pointed out the main problems with the group's analysis. For one, scholarly studies will include references to all of its sources, something Longwoods has not done in the past. More significantly, despite this overwhelming return on investment, there is no industry support to directly fund their own advertising. This means that either the government is crowding out private investment or the travel industry does not find this type of advertising worthwhile.
Disregarding the fact that government beneficiaries like Longwoods International always believe government spending is worth the investment, there is still another issue, the fact that these beneficiaries always ignore the cost side. That is, that the money to fund these campaigns has to come from somewhere.
My colleague Michael LaFaive pointed out the main problems with the group's analysis. For one, scholarly studies will include references to all of its sources, something Longwoods has not done in the past. More significantly, despite this overwhelming return on investment, there is no industry support to directly fund their own advertising. This means that either the government is crowding out private investment or the travel industry does not find this type of advertising worthwhile.
Disregarding the fact that government beneficiaries like Longwoods International always believe government spending is worth the investment, there is still another issue, the fact that these beneficiaries always ignore the cost side. That is, that the money to fund these campaigns has to come from somewhere.
For example, groups that support public arts funding have found that every dollar in grants returns $51. Early childhood education returns $16. Film credits apparently have a six-fold return. Even the RASCO scandal involving convicted embezzler Richard Short was supposed to bring back $45 for every dollar spent.
This raises the question for those who support government investment into these areas: What if the dollar that went into Pure Michigan tourism advertising would have been spent instead by a taxpayer on sending their child to preschool? Apparently, the state’s return would have been $16 rather than a mere $4.90. According to these beneficiary’s numbers, the government would have made us poorer.
This raises the question for those who support government investment into these areas: What if the dollar that went into Pure Michigan tourism advertising would have been spent instead by a taxpayer on sending their child to preschool? Apparently, the state’s return would have been $16 rather than a mere $4.90. According to these beneficiary’s numbers, the government would have made us poorer.
The state should focus on select areas of public good, not entangle itself into private industry which breeds corruption and encourages “rent seeking” from groups that otherwise could not survive in a competitive economy.
One of former Mackinac Center President Larry Reed’s Seven Principles of Sound Public Policy is apt: “Nobody spends somebody else’s money as carefully as he spends his own.” Our elected officials should keep that in mind.
One of former Mackinac Center President Larry Reed’s Seven Principles of Sound Public Policy is apt: “Nobody spends somebody else’s money as carefully as he spends his own.” Our elected officials should keep that in mind.
More links:
MISSING THE PING: So Much For The Surveillance State
Instapundit » Blog Archive » MISSING THE PING: So Much For The Surveillance State
“The standard investigation clichés apply:
It’s still early; there are many unanswered questions; it’s unwise to rush to judgment.
But the emerging picture is one of systemic failure, human error, and willful ignorance of the threats facing the country.”
The surveillance state is part of the state.
Where surveillance is a priority — say, when political enemies are concerned — it’ll be ruthlessly efficient.
The rest of the time, like when it involves protecting Americans from terrorists, it’s just another government job.
Posted by Glenn Reynolds at 11:02 pm"
“The standard investigation clichés apply:
It’s still early; there are many unanswered questions; it’s unwise to rush to judgment.
But the emerging picture is one of systemic failure, human error, and willful ignorance of the threats facing the country.”
The surveillance state is part of the state.
Where surveillance is a priority — say, when political enemies are concerned — it’ll be ruthlessly efficient.
The rest of the time, like when it involves protecting Americans from terrorists, it’s just another government job.
Posted by Glenn Reynolds at 11:02 pm"
Muskegon Public Schools parent group calls for more funding, partnerships with officials
Muskegon Public Schools parent group calls for more funding, partnerships with officials | MLive.com:
"Griffin outlined partnerships that she believes need to take place to help students, including a collective effort to seek alternatives and best practices related to pepper spray use in school buildings.
The use of the chemical substance became an issue recently when police at the high school used pepper spray to subdue a March 26 fight that broke out between two girls and spread to other students in the cafeteria."
.....Bremer pleaded for additional school funding so students could have more resources, like basic school supplies.
"Griffin outlined partnerships that she believes need to take place to help students, including a collective effort to seek alternatives and best practices related to pepper spray use in school buildings.
The use of the chemical substance became an issue recently when police at the high school used pepper spray to subdue a March 26 fight that broke out between two girls and spread to other students in the cafeteria."
.....Bremer pleaded for additional school funding so students could have more resources, like basic school supplies.
Churches and community groups have stepped in to pick up the slack, but that's not enough to make up for deficient funding, Bremer said.
"All those things that we have had in the past have been stripped away.
"All those things that we have had in the past have been stripped away.
Please let us have them back. Please fund us.
Basic things are gone," Bremer said.
After the conference, she told MLive and The Muskegon Chronicle that funding cuts have led to a shortage of highlighters, white dry board erasers and No. 2 pencils that the schools use for MEAP testing.
After the conference, she told MLive and The Muskegon Chronicle that funding cuts have led to a shortage of highlighters, white dry board erasers and No. 2 pencils that the schools use for MEAP testing.
MDOT to close lanes on Seaway Drive for bridge reconstruction project | MLive.com
MDOT to close lanes on Seaway Drive for bridge reconstruction project | MLive.com:
"A Michigan Department of Transportation bridge improvement project will shut down one lane in both directions of Seaway Drive between Getty Street and Grand Haven Road starting Monday, April 29.
MDOT will resurface the deck and reconstruct the approach of the bridge over Black Creek, which flows from the east end of Mona Lake through Fruitport Township.
MDOT spokesman John Richard said the agency expects the $160,000 project to last for two to three weeks, though work crews will have until June 17 to complete the job in case of weather delays and other problems."
"A Michigan Department of Transportation bridge improvement project will shut down one lane in both directions of Seaway Drive between Getty Street and Grand Haven Road starting Monday, April 29.
MDOT will resurface the deck and reconstruct the approach of the bridge over Black Creek, which flows from the east end of Mona Lake through Fruitport Township.
MDOT spokesman John Richard said the agency expects the $160,000 project to last for two to three weeks, though work crews will have until June 17 to complete the job in case of weather delays and other problems."
Bill headed to governor's desk would allow creation of local tax districts for dredging
Bill headed to governor's desk would allow creation of local tax districts for dredging | MLive.com:
"Most years, the U.S. government allocates close to $1.5 billion in shipping fees into a harbor maintenance fund, but spends less than $800 million on dredging, Hansen said.
"All they're dredging are the commercial ports," he said. "I think they're spending that money on other things."
"Most years, the U.S. government allocates close to $1.5 billion in shipping fees into a harbor maintenance fund, but spends less than $800 million on dredging, Hansen said.
"All they're dredging are the commercial ports," he said. "I think they're spending that money on other things."
Criticism
TIF districts have attracted much criticism. Some question whether TIF districts actually serve their resident populations. An organization called Municipal Officials for Redevelopment Reform (MORR) holds regular conferences on redevelopment abuse.[6]
Here are further claims made by TIF opponents:
- The process arguably leads to favoritism for politically connected developers, implementing lawyers, economic development officials and others involved in the process
- Normal inflationary increases in property values can be captured with districts in poorly written TIFs, representing money that would have gone to the public coffers even without the financed improvements.
- Districts can sometimes be drawn too large and capture value that would have been increased anyway for unrelated reasons.
- Approval of districts can sometimes capture one entity's future taxes without its official input, i.e. a school districts taxes will be frozen on action of a city.
- Capturing the full tax increment and directing it to repay the development bonds ignores the fact that the incremental increase in property value likely requires an increase in the provision of public services, which will now have to be funded from elsewhere (often from subsidies from less economically thriving areas). For example, the use of tax increment financing to create a large residential development means that public services from schools to public safety will need to be expanded, yet if the full tax increment is captured to repay the development bonds, other money will have to be used.[9]
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Gang of Eight loopholes put many illegal immigrants on fast track to citizenship
Gang of Eight loopholes put many illegal immigrants on fast track to citizenship | WashingtonExaminer.com
The bill’s supporters point out that the Gang of Eight would limit the period of time in which illegal immigrants can apply for a blue card. That’s true; the bill specifies that applications have to be filed in the year after the last of the rules enforcing the new immigration law have gone into effect. But the bill also gives the Secretary of Homeland Security the discretion to extend that period by another year and a half if she or he determines that “additional time is required” for the applications. The extension can also be granted for any other “good cause.”
The next step happens five years after the Gang of Eight bill is enacted. At that time, the legislation requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to change the blue card holder’s status to that of permanent resident if the immigrant has worked in agriculture at least 150 days in each of three of those five years since the bill became law. A work day is defined as 5.75 hours. Also, the immigrant can qualify for permanent residence with less than three years, of 150 work days each, if he can show that he was disabled, ill, or had to deal with the “special needs of a child” during that time period. He can also shorten the requirement if “severe weather conditions” prevented him for working for a long period of time, or if he was fired from his agricultural job — provided it was not for just cause — and then couldn’t find work.
So the road to permanent resident status that Rubio said would take a decade will take only five years for currently illegal immigrants who have done some work in agriculture. How many are there? Pro-reform congressional sources suggest the number could be 700,000 on the low end and 1.1 million on the high end. Congressional sources skeptical of reform say the number would be higher. No one seems to know with any certainty.
Then there is the other fast track, for the Dreamers. The Gang of Eight bill creates a special category for immigrants who came to the United States illegally before age 16. That applies equally to illegal immigrants who today are, say, 19 years old, or those who are 49 years old, or older. The bill gives permanent resident status to them, and to their spouses and children, after five years. To get that, they have to have completed high school or earned an equivalency degree. In addition, the bill says the immigrant must have “acquired a degree from an institution of higher education or has completed at least two years, in good standing for a bachelor’s degree or higher degree in the United States; or has served in the Uniformed Services for at least four years and, if discharged, received an honorable discharge.”
That requirement is often cited by Dream Act supporters to show the tough standards immigrants must meet. But the very next section of the bill outlines a “hardship exception” which says the immigrant may be awarded permanent legal status if he or she has not completed college, or not completed two years of college, or not served in the military. The immigrant who has done none of those things may still be fast tracked if he can “demonstrate compelling circumstances for the inability to satisfy the requirement.” The bill does not specify what those compelling circumstances might be; the discretion for such decisions lies with the Secretary of Homeland Security.
Like agricultural workers, it is not entirely clear how many currently illegal immigrants and family members would be involved in the Dream fast track, but the total number could be in the millions — a significant portion of the estimated 11 million immigrants in the country illegally today.
Sexual assault protest cancels Dartmouth classes
Sexual assault protest cancels Dartmouth classes:
"The protest resulted largely from the fact that our efforts to speak up were boycotted during the Dimensions weekend. We felt forcibly silenced and denied voice in sharing our experiences at Dartmouth with those deciding whether they should come to Dartmouth in September," Krelinova said.
Aaron Pellowski, a sophomore at Dartmouth who is currently working as a research assistant in Berlin, speculated about a larger trend of incidents before the weekend that could have prompted the protest.
"I don't know whether we are really special in this regard, but there have been a number of incidents like this," Pellowski said.
Speaking about incidents of racism and aggression, Pellowski referred to an incidentin which racist graffiti was found on a student's whiteboard in January 2013 and to a Tumblr blog titled "Big Green Micro-Aggressions" — where students can document and discuss incidents of micro-aggression, which are brief and daily verbal and behavioral indignities which often take the form of insults against minorities.
"We, as conscious students of Dartmouth College, can no longer tolerate rampant sexual assault and acts of aggression against students of varying communities be they White, LGBTQ, Black, Asian, Native American, International, Latin/Latino, differently abled, or socioeconomically disadvantaged as part of our 'Dartmouth Experience,' " wrote the site's founders on their "About" page.
Carol Folt, Dartmouth's interim president, announced that all classes would be canceled on April 24 and replaced by alternative programming designed to foster debate in the aftermath of the protest and threats made against some of the students involved.
Milwaukee has lessons for Muskegon in developing the 'blue economy,' chamber members told
Milwaukee has lessons for Muskegon in developing the 'blue economy,' chamber members told | MLive.com
"Milwaukee specifically decided to “brand” its water a decade ago. The community used a three-prong approach: Bolstering its water-based businesses, cleaning up and providing access to its urban riverfront and developing water research through its universities, Austin said.
Muskegon is headed down the road Milwaukee has blazed, Seyferth said. It began with the operation of the Muskegon County Wastewater Management System in 1973 and the decades-long redevelopment and restoration of the Muskegon Lake shoreline. Since 2001, Muskegon has been home to the GVSU water institute, which now employs more than 50, generates $3 million in direct spending locally and is expanding with a new field research station now under construction."
"Milwaukee specifically decided to “brand” its water a decade ago. The community used a three-prong approach: Bolstering its water-based businesses, cleaning up and providing access to its urban riverfront and developing water research through its universities, Austin said.
Muskegon is headed down the road Milwaukee has blazed, Seyferth said. It began with the operation of the Muskegon County Wastewater Management System in 1973 and the decades-long redevelopment and restoration of the Muskegon Lake shoreline. Since 2001, Muskegon has been home to the GVSU water institute, which now employs more than 50, generates $3 million in direct spending locally and is expanding with a new field research station now under construction."
Suggestion to study Muskegon's image and write a community 'story' to be discussed April 29
Suggestion to study Muskegon's image and write a community 'story' to be discussed April 29 | MLive.com:
“The Northstar people like to call it the community uncovering itself,” Evans said.
Northstar – a Nashville, Tenn., community marketing consulting company – worked recently with Manistee County in a similar process. The outcome in Manistee was an image strategy based upon the lakeside community being “where life meets water.”
If the community wants to complete the first perceptions research and then the story development phase, the total cost would be in the range of $80,000, Evans said.
“There are many in the community who thinks this is valuable for tourism, economic development and recreation,” Evans said. “For us at the Muskegon Lake Watershed Partnership, we are more than former toxic hot spot. We want to find out who we are. I think I might know but I think the process will surprise us.”
Other organizations interested in the community story project include the White Lake Public Advisory Council, Muskegon Area First, Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, the Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Community Foundation for Muskegon County.
The process could be more valuable than the final “story” to be told, Evans said. The project would include all of Muskegon County, she said.
Those wanting to determine if Muskegon County embarks upon developing its self-described story will gather April 29 at 920 Watermark Center, 920 Washington St., from 5:30 to 7 p.m. A social gathering to network will begin at 5 p.m. and the presentation and community discussion begins at 5:30 p.m.
Evans stressed that the process can be fun and enlightening, but it only works if a broad cross-section of county citizens participate.
Muskegon County Commissioners to vote on architect, construction manager for jail addition and juvenile transition center
Muskegon County Commissioners to vote on architect, construction manager for jail addition and juvenile transition center | MLive.com:
"Muskegon County Commissioners will receive a recommendation Tuesday to sign $3.5 million in contracts for an architect and construction manager to work on a jail addition and a new juvenile transition center.
The project, estimated to cost as much as $41 million, has been discussed in Muskegon for decades. Construction could begin before the end of 2013.
"Muskegon County Commissioners will receive a recommendation Tuesday to sign $3.5 million in contracts for an architect and construction manager to work on a jail addition and a new juvenile transition center.
The project, estimated to cost as much as $41 million, has been discussed in Muskegon for decades. Construction could begin before the end of 2013.
Dems propose minimum 45 percent tax rate on income above $1 million
Dems propose minimum 45 percent tax rate on income above $1 million - The Hill's Floor Action:
"Several House Democrats on Thursday introduced legislation that would impose a minimum 45 percent tax rate on taxable income above $1 million, and would set a 49 percent rate on income above $1 billion."
"Several House Democrats on Thursday introduced legislation that would impose a minimum 45 percent tax rate on taxable income above $1 million, and would set a 49 percent rate on income above $1 billion."
COMPASSIONATE GOVERNMENT
Instapundit » Blog Archive »
"COMPASSIONATE GOVERNMENT: Reader David Craig emails:
My wife suffers from chronic pain as a result of a serious back injury, and while surgery helped, she still requires daily narcotic pain medication to manage her pain. Because of prescription drug abuse, the states and DEA have been changing regulations almost monthly for narcotic medications. In the past we could fill her prescriptions at midnight of the day written on the prescription, but now they can only be filled during “business hours,” you know, cause pain apparently only happens 8-5 Monday through Friday. This morning a new paperwork regulation required the pharmacist to spend more than 30 minutes filling one prescription for my wife. The pharmacist was as frustrated as my wife and her doctor, and the pharmacist told me it’s only going to get worse with more regulations.
My wife is not the criminal. Colorado and the DEA are forcing her to live in pain as they restrict her legal access to pain relief. No one should have to watch the person they love suffer in unimaginable pain just because of bureaucratic hurdles put in place to slow illegal drug use.I had to get that off my chest, and you were the only outlet that I had.
Yeah, all these hurdles mostly affect honest people. Junkies and dealers know how to get around them."
Holder Calls Amnesty a 'Civil Right'
Holder Calls Amnesty a 'Civil Right' | Amnesty | Fox Nation:
"During a April 24th speech to the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Attorney General Eric Holder said that creating a "pathway to earned citizenship" was a "civil right.”
"Creating a pathway to earned citizenship for the 11 million unauthorized immigrants in this country is essential. The way we treat our friends and neighbors who are undocumented – by creating a mechanism for them to earn citizenship and move out of the shadows – transcends the issue of immigration status.
This is a matter of civil and human rights.
It is about who we are as a nation.
And it goes to the core of our treasured American principle of equal opportunity."
"During a April 24th speech to the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Attorney General Eric Holder said that creating a "pathway to earned citizenship" was a "civil right.”
"Creating a pathway to earned citizenship for the 11 million unauthorized immigrants in this country is essential. The way we treat our friends and neighbors who are undocumented – by creating a mechanism for them to earn citizenship and move out of the shadows – transcends the issue of immigration status.
This is a matter of civil and human rights.
It is about who we are as a nation.
And it goes to the core of our treasured American principle of equal opportunity."
Nine Michigan cities sharing $4.5M in infrastructure grants
Nine Michigan cities sharing $4.5M in infrastructure grants | The Detroit News | detroitnews.com
The Michigan Economic Development Corp. has announced that nine cities will share $4.5 million in Downtown Infrastructure Grant funds for public infrastructure improvements.
Gov. Rick Snyder touted the distribution, saying the funding would "help ensure the continued vitality of communities and strengthen our ability to attract and retain young professionals and small businesses."
The nine communities will provide a total of $3.4 million in matching funds for the projects, which will all be located in traditional downtowns.
The funding also requires that projects be completed within one year and will incorporate innovative design elements.
The communities chosen for awards are the cities of Croswell, Grand Haven, Hart, Imlay City, Iron River, South Haven, Tawas City and the villages of Fowlerville and Lyons.
Funding projects include:
Grand Haven: $711,449 for Washington Avenue linkage project. Match: $237,150.
Hart: $294,000 for streetscape and parking improvements. Match: $196,000.
DIG, a Community Development Block Grant program, provides public infrastructure improvement funding to projects located in a traditional downtown.
The program is intended for Michigan nonentitlement communities, specifically low- to moderate-income communities that do not receive funding directly from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Projects must benefit the entire community to be eligible for the funding.
The Michigan Economic Development Corp. has announced that nine cities will share $4.5 million in Downtown Infrastructure Grant funds for public infrastructure improvements.
Gov. Rick Snyder touted the distribution, saying the funding would "help ensure the continued vitality of communities and strengthen our ability to attract and retain young professionals and small businesses."
The nine communities will provide a total of $3.4 million in matching funds for the projects, which will all be located in traditional downtowns.
The funding also requires that projects be completed within one year and will incorporate innovative design elements.
The communities chosen for awards are the cities of Croswell, Grand Haven, Hart, Imlay City, Iron River, South Haven, Tawas City and the villages of Fowlerville and Lyons.
Funding projects include:
Grand Haven: $711,449 for Washington Avenue linkage project. Match: $237,150.
Hart: $294,000 for streetscape and parking improvements. Match: $196,000.
DIG, a Community Development Block Grant program, provides public infrastructure improvement funding to projects located in a traditional downtown.
The program is intended for Michigan nonentitlement communities, specifically low- to moderate-income communities that do not receive funding directly from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Projects must benefit the entire community to be eligible for the funding.
House debate on road fixes takes nasty turn
House debate on road fixes takes nasty turn | The Detroit News | detroitnews.com
After Republicans and Gov. Rick Snyder passed right-to-work laws in December's lame-duck session, Democrats want assurances the GOP won't repeal the state's prevailing wage law, which requires union-level wages on public works jobs.
"We're not going to negotiate with terrorists who threaten all kinds of evil things," House Minority Leader Tim Greimel, D-Auburn Hills, told Gongwer News Service on Thursday.
......Schmidt called on Greimel to apologize, but the Democratic leader didn't back down Friday.
...."I think that the extortionary tactics of Speaker Bolger can be compared to terrorists," Greimel said. "Obviously to say we won't negotiate with terrorists is a little glib, but … we're not going to cave into threats."
After Republicans and Gov. Rick Snyder passed right-to-work laws in December's lame-duck session, Democrats want assurances the GOP won't repeal the state's prevailing wage law, which requires union-level wages on public works jobs.
"We're not going to negotiate with terrorists who threaten all kinds of evil things," House Minority Leader Tim Greimel, D-Auburn Hills, told Gongwer News Service on Thursday.
......Schmidt called on Greimel to apologize, but the Democratic leader didn't back down Friday.
...."I think that the extortionary tactics of Speaker Bolger can be compared to terrorists," Greimel said. "Obviously to say we won't negotiate with terrorists is a little glib, but … we're not going to cave into threats."
Smugglers still cashing in on Michigan can refund
Smugglers still cashing in on Michigan can refund | Fox News:
"Michigan lawmakers want to crack down on can and bottle smugglers they say are scamming Michigan for undeserved recycling refunds, corrupting a generous 10-cent per container payback policy once infamously portrayed in a "Seinfeld" episode and which beverage officials now claim costs the state millions of dollars annually.
"Seinfeld" characters Kramer and Newman failed miserably in their comedic attempt to cash in on the refund, when they loaded a mail truck full of cans and bottles in New York and attempted to drive them to Michigan. But lawmakers say it's a serious problem, especially in border counties, and they want to toughen penalties on people who try to return unmarked, out-of-state cans and bottles for refunds."
"Michigan lawmakers want to crack down on can and bottle smugglers they say are scamming Michigan for undeserved recycling refunds, corrupting a generous 10-cent per container payback policy once infamously portrayed in a "Seinfeld" episode and which beverage officials now claim costs the state millions of dollars annually.
"Seinfeld" characters Kramer and Newman failed miserably in their comedic attempt to cash in on the refund, when they loaded a mail truck full of cans and bottles in New York and attempted to drive them to Michigan. But lawmakers say it's a serious problem, especially in border counties, and they want to toughen penalties on people who try to return unmarked, out-of-state cans and bottles for refunds."
Friday, April 26, 2013
Prom dress prices giving families taffeta shock
Prom dress prices giving families taffeta shock - Business on NBCNews.com:
"Overall spending on U.S. prom events is forecast to rise to an average of $1,139 per family in 2013, up 5 percent over last year - and higher than the 1.5 percent rate of inflation in the United States - according to Visa Inc's third annual survey of prom spending."
"Overall spending on U.S. prom events is forecast to rise to an average of $1,139 per family in 2013, up 5 percent over last year - and higher than the 1.5 percent rate of inflation in the United States - according to Visa Inc's third annual survey of prom spending."
Snyder, lawmakers differ on saving for later
Snyder, lawmakers differ on saving for later | Lansing State Journal | lansingstatejournal.com:
"By declining to tuck away more money, legislators could use it to pay for other priorities instead. Michigan’s tax incentives for the film industry might be preserved, for instance, and some health care-related spending could go up even if lawmakers reject Medicaid expansion and the initial savings that come with it."
"By declining to tuck away more money, legislators could use it to pay for other priorities instead. Michigan’s tax incentives for the film industry might be preserved, for instance, and some health care-related spending could go up even if lawmakers reject Medicaid expansion and the initial savings that come with it."
Environmental group slams Samsung for leap in profits
Environmental group slams Samsung for leap in profits- The Inquirer:
"ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP Friends of the Earth has slammed Samsung's leap in first quarter profits due to the unsustainable materials it uses in smartphone production.
Samsung admitted this week that it uses tin in manufacturing its products, a material that Friends of the Earth alleged is sourced in ways that damage tropical forests, kill coral and disrupt communities in Indonesia."
"ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP Friends of the Earth has slammed Samsung's leap in first quarter profits due to the unsustainable materials it uses in smartphone production.
Samsung admitted this week that it uses tin in manufacturing its products, a material that Friends of the Earth alleged is sourced in ways that damage tropical forests, kill coral and disrupt communities in Indonesia."
Debate on Michigan's proposed no-fault auto insurance bill brings large crowd to Capitol
Debate on Michigan's proposed no-fault auto insurance bill brings large crowd to Capitol | MLive.com:
"House Bill 4612 would cap Michigan's unlimited personal injury protection coverage at $1 million, limit what medical providers charge insurers for auto-related injuries and create an authority to combat insurance fraud.
The legislation, announced by Republican Gov. Rick Snyder last week, would require auto insurance premiums to be lowered by at least $150 per vehicle in the first year, with hopes for larger savings later.
Actual savings would amount to $125 after consumers pay a new $25 per-premium assessment to fund a Medicaid shortfall that the bill creates."
"House Bill 4612 would cap Michigan's unlimited personal injury protection coverage at $1 million, limit what medical providers charge insurers for auto-related injuries and create an authority to combat insurance fraud.
The legislation, announced by Republican Gov. Rick Snyder last week, would require auto insurance premiums to be lowered by at least $150 per vehicle in the first year, with hopes for larger savings later.
Actual savings would amount to $125 after consumers pay a new $25 per-premium assessment to fund a Medicaid shortfall that the bill creates."
‘Breitbart is smiling’: NYT vindicates Andrew Breitbart with major story on Pigford scandal
‘Breitbart is smiling’: NYT vindicates Andrew Breitbart with major story on Pigford scandal | Twitchy:
"Smiling, indeed.
The late Andrew Breitbart and his team worked tirelessly to expose the fraud and abuse of the Pigford settlements scandal, the injustice to black farmers and the media malpractice in addressing the story. For his efforts, he was smeared, mocked and trashed as a liar.
Today he is vindicated by a New York Times story on page A1.
The compensation effort sprang from a desire to redress what the government and a federal judge agreed was a painful legacy of bias against African-Americans by the Agriculture Department.
But an examination by The New York Times shows that it became a runaway train, driven by racial politics, pressure from influential members of Congress and law firms that stand to gain more than $130 million in fees.
In the past five years, it has grown to encompass a second group of African-Americans as well as Hispanic, female and Native American farmers.
In all, more than 90,000 people have filed claims. The total cost could top $4.4 billion.
It’s rare that we suggest this about a New York Times article, but read the whole thing."
"Smiling, indeed.
The late Andrew Breitbart and his team worked tirelessly to expose the fraud and abuse of the Pigford settlements scandal, the injustice to black farmers and the media malpractice in addressing the story. For his efforts, he was smeared, mocked and trashed as a liar.
Today he is vindicated by a New York Times story on page A1.
The compensation effort sprang from a desire to redress what the government and a federal judge agreed was a painful legacy of bias against African-Americans by the Agriculture Department.
But an examination by The New York Times shows that it became a runaway train, driven by racial politics, pressure from influential members of Congress and law firms that stand to gain more than $130 million in fees.
In the past five years, it has grown to encompass a second group of African-Americans as well as Hispanic, female and Native American farmers.
In all, more than 90,000 people have filed claims. The total cost could top $4.4 billion.
It’s rare that we suggest this about a New York Times article, but read the whole thing."
Muskegon voters face election for mayor, two at-large commissioners as filing deadline is May 14
Muskegon voters face election for mayor, two at-large commissioners as filing deadline is May 14 | MLive.com:
“I’m not going to run again,” Wierengo told MLive and The Muskegon Chronicle.
“I think it is important that young members get involved on the commission and people come to serve the city with different ideas.
However, I think It is important that we have women representation on the commission.”
The two at-large seats are among the seven on the commission – the mayor and four commissioners elected from four wards across the city.
The ward commissioners will be half-way through their four-year terms when those elected in November take office Jan. 1.
In the two at-large commission seats, only Demario L. Phillips, 23, of 1394 Ranson St. is the only candidate to file petitions but he has more signatures to gather before being placed on the ballot, Cummings said.
Phillips had announced to run for mayor in 2012 but changed his mind and is pursuing a commission seat.
Two candidates have not filed but have publicly announced their interest in running for the at-large commission seats.
They are Joshua EldenBrady, a Muskegon attorney who ran unsuccessfully for the Muskegon County Board of Commissioners last year, and Dan Rinsema-Sybenga, the director of business and industrial training for Muskegon Community College.
College’s husky dog logo promotes rape, says student
College’s husky dog logo promotes rape, says student | The Daily Caller:
"In an open letter to UC President Susan Herbst, self-described feminist student Carolyn Luby wrote that the redesigned team logo will intimidate women and empower rape culture.
UConn basketball coach Geno Auriemma said the logo “is looking right through you and saying, ‘Do not mess with me.’
This is a streamlined, fighting dog, and I cannot wait for it to be on our uniforms and court.”
"In an open letter to UC President Susan Herbst, self-described feminist student Carolyn Luby wrote that the redesigned team logo will intimidate women and empower rape culture.
UConn basketball coach Geno Auriemma said the logo “is looking right through you and saying, ‘Do not mess with me.’
This is a streamlined, fighting dog, and I cannot wait for it to be on our uniforms and court.”
Street violence strains Muskegon Heights police resources Thursday
Street violence strains Muskegon Heights police resources Thursday | MLive.com:
"Shots were fired on Rotterdam Street and a mob began forming on Baker Street shortly before 3 p.m. Thursday, said Muskegon Heights Police Chief Lynne Gill.
Aware of what was happening on the streets, Muskegon Heights Charter School Academy System Director Alena Zachery-Ross said she checked with police on whether it was safe to release students for the day. She said she was told it was safe.
Gill said a detective responded to the report of shots fired on Rotterdam because he had no patrol officers available. Gill himself broke up the mob on Baker Street.
The incidents occurred just days before Saturday’s march to promote peace and unity in the city."
"Shots were fired on Rotterdam Street and a mob began forming on Baker Street shortly before 3 p.m. Thursday, said Muskegon Heights Police Chief Lynne Gill.
Aware of what was happening on the streets, Muskegon Heights Charter School Academy System Director Alena Zachery-Ross said she checked with police on whether it was safe to release students for the day. She said she was told it was safe.
Gill said a detective responded to the report of shots fired on Rotterdam because he had no patrol officers available. Gill himself broke up the mob on Baker Street.
The incidents occurred just days before Saturday’s march to promote peace and unity in the city."
Buena Vista Township Clerk apologizes for using racial slur
Buena Vista Township Clerk apologizes for using racial slur : News : miNBCnews.com
BUENA VISTA TOWNSHIP -- The Buena Vista Township clerk is in hot water after using a racial slur to describe the township supervisor. Now, Gloria Platko is apologizing and defending herself.
Buena Vista Township residents are calling for the resignation of Gloria Platko. The township clerk says she's sorry for offending residents but she has no plans to step down.
Gloria Platko is apologizing for what she calls, “a slip of the tongue.”
“I'm sorry to my five other board members and I’m entirely sorry to this entire community,” says Platko.
Platko was recorded calling township supervisor Dwayne Parker the n-word. Platko says that doesn't make her racist.
“I’ve eaten Thanksgiving dinner with black friends at their house. So I’m far from prejudiced. You need to go interview some of the black people who have supported me for the last four or five years,” says Platko.
Supporters of Platko were very difficulty to find after they heard of the recording.
“It was used in a harmful way when she said it so she should be punished,” says Bethany McMillon, a Buena Vista Township resident.
“She’s real lucky she's still over there because people don't play with the n-word anymore,” says Pam Henley, a Buena Vista Township resident.
But Platko says she's not going anywhere because she was baited.
“Why didn't he ever tape any of the other phone conversations?” says Platko.
Township supervisor Dwayne Parker did not return our phone calls. Platko says she'll continue serving the people of Buena Vista and next time she'll choose her words more carefully.
“Yea, I probably should've used a word like ignoramus or something like that but I didn't and I’m sorry for the word I used,” says Platko.
As far as any disciplinary action, our calls to the township manager were not returned. Gloria Platko says using a racial slur won't happen again.
Connie Ballard · Top Commenter · Registered Nurse at Covenant HealthCare
Connie Ballard · Top Commenter · Registered Nurse at Covenant HealthCare
I'm sorry but everyone has to right to free speech....plus if I'm correct secretly recording a phone call and making it public is ILLEGAL!!!!!!! This was not a public conversation...so she has the right to her opinion in private. I feel the guy who SECRETLY recorded this should be disciplined!
Gee.
There seems to be one word missing from this article..........
Could it be "democrat"?
Ted Nugent rips Pure Michigan ad campaign
Ted Nugent rips Pure Michigan ad campaign | Lansing State Journal | lansingstatejournal.com:
"Michigan-born rocker Ted Nugent ripped the Pure Michigan tourism advertising campaign during a radio appearance this morning, saying his home state is becoming “a suburb of Illinois and San Francisco” due to liberalism and political correctness.
“The Pure Michigan campaign basically is a facade,” Nugent said during a telephone interview from Texas on the Lansing-based syndicated program, Michigan’s Big Show starring Michael Patrick Shiels.
Outdoors activities such as hunting, fishing and trapping are Michigan’s biggest tourist draw, said Nugent.
“How dare the Pure Michigan campaign not mention any of that because some hash bash hippie in charge of Michigan’s promotional campaigns is afraid to put a dead salmon or a dead grouse or a dead deer on the tourist brochure but will put para-gliding and tulip festivals on that brochure when no one is going to come to Michigan to go hang gliding or to go to the tulip festival.”
click for full audio:http://michigansbigshow.blogspot.com/
"Michigan-born rocker Ted Nugent ripped the Pure Michigan tourism advertising campaign during a radio appearance this morning, saying his home state is becoming “a suburb of Illinois and San Francisco” due to liberalism and political correctness.
“The Pure Michigan campaign basically is a facade,” Nugent said during a telephone interview from Texas on the Lansing-based syndicated program, Michigan’s Big Show starring Michael Patrick Shiels.
Outdoors activities such as hunting, fishing and trapping are Michigan’s biggest tourist draw, said Nugent.
“How dare the Pure Michigan campaign not mention any of that because some hash bash hippie in charge of Michigan’s promotional campaigns is afraid to put a dead salmon or a dead grouse or a dead deer on the tourist brochure but will put para-gliding and tulip festivals on that brochure when no one is going to come to Michigan to go hang gliding or to go to the tulip festival.”
click for full audio:http://michigansbigshow.blogspot.com/
CALIF. BILL WOULD LET NON-CITIZENS SERVE ON JURIES
News from The Associated Press:
"Assemblyman Bob Wieckowski, D-Fremont, said his bill, AB1401, would help California widen the pool of prospective jurors and help integrate immigrants into the community."
"Assemblyman Bob Wieckowski, D-Fremont, said his bill, AB1401, would help California widen the pool of prospective jurors and help integrate immigrants into the community."
Stonewalling
Stonewalling:
"Thu, 25 Apr 2013
The Massachusetts Governor's office has refused to respond to Boston Herald requests for details of Marathon Bomber Tamerlan Tsarnaev’s government benefits, citing the dead terror mastermind’s right to privacy.
Howie asked the question does a dead terrorist have a right to privacy."
"Thu, 25 Apr 2013
The Massachusetts Governor's office has refused to respond to Boston Herald requests for details of Marathon Bomber Tamerlan Tsarnaev’s government benefits, citing the dead terror mastermind’s right to privacy.
Howie asked the question does a dead terrorist have a right to privacy."
Retired military leaders call for more investment in Michigan early education programs
Retired military leaders call for more investment in Michigan early education programs | MLive.com:
"Michigan's high-quality preschool has helped more young people be able to serve their country in whatever way they so choose," Cutler said in a statement included in a Mission: Readiness report.
The group says the Department of Defense estimates 75 percent of American youth are unable to serve in the military.
The three main reasons: Inadequate education, lack of physical fitness and criminal records."
"Michigan's high-quality preschool has helped more young people be able to serve their country in whatever way they so choose," Cutler said in a statement included in a Mission: Readiness report.
The group says the Department of Defense estimates 75 percent of American youth are unable to serve in the military.
The three main reasons: Inadequate education, lack of physical fitness and criminal records."
See what the Pere Marquette Park beach bar could become with plans from two developers
See what the Pere Marquette Park beach bar could become with plans from two developers | MLive.com
Both proposals suggest a redevelopment of the beach bar building at 1601 Beach St. but go in different directions. Both are hoping to have a business open yet this summer. One business developer is well-known and the other is becoming active in the Muskegon market.
The city of Muskegon has received two proposals for redevelopment of the former CJs on the Beach property at Pere Marquette Park on Lake Michigan.
EnlargeThe popular beach bar has struggled over the years to sustain a viable business in that location.CJs on the Beach closed gallery (4 photos)
Jon Rooks’ Parkland Muskegon Inc. suggests a two-phase redevelopment of the property that would include renovating the existing structure to create the Beach House Waterfront Grille, a bar and restaurant, along with an events and wedding center in the remainder of the building.
Parkland’s second phase would be a new $4 million to $6 million boutique, extended-stay hotel adjacent to the beach bar or on property across Beach Street in the park’s famed “Ovals.” The Pere Marquette businesses would be operated in tandem with Parkland’s downtown Shoreline Inn and Conference Center and Lake House Restaurant, according to the proposal presented the city this week.
The second proposal was submitted by Michael Kordecki of McGraft Park LLC of Matthews, N.C. Kordecki is formerly of Muskegon and has recently purchased the Noble Building at 500 West Western Ave., which is the planned home of the new Pigeon Hill Brewing Co., a proposed microbrewery for downtown Muskegon.
Kordecki by mid-July would create a sandwich and ice cream shop with a rental shop for beach activity items, such as paddle boards and bicycles. In either 2014 or 2015, Kordecki proposes renovating the beach bar building into a restaurant, lounge and entertainment center. The idea is to have the businesses be an activity center for the Pere Marquette beach.
The city has owned the land under the former CJs on the Beach, but earlier this year also obtained the building in a court settlement with the former beach bar owners. CJs on the Beach closed after the 2011 summer season and was unable to reopen last summer due to financial problems. The business finally lost its building to the city.
The Muskegon City Commission authorized “requests for proposals” for developers and business owners to suggest future uses of the popular beach location with stunning Lake Michigan sunset views of the Muskegon Lighthouse.
Washington State Bans ‘Penmanship,’ ‘Freshman,’ As Sexist
Washington State Bans ‘Penmanship,’ ‘Freshman,’ As Sexist:
Washington state's governor signed into law on Monday the final piece of a six-year effort to rewrite state laws using gender-neutral vocabulary, replacing terms such as "fisherman" and "freshman" with "fisher" and "first-year student."
Lawmakers have passed a series of bills since 2007 to root out gender bias from Washington statutes, though a 1983 state mandate required that all laws be written in gender-neutral terms unless a specification of gender was intended.
"This was a much larger effort than I had envisioned.
Mankind means man and woman," said Democrat state Senator Jeanne Kohl-Welles of Seattle.
The new gender-neutral references, for example, include "journey-level plumber
" instead of "journeyman plumber," "handwriting" in place of "penmanship," and "signal operator" for "signalman."
"There's no good reason for keeping our legal terms anachronistic and with words that do not respect our current contemporary times," Kohl-Welles, the 475-page bill's sponsor, told Reuters.
Several words, however, aren't easy to replace, said Kyle Thiessen, the state's code reviser, who heads up the 40-staff Washington Code Reviser's Office agency.
The state likely won't change the words "airmen" and "seaman," for example, because of objections by the state's Washington Military Department, he said.
Civil engineering terms such as "man hole" and "man lock," also will not be changed because no common-sense substitutes could easily be found, Thiessen said.
Washington state's governor signed into law on Monday the final piece of a six-year effort to rewrite state laws using gender-neutral vocabulary, replacing terms such as "fisherman" and "freshman" with "fisher" and "first-year student."
Lawmakers have passed a series of bills since 2007 to root out gender bias from Washington statutes, though a 1983 state mandate required that all laws be written in gender-neutral terms unless a specification of gender was intended.
"This was a much larger effort than I had envisioned.
Mankind means man and woman," said Democrat state Senator Jeanne Kohl-Welles of Seattle.
The new gender-neutral references, for example, include "journey-level plumber
" instead of "journeyman plumber," "handwriting" in place of "penmanship," and "signal operator" for "signalman.""There's no good reason for keeping our legal terms anachronistic and with words that do not respect our current contemporary times," Kohl-Welles, the 475-page bill's sponsor, told Reuters.
Several words, however, aren't easy
to replace, said Kyle Thiessen, the state's code reviser, who heads up the 40-staff Washington Code Reviser's Office agency.The state likely won't change the words "airmen" and "seaman," for example, because of objections by the state's Washington Military Department, he said.
Civil engineering terms such as "man hole" and "man lock," also will not be changed because no common-sense substitutes could easily
be found, Thiessen said.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Record Number of Households on Food Stamps-- 1 out of Every 5
Record Number of Households on Food Stamps-- 1 out of Every 5 | CNS News:
"As CNSNews.com previously reported, food stamp rolls in America recently surpassed the population of Spain.
A record number 47,692,896 Americans are now enrolled in the program and the cost of food stamp fraud has more than doubled in just three years."
"As CNSNews.com previously reported, food stamp rolls in America recently surpassed the population of Spain.
A record number 47,692,896 Americans are now enrolled in the program and the cost of food stamp fraud has more than doubled in just three years."
» Lenders Come Out Against 2nd Amendment
» Lenders Come Out Against 2nd Amendment » News -- GOPUSA:
"Some of the nation's largest lenders don't finance gun purchases. Wells Fargo stopped the practice in 2004 for business reasons, company spokeswoman Lisa Westermann said.
Citigroup doesn't finance firearm loans, says spokeswoman Liz Fogarty.
Bank of America would not comment on whether it provides consumer financing for firearms.
GE Capital's new policy affects only retailers that sell firearms exclusively and not general merchandise stores, such as Walmart, that sell guns and other products.
Some stores have changed their product mix in recent years to just firearms, and the new policy will cut off financing at those shops, Wilkerson says."
"Some of the nation's largest lenders don't finance gun purchases. Wells Fargo stopped the practice in 2004 for business reasons, company spokeswoman Lisa Westermann said.
Citigroup doesn't finance firearm loans, says spokeswoman Liz Fogarty.
Bank of America would not comment on whether it provides consumer financing for firearms.
GE Capital's new policy affects only retailers that sell firearms exclusively and not general merchandise stores, such as Walmart, that sell guns and other products.
Some stores have changed their product mix in recent years to just firearms, and the new policy will cut off financing at those shops, Wilkerson says."
Ex-airport boss Turkia Mullin awarded $712,000 for being wrongly fired
Ex-airport boss Turkia Mullin awarded $712,000 for being wrongly fired | Crain's Detroit Business:
"An arbitrator has awarded about $712,000 to the former Detroit Metropolitan Airport chief executive, saying that a county board wrongly fired her.
The Wayne County airport board fired Turkia Mullin in October 2011 during a dispute over a $200,000 severance payment that County Executive Robert Ficano made to her when she left her previous job as the county's economic development director. She later repaid the money.
WXYZ-TV says arbitrator Paul Teranes also ordered the airport authority to pay Mullin's lawyers. It says he denied Mullin's request for punitive damages."
"An arbitrator has awarded about $712,000 to the former Detroit Metropolitan Airport chief executive, saying that a county board wrongly fired her.
The Wayne County airport board fired Turkia Mullin in October 2011 during a dispute over a $200,000 severance payment that County Executive Robert Ficano made to her when she left her previous job as the county's economic development director. She later repaid the money.
WXYZ-TV says arbitrator Paul Teranes also ordered the airport authority to pay Mullin's lawyers. It says he denied Mullin's request for punitive damages."
Big Brother Has A New Face, And It's Your Boss
Big Brother Has A New Face, And It's Your Boss - Forbes:
"Recently, the CVS Caremark Corporation began requiring employees to disclose personal health information (including weight, blood pressure, and body fat levels) or else pay an annual $600 fine.
Workers must make this information available to the company’s employee “Wellness Program” and sign a form stating that they’re doing so voluntarily.
CVS argues this will help workers “take more responsibility for improving their health.”
At one level, this makes a certain sense.
Because the company is paying for their employees’ health insurance, they naturally prefer healthier workers.
But at a deeper level, CVS’ action demonstrates a growing problem with our current system of employer-provided health insurance.
If our bosses must pay for our health care, they will inevitably seek greater control over our lifestyles."
"Recently, the CVS Caremark Corporation began requiring employees to disclose personal health information (including weight, blood pressure, and body fat levels) or else pay an annual $600 fine.
Workers must make this information available to the company’s employee “Wellness Program” and sign a form stating that they’re doing so voluntarily.
CVS argues this will help workers “take more responsibility for improving their health.”
At one level, this makes a certain sense.
Because the company is paying for their employees’ health insurance, they naturally prefer healthier workers.
But at a deeper level, CVS’ action demonstrates a growing problem with our current system of employer-provided health insurance.
If our bosses must pay for our health care, they will inevitably seek greater control over our lifestyles."
Congress, Fearing 'Brain Drain,' Seeks to Opt Out of Participating in Obamacare's Exchanges
Congress, Fearing 'Brain Drain,' Seeks to Opt Out of Participating in Obamacare's Exchanges - Forbes:
"As Obamacare was winding its way through the Senate in 2009, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R., Iowa) slipped in an amendment requiring that members of Congress, and their staff, enroll in Obamacare’s health insurance exchanges.
The idea was simple: that if Congress was going to impose Obamacare upon the country, it should have to experience what it is imposing firsthand. But now, word comes that Congress is quietly seeking to rescind that provision of the law, because members fear that staffers who face higher insurance costs will leave the Hill."
"As Obamacare was winding its way through the Senate in 2009, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R., Iowa) slipped in an amendment requiring that members of Congress, and their staff, enroll in Obamacare’s health insurance exchanges.
The idea was simple: that if Congress was going to impose Obamacare upon the country, it should have to experience what it is imposing firsthand. But now, word comes that Congress is quietly seeking to rescind that provision of the law, because members fear that staffers who face higher insurance costs will leave the Hill."
Michigan families could lose welfare cash if kids miss school under advancing legislation
Michigan families could lose welfare cash if kids miss school under advancing legislation | MLive.com:
"House Bill 4388, introduced by Republican state Rep. Al Pscholka of Stevensville, would codify a policy adopted by the Department of Human Services in October regarding eligibility for the family independence program, which provides an average cash grant of approximately $400 to more than 45,000 needy families each month.
DHS has already removed a handful of families from the program due to child truancy.
The legislation would formally prohibit the cash assistance for families that have a child between the age of 6 and 16 who fails to comply with mandatory school attendance requirements."
"House Bill 4388, introduced by Republican state Rep. Al Pscholka of Stevensville, would codify a policy adopted by the Department of Human Services in October regarding eligibility for the family independence program, which provides an average cash grant of approximately $400 to more than 45,000 needy families each month.
DHS has already removed a handful of families from the program due to child truancy.
The legislation would formally prohibit the cash assistance for families that have a child between the age of 6 and 16 who fails to comply with mandatory school attendance requirements."
Patrick administration refuses to release Tsarnaev brothers' records
Patrick administration refuses to release Tsarnaev brothers' records | Boston Herald
The Patrick administration clamped down the lid yesterday on Herald requests for details of Tamerlan Tsarnaev’s government benefits, citing the dead terror mastermind’s right to privacy.
Across the board, state agencies flatly refused to provide information about the taxpayer-funded lifestyle for the 26-year-old man and his brother and accused accomplice Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, 19.
On EBT card status or spending, state welfare spokesman Alec Loftus would only say Tamerlan Tsarnaev, his wife and 3-year-old daughter received benefits that ended in 2012. He declined further comment.
On unemployment compensation, labor department spokesman Kevin Franck refused to say whether Tamerlan Tsarnaev ever collected, saying it was “confidential and not a matter of public record.”
On Dzhokhar Tsarnaev’s college aid, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth spokesman Robert Connolly said, “It is our position — and I believe the accepted position in higher education — that student records including academic records and financial records (including financial aid) cannot under federal law be released without a student’s consent.”
On cellphones, the Federal Communications Commission would not say whether either brother had a government-paid cellphone, also citing privacy laws.
On housing, Cambridge officials and the family’s landlord ducked questions on whether the brothers were ever on Section 8 assistance.
The Herald reported yesterday that Tamerlan Tsarnaev, his wife and 3-year-old daughter collected welfare until 2012 and that both Tamerlan and Dzhokhar received benefits through their parents “for a limited portion” of the time after they came to the U.S., which was around 2002.
However, the Department of Transitional Assistance wouldn’t release information about how long or how much they received.
It remains unclear how the accused bomber brothers financed their heartless attacks on the marathon.
The administration was slammed by a Democratic congressman who insisted the public has a right to know how taxpayers were underwriting the accused jihadist Tsarnaevs.
“It’s certainly relevant information that should be made public,” U.S. Rep. Stephen F. Lynch told the Herald. “There’s a national security interest No. 1. Secondly, there’s also a public interest in finding out whether these individuals were able to exploit the system and get benefits they weren’t entitled to.”
Dzhokhar Tsarnaev lies hospitalized and facing capital charges that include using a weapon of mass destruction that killed three people and injured 260 near the Boston Marathon finish line.
Taxpayers — already on the hook for Tsarnaev’s court-appointed attorneys in the terror plot — continue to pay his mounting medical bills at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
The public also paid for Tamerlan Tsarnaev’s attorney when the Russian national successfully fought criminal charges in 2009 that he battered a former girlfriend.
The Patrick administration clamped down the lid yesterday on Herald requests for details of Tamerlan Tsarnaev’s government benefits, citing the dead terror mastermind’s right to privacy.
Across the board, state agencies flatly refused to provide information about the taxpayer-funded lifestyle for the 26-year-old man and his brother and accused accomplice Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, 19.
On EBT card status or spending, state welfare spokesman Alec Loftus would only say Tamerlan Tsarnaev, his wife and 3-year-old daughter received benefits that ended in 2012. He declined further comment.
On unemployment compensation, labor department spokesman Kevin Franck refused to say whether Tamerlan Tsarnaev ever collected, saying it was “confidential and not a matter of public record.”
On Dzhokhar Tsarnaev’s college aid, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth spokesman Robert Connolly said, “It is our position — and I believe the accepted position in higher education — that student records including academic records and financial records (including financial aid) cannot under federal law be released without a student’s consent.”
On cellphones, the Federal Communications Commission would not say whether either brother had a government-paid cellphone, also citing privacy laws.
On housing, Cambridge officials and the family’s landlord ducked questions on whether the brothers were ever on Section 8 assistance.
The Herald reported yesterday that Tamerlan Tsarnaev, his wife and 3-year-old daughter collected welfare until 2012 and that both Tamerlan and Dzhokhar received benefits through their parents “for a limited portion” of the time after they came to the U.S., which was around 2002.
However, the Department of Transitional Assistance wouldn’t release information about how long or how much they received.
It remains unclear how the accused bomber brothers financed their heartless attacks on the marathon.
The administration was slammed by a Democratic congressman who insisted the public has a right to know how taxpayers were underwriting the accused jihadist Tsarnaevs.
“It’s certainly relevant information that should be made public,” U.S. Rep. Stephen F. Lynch told the Herald. “There’s a national security interest No. 1. Secondly, there’s also a public interest in finding out whether these individuals were able to exploit the system and get benefits they weren’t entitled to.”
Dzhokhar Tsarnaev lies hospitalized and facing capital charges that include using a weapon of mass destruction that killed three people and injured 260 near the Boston Marathon finish line.
Taxpayers — already on the hook for Tsarnaev’s court-appointed attorneys in the terror plot — continue to pay his mounting medical bills at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
The public also paid for Tamerlan Tsarnaev’s attorney when the Russian national successfully fought criminal charges in 2009 that he battered a former girlfriend.
DEMING: The real deniers of climate change
DEMING: The real deniers of climate change - Washington Times:
"The Northern Hemisphere is experiencing unusually cold weather.
Snow cover last December was the greatest since satellite monitoring began in 1966.
The United Kingdom had the coldest March weather in 50 years, and there were more than a thousand record low temperatures in the United States.
The Irish meteorological office reported that March “temperatures were the lowest on record nearly everywhere.”
Spring snowfall in Europe was also high.
In Moscow, the snow depth was the highest in 134 years of observation.
In Kiev, authorities had to bring in military vehicles to clear snow from the streets."
"The Northern Hemisphere is experiencing unusually cold weather.
Snow cover last December was the greatest since satellite monitoring began in 1966.
The United Kingdom had the coldest March weather in 50 years, and there were more than a thousand record low temperatures in the United States.
The Irish meteorological office reported that March “temperatures were the lowest on record nearly everywhere.”
Spring snowfall in Europe was also high.
In Moscow, the snow depth was the highest in 134 years of observation.
In Kiev, authorities had to bring in military vehicles to clear snow from the streets."
Outcry erupts over 1% pay raise proposed for military
Outcry erupts over 1% pay raise proposed for military | Detroit Free Press | freep.com:
Military families and their advocates are battling an Obama administration proposal to limit troops' pay raises to 1% in 2014, the lowest increase in half a century.
The raise comes at a time when forces will still be fighting in Afghanistan.
"We're sending the wrong message to the ones who have worked the hardest in our country by the multiple deployments and family separations," says Michael Hayden, deputy director of government relations for the Military Officers Association of America.
White House spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden, no relation to Michael Hayden, said Obama is committed to "a sacred trust" with military members, but needed to reduce the pay raise, partly to offset congressional refusal to cut spending on "outdated weapons system."
."Elizabeth Robbins, a Pentagon spokeswoman, called the limit on pay increases a "tough decision." She said the Defense Department must pay for proper training and support, and "fair compensation that recognizes the sacrifices they (troops) make for our country ... while adhering to the budget constraints it is facing."
Pentagon officials briefing military family representatives framed the 1% increase as a trade-off — "They believe servicemembers and families would be willing to give something on the size of pay raises to ensure funding for the mission," the National Military Family Association explained to members on its website.
Sequester, tight budgets means DHS buying less ammunition
Sequester, tight budgets means DHS buying less ammunition - Washington Times:
"In 2012, the department used 88.3 million rounds for training and 27.9 million rounds for operational purposes. Customs and Border Protection, which includes the Border Patrol, used the most ammunition at nearly 38 million rounds, while Immigration and Customs Enforcement used more than 28 million rounds.
Homeland Security said that by buying in bulk ahead of time, it has been able to save money — $1.7 billion since 2005.
The department currently has seven active contracts that could produce 674.1 million rounds of ammunition, with the biggest being a five-year contract for 450 million rounds, worth $110 million.
Actual use of guns in the line of duty is limited. Jon Adler, representing the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, says in his prepared testimony that there is an average of one shooting incident a week for federal officers or agents. "
"In 2012, the department used 88.3 million rounds for training and 27.9 million rounds for operational purposes. Customs and Border Protection, which includes the Border Patrol, used the most ammunition at nearly 38 million rounds, while Immigration and Customs Enforcement used more than 28 million rounds.
Homeland Security said that by buying in bulk ahead of time, it has been able to save money — $1.7 billion since 2005.
The department currently has seven active contracts that could produce 674.1 million rounds of ammunition, with the biggest being a five-year contract for 450 million rounds, worth $110 million.
Actual use of guns in the line of duty is limited. Jon Adler, representing the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, says in his prepared testimony that there is an average of one shooting incident a week for federal officers or agents. "
Congress Prepares $100 Million Bipartisan Flu Tax
Congress Prepares $100 Million Bipartisan Flu Tax | The Weekly Standard:
"The legislation would exact a 75¢ per dose tax on any "vaccine against seasonal influenza."
Given that the Centers for Disease Control projects that 135 million doses of flu vaccine will be used this year, the government's take on flu vaccines alone is over $100,000,000 per year."
"The legislation would exact a 75¢ per dose tax on any "vaccine against seasonal influenza."
Given that the Centers for Disease Control projects that 135 million doses of flu vaccine will be used this year, the government's take on flu vaccines alone is over $100,000,000 per year."
Despite Repeal Attempts, State Law Still Requires Unlicensed Dogs To Be Killed
Despite Repeal Attempts, State Law Still Requires Unlicensed Dogs To Be Killed [Michigan Capitol Confidential]:
"The statute states that if a county treasurer locates an unlicensed dog, the animal is to be considered a “public nuisance” and killed.
The law reads: “The sheriff locate and kill, or cause to be killed, all such unlicensed dogs.
Failure, refusal, or neglect on the part of a sheriff to carry out the provisions of this section constitutes nonfeasance in office.”
This is ignored by law enforcement, district attorneys and local officials."
"The statute states that if a county treasurer locates an unlicensed dog, the animal is to be considered a “public nuisance” and killed.
The law reads: “The sheriff locate and kill, or cause to be killed, all such unlicensed dogs.
Failure, refusal, or neglect on the part of a sheriff to carry out the provisions of this section constitutes nonfeasance in office.”
This is ignored by law enforcement, district attorneys and local officials."
Snyder urges lawmakers to back more early ed funding
Snyder urges lawmakers to back more early ed funding | Crain's Detroit Business
Now he is proposing increasing spending on Great Start preschool programs by 60 percent in the budget he proposed earlier this year that is working its way through the legislative process.
The program is a state-funded effort to ensure poor or disadvantaged children are ready to begin attending school when the time comes.
It began as a pilot program in 1985.
"We're really taking care of kids that wouldn't have the resources otherwise to get in a program," he said.
The investment would increase payments to preschool providers and create openings for 16,000 more children.
He is also proposing another $65 million for these programs in 2015, bringing the total two-year increased investment in early childhood education to $130 million.
Such an investment is not an easy sell, and Republicans in the House and Senate have already been tinkering with his proposal by either lowering the amount of investment or changing who could qualify for the program.
Detractors often point to studies they say show that any gains made from early childhood education disappear within a few years once kids are in school with students who didn't go through those programs.
Now he is proposing increasing spending on Great Start preschool programs by 60 percent in the budget he proposed earlier this year that is working its way through the legislative process.
The program is a state-funded effort to ensure poor or disadvantaged children are ready to begin attending school when the time comes.
It began as a pilot program in 1985.
"We're really taking care of kids that wouldn't have the resources otherwise to get in a program," he said.
The investment would increase payments to preschool providers and create openings for 16,000 more children.
He is also proposing another $65 million for these programs in 2015, bringing the total two-year increased investment in early childhood education to $130 million.
Such an investment is not an easy sell, and Republicans in the House and Senate have already been tinkering with his proposal by either lowering the amount of investment or changing who could qualify for the program.
Detractors often point to studies they say show that any gains made from early childhood education disappear within a few years once kids are in school with students who didn't go through those programs.
Cruz: Obama Pushing Citizenship Because He Wants Immigration Reform To Fail
Cruz: Obama Pushing Citizenship Because He Wants Immigration Reform To Fail | RealClearPolitics
"President Obama does not want an immigration bill to pass," Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) told CBS News' Jan Crawford in an interview that aired on Wednesday.
"I think that the president wants to campaign on immigration reform in 2014 and 2016.
And I think the reason that the White House is insisting on a path to citizenship for those who are here illegally is because the White House knows that insisting on that is very likely to scuttle the bill."
"President Obama does not want an immigration bill to pass," Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) told CBS News' Jan Crawford in an interview that aired on Wednesday.
"I think that the president wants to campaign on immigration reform in 2014 and 2016.
And I think the reason that the White House is insisting on a path to citizenship for those who are here illegally is because the White House knows that insisting on that is very likely to scuttle the bill."
Michigan poised to keep drunken driving threshold at .08 -- could boats, snowmobiles be next?
Michigan poised to keep drunken driving threshold at .08 -- could boats, snowmobiles be next? | MLive.com
"If the bill doesn’t become law, Michigan’s drunken driving threshold would revert to a higher threshold of .10 percent on Oct. 1.
Michigan could lose an estimated $50 million a year in federal highway funding if the state allows the threshold to bounce back up to .10.
All states have drunken driving thresholds set at .08 to be in compliance with federal standards and keep their federal highway money."
"If the bill doesn’t become law, Michigan’s drunken driving threshold would revert to a higher threshold of .10 percent on Oct. 1.
Michigan could lose an estimated $50 million a year in federal highway funding if the state allows the threshold to bounce back up to .10.
All states have drunken driving thresholds set at .08 to be in compliance with federal standards and keep their federal highway money."
Williams-Sonoma Pulls Pressure Cookers Off Shelves in Massachusetts
Williams-Sonoma Pulls Pressure Cookers Off Shelves in Massachusetts - Dedham, MA Patch:
"Following the Boston Marathon bombing last Monday in which pressure cookers were used for the explosion, the cookware giant has decided to temporarily stop selling the items in their Massachusetts stores."
"Following the Boston Marathon bombing last Monday in which pressure cookers were used for the explosion, the cookware giant has decided to temporarily stop selling the items in their Massachusetts stores."
County plans discussion of ‘smart meter’ bill
Allegan News Online: "
“My meter is right outside a spot on my house where I’d spend hours within 2 feet of it,” Orweller said. “It should be you can opt out, no extra cost.”
McKee said the Michigan Public Service Commission was set to rule in September about proposed opt-out fees.
The utility is set to charge a one-time fee of $69.39 to enroll in a manual meter read program that carries a monthly $11.12 fee to maintain.
Commissioner Max Thiele said that, while claiming no scientific expertise, there appeared to be more than 900 studies worldwide that showed potential health damage from the electromagnetic fields generated by radio devices.
“Just the presence of this information poses the question that may be contrary to what’s being presented (by McKee),” Thiele said. “It’s appropriate to voice some kind of resolution about at least expressing caution in this area.”
“My meter is right outside a spot on my house where I’d spend hours within 2 feet of it,” Orweller said. “It should be you can opt out, no extra cost.”
McKee said the Michigan Public Service Commission was set to rule in September about proposed opt-out fees.
The utility is set to charge a one-time fee of $69.39 to enroll in a manual meter read program that carries a monthly $11.12 fee to maintain.
Commissioner Max Thiele said that, while claiming no scientific expertise, there appeared to be more than 900 studies worldwide that showed potential health damage from the electromagnetic fields generated by radio devices.
“Just the presence of this information poses the question that may be contrary to what’s being presented (by McKee),” Thiele said. “It’s appropriate to voice some kind of resolution about at least expressing caution in this area.”
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Semi-truck driver reaching for hankie after sneezing misses stop sign, leading to violent crash in Muskegon Township
Semi-truck driver reaching for hankie after sneezing misses stop sign, leading to violent crash in Muskegon Township | MLive.com:
"While grabbing his hankie to blow his nose, he didn't see a stop sign coming up at Hall Road. "
"While grabbing his hankie to blow his nose, he didn't see a stop sign coming up at Hall Road. "
The spectacular rise in ‘Saudi America’s’ oil output in just 4 years to a 21-year high is nothing short of phenomenal
The spectacular rise in ‘Saudi America’s’ oil output in just 4 years to a 21-year high is nothing short of phenomenal | AEIdeas:
"Almost entirely due to the breakthrough drilling technologies of hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling that started accessing oceans of shale oil in North Dakota and Texas toward the end of 2008 (see arrow in chart), US oil output has increased by 46.5%, from about 5 million bpd in early 2009 to now more than 7.3 million bpd. "
"Almost entirely due to the breakthrough drilling technologies of hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling that started accessing oceans of shale oil in North Dakota and Texas toward the end of 2008 (see arrow in chart), US oil output has increased by 46.5%, from about 5 million bpd in early 2009 to now more than 7.3 million bpd. "
NHTSA recommends disabling built-in texting, Web browsing while driving
NHTSA recommends disabling built-in texting, Web browsing while driving | Crain's Detroit Business:
"NHTSA has said that after finishing its guidelines for in-car equipment, it intends to set guidelines for portable devices and for voice-activated features."
"NHTSA has said that after finishing its guidelines for in-car equipment, it intends to set guidelines for portable devices and for voice-activated features."
Detroit health company worker pleads guilty in $24M Medicare fraud
Detroit health company worker pleads guilty in $24M Medicare fraud | Crain's Detroit Business:
"The government says Medicare paid about $923,000 because of false claims involving Sharma in 2007-2012."
"The government says Medicare paid about $923,000 because of false claims involving Sharma in 2007-2012."
Michigan House plan has no money for film incentives
Michigan House plan has no money for film incentives | Crain's Detroit Business:
"The Republican-led state House is looking to do away with tax incentives that lure moviemakers to Michigan so the money instead goes toward road maintenance.
The House on Tuesday stripped $25 million in tax credits it planned to set aside for the film industry.
The funding would go to the state and local governments for road repairs.
The House also cut $25 million from an economic-development fund and allocated it for roads."
"The Republican-led state House is looking to do away with tax incentives that lure moviemakers to Michigan so the money instead goes toward road maintenance.
The House on Tuesday stripped $25 million in tax credits it planned to set aside for the film industry.
The funding would go to the state and local governments for road repairs.
The House also cut $25 million from an economic-development fund and allocated it for roads."
Muskegon County Port Advisory Committee sets vision and mission statements
Muskegon County Port Advisory Committee sets vision and mission statements | MLive.com:
"The next Muskegon County Port Advisory Committee meeting is 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 28 at the Michigan Alternative Renewal Energy Center, 200 Veridian Drive, in Muskegon.
"The next Muskegon County Port Advisory Committee meeting is 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 28 at the Michigan Alternative Renewal Energy Center, 200 Veridian Drive, in Muskegon.
FBI video: Domestic terrorist says he targeted conservative group for being ‘anti-gay’
FBI video: Domestic terrorist says he targeted conservative group for being ‘anti-gay’ | WashingtonExaminer.com:
"Family Research Council (FRC) officials released video of federal investigators questioning convicted domestic terrorist Floyd Lee Corkins II, who explained that he attacked the group’s headquarters because the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) identified them as a “hate group” due to their traditional marriage views.
“Southern Poverty Law lists anti-gay groups,” Corkins tells interrogators in the video, which FRC obtained from the FBI. “I found them online, did a little research, went to the website, stuff like that.”
The Washington Examiner’s Paul Bedard reported that Corkins, who pleaded guilty to terrorism charges, said in court that he hoped to “kill as many as possible and smear the Chick-Fil-A sandwiches in victims’ faces, and kill the guard.” "
"Family Research Council (FRC) officials released video of federal investigators questioning convicted domestic terrorist Floyd Lee Corkins II, who explained that he attacked the group’s headquarters because the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) identified them as a “hate group” due to their traditional marriage views.
“Southern Poverty Law lists anti-gay groups,” Corkins tells interrogators in the video, which FRC obtained from the FBI. “I found them online, did a little research, went to the website, stuff like that.”
The Washington Examiner’s Paul Bedard reported that Corkins, who pleaded guilty to terrorism charges, said in court that he hoped to “kill as many as possible and smear the Chick-Fil-A sandwiches in victims’ faces, and kill the guard.” "
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