Climate Change department keep air-conditioning rather than open windows
"Plans to switch off the air-conditioning and instead open windows at the Department for Energy and Climate Change have been scrapped after staff complained about the noise."
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Tuition: 4-Year Universities vs. 2-Year Colleges
"tuition has increased annually at both levels of higher education much higher than the rate of inflation (7.7% for 4-year universities and 6.6% for two-year colleges vs. inflation of 4.3%), the growth in tuition at 4-year universities has increased by more than a full percentage point on average each year since 1976.
It also appears that annual tuition increases at both 4-years and 2-years were pretty similar up until about the mid-1990s, and then tuition started increasing faster at 4-year universities than at 2-year colleges."
It also appears that annual tuition increases at both 4-years and 2-years were pretty similar up until about the mid-1990s, and then tuition started increasing faster at 4-year universities than at 2-year colleges."
GE seeks support for GE-minded politicians
Green Hell Blog
"General Electric’s political action committee (GEPAC) issued the following letter to GE employees soliciting contributions so that it can support politicians who make money for the company, including with respect to the Waxman-Markey climate bill, financial services reform and military spending."
"GE, we bring good things to life..... er......friendly politicians"
"General Electric’s political action committee (GEPAC) issued the following letter to GE employees soliciting contributions so that it can support politicians who make money for the company, including with respect to the Waxman-Markey climate bill, financial services reform and military spending."
"GE, we bring good things to life..... er......friendly politicians"
Michigan jobless rate dips slightly to 15 percent
Michigan jobless rate dips slightly to 15 percent
"Michigan's unemployment rate edged down slightly to 15 percent in July.
The seasonally adjusted rate announced Wednesday on a state Web site is below the 15.2 percent jobless rate posted in June.
But Michigan is likely to keep the dubious honor of having the nation's highest rate.
Michigan has led the nation for 26 of the past 27 months."
Is this tiny drop in the unemployment rate proof of the success of the Jenny/Obama stimulus plan...... or is it the result of U-Hauls racing out of Michigan, taking our most employable residents to other states?
What do you think?
"Michigan's unemployment rate edged down slightly to 15 percent in July.
The seasonally adjusted rate announced Wednesday on a state Web site is below the 15.2 percent jobless rate posted in June.
But Michigan is likely to keep the dubious honor of having the nation's highest rate.
Michigan has led the nation for 26 of the past 27 months."
Is this tiny drop in the unemployment rate proof of the success of the Jenny/Obama stimulus plan...... or is it the result of U-Hauls racing out of Michigan, taking our most employable residents to other states?
What do you think?
Haworth to add 500 jobs at its Holland campus by next year, after closing Calgary plant
http://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/index.ssf/2009/08/haworth_to_add_500_jobs_at_its.htmlP
"The plant consolidation will eliminate 600 jobs at the Calgary plant. Haworth will keep 100 workers there in its showroom and offices.
Today, Michigan's Economic Growth Authority was expected to approve a 13-year, $22.4 million tax incentive deal to underwrite the move."
This is the perfect reason why our state is bankrupt!
No competitive company will be able to compete with Haworth in Michigan so every new job will go to other states or countries.
And our state needs corporate tax dollars yet we are forgoing them ($22.4 million) to play this charade of future jobs.
We're doomed.... until we wake up.....
"The plant consolidation will eliminate 600 jobs at the Calgary plant. Haworth will keep 100 workers there in its showroom and offices.
Today, Michigan's Economic Growth Authority was expected to approve a 13-year, $22.4 million tax incentive deal to underwrite the move."
This is the perfect reason why our state is bankrupt!
No competitive company will be able to compete with Haworth in Michigan so every new job will go to other states or countries.
And our state needs corporate tax dollars yet we are forgoing them ($22.4 million) to play this charade of future jobs.
We're doomed.... until we wake up.....
Outbursts at Frank's Town Hall
"Rep. Barney Frank lashed out at protester who held a poster depicting President Barack Obama with a Hitler-style mustache during a heated town hall meeting on federal health care reform."
Rumblings of a shutdown?
Rumblings of a shutdown?
"The Detroit News is reporting that a growing number of observers say the likelihood of a shutdown is increasing because the Republican-controlled Senate, the Democrat-dominated House and the Democratic governor are far apart on budget proposals.
In 2007, a budget stalemate forced state government to shut down for a few hours. The new budget under discussion would take effect Oct. 1."
Seriously, how scary is this... for us?
I'm thinking, "not at all".
Shut the state down for a month in January! Oh yeah!
The real fear is the state employees who would be "outed" if they were disappeared and no one noticed!
"The Detroit News is reporting that a growing number of observers say the likelihood of a shutdown is increasing because the Republican-controlled Senate, the Democrat-dominated House and the Democratic governor are far apart on budget proposals.
In 2007, a budget stalemate forced state government to shut down for a few hours. The new budget under discussion would take effect Oct. 1."
Seriously, how scary is this... for us?
I'm thinking, "not at all".
Shut the state down for a month in January! Oh yeah!
The real fear is the state employees who would be "outed" if they were disappeared and no one noticed!
Double-Standard on Anti-ObamaCare "Mobs"
Double-Standard on Anti-ObamaCare "Mobs"
With President Obama and congressional liberals facing loud protests over their big government health care plan, journalists are casting the anti-ObamaCare forces as “ugly,” “unruly,” “nasty” mobs, with reporters presenting the most odious images (like pictures of Obama drawn as Hitler) as somehow representative.
But when President George W. Bush faced left-wing protests, the media scrubbed their stories of radical voices and depicted demonstrators as mainstream, and even “prescient.”
With President Obama and congressional liberals facing loud protests over their big government health care plan, journalists are casting the anti-ObamaCare forces as “ugly,” “unruly,” “nasty” mobs, with reporters presenting the most odious images (like pictures of Obama drawn as Hitler) as somehow representative.
But when President George W. Bush faced left-wing protests, the media scrubbed their stories of radical voices and depicted demonstrators as mainstream, and even “prescient.”
NY dealers pull out of clunkers program
NY dealers pull out of clunkers program
Hundreds of auto dealers in the New York area have withdrawn from the government's Cash for Clunkers program, citing delays in getting reimbursed by the government, a dealership group said Wednesday.
The Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association, which represents dealerships in the New York metro area, said about half its 425 members have left the program because they cannot afford to offer more rebates.
They're also worried about getting repaid.
Hundreds of auto dealers in the New York area have withdrawn from the government's Cash for Clunkers program, citing delays in getting reimbursed by the government, a dealership group said Wednesday.
The Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association, which represents dealerships in the New York metro area, said about half its 425 members have left the program because they cannot afford to offer more rebates.
They're also worried about getting repaid.
Students protest tuition hikes
Students protest tuition hikes
The Spartans and Wolverines may be university rivals but they agree on at least one thing - college is expensive and they want government officials to prioritize higher education.
"It's not every day you will see a Wolverine and Spartan standing peacefully along side each other," Dysarz said with a laugh.
"This state has suffered long enough and needs its political leaders to put their differences aside, like we students did today."
Last month, the MSU Board of Trustees voted to raise tuition 5.2 percent for the coming year and 4.9 percent for the next. Annual tuition and fees for in-state freshmen at MSU after the coming year's increase will be $10,880.
MSU President Lou Anna Simon previously has said the university will use federal stimulus monies it gets from the state to lower tuition costs for undergraduate students from Michigan, potentially bringing the actual tuition increase down to 2.5 percent.
All this expensive and "valuable" education and these kids think it's their parents (through increased taxes and reduced services where they live) who aren't paying enough taxes?
Or even worse, some magic, evil, corporation.
No mention of the salaries and benefits and other expenses controlled by the universities?
gimme a break... we're doomed!
update:
http://reason.tv/video/show/author-richard-vedder-discusse
we're still doomed!
The Spartans and Wolverines may be university rivals but they agree on at least one thing - college is expensive and they want government officials to prioritize higher education.
"It's not every day you will see a Wolverine and Spartan standing peacefully along side each other," Dysarz said with a laugh.
"This state has suffered long enough and needs its political leaders to put their differences aside, like we students did today."
Last month, the MSU Board of Trustees voted to raise tuition 5.2 percent for the coming year and 4.9 percent for the next. Annual tuition and fees for in-state freshmen at MSU after the coming year's increase will be $10,880.
MSU President Lou Anna Simon previously has said the university will use federal stimulus monies it gets from the state to lower tuition costs for undergraduate students from Michigan, potentially bringing the actual tuition increase down to 2.5 percent.
All this expensive and "valuable" education and these kids think it's their parents (through increased taxes and reduced services where they live) who aren't paying enough taxes?
Or even worse, some magic, evil, corporation.
No mention of the salaries and benefits and other expenses controlled by the universities?
gimme a break... we're doomed!
update:
http://reason.tv/video/show/author-richard-vedder-discusse
we're still doomed!
What happened to the antiwar movement? Cindy Sheehan hits 'hypocrisy' of Left, Democratic allies.
What happened to the antiwar movement? Cindy Sheehan hits 'hypocrisy' of Left, Democratic allies.
After my column, "For the left, war without Bush is not war at all," appeared Tuesday, I got a note from Cindy Sheehan, the anti-war activist who was the subject of so much press coverage when she led a protest against the Iraq war outside then-President George W. Bush's ranch in Texas.
This is what the note said:
"I read your column about the "anti-war" movement and I can't believe I am saying this, but I mostly agree with you.
The "anti-war" "left" was used by the Democratic Party. I like to call it the "anti-Republican War" movement."
After my column, "For the left, war without Bush is not war at all," appeared Tuesday, I got a note from Cindy Sheehan, the anti-war activist who was the subject of so much press coverage when she led a protest against the Iraq war outside then-President George W. Bush's ranch in Texas.
This is what the note said:
"I read your column about the "anti-war" movement and I can't believe I am saying this, but I mostly agree with you.
The "anti-war" "left" was used by the Democratic Party. I like to call it the "anti-Republican War" movement."
GR firm wins Muskegon school district's copier bid
GR firm wins Muskegon school district's copier bid
"A Grand Rapids firm has won a bid to sell $191,000 in new digital copiers to Muskegon Public Schools.
IKON Office Solutions submitted the low bid of $190,950....... Office Machines Co., a Muskegon vendor with which the school district has done business for 'many, many years,' submitted a bid that was $38,000 higher than IKON's, Privasky said."
Interesting.
The long time local vendor submits a losing quote that's 20% higher than a company 40 miles away and the incurious reporter doesn't ask about the past quoting process.
And this article is hardly intended to support the Muskegon school's move to reduce costs.
Kudos to the MHS board.
And sad The Chronicle is continuing its death spiral.
"A Grand Rapids firm has won a bid to sell $191,000 in new digital copiers to Muskegon Public Schools.
IKON Office Solutions submitted the low bid of $190,950....... Office Machines Co., a Muskegon vendor with which the school district has done business for 'many, many years,' submitted a bid that was $38,000 higher than IKON's, Privasky said."
Interesting.
The long time local vendor submits a losing quote that's 20% higher than a company 40 miles away and the incurious reporter doesn't ask about the past quoting process.
And this article is hardly intended to support the Muskegon school's move to reduce costs.
Kudos to the MHS board.
And sad The Chronicle is continuing its death spiral.
Detroit pension funds want to build $7.4M riverfront HQ
Detroit pension funds want to build $7.4M riverfront HQ
"Concerns raised earlier this year about a cash-flow crisis and the recent loss of $2.5 billion aren't stopping Detroit's two public pension funds from trying to build a new riverfront headquarters."
This actually makes sense....if you are a scumsucking crook.
They know the taxpayers (us and the few remaining companies in Michigan) will pick up the bill if the pension fund doesn't have enough to pay it's pensioners.
So why not party like it's 1928!
"Concerns raised earlier this year about a cash-flow crisis and the recent loss of $2.5 billion aren't stopping Detroit's two public pension funds from trying to build a new riverfront headquarters."
This actually makes sense....if you are a scumsucking crook.
They know the taxpayers (us and the few remaining companies in Michigan) will pick up the bill if the pension fund doesn't have enough to pay it's pensioners.
So why not party like it's 1928!
High court's insurance ruling will cost drivers, critics say
High court's insurance ruling will cost drivers, critics say
"Michigan drivers will pay $20 more this fiscal year to care for accident victims who have brain damage, paralysis or other catastrophic injuries."
"Michigan drivers will pay $20 more this fiscal year to care for accident victims who have brain damage, paralysis or other catastrophic injuries."
$20 dollars here, $20 dollars there...... it's no big deal.....right?
cept we're seemin' to be hearing it EVERY day!
White House OK With Guns at Rallies
White House OK With Guns at Rallies
"the White House:
Armed men seen mixing with protesters outside recent events held by President Obama acted within the law, the White House said Tuesday, attempting to allay fears of a security threat.
Robert Gibbs, the White House press secretary, said people are entitled to carry weapons outside such events if local laws allow it. “There are laws that govern firearms that are done state or locally,” he said. “Those laws don’t change when the president comes to your state or locality.”"
"the White House:
Armed men seen mixing with protesters outside recent events held by President Obama acted within the law, the White House said Tuesday, attempting to allay fears of a security threat.
Robert Gibbs, the White House press secretary, said people are entitled to carry weapons outside such events if local laws allow it. “There are laws that govern firearms that are done state or locally,” he said. “Those laws don’t change when the president comes to your state or locality.”"
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Woman driver stalls her car on opening drawbridge
Woman driver stalls her car on opening drawbridge
"A woman driver had a hair-raising – not to mention car-raising - experience today when her vehicle got stuck on an opening drawbridge.
She stalled on the bridge at Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, and was still stationary as the giant structure swung open to allow a ship through.
Thanks to a good set of brakes and decent tyres, her vehicle defied gravity and stayed put as the giant hinges yawned to a 45 degree angle."
"A woman driver had a hair-raising – not to mention car-raising - experience today when her vehicle got stuck on an opening drawbridge.
She stalled on the bridge at Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, and was still stationary as the giant structure swung open to allow a ship through.
Thanks to a good set of brakes and decent tyres, her vehicle defied gravity and stayed put as the giant hinges yawned to a 45 degree angle."
Fat, unfit NHS staff top the sick league
Fat, unfit NHS staff top the sick league
The first national audit of staff habits has found that high rates of obesity, smoking, absenteeism and poor mental health are having a direct impact on the quality of patient care.
....... More than 45,000 NHS workers are calling in sick every day, one and a half times the rate of absence in the private sector.
The first national audit of staff habits has found that high rates of obesity, smoking, absenteeism and poor mental health are having a direct impact on the quality of patient care.
....... More than 45,000 NHS workers are calling in sick every day, one and a half times the rate of absence in the private sector.
Energy workers rally against climate plan
Energy workers rally against climate plan
"Local energy workers jammed a downtown Houston theater today to protest climate change legislation that the U.S. Senate will take up in the coming weeks.
The Energy Citizens rally, promoted by some major energy companies and business organizations as well as the Greater Houston Partnership, is the first of several such events planned in 19 states in the coming weeks.
About 3,500 people, or 1,500 more than expected, filed into the facility, many donning yellow T-shirts that were being handed out that read 'I'm an energy citizen.'"
How dare those evil energy companies promote their side of the discussion!
I thought ACORN was the only "Obama certified" organization allowed to speak or organize.
"Local energy workers jammed a downtown Houston theater today to protest climate change legislation that the U.S. Senate will take up in the coming weeks.
The Energy Citizens rally, promoted by some major energy companies and business organizations as well as the Greater Houston Partnership, is the first of several such events planned in 19 states in the coming weeks.
About 3,500 people, or 1,500 more than expected, filed into the facility, many donning yellow T-shirts that were being handed out that read 'I'm an energy citizen.'"
How dare those evil energy companies promote their side of the discussion!
I thought ACORN was the only "Obama certified" organization allowed to speak or organize.
Dealers awaiting 'clunker' payments from U.S.
Dealers awaiting 'clunker' payments from U.S.
"Car dealers have found that the benefits of the government's 'Cash for Clunkers' program go hand in hand with the aggravation of trying to get reimbursed.
In three weeks, the government has paid only a tiny share of claims. The unpaid claims, worth up to $4,500 each, may soon begin to pinch some dealers' ability to do business.
Keith Dennis hasn't yet seen a penny from the government for the roughly 250 claims from his dealerships, Dennis Hyundai and Dennis Imports. Until he gets reimbursed, he is curbing his participation in the program."
How can ANYONE in our country believe that this same, idiotic US government can run the entire health care system any better than they have run this auto-destructo boondoggle?
Oh, they promise us they can do it cheaper too!
Are liberals really that stupid?
"Car dealers have found that the benefits of the government's 'Cash for Clunkers' program go hand in hand with the aggravation of trying to get reimbursed.
In three weeks, the government has paid only a tiny share of claims. The unpaid claims, worth up to $4,500 each, may soon begin to pinch some dealers' ability to do business.
Keith Dennis hasn't yet seen a penny from the government for the roughly 250 claims from his dealerships, Dennis Hyundai and Dennis Imports. Until he gets reimbursed, he is curbing his participation in the program."
How can ANYONE in our country believe that this same, idiotic US government can run the entire health care system any better than they have run this auto-destructo boondoggle?
Oh, they promise us they can do it cheaper too!
Are liberals really that stupid?
Today's debate: 'Double dipping' -- Public sector 'retirees' draw a pension -- and a paycheck
'Double dipping' -- Public sector 'retirees' draw a pension -- and a paycheck
"Taxpayers, younger workers suffer when pensioners go back on payroll.
Consider this career choice faced by tens of thousands of teachers, police officers and other government workers across the USA:
Work past the age when you can collect a guaranteed pension (often 50 or 55), or retire that year and come back to your old desk or one nearby to collect the pension and a crisp new paycheck to boot.
Collecting both checks is a no-brainer, and in most states it's also legal. This 'double dipping' is financed by the 100 million private-sector workers who have no such option themselves, and in several states they've started expressing some well-placed anger."
"Taxpayers, younger workers suffer when pensioners go back on payroll.
Consider this career choice faced by tens of thousands of teachers, police officers and other government workers across the USA:
Work past the age when you can collect a guaranteed pension (often 50 or 55), or retire that year and come back to your old desk or one nearby to collect the pension and a crisp new paycheck to boot.
Collecting both checks is a no-brainer, and in most states it's also legal. This 'double dipping' is financed by the 100 million private-sector workers who have no such option themselves, and in several states they've started expressing some well-placed anger."
In the "Two America's" of today, we in the private sector tighten our belts so the public sector employees can let out their belts.
How long will we let this continue?
How long will the young americans be silent?
Woman gives birth on pavement 'after being refused ambulance'
Woman gives birth on pavement 'after being refused ambulance'
"A young mother gave birth on a pavement outside a hospital after she was told to make her own way there.
Mother-of-three Carmen Blake called her midwife to ask for an ambulance when she went into labour unexpectedly with her fourth child"
"A young mother gave birth on a pavement outside a hospital after she was told to make her own way there.
Mother-of-three Carmen Blake called her midwife to ask for an ambulance when she went into labour unexpectedly with her fourth child"
Thousands of surgeries may be cut in Metro Vancouver, leaked paper reveals
Thousands of surgeries may be cut in Metro Vancouver, leaked paper reveals: "Vancouver patients needing neurosurgery, treatment for vascular diseases and other medically necessary procedures can expect to wait longer for care, NDP health critic Adrian Dix said Monday.
Dix said a Vancouver Coastal Health Authority document shows it is considering chopping more than 6,000 surgeries in an effort to make up for a dramatic budgetary shortfall that could reach $200 million."
Anyone notice the liberal's old popular phrase "Canadian style health care" seems to have disappeared from the face of the earth?
Dix said a Vancouver Coastal Health Authority document shows it is considering chopping more than 6,000 surgeries in an effort to make up for a dramatic budgetary shortfall that could reach $200 million."
Anyone notice the liberal's old popular phrase "Canadian style health care" seems to have disappeared from the face of the earth?
Unintended consequences of government
Unintended consequences of government
"the economic role of government is to create the conditions whereby businesses can compete freely and openly.
This may sound benevolent at first glance, but isn't legislation that just singles out new 'businesses' an assault on every existing small business?
Wouldn't the unintended consequence of this legislation be to unfairly penalize existing, struggling small businesses?"
There will be a large group of Republicans hoping to replace Con. Pete Hoekstra next year.
Muskegon's Bill Cooper is in that group and has an interesting take on government grants or legislation that targets specific companies ("oh yeah, free money") and leaves the rest out in the cold.
It's a good article from one of Muskegon's more successful entrepreneurs.
My additional observation is that when companies see that their competitive advantage is best improved by political connections and contributions rather than their own innovation, their creative capital will shift to influencing political decisions instead of focusing on more competitive products and services.
In other words, if you want more tainted money flowing to more ethically challenged politicians (of any party), give the politicians MORE power in choosing "winners" or "losers" in Michigan businesses.
Brinks Security now Broadview Security?
Brinks is a well known name, even to criminals.
No one has ever heard of Broadview.
Why the name change?
No one has ever heard of Broadview.
Why the name change?
Thousands Quit AARP Over Health Reform
Thousands Quit AARP Over Health Reform
"CBS News has learned that up to 60,000 people have cancelled their AARP memberships since July 1, angered over the group's position on health care"
I sent them my "cancel my membership" e-mail this morning!
You can cancel your AARP membership here: http://www.aarp.org/aarp/contact_aarp1/
Here's the link for the conservative friendly American Seniors Association (ASA):
http://tinyurl.com/q78gcu
"CBS News has learned that up to 60,000 people have cancelled their AARP memberships since July 1, angered over the group's position on health care"
I sent them my "cancel my membership" e-mail this morning!
You can cancel your AARP membership here: http://www.aarp.org/aarp/contact_aarp1/
Here's the link for the conservative friendly American Seniors Association (ASA):
http://tinyurl.com/q78gcu
• Medicare Reform
• Tax Reform (Fair Tax)
• Keeping Citizen Benefits out of the hands of illegal aliens
Do it now!
You'll feel healthier all week!
Do it now!
You'll feel healthier all week!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Climate change we CAN believe in!
Tim Pawlenty foresees GOP surge if health plan is rejected
“It appears that President Obama is making great progress on climate change, he is changing the political climate in the country back to Republican,” Pawlenty said during a speech to the second annual GOPAC conference in Chicago."
“It appears that President Obama is making great progress on climate change, he is changing the political climate in the country back to Republican,” Pawlenty said during a speech to the second annual GOPAC conference in Chicago."
Rethinking Canada's pension problem
Rethinking Canada's pension problem: "A 2007 report by consulting firm Towers Perrin, found the private sector workforce grew by 26% in Canada between 1992 and 2005, but overall pension coverage fell from 49% to 42%. It's the perfect storm for a pension crisis."
Michigan School Databases: Union Contracts, Revenues, Expenditures, and More
Michigan School Databases: Union Contracts, Revenues, Expenditures, and More
"Much of the day-to-day life of Michigan’s public schools is shaped by
their district's union contracts, spending choices and available revenues.
Michigan School Databases, hosted by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy,
provides a revealing look at public school districts across the state."
"Much of the day-to-day life of Michigan’s public schools is shaped by
their district's union contracts, spending choices and available revenues.
Michigan School Databases, hosted by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy,
provides a revealing look at public school districts across the state."
Falling Boulder Kills Man in ColoradoRock Smashes Windshield; Wife Drives 3 Kids to Safety
A 45-year-old Missouri man died Friday afternoon when a boulder fell off a Colorado mountain and landed on his car, according to the Aspen Daily News.
Tom Murphy was driving his wife and three boys home to Kansas City following a weeklong vacation in Snowmass when the accident happened along Route 82 near Aspen. According to authorities, a boulder the size of a cooler fell off a mountain and crashed through the windshield of the family's SUV, hitting Murphy on the head and knocking him unconscious.
Tom Murphy was driving his wife and three boys home to Kansas City following a weeklong vacation in Snowmass when the accident happened along Route 82 near Aspen. According to authorities, a boulder the size of a cooler fell off a mountain and crashed through the windshield of the family's SUV, hitting Murphy on the head and knocking him unconscious.
Canada's doctors-"We all agree that the system is imploding
Overhauling health-care system tops agenda at annual meeting of Canada's doctors: "The incoming president of the Canadian Medical Association says this country's health-care system is sick and doctors need to develop a plan to cure it.
Dr. Anne Doig says patients are getting less than optimal care and she adds that physicians from across the country - who will gather in Saskatoon on Sunday for their annual meeting - recognize that changes must be made.
'We all agree that the system is imploding, we all agree that things are more precarious than perhaps Canadians realize,' Doing said in an interview with The Canadian Press.
'We know that there must be change,' she said. 'We're all running flat out, we're all just trying to stay ahead of the immediate day-to-day demands.'"
Dr. Anne Doig says patients are getting less than optimal care and she adds that physicians from across the country - who will gather in Saskatoon on Sunday for their annual meeting - recognize that changes must be made.
'We all agree that the system is imploding, we all agree that things are more precarious than perhaps Canadians realize,' Doing said in an interview with The Canadian Press.
'We know that there must be change,' she said. 'We're all running flat out, we're all just trying to stay ahead of the immediate day-to-day demands.'"
Sunday, August 16, 2009
The Associated Press: Obama birthplace flap evokes Chester Arthur debate
The Associated Press: Obama birthplace flap evokes Chester Arthur debate
Finding the "birthplace" of President Chester A. Arthur is easy: Turn left at Town Hall and its Chester A. Arthur Conference Room, go past Chester's Bakery and turn right on Chester A. Arthur Road.
Nearly five miles up the winding two-lane country road, past rolling hills and dairy farms, is the tiny Chester A. Arthur Historic Site, proclaiming the spot where the nation's 21st president was born in a cottage.
Or was he?
Nearly 123 years after his death, doubts about his U.S. citizenship linger, thanks to lack of documentation and a political foe's claim that Arthur was really born in Canada — and was therefore ineligible for the White House, where he served from 1881 to 1885.
Long before "birthers" began questioning the citizenship of President Barack Obama, similar questions were raised about the early years of Arthur, an accidental president who ascended to the job after President James Garfield was assassinated.
"It's an old rumor that won't die, political slander," said John Dumville, who runs Vermont's historic sites and knows well the legend. "It's a fun story, and it comes up every year. People latch on to it and they've read about it somewhere and they want to know more."
The U.S. Constitution says you must be a "natural-born citizen" to serve as president. The issue has received renewed interest due to legions of Obama doubters who say his Hawaiian birth certificate is fake and that he was born in Kenya.
But the Arthur birthplace question came up before the Internet was around to spread such theories.
Known as Vermont's "other president" — Calvin Coolidge was born in Vermont — Arthur was the son of a Baptist minister whose first assignment was this small town (pop. 1,916) in the heart of northern Vermont dairy country.
He was born Oct. 5, 1829, but later in life, he lied about the year. Even his gravestone lists 1830, though Arthur family bibles at the Library of Congress in Washington say 1829.
The family moved often, and by 1835 had left Vermont. Arthur went on to become a teacher, lawyer and political operative, serving as quartermaster general for the state of New York during the Civil War and later Collector of the Port of New York, appointed by President Ulysses Grant.
The focus on his place of birth became an issue in the 1880 presidential campaign, when Arthur was tapped to be the running mate for Garfield.
According to historical accounts, Republican bosses wanted him to provide proof of his birthplace, but he never did.
Democrats, meanwhile, hired a lawyer named Arthur Hinman who sought to discredit Arthur, claiming he was born in Dunham, Quebec, about 47 miles north of Fairfield. Hinman traveled to Vermont and Canada to research Arthur's past, eventually concluding that Arthur was born in Canada but appropriated the birth records of a baby brother who was born in Fairfield, but died as an infant.
He later incorporated the findings into a book titled "How A British Subject Became President of the United States."
Arthur, who served from 1881 to 1885, never publicly addressed the allegation.
Vermont officials hold fast to their claim on Arthur's birth, but have little to back it up.
The state of Vermont didn't begin receiving birth records until 1857, according to state archivist Gregory Sanford. The birth records at the Town of Fairfield go back no further, Town Clerk Amanda Forbes said.
Arthur biographer Thomas C. Reeves, a former University of Wisconsin history professor who wrote "Gentleman Boss" in 1975, debunked the born-in-Canada claim.
"This was a little campaign trick, in an era when politics were just as dirty as they are now," Reeves said in an interview. "It didn't threaten him in anyway. He was lying about his age, which complicated things. Like so many people, he just lopped a year off his life."
But the legend lingers, like a salacious rumor too juicy not to repeat.
In 1998, the Ottawa (Ont.) Citizen newspaper published a story asserting Arthur was born in his grandparents' home in Dunham but "probably" appropriated the birth records of the dead brother.
"The great impostor, the ultimate spoilsman, has never been defrocked. Not bad for a Canadian, eh?" said the newspaper, which called Arthur "our man in Washington."
At the Chester A. Arthur Historic Site, which draws about 400 visitors a year despite its remote setting, the topic is the first thing on people's lips, said caretaker Shirley Paradee.
"That's usually pretty much the most-asked question — if he was born here or in Canada," she said. "And I don't really have an answer for that because there isn't anything, any proof anywhere, where he was born."
If anything, the display boards inside a two-room replica of the parsonage where Arthur spent some of his early years fan the controversy. One contains a quote from a "J.H. Corey" who asserted in 1881: "I am positive C.A. Arthur was born in Canada."
Another reads, "Today, in an era when virtually every detail of a politician's life is open to public view, there is no concrete proof of the location of President Arthur's birthplace. Records and recollections lend strong support to the claim that Arthur was born in Fairfield, Vt."
For his part, Dumville says Vermont is proud to call Arthur a native son. Until someone proves otherwise.
"There's no way to prove he was not born in Vermont. It's a little boosterism for Vermont, having a U.S. president born here," Dumville said.
Finding the "birthplace" of President Chester A. Arthur is easy: Turn left at Town Hall and its Chester A. Arthur Conference Room, go past Chester's Bakery and turn right on Chester A. Arthur Road.
Nearly five miles up the winding two-lane country road, past rolling hills and dairy farms, is the tiny Chester A. Arthur Historic Site, proclaiming the spot where the nation's 21st president was born in a cottage.
Or was he?
Nearly 123 years after his death, doubts about his U.S. citizenship linger, thanks to lack of documentation and a political foe's claim that Arthur was really born in Canada — and was therefore ineligible for the White House, where he served from 1881 to 1885.
Long before "birthers" began questioning the citizenship of President Barack Obama, similar questions were raised about the early years of Arthur, an accidental president who ascended to the job after President James Garfield was assassinated.
"It's an old rumor that won't die, political slander," said John Dumville, who runs Vermont's historic sites and knows well the legend. "It's a fun story, and it comes up every year. People latch on to it and they've read about it somewhere and they want to know more."
The U.S. Constitution says you must be a "natural-born citizen" to serve as president. The issue has received renewed interest due to legions of Obama doubters who say his Hawaiian birth certificate is fake and that he was born in Kenya.
But the Arthur birthplace question came up before the Internet was around to spread such theories.
Known as Vermont's "other president" — Calvin Coolidge was born in Vermont — Arthur was the son of a Baptist minister whose first assignment was this small town (pop. 1,916) in the heart of northern Vermont dairy country.
He was born Oct. 5, 1829, but later in life, he lied about the year. Even his gravestone lists 1830, though Arthur family bibles at the Library of Congress in Washington say 1829.
The family moved often, and by 1835 had left Vermont. Arthur went on to become a teacher, lawyer and political operative, serving as quartermaster general for the state of New York during the Civil War and later Collector of the Port of New York, appointed by President Ulysses Grant.
The focus on his place of birth became an issue in the 1880 presidential campaign, when Arthur was tapped to be the running mate for Garfield.
According to historical accounts, Republican bosses wanted him to provide proof of his birthplace, but he never did.
Democrats, meanwhile, hired a lawyer named Arthur Hinman who sought to discredit Arthur, claiming he was born in Dunham, Quebec, about 47 miles north of Fairfield. Hinman traveled to Vermont and Canada to research Arthur's past, eventually concluding that Arthur was born in Canada but appropriated the birth records of a baby brother who was born in Fairfield, but died as an infant.
He later incorporated the findings into a book titled "How A British Subject Became President of the United States."
Arthur, who served from 1881 to 1885, never publicly addressed the allegation.
Vermont officials hold fast to their claim on Arthur's birth, but have little to back it up.
The state of Vermont didn't begin receiving birth records until 1857, according to state archivist Gregory Sanford. The birth records at the Town of Fairfield go back no further, Town Clerk Amanda Forbes said.
Arthur biographer Thomas C. Reeves, a former University of Wisconsin history professor who wrote "Gentleman Boss" in 1975, debunked the born-in-Canada claim.
"This was a little campaign trick, in an era when politics were just as dirty as they are now," Reeves said in an interview. "It didn't threaten him in anyway. He was lying about his age, which complicated things. Like so many people, he just lopped a year off his life."
But the legend lingers, like a salacious rumor too juicy not to repeat.
In 1998, the Ottawa (Ont.) Citizen newspaper published a story asserting Arthur was born in his grandparents' home in Dunham but "probably" appropriated the birth records of the dead brother.
"The great impostor, the ultimate spoilsman, has never been defrocked. Not bad for a Canadian, eh?" said the newspaper, which called Arthur "our man in Washington."
At the Chester A. Arthur Historic Site, which draws about 400 visitors a year despite its remote setting, the topic is the first thing on people's lips, said caretaker Shirley Paradee.
"That's usually pretty much the most-asked question — if he was born here or in Canada," she said. "And I don't really have an answer for that because there isn't anything, any proof anywhere, where he was born."
If anything, the display boards inside a two-room replica of the parsonage where Arthur spent some of his early years fan the controversy. One contains a quote from a "J.H. Corey" who asserted in 1881: "I am positive C.A. Arthur was born in Canada."
Another reads, "Today, in an era when virtually every detail of a politician's life is open to public view, there is no concrete proof of the location of President Arthur's birthplace. Records and recollections lend strong support to the claim that Arthur was born in Fairfield, Vt."
For his part, Dumville says Vermont is proud to call Arthur a native son. Until someone proves otherwise.
"There's no way to prove he was not born in Vermont. It's a little boosterism for Vermont, having a U.S. president born here," Dumville said.
5,000 fewer guns turned in under city program
5,000 fewer guns turned in under city program
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
Fewer than 2,000 guns were turned in for gift cards Saturday as part of Chicago's annual gun buy-back event.
This year's total -- 1,887 -- was significantly lower than last year's take of 6,800 guns, officials said
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
Fewer than 2,000 guns were turned in for gift cards Saturday as part of Chicago's annual gun buy-back event.
This year's total -- 1,887 -- was significantly lower than last year's take of 6,800 guns, officials said
Copyright(c) 2009 Ad Gardener, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Ads belong to their respective owners.
Copyright(c) 2009 Ad Gardener, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Ads belong to their respective owners.: "When it comes to having past views that should frighten every American citizen, Ezekiel Emanuel (see above editorial) has nothing on the president's ''chief science adviser, John P. Holdren. (Snip) The question naturally arises why President Obama chooses to surround himself with extremists like Mr. Holdren or Dr. Emanuel. No matter how much they claim their views have ''evolved,'' health and science under Obamacare would be a frightening prospect with people like this advising the
Comments:
[companion piece to preceding Wash Times editorial] Indeed, the entire nation and some real person who actually gets to ask a question in an 0bama town hall, if there is such a person, needs to ask why 0bama has surrounded himself with radical freaks with such outlandish ideas. What kind of message is he trying to send the American people?"
Comments:
[companion piece to preceding Wash Times editorial] Indeed, the entire nation and some real person who actually gets to ask a question in an 0bama town hall, if there is such a person, needs to ask why 0bama has surrounded himself with radical freaks with such outlandish ideas. What kind of message is he trying to send the American people?"
Hawaii plans quiet, sobering 50th anniversary
Hawaii plans quiet, sobering 50th anniversary
"Hawaii turns 50 years old as the 50th state Friday, but there will be no grand parades, no dazzling fireworks, no lavish displays of native culture.
Organizers of the observation are not even willing to call it a party. It is simply a 'commemoration,' one that is sensitive to a painful history of the Hawaiian monarchy's overthrow and unresolved claims of Native Hawaiians.
The main event is a low-key daylong conference reflecting on Hawaii's place in the world. Behind the tourist-friendly tropical images of beaches and sunshine, many remain uncomfortable with the U.S. takeover of the islands and the idea that businesses have exploited Hawaiians' culture.
'Instead of state government having huge parties and fireworks, we're having a convention,' said Manu Boyd, cultural director for the Royal Hawaiian Center, a shopping and entertainment area in Waikiki. 'That shows the strength and spiritual power of the Hawaiian people, whose shattered world has not yet been addressed.'
When statehood came calling in 1959, it ushered in an era of economic prosperity through tourism and the side effects that came with it: resort high rises, more than 500,000 monthly tourists and an emphasis on hokey luaus rather than the authentic host culture.
Sovereignty groups advocating independence from the United States make up a minority, but many residents recognize the long-standing issues associated with the 1893 overthrow of the monarchy, the islands' annexation and past harms to the Native Hawaiian people."
"Hawaii turns 50 years old as the 50th state Friday, but there will be no grand parades, no dazzling fireworks, no lavish displays of native culture.
Organizers of the observation are not even willing to call it a party. It is simply a 'commemoration,' one that is sensitive to a painful history of the Hawaiian monarchy's overthrow and unresolved claims of Native Hawaiians.
The main event is a low-key daylong conference reflecting on Hawaii's place in the world. Behind the tourist-friendly tropical images of beaches and sunshine, many remain uncomfortable with the U.S. takeover of the islands and the idea that businesses have exploited Hawaiians' culture.
'Instead of state government having huge parties and fireworks, we're having a convention,' said Manu Boyd, cultural director for the Royal Hawaiian Center, a shopping and entertainment area in Waikiki. 'That shows the strength and spiritual power of the Hawaiian people, whose shattered world has not yet been addressed.'
When statehood came calling in 1959, it ushered in an era of economic prosperity through tourism and the side effects that came with it: resort high rises, more than 500,000 monthly tourists and an emphasis on hokey luaus rather than the authentic host culture.
Sovereignty groups advocating independence from the United States make up a minority, but many residents recognize the long-standing issues associated with the 1893 overthrow of the monarchy, the islands' annexation and past harms to the Native Hawaiian people."
Drinking the Kool-Aid: Failing to lead, Hillary follows the President in placating the world
"Clinton's moral equivalency moment came when she told a group of Nigerian activists that, 'In 2000, our presidential election came down to one state where the brother of the man running for President was the governor of the state. So we have our problems, too.'
The reference to Florida, where Jeb Bush was governor, was inappropriate, no matter the context Clinton had in mind.
The election ultimately was decided by the Supreme Court and all but wing nuts on the Democratic left accepted the court's historic decision."
And the Sec of State of the USA is a wingnut!
Sleep well, America but be forewarned!
The reference to Florida, where Jeb Bush was governor, was inappropriate, no matter the context Clinton had in mind.
The election ultimately was decided by the Supreme Court and all but wing nuts on the Democratic left accepted the court's historic decision."
And the Sec of State of the USA is a wingnut!
Sleep well, America but be forewarned!
This is NOT a victory.
"If they get anything at all, they are looking at this as the camel’s nose under the tent.
They will increment and “improve” anything they can get passed until it is socialized medicine.
That is the ultimate goal.
That is what Clinton pushed and that, very, very clearly, is the message of this article.
This is not a victory.
We have to keep focused and keep fighting.
We have to."
Do not reduce your vigilance!
They will increment and “improve” anything they can get passed until it is socialized medicine.
That is the ultimate goal.
That is what Clinton pushed and that, very, very clearly, is the message of this article.
This is not a victory.
We have to keep focused and keep fighting.
We have to."
Do not reduce your vigilance!
Palin Wins
Palin Wins
"The first we heard about Sarah Palin's 'death panels' comment was in a conversation last Friday with an acquaintance who was appalled by it.
Our interlocutor is not a Democratic partisan but a high-minded centrist who deplores extremist rhetoric whatever the source.
We don't even know if he has a position on ObamaCare.
From his description, it sounded to us as though Palin really had gone too far.
A week later, it is clear that she has won the debate."
"The first we heard about Sarah Palin's 'death panels' comment was in a conversation last Friday with an acquaintance who was appalled by it.
Our interlocutor is not a Democratic partisan but a high-minded centrist who deplores extremist rhetoric whatever the source.
We don't even know if he has a position on ObamaCare.
From his description, it sounded to us as though Palin really had gone too far.
A week later, it is clear that she has won the debate."
A rally with troubling aspects
A rally with troubling aspects
"The rebound is based on restocking of inventories but, once that is complete, there are concerns about sustainability of growth in 2010 as the consumer remains burdened by high debt, rising job losses and sharply lower housing prices."
"The rebound is based on restocking of inventories but, once that is complete, there are concerns about sustainability of growth in 2010 as the consumer remains burdened by high debt, rising job losses and sharply lower housing prices."
Russian Jets Collide During Air Show Rehearsal
Russian Jets Collide During Air Show Rehearsal
"Two Russian air force fighters collided Sunday as they rehearsed for an air show near Moscow, killing a pilot and sending one jet crashing into houses below, a military official said.
The Su-27 fighters were members of the elite Russian Knights flying group preparing to perform at the MAKS-2009 air show. The largest and most important exhibition for Russia's aerospace industry opens Tuesday.....
The RIA-Novosti and Interfax news agencies reported that the dead pilot was the Russian Knights' commander."
"Two Russian air force fighters collided Sunday as they rehearsed for an air show near Moscow, killing a pilot and sending one jet crashing into houses below, a military official said.
The Su-27 fighters were members of the elite Russian Knights flying group preparing to perform at the MAKS-2009 air show. The largest and most important exhibition for Russia's aerospace industry opens Tuesday.....
The RIA-Novosti and Interfax news agencies reported that the dead pilot was the Russian Knights' commander."
The Obamas: Stopping Traffic in Yellowstone
The Obamas: Stopping Traffic in Yellowstone
"For a brief, clattering moment on Saturday morning, Bald Eagles nesting along Yellowstone National Park's Firehole River Saturday had to share their sky with three Marine helicopters ferrying the First Family down to Old Faithful.
The Obamas had lunch and views of the famous geyser, most likely oblivious to the ripple effect caused by extensive security measures for their visit on the Park's busy, fee-free weekend.
On the narrow two-lane highway between Old Faithful and Midway Geyser Basin, however, motor traffic came to a standstill, eventually backing up vehicles for nearly two miles."
"For a brief, clattering moment on Saturday morning, Bald Eagles nesting along Yellowstone National Park's Firehole River Saturday had to share their sky with three Marine helicopters ferrying the First Family down to Old Faithful.
The Obamas had lunch and views of the famous geyser, most likely oblivious to the ripple effect caused by extensive security measures for their visit on the Park's busy, fee-free weekend.
On the narrow two-lane highway between Old Faithful and Midway Geyser Basin, however, motor traffic came to a standstill, eventually backing up vehicles for nearly two miles."
More Trouble in Cash for Clunkers?
More Trouble in Cash for Clunkers?
"The program started late, cost $50 million to administer, crashed computers and ran out of money.
All to see people spend money now that they would likely have spent later.
Now, this story says dealers are becoming frustrated that the government hasn't paid them for their deals - so frustrated that some believe it is no longer worth it to participate."
"The program started late, cost $50 million to administer, crashed computers and ran out of money.
All to see people spend money now that they would likely have spent later.
Now, this story says dealers are becoming frustrated that the government hasn't paid them for their deals - so frustrated that some believe it is no longer worth it to participate."
Town halls not resulting in more presidential threats
Town halls not resulting in more presidential threats
"There has been no increase in the number of security threats to President Barack Obama despite the contentious town hall meetings taking place around the country, according to the White House.
White House press secretary Robert Gibbs also said Friday there has been no change in the security precautions.
'We haven't viewed any increase in threats, and there's been no change in any of that,' Gibbs said."
"There has been no increase in the number of security threats to President Barack Obama despite the contentious town hall meetings taking place around the country, according to the White House.
White House press secretary Robert Gibbs also said Friday there has been no change in the security precautions.
'We haven't viewed any increase in threats, and there's been no change in any of that,' Gibbs said."
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Unplugging Grandma isn't the problem
Unplugging Grandma isn't the problem
Obamacare means treatment rationing, so getting Grandma plugged in in the first place is the greater peril."
Obamacare means treatment rationing, so getting Grandma plugged in in the first place is the greater peril."
Chicago City Government Closed For Business Monday, Due To Budget Constraints
Chicago City Government Closed For Business Monday, Due To Budget Constraints
"If you planned to check out a library book, visit a city clinic or have your garbage picked up on Monday, you're out of luck.
The City of Chicago will basically be closed for business on Aug. 17"
Comming soon to a town near you!
"If you planned to check out a library book, visit a city clinic or have your garbage picked up on Monday, you're out of luck.
The City of Chicago will basically be closed for business on Aug. 17"
Comming soon to a town near you!
Friday, August 14, 2009
REMEMBER, IF YOU OPPOSE OBAMA’S POLICIES, YOU’RE A RACIST, FASCIST HATER
REMEMBER, IF YOU OPPOSE OBAMA’S POLICIES, YOU’RE A RACIST, FASCIST HATER:
Fear for Obama’s Safety Grows as Hate Groups Thrive on Racial Backlash.
As others have noted, we didn’t see this kind of concern when people were saying the same kinds of things about Bush.
This storyline seems like a pretty transparent effort to delegitimize the protesters particularly when you see who’s quoted.
But perhaps — as some did during the Bush era on the few occasions when they deigned to notice the hate — we should ask what Obama has done to so divide the country?
Meanwhile, Matt Welch notes a lot of pundits who seem eager to turn Obama-opposition into race-war.
And here I thought the Obama presidency was supposed to usher in a post-racial America.
How’s that working out so far?
Plus, watch out for all those anti-Obamacare fascists!
And Jesse Walker called it: The Paranoids Are Out To Get Me!
Fear for Obama’s Safety Grows as Hate Groups Thrive on Racial Backlash.
As others have noted, we didn’t see this kind of concern when people were saying the same kinds of things about Bush.
This storyline seems like a pretty transparent effort to delegitimize the protesters particularly when you see who’s quoted.
But perhaps — as some did during the Bush era on the few occasions when they deigned to notice the hate — we should ask what Obama has done to so divide the country?
Meanwhile, Matt Welch notes a lot of pundits who seem eager to turn Obama-opposition into race-war.
And here I thought the Obama presidency was supposed to usher in a post-racial America.
How’s that working out so far?
Plus, watch out for all those anti-Obamacare fascists!
And Jesse Walker called it: The Paranoids Are Out To Get Me!
'Meet the Spartans' coming up on Tuesday
'Meet the Spartans' coming up on Tuesday
"Members of the Michigan State football team will be available for photographs and autographs next Wednesday at the Meridan Mall in Okemos, but there's a catch.
The seventh annual 'Meet the Spartans is geared toward children 12 and under. Players and coaches will be available near the south entrance of the mall from 5:45-7:15 p.m."
"Members of the Michigan State football team will be available for photographs and autographs next Wednesday at the Meridan Mall in Okemos, but there's a catch.
The seventh annual 'Meet the Spartans is geared toward children 12 and under. Players and coaches will be available near the south entrance of the mall from 5:45-7:15 p.m."
Twitter / Newt Gingrich: Sharpton and i are on the ...
Twitter / Newt Gingrich: Sharpton and i are on the ...:
"Sharpton and i are on the today show tomorrow about our charter school tour which grew out of our meeting with President Obamaabout 15 hours ago from TwitterBerry
newtgingrich"
Matt Lauer said "you two guys make a great team"........ sadly, yes they do.......
"Sharpton and i are on the today show tomorrow about our charter school tour which grew out of our meeting with President Obamaabout 15 hours ago from TwitterBerry
newtgingrich"
Matt Lauer said "you two guys make a great team"........ sadly, yes they do.......
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Senators exclude end-of-life provision from bill
Senators exclude end-of-life provision from bill
"the provision had been dropped from consideration because it could be misinterpreted or implemented incorrectly."
Well, which is it?
"Misinterpreted" or "implemented incorrectly"?
Ya might think that if ya couldn't figure the difference between the two.... meebeee you're lyin'.....?
"the provision had been dropped from consideration because it could be misinterpreted or implemented incorrectly."
Well, which is it?
"Misinterpreted" or "implemented incorrectly"?
Ya might think that if ya couldn't figure the difference between the two.... meebeee you're lyin'.....?
These democrats are consistent, aren't they?
Gov. Jennifer Granholm proposes budget with tax hikes, including extension of sales tax to sports, entertainment tickets
Gov. Jennifer Granholm proposes budget with tax hikes, including extension of sales tax to sports, entertainment tickets
"Gov. Jennifer Granholm has offered up a $685 million revenue package to balance the 2010 budget that includes an assortment of tax hikes that lawmakers have yet to accept or have rejected in the past.
Chief among the tax proposals is an extension of the 6 percent sales tax to sports and entertainment tickets that would generate an estimated $87 million. Fortunately for opponents, the notickettax.com Web site set up in 2007 the last time Granholm suggested the idea was never taken down."
Voracious!
"Gov. Jennifer Granholm has offered up a $685 million revenue package to balance the 2010 budget that includes an assortment of tax hikes that lawmakers have yet to accept or have rejected in the past.
Chief among the tax proposals is an extension of the 6 percent sales tax to sports and entertainment tickets that would generate an estimated $87 million. Fortunately for opponents, the notickettax.com Web site set up in 2007 the last time Granholm suggested the idea was never taken down."
Voracious!
Obama delegate at health care event not doctor after all
Obama delegate at health care event not doctor after all
"U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee on Thursday distanced herself from a University of Houston graduate student and Texas Obama delegate who falsely identified herself as a pediatric physician at the congresswoman's health care reform town hall meeting this week.
“I've never met her,” Jackson Lee said as she prepared to take questions from doctors and other health care workers in a session at St. Joseph Medical Center.
Roxana Mayer, who warmly embraced Jackson Lee at the close of Tuesday's session at a Fifth Ward community center, had spoken in favor of the president's health care package. The Texas Medical Board, which oversees doctors in Texas, has no record of Mayer, 31, holding a physician's license.
In a West Coast political blog, Patterico's Pontifications, Mayer admitted she is not a doctor.
When queried by the Houston Chronicle if she held a medical license outside Texas, she responded via e-mail: “If my initial statement to the Houston Chronicle can not be substantiated, then I understand your responsibility to omit it.”"
I'm thinkin' Matt Lawer on the Today Show will be incensed!.....yeah..... right......
"U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee on Thursday distanced herself from a University of Houston graduate student and Texas Obama delegate who falsely identified herself as a pediatric physician at the congresswoman's health care reform town hall meeting this week.
“I've never met her,” Jackson Lee said as she prepared to take questions from doctors and other health care workers in a session at St. Joseph Medical Center.
Roxana Mayer, who warmly embraced Jackson Lee at the close of Tuesday's session at a Fifth Ward community center, had spoken in favor of the president's health care package. The Texas Medical Board, which oversees doctors in Texas, has no record of Mayer, 31, holding a physician's license.
In a West Coast political blog, Patterico's Pontifications, Mayer admitted she is not a doctor.
When queried by the Houston Chronicle if she held a medical license outside Texas, she responded via e-mail: “If my initial statement to the Houston Chronicle can not be substantiated, then I understand your responsibility to omit it.”"
I'm thinkin' Matt Lawer on the Today Show will be incensed!.....yeah..... right......
FAA Suspends 2 Air Traffic Controllers Over Deadly Midair Crash
FAA Suspends 2 Air Traffic Controllers Over Deadly Midair Crash
"The FAA said Thursday it had suspended two air traffic controllers for 'unacceptable' conduct at the time of last weekend's deadly midair collision between a small plane and a helicopter over the Hudson River in New York City.
The controller in contact with the plane when the crash happend was on the phone having what the FAA describing as an 'inappropriate conversation.'
And a supervisor wasn't even in the building at the time of the crash, which killed the nine people aboard the two aircraft."
No worries!
These federals will be WAAAY more attentive when they are in TOTAL control of our national health care....... yeah ...right.....into the Hudson River!
"The FAA said Thursday it had suspended two air traffic controllers for 'unacceptable' conduct at the time of last weekend's deadly midair collision between a small plane and a helicopter over the Hudson River in New York City.
The controller in contact with the plane when the crash happend was on the phone having what the FAA describing as an 'inappropriate conversation.'
And a supervisor wasn't even in the building at the time of the crash, which killed the nine people aboard the two aircraft."
No worries!
These federals will be WAAAY more attentive when they are in TOTAL control of our national health care....... yeah ...right.....into the Hudson River!
Michigan GOP lawmakers don't want Gitmo prisoners
Michigan GOP lawmakers don't want Gitmo prisoners
"Rep. Pete Hoekstra (R-Mich.), the ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, criticized the administration for not publicizing the visit to Michigan, and said he only learned of it from news coverage.
“They haven’t been upfront at all on this,” said Hoeksta, a gubernatorial candidate in Michigan who has previously criticized the idea of housing Guantanamo detainees in his state. “We found out through the media they were going to Standish, Michigan,” he said in an interview with The Hill.
Hoekstra is requesting permission to lead a delegation of state and local officials to the Guantanamo Bay prison, which Obama hopes to close early in 2010."
Showin' some balls!
YES!
"Rep. Pete Hoekstra (R-Mich.), the ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, criticized the administration for not publicizing the visit to Michigan, and said he only learned of it from news coverage.
“They haven’t been upfront at all on this,” said Hoeksta, a gubernatorial candidate in Michigan who has previously criticized the idea of housing Guantanamo detainees in his state. “We found out through the media they were going to Standish, Michigan,” he said in an interview with The Hill.
Hoekstra is requesting permission to lead a delegation of state and local officials to the Guantanamo Bay prison, which Obama hopes to close early in 2010."
Showin' some balls!
YES!
Business Owner Fires on 4 Robbers, Killing 2
Business Owner Fires on 4 Robbers, Killing 2,
"A 72-year-old Harlem business owner used a shotgun to blast four men who tried to rob his restaurant-supply business Thursday afternoon, killing two and sending two others to the hospital with gunshot wounds, the New York City police said."
Great news to start our weekend!
Think of the savings to our court system, legal system and our prison system!
Plus we NEVER have to worry about those scum-sucking-idiots getting out of prison early!
What a great day in America!
"A 72-year-old Harlem business owner used a shotgun to blast four men who tried to rob his restaurant-supply business Thursday afternoon, killing two and sending two others to the hospital with gunshot wounds, the New York City police said."
Great news to start our weekend!
Think of the savings to our court system, legal system and our prison system!
Plus we NEVER have to worry about those scum-sucking-idiots getting out of prison early!
What a great day in America!
Overpopulation
Overpopulation
"The Center’s primary mission is to stop the planetary extinction crisis that’s wiping out rare plants and animals in every nation, ocean, and ecosystem on earth. Explosive, unsustainable human population growth is an essential cause of the extinction crisis.
Through the empowerment of women, education of all people, universal access to birth control, and a societal commitment to ensuring that all species are given a chance to live and thrive, we can reduce our own population to an ecologically sustainable level."
More supporters of B Hussein.....
"The Center’s primary mission is to stop the planetary extinction crisis that’s wiping out rare plants and animals in every nation, ocean, and ecosystem on earth. Explosive, unsustainable human population growth is an essential cause of the extinction crisis.
Through the empowerment of women, education of all people, universal access to birth control, and a societal commitment to ensuring that all species are given a chance to live and thrive, we can reduce our own population to an ecologically sustainable level."
More supporters of B Hussein.....
Guantánamo detainees could save Michigan 340 prison jobs
Guantánamo detainees could save Michigan 340 prison jobs
"But sending detainees to the maximum security prison in Standish, Mich., may not be so unwelcome in a state that's seeing some of the worst economic distress in the country"
Thank God for Al quaeda and President B Hussein! Jobs, jobs, jobs!
"But sending detainees to the maximum security prison in Standish, Mich., may not be so unwelcome in a state that's seeing some of the worst economic distress in the country"
Thank God for Al quaeda and President B Hussein! Jobs, jobs, jobs!
Elgin Declared Fattest City In Illinois
"The battle of the bulge isn't going so well in Elgin........
Elgin was recently named the fattest city in Illinois.
The dubious distinction was revealed by City Councilman David Kaptain, who said he saw it in a study based on driver's license data. But Kaptain said he couldn't remember where he found the study....
Nonetheless, Elgin officials are now offering "fitness grants" to coax people into healthier lifestyles."
Elgin was recently named the fattest city in Illinois.
The dubious distinction was revealed by City Councilman David Kaptain, who said he saw it in a study based on driver's license data. But Kaptain said he couldn't remember where he found the study....
Nonetheless, Elgin officials are now offering "fitness grants" to coax people into healthier lifestyles."
'Fastest Dying Cities' Meet for a Lively Talk
'Fastest Dying Cities' Meet for a Lively Talk
"Here's an idea for saving Rust Belt cities: Tell bloggers and radio stations to stop calling your town a basket case.
That was one suggestion from representatives of eight of the 10 cities labeled last year as America's fastest dying.........
"Mr. Benkendorf, who directs an arts program affiliated with the University of Dayton, named the symposium, 'Ten Living Cities.' Dayton skeptics called it 'Deathfest.'
One was college student Joe Sack, 22. 'It's like a gambling addict [trying] to help an alcoholic,' he said while at work in a coffee shop. 'It's hard to see what they can learn from each other.'"
"Here's an idea for saving Rust Belt cities: Tell bloggers and radio stations to stop calling your town a basket case.
That was one suggestion from representatives of eight of the 10 cities labeled last year as America's fastest dying.........
"Mr. Benkendorf, who directs an arts program affiliated with the University of Dayton, named the symposium, 'Ten Living Cities.' Dayton skeptics called it 'Deathfest.'
One was college student Joe Sack, 22. 'It's like a gambling addict [trying] to help an alcoholic,' he said while at work in a coffee shop. 'It's hard to see what they can learn from each other.'"
if, if, if.....
from an e-mail.... makes ya think!
If George W Bush had------
If George W. Bush had made a joke at the expense of the Special Olympics, would you have approved?
If George W. Bush had given Gordon Brown a set of inexpensive and incorrectly formatted DVDs, when Gordon Brown had given him a thoughtful and historically significant gift, would you have approved?
If George W. Bush had given the Queen of England an iPod containing videos of his speeches, would you have thought this embarrassingly narcissistic and tacky?
If George W. Bush had bowed to the King of Saudi Arabia, would you have approved?
If George W. Bush had visited Austria and made reference to the non-existent "Austrian language," would you have brushed it off as a minor slip?
If George W. Bush had filled his cabinet and circle of advisers with people who cannot seem to keep current on their income taxes, would you have a approved?
If George W. Bush had been so Spanish illiterate as to refer to "Cinco de Cuatro" in front of the Mexican ambassador when it was the fourth of May (Cuatro de Mayo), and continued to flub it when he tried again, would you have winced in embarrassment?
If George W. Bush had miss-spelled the word advice would you have hammered him for it for years like Dan Quayle and potatoe as "proof" of what a dunce he is?
If George W. Bush had burned 9,000 gallons of jet fuel to go plant a single tree on "Earth Day", would you have concluded he's a hypocrite?
If George W. Bush's administration had okayed Air Force One flying low over millions of people followed by a jet fighter in downtown Manhattan causing widespread panic, would you have wondered whether they actually "get" what happened on 9-11?
If George W. Bush had been the first President to need a teleprompter installed to be able to get through a press conference, would you have laughed and said this is more proof of how inept he is on his own and is really controlled by smarter men behind the scenes?
If George W. Bush had failed to send relief aid to flood victims throughout the Midwest with more people killed or made homeless than in New Orleans, would you want it made into a major ongoing political issue with claims of racism and incompetence?
If George W. Bush had ordered the firing of the CEO of a major corporation, even though he had no constitutional authority to do so, would you have approved?
If George W. Bush had proposed to double the national debt, which had taken more than two centuries to accumulate, in one year, would you have approved?
If George W. Bush had then proposed to double the debt again 10 times within years, would you have approved?
If George W. Bush had reduced your retirement plan's holdings of GM stock by 90% and given the unions a majority stake in GM, would you have approved?
If George W. Bush had spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to take Laura Bush to a play in NYC, would you have approved?
If George W. Bush had spent months pushing for "health reform",
vowing to spend BILLIONS of dollars .. yet NEVER mention looking
at "medical mis-practice curbs placed on lawyers" (Obama is a lawyer)
would you have approved?
If George W. Bush had told the world that a police sergeant in
Cambridge acted "stupidly" before knowing the facts, then instead
of apologizing termed it a "teachable moment", would you have
approved?
If George W. Bush's Vice Prez had stated -- the Russians had a "weak hand" including a "withering" economy and needed the Sec of State to quickly "clarify the statement" would you have approved?
If George W. Bush had spent months pushing for "health reform",
vowing to spend BILLIONS of dollars .. yet NEVER mention looking
at "medical mis-practice curbs placed on lawyers" (Obama is a lawyer)
would you have approved?
If George W. Bush had told the world that a police sergeant in
Cambridge acted "stupidly" before knowing the facts, then instead
of apologizing termed it a "teachable moment", would you have
approved?
If George W. Bush's Vice Prez had stated -- the Russians had a "weak hand" including a "withering" economy and needed the Sec of State to quickly "clarify the statement" would you have approved?
So, tell me again, what is it about Obama that makes him so brilliant and impressive?
Can't think of anything? Don't worry.
He's done all the above in just 5 months -- so be patient you've still got three years and seven months to come up with an answer.
He's done all the above in just 5 months -- so be patient you've still got three years and seven months to come up with an answer.
'Global warming creates volatility. I feel it when I'm flying.
Henry Payne's Sketchbook
"Detroit, Mich. - Michigan just experienced its coldest July on record; global temperatures haven't risen in more than a decade; Great Lakes water levels have resumed their 30-year cyclical rise (contrary to a decade of media scare stories that they were drying up due to global warming), and polls show that climate change doesn't even make a list of Michigan voters' top-ten concerns.
Yet in an interview with the Detroit News Monday, Senator Debbie Stabenow (D., Mich.) - recently appointed to the Senate Energy Committee - made clear that fighting the climate crisis is her top priority.
'Climate change is very real,' she confessed as she embraced cap and trade's massive tax increase on Michigan industry - at the same time claiming, against all the evidence, that it would not lead to an increase in manufacturing costs or energy prices. 'Global warming creates volatility. I feel it when I'm flying. The storms are more volatile. We are paying the price in more hurricanes and tornadoes.'
And there are sea monsters in Lake Michigan. I can feel them when I'm boating"
"Detroit, Mich. - Michigan just experienced its coldest July on record; global temperatures haven't risen in more than a decade; Great Lakes water levels have resumed their 30-year cyclical rise (contrary to a decade of media scare stories that they were drying up due to global warming), and polls show that climate change doesn't even make a list of Michigan voters' top-ten concerns.
Yet in an interview with the Detroit News Monday, Senator Debbie Stabenow (D., Mich.) - recently appointed to the Senate Energy Committee - made clear that fighting the climate crisis is her top priority.
'Climate change is very real,' she confessed as she embraced cap and trade's massive tax increase on Michigan industry - at the same time claiming, against all the evidence, that it would not lead to an increase in manufacturing costs or energy prices. 'Global warming creates volatility. I feel it when I'm flying. The storms are more volatile. We are paying the price in more hurricanes and tornadoes.'
And there are sea monsters in Lake Michigan. I can feel them when I'm boating"
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Ex-Clinton aide named in prison smuggling case
Ex-Clinton aide named in prison smuggling case
"A former chief of staff for Bill Clinton when he was governor of Arkansas faces felony charges accusing her of smuggling a knife and 48 tattoo needles onto the state's death row.
The charging of Betsey Wright, 66, of Rogers, Ark., comes as The Associated Press obtained documents showing death-row inmate passed love letters and contraband to a guard he committed a sex act with."
"A former chief of staff for Bill Clinton when he was governor of Arkansas faces felony charges accusing her of smuggling a knife and 48 tattoo needles onto the state's death row.
The charging of Betsey Wright, 66, of Rogers, Ark., comes as The Associated Press obtained documents showing death-row inmate passed love letters and contraband to a guard he committed a sex act with."
John Dingell (D-MI): "Healthcare Bill Won't Fund Abortions." Associated Press: "Oh Yes It Will!"
"John Dingell (D-MI): 'Healthcare Bill Won't Fund Abortions.' Associated Press: 'Oh Yes It Will!'"
Climate bill could cost 2 million jobs
Climate bill could cost 2 million jobs
"Add another climate bill cost estimate to the growing pile.
The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and the American Council for Capital Formation (ACCF) released a study Wednesday that found under a high-cost scenario the House global warming bill could reduce economic growth by 2.4 percent and cost 2 million jobs by 2030."
Do students EVER click away from Twitter and Facebook to see that their future is being sucked down the drain?
And their parents?
Do they not care?
"Add another climate bill cost estimate to the growing pile.
The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and the American Council for Capital Formation (ACCF) released a study Wednesday that found under a high-cost scenario the House global warming bill could reduce economic growth by 2.4 percent and cost 2 million jobs by 2030."
Do students EVER click away from Twitter and Facebook to see that their future is being sucked down the drain?
And their parents?
Do they not care?
Blue Lake bru ha ha
Home
"The eleven year dispute concerning the monopolization of Little Blue Lake by
Blue Lake Township Officials and the non-profit Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp."
Well done!
"The eleven year dispute concerning the monopolization of Little Blue Lake by
Blue Lake Township Officials and the non-profit Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp."
Well done!
Random Thoughts
RealClearPolitics - Random Thoughts
New York and Chicago have both recently had their coldest June in generations.
If they had had their hottest month, it would have been trumpeted from the media 24/7 by "global warming" zealots.
But the average surface temperature of the earth has not changed in more than a decade, according to the Cato Institute.
New York and Chicago have both recently had their coldest June in generations.
If they had had their hottest month, it would have been trumpeted from the media 24/7 by "global warming" zealots.
But the average surface temperature of the earth has not changed in more than a decade, according to the Cato Institute.
Michigan madness!
"Conditions are so bad that they seen to have sent some Michiganians (we used to say Michiganders when I was growing up) over the bend.
Case in point: Democratic State Chairman Mark Brewer. Ordinarily a pretty savvy political operator, Brewer is now suggesting five ballot propositions for the 2010 ballot. Their aim apparently is to improve the lot of Michigan citizens. But the result, as anyone with an iota of sense can see, would be to inflict horrifying damage on an already staggering state economy. They include:
● Mandating all employers to provide affordable health care for all their employees and dependents or pay a penalty.
● Raising the minimum wage from $7.40 per hour to $10 per hour and covering all workers with no exceptions.
● Increasing unemployment benefits by $100 a week, making all workers eligible and adding six months to the time one can receive benefits.
●Cutting utility rates by 20%.
● Imposing a one-year moratorium on home foreclosures."
The state’s motto is “If you seek a beautiful peninsula, look about you.” Mackinac Center analyst Ken Braun said if Brewer’s proposals were adopted the motto would have to be changed to “If you seek a beautiful peninsula, drive to Florida.”
Case in point: Democratic State Chairman Mark Brewer. Ordinarily a pretty savvy political operator, Brewer is now suggesting five ballot propositions for the 2010 ballot. Their aim apparently is to improve the lot of Michigan citizens. But the result, as anyone with an iota of sense can see, would be to inflict horrifying damage on an already staggering state economy. They include:
● Mandating all employers to provide affordable health care for all their employees and dependents or pay a penalty.
● Raising the minimum wage from $7.40 per hour to $10 per hour and covering all workers with no exceptions.
● Increasing unemployment benefits by $100 a week, making all workers eligible and adding six months to the time one can receive benefits.
●Cutting utility rates by 20%.
● Imposing a one-year moratorium on home foreclosures."
The state’s motto is “If you seek a beautiful peninsula, look about you.” Mackinac Center analyst Ken Braun said if Brewer’s proposals were adopted the motto would have to be changed to “If you seek a beautiful peninsula, drive to Florida.”
Gateway Pundit: Bus--ted... Obama Bussed In Supporters For New Hampshire Town Hall (Video)
Gateway Pundit: Bus--ted... Obama Bussed In Supporters For New Hampshire Town Hall (Video): "The hundreds of anti-Obamacare protesters waited out in the rain.
Funny... During the meeting Barack Obama told his supporters:
'I don't want people thinking I just have a bunch of plants in here.'
No, we sure wouldn't want that to happen.
People might think the town hall was just a staged dog and pony show."
Must see video!
Funny... During the meeting Barack Obama told his supporters:
'I don't want people thinking I just have a bunch of plants in here.'
No, we sure wouldn't want that to happen.
People might think the town hall was just a staged dog and pony show."
Must see video!
Press Largely Ignored Incendiary Rhetoric at Bush Protest
Analysis: Press Largely Ignored Incendiary Rhetoric at Bush Protest
"News outlets that are focusing on the incendiary rhetoric of conservatives outside President Obama's town hall meeting Tuesday ignored the incendiary rhetoric -- and even violence -- of liberals outside an appearance by former President George W. Bush in 2002."
"All portesters are equal. Some are just more equal than others."
"News outlets that are focusing on the incendiary rhetoric of conservatives outside President Obama's town hall meeting Tuesday ignored the incendiary rhetoric -- and even violence -- of liberals outside an appearance by former President George W. Bush in 2002."
"All portesters are equal. Some are just more equal than others."
Swastika painted at Georgia congressman's office
Swastika painted at Georgia congressman's office
"A swastika was found Tuesday painted on a sign outside Rep. David Scott's district office, an act the Georgia Democrat said reflects an increasingly hateful and racist debate over health care and should serve as a reminder for people to tone down their rhetoric."
Haven't all the swastika painters the last few years been liberals?
"A swastika was found Tuesday painted on a sign outside Rep. David Scott's district office, an act the Georgia Democrat said reflects an increasingly hateful and racist debate over health care and should serve as a reminder for people to tone down their rhetoric."
Haven't all the swastika painters the last few years been liberals?
Back to school spree: Billionaire, feds give out $175M to aid neediest students around the state
Back to school spree: Billionaire, feds give out $175M to aid neediest students around the state
'It's free money!' said Alecia Rumph, 26, who waited in a Morris Park, Bronx, line 300 people deep for the cash to buy uniforms and book bags for her two kids.
'Thank God for Obama. He's looking out for us.'"
'It's free money!' said Alecia Rumph, 26, who waited in a Morris Park, Bronx, line 300 people deep for the cash to buy uniforms and book bags for her two kids.
'Thank God for Obama. He's looking out for us.'"
Erase Cell Phone Data with ReCellular's Data Eraser
Erase Cell Phone Data with ReCellular's Data Eraser
"Sell, donate or recycle used cell phones worry free! The Cell Phone Data Eraser gives you all the tools you need to remove personal information like contact names and phone numbers from used cell phones. To receive instructions for your device, simply:"
"Sell, donate or recycle used cell phones worry free! The Cell Phone Data Eraser gives you all the tools you need to remove personal information like contact names and phone numbers from used cell phones. To receive instructions for your device, simply:"
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Dogs don't care about dogma
Dogs don't care about dogma
"Now, given the debate in Washington, it's at this point where I might be expected to pivot to some incisive -- or perhaps insipid -- argument about human-versus-animal medical care."
Nice article but a better "turn of phrase", donch ya think?
"Now, given the debate in Washington, it's at this point where I might be expected to pivot to some incisive -- or perhaps insipid -- argument about human-versus-animal medical care."
Nice article but a better "turn of phrase", donch ya think?
President Obama’s “Senior” Moment? - Political Punch
President Obama’s “Senior” Moment? - Political Punch: "President Obama today suggested that the health care reform legislation for which he’s pushing has been endorsed by the American Association of Retired Person.
“We have the AARP on board because they know this is a good deal for our seniors,” the president said.
At another point he said: “Well, first of all, another myth that we've been hearing about is this notion that somehow we're going to be cutting your Medicare benefits. We are not. AARP would not be endorsing a bill if it was undermining Medicare, okay?”
The problem?
The AARP hasn't endorsed any plan yet."
“We have the AARP on board because they know this is a good deal for our seniors,” the president said.
At another point he said: “Well, first of all, another myth that we've been hearing about is this notion that somehow we're going to be cutting your Medicare benefits. We are not. AARP would not be endorsing a bill if it was undermining Medicare, okay?”
The problem?
The AARP hasn't endorsed any plan yet."
Smart Americans!
"August 11, 2009
RASMUSSEN:
RASMUSSEN:
32% Favor Single-Payer Health Care,
57% Oppose.
And most are smart enough to realize that ObamaCare is designed to lead to that.
And most are smart enough to realize that ObamaCare is designed to lead to that.
ACORN Funding Stuffed Back In Stimulus Bill By Dem Leaders
ACORN Funding Stuffed Back In Stimulus Bill By Dem Leaders
· $2 billion for neighborhood stabilization program, money for groups like ACORN
· $2 billion for neighborhood stabilization program, money for groups like ACORN
"Soaring deficit may defy forecasts"
Soaring deficit may defy forecasts!
"Stagnant unemployment, shrinking tax revenue and a struggling economy threaten to quadruple the size of last year's federal budget deficit, raising more questions about the timing of costly proposals to overhaul health care."
"Stagnant unemployment, shrinking tax revenue and a struggling economy threaten to quadruple the size of last year's federal budget deficit, raising more questions about the timing of costly proposals to overhaul health care."
Fishy statements about health care reform
http://tinyurl.com/oc59qh
Subject: Fishy statements about health care reform
The Honorable Linda DouglassCommunications DirectorHealth Reform OfficeThe White House
Dear Ms. Douglass:
I write in response to the request posted on the White house blog, “Facts are stubborn things.”
If you get an email or see something on the web about health insurance reform that seems fishy, send it to flag@whitehouse.gov .
I call to your attention several fishy statements about health care reform legislation made by a gentleman named Dr. Douglas Elmendorf. He claims to be Director of the “Congressional Budget Office” and has posted frequently about health care reform on his website, cbo.gov. This information takes the form of personal posts on his Director’s Blog, as well as in-depth reports that have the veneer of competent, thorough, impartial professional analysis. The IP address of his site is 206.106.246.254, and his organization has named their hideout the “Ford House Office Building.”
Elmendorf appears to have several hundred followers in his organization, which has extraordinary influence over many in Congress. I understand that some right-wing Members of Congress support and even vote for his annual funding source.
CBO and Elmendorf make extraordinary claims about bills moving through Congress that attempt to implement the President’s plans for health care reform. I bring them to your attention so that you can refute them. I have included these allegations below. Specifically, Elmendorf and his rabble-rousers make the following claims:
The House bill would increase the budget deficit by $239 B over the next ten years. This conflicts with the President’s goal of not increasing short-term deficits.
Ten years from now the House bill would add $65 B to the budget deficit. This conflicts with the President’s insistence that legislation must not increase the deficit in that year.
The House bill would increase long-term budget deficits by ever-increasing amounts, making our long-term debt problem worse than under current law. This of course conflicts with the President’s statements that “health care reform is entitlement reform,” and that health care reform is essential to addressing America’s long-term budget problems.
Rather than “bending the cost curve down” as the President has laudably insisted, Dr. Elmendorf said the Senate HELP Committee bill would “raise the cost curve.”
Under the House bill, in the year 2015 about 8 million uninsured Americans would remain uninsured and pay higher taxes. This would violate the President’s pledge not to raise taxes on anyone earning less than $250,000 per year.
Under the House bill, about 3 million people who now have employer-sponsored health insurance would lose that coverage because their employer drops it, violating the President’s bold promise that no one will lose the health plan they have now.
The President’s Medicare Commission proposal would probably save only $2 billion over ten years, and there is a high probability it would save no taxpayer money. In the long run the saving would be “modest.”
If this suspect “Congressional Budget Office” is publishing disinformation about either health care reform, I hope you can correct it. A lot of important people seem to listen to this Elmendorf guy. Left unrefuted, these claims suggest that the bills being developed in the House and Senate would harm the U.S. economy and millions of Americans in violation of the President’s stated goals.
Sincerely,
Keith HennesseyKeithHennessey.com
Subject: Fishy statements about health care reform
The Honorable Linda DouglassCommunications DirectorHealth Reform OfficeThe White House
Dear Ms. Douglass:
I write in response to the request posted on the White house blog, “Facts are stubborn things.”
If you get an email or see something on the web about health insurance reform that seems fishy, send it to flag@whitehouse.gov .
I call to your attention several fishy statements about health care reform legislation made by a gentleman named Dr. Douglas Elmendorf. He claims to be Director of the “Congressional Budget Office” and has posted frequently about health care reform on his website, cbo.gov. This information takes the form of personal posts on his Director’s Blog, as well as in-depth reports that have the veneer of competent, thorough, impartial professional analysis. The IP address of his site is 206.106.246.254, and his organization has named their hideout the “Ford House Office Building.”
Elmendorf appears to have several hundred followers in his organization, which has extraordinary influence over many in Congress. I understand that some right-wing Members of Congress support and even vote for his annual funding source.
CBO and Elmendorf make extraordinary claims about bills moving through Congress that attempt to implement the President’s plans for health care reform. I bring them to your attention so that you can refute them. I have included these allegations below. Specifically, Elmendorf and his rabble-rousers make the following claims:
The House bill would increase the budget deficit by $239 B over the next ten years. This conflicts with the President’s goal of not increasing short-term deficits.
Ten years from now the House bill would add $65 B to the budget deficit. This conflicts with the President’s insistence that legislation must not increase the deficit in that year.
The House bill would increase long-term budget deficits by ever-increasing amounts, making our long-term debt problem worse than under current law. This of course conflicts with the President’s statements that “health care reform is entitlement reform,” and that health care reform is essential to addressing America’s long-term budget problems.
Rather than “bending the cost curve down” as the President has laudably insisted, Dr. Elmendorf said the Senate HELP Committee bill would “raise the cost curve.”
Under the House bill, in the year 2015 about 8 million uninsured Americans would remain uninsured and pay higher taxes. This would violate the President’s pledge not to raise taxes on anyone earning less than $250,000 per year.
Under the House bill, about 3 million people who now have employer-sponsored health insurance would lose that coverage because their employer drops it, violating the President’s bold promise that no one will lose the health plan they have now.
The President’s Medicare Commission proposal would probably save only $2 billion over ten years, and there is a high probability it would save no taxpayer money. In the long run the saving would be “modest.”
If this suspect “Congressional Budget Office” is publishing disinformation about either health care reform, I hope you can correct it. A lot of important people seem to listen to this Elmendorf guy. Left unrefuted, these claims suggest that the bills being developed in the House and Senate would harm the U.S. economy and millions of Americans in violation of the President’s stated goals.
Sincerely,
Keith HennesseyKeithHennessey.com
city municipal sewage overflows in the Grand River
GR city municipal sewage overflows in the Grand River
"For the second time in three days, heavy rains caused city municipal sewage overflows in the Grand River early Monday.
About one million gallons of sewage overflowed into the river from four locations between 3:30 a.m. and 4 a.m., officials at the city's Wastewater Treatment Plant said.
The overflows followed rainfalls that ranged from 1.94 inches at the treatment plant to 0.89 inch on the city's Northeast Side.
Early Saturday, overflows caused by overnight rains caused the discharge of 34,000 gallons of sewage into the Grand River."
No sweat!
It's the city of Grand Rapids not some scum sucking, tax paying, employer!
"For the second time in three days, heavy rains caused city municipal sewage overflows in the Grand River early Monday.
About one million gallons of sewage overflowed into the river from four locations between 3:30 a.m. and 4 a.m., officials at the city's Wastewater Treatment Plant said.
The overflows followed rainfalls that ranged from 1.94 inches at the treatment plant to 0.89 inch on the city's Northeast Side.
Early Saturday, overflows caused by overnight rains caused the discharge of 34,000 gallons of sewage into the Grand River."
No sweat!
It's the city of Grand Rapids not some scum sucking, tax paying, employer!
GM says new Volt to get 230 mpg in city driving
GM says new Volt to get 230 mpg in city driving
"General Motors Corp. said Tuesday its Chevrolet Volt rechargeable electric car should get 230 miles per gallon of gasoline in city driving, more than four times the mileage of the current champion, the Toyota Prius."
No mention of where the Volt gets its "voltage"......oh yeah, it's that nifty plug in the wall.....
"General Motors Corp. said Tuesday its Chevrolet Volt rechargeable electric car should get 230 miles per gallon of gasoline in city driving, more than four times the mileage of the current champion, the Toyota Prius."
No mention of where the Volt gets its "voltage"......oh yeah, it's that nifty plug in the wall.....
UNTANGLING THE SPAGHETTI
SteynOnline - UNTANGLING THE SPAGHETTI
"But Obama believes in “the fierce urgency of now”, and fierce it is.
That’s where all the poor befuddled sober centrists who can’t understand why the Democrats keep passing incoherent 1,200-page bills every week are missing the point.
If “health care” were about health care, the devil would be in the details.
But it’s not about health or costs or coverage; it’s about getting over the river and burning the bridge.
It doesn’t matter what form of governmentalized health care gets passed as long as it passes.
Once it’s in place, it will be “reformed”, endlessly, but it will never be undone.
Same with a lot of the other stuff: Keep throwing the spaghetti at the wall. The Republicans may pick off the odd strand but, if you keep it coming fast enough, by the end of Obama’s first year the wall will be a great writhing mass of pasta entwined like copulating anacondas in some jungle simulacrum of Hef’s grotto.
And that’s a good image of how government will slither into every corner of your life: You can try and pull one of those spaghetti strings out but it’ll be all tied up with a hundred others and you’ll never untangle them."
"But Obama believes in “the fierce urgency of now”, and fierce it is.
That’s where all the poor befuddled sober centrists who can’t understand why the Democrats keep passing incoherent 1,200-page bills every week are missing the point.
If “health care” were about health care, the devil would be in the details.
But it’s not about health or costs or coverage; it’s about getting over the river and burning the bridge.
It doesn’t matter what form of governmentalized health care gets passed as long as it passes.
Once it’s in place, it will be “reformed”, endlessly, but it will never be undone.
Same with a lot of the other stuff: Keep throwing the spaghetti at the wall. The Republicans may pick off the odd strand but, if you keep it coming fast enough, by the end of Obama’s first year the wall will be a great writhing mass of pasta entwined like copulating anacondas in some jungle simulacrum of Hef’s grotto.
And that’s a good image of how government will slither into every corner of your life: You can try and pull one of those spaghetti strings out but it’ll be all tied up with a hundred others and you’ll never untangle them."
Monday, August 10, 2009
209 Muskegon County residents charged in Social Security scam - MLive.com
209 Muskegon County residents charged in Social Security scam - MLive.com: "It's a huge bust -- by far the most people charged in Muskegon County memory, maybe in history.
Muskegon County Prosecutor Tony Tague and the Office of the Inspector General for the Social Security Administration, supported by the Muskegon Police Department, announced today that 209 Muskegon-area residents have been charged with felonies or misdemeanors for defrauding the federal government of more than $400,000.
Hundreds of local residents are accused of cashing duplicate Social"
Muskegon County Prosecutor Tony Tague and the Office of the Inspector General for the Social Security Administration, supported by the Muskegon Police Department, announced today that 209 Muskegon-area residents have been charged with felonies or misdemeanors for defrauding the federal government of more than $400,000.
Hundreds of local residents are accused of cashing duplicate Social"
First 25 defendants arraigned for Social Security fraud - MLive.com
First 25 defendants arraigned for Social Security fraud - MLive.com: "The first batch of 209 defendants charged with cashing duplicate Social Security disability checks in the Muskegon area were arraigned Monday in a hot, packed Muskegon County courtroom.
The 25 individuals, mostly from the Muskegon-area, kicked off the first of hundreds to be arraigned in Muskegon County 60th District Court in the coming weeks."
The 25 individuals, mostly from the Muskegon-area, kicked off the first of hundreds to be arraigned in Muskegon County 60th District Court in the coming weeks."
Great post
Loooong by Lakeside, 8/10/09 21:43 ET
I meant to get back to you about your response to my post about end of life issues. I have been trying for DAYS to find the exact wording of the bill. To say that I am disgusted is putting it mildly. I GIVE UP . Obama ran one of the best campaigns I have ever seen. And I have been watching campaigns carefully since Hubert Humphry's run for the presidency.
Here it is:We ALL know that we need healthcare reform. Even the right wing radio hosts admit to that. If Obama, who ran the slickest campaign I have ever seen in 40 years, can't come up with a plan and present it to the american people in a way that they understand and accept, he does not deserve support. The liberal media has given him everything he could possibly ask for and he has blown it. I mean, they have done everything short of kneeling down and blowing the guy. The truth is he has not convinced the American people that his bill, whatever the he11 it is, has their best interests at heart. The guy who ate dinner with Bill Ayers and Bernadine Dorn, who wrote a blurb for Bill Ayers book, and still convinced voters, that he is "centrist" can't manage to convey what the healthcare bill is, and how it will improve what we already have. Something aint right here.
Ronald Reagan inherited HUGE inflation, unemployment, and a "malaise". You NEVER heard him bellyaching like a crybaby about the previous administration. Ronald Reagan, whether you agreed with his politics or not, WAS A MAN. I never expected much from Obama because of his lack of experience, and his coming up from Chicago Politics, but he has proven to be much worse than even I expected. He needs to grow up, stand up like a man with some nads, and show some leadership. And by leadership, I mean, stop whining about what he inherited. He wanted the job, he got it. John McCain, the POW, who had the crap beaten out of him by the North Vietnamese prison guards, would not have acted like this. He would have done what he has always done, taken his punches like a man, and moved on.
If Obama wants us to buy into ANY healthcare plan, he needs to spell out specifically what that freakin.healthcare plan is, tell us how much it will cost us, tell us, as taxpayers, what we will have to pay to foot the bill, and tell us honestly if we will have to give up any of our expectations. If he can't manage to do that, then the dems need to stop referring to the opposition as nazis, mobs, unamerican and blah, blah, blah.
When McCain was in his prison camp having the crap beaten out of him, I was a half witted 18 year old protesting the war in vietnam. He has, as far as I know, never referred to me, or anyone else, as "unamerican, mobs, nazis, blah, blah, blah." If McCain could take it, then so can Pelosi, Reid, and any other democrat out there. This crap of referring to opositional, protesting Americans in insulting, disrespectful terms is WRONG. I don't care whether you believe like Obama or not on healthcare. The dems have gone WAAY over the line. Who the he11 do these people think they are talking about American citizens like this. I am Pizzed. Obama needs to grow up; and act like a president. As far as Pelosi and the rest of those liberal dolts go, they aren't even worth my keyboarding skills.
Those out of control townhall meetings have occurred for one reason only: the ineptness of congress and this administration. Give the people a clear picture of what they will get with their bill, not a bunch of unsubstantiated myths based on three or four different bills, that no one understands!
After days of trying to get the exact wording of the document that we are expected to buy into, I am Angry, Obama and his supporters need to stop whining about the opposition and do their jobs. There will always be opposition, adults understand that. He will be successful in promoting his healthcare plan, whateve that is, when he stops b1tching about Bush, and sticks to promoting his own program. To quote Bill Clinton, "This is a full contact sport."
I meant to get back to you about your response to my post about end of life issues. I have been trying for DAYS to find the exact wording of the bill. To say that I am disgusted is putting it mildly. I GIVE UP . Obama ran one of the best campaigns I have ever seen. And I have been watching campaigns carefully since Hubert Humphry's run for the presidency.
Here it is:We ALL know that we need healthcare reform. Even the right wing radio hosts admit to that. If Obama, who ran the slickest campaign I have ever seen in 40 years, can't come up with a plan and present it to the american people in a way that they understand and accept, he does not deserve support. The liberal media has given him everything he could possibly ask for and he has blown it. I mean, they have done everything short of kneeling down and blowing the guy. The truth is he has not convinced the American people that his bill, whatever the he11 it is, has their best interests at heart. The guy who ate dinner with Bill Ayers and Bernadine Dorn, who wrote a blurb for Bill Ayers book, and still convinced voters, that he is "centrist" can't manage to convey what the healthcare bill is, and how it will improve what we already have. Something aint right here.
Ronald Reagan inherited HUGE inflation, unemployment, and a "malaise". You NEVER heard him bellyaching like a crybaby about the previous administration. Ronald Reagan, whether you agreed with his politics or not, WAS A MAN. I never expected much from Obama because of his lack of experience, and his coming up from Chicago Politics, but he has proven to be much worse than even I expected. He needs to grow up, stand up like a man with some nads, and show some leadership. And by leadership, I mean, stop whining about what he inherited. He wanted the job, he got it. John McCain, the POW, who had the crap beaten out of him by the North Vietnamese prison guards, would not have acted like this. He would have done what he has always done, taken his punches like a man, and moved on.
If Obama wants us to buy into ANY healthcare plan, he needs to spell out specifically what that freakin.healthcare plan is, tell us how much it will cost us, tell us, as taxpayers, what we will have to pay to foot the bill, and tell us honestly if we will have to give up any of our expectations. If he can't manage to do that, then the dems need to stop referring to the opposition as nazis, mobs, unamerican and blah, blah, blah.
When McCain was in his prison camp having the crap beaten out of him, I was a half witted 18 year old protesting the war in vietnam. He has, as far as I know, never referred to me, or anyone else, as "unamerican, mobs, nazis, blah, blah, blah." If McCain could take it, then so can Pelosi, Reid, and any other democrat out there. This crap of referring to opositional, protesting Americans in insulting, disrespectful terms is WRONG. I don't care whether you believe like Obama or not on healthcare. The dems have gone WAAY over the line. Who the he11 do these people think they are talking about American citizens like this. I am Pizzed. Obama needs to grow up; and act like a president. As far as Pelosi and the rest of those liberal dolts go, they aren't even worth my keyboarding skills.
Those out of control townhall meetings have occurred for one reason only: the ineptness of congress and this administration. Give the people a clear picture of what they will get with their bill, not a bunch of unsubstantiated myths based on three or four different bills, that no one understands!
After days of trying to get the exact wording of the document that we are expected to buy into, I am Angry, Obama and his supporters need to stop whining about the opposition and do their jobs. There will always be opposition, adults understand that. He will be successful in promoting his healthcare plan, whateve that is, when he stops b1tching about Bush, and sticks to promoting his own program. To quote Bill Clinton, "This is a full contact sport."
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