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SHOCKER: Source: Terrorist Faisal Shahzad Was Anti-Bush, Anti-War.
“Wow!
It’s a wonder the guy wasn’t co-anchoring at MSNBC.
Maybe he didn’t have the right skin color for that gig?
They pretty much have a white only policy over there, as I recall.”
Indeed.
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
Times Square Bombing Suspect Formally Charged; Confesses To Receiving Explosives Training
Times Square Bombing Suspect Formally Charged; Confesses To Receiving Explosives Training - wcbstv.com
"Sources told CBS 2 on Tuesday morning that Shahzad should have been on the United States 'No Fly' terror watch list, and that because he wasn't, he was able to board the plane.
Deputy FBI director John Pistole later said, however, that he was in fact placed on the No Fly list Monday, except it was done hours before he was arrested."
Is anyone wondering, and worrying, about how our government is "profiling" the mass murderers among us?
Tea party tax protestors seem to be on the front burner.
Cash paying Pakistani visitors seem to be getting a pass.
I guess this is "change" Obama style.
Bummer for us...and the entire world.
"Sources told CBS 2 on Tuesday morning that Shahzad should have been on the United States 'No Fly' terror watch list, and that because he wasn't, he was able to board the plane.
Deputy FBI director John Pistole later said, however, that he was in fact placed on the No Fly list Monday, except it was done hours before he was arrested."
Is anyone wondering, and worrying, about how our government is "profiling" the mass murderers among us?
Tea party tax protestors seem to be on the front burner.
Cash paying Pakistani visitors seem to be getting a pass.
I guess this is "change" Obama style.
Bummer for us...and the entire world.
Resident questions Muskegon County board's policy on public comment
Resident questions Muskegon County board's policy on public comment
The public’s ability to provide input before Muskegon County commissioners make their final votes on issues is being called into question by a member of a group trying to become a local government watchdog."
The public’s ability to provide input before Muskegon County commissioners make their final votes on issues is being called into question by a member of a group trying to become a local government watchdog."
Government Workers Ride Into a Golden Sunset on the Backs of Taxpayers | Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association
Government Workers Ride Into a Golden Sunset on the Backs of Taxpayers Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association
"For those who work in the private sector, the dream of enjoying a comfortable retirement has become just that -- a dream.
The impact of the recession continues to be brutal, especially on older workers.
“More than seven-in-ten (72 percent) workers over the age of 60 who said they are putting off their retirement are doing so because they can’t afford to retire,” according to a recent survey by CareerBuilder.
In California, with unemployment and under employment totaling over 21 percent – only Michigan with its decaying auto industry is worse off – older people being forced to work longer may regard themselves as lucky just to have a job.
This is not a concern for those who enjoy the job security of working for California government.
The highest paid public workers in all 50 states -- some of whom are able to retire as many 15 years earlier than the private sector average with pensions nearing full time-pay -- continue to be shielded from the impact of our dismal economy by their sponsors in the state Legislature."
"For those who work in the private sector, the dream of enjoying a comfortable retirement has become just that -- a dream.
The impact of the recession continues to be brutal, especially on older workers.
“More than seven-in-ten (72 percent) workers over the age of 60 who said they are putting off their retirement are doing so because they can’t afford to retire,” according to a recent survey by CareerBuilder.
In California, with unemployment and under employment totaling over 21 percent – only Michigan with its decaying auto industry is worse off – older people being forced to work longer may regard themselves as lucky just to have a job.
This is not a concern for those who enjoy the job security of working for California government.
The highest paid public workers in all 50 states -- some of whom are able to retire as many 15 years earlier than the private sector average with pensions nearing full time-pay -- continue to be shielded from the impact of our dismal economy by their sponsors in the state Legislature."
Charters May Be Forced Into Public School Retirement System
Charters May Be Forced Into Public School Retirement System
"About 4,000 charter school teachers could be forced into the state's public school retirement system.
That's one item Michigan lawmakers are considering as they negotiate incentives to encourage more teachers to retire."
The bogus "it's for the children" ain't gonna fly here.
This is a flat out disgusting union grab pushed by their slobbering democrat political enablers.
It's anti-child, anti-teacher and anti-taxpayer.
And it's emblematic of what Michigan is today and will be for the foreseeable future.
(HT Cal)
"About 4,000 charter school teachers could be forced into the state's public school retirement system.
That's one item Michigan lawmakers are considering as they negotiate incentives to encourage more teachers to retire."
The bogus "it's for the children" ain't gonna fly here.
This is a flat out disgusting union grab pushed by their slobbering democrat political enablers.
It's anti-child, anti-teacher and anti-taxpayer.
And it's emblematic of what Michigan is today and will be for the foreseeable future.
(HT Cal)
letter to the county commission chairman
To commissioner Mahoney.
Copy to all other commissioners, Ted Williams, County clerk Waters
Dear commissioner Mahoney,
Last week I asked you to clarify your interpretation of the rules governing public participation at county meetings.
As I have yet to hear from you, I will ask again.
The rules as posted on the county web site are clear:
"1. On an agenda item, by providing a completed “Public Participation” form to the
secretary, chair or committee member, and being recognized by the chair during
discussion of the time;"
Your recently approved rules specifically mention "agenda item", "public participation form" and "during discussion of the time" an agenda item is being discussed.
It is clear to me that your rules encourage public comment during discussion and before a vote is taken on an agenda item.
The form is less clear but explicitly states that it is the "Public Participation" form:
My questions are simple:
1. Are citizens allowed to address the full board or committees during discussion of specific agenda items before a vote is taken?
2. If the answer is "yes", what do we citizens have do to get the approval to speak from the chairman of the county board?
3. If the answer is "no", please explain.
China May ‘Crash’ in Next 9 to 12 Months, Faber Says
China May ‘Crash’ in Next 9 to 12 Months, Faber Says (Update3) - Bloomberg.co
"Investor Marc Faber said China’s economy will slow and possibly “crash” within a year as declines in stock and commodity prices signal the nation’s property bubble is set to burst."
"Investor Marc Faber said China’s economy will slow and possibly “crash” within a year as declines in stock and commodity prices signal the nation’s property bubble is set to burst."
Candidates have until May 11 to file for Muskegon County drain commissioner's post
Candidates have until May 11 to file for Muskegon County drain commissioner's post
"Candidates for the suddenly vacant post of Muskegon County drain commissioner, a countywide partisan elective office, have until 4 p.m. May 11 to file declarations of candidacy with the Muskegon County clerk’s office."
David Fisher is absolutely the most qualified to fill the job.
I hope that democrats Waters and Tague do the right thing for Muskegon and appoint Dave Fisher right now!
It might be a first.
It might be the begining of better times for Muskegon.
"Candidates for the suddenly vacant post of Muskegon County drain commissioner, a countywide partisan elective office, have until 4 p.m. May 11 to file declarations of candidacy with the Muskegon County clerk’s office."
David Fisher is absolutely the most qualified to fill the job.
I hope that democrats Waters and Tague do the right thing for Muskegon and appoint Dave Fisher right now!
It might be a first.
It might be the begining of better times for Muskegon.
Republicans Sound Alarm on Administration Plan to Seize 401(k)s
Republicans Sound Alarm on Administration Plan to Seize 401(k)s
"In February, the White House released its “Annual Report on the Middle Class” containing new regulations favored by Big Labor including a bailout of critically underfunded union pension plans through “retirement security” options.
The radical solution most favored by Big Labor is the seizure of private 401(k) plans for government disbursement -- which lets them off the hook for their collapsing retirement scheme.
And, of course, the Obama administration is eager to accommodate their buddies."
This government is at war with its citizens.
When will we wake up?
"In February, the White House released its “Annual Report on the Middle Class” containing new regulations favored by Big Labor including a bailout of critically underfunded union pension plans through “retirement security” options.
The radical solution most favored by Big Labor is the seizure of private 401(k) plans for government disbursement -- which lets them off the hook for their collapsing retirement scheme.
And, of course, the Obama administration is eager to accommodate their buddies."
This government is at war with its citizens.
When will we wake up?
CBS Features NY Mayor Bloomberg Speculating Bomber Was Mad About ObamaCare
CBS Features NY Mayor Bloomberg Speculating Bomber Was Mad About ObamaCare
"With Katie Couric drawing him out, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg agreed the Times Square car bombing was likely “homegrown” as he proceeded, in an interview excerpt run on Monday's CBS Evening News, to speculate it could have been placed by “somebody with a political agenda who doesn't like the health care bill or something. It could be anything.”"
"With Katie Couric drawing him out, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg agreed the Times Square car bombing was likely “homegrown” as he proceeded, in an interview excerpt run on Monday's CBS Evening News, to speculate it could have been placed by “somebody with a political agenda who doesn't like the health care bill or something. It could be anything.”"
Monday, May 03, 2010
Drain commissioner race will get HOT!
Now that county drain commissioner Hepler has been "fired" by democrat prosecutor Tony Tague, the May 11 primary filing date is all important.
The two democrats (clerk Waters & prosecutor Tague) and the probate judge will appoint a replacement who most likely have to run in November. Or maybe a later date.
The two democrats have the majority so the appointee most likely will be another Marty Hulka style democrat hack or an Hepleresque felon-in-waiting.
The primary could change that.
And maybe the direction of Muskegon county.
We'll see!
The two democrats (clerk Waters & prosecutor Tague) and the probate judge will appoint a replacement who most likely have to run in November. Or maybe a later date.
The two democrats have the majority so the appointee most likely will be another Marty Hulka style democrat hack or an Hepleresque felon-in-waiting.
The primary could change that.
And maybe the direction of Muskegon county.
We'll see!
20 most stressed, least stressed counties
20 most stressed, least stressed counties
"Here are the 20 most economically stressed counties with populations of at least 25,000 and their March 2010 Stress scores"
I'm very conflicted about this report.
On one hand, Muskegon county is not on the list.
That's good, I think.
On the other hand, there are three Michigan counties on the list.
There are at least 3 Michigan counties economically WORSE than Muskegon?!!!!!!
How really, really bad it must be out there.
And Gov. Jenny is on another list to be appointed to a lifetime position on the Supreme Court?
"Here are the 20 most economically stressed counties with populations of at least 25,000 and their March 2010 Stress scores"
I'm very conflicted about this report.
On one hand, Muskegon county is not on the list.
That's good, I think.
On the other hand, there are three Michigan counties on the list.
There are at least 3 Michigan counties economically WORSE than Muskegon?!!!!!!
How really, really bad it must be out there.
And Gov. Jenny is on another list to be appointed to a lifetime position on the Supreme Court?
Muskegon County prosecutor rules Drain Commissioner Jeffrey Hepler ousted at conviction
Muskegon County prosecutor rules Drain Commissioner Jeffrey Hepler ousted at conviction
"However, according to research by the prosecutor’s office following the conviction, no resignation or removal is necessary.
For certain officeholders — basically, elected countywide department heads such as drain commissioners — the job ceases upon conviction of a felony, according to the prosecutor’s opinion."
Very interesting as the state has explicit rules governing the removal of county officials.
I wonder if the union controlled Muskegon democrats have another unqualified, felon-in-waiting to be appointed to this most important position.
Muskegon didn't get to be "muskegon" by chance.
We elected leaders who got us where we are.
"However, according to research by the prosecutor’s office following the conviction, no resignation or removal is necessary.
For certain officeholders — basically, elected countywide department heads such as drain commissioners — the job ceases upon conviction of a felony, according to the prosecutor’s opinion."
Very interesting as the state has explicit rules governing the removal of county officials.
I wonder if the union controlled Muskegon democrats have another unqualified, felon-in-waiting to be appointed to this most important position.
Muskegon didn't get to be "muskegon" by chance.
We elected leaders who got us where we are.
Sunday, May 02, 2010
Power Line - Don't leave it to Cleaver, part 12
Power Line - Don't leave it to Cleaver, part 12
"Yesterday we received an email message from McClatchy News DC investigative editor James Asher promoting a current McClatchy story.
Of all the news outlets that covered the fabricated March 20 story of Reps. Carson, Cleaver, Clyburn and Lewis regarding the racial abuse to which they (Carson and Lewis, anyway) were subjected by Tea Party/Obamacare protesters on Capitol Hill, McClatchy's 'Tea party protesters scream 'nigger' at black congressmen' may have been the worst."
"Yesterday we received an email message from McClatchy News DC investigative editor James Asher promoting a current McClatchy story.
Of all the news outlets that covered the fabricated March 20 story of Reps. Carson, Cleaver, Clyburn and Lewis regarding the racial abuse to which they (Carson and Lewis, anyway) were subjected by Tea Party/Obamacare protesters on Capitol Hill, McClatchy's 'Tea party protesters scream 'nigger' at black congressmen' may have been the worst."
Saturday, May 01, 2010
Leave Vera Baker Alone. She Did Not Have An Affair With Obama.
Leave Vera Baker Alone. She Did Not Have An Affair With Obama. « HillBuzz
"We never believed Obama had an affair with a woman, because Obama does not appear to like women.
As American Standard recently wondered, there are no former girlfriends, either on the scene or noted in any of the books William Ayers or Jon Favreau wrote for Obama.
No high school girlfriends.
No college sweethearts.
But, there sure are plenty of men he’s spent an odd amount of time with......
Could this have anything to do with the fact that, surreally, even people like Maureen Dowd have been hinting at a sexual relationship between Obama and his “basketball buddy” and “body man” Reggie Love…or is it linked to Kal Penn’s firing?"
"We never believed Obama had an affair with a woman, because Obama does not appear to like women.
As American Standard recently wondered, there are no former girlfriends, either on the scene or noted in any of the books William Ayers or Jon Favreau wrote for Obama.
No high school girlfriends.
No college sweethearts.
But, there sure are plenty of men he’s spent an odd amount of time with......
Could this have anything to do with the fact that, surreally, even people like Maureen Dowd have been hinting at a sexual relationship between Obama and his “basketball buddy” and “body man” Reggie Love…or is it linked to Kal Penn’s firing?"
OBAMA CHEATING SCANDAL
OBAMA CHEATING SCANDAL: SHOCKING NEW REPORTS
National Enquirer: "Reports out of Washington, DC: PRESIDENT OBAMA in a shocking cheating scandal after being caught in a Washington, DC Hotel with a former campaign aide"
more:
http://www.mediaite.com/online/obama-sex-scandal-national-enquirer/
National Enquirer: "Reports out of Washington, DC: PRESIDENT OBAMA in a shocking cheating scandal after being caught in a Washington, DC Hotel with a former campaign aide"
more:
http://www.mediaite.com/online/obama-sex-scandal-national-enquirer/
The Michigan Tax Burden: Growing or Falling?
The Michigan Tax Burden: Growing or Falling? [Mackinac Center]
Basing his calculations on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis and the U.S. Census Bureau, Hohman used three other indicators that show a different picture about the state's tax burden.
Luke asserts that the percentage of total personal income paid in taxes and fees went down between 2000 and what is estimated will be taken in for fiscal 2010.
Hohman largely confirms this, noting that the federal data he is using shows a drop from 10.8 percent in 2000 to 10.7 percent in 2007 - the latest year the federal data is available.
But that's not the whole story.
Hohman points out that per capita taxes paid went from $3,162 in 2000 to $3,691 in 2007.
Taxes paid per job went from $6,730 in 2000 to $8,691 in 2007.
And percentage of state Gross Domestic Product in taxes went from 9.3 percent in 2000 to 10.0 percent in 2008.
Hohman said the three other indicators show that the state tax burden has increased.
Basing his calculations on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis and the U.S. Census Bureau, Hohman used three other indicators that show a different picture about the state's tax burden.
Luke asserts that the percentage of total personal income paid in taxes and fees went down between 2000 and what is estimated will be taken in for fiscal 2010.
Hohman largely confirms this, noting that the federal data he is using shows a drop from 10.8 percent in 2000 to 10.7 percent in 2007 - the latest year the federal data is available.
But that's not the whole story.
Hohman points out that per capita taxes paid went from $3,162 in 2000 to $3,691 in 2007.
Taxes paid per job went from $6,730 in 2000 to $8,691 in 2007.
And percentage of state Gross Domestic Product in taxes went from 9.3 percent in 2000 to 10.0 percent in 2008.
Hohman said the three other indicators show that the state tax burden has increased.
UN Puts Iran On ‘Women’s Commission’
Mr. Obama sheds tears for women’s rights leader, Dorothy Height.
"Without fanfare, the United Nations this week elected Iran to its Commission on the Status of Women, handing a four-year seat on the influential human rights body to a theocratic state in which stoning is enshrined in law and lashings are required for women judged 'immodest.'"
Europe's Bad Example On Science Policy
Europe's Bad Example On Science Policy - IBD
"As one European report on precaution states about new technologies, 'their very novelty might be considered as a warning sign.'
Here the core of precaution is revealed: Society needs to forego technological advance for fear of innovative disaster"
"As one European report on precaution states about new technologies, 'their very novelty might be considered as a warning sign.'
Here the core of precaution is revealed: Society needs to forego technological advance for fear of innovative disaster"
Social Security Explained
"The Michigan chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business provides a handy chart to explain the critical differences between federal retirement programs like the Social Security Administration and crooked Ponzi schemes being peddled by con men like Bernard Madoff"
Oil Spill a Catastrophe of Monumental Proportions: Is It Sabotage?
Oil Spill a Catastrophe of Monumental Proportions: Is It Sabotage?
As you might imagine, such an occurrence is an oil company’s worst nightmare, and there are fail-safe measures like you would not believe, to ensure that such a thing as what happened, never happens.
There are “deadman switches,” down-hole safety valves, “panic buttons.” and Blow Out Preventers (BOPs). (Source)
And yet obviously, something did happen.
What—and was it sabotage?
How could so many time-tested automatic back-ups fail, all at the same time?
What are the odds?
As Carl Franzen writes, the BOP, “the piece of offshore-rig equipment designed to be ‘a drilling operation’s last line of defense’ against leaks, failed miserably.”
Sabotage is not outside the realm of possibility when trillions of dollars are at stake.
The question to ask is:
With “climate-gate” throwing a wrench in the works of Cap and Trade, and the (potentially) extremely lucrative carbon-credit market about to go down the drain, were drastic measures taken? (Here and Here)
As you might imagine, such an occurrence is an oil company’s worst nightmare, and there are fail-safe measures like you would not believe, to ensure that such a thing as what happened, never happens.
There are “deadman switches,” down-hole safety valves, “panic buttons.” and Blow Out Preventers (BOPs). (Source)
And yet obviously, something did happen.
What—and was it sabotage?
How could so many time-tested automatic back-ups fail, all at the same time?
What are the odds?
As Carl Franzen writes, the BOP, “the piece of offshore-rig equipment designed to be ‘a drilling operation’s last line of defense’ against leaks, failed miserably.”
Sabotage is not outside the realm of possibility when trillions of dollars are at stake.
The question to ask is:
With “climate-gate” throwing a wrench in the works of Cap and Trade, and the (potentially) extremely lucrative carbon-credit market about to go down the drain, were drastic measures taken? (Here and Here)
May Day 2010: A Day of Remembrance
May Day 2010: A Day of Remembrance The Distributed Republic
"Welcome to this year's May Day commemoration.
As is our tradition, today, we remember the all those who have died at the hands of communism."
"Welcome to this year's May Day commemoration.
As is our tradition, today, we remember the all those who have died at the hands of communism."
Still Government Motors
Still Government Motors - Forbes.com
"So how is it paying it?
As it turns out, the Obama administration put $13.4 billion of the aid money as 'working capital' in an escrow account when the company was in bankruptcy.
The company is using this escrow money--government money--to pay back the government loan."
"So how is it paying it?
As it turns out, the Obama administration put $13.4 billion of the aid money as 'working capital' in an escrow account when the company was in bankruptcy.
The company is using this escrow money--government money--to pay back the government loan."
Friday, April 30, 2010
Note To New York Times, MSNBC, WaPo and CNN: May Day Is Here and So Are the Actual Violent Protesters
Note To New York Times, MSNBC, WaPo and CNN: May Day Is Here and So Are the Actual Violent Protesters - Big Journalism
"May Day is upon us – the day when the Communists, Socialists, Marxists and other nuts take to the streets to protest capitalism, individual freedom and America.
Coincidentally – I’m sure – it’s the same day immigration reform advocates will be marching en masse across America demanding amnesty for illegals."
Muskegon's Kyle Olson!
"May Day is upon us – the day when the Communists, Socialists, Marxists and other nuts take to the streets to protest capitalism, individual freedom and America.
Coincidentally – I’m sure – it’s the same day immigration reform advocates will be marching en masse across America demanding amnesty for illegals."
Muskegon's Kyle Olson!
» When It Comes To ‘Pollution,’ Most Of It Is In the Media’s Mind
"Ergo, according to ALA, the number of Americans breathing unhealthy air increased by sixteen per cent over a two year period, from 42% to 58%.
This suggests two things: a) air pollution emissions over that two year period must have increased, and b) the concentrations of air pollutants in the atmosphere must have gone up as well.
The only problem is that neither of those things actually happened."
Meddlers at the gate
Meddlers at the gate - The New Editor
"How many voters are aware that the pending Senate reform bill includes a payback to unions in the form of a 'proxy access' that would allow labor to manipulate company boards?
How many are aware that the bill may give the Treasury Department the right to seize private property and businesses without any significant judicial review?"
"How many voters are aware that the pending Senate reform bill includes a payback to unions in the form of a 'proxy access' that would allow labor to manipulate company boards?
How many are aware that the bill may give the Treasury Department the right to seize private property and businesses without any significant judicial review?"
A Rosemary Woods moment
The official minutes sorta left out much of the content out:
"Public Participation
Jim Riley addressed the Board regarding Board Rules and public participation.
John McNally addressed the Board.
Chuck Woods thanked the Board for letter of support regarding Muskegon River Trailways
and Regional Association Letter of Support.
Chairman Mahoney recognized Dave Kieft, Muskegon Charter Township Supervisor, Mike
Thompson, Egelston Township Supervisor and Chuck Woods, City of North Muskegon
Council Member."
I was told someone would call me back when they were available and a nice woman just called and told me she was checking the "tape" but it had stopped about half way during the meeting.
update:
The county clerk's office just called me and said they were sorry but the second half of the county commission full board meeting was just "not on the recording" so I wouldn't be able to buy a copy.
So, "they" have decided to abbreviate the official minutes.
To the benefit of our community?
Or is the county board of commissioners going to the mattresses?
Or is it the clerk who has decided just what the public should or should not see?
And now the recording just poofed away.
But the county web site still proclaims "Muskegon County welcomes public participation".
Yeah right....
Rosemary Woods would be proud.
Fun with Numbers: GM ‘Payback’ of Taxpayer Loans.
Instapundit » Blog Archive » TOM BLUMER: Fun with Numbers: GM ‘Payback’ of Taxpayer Loans.
“Taking money from one bailout kitty to pay back another bailout fund.”
When I talked with Mark Tapscott yesterday, he called those GM bailout-payback commercials the most dishonest claims he’s seen in 30 years of covering politics and the auto industry.
“It is a lie.”"
“Taking money from one bailout kitty to pay back another bailout fund.”
When I talked with Mark Tapscott yesterday, he called those GM bailout-payback commercials the most dishonest claims he’s seen in 30 years of covering politics and the auto industry.
“It is a lie.”"
How to Tackle Government Labor Costs
Gary Shilling: How to Tackle Government Labor Costs - WSJ.com
Years ago, there was an informal "social contract"—public employees generally received lower wages than private-sector workers, and in return they got earlier retirement and generous pensions, allowing them to catch up. That arrangement has long since gone by the boards.
The result is a remarkable trend. State and local government employees for years have received pay increases in excess of inflation, and BLS figures show they now have wages that are 34% higher on average than in the private sector.
.... The average quit rate among state and local employees is a third of that in the private sector.
Public employees also have a 70% advantage in benefits..... In 2009, BLS figures indicate that the costs of health insurance were 2.18 times as much for state and local employees as for private-sector workers.
In the private sector, defined-benefit pensions have declined over the years in favor of defined-contribution plans such as the 401(k). In 2009, defined-benefit plans were available to only 21% of private-sector workers—but to 84% of municipal employees, according to the Cato Institute. And public-sector defined-benefit plans paid retirees about twice as much as those in the private sector.
Public-sector retirement costs also are high because many can retire at age 55 after 30 years of employment with pensions equal to 60% or more of final salary, which is often jacked up by lots of overtime in final working years. In some states, employees can "double dip" by retiring early and then resuming their previous jobs or taking other government positions. So they get salaries and pensions at the same time.
The answer to the problem is to attend to the problem, public sector unions, union rules and overpaid, underworked employees.
If you don't acknowledge the problem, you won't fix the problem.
Years ago, there was an informal "social contract"—public employees generally received lower wages than private-sector workers, and in return they got earlier retirement and generous pensions, allowing them to catch up. That arrangement has long since gone by the boards.
The result is a remarkable trend. State and local government employees for years have received pay increases in excess of inflation, and BLS figures show they now have wages that are 34% higher on average than in the private sector.
.... The average quit rate among state and local employees is a third of that in the private sector.
Public employees also have a 70% advantage in benefits..... In 2009, BLS figures indicate that the costs of health insurance were 2.18 times as much for state and local employees as for private-sector workers.
In the private sector, defined-benefit pensions have declined over the years in favor of defined-contribution plans such as the 401(k). In 2009, defined-benefit plans were available to only 21% of private-sector workers—but to 84% of municipal employees, according to the Cato Institute. And public-sector defined-benefit plans paid retirees about twice as much as those in the private sector.
Public-sector retirement costs also are high because many can retire at age 55 after 30 years of employment with pensions equal to 60% or more of final salary, which is often jacked up by lots of overtime in final working years. In some states, employees can "double dip" by retiring early and then resuming their previous jobs or taking other government positions. So they get salaries and pensions at the same time.
The answer to the problem is to attend to the problem, public sector unions, union rules and overpaid, underworked employees.
If you don't acknowledge the problem, you won't fix the problem.
Pension Pulse: Beyond the Greek Crisis: Will Capitalism Survive?
Pension Pulse: Beyond the Greek Crisis: Will Capitalism Survive?
"'We have to go this route,' he said.
'We are not defending Greece, we are defending the stability of our currency.'"
No shirt sherlock!
"'We have to go this route,' he said.
'We are not defending Greece, we are defending the stability of our currency.'"
No shirt sherlock!
Broke state declares April ‘financial literacy month’
Broke state declares April ‘financial literacy month’ - OC Watchdog : The Orange County Register
"We hooted recently over the Orange County Business Council’s new Web site, CaliforniaSquirrel.com, which targets the “distractions” elected officials pursue at the expense of more important public business."
This might be hilarious if we didn't have the exact same thing happening here in Michigan and Muskegon.
Of course we don't have time for financial "literacy" month here yet.
We're still celebrating National County Government Month! http://co.muskegon.mi.us/boardofcommissioners/govt_month_2010.htm
"We hooted recently over the Orange County Business Council’s new Web site, CaliforniaSquirrel.com, which targets the “distractions” elected officials pursue at the expense of more important public business."
This might be hilarious if we didn't have the exact same thing happening here in Michigan and Muskegon.
Of course we don't have time for financial "literacy" month here yet.
We're still celebrating National County Government Month! http://co.muskegon.mi.us/boardofcommissioners/govt_month_2010.htm
GVSU students forced to move from Copper Beech apartments during finals
GVSU students forced to move from Copper Beech apartments during finals
"When Grand Valley State University senior Jacob Taykowski took over another student's lease at Copper Beech Townhomes last year, he didn't realize it ended in late April, before he got a chance to tackle his five finals
.
'It's just a hassle trying to move your stuff out and studying for finals at the same time,' Taykowski said.
'It's just a pain.'"
And these "students" expect to be hired by any company?
I'd definately add them to my "do not hire cuz they're too stupid" list.
And you gotta love the GRP who decided this idiocy was worth publishing.
"No other worries here in Michigan that we might send our reporters to investigate".
And they wonder why their readership tanked.
"When Grand Valley State University senior Jacob Taykowski took over another student's lease at Copper Beech Townhomes last year, he didn't realize it ended in late April, before he got a chance to tackle his five finals
.
'It's just a hassle trying to move your stuff out and studying for finals at the same time,' Taykowski said.
'It's just a pain.'"
And these "students" expect to be hired by any company?
I'd definately add them to my "do not hire cuz they're too stupid" list.
And you gotta love the GRP who decided this idiocy was worth publishing.
"No other worries here in Michigan that we might send our reporters to investigate".
And they wonder why their readership tanked.
Too Hot Not to Note: Coulter: Washington Takes Break From Porn Surfing to Bailout Wall Street
Too Hot Not to Note: Coulter: Washington Takes Break From Porn Surfing to Bailout Wall Street
"Democrats have decided that in order to prevent Wall Street from starting more financial meltdowns, wrecking the economy and leaving the American taxpayer holding the bag, we need to give more oversight authority to the same government employees who were busy surfing Internet porn as private investors frantically tried to warn them about Bernie Madoff."
"Democrats have decided that in order to prevent Wall Street from starting more financial meltdowns, wrecking the economy and leaving the American taxpayer holding the bag, we need to give more oversight authority to the same government employees who were busy surfing Internet porn as private investors frantically tried to warn them about Bernie Madoff."
Bailouts for Dummies
GetLiberty.org Bailouts for Dummies
"The Dodd – Goldman Sachs financial services takeover bill can be intimidating to understand for many people, including myself.
However, when all the smoke clears it really comes down to four basic points:"
Well done.
"The Dodd – Goldman Sachs financial services takeover bill can be intimidating to understand for many people, including myself.
However, when all the smoke clears it really comes down to four basic points:"
Well done.
The coming catastrophe
The coming catastrophe - The Boston Globe
"Let’s hope so, for the deficit challenge will loom like an appointment for a root canal once the recovery takes hold. Confronting it requires a recognition that tough choices simply can’t be avoided.
Indeed, Reischauer, who led CBO from 1989 to 1995, had this blunt advice for the panel.
“First, don’t waste time looking for silver bullets or new approaches that hold out the promise of painless sacrifice,’’ he said.
“There are none to be found.’’"
"Let’s hope so, for the deficit challenge will loom like an appointment for a root canal once the recovery takes hold. Confronting it requires a recognition that tough choices simply can’t be avoided.
Indeed, Reischauer, who led CBO from 1989 to 1995, had this blunt advice for the panel.
“First, don’t waste time looking for silver bullets or new approaches that hold out the promise of painless sacrifice,’’ he said.
“There are none to be found.’’"
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Advice to Tea Partiers
http://www.cato-at-liberty.org/2010/04/27/advice-to-tea-partiers/
"Advice to Tea Partiers
Posted by Chris Moody
The Tea Party movement may endure, but its endurance will be a testament to its ability to understand that cutting government means having a long-term focus, says John Samples, author of the Cato book The Struggle to Limit Government. In a new video, Samples outlines an assessment of what Tea Partiers should do if they want to sustain an effort to cut government.
He offers five pieces of advice for members of the Tea Party movement:
1. Republicans aren’t always your friends.
2. Some tea partiers like big government.
3. Democrats aren’t always your enemies.
4. Smaller government demands restraint abroad.
5. Leave social issues to the states."
"Advice to Tea Partiers
Posted by Chris Moody
The Tea Party movement may endure, but its endurance will be a testament to its ability to understand that cutting government means having a long-term focus, says John Samples, author of the Cato book The Struggle to Limit Government. In a new video, Samples outlines an assessment of what Tea Partiers should do if they want to sustain an effort to cut government.
He offers five pieces of advice for members of the Tea Party movement:
1. Republicans aren’t always your friends.
2. Some tea partiers like big government.
3. Democrats aren’t always your enemies.
4. Smaller government demands restraint abroad.
5. Leave social issues to the states."
Instapundit » Blog Archive » MEGAN MCARDLE: The most terrifying words I’ve seen written so far about the growing crisis in Gre…
Instapundit » Blog Archive » MEGAN MCARDLE: The most terrifying words I’ve seen written so far about the growing crisis in Gre…: "April 28, 2010
MEGAN MCARDLE:
The most terrifying words I’ve seen written so far about the growing crisis in Greece were penned by Yves Smith yesterday: “So the whole idea that the financial crisis was over is being called into doubt. Recall that the Great Depression nadir was the sovereign debt default phase. And the EU’s erratic responses (obvious hesitancy followed by finesses rather than decisive responses) is going to prove even more detrimental as the Club Med crisis grinds on.”
The Great Depression was composed of two separate panics. As you can see from contemporary accounts–and I highly recommend that anyone who is interested in the Great Depression read the archives of that blog along with Benjamin Roth’s diary of the Great Depression–in 1930 people thought they’d seen the worst of things.
I hope that history isn’t repeating itself.
Posted by Glenn Reynolds at 6:28 pm"
MEGAN MCARDLE:
The most terrifying words I’ve seen written so far about the growing crisis in Greece were penned by Yves Smith yesterday: “So the whole idea that the financial crisis was over is being called into doubt. Recall that the Great Depression nadir was the sovereign debt default phase. And the EU’s erratic responses (obvious hesitancy followed by finesses rather than decisive responses) is going to prove even more detrimental as the Club Med crisis grinds on.”
The Great Depression was composed of two separate panics. As you can see from contemporary accounts–and I highly recommend that anyone who is interested in the Great Depression read the archives of that blog along with Benjamin Roth’s diary of the Great Depression–in 1930 people thought they’d seen the worst of things.
I hope that history isn’t repeating itself.
Posted by Glenn Reynolds at 6:28 pm"
Did the Tea Party win the debate over the N-word accusations?
Did the Tea Party win the debate over the N-word accusations?
"At the March 20th Tea Party protest in Washington, Rep. Andre Carson, D-Ind., Rep. John Lewis D-Ga., and Rep. Emanuel Cleaver D-Mo. accused protesters of of yelling the N-word some 15 times at the black lawmakers.
Since then, no proof that this happened has emerged despite the presence of numerous cameras.
Well, Tea Partiers pushed back against the claims of racism hard — and an article in the Christian Science Monitor, “Why ‘tea party’ defenders won’t let N-word claims rest,” suggests they have had some success at convincing the mainstream media they were wrong to run with the accusations sans evidence"
"At the March 20th Tea Party protest in Washington, Rep. Andre Carson, D-Ind., Rep. John Lewis D-Ga., and Rep. Emanuel Cleaver D-Mo. accused protesters of of yelling the N-word some 15 times at the black lawmakers.
Since then, no proof that this happened has emerged despite the presence of numerous cameras.
Well, Tea Partiers pushed back against the claims of racism hard — and an article in the Christian Science Monitor, “Why ‘tea party’ defenders won’t let N-word claims rest,” suggests they have had some success at convincing the mainstream media they were wrong to run with the accusations sans evidence"
GM's Phony Bailout Payback
GM's Phony Bailout Payback - Reason Magazine
"But when Whitacre says GM has paid back the bailout money in full, he means not the entire $49.5 billion—the loan and the equity.
In fact, he avoids all mention of that figure in his column.
He means only the $6.7 billion loan amount."
These liars could never get away with these misleading ads without the wholehearted support of the liberal media.
This is a national disgrace that Americans are lied to on national TV that GM has paid EVERYTHING back.
It is a lie!
"But when Whitacre says GM has paid back the bailout money in full, he means not the entire $49.5 billion—the loan and the equity.
In fact, he avoids all mention of that figure in his column.
He means only the $6.7 billion loan amount."
These liars could never get away with these misleading ads without the wholehearted support of the liberal media.
This is a national disgrace that Americans are lied to on national TV that GM has paid EVERYTHING back.
It is a lie!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Big doin's today at County commission meeting
http://muskegontaxpayers.blogspot.com/2010/04/big-doings-today-county-building-330-pm.html
3:30 today, tuesday april 27.
New parking ramp (again), airplane rentals subsidized?, more melting of the hiring freeze!
Be there or pay the price for your lethargy.
3:30 today, tuesday april 27.
New parking ramp (again), airplane rentals subsidized?, more melting of the hiring freeze!
Be there or pay the price for your lethargy.
GVSU promises to immediately cut tuition 5 percent if lawmakers guarantee minimum funding
GVSU promises to immediately cut tuition 5 percent if lawmakers guarantee minimum funding
"Grand Valley State University would immediately lower tuition by 5 percent, if lawmakers pledge give the school the same level of funding the other state universities get, President Thomas Haas says."
Another bait and switch scam from the same folks who have given us underworked, overpaid, early-retiring educators who provide our state with a 52% graduation rate.
Sure promise the kids and their parents a quick fiscal fix now.
But keep the automatic faculty raises and benefits out of the conversation.
Oh yeah, and bump up the taxes for everyone left in our bankrupt state.
When will we begin to see these parasites for what they really are?
"Grand Valley State University would immediately lower tuition by 5 percent, if lawmakers pledge give the school the same level of funding the other state universities get, President Thomas Haas says."
Another bait and switch scam from the same folks who have given us underworked, overpaid, early-retiring educators who provide our state with a 52% graduation rate.
Sure promise the kids and their parents a quick fiscal fix now.
But keep the automatic faculty raises and benefits out of the conversation.
Oh yeah, and bump up the taxes for everyone left in our bankrupt state.
When will we begin to see these parasites for what they really are?
Earth Day predictions of 1970. The reason you shouldn’t believe Earth Day predictions of 2009
Earth Day predictions of 1970. The reason you shouldn’t believe Earth Day predictions of 2009. Conservative News from IHateTheMedia.com: "Need proof?
Here are some of the hilarious, spectacularly wrong predictions made on the occasion of Earth Day 1970."
I'm thinking many of these same "experts" are around today.
Here are some of the hilarious, spectacularly wrong predictions made on the occasion of Earth Day 1970."
I'm thinking many of these same "experts" are around today.
Even abusive public employees can't get fired
Steven Greenhut: Even abusive public employees can't get fired Washington Examiner
"Some of the most stunning articles I've read in a long while were in the Los Angeles Times' 2009 investigative series, 'Failure gets a pass,' which documents the near impossibility of firing unionized public school teachers in the massive Los Angeles Unified School District -- even those teachers credibly accused of sexually molesting or harassing their students"
If we continue to allow this, it will continue to grow, their power will grow and the end of our republic will be near.
We can stop this if we start attending local governmental meetings...NOW!
"Some of the most stunning articles I've read in a long while were in the Los Angeles Times' 2009 investigative series, 'Failure gets a pass,' which documents the near impossibility of firing unionized public school teachers in the massive Los Angeles Unified School District -- even those teachers credibly accused of sexually molesting or harassing their students"
If we continue to allow this, it will continue to grow, their power will grow and the end of our republic will be near.
We can stop this if we start attending local governmental meetings...NOW!
Public-sector unions bankrupting America
EDITORIAL: Public-sector unions bankrupting America - Washington Times
"By 2013, the amount of retirement money promised to employees of these public entities will exceed cash on hand by more than a trillion dollars."
Why are no (except Gov. Cristie) republicans running on this issue?
"By 2013, the amount of retirement money promised to employees of these public entities will exceed cash on hand by more than a trillion dollars."
Why are no (except Gov. Cristie) republicans running on this issue?
Poll stunner: Sen. Bennett on brink of defeat
Poll stunner: Sen. Bennett on brink of defeat - Salt Lake Tribune
"A new Salt Lake Tribune poll of Republican delegates shows Bennett running in third, behind GOP challengers Mike Lee and Tim Bridgewater.
Lee logged 37 percent support in the survey, while Bridgewater came in at 20 percent, and Bennett lagged at 16 percent."
This is what the tea party movement MUST continue to do.
Oust the RINOS and win elections!
"A new Salt Lake Tribune poll of Republican delegates shows Bennett running in third, behind GOP challengers Mike Lee and Tim Bridgewater.
Lee logged 37 percent support in the survey, while Bridgewater came in at 20 percent, and Bennett lagged at 16 percent."
This is what the tea party movement MUST continue to do.
Oust the RINOS and win elections!
The New Fat Cats
The New Fat Cats The Weekly Standard
"John Edwards was right.
There are two Americas, just not his two (the rich and powerful versus everyone else).
The real divide today is, on one side, the 20 million people who work for state and local governments and the additional 3 million who’ve retired with fat pensions.
On the other, the rest of us, roughly 280 million Americans.
In short, there’s a gulf between the bureaucrats and the people"
We tighten our belts so they can buy new, bigger belts.
Are we so timid that we will continue to let the unions destroy our fiscal lives....and out country?
"John Edwards was right.
There are two Americas, just not his two (the rich and powerful versus everyone else).
The real divide today is, on one side, the 20 million people who work for state and local governments and the additional 3 million who’ve retired with fat pensions.
On the other, the rest of us, roughly 280 million Americans.
In short, there’s a gulf between the bureaucrats and the people"
We tighten our belts so they can buy new, bigger belts.
Are we so timid that we will continue to let the unions destroy our fiscal lives....and out country?
Bill to check city bankruptcies advances
Bill to check city bankruptcies advances - SignOnSanDiego.com
While San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders insists bankruptcy is not on the city’s agenda, his administration is nevertheless alarmed over a labor-mounted campaign to take away the right of municipalities to declare insolvency and cancel contracts with their public employee unions.
The Senate Local Government Committee on Monday approved legislation that would require cities to first secure permission from an obscure appointed state agency before they could file for bankruptcy.
This simply means that a democrat/union controlled "agency" would deny a city's obligation to declare bankruptcy when there was no other option..... unless there was the option of forcing taxpayers to pay more.
No need to change union pay/benefits/retirement just like any other bankruptcy,
This will doom any hope of our municipalities to survive the attack of the public service union onslaught.
While San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders insists bankruptcy is not on the city’s agenda, his administration is nevertheless alarmed over a labor-mounted campaign to take away the right of municipalities to declare insolvency and cancel contracts with their public employee unions.
The Senate Local Government Committee on Monday approved legislation that would require cities to first secure permission from an obscure appointed state agency before they could file for bankruptcy.
This simply means that a democrat/union controlled "agency" would deny a city's obligation to declare bankruptcy when there was no other option..... unless there was the option of forcing taxpayers to pay more.
No need to change union pay/benefits/retirement just like any other bankruptcy,
This will doom any hope of our municipalities to survive the attack of the public service union onslaught.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Economists say the stimulus didn't help
Economists say the stimulus didn't help
"The recovery is picking up steam as employers boost payrolls, but economists think the government's stimulus package and jobs bill had little to do with the rebound, according to a survey released Monday.
In latest quarterly survey by the National Association for Business Economics, the index that measures employment showed job growth for the first time in two years -- but a majority of respondents felt the fiscal stimulus had no impact."
"The recovery is picking up steam as employers boost payrolls, but economists think the government's stimulus package and jobs bill had little to do with the rebound, according to a survey released Monday.
In latest quarterly survey by the National Association for Business Economics, the index that measures employment showed job growth for the first time in two years -- but a majority of respondents felt the fiscal stimulus had no impact."
Carbon storage premise 'totally erroneous'
Carbon storage premise 'totally erroneous'
"A RESEARCH paper from American academics is threatening to blow a hole in growing political support for carbon capture and storage as a weapon against global warming.
The paper from Houston University says that governments wanting to use carbon sequestration have overestimated its value and says it would take a reservoir the size of a small US state to hold the carbon dioxide produced by one power station."
"A RESEARCH paper from American academics is threatening to blow a hole in growing political support for carbon capture and storage as a weapon against global warming.
The paper from Houston University says that governments wanting to use carbon sequestration have overestimated its value and says it would take a reservoir the size of a small US state to hold the carbon dioxide produced by one power station."
Remember that ash cloud? It didn't exist, says new evidence
Remember that ash cloud? It didn't exist, says new evidence
"Jim McKenna, the Civil Aviation Authority's head of airworthiness, strategy and policy, admitted:
'It's obvious that at the start of this crisis there was a lack of definitive data."
This disaster cost hundreds of millions and more than a week of suffering and inconvenience.
And the nannies who made this decision had no "definitive" data?!!!
There's something in London......
"Jim McKenna, the Civil Aviation Authority's head of airworthiness, strategy and policy, admitted:
'It's obvious that at the start of this crisis there was a lack of definitive data."
This disaster cost hundreds of millions and more than a week of suffering and inconvenience.
And the nannies who made this decision had no "definitive" data?!!!
There's something in London......
Obama’s National Security Advisor Tells Joke Depicting Jews as Greedy Merchants
Breitbart.tv » Obama’s National Security Advisor Tells Joke Depicting Jews as Greedy Merchants
This guy is our country's National Security Advisor?!!!
Imagine the "outrage" if he was a republican.
Imagine the "outrage" if he'd made a similar "joke" about a black.... or a muslim!
This guy is our country's National Security Advisor?!!!
Imagine the "outrage" if he was a republican.
Imagine the "outrage" if he'd made a similar "joke" about a black.... or a muslim!
Obama seeks to 'reconnect...young people, African-Americans, Latinos, and women' for 2010
Obama seeks to 'reconnect...young people, African-Americans, Latinos, and women' for 2010 - Ben Smith - POLITICO.com
"The Democratic National Committee this morning released this clip of the president rallying the troops, if rather coolly, for 2010. Obama's express goal: 'reconnecting' with the voters who voted for the first time in 2008, but who may not plan to vote in the lower-profile Congressional elections this year.
Obama speaks with unusual demographic frankness about his coalition in his appeal to 'young people, African-Americans, Latinos, and women who powered our victory in 2008 [to] stand together once again.'"
White males need not apply?
Imagine Mitch McConnell's comparable "speech".... "We want to reconnect with seniors, euro-Americans and of course, our manly-Americans, who all stand tall to propel our victory in 2010."
Why, in America today, is Obama be able to say what he said and a republican would be exoriated if he said the above?
"The Democratic National Committee this morning released this clip of the president rallying the troops, if rather coolly, for 2010. Obama's express goal: 'reconnecting' with the voters who voted for the first time in 2008, but who may not plan to vote in the lower-profile Congressional elections this year.
Obama speaks with unusual demographic frankness about his coalition in his appeal to 'young people, African-Americans, Latinos, and women who powered our victory in 2008 [to] stand together once again.'"
White males need not apply?
Imagine Mitch McConnell's comparable "speech".... "We want to reconnect with seniors, euro-Americans and of course, our manly-Americans, who all stand tall to propel our victory in 2010."
Why, in America today, is Obama be able to say what he said and a republican would be exoriated if he said the above?
The Big Brown Union Bailout: UPS and the Teamsters vs. FedEx
The Big Brown Union Bailout: UPS and the Teamsters vs. FedEx - WSJ.com
"If you can't beat 'em, have Congress hobble 'em.
That's the motto of some in corporate America, and Exhibit A might be United Parcel Service's campaign to get Washington to impose its labor woes on rival Federal Express.
This would be one more union bailout at the expense of business competition and economic efficiency.
House Transportation Chairman James Oberstar (D., Big Labor) last year slipped 230 words into a spending bill that would make it easier for the Teamsters to unionize FedEx.
This ambush was included at the urging of UPS, which has been saddled with the Teamsters for decades ..."
"If you can't beat 'em, have Congress hobble 'em.
That's the motto of some in corporate America, and Exhibit A might be United Parcel Service's campaign to get Washington to impose its labor woes on rival Federal Express.
This would be one more union bailout at the expense of business competition and economic efficiency.
House Transportation Chairman James Oberstar (D., Big Labor) last year slipped 230 words into a spending bill that would make it easier for the Teamsters to unionize FedEx.
This ambush was included at the urging of UPS, which has been saddled with the Teamsters for decades ..."
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Violent Pro Illegal Immgration Protest in Arizona
Violent Pro Illegal Immgration Protest in Arizona
"Where is Bill Clinton?
This ain’t no Tea Party!
Really, where is Bill Clinton?
Wasn’t he lecturing us just a week ago that protests could lead to violence?
Where are all the media talking heads who echoed Clinton’s absurd attempt to link the Tea Partiers to violence?
Yet, here’s a riot started by protesters against the new law in Arizona to toughen up enforcement on illegal immigration in Phoenix on April 23. Bottles were hurled at police and threats of violence that make even the rowdiest Tea Party look like a church picnic.
You’ll see the bottles thrown here, striking police officers who try to usher a lone anti-illegal immigration protester from the scene for his own safety:"
"Where is Bill Clinton?
This ain’t no Tea Party!
Really, where is Bill Clinton?
Wasn’t he lecturing us just a week ago that protests could lead to violence?
Where are all the media talking heads who echoed Clinton’s absurd attempt to link the Tea Partiers to violence?
Yet, here’s a riot started by protesters against the new law in Arizona to toughen up enforcement on illegal immigration in Phoenix on April 23. Bottles were hurled at police and threats of violence that make even the rowdiest Tea Party look like a church picnic.
You’ll see the bottles thrown here, striking police officers who try to usher a lone anti-illegal immigration protester from the scene for his own safety:"
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Media Heresy: Bill Clinton Helped Cause 2008 Financial Crisis
Media Heresy: Bill Clinton Helped Cause 2008 Financial Crisis NewsBusters.org
On Saturday, a former editorial page editor for the Wall Street Journal, George Melloan, made the connection even stronger as he pointed a finger at someone most in the media have shamelessly given a pass for his involvement in this crisis
On Saturday, a former editorial page editor for the Wall Street Journal, George Melloan, made the connection even stronger as he pointed a finger at someone most in the media have shamelessly given a pass for his involvement in this crisis
To promote "affordable" housing, Bill Clinton had excused the two giant government-sponsored housing finance agencies, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, from normal banking rules, allowing them leverage ratios far in excess of the limits on ordinary lenders.
Banks were forced to write risky mortgage loans, a large number of which were then folded into mortgage-backed securities that Fannie, Freddie and others sold internationally with triple-A ratings.
This business seized up, crippling banks throughout the world, when holders began to realize that the assets that backed the securities, home mortgages, were going under water at an alarming rate.
Cavuto: Obama Should Fix 'His' Street Before Wall Street - FOXBusiness.com
Cavuto: Obama Should Fix 'His' Street Before Wall Street
"President Obama wants to fix Wall Street.
May I suggest he start … on 'his' street.
Here's the deal:
'What' is the deal with castigating financial guys for being reckless, and saying nothing about Washington being, well, just a wreck?
What's the deal with blasting fat cats for showing little accountability and costing taxpayers billions…
And saying not a word about politicians in Washington showing 'no' accountability and costing taxpayers trillions?
And what's the deal demanding banks return every rescue dollar and never get too big to fail...
Not once acknowledging all those blown and now lost government dollars on spending programs too many to count?"
"President Obama wants to fix Wall Street.
May I suggest he start … on 'his' street.
Here's the deal:
'What' is the deal with castigating financial guys for being reckless, and saying nothing about Washington being, well, just a wreck?
What's the deal with blasting fat cats for showing little accountability and costing taxpayers billions…
And saying not a word about politicians in Washington showing 'no' accountability and costing taxpayers trillions?
And what's the deal demanding banks return every rescue dollar and never get too big to fail...
Not once acknowledging all those blown and now lost government dollars on spending programs too many to count?"
Friday, April 23, 2010
Greenwood, Indiana, breaking news
GreenwoodStar.com Greenwood, Indiana, breaking news, photos, things to do IndyStar.com The Indianapolis Star
"A central Indiana school district argues that prohibiting a planned graduation ceremony prayer because of a federal lawsuit filed by the top-ranked senior would violate students' free speech rights.
The Greenwood school district responded this week to the lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana on behalf of Greenwood High School valedictorian Eric Workman.
Workman's suit calls the student-led prayer the senior class voted to approve unconstitutional."
OK.
So in Indiana, any one atheist kid can stop the rest of the class's decision?
What do you bet this kid is the spawn of liberal(s)?
"A central Indiana school district argues that prohibiting a planned graduation ceremony prayer because of a federal lawsuit filed by the top-ranked senior would violate students' free speech rights.
The Greenwood school district responded this week to the lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana on behalf of Greenwood High School valedictorian Eric Workman.
Workman's suit calls the student-led prayer the senior class voted to approve unconstitutional."
OK.
So in Indiana, any one atheist kid can stop the rest of the class's decision?
What do you bet this kid is the spawn of liberal(s)?
15,000 Illinois Protesters Chant "Raise My Taxes"
Mish's Global Economic Trend Analysis: 15,000 Illinois Protesters Chant "Raise My Taxes"; Unions Getting More Aggressive and Obnoxious
"In Illinois, union protesters staged a huge rally in Springfield, demanding higher taxes for their self-serving agenda.
Thousands of protesters at Illinois Capitol to press for tax increase."
"In Illinois, union protesters staged a huge rally in Springfield, demanding higher taxes for their self-serving agenda.
Thousands of protesters at Illinois Capitol to press for tax increase."
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Polar Dance has been chosen for inclusion in a unique collection that represents the 40 most important nature photographs of all time.
Very cool.
I bought an original Polar Dance for Honeybunch back in the 1980's from Mangelsen's Park City Utah gallery.
I guess I should'a bought a few more!
THOMAS D. MANGELSEN'S Images of Nature
"Tom is pleased to announce Polar Dance has been chosen for inclusion in a unique collection that represents the 40 most important nature photographs of all time.
In celebration of Earth Day’s 40th anniversary, the International League of Conservation Photographers, a fellowship of the top professional conservation photographers, was recruited to nominate nature photographs that member photographers considered to be “the best”.
The Top Forty nominations represent a diverse spectrum of styles and genres spanning over 100 years of photography history, and include spectacular images of animals, plants and natural landscapes.
These Top Forty iconic nature photographs are a part of Christie’s Green Auction in support of Conservation International, Oceana, Natural Resources Defense Council, and the Central Park Conservancy.
Christie’s Green Auction: A Bid to Save the Earth will be held on April 22nd at Christie’s in New York and will be carried live beginning at 7:30 pm EST on www.christies.com. A companion silent auction is being hosted at www.abidtosavetheearth.org April 8th through May 6th.
Tom has generously donated a signed, framed Artist Proof print of Polar Dance.
The 40 Greatest Nature Photographs of All Time may be viewed at: www.flickr.com, www.foxnews.com or www.abcnews.go.com."
I bought an original Polar Dance for Honeybunch back in the 1980's from Mangelsen's Park City Utah gallery.
I guess I should'a bought a few more!
THOMAS D. MANGELSEN'S Images of Nature
"Tom is pleased to announce Polar Dance has been chosen for inclusion in a unique collection that represents the 40 most important nature photographs of all time.
In celebration of Earth Day’s 40th anniversary, the International League of Conservation Photographers, a fellowship of the top professional conservation photographers, was recruited to nominate nature photographs that member photographers considered to be “the best”.
The Top Forty nominations represent a diverse spectrum of styles and genres spanning over 100 years of photography history, and include spectacular images of animals, plants and natural landscapes.
These Top Forty iconic nature photographs are a part of Christie’s Green Auction in support of Conservation International, Oceana, Natural Resources Defense Council, and the Central Park Conservancy.
Christie’s Green Auction: A Bid to Save the Earth will be held on April 22nd at Christie’s in New York and will be carried live beginning at 7:30 pm EST on www.christies.com. A companion silent auction is being hosted at www.abidtosavetheearth.org April 8th through May 6th.
Tom has generously donated a signed, framed Artist Proof print of Polar Dance.
The 40 Greatest Nature Photographs of All Time may be viewed at: www.flickr.com, www.foxnews.com or www.abcnews.go.com."
George F. Will - Bringing Thunder-ous change to New Jersey
George F. Will - Bringing Thunder-ous change to New Jersey
"So he closed the $2.2 billion gap by accepting 375 of 378 suggested spending freezes and cuts. In two weeks. By executive actions. In eight weeks he cut $13 billion -- $232 million a day, $9 million an hour. Now comes the hard part.
Government employees' health benefits are, he says, '41 percent more expensive' than those of the average Fortune 500 company. Without changes in current law, 'spending will have increased 322 percent in 20 years -- over 16 percent a year.' There is, he says, a connection between the state's being No. 1 in total tax burden and being No. 1 in the proportion of college students who, after graduating, leave the state.
Partly to pay for teachers' benefits -- most contribute nothing to pay for their health insurance -- property taxes have increased 70 percent in 10 years, to an average annual cost to homeowners of $7,281. Christie proposes a 2.5 percent cap on annual increases."
The next Reagan?
"So he closed the $2.2 billion gap by accepting 375 of 378 suggested spending freezes and cuts. In two weeks. By executive actions. In eight weeks he cut $13 billion -- $232 million a day, $9 million an hour. Now comes the hard part.
Government employees' health benefits are, he says, '41 percent more expensive' than those of the average Fortune 500 company. Without changes in current law, 'spending will have increased 322 percent in 20 years -- over 16 percent a year.' There is, he says, a connection between the state's being No. 1 in total tax burden and being No. 1 in the proportion of college students who, after graduating, leave the state.
Partly to pay for teachers' benefits -- most contribute nothing to pay for their health insurance -- property taxes have increased 70 percent in 10 years, to an average annual cost to homeowners of $7,281. Christie proposes a 2.5 percent cap on annual increases."
The next Reagan?
First They Came For Hitler...
First They Came For Hitler...
via InstaPundit
"The thousand-year reich of Downfall parodies has ended in ruins. Constantin Films, the German producer of the 2004 film Der Untergang, has compelled YouTube to start taking down the popular Hitler-rants-about-funny-thing-X clips."
via InstaPundit
"The thousand-year reich of Downfall parodies has ended in ruins. Constantin Films, the German producer of the 2004 film Der Untergang, has compelled YouTube to start taking down the popular Hitler-rants-about-funny-thing-X clips."
Tea Party is a ‘bowel movement,’ says ACORN boss Bertha Lewis
Tea Party is a ‘bowel movement,’ says ACORN boss Bertha Lewis The Daily Caller
"ACORN chief organizer Bertha Lewis praised socialism and said the Tea Party was a “bowel movement” filled with racists in a speech to a left-wing youth group, a new video shows.
.....The comments by Lewis came during a March 25 speech to the winter conference of the Young Democratic Socialists, which is the youth arm of the radical Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).
DSA is closely tied to the Congressional Progressive Caucus, an 80-plus member group of left-wing Democratic lawmakers.
President Obama worked for ACORN’s Project Vote affiliate, trained ACORN organizers and represented ACORN as a lawyer.
Although ACORN leaders typically refuse to be labeled as socialists because they realize the term carries with it a negative connotation in American culture, Lewis openly embraced socialism.
“First of all let me just say any group that says, ‘I’m young, I’m democratic, and I’m a socialist,’ is alright with me,” Lewis said."
"ACORN chief organizer Bertha Lewis praised socialism and said the Tea Party was a “bowel movement” filled with racists in a speech to a left-wing youth group, a new video shows.
.....The comments by Lewis came during a March 25 speech to the winter conference of the Young Democratic Socialists, which is the youth arm of the radical Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).
DSA is closely tied to the Congressional Progressive Caucus, an 80-plus member group of left-wing Democratic lawmakers.
President Obama worked for ACORN’s Project Vote affiliate, trained ACORN organizers and represented ACORN as a lawyer.
Although ACORN leaders typically refuse to be labeled as socialists because they realize the term carries with it a negative connotation in American culture, Lewis openly embraced socialism.
“First of all let me just say any group that says, ‘I’m young, I’m democratic, and I’m a socialist,’ is alright with me,” Lewis said."
Earth Day-The Great Global Warming Swindle
Earth Day is the main theme in our children's schools today.
And the theme has been morphed into a simple concept: American capitalism=bad, Big American control and caring=good.
We are continuing to sow the seeds of our own destruction.
Just about every American school student since has been forced fed "An Inconvenient Truth" in our public schools.
With a "caring" teacher/mentor to provide answers to any student's inconvenient questions.
And today's "Earth Day" continues the eco-madrassah madness.
If we don't get some real science back into the schools NOW, the world will pay an enormous price.
Start going to your local school board meetings now and demand some balance in the propaganda or the bad guys win ......again.
Celebrate Earth Day!
Watch this video today.
With your entire family!
The Great Global Warming Swindle
(it may take a minute to load)
The link ocassionally goes out. If that happens google "The Great Global Warming Swindle" to get a better link.
And the theme has been morphed into a simple concept: American capitalism=bad, Big American control and caring=good.
We are continuing to sow the seeds of our own destruction.
Just about every American school student since has been forced fed "An Inconvenient Truth" in our public schools.
With a "caring" teacher/mentor to provide answers to any student's inconvenient questions.
And today's "Earth Day" continues the eco-madrassah madness.
If we don't get some real science back into the schools NOW, the world will pay an enormous price.
Start going to your local school board meetings now and demand some balance in the propaganda or the bad guys win ......again.
Celebrate Earth Day!
Watch this video today.
With your entire family!
The Great Global Warming Swindle
(it may take a minute to load)
The link ocassionally goes out. If that happens google "The Great Global Warming Swindle" to get a better link.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Ed Driscoll » Rush Limbaugh: Media Svengali!
Ed Driscoll » Rush Limbaugh: Media Svengali!
"Me: I challenge you to listen to Rush for a half hour.
Him: No. He’s an idiot.
Me: Have you ever listened to him?
Him: No.
Me: Then how do you know he’s an idiot?
Him: He is. He’s a wacko. He doesn’t know anything.
Me: How do you know that?
Him: Are you trying to make me mad?
Me: No. But I do think that you should listen to him. At least then you’d have first hand knowledge of what he says and whether you agree or disagree with it.
Him: I’m not going to waste my time."
"Me: I challenge you to listen to Rush for a half hour.
Him: No. He’s an idiot.
Me: Have you ever listened to him?
Him: No.
Me: Then how do you know he’s an idiot?
Him: He is. He’s a wacko. He doesn’t know anything.
Me: How do you know that?
Him: Are you trying to make me mad?
Me: No. But I do think that you should listen to him. At least then you’d have first hand knowledge of what he says and whether you agree or disagree with it.
Him: I’m not going to waste my time."
Iceland volcano: UK airports reopen as BA claims shutdown 'unnecessary'
Iceland volcano: UK airports reopen as BA claims shutdown 'unnecessary' - Telegraph
"The decision was made after ministers were put under pressure to explain why British flights were being stopped while most of European air space was open, despite the cloud of volcanic ash from Iceland."
The nanny state gone wild?
Or have the greenies taken over all of Britain?
"The decision was made after ministers were put under pressure to explain why British flights were being stopped while most of European air space was open, despite the cloud of volcanic ash from Iceland."
The nanny state gone wild?
Or have the greenies taken over all of Britain?
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Most transparent White House eve
Most transparent White House ever... - Ben Smith - POLITICO.com
"Police chased reporters away from the White House and closed Lafayette Park today in response to a gay rights protest in which several service members in full uniform handcuffed themselves to the White House gate to protest 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.'
People who have covered the White House for years tell me that's an extremely unusual thing to do in an area that regularly features protests.
A reporter can be seen in the YouTube video above calling the move 'outrageous' and 'ridiculous.'"
"Police chased reporters away from the White House and closed Lafayette Park today in response to a gay rights protest in which several service members in full uniform handcuffed themselves to the White House gate to protest 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.'
People who have covered the White House for years tell me that's an extremely unusual thing to do in an area that regularly features protests.
A reporter can be seen in the YouTube video above calling the move 'outrageous' and 'ridiculous.'"
Is Boxer Inciting Violence Against Tea Party Protesters?
Riehl World View: Is Boxer Inciting Violence Against Tea Party Protesters?
"Is Boxer Inciting Violence Against Tea Party Protesters?
A couple of interesting bits in an LA Times item on Boxer and Obama doing some fundraising.
They note that Democrats criticized Bush for such efforts, but as with playing golf, Obama is actually doing it more often.
And I worry that Boxer is inciting violence by calling on her supporters to go toe to toe with Tea Party folks.
Don't you?
'Speaking of the ‘tea party' people, I think it's great that they are active and excited and ready to go,' she said.
'My question to you is are you ready to go toe-to-toe with them, cup by cup by cup?
I am.'"
"Is Boxer Inciting Violence Against Tea Party Protesters?
A couple of interesting bits in an LA Times item on Boxer and Obama doing some fundraising.
They note that Democrats criticized Bush for such efforts, but as with playing golf, Obama is actually doing it more often.
And I worry that Boxer is inciting violence by calling on her supporters to go toe to toe with Tea Party folks.
Don't you?
'Speaking of the ‘tea party' people, I think it's great that they are active and excited and ready to go,' she said.
'My question to you is are you ready to go toe-to-toe with them, cup by cup by cup?
I am.'"
VAT Tax – What is it, who voted for it?
VAT Tax – What is it, who voted for it? Before It's News
"13 Senators voted for the implementation of a Value Added Tax or “VAT” on Thursday, just as millions of Americans were out protesting too many taxes.
THIRTEEN Senators voted for this huge tax increase.
One of them, a Republican.
They are…
Sen. Daniel Akaka [D, HI], Sen. Jeff Bingaman [D, NM], Sen. Sherrod Brown
[D, OH], Sen. Robert Byrd [D, WV], Sen. Benjamin Cardin [D, MD], Sen. Byron
Dorgan [D, ND], Sen. Edward Kaufman [D, DE], Sen. Carl Levin [D, MI], Sen.
John Reed [D, RI], Sen. Tom Udall [D, NM], Sen. Jim Webb [D, VA], Sen.
Sheldon Whitehouse [D, RI], Sen. George Voinovich [R, OH]
Their contact forms…"
"13 Senators voted for the implementation of a Value Added Tax or “VAT” on Thursday, just as millions of Americans were out protesting too many taxes.
THIRTEEN Senators voted for this huge tax increase.
One of them, a Republican.
They are…
Sen. Daniel Akaka [D, HI], Sen. Jeff Bingaman [D, NM], Sen. Sherrod Brown
[D, OH], Sen. Robert Byrd [D, WV], Sen. Benjamin Cardin [D, MD], Sen. Byron
Dorgan [D, ND], Sen. Edward Kaufman [D, DE], Sen. Carl Levin [D, MI], Sen.
John Reed [D, RI], Sen. Tom Udall [D, NM], Sen. Jim Webb [D, VA], Sen.
Sheldon Whitehouse [D, RI], Sen. George Voinovich [R, OH]
Their contact forms…"
Vacationing a human right, EU chief says
Vacationing a human right, EU chief says
"The European Union has declared travelling a human right, and is launching a scheme to subsidize vacations with taxpayers' dollars for those too poor to afford their own trips.
Antonio Tajani, the European Union commissioner for enterprise and industry, proposed a strategy that could cost European taxpayers hundreds of millions of euros a year, The Times of London reports.
'Travelling for tourism today is a right. The way we spend our holidays is a formidable indicator of our quality of life,' Mr. Tajani told a group of ministers at The European Tourism Stakeholders Conference in Madrid on April 15."
"The European Union has declared travelling a human right, and is launching a scheme to subsidize vacations with taxpayers' dollars for those too poor to afford their own trips.
Antonio Tajani, the European Union commissioner for enterprise and industry, proposed a strategy that could cost European taxpayers hundreds of millions of euros a year, The Times of London reports.
'Travelling for tourism today is a right. The way we spend our holidays is a formidable indicator of our quality of life,' Mr. Tajani told a group of ministers at The European Tourism Stakeholders Conference in Madrid on April 15."
Monday, April 19, 2010
The Smoking Gun: Archive
The Smoking Gun: Archive
"Since CBS probably won't be repeating the August 4 edition of 'The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn' anytime soon, here's a video still from that evening's infamous 'In The News' segment.
In a monumentally dumb bit, the show superimposed the words 'Snipers Wanted' over an image of Bush delivering his acceptance speech at the Republican convention.
Both CBS and David Letterman's Worldwide Pants (which produces Kilborn's nightly smugfest) apologized for the 'inappropriate and regrettable' graphic/threat.
TSG guesses this means that Dubya won't be taking Dave up on that offer to debate Al Gore on the Ed Sullivan stage. (1 page)"
"Since CBS probably won't be repeating the August 4 edition of 'The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn' anytime soon, here's a video still from that evening's infamous 'In The News' segment.
In a monumentally dumb bit, the show superimposed the words 'Snipers Wanted' over an image of Bush delivering his acceptance speech at the Republican convention.
Both CBS and David Letterman's Worldwide Pants (which produces Kilborn's nightly smugfest) apologized for the 'inappropriate and regrettable' graphic/threat.
TSG guesses this means that Dubya won't be taking Dave up on that offer to debate Al Gore on the Ed Sullivan stage. (1 page)"
Bill Clinton’s Double Standard On Rhetoric. “The problem for Mr. Clinton is that his…
Instapundit » Blog Archive » PETER WEHNER: Bill Clinton’s Double Standard On Rhetoric.
PETER WEHNER: Bill Clinton’s Double Standard On Rhetoric.
“The problem for Mr. Clinton is that his concern about the dangers of incendiary rhetoric seems to have taken flight during the two terms of the Bush presidency, as well as during his own.
Regarding the former, there was, for starters, the 2006 film, The Death of a President, on the assassination of President Bush. . . .
Moreover, George W. Bush was, during his two terms in office, routinely called a war criminal, an international terrorist, and compared to Hitler [see a photo gallery here and here].
Signs with bullet holes in Bush’s forehead, with blood running down his face, were all part of the fun and games.
The president was accused of moral cowardice by Al Gore, of being a liar and the anti-Christ, and of being a totalitarian and dictatorial leader.
Members of Congress such as Keith Ellison compared the attacks on September 11 to the Reichstag fire. . . .
It’s also worth recalling that the Clinton administration organized, coordinated, and participated in some of the ugliest rhetoric we have seen in recent American politics.”
Clinton’s remarks are serving the salutary purpose of reminding people who and what he really was, and dispelling the glow of nostalgia for his presidency that even some conservatives and libertarians were beginning to feel.
UPDATE: Remember the Craig Kilborn / George W. Bush “Snipers Wanted” moment?
Posted by Glenn Reynolds at 9:26 pm"
PETER WEHNER: Bill Clinton’s Double Standard On Rhetoric.
“The problem for Mr. Clinton is that his concern about the dangers of incendiary rhetoric seems to have taken flight during the two terms of the Bush presidency, as well as during his own.
Regarding the former, there was, for starters, the 2006 film, The Death of a President, on the assassination of President Bush. . . .
Moreover, George W. Bush was, during his two terms in office, routinely called a war criminal, an international terrorist, and compared to Hitler [see a photo gallery here and here].
Signs with bullet holes in Bush’s forehead, with blood running down his face, were all part of the fun and games.
The president was accused of moral cowardice by Al Gore, of being a liar and the anti-Christ, and of being a totalitarian and dictatorial leader.
Members of Congress such as Keith Ellison compared the attacks on September 11 to the Reichstag fire. . . .
It’s also worth recalling that the Clinton administration organized, coordinated, and participated in some of the ugliest rhetoric we have seen in recent American politics.”
Clinton’s remarks are serving the salutary purpose of reminding people who and what he really was, and dispelling the glow of nostalgia for his presidency that even some conservatives and libertarians were beginning to feel.
UPDATE: Remember the Craig Kilborn / George W. Bush “Snipers Wanted” moment?
Posted by Glenn Reynolds at 9:26 pm"
Angry Teabaggers Heckle Mr. Wonderful
JammieWearingFool:
Angry Teabaggers Heckle Mr. Wonderful
"Well, at least since they're gay protesters they're authentic teabaggers.
He became totally flustered and his TelePrompter just wasn't prepared for any of this."
Angry Teabaggers Heckle Mr. Wonderful
"Well, at least since they're gay protesters they're authentic teabaggers.
He became totally flustered and his TelePrompter just wasn't prepared for any of this."
Air ban led by flawed computer models
Brussels - Air ban led by flawed computer models
"The computer models that guided decisions to impose a no-fly zone across most of Europe in recent days are based on incomplete science and limited data, according to European officials.
As a result, they may have over-stated the risks to the public, needlessly grounding flights and damaging businesses."
"The computer models that guided decisions to impose a no-fly zone across most of Europe in recent days are based on incomplete science and limited data, according to European officials.
As a result, they may have over-stated the risks to the public, needlessly grounding flights and damaging businesses."
JammieWearingFool
JammieWearingFool
"A day ahead of school budget elections statewide, Gov. Chris Christie today escalated his war of words with the state teachers' union, accusing union representatives of 'using the students like drug mules' to carry information about whether their parents planned to vote."
"A day ahead of school budget elections statewide, Gov. Chris Christie today escalated his war of words with the state teachers' union, accusing union representatives of 'using the students like drug mules' to carry information about whether their parents planned to vote."
UPDATE: Police chief says Roosevelt Park mayor's weekend death was suicide
UPDATE: Police chief says Roosevelt Park mayor's weekend death was suicide
"Authorities have confirmed that Roosevelt Park Mayor Jeff Lenartowicz died Sunday of a self-inflicted gunshot wound."
"Authorities have confirmed that Roosevelt Park Mayor Jeff Lenartowicz died Sunday of a self-inflicted gunshot wound."
New Yorkers Brace for Doorman Strike -2
New Yorkers Brace for Doorman Strike - NYTimes.com
"The 30,000 residential doormen, porters, superintendents, elevator operators and handymen now earn an average of $40,500 a year, with benefits raising the total to nearly $70,000, according to the Realty Advisory Board, which represents building owners.
The workers are seeking wage increases, while building owners are pushing to reduce benefit costs."
I laughed when I read this...and then I stopped laughing and shook my head.
"The 30,000 residential doormen, porters, superintendents, elevator operators and handymen now earn an average of $40,500 a year, with benefits raising the total to nearly $70,000, according to the Realty Advisory Board, which represents building owners.
The workers are seeking wage increases, while building owners are pushing to reduce benefit costs."
I laughed when I read this...and then I stopped laughing and shook my head.
How Public Sector Unions Broke California
The Beholden State by Steven Malanga, City Journal Spring 2010
"The camera focuses on an official of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), California’s largest public-employee union, sitting in a legislative chamber and speaking into a microphone.
“We helped to get you into office, and we got a good memory,” she says matter-of-factly to the elected officials outside the shot.
“Come November, if you don’t back our program, we’ll get you out of office.’"
"The camera focuses on an official of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), California’s largest public-employee union, sitting in a legislative chamber and speaking into a microphone.
“We helped to get you into office, and we got a good memory,” she says matter-of-factly to the elected officials outside the shot.
“Come November, if you don’t back our program, we’ll get you out of office.’"
New Yorkers Brace for Doorman Strike
New Yorkers Brace for Doorman Strike - NYTimes.com
"Who will safeguard my apartment as I sleep?
Greet my children when they come home from school?
Accept deliveries? Clean the hallways? Sort the mail?
Operate the elevator?
And who, for goodness sake, will let the cleaning lady in?"
This ought to be a Saturday night Live parody.
It's not.
It's about the two Americas.
The filthy rich liberal elites and the rest of us.
Wake up folks!
"Who will safeguard my apartment as I sleep?
Greet my children when they come home from school?
Accept deliveries? Clean the hallways? Sort the mail?
Operate the elevator?
And who, for goodness sake, will let the cleaning lady in?"
This ought to be a Saturday night Live parody.
It's not.
It's about the two Americas.
The filthy rich liberal elites and the rest of us.
Wake up folks!
Obama skips Polish funeral, heads to golf course
Obama skips Polish funeral, heads to golf course
"It is the 32nd time Mr. Obama has played golf since taking office Jan. 20, 2009,"....
Mr. Obama has played golf far more often than former President George W. Bush.
In his eight years in office, Mr. Bush played just 24 times.
No story here... unless the golfers were reversed.
"It is the 32nd time Mr. Obama has played golf since taking office Jan. 20, 2009,"....
Mr. Obama has played golf far more often than former President George W. Bush.
In his eight years in office, Mr. Bush played just 24 times.
No story here... unless the golfers were reversed.
WHY CAN'T BLACK KIDS READ?
WHY CAN'T BLACK KIDS READ?
Charlie Sykes:
"The answer, of course, is that they can.
But in Wisconsin, only 9 percent score at the proficient level.
What's wrong with this picture?"
Charlie Sykes:
"The answer, of course, is that they can.
But in Wisconsin, only 9 percent score at the proficient level.
What's wrong with this picture?"
IslamoCare
IslamoCare FrontPage Magazine
"The UK Department of Health recently announced that it would loosen hygiene rules for Muslim and Sikh doctors and nurses.
From now on, Muslim female staff will not need to wash their hands before procedures as it compromises their modesty.
Instead, they will have the admittedly less sanitary option of wearing disposable plastic over-sleeves.
Acknowledging the danger of microbes and death, a Department of Health spokesman said, “The guidance is intended to . . . balance infection control measures with cultural beliefs.”"
"The UK Department of Health recently announced that it would loosen hygiene rules for Muslim and Sikh doctors and nurses.
From now on, Muslim female staff will not need to wash their hands before procedures as it compromises their modesty.
Instead, they will have the admittedly less sanitary option of wearing disposable plastic over-sleeves.
Acknowledging the danger of microbes and death, a Department of Health spokesman said, “The guidance is intended to . . . balance infection control measures with cultural beliefs.”"
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Roosevelt Park Mayor Found Dead in His Home - FOX 17
Roosevelt Park Mayor Found Dead in His Home - FOX 17
"Lenartowicz was also the financial supervisor for the Muskegon County sheriff's department."
Very sad when one so young and promising dies.
But, I suspect the police are looking at:
1. The "Celestial Bullet". The heart attack, fall or stroke that comes out of nowhere for a young person.
2. Random crime. A burglar or neighbor problem that just hit at the wrong time.
3. Marital/girlfriend/etc. problems. I see no mention of his wife/children/girlfriend/boyfriend. Any bad blood going on?
4. Suicide. Lots of possibilities for a young politician but I'd focus on his "financial supervisor for the Muskegon County sheriff's department" position. Lot's of opportunity to make mistakes there.
And plenty of precedent in Muskegon....and Wall Street.
How sad that I hope it's a stroke or heart attack.
"Lenartowicz was also the financial supervisor for the Muskegon County sheriff's department."
Very sad when one so young and promising dies.
But, I suspect the police are looking at:
1. The "Celestial Bullet". The heart attack, fall or stroke that comes out of nowhere for a young person.
2. Random crime. A burglar or neighbor problem that just hit at the wrong time.
3. Marital/girlfriend/etc. problems. I see no mention of his wife/children/girlfriend/boyfriend. Any bad blood going on?
4. Suicide. Lots of possibilities for a young politician but I'd focus on his "financial supervisor for the Muskegon County sheriff's department" position. Lot's of opportunity to make mistakes there.
And plenty of precedent in Muskegon....and Wall Street.
How sad that I hope it's a stroke or heart attack.
White supremacist rally ends with five arrests and two assaults, police say
White supremacist rally ends with five arrests and two assaults, police say
"One man, who sported Nazi tattoos, was severely beaten near City Hall while another man, who carried a confusing sign about religion with a scribbled swastika, was pummeled by a mob of people on Spring Street between 1st and 2nd."
So.
The folks causing the violence were....Tea Party protesters?
We'll probable see a lot of anguished looks on tomorrow's MSM's newsreader's faces about the violence from the .......I guess there isn't a right wing "group" listed in this article.
Yeah, right....
"One man, who sported Nazi tattoos, was severely beaten near City Hall while another man, who carried a confusing sign about religion with a scribbled swastika, was pummeled by a mob of people on Spring Street between 1st and 2nd."
So.
The folks causing the violence were....Tea Party protesters?
We'll probable see a lot of anguished looks on tomorrow's MSM's newsreader's faces about the violence from the .......I guess there isn't a right wing "group" listed in this article.
Yeah, right....
BBC News - Volcanic ash incidents involving airliners
BBC News - Volcanic ash incidents involving airliners
"The US Geological Survey says at least 102 aircraft encountered volcanic ash clouds between 1973 and 2003.
The risk is naturally greater when aircraft fly in areas of volcanic activity.
Studies suggest that ash from the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines in 1991 was responsible for 20 incidents involving aircraft. One US airline grounded its aircraft at Manila for several days.
When Mount Popocatepetl in Mexico erupted in 1997, there was minor disruption to flights, with one crew experiencing such reduced visibility after landing they had to look through the flight deck's side windows to see where they were going."
Theses are big eruptions, with little commercial airline interruption and no fatalities.
Is the Icelandic event being overblown?
And if so why?
"The US Geological Survey says at least 102 aircraft encountered volcanic ash clouds between 1973 and 2003.
The risk is naturally greater when aircraft fly in areas of volcanic activity.
Studies suggest that ash from the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines in 1991 was responsible for 20 incidents involving aircraft. One US airline grounded its aircraft at Manila for several days.
When Mount Popocatepetl in Mexico erupted in 1997, there was minor disruption to flights, with one crew experiencing such reduced visibility after landing they had to look through the flight deck's side windows to see where they were going."
Theses are big eruptions, with little commercial airline interruption and no fatalities.
Is the Icelandic event being overblown?
And if so why?
Roosevelt Park Mayor Jeff Lenartowicz is dead at 34
Roosevelt Park Mayor Jeff Lenartowicz is dead at 34
"As of early Sunday evening, no information on the cause of his death was available.
Lenartowicz, who was 33 when he was named to the city's top elected position, may have been the youngest mayor in the city's more than 60-year history."
"As of early Sunday evening, no information on the cause of his death was available.
Lenartowicz, who was 33 when he was named to the city's top elected position, may have been the youngest mayor in the city's more than 60-year history."
What Democrats Mean By "Civility"
Power Line - What Democrats Mean By "Civility"
"Minnesota Democrat Betty McCollum, who represents St. Paul and environs, wasted no time explaining what Hoyer meant.
On the House floor on Tuesday, she claimed that today's conservatives, especially Tea Partiers, are just like Timothy McVeigh. She did so, of course, in the name of 'civility:'
Madam Speaker, today I rise to remember the victims of the 1995 terrorist attack in Oklahoma City that killed 168 people.
This act of American terrorism was committed by a man who viewed the federal government as such a threat that it justified mass murder.
I applaud my colleague from Oklahoma for her resolution because it serves as a reminder that right-wing, anti-government extremist groups are on the rise today. ..
Mark Potok of the Southern Poverty Law Center states, 'Individuals associated with the Patriot movement during its 1990s heyday produced an enormous amount of violence, most dramatically the Oklahoma City bombing...'
Today, Mr. Potok states, 'as the movement has exploded, so has the reach of its ideas, aided and abetted by commentators and politicians...'"
"Minnesota Democrat Betty McCollum, who represents St. Paul and environs, wasted no time explaining what Hoyer meant.
On the House floor on Tuesday, she claimed that today's conservatives, especially Tea Partiers, are just like Timothy McVeigh. She did so, of course, in the name of 'civility:'
Madam Speaker, today I rise to remember the victims of the 1995 terrorist attack in Oklahoma City that killed 168 people.
This act of American terrorism was committed by a man who viewed the federal government as such a threat that it justified mass murder.
I applaud my colleague from Oklahoma for her resolution because it serves as a reminder that right-wing, anti-government extremist groups are on the rise today. ..
Mark Potok of the Southern Poverty Law Center states, 'Individuals associated with the Patriot movement during its 1990s heyday produced an enormous amount of violence, most dramatically the Oklahoma City bombing...'
Today, Mr. Potok states, 'as the movement has exploded, so has the reach of its ideas, aided and abetted by commentators and politicians...'"
Temple for Ted Kennedy built with pork
Watchdogs: Temple for Ted Kennedy built with pork
"The new taxpayer-funded total would cover the full $60 million estimated cost of building the project, adjacent to John F. Kennedy Presidential Library at Columbia Point.
And it would put the public on the hook for nearly half the project’s $150 million target."
"The new taxpayer-funded total would cover the full $60 million estimated cost of building the project, adjacent to John F. Kennedy Presidential Library at Columbia Point.
And it would put the public on the hook for nearly half the project’s $150 million target."
Cities must control employee costs
Cities must control employee costs visaliatimesdelta.com Visalia Times-Delta and Tulare Advance-Register:
"Visalia's City Council listened to a startling report about the rise in expenses for its employees this week.
City staff told the council that the increases in costs for employee salaries and benefits is approaching a point that is unsustainable.
The city is looking at the prospect of having employee expenses constitute 70 percent of its budget or more."
"Visalia's City Council listened to a startling report about the rise in expenses for its employees this week.
City staff told the council that the increases in costs for employee salaries and benefits is approaching a point that is unsustainable.
The city is looking at the prospect of having employee expenses constitute 70 percent of its budget or more."
Teachers union shows its true colors on reform bill
Teachers union shows its true colors on reform bill
"If you had any doubt about the motivation of the Colorado Education Association when it comes to teacher tenure and evaluation reform, wonder no longer.
The CEA is playing what it considers to be its trump card.
By announcing last week that it will refuse to support the state's second-round application for a $175 million federal Race to the Top grant, the union is showing its true colors"
"If you had any doubt about the motivation of the Colorado Education Association when it comes to teacher tenure and evaluation reform, wonder no longer.
The CEA is playing what it considers to be its trump card.
By announcing last week that it will refuse to support the state's second-round application for a $175 million federal Race to the Top grant, the union is showing its true colors"
Climategate: a scandal that won’t go away
Climategate: a scandal that won’t go away
"If you were faced with by far the biggest bill of your life, would you not want to be confident that there was a very good reason why you should pay it?
That is why we need to know just how far we can trust the science behind the official view that the world is threatened with catastrophe by global warming – because the measures proposed by our politicians to avert this supposed disaster threaten to transform our way of life out of recognition and to land us with easily the biggest bill in history.
(The Climate Change Act alone, says the Government, will cost us all £18 billion every year until 2050.)"
.....The crown jewels of the IPCC’s case that the world faces catastrophic warming have been all those graphs based on tree rings which purport to show that temperatures have lately been soaring to levels never known before in history – thus eradicating all the evidence that the world was hotter than today during the Medieval Warm Period, long before any rise in CO2 levels.
Best known of these graphs, of course, was Michael Mann’s “hockey stick”, comprehensively discredited by the expert Canadian statistician Stephen McIntyre and Professor Ross McKitrick.
But the IPCC was able to defend its case with the aid of another set of “hockey sticks”, based on different tree rings, produced by Mann’s close allies at the CRU.
The most widely quoted of the Climategate emails was that from the CRU’s director, Philip Jones, saying that he had used “Mike’s Nature trick” to “hide the decline”.
If there was anything in the CRU’s record which a proper inquiry should have addressed it was the story behind this email, because what it highlighted was the device used by the CRU to get round the fact that its tree-ring data hopelessly failed to show the result the warmist establishment wanted.
When their Siberian tree rings showed temperatures in the late 20th century sharply dropping rather than rising, the “trick” used by Prof Jones and his colleague Dr Keith Briffa, copied from Mike Mann’s own “hockey stick”, was simply to delete the downward curve shown by the tree rings, replacing them with late 20th-century temperature data to show the dramatic warming they wanted.
The significance of this sleight of hand can scarcely be exaggerated.
Why, in using this misleading graph, did the IPCC not explain the trick that had been played by its leading scientists?
If tree rings were so inadequate in reflecting 20th-century temperatures, why should they be relied on to reflect temperatures in earlier centuries?
Why, when fresh Siberian tree ring data came to light, making a nonsense of the CRU’s earlier temperature reconstructions, did the CRU simply ignore the new data?
Anyone who has followed the meticulous analysis of this curious story by Steve McIntyre on his Climate Audit website might well conclude that we are looking here at a complete travesty of proper scientific procedure, matched only by the bizarre methods used by Mann himself to construct his original hockey stick.
Yet these are the men, Mann, Jones and Briffa, who acted as the “lead authors” of the key chapters of the IPCC’s 2001 and 2007 reports.
"If you were faced with by far the biggest bill of your life, would you not want to be confident that there was a very good reason why you should pay it?
That is why we need to know just how far we can trust the science behind the official view that the world is threatened with catastrophe by global warming – because the measures proposed by our politicians to avert this supposed disaster threaten to transform our way of life out of recognition and to land us with easily the biggest bill in history.
(The Climate Change Act alone, says the Government, will cost us all £18 billion every year until 2050.)"
.....The crown jewels of the IPCC’s case that the world faces catastrophic warming have been all those graphs based on tree rings which purport to show that temperatures have lately been soaring to levels never known before in history – thus eradicating all the evidence that the world was hotter than today during the Medieval Warm Period, long before any rise in CO2 levels.
Best known of these graphs, of course, was Michael Mann’s “hockey stick”, comprehensively discredited by the expert Canadian statistician Stephen McIntyre and Professor Ross McKitrick.
But the IPCC was able to defend its case with the aid of another set of “hockey sticks”, based on different tree rings, produced by Mann’s close allies at the CRU.
The most widely quoted of the Climategate emails was that from the CRU’s director, Philip Jones, saying that he had used “Mike’s Nature trick” to “hide the decline”.
If there was anything in the CRU’s record which a proper inquiry should have addressed it was the story behind this email, because what it highlighted was the device used by the CRU to get round the fact that its tree-ring data hopelessly failed to show the result the warmist establishment wanted.
When their Siberian tree rings showed temperatures in the late 20th century sharply dropping rather than rising, the “trick” used by Prof Jones and his colleague Dr Keith Briffa, copied from Mike Mann’s own “hockey stick”, was simply to delete the downward curve shown by the tree rings, replacing them with late 20th-century temperature data to show the dramatic warming they wanted.
The significance of this sleight of hand can scarcely be exaggerated.
Why, in using this misleading graph, did the IPCC not explain the trick that had been played by its leading scientists?
If tree rings were so inadequate in reflecting 20th-century temperatures, why should they be relied on to reflect temperatures in earlier centuries?
Why, when fresh Siberian tree ring data came to light, making a nonsense of the CRU’s earlier temperature reconstructions, did the CRU simply ignore the new data?
Anyone who has followed the meticulous analysis of this curious story by Steve McIntyre on his Climate Audit website might well conclude that we are looking here at a complete travesty of proper scientific procedure, matched only by the bizarre methods used by Mann himself to construct his original hockey stick.
Yet these are the men, Mann, Jones and Briffa, who acted as the “lead authors” of the key chapters of the IPCC’s 2001 and 2007 reports.
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