Pension Mess the Result of Union Fantasy Politics

Pension Mess the Result of Union Fantasy Politics - Mark Baisley - Townhall Finance Conservative Columnists and Financial Commentary - Page 1:

We only have to look as far as Detroit to see the results of statism carried out to its tragic mathematical folly. Not only do the neighborhoods look like General Rommel just marched through, the bank accounts also look like they have been victimized by Nazi plunder. Detroit’s public employee pension plan is about $20 billion in the hole.

Several other large American cities are facing similar crises in unfunded pension liabilities, with Chicago leading in debt as tall as its skyscrapers. The state of Illinois, along with all of its city governments, combine for more that $200 billion in unfunded retirement promises to its public employees.

This national mess is purely the outcome of fantasy politics. Liberals vote liberals into office who promise liberals that they will liberally fund their pensions. The sum of all unfunded public employee pension liabilities across the country is now pushing $1 trillion. It’s just not funny anymore.

While less dramatic, Social Security is facing a similar demise. The insolvency date keeps officially moving closer and is now predicted to arrive about 18 years from today.

The United States Treasury withholds money from our paychecks during our working years with the good intent of making payments back to us during our retirement years. But the moment that our withheld dollars arrive in Washington, they are immediately borrowed by an out-of-control Congress to fund the dreams of the president’s father.

History for February 10

History for February 10 - On-This-Day.com

Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show begins at Madison Square Garden, New York, NY (Feb 10-11). 138th annual. See www.westminsterkennelclub.org

Birth anniversaries of Boris Pasternak (1890-1960) and Bertolt Brecht (1898-1956).

Happy Birthday! Donovan, Roberta Flack, Mark Spitz

1763 - The Treaty of Paris ended the French and Indian War. In the treaty France ceded Canada to England. 


1846 - Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints began their exodus to the west from Illinois. 


1863 - In New York City, two of the world’s most famous midgets, General Tom Thumb and Lavinia Warren were married. 


1863 - The fire extinguisher was patented by Alanson Crane. 


1962 - The Soviet Union exchanged capture American U2 pilot Francis Gary Powers for the Soviet spy Rudolph Ivanovich Abel being held by the U.S. 


1992 - Mike Tyson was convicted in Indianapolis of raping Desiree Washington, Miss Black American contestant. 


2005 - North Korea publicly announced for the first time that it had nuclear arms. The country also rejected attempts to restart disarmament talks in the near future saying that it needed the weapons as protection against an increasingly hostile United States.

CHANGE OF PLANS FOR MONDAY'S SKI

Let's make Monday's ski a loop returning to Coast Guard Park, with the goal to make it to the Hoffmaster picnic shelter.  For those who don't wish to ski that far, some can turn back at any point.  There will be no automobile transportation from Hoffmaster as originally planned.

See you there.--

Norway Deports Record Number Of Muslims To Reduce Crime

» Norway Deports Record Number Of Muslims To Reduce Crime:

"Norway Deports Record Number Of Muslims To Reduce Crime
Record number of foreigners deported.

Record number of foreign citizens were deported from Norway last year, after country’s police stepped up the use of deportation as a way of fighting crime."

10 Travel Mistakes That Will Ruin Your Life

10 Travel Mistakes That Will Ruin Your Life - Airfarewatchdog:

"Contracting Parasites 
 You can't see them, and you might not know you have them until months or even years later, but parasites can ruin your health.

Microscopic parasites can be contracted by drinking contaminated water, by eating undercooked meats or improperly washed fruits and vegetables, or through a bug bite.

One SmarterTravel staffer experienced the trauma of a parasite, and his story gives us chills:
"I don't know where I contracted [leishmaniasis].
They think most likely when I was in Crete, since that timing seemed to fit and that was the only place I'd been where this disease occurs, although it's still pretty rare there.
If it was Crete, the symptoms didn't appear until almost a year later.
I was on and off sick for about four months until they figured out what it was.
Went through lots of doctor's visits and tests.
They were going to remove my spleen for diagnosis but found out what it was right before that."

The Full Putin

The Full Putin :: SteynOnline:

"MARK STEYN:

Well, if that's what it's come down to, Hugh, I picked up the Union Leader this morning, and there is Scott Brown topless on the front page of the Union Leader [RIGHT].

I think he's the first Republican to appear, Republican candidate to appear topless on the front page of the Union Leader since Elizabeth Dole in 1999. 

I can't remember, my memory may be playing tricks.

But I can assure you, I'm running a serious, sober campaign, and I intend to remain fully clothed, at least until the focus groups reveal that there is some advantage to me disrobing."

‘Work is a beautiful thing’: Powerful 60 second video renews Americans’ pride

‘Work is a beautiful thing’: Powerful 60 second video renews Americans’ pride - BizPac Review

“Dirty Jobs” host Mike Rowe teamed up with Wal-Mart to make a compelling video describing the most basic commodity of humankind — labor, and the dignity it provides.

Whether it’s digging a road-side ditch or solving a problem in quantum physics, the nobility of labor offers a satisfaction and fills a need that can’t be replaced by free health care or an EBT card.

‘Hypocrisy Much?!’: What Leaders of N.C. Rally Against Stricter Voter I.D. Laws Tell Marchers to Carry Just Might Make Your Head Explode

‘Hypocrisy Much?!’: What Leaders of N.C. Rally Against Stricter Voter I.D. Laws Tell Marchers to Carry Just Might Make Your Head Explode | TheBlaze.com:

"You have to wonder how many among the thousands who participated in Saturday’s “Moral March on Raleigh” in North Carolina, angry with GOP policies approved in 2013 — including a stricter voter I.D. law — heeded one peculiar warning from march organizers:"

There are still 4 million fewer full-time jobs in America than before the Great Recession

There are still 4 million fewer full-time jobs in America than before the Great Recession | AEIdeas:

"Before the Great Recession, there were 122 million full-time jobs in America.

Now 4 1/2 years after its end, there are still just 118 million full-time jobs in America despite a labor force that is 1.6 million larger and a nonjailed, nonmilitary adult working-age population that is 14 million larger.

WeMOG-Monday

Ski Coast North Ottawa Dunes to Hoffmaster

Monday, February 10

1:00

Meet at Coast Guard Park at 12:55.

Ski to Hoffmaster picnic shelter.  We will have cars there to drive us back to Coast Guard Park.  Some may want to ski back!?!?  Weather forecast remains very cold -  in the teens.  

Will cancel by 8:00 if weather threatens driving conditions.

1,154,000 Fewer Americans Working Today Than 6 Years Ago

1,154,000 Fewer Americans Working Today Than 6 Years Ago | CNS News:

"1,154,000 fewer Americans are working today than six years ago, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

In January 2008, 146,378,000 Americans 16 and over were employed, and now in January 2014, 145,224,000 are employed, a difference of 1,154,000.

91,455,000 Americans 16 or older did not participate in the nation’s labor force in January, meaning they neither held a job nor actively sought one.

That's a 353,000 decline from December, but 172,000 more than November.

Black residents reject Trader Joe’s because it would attract too many white people

Black residents reject Trader Joe’s because it would attract too many white people - BizPac Review:

"The Trader Joe’s grocery chain has withdrawn plans to build a store in the heart of a predominantly black neighborhood after a black leadership group fought the move.

The Portland Development Commission was set to give the grocer a large discount on property that had been vacant for years, pricing it at just over $500,000, down from an appraised value of $2.9 million, according to The Oregonian.

 The Portland African American Leadership Forum sent a scathing letter in December to city leaders, saying the plan would price residents out of the area and the group“remains opposed to any development in North/Northeast Portland that does not primarily benefit the black community.”"

10 of the Coolest Olympics Helmets

10 of the Coolest Olympics Helmets (sochi, olympics, helmet, skeleton) - ODDEE:

Being unemployed is GREAT!---------------They quit their jobs, thanks to the health law

They quit their jobs, thanks to the health law - The Washington Post:

"But with the health-care law soon to take effect, she simply resigned — and hasn’t looked back.

“It was wonderful. 

It was very freeing,” said Lower, 56, of Bourbon, Ind., who is now babysitting her 5-year-old granddaughter full time.

With the help of federal subsidies that kicked in Jan. 1, she is paying less than $500 a month for health coverage for herself and her husband"

Racist republicans!---------------GOP proposal would require food stamp recipients to show photo ID

GOP proposal would require food stamp recipients to show photo ID | Fox News:

"Several House Republicans have introduced a proposal that would require food stamp recipients to show photo identification when making purchases -- a move they say is necessary to prevent fraud in the program that aids 1 in 7 Americans."

History for February 9

History for February 9 - On-This-Day.com:

Birth anniversary of 9^th US president, William Henry Harrison (1773-1841). Served 33 days before succumbing to pneumonia contracted during the inaugural ceremonies.

100th birth anniversaries of ecdysiast Gypsy Rose Lee (1914-70)

Happy Birthday! Mia Farrow

1825 - The U.S. House of Representatives elected John Quincy Adams president. No candidate had received a majority of electoral votes. 


1861 - The Provisional Congress of the Confederate States of America elected Jefferson Davis as its president. 


1895 - Volley Ball was invented by W.G. Morgan. 


1895 - The first college basketball game was played as Minnesota State School of Agriculture defeated the Porkers of Hamline College, 9-3. 


1942 - Daylight-saving "War Time" went into effect in the U.S.
 

1943 - During World War II, the battle of Guadalcanal ended with an American victory over Japanese forces. 


1950 - U.S. Senator Joseph McCarthy charged that the State Department was riddled with Communists. ." 


1969 - The Boeing 747 flew its inaugural flight. 

(Infographic) Who Owns Your Congressman?

(Infographic) Who Owns Your Congressman? - The Federalist Papers

[SHORT VERSION] Black conservative leaders discuss how the NRA was creat...

Almost One in Four 26-Year-Olds Still Live with Parents

Almost One in Four 26-Year-Olds Still Live with Parents:

A ten-year survey of millennials reveals that almost one in four (22.6%) 26-year-olds are still living with their parents.

The U.S. Department of Education report confirmed that, if you are tired of living with Mom and Dad, then do your homework and stay in school. 
According to the survey titled“Where Are They Now," education makes a difference: generally those with more schooling were less likely to be living at home. 
The study shed some light on how older millennials have been faring during the Great Recession. 

According to a Pew Research analysis of the 2012 data, lower levels of employment, an increase in college enrollment, and a decrease in young people getting married are major factors in the increase of millennials living at home. 

The survey followed 13,000 high school students who were sophomores in 2002, and checked in with them in 2012 to see where are they now.  Some of the results are:

• 10% living with roommate(s), prompting fellow millennial Katy Waldman to write an embarrassing Slate article bearing the headline, "More 27-Year-Olds Live With Parents Than Roommates"
• 53.8 percent made less than $25,000 from employment in 2011
• 40%  had been unemployed for one or more months since January 2009
• 13% reported they were neither working for pay nor taking postsecondary courses
• 60.2 %  of those who had enrolled in college, reported they had taken out student loans

This is what other countries do when illegals break their laws------US Army vet faces 3 years in Canadian prison after mistakenly bringing gun to border

US Army vet faces 3 years in Canadian prison after mistakenly bringing gun to border, says lawyer | Fox News:
"Louis DiNatale, the former Army soldier, says he forgot the gun was inside his wife's car, so when he was asked by a Canadian border agent when the last time he had a weapon on him, he responded, "Earlier that week," The Los Angeles Times reported.
The border agent searched his wife's car and located a .380 handgun.

"It was an honest mistake," DiNatale, told Postmedia News Wednesday from Louisville, Ky., where he works as a paralegal.
"There's not even a traffic ticket in my background.
Why would I come to Canada to bring a small weapon to smuggle in?"

He was handcuffed, jailed for four days and posted bail. 
His court date is set for June."

They're preparing for an invasion or an attack?

South Carolina Woman Shoots and Kills Violent, Abusive Boyfriend

South Carolina Woman Shoots and Kills Violent, Abusive Boyfriend:
"As we’ve said numerous times in the past, guns are the ultimate equalizer.

They can easily allow someone smaller, slower, weaker or older than their attacker to quickly gain the upper hand.

 That’s exactly what happened in this story out of Orangeburg, SC."

Another Obama Success Story: Healthcare Costs for Small Businesses Have Doubled Since 2009

Another Obama Success Story: Healthcare Costs for Small Businesses Have Doubled Since 2009 | Jammie Wearing Fools

Don’t worry, though, ObamaCare will fix all this or something.

Healthcare costs for small businesses have doubled under President Obama, according to a new study.

The report from the National Small Business Association (NSBA) surveyed 780 small business owners and found that healthcare cost increases are preventing many companies from growing.

The study found the cost of providing health insurance to employees has nearly doubled during the Obama administration. Currently, small businesses pay a monthly average of $1,121 per employee for health insurance premiums, up from $590 in 2009.

According to the study, 91 percent of small businesses saw their healthcare costs go up during their most recent renewal period.

A prominent House Republican pointed to the study as “further evidence” that ObamaCare is hurting small businesses.

“Surprisingly, there are some that deny the healthcare law is hurting the economy or small businesses, despite the mounting evidence of the law’s ill effects,” said Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.), chairman of the House Small Business Committee.

Retirement plan for Paterson cops, firefighters puts four-year tab at $11 million

Retirement plan for Paterson cops, firefighters puts four-year tab at $11 million : page all - NorthJersey.com: "PATERSON – City officials are planning to borrow $1.65 million to pay nine firefighters and eight police officers for unused leave days when they retire.

This would represent the fourth consecutive year in which Paterson has borrowed money to pay severance to retiring firefighters and police officers at a total cost of more than $11 million over that time."

Fla. Bill Banning Suspension for Gun-Shaped Pop-Tarts Moves Forward

Fla. Bill Banning Suspension for Gun-Shaped Pop-Tarts Moves Forward | National Review Online:

"Students in Florida are one step closer to being able to freely make gun symbols out of pastries and their fingers without retribution.

..... The Republican-introduced “Pop-Tart Bill,” named after a Maryland eight-year-old who was suspended for biting his snack into the shape of a gun, unanimously passed the K–12 subcommittee with bipartisan support. “This is addressing a zero-tolerance policy that often will not allow people to use common sense because their hands are tied,”

Really, really worth your time. Our government at war with US------Catherine Engelbrecht's Testimony at House of Representatives Hearing on...

Hate is the Force that Gives the Left Meaning

Hate is the Force that Gives the Left Meaning:

"Watch MSNBC or browse any left-wing site and you see a level of anger that would make you think that Al Gore had just conceded or Nixon had just won reelection.
There’s more anger in the privileged circles of the left than in the political rearguard of the Tea Party.

That anger trickles from the top down.
Obama’s interview with Bill O’Reilly was yet another opportunity for the most powerful man in the country to blame a vast right wing conspiracy.
A day doesn’t pass without another email from Obama, his wife, Sandra Fluke or Joe Biden warning that without another five or ten dollar contribution, the “right” will take over America.

The left has unchallenged control over the government, academia and the entertainment industry and yet it talks as if the country is 5 seconds away from Sarah Palin marching into Washington D.C. at the head of an army of Duck Dynasty fans to outlaw abortion."