Once Considered Unthinkable, U.S. Sales Tax Gets Fresh Look
"'There is a growing awareness of the need for fundamental tax reform,' Sen. Kent Conrad (D-N.D.) said in an interview. 'I think a VAT and a high-end income tax have got to be on the table.'
A VAT is a tax on the transfer of goods and services that ultimately is borne by the consumer. Highly visible, it would increase the cost of just about everything, from a carton of eggs to a visit with a lawyer. It is also hugely regressive, falling heavily on the poor. But VAT advocates say those negatives could be offset by using the proceeds to pay for health care for every American -- a tangible benefit that would be highly valuable to low-income families."
Understand that "fundamental tax reform" means MORE TAXES!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Buying Brand New $23,000 Cars For Commuters in Phoenix is Cheaper Than Light Rail for $1.4B
Buying Brand New $23,000 Cars For Commuters in Phoenix is Cheaper Than Light Rail for $1.4B
"Well, if we bought each of these folks a brand new Prius III for $23,000 it would cost us just over $425 million.
This is WAY less than the $1.4 billion we pay to move them by rail instead.
We could have bought every regular rider a Prius and still have a billion dollars left over!"
"Well, if we bought each of these folks a brand new Prius III for $23,000 it would cost us just over $425 million.
This is WAY less than the $1.4 billion we pay to move them by rail instead.
We could have bought every regular rider a Prius and still have a billion dollars left over!"
Monday, May 25, 2009
Online news fees: financial salvation or suicide?
Online news fees: financial salvation or suicide?: "'To me, an online subscription is just the commonsense thing to do,' says Roger Plothow, editor and publisher of the Post Register in Idaho Falls, Idaho. 'To just give it all away on a Web site is completely and blindly idiotic.'"
Online news fees: financial salvation or suicide?
Online news fees: financial salvation or suicide?: "The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette is a rarity among large U.S. newspapers—it's selling more weekday copies than a decade ago. In Idaho, the Post Register's circulation has remained stable, while many other print publications have lost readers to the Internet. How can this be?
The executives behind the Arkansas and Idaho newspapers believe it's because they've been giving free access to their Web sites only to people who subscribe to the printed edition. Everyone else has to pay to read the Democrat-Gazette and the Post Register online. Meanwhile, most publishers have been giving away their stories and photos to all comers on the Internet."
The executives behind the Arkansas and Idaho newspapers believe it's because they've been giving free access to their Web sites only to people who subscribe to the printed edition. Everyone else has to pay to read the Democrat-Gazette and the Post Register online. Meanwhile, most publishers have been giving away their stories and photos to all comers on the Internet."
Legislature shuts door on nurse care
Legislature shuts door on nurse care
"The word in Washington is that health care reform, not immigration or energy, is Congress' top priority this year.
This means universal, or near universal, insurance coverage is likely. Insuring nearly everyone means more health care, right? Wrong. If the number of health care providers remains the same, it means less health care for everyone. If universal coverage materializes, you won't want to fall ill, especially in Texas.
Look at Massachusetts, where waits to see primary care doctors grew to as long as 100 days as of last September. The state's new insurance policy extended coverage in 2006 to 439,000 more people. The number of doctors putting out “no new patients” signs also is rising, the Boston Globe reported."
Where are the proofs of cheaper, more efficient health care provided by ANY government?
"The word in Washington is that health care reform, not immigration or energy, is Congress' top priority this year.
This means universal, or near universal, insurance coverage is likely. Insuring nearly everyone means more health care, right? Wrong. If the number of health care providers remains the same, it means less health care for everyone. If universal coverage materializes, you won't want to fall ill, especially in Texas.
Look at Massachusetts, where waits to see primary care doctors grew to as long as 100 days as of last September. The state's new insurance policy extended coverage in 2006 to 439,000 more people. The number of doctors putting out “no new patients” signs also is rising, the Boston Globe reported."
Where are the proofs of cheaper, more efficient health care provided by ANY government?
Hope and Change's Shelf Life
Hope and Change's Shelf Life - Victor Davis Hanson
"In other words, rather than explaining the bleak choices before us and explaining why his preferences have the best chance of succeeding, Obama has so far reduced his presidency to two themes: 'Bush did it' and 'I'm not your normal white male President.' If he keeps this monotony up, at some point even the comedians are going to notice the predictability.
Sorry, we need more than that to keep us safe from some creepy enemies and get the economy back on track."
"In other words, rather than explaining the bleak choices before us and explaining why his preferences have the best chance of succeeding, Obama has so far reduced his presidency to two themes: 'Bush did it' and 'I'm not your normal white male President.' If he keeps this monotony up, at some point even the comedians are going to notice the predictability.
Sorry, we need more than that to keep us safe from some creepy enemies and get the economy back on track."
Sunday, May 24, 2009
An amazing WW2 story
Look carefully at the B-17 and note how shot up it is - one engine dead, tail, horizontal stabilizer and nose shot up.. It was ready to fall out of the sky. (This is a painting done by an artist from the description of both pilots many years later.) Then realize that there is a German ME-109 fighter flying next to it. Now read the story below. I think you'll be surprised.....
Charlie Brown was a B-17 Flying Fortress pilot with the 379th Bomber Group at Kimbolton, England. His B-17 was called 'Ye Old Pub' and was in a terrible state, having been hit by flak and fighters. The compass was damaged and they were flying deeper over enemy territory instead of heading home to Kimbolton. After flying the B-17 over an enemy airfield, a German pilot named Franz Steigler was ordered to take off and shoot down the B-17. When he got near the B-17, he could not believe his eyes. In his words, he 'had never seen a plane in such a bad state'. The tail and rear section was severely damaged, and the tail gunner wounded. The top gunner was all over the top of the fuselage. The nose was smashed and there were holes everywhere. Despite having ammunition, Franz flew to the side of the B-17 and looked at Charlie Brown, the pilot. Brown was scared and struggling to control his damaged and blood-stained plane.
Charlie Brown was a B-17 Flying Fortress pilot with the 379th Bomber Group at Kimbolton, England. His B-17 was called 'Ye Old Pub' and was in a terrible state, having been hit by flak and fighters. The compass was damaged and they were flying deeper over enemy territory instead of heading home to Kimbolton. After flying the B-17 over an enemy airfield, a German pilot named Franz Steigler was ordered to take off and shoot down the B-17. When he got near the B-17, he could not believe his eyes. In his words, he 'had never seen a plane in such a bad state'. The tail and rear section was severely damaged, and the tail gunner wounded. The top gunner was all over the top of the fuselage. The nose was smashed and there were holes everywhere. Despite having ammunition, Franz flew to the side of the B-17 and looked at Charlie Brown, the pilot. Brown was scared and struggling to control his damaged and blood-stained plane.
Aware that they had no idea where they were going, Franz waved at Charlie to turn 180 degrees. Franz escorted and guided the stricken plane to, and slightly over, the North Sea towards England. He then saluted Charlie Brown and turned away, back to Europe.
When Franz landed he told the CO that the plane had been shot down over the sea, and never told the truth to anybody. Charlie Brown and the remains of his crew told all at their briefing, but were ordered never to talk about it.
More than 40 years later, Charlie Brown wanted to find the Luftwaffe pilot who saved the crew. After years of research, Franz was found. He had never talked about the incident, not even at post-war reunions.
They met in the USA at a 379th Bomber Group reunion, together with 25 people who are alive now - all because Franz never fired his guns that day. (L-R) German Ace Franz Stigler, artist Ernie Boyett, and B-17 pilot Charlie Brown.
When asked why he didn't shoot them down, Stigler later said, "I didn't have the heart to finish those brave men. I flew beside them for a long time. They were trying desperately to get home and I was going to let them do that. I could not have shot at them. It would have been the same as shooting at a man in a parachute."
Both men died in 2008.
This story is essentially true:
Reagan's Impromptu Speech at 1976 GOP Convention
Saturday's wonderful, Muskegon Patriots gathering to honor our American fallen vets mentioned this short speech by President Reagan.
I've added another link to his moving "Shining City on a Hill" speech in 1974:
http://www.originofnations.org/books,%20papers/quotes%20etc/Reagan_The%20Shining%20City%20Upon%20A%20Hill%20speech.htm
Veterans Appreciation Event recap
Bottom Up Politics:
"I left the above meeting and hurried down to the “Veterans Appreciation Event” being put on by “Muskegon Patriots”. I have been working with Josh Charney the leader of Muskegon Patriots along with several others to help put on the event. Compared to the previous Tea Party event, the turnout was smaller. We planned on that due to the nature of the event, and the threat of rain also played a part. We did have a nice event with by my count, over 50 people braving the elements."
Nice recap of a proud event recognizing those who gave their all.
"I left the above meeting and hurried down to the “Veterans Appreciation Event” being put on by “Muskegon Patriots”. I have been working with Josh Charney the leader of Muskegon Patriots along with several others to help put on the event. Compared to the previous Tea Party event, the turnout was smaller. We planned on that due to the nature of the event, and the threat of rain also played a part. We did have a nice event with by my count, over 50 people braving the elements."
Nice recap of a proud event recognizing those who gave their all.
Splat! Former SKorean leader leaps to death over scandal
Former SKorean leader leaps to death over scandal
"Former President Roh Moo-hyun, embroiled in a penetrating corruption investigation, leaped to his death Saturday — a shocking end for a man whose rags-to-riches rise took him from rural poverty to Seoul's presidential Blue House. He was 62."
Wouldn't the USA be a better place if more "American" politicians took this option?
"Former President Roh Moo-hyun, embroiled in a penetrating corruption investigation, leaped to his death Saturday — a shocking end for a man whose rags-to-riches rise took him from rural poverty to Seoul's presidential Blue House. He was 62."
Wouldn't the USA be a better place if more "American" politicians took this option?
Snarky Huntress-tax grab!
Snarky Huntress: "When government leaders claim to oppose tax increases and promise not to create new taxes but then raid trust funds, they have deceived you because THEY HAVE CREATED A NEW TAX.
In a last minute sneak attack on gun owners, the Florida Legislature raided the concealed weapons and firearms licensing trust fund and CREATED A TAX ON THE EXERCISE OF THE SECOND AMENDMENT.
They took $6 million from the Division of Licensing Concealed Weapons and Firearm Trust Fund that is intended, by law, to be used solely for administering the concealed weapons and firearms licensing program. THAT IS A DEFACTO TAX ON GUN OWNERS (Read background Information below)."
In a last minute sneak attack on gun owners, the Florida Legislature raided the concealed weapons and firearms licensing trust fund and CREATED A TAX ON THE EXERCISE OF THE SECOND AMENDMENT.
They took $6 million from the Division of Licensing Concealed Weapons and Firearm Trust Fund that is intended, by law, to be used solely for administering the concealed weapons and firearms licensing program. THAT IS A DEFACTO TAX ON GUN OWNERS (Read background Information below)."
Obama Addresses US Naval Academy Graduation | A Soldier's Perspective
Obama Addresses US Naval Academy Graduation A Soldier's Perspective: "Oddly enough, the midshipmen in attendance didn't applaud until Obama promised to 'to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat al Qaeda and its allies in Afghanistan and Pakistan.' Only then, did the soon-to-be Naval Ensigns and Marine Corps Lieutenants applaud his words. It's strength and resolve that we want, not candy-ass defeat and premature withdrawal."
Obama addressing ANY US military academy is just not right.
Obama addressing ANY US military academy is just not right.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
USS Silversides "Lost Boat Ceremony" Sunday May 24! Be There!
"GLNMM's annual Lost Boat Ceremony will be held this Sunday, May 24, 11 a.m.
Americans, this is a truly moving event that honors those who have kept us free for so many decades.
Bring your pride, gratitude... and a hankey.
Rear Admiral Stephen E. Johnson (www.ssp.navy.mil/about/Johnson_bio) will be guest speaking. The ceremony will also include a War Birds flyby and the starting of SILVERSIDES' engines.
A free walk-through tour will conclude the ceremony.
A hot dog luncheon will follow."
Saturday thoughts
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Did you ever notice the anti-war types never show up at Memorial Day events?
Why does Gov. Granholm order flags at half-mast when soldiers die, but not police or firefighters? Or American contractors, most of whom are military vets?
And why aren't military deaths outside of Iraq/Afghanistan not worthy of a lowered flag?
I think we know the answer......
Malaria, Politics and DDT
Malaria, Politics and DDT
"In 2006, after 25 years and 50 million preventable deaths, the World Health Organization reversed course and endorsed widespread use of the insecticide DDT to combat malaria.
So much for that. Earlier this month, the U.N. agency quietly reverted to promoting less effective methods for attacking the disease. The result is a victory for politics over public health, and millions of the world's poor will suffer as a result."
"In 2006, after 25 years and 50 million preventable deaths, the World Health Organization reversed course and endorsed widespread use of the insecticide DDT to combat malaria.
So much for that. Earlier this month, the U.N. agency quietly reverted to promoting less effective methods for attacking the disease. The result is a victory for politics over public health, and millions of the world's poor will suffer as a result."
June 6th Obama-style
Organizing for America BarackObama.com Host or Attend a Health Care Organizing Kickoff
The subject of this e-mail from Obama's crew was: "June 6th: It all begins!"
"On June 6th, thousands of people just like you are beginning to organize for health care reform by hosting or attending a Health Care Organizing Kickoff."
I guess June 6th means different things to different Americans.
The subject of this e-mail from Obama's crew was: "June 6th: It all begins!"
"On June 6th, thousands of people just like you are beginning to organize for health care reform by hosting or attending a Health Care Organizing Kickoff."
I guess June 6th means different things to different Americans.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Muskegon Patriots Memorial Day event
Muskegon Patriots!
"When: May 23, 2009 Promptly starting at 1030AM (aprox 1hr)
Where: Veterans Memorial Park, Causeway
Parking: Please reserve south end of the park for Handicap Parking Only. All other parking will be in north end of Park, more parking areas will be announced on Tuesday, and they will all be near the park.
"When: May 23, 2009 Promptly starting at 1030AM (aprox 1hr)
Where: Veterans Memorial Park, Causeway
Parking: Please reserve south end of the park for Handicap Parking Only. All other parking will be in north end of Park, more parking areas will be announced on Tuesday, and they will all be near the park.
Event: At this event we will be honoring our Veterans and Service Men and Women.
If it were not for the time honored traditions of our armed services from President Washington to our current volunteer military we would not be able to enjoy this great Nation.
Bring with:
Please bring signs supporting our troops and veterans.
Cameras, video for sharing after the event
Money for t-shirts, hats, buttons, and beverages ($10, $10
$2)
YOU!
Activities:
There will be three Speakers
We will have a large signing area with a petition calling for the
removal of Janet Napoitano
Fundraising for continued support of the Muskegon Patriots"
Bring with:
Please bring signs supporting our troops and veterans.
Cameras, video for sharing after the event
Money for t-shirts, hats, buttons, and beverages ($10, $10
$2)
YOU!
Activities:
There will be three Speakers
We will have a large signing area with a petition calling for the
removal of Janet Napoitano
Fundraising for continued support of the Muskegon Patriots"
75 MOVIES every man should see….
75 MOVIES every man should see….: "75 MOVIES every man should see."
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Editorial: Orchard View facing tough budget choices
Editorial: Orchard View facing tough budget choices
"A looming $1.6 million budget shortfall has forced Orchard View school board members to consider privatizing custodial and maintenance services -- something that several other area school districts have done"
"A looming $1.6 million budget shortfall has forced Orchard View school board members to consider privatizing custodial and maintenance services -- something that several other area school districts have done"
Barack Obama's national security remarks
Barack Obama's national security remarks
"These are extraordinary times for our country. We are confronting an historic economic crisis. We are fighting two wars. We face a range of challenges that will define the way that Americans will live in the 21st century. There is no shortage of work to be done, or responsibilities to bear."
"These are extraordinary times for our country. We are confronting an historic economic crisis. We are fighting two wars. We face a range of challenges that will define the way that Americans will live in the 21st century. There is no shortage of work to be done, or responsibilities to bear."
Dick Cheney's national security remarks
Dick Cheney's national security remarks
"Being the first vice president who had also served as secretary of defense, naturally my duties tended toward national security. I focused on those challenges day to day, mostly free from the usual political distractions. I had the advantage of being a vice president content with the responsibilities I had, and going about my work with no higher ambition.
Today, I'm an even freer man. Your kind invitation brings me here as a private citizen - a career in politics behind me, no elections to win or lose, and no favor to seek."
"Being the first vice president who had also served as secretary of defense, naturally my duties tended toward national security. I focused on those challenges day to day, mostly free from the usual political distractions. I had the advantage of being a vice president content with the responsibilities I had, and going about my work with no higher ambition.
Today, I'm an even freer man. Your kind invitation brings me here as a private citizen - a career in politics behind me, no elections to win or lose, and no favor to seek."
Divided MCC board approves tuition hike
Divided MCC board approves tuition hike
"A divided Muskegon Community College Board of Trustees Wednesday approved a 4.7 percent tuition hike."
4.7%!!!!!!!??????
Where is Prez Obama's "Shared Sacrifice" from the MCC employees?
Automatic annual wage step-ups, annual COL increases, monster benefits and pensions that don't seem to "Sharing" the sacrifice of students, parents and taxpayers.
The TWO AMERICAS ...again....
"A divided Muskegon Community College Board of Trustees Wednesday approved a 4.7 percent tuition hike."
4.7%!!!!!!!??????
Where is Prez Obama's "Shared Sacrifice" from the MCC employees?
Automatic annual wage step-ups, annual COL increases, monster benefits and pensions that don't seem to "Sharing" the sacrifice of students, parents and taxpayers.
The TWO AMERICAS ...again....
Aren't Regulations A Form of a Tax?
Aren't Regulations A Form of a Tax?
"Remember when Obama said that not one single American making under $250,000 would pay a single dime more in federal taxes?
Well the new emission standards Obama wants will make the cars we all buy as much as $600 - $1,300 more expensive."
"Remember when Obama said that not one single American making under $250,000 would pay a single dime more in federal taxes?
Well the new emission standards Obama wants will make the cars we all buy as much as $600 - $1,300 more expensive."
Memorial Day parades, activities listed
Memorial Day parades, activities listed:
"The following is a look at local Memorial Day activities"
"The following is a look at local Memorial Day activities"
Hilarious Honda Insight 1.3 IMA SE Hybrid review
Jeremy Clarkson Honda Insight 1.3 IMA SE Hybrid review
"So here goes.
It’s terrible.
Biblically terrible.
Possibly the worst new car money can buy.
It’s the first car I’ve ever considered crashing into a tree, on purpose, so I didn’t have to drive it any more.
The biggest problem, and it’s taken me a while to work this out, because all the other problems are so vast and so cancerous....."
"So here goes.
It’s terrible.
Biblically terrible.
Possibly the worst new car money can buy.
It’s the first car I’ve ever considered crashing into a tree, on purpose, so I didn’t have to drive it any more.
The biggest problem, and it’s taken me a while to work this out, because all the other problems are so vast and so cancerous....."
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
MEA prez threatens Benton Harbor board; board ignores her grandstanding
MEA prez threatens Benton Harbor board; board ignores her grandstanding
"The Benton Harbor school board last night voted to save a projected $2.75 million over five years by contracting for bus service.
Never an easy decision, the board put taxpayers first and made a wise decision.
MEA president Iris Salters took the opportunity to grandstand against privatization and even issued a threat to the board, according to the Herald Palladium:
“There will be a day when you rue the day you made this decision,” Salters said.
Anyone smell a recall?
With the Southfield story, we know the MEA isn’t above exacting revenge. There, the Uniserv director herself filed the recall petitions. Here, we’re guessing if a recall is filed, the MEA will be a little better about covering their tracks."
This is big union thuggery at its .... well normal level from the teacher's union thugs who seem immune from ANY media scrutiny, ever!
"The Benton Harbor school board last night voted to save a projected $2.75 million over five years by contracting for bus service.
Never an easy decision, the board put taxpayers first and made a wise decision.
MEA president Iris Salters took the opportunity to grandstand against privatization and even issued a threat to the board, according to the Herald Palladium:
“There will be a day when you rue the day you made this decision,” Salters said.
Anyone smell a recall?
With the Southfield story, we know the MEA isn’t above exacting revenge. There, the Uniserv director herself filed the recall petitions. Here, we’re guessing if a recall is filed, the MEA will be a little better about covering their tracks."
This is big union thuggery at its .... well normal level from the teacher's union thugs who seem immune from ANY media scrutiny, ever!
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