Monday, June 08, 2009

Watchdog or lapdog? It depends on who is in power

Watchdog or lapdog? It depends on who is in power
"Continuing its pro-Obama spin, the Post claimed that the May job loss of 345,000 was far smaller than economists had predicted. It failed to mention that the employment picture is not only worse than what the Obama administration predicted it would be if Congress passed the stimulus package, it also is worse than the administration predicted it would be without that package."

“Funny that this is a story now.” DENVER — The thick-muscled man with c…

“Funny that this is a story now.” DENVER — The thick-muscled man with c…
"They were too busy investigating Joe The Plumber back during the election.
You’d think this would have been a tipoff, though: “He claimed to have lost a finger, but had 10 digits.” Note, however, the way the NYT story executes damage-control as it goes."

Obama's Enemies List Grows

Obama's Enemies List Grows
"Just having the appearance of someone who might possibly vote for an opponent of Barack Obama could land them on the President's enemies list where proxies do the dirty work. Political appointees in the Justice Department killed a six-month investigation by career DOJ lawyers into the most blatant voter intimidation case in 40 years. Last November, jack-booted, uniformed, baton-wielding thugs from the New Black Panther Party calling themselves 'security' obstructed a Philadelphia polling location and behaved in an intimidating manner toward white voters.


Days after dismissing charges against the menacing thugs, the Justice Department moved in the opposite direction by blocking responsible steps to stem voter fraud. The DOJ barred the administrative procedures Georgia authorities put into place – under federal court guidance -- to verify voter registrations. The DOJ claimed the procedures violated the rights of minority voters.
A de facto Obama enemies list and dirty political machine have been expanding since last year. Obama has established several embarrassing presidential firsts including targeting private individuals by names, assigning a well-known 'partisan dirt-digger' and non-lawyer to the White House Counsel's Office to likely gain access to Bush Administration documents protected under attorney-client privilege, and moving the senior political advisor into the West Wing. These are heretofore unseen partisan practices."

Obama's Enemies List Grows

Obama's Enemies List Grows
"Just having the appearance of someone who might possibly vote for an opponent of Barack Obama could land them on the President's enemies list where proxies do the dirty work. Political appointees in the Justice Department killed a six-month investigation by career DOJ lawyers into the most blatant voter intimidation case in 40 years. Last November, jack-booted, uniformed, baton-wielding thugs from the New Black Panther Party calling themselves 'security' obstructed a Philadelphia polling location and behaved in an intimidating manner toward white voters.


Days after dismissing charges against the menacing thugs, the Justice Department moved in the opposite direction by blocking responsible steps to stem voter fraud. The DOJ barred the administrative procedures Georgia authorities put into place – under federal court guidance -- to verify voter registrations. The DOJ claimed the procedures violated the rights of minority voters.
A de facto Obama enemies list and dirty political machine have been expanding since last year. Obama has established several embarrassing presidential firsts including targeting private individuals by names, assigning a well-known 'partisan dirt-digger' and non-lawyer to the White House Counsel's Office to likely gain access to Bush Administration documents protected under attorney-client privilege, and moving the senior political advisor into the West Wing. These are heretofore unseen partisan practices."

Think twice about 'green' transport, say scientists

Think twice about 'green' transport, say scientists
"In some circumstances, for instance, it could be more eco-friendly to drive into a city -- even in an SUV, the bete noire of green groups -- rather than take a suburban train. It depends on seat occupancy and the underlying carbon cost of the mode of transport."

Liberal media on life support Opinion Articles - Noemie Emery | Editorials on Top News Stories | Washington Examiner

Liberal media on life support Opinion Articles - Noemie Emery Editorials on Top News Stories Washington Examiner: "On May 17, Edmund Andrews wrote a piece in the Times about how the mortgage meltdown and fiscal collapse of last autumn left him over-extended, facing foreclosure, and broke. He blamed himself (which was nice, since as one of the Times’ economic reporters he should have known better), but also heaped blame on Alan Greenspan and others for his debacle, and of course, on then-President Bush.

Days after this, bloggers exposed the fact he had neglected to mention that his wife had gone bankrupt twice, once in the ‘90’s, and each time on a six-figure income, changing the story from one of hapless homeowners gulled by unscrupulous lenders to one of compulsive super-consumers who overspent wildly on things with which Bush and Greenspan had nothing to do."

Sunday, June 07, 2009

Wings of Mercy event draws huge crowd

Wings of Mercy event draws huge crowd
"For those with deep pockets, plane rides were popular.
Vanderlinde said 21 people forked over $400 each for a ride in the B-25 bomber and three others took a lift for $1,000 on the P-51 Mustang. Others dropped between $25 and $30 for a ride in a helicopter and Executive Air Transport's commercial planes."

Communities headed for clash over water rates

Communities headed for clash over water rates
"Muskegon Heights' administration 'is pulling an arbitrary number out of the air and choosing to implement that rate,' Werschem said, pointing to the six or so meetings during which the committee members worked with numbers to calculate their recommended rate."

As school years shrink, state lawmakers seek return to minimum of 180 days


As school years shrink, state lawmakers seek return to minimum of 180 days
"Take note, K-12 students, as you embrace the start of summer vacation: People in high places think the school year is not long enough. At least, not anymore.
Michigan used to require at least 180 days of school annually. The Legislature dropped that six years ago so districts could have flexibility to manage operating costs while achieving the minimum required number of hours, 1,098. The result is that most districts have swapped longer school days for shorter school years."

Saturday, June 06, 2009

Bills would boost 'Pure Michigan' funding -

Bills would boost 'Pure Michigan' funding
"A legislative package proposed in Lansing could provide as much as $40 million annually to promote Michigan as a travel destination and lure business investments to the state.
One of the four bills introduced this week in the Democratic-controlled state House would create a temporary $2.50 per-day assessment on vehicles rented within five miles of a commercial airport or convention center, or if the rental begins at a motel or hotel, assuring the assessment is paid mostly by out-of-state visitors."

Crews begin taking out Detroit's Tiger Stadium

Crews begin taking out Detroit's Tiger Stadium
Friday June 05, 2009, 4:18 PM
DETROIT -- Crews began demolishing what's left of Tiger Stadium on Friday as fans looked on and said goodbye to the historic ballpark.
AP PhotoA backhoe drops a concrete block to break up the seating area at Tiger Stadium in Detroit on Friday.
A backhoe tore apart a portion of the lower deck along the former third base line about an hour after Detroit Economic Growth Corp. executive vice president Waymon Guillebeaux emerged from an onsite meeting with the demolition contractor and told The Associated Press he had given the green light to begin.

Demolition ordered to stop at Tiger Stadium
by Ben Leubsdorf The Associated Press
Friday June 05, 2009, 11:01 PM
DETROIT (AP) -- Tiger Stadium's final out appeared at hand Friday as crews began demolishing what's left of the venerable ballpark, until a judge halted the demolition -- with an assist from a fan who charged the mound armed with the court order.
A temporary restraining order issued by Wayne County Circuit Judge Isidore Torres around 5 p.m. EDT halted demolition work that had started several hours earlier.

Doh!

Canadians angered over Buy American rule

Canadians angered over Buy American rule
"Canadian municipal leaders threatened to retaliate against the 'Buy America' movement in the United States on Saturday, warning trade restrictions will hurt both countries' economies.
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities endorsed a controversial proposal to support communities that refuse to buy products from countries that put trade restrictions on products and services from Canada.
The measure is a response to a provision in the U.S. economic stimulus package passed by Congress in February that says public works projects should use iron, steel and other goods made in the United States."

Let the trade wars begin!

Wal-Mart and Chicago's South Side Food Desert

Wal-Mart and Chicago's South Side Food Desert: "Various surveys have shown the dearth of supermarkets in Chicago's poor neighborhoods and how the attendant health problems ripple through the state and city. But you don't need a survey to know there's a problem. Wander around parts of the South or West Sides. Look. People shop for meals in liquor stores and fast-food joints, in little shops where fresh means moldy tomatoes and tired meat."

Prison closing packs another economic punch to Muskegon

Prison closing packs another economic punch to Muskegon
"Muskegon community leaders, law-enforcement officials and ordinary citizens were dismayed at Friday's news that Muskegon Correctional Facility will close this year."

Thursday, June 04, 2009

Executive correspondence

Executive correspondence
"Forgive my abruptness, but would you kindly provide me with your wire transfer information?
I have all this money here that I’d would really like you to take, but I have been unable, thus far, to find a way to jam it down your throat.
Oh sure, you claim you don’t need it (you arrogant SOB) but I’ll never be able to complete the full-scale destruction of American free-market capitalism if I don’t get this money in your company’s checking account post-haste."

THE UAW'S SWEEEET DEAL

THE UAW'S SWEEEET DEAL
"Other union concessions were 'painful' only by the peculiar standards of Big Three labor relations: At a time when some American workers are facing stiff pay cuts, UAW workers gave up their customary paid holiday on Easter Monday and their right to overtime pay after less than 40 hours per week."

Terrible story

Terrible tragedy
"A former West Michigan woman's wedding day turned from joy to tragedy when she suffered a brain aneurysm and died during her reception celebration."

Michigan collects $1B to boost education

Michigan collects $1B to boost education
"Michigan can collect more than $1 billion in federal funding to help save teachers’ jobs and turn around schools, U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan announced today. The money is part of the $787-billion stimulus bill passed by Congress this year."

I can't wait to hear their ideas on "turning around schools".
Yeah, right.....another billion down the rathole.......

Hit & Run > Who Is John Hamilton? - Reason Magazine

Hit & Run > Who Is John Hamilton? - Reason Magazine: "An Ohio man arrested for mowing unkempt grass at a public park said he just wanted to make his city look nice. John Hamilton said he took control of the situation because the grass in Sandusky's Central Park was about a foot high. According to a police report, a witness said Hamilton was blowing grass onto the sidewalk and shredding trash in the park that had not been picked up.

Police said they arrested 48-year-old Hamilton after he refused to stop mowing and charged him with obstructing official business and disorderly conduct."

Monday, June 01, 2009

Clinton vows to fight for gay rights abroad

Clinton vows to fight for gay rights abroad
"US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton vowed Monday to fight for gay rights, calling for all nations to stop violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation."

Great priorities, Hill.....

Chicago has 7 shooting deaths in 24 hours

Chicago has 7 shooting deaths in 24 hours
"Chicago had seven shooting deaths in 24 hours this weekend, and police say they have no suspects in custody.
All seven victims were men in their 20s or 30s, and all were shot to death.
The shootings occurred between 6:15 a.m. Saturday and just before 6 a.m. Sunday."

This is BHussein's hometown!
Is he for pre-emption or does he have an exit strategery?

OUR AMAZING FUTURE

OUR AMAZING FUTURE
"The Astounding World of the Future!"

Saturday, May 30, 2009

First President in US History to Have Voted to Filibuster a Supreme Court Nominee Now Hopes for Clean Process

First President in US History to Have Voted to Filibuster a Supreme Court Nominee Now Hopes for Clean Process
"In January 2006, then-Sen. Obama joined 24 colleagues in a futile effort led by Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., to filibuster the Supreme Court nomination of now-Justice Samuel Alito.
On January 29, 2006, Mr. Obama told George Stephanopulos on 'This Week' that he would 'be supporting the filibuster because I think Judge Alito, in fact, is somebody who is contrary to core American values, not just liberal values, you know. When you look at his decisions in particular during times of war, we need a court that is independent and is going to provide some check on the executive branch, and he has not shown himself willing to do that repeatedly.'"

NASA - New Solar Cycle Prediction

NASA - New Solar Cycle Prediction: "The 1859 storm--known as the 'Carrington Event' after astronomer Richard Carrington who witnessed the instigating solar flare--electrified transmission cables, set fires in telegraph offices, and produced Northern Lights so bright that people could read newspapers by their red and green glow."

Backlash grows against Obama's preventive detention proposal

Backlash grows against Obama's preventive detention proposal
"The backlash against President Obama's extraordinary proposal for indefinite 'preventive detention' -- already widespread in the immediate aftermath of his speech -- continues to grow. On Friday, Sen. Russ Feingold sent a letter (.pdf) to Obama which, while praising some aspects of his speech, vowed to hold hearings on his detention proposal, and in the letter, Feingold rather emphatically highlighted the radical and dangerous aspects of Obama's approach"

Facts and myths about Obama's preventive detention proposal

Facts and myths about Obama's preventive detention proposal
"(1) What does 'preventive detention' allow?
It's important to be clear about what 'preventive detention' authorizes. It does not merely allow the U.S. Government to imprison people alleged to have committed Terrorist acts yet who are unable to be convicted in a civilian court proceeding. That class is merely a subset, perhaps a small subset, of who the Government can detain. Far more significant, 'preventive detention' allows indefinite imprisonment not based on proven crimes or past violations of law, but of those deemed generally 'dangerous' by the Government for various reasons (such as, as Obama put it yesterday, they 'expressed their allegiance to Osama bin Laden' or 'otherwise made it clear that they want to kill Americans').
That's what 'preventive' means: imprisoning people because the Government claims they are likely to engage in violent acts in the future because they are alleged to be 'combatants.'"

Ted Rall: It’s increasingly evident that Obama should resign

Ted Rall: It’s increasingly evident that Obama should resign
"Obama has officially reneged on his campaign promise to acknowledge the Armenian genocide. When a president doesn’t have the nerve to annoy the Turks, why does he bother to show up for work in the morning?"

This is from a hyper-lefty!
Is the "love" waining?

Friday, May 29, 2009

Major Grand Rapids arts groups suffer state cuts - Grand Rapids Movies, Music, Events and Entertainment – MLive.com

Major Grand Rapids arts groups suffer state cuts - Grand Rapids Movies, Music, Events and Entertainment – MLive.com: "Some $286,000 was stripped from MCACA's budget in May in an effort to deal with the state's growing deficit for the 2009 fiscal year."

Lions ranked worst NFL franchise

Lions ranked worst NFL franchise
"Adam Schein of Sirius NFL Radio and Fox Sports has ranked every NFL franchise according to a cumulative score from eight categories: owner, front office, head coach, coaching staff, quarterback, offense, defense and intangibles.
The Lions finished dead last"

"...pumped five more bullets......"

Lucianne.com News Forum - Thread: "Confronted by two holdup men, pharmacist Jerome Ersland pulled a gun, shot one of them in the head and chased the other away. Then, in a scene recorded by the drugstore's security camera, he went behind the counter, got another gun, and pumped five more bullets into the wounded teenager as he lay on the floor."

Read the comments.