The Fuzzy Math of 47 Million
: "According the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2006 report, “Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States,” 46.9 million people are uninsured in the U.S. There’s only one problem with this statistic: approximately 31.85 million of them do not actually exist.
The numbers really cannot lie, although the report does. Out of a total population of 297.05 million, the report states on Page 20 that the “number of people covered by private insurance was… 201.7 million in 2006” and the “number of people covered by government health programs was… 80.3 million in 2006.”
Therefore, 282 million had insurance.
Which means that out of a total population of 297.05 million, 15.05 million did not have insurance.
Right?"
Friday, August 07, 2009
Turn Up the Heat in August: Help Defeat ObamaCare and Cap-and-Trade | FreedomWorks
Turn Up the Heat in August: Help Defeat ObamaCare and Cap-and-Trade FreedomWorks
It may be true that August is just a month, but it’s also true that the longer we have to expose the real intentions and the economic ramifications of the Cap and Tax and health care reform legislation on the table, the more afraid Ms. Pelosi, Senator Reid, and President Obama should be.
As it stands, Cap and Trade must still pass the Senate and health care legislation is waiting in the wings in both the House and Senate. It is essential that we don’t let the pressure up. While Senators and Representatives are home for their August recess they need to hear from you, regardless of party.
Follow the steps below to help us halt these bills.
It may be true that August is just a month, but it’s also true that the longer we have to expose the real intentions and the economic ramifications of the Cap and Tax and health care reform legislation on the table, the more afraid Ms. Pelosi, Senator Reid, and President Obama should be.
As it stands, Cap and Trade must still pass the Senate and health care legislation is waiting in the wings in both the House and Senate. It is essential that we don’t let the pressure up. While Senators and Representatives are home for their August recess they need to hear from you, regardless of party.
Follow the steps below to help us halt these bills.
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Man barks dog
TPP: "The man, who was outside the building, approached the vehicle. He began 'to torment the police dog by barking and shouting at the animal,'"
POLL: 71% Say Obama’s Policies Have Driven Up Deficit. Gee, why would they think that? …
POLL: 71% Say Obama’s Policies Have Driven Up Deficit. Gee, why would they think that? …: "POLL: 71% Say Obama’s Policies Have Driven Up Deficit. Gee, why would they think that?"
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Bill Clinton Visits North Korea, Secures Release of Captive Journalists
Bill Clinton Visits North Korea, Secures Release of Captive Journalists
"The last time an American civilian was held prisoner by North Korea, in 1996, it took a visit from then-Congressman Bill Richardson to secure his release. Yesterday, it required the full prestige of a former U.S. President to win the freedom of captive journalists Euna Lee and Laura Ling. When it comes to giving up politically valuable hostages, the Dear Leader has clearly raised the price."
"The last time an American civilian was held prisoner by North Korea, in 1996, it took a visit from then-Congressman Bill Richardson to secure his release. Yesterday, it required the full prestige of a former U.S. President to win the freedom of captive journalists Euna Lee and Laura Ling. When it comes to giving up politically valuable hostages, the Dear Leader has clearly raised the price."
Maybe yes, maybe no.
Why?
1. The two "reporters" were employees of Al Gore's TV company.
2. They knew well in advance that they would be arrested when they went to N Korea.
3. The reporters (very well treated while "prisoners") texted their parents, relaying the demand that Bill Clinton visit N Korea before they would be released.
4. BIG TV coverage including the plane landing in the US with Clinton AND AlGore hugging etc.
5. Clinton always looking for publicity and his Peace Prize.
6. AlGore's TV company dying on the vine, needs publicity.
7. Two progressive, liberally well connected reporters looking for instant fame.
8. Clinton-the-savior , AlGore-the-caring-TV-company-owner, two-cute-now-famous-reporters. With book, TV, speaking deals galore!!
All for a few months in a N Korean hotel... with cell phone privileges to boot!
Oh yeah, Dear Leader Kim comes out lookin' pretty good too!
Could anyone concoct a better scenario?
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Cancer Patient Offered Gov’t Suicide Funds But Not Medical Care
Cancer Patient Offered Gov’t Suicide Funds But Not Medical Care
"Doctor C.L. Gray and his Physicians for Reform group tell us of the horror story of Oregon’s government run healthcare plan that offered a cancer patient named Barbara all the suicide assisted funding she wanted, but not one penny for the medical care that could save her life."
"Doctor C.L. Gray and his Physicians for Reform group tell us of the horror story of Oregon’s government run healthcare plan that offered a cancer patient named Barbara all the suicide assisted funding she wanted, but not one penny for the medical care that could save her life."
Why Default on U.S. Treasuries is Likely
Why Default on U.S. Treasuries is Likely
"Many predict that, instead, the government will inflate its way out of this future bind, using Federal Reserve monetary expansion to fill the shortfall between outlays and receipts.
But I believe, in contrast, that it is far more likely that the United States will be driven to an outright default on Treasury securities, openly reneging on the interest due on its formal debt and probably repudiating part of the principal."
Yikes!
Read it all...and cower in your basement!
"Many predict that, instead, the government will inflate its way out of this future bind, using Federal Reserve monetary expansion to fill the shortfall between outlays and receipts.
But I believe, in contrast, that it is far more likely that the United States will be driven to an outright default on Treasury securities, openly reneging on the interest due on its formal debt and probably repudiating part of the principal."
Yikes!
Read it all...and cower in your basement!
Hoekstra voted FOR "Clunker2" !
But his website might have you believing he didn't.
Is Pete RINOing before our eyes?
Not to mention this bill is exactly what we DON'T want from any republican.
I guess it's time to check out the other GOPer candidates for governor to see if ANY is a true, BRAVE, conservative.
Representative Pete Hoekstra
"Washington, Jul 31 -
U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Holland, today heavily criticized the bureaucracy managing the 'Cash for Clunkers' program.
'The red tape involved in ‘Cash for Clunkers’ is creating a major backlog in providing rebates to dealers and causing used cars to pile up,' Hoekstra said. 'If the government cannot manage a $1 billion automobile program, how can we expect it to manage a $1.5 trillion health care program?'
The original Consumers Assistance to Recycle and Save Act of 2009 (H.R. 1550) – otherwise known as the Cash for Clunkers bill – would offer a voucher worth up to $4,500 toward a new, more fuel efficient car in exchange for trading in an older vehicle that achieves a fuel economy rating of 18 miles per gallon or less, has been insured for a year and is in 'drivable condition.'
The House today voted to include an additional $2 billion for the original $1 billion program. Much of the money has been committed, but the government has failed to pay out a vast majority of it because of the bureaucracy involved. Examples include the 21-page paperwork process, one hour to complete one form and rejections on claims for no reason.
'The program needs major improvement for it to work effectively,' Hoekstra said. 'Cash for Clunkers looks good on paper, but its delivery has so far been a disaster for dealerships.'"
Here's the roll call on Clunker 2:
http://www.gop.gov/portfolio/votes/111/1/682
Is Pete RINOing before our eyes?
Not to mention this bill is exactly what we DON'T want from any republican.
I guess it's time to check out the other GOPer candidates for governor to see if ANY is a true, BRAVE, conservative.
Representative Pete Hoekstra
"Washington, Jul 31 -
U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Holland, today heavily criticized the bureaucracy managing the 'Cash for Clunkers' program.
'The red tape involved in ‘Cash for Clunkers’ is creating a major backlog in providing rebates to dealers and causing used cars to pile up,' Hoekstra said. 'If the government cannot manage a $1 billion automobile program, how can we expect it to manage a $1.5 trillion health care program?'
The original Consumers Assistance to Recycle and Save Act of 2009 (H.R. 1550) – otherwise known as the Cash for Clunkers bill – would offer a voucher worth up to $4,500 toward a new, more fuel efficient car in exchange for trading in an older vehicle that achieves a fuel economy rating of 18 miles per gallon or less, has been insured for a year and is in 'drivable condition.'
The House today voted to include an additional $2 billion for the original $1 billion program. Much of the money has been committed, but the government has failed to pay out a vast majority of it because of the bureaucracy involved. Examples include the 21-page paperwork process, one hour to complete one form and rejections on claims for no reason.
'The program needs major improvement for it to work effectively,' Hoekstra said. 'Cash for Clunkers looks good on paper, but its delivery has so far been a disaster for dealerships.'"
Here's the roll call on Clunker 2:
http://www.gop.gov/portfolio/votes/111/1/682
Monday, August 03, 2009
North Muskegon, Heights post offices on list for possible closure
North Muskegon, Heights post offices on list for possible closure
"The post offices in Muskegon Heights and North Muskegon are among a list of nearly 700 offices across the country that are potential candidates to be closed as the U.S. Postal Service deals with staggering financial losses.
The Postal Service has been struggling with a sharp decline in mail volume as people and businesses switch to e-mail both for personal contact and bill paying.
The agency is facing a nearly $7 billion potential loss this fiscal year despite a 2 cent increase in the price of stamps in May, cuts in staff and removal of collection boxes."
Amazing that FedEx and UPS have been paying taxes for decades and the USPS just continues to suck up American tax dollars.
"The post offices in Muskegon Heights and North Muskegon are among a list of nearly 700 offices across the country that are potential candidates to be closed as the U.S. Postal Service deals with staggering financial losses.
The Postal Service has been struggling with a sharp decline in mail volume as people and businesses switch to e-mail both for personal contact and bill paying.
The agency is facing a nearly $7 billion potential loss this fiscal year despite a 2 cent increase in the price of stamps in May, cuts in staff and removal of collection boxes."
Amazing that FedEx and UPS have been paying taxes for decades and the USPS just continues to suck up American tax dollars.
Alabama's Jefferson County makes massive job cuts
Alabama's Jefferson County makes massive job cuts
"Alabama's debt-ridden Jefferson County laid off about two-thirds of its 3,600 employees on Monday because of plummeting revenues, a move that will sharply curtail services in areas ranging from roads to courthouses."
This is HUGE!
I never understood the employee's or the union attitudes.
Did they think the endless raises and benefits would continue forever?
Muskegon County may be in the same boat.
"Alabama's debt-ridden Jefferson County laid off about two-thirds of its 3,600 employees on Monday because of plummeting revenues, a move that will sharply curtail services in areas ranging from roads to courthouses."
This is HUGE!
I never understood the employee's or the union attitudes.
Did they think the endless raises and benefits would continue forever?
Muskegon County may be in the same boat.
Changing state's 56-year-old ban on Sunday car sales would help dealers
Changing state's 56-year-old ban on Sunday car sales would help dealers - MLive.com: "When West Michigan residents leave church this morning, some will head for Sunday brunch at their favorite restaurant.
Others will eat at home, but they might stop for milk at the grocery store or pick up Grandpa's medicine at the pharmacy on the way. Another contingent will hit the mall or even shop for a book at Family Christian stores.
But one thing they won't do is buy a car.
Michigan's 56-year-old blue law forbids Sunday car sales in counties with more than 130,000 people. The legislation passed when the Chevy Bel-Air, the Nash Rambler Country Club sedan and the Ford Crestline Victoria all rolled through town.
If the law sounds as rusty as that Rambler would be today, its wording won't dissuade you:
'It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to engage in the business of buying, selling, trading or exchanging new, used or second-hand motor vehicles or offering to buy, sell, trade or exchange, or participate in the negotiation thereof, or attempt to buy, sell, trade or exchange any motor vehicle or interest therein, or of any written instrument pertaining thereto, on the first day of the week, commonly called Sunday.'"
Amazing that our state has such a destructive law...... oh...wait a minute.... not so amazing...
Bummer!
Others will eat at home, but they might stop for milk at the grocery store or pick up Grandpa's medicine at the pharmacy on the way. Another contingent will hit the mall or even shop for a book at Family Christian stores.
But one thing they won't do is buy a car.
Michigan's 56-year-old blue law forbids Sunday car sales in counties with more than 130,000 people. The legislation passed when the Chevy Bel-Air, the Nash Rambler Country Club sedan and the Ford Crestline Victoria all rolled through town.
If the law sounds as rusty as that Rambler would be today, its wording won't dissuade you:
'It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to engage in the business of buying, selling, trading or exchanging new, used or second-hand motor vehicles or offering to buy, sell, trade or exchange, or participate in the negotiation thereof, or attempt to buy, sell, trade or exchange any motor vehicle or interest therein, or of any written instrument pertaining thereto, on the first day of the week, commonly called Sunday.'"
Amazing that our state has such a destructive law...... oh...wait a minute.... not so amazing...
Bummer!
The 5 myths of health care reform
The 5 myths of health care reform
"The Lesson :
Socialism fails, because a roomful of bureaucrats can't possibly have the same knowledge as millions of patients, nurses and doctors.
Socialized medicine, like most other government takeovers of the private sector, will end up doing the opposite of what it is intended to do.
Instead of helping Americans improve medical care, it will make it worse.
Much worse."
"The Lesson :
Socialism fails, because a roomful of bureaucrats can't possibly have the same knowledge as millions of patients, nurses and doctors.
Socialized medicine, like most other government takeovers of the private sector, will end up doing the opposite of what it is intended to do.
Instead of helping Americans improve medical care, it will make it worse.
Much worse."
Read it all!
My Oshkosh 2009: A real life hero; an amazing coincidence; the most beautiful airplane ever
My Oshkosh 2009: A real life hero; an amazing coincidence; the most beautiful airplane ever:
“Excuse me, I hope you don’t mind the interruption, but I was in Stalag Luft III with the man who jumped from that plane.”
Amazing story from an amazing venue.
I had hoped to attend but ......
Uncovered Video: Obama Explains How His Health Care Plan Will ‘Eliminate’ Private Insurance
Uncovered Video: Obama Explains How His Health Care Plan Will ‘Eliminate’ Private Insurance
Proof... but no surprise from our prevaricator-in-chief.
Proof... but no surprise from our prevaricator-in-chief.
Can-do spirits!
Can-do spirits!
"Stacy Slagor had never entered a cooking contest in her life, but she couldn't resist the San Diego County Fair's SPAM recipe competition this summer.
“I like SPAM and I like the fair, so why not?” figured the 40-year-old UCSD employee."
"Stacy Slagor had never entered a cooking contest in her life, but she couldn't resist the San Diego County Fair's SPAM recipe competition this summer.
“I like SPAM and I like the fair, so why not?” figured the 40-year-old UCSD employee."
NPR's sophestry with kids!
http://ncane.com/01n
Okay, sports fans, get a load of this — it will not make you happy, I wager. Last week, a friend of mine wrote,
Hi, Jay,
I have to recount to you an incident that involved my daughter a few days ago. Here goes:
Both of my daughters participate in a student-run theater group called Act 2 Act whose purpose is to raise money for human-rights causes. They are rehearsing The Diary of Anne Frank, to be performed this weekend. They have been doing local radio interviews to promote the play.
My twelve-year-old is playing Anne, and her director — the founder of the group — is 16. They did an interview by phone with an NPR correspondent. She asked some odd, leading questions such as “Isn’t this the first time you’ve ever done something helpful like this?” and “What does this have to do with President Obama?” The answer to the first question is “No, we do this sort of thing regularly,” and the answer to the second is, “Well, nothing.” The kids were really put on the spot. It was all strange and disconcerting.
Well, everything became clear when the interview aired later in the evening. The correspondent shaped the piece to insinuate that the kids had been inspired by Barack Obama to start this theater company and do this play. OMG! (As the kids say.) We all know the NPR mindset, but to stoop so low and take away from these kids their own heartfelt inspiration — that was just disgusting.
Disgusting. Absolutely disgusting. Could you remind me, once more, why we have government radio, and government TV, anyway? I guess this is what Dan Rather means by “public media” (as if privately owned media weren’t public). It’s bad enough when an ordinary, commercial outlet is shoddy, misleading, or mendacious. But a taxpayer-funded outlet?This may be mere emotion talking, but if there’s one reform I’d like to see, it is to do away altogether with government media in this liberal republic (and you know I mean liberal in an older, honorable sense).
Okay, sports fans, get a load of this — it will not make you happy, I wager. Last week, a friend of mine wrote,
Hi, Jay,
I have to recount to you an incident that involved my daughter a few days ago. Here goes:
Both of my daughters participate in a student-run theater group called Act 2 Act whose purpose is to raise money for human-rights causes. They are rehearsing The Diary of Anne Frank, to be performed this weekend. They have been doing local radio interviews to promote the play.
My twelve-year-old is playing Anne, and her director — the founder of the group — is 16. They did an interview by phone with an NPR correspondent. She asked some odd, leading questions such as “Isn’t this the first time you’ve ever done something helpful like this?” and “What does this have to do with President Obama?” The answer to the first question is “No, we do this sort of thing regularly,” and the answer to the second is, “Well, nothing.” The kids were really put on the spot. It was all strange and disconcerting.
Well, everything became clear when the interview aired later in the evening. The correspondent shaped the piece to insinuate that the kids had been inspired by Barack Obama to start this theater company and do this play. OMG! (As the kids say.) We all know the NPR mindset, but to stoop so low and take away from these kids their own heartfelt inspiration — that was just disgusting.
Disgusting. Absolutely disgusting. Could you remind me, once more, why we have government radio, and government TV, anyway? I guess this is what Dan Rather means by “public media” (as if privately owned media weren’t public). It’s bad enough when an ordinary, commercial outlet is shoddy, misleading, or mendacious. But a taxpayer-funded outlet?This may be mere emotion talking, but if there’s one reform I’d like to see, it is to do away altogether with government media in this liberal republic (and you know I mean liberal in an older, honorable sense).
Racial insights!
Racial insights!
"It's my committee's opinion that it violates our 'Best Practices List' to act as if you're calling the police chief to report the supposedly racist officer who came to help you.
It's also considered highly inappropriate, in terms of race relations, to begin screaming at the officer insipid questions such as 'Do you know who I am?' and 'Do you know who you are messing with?'"
"It's my committee's opinion that it violates our 'Best Practices List' to act as if you're calling the police chief to report the supposedly racist officer who came to help you.
It's also considered highly inappropriate, in terms of race relations, to begin screaming at the officer insipid questions such as 'Do you know who I am?' and 'Do you know who you are messing with?'"
Read the comments
Dufus loses winning lottery ticket
"It was a $500,000 answer to his prayers and it was in his back pocket. And then, suddenly, it wasn't. On his way to a Florida Lottery office Wednesday to claim his half-million-dollar prize, Louis Tolentino, a 69-year-old retiree who lives near Wellington, lost the ticket(Snip)in his excitement he forgot to sign the ticket. Without his signature, anyone who finds it could turn it in as his or her own."
"It was a $500,000 answer to his prayers and it was in his back pocket. And then, suddenly, it wasn't. On his way to a Florida Lottery office Wednesday to claim his half-million-dollar prize, Louis Tolentino, a 69-year-old retiree who lives near Wellington, lost the ticket(Snip)in his excitement he forgot to sign the ticket. Without his signature, anyone who finds it could turn it in as his or her own."
Sunday, August 02, 2009
Muskegon's Leggett hopes to step into starting role for Spartans
Muskegon's Leggett hopes to step into starting role for Spartans
"The former Muskegon Big Red came out of spring practice with a slight edge over a group of talented but inexperienced running backs, according to Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio."
"The former Muskegon Big Red came out of spring practice with a slight edge over a group of talented but inexperienced running backs, according to Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio."
ABC NEWS: Geithner Won’t Rule Out New Taxes For Middle Class. Hey, wait, I thought Obama promised …
Geithner Won’t Rule Out New Taxes For Middle Class.
"ABC NEWS: Geithner Won’t Rule Out New Taxes For Middle Class.
Hey, wait, I thought Obama promised that no one making less than $250,000 a year would see a tax increase?"
Who'd of guessed?
"ABC NEWS: Geithner Won’t Rule Out New Taxes For Middle Class.
Hey, wait, I thought Obama promised that no one making less than $250,000 a year would see a tax increase?"
Who'd of guessed?
Patients forced to live in agony after NHS refuses to pay for painkilling injections
Patients forced to live in agony after NHS refuses to pay for painkilling injections
"Tens of thousands with chronic back pain will be forced to live in agony after a decision to slash the number of painkilling injections issued on the NHS, doctors have warned."
"Tens of thousands with chronic back pain will be forced to live in agony after a decision to slash the number of painkilling injections issued on the NHS, doctors have warned."
Why Sarah Palin Fans Feel Betrayed
Why Sarah Palin Fans Feel Betrayed
"To be conservative is to be betrayed on a regular basis.
You send your kids to a school that tries to slyly indoctrinate them into liberalism, you come home to watch an “unbiased” news show that covers almost every story differently based on whether a Republican or Democrat is involved, and then you try to unwind by watching TV shows that take guarded shots at the values you cherish.....
"To be conservative is to be betrayed on a regular basis.
You send your kids to a school that tries to slyly indoctrinate them into liberalism, you come home to watch an “unbiased” news show that covers almost every story differently based on whether a Republican or Democrat is involved, and then you try to unwind by watching TV shows that take guarded shots at the values you cherish.....
.......There’s only one Sarah Palin and there’s not another soul on the national stage who can even come close to filling her high heels.
At a time when the Republican Party has lost so many seats in Congress that it’s teetering on the brink of irrelevancy, Palin’s detractors on the right should ask themselves how much sense it makes to help the liberal media try to tear down the biggest star in the conservative movement."
Where is the Public Outrage Over Pensions?
Where is the Public Outrage Over Pensions?
"You might be reading my blog wondering where is public outrage over pensions?
For example, how can PSP Investments lose billions and still pay their top officers bonuses, allowing them to get extremely well compensated in a terrible year?
And it's not just PSP. The same is happening in many other large public Canadian pension funds, including CPPIB where top officers got millions with their bonuses after losing a whopping $24 billion in FY 2009.
So where is the outrage?
I just came back from Greece where if even a fraction of this came out in the media, there would be riots in the streets.
The same can be said about other European countries, especially in France.
But 'civilized' Canadians seem to be sleepwalking while their pensions are dwindling.
The unions are keeping silent too.
Why?
Maybe because they know that the federal and provincial governments are on the hook to pay out pension benefits even if the public pension plans are severely underfunded.
Why make a fuss when you know the government will come in and shore up the plan?"
"You might be reading my blog wondering where is public outrage over pensions?
For example, how can PSP Investments lose billions and still pay their top officers bonuses, allowing them to get extremely well compensated in a terrible year?
And it's not just PSP. The same is happening in many other large public Canadian pension funds, including CPPIB where top officers got millions with their bonuses after losing a whopping $24 billion in FY 2009.
So where is the outrage?
I just came back from Greece where if even a fraction of this came out in the media, there would be riots in the streets.
The same can be said about other European countries, especially in France.
But 'civilized' Canadians seem to be sleepwalking while their pensions are dwindling.
The unions are keeping silent too.
Why?
Maybe because they know that the federal and provincial governments are on the hook to pay out pension benefits even if the public pension plans are severely underfunded.
Why make a fuss when you know the government will come in and shore up the plan?"
Segway rental service offers tours of Grand Rapids
Segway rental service offers tours of Grand Rapids
"Segway Tours of Grand Rapids, began his rental operation in May.......
Kaback rents the two-wheeled scooters at $50 for a half-hour ride....
....The prices are on par with Segway rentals in Fort Lauderdale, Chicago and other cities, he said.
Kaback said he owns eight Segways, which he bought for $38,000. "
Good luck......but I sure hope he didn't get "stimulus" money for this.
"Segway Tours of Grand Rapids, began his rental operation in May.......
Kaback rents the two-wheeled scooters at $50 for a half-hour ride....
....The prices are on par with Segway rentals in Fort Lauderdale, Chicago and other cities, he said.
Kaback said he owns eight Segways, which he bought for $38,000. "
Good luck......but I sure hope he didn't get "stimulus" money for this.
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