Thursday, August 20, 2009
Pension reform, school choice, deunionize government.
"All of a sudden, government officials are noticing the enormous amount of unfunded liabilities – i.e. debt – that future taxpayers are on the hook to pay for to make good on all the unreasonable guaranteed pension promises that officials have made to government workers. In Orange County, government workers can retire in their 50s with 80 percent or more of their final year's pay guaranteed forever. Some can retire with more than their final pay after they take advantage of the many pension-spiking gimmicks."
Health Insurers Fear Probe By House Dems Is Reprisal for Opposing Part of Obama's Plan
Health Insurers Fear Probe By House Dems Is Reprisal for Opposing Part of Obama's Plan
"In a move some fear is a reprisal for opposing President Obama's health care plan, Democrats sent 52 letters to health insurers requesting financial records for a House committee's investigation.
Reps. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., and Bart Stupak, D-Mich., sent a letter warning health insurers that the House Energy and Commerce Committee is 'examining executive compensation and other business practices of the health industry.'
Waxman, chairman of the committee, and Stupak, chairman of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee did not inform their Republican counterparts of their plans."
"In a move some fear is a reprisal for opposing President Obama's health care plan, Democrats sent 52 letters to health insurers requesting financial records for a House committee's investigation.
Reps. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., and Bart Stupak, D-Mich., sent a letter warning health insurers that the House Energy and Commerce Committee is 'examining executive compensation and other business practices of the health industry.'
Waxman, chairman of the committee, and Stupak, chairman of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee did not inform their Republican counterparts of their plans."
The View From North Central Idaho - Did we just win?
The View From North Central Idaho
"We were a little surprised to win the battle on carry in National Parks and we almost won a battle for nationwide reciprocity we couldn't have imagined even coming up for a vote had we thought about it after the election last November. But the enemy was still putting up resistance and we thought they were still formidable opponents. Then they collapsed. The White House (or Red Shed as a commenter recently called it) said it was no big deal to open carry. Public opinion is affected by statements from the White House. Having the most anti-gun administration in U.S. history say it's no big deal to open carry is huge."
"We were a little surprised to win the battle on carry in National Parks and we almost won a battle for nationwide reciprocity we couldn't have imagined even coming up for a vote had we thought about it after the election last November. But the enemy was still putting up resistance and we thought they were still formidable opponents. Then they collapsed. The White House (or Red Shed as a commenter recently called it) said it was no big deal to open carry. Public opinion is affected by statements from the White House. Having the most anti-gun administration in U.S. history say it's no big deal to open carry is huge."
Mayor Nutter Warns The Court System May Suffer If The City Does Not Get A Sales Tax Increase
Mayor Nutter Warns The Court System May Suffer If The City Does Not Get A Sales Tax Increase
"Philadelphia's court system will face a 'virtual shutdown' if the cash-strapped city does not get state approval for a sales tax increase and changes to how it makes its pension payments."
"Philadelphia's court system will face a 'virtual shutdown' if the cash-strapped city does not get state approval for a sales tax increase and changes to how it makes its pension payments."
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Ensign: I did nothing 'legally wrong'
Ensign: I did nothing 'legally wrong'
"Sen. John Ensign told The Associated Press on Wednesday that his affair with a friend's wife was a mistake but not as bad as former President Bill Clinton's relationship with a White House intern because he didn't lie about it under oath.
'I haven't done anything legally wrong,' the Nevada Republican said."
True... not illegal....vote the slut out of office!
"Sen. John Ensign told The Associated Press on Wednesday that his affair with a friend's wife was a mistake but not as bad as former President Bill Clinton's relationship with a White House intern because he didn't lie about it under oath.
'I haven't done anything legally wrong,' the Nevada Republican said."
True... not illegal....vote the slut out of office!
Climate Change department keep air-conditioning rather than open windows
Climate Change department keep air-conditioning rather than open windows
"Plans to switch off the air-conditioning and instead open windows at the Department for Energy and Climate Change have been scrapped after staff complained about the noise."
"Plans to switch off the air-conditioning and instead open windows at the Department for Energy and Climate Change have been scrapped after staff complained about the noise."
Tuition: 4-Year Universities vs. 2-Year Colleges
"tuition has increased annually at both levels of higher education much higher than the rate of inflation (7.7% for 4-year universities and 6.6% for two-year colleges vs. inflation of 4.3%), the growth in tuition at 4-year universities has increased by more than a full percentage point on average each year since 1976.
It also appears that annual tuition increases at both 4-years and 2-years were pretty similar up until about the mid-1990s, and then tuition started increasing faster at 4-year universities than at 2-year colleges."
It also appears that annual tuition increases at both 4-years and 2-years were pretty similar up until about the mid-1990s, and then tuition started increasing faster at 4-year universities than at 2-year colleges."
GE seeks support for GE-minded politicians
Green Hell Blog
"General Electric’s political action committee (GEPAC) issued the following letter to GE employees soliciting contributions so that it can support politicians who make money for the company, including with respect to the Waxman-Markey climate bill, financial services reform and military spending."
"GE, we bring good things to life..... er......friendly politicians"
"General Electric’s political action committee (GEPAC) issued the following letter to GE employees soliciting contributions so that it can support politicians who make money for the company, including with respect to the Waxman-Markey climate bill, financial services reform and military spending."
"GE, we bring good things to life..... er......friendly politicians"
Michigan jobless rate dips slightly to 15 percent
Michigan jobless rate dips slightly to 15 percent
"Michigan's unemployment rate edged down slightly to 15 percent in July.
The seasonally adjusted rate announced Wednesday on a state Web site is below the 15.2 percent jobless rate posted in June.
But Michigan is likely to keep the dubious honor of having the nation's highest rate.
Michigan has led the nation for 26 of the past 27 months."
Is this tiny drop in the unemployment rate proof of the success of the Jenny/Obama stimulus plan...... or is it the result of U-Hauls racing out of Michigan, taking our most employable residents to other states?
What do you think?
"Michigan's unemployment rate edged down slightly to 15 percent in July.
The seasonally adjusted rate announced Wednesday on a state Web site is below the 15.2 percent jobless rate posted in June.
But Michigan is likely to keep the dubious honor of having the nation's highest rate.
Michigan has led the nation for 26 of the past 27 months."
Is this tiny drop in the unemployment rate proof of the success of the Jenny/Obama stimulus plan...... or is it the result of U-Hauls racing out of Michigan, taking our most employable residents to other states?
What do you think?
Haworth to add 500 jobs at its Holland campus by next year, after closing Calgary plant
http://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/index.ssf/2009/08/haworth_to_add_500_jobs_at_its.htmlP
"The plant consolidation will eliminate 600 jobs at the Calgary plant. Haworth will keep 100 workers there in its showroom and offices.
Today, Michigan's Economic Growth Authority was expected to approve a 13-year, $22.4 million tax incentive deal to underwrite the move."
This is the perfect reason why our state is bankrupt!
No competitive company will be able to compete with Haworth in Michigan so every new job will go to other states or countries.
And our state needs corporate tax dollars yet we are forgoing them ($22.4 million) to play this charade of future jobs.
We're doomed.... until we wake up.....
"The plant consolidation will eliminate 600 jobs at the Calgary plant. Haworth will keep 100 workers there in its showroom and offices.
Today, Michigan's Economic Growth Authority was expected to approve a 13-year, $22.4 million tax incentive deal to underwrite the move."
This is the perfect reason why our state is bankrupt!
No competitive company will be able to compete with Haworth in Michigan so every new job will go to other states or countries.
And our state needs corporate tax dollars yet we are forgoing them ($22.4 million) to play this charade of future jobs.
We're doomed.... until we wake up.....
Outbursts at Frank's Town Hall
"Rep. Barney Frank lashed out at protester who held a poster depicting President Barack Obama with a Hitler-style mustache during a heated town hall meeting on federal health care reform."
Rumblings of a shutdown?
Rumblings of a shutdown?
"The Detroit News is reporting that a growing number of observers say the likelihood of a shutdown is increasing because the Republican-controlled Senate, the Democrat-dominated House and the Democratic governor are far apart on budget proposals.
In 2007, a budget stalemate forced state government to shut down for a few hours. The new budget under discussion would take effect Oct. 1."
Seriously, how scary is this... for us?
I'm thinking, "not at all".
Shut the state down for a month in January! Oh yeah!
The real fear is the state employees who would be "outed" if they were disappeared and no one noticed!
"The Detroit News is reporting that a growing number of observers say the likelihood of a shutdown is increasing because the Republican-controlled Senate, the Democrat-dominated House and the Democratic governor are far apart on budget proposals.
In 2007, a budget stalemate forced state government to shut down for a few hours. The new budget under discussion would take effect Oct. 1."
Seriously, how scary is this... for us?
I'm thinking, "not at all".
Shut the state down for a month in January! Oh yeah!
The real fear is the state employees who would be "outed" if they were disappeared and no one noticed!
Double-Standard on Anti-ObamaCare "Mobs"
Double-Standard on Anti-ObamaCare "Mobs"
With President Obama and congressional liberals facing loud protests over their big government health care plan, journalists are casting the anti-ObamaCare forces as “ugly,” “unruly,” “nasty” mobs, with reporters presenting the most odious images (like pictures of Obama drawn as Hitler) as somehow representative.
But when President George W. Bush faced left-wing protests, the media scrubbed their stories of radical voices and depicted demonstrators as mainstream, and even “prescient.”
With President Obama and congressional liberals facing loud protests over their big government health care plan, journalists are casting the anti-ObamaCare forces as “ugly,” “unruly,” “nasty” mobs, with reporters presenting the most odious images (like pictures of Obama drawn as Hitler) as somehow representative.
But when President George W. Bush faced left-wing protests, the media scrubbed their stories of radical voices and depicted demonstrators as mainstream, and even “prescient.”
NY dealers pull out of clunkers program
NY dealers pull out of clunkers program
Hundreds of auto dealers in the New York area have withdrawn from the government's Cash for Clunkers program, citing delays in getting reimbursed by the government, a dealership group said Wednesday.
The Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association, which represents dealerships in the New York metro area, said about half its 425 members have left the program because they cannot afford to offer more rebates.
They're also worried about getting repaid.
Hundreds of auto dealers in the New York area have withdrawn from the government's Cash for Clunkers program, citing delays in getting reimbursed by the government, a dealership group said Wednesday.
The Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association, which represents dealerships in the New York metro area, said about half its 425 members have left the program because they cannot afford to offer more rebates.
They're also worried about getting repaid.
Students protest tuition hikes
Students protest tuition hikes
The Spartans and Wolverines may be university rivals but they agree on at least one thing - college is expensive and they want government officials to prioritize higher education.
"It's not every day you will see a Wolverine and Spartan standing peacefully along side each other," Dysarz said with a laugh.
"This state has suffered long enough and needs its political leaders to put their differences aside, like we students did today."
Last month, the MSU Board of Trustees voted to raise tuition 5.2 percent for the coming year and 4.9 percent for the next. Annual tuition and fees for in-state freshmen at MSU after the coming year's increase will be $10,880.
MSU President Lou Anna Simon previously has said the university will use federal stimulus monies it gets from the state to lower tuition costs for undergraduate students from Michigan, potentially bringing the actual tuition increase down to 2.5 percent.
All this expensive and "valuable" education and these kids think it's their parents (through increased taxes and reduced services where they live) who aren't paying enough taxes?
Or even worse, some magic, evil, corporation.
No mention of the salaries and benefits and other expenses controlled by the universities?
gimme a break... we're doomed!
update:
http://reason.tv/video/show/author-richard-vedder-discusse
we're still doomed!
The Spartans and Wolverines may be university rivals but they agree on at least one thing - college is expensive and they want government officials to prioritize higher education.
"It's not every day you will see a Wolverine and Spartan standing peacefully along side each other," Dysarz said with a laugh.
"This state has suffered long enough and needs its political leaders to put their differences aside, like we students did today."
Last month, the MSU Board of Trustees voted to raise tuition 5.2 percent for the coming year and 4.9 percent for the next. Annual tuition and fees for in-state freshmen at MSU after the coming year's increase will be $10,880.
MSU President Lou Anna Simon previously has said the university will use federal stimulus monies it gets from the state to lower tuition costs for undergraduate students from Michigan, potentially bringing the actual tuition increase down to 2.5 percent.
All this expensive and "valuable" education and these kids think it's their parents (through increased taxes and reduced services where they live) who aren't paying enough taxes?
Or even worse, some magic, evil, corporation.
No mention of the salaries and benefits and other expenses controlled by the universities?
gimme a break... we're doomed!
update:
http://reason.tv/video/show/author-richard-vedder-discusse
we're still doomed!
What happened to the antiwar movement? Cindy Sheehan hits 'hypocrisy' of Left, Democratic allies.
What happened to the antiwar movement? Cindy Sheehan hits 'hypocrisy' of Left, Democratic allies.
After my column, "For the left, war without Bush is not war at all," appeared Tuesday, I got a note from Cindy Sheehan, the anti-war activist who was the subject of so much press coverage when she led a protest against the Iraq war outside then-President George W. Bush's ranch in Texas.
This is what the note said:
"I read your column about the "anti-war" movement and I can't believe I am saying this, but I mostly agree with you.
The "anti-war" "left" was used by the Democratic Party. I like to call it the "anti-Republican War" movement."
After my column, "For the left, war without Bush is not war at all," appeared Tuesday, I got a note from Cindy Sheehan, the anti-war activist who was the subject of so much press coverage when she led a protest against the Iraq war outside then-President George W. Bush's ranch in Texas.
This is what the note said:
"I read your column about the "anti-war" movement and I can't believe I am saying this, but I mostly agree with you.
The "anti-war" "left" was used by the Democratic Party. I like to call it the "anti-Republican War" movement."
GR firm wins Muskegon school district's copier bid
GR firm wins Muskegon school district's copier bid
"A Grand Rapids firm has won a bid to sell $191,000 in new digital copiers to Muskegon Public Schools.
IKON Office Solutions submitted the low bid of $190,950....... Office Machines Co., a Muskegon vendor with which the school district has done business for 'many, many years,' submitted a bid that was $38,000 higher than IKON's, Privasky said."
Interesting.
The long time local vendor submits a losing quote that's 20% higher than a company 40 miles away and the incurious reporter doesn't ask about the past quoting process.
And this article is hardly intended to support the Muskegon school's move to reduce costs.
Kudos to the MHS board.
And sad The Chronicle is continuing its death spiral.
"A Grand Rapids firm has won a bid to sell $191,000 in new digital copiers to Muskegon Public Schools.
IKON Office Solutions submitted the low bid of $190,950....... Office Machines Co., a Muskegon vendor with which the school district has done business for 'many, many years,' submitted a bid that was $38,000 higher than IKON's, Privasky said."
Interesting.
The long time local vendor submits a losing quote that's 20% higher than a company 40 miles away and the incurious reporter doesn't ask about the past quoting process.
And this article is hardly intended to support the Muskegon school's move to reduce costs.
Kudos to the MHS board.
And sad The Chronicle is continuing its death spiral.
Detroit pension funds want to build $7.4M riverfront HQ
Detroit pension funds want to build $7.4M riverfront HQ
"Concerns raised earlier this year about a cash-flow crisis and the recent loss of $2.5 billion aren't stopping Detroit's two public pension funds from trying to build a new riverfront headquarters."
This actually makes sense....if you are a scumsucking crook.
They know the taxpayers (us and the few remaining companies in Michigan) will pick up the bill if the pension fund doesn't have enough to pay it's pensioners.
So why not party like it's 1928!
"Concerns raised earlier this year about a cash-flow crisis and the recent loss of $2.5 billion aren't stopping Detroit's two public pension funds from trying to build a new riverfront headquarters."
This actually makes sense....if you are a scumsucking crook.
They know the taxpayers (us and the few remaining companies in Michigan) will pick up the bill if the pension fund doesn't have enough to pay it's pensioners.
So why not party like it's 1928!
High court's insurance ruling will cost drivers, critics say
High court's insurance ruling will cost drivers, critics say
"Michigan drivers will pay $20 more this fiscal year to care for accident victims who have brain damage, paralysis or other catastrophic injuries."
"Michigan drivers will pay $20 more this fiscal year to care for accident victims who have brain damage, paralysis or other catastrophic injuries."
$20 dollars here, $20 dollars there...... it's no big deal.....right?
cept we're seemin' to be hearing it EVERY day!
White House OK With Guns at Rallies
White House OK With Guns at Rallies
"the White House:
Armed men seen mixing with protesters outside recent events held by President Obama acted within the law, the White House said Tuesday, attempting to allay fears of a security threat.
Robert Gibbs, the White House press secretary, said people are entitled to carry weapons outside such events if local laws allow it. “There are laws that govern firearms that are done state or locally,” he said. “Those laws don’t change when the president comes to your state or locality.”"
"the White House:
Armed men seen mixing with protesters outside recent events held by President Obama acted within the law, the White House said Tuesday, attempting to allay fears of a security threat.
Robert Gibbs, the White House press secretary, said people are entitled to carry weapons outside such events if local laws allow it. “There are laws that govern firearms that are done state or locally,” he said. “Those laws don’t change when the president comes to your state or locality.”"
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Woman driver stalls her car on opening drawbridge
Woman driver stalls her car on opening drawbridge
"A woman driver had a hair-raising – not to mention car-raising - experience today when her vehicle got stuck on an opening drawbridge.
She stalled on the bridge at Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, and was still stationary as the giant structure swung open to allow a ship through.
Thanks to a good set of brakes and decent tyres, her vehicle defied gravity and stayed put as the giant hinges yawned to a 45 degree angle."
"A woman driver had a hair-raising – not to mention car-raising - experience today when her vehicle got stuck on an opening drawbridge.
She stalled on the bridge at Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, and was still stationary as the giant structure swung open to allow a ship through.
Thanks to a good set of brakes and decent tyres, her vehicle defied gravity and stayed put as the giant hinges yawned to a 45 degree angle."
Fat, unfit NHS staff top the sick league
Fat, unfit NHS staff top the sick league
The first national audit of staff habits has found that high rates of obesity, smoking, absenteeism and poor mental health are having a direct impact on the quality of patient care.
....... More than 45,000 NHS workers are calling in sick every day, one and a half times the rate of absence in the private sector.
The first national audit of staff habits has found that high rates of obesity, smoking, absenteeism and poor mental health are having a direct impact on the quality of patient care.
....... More than 45,000 NHS workers are calling in sick every day, one and a half times the rate of absence in the private sector.
Energy workers rally against climate plan
Energy workers rally against climate plan
"Local energy workers jammed a downtown Houston theater today to protest climate change legislation that the U.S. Senate will take up in the coming weeks.
The Energy Citizens rally, promoted by some major energy companies and business organizations as well as the Greater Houston Partnership, is the first of several such events planned in 19 states in the coming weeks.
About 3,500 people, or 1,500 more than expected, filed into the facility, many donning yellow T-shirts that were being handed out that read 'I'm an energy citizen.'"
How dare those evil energy companies promote their side of the discussion!
I thought ACORN was the only "Obama certified" organization allowed to speak or organize.
"Local energy workers jammed a downtown Houston theater today to protest climate change legislation that the U.S. Senate will take up in the coming weeks.
The Energy Citizens rally, promoted by some major energy companies and business organizations as well as the Greater Houston Partnership, is the first of several such events planned in 19 states in the coming weeks.
About 3,500 people, or 1,500 more than expected, filed into the facility, many donning yellow T-shirts that were being handed out that read 'I'm an energy citizen.'"
How dare those evil energy companies promote their side of the discussion!
I thought ACORN was the only "Obama certified" organization allowed to speak or organize.
Dealers awaiting 'clunker' payments from U.S.
Dealers awaiting 'clunker' payments from U.S.
"Car dealers have found that the benefits of the government's 'Cash for Clunkers' program go hand in hand with the aggravation of trying to get reimbursed.
In three weeks, the government has paid only a tiny share of claims. The unpaid claims, worth up to $4,500 each, may soon begin to pinch some dealers' ability to do business.
Keith Dennis hasn't yet seen a penny from the government for the roughly 250 claims from his dealerships, Dennis Hyundai and Dennis Imports. Until he gets reimbursed, he is curbing his participation in the program."
How can ANYONE in our country believe that this same, idiotic US government can run the entire health care system any better than they have run this auto-destructo boondoggle?
Oh, they promise us they can do it cheaper too!
Are liberals really that stupid?
"Car dealers have found that the benefits of the government's 'Cash for Clunkers' program go hand in hand with the aggravation of trying to get reimbursed.
In three weeks, the government has paid only a tiny share of claims. The unpaid claims, worth up to $4,500 each, may soon begin to pinch some dealers' ability to do business.
Keith Dennis hasn't yet seen a penny from the government for the roughly 250 claims from his dealerships, Dennis Hyundai and Dennis Imports. Until he gets reimbursed, he is curbing his participation in the program."
How can ANYONE in our country believe that this same, idiotic US government can run the entire health care system any better than they have run this auto-destructo boondoggle?
Oh, they promise us they can do it cheaper too!
Are liberals really that stupid?
Today's debate: 'Double dipping' -- Public sector 'retirees' draw a pension -- and a paycheck
'Double dipping' -- Public sector 'retirees' draw a pension -- and a paycheck
"Taxpayers, younger workers suffer when pensioners go back on payroll.
Consider this career choice faced by tens of thousands of teachers, police officers and other government workers across the USA:
Work past the age when you can collect a guaranteed pension (often 50 or 55), or retire that year and come back to your old desk or one nearby to collect the pension and a crisp new paycheck to boot.
Collecting both checks is a no-brainer, and in most states it's also legal. This 'double dipping' is financed by the 100 million private-sector workers who have no such option themselves, and in several states they've started expressing some well-placed anger."
"Taxpayers, younger workers suffer when pensioners go back on payroll.
Consider this career choice faced by tens of thousands of teachers, police officers and other government workers across the USA:
Work past the age when you can collect a guaranteed pension (often 50 or 55), or retire that year and come back to your old desk or one nearby to collect the pension and a crisp new paycheck to boot.
Collecting both checks is a no-brainer, and in most states it's also legal. This 'double dipping' is financed by the 100 million private-sector workers who have no such option themselves, and in several states they've started expressing some well-placed anger."
In the "Two America's" of today, we in the private sector tighten our belts so the public sector employees can let out their belts.
How long will we let this continue?
How long will the young americans be silent?
Woman gives birth on pavement 'after being refused ambulance'
Woman gives birth on pavement 'after being refused ambulance'
"A young mother gave birth on a pavement outside a hospital after she was told to make her own way there.
Mother-of-three Carmen Blake called her midwife to ask for an ambulance when she went into labour unexpectedly with her fourth child"
"A young mother gave birth on a pavement outside a hospital after she was told to make her own way there.
Mother-of-three Carmen Blake called her midwife to ask for an ambulance when she went into labour unexpectedly with her fourth child"
Thousands of surgeries may be cut in Metro Vancouver, leaked paper reveals
Thousands of surgeries may be cut in Metro Vancouver, leaked paper reveals: "Vancouver patients needing neurosurgery, treatment for vascular diseases and other medically necessary procedures can expect to wait longer for care, NDP health critic Adrian Dix said Monday.
Dix said a Vancouver Coastal Health Authority document shows it is considering chopping more than 6,000 surgeries in an effort to make up for a dramatic budgetary shortfall that could reach $200 million."
Anyone notice the liberal's old popular phrase "Canadian style health care" seems to have disappeared from the face of the earth?
Dix said a Vancouver Coastal Health Authority document shows it is considering chopping more than 6,000 surgeries in an effort to make up for a dramatic budgetary shortfall that could reach $200 million."
Anyone notice the liberal's old popular phrase "Canadian style health care" seems to have disappeared from the face of the earth?
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