California is a greater risk than Greece, warns JP Morgan chief
"Jamie Dimon, chairman of JP Morgan Chase, has warned American investors should be more worried about the risk of default of the state of California than of Greece's current debt woes."
When will Americans wake up?
The public employee pension disaster is destroying our cities, states and ultimately our country!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
We shoulda known - NYPOST.com
We shoulda known
When a recent conver sation turned to a be leaguered Gov. Paterson, a New York official aimed a barb at journalists.
"How many articles took a close look at Paterson before he became lieutenant governor?" the official asked.
It was a rhetorical question, the answer obvious: approximately none.
When a recent conver sation turned to a be leaguered Gov. Paterson, a New York official aimed a barb at journalists.
"How many articles took a close look at Paterson before he became lieutenant governor?" the official asked.
It was a rhetorical question, the answer obvious: approximately none.
Supreme Court scrutinizes state, local gun control
Supreme Court scrutinizes state, local gun control
"Gun control advocates think, if not pray, they can win by losing when the Supreme Court decides whether the constitutional right to possess guns serves as a check on state and local regulation of firearms.
The justices will be deciding whether the Second Amendment - like much of the rest of the Bill of Rights - applies to states as well as the federal government.
It's widely believed they will say it does."
Tuesday is the big day.
"Gun control advocates think, if not pray, they can win by losing when the Supreme Court decides whether the constitutional right to possess guns serves as a check on state and local regulation of firearms.
The justices will be deciding whether the Second Amendment - like much of the rest of the Bill of Rights - applies to states as well as the federal government.
It's widely believed they will say it does."
Tuesday is the big day.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Pair of Bandits Steals Chicken Wings From Pizza Delivery Driver in Georgia
Pair of Bandits Steals Chicken Wings From Pizza Delivery Driver in Georgia
"COLUMBUS, Ga. — Police in Georgia are searching for a pair of hungry bandits who stole an order of chicken wings from a pizza delivery driver.
Columbus Police say the 19-year-old Domino's driver was approached outside a home Tuesday night by two men who asked for money.
One of the men pointed a chrome pistol.
Police say one of the men then said, 'give me the wings.'
They fled the scene with the $36 order.
No cash was taken and the driver was not injured."
"COLUMBUS, Ga. — Police in Georgia are searching for a pair of hungry bandits who stole an order of chicken wings from a pizza delivery driver.
Columbus Police say the 19-year-old Domino's driver was approached outside a home Tuesday night by two men who asked for money.
One of the men pointed a chrome pistol.
Police say one of the men then said, 'give me the wings.'
They fled the scene with the $36 order.
No cash was taken and the driver was not injured."
Hoekstra leads, but the 'Nerd' is gaining
Hoekstra leads, but the 'Nerd' is gaining
"Some Michigan Republicans apparently like GOP gubernatorial candidate Rick Snyder's 'One Tough Nerd' ads that began during the Super Bowl."
"Some Michigan Republicans apparently like GOP gubernatorial candidate Rick Snyder's 'One Tough Nerd' ads that began during the Super Bowl."
Exclusive: New Obama Interrogation Unit Not Deployed to Question Captured Taliban Chief
Exclusive: New Obama Interrogation Unit Not Deployed to Question Captured Taliban Chief - Declassified Blog - Newsweek.com
"for reasons that are unclear, the administration has not deployed HIG personnel to question Afghan Taliban military commander Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, arguably the most important terrorist suspect captured since the detention of 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed in spring of 2003."
Those who suggested that Obama's coven of comrades weren't serious about winning the war on terror were ridiculed.
This doesn't look good at all.
"for reasons that are unclear, the administration has not deployed HIG personnel to question Afghan Taliban military commander Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, arguably the most important terrorist suspect captured since the detention of 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed in spring of 2003."
Those who suggested that Obama's coven of comrades weren't serious about winning the war on terror were ridiculed.
This doesn't look good at all.
PatriotPost.US
Digest for Friday, February 26, 2010 - Editions - PatriotPost.US
"Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) introduced the Dietary Supplement Safety Act (DSSA), S. 3002, which would empower the Food and Drug Administration to regulate dietary supplements such as vitamins.
The FDA could arbitrarily reclassify supplements as drugs or pull them off the shelves altogether.
Find that one in the Constitution.
With Republicans like this, who needs Democrats?"
The fact that Palin supports McCain over JD Hayworth is not a "plus" for Sarah.
"Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) introduced the Dietary Supplement Safety Act (DSSA), S. 3002, which would empower the Food and Drug Administration to regulate dietary supplements such as vitamins.
The FDA could arbitrarily reclassify supplements as drugs or pull them off the shelves altogether.
Find that one in the Constitution.
With Republicans like this, who needs Democrats?"
The fact that Palin supports McCain over JD Hayworth is not a "plus" for Sarah.
Obama, the Chicago Boys, and their 30 Billion Dollar Slush Fund
Obama, the Chicago Boys, and their 30 Billion Dollar Slush Fund
"The Obama administration is seeking to exclude from federal oversight its new $30 billion dollar small-business lending program.
Obama's rhetoric about transparency during the campaign was as phony as his vow to end the era of lobbying (last year was that industry's best year ever in Washington)."
"The Obama administration is seeking to exclude from federal oversight its new $30 billion dollar small-business lending program.
Obama's rhetoric about transparency during the campaign was as phony as his vow to end the era of lobbying (last year was that industry's best year ever in Washington)."
$5000 fine for not filling out census form?
This is an e-mail I received from a Ludington (MI) Tea Party leader. (http://www.teapartyofwmi.org/group/ludingtonteaparty)
Read it and thank God for Rod and all the tea party patriots.
And be very worried about where our country is headed!
"I would like to thank Bob, a LTP member, for questioning a recently e-mailed video about the Census as misleading. I’m sure that we’ve all heard about the short form and then a longer form with questions that we may receive. I have attached the PDF form copied from http://2010.census.gov/partners/pdf/ConstituentFAQ.pdf explaining what we can expect.
While it is true that the Decennial Census Program is only a 10-question form required to be filled out by every household, the separate American Community Survey also requires completion if you receive it. Failure to file one or both of these forms this year is subject to a $5,000 fine according to the way I read the attached 2010 Census Constituent FAQ.
I also find it rather odd that your phone number is one of the ten questions. Since when is it the government’s business to have this when in the past it wasn’t collected, and for many people their number isn’t published? Again as a genealogist, I see little use decades or centuries from now to have this information and would rather that data more uniform be obtained as was asked in previous census surveys."
Read it and thank God for Rod and all the tea party patriots.
And be very worried about where our country is headed!
"I would like to thank Bob, a LTP member, for questioning a recently e-mailed video about the Census as misleading. I’m sure that we’ve all heard about the short form and then a longer form with questions that we may receive. I have attached the PDF form copied from http://2010.census.gov/partners/pdf/ConstituentFAQ.pdf explaining what we can expect.
While it is true that the Decennial Census Program is only a 10-question form required to be filled out by every household, the separate American Community Survey also requires completion if you receive it. Failure to file one or both of these forms this year is subject to a $5,000 fine according to the way I read the attached 2010 Census Constituent FAQ.
I also find it rather odd that your phone number is one of the ten questions. Since when is it the government’s business to have this when in the past it wasn’t collected, and for many people their number isn’t published? Again as a genealogist, I see little use decades or centuries from now to have this information and would rather that data more uniform be obtained as was asked in previous census surveys."
Ask Not For Whom the Bell Tolls, MSM: It Tolls for Thee
Ask Not For Whom the Bell Tolls, MSM: It Tolls for Thee
"Almost no voice, until Rush Limbaugh came on the scene.
Almost 30 years later, the tables have turned.
The problem for these journalists is that they have functioned robotically and cavalierly for so long, that they are not aware of the reality around them.
Things have changed.
Drastically."
This is a great read for all of us citizen journalists!
(HT Instapundit)
"Almost no voice, until Rush Limbaugh came on the scene.
Almost 30 years later, the tables have turned.
The problem for these journalists is that they have functioned robotically and cavalierly for so long, that they are not aware of the reality around them.
Things have changed.
Drastically."
This is a great read for all of us citizen journalists!
(HT Instapundit)
Video: Democrats insist “nothing wrong” at Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac in 2004
Video: Democrats insist “nothing wrong” at Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac in 2004
Remember this when democrats try to tell you "it's Bush's fault".
Remember this when democrats try to tell you "it's Bush's fault".
Pelosi Says She’s Running ‘Most Ethical’ Congress Ever, But Won’t Ask Rangel to Resign Chairmanship—For Now
Pelosi Says She’s Running ‘Most Ethical’ Congress Ever, But Won’t Ask Rangel to Resign Chairmanship—For Now: "House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) insisted on Friday that she is running the most ethical and honest Congress in history.
At the same time, however, she indicated she will not ask House Ways and Means Chairman Charles Rangel (D.-N.Y.) to resign his chairmanship"
At the same time, however, she indicated she will not ask House Ways and Means Chairman Charles Rangel (D.-N.Y.) to resign his chairmanship"
Fannie Mae asking for another $15.3 billion - Feb. 26, 2010
Fannie Mae asking for another $15.3 billion - Feb. 26, 2010
Since it was taken over by the federal government in September 2008, Fannie Mae has received $60.9 billion from the Treasury Department.
.....Freddie Mac, which has received $50.7 billion in taxpayer funds, did not request any additional money.
Since it was taken over by the federal government in September 2008, Fannie Mae has received $60.9 billion from the Treasury Department.
.....Freddie Mac, which has received $50.7 billion in taxpayer funds, did not request any additional money.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Those nutty Americans
Those nutty Americans
'Fifty-six percent of people questioned in a CNN/Opinion Research Corporation survey released (Feb. 19) say they think the federal government's become so large and powerful that it poses an immediate threat to the rights and freedoms of ordinary citizens,' CNN says.
Perhaps even more remarkable is the breakdown of those saying that: Nearly seven in 10 Republicans, as you might assume -- but also a whopping 63 percent of independents, and even 37 percent of Democrats.
If the tea partiers are 'kooky' for thinking the government is out of control, then, well, a majority of Americans are crazy, one supposes."
'Fifty-six percent of people questioned in a CNN/Opinion Research Corporation survey released (Feb. 19) say they think the federal government's become so large and powerful that it poses an immediate threat to the rights and freedoms of ordinary citizens,' CNN says.
Perhaps even more remarkable is the breakdown of those saying that: Nearly seven in 10 Republicans, as you might assume -- but also a whopping 63 percent of independents, and even 37 percent of Democrats.
If the tea partiers are 'kooky' for thinking the government is out of control, then, well, a majority of Americans are crazy, one supposes."
The democrats and their comrades in the liberal media tell us the Tea Party patriots are out of line with....well, with what the libs want them to believe.
The American people are rising up to tell them all that they are wrong.
Damn wrong!
And we don't need no stinkin' liberal media to get the truth anymore!
We have our citizen Paul Reveres in the form of millions of American Tea Party volunteers!
American Pilot Who Dismissed Initial Pearl Harbor Report Dies at 96
American Pilot Who Dismissed Initial Pearl Harbor Report Dies at 96
"'Don't worry about it,' Tyler famously replied, thinking it was a flight of U.S. B-17 bombers that was due in from the mainland"
"'Don't worry about it,' Tyler famously replied, thinking it was a flight of U.S. B-17 bombers that was due in from the mainland"
Coming To A Hospital Near You?
Coming To A Hospital Near You?
"At the root of these grave troubles are hospital managers — bureaucrats — who, according to a Times of London report, 'stopped providing safe care because they were preoccupied with government targets and cutting costs.'"
"At the root of these grave troubles are hospital managers — bureaucrats — who, according to a Times of London report, 'stopped providing safe care because they were preoccupied with government targets and cutting costs.'"
Pension Rhetoric vs. Pension Reality
Pension Rhetoric vs. Pension Reality
"As California’s public employee retirement system teeters on the verge of complete financial collapse, defenders of the current system continue to deny this, often accusing reformers of being “public servant bashers.”
But politically motivated rhetoric will not change financial reality – or the pursuit of reforms so private workers don’t endure punitive taxation to sustain a privileged class of government employees."
"As California’s public employee retirement system teeters on the verge of complete financial collapse, defenders of the current system continue to deny this, often accusing reformers of being “public servant bashers.”
But politically motivated rhetoric will not change financial reality – or the pursuit of reforms so private workers don’t endure punitive taxation to sustain a privileged class of government employees."
Rep. McDermott tries to sneak anti-CIA amendment into bill in the dead of night
Rep. McDermott tries to sneak anti-CIA amendment into bill in the dead of night
"Liberal Democrats may tout openness, reform and transparency on the campaign trail but those promises never seem to make it past the Beltway when they return to Washington.
In one of the more egregious examples of this truism, one needs to look no further than the efforts by Representative Jim McDermott (D-Washington) to pull a fast one and slip into the intelligence budget a provision that, in a backdoor way, impose fines and prison terms on intelligence officers who 'abuse' captured terrorism suspects."
"Liberal Democrats may tout openness, reform and transparency on the campaign trail but those promises never seem to make it past the Beltway when they return to Washington.
In one of the more egregious examples of this truism, one needs to look no further than the efforts by Representative Jim McDermott (D-Washington) to pull a fast one and slip into the intelligence budget a provision that, in a backdoor way, impose fines and prison terms on intelligence officers who 'abuse' captured terrorism suspects."
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Forced Unionization, Day Care
Forced Unionization, Day Care
Tens of thousands of small business owners in Michigan could be freed from forced unionization if Senate Bill 1173 becomes law.
Some 40,000 home-based child care operators were shanghaied into a union because they receive subsidy payments on behalf of low-income parents. The Mackinac Center Legal Foundation has filed a lawsuit against the Michigan Department of Human Services over this very issue.
According to the Novi Information Network, SB1173 would 'clarify that an individual who receives a direct or indirect government subsidy in his or her private employment is not a public employee.'"
Tens of thousands of small business owners in Michigan could be freed from forced unionization if Senate Bill 1173 becomes law.
Some 40,000 home-based child care operators were shanghaied into a union because they receive subsidy payments on behalf of low-income parents. The Mackinac Center Legal Foundation has filed a lawsuit against the Michigan Department of Human Services over this very issue.
According to the Novi Information Network, SB1173 would 'clarify that an individual who receives a direct or indirect government subsidy in his or her private employment is not a public employee.'"
Union's 'banked' days would save Michigan $11 million
Union's 'banked' days would save Michigan $11 million
"The Michigan State Employees Association, which represents 4,300 employees in nearly every state department, refused to adopt the new two-tiered health plan.
In response, the state imposed five days of furlough to achieve the union's share of the savings."
Fire them all and see if anyone even notices any change at all.
These greedy union thugs are destroying our state.
And any hope for the future!
"The Michigan State Employees Association, which represents 4,300 employees in nearly every state department, refused to adopt the new two-tiered health plan.
In response, the state imposed five days of furlough to achieve the union's share of the savings."
Fire them all and see if anyone even notices any change at all.
These greedy union thugs are destroying our state.
And any hope for the future!
Snowmen stand against taxes on Michigan Capitol lawn
Snowmen stand against taxes on Michigan Capitol lawn
"A group opposed to raising taxes in Michigan wasn't about to let a good snowstorm go to waste."
"A group opposed to raising taxes in Michigan wasn't about to let a good snowstorm go to waste."
Obama Health Care: President's Health Care Plan the Chicago Way
Obama Health Care: President's Health Care Plan the Chicago Way
"Obama will be in his element, talking and lecturing, the law professor framing the debate.
He'll spend hours being seen as reasonable.
The Republicans will balk and the president will shrug.
He'll sigh and say he tried to reason with them but they refused.
Then once the cameras are turned off, he'll take out the baseball bat and explain how things get done The Chicago Way"
read it all!
"Obama will be in his element, talking and lecturing, the law professor framing the debate.
He'll spend hours being seen as reasonable.
The Republicans will balk and the president will shrug.
He'll sigh and say he tried to reason with them but they refused.
Then once the cameras are turned off, he'll take out the baseball bat and explain how things get done The Chicago Way"
read it all!
Gov. Jennifer Granholm says she will shut down government to preserve school funding
Gov. Jennifer Granholm says she will shut down government to preserve school funding
"Gov. Jennifer Granholm drew an early line in the sand with state legislators Wednesday, saying she is willing to shut down the state government this fall before agreeing to cuts in education."
Make no mistake about what "school funding" really is.
It is more of your money (or more potholes in our roads) that continues to pour into the pockets of the teacher's unions and their overpaid members.
It's real simple.
We tighten our belts so teachers and college employees can buy bigger belts.
Jenny is little more than a publically paid union boss.
"Gov. Jennifer Granholm drew an early line in the sand with state legislators Wednesday, saying she is willing to shut down the state government this fall before agreeing to cuts in education."
Make no mistake about what "school funding" really is.
It is more of your money (or more potholes in our roads) that continues to pour into the pockets of the teacher's unions and their overpaid members.
It's real simple.
We tighten our belts so teachers and college employees can buy bigger belts.
Jenny is little more than a publically paid union boss.
Weatherization program helps eldery battle winter's chill
Weatherization program helps eldery battle winter's chill
"But senior citizens, who often are on fixed incomes, don't always have the resources to keep up with weatherization projects.
The good news is there are programs to help. And some are free."
It is articles like this that caused the Chronicle to disappear.
And highlights just how out of touch with our state and country's impending bankruptcy they really are.
"Free" is always nice and cozy to those getting the "free".
And the government employees giving out the "free" while they keep their jobs and benefits.
But, in the end, someone's gotta pay for "free" stuff.
And our cities are broke.
Muskegon county is broke.
Jenny has bankrupted our state.
Barry O has destroyed our economy and our children's future.
And The Chronicle just sails right along, marveling at how folks like 'free" stuff.
Gimme a break!
"But senior citizens, who often are on fixed incomes, don't always have the resources to keep up with weatherization projects.
The good news is there are programs to help. And some are free."
It is articles like this that caused the Chronicle to disappear.
And highlights just how out of touch with our state and country's impending bankruptcy they really are.
"Free" is always nice and cozy to those getting the "free".
And the government employees giving out the "free" while they keep their jobs and benefits.
But, in the end, someone's gotta pay for "free" stuff.
And our cities are broke.
Muskegon county is broke.
Jenny has bankrupted our state.
Barry O has destroyed our economy and our children's future.
And The Chronicle just sails right along, marveling at how folks like 'free" stuff.
Gimme a break!
E-Verify Misses Half of Illegal Workers, Report Finds
E-Verify Misses Half of Illegal Workers, Report Finds
"The system Congress and the Obama administration want employers to use to help curb illegal immigration is failing to catch more than half the number of unauthorized workers it checks"
So if this is OK with our government, why wouldn't it the same okey dokey if Obama Care missed half of the illnesses we get?
"The system Congress and the Obama administration want employers to use to help curb illegal immigration is failing to catch more than half the number of unauthorized workers it checks"
So if this is OK with our government, why wouldn't it the same okey dokey if Obama Care missed half of the illnesses we get?
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Government Beer?
CARPE DIEM: Quote of the Day: Government Beer?
"What might have established the so-called monopoly and oligopoly?
Why, government, of course.
New York State has an impressive government regulatory structure that specifies what must be covered by your insurance policy.
By law, you are restricted from shopping elsewhere for coverage."
"What might have established the so-called monopoly and oligopoly?
Why, government, of course.
New York State has an impressive government regulatory structure that specifies what must be covered by your insurance policy.
By law, you are restricted from shopping elsewhere for coverage."
Stafford Hospital caused ‘unimaginable suffering’ - Times Online
Stafford Hospital caused ‘unimaginable suffering’
"Patients were routinely neglected or left “sobbing and humiliated” by staff at an NHS trust where at least 400 deaths have been linked to appalling care."
"Patients were routinely neglected or left “sobbing and humiliated” by staff at an NHS trust where at least 400 deaths have been linked to appalling care."
Governor candidates Mike Cox, Pete Hoekstra say unionized state workers should take pay cut
Governor candidates Mike Cox, Pete Hoekstra say unionized state workers should take pay cut
"Two Republican candidates for governor -- state Attorney General Mike Cox and U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra -- said today that unionized state workers, rather than getting raises, should take pay cuts like many have in the private sector.
'There ought to be a sense of shared sacrifice,' Cox said.
The candidates also said the state's tax structures should be revised to attract businesses and jobs. Hoekstra said taxes and government policies 'stifle investment, stifle entrepreneurs.'
They spoke at a conference of Michigan Association of Insurance Agents at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel.
Hoekstra also criticized federal education reforms -- former President George Bush's 'No Child Left Behind and President Barack Obama's 'Race to the Top' -- as too costly, with local school districts essentially ceding control to Washington, D.C.
Cox said he disagreed with Hoekstra and other lawmakers who agreed to a federal bailout of financial institutions.
But Hoekstra said: 'Bottom line, we don't know what would've happened if we had not put that money into the financial sector.'"
"Two Republican candidates for governor -- state Attorney General Mike Cox and U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra -- said today that unionized state workers, rather than getting raises, should take pay cuts like many have in the private sector.
'There ought to be a sense of shared sacrifice,' Cox said.
The candidates also said the state's tax structures should be revised to attract businesses and jobs. Hoekstra said taxes and government policies 'stifle investment, stifle entrepreneurs.'
They spoke at a conference of Michigan Association of Insurance Agents at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel.
Hoekstra also criticized federal education reforms -- former President George Bush's 'No Child Left Behind and President Barack Obama's 'Race to the Top' -- as too costly, with local school districts essentially ceding control to Washington, D.C.
Cox said he disagreed with Hoekstra and other lawmakers who agreed to a federal bailout of financial institutions.
But Hoekstra said: 'Bottom line, we don't know what would've happened if we had not put that money into the financial sector.'"
GM’s Hummer China deal collapses
GM’s Hummer China deal collapses
"General Motors on Wednesday night gave up on efforts to sell its Hummer operations to a Chinese buyer and said it would now wind down production of the heavy SUV."
"General Motors on Wednesday night gave up on efforts to sell its Hummer operations to a Chinese buyer and said it would now wind down production of the heavy SUV."
Nationwide Strike Paralyzes Greece
Nationwide Strike Paralyzes Greece
"Public- and private-sector unions called the strike to protest a range of measures aimed at reducing Greece's budget deficit.
The government has announced a freeze on civil-service wages, cuts in public-sector entitlements and the closing of tax loopholes for certain professions, including some civil servants.
It has also announced a fuel-tax increase."
Americans, watch this!
We are on the same path!
The public sector unions are demanding the "rest of us" pay for their life of poor performance, out of line pay (with automatic increases not related to performance) and early retirement with golden pay and medical packages.
If bend over ...they will win.
"Public- and private-sector unions called the strike to protest a range of measures aimed at reducing Greece's budget deficit.
The government has announced a freeze on civil-service wages, cuts in public-sector entitlements and the closing of tax loopholes for certain professions, including some civil servants.
It has also announced a fuel-tax increase."
Americans, watch this!
We are on the same path!
The public sector unions are demanding the "rest of us" pay for their life of poor performance, out of line pay (with automatic increases not related to performance) and early retirement with golden pay and medical packages.
If bend over ...they will win.
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