"Fringe Group" Controlling GOP - The New Editor
"In a 60 Minutes interview with CBS' Katie Couric, President Obama's chief of staff Rahm Emanuel calls the Tea Party movement a ''fringe group' that's taken control' of the Republican Party.
Hey, don't mess with Rahmbo:"
Sunday, March 21, 2010
The Real Arithmetic of Health Care Reform
The Real Arithmetic of Health Care Reform - NYTimes.com
"Could this really be true?
How can the budget office give a green light to a bill that commits the federal government to spending nearly $1 trillion more over the next 10 years?
The answer, unfortunately, is that the budget office is required to take written legislation at face value and not second-guess the plausibility of what it is handed.
So fantasy in, fantasy out.
In reality, if you strip out all the gimmicks and budgetary games and rework the calculus, a wholly different picture emerges:
The health care reform legislation would raise, not lower, federal deficits, by $562 billion."
"Could this really be true?
How can the budget office give a green light to a bill that commits the federal government to spending nearly $1 trillion more over the next 10 years?
The answer, unfortunately, is that the budget office is required to take written legislation at face value and not second-guess the plausibility of what it is handed.
So fantasy in, fantasy out.
In reality, if you strip out all the gimmicks and budgetary games and rework the calculus, a wholly different picture emerges:
The health care reform legislation would raise, not lower, federal deficits, by $562 billion."
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Bank regulators given big bonuses
Bank regulators given big bonuses
"Just as bank executives got bonuses despite taking on dangerous amounts of risk, regulators got taxpayer-funded bonuses despite missing or ignoring signs that the system was on the verge of a meltdown.
The bonuses were part of a reward program little known outside the government.
Some government regulators got tens of thousands of dollars in perks, boosting their salaries by almost 25 percent. Often, though, rewards amounted to just a few hundred dollars for employees who came up with good ideas.
During the 2003-06 boom, the three agencies that supervise most U.S. banks - the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC), the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS) and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) - gave out at least $19 million in bonuses, records show.
Nearly all that money was spent recognizing 'superior' performance.
The largest share, more than $8.4 million, went to financial examiners, those employees and managers who scrutinize internal bank documents and sound the first alarms.
Analysts, auditors, economists and criminal investigators also got awards."
"Just as bank executives got bonuses despite taking on dangerous amounts of risk, regulators got taxpayer-funded bonuses despite missing or ignoring signs that the system was on the verge of a meltdown.
The bonuses were part of a reward program little known outside the government.
Some government regulators got tens of thousands of dollars in perks, boosting their salaries by almost 25 percent. Often, though, rewards amounted to just a few hundred dollars for employees who came up with good ideas.
During the 2003-06 boom, the three agencies that supervise most U.S. banks - the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC), the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS) and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) - gave out at least $19 million in bonuses, records show.
Nearly all that money was spent recognizing 'superior' performance.
The largest share, more than $8.4 million, went to financial examiners, those employees and managers who scrutinize internal bank documents and sound the first alarms.
Analysts, auditors, economists and criminal investigators also got awards."
In Wal-Mart Intercom Incident, AP 'Forgets' Critical Story Element in Company's Defense
In Wal-Mart Intercom Incident, AP 'Forgets' Critical Story Element in Company's Defense
"Gosh, if I didn't know better, I'd think that the AP was keeping information from its national readers and subscribers in an attempt to make a favorite target of the left look bad.
Those hallowed keepers of the journalistic flame at the self-described 'Essential Global News Network' wouldn't do that ... would they?"
"Gosh, if I didn't know better, I'd think that the AP was keeping information from its national readers and subscribers in an attempt to make a favorite target of the left look bad.
Those hallowed keepers of the journalistic flame at the self-described 'Essential Global News Network' wouldn't do that ... would they?"
WWII: The most racist generation
WWII: The most racist generation
"Was the 'Greatest Generation' just a bunch of racists? Actor and producer Tom Hanks, promoting his new World War II series 'The Pacific,' suggested that the war with Japan was really all about American intolerance; and by the way, so is the war on terrorism."
"Was the 'Greatest Generation' just a bunch of racists? Actor and producer Tom Hanks, promoting his new World War II series 'The Pacific,' suggested that the war with Japan was really all about American intolerance; and by the way, so is the war on terrorism."
Migrants get colleges' nod
Migrants get colleges' nod
"The State Community College Board cast a final vote Friday to admit illegal immigrants at the 58 community college campuses.
Illegal immigrants will have to pay out-of-state tuition, about $7,700 a year, and they can be removed from a class if it is full and a legal resident wants in."
"The State Community College Board cast a final vote Friday to admit illegal immigrants at the 58 community college campuses.
Illegal immigrants will have to pay out-of-state tuition, about $7,700 a year, and they can be removed from a class if it is full and a legal resident wants in."
State-Owned Banks: The Future of Banking?
State-Owned Banks: The Future of Banking? - ABC News
"Stories like Wanner's are sparking interest from state officials outside of North Dakota, who see the 91-year-old Bank of North Dakota as a model of what they could do to revive troubled business lending in their own home states.
Most recently, in Michigan, Democrats in the state senate and Michigan gubernatorial candidate Virg Bernero began pushing to establish a state-owned bank similar to North Dakota's."
More demands for government ownership of private enterprise.
USSR anyone.........?
"Stories like Wanner's are sparking interest from state officials outside of North Dakota, who see the 91-year-old Bank of North Dakota as a model of what they could do to revive troubled business lending in their own home states.
Most recently, in Michigan, Democrats in the state senate and Michigan gubernatorial candidate Virg Bernero began pushing to establish a state-owned bank similar to North Dakota's."
More demands for government ownership of private enterprise.
USSR anyone.........?
Blockbuster on Muskegon's Henry St. closing as firm reorganizes after losses
Blockbuster on Muskegon's Henry St. closing as firm reorganizes after losses
"Muskegon will lose one of two Blockbuster movie rental stores on April 18."
Just wait until the indian casino opens up in Fruitport.
They'll suck out more dollars and businesses from our community.
"Muskegon will lose one of two Blockbuster movie rental stores on April 18."
Just wait until the indian casino opens up in Fruitport.
They'll suck out more dollars and businesses from our community.
Muskegon Heights downtown development authority chairman resigns after alleged improper land sales
Muskegon Heights downtown development authority chairman resigns after alleged improper land sales
"James Anthony, board chair of the Muskegon Heights Downtown Development Authority, resigned Friday amid allegations that he sold property without the full board's knowledge."
Another crook in a town full of crooks.
"James Anthony, board chair of the Muskegon Heights Downtown Development Authority, resigned Friday amid allegations that he sold property without the full board's knowledge."
Another crook in a town full of crooks.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
What Makes a Guy 'Undateable'?
What Makes a Guy 'Undateable'? Oh, Any of 311 Different Things
"Speedos:
OK, this also made 'Undateable''s list, but we feel the need to reiterate, as it was the first Tourette's-like exclamation out of our mouths."
"Speedos:
OK, this also made 'Undateable''s list, but we feel the need to reiterate, as it was the first Tourette's-like exclamation out of our mouths."
Leprechaun bank robber shot dead
Leprechaun bank robber shot dead
"Two bank robbery suspects, one dressed in a green leprechaun costume, have been shot dead after a St Patrick's Day chase and shootout with US police in Tennessee."
"Two bank robbery suspects, one dressed in a green leprechaun costume, have been shot dead after a St Patrick's Day chase and shootout with US police in Tennessee."
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Man convicted in Muskegon County for embezzlement, receives $9.1 million state tax credit
Man convicted in Muskegon County for embezzlement, receives $9.1 million state tax credit
"Among his parole conditions: He is barred from having a checking account, charge account or credit card. He is also barred from leaving Michigan.
“This case is alarming,” Tague said after learning of the multi-million-dollar tax credit.
“It shows the ineptness at the state level of our government.
Not only are we doing a wholesale release of prisoners from our prison system, but we’re granting major financial rewards to parolees."
"Among his parole conditions: He is barred from having a checking account, charge account or credit card. He is also barred from leaving Michigan.
“This case is alarming,” Tague said after learning of the multi-million-dollar tax credit.
“It shows the ineptness at the state level of our government.
Not only are we doing a wholesale release of prisoners from our prison system, but we’re granting major financial rewards to parolees."
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Cahill rips governor on health care plans
Cahill rips governor on health care plans - BostonHerald.com
"“If President Obama and the Democrats repeat the mistakes of the health insurance mandate on a national level, they will bankrupt this country within four years,”
Cahill said.
“It is time for the President and the Democratic leadership to go back to the drawing board and come up with a new plan that does not threaten to wipe out the American economy.”"
"“If President Obama and the Democrats repeat the mistakes of the health insurance mandate on a national level, they will bankrupt this country within four years,”
Cahill said.
“It is time for the President and the Democratic leadership to go back to the drawing board and come up with a new plan that does not threaten to wipe out the American economy.”"
Obama Orders Army NOT To Fly U.S. Flag in Haiti « Publius Forum
Obama Orders Army NOT To Fly U.S. Flag in Haiti « Publius Forum: "Obama Orders Army NOT To Fly U.S. Flag in Haiti"
Mish's Global Economic Trend Analysis: The $2 Trillion Public Pension Hole and What You Can Do About It
Mish's Global Economic Trend Analysis: The $2 Trillion Public Pension Hole and What You Can Do About It: "Populist Rage
That was page one of a three page article. I encourage everyone to read it all.
I am very grateful to Barron's for the opening sentence 'LIKE A CALIFORNIA WILDFIRE, populist rage burns over bloated executive compensation and unrepentant avarice on Wall Street.'
I get a lot mail suggesting I have been giving too much attention to unions and pensions. In reality, I have not been giving enough attention to the issue, or at least bloggers in general haven't.
There are a dozen blogs covering every aspect of the housing bubble, bailouts, and wall street salaries. Yet I am aware of no other major blogs covering the enormous pension problem in depth. Moreover, I have hardly shied away from bailout fraud, calling for the indictment of Geithner, Lewis, Bernanke and others on numerous occasions. Here is a list."
That was page one of a three page article. I encourage everyone to read it all.
I am very grateful to Barron's for the opening sentence 'LIKE A CALIFORNIA WILDFIRE, populist rage burns over bloated executive compensation and unrepentant avarice on Wall Street.'
I get a lot mail suggesting I have been giving too much attention to unions and pensions. In reality, I have not been giving enough attention to the issue, or at least bloggers in general haven't.
There are a dozen blogs covering every aspect of the housing bubble, bailouts, and wall street salaries. Yet I am aware of no other major blogs covering the enormous pension problem in depth. Moreover, I have hardly shied away from bailout fraud, calling for the indictment of Geithner, Lewis, Bernanke and others on numerous occasions. Here is a list."
Obama's illusions of cost-control
Obama's illusions of cost-control - washingtonpost.com
"How often, for example, have you heard the emergency-room argument?
The uninsured, it's said, use emergency rooms for primary care.
That's expensive and ineffective.
Once they're insured, they'll have regular doctors.
Care will improve; costs will decline.
Everyone wins.
Great argument.
Unfortunately, it's untrue.
A study by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation found that the insured accounted for 83 percent of emergency-room visits, reflecting their share of the population."
The main reason is the liberal MSM "reports" EVERYTHING the lying liberals tell them.
"How often, for example, have you heard the emergency-room argument?
The uninsured, it's said, use emergency rooms for primary care.
That's expensive and ineffective.
Once they're insured, they'll have regular doctors.
Care will improve; costs will decline.
Everyone wins.
Great argument.
Unfortunately, it's untrue.
A study by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation found that the insured accounted for 83 percent of emergency-room visits, reflecting their share of the population."
The main reason is the liberal MSM "reports" EVERYTHING the lying liberals tell them.
Joint Strike Fighter Massively Behind Schedule, Over budget
Joint Strike Fighter Massively Behind Schedule, Over budget - HUMAN EVENTS
"If the F-35 Lightning falls further behind, it will not only be bad news for the Air Force and it's fighter gap.
The Navy estimates it could be short 250 fighters in five years.
Levin called it 'a shortfall that's large enough that if it were realized could cause us to tie up aircraft carriers at the pier for lack of aircraft to send with them."
YIKES!
This is a big deal!
"If the F-35 Lightning falls further behind, it will not only be bad news for the Air Force and it's fighter gap.
The Navy estimates it could be short 250 fighters in five years.
Levin called it 'a shortfall that's large enough that if it were realized could cause us to tie up aircraft carriers at the pier for lack of aircraft to send with them."
YIKES!
This is a big deal!
Obama Aides See ‘Extended Period’ of Unemployment
Obama Aides See ‘Extended Period’ of Unemployment
"U.S. employers won’t hire enough workers this year to lower the jobless rate much below the level of 9.7 percent reached in February, three Obama administration economic officials said today.
The proportion of Americans who can’t find work is likely to “remain elevated for an extended period,” .....
Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner, White House budget director Peter Orszag and Christina Romer, chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, said in a joint statement.
The officials said unemployment may even rise “slightly” over the next few months as discouraged workers start job-hunting again."
"U.S. employers won’t hire enough workers this year to lower the jobless rate much below the level of 9.7 percent reached in February, three Obama administration economic officials said today.
The proportion of Americans who can’t find work is likely to “remain elevated for an extended period,” .....
Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner, White House budget director Peter Orszag and Christina Romer, chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, said in a joint statement.
The officials said unemployment may even rise “slightly” over the next few months as discouraged workers start job-hunting again."
The ghost of Jimmy is descending on BarryO.
And that ain't good for Americans.
GRASSroots group to hold second meeting
GRASSroots group to hold second meeting
"The group, also known as GRASS, plans to focus the meeting on three specific areas of interest: city employees' health insurance benefits package, city employee wages and wage increases, and the city's pension system, representatives told 24 Hour News 8.
The health insurance benefits package is too expensive, GRASS alleges, and wages for city employees have surpassed comparable jobs in the private sector.
Group representatives also claim the city's pension system is not sustainable."
85% of the disposable spending of most cities is on employee/retiree compensation.
It's about time some group investigated where our public dollars are going.
You go GRASS!
"The group, also known as GRASS, plans to focus the meeting on three specific areas of interest: city employees' health insurance benefits package, city employee wages and wage increases, and the city's pension system, representatives told 24 Hour News 8.
The health insurance benefits package is too expensive, GRASS alleges, and wages for city employees have surpassed comparable jobs in the private sector.
Group representatives also claim the city's pension system is not sustainable."
85% of the disposable spending of most cities is on employee/retiree compensation.
It's about time some group investigated where our public dollars are going.
You go GRASS!
Woman championed by Obama eligible for aid
Clinic: Woman championed by Obama eligible for aid
"A woman championed as the Obama administration's emblem for health care reform does not have to choose between her home and her health, according to officials at the Ohio hospital where she is being treated.
With a self-reported annual income of about $6,000, Natoma Canfield is a prime candidate for financial aid in the form of Medicaid - the federal health care program for low-income and disabled people - or charitable assistance."
Think about it!
The "brilliant" BarryO and his equally "brilliant" comrades searched the entire country to find the poster child of America's miserable health care system.
And they came up with a gal who is covered already.
I mean...this ought to be a big deal to Obama, right?
And they can't even find an American who is suffering from our "unfair" health system/
And they want even more power over our system?
Gimme a break!
"A woman championed as the Obama administration's emblem for health care reform does not have to choose between her home and her health, according to officials at the Ohio hospital where she is being treated.
With a self-reported annual income of about $6,000, Natoma Canfield is a prime candidate for financial aid in the form of Medicaid - the federal health care program for low-income and disabled people - or charitable assistance."
Think about it!
The "brilliant" BarryO and his equally "brilliant" comrades searched the entire country to find the poster child of America's miserable health care system.
And they came up with a gal who is covered already.
I mean...this ought to be a big deal to Obama, right?
And they can't even find an American who is suffering from our "unfair" health system/
And they want even more power over our system?
Gimme a break!
Funding crunch shines light on White River Light Station museum budget
Funding crunch shines light on White River Light Station museum budget
"'It's not something we want to do,' St. Amour said.
'We're not sure where the money is going to come from.'
Amy VanLoon, executive director of the White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, said her staff receives hundreds of inquiries a year about the lighthouse museum.
'People come from far and wide to see it,' VanLoon said."
Funny.
Everyone says the lighthouse is a treasure...but everyone says someone else ought to pay for it.
Sounds oh, so familiar.
"'It's not something we want to do,' St. Amour said.
'We're not sure where the money is going to come from.'
Amy VanLoon, executive director of the White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, said her staff receives hundreds of inquiries a year about the lighthouse museum.
'People come from far and wide to see it,' VanLoon said."
Funny.
Everyone says the lighthouse is a treasure...but everyone says someone else ought to pay for it.
Sounds oh, so familiar.
How going green may make you mean
How going green may make you mean Environment The Guardian
"When Al Gore was caught running up huge energy bills at home at the same time as lecturing on the need to save electricity, it turns out that he was only reverting to 'green' type.
According to a study, when people feel they have been morally virtuous by saving the planet through their purchases of organic baby food, for example, it leads to the 'licensing [of] selfish and morally questionable behaviour', otherwise known as 'moral balancing' or 'compensatory ethics'."
"When Al Gore was caught running up huge energy bills at home at the same time as lecturing on the need to save electricity, it turns out that he was only reverting to 'green' type.
According to a study, when people feel they have been morally virtuous by saving the planet through their purchases of organic baby food, for example, it leads to the 'licensing [of] selfish and morally questionable behaviour', otherwise known as 'moral balancing' or 'compensatory ethics'."
West Michigan Reform Review
West Michigan Reform Review
"Does State Rep. Mary Valentine support
late-term partial-birth abortion?
We believe she does, based on
her 2008 vote against a proposed
ban of partial birth abortion in
Michigan.
Her recent letter to the
editor of the Muskegon Chronicle
disputes that conclusion, at least
to some degree."
She's caught in her own lie and is scrambling to cover up the real facts.
Good job, "Reform Review" in keeping her votes front and center!
And a pretty good website too!
"Does State Rep. Mary Valentine support
late-term partial-birth abortion?
We believe she does, based on
her 2008 vote against a proposed
ban of partial birth abortion in
Michigan.
Her recent letter to the
editor of the Muskegon Chronicle
disputes that conclusion, at least
to some degree."
She's caught in her own lie and is scrambling to cover up the real facts.
Good job, "Reform Review" in keeping her votes front and center!
And a pretty good website too!
Six Stupid Things Candidates Do to Mess Up Their Campaigns
Pajamas Media » Six Stupid Things Candidates Do to Mess Up Their Campaigns
"Americans are tired of politicians’ smooth answers, refusal to follow principles, and slick campaign talk.
However, some campaigns are doomed to defeat because they’re making basic errors.
As a former candidate, I made a couple big mistakes that I wish someone would have told me to avoid.
If people want to make a difference, they should avoid giving their money and energy to campaigns that have doomed themselves to political oblivion.
Here are the warning signs."
Anyone considering a run for ANY office should read this!
(HT Atlanta Lou)
"Americans are tired of politicians’ smooth answers, refusal to follow principles, and slick campaign talk.
However, some campaigns are doomed to defeat because they’re making basic errors.
As a former candidate, I made a couple big mistakes that I wish someone would have told me to avoid.
If people want to make a difference, they should avoid giving their money and energy to campaigns that have doomed themselves to political oblivion.
Here are the warning signs."
Anyone considering a run for ANY office should read this!
(HT Atlanta Lou)
My Way News - ACORN branches rename, rebrand after video scandal
My Way News - ACORN branches rename, rebrand after video scandal
"Affiliates of the once mighty liberal activist group ACORN are remaking themselves in a desperate bid to ditch the tarnished name of their parent organization and restore federal grants and other revenue streams that ran dry in the wake of a video scandal.
The letters A, C, O, R and N are coming off office doors from New York to California.
Business cards are being reprinted.
New signs with new names are popping up in front of offices."
New name, same crooks.
They will continue to thrive unless we stop them!
"Affiliates of the once mighty liberal activist group ACORN are remaking themselves in a desperate bid to ditch the tarnished name of their parent organization and restore federal grants and other revenue streams that ran dry in the wake of a video scandal.
The letters A, C, O, R and N are coming off office doors from New York to California.
Business cards are being reprinted.
New signs with new names are popping up in front of offices."
New name, same crooks.
They will continue to thrive unless we stop them!
Monday, March 15, 2010
Mish's Global Economic Trend Analysis: The $2 Trillion Public Pension Hole and What You Can Do About It
Mish's Global Economic Trend Analysis: The $2 Trillion Public Pension Hole and What You Can Do About It: "The cover story of Barron's is on public pensions, an issue I have been railing about for years, and heatedly so for several months. Please consider The $2 Trillion Hole."
Bracket breakdown: Midwest, West, East and South
Bracket breakdown: Midwest, West, East and South
"Georgia Tech (No. 10 seed) is young and super talented.
Michigan fans will have a nice flashback when they watch freshman guard Glen Rice Jr . (5.2 ppg) come in off the bench."
"Georgia Tech (No. 10 seed) is young and super talented.
Michigan fans will have a nice flashback when they watch freshman guard Glen Rice Jr . (5.2 ppg) come in off the bench."
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