Warning: After Reading This, You Will Want Ken Jennings to Be Your New Best Nerd -- Daily Intel
"He has political insights:
Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Harry Reid (D-NV) both called me back personally in 2004 to try to get me to run for Orrin Hatch's Senate seat.
I am not making this up.
Win on a game show and you can apparently run for the US Senate.
That was when I realized the Democratic Party was f@#$ed in '04.
He shares self-deprecating Mormon humor:
1. Christina Aguilera was born Mormon. Not our finest effort ....
5. My Sunday school teacher, when I was a Mormon teen, once memorably advised us that 'There's nothing more overrated than sex, and nothing more underrated than a good bowel movement.' It totally worked ... I don't remember a single other sermon from when I was a kid, but I think about this guy exactly once a day, and then again once a week."
Friday, March 04, 2011
»Forbes: Taxpayers Don’t Fund Public Pensions (Seriously!)
»Forbes: Taxpayers Don’t Fund Public Pensions (Seriously!) - Big Government
"The Wall Street Journal – on the very same day as Unger’s blog – pointed out that not only do taxpayers pay the teachers’ portion of the pension obligation, but the school district pays an additional 6.8 percent. According to the Journal:
“Teachers belong to the Wisconsin state pension plan.
That plan requires a 6.8% employer contribution and 6.2% from the employee.
However, according to the collective-bargaining agreement in place since 1996, the district pays the employees’ share as well, for a total of 13%.”
Ungar’s argument can’t be taken seriously.
It’s absurd to suggest that taxpayers aren’t funding (and ultimately on the hook for) government employee pensions.
Clearly we are."
This is exactly what is going on in almost every county, city and township in Michigan.
It must be exposed and stopped or our state will collapse!
"The Wall Street Journal – on the very same day as Unger’s blog – pointed out that not only do taxpayers pay the teachers’ portion of the pension obligation, but the school district pays an additional 6.8 percent. According to the Journal:
“Teachers belong to the Wisconsin state pension plan.
That plan requires a 6.8% employer contribution and 6.2% from the employee.
However, according to the collective-bargaining agreement in place since 1996, the district pays the employees’ share as well, for a total of 13%.”
Ungar’s argument can’t be taken seriously.
It’s absurd to suggest that taxpayers aren’t funding (and ultimately on the hook for) government employee pensions.
Clearly we are."
This is exactly what is going on in almost every county, city and township in Michigan.
It must be exposed and stopped or our state will collapse!
Connecticut Town Ordered to Pay for Union Workers’ Coffee
Connecticut Town Ordered to Pay for Union Workers’ Coffee - FoxNews.com
"A Connecticut town must provide their union workers free coffee and milk, according to a ruling from the State Board of Labor Relations.
The board also ordered town leaders to reinstate “Dress Down Fridays” for the union clerical and custodial workers.
The dispute involved the town of Orange and the local chapter of the United Public Service Employees Union.
The board determined the town retaliated against the union members for comments they made at a finance meeting in 2009.
The day after that meeting, First Selectman James Zeloi eliminated the free coffee and milk and the following day ended “Dress Down Friday.”
Zeoli told The New Haven Register that he pulled the plug on the coffee to save money and stopped casual Fridays because some employees were
abusing the privilege.
“It shows you how crazy state government has become,” Connecticut Republican Party Chairman Chris Healy told Fox News Radio.
“You’d almost laugh at it, if it wasn’t so serious in tone."
"A Connecticut town must provide their union workers free coffee and milk, according to a ruling from the State Board of Labor Relations.
The board also ordered town leaders to reinstate “Dress Down Fridays” for the union clerical and custodial workers.
The dispute involved the town of Orange and the local chapter of the United Public Service Employees Union.
The board determined the town retaliated against the union members for comments they made at a finance meeting in 2009.
The day after that meeting, First Selectman James Zeloi eliminated the free coffee and milk and the following day ended “Dress Down Friday.”
Zeoli told The New Haven Register that he pulled the plug on the coffee to save money and stopped casual Fridays because some employees were
abusing the privilege.
“It shows you how crazy state government has become,” Connecticut Republican Party Chairman Chris Healy told Fox News Radio.
“You’d almost laugh at it, if it wasn’t so serious in tone."
Nationalized! Welcome to millionaire Moore's Torch Lake estate
Nationalized! Welcome to millionaire Moore's Torch Lake estate themichiganview.com The Michigan View
"'They're sitting on the money, they're using it for their own — they're putting it someplace else with no interest in helping you with our life, with that money.
We've allowed them to take that.
That's not theirs, that's a national resource, that's ours.
We all have this, we all benefit from this or we all suffer as a result of not having it,' Moore told Flanders"
Interesting article confirming the hypocrisy of the big fat rich left.
"'They're sitting on the money, they're using it for their own — they're putting it someplace else with no interest in helping you with our life, with that money.
We've allowed them to take that.
That's not theirs, that's a national resource, that's ours.
We all have this, we all benefit from this or we all suffer as a result of not having it,' Moore told Flanders"
Interesting article confirming the hypocrisy of the big fat rich left.
Pure Spending — GOP Finds More for Tourism Subsidies
Pure Spending — GOP Finds More for Tourism Subsidies [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
“Michigan needs a study of Pure Michigan that’s transparent and peer-reviewed,” said the Mackinac Center’s Mike LaFaive to MIRS.
“I have yet to see a study bought and paid for by the MEDC that did not comport with its worldview.”
Republican state Rep. Tom McMillin, R-Rochester Hills, an accountant, says he tried numerous times to get the text of the Longwoods survey questions and other data from Travel Michigan so that he could try to independently evaluate the Longwoods claims, but was given nothing.
“The Longwoods 'study' (propaganda) is completely bogus and is done by a firm that gets paid by many state governments across the country to produce these non-statistically valid (which the MEDC admits), so-called studies to support higher spending,” said McMillin."
“Michigan needs a study of Pure Michigan that’s transparent and peer-reviewed,” said the Mackinac Center’s Mike LaFaive to MIRS.
“I have yet to see a study bought and paid for by the MEDC that did not comport with its worldview.”
Republican state Rep. Tom McMillin, R-Rochester Hills, an accountant, says he tried numerous times to get the text of the Longwoods survey questions and other data from Travel Michigan so that he could try to independently evaluate the Longwoods claims, but was given nothing.
“The Longwoods 'study' (propaganda) is completely bogus and is done by a firm that gets paid by many state governments across the country to produce these non-statistically valid (which the MEDC admits), so-called studies to support higher spending,” said McMillin."
Federal investigators launching inquiry into Allen Park's deal with movie producer
Federal investigators launching inquiry into Allen Park's deal with movie producer
"Did the city come up with the appraised value of 25.5 million dollars for a property worth only 14 million dollars.
-And did the city mislead investors in a bond measure to pay for the Unity Studios property"
"Did the city come up with the appraised value of 25.5 million dollars for a property worth only 14 million dollars.
-And did the city mislead investors in a bond measure to pay for the Unity Studios property"
Jobs Report — Strange Once Again
Jobs Report — Strange Once Again « Commentary Magazine
"“The labor force participation rate went nowhere — unchanged.
So we are still dealing with a shrunken jobs market.”
In other words, the percentage of able-bodied Americans of working age who are actually working did not improve at all."
"“The labor force participation rate went nowhere — unchanged.
So we are still dealing with a shrunken jobs market.”
In other words, the percentage of able-bodied Americans of working age who are actually working did not improve at all."
Wisconsin Senate passes resolution calling for Democrats to be taken into police custody
Wisconsin Senate passes resolution calling for Democrats to be taken into police custody StarTribune.com
"The Wisconsin Senate has passed a resolution calling for police to take 14 Democrats into custody for contempt after they fled to Illinois to avoid voting on a union rights bill."
"The Wisconsin Senate has passed a resolution calling for police to take 14 Democrats into custody for contempt after they fled to Illinois to avoid voting on a union rights bill."
Fennville (Mich.) high school player Wes Leonard dies after making winning shot
Fennville (Mich.) high school player Wes Leonard dies after making winning shot - ESPN
"Leonard's mother, Jocelyn, is a choir teacher at the middle and high schools and is the director of Fennville High's production of 'How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.'
Friday's scheduled performance was canceled, and it's undecided whether there will be shows Saturday and Sunday."
"Leonard's mother, Jocelyn, is a choir teacher at the middle and high schools and is the director of Fennville High's production of 'How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.'
Friday's scheduled performance was canceled, and it's undecided whether there will be shows Saturday and Sunday."
Beyond Early Bird Discounts -- Savings for Seniors
Beyond Early Bird Discounts -- Savings for Seniors
"After compiling this huge list of senior discounts and freebies, I'm convinced that, if you're of a certain age, it's just a matter of asking to save money.
Just remember to bring ID, as many retailers and restaurants will ask for proof of your age. After all, you look so young!"
"After compiling this huge list of senior discounts and freebies, I'm convinced that, if you're of a certain age, it's just a matter of asking to save money.
Just remember to bring ID, as many retailers and restaurants will ask for proof of your age. After all, you look so young!"
Blarney Bashed
White Lake Beacon - Whitehall and Montague, Michigan
"MONTAGUE – The Blarney Bash parade will be taking a detour from last year’s route after a split vote by the Montague City Council approved a motion to not participate in the event’s sophomore celebration.
Citing concerns over the actual benefits to their downtown in comparison to their commitment, Montague’s City Council, Monday evening, supported the motion by a 4-3 vote."
"MONTAGUE – The Blarney Bash parade will be taking a detour from last year’s route after a split vote by the Montague City Council approved a motion to not participate in the event’s sophomore celebration.
Citing concerns over the actual benefits to their downtown in comparison to their commitment, Montague’s City Council, Monday evening, supported the motion by a 4-3 vote."
GM sells just 281 Chevy Volts in February, Nissan only moves 67 Leafs
GM sells just 281 Chevy Volts in February, Nissan only moves 67 Leafs — Autoblog Green
"Peruse Chevrolet's February sales release, and you'll notice one number that's blatantly missing: the number of Chevy Volts sold.
The number – a very modest 281 – is available in the company's detailed data (PDF), but it certainly isn't something that GM wants to highlight, apparently.
Keeping the number quiet is a bit understandable, since it's lower than the 321 that Chevy sold in January."
"Peruse Chevrolet's February sales release, and you'll notice one number that's blatantly missing: the number of Chevy Volts sold.
The number – a very modest 281 – is available in the company's detailed data (PDF), but it certainly isn't something that GM wants to highlight, apparently.
Keeping the number quiet is a bit understandable, since it's lower than the 321 that Chevy sold in January."
Thursday, March 03, 2011
Public Employee Unions
Public Employee Unions - Opinion - PatriotPost.US
"Temple University professor William Dunkelberg said in his recent CNBC article 'Should Unions Have the Power to Tax?': '
The 'employers' (taxpayers through their elected officials) have slowly lost their ability to determine the terms of employment offers.
The unions now determine working hours, hiring criteria, the quantity of 'output' to be produced per day, the number of sick and vacation and holiday days, how their performance will be evaluated etc.
No longer can the employer make an 'offer' for a job with requirements that fit the needs of the public institution.'"
"Temple University professor William Dunkelberg said in his recent CNBC article 'Should Unions Have the Power to Tax?': '
The 'employers' (taxpayers through their elected officials) have slowly lost their ability to determine the terms of employment offers.
The unions now determine working hours, hiring criteria, the quantity of 'output' to be produced per day, the number of sick and vacation and holiday days, how their performance will be evaluated etc.
No longer can the employer make an 'offer' for a job with requirements that fit the needs of the public institution.'"
Wednesday, March 02, 2011
Ohio Senate Passes Bill Limiting Collective Bargaining
Ohio Senate Passes Bill Limiting Collective Bargaining - By Katrina Trinko - The Corner - National Review Online
"The Ohio Senate has passed Senate Bill 5, which will limit collective bargaining powers for unionized government employees in the state.
The final vote was 17 – 16, with five Republicans voting against it.
The legislation will now go to the Assembly, where Republicans have a 59 – 40 majority."
Freedom is sweeping our country!
"The Ohio Senate has passed Senate Bill 5, which will limit collective bargaining powers for unionized government employees in the state.
The final vote was 17 – 16, with five Republicans voting against it.
The legislation will now go to the Assembly, where Republicans have a 59 – 40 majority."
Freedom is sweeping our country!
Accountability in the New Congress
http://www.cato-at-liberty.org/accountability-in-the-new-congress
"Amash sounds like a representative trying to take his obligations seriously.
Apparently he feels he owes his constituents his best judgment about bills before the House and, absent enough time, he refuses to delegate his judgment to party elders or to mere caprice.
It says something about the culture of the capital that Amash's sense of fidelity to those who elected him occasions complaint."
This young freshman could give a PhD course in his job to just about every congressman and senator in the government.
"Amash sounds like a representative trying to take his obligations seriously.
Apparently he feels he owes his constituents his best judgment about bills before the House and, absent enough time, he refuses to delegate his judgment to party elders or to mere caprice.
It says something about the culture of the capital that Amash's sense of fidelity to those who elected him occasions complaint."
This young freshman could give a PhD course in his job to just about every congressman and senator in the government.
Mixed opinions on Fruitland raises
White Lake Beacon - Whitehall and Montague, Michigan
"“While arguably, perhaps, we deserve raises, this is clearly not the time to be granting ourselves one,” said Deur.
“When each one of us ran for office, I doubt it was our intent of raising our salaries during our terms.
At least, I hope not.”"
"“While arguably, perhaps, we deserve raises, this is clearly not the time to be granting ourselves one,” said Deur.
“When each one of us ran for office, I doubt it was our intent of raising our salaries during our terms.
At least, I hope not.”"
Where Hope Made a Comeback
The Gateway Pundit Where Hope Made a Comeback
"The Wisconsin senate approved a bill to fine the 14 AWOL democrat fleebaggers $100 for each day they miss, if they miss two or more days."
"The Wisconsin senate approved a bill to fine the 14 AWOL democrat fleebaggers $100 for each day they miss, if they miss two or more days."
MoveOn.org is gettin' nervous!
I got this e-mail today:
Dear MoveOn member,
We could be on the verge of losing in Wisconsin.
The Wisconsin 14—the brave Democratic state senators who left the state to stop the Republican attacks on workers—are under increasing pressure to return to Wisconsin.
Governor Walker is even threatening to lay off thousands of state workers to blackmail Democrats into coming back.1
And as soon as just one Democratic senator returns, Republicans will be able to jam through their terrible bill.
Unfortunately, over the last 24 hours there have been credible reports from blogs and local news reporters that this is imminent.
These senators have been away from their homes and families for almost two weeks now, at great personal cost. Their bravery has made this whole fight possible, and it can't be easy. That's why we need to show them that they have the support of millions of progressives nationwide—and that as long as they stay strong, we'll stand with them.
Will you add your name to our emergency statement of support? We'll deliver your signatures and comments electronically, throughout the day, to the senators or their staffs, so they can see how much support they have.
The statement of support says: "I support the Wisconsin 14 and will stand with them in their brave opposition to Governor Walker's radical attacks on workers."
Thanks for all you do.
–Daniel, Lenore, Peter, Julia, and the rest of the team
Dear MoveOn member,
We could be on the verge of losing in Wisconsin.
The Wisconsin 14—the brave Democratic state senators who left the state to stop the Republican attacks on workers—are under increasing pressure to return to Wisconsin.
Governor Walker is even threatening to lay off thousands of state workers to blackmail Democrats into coming back.1
And as soon as just one Democratic senator returns, Republicans will be able to jam through their terrible bill.
Unfortunately, over the last 24 hours there have been credible reports from blogs and local news reporters that this is imminent.
These senators have been away from their homes and families for almost two weeks now, at great personal cost. Their bravery has made this whole fight possible, and it can't be easy. That's why we need to show them that they have the support of millions of progressives nationwide—and that as long as they stay strong, we'll stand with them.
Will you add your name to our emergency statement of support? We'll deliver your signatures and comments electronically, throughout the day, to the senators or their staffs, so they can see how much support they have.
The statement of support says: "I support the Wisconsin 14 and will stand with them in their brave opposition to Governor Walker's radical attacks on workers."
Thanks for all you do.
–Daniel, Lenore, Peter, Julia, and the rest of the team
Wisconsin GOP Senator Glenn Grothman chased, trapped by hecklers, saved ...
Total union thuggery!
And where, you might ask, were the police to protect this legislator?
Oh, they're public union members......they just weren't around.....
click this link for more:
http://www.620wtmj.com/shows/charliesykes/117226058.html?blog=y
Natalie Portman, Oscar Winner, Was Also a Precocious Scientist
Natalie Portman, Oscar Winner, Was Also a Precocious Scientist - NYTimes.com
"“I’ve taught at Harvard, Dartmouth and Vassar, and I’ve had the privilege of teaching a lot of very bright kids,” said Abigail A. Baird, who was one of Ms. Portman’s mentors at Harvard.
“There are very few who are as inherently bright as Natalie is, who have as much intellectual horsepower, who work as hard as she did.
She didn’t take a single thing for granted.”"
Beauty and brains
"“I’ve taught at Harvard, Dartmouth and Vassar, and I’ve had the privilege of teaching a lot of very bright kids,” said Abigail A. Baird, who was one of Ms. Portman’s mentors at Harvard.
“There are very few who are as inherently bright as Natalie is, who have as much intellectual horsepower, who work as hard as she did.
She didn’t take a single thing for granted.”"
Beauty and brains
My people."
Althouse: "My people."
"Should the Attorney General be saying 'my people'... and not mean the People of the United States?"
"Should the Attorney General be saying 'my people'... and not mean the People of the United States?"
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
QUOTE OF THE DAY: The unfunded liabilities of Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid already exce…
Instapundit » Blog Archive » QUOTE OF THE DAY
"QUOTE OF THE DAY:
The unfunded liabilities of Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid already exceed $106 trillion.
That’s well over $300,000 for every man, woman and child in America (and exceeds the combined value of every U.S. bank account, stock certificate, building and piece of personal or public property).
Can you say political malpractice?"
"QUOTE OF THE DAY:
The unfunded liabilities of Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid already exceed $106 trillion.
That’s well over $300,000 for every man, woman and child in America (and exceeds the combined value of every U.S. bank account, stock certificate, building and piece of personal or public property).
Can you say political malpractice?"
Are Republican politicians better looking? Survey claims we think right-wingers are more attractive than their rivals on the left
"Right-wing politicians are seen as more physically attractive than socialists and get more votes because of their good looks, a new study has found."
Well duh!
Shocker: EPA air chief ignorant of atmospheric CO2 level
Shocker: EPA air chief ignorant of atmospheric CO2 level « JunkScience.com
"March 1, 2011 At today’s House Energy and Power Subcommittee hearing on EPA’s job killing greenhouse gas regulations, Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX) asked panel witness Gina McCarthy — chief of EPA’s air programs, including the agency’s greenhouse gas regulations — whether she had any idea of what the atmospheric level of carbon dioxide is, SHE ADMITTED THAT SHE DID NOT!"
One would hope that the folks who tell us how horrible CO2 is would be following the trends............unless it really isn't about science after all........
"March 1, 2011 At today’s House Energy and Power Subcommittee hearing on EPA’s job killing greenhouse gas regulations, Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX) asked panel witness Gina McCarthy — chief of EPA’s air programs, including the agency’s greenhouse gas regulations — whether she had any idea of what the atmospheric level of carbon dioxide is, SHE ADMITTED THAT SHE DID NOT!"
One would hope that the folks who tell us how horrible CO2 is would be following the trends............unless it really isn't about science after all........
U of M Retirement Payments Dwarf Private-Sector Plans [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
U of M Retirement Payments Dwarf Private-Sector Plans [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
"The University of Michigan contributed $217.9 million to its employees’ retirement plans in 2010.
The school’s retirement plan matches up to 10 percent of employee pay.
U-M’s retirement payments have increased 21 percent (unadjusted for inflation) since 2006, when it handed out $180 million in retirement contributions.
The university contributes 10 percent if employees put in 5 percent of their pay.
If an employee makes no contribution, U of M still puts in 5 percent if the employee is 35 or older with at least two years of service.
....“You are asking taxpayers to pay for these benefits,” Hohman said.
“Those (private-sector) taxpayers are not getting 10 percent retirement benefits.”"
Another bastion of the left that sucks the future from our children.
Attend Uof M, graduate with hundreds of thousands of student loan debt, pay for retired "overworked" U M retirees.
It's for the children...yeah right.....
"The University of Michigan contributed $217.9 million to its employees’ retirement plans in 2010.
The school’s retirement plan matches up to 10 percent of employee pay.
U-M’s retirement payments have increased 21 percent (unadjusted for inflation) since 2006, when it handed out $180 million in retirement contributions.
The university contributes 10 percent if employees put in 5 percent of their pay.
If an employee makes no contribution, U of M still puts in 5 percent if the employee is 35 or older with at least two years of service.
....“You are asking taxpayers to pay for these benefits,” Hohman said.
“Those (private-sector) taxpayers are not getting 10 percent retirement benefits.”"
Another bastion of the left that sucks the future from our children.
Attend Uof M, graduate with hundreds of thousands of student loan debt, pay for retired "overworked" U M retirees.
It's for the children...yeah right.....
Government Unions 101: What Public-Sector Unions Won't Tell You|
Government Unions 101: What Public-Sector Unions Won't Tell You The Heritage Foundation
"FDR: President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (D) gave unions extensive powers to bargain collectively in the private sector but excluded them from government.
FDR believed collective bargaining had no place in public service and that a government strike was “unthinkable and intolerable.”"
A wonderful resource to help you refute the lies of the MSM.
"FDR: President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (D) gave unions extensive powers to bargain collectively in the private sector but excluded them from government.
FDR believed collective bargaining had no place in public service and that a government strike was “unthinkable and intolerable.”"
A wonderful resource to help you refute the lies of the MSM.
State of Michigan to Stop Illegal ‘Union Dues’ Withdrawals From Checks to Home-Based Day Care
State of Michigan to Stop Illegal ‘Union Dues’ Withdrawals From Checks to Home-Based Day Care ... [Mackinac Center]
"State of Michigan to Stop Illegal ‘Union Dues’ Withdrawals From Checks to Home-Based Day Care Providers
‘Fantastic news’ needs to be coupled with legislative action to prevent similar schemes in the future, says Mackinac Center attorney"
The end of one of the more disgusting scams perpetrated on innocent business owners by the Granholm/Union administration.
Good riddance!
"State of Michigan to Stop Illegal ‘Union Dues’ Withdrawals From Checks to Home-Based Day Care Providers
‘Fantastic news’ needs to be coupled with legislative action to prevent similar schemes in the future, says Mackinac Center attorney"
The end of one of the more disgusting scams perpetrated on innocent business owners by the Granholm/Union administration.
Good riddance!
Public Unions: A Bad Deal for the Public
RealClearPolitics - Public Unions: A Bad Deal for the Public
"Gov. Walker wants public employees in Wisconsin to contribute roughly half as much, proportionately, to their health plans and pensions as do workers in the private sector.
The governor also wants to restrict public employee unions to bargaining for wages only, leaving the health and benefit packages and work rules up to elected officials to decide.
And he wants the state to stop collecting dues for the unions, and to require them to win recertification elections each year."
"Gov. Walker wants public employees in Wisconsin to contribute roughly half as much, proportionately, to their health plans and pensions as do workers in the private sector.
The governor also wants to restrict public employee unions to bargaining for wages only, leaving the health and benefit packages and work rules up to elected officials to decide.
And he wants the state to stop collecting dues for the unions, and to require them to win recertification elections each year."
The Vicious Cycle of Government Unions
CARPE DIEM: The Vicious Cycle of Government Unions
"A good summary of the vicious cycle of government unions, from Katherine Kersten writing in yesterday's StarTribune:
'Here's the vicious cycle:
Union leaders take money from union dues and pass it to Democratic candidates.
Once elected, the politicians 'negotiate' with the unions that helped elect them.
In essence, the unions hire their own bosses who face them across the bargaining table.
Politicians repay unions' financial support by doling out hefty pensions and benefits.
It's easy to be generous when you're spending taxpayers' money, not your own.
Elected officials aren't accountable to a board of directors or shareholders, and they don't have to worry about going bankrupt, as private companies do.
Government is a monopoly, or near monopoly, so it has no concerns about competitiveness or efficiency to keep it honest.
To keep unions happy, politicians need only kick the can down the road.
Today, public unions are among the Democratic Party's largest donors, and form the core of its on-the-ground campaign machine.
But the gig is up.
Increasingly, taxpayers understand that the structural deficits this arrangement generates will bankrupt us. Already, taxpayer-subsidized pensions and benefits are edging out other spending priorities -- from schools to parks and highways.'"
"A good summary of the vicious cycle of government unions, from Katherine Kersten writing in yesterday's StarTribune:
'Here's the vicious cycle:
Union leaders take money from union dues and pass it to Democratic candidates.
Once elected, the politicians 'negotiate' with the unions that helped elect them.
In essence, the unions hire their own bosses who face them across the bargaining table.
Politicians repay unions' financial support by doling out hefty pensions and benefits.
It's easy to be generous when you're spending taxpayers' money, not your own.
Elected officials aren't accountable to a board of directors or shareholders, and they don't have to worry about going bankrupt, as private companies do.
Government is a monopoly, or near monopoly, so it has no concerns about competitiveness or efficiency to keep it honest.
To keep unions happy, politicians need only kick the can down the road.
Today, public unions are among the Democratic Party's largest donors, and form the core of its on-the-ground campaign machine.
But the gig is up.
Increasingly, taxpayers understand that the structural deficits this arrangement generates will bankrupt us. Already, taxpayer-subsidized pensions and benefits are edging out other spending priorities -- from schools to parks and highways.'"
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