Be Thankful And Fearful And Know Your Place, Citizen | Popehat
There's a few problematical trends going on here.
The first is the sick culture of fear, encouraged by the media (because fear is lucrative, and accurate contextual reporting is hard) and by law enforcement and politicians (because fear leads to more power for them).
That culture has led us to accept, uncritically, the existence of an ever-growing level of danger to ourselves and our children, even if actual evidence supports the opposite.
Saturday, August 04, 2012
"I Am Pledging To Cut The Deficit We Inherited By Half By The End Of My First Term In Office"
Friday Humor: "I Am Pledging To Cut The Deficit We Inherited By Half By The End Of My First Term In Office" | ZeroHedge
President Obama, February 2009
"We can not and will not sustain deficits like these without end. Contrary to the prevailing wisdom in Washington these past few years, we can not simply spend as we please and defer the consequences to the next budget, the next administration or the next generation.
We are paying the price for these deficits right now.
In 2008 alone we paid $250 billion in interest on our debt, that is more than three times what we spent on education that year, more than seven times what we spent on VA healthcare.
So if we confront this crisis without also confronting the deficits that helped cause it, we risk sinking into another crisis down the road as our interest payments rise, our obligations come due, confidence in our economy erodes and our children and grandchildren are unable to pursue their dreams because they are saddled with our debts.
That's why today I am pledging to cut the deficit we inherited by half by the end of my first term in office.
This will not be easy - it will require us to make difficult decisions and face challenges we have long neglected but i refuse to leave our children with a debt they can not repay.
And that means taking responsibility right now in this administration
President Obama, February 2009
"We can not and will not sustain deficits like these without end. Contrary to the prevailing wisdom in Washington these past few years, we can not simply spend as we please and defer the consequences to the next budget, the next administration or the next generation.
We are paying the price for these deficits right now.
In 2008 alone we paid $250 billion in interest on our debt, that is more than three times what we spent on education that year, more than seven times what we spent on VA healthcare.
So if we confront this crisis without also confronting the deficits that helped cause it, we risk sinking into another crisis down the road as our interest payments rise, our obligations come due, confidence in our economy erodes and our children and grandchildren are unable to pursue their dreams because they are saddled with our debts.
That's why today I am pledging to cut the deficit we inherited by half by the end of my first term in office.
This will not be easy - it will require us to make difficult decisions and face challenges we have long neglected but i refuse to leave our children with a debt they can not repay.
And that means taking responsibility right now in this administration
List of Muskegon County's countywide races, proposals in Aug. 7 Primary
List of Muskegon County's countywide races, proposals in Aug. 7 Primary | MLive.com
Grant Public Schools
Bond proposal for technology improvement -- $3.7 million(1.3 mills)
Ravenna Public Schools
Operating millage proposal -- 1 mill
Grant Public Schools
Bond proposal for technology improvement -- $3.7 million(1.3 mills)
Ravenna Public Schools
Operating millage proposal -- 1 mill
Salon writer finds Gabrielle Douglas’ faith ‘unnerving’
Salon writer finds Gabrielle Douglas’ faith ‘unnerving’; followers find her inspiring | Twitchy: Brow@GovKaineBrow
#SALON: Did God help Gabrielle Douglas win? Gold medalist is a teenager of deep faith and gratitude -- and that can be a little unnerving
"The cynics out there already suspected that the Gabrielle Douglas love fest couldn’t last forever.
A gold medalist at 16, she’s amazingly talented, positive, self-confident, All-American and charismatic — the perfect fit for the Corn Flakes box. It’s all too good to be true, though, isn’t it?
There must be some flaw.
Is it her hair?
No, that’s just silly.
Her “outspoken” faith?
Bingo."
#SALON: Did God help Gabrielle Douglas win? Gold medalist is a teenager of deep faith and gratitude -- and that can be a little unnerving
"The cynics out there already suspected that the Gabrielle Douglas love fest couldn’t last forever.
A gold medalist at 16, she’s amazingly talented, positive, self-confident, All-American and charismatic — the perfect fit for the Corn Flakes box. It’s all too good to be true, though, isn’t it?
There must be some flaw.
Is it her hair?
No, that’s just silly.
Her “outspoken” faith?
Bingo."
Economist Richard Duncan: Civilization May Not Survive 'Death Spiral' -
Economist Richard Duncan: Civilization May Not Survive 'Death Spiral' - Money Morning
Richard Duncan, formerly of the World Bank and chief economist at Blackhorse Asset Mgmt., says America's $16 trillion federal debt has escalated into a "death spiral, "as he told CNBC.
And it could result in a depression so severe that he doesn't "think our civilization could survive it."
And Duncan is not alone in warning that the U.S. economy may go into a "death spiral."
Richard Duncan, formerly of the World Bank and chief economist at Blackhorse Asset Mgmt., says America's $16 trillion federal debt has escalated into a "death spiral, "as he told CNBC.
And it could result in a depression so severe that he doesn't "think our civilization could survive it."
And Duncan is not alone in warning that the U.S. economy may go into a "death spiral."
Friday, August 03, 2012
Attorney General Bill Schuette says Protect Our Jobs' pro-union proposal is too sweeping for ballot
Attorney General Bill Schuette says Protect Our Jobs' pro-union proposal is too sweeping for ballot | MLive.com
The union-backed Protect Our Jobs ballot proposal would “eviscerate” Civil Service Commission rules and is too sweeping for a 100-word ballot summary, Attorney General Bill Schuette said in a letter to Gov. Rick Snyder.
Schuette recommended that the state Board of Canvassers not approve the ballot language or place the proposal on the November ballot.
The union-backed Protect Our Jobs ballot proposal would “eviscerate” Civil Service Commission rules and is too sweeping for a 100-word ballot summary, Attorney General Bill Schuette said in a letter to Gov. Rick Snyder.
Schuette recommended that the state Board of Canvassers not approve the ballot language or place the proposal on the November ballot.
Pension debt overwhelms bankrupt San Bernardino, California
Pension debt overwhelms bankrupt San Bernardino, California | Reuters:
Patrick J. Morris, San Bernardino's mayor, said in a telephone interview that the bulk of the city's debt was due to "unfunded liabilities related to pension and benefits" for the city's employees, and "obligations to employee groups in labor contracts."
Patrick J. Morris, San Bernardino's mayor, said in a telephone interview that the bulk of the city's debt was due to "unfunded liabilities related to pension and benefits" for the city's employees, and "obligations to employee groups in labor contracts."
MEDC Programs Consistently Fall Short of Initial Claims
MEDC Programs Consistently Fall Short of Initial Claims [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
The MEDC oversees the 21st Century Jobs Fund. In a 2008 press release, then-Gov. Jennifer Granholm said, “The 21st Century Jobs Fund is the cornerstone of the most comprehensive and aggressive strategy in the nation to transform our economy, grow new high-tech companies and create good-paying jobs for our citizens.”
Programs of the 21st Century Jobs Fund have not lived up to this description.
The MEDC oversees the 21st Century Jobs Fund. In a 2008 press release, then-Gov. Jennifer Granholm said, “The 21st Century Jobs Fund is the cornerstone of the most comprehensive and aggressive strategy in the nation to transform our economy, grow new high-tech companies and create good-paying jobs for our citizens.”
Programs of the 21st Century Jobs Fund have not lived up to this description.
Bentivolio Battling GOP Establishment
Bentivolio Battling GOP Establishment [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
The 11th Congressional District was redrawn in 2010 and covers portions of Western Wayne County and Oakland County.
Thaddeus McCotter would have been the incumbent running for re-election but he botched the required signature gathering requirement and then later resigned from office in early July.
The 11th Congressional District was redrawn in 2010 and covers portions of Western Wayne County and Oakland County.
Thaddeus McCotter would have been the incumbent running for re-election but he botched the required signature gathering requirement and then later resigned from office in early July.
WinFall: Report details how a Michigan retiree legally beat the Massachusetts State Lottery
WinFall: Report details how a Michigan retiree legally beat the Massachusetts State Lottery | MLive.com
By buying in bulk for his G S Invstement Strategies group, Selbee could tap into favorable favorable margins, which he calculated to be between 17 and 21 percent before taxes.
By buying in bulk for his G S Invstement Strategies group, Selbee could tap into favorable favorable margins, which he calculated to be between 17 and 21 percent before taxes.
Rob Bliss reveals details about project at Pere Marquette Beach
Rob Bliss reveals details about project at Pere Marquette Beach | MLive.com
He did explain however, why he chose Muskegon's PereMarquette.
He said they considered different beaches in West Michigan, includingGrand Haven and Saugatuck.
The Muskegon CVB was the most helpful, he said, PereMarquette's location was also convenient.
"It's also a beautiful beach," he said.
He did explain however, why he chose Muskegon's PereMarquette.
He said they considered different beaches in West Michigan, includingGrand Haven and Saugatuck.
The Muskegon CVB was the most helpful, he said, PereMarquette's location was also convenient.
"It's also a beautiful beach," he said.
Two separate Norton Shores neighborhoods start watch groups to curb crime
Two separate Norton Shores neighborhoods start watch groups to curb crime | MLive.com
Any other neighborhood interested in learning more about the program should contact Passchier or Officer James Davis at the Norton Shores Police Department at 733-2691.
Any other neighborhood interested in learning more about the program should contact Passchier or Officer James Davis at the Norton Shores Police Department at 733-2691.
Thursday, August 02, 2012
Muskegon County Board race in Norton Shores features veteran official, talk-show host
Muskegon County Board race in Norton Shores features veteran official, talk-show host | MLive.com
Scolnik also contends that his style of working together and seeking compromise is more effective.
“My opponent has run a campaign built entirely on negatives … twisting and distorting information without giving the whole picture,” Scolnik said.
“He has not put forth any plan for improving the county and, worst of all, he is attempting to bring the same destructive partisan politics that are occurring in Washington to the Muskegon County commission.”
Scolnik also contends that his style of working together and seeking compromise is more effective.
“My opponent has run a campaign built entirely on negatives … twisting and distorting information without giving the whole picture,” Scolnik said.
“He has not put forth any plan for improving the county and, worst of all, he is attempting to bring the same destructive partisan politics that are occurring in Washington to the Muskegon County commission.”
Wednesday, August 01, 2012
Actuaries Debunk Myth that 80% Pension Funded Ratio Alone Constitutes 'Actuarially Sound'
Actuaries Debunk Myth that 80% Pension Funded Ratio Alone Constitutes 'Actuarially Sound' -- WASHINGTON, Aug. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --
The American Academy of Actuaries cautioned today that a commonly used measure for considering a pension plan healthy—its funded ratio—fails to provide a sufficient measure on its own of a plan's financial health.
"Any realistic assessment of a pension plan should include several measures, not just one," said Senior Pension Fellow Don Fuerst.
"Somehow 80% has become a perceived standard but that is a myth we need to replace with facts."
The American Academy of Actuaries cautioned today that a commonly used measure for considering a pension plan healthy—its funded ratio—fails to provide a sufficient measure on its own of a plan's financial health.
"Any realistic assessment of a pension plan should include several measures, not just one," said Senior Pension Fellow Don Fuerst.
"Somehow 80% has become a perceived standard but that is a myth we need to replace with facts."
RileyForCommissioner: My response to The Muskegon Chronicle questionaire
(click link for full response)
RileyForCommissioner: My response to The Muskegon Chronicle questionaire
Why are you running?
Last year, Governor Snyder set out his revenue sharing program tied to requirements for accountability, transparency, service consolidation, employee compensation reforms and other standards.
Almost immediately, the Muskegon county board rushed to vote on all union contracts in order keep pension and benefits at levels that would violate the governor's recommendations.
And do it before the governor's deadline.
Our county leaders skipped their own rules for a required committee meeting to publicly review the contracts and presented the contract vote to the full board with most commissioners not even seeing or reading the contracts themselves.
In other words, county commissioners trashed transparency, changed their own rules and gave up future revenue sharing in order to push through Cadillac benefit packages for every union contract.
Shortly thereafter, they included all non-union members in the same package.
And now county leaders tell us further cutbacks or tax increases are going to be necessary in the near future.
Bob Scolnik voted for every step of this scheme to violate our governor's plan for prudent governance and rush the contract vote.
I would not have done that and I would have taken my message to the public.
RileyForCommissioner: My response to The Muskegon Chronicle questionaire
Why are you running?
Last year, Governor Snyder set out his revenue sharing program tied to requirements for accountability, transparency, service consolidation, employee compensation reforms and other standards.
Almost immediately, the Muskegon county board rushed to vote on all union contracts in order keep pension and benefits at levels that would violate the governor's recommendations.
And do it before the governor's deadline.
Our county leaders skipped their own rules for a required committee meeting to publicly review the contracts and presented the contract vote to the full board with most commissioners not even seeing or reading the contracts themselves.
In other words, county commissioners trashed transparency, changed their own rules and gave up future revenue sharing in order to push through Cadillac benefit packages for every union contract.
Shortly thereafter, they included all non-union members in the same package.
And now county leaders tell us further cutbacks or tax increases are going to be necessary in the near future.
Bob Scolnik voted for every step of this scheme to violate our governor's plan for prudent governance and rush the contract vote.
I would not have done that and I would have taken my message to the public.
Muskegon Township's county commissioner pits incumbent vs. challenger in Democratic primary
Muskegon Township's county commissioner pits incumbent vs. challenger in Democratic primary | MLive.com
If elected, Hughes listed her top three priorities as using local businesses and services at the county level whenever possible, reviewing a program’s effectiveness before renewing or extending it and seeking more input from county residents, local businesses and local service agencies about the needs within the county.
If elected, Hughes listed her top three priorities as using local businesses and services at the county level whenever possible, reviewing a program’s effectiveness before renewing or extending it and seeking more input from county residents, local businesses and local service agencies about the needs within the county.
Michigan’s 11th – An August 7th Primary to watch
Michigan’s 11th – An August 7th Primary to watch « The Greenroom
Unfortunately, this is one of the things that many people of this country are so frustrated with… people who run for office one way and vote another.
People who take credit, but don’t expect criticism.
Unfortunately, this is one of the things that many people of this country are so frustrated with… people who run for office one way and vote another.
People who take credit, but don’t expect criticism.
HOPEY-CHANGEY: Amazing Live Prison People
Instapundit » Blog Archive » HOPEY-CHANGEY: Amazing Live Prison People….
Posted by Glenn Reynolds at 10:44 am
Posted by Glenn Reynolds at 10:44 am
Many questions need to be answered about jail
Letters: Many questions need to be answered about jail | MLive.com
Finally, a jail may be the best solution to our current predicament.
But where will the money come from?
Why haven't the county commissioners made plans for this enormous expense?
What have they done to reduce costs and save money for the jail?
It seems to me that these questions need to be publicly answered before any taxpayer money is spent on an expensive new facility that our county's citizens clearly can't afford.
Finally, a jail may be the best solution to our current predicament.
But where will the money come from?
Why haven't the county commissioners made plans for this enormous expense?
What have they done to reduce costs and save money for the jail?
It seems to me that these questions need to be publicly answered before any taxpayer money is spent on an expensive new facility that our county's citizens clearly can't afford.
Full List - Famous Republicans
Full List - Famous Republicans - Zimbio
Famous Republicans
While Hollywood is comprised of mostly staunch Democrats, there are a few conservative folks who stand tall and strong.
Famous Republicans
While Hollywood is comprised of mostly staunch Democrats, there are a few conservative folks who stand tall and strong.
Ted Cruz Rises to Victory in Texas Senate Runoff
The PJ Tatler » Ted Cruz Rises to Victory in Texas Senate Runoff
He won comfortably, with about 53% of the vote. Cruz’s win is a strong sign that the Tea Party is capable of backing a strong candidate against a stronger candidate, at least on paper, and backing that candidate to a resounding victory.
He won comfortably, with about 53% of the vote. Cruz’s win is a strong sign that the Tea Party is capable of backing a strong candidate against a stronger candidate, at least on paper, and backing that candidate to a resounding victory.
Former SEIU leader indicted
Former SEIU leader indicted - latimes.com
Freeman’s quick climb up the ranks of the powerful Service Employees International Union burnished his reputation as an effective advocate for the disadvantaged, a man who helped improve the lot of about 190,000 workers paid about $9 an hour to provide in-home care for the infirm.
Freeman’s quick climb up the ranks of the powerful Service Employees International Union burnished his reputation as an effective advocate for the disadvantaged, a man who helped improve the lot of about 190,000 workers paid about $9 an hour to provide in-home care for the infirm.
Mr. Scrib's expands to the southwest
Mr. Scrib's expands to the southwest | wzzm13.com
"We are opening up eight to ten stores in the greater Phoenix market right now," says Bill Cooper of Mr. Scrib's Franchising Company.
"We are opening up eight to ten stores in the greater Phoenix market right now," says Bill Cooper of Mr. Scrib's Franchising Company.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Citizens use Muskegon County Board of Commissioners public comment period to voice concerns over new jail
Citizens use Muskegon County Board of Commissioners public comment period to voice concerns over new jail | MLive.com
"It certainly seems … that you all have been sidestepping the real issue that resides with the jail — (it's) overpopulated," said Toby Fraser, a member of the Citizens Review Committee who spoke during the meeting and later interrupted the forum.
He argued for community education and diversion programs to eliminate some of the community problems that lead to crime and more inmates being lodged in the jail.
"We know it needs to be dealt with and you're not dealing with it," Fraser told the board
"It certainly seems … that you all have been sidestepping the real issue that resides with the jail — (it's) overpopulated," said Toby Fraser, a member of the Citizens Review Committee who spoke during the meeting and later interrupted the forum.
He argued for community education and diversion programs to eliminate some of the community problems that lead to crime and more inmates being lodged in the jail.
"We know it needs to be dealt with and you're not dealing with it," Fraser told the board
Derail The Jail
Derail The Jail | Home
Welcome to Derail the Jail!
The Muskegon County government has initiated a planning process with hopes to either build a new jail facility or expand the current one from 370 beds to a 600 bed capacity with room for a "25 year build-out."
This means a continued increase in the incarcerated population in the County for 25 years as the government chooses to lock up more people for primarily non-violent crimes while spending tax-payers' money to do so.
The County is moving quickly to put a plan into place without voter approval, so this summer and fall are a crucial time to get involved and keep tabs on the actions of local government.
We hope this site will keep you informed about what's happening with the jail plans and will get you involved, we will be posting many opportunities to make our voices heard!
Welcome to Derail the Jail!
The Muskegon County government has initiated a planning process with hopes to either build a new jail facility or expand the current one from 370 beds to a 600 bed capacity with room for a "25 year build-out."
This means a continued increase in the incarcerated population in the County for 25 years as the government chooses to lock up more people for primarily non-violent crimes while spending tax-payers' money to do so.
The County is moving quickly to put a plan into place without voter approval, so this summer and fall are a crucial time to get involved and keep tabs on the actions of local government.
We hope this site will keep you informed about what's happening with the jail plans and will get you involved, we will be posting many opportunities to make our voices heard!
As ‘fiscal cliff’ looms, debate over pre- Election Day layoff notices heats up
As ‘fiscal cliff’ looms, debate over pre- Election Day layoff notices heats up - The Washington Post
The deep federal spending cuts scheduled to take effect at the start of next year may trigger dismissal notices for tens of thousands of employees of government contractors, companies and analysts say, and the warnings may start going out at a particularly sensitive time:
Days before the presidential election.
The deep federal spending cuts scheduled to take effect at the start of next year may trigger dismissal notices for tens of thousands of employees of government contractors, companies and analysts say, and the warnings may start going out at a particularly sensitive time:
Days before the presidential election.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Opponents to Jail Expansion Plan Protest July 31st
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact Nell Schaefer July 30, 2012
231.726.5080 Muskegon County, MI
Opponents to Jail Expansion Plan Protest July 31st
Amidst growing opposition to a jail expansion plan in Muskegon County, a coalition of individuals and groups will picket outside the Michael E. Kobza Hall of Justice at 2:30pm this Tuesday, July 31st. Clad in "Derail the Jail" t-shirts, the group will then attend the County Commission's Full Board meeting at 3:30pm to voice their opposition to current plans for a jail expansion that would include doubling the bed space at new or revamped facility.
Those that disapprove of a jail expansion cite reasons from a lack of voter approval over a large expenditure of taxpayer money to concerns over an ever-increasing jail population without adequate implementation of diversion programs and alternatives to incarceration. The County plans to use a bond to finance a new jail that will cost tens of millions of dollars to build and millions more to run each year instead of asking the public to approve a millage. "Just like many other people, I don't want my tax dollars spent on this plan, but unfortunately right now the County isn't asking for public or voter input," said Wendy Sampson.
"The current jail houses many problems that need to be addressed, but building a larger facility under the direction of the same administration that has let the jail fall into disrepair and has targeted unemployed and African American communities isn't a solution," said Heather Snogles. Based on statistics provided by Muskegon County jail administration for 2011, 75.8% of people were unemployed at their time of incarceration and African Americans are 5.5 times more likely to be incarcerated than whites.
The coalition is also debuting new, free "Derail the Jail" yard signs and a website at www.derailthejail.org.
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