Downgrade Diary: Waiting for the Return of the Old Gods
That's the real message of the election: There is no electoral majority of any significance either for either stimulus economics or cutback economics.
Obama has no mandate; he merely was better in rousing his base for one day.
Romney, even if he had squeaked out a "victory," would have had no backing for trying to reverse our headlong plunge toward the abyss.
We don't have the vision and/or guts to make the choices that could save us; so the crash will come.
Maybe there isn't a way.
Maybe we've gone too far; maybe as has been said democracy ends when 50.1 percent of the voters realize they can plunder the rich and the public treasury.
Maybe the mass delusion that we can magically create wealth is too widespread.
My main consolation is that the change will uproot many of the delusions that have sprouted up.
My main fear is that history shows this is never, ever, a peaceful process.
Important stuff you won't get from the liberal media! We do the surfing so you can be informed AND have a life!
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Swipe Fees: The Hidden Tax the Candidates Never Discussed
Swipe Fees: The Hidden Tax the Candidates Never Discussed | RealClearPolitics
Every American household on average pays about $427 a year in the swipe fee “tax.”
Banks have a right to charge for the use of their cards and make a profit if they earn it; however, they don’t have a right to price-fix, which is exactly what they are doing.
Visa and MasterCard each set the fees for their banks, and none of the banks compete.
Every American household on average pays about $427 a year in the swipe fee “tax.”
Banks have a right to charge for the use of their cards and make a profit if they earn it; however, they don’t have a right to price-fix, which is exactly what they are doing.
Visa and MasterCard each set the fees for their banks, and none of the banks compete.
Pallywood Body Double
Pallywood Body Double - By Mark Steyn - The Corner - National Review Online
So today the Palestinian Association of Hamilton (Ontario) held a rally to protest the brutal Israeli violence rained down on the people of Gaza.
To promote the event, they used a heartrending picture of an innocent Palestinian baby bloodily injured by the Israeli war machine’s indiscriminate bombing raids on Gaza.
Unfortunately, the innocent Palestinian baby turns out to be an innocent Israeli baby bloodily injured by Palestinian rockets in the Hamas attack on Kiryat Malachi.
Oh, well. Close enough for the western media.
So today the Palestinian Association of Hamilton (Ontario) held a rally to protest the brutal Israeli violence rained down on the people of Gaza.
To promote the event, they used a heartrending picture of an innocent Palestinian baby bloodily injured by the Israeli war machine’s indiscriminate bombing raids on Gaza.
Unfortunately, the innocent Palestinian baby turns out to be an innocent Israeli baby bloodily injured by Palestinian rockets in the Hamas attack on Kiryat Malachi.
Oh, well. Close enough for the western media.
How Free Speech Died on Campus
The Weekend Interview with Greg Lukianoff: How Free Speech Died on Campus - WSJ.com
At Western Michigan University, it is considered harassment to hold a "condescending sex-based attitude."
At Western Michigan University, it is considered harassment to hold a "condescending sex-based attitude."
Saturday morning links | AEIdeas
Saturday morning links | AEIdeas:
6. Via Freakonomics: After affirmative action ended in CA, the minority graduation rate increased 4.4%, partly due to less academic mismatch.
6. Via Freakonomics: After affirmative action ended in CA, the minority graduation rate increased 4.4%, partly due to less academic mismatch.
Global warming stopped 16 years ago, reveals Met Office report quietly released... and here is the chart to prove it
Global warming stopped 16 years ago, reveals Met Office report quietly released... and here is the chart to prove it | Mail Online
The figures reveal that from the beginning of 1997 until August 2012 there was no discernible rise in aggregate global temperatures
This means that the ‘pause’in global warming has now lasted for about the same time as the previous period when temperatures rose, 1980 to 1996
The figures reveal that from the beginning of 1997 until August 2012 there was no discernible rise in aggregate global temperatures
This means that the ‘pause’in global warming has now lasted for about the same time as the previous period when temperatures rose, 1980 to 1996
How Free Speech Died On Campus
How Free Speech Died On Campus - Slashdot
"The WSJ catches up with FIRE's Greg Lukianoff and his crusade to expose how universities have become the most authoritarian institutions in America.
In Unlearning Liberty, Lukianoff notes that baby-boom Americans who remember the student protests of the 1960s tend to assume that U.S. colleges are still some of the freest places on earth.
But that idealized university no longer exists.
Today, university bureaucrats suppress debate with anti-harassment policies that function as de facto speech codes.
FIRE maintains a database of such policies on its website.
What they share, lifelong Democrat Lukianoff says, is a view of 'harassment' so broad and so removed from its legal definition that 'literally every student on campus is already guilty.'"
"The WSJ catches up with FIRE's Greg Lukianoff and his crusade to expose how universities have become the most authoritarian institutions in America.
In Unlearning Liberty, Lukianoff notes that baby-boom Americans who remember the student protests of the 1960s tend to assume that U.S. colleges are still some of the freest places on earth.
But that idealized university no longer exists.
Today, university bureaucrats suppress debate with anti-harassment policies that function as de facto speech codes.
FIRE maintains a database of such policies on its website.
What they share, lifelong Democrat Lukianoff says, is a view of 'harassment' so broad and so removed from its legal definition that 'literally every student on campus is already guilty.'"
Giant Sun Eruption Captured in NASA Video
Giant Sun Eruption Captured in NASA Video | Space.com
The prominences was so large, it expanded beyond the camera view of NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory
The prominences was so large, it expanded beyond the camera view of NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory
Susie Hughes asks constituents to join her at 'Brainstorming Breakfast' | MLive.com
Letters: Susie Hughes asks constituents to join her at 'Brainstorming Breakfast' | MLive.com
Muskegon Township Supervisor Dave Kieft Jr and I will be holding a "Breakfast Brainstorm" at Mr B’s Pancake house the first Monday of every month at 8 a.m.
We invite you to join us to share ideas to promote Muskegon Township residents, businesses, schools, parks and services, and ideas for the county’s role in achieving those goals.
Muskegon Township Supervisor Dave Kieft Jr and I will be holding a "Breakfast Brainstorm" at Mr B’s Pancake house the first Monday of every month at 8 a.m.
We invite you to join us to share ideas to promote Muskegon Township residents, businesses, schools, parks and services, and ideas for the county’s role in achieving those goals.
In 37 Chicago Precincts, Romney Received No Votes
Newsalert: In 37 Chicago Precincts, Romney Received No Votes
In 37 Chicago Precincts, Romney Received No Votes
In 37 Chicago Precincts, Romney Received No Votes
NBC Chicago reports:
The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that in 59 Philadelphia precincts, Mitt Romney did not receive a single vote. So Ward Room decided to look at the results in the president’s hometown, and see if he won as many shutouts here. The answer: no. Romney was rejected by every voter in only 37 Chicago precincts, an embarrassing result, given that segregation and Machine politics are two of our city’s most notable qualities.Any doubt there was some vote fraud? Check out this comment on NBC Chicago's website:
In critical swing states like Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Illinois there are a lot of precincts in Philadelphia, Cleveland, and Chicago which reported 100% of their votes cast for Obama. These add up to many 10's of thousands of votes for Obama and 0 for Romney. I repeat, 0 for Romney. I have read a number of articles about this and people knowlegable in Political Science and Statistics are starting to take notice of this.Statistically, even if among 10's of thousands of voters all wanted to vote for Obama, it would not be possible to receive 100% of the vote because at least a few would make a mistake and vote incorrectly for Romney. Not to mention the fact that a least a few of those 10's of thousands might actually disagree with Obama. These types of election returns are only seen in countries run by dictators.Just a reminder to those who want to get rid of the electoral college: corrupt Chicago voting practices could and would determine an election. Vote fraud occurs in Chicago because the U.S. Attorney doesn't want to conduct a simple investigation of those 37 precincts. Is there similar hand writing on any of those ballots ? Did any dead people vote ? Since Chicago lost 6.9% of its population in the 2010 Census : were any of those 37 precincts in the declining population wards? Maybe, if Chicago had a legitimate U.S. Attorney some of these questions would be answered. No word on this story from "alleged" former crime fighter and Obama "protector" Patrick Fitzgerald. Is Barack Obama and the U.S. Attorney's Office afraid of this milk story???
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Democrat Ron Barber wins Gabby Giffords's seat in Arizona
Democrat Ron Barber wins Gabby Giffords's seat in Arizona - The Hill's Ballot Box
Barber had a 1,402-vote margin with more than 285,000 votes cast in the race.
The AP determined that with only 15,000 provisional ballots left to be counted in Pima County, McSally would be unable to overcome Barber's lead.
Barber had a 1,402-vote margin with more than 285,000 votes cast in the race.
The AP determined that with only 15,000 provisional ballots left to be counted in Pima County, McSally would be unable to overcome Barber's lead.
Audit of the Federal Reserve Reveals $16 Trillion in Secret Bailouts :
Audit of the Federal Reserve Reveals $16 Trillion in Secret Bailouts
$16,000,000,000,000.00 had been secretly given out to US banks and corporations and foreign banks everywhere from France to Scotland.
From the period between December 2007 and June 2010, the Federal Reserve had secretly bailed out many of the world’s banks, corporations, and governments.
The Federal Reserve likes to refer to these secret bailouts as an all-inclusive loan program, but virtually none of the money has been returned and it was loaned out at 0% interest.
$16,000,000,000,000.00 had been secretly given out to US banks and corporations and foreign banks everywhere from France to Scotland.
From the period between December 2007 and June 2010, the Federal Reserve had secretly bailed out many of the world’s banks, corporations, and governments.
The Federal Reserve likes to refer to these secret bailouts as an all-inclusive loan program, but virtually none of the money has been returned and it was loaned out at 0% interest.
Muskegon County Board backs spending $1 million on employee bonuses despite public outcry
Muskegon County Board backs spending $1 million on employee bonuses despite public outcry | MLive.com#incart_river#incart_river
The cost for the bonuses is being offset by reduced spending on employees' health insurance and prescription coverage, along with implementation of a wellness program.
County officials who support the bonuses contend they are better for the county than a raise, because the one-time payment won’t affect pensions and benefits programs.
The cost for the bonuses is being offset by reduced spending on employees' health insurance and prescription coverage, along with implementation of a wellness program.
County officials who support the bonuses contend they are better for the county than a raise, because the one-time payment won’t affect pensions and benefits programs.
ACLU: Long lines at Grand Rapids polls mean people must choose between voting or their paychecks
ACLU: Long lines at Grand Rapids polls mean people must choose between voting or their paychecks Guest column) | MLive.com
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- No one should have to decide between their paycheck and their vote.
But last Tuesday across Michigan, many people did.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- No one should have to decide between their paycheck and their vote.
But last Tuesday across Michigan, many people did.
Two large city of Muskegon labor contracts extended setting up critical negotations at the end of 2013 | MLive.com#incart_river#incart_river#incart_river#incart_river#incart_river
Two large city of Muskegon labor contracts extended setting up critical negotations at the end of 2013 | MLive.com
The city of Muskegon and its two major labor unions represented by the Service Employees International Union Local 517M have decided to put off issues of pay, benefits and contract provisions for a year.
But that sets up a consolidation of city contracts coming due at the end of 2013. This time next year the city will face some critical labor negotiations.
The Muskegon City Commission unanimously approved a one-year contract extension with the SEIU Local 517M for both the city clerical and public works employees.
The contract extensions continue current salaries, benefits and contract language through Dec. 31, 2013, according to City Manager Bryon Mazade.
“From our standpoint, we have decided not to negotiate a new contract at this time,” Mazade said. “We are avoiding the time, effort and cost of negotiating a new contract.”
The city of Muskegon and its two major labor unions represented by the Service Employees International Union Local 517M have decided to put off issues of pay, benefits and contract provisions for a year.
But that sets up a consolidation of city contracts coming due at the end of 2013. This time next year the city will face some critical labor negotiations.
The Muskegon City Commission unanimously approved a one-year contract extension with the SEIU Local 517M for both the city clerical and public works employees.
The contract extensions continue current salaries, benefits and contract language through Dec. 31, 2013, according to City Manager Bryon Mazade.
“From our standpoint, we have decided not to negotiate a new contract at this time,” Mazade said. “We are avoiding the time, effort and cost of negotiating a new contract.”
Obama Gave Gen. Petraeus And Wife Holly Big Government Salaries - Investors.com
Obama Gave Gen. Petraeus And Wife Holly Big Government Salaries - Investors.com
On top of Gen. Petraeus' sizable government salary, CNSNews reports that since last year his wife Holly, the victim of Petraeus' alleged affair with author Paula Broadwell, has been enjoying a $187,605 salary as an assistant director within the Dodd-Frank law's new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Obama has made sure the Petraeuses were well within the top 1% (courtesy of the 99%, of course), with a combined government-provided annual income not too far from $400,000.
The CFPB, which is expected to destroy thousands of small banks, is funded by the Federal Reserve, so Congress has no oversight over it.
Indeed, Mrs. Petraeus' post is not subject to Senate confirmation.
It may be months before the public knows what Gen. Petraeus knows about Bengazi, but when a president "invests" so much money in both you and your wife, where is your loyalty likely to go?
To the truth or your powerful patron?
On top of Gen. Petraeus' sizable government salary, CNSNews reports that since last year his wife Holly, the victim of Petraeus' alleged affair with author Paula Broadwell, has been enjoying a $187,605 salary as an assistant director within the Dodd-Frank law's new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Obama has made sure the Petraeuses were well within the top 1% (courtesy of the 99%, of course), with a combined government-provided annual income not too far from $400,000.
The CFPB, which is expected to destroy thousands of small banks, is funded by the Federal Reserve, so Congress has no oversight over it.
Indeed, Mrs. Petraeus' post is not subject to Senate confirmation.
It may be months before the public knows what Gen. Petraeus knows about Bengazi, but when a president "invests" so much money in both you and your wife, where is your loyalty likely to go?
To the truth or your powerful patron?
Sooner or later, first-time homebuyers will be eligible for state grant of $3,000-$5,000
Sooner or later, first-time homebuyers will be eligible for state grant of $3,000-$5,000 | MLive.com
MSHDA spokesperson Mary Lou Keenon said Friday the program won’t be ready to issue checks until after Jan. 1.
“It’s not in place yet.
It will be by the end of the year,” Keenon said.
“What we’re trying to do is make this as streamlined and accessible as possible.”
The program is part of a nationwide settlement with five mortgage lenders.
The program will be available to first-time homebuyers or homebuyers who have not owned a home for three years.
MSHDA spokesperson Mary Lou Keenon said Friday the program won’t be ready to issue checks until after Jan. 1.
“It’s not in place yet.
It will be by the end of the year,” Keenon said.
“What we’re trying to do is make this as streamlined and accessible as possible.”
The program is part of a nationwide settlement with five mortgage lenders.
The program will be available to first-time homebuyers or homebuyers who have not owned a home for three years.
Muskegon Heights boil water advisory lifted, water deemed safe to drink
Muskegon Heights boil water advisory lifted, water deemed safe to drink | MLive.com
"Cityof Muskegon Heights staff, along with Jackson Merkey Contractors, worked throughthe night to repair the broken water main and are still on site at this time,"he wrote, adding that they expect the main to be fixed this weekend.
"Cityof Muskegon Heights staff, along with Jackson Merkey Contractors, worked throughthe night to repair the broken water main and are still on site at this time,"he wrote, adding that they expect the main to be fixed this weekend.
Hey GOP, take the Palin cure
LA Times - Hey GOP, take the Palin cure
Sarah Palin is the new Ronald Reagan: charming and affable and unwilling to back down if she's right. I can't see what's wrong with that.
Sarah Palin is the new Ronald Reagan: charming and affable and unwilling to back down if she's right. I can't see what's wrong with that.
Fraud: CNN Uses Video Footage Of Faked Palestinian 'Injuries'
Fraud: CNN Uses Video Footage Of Faked Palestinian 'Injuries'
Last night on CNN's 360 with Anderson Cooper, video footage was broadcast that purported to show injuries and victims of Israeli military operations in Gaza.
The footage was exposed as fraudulent here on Breitbart News yesterday..
Last night on CNN's 360 with Anderson Cooper, video footage was broadcast that purported to show injuries and victims of Israeli military operations in Gaza.
The footage was exposed as fraudulent here on Breitbart News yesterday..
BBC Wisconsin is delayed as last 'saltie' with wind turbine parts expected Monday afternoon
BBC Wisconsin is delayed as last 'saltie' with wind turbine parts expected Monday afternoon | MLive.com#incart_river#incart_river#incart_river
Mart Dock officials in Muskegon had anticipated the 452-foot vessel with 21 wind turbine blades from Germany to arrive Sunday morning.
Now the estimated time of arrival is 4 p.m. Monday, Mart Dock officials said.
...The wind turbine parts began with the first “saltie” arriving in Muskegon in August.
West Michigan ship watchers have been treated to six arrivals at the Mart Dock this fall.
The BBC Wisconsin – a German owned and managed cargo ship – is the last of the shipments needed for the Beebe wind farm.
Mart Dock officials in Muskegon had anticipated the 452-foot vessel with 21 wind turbine blades from Germany to arrive Sunday morning.
Now the estimated time of arrival is 4 p.m. Monday, Mart Dock officials said.
...The wind turbine parts began with the first “saltie” arriving in Muskegon in August.
West Michigan ship watchers have been treated to six arrivals at the Mart Dock this fall.
The BBC Wisconsin – a German owned and managed cargo ship – is the last of the shipments needed for the Beebe wind farm.
Cynthia Brim Re-elected To Chicago Bench
Cynthia Brim Re-elected To Chicago Bench - Business Insider
"At that point she is absolutely psychotic in the sense of not having the ability to think straight or to even organize her thinking or to really remember a darn thing that happened," attorney James Montgomery Sr. said, according to the Tribune.
....The Chicago Bar Association recommended voters not re-elect Brim and the Chicago Council of Lawyers has determined she was "not qualified" to sit on the bench, The Chicago Sun-Times reported in October.
Despite her re-election, Brim is suspended from hearing cases in light of her pending charges. But she'll still collect her $182,000 salary.
"At that point she is absolutely psychotic in the sense of not having the ability to think straight or to even organize her thinking or to really remember a darn thing that happened," attorney James Montgomery Sr. said, according to the Tribune.
....The Chicago Bar Association recommended voters not re-elect Brim and the Chicago Council of Lawyers has determined she was "not qualified" to sit on the bench, The Chicago Sun-Times reported in October.
Despite her re-election, Brim is suspended from hearing cases in light of her pending charges. But she'll still collect her $182,000 salary.
(H)Amtrak: The Pork-Powered Trains
(H)Amtrak: The Pork-Powered Trains | Job Creators Solutions
As congresscritters chug toward the fiscal cliff, they should gaze upon a $151 billion plan by Amtrak to upgrade 457 miles of its system.
Adjusting for inflation, just three times that price allowed an earlier Congress to build the entire Interstate Highway System, which was then more than 100 times the mileage of this proposed Amtrak fix-up.
nd unlike the national choo-choo train, the highways were paid off entirely by user fees, rather than juiced along with lots (and lots) of general taxpayer dollars.
As congresscritters chug toward the fiscal cliff, they should gaze upon a $151 billion plan by Amtrak to upgrade 457 miles of its system.
Adjusting for inflation, just three times that price allowed an earlier Congress to build the entire Interstate Highway System, which was then more than 100 times the mileage of this proposed Amtrak fix-up.
nd unlike the national choo-choo train, the highways were paid off entirely by user fees, rather than juiced along with lots (and lots) of general taxpayer dollars.
NetRight Daily » Why governors should not implement state insurance exchanges under Obamacare
NetRight Daily » Why governors should not implement state insurance exchanges under Obamacare
By not implementing the state exchange, governors such as Rick Perry in Texas or Bob McDonnell in Virginia are effectively giving employers in those states the standing to sue against the new IRS rule.
In other words, it creates an avenue to fight against the implementation of the law.
For employers that do not wish to be under Obamcare’s thumb, such a move at least gives them a fighting chance.
But if the exchange is implemented by the states, employers in those states will not have any chance at all to challenge the law.
By not implementing the state exchange, governors such as Rick Perry in Texas or Bob McDonnell in Virginia are effectively giving employers in those states the standing to sue against the new IRS rule.
In other words, it creates an avenue to fight against the implementation of the law.
For employers that do not wish to be under Obamcare’s thumb, such a move at least gives them a fighting chance.
But if the exchange is implemented by the states, employers in those states will not have any chance at all to challenge the law.
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