Ken Braun: A gun control proposal that everyone should support | MLive.com:
"By one estimate, cited by the Cato Institute, American citizens have their homes and private property invaded 40,000 times per year by their government’s use of para-military police raids.
There are obviously cases where SWAT teams are sent after clearly dangerous and violent criminals that need to spend many years in a cage.
But these home invasions are too often used against non-violent drug offenders, sometimes in situations - such as the Torres matter - where there isn’t even a clear crime being committed.
Most alarmingly, they can also happen when bad information and mistakes send cops to the wrong doors."
Important stuff you won't get from the liberal media! We do the surfing so you can be informed AND have a life!
Monday, March 18, 2013
Rick Haglund: Michigan's job growth weakens Gov. Snyder's claim that we're 'comeback state'
Rick Haglund: Michigan's job growth weakens Gov. Snyder's claim that we're 'comeback state' | MLive.com: "Sowerby’s “prosperity index,” a combination of personal income and job growth, shows that Michigan has outperformed the nation since 2010.
Amash absent from Sen. John McCain's apology for 'wacko birds' comment
Amash absent from Sen. John McCain's apology for 'wacko birds' comment | MLive.com:
"I think it can be harmful if there is a belief among the American people that those people are reflective of the views of the majority of Republicans.
They're not,"
McCain added, noting he was talking about "Rand Paul, Cruz, Amash, whoever."
"I think it can be harmful if there is a belief among the American people that those people are reflective of the views of the majority of Republicans.
They're not,"
McCain added, noting he was talking about "Rand Paul, Cruz, Amash, whoever."
Baker College to build $8 million health science center in Muskegon
Baker College to build $8 million health science center in Muskegon | MLive.com:
"The health sciences building will be the second new building Baker College has built on the Muskegon campus – previously a residential center for people with developmental disabilities – since it moved there in 1997. The college’s “Welcome Center” was built in 2010.
The new building will have roughly the same square footage as the college’s downtown Muskegon Culinary Institute of Michigan, which was built in 2009.
However, it will have a bigger footprint than the three-story, 35,000-square-foot CIM building."
"The health sciences building will be the second new building Baker College has built on the Muskegon campus – previously a residential center for people with developmental disabilities – since it moved there in 1997. The college’s “Welcome Center” was built in 2010.
The new building will have roughly the same square footage as the college’s downtown Muskegon Culinary Institute of Michigan, which was built in 2009.
However, it will have a bigger footprint than the three-story, 35,000-square-foot CIM building."
Gun control, violence the focus of Grand Haven grassroots group's forum
Gun control, violence the focus of Grand Haven grassroots group's forum | MLive.com:
"It's more than just a panel discussion," Kamischke said. "We're going to take those recommendations and send them to our politicians."
Kamischke, a former participant and co-founder of last year's West Michigan Civil Conversation Project, said the mission of that project was successful, but now that it has ended, another entity like the Community Conversation Forum can continue to engage the public in civil and thoughtful discussion on important issues.
"It's more than just a panel discussion," Kamischke said. "We're going to take those recommendations and send them to our politicians."
Kamischke, a former participant and co-founder of last year's West Michigan Civil Conversation Project, said the mission of that project was successful, but now that it has ended, another entity like the Community Conversation Forum can continue to engage the public in civil and thoughtful discussion on important issues.
Giant bow doors on historic USS LST 393 in Muskegon repainted for first time since World War II
Giant bow doors on historic USS LST 393 in Muskegon repainted for first time since World War II | MLive.com:
“We exist to pay tribute to the service of this historic ship and the service of all American veterans,” Stephenson said. “We are eager to welcome visitors through our newly restored and freshly painted bow entrance.”"
“We exist to pay tribute to the service of this historic ship and the service of all American veterans,” Stephenson said. “We are eager to welcome visitors through our newly restored and freshly painted bow entrance.”"
Muskegon chamber producing home show March 21 to 23 at The Lakes Mall, vendors still sought
Muskegon chamber producing home show March 21 to 23 at The Lakes Mall, vendors still sought | MLive.com:
"The Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce is still seeking participants for the Home, Garden + Remodeling Show March 21 to 23 at The Lakes Mall.
This is the second home show that is being produced by the Muskegon chamber. It is a show that formerly was an annual event of the Shoreline Builders Association."
"The Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce is still seeking participants for the Home, Garden + Remodeling Show March 21 to 23 at The Lakes Mall.
This is the second home show that is being produced by the Muskegon chamber. It is a show that formerly was an annual event of the Shoreline Builders Association."
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Opposition To Soda Ban Sad Proof That Americans Still Fight For What They Believe In | The Onion
Opposition To Soda Ban Sad Proof That Americans Still Fight For What They Believe In | The Onion - America's Finest News Source
Yes, It's The Onion, but is sure rings true, don't it?
NEW YORK—The mounting opposition to New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s proposal to prohibit the sale of large-size soft drinks served as sad and sobering proof that Americans are still willing to fight for the causes they believe in, sources confirmed Wednesday. “While many argue that people in this country lack the passion and general informedness to meaningfully participate in matters of public policy, the fierce outcry against the soda ban provides depressing evidence that this is not entirely true,” said New York University sociologist Dr. Marvin Schafer, pointing to the recent flux of pathetic petitions, public demonstrations, and fervent calls to the mayor’s office, all of which have been aimed at maintaining unimpeded access to soda and other sweetened beverages larger than 16 ounces. “This embarrassingly powerful demonstration of democracy shows that, when their backs are against the wall, Americans are unfortunately still very willing to band together and stand up for what they believe in most. Specifically, soda.” At press time, an online petition demanding the White House make clear its position on the use of combat drone strikes against American citizens had garnered 14 signatures.
Yes, It's The Onion, but is sure rings true, don't it?
NEW YORK—The mounting opposition to New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s proposal to prohibit the sale of large-size soft drinks served as sad and sobering proof that Americans are still willing to fight for the causes they believe in, sources confirmed Wednesday. “While many argue that people in this country lack the passion and general informedness to meaningfully participate in matters of public policy, the fierce outcry against the soda ban provides depressing evidence that this is not entirely true,” said New York University sociologist Dr. Marvin Schafer, pointing to the recent flux of pathetic petitions, public demonstrations, and fervent calls to the mayor’s office, all of which have been aimed at maintaining unimpeded access to soda and other sweetened beverages larger than 16 ounces. “This embarrassingly powerful demonstration of democracy shows that, when their backs are against the wall, Americans are unfortunately still very willing to band together and stand up for what they believe in most. Specifically, soda.” At press time, an online petition demanding the White House make clear its position on the use of combat drone strikes against American citizens had garnered 14 signatures.
Can America withstand mass immigration that creates mass illiteracy?
Can America withstand mass immigration that creates mass illiteracy?:
"John Wayne said, “Life is tough; it’s even tougher if you’re stupid!”
.......In 2013, however, according to the National Institute for Literacy, an astounding 42 million Americans cannot read, write or perform simple math.
Another 50 million cannot read past the 4th grade level.
It costs taxpaying Americans $240 billion annually in lost industrial productivity, uncollected tax revenues, welfare, crime, poverty and food stamps."
"John Wayne said, “Life is tough; it’s even tougher if you’re stupid!”
.......In 2013, however, according to the National Institute for Literacy, an astounding 42 million Americans cannot read, write or perform simple math.
Another 50 million cannot read past the 4th grade level.
It costs taxpaying Americans $240 billion annually in lost industrial productivity, uncollected tax revenues, welfare, crime, poverty and food stamps."
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Fraiser's failure: Kelsey Grammer blew 6 figures investing in windmills
Fraiser's failure: Kelsey Grammer blew 6 figures investing in windmills - Washington Times:
"Former Frasier star Kelsey Grammer told TMZ on Tuesday that wind technology was the worst investment he’s ever made.
Grammer told the tabloid that though his finances are good, he lost hundreds of thousands of dollars on a small wind investment."
"Former Frasier star Kelsey Grammer told TMZ on Tuesday that wind technology was the worst investment he’s ever made.
Grammer told the tabloid that though his finances are good, he lost hundreds of thousands of dollars on a small wind investment."
17 Signs Of A Full-Blown Economic Depression Raging In Southern Europe
17 Signs Of A Full-Blown Economic Depression Raging In Southern Europe | Zero Hedge
"However this all plays out, the reality is that things are about to get much more interesting in Europe.
No debt bubble lasts forever.
The Europeans are finding that out right now, and the U.S. won't be too far behind.
But for the moment, most Americans assume that everything is going to be okay because the Dow keeps setting new all-time record highs.
Well, enjoy this little bubble of debt-fueled false prosperity while you can, because it won't last for long.
A massive wake up call is coming, and it will be exceedingly painful for those that are not ready for it."
"However this all plays out, the reality is that things are about to get much more interesting in Europe.
No debt bubble lasts forever.
The Europeans are finding that out right now, and the U.S. won't be too far behind.
But for the moment, most Americans assume that everything is going to be okay because the Dow keeps setting new all-time record highs.
Well, enjoy this little bubble of debt-fueled false prosperity while you can, because it won't last for long.
A massive wake up call is coming, and it will be exceedingly painful for those that are not ready for it."
Ethanol Surplus May Lift Gas Prices
Ethanol Surplus May Lift Gas Prices:
"Reasons for the ethanol surplus are even more broadly in dispute, between producers and the oil companies. Gas companies are required under federal law to blend a certain number of gallons of ethanol into the fuel.
But refiners argue that some cannot reach that requirement because they are nearing or at the so-called blend wall, the maximum percentage of ethanol in gasoline that most gas stations can handle, 10 percent.
They also note that is the maximum level recommended by auto manufacturers for most cars.
Refiners blame Congress, arguing that the ethanol quota was set at a time when gasoline demand was expected to rise steadily.
Instead, demand has declined, and refiners, obligated to blend more ethanol than they can actually use, have resorted to buying a lot of ethanol credits, known as renewable identification numbers (or RINs), to meet the mandated levels."
"Reasons for the ethanol surplus are even more broadly in dispute, between producers and the oil companies. Gas companies are required under federal law to blend a certain number of gallons of ethanol into the fuel.
But refiners argue that some cannot reach that requirement because they are nearing or at the so-called blend wall, the maximum percentage of ethanol in gasoline that most gas stations can handle, 10 percent.
They also note that is the maximum level recommended by auto manufacturers for most cars.
Refiners blame Congress, arguing that the ethanol quota was set at a time when gasoline demand was expected to rise steadily.
Instead, demand has declined, and refiners, obligated to blend more ethanol than they can actually use, have resorted to buying a lot of ethanol credits, known as renewable identification numbers (or RINs), to meet the mandated levels."
Europe Does It Again: Cyprus Depositor Haircut "Bailout" Turns Into Saver "Panic", Frozen Assets, Bank Runs, Broken ATMs
Europe Does It Again: Cyprus Depositor Haircut "Bailout" Turns Into Saver "Panic", Frozen Assets, Bank Runs, Broken ATMs | Zero Hedge:
"Specifically, Cyprus will impose a levy of 6.75% on deposits of less than €100,000 - the ceiling for European Union account insurance, which is now effectively gone following this case study - and 9.9% above that."
"Specifically, Cyprus will impose a levy of 6.75% on deposits of less than €100,000 - the ceiling for European Union account insurance, which is now effectively gone following this case study - and 9.9% above that."
Intellectuals and Race: Part II - Thomas Sowell
Intellectuals and Race: Part II - Thomas Sowell - Page 2:
"Why then do statistical differences between blacks and whites set off such dogmatic assertions -- and "disparate impact" lawsuits -- when it is common for different groups to meet employment or other standards to different degrees?
One reason is that "disparate impact" lawsuits require nothing more than statistical differences to lead to verdicts, or out of court settlements, in the millions of dollars.
And the reason that is so is that so many people have bought the unsubstantiated assumption that there is something strange and sinister when different peoples have different achievements.
Centuries of recorded history say otherwise.
But who cares about history anymore?
Certainly not as much as they care about the millions of dollars available from "disparate impact" lawsuits."
"Why then do statistical differences between blacks and whites set off such dogmatic assertions -- and "disparate impact" lawsuits -- when it is common for different groups to meet employment or other standards to different degrees?
One reason is that "disparate impact" lawsuits require nothing more than statistical differences to lead to verdicts, or out of court settlements, in the millions of dollars.
And the reason that is so is that so many people have bought the unsubstantiated assumption that there is something strange and sinister when different peoples have different achievements.
Centuries of recorded history say otherwise.
But who cares about history anymore?
Certainly not as much as they care about the millions of dollars available from "disparate impact" lawsuits."
THE REAL RACIAL POLITICS of the Kwame Kilpatrick scandal.
Instapundit » Blog Archive » THE REAL RACIAL POLITICS of the Kwame Kilpatrick scandal.
"MARCH 14, 2013
“The stunningly corrupt politician, who looted from Detroit’s poor and needy to pay for a life of luxury he never earned, is going to jail. . . .
Too many of Kilpatrick’s colleagues and collaborators are still at large.
And far too many of America’s big cities are cursed by deeply corrupt political machines that don’t just steal but also wreck the fabric of governance and deprive poor people of the services they need to have a chance at a better life.”
But if you prosecute the crooks who are enriching themselves and ruining their cities, you’ll be called a racist.
Posted by Glenn Reynolds at 10:00 am"
"MARCH 14, 2013
“The stunningly corrupt politician, who looted from Detroit’s poor and needy to pay for a life of luxury he never earned, is going to jail. . . .
Too many of Kilpatrick’s colleagues and collaborators are still at large.
And far too many of America’s big cities are cursed by deeply corrupt political machines that don’t just steal but also wreck the fabric of governance and deprive poor people of the services they need to have a chance at a better life.”
But if you prosecute the crooks who are enriching themselves and ruining their cities, you’ll be called a racist.
Posted by Glenn Reynolds at 10:00 am"
For Detroit, a Crisis Born of Bad Decisions and False Hope
For Detroit, a Crisis Born of Bad Decisions and False Hope - NYTimes.com:
"DETROIT — This city was already sinking under hundreds of millions of dollars in bills that it could not pay when a municipal auditor brought in a veteran financial consultant to dig through the books.
A seasoned turnaround man and former actuary with Ford Motor Co., he was stunned by what he found: an additional $7.2 billion in retiree health costs that had never been reported, or even tallied up."
"DETROIT — This city was already sinking under hundreds of millions of dollars in bills that it could not pay when a municipal auditor brought in a veteran financial consultant to dig through the books.
A seasoned turnaround man and former actuary with Ford Motor Co., he was stunned by what he found: an additional $7.2 billion in retiree health costs that had never been reported, or even tallied up."
Only Wall Street Wins in Detroit Crisis Reaping $474 Million Fee
Only Wall Street Wins in Detroit Crisis Reaping $474 Million Fee - Bloomberg:
"The city started borrowing to plug budget holes in 2005 under former Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, who was convicted this week on corruption charges. That year, it issued $1.4 billion in securities to fund pension payments.
Last year, it added $129.5 million in debt, 9.3 percent of its general-fund budget, in part to repay loans taken to service other bonds."
"The city started borrowing to plug budget holes in 2005 under former Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, who was convicted this week on corruption charges. That year, it issued $1.4 billion in securities to fund pension payments.
Last year, it added $129.5 million in debt, 9.3 percent of its general-fund budget, in part to repay loans taken to service other bonds."
Burning fossil fuels is greening the planet
Matt Ridley: Burning fossil fuels is greening the planet | AEIdeas:
"In the Reason.tv video above, Matt Ridley, author of the The Rational Optimist, talks about a curious global trend that is just starting to receive attention.
Over the past three decades, our planet has actually gotten greener.
Reason?
Matt Ridley explains that it’s because of the burning of fossil fuels!
It’s an amazing, astonishing discovery, but one that’s incredibly unwelcome for the environmentalists."
"In the Reason.tv video above, Matt Ridley, author of the The Rational Optimist, talks about a curious global trend that is just starting to receive attention.
Over the past three decades, our planet has actually gotten greener.
Reason?
Matt Ridley explains that it’s because of the burning of fossil fuels!
It’s an amazing, astonishing discovery, but one that’s incredibly unwelcome for the environmentalists."
Peg West: Join us at Muskegon Middle School to hear how we can help students affected by violence
Peg West: Join us at Muskegon Middle School to hear how we can help students affected by violence | MLive.com:
"Please join us at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 20, at Muskegon Middle School, 1150 Amity Ave., to hear about the benefits of mentoring and what it entails.
You will meet a group of educators who desperately want to find help for their students. "
"Please join us at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 20, at Muskegon Middle School, 1150 Amity Ave., to hear about the benefits of mentoring and what it entails.
You will meet a group of educators who desperately want to find help for their students. "
The Subway Lawsuits and What it Means to Understand Small Business
The Subway Lawsuits and What it Means to Understand Small Business | Job Creators NetworkJob Creators Network:
"So while the notion of a class action lawsuit forcing each of Subway’s 38,000 franchisees to measure every single “footlong” loaf of bread they bake may seem far-fetched to some, it’s really no more silly than many of the state and federal regulations that rain down upon America’s job creators every day. "
"So while the notion of a class action lawsuit forcing each of Subway’s 38,000 franchisees to measure every single “footlong” loaf of bread they bake may seem far-fetched to some, it’s really no more silly than many of the state and federal regulations that rain down upon America’s job creators every day. "
Jobless will see smaller emergency unemployment benefits thanks to federal government's sequester cuts
Jobless will see smaller emergency unemployment benefits thanks to federal government's sequester cuts | MLive.com:
"Starting March 31, claimants’ weekly check amounts will be reduced by 10.7 percent.
The reduction is due to the sequester — about $85 billion in automatic, immediate federal budget cuts that kicked in on March 1."
"Starting March 31, claimants’ weekly check amounts will be reduced by 10.7 percent.
The reduction is due to the sequester — about $85 billion in automatic, immediate federal budget cuts that kicked in on March 1."
Timeline shows Muskegon County Jail, juvenile center construction could begin in 2013
Timeline shows Muskegon County Jail, juvenile center construction could begin in 2013 | MLive.com:
"The county could hire an architecture firm and enter the design phase of the project by the end of April, according to the timeline.
If the design is approved by county commissioners, construction work could begin before the end of 2013."
"The county could hire an architecture firm and enter the design phase of the project by the end of April, according to the timeline.
If the design is approved by county commissioners, construction work could begin before the end of 2013."
Same-sex marriage gets backing from Michigan Democrats, as issue goes before Supreme Court
Same-sex marriage gets backing from Michigan Democrats, as issue goes before Supreme Court (Updated: with Photo Gallery) | MLive.com:
"Michigan Democrats frustrated by last week's delay in a federal challenge to the state's constitutional ban on same-sex marriage say they will continue to fight for equality as the U.S. Supreme Court considers two related cases.
U.S. Judge Bernard Friedman last week heard arguments in a case seeking to overturn the state's 2004 voter-approved amendment defining marriage as between one man and one woman.
"Michigan Democrats frustrated by last week's delay in a federal challenge to the state's constitutional ban on same-sex marriage say they will continue to fight for equality as the U.S. Supreme Court considers two related cases.
U.S. Judge Bernard Friedman last week heard arguments in a case seeking to overturn the state's 2004 voter-approved amendment defining marriage as between one man and one woman.
Congressman Bill Huizenga: S.S. Badger to start sailing season May 6 as coal ash issue could end up in court
Congressman Bill Huizenga: S.S. Badger to start sailing season May 6 as coal ash issue could end up in court | MLive.com:
"Huizenga raised the specter of either the company or environmental forces actively opposing the EPA permit application ending up in court to continue the controversy over the coal-powered ferry -- the last steamship of its kind continuing operations in the United States."
"Huizenga raised the specter of either the company or environmental forces actively opposing the EPA permit application ending up in court to continue the controversy over the coal-powered ferry -- the last steamship of its kind continuing operations in the United States."
Senate Democrats block effort to end USDA/Mexico food stamp promotion partnership
Senate Democrats block effort to end USDA/Mexico food stamp promotion partnership | The Daily Caller: "During the Senate Budget Committee’s Thursday markup of the Senate budget resolution, Democrats prevented an effort to block funds for the Agriculture Department’s “partnership” with the Mexican government, which is aimed at promoting nutrition assistance programs among Mexican Americans, Mexican nationals and migrant communities in America."
Germany's Green Energy Disaster: A Cautionary Tale For World Leaders
Germany's Green Energy Disaster: A Cautionary Tale For World Leaders - Forbes:
"That sum could rise even higher, as last month a Harvard University study revealed the extent to which the power generating potential of wind farms has been “overestimated.”
“The generating capacity of very large wind power installations may peak at between 0.5 and 1 watts per square meter,” the study concluded.
“Previous estimates, which ignored the turbines’ slowing effect on the wind, had put that figure at between 2 and 7 watts per square meter.”
"That sum could rise even higher, as last month a Harvard University study revealed the extent to which the power generating potential of wind farms has been “overestimated.”
“The generating capacity of very large wind power installations may peak at between 0.5 and 1 watts per square meter,” the study concluded.
“Previous estimates, which ignored the turbines’ slowing effect on the wind, had put that figure at between 2 and 7 watts per square meter.”
More than 300 Michigan cities have $12.7 billion in retiree health costs
Study: More than 300 Michigan cities have $12.7 billion in retiree health costs | Crain's Detroit Business:
"Eric Scorsone, an economist at MSU and expert on government finances, warned a legislative committee Thursday that retiree health costs will threaten the ability of local governments to provide basic services."
"Eric Scorsone, an economist at MSU and expert on government finances, warned a legislative committee Thursday that retiree health costs will threaten the ability of local governments to provide basic services."
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