Roger L. Simon » Living in Fear: Welcome to Fascist America:
"Back in the ’80s when, on a couple of occasions, I visited the Soviet Union, I always wondered what was it really like to live in that godforsaken place.
But it didn’t much matter.
For all the creepy spying that was going on, I realized I’d be out of there in a week or two.
Now I know what it was like. It’s come home.
I live in fear.
I don’t want to admit it, but it’s true.
Every phone call I make, every email I send, every text I message, every article I write including this one, I imagine being bugged or recorded.
1984 is here and it’s not pretty.
It infects everything we do."
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Muskegon County not included in distribution of $100 million in blight-reduction funds
Muskegon County not included in distribution of $100 million in blight-reduction funds | MLive.com:
"As a whole, 10.8 percent of Muskegon County homes were vacant in the 2010 Census.
That compares to 12 percent in Genesee County (Flint) and 14.5 percent in Wayne County (Detroit), and just 8 percent in Kent County (Grand Rapids),"
"As a whole, 10.8 percent of Muskegon County homes were vacant in the 2010 Census.
That compares to 12 percent in Genesee County (Flint) and 14.5 percent in Wayne County (Detroit), and just 8 percent in Kent County (Grand Rapids),"
Court Decision Could Unplug Green Energy Mandate in Michigan
Commentary: Court Decision Could Unplug Green Energy Mandate in Michigan [Michigan Capitol Confidential]:
"Writing for the majority, Judge Richard Posner wrote: "Michigan cannot, without violating the commerce clause of Article I of the Constitution, discriminate against out-of-state renewable energy."
That single sentence may throw into jeopardy Michigan's entire renewable energy mandate, Public Act 295, which requires Michigan utilities to generate 10 percent of their electricity from in-state renewable sources by 2015."
"Writing for the majority, Judge Richard Posner wrote: "Michigan cannot, without violating the commerce clause of Article I of the Constitution, discriminate against out-of-state renewable energy."
That single sentence may throw into jeopardy Michigan's entire renewable energy mandate, Public Act 295, which requires Michigan utilities to generate 10 percent of their electricity from in-state renewable sources by 2015."
The Magic, Fairy Dust Naivete That Is Progressive Economics
The Magic, Fairy Dust Naivete That Is Progressive Economics | Somewhat Reasonable:
"Let’s proclaim the Good News: Government money is free.
No, not just to the beneficiaries of government programs.
To society as a whole.
Meaning there is no economic cost to government spending whatsoever.
The more the government spends, the richer we will all be.
Let the Good Times roll."
"Let’s proclaim the Good News: Government money is free.
No, not just to the beneficiaries of government programs.
To society as a whole.
Meaning there is no economic cost to government spending whatsoever.
The more the government spends, the richer we will all be.
Let the Good Times roll."
Russ Feingold Gets Government Placeholder Job Before 2016 Senate Rematch with Ron Johnson
Russ Feingold Gets Government Placeholder Job Before 2016 Senate Rematch with Ron Johnson - Right Wisconsin - Conservative politics and perspective powered by Charlie Sykes:
"John Kerry calls it a high level priority.
It's official. Russ Feingold's long 29-and-a-half month exile to the private sector is over.
He has just been named as the U.S. special envoy for Africa Great Lakes region and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
"John Kerry calls it a high level priority.
It's official. Russ Feingold's long 29-and-a-half month exile to the private sector is over.
He has just been named as the U.S. special envoy for Africa Great Lakes region and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The Rationale for Wind Power Won't Fly
Jay Lehr: The Rationale for Wind Power Won't Fly - WSJ.com
To understand the folly that drives too much of the nation's energy policies, consider these basic facts about wind energy.
After decades of federal subsidies—almost $24 billion according to a recent estimate by former U.S. Sen. Phil Gramm—nowhere in the United States, or anywhere else, has an array of wind turbines replaced a single conventional power plant.
To understand the folly that drives too much of the nation's energy policies, consider these basic facts about wind energy.
After decades of federal subsidies—almost $24 billion according to a recent estimate by former U.S. Sen. Phil Gramm—nowhere in the United States, or anywhere else, has an array of wind turbines replaced a single conventional power plant.
Nowhere.
But wind farms do take up space.
But wind farms do take up space.
The available data from wind-power companies, with which the Environmental Protection Agency agrees, show that the most effective of them can generate about five kilowatts per acre.
This means 300 square miles of land—192,000 acres—are necessary to generate the 1,000 megawatts (a billion watts) of electricity that a conventional power plant using coal, nuclear energy or natural gas can generate on a few hundred acres.
A billion watts fulfills the average annual power demand of a city of 700,000.
Amnesty bill will give every illegal alien a taxpayer-funded lawyer |
Amnesty bill will give every illegal alien a taxpayer-funded lawyer |:
"The attorney general could provide a taxpayer-funded defense attorney to any illegal alien or group of illegal aliens to help them fight deportation in court, a costly benefit to which they are not now entitled, and to which U.S. citizens are not entitled in administrative proceedings (deportation is an administrative, not a criminal, matter)"
"The attorney general could provide a taxpayer-funded defense attorney to any illegal alien or group of illegal aliens to help them fight deportation in court, a costly benefit to which they are not now entitled, and to which U.S. citizens are not entitled in administrative proceedings (deportation is an administrative, not a criminal, matter)"
Detroit's recovery plan dips into pensions to keep city afloat
Detroit's recovery plan dips into pensions to keep city afloat | Crain's Detroit Business:
"Orr's plan will test retirees' contention that Michigan's constitution protects vested pension benefits.
No such shield exists, the state-appointed manager's advisers said Friday when they unveiled his plan to restructure Michigan's largest city, a former auto-manufacturing powerhouse that lost one-quarter of its population since 2000.
Orr has said that if he doesn't get what he wants, Chapter 9 bankruptcy would be a last resort.
Detroit missed a $39.7 million payment on debt issued to bolster its pensions that was due Friday, its first failure to repay bondholders.
The city has about $1.5 billion of such obligations, which Fitch Ratings cut yesterday to D, its lowest credit grade."
"Orr's plan will test retirees' contention that Michigan's constitution protects vested pension benefits.
No such shield exists, the state-appointed manager's advisers said Friday when they unveiled his plan to restructure Michigan's largest city, a former auto-manufacturing powerhouse that lost one-quarter of its population since 2000.
Orr has said that if he doesn't get what he wants, Chapter 9 bankruptcy would be a last resort.
Detroit missed a $39.7 million payment on debt issued to bolster its pensions that was due Friday, its first failure to repay bondholders.
The city has about $1.5 billion of such obligations, which Fitch Ratings cut yesterday to D, its lowest credit grade."
Union Contract: Teachers Can Be Caught In School Drunk Five Times and On Drugs Three Times Before ...
Union Contract: Teachers Can Be Caught In School Drunk Five Times and On Drugs Three Times Before ... [Michigan Capitol Confidential]:
"Teachers in possession or under the influence of illegal drugs could be caught three times before they lost their job, and they got five strikes if they were drunk on school grounds before being fired.
A school district official said the language in the union contract that protects teachers for those instances "was incorporated into the teacher Master Agreement in 1997."
"Teachers in possession or under the influence of illegal drugs could be caught three times before they lost their job, and they got five strikes if they were drunk on school grounds before being fired.
A school district official said the language in the union contract that protects teachers for those instances "was incorporated into the teacher Master Agreement in 1997."
Whitehall Township Residents Should Say 'Yes' To Wal-Mart
Commentary: Whitehall Township Residents Should Say 'Yes' To Wal-Mart [Michigan Capitol Confidential]:
"Groups like BOW NOT claim to speak for the community, but they often represent a narrow slice of citizens, and those tend to be ones for whom the benefits of a more conveniently located Wal-Mart are not significant enough to matter.
For the struggling families who benefit most from Wal-Mart's low prices, greater variety and convenience, and the jobs they provide, having one even closer to home can be a big difference maker."
"Groups like BOW NOT claim to speak for the community, but they often represent a narrow slice of citizens, and those tend to be ones for whom the benefits of a more conveniently located Wal-Mart are not significant enough to matter.
For the struggling families who benefit most from Wal-Mart's low prices, greater variety and convenience, and the jobs they provide, having one even closer to home can be a big difference maker."
Experts say fraud rampant in federal worker disability program
Experts say fraud rampant in federal worker disability program | WashingtonExaminer.com:
"First of a three-part series
A postal worker who ran marathons found her race times improved after she began drawing federal disability checks for an alleged back injury.
Another disabled federal employee went scuba diving, skied in Switzerland and did flips on a trapeze. She spent part of her $193,000 in disability payments on a boat named "Free Ride" before she was caught.
A Justice Department lawyer collected $90,000 in annual disability checks after claiming the stress of his job kept him off the job. Apparently the cable TV show he began hosting while drawing disability pay wasn't so stressful."
"First of a three-part series
A postal worker who ran marathons found her race times improved after she began drawing federal disability checks for an alleged back injury.
Another disabled federal employee went scuba diving, skied in Switzerland and did flips on a trapeze. She spent part of her $193,000 in disability payments on a boat named "Free Ride" before she was caught.
A Justice Department lawyer collected $90,000 in annual disability checks after claiming the stress of his job kept him off the job. Apparently the cable TV show he began hosting while drawing disability pay wasn't so stressful."
James O’Keefe targets ‘Obamaphones’ in latest undercover investigation
James O’Keefe targets ‘Obamaphones’ in latest undercover investigation | WashingtonExaminer.com
"James O’Keefe is back – this time targeting cell phone stores participating in the government program to offer free phones to low income individuals – or ‘Obamaphones.’
O’Keefe’s latest video features his investigators getting free phones from a store in Philadelphia, explicitly telling the employees that they planned to sell them for cash to buy designer hand bags or heroin.
One employee responds, “Hey, I don’t judge.”
Another responds, “Just keep it to yourself.”
Another employee reminds an investigator that it’s illegal to sell the phone, but tells her to “plead the Fifth” if she is caught."
"James O’Keefe is back – this time targeting cell phone stores participating in the government program to offer free phones to low income individuals – or ‘Obamaphones.’
O’Keefe’s latest video features his investigators getting free phones from a store in Philadelphia, explicitly telling the employees that they planned to sell them for cash to buy designer hand bags or heroin.
One employee responds, “Hey, I don’t judge.”
Another responds, “Just keep it to yourself.”
Another employee reminds an investigator that it’s illegal to sell the phone, but tells her to “plead the Fifth” if she is caught."
3 Things You Should Know About the Supreme Court and Voter ID
3 Things You Should Know About the Supreme Court and Voter ID
1. This is not a voter ID decision.
2. Federal law already mandates that a person must be a U.S. citizen to vote.
3. States do determine the qualifications of their voters.
1. This is not a voter ID decision.
2. Federal law already mandates that a person must be a U.S. citizen to vote.
3. States do determine the qualifications of their voters.
Monday, June 17, 2013
AMA Considers Classifying Obesity As A Disease
AMA Considers Classifying Obesity As A Disease - Forbes:
"“More widespread recognition of obesity as a disease could result in greater investment by government and the private sector to develop and reimburse obesity treatments,” a 14-page report released by the AMA’s Council on Science and Public Health said."
"“More widespread recognition of obesity as a disease could result in greater investment by government and the private sector to develop and reimburse obesity treatments,” a 14-page report released by the AMA’s Council on Science and Public Health said."
Treasury’s ‘Extraordinary’ Accounting: Deficit UP $138.7B in May, Debt DOWN $90B
Treasury’s ‘Extraordinary’ Accounting: Deficit UP $138.7B in May, Debt DOWN $90B | CNS News
Where did that additional $49.574 billion come from?
CNSNews.com asked the Treasury Department. A department spokesman pointed to the letter Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew sent to House Speaker John Boehner on May 17, which explained that the Treasury was going to begin using “extraordinary measures” to avoid hitting the current legal limit on the federal government’s debt.
.....Among the “extraordinary measures” the Treasury can use during a “Debt Issuance Suspension Period,” Lew explained in the appendix to his letter, is to change the way it accounts for the pension funds of federal employees.
How duct tape patched up the world – and why we're still sticking with it
How duct tape patched up the world – and why we're still sticking with it - Cosmic Log:
"Is there anything duct tape can't do?
Well ... yes.
"What's ironic about duct tape is that it's really not the best product for sealing duct work," Malmer said."
"Is there anything duct tape can't do?
Well ... yes.
"What's ironic about duct tape is that it's really not the best product for sealing duct work," Malmer said."
Failte First Family: the Obamas touch down in Ireland
Failte First Family: the Obamas touch down in Ireland - Independent.ie:
"It is understood a total of 30 rooms in the five-star, 265-bedroom hotel, have been booked for the visit of Mrs Obama and her entou- rage."
"It is understood a total of 30 rooms in the five-star, 265-bedroom hotel, have been booked for the visit of Mrs Obama and her entou- rage."
MI Senate OKs changes to fireworks law
MI Senate OKs changes to fireworks law | WOOD TV8:
"Legislation approved 37-0 Wednesday by the Senate would let local governments regulate fireworks use during nighttime hours on national holidays and the day before and after.
The House is expected to send the bill to Gov. Rick Snyder in time for the July Fourth holiday. "
"Legislation approved 37-0 Wednesday by the Senate would let local governments regulate fireworks use during nighttime hours on national holidays and the day before and after.
The House is expected to send the bill to Gov. Rick Snyder in time for the July Fourth holiday. "
Detroit recovery plan threatens underpinnings of muni market
Detroit recovery plan threatens underpinnings of muni market | Crain's Detroit Business:
"Orr proposed a deal last week that included skipping a $39.7 million payment on pension-obligation debt.
The city is also set to default on unsecured unlimited-tax and limited-tax general-obligation bonds as it grapples with $17 billion in liabilities to avoid a record bankruptcy.
......It definitely sets a precedent, and there's definitely going to be a penalty going forward for the city and the state," said Dan Solender, director of munis at Lord Abbett & Co. in Jersey City, New Jersey.
The company oversees $19.5 billion of local debt.
Detroit, where officials struggle to provide public safety and even street lighting, joins California cities Stockton and San Bernardino in trying to stick bondholders with a loss.
With about 700,000 residents, it's the most-populous city in at least 35 years to default on debt."
"Orr proposed a deal last week that included skipping a $39.7 million payment on pension-obligation debt.
The city is also set to default on unsecured unlimited-tax and limited-tax general-obligation bonds as it grapples with $17 billion in liabilities to avoid a record bankruptcy.
......It definitely sets a precedent, and there's definitely going to be a penalty going forward for the city and the state," said Dan Solender, director of munis at Lord Abbett & Co. in Jersey City, New Jersey.
The company oversees $19.5 billion of local debt.
Detroit, where officials struggle to provide public safety and even street lighting, joins California cities Stockton and San Bernardino in trying to stick bondholders with a loss.
With about 700,000 residents, it's the most-populous city in at least 35 years to default on debt."
Heartwell expresses 'deep disappointment and anger' over Benteler's Grand Rapids plant-closing decision | MLive.com
Heartwell expresses 'deep disappointment and anger' over Benteler's Grand Rapids plant-closing decision | MLive.com:
"In Grand Rapids, the announcement was disappointing because the city helped Benteler to establish a Renaissance Zone that eliminated state and local property taxes for the factory for 10 years and then, handed out four tax abatements which halved the company’s taxes on new equipment.
Last October, the city approved two property tax abatements for $7.3 million worth of new equipment that was to be installed over the following two years.
Benteler requested a 12-year property tax abatement for a new “hot form line” and “laser cutting cell” and a five-year abatement for “weld cells” that will be used on its contracts with Ford and Nissan.
The most recent abatements have been partially granted, according to city Economic Development Director Kara Wood."
"In Grand Rapids, the announcement was disappointing because the city helped Benteler to establish a Renaissance Zone that eliminated state and local property taxes for the factory for 10 years and then, handed out four tax abatements which halved the company’s taxes on new equipment.
Last October, the city approved two property tax abatements for $7.3 million worth of new equipment that was to be installed over the following two years.
Benteler requested a 12-year property tax abatement for a new “hot form line” and “laser cutting cell” and a five-year abatement for “weld cells” that will be used on its contracts with Ford and Nissan.
The most recent abatements have been partially granted, according to city Economic Development Director Kara Wood."
Grand Rapids eyes plan to sell all tax-foreclosed properties to land bank before county auction
Grand Rapids eyes plan to sell all tax-foreclosed properties to land bank before county auction | MLive.com
"City officials are proposing that 163 tax-foreclosed properties be signed over to the Kent County Land Bank Authority rather go to a county auction where private investors can bid on them."
"City officials are proposing that 163 tax-foreclosed properties be signed over to the Kent County Land Bank Authority rather go to a county auction where private investors can bid on them."
How Michigan's budget impacts you
How Michigan's budget impacts you | Lansing State Journal | lansingstatejournal.com:
"If you have a 4-year-old, he or she might be eligible for publicly funded preschool under an effort to give 16,000 more disadvantaged kids the chance to be better prepared for K-12 schooling.
The income cutoff is roughly $39,000 for a parent with one child, $59,000 for a family of four — with slots first going to the poorest children."
"If you have a 4-year-old, he or she might be eligible for publicly funded preschool under an effort to give 16,000 more disadvantaged kids the chance to be better prepared for K-12 schooling.
The income cutoff is roughly $39,000 for a parent with one child, $59,000 for a family of four — with slots first going to the poorest children."
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Concepts and implications of altruism bias and pathological altruism
Concepts and implications of altruism bias and
pathological altruism
pathological altruism
Distrust of Government Is What It's All About
Distrust of Government Is What It's All About | RealClearPolitics:
"President Obama, whose deeply held faith in government is unwavering, unintentionally provided that moment of clarity last week. In attempting to dismiss concerns about the NSA disclosures, he said,
"If people can't trust not only the executive branch but also don't trust Congress and don't trust federal judges to make sure that we're abiding by the Constitution with due process and rule of law, then we're going to have some problems here."
We have a problem.
Just 30 percent of voters nationwide have that much trust in government officials when it comes to these surveillance efforts.
Only 24 percent now are confident that the federal government does the right thing most of the time."
"President Obama, whose deeply held faith in government is unwavering, unintentionally provided that moment of clarity last week. In attempting to dismiss concerns about the NSA disclosures, he said,
"If people can't trust not only the executive branch but also don't trust Congress and don't trust federal judges to make sure that we're abiding by the Constitution with due process and rule of law, then we're going to have some problems here."
We have a problem.
Just 30 percent of voters nationwide have that much trust in government officials when it comes to these surveillance efforts.
Only 24 percent now are confident that the federal government does the right thing most of the time."
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