State has to take the lead role on consolidation:
"Greater Muskegon community, and to a lesser extent North Ottawa, have in the past tried to move toward consolidation. Why? Because it is perhaps the ultimate step to eliminating bureaucratic overlap, deleting repetitive jobs, enjoying serious cost-savings in purchasing and other combined functions, and positioning
unified government to make the most sensible planning decisions for the greater
good of the community"
Important stuff you won't get from the liberal media! We do the surfing so you can be informed AND have a life!
Monday, February 28, 2005
State needs to tell dummies sensible stuff!
Pardon my paranoia, but this editorial from our beloved Chronicle scares the goobers out of me. I've always known that the editorialists were socialist leaners, but "positioning unified government to make the most sensible planning decisions for the greater good of the community" simply means taking away the rights of the citizens of those communities and giving the power to an unelected bureaucratic morass. And this is after those communities have rejected that "sensible" usurpation of their own rights. I guess us locals aren't nuanced or sensible enough to make our own decisions. Jeeze.
The pirates of eminent domain
This has stopped creeping and is beginning to gallup into every community. Scary!
Jeff Jacoby: The pirates of eminent domain:
"Every home, church, or corner store would produce more jobs and tax revenue if it were a Costco or a shopping mall, he says. If state and local governments can force a property owner to surrender his land so it can be given to a new owner who will put it to more lucrative use, no home or shop in America will ever be safe
again."
A must read!
Fascinating view of the new world we must deal with. Read the last 2 sentences.
Book Review: What
Went Wrong? by Bernard Lewis:
"The Muslim world's stubborn embrace of slavery further eviscerated its
predominance. He explains the religion's duplicitous regulation of the slave
trade. Islamic law stipulates humane treatment of slaves, but not surprisingly,
the policy was only sporadically followed. Mr. Lewis relates how it was Western
pressure that eliminated or at least severely curtailed slavery through Islamic
regions. Realized threats of reduced or cancelled commercial intercourse forced
a discontinuation of the brutal practice, but damage had already been done by
lost trade. The abolishment happened against the will of strict Islamic
adherents because as Mr. Lewis writes, 'From a traditional
Muslim point of view, to abolish slavery would hardly have been possible. To
forbid what God permits is almost as great an offense to permit what God
forbids.' "
Social Security idiocy
Thomas Sowell is one of the great thinkers of our day. In three sentences, he destroys the "higher taxes today equals security tomorrow" debate.
Raising Social Security taxes today will not leave a dime more to pay pensionsThomas Sowell: Random thoughts
to future retirees. Right now there is more money coming into the system than is
going out -- and the difference gets spent on other things. Higher taxes now
would mean a bigger excess to be spent on other things, leaving nothing more for
the future.
Saturday, February 26, 2005
Carmens' lesson?
Take paradise and put up a parking lot? A major reason for the current Muskegon troubles is the policy of getting rid of taxpaying businesses and replacing them with public ownership. Now, and what a surprise, Carmen's is going to move into a building that is tax subsidized. Good luck to Carmen's, but when will someone recognize this self-destructive policy?
Smell of hash browns will fill old building
In October 2003, the popular downtown diner was forced to abandon its long-standing location in the Medical Arts Building at Clay and Second Street, when the building was demolished for added parking for the Muskegon Museum of Art. The new location is two blocks east of the old one.
Smell of hash browns will fill old building
Smell of hash browns will fill old building
In October 2003, the popular downtown diner was forced to abandon its long-standing location in the Medical Arts Building at Clay and Second Street, when the building was demolished for added parking for the Muskegon Museum of Art. The new location is two blocks east of the old one.
Smell of hash browns will fill old building
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Hillary the Holy Grail?
Does this Democrat/MSM love affair with the Hillary-For-President juggernaut remind anyone of their same infatuation with Teddy Kennedy back in the 60s and 70s?
Both from Democrat "royalty".
Both related to "Camelot" Presidents.
Both with prickly issues in their past.
Both with a compliant MSM tossing softballs so that any tough questions/issues won't be addressed until after the nomination, a la Kerry.
Both so far ahead in the polls that serious candidates dare not stand up to the Royalty.
Both had/have Hollywood frothing with hopeful glee.
Not a whole lot different from the MSM's love affair with the McCain-For-President pipe dream except the GOPers won't bite.
Serious democrats must be getting a serious sense of uncomfortable deja vu.
Both from Democrat "royalty".
Both related to "Camelot" Presidents.
Both with prickly issues in their past.
Both with a compliant MSM tossing softballs so that any tough questions/issues won't be addressed until after the nomination, a la Kerry.
Both so far ahead in the polls that serious candidates dare not stand up to the Royalty.
Both had/have Hollywood frothing with hopeful glee.
Not a whole lot different from the MSM's love affair with the McCain-For-President pipe dream except the GOPers won't bite.
Serious democrats must be getting a serious sense of uncomfortable deja vu.
Monday, February 21, 2005
Another outrage from the French!
Betsy reports the news the MSM ignores. The blogs rule again. Sad that this is how we get the news today.
Andrea Levin in the Jerusalem Post highlights another journalistic
outrage, one that hasn't received the coverage and reaction from the television
network, France 2, that it deserves. Remember those pictures of a Palestinian
boy and his father cowering during a firefight in the Mideast. Remember how the
implication was that the Israeli soldiers had killed the boy. http://betsyspage.blogspot.com/2005_02_20_betsyspage_archive.html
Fox News Poll!
It's President's Day and FoxNews found this of import during their "News Break": (I'm paraphrasing) "A new poll just out names President Lincoln as America's best President. The poll also shows that if he (Lincoln) were to run against Bush, Lincoln would win by 20%."
Golly, I wonder how Bush would do against Spiderman. The Pope. A really olden times, dead Pope. Which Beatle would do better against Bush?
ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS, NPR, CNN, E, MTV wouldn't surprise. I expect more from FoxNews.
Golly, I wonder how Bush would do against Spiderman. The Pope. A really olden times, dead Pope. Which Beatle would do better against Bush?
ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS, NPR, CNN, E, MTV wouldn't surprise. I expect more from FoxNews.
Millage
Real specific on where they will spend the new money. Not so specific as to how they spent the old money.
Superintendent
focuses on getting out vote for millage
Sunday, January 11, 2005ByTeresa Taylor Williams
CHRONICLE STAFF WRITER
When Mona Shores Superintendent Terry Babbitt gave an impassioned speech about the need to pass an upcoming millage to the audience at Monday's school board meeting, one would have thought he was preaching to the choir.
After all, the audience was comprised primarily of school district staff.
Chronicle avoids the bull's-eye
Ya gotta "love" how the Chronicle editorial writers waffle between endorsing Bush's actions and just observing. Kind of gutless on their part.
President George W. Bush, in his historic 2002 State of the Union message
that set the tone for U.S. foreign policy in this young decade, singled out an
"Axis of Evil" that included Iraq, Iran and North Korea. He did not mention
Syria, but he might just as well have made it four of a kind....
How will this all play out? Our guess is that Syria is right up there on the Bush hit
list.
Syrian
role in terror places it right in bull's-eye
Mona Shores measures would go toward school repairs, busing system
This from the Chronicle. All in all, not a terrible article but they just happen (by mistake, of course) not to mention that the total amount per student is up 61%from 10 years ago.
http://www.monashores.net/future/Future.htm
They've taken in an enormous amount of money and it is all gone! Maybe we ought to address the phrase that "none dare speak" ...... What is the total compensation package (salary, benefits, retirement, buy-outs, etc.) that the teachers earn and how has it grown in the last ten years? If everyone is afraid to even address teacher compensation the cost of local education will continue to skyrocket. 61% increase/student in the last 10 years! and they're out of money?
http://www.monashores.net/future/Future.htm
They've taken in an enormous amount of money and it is all gone! Maybe we ought to address the phrase that "none dare speak" ...... What is the total compensation package (salary, benefits, retirement, buy-outs, etc.) that the teachers earn and how has it grown in the last ten years? If everyone is afraid to even address teacher compensation the cost of local education will continue to skyrocket. 61% increase/student in the last 10 years! and they're out of money?
Mona Shores measures would go toward school repairs, busing system
Sunday, February 20, 2005By Teresa Taylor Williams CHRONICLE STAFF WRITER
Seventh-graders Molly Jensen and Jordan Tejchma say they are "embarrassed"
at the condition of their school. When it rains, many students and staff at
Mona Shores Middle School find themselves dodging drips from the ceiling, and
pails on the floors of several classrooms and in hallways. A couple of
ceiling tiles are turning black and moldy, like those in the choir wing and one
in Lauri Williams' eighth-grade English class. Tejchma said two ceiling tiles
fell in from the weight of rainwater in two different classes. "It's bad
because when other people come here, they probably think we can't afford a new
roof," he said. The 20-year-old deteriorating roofs at Mona Shores Middle
and Ross Park Elementary schools, along with new buses, are the big-ticket items
that school officials are asking the community to finance in the district's
millage proposal that will be before voters Tuesday. The middle school roof
alone costs $900,000, and school officials hope to spend $600,000 on new buses
over the next five years. .....
......In the past three years, the school board has slashed $3.2 million from the general fund, including more than 30 staff positions. Cutbacks have been the order of business for most Michigan public schools during the past few years. The last three years, school boards have been promised an increase in state per-pupil funding, but the amount Michigan schools receive from the state has been
stagnant. The cost of health-care benefits for staff is rising, and has
become a source of heated contract negotiations in some districts.
MonaShores measures would go toward school repairs, busing system
Friday, February 18, 2005
Tsunami uncovers ancient city!
I wonder what would be uncovered if we had a tsunami on Muskegon Lake.
Tsunami Uncovers Ancient City in India
Science
- AP
MAHABALIPURAM, India - Archaeologists have begun underwater
excavations of what is believed to be an ancient city and parts of a temple
uncovered by the tsunami off the coast of a centuries-old pilgrimage town.
Threads2
Parents say Y vandalism suspects are 'not bad kids'
Notice that the kids aren't really at fault, the parents aren't really at fault but a government supported "activity center" is the answer.
Evens said the area needs more programs like those at the activity
center "to give kids an opportunity to find out who they are." Children "need a
lot more love and a lot more guidance."
Parents
say Y vandalism suspects are 'not bad kids'
Thursday, February 17, 2005
The new Democrat chairman!
Already it begins. This can't be making the rank and file democrat too happy.
PORTLAND, Ore. -- Howard Dean, the new chairman of the Democratic National
Committee, requested a media blackout of a debate with top Pentagon adviser
Richard Perle, then quickly changed his mind Wednesday after news agencies
complained.
"DNC Chair Howard Dean has declared a news blackout of his
appearance and requested the media not quote, record, and/or paraphrase his
remarks," event coordinator Gabrielle Williams wrote in an e-mail sent to news
agencies Wednesday morning. "We apologize for the late notice, but we were just
informed of this request."
Less than two hours later, Williams called to
say: "We were told just a few minutes ago that it is now open" for media
coverage. The decision to open Thursday's debate came roughly 30 minutes after
an inquiry by The Associated Press.
Seattle Post-Intelligencer: AP - U.S. Headlines
Send this to the Chronicle editors!
Susan Estrich blasts the LA Times for their lack of female voices in their editorials/commentaries. Let the war begin!
Washington Examiner: Top News
"I have been trying, quietly, to force the editors there to address it - but
things have gone from bad to worse under the leadership of the new opinion
editor, Michael Kinsley, who replaced an African American woman, and now has
three men in the top jobs, and 90 percent men writing for his section. Need I
add that none of these men are from Southern California; Michael doesn't even
live here. "
Washington Examiner: Top News
PM: Debunking The 9/11 Myths - Mar. 2005 Cover Story
This is a great reference to counter the myths of 9-11.
PM: Debunking The 9/11 Myths - Mar. 2005 Cover Story
PM: Debunking The 9/11 Myths - Mar. 2005 Cover Story
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Does the Chronicle really care about Norton Shores?
Has the Chronicle ever seen a tax increase they didn't endorse? They've certainly let their readers know they fear any city/township with lower tax rates than Muskegon. Is it their compassion for the undertaxed NSers or would they support anything they thought would reduce the advantage of others over the city of Muskegon?
Second Norton charter try had better be good
Sunday, February 06, 2005
The city of Norton Shores is getting ready for another try at raising its
property tax rate to a level where it can continue to provide basic services.
Although voters rejected charter revision once, and specific millage
proposals twice before that, city officials are planning to go back to the
voters this November for approval of a revised charter and a hike in the city's
8.2-mill property tax rate.
We know that no one really wants to cut
services in Norton Shores any more than they already have, and we commend the
city and charter commission officials for reaching out to the people in ways
that haven't been tried before. Second
Norton charter try had better be good
Mona Shores Millage vote
The Mona Shores School system has really, really gotten a big increase in revenue in the last 10 years. Where did it all go? I got the numbers from their web site. Please correct me if I'm incorrect anywhere.
1992-1993 2002-2003 Increase
Expenditures $16,705,000 $31,673,000 89.6%
# of students 3558 4193 17.8%
$ per student $4695 $7553 61%
http://www.monashores.net/future/Future.htm
It seems like an accounting would be warrented before the vote passes
1992-1993 2002-2003 Increase
Expenditures $16,705,000 $31,673,000 89.6%
# of students 3558 4193 17.8%
$ per student $4695 $7553 61%
http://www.monashores.net/future/Future.htm
It seems like an accounting would be warrented before the vote passes
Lifeboat?
The Chronicle implores Norton Shores not kick the City of Muskegon "out of the lifeboat". NS isn't in a lifeboat, Muskegon is. Maybe the Chronicle could advise the real lifeboat residents to cut spending, cut taxes, fire the incompetents who continue to scare business away and scare parents away from their schools.
Legislature is the roadblock to state's economy
Legislature is the roadblock to state's economy
"What about other county libraries?
There was some of Greater Muskegon's special brand of provincialism at work in Roosevelt Park's decision last week to opt out of the struggling Muskegon County Library system.
Five of the city council's seven members apparently see better options,
including becoming part of a much smaller library district with Norton Shores,
headquartered in Norton's branch library on Seminole Road.
That might have advantages, financial and otherwise, for the people of Norton Shores and Roosevelt Park, such as "less taxes, better service and total local control," as Norton Shores Councilwoman Vicki Broge says. But it would cripple and maybe kill the rest of the county library system. ...........
We appeal to Norton Shores, one of the county's leading
communities, to recognize that libraries are one of the things that bind our
larger community together, empower its citizens, and better their lives. This is
the time for that city to show leadership, not kick their struggling neighbors
out of the lifeboat."
Friday, April 30, 2004
Ferry money spent on redecorating?
3285.2. The rest of the story
by NihilNemo, 4/30/04 10:35 ET
Re: I can't find the post on Bultema and Bailey by duddoright, 4/30/04
Too bad Jack left out of his memo that the money for the ferry wasn't available because it was spent remodeling his office. Check out the line item in this year's budget. Using room tax money to pay for Hall of Justice renovations is illegal under state law. I wonder why Steve Gunn hasn't run a story on it yet? Jack's memo also failed to mention the $20,000 per year pay raise he got this year. Always good to see fiscal responsibility starts at the top.
by NihilNemo, 4/30/04 10:35 ET
Re: I can't find the post on Bultema and Bailey by duddoright, 4/30/04
Too bad Jack left out of his memo that the money for the ferry wasn't available because it was spent remodeling his office. Check out the line item in this year's budget. Using room tax money to pay for Hall of Justice renovations is illegal under state law. I wonder why Steve Gunn hasn't run a story on it yet? Jack's memo also failed to mention the $20,000 per year pay raise he got this year. Always good to see fiscal responsibility starts at the top.
Wednesday, April 28, 2004
Yes Virginia....
..there is a difference between Demos and GOPers.food fight
Then, apparently to Hayworth’s complete surprise, Armed Services Committee, members Marty Meehan (D-Mass.) and Silvestre Reyes (D-Texas), took over the podium. “Are you guys trying to score some points politically, or what?” asked
Hayworth as he leaned in. “I’ll be here to watch.”
And watch he did, from only five feet away.
A release distributed by Meehan’s staff quoted him as saying, “This is outrageous. We’re standing next to an armored Humvee here in Washington when it should be in Iraq or Afghanistan.”
But when pressed, Meehan backed off that assertion, saying he didn’t demand that “this particular vehicle” be in Iraq, only that 12,000 such vehicles are needed over there.
Taking back the microphone, Hayworth said, “We all want to support our troops, but in full disclosure, I’m sure [Meehan] doesn’t mind if I point this out: When it came time to vote $87 billion for the troops, Marty voted no, and the man he’s supporting for president, Senator [John] Kerry [D-Mass.], voted no.”
Then, apparently to Hayworth’s complete surprise, Armed Services Committee, members Marty Meehan (D-Mass.) and Silvestre Reyes (D-Texas), took over the podium. “Are you guys trying to score some points politically, or what?” asked
Hayworth as he leaned in. “I’ll be here to watch.”
And watch he did, from only five feet away.
A release distributed by Meehan’s staff quoted him as saying, “This is outrageous. We’re standing next to an armored Humvee here in Washington when it should be in Iraq or Afghanistan.”
But when pressed, Meehan backed off that assertion, saying he didn’t demand that “this particular vehicle” be in Iraq, only that 12,000 such vehicles are needed over there.
Taking back the microphone, Hayworth said, “We all want to support our troops, but in full disclosure, I’m sure [Meehan] doesn’t mind if I point this out: When it came time to vote $87 billion for the troops, Marty voted no, and the man he’s supporting for president, Senator [John] Kerry [D-Mass.], voted no.”
Interesting Miracle Gro commercial
I just watched a Miracle Gro TV commercial starring Peter Straus (of old TV fame) touting the viagra-like effects on plants of MG. But the really interesting thing was the attractive but very grey haired lady (wife?) who gazed adoringly at super-gardener Pete as he preened for the camera. Quite a switch from the typical trim geezer with the 20 year younger trophy wife. Maybe the MG kept the marriage vibrant or is this a HORRIBLE new trend? Pleeese, no...... I want commercials that are REAL! Maybe a Henry Kissinger inching around on his walker as an adoring Carmen Elecktra snips the buds off their daffodils and has him lick MiracleGro from her fingers.....hmmmm
Maybe Hillary will visit Muskegon?
We need more politicos visiting Muskegon and spreading their $$ around.... or do we? I wonder who is paying for these gigs? I remember years ago that Rep. Guy Vanderjact (sp?) got caught in the Caribbean with a non-spousal sweet young thing and the voters told him to find a new job. Did the tax payers get stuck for that one too?
"Hillary Clinton leaves Jamaica Holidayed at Tryall
Monday, April 19, 2004
FORMER US first lady, Hillary Rodham Clinton, left Jamaica yesterday after a one-week vacation at the exclusive Tryall Club in Hanover, highly placed sources confirmed.
Hotel officials declined to confirm or deny Rodham Clinton's stay at the property, but one knowledgeable source told the Observer: "She had a quiet, delightful and restful holiday. That was the way she wanted it."
According to Observer sources, between her aides, friends and Secret Service protectors Rodham Clinton's entourage occupied 40 rooms."
Read the rest
"Hillary Clinton leaves Jamaica Holidayed at Tryall
Monday, April 19, 2004
FORMER US first lady, Hillary Rodham Clinton, left Jamaica yesterday after a one-week vacation at the exclusive Tryall Club in Hanover, highly placed sources confirmed.
Hotel officials declined to confirm or deny Rodham Clinton's stay at the property, but one knowledgeable source told the Observer: "She had a quiet, delightful and restful holiday. That was the way she wanted it."
According to Observer sources, between her aides, friends and Secret Service protectors Rodham Clinton's entourage occupied 40 rooms."
Read the rest
More on Oil for Terror from the WSJ
Where is the unbiased major media on this? Disgusting!
"In a world beset right now by terrorist threats--which depend on terrorist financing--it's time to acknowledge that the U.N.'s Oil-for-Food program was worse than simply a case of grand larceny. Given Saddam's proclivities for deceit and violence, Oil-for-Food was also a menace to security. By letting Saddam pick his own business partners and draw up his own shopping lists, by keeping the details of his contracts and accounts secret, and by then failing abjectly to supervise the process, the U.N.--through a program meant to aid the people of Iraq--enabled Saddam to line his pockets while bankrolling his pals world-wide. In return, precisely, for what? That is a question former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker might want to keep in mind as he heads up the official investigation, finally agreed to by U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan, into Oil-for-Food."
read the whole articleOpinionJournal
"In a world beset right now by terrorist threats--which depend on terrorist financing--it's time to acknowledge that the U.N.'s Oil-for-Food program was worse than simply a case of grand larceny. Given Saddam's proclivities for deceit and violence, Oil-for-Food was also a menace to security. By letting Saddam pick his own business partners and draw up his own shopping lists, by keeping the details of his contracts and accounts secret, and by then failing abjectly to supervise the process, the U.N.--through a program meant to aid the people of Iraq--enabled Saddam to line his pockets while bankrolling his pals world-wide. In return, precisely, for what? That is a question former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker might want to keep in mind as he heads up the official investigation, finally agreed to by U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan, into Oil-for-Food."
read the whole articleOpinionJournal
Great response to "Try feeding a family of six on $235"
MyMuskegon responds (on the MLive site food costs money?) to one of the lamest front page articles ever for the Chronicle.
MyMuskegon should be on the Chronicle staff!
Here's the original Chronicle article Life is unfair!
"Oh where to start on this one...
This article is pretty well out there - especially to make it a front page highlight article in the Muskegon Chronicle. I don't even know where to start on this one. My thoughts are going in so many directions on this one...
I guess I'll toss a couple of things out there that quickly come to mind here.
What is the REAL purpose of this article?
To show us a family of six who made it for one month with food assistance of $235.00? (Let's not forget that they MAY have received a nice tax return of roughly $3,300.00 - $4,200.00 in the month or two before March due to EIC - and still not paid in ANY Federal Income Tax).
To tell us it is hard to feed a family healthy foods today for a low cost because healthier foods cost more? (Do they really cost more? If you watch the local sale ads, they DO NOT!)
To show us a family who didn't plan their future very well? (Why are they having more children when they obviously are having budget issues? Job or no job, are they REALLY aware of their own family budget and what they can afford?)
To show us a family who went to get help in learning how to feed the family healthier? (Are they really getting sound advice? Are they really being shown how to REALLY stretch a dollar? I don't think so!)
To show us that people with low incomes and without a lot of education tend to be obese? (These are not my words, they were in the printed version - Also, keep in mind the article (and the photos) showed that the family is NOT obese).
To show us that spending your entire food allotment at one time is a good idea (or not a good idea)? (The article stated that they purchase food at the beginning of the month - when the food assistance was available, and they made it last as long as possible (limiting fruit and potato chips). Isn't this a bad idea - better yet would be to plan ahead and buy the meals for a week or so (or freeze the meat, main course, etc), and the extras and sales items as they become available. Wouldn't this result in more spending power than blowing the whole wad at once? ALso, did anyone watch them actually spend $235.00 on JUST food? This cash is sepndable any way you see fit - was this real or just told??? For a front page article, I would hope that Susan Harrison Wolffis actually went grocery shopping with them - and hopefully pointed out deals and values along the way to stretch the dollar. It sure sounds as though this DID NOT happen.)
I'm just totally lost on this one. Reading the article online is one thing...seeing the actual photos/charts in the actual Muskegon Chronicle is a whole new experience...
What was the real point of this front page article? If it was attempting to be a culmination of all of the above, it was still done very, very poorly.
Looks to me that the Chronicle went shopping and took pictures at a Save-A-Lot or Aldi - I'm not sure which one yet, but I bet I am right (more than likely Save-A-Lot).
CONTINUED...
For one, I want to know how you can make Kool-Aid for $0.13 a quart when just a week or two ago Meijer had Kool-Aid on sale for $0.10 a packet. The everyday Meijer price is $0.25 a packet (not including the water or sugar). Sugar is roughly $2.00 per 5 pound bag. 8 ounces = 1/2 pound. 5 pound bag of sugar yields 10 cups - thus 1 cup sugar = $0.20.
I really thought I got a deal when I last stocked up on Kool-Aid at Meijer at the price of 10/$1.00. I sure wish the Chronicle would clue me in on this method so I could save some myself some more cash.
How do you compare Kraft "Pastuerized Process Cheese Food" slices to Kraft blocks of "REAL" Mild Cheddar Cheese? They are two totally different products??? I realize this is supposed to be a junk food to healthier food comparison - but wouldn't a comparison agasint the $0.99 cent generic made by oil (instead of milk) cheese slices to the Kraft "Pastuerized Process Cheese Food" slices have been a better comparison? Hey, Plumbs has Spartan Brand chunk cheese on sale this week for $1.50 for an 8 ounce package - that makes it $0.19 per oz and cheaper than the Kraft Cheese slices they showed in the Chronicle at $0.26 per ounce. The real deal at a cheaper price...WOW!
Who has Oscar Mayer Hot Dogs for $1.33? I'd like to know...and why do you compare this chicken/meat/pork product to Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast? Why not compare a Slim-Jim to filet mignon? It is supposed to be junk meat to healthier meat right? Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts can be had on sale for $0.99 to $1.99 per pound very often. Hey, lets not forget about the occasional sales at Plumbs for New York Strip Steaks at $1.99 - $2.49 per pound too... Also, Plumbs has Eckrich 1 pound hot dogs on SALE this week for $2.00 per pound. Hmmm...Where are those $1.33 hot dogs at again?
White bread $2.19 / Whole Wheat $2.79??? I have not paid more than $1.00 per loaf of bread in a very long time. Doesn't Wesco sell bread for $.69 (or $0.89) everyday. Local bread stores sell it for roughly $.30 - $0.40 everyday. Plumbs, Meijer, D&W, etc have store brands for roughly around $0.99 everyday (not counting sales). Hey, Plumbs has white bread on sale this week - $1.19 for TWO loaves. Hmmm...
Comparing Orange Drink to Orange Juice - $1.49 for 64 ounces of Orange Drink. Hey, Plumbs and Meijer have REAL orange juice on sale this week for $1.50 - $0.01 cent more and you get the real deal. WOW!
Lastly, they do not give food stamps out anymore - it is called a Michigan Bridge Card and it is processed the same way a credit card is - with the electronic swipe of a plastic card. Unlike in the past with Food Stamps (that required a food-only purchase), with their cash benefits, customers may purchase both food and/or non-food items in a store. The store owner may choose to accept the Bridge Card for the amount of the cash purchase, or may choose to offer cash back with or without a purchase.
Cash back - just like an ATM card.
Basically, my point is this article is way off base in all aspects. Healthy foods can be bought rather cheaply (if not cheaper) if you take the time to pay attention to the sale ads and shop and stock up accordingly. This article made absolutely no mention of this at all. This family gets one bag of potato chips per month and they go quickly. OH JOY! How about visiting BigLots and get those chips for $0.79 per bag. Or the Dollar store next to Plumbs on Apple Ave for only $1.00 (I'm talking Uncle Rays - Good chips by the way and made in Michigan). Better yet, why didn't this article state that the family buys a ten pound bag of spuds on sale for $0.99 and involve the family in a family potato chip making night which includes slicing and frying their own homemade potato chips???
Do you see my point here?
A family of six CAN live on $235.00 per month. The article did prove this - for what it is really worth. I think with the right knowledge and the right sales ads in hand, they could have eaten ever better. What exactly did they eat? What were the meals and/or snacks? This article told us nothing... The meals should be healthy...hey, we already know that. I want to know what exactly they ate to make it on $235.00 for a month.
Lets also not quickly think about how poor this family seems to be by the way the article surely made it feel (for the moment the article focused on the family). This family actually enjoys many more benefits than a single person or a married couple with no children.
Keep in mind that the children of this family now receive free health care benefits (including dental and vision) - all of them (via MiChild). The mother-to-be receives (for the term of pregnancy) free health care benefits as well as WIC (WIC also serves children through age five with regular checks that cover the purchase of milk, cheese, eggs, peanut butter, etc), the newborn child will also go on MiChild at birth too. The birth of the baby will be covered too.
The birth of the baby will be covered too. The mother-to-be could also choose free family planning services (such as Tubal Ligation or other means of birth control - at no charge). The oldest child should be receiving free lunch at school (one less meal to feed during the weekdays). As a low income family, they also qualify for LifeLine Telephone Service (roughly $8.00 per month for a landline telephone in the home via Verizon).
Via thier 2003 Federal Income Tax return, this family should have also received a check at the end of the 2003 tax year in the amount of $3,363.00 - $4,204.00 for the Earned Income Credit (EIC) or as advanced payment throughout the past 2003 year. They also owed ZERO Federal Income Tax (yep - I was bored and did the actual math).
Keep in mind that an adoption tax credit also exisits during the year that a child was adopted.
On the topic of Income tax, they could have also recieved a heating credit and a rent credit from the State of Michigan for 2003 too. I haven't taken the time to figure this out - perhaps someone else will? Base it on full year wages of $5.50 per hour and separately of $9.00 per hour and see what you come up with.
I'm not trying to be negative here...just pointing out some facts the article seemed to miss by my view point. There is nothing wrong with receiving assistance at all - by anyone. It it just that sometimes, by doing the complete math on a certain scenario that is presented, that you see the real results, start to think, and question the outcome...
MyMuskegon should be on the Chronicle staff!
Here's the original Chronicle article Life is unfair!
"Oh where to start on this one...
This article is pretty well out there - especially to make it a front page highlight article in the Muskegon Chronicle. I don't even know where to start on this one. My thoughts are going in so many directions on this one...
I guess I'll toss a couple of things out there that quickly come to mind here.
What is the REAL purpose of this article?
To show us a family of six who made it for one month with food assistance of $235.00? (Let's not forget that they MAY have received a nice tax return of roughly $3,300.00 - $4,200.00 in the month or two before March due to EIC - and still not paid in ANY Federal Income Tax).
To tell us it is hard to feed a family healthy foods today for a low cost because healthier foods cost more? (Do they really cost more? If you watch the local sale ads, they DO NOT!)
To show us a family who didn't plan their future very well? (Why are they having more children when they obviously are having budget issues? Job or no job, are they REALLY aware of their own family budget and what they can afford?)
To show us a family who went to get help in learning how to feed the family healthier? (Are they really getting sound advice? Are they really being shown how to REALLY stretch a dollar? I don't think so!)
To show us that people with low incomes and without a lot of education tend to be obese? (These are not my words, they were in the printed version - Also, keep in mind the article (and the photos) showed that the family is NOT obese).
To show us that spending your entire food allotment at one time is a good idea (or not a good idea)? (The article stated that they purchase food at the beginning of the month - when the food assistance was available, and they made it last as long as possible (limiting fruit and potato chips). Isn't this a bad idea - better yet would be to plan ahead and buy the meals for a week or so (or freeze the meat, main course, etc), and the extras and sales items as they become available. Wouldn't this result in more spending power than blowing the whole wad at once? ALso, did anyone watch them actually spend $235.00 on JUST food? This cash is sepndable any way you see fit - was this real or just told??? For a front page article, I would hope that Susan Harrison Wolffis actually went grocery shopping with them - and hopefully pointed out deals and values along the way to stretch the dollar. It sure sounds as though this DID NOT happen.)
I'm just totally lost on this one. Reading the article online is one thing...seeing the actual photos/charts in the actual Muskegon Chronicle is a whole new experience...
What was the real point of this front page article? If it was attempting to be a culmination of all of the above, it was still done very, very poorly.
Looks to me that the Chronicle went shopping and took pictures at a Save-A-Lot or Aldi - I'm not sure which one yet, but I bet I am right (more than likely Save-A-Lot).
CONTINUED...
For one, I want to know how you can make Kool-Aid for $0.13 a quart when just a week or two ago Meijer had Kool-Aid on sale for $0.10 a packet. The everyday Meijer price is $0.25 a packet (not including the water or sugar). Sugar is roughly $2.00 per 5 pound bag. 8 ounces = 1/2 pound. 5 pound bag of sugar yields 10 cups - thus 1 cup sugar = $0.20.
I really thought I got a deal when I last stocked up on Kool-Aid at Meijer at the price of 10/$1.00. I sure wish the Chronicle would clue me in on this method so I could save some myself some more cash.
How do you compare Kraft "Pastuerized Process Cheese Food" slices to Kraft blocks of "REAL" Mild Cheddar Cheese? They are two totally different products??? I realize this is supposed to be a junk food to healthier food comparison - but wouldn't a comparison agasint the $0.99 cent generic made by oil (instead of milk) cheese slices to the Kraft "Pastuerized Process Cheese Food" slices have been a better comparison? Hey, Plumbs has Spartan Brand chunk cheese on sale this week for $1.50 for an 8 ounce package - that makes it $0.19 per oz and cheaper than the Kraft Cheese slices they showed in the Chronicle at $0.26 per ounce. The real deal at a cheaper price...WOW!
Who has Oscar Mayer Hot Dogs for $1.33? I'd like to know...and why do you compare this chicken/meat/pork product to Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast? Why not compare a Slim-Jim to filet mignon? It is supposed to be junk meat to healthier meat right? Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts can be had on sale for $0.99 to $1.99 per pound very often. Hey, lets not forget about the occasional sales at Plumbs for New York Strip Steaks at $1.99 - $2.49 per pound too... Also, Plumbs has Eckrich 1 pound hot dogs on SALE this week for $2.00 per pound. Hmmm...Where are those $1.33 hot dogs at again?
White bread $2.19 / Whole Wheat $2.79??? I have not paid more than $1.00 per loaf of bread in a very long time. Doesn't Wesco sell bread for $.69 (or $0.89) everyday. Local bread stores sell it for roughly $.30 - $0.40 everyday. Plumbs, Meijer, D&W, etc have store brands for roughly around $0.99 everyday (not counting sales). Hey, Plumbs has white bread on sale this week - $1.19 for TWO loaves. Hmmm...
Comparing Orange Drink to Orange Juice - $1.49 for 64 ounces of Orange Drink. Hey, Plumbs and Meijer have REAL orange juice on sale this week for $1.50 - $0.01 cent more and you get the real deal. WOW!
Lastly, they do not give food stamps out anymore - it is called a Michigan Bridge Card and it is processed the same way a credit card is - with the electronic swipe of a plastic card. Unlike in the past with Food Stamps (that required a food-only purchase), with their cash benefits, customers may purchase both food and/or non-food items in a store. The store owner may choose to accept the Bridge Card for the amount of the cash purchase, or may choose to offer cash back with or without a purchase.
Cash back - just like an ATM card.
Basically, my point is this article is way off base in all aspects. Healthy foods can be bought rather cheaply (if not cheaper) if you take the time to pay attention to the sale ads and shop and stock up accordingly. This article made absolutely no mention of this at all. This family gets one bag of potato chips per month and they go quickly. OH JOY! How about visiting BigLots and get those chips for $0.79 per bag. Or the Dollar store next to Plumbs on Apple Ave for only $1.00 (I'm talking Uncle Rays - Good chips by the way and made in Michigan). Better yet, why didn't this article state that the family buys a ten pound bag of spuds on sale for $0.99 and involve the family in a family potato chip making night which includes slicing and frying their own homemade potato chips???
Do you see my point here?
A family of six CAN live on $235.00 per month. The article did prove this - for what it is really worth. I think with the right knowledge and the right sales ads in hand, they could have eaten ever better. What exactly did they eat? What were the meals and/or snacks? This article told us nothing... The meals should be healthy...hey, we already know that. I want to know what exactly they ate to make it on $235.00 for a month.
Lets also not quickly think about how poor this family seems to be by the way the article surely made it feel (for the moment the article focused on the family). This family actually enjoys many more benefits than a single person or a married couple with no children.
Keep in mind that the children of this family now receive free health care benefits (including dental and vision) - all of them (via MiChild). The mother-to-be receives (for the term of pregnancy) free health care benefits as well as WIC (WIC also serves children through age five with regular checks that cover the purchase of milk, cheese, eggs, peanut butter, etc), the newborn child will also go on MiChild at birth too. The birth of the baby will be covered too.
The birth of the baby will be covered too. The mother-to-be could also choose free family planning services (such as Tubal Ligation or other means of birth control - at no charge). The oldest child should be receiving free lunch at school (one less meal to feed during the weekdays). As a low income family, they also qualify for LifeLine Telephone Service (roughly $8.00 per month for a landline telephone in the home via Verizon).
Via thier 2003 Federal Income Tax return, this family should have also received a check at the end of the 2003 tax year in the amount of $3,363.00 - $4,204.00 for the Earned Income Credit (EIC) or as advanced payment throughout the past 2003 year. They also owed ZERO Federal Income Tax (yep - I was bored and did the actual math).
Keep in mind that an adoption tax credit also exisits during the year that a child was adopted.
On the topic of Income tax, they could have also recieved a heating credit and a rent credit from the State of Michigan for 2003 too. I haven't taken the time to figure this out - perhaps someone else will? Base it on full year wages of $5.50 per hour and separately of $9.00 per hour and see what you come up with.
I'm not trying to be negative here...just pointing out some facts the article seemed to miss by my view point. There is nothing wrong with receiving assistance at all - by anyone. It it just that sometimes, by doing the complete math on a certain scenario that is presented, that you see the real results, start to think, and question the outcome...
More money from the bottomless pockets...
... of Muskegon taxpayers.
Hey, I like the idea of the ferry. And I think that Bultema and Bailey are two of the best folks to ever hit this town. And I think that they probably should get the extra $200 Gs. But when is the County gonna get out of the "hey, we've got boatloads of money for anyone who can prove they need it" business? Does anyone think this is the end? I hope so but it sure would be interesting to see how much federal, state and local money is being given away "free" and who is getting it.
BigBoatBucks
Hey, I like the idea of the ferry. And I think that Bultema and Bailey are two of the best folks to ever hit this town. And I think that they probably should get the extra $200 Gs. But when is the County gonna get out of the "hey, we've got boatloads of money for anyone who can prove they need it" business? Does anyone think this is the end? I hope so but it sure would be interesting to see how much federal, state and local money is being given away "free" and who is getting it.
BigBoatBucks
Much more news on the Chronicle's MLive site!
It looks like the Chronicle is putting much more info and articles on the M Live site. Great news!
M Live
M Live
Yes Virginia, there is a difference.....
...... between Democrats and Republicans. Like it or not, no one can say they're both the same.
no God for the democrats
no God for the democrats
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