Some commentators think that the church or the cop-shop should be "the bad guys" for putting the kibosh on a seniors-only social bingo game held at Southridge.
I disagree.
The State Legislature is the "bad guy" for having legislated this asinine crap in the first place.
And the State Legislature's "leaders" should re-write the law to exempt these penny-ante games.
In other words, GET RID OF THE STUPID PROVISIONS IN THE LAW!
Those who advocate "ignoring" the law are wrong. Stupid laws should simply be eliminated, because "stupid" laws only breed contempt for law, legislators, and police.
And our Legislators don't want to be contemptible, do they?
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Flessas v. Marlin Schneider
Under "logorrhea" in the dictionary, there's a picture of Snarly the Pig.
If you want to know why, click here.
Thanks to Bob Flessas for asking the question succintly, and for publishing Marlin's unhinged and utterly full-of-crap response.
If you want to know why, click here.
Thanks to Bob Flessas for asking the question succintly, and for publishing Marlin's unhinged and utterly full-of-crap response.
WISN Host Fisher Breaks a Big Story: DMV/WI Helps the Illegals
Here's the top of the fold graf:
If Osama Bin Laden came to a Wisconsin DMV customer service center, affirmed he was an illegal alien, presented two forms of identification and one proof of residency in his own name, he would be issued a Wisconsin ID card. Unless he caused a disturbance or displayed a document that was clearly fraudulent, the police would not be notified.... Once he had his Wisconsin document, Osama would then qualify to get taxpayer benefits, vote in the next election, and do untold harm to our society. (anonymous letter to the reporter)
More:
In Wisconsin, neither American citizenship nor legal residency in the country is required to get a drivers license or an official state ID. A foreign birth certificate, which a DMV employee may or may not be able to read or check for authenticity may be used to show a person’s name and date and place of birth, or a signed credit card may be used as proof of identity. And proof of residency may be verified using a paycheck stub, a state welfare card, or a utility bill. Because Wisconsin has lax standards, it has become a magnet for illegal immigrants. Using Wisconsin documents, ordinary illegal immigrants or international terrorists are able to begin to create identities in this country that cannot be distinguished from native Americans.
Raising the question of "Who ISSUED These Orders?" is the following:
DMV rules, Steines [a recently-retired DMV employee] said, mandate that DMV frontline agents not only issue state IDs and driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants, they threaten those agents who refuse to issue them with being fired for insubordination
So who are Doyle's Boyzzz (Frankie Busalacchi & Co.) giving valid State ID's to?
Several current DMV agents agreed to speak with THE NEW AMERICAN under the condition of complete anonymity because they are speaking as private citizens and fear reprisals. One of them said that on multiple occasions he has had Hispanics at his service counter who sported viewable tattoos of MS-13, one of the ultra-violent Hispanic gangs originating south of the border that are plaguing the United States.
DMV personnel are not allowed to inquire if they have a green card or current passport authorizing their presence in this country.
...DMV rules actually go in the opposite direction, making getting a driver’s license almost assured. The DMV has a form called the Social Security Number Noneligibility Certification for foreigners, through which they can bypass requirements for presenting a S.S. number. Making the system more of a farce is a DMV rule requiring employees to accept almost any form or document, from any country, in any language, as proof of identification as long as the document appears genuine. Since DMV employees may not be able to read Spanish, Polish, Ukrainian, Russian, Arabic, or whatever other language the document is printed in, it’s impossible to know for sure what they are being asked to authenticate. Moreover, the DMV employees are told to accept as valid ID the matricula consular card, an ID card issued by the Mexican consulate that the FBI has warned against accepting as proof of identification because of rampant fraud.
Federal Criminals, DMV Employees!! All at the same time!!
Federal law, Section 8 USC 1324(a)(1)(A)(iv)(b)(iii), says that anyone who helps an illegal in any way whatsoever (this would include issuing documents to them) is in violation of federal law and shall “be fined under title 18, imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both.” Yet Wisconsin DMV employees are told that even if someone at their counter admits to being in the United States illegally, the employees are supposed to pretend that they did not hear the remark and go about issuing them a license or ID anyway.
Are these aliens just MS-13 gang-bangers? Nope. Worse.
There is, according to one unnamed source within the DMV, strong evidence that people who are out to harm the United States are operating freely throughout the country, using Wisconsin IDs or driver’s licenses to aid them.
How many?
According to the DMV personnel we interviewed, there has been a veritable flood of illegal immigrants besieging DMV offices to get IDs and licenses over the past four years. Illegal immigrants arrive at DMV stations almost daily. On some days they represent the bulk of a service center’s customers, especially in the southeastern and mideastern parts of the state. Because of the extra time that DMV officials must spend aiding foreign license applicants, costs rise.
Estimates of the number of illegals who have Wisconsin IDs and driver’s licenses are somewhere in the area of 350,000 to 400,000.
One hopes that JB VanHollen is in contact this very minute with the US Attorneys in Milwaukee and Madistan.
If Osama Bin Laden came to a Wisconsin DMV customer service center, affirmed he was an illegal alien, presented two forms of identification and one proof of residency in his own name, he would be issued a Wisconsin ID card. Unless he caused a disturbance or displayed a document that was clearly fraudulent, the police would not be notified.... Once he had his Wisconsin document, Osama would then qualify to get taxpayer benefits, vote in the next election, and do untold harm to our society. (anonymous letter to the reporter)
More:
In Wisconsin, neither American citizenship nor legal residency in the country is required to get a drivers license or an official state ID. A foreign birth certificate, which a DMV employee may or may not be able to read or check for authenticity may be used to show a person’s name and date and place of birth, or a signed credit card may be used as proof of identity. And proof of residency may be verified using a paycheck stub, a state welfare card, or a utility bill. Because Wisconsin has lax standards, it has become a magnet for illegal immigrants. Using Wisconsin documents, ordinary illegal immigrants or international terrorists are able to begin to create identities in this country that cannot be distinguished from native Americans.
Raising the question of "Who ISSUED These Orders?" is the following:
DMV rules, Steines [a recently-retired DMV employee] said, mandate that DMV frontline agents not only issue state IDs and driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants, they threaten those agents who refuse to issue them with being fired for insubordination
So who are Doyle's Boyzzz (Frankie Busalacchi & Co.) giving valid State ID's to?
Several current DMV agents agreed to speak with THE NEW AMERICAN under the condition of complete anonymity because they are speaking as private citizens and fear reprisals. One of them said that on multiple occasions he has had Hispanics at his service counter who sported viewable tattoos of MS-13, one of the ultra-violent Hispanic gangs originating south of the border that are plaguing the United States.
DMV personnel are not allowed to inquire if they have a green card or current passport authorizing their presence in this country.
...DMV rules actually go in the opposite direction, making getting a driver’s license almost assured. The DMV has a form called the Social Security Number Noneligibility Certification for foreigners, through which they can bypass requirements for presenting a S.S. number. Making the system more of a farce is a DMV rule requiring employees to accept almost any form or document, from any country, in any language, as proof of identification as long as the document appears genuine. Since DMV employees may not be able to read Spanish, Polish, Ukrainian, Russian, Arabic, or whatever other language the document is printed in, it’s impossible to know for sure what they are being asked to authenticate. Moreover, the DMV employees are told to accept as valid ID the matricula consular card, an ID card issued by the Mexican consulate that the FBI has warned against accepting as proof of identification because of rampant fraud.
Federal Criminals, DMV Employees!! All at the same time!!
Federal law, Section 8 USC 1324(a)(1)(A)(iv)(b)(iii), says that anyone who helps an illegal in any way whatsoever (this would include issuing documents to them) is in violation of federal law and shall “be fined under title 18, imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both.” Yet Wisconsin DMV employees are told that even if someone at their counter admits to being in the United States illegally, the employees are supposed to pretend that they did not hear the remark and go about issuing them a license or ID anyway.
Are these aliens just MS-13 gang-bangers? Nope. Worse.
There is, according to one unnamed source within the DMV, strong evidence that people who are out to harm the United States are operating freely throughout the country, using Wisconsin IDs or driver’s licenses to aid them.
How many?
According to the DMV personnel we interviewed, there has been a veritable flood of illegal immigrants besieging DMV offices to get IDs and licenses over the past four years. Illegal immigrants arrive at DMV stations almost daily. On some days they represent the bulk of a service center’s customers, especially in the southeastern and mideastern parts of the state. Because of the extra time that DMV officials must spend aiding foreign license applicants, costs rise.
Estimates of the number of illegals who have Wisconsin IDs and driver’s licenses are somewhere in the area of 350,000 to 400,000.
One hopes that JB VanHollen is in contact this very minute with the US Attorneys in Milwaukee and Madistan.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Tridentine Rite in Milwaukee Moves
The authorized Tridentine Rite Mass in the Milwaukee area will be moving to St. Stanislaus Parish, corner 5th Street at Mitchell St., in the near future.
It is expected that a priest-member of the FSSP (Fraternity of St. Peter) will come to Milwaukee to take on administrative and spiritual-care duties for the group, now numbering in the 400's of souls.
A date for the move has not yet been announced, nor a Mass-schedule.
It is expected that a priest-member of the FSSP (Fraternity of St. Peter) will come to Milwaukee to take on administrative and spiritual-care duties for the group, now numbering in the 400's of souls.
A date for the move has not yet been announced, nor a Mass-schedule.
Surprise!! Bp. Marini Doesn't Like CDW
Those of us who watched (in some pain) the liturgical gyrations forced on John Paul II by the head of the Papal Ceremonies office, Bp. Marini, are not going to be surprised.
[Fr. Keith Pecklers, S.J.] mentioned Archbishop Piero Marini, the papal master of ceremonies, who for years stood by Pope John Paul II when he presided at Mass. Pecklers said Marini has a book coming out next year blaming the "liturgy wars" on the Congregation for Divine Worship, an office of the Vatican that oversees worship for the Catholic Church worldwide. It's a matter of control.
The gimlet-eyed John Allen (NcR) comments thus:
"The Congregation of Divine Worship is much more conservative, sober, Romanesque," Allen said. "The Office of Liturgical Celebration doesn't buy that at all. Their liturgies are more modern, dynamic, expressive." He joked that the [Pope's] liturgical office staff "try to set a record for how many liturgical rules they can break in one papal Mass. These things usually have dance numbers that rival 'Cats.'"
That 'staff' would be employees of Bp. Marini. And a better phrase than "modern, dynamic, expressive" would be "wet, wild, and wacky".
Marini is the very model of the modern Lit-ur-Geist-i-cal.
HT: CWN
[Fr. Keith Pecklers, S.J.] mentioned Archbishop Piero Marini, the papal master of ceremonies, who for years stood by Pope John Paul II when he presided at Mass. Pecklers said Marini has a book coming out next year blaming the "liturgy wars" on the Congregation for Divine Worship, an office of the Vatican that oversees worship for the Catholic Church worldwide. It's a matter of control.
The gimlet-eyed John Allen (NcR) comments thus:
"The Congregation of Divine Worship is much more conservative, sober, Romanesque," Allen said. "The Office of Liturgical Celebration doesn't buy that at all. Their liturgies are more modern, dynamic, expressive." He joked that the [Pope's] liturgical office staff "try to set a record for how many liturgical rules they can break in one papal Mass. These things usually have dance numbers that rival 'Cats.'"
That 'staff' would be employees of Bp. Marini. And a better phrase than "modern, dynamic, expressive" would be "wet, wild, and wacky".
Marini is the very model of the modern Lit-ur-Geist-i-cal.
HT: CWN
"Card-Check" Is the Small Elephant in the Bill
If you thought that the "card-check" provision in “The Employee Free Choice Act,” was the worst of it, you're wrong.
According to the EFCA, when a nonunion company is unionized through the card-check method, management and labor would only have 90 days to settle a contract. After that, the union could force the newly unionized company into government-supervised mediation.
In reality, negotiations for new contract terms almost always take longer than 90 or 120 days, especially when management and labor are negotiating for the first time.
So what happens if they don't reach agreement?
If union and management still have not reached an agreement in another 30 days, a government-appointed arbitrator would set the final binding contract terms.
Yup. The Feds decide wages, bennies, and conditions.
HT: Betsy's Page
According to the EFCA, when a nonunion company is unionized through the card-check method, management and labor would only have 90 days to settle a contract. After that, the union could force the newly unionized company into government-supervised mediation.
In reality, negotiations for new contract terms almost always take longer than 90 or 120 days, especially when management and labor are negotiating for the first time.
So what happens if they don't reach agreement?
If union and management still have not reached an agreement in another 30 days, a government-appointed arbitrator would set the final binding contract terms.
Yup. The Feds decide wages, bennies, and conditions.
HT: Betsy's Page
Monday, February 26, 2007
Reasons to Like Lent
The Ironic Catholic has done it again.
Some selected "good things" about Lent:
40. Dark Lenten purple really jazzes up the winter landscape.
37. Saying "alleluia" all the time was getting kind of tired, anyway.
34. Every pagan in town thinks you look kind of interesting and goth with the ashes.
31. Lent: because you love tuna casserole.
Some selected "good things" about Lent:
40. Dark Lenten purple really jazzes up the winter landscape.
37. Saying "alleluia" all the time was getting kind of tired, anyway.
34. Every pagan in town thinks you look kind of interesting and goth with the ashes.
31. Lent: because you love tuna casserole.
Some Twit Hollywooder and a Tomb
A couple of interesting facts, from Singing in the Reign:
Cameron has found a burial box with the name "Jesus" inscribed on it. Actually, it says, "Yeshua" or "Joshua"--the Aramaic name translated "Jesus" in the Gospels. The question is, how does he know this is the Jesus?
In the first century, Joshua was a very popular name. The Israeli scholar Tal Ilan has published a remarkable book, Lexicon of Jewish Names in Late Antiquity: Part I: Palestine 330 BCE-200 CE (Tubingen: Mohr, 2002). In this book, Ilan has collected the names of all those known from ancient works and archeological discoveries, such as burial sites and inscriptions.
...Bauckham builds on Ilan's work to show that from the evidence, it would seem that in Jesus day the name "Joshua" or "Jesus" was the sixth most common name given to Jewish children.
What about "Son of Joseph"?
Joseph was the second most popular name!
Well, certainly. But what about "Mary"?
Mary was one of the most popular names for women in Jesus' day.
As to the "Jesus married Mary Magdalene and had a son" routine:
But Cameron goes on to claim that this Jesus he's found must be the Jesus of the New Testament. Why? Because he had a son named Judah who was the son of Miriam, or Mary. Cameron says, clearly this was Jesus' wife--Mary Magdalene. ...aside from the fact that there is no record that Jesus was ever romantically involved with Mary Magdalene, there is absolutely no indication anywhere that Jesus had a son named Judah.
What's clear here is that Cameron wants to sell something. Anything, so long as it engenders a "taxable event" like income...
Cameron has found a burial box with the name "Jesus" inscribed on it. Actually, it says, "Yeshua" or "Joshua"--the Aramaic name translated "Jesus" in the Gospels. The question is, how does he know this is the Jesus?
In the first century, Joshua was a very popular name. The Israeli scholar Tal Ilan has published a remarkable book, Lexicon of Jewish Names in Late Antiquity: Part I: Palestine 330 BCE-200 CE (Tubingen: Mohr, 2002). In this book, Ilan has collected the names of all those known from ancient works and archeological discoveries, such as burial sites and inscriptions.
...Bauckham builds on Ilan's work to show that from the evidence, it would seem that in Jesus day the name "Joshua" or "Jesus" was the sixth most common name given to Jewish children.
What about "Son of Joseph"?
Joseph was the second most popular name!
Well, certainly. But what about "Mary"?
Mary was one of the most popular names for women in Jesus' day.
As to the "Jesus married Mary Magdalene and had a son" routine:
But Cameron goes on to claim that this Jesus he's found must be the Jesus of the New Testament. Why? Because he had a son named Judah who was the son of Miriam, or Mary. Cameron says, clearly this was Jesus' wife--Mary Magdalene. ...aside from the fact that there is no record that Jesus was ever romantically involved with Mary Magdalene, there is absolutely no indication anywhere that Jesus had a son named Judah.
What's clear here is that Cameron wants to sell something. Anything, so long as it engenders a "taxable event" like income...
Missing Something at Church?
An area Liturgeist (thankfully no longer in the Western Suburbs) was in the habit of removing the Holy Water from the fonts at the entrances to church during Lent.
The Liturgeists had convened, were boiling their pot and chanting 'Bubble, Bubble, HOW Can We Trouble (our parishioners)' when one of them crowed and screeched that removing Holy Water was perfectly consonant with the Lenten fast.
Liturgeists are not able to recognize the difference between sacramentals and choice-beef...
Rome's opinion?
This Dicastery [Divine Worship] is able to respond that the removing of Holy Water from the fonts during the season of Lent is not permitted, in particular, for two reasons:
1. The liturgical legislation in force does not foresee this innovation, which in addition to being praeter legem is contrary to a balanced understanding of the season of Lent, which though truly being a season of penance, is also a season rich in the symbolism of water and baptism, constantly evoked in liturgical texts.
2. The encouragement of the Church that the faithful avail themselves frequently of the [sic] of her sacraments and sacramentals is to be understood to apply also to the season of Lent. The "fast" and "abstinence" which the faithful embrace in this season does not extend to abstaining from the sacraments or sacramentals of the Church.
The practice of the Church has been to empty the Holy Water fonts on the days of the Sacred Triduum in preparation of the blessing of the water at the Easter Vigil, and it corresponds to those days on which the Eucharist is not celebrated (i.e., Good Friday and Holy Saturday).
(March 14, 2000)
Orthometer has a list of "alternative fillings" for the holy-water fonts, and none of them surprise me.
Of course, when I encountered one of those 'alternative fillers', I simply dumped the contents on the floor. It was penance for the Liturgeist, who had to sweep it up, I suppose.
The Liturgeists had convened, were boiling their pot and chanting 'Bubble, Bubble, HOW Can We Trouble (our parishioners)' when one of them crowed and screeched that removing Holy Water was perfectly consonant with the Lenten fast.
Liturgeists are not able to recognize the difference between sacramentals and choice-beef...
Rome's opinion?
This Dicastery [Divine Worship] is able to respond that the removing of Holy Water from the fonts during the season of Lent is not permitted, in particular, for two reasons:
1. The liturgical legislation in force does not foresee this innovation, which in addition to being praeter legem is contrary to a balanced understanding of the season of Lent, which though truly being a season of penance, is also a season rich in the symbolism of water and baptism, constantly evoked in liturgical texts.
2. The encouragement of the Church that the faithful avail themselves frequently of the [sic] of her sacraments and sacramentals is to be understood to apply also to the season of Lent. The "fast" and "abstinence" which the faithful embrace in this season does not extend to abstaining from the sacraments or sacramentals of the Church.
The practice of the Church has been to empty the Holy Water fonts on the days of the Sacred Triduum in preparation of the blessing of the water at the Easter Vigil, and it corresponds to those days on which the Eucharist is not celebrated (i.e., Good Friday and Holy Saturday).
(March 14, 2000)
Orthometer has a list of "alternative fillings" for the holy-water fonts, and none of them surprise me.
Of course, when I encountered one of those 'alternative fillers', I simply dumped the contents on the floor. It was penance for the Liturgeist, who had to sweep it up, I suppose.
Pocan, the Economist
OK, I lied in the headline.
HT to Jenna, though, for pointing out this post, which may have been jointly-written with a local PBS host-ette.
I'm sympathetic with Pocan's plight: stuck in a small room with a highly-paid (and likely arrogant) lobbyist can be painful.
But perhaps the lobbyist also has some regrets about being stuck in a small room with an overpaid moron who happens to have some power.
Nouveau Riche, meet Nouveau Puissant.
HT to Jenna, though, for pointing out this post, which may have been jointly-written with a local PBS host-ette.
I'm sympathetic with Pocan's plight: stuck in a small room with a highly-paid (and likely arrogant) lobbyist can be painful.
But perhaps the lobbyist also has some regrets about being stuck in a small room with an overpaid moron who happens to have some power.
Nouveau Riche, meet Nouveau Puissant.
Tosa's Mayor: Safety? Last...
In Wauwatosa, like Milwaukee, there's an ordinance which requires that homeowners clear snow from their sidewalks. This is for the safety of people who actually USE the sidewalks.
If you don't follow the rule, you can be ticketed and fined.
Thus, it is ironic that Mayor-ette Estness' very own City Hall and Library's sidewalks were snow-filled today (Monday) as late as 8:25 AM. Children walking to Longfellow Middle School were struggling, slipping, and sliding over the lumpy hillocks of ice and snow, dangerously close to Wauwatosa Ave (76th st) and North Ave.
Maybe Alderman McGee can instruct the Mayor-ette on the principles of Good Neighbor-ship.
If you don't follow the rule, you can be ticketed and fined.
Thus, it is ironic that Mayor-ette Estness' very own City Hall and Library's sidewalks were snow-filled today (Monday) as late as 8:25 AM. Children walking to Longfellow Middle School were struggling, slipping, and sliding over the lumpy hillocks of ice and snow, dangerously close to Wauwatosa Ave (76th st) and North Ave.
Maybe Alderman McGee can instruct the Mayor-ette on the principles of Good Neighbor-ship.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Sinless Suburbia
You can draw your own conclusions.
I have in my nicotine-stained hands the schedule of Confession-times for FOUR west-suburban parishes, which between them serve a minimum of 5,000 Catholics over the age of 8.
The schedule?
2+ hours TOTAL (between all the Parishes) on Saturdays (the "+" accounts for one Parish which lists a start-time, but no end-time);
and 30 minutes TOTAL on non-Saturdays.
Let's say 3.0 hours every week, total, over 4 parishes.
Shall we assume that there are two priests hearing confessions during those hours in each parish?
Fine. That makes 6.0 hours.
I have in my nicotine-stained hands the schedule of Confession-times for FOUR west-suburban parishes, which between them serve a minimum of 5,000 Catholics over the age of 8.
The schedule?
2+ hours TOTAL (between all the Parishes) on Saturdays (the "+" accounts for one Parish which lists a start-time, but no end-time);
and 30 minutes TOTAL on non-Saturdays.
Let's say 3.0 hours every week, total, over 4 parishes.
Shall we assume that there are two priests hearing confessions during those hours in each parish?
Fine. That makes 6.0 hours.
BushBoyzzz' Economy Problems
From no less than the Washington Times, which is not considered a "pro-labor" paper, the following:
...Early each month, when the employment figures are released, the White House triumphantly issues a press release celebrating the number of jobs that were created during the preceding month and since August 2003. But the Bush-Cheney administration entered office more than two and a half years before August 2003.
The job-creation numbers since August 2003 do appear to be impressive. Nonfarm employment, for example, increased by 7.329 million jobs from September 2003 through December 2006. Compared to previous administrations, however, the overall Bush administration jobs numbers are significantly inferior...
...The 4.663 million jobs created during the 2001-2006 period amount to fewer than 65,000 per month. More than 1.3 million (18,100 per month) of these jobs were added in the government sector. Thus, fewer than 47,000 nonfarm payroll jobs have been added each month (on average) in the private sector during the last six years (0.5 percent per year). The Reagan administration added more than 150,000 private jobs per month during its eight years. Private payrolls increased by nearly 225,000 jobs per month during the Clinton administration.
...Confining ourselves to the 40-month cherry-picked period (September 2003 to December 2006), we find that private-sector employment has been rising by 170,000 jobs per month (1.8 percent per year). Throughout the eight years of the Reagan and Clinton presidencies, private nonfarm payrolls grew by 2.3 percent and 2.7 percent per year, respectively. In other words, private employment grew more than five times as fast during the Clinton administration as it did during the first six years of the Bush administration.
Productivity (output per hour) in the nonfarm business sector was 18.6 percent higher during the fourth quarter of 2006 than it was six years earlier. However, the real (i.e., inflation-adjusted) average hourly wage for private-sector production and nonsupervisory workers (80 percent of the workforce) was only 3.5 percent higher over the same six-year period. During the previous six years (1995-2000), this wage increased more than twice as fast.
...In a new series of income data, the Labor Department recently reported that the real median weekly earnings of wage and salary workers employed full-time during last year's fourth quarter had increased only 0.6 percent since the fourth quarter of 2000. For men working full-time, median weekly earnings actually declined by 0.8 percent over the same six-year period.
The Census Bureau publishes annual income data for households and full-time workers. The latest data are for 2005, whose annualized productivity level was 16.5 percent higher than 2000's and 23.3 percent higher than that in 1998. Nevertheless, the median household income in 2005 was 2.7 percent below the 2000 median level and still less than the median level in 1998. Real median earnings in 2005 for full-time, year-round male workers were less than their 1998 level.
In its fact sheet issued after the January employment numbers were released, the White House reported that "real after-tax income per person has risen by 9.8 percent" since 2000. ...the average annual rate of increase (1.6 percent) is less than the average annual rate during the Carter administration (1.9 percent), the Reagan administration (2.5 percent) and the Clinton administration (1.8 percent)....
I'm sure the BushBots have a response. Look for the paper-hanging and happy-talk during the next week, as it's 'splained away in terms of "health-care costs."
But before you swallow THAT line whole, compare "health-care cost" acceleration during the Clinton Administration.
One possible hypothesis: the cost of regulation and taxes in the USA are so burdensome that it is no longer worthwhile to create private-sector jobs here, aside from at Starbucks. Of course, the next question is "compared to where?" and the answer is Red China and India.
Since the Bush Administration has not seen fit to counteract the PRChinese full-scale assault on US labor, (you know--realistic pricing for the Yuan, a counter for PRC's super-aggressive export finance policies, not to mention slave-labor) it could be concluded that GWB doesn't understand what a trade-war really is.
Hint to George: we're losing it.
...Early each month, when the employment figures are released, the White House triumphantly issues a press release celebrating the number of jobs that were created during the preceding month and since August 2003. But the Bush-Cheney administration entered office more than two and a half years before August 2003.
The job-creation numbers since August 2003 do appear to be impressive. Nonfarm employment, for example, increased by 7.329 million jobs from September 2003 through December 2006. Compared to previous administrations, however, the overall Bush administration jobs numbers are significantly inferior...
...The 4.663 million jobs created during the 2001-2006 period amount to fewer than 65,000 per month. More than 1.3 million (18,100 per month) of these jobs were added in the government sector. Thus, fewer than 47,000 nonfarm payroll jobs have been added each month (on average) in the private sector during the last six years (0.5 percent per year). The Reagan administration added more than 150,000 private jobs per month during its eight years. Private payrolls increased by nearly 225,000 jobs per month during the Clinton administration.
...Confining ourselves to the 40-month cherry-picked period (September 2003 to December 2006), we find that private-sector employment has been rising by 170,000 jobs per month (1.8 percent per year). Throughout the eight years of the Reagan and Clinton presidencies, private nonfarm payrolls grew by 2.3 percent and 2.7 percent per year, respectively. In other words, private employment grew more than five times as fast during the Clinton administration as it did during the first six years of the Bush administration.
Productivity (output per hour) in the nonfarm business sector was 18.6 percent higher during the fourth quarter of 2006 than it was six years earlier. However, the real (i.e., inflation-adjusted) average hourly wage for private-sector production and nonsupervisory workers (80 percent of the workforce) was only 3.5 percent higher over the same six-year period. During the previous six years (1995-2000), this wage increased more than twice as fast.
...In a new series of income data, the Labor Department recently reported that the real median weekly earnings of wage and salary workers employed full-time during last year's fourth quarter had increased only 0.6 percent since the fourth quarter of 2000. For men working full-time, median weekly earnings actually declined by 0.8 percent over the same six-year period.
The Census Bureau publishes annual income data for households and full-time workers. The latest data are for 2005, whose annualized productivity level was 16.5 percent higher than 2000's and 23.3 percent higher than that in 1998. Nevertheless, the median household income in 2005 was 2.7 percent below the 2000 median level and still less than the median level in 1998. Real median earnings in 2005 for full-time, year-round male workers were less than their 1998 level.
In its fact sheet issued after the January employment numbers were released, the White House reported that "real after-tax income per person has risen by 9.8 percent" since 2000. ...the average annual rate of increase (1.6 percent) is less than the average annual rate during the Carter administration (1.9 percent), the Reagan administration (2.5 percent) and the Clinton administration (1.8 percent)....
I'm sure the BushBots have a response. Look for the paper-hanging and happy-talk during the next week, as it's 'splained away in terms of "health-care costs."
But before you swallow THAT line whole, compare "health-care cost" acceleration during the Clinton Administration.
One possible hypothesis: the cost of regulation and taxes in the USA are so burdensome that it is no longer worthwhile to create private-sector jobs here, aside from at Starbucks. Of course, the next question is "compared to where?" and the answer is Red China and India.
Since the Bush Administration has not seen fit to counteract the PRChinese full-scale assault on US labor, (you know--realistic pricing for the Yuan, a counter for PRC's super-aggressive export finance policies, not to mention slave-labor) it could be concluded that GWB doesn't understand what a trade-war really is.
Hint to George: we're losing it.
The Problem with "No Child Left Behind"
It's only one short proposition, but it defies the laws of mathematics (ironic, from an "education" law, no?)
Despite the many small reforms advocated in the Commission's report "Beyond NCLB: Fulfilling the Promise to Our Nation’s Children" (222 page PDF), not one word of criticism is uttered against the original legislation's most important and implausible requirement: "that all children should reach a proficient level of academic achievement by 2014" in math and reading.
The report declares this goal of 100 percent proficiency by 2014 to be "audacious … morally right … and attainable."
What they don't mention about this demand: It's nuts.
"Proficient" is a technical term in Ed-speak—the second highest of the five levels of achievement in school testing, roughly equivalent to a solid B. So the NCLB law requires that all students be B students within seven years…just like in Garrison Keillor's fictional Lake Wobegon, "where all the children are above average."
Yah...hey.
So what are the results of this ridiculous "goal"? You guessed it:
Each state is allowed to concoct its own test to determine whether its own students have reached "proficiency," which the state can define however it pleases.
Not surprisingly, practically every single state cheats in order to meet the law. For example, Mississippi, that intellectual powerhouse, recently declared that 89 percent of its 4th graders were at least "proficient" in reading.
Unfortunately, however, on the federal government's impartial National Assessment of Educational Progress test, only 18 percent of Mississippi students were "proficient" or "advanced."
I would expect that the critics of Wisconsin's DPI (which has also jiggered its testing) would now look more carefully at the Bush/Kennedy NCLB Act--which Tommy Thompson did NOT do in the report cited above--and call for the repeal of NCLB.
Wanna bet on that happening?
HT: VDare
Despite the many small reforms advocated in the Commission's report "Beyond NCLB: Fulfilling the Promise to Our Nation’s Children" (222 page PDF), not one word of criticism is uttered against the original legislation's most important and implausible requirement: "that all children should reach a proficient level of academic achievement by 2014" in math and reading.
The report declares this goal of 100 percent proficiency by 2014 to be "audacious … morally right … and attainable."
What they don't mention about this demand: It's nuts.
"Proficient" is a technical term in Ed-speak—the second highest of the five levels of achievement in school testing, roughly equivalent to a solid B. So the NCLB law requires that all students be B students within seven years…just like in Garrison Keillor's fictional Lake Wobegon, "where all the children are above average."
Yah...hey.
So what are the results of this ridiculous "goal"? You guessed it:
Each state is allowed to concoct its own test to determine whether its own students have reached "proficiency," which the state can define however it pleases.
Not surprisingly, practically every single state cheats in order to meet the law. For example, Mississippi, that intellectual powerhouse, recently declared that 89 percent of its 4th graders were at least "proficient" in reading.
Unfortunately, however, on the federal government's impartial National Assessment of Educational Progress test, only 18 percent of Mississippi students were "proficient" or "advanced."
I would expect that the critics of Wisconsin's DPI (which has also jiggered its testing) would now look more carefully at the Bush/Kennedy NCLB Act--which Tommy Thompson did NOT do in the report cited above--and call for the repeal of NCLB.
Wanna bet on that happening?
HT: VDare
Saturday, February 24, 2007
New Gun Ban Proposal from Carolyn the Kook!
In brief, just turn in most of your rifles, some pistols, and a few shotguns, too.
Rep. "Kook" McCarthy is from New York City; apparently she confers with Rudy G. (Gun-Banner, He) about these things.
(And a most ironic bill number, to boot, as the Ruger 10/22 is easily the most popular .22 rifle made in the world.)
H.R. 1022 would ban every gun banned by the Clinton ban, plus millions more guns, including:
H.R. 1022 would also ban the importation of magazines exempted by the Clinton ban, ban the sale of a legally-owned "assault weapon" with a magazine of over 10 rounds capacity, and begin backdoor registration of guns, by requiring private sales of banned guns, frames, receivers and parts to be conducted through licensed dealers. Finally, whereas the Clinton Gun Ban was imposed for a 10-year trial period, H.R. 1022 would be a permanent ban.
Not likely this is going anywhere, but you've been warned.
Source: NRA Newsletter.
Rep. "Kook" McCarthy is from New York City; apparently she confers with Rudy G. (Gun-Banner, He) about these things.
(And a most ironic bill number, to boot, as the Ruger 10/22 is easily the most popular .22 rifle made in the world.)
H.R. 1022 would ban every gun banned by the Clinton ban, plus millions more guns, including:
- Every gun made to comply with the Clinton ban. (The Clinton ban dictated the kinds of grips, stocks and attachments new guns could have. Manufacturers modified new guns to the Clinton requirements. H.R. 1022 would ban the modified guns too.)
- Guns exempted by the Clinton ban. (Ruger Mini-14s and -30s and Ranch Rifles; .30 cal. carbines; and fixed-magazine, semi-automatic, center-fire rifles that hold more than 10 rounds.)
- All semi-automatic shotguns. (E.g., Remington, Winchester, Beretta and Benelli, used for hunting, sport shooting, and self-defense. H.R. 1022 would ban them because they have "any characteristic that can function as a grip," and would also ban their main component, called the "receiver.")
- All detachable-magazine semi-automatic rifles-including, for example, the ubiquitous Ruger 10/22 .22 rimfire-because they have "any characteristic that can function as a grip."
- Target shooting rifles. (E.g., the three centerfire rifles most popular for marksmanship competitions: the Colt AR-15, the Springfield M1A and the M1 "Garand.")
- Any semi-automatic shotgun or rifle an Attorney General one day claims isn't "sporting," even though the constitutions of the U.S. and 44 states, and the laws of all 50 states, recognize the right to use guns for defense.
- 65 named guns (the Clinton law banned 19 by name); semi-auto fixed-magazine pistols of over 10 rounds capacity; and frames, receivers and parts used to repair or refurbish guns.
H.R. 1022 would also ban the importation of magazines exempted by the Clinton ban, ban the sale of a legally-owned "assault weapon" with a magazine of over 10 rounds capacity, and begin backdoor registration of guns, by requiring private sales of banned guns, frames, receivers and parts to be conducted through licensed dealers. Finally, whereas the Clinton Gun Ban was imposed for a 10-year trial period, H.R. 1022 would be a permanent ban.
Not likely this is going anywhere, but you've been warned.
Source: NRA Newsletter.
"Memory-Hole" the Iraq Resolution. Reid, Biden, Levin are Crazy
While they're at it, they could "un-resolve" the Bill of Rights, too. Or create legislation un-doing Hurricane Katrina.
About as realistic.
Senators Harry Reid, Joe Biden, and Carl Levin have crafted a resolution to declare null and void the Senate's 2002 vote giving President Bush the authority to go to war in Iraq.
HT: FreedomEden
About as realistic.
Senators Harry Reid, Joe Biden, and Carl Levin have crafted a resolution to declare null and void the Senate's 2002 vote giving President Bush the authority to go to war in Iraq.
HT: FreedomEden
But Does Lott Have "Bad Hair Day" Insurance?
Ol' Trent Lott, disgraced (and disgraceful) at his slimy best:
...which industry would be first to feel the new majority's populist rage. Oil? Pharma? Banks? Corporate America just got its answer, direct from the angriest man to have been empowered in the past election: Republican Sen. Trent Lott.
The Mississippian was "infuriated" by the insurance industry's refusal to shell out for certain Katrina claims, most notably his own. So Mr. Lott is spearheading a ferocious campaign of political revenge that would make even Henry Waxman envious--replete with investigations, voracious trial lawyers, ambitious state attorneys general and threats of punitive federal legislation. And like most personal grievances that get morphed into policy battles, it's ending badly for consumers.
Somebody should have simply put this animal out of his misery years ago. And it should have been a Republican who did it.
This is particularly galling:
Mr. Lott's beachfront property in Pascagoula--one of three homes he owned--was swept away entirely by Hurricane Katrina's waters. Like many Gulf Coast residents, Mr. Lott was soon reminded by his insurer, State Farm, that his policy only covered wind damage--not flood damage. The senator surely knew that, which is why he'd also purchased federal flood insurance. According to his flood policy that was in effect when Katrina hit, he was covered up to $350,000 in flood damages, and he presumably collected in full.
But $350K was not enough for the Cheerleader-In-Toupee! Nosirreee Bob!!
First was to pay a call to the favorite mob squad of the left, the plaintiffs' bar. Quicker than you can say "tort reform," Dickie Scruggs, the legal kingpin who engineered Mississippi's tobacco shakedown, was representing Mr. Lott in a high-profile lawsuit against State Farm.
In July of last year, [Lott] placed a call to Chuck Chamness, the CEO of the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies, to let the industry know what was coming. Mr. Chamness later sent a letter to Mr. Lott, summing up the call. The key passage: "Your comment that you will dedicate your next term of office to 'bringing down State Farm and the industry' through all means available to you, including legislation designed to harm the property/casualty insurance industry, was very unsettling, to say the least."
Makes you wonder whether the Small Gummint crowd might have a point, no?
Lott is revealing the sleaze which Mississippi pols ordinarily keep underwhite sheets wraps very carefully. Let's hope that he not only loses the next election, but that this activity as a Senator is deemed criminal. Then he can lose his pension, too--and have only his sheets trailer-park housing to keep him warm.
...which industry would be first to feel the new majority's populist rage. Oil? Pharma? Banks? Corporate America just got its answer, direct from the angriest man to have been empowered in the past election: Republican Sen. Trent Lott.
The Mississippian was "infuriated" by the insurance industry's refusal to shell out for certain Katrina claims, most notably his own. So Mr. Lott is spearheading a ferocious campaign of political revenge that would make even Henry Waxman envious--replete with investigations, voracious trial lawyers, ambitious state attorneys general and threats of punitive federal legislation. And like most personal grievances that get morphed into policy battles, it's ending badly for consumers.
Somebody should have simply put this animal out of his misery years ago. And it should have been a Republican who did it.
This is particularly galling:
Mr. Lott's beachfront property in Pascagoula--one of three homes he owned--was swept away entirely by Hurricane Katrina's waters. Like many Gulf Coast residents, Mr. Lott was soon reminded by his insurer, State Farm, that his policy only covered wind damage--not flood damage. The senator surely knew that, which is why he'd also purchased federal flood insurance. According to his flood policy that was in effect when Katrina hit, he was covered up to $350,000 in flood damages, and he presumably collected in full.
But $350K was not enough for the Cheerleader-In-Toupee! Nosirreee Bob!!
First was to pay a call to the favorite mob squad of the left, the plaintiffs' bar. Quicker than you can say "tort reform," Dickie Scruggs, the legal kingpin who engineered Mississippi's tobacco shakedown, was representing Mr. Lott in a high-profile lawsuit against State Farm.
In July of last year, [Lott] placed a call to Chuck Chamness, the CEO of the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies, to let the industry know what was coming. Mr. Chamness later sent a letter to Mr. Lott, summing up the call. The key passage: "Your comment that you will dedicate your next term of office to 'bringing down State Farm and the industry' through all means available to you, including legislation designed to harm the property/casualty insurance industry, was very unsettling, to say the least."
Makes you wonder whether the Small Gummint crowd might have a point, no?
Lott is revealing the sleaze which Mississippi pols ordinarily keep under
DarthDoyle's Dollars Cost Dearly
Hmmmmmm.
The beginning of the end?
Kenosha businessman Dennis Troha late Friday abruptly withdrew from the $808 million tribal casino project on which he's invested years and millions of dollars.
The surprise move came as the FBI was investigating the thousands in campaign donations the Troha family has made to Gov. Jim Doyle.
Criminal defense lawyer Franklyn Gimbel, who is representing Troha in the matter, declined to discuss specifics of the investigation, though he confirmed that he has talked to federal prosecutors on behalf of Troha.
"Right now it's a sensitive discussion that I'm having, and that's the end of the story," Gimbel said before Friday's announcement that Troha was out of the deal. "The discussions are with the U.S. attorney."
Frankie Gimbel's one of the best. Any one of his HATS cost more than my car. This is no longer a garden-variety 'sniff-about' by any means.
The beginning of the end?
Kenosha businessman Dennis Troha late Friday abruptly withdrew from the $808 million tribal casino project on which he's invested years and millions of dollars.
The surprise move came as the FBI was investigating the thousands in campaign donations the Troha family has made to Gov. Jim Doyle.
Criminal defense lawyer Franklyn Gimbel, who is representing Troha in the matter, declined to discuss specifics of the investigation, though he confirmed that he has talked to federal prosecutors on behalf of Troha.
"Right now it's a sensitive discussion that I'm having, and that's the end of the story," Gimbel said before Friday's announcement that Troha was out of the deal. "The discussions are with the U.S. attorney."
Frankie Gimbel's one of the best. Any one of his HATS cost more than my car. This is no longer a garden-variety 'sniff-about' by any means.
Fed Judge Wolf Affirms Totalitarian Scheme in Schools
This story is becoming more interesting.
A federal judge in Massachusetts has ordered the "gay" agenda taught to Christians who attend a public school in Massachusetts, finding that they need the teachings to be "engaged and productive citizens."
U.S. District Judge Mark L. Wolf yesterday dismissed a civil rights lawsuit brought by David Parker, ordering that it is reasonable, indeed there is an obligation, for public schools to teach young children to accept and endorse homosexuality
Q) When did the doctrine of In Loco Parentis disappear? A) When the public schools abandoned it. Some claim that the Dewey-ite public school system was instituted precisely to 'homogenize' children into 'good little citizens.' Didn't even work well in Russia...
...Wolf's claims followed very closely the reasoning submitted earlier in a brief by Human Rights Campaign, the ACLU, Massachusetts Teachers Association, Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders and other advocates for the "gay" agenda.
As to the "just leave during this class" exception (which is allowed, e.g., in the Elmbrook School system):
...the judge concluded that even allowing Christians to withdraw their children from classes or portions of classes where the religious beliefs were being violated wasn't a reasonable expectation.
Wolf's "reasoning" resembles SC Justice Kennedy's "whatever you wanna believe" (Casey)
"Under the Constitution public schools are entitled to teach anything that is reasonably related to the goals of preparing students to become engaged and productive citizens in our democracy," the judge wrote.
Parker [the complainant] was arrested and jailed in Lexington in April 2005 over his request – and the school's refusal – to notify him when adults discuss homosexuality or transgenderism with his 6-year-old kindergartner. That despite a state law requiring such notification.
An appeal has already been planned.
Those public-school teachers who plead for 'parental support' of their authority have just had the ground cut out from under their feet. There's no 'quid pro quo' left here--so why should a parent make an effort?
A federal judge in Massachusetts has ordered the "gay" agenda taught to Christians who attend a public school in Massachusetts, finding that they need the teachings to be "engaged and productive citizens."
U.S. District Judge Mark L. Wolf yesterday dismissed a civil rights lawsuit brought by David Parker, ordering that it is reasonable, indeed there is an obligation, for public schools to teach young children to accept and endorse homosexuality
Q) When did the doctrine of In Loco Parentis disappear? A) When the public schools abandoned it. Some claim that the Dewey-ite public school system was instituted precisely to 'homogenize' children into 'good little citizens.' Didn't even work well in Russia...
...Wolf's claims followed very closely the reasoning submitted earlier in a brief by Human Rights Campaign, the ACLU, Massachusetts Teachers Association, Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders and other advocates for the "gay" agenda.
As to the "just leave during this class" exception (which is allowed, e.g., in the Elmbrook School system):
...the judge concluded that even allowing Christians to withdraw their children from classes or portions of classes where the religious beliefs were being violated wasn't a reasonable expectation.
Wolf's "reasoning" resembles SC Justice Kennedy's "whatever you wanna believe" (Casey)
"Under the Constitution public schools are entitled to teach anything that is reasonably related to the goals of preparing students to become engaged and productive citizens in our democracy," the judge wrote.
Parker [the complainant] was arrested and jailed in Lexington in April 2005 over his request – and the school's refusal – to notify him when adults discuss homosexuality or transgenderism with his 6-year-old kindergartner. That despite a state law requiring such notification.
An appeal has already been planned.
Those public-school teachers who plead for 'parental support' of their authority have just had the ground cut out from under their feet. There's no 'quid pro quo' left here--so why should a parent make an effort?
Friday, February 23, 2007
Pay Attention to Your Instincts
The LawDog analyzes a video and shows us that the victim was WAAAAYYYYYYY too PC.
Here's the link. Lawdog's narration is spot-on--and you should take notes.
Here's the link. Lawdog's narration is spot-on--and you should take notes.
The Carlyle Chrysler?
Und so, Dieter wants to dispose of Chrysler. Who will buy?
One very interesting possibility is the Carlyle Group (in which George HW Bush is an investor,) according to news stories.
Carlyle did the right thing with Rexnord when they purchased it from a 'smash/grab/bleed' prior owner, returning the Company to profitability, investing capital where required, and "shaping it up" in general.
The good news/bad news: Carlyle is not an "auto nut" bunch, which means that 'mystique' is not their thing. This will make the usual bunch of auto-writers cry and wail. On the other hand, Carlyle DOES manage well; if anyone can resolve Chrysler's problems, these guys will.
HT: RedState
One very interesting possibility is the Carlyle Group (in which George HW Bush is an investor,) according to news stories.
Carlyle did the right thing with Rexnord when they purchased it from a 'smash/grab/bleed' prior owner, returning the Company to profitability, investing capital where required, and "shaping it up" in general.
The good news/bad news: Carlyle is not an "auto nut" bunch, which means that 'mystique' is not their thing. This will make the usual bunch of auto-writers cry and wail. On the other hand, Carlyle DOES manage well; if anyone can resolve Chrysler's problems, these guys will.
HT: RedState
The Libby Case: End-Game
Easily the most comprehensive coverage of the Libby "trial" is found here.
His conclusion?
I will offer this Bold Prediction - win, lose, or draw, Libby never spends a day in prison. He will remain free pending appeals; if the case is remanded, it will be dropped; otherwise, he will be pardoned.
And more Bold Predictions - this "investigation" (which did not make a serious attempt to establish Ari Fleischer's or Tim Russert's credibility by calling John Dickerson and David Gregory as well as Andrea Mitchell) is over, and Fitzgerald will not be in charge of the appeals. Why not? Well, partly because his own conduct, including but not limited to his outrageous close, will be one basis for the appeal.
Clearly, Fitzgerald (a GWB appointee) is an ass. Russert has problems with credibility, but he's Not As Bad As Dan Rather.
Altogether, another waste of taxpayer dollars.
His conclusion?
I will offer this Bold Prediction - win, lose, or draw, Libby never spends a day in prison. He will remain free pending appeals; if the case is remanded, it will be dropped; otherwise, he will be pardoned.
And more Bold Predictions - this "investigation" (which did not make a serious attempt to establish Ari Fleischer's or Tim Russert's credibility by calling John Dickerson and David Gregory as well as Andrea Mitchell) is over, and Fitzgerald will not be in charge of the appeals. Why not? Well, partly because his own conduct, including but not limited to his outrageous close, will be one basis for the appeal.
Clearly, Fitzgerald (a GWB appointee) is an ass. Russert has problems with credibility, but he's Not As Bad As Dan Rather.
Altogether, another waste of taxpayer dollars.
A BB in the Back of the Neck? Near Appropriate
Despite the angst expressed by Jessica, I think that the mom in question did almost the most appropriate thing.
It happened early Tuesday morning in the 6600 Block of W Sheridan in Milwaukee. Police say the 48-year-old mother used a BB gun to shoot the 16-year-old boy. She hit the boy in the back of his neck and finger. He was treated and released from the hospital.
The mom should have hit him in the ass.
The "back of the neck" shot was a little dicey, but maybe she's a target-shooter.
BB's sting, but are not fatal. They CAN injure someone--but BB guns are really toys.
Too bad she didn't have a .410 with a load of salt.
Chisholm's boyzzz should take a pass.
It happened early Tuesday morning in the 6600 Block of W Sheridan in Milwaukee. Police say the 48-year-old mother used a BB gun to shoot the 16-year-old boy. She hit the boy in the back of his neck and finger. He was treated and released from the hospital.
The mom should have hit him in the ass.
The "back of the neck" shot was a little dicey, but maybe she's a target-shooter.
BB's sting, but are not fatal. They CAN injure someone--but BB guns are really toys.
Too bad she didn't have a .410 with a load of salt.
Chisholm's boyzzz should take a pass.
100,000 Hits
Based on the charts so far, this blog will have 100,000 hits by Monday the 26th.
It could happen sooner if all 28 readers double-up on Saturday.
Thanks. This has been fun!
It could happen sooner if all 28 readers double-up on Saturday.
Thanks. This has been fun!
The Second Amendment's Clear Purpose
Clay Cramer puts the cards on the table.
Let me be very clear about this: the Second Amendment didn't guarantee a right to keep and bear arms for the purpose of hunting.
...The Second Amendment guaranteed a right to keep and bear arms for the purpose of revolution.
What sort of guns does the Second Amendment protect? Into the 1980s, Handgun Control used to cite decisions such as Aymette v. State (Tenn. 1840) which explained that the purpose of the right was:
being armed, they may as a body rise up to defend their just rights, and compel their rulers to respect the laws.
We can be sure that the WI Supremes (Screechin'Shirley'sGang) will not interpret the Wisconsin RKBA Amendment in the same fashion--
So what "kinds" of guns are American citizens Constitutionally entitled to own and use?
There's nothing wrong with your Remington 870 for hunting ducks. There's nothing wrong with your .30-30 for deer hunting. They can be used (with some limitations) for the Constitutional purpose of making the government remember for whom it works. But the guns that the Second Amendment primarily protects are those best suited to overthrowing an oppressive government. And yes, that's your AR-15, AK-47, M1A, and even nasty little assault handguns that I don't particularly like, such as the TEC-9 or MAC-10.
Not to mention the lovely and gracious .50 cal., whose persuasive powers can be demonstrated at 1,000 yards or so.
Let me be very clear about this: the Second Amendment didn't guarantee a right to keep and bear arms for the purpose of hunting.
...The Second Amendment guaranteed a right to keep and bear arms for the purpose of revolution.
What sort of guns does the Second Amendment protect? Into the 1980s, Handgun Control used to cite decisions such as Aymette v. State (Tenn. 1840) which explained that the purpose of the right was:
being armed, they may as a body rise up to defend their just rights, and compel their rulers to respect the laws.
We can be sure that the WI Supremes (Screechin'Shirley'sGang) will not interpret the Wisconsin RKBA Amendment in the same fashion--
So what "kinds" of guns are American citizens Constitutionally entitled to own and use?
There's nothing wrong with your Remington 870 for hunting ducks. There's nothing wrong with your .30-30 for deer hunting. They can be used (with some limitations) for the Constitutional purpose of making the government remember for whom it works. But the guns that the Second Amendment primarily protects are those best suited to overthrowing an oppressive government. And yes, that's your AR-15, AK-47, M1A, and even nasty little assault handguns that I don't particularly like, such as the TEC-9 or MAC-10.
Not to mention the lovely and gracious .50 cal., whose persuasive powers can be demonstrated at 1,000 yards or so.
The Government-Union Attitude in a Nutshell
In a story about generous Government-employee pensions which both Charlie and Owen cite, there's a very telling quote from an AFSCME official:
Supporters of government pensions say the decline in private pensions is the problem, not the generosity of public retirement plans. "Rather than lower the bar for public employees, we need to stabilize retirement programs for everyone," says Richard Ferlauto, director of pension and benefit policy for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, a union with 1.4 million members.
Really? Quite cavalier, Mr. Ferlauto.
Mr. Ferlaouto's pals have leverage that private industry does not: the Government gets its funding at the point of a gun. (Unless you consider bank-robbers to be "private industry," I suppose...)
Perhaps it never occurred to the AFSCME membership that their pensions are stuffed full at the expense of taxpayers--a group which includes "private industry." The more taxes and regulatory costs industry has to bear, the less that's left over for pensions.
Supporters of government pensions say the decline in private pensions is the problem, not the generosity of public retirement plans. "Rather than lower the bar for public employees, we need to stabilize retirement programs for everyone," says Richard Ferlauto, director of pension and benefit policy for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, a union with 1.4 million members.
Really? Quite cavalier, Mr. Ferlauto.
Mr. Ferlaouto's pals have leverage that private industry does not: the Government gets its funding at the point of a gun. (Unless you consider bank-robbers to be "private industry," I suppose...)
Perhaps it never occurred to the AFSCME membership that their pensions are stuffed full at the expense of taxpayers--a group which includes "private industry." The more taxes and regulatory costs industry has to bear, the less that's left over for pensions.
Let the Intelligent Discussion on Iraq Begin
Paul Ryan (R-Janesville) has always been a level-headed Midwestern-values kinda guy. That's why he's re-elected in an area which is 'borderline' in terms of party affiliation.
Ryan visited Iraq for a few days last week, and made some trenchant observations.
U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan returned Thursday from a trip to Iraq, expressing support for the new U.S. strategy and buildup there but warning that "it is our last chance to get this right" before going to "Plan B" and starting to withdraw troops.
"This whole thing is a big gamble, but it's probably the best gamble to take before throwing in the towel and allowing sectarian genocide to take over," said Ryan, who was visiting Iraq for the first time. "I personally give this three to six months to find out."
Ryan said he was encouraged about the new military leadership and recent changes in tactics and strategy, including more latitude for troops to pursue militia groups,...
The Order of Battle changes are extremely important and will loose the handcuffs our troops have worn since the fall of Saddam.
He's concerned that the Rumsfield plan ain't so hot--echoing John McCain:
"It strikes me as the right strategy to take. It should have been done three years ago. But it seems to me they don't have enough forces."
And he doesn't get much nicer about the ex-SecDef, either:
"We've made so many mistakes," Ryan said. "Number one, they sent about half to a third as many troops as were needed at the beginning, so the Tommy Franks-Rumsfeld-Bush master strategy was way off on troop levels."
Well--it might be said that Franks' battle-plan was to defeat Saddam's army. THAT was a success. What followed was another thing, and Ryan has some thoughts on that, too:
Ryan also cited the decisions under former reconstruction head Paul Bremer to disband the Iraqi army and prevent former members of ousted ruler Saddam Hussein's Baath Party from participating in the government.
Bremer was running a dilettante-op over there, with a bunch of kids who needed a job. Among other ludicrous ventures, some of these children were setting up an Iraqi stock market before there was regular electrical service in most of the country. And the graft/corruption numbers, now estimated at $12 BILLION, aren't a feather in his cap, either.
Ryan praised Gen. David Petraeus, the new top U.S. commander in Iraq, as the "right guy finally to do the job." He also said he found troop morale to be high and called the performance of U.S. troops "astonishing."
Let's see how it plays out.
We've read and heard far too many monomaniacal commenters yapping about "withdrawal is surrender." They're tiresome, and it's becoming obvious that they don't really give a damn about What Makes Sense.
Ryan does. Thanks, Paul!
Ryan visited Iraq for a few days last week, and made some trenchant observations.
U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan returned Thursday from a trip to Iraq, expressing support for the new U.S. strategy and buildup there but warning that "it is our last chance to get this right" before going to "Plan B" and starting to withdraw troops.
"This whole thing is a big gamble, but it's probably the best gamble to take before throwing in the towel and allowing sectarian genocide to take over," said Ryan, who was visiting Iraq for the first time. "I personally give this three to six months to find out."
Ryan said he was encouraged about the new military leadership and recent changes in tactics and strategy, including more latitude for troops to pursue militia groups,...
The Order of Battle changes are extremely important and will loose the handcuffs our troops have worn since the fall of Saddam.
He's concerned that the Rumsfield plan ain't so hot--echoing John McCain:
"It strikes me as the right strategy to take. It should have been done three years ago. But it seems to me they don't have enough forces."
And he doesn't get much nicer about the ex-SecDef, either:
"We've made so many mistakes," Ryan said. "Number one, they sent about half to a third as many troops as were needed at the beginning, so the Tommy Franks-Rumsfeld-Bush master strategy was way off on troop levels."
Well--it might be said that Franks' battle-plan was to defeat Saddam's army. THAT was a success. What followed was another thing, and Ryan has some thoughts on that, too:
Ryan also cited the decisions under former reconstruction head Paul Bremer to disband the Iraqi army and prevent former members of ousted ruler Saddam Hussein's Baath Party from participating in the government.
Bremer was running a dilettante-op over there, with a bunch of kids who needed a job. Among other ludicrous ventures, some of these children were setting up an Iraqi stock market before there was regular electrical service in most of the country. And the graft/corruption numbers, now estimated at $12 BILLION, aren't a feather in his cap, either.
Ryan praised Gen. David Petraeus, the new top U.S. commander in Iraq, as the "right guy finally to do the job." He also said he found troop morale to be high and called the performance of U.S. troops "astonishing."
Let's see how it plays out.
We've read and heard far too many monomaniacal commenters yapping about "withdrawal is surrender." They're tiresome, and it's becoming obvious that they don't really give a damn about What Makes Sense.
Ryan does. Thanks, Paul!
Until the 12th of Never?
The State's continuing nincompoopery with computer systems is frustrating.
The state's decision to scrap a sales-tax tracking system is forcing the Miller Park stadium board to rethink just when it can retire the 0.1% stadium tax, the district's executive director said Thursday.
...The consultants had already concluded, based on current economic trends, that the 2014 sunset date was at risk. Now that the system used to process those sales-tax returns has come under scrutiny again, no one is willing to say when the tax can be retired.
So? Here's the answer:
From 1997 to 2002, the average annual sales-tax growth in the five-county area was 7.9%. From 2003, when the troubled state system was first installed, to 2006, the average annual sales-tax growth declined to 0.2%. The disparity has caused concerns
In other words, nobody has the faintest idea what taxes may have been collected since 2003. Although the State has numbers (+.02%/year) they vary substantially from previous history (+7.9%/year,) unless sales activity in the tax district actually DID near-drop-dead since 2002.
"Stick it to 'em" lives!
The state's decision to scrap a sales-tax tracking system is forcing the Miller Park stadium board to rethink just when it can retire the 0.1% stadium tax, the district's executive director said Thursday.
...The consultants had already concluded, based on current economic trends, that the 2014 sunset date was at risk. Now that the system used to process those sales-tax returns has come under scrutiny again, no one is willing to say when the tax can be retired.
So? Here's the answer:
From 1997 to 2002, the average annual sales-tax growth in the five-county area was 7.9%. From 2003, when the troubled state system was first installed, to 2006, the average annual sales-tax growth declined to 0.2%. The disparity has caused concerns
In other words, nobody has the faintest idea what taxes may have been collected since 2003. Although the State has numbers (+.02%/year) they vary substantially from previous history (+7.9%/year,) unless sales activity in the tax district actually DID near-drop-dead since 2002.
"Stick it to 'em" lives!
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Chesterton the Prophet
GKChesterton wrote this in 1926:
For the next great heresy in going to be simply an attack on morality; and especially on sexual morality. And it is coming, not from a few Socialists surviving from the Fabian Society, but from the living exultant energy of the rich resolved to enjoy themselves at last, with neither Popery nor Puritanism nor Socialism to hold them back … The madness of tomorrow is not in Moscow, but much more in Manhattan.
One wonders if GKC had heard of the activities of the founder-ette of Planned Parenthood...
HT: Chesterton & Friends
For the next great heresy in going to be simply an attack on morality; and especially on sexual morality. And it is coming, not from a few Socialists surviving from the Fabian Society, but from the living exultant energy of the rich resolved to enjoy themselves at last, with neither Popery nor Puritanism nor Socialism to hold them back … The madness of tomorrow is not in Moscow, but much more in Manhattan.
One wonders if GKC had heard of the activities of the founder-ette of Planned Parenthood...
HT: Chesterton & Friends
Lasee's Interesting Numbers
While Lasee's post has some big lacunae (what happened to the $75K-$100K earning range?), the point remains valid:
In Wisconsin, there are less rich people to pay taxes than in most other states. If they are not here to pay, someone will need to pick up the slack.
That's because:
Only 8.7% are “higher income” (over $100,000)...
Lasee cites Census Bureau figures. This is serious:
Jon G. Udell, professor emeritus at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's School of Business, analyzed the Census data and concluded that Wisconsin ". . . has too few high-income families and households providing revenue to government. Wisconsin needs more relatively high-income citizens to help balance the state budget.”
Recall that Madison's median family income is $64K, while Milwaukee's is $35K, and that much of DarthDoyle's tax-increases are regressive (gasoline, auto fees, hospital, nursing homes, and cigarettes.)
Lasee worries that "the rich" will flee Wisconsin. It's a valid concern. Given Doyle's proclivities, it's likely that those who remain will be in debtor's prison for their inability to PAY the taxes in the first place.
In Wisconsin, there are less rich people to pay taxes than in most other states. If they are not here to pay, someone will need to pick up the slack.
That's because:
Only 8.7% are “higher income” (over $100,000)...
Lasee cites Census Bureau figures. This is serious:
Jon G. Udell, professor emeritus at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's School of Business, analyzed the Census data and concluded that Wisconsin ". . . has too few high-income families and households providing revenue to government. Wisconsin needs more relatively high-income citizens to help balance the state budget.”
Recall that Madison's median family income is $64K, while Milwaukee's is $35K, and that much of DarthDoyle's tax-increases are regressive (gasoline, auto fees, hospital, nursing homes, and cigarettes.)
Lasee worries that "the rich" will flee Wisconsin. It's a valid concern. Given Doyle's proclivities, it's likely that those who remain will be in debtor's prison for their inability to PAY the taxes in the first place.
State Admin Law Judge PC, but Wrong in Xavier Case
A State of Wisconsin A.L. judge, James Schacht, has inserted himself between Church and State by issuing a 'probable cause' determination in the case of Xavier High School of Appleton. We've mentioned this case a couple of times in the past.
An administrative law judge has found probable cause that ACES/Xavier, Appleton's Catholic school system, discriminated against French teacher Kelly Romenesko in 2004 because she was pregnant.
The reality:
ACES/Xavier officials, including former ACES president Joseph Bound, testified during a hearing in October that they terminated Romenesko because she'd undergone in vitro fertilization, a procedure the church opposes, in violation of the morals clause in her teaching contract.
The insanity of the ALJ:
"Ms. Romenesko failed to show that it was probable that she would not have been discharged had she not gotten pregnant" but that "... by considering Ms. Romenesko's pregnancy, even in part, as a factor in his (Bound's) decision to terminate her employment, ACES/Xavier discriminated against her on the basis of sex."
Nope. Romenesko was bound by a contract which included a "morals" clause--a very common situation. So happens that she engaged in conduct which is a serious violation of Church teaching--obtaining in vitro fertilization. Such conduct resulted in pregnancy, to be sure. But "sex" discrimination? Schacht grasped at a handy straw by reasoning backwards from the fact that Romenesko is female, and in so doing, is attempting to break the contract.
The parties have 14 days to notify the state Department of Workforce Development Equal Rights Division if they're interested in mediation.
Not too surprisingly, Romenesko's attorney would LOVE a settlement:
Jim Jones, Romenesko's attorney, said he needs to discuss the next step with his client, but he is inclined toward mediation.
The school's lawyer disagrees:
Gregory Gill Sr., who represents ACES/Xavier, said he hasn't discussed mediation with Jones and doesn't think this kind of case "readily lends itself to settlement." It might be best, he said, to use an evidentiary hearing so legal issues can be put to rest.
The State cannot be allowed to insert itself into what is clearly a religious matter, regardless of its claim to such authority. Schacht is wrong.
An administrative law judge has found probable cause that ACES/Xavier, Appleton's Catholic school system, discriminated against French teacher Kelly Romenesko in 2004 because she was pregnant.
The reality:
ACES/Xavier officials, including former ACES president Joseph Bound, testified during a hearing in October that they terminated Romenesko because she'd undergone in vitro fertilization, a procedure the church opposes, in violation of the morals clause in her teaching contract.
The insanity of the ALJ:
"Ms. Romenesko failed to show that it was probable that she would not have been discharged had she not gotten pregnant" but that "... by considering Ms. Romenesko's pregnancy, even in part, as a factor in his (Bound's) decision to terminate her employment, ACES/Xavier discriminated against her on the basis of sex."
Nope. Romenesko was bound by a contract which included a "morals" clause--a very common situation. So happens that she engaged in conduct which is a serious violation of Church teaching--obtaining in vitro fertilization. Such conduct resulted in pregnancy, to be sure. But "sex" discrimination? Schacht grasped at a handy straw by reasoning backwards from the fact that Romenesko is female, and in so doing, is attempting to break the contract.
The parties have 14 days to notify the state Department of Workforce Development Equal Rights Division if they're interested in mediation.
Not too surprisingly, Romenesko's attorney would LOVE a settlement:
Jim Jones, Romenesko's attorney, said he needs to discuss the next step with his client, but he is inclined toward mediation.
The school's lawyer disagrees:
Gregory Gill Sr., who represents ACES/Xavier, said he hasn't discussed mediation with Jones and doesn't think this kind of case "readily lends itself to settlement." It might be best, he said, to use an evidentiary hearing so legal issues can be put to rest.
The State cannot be allowed to insert itself into what is clearly a religious matter, regardless of its claim to such authority. Schacht is wrong.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Soloviev's Tale and B-16's Upcoming Retreat
Amy Welborn points us to Magister, who wrote a bit about Cdl. Biffi, who reminds us of a book written by Vladimir Sergeyevich Soloviev, a Russian thinker who wrote a book in the late 1890's, which was VERY interesting:
The Antichrist [mentioned by Cdl. Biffi] is the one described by Russian philosopher and theologian Vladimir Sergeyevich Soloviev in the last book he wrote before his death in 1900: "The Three Dialogues and the Story of the Antichrist."
Why does Cardinal Biffi want to bring this back to everyone's attention today? Because – he writes – "Soloviev announces with prophetic clarity the great crisis that afflicted Christianity during the last decade of the 20th century."
OK, so I dig around in Chiesa's site, find the article (linked here) and find the following:
In Soloviev's tale, the Antichrist is elected president of the United States of Europe, acclaimed as emperor in Rome, takes possession of the entire world, and finally imposes his command even over the life and organization of the Churches.
Now THAT was startling--because it is precisely the path taken by the Anti-Christ figure described by the author of Windswept House. It is fair to infer that Windswept's author had read the Soloviev book.
Getting back to Soloviev's book, we find that the Anti-Christ was "a convinced spiritualist." He believed in goodness, and even in God. He was an ascetic, a scholar, a philanthropist. He gave "the greatest possible demonstrations of moderation, disinterest, and active beneficence."
...the book that had gained for him universal fame and consensus bore the title: "The Open Road to Universal Peace and Prosperity," in which "a noble respect for ancient traditions and symbols was joined with a sweeping, audacious radicalism toward social and political needs and directives. Limitless freedom of thought was united with a profound comprehension of everything mystical; absolute individualism with an ardent dedication to the common good; the most elevated idealism toward guiding principles with the complete precision and viability of practical solutions."
All that was missing in that book was the Name of Christ. Not too surprising.
But where Soloviev's presentation shows itself to be particularly original and surprising – and merits greater reflection – is in the attribution to the Antichrist of the qualities of pacifist, environmentalist, ecumenist.
The days will come, Soloviev tells us – and are already here, we say – in which the salvific meaning of Christianity, which can be received only in a difficult, courageous, concrete, and rational act of faith, will be dissolved into a series of "values" easily sold on the world markets.
Soloviev specifically mentions Tolstoy's re- (de-?) formation of the Sermon on the Mount as the foundation for the Anti-Christ's weltaunschuung.
Even if a Tolstoian Christianity were to make us infinitely more acceptable in the living room, at social and political gatherings, and on television, we cannot and must not renounce the Christianity of Jesus Christ, the Christianity that has at its center the scandal of the cross and the astonishing reality of the Lord's resurrection.
The Cardinal who points us to Soloviev's work is retired--but will be the retreat-master for the entire Curia's (including the Pope) annual retreat from February 25th through March 3rd.
S'pose Benedict XVI has a point to make?
How about "The Problem of Relativism and the Disjunction of Faith and Reason in the Late 20th and Early 21st Centuries."
Hmmmmm?
The Antichrist [mentioned by Cdl. Biffi] is the one described by Russian philosopher and theologian Vladimir Sergeyevich Soloviev in the last book he wrote before his death in 1900: "The Three Dialogues and the Story of the Antichrist."
Why does Cardinal Biffi want to bring this back to everyone's attention today? Because – he writes – "Soloviev announces with prophetic clarity the great crisis that afflicted Christianity during the last decade of the 20th century."
OK, so I dig around in Chiesa's site, find the article (linked here) and find the following:
In Soloviev's tale, the Antichrist is elected president of the United States of Europe, acclaimed as emperor in Rome, takes possession of the entire world, and finally imposes his command even over the life and organization of the Churches.
Now THAT was startling--because it is precisely the path taken by the Anti-Christ figure described by the author of Windswept House. It is fair to infer that Windswept's author had read the Soloviev book.
Getting back to Soloviev's book, we find that the Anti-Christ was "a convinced spiritualist." He believed in goodness, and even in God. He was an ascetic, a scholar, a philanthropist. He gave "the greatest possible demonstrations of moderation, disinterest, and active beneficence."
...the book that had gained for him universal fame and consensus bore the title: "The Open Road to Universal Peace and Prosperity," in which "a noble respect for ancient traditions and symbols was joined with a sweeping, audacious radicalism toward social and political needs and directives. Limitless freedom of thought was united with a profound comprehension of everything mystical; absolute individualism with an ardent dedication to the common good; the most elevated idealism toward guiding principles with the complete precision and viability of practical solutions."
All that was missing in that book was the Name of Christ. Not too surprising.
But where Soloviev's presentation shows itself to be particularly original and surprising – and merits greater reflection – is in the attribution to the Antichrist of the qualities of pacifist, environmentalist, ecumenist.
The days will come, Soloviev tells us – and are already here, we say – in which the salvific meaning of Christianity, which can be received only in a difficult, courageous, concrete, and rational act of faith, will be dissolved into a series of "values" easily sold on the world markets.
Soloviev specifically mentions Tolstoy's re- (de-?) formation of the Sermon on the Mount as the foundation for the Anti-Christ's weltaunschuung.
Even if a Tolstoian Christianity were to make us infinitely more acceptable in the living room, at social and political gatherings, and on television, we cannot and must not renounce the Christianity of Jesus Christ, the Christianity that has at its center the scandal of the cross and the astonishing reality of the Lord's resurrection.
The Cardinal who points us to Soloviev's work is retired--but will be the retreat-master for the entire Curia's (including the Pope) annual retreat from February 25th through March 3rd.
S'pose Benedict XVI has a point to make?
How about "The Problem of Relativism and the Disjunction of Faith and Reason in the Late 20th and Early 21st Centuries."
Hmmmmm?
This Blog Does Not Endorse Candidates
...except when we feel like it.
So, feeling like it, we endorse JoAn Eiring for Municipal Judge for the Town of Brookfield.
I've observed Judge Eiring in action. She's competent, fast, and reasonable. But none of that counts a whit to me.
She's also eye-candy of the first water. Makes you want to get a ticket every once in a while, just to have an excuse....
So I don't care what the other candidate (a male) brings on his resume.
So, feeling like it, we endorse JoAn Eiring for Municipal Judge for the Town of Brookfield.
I've observed Judge Eiring in action. She's competent, fast, and reasonable. But none of that counts a whit to me.
She's also eye-candy of the first water. Makes you want to get a ticket every once in a while, just to have an excuse....
So I don't care what the other candidate (a male) brings on his resume.
A Lesson From Uganda
So happens that Uganda is the ONLY African nation with a reduction in the AIDS-infection rate. Not by coincidence, it is the ONLY African nation which is not pushing rubbers.
Studies show that from 1991 to 2001, HIV infection rates in Uganda declined from about 15% to 5%.
“The Ugandan model has the most to teach the rest of the world,” says Edward Green, a senior research scientist at Harvard and author of Rethinking AIDS Prevention. “This policy should guide the development of programs in Africa and the Caribbean.”
So what? Here's "what:"
The Ugandan model was to emphasize that abstaining from sex outside of marriage was the only effective way for most people to reduce exposure to AIDS.
That method also happens to work for, oh, say---HPV infections, folks.
Studies show that from 1991 to 2001, HIV infection rates in Uganda declined from about 15% to 5%.
“The Ugandan model has the most to teach the rest of the world,” says Edward Green, a senior research scientist at Harvard and author of Rethinking AIDS Prevention. “This policy should guide the development of programs in Africa and the Caribbean.”
So what? Here's "what:"
The Ugandan model was to emphasize that abstaining from sex outside of marriage was the only effective way for most people to reduce exposure to AIDS.
That method also happens to work for, oh, say---HPV infections, folks.
Radio News: Not "Slanted;" It Slopes!
Here's the text from CNS/ABC News:
Britain, America's most important ally in Iraq, will withdraw close to half its troops by the end of the year if local troops are able to secure the southern part of the country, Prime Minister Tony Blair was expected to announce Wednesday.
British media reported that Blair would for the first time release a timetable for troop withdrawal, with 1,500 to return home in several weeks.
Britain has about 7,100 soldiers in Iraq.
Got that? IF the south is secured, Blair removes 1500 troops now, and perhaps another 1500 by year-end. It's relatively quiet in the south of Iraq, and the troops (frankly) don't have much to do.
But when you listen to the national newsreaders (1130AM), the story is different.
They call this a "very significant" event. They paint this minor and partial withdrawal as "major." They ask for comment from Dick Cheney (who states that the drawdown is a sign of success--which it certainly is.)
The tone and timbre of the voice, (breathless!!, excited!!), is directed to giving the impression that Britain is virtually quitting the Alliance--and that the US remains only due to the feckless ineptitude of GWBush.
Almost like listening to the "Econ Professor" Kathleen Dunn.
Britain, America's most important ally in Iraq, will withdraw close to half its troops by the end of the year if local troops are able to secure the southern part of the country, Prime Minister Tony Blair was expected to announce Wednesday.
British media reported that Blair would for the first time release a timetable for troop withdrawal, with 1,500 to return home in several weeks.
Britain has about 7,100 soldiers in Iraq.
Got that? IF the south is secured, Blair removes 1500 troops now, and perhaps another 1500 by year-end. It's relatively quiet in the south of Iraq, and the troops (frankly) don't have much to do.
But when you listen to the national newsreaders (1130AM), the story is different.
They call this a "very significant" event. They paint this minor and partial withdrawal as "major." They ask for comment from Dick Cheney (who states that the drawdown is a sign of success--which it certainly is.)
The tone and timbre of the voice, (breathless!!, excited!!), is directed to giving the impression that Britain is virtually quitting the Alliance--and that the US remains only due to the feckless ineptitude of GWBush.
Almost like listening to the "Econ Professor" Kathleen Dunn.
Damn Few Voters
Showed up at the polling place around 11:15 yesterday morning.
Two wards of voters are issued numbers to vote at that location.
I was the 19th to vote.
UPDATE: Waukesha County (UN-officially) reports 51 votes cast in my 2-ward station. In November, there were 451 votes.
Two wards of voters are issued numbers to vote at that location.
I was the 19th to vote.
UPDATE: Waukesha County (UN-officially) reports 51 votes cast in my 2-ward station. In November, there were 451 votes.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Mark Graul: Classic Republican Model
Maybe Mark Graul's forgotten what flyover country is really like, having spent too much time in the Swamp known as D.C.
Wiggy observes, regarding Ziegler's Supreme Court race:
This is the second statewide race in a row for Republican campaign manager Mark Graul where the candidate did not seek the Pro-Life Wisconsin Victory Fund endorsement. Last election cycle it was former Congressman Mark Green's campaign for governor.
"Pro-Life" for the classical Republican means Muffy and Kevin (children of privilege) should prosper at the country club; but other lives are not quite so valuable. It's the formulation used by the national party until Ron Reagan. The single most prominent Pubbie with this viewpoint was Nelson Rockefeller--followed by G H W Bush and his wife.
The same philosophy was addressed by Karl Rove in arguably the most shameful remark EVER made by a modern-day "Republican."
Maybe Graul and Rove like being in the minority.
Wiggy observes, regarding Ziegler's Supreme Court race:
This is the second statewide race in a row for Republican campaign manager Mark Graul where the candidate did not seek the Pro-Life Wisconsin Victory Fund endorsement. Last election cycle it was former Congressman Mark Green's campaign for governor.
"Pro-Life" for the classical Republican means Muffy and Kevin (children of privilege) should prosper at the country club; but other lives are not quite so valuable. It's the formulation used by the national party until Ron Reagan. The single most prominent Pubbie with this viewpoint was Nelson Rockefeller--followed by G H W Bush and his wife.
The same philosophy was addressed by Karl Rove in arguably the most shameful remark EVER made by a modern-day "Republican."
Maybe Graul and Rove like being in the minority.
Democrat Party Likes DEMOCRAT Wars Only
Levin points out an interesting fact:
As I think this through further, most of our wars, or military battles/confrontations/actions/peace missions, have not been declared by Congress, including North Korea and Vietnam, and most recently our military actions in the former Yugoslavia — all of which were initiated by Democrat presidents, by the way. And some of the same Democrats who claim authority to undeclare the war in Iraq supported Bill Clinton prosecuting a war in Serbia, Kosovo, and other places without any declaration or resolution of war. They are clearly applying a different standard to this president and this war.
There is a move afoot to "un-declare" the Iraq War amidst the Democrats in Congress. This earns the delicately-phrased rejoinder:
"Are You Out of your F*&^%$ MINDS?"
It's one thing to have serious reservations about the post-Saddam planning, which obviously was not comprehensive.
It's another thing entirely to yank funding out from under the feet of soldiers, which, in effect, is shooting our military in the back. The Democrats understand that that course would likely earn them the soubriquet "The Traitor Party."
So now their theorists have floated an "un-Declaration" possibility, which is without precedent or foundation in the Constitution.
As I think this through further, most of our wars, or military battles/confrontations/actions/peace missions, have not been declared by Congress, including North Korea and Vietnam, and most recently our military actions in the former Yugoslavia — all of which were initiated by Democrat presidents, by the way. And some of the same Democrats who claim authority to undeclare the war in Iraq supported Bill Clinton prosecuting a war in Serbia, Kosovo, and other places without any declaration or resolution of war. They are clearly applying a different standard to this president and this war.
There is a move afoot to "un-declare" the Iraq War amidst the Democrats in Congress. This earns the delicately-phrased rejoinder:
"Are You Out of your F*&^%$ MINDS?"
It's one thing to have serious reservations about the post-Saddam planning, which obviously was not comprehensive.
It's another thing entirely to yank funding out from under the feet of soldiers, which, in effect, is shooting our military in the back. The Democrats understand that that course would likely earn them the soubriquet "The Traitor Party."
So now their theorists have floated an "un-Declaration" possibility, which is without precedent or foundation in the Constitution.
Utah Shooter, Part 3: Family History
Well, well, well. The Utah shooter seems to have a family history.
Young Sulejman, his three siblings, his mother Sabira and grandfather made the difficult journey on foot to Srebrenica, while his father, Suljo, hid in the mountains with other men from the village, relatives said.
...In Bosnian-Warspeak, “hid in the mountains with other men from the village” means his father was an Islamic fighter.
...So here’s the question of the day: When he was being interviewed for asylum by the INS, did Suljo Talovic inform agents that he was a fighter and not a civilian? I think we can guess the answer.
Nothing to see here. Move along.
Young Sulejman, his three siblings, his mother Sabira and grandfather made the difficult journey on foot to Srebrenica, while his father, Suljo, hid in the mountains with other men from the village, relatives said.
...In Bosnian-Warspeak, “hid in the mountains with other men from the village” means his father was an Islamic fighter.
...So here’s the question of the day: When he was being interviewed for asylum by the INS, did Suljo Talovic inform agents that he was a fighter and not a civilian? I think we can guess the answer.
Nothing to see here. Move along.
Monday, February 19, 2007
New Lenten Regs for Catholics
Well, perhaps they are still in proposal format ...but Agnus Daily brings you the preview:
1. Fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday will consist of one full meal to sustain one’s strength. Two smaller meals are permitted according to one’s needs. A small dessert is also permitted to balance one’s glucose levels. Given the prudence of the person, one may consume one designer coffee beverage, and scone, in the morning of each respective fast day to prepare one’s soul for the rest of the day.
2. Catholics 14 years and older are bound to abstain from meat. Invalids, pregnant and nursing mothers, men who remain under the roof of their parents, and those who only attend Mass on Ash Wednesday, Christmas, and Easter are exempt.
3. On every Friday for the season of lent, the Western form of day time measurement will be substituted for the Jewish form. Fridays will end at sundown, ending the obligation to abstain from meat
You should peruse the site, which is humorous (we think.)
1. Fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday will consist of one full meal to sustain one’s strength. Two smaller meals are permitted according to one’s needs. A small dessert is also permitted to balance one’s glucose levels. Given the prudence of the person, one may consume one designer coffee beverage, and scone, in the morning of each respective fast day to prepare one’s soul for the rest of the day.
2. Catholics 14 years and older are bound to abstain from meat. Invalids, pregnant and nursing mothers, men who remain under the roof of their parents, and those who only attend Mass on Ash Wednesday, Christmas, and Easter are exempt.
3. On every Friday for the season of lent, the Western form of day time measurement will be substituted for the Jewish form. Fridays will end at sundown, ending the obligation to abstain from meat
You should peruse the site, which is humorous (we think.)
Hy 67/94: ANOTHER Upgrade?
The interchange at I-94/Hy. 67 was recently improved, adding an eastbound entry-ramp from 67 to 94, with widened roadway north and south of the Interstate.
So what do we read in the morning paper?
Road improvements needed to accommodate the massive Pabst Farms development could cost the state and county more than $20 million, a county official said last week.
County Public Works Director Richard Bolte said state highway planners expect to spend $20 million or more just on rebuilding the I-94 interchange at Highway 67.
Expansion also could be needed on surrounding county highways where traffic is likely to exceed the capacity of those two-lane roads, Bolte said.
Detailed cost projections have not been developed, he said, adding that no significant improvements are expected to be needed for at least five years.
Pabst Farms is a 1,500-acre residential and commercial development under way near Oconomowoc.
Unnnhhhh....Pabst Farms has been under development for about 10 years now--it shouldn't be a surprise to most folks. Roundy's built a super-warehouse there, as did Target. There are a number of smaller businesses which have occupied space in the area NW of the intersection.
Seems to me that a more comprehensive first-pass at planning the growth could have produced a less expensive second-pass.
So what do we read in the morning paper?
Road improvements needed to accommodate the massive Pabst Farms development could cost the state and county more than $20 million, a county official said last week.
County Public Works Director Richard Bolte said state highway planners expect to spend $20 million or more just on rebuilding the I-94 interchange at Highway 67.
Expansion also could be needed on surrounding county highways where traffic is likely to exceed the capacity of those two-lane roads, Bolte said.
Detailed cost projections have not been developed, he said, adding that no significant improvements are expected to be needed for at least five years.
Pabst Farms is a 1,500-acre residential and commercial development under way near Oconomowoc.
Unnnhhhh....Pabst Farms has been under development for about 10 years now--it shouldn't be a surprise to most folks. Roundy's built a super-warehouse there, as did Target. There are a number of smaller businesses which have occupied space in the area NW of the intersection.
Seems to me that a more comprehensive first-pass at planning the growth could have produced a less expensive second-pass.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
And They Want to Manage Your Health-Care, Too!
Yah.
The state has pulled the plug on what was to be a $41.2 million computer project after it spent $10 million on a key component that has yet to work.
A related project has also been plagued with delays. The Statewide Unemployment Insurance Tax Enterprise System, or SUITES, was originally budgeted at $17.2 million, but is now expected to cost $29 million - $12.2 million more than originally planned.
The suspension of the federally funded EnABLES project comes...less than a year after the University of Wisconsin System abandoned a payroll system that had cost $26 million.
The state has been beset with a host of computer problems in recent years, including a failed e-mail upgrade, a long-delayed voter registration system and a database that has not accurately tracked sales tax collections. Together, the value of those troubled projects exceeds $100 million.
These very same folks will "create efficiencies" by "consolidating bureaucracies" and therefore "save lotsa money" when they establish the State-run healthcare system.
"The check is in the mail."
"I'll respect you in the morning."
"I'm here from the Government to help you."
The state has pulled the plug on what was to be a $41.2 million computer project after it spent $10 million on a key component that has yet to work.
A related project has also been plagued with delays. The Statewide Unemployment Insurance Tax Enterprise System, or SUITES, was originally budgeted at $17.2 million, but is now expected to cost $29 million - $12.2 million more than originally planned.
The suspension of the federally funded EnABLES project comes...less than a year after the University of Wisconsin System abandoned a payroll system that had cost $26 million.
The state has been beset with a host of computer problems in recent years, including a failed e-mail upgrade, a long-delayed voter registration system and a database that has not accurately tracked sales tax collections. Together, the value of those troubled projects exceeds $100 million.
These very same folks will "create efficiencies" by "consolidating bureaucracies" and therefore "save lotsa money" when they establish the State-run healthcare system.
"The check is in the mail."
"I'll respect you in the morning."
"I'm here from the Government to help you."
Saturday, February 17, 2007
"Sick Tax" Spin: Doyle vs. Reality, Part I
So long as reality doesn't encumber your views, DarthDoyle's propaganda sounds great: soak the rich, help the poor.
Gov. Jim Doyle's proposal to increase federal funding for state health programs through a tax on hospitals would shift some of the cost of providing care for the poor and the uninsured to many of the state's most profitable hospitals.
Good, eh? Those filthy-rich Mequon/Brookfield residents--and those thieving profit-numbers!! My land!! They have to give it up for the greater good!!
Except that the JSOnline's charts couldn't mask reality.
Notice that the hospitals are divided into groups by ownership--Wheaton, Aurora, Columbia/St Mary's. Then notice that Wheaton owns Elmbrook (profitable), St Joe's, and St. Francis (both marginally profitable.)
You think, maybe, that Elmbrook is effectively subsidizing the other two so that the overall Milwaukee-area profit picture is acceptable?
Or take Columbia/St Mary's, which owns a Mequon facility (profitable), St Mary's (not too profitable) and Columbia (also not too profitable.) Same story.
It's similar (but less pronounced) at Aurora. Of course, Aurora spends far more on advertising than anyone except politicians seeking re-election by lying about "No Tax Increases"--and the charts mysteriously don't mention Aurora's out-State facilities.
When St Joseph modernizes or adds to its facilities, the lenders don't look at St. Joseph's P&L; they look at WHEATON's P&L and lend the money based on Wheaton's overall profitability--derived largely from Elmbrook's profitability. Thus, Wheaton (just like Aurora and StMary/Columbia) are already bolstering their less-profitable branches with money gained in the high-profit locations.
Duhhhhhhh.
The Doyle spinners tell reporters this, ah, story:
The governor has proposed using some - though not all - of the revenue to pay hospitals more to care for people in state health programs such as Medicaid and BadgerCare.
Those programs pay hospitals and doctors far less than commercial health plans. The number of patients in state health programs might be the single biggest factor in how much money a hospital makes or loses.
So what? A tax is a tax. Patients and their insurers will still pay the tax, which will raise the "cost of health-care." Doyle also claims that the Feds will send more money, offsetting the Sick Tax. But that's speculation on his part at this time.
Perhaps the clearest view of DarthDoyle is expressed here:
George Quinn, senior vice president of the association, noted that not all of the money from Doyle's proposed tobacco and hospital taxes would be used for health care programs.
...The hospital association and some hospitals worry that even more of the money from the proposed tax could be diverted in future years.
"I have zero faith it will stay with us," said Leo Brideau, chief executive of Columbia St. Mary's.
Mr. Brideau is not likely to be a Doyle cabinet appointee.
When DarthDoyle has to come out with deceits and spin like this, you know he's desperate. He's desperately hoping that the Feds will actually pay more money. He's desperately hoping that the experience in Connecticut (which s***canned a similar scam--it failed) will not become part of a JS story. And he's desperately hoping that the "soak the rich" message overcomes the realities in the hospital business.
Finally, he's desperately hoping that Leo Brideau never talks to a JS reporter again.
Gov. Jim Doyle's proposal to increase federal funding for state health programs through a tax on hospitals would shift some of the cost of providing care for the poor and the uninsured to many of the state's most profitable hospitals.
Good, eh? Those filthy-rich Mequon/Brookfield residents--and those thieving profit-numbers!! My land!! They have to give it up for the greater good!!
Except that the JSOnline's charts couldn't mask reality.
Notice that the hospitals are divided into groups by ownership--Wheaton, Aurora, Columbia/St Mary's. Then notice that Wheaton owns Elmbrook (profitable), St Joe's, and St. Francis (both marginally profitable.)
You think, maybe, that Elmbrook is effectively subsidizing the other two so that the overall Milwaukee-area profit picture is acceptable?
Or take Columbia/St Mary's, which owns a Mequon facility (profitable), St Mary's (not too profitable) and Columbia (also not too profitable.) Same story.
It's similar (but less pronounced) at Aurora. Of course, Aurora spends far more on advertising than anyone except politicians seeking re-election by lying about "No Tax Increases"--and the charts mysteriously don't mention Aurora's out-State facilities.
When St Joseph modernizes or adds to its facilities, the lenders don't look at St. Joseph's P&L; they look at WHEATON's P&L and lend the money based on Wheaton's overall profitability--derived largely from Elmbrook's profitability. Thus, Wheaton (just like Aurora and StMary/Columbia) are already bolstering their less-profitable branches with money gained in the high-profit locations.
Duhhhhhhh.
The Doyle spinners tell reporters this, ah, story:
The governor has proposed using some - though not all - of the revenue to pay hospitals more to care for people in state health programs such as Medicaid and BadgerCare.
Those programs pay hospitals and doctors far less than commercial health plans. The number of patients in state health programs might be the single biggest factor in how much money a hospital makes or loses.
So what? A tax is a tax. Patients and their insurers will still pay the tax, which will raise the "cost of health-care." Doyle also claims that the Feds will send more money, offsetting the Sick Tax. But that's speculation on his part at this time.
Perhaps the clearest view of DarthDoyle is expressed here:
George Quinn, senior vice president of the association, noted that not all of the money from Doyle's proposed tobacco and hospital taxes would be used for health care programs.
...The hospital association and some hospitals worry that even more of the money from the proposed tax could be diverted in future years.
"I have zero faith it will stay with us," said Leo Brideau, chief executive of Columbia St. Mary's.
Mr. Brideau is not likely to be a Doyle cabinet appointee.
When DarthDoyle has to come out with deceits and spin like this, you know he's desperate. He's desperately hoping that the Feds will actually pay more money. He's desperately hoping that the experience in Connecticut (which s***canned a similar scam--it failed) will not become part of a JS story. And he's desperately hoping that the "soak the rich" message overcomes the realities in the hospital business.
Finally, he's desperately hoping that Leo Brideau never talks to a JS reporter again.
Friday, February 16, 2007
Wisdom, Briefly
From Bp. Fulton Sheen (or at least this guy thinks so...)
"A psychotic believes that 2+2=5. A neurotic believes that 2+2=4 and they're mad about it."
Quick and to the point.
HT: Jumping Without a Chute
"A psychotic believes that 2+2=5. A neurotic believes that 2+2=4 and they're mad about it."
Quick and to the point.
HT: Jumping Without a Chute
Huzzah! Archbishop Dolan
Two (not really unrelated) items appeared in my mailbox. Both are about Abp. Dolan, and both tell us that the Archbishop is heading in the right direction.
Regarding Catholic schools:
It’s Catholic Schools Week. I thank God for our wonderful system of Catholic schools in southeastern Wisconsin: first-rate grade schools, the great majority parish-based, excellent Catholic high schools, colleges and universities, all built, supported, sustained, with a lot of grit, sweat, worry, sacrifice, and trust by pastors, principals, teachers, women and men religious, volunteers, boards, parents, parishioners, and benefactors from the broad community. They realize what an irreplaceable gift our schools are, as we entrust to them our most priceless treasure, our children and youth, to be formed in soul, mind, heart, and body.
The usual stuff, heartfelt, no doubt. But then this admission and the question:
Our schools have lost their Catholic identity, and have become private schools subsidized by parishes. I sure hope not, but I’m afraid the many thoughtful people who observe this have a point. You know what aspect of Catholic education is growing most? Home schooling, and the opening of lay-run Catholic academies. These parents will tell you that they have become disenchanted with parish schools and our high schools because they are no longer “Catholic.”
Of course, if this is true, only we – bishops, pastors, principals, teachers, school boards – can reform that. Only the “customers” – our parents and parishioners – can encourage and insist on that.
Abp Dolan's predecessor refused to admit publicly that there actually WERE such things as "homeschools" and "private Catholic academies" in Milwaukee. And he did as much as he could to make their existence, ah, challenging.
We encourage the Archbishop to continue asking questions of parochial school principals and their pastors. Like, for example, "Is First Confession administered BEFORE First Communion?"
He could even go into a 7th-grade classroom and ask the students to recite the 10 Commandments--or the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. You know, stuff like that.
OK. Changing the topic, but only slightly, the Archbishop also spoke to the students at North American College in Rome.
Maybe the greatest threat to the Church is not heresy, not dissent, not secularism, not even moral relativism, but this sanitized, feel-good, boutique, therapeutic spirituality that makes no demands, calls for no sacrifice, asks for no conversion, entails no battle against sin, but only soothes and affirms.
I am afraid that too often today the 'accident' of our own person, our own agenda, trumps the substance of the person of Christ and the message of His Church.
For some preachers it seems obligatory to criticize the church in their homilies. They claim she is hopelessly outmoded, patriarchal, oppressive, insensitive, corrupt, unenlightened--all of which really translates "Unwilling to do what they want."
Ordained ministers are unequivocally 'men of the church' as preachers, and their duty is to 'teach what she does, not preach what we like.' (Transcription from CNS)
As we said, HUZZAH!
Regarding Catholic schools:
It’s Catholic Schools Week. I thank God for our wonderful system of Catholic schools in southeastern Wisconsin: first-rate grade schools, the great majority parish-based, excellent Catholic high schools, colleges and universities, all built, supported, sustained, with a lot of grit, sweat, worry, sacrifice, and trust by pastors, principals, teachers, women and men religious, volunteers, boards, parents, parishioners, and benefactors from the broad community. They realize what an irreplaceable gift our schools are, as we entrust to them our most priceless treasure, our children and youth, to be formed in soul, mind, heart, and body.
The usual stuff, heartfelt, no doubt. But then this admission and the question:
Our schools have lost their Catholic identity, and have become private schools subsidized by parishes. I sure hope not, but I’m afraid the many thoughtful people who observe this have a point. You know what aspect of Catholic education is growing most? Home schooling, and the opening of lay-run Catholic academies. These parents will tell you that they have become disenchanted with parish schools and our high schools because they are no longer “Catholic.”
Of course, if this is true, only we – bishops, pastors, principals, teachers, school boards – can reform that. Only the “customers” – our parents and parishioners – can encourage and insist on that.
Abp Dolan's predecessor refused to admit publicly that there actually WERE such things as "homeschools" and "private Catholic academies" in Milwaukee. And he did as much as he could to make their existence, ah, challenging.
We encourage the Archbishop to continue asking questions of parochial school principals and their pastors. Like, for example, "Is First Confession administered BEFORE First Communion?"
He could even go into a 7th-grade classroom and ask the students to recite the 10 Commandments--or the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. You know, stuff like that.
OK. Changing the topic, but only slightly, the Archbishop also spoke to the students at North American College in Rome.
Maybe the greatest threat to the Church is not heresy, not dissent, not secularism, not even moral relativism, but this sanitized, feel-good, boutique, therapeutic spirituality that makes no demands, calls for no sacrifice, asks for no conversion, entails no battle against sin, but only soothes and affirms.
I am afraid that too often today the 'accident' of our own person, our own agenda, trumps the substance of the person of Christ and the message of His Church.
For some preachers it seems obligatory to criticize the church in their homilies. They claim she is hopelessly outmoded, patriarchal, oppressive, insensitive, corrupt, unenlightened--all of which really translates "Unwilling to do what they want."
Ordained ministers are unequivocally 'men of the church' as preachers, and their duty is to 'teach what she does, not preach what we like.' (Transcription from CNS)
As we said, HUZZAH!
Town of Brookfield to Get High Taxes, Stupid Sidewalks
Oh, yeah. And likely in less than 5 years.
...Speaker [Mayor, City of Brookfield] made one more thing clear in his letter to the town: The city will not negotiate a permanent boundary agreement. One year ago in the midst of a heated re-election campaign, Speaker called for boundary talks with the town.
"The Common Council of the City of Brookfield has affirmed its position that such an arrangement is not in the best interests of the city, town and the region as a whole," Speaker wrote last week.
Translate: "Screw You!, Town of Brookfield. Our annexation motions will follow shortly."
This is a matter of money, plain and simple. The City covets (in the worst sense) the Town's tax base on Bluemound Road. The City's annexation will increase property-taxes.
But Town residents can look forward to sidewalks! And "Street-Scaping" such as was installed in the Village area of the City. Notice that the City had a 5-man/4 truck crew attempting to clear snow from that area this morning.
How efficient!
One more thing: in another part of Speaker's letter, he told the Town that the City would be happy to take over the Town's fire station, staffing it with City personnel.
Speaker said that would cost $875,000 in 2008 with subsequent annual increases of 3% or the consumer price index.
What's NOT in that sentence? The phrase "whichever is less."
The City will continue featherbedding its Fire Department personnel by sending an engine company on ambulance runs. This costs money, folks.
Think the City's tight with its dollars? Think again.
...Speaker [Mayor, City of Brookfield] made one more thing clear in his letter to the town: The city will not negotiate a permanent boundary agreement. One year ago in the midst of a heated re-election campaign, Speaker called for boundary talks with the town.
"The Common Council of the City of Brookfield has affirmed its position that such an arrangement is not in the best interests of the city, town and the region as a whole," Speaker wrote last week.
Translate: "Screw You!, Town of Brookfield. Our annexation motions will follow shortly."
This is a matter of money, plain and simple. The City covets (in the worst sense) the Town's tax base on Bluemound Road. The City's annexation will increase property-taxes.
But Town residents can look forward to sidewalks! And "Street-Scaping" such as was installed in the Village area of the City. Notice that the City had a 5-man/4 truck crew attempting to clear snow from that area this morning.
How efficient!
One more thing: in another part of Speaker's letter, he told the Town that the City would be happy to take over the Town's fire station, staffing it with City personnel.
Speaker said that would cost $875,000 in 2008 with subsequent annual increases of 3% or the consumer price index.
What's NOT in that sentence? The phrase "whichever is less."
The City will continue featherbedding its Fire Department personnel by sending an engine company on ambulance runs. This costs money, folks.
Think the City's tight with its dollars? Think again.
Darth to Reverse Wisconsin Growth
Nope. This has nothing to do with Darth's plan to tax Wisconsin into the Third World.
This has to do with shutting down power plants and scrapping your car.
Following California's lead, Rep. Spencer Black wants Wisconsin to do its part to address global warming by setting standards to reduce the state's greenhouse emissions by roughly 25 percent.
Black, D-Madison, announced this morning he plans to introduce legislation that would require that greenhouse emissions be reduced to 1990 levels by 2029.
He said the main sources of greenhouse gases in Wisconsin are power plants, especially coal-powered plants. But whatever plan is developed to reduce emissions could also include such measures as stricter emission standards for cars and incentives to purchase vehicles that run on bio-based fuels, which don't contribute to global warming.
...Gov. Jim Doyle is supportive of Black's bill.
Fortunately, adults control the Assembly.
This has to do with shutting down power plants and scrapping your car.
Following California's lead, Rep. Spencer Black wants Wisconsin to do its part to address global warming by setting standards to reduce the state's greenhouse emissions by roughly 25 percent.
Black, D-Madison, announced this morning he plans to introduce legislation that would require that greenhouse emissions be reduced to 1990 levels by 2029.
He said the main sources of greenhouse gases in Wisconsin are power plants, especially coal-powered plants. But whatever plan is developed to reduce emissions could also include such measures as stricter emission standards for cars and incentives to purchase vehicles that run on bio-based fuels, which don't contribute to global warming.
...Gov. Jim Doyle is supportive of Black's bill.
Fortunately, adults control the Assembly.
Homosexual Ed in Massachusetts: Bend Over and Take It
A while back, a couple in Massachusetts objected to 'homosexual ed' for their 7-year-old, carried out by their son's public school.
Here's Chapter 2:
At a hearing last week, Lexington public school officials argued in court that public schools have a mandate to teach positively about homosexuality and that parents have no right to have their children exempted from such instruction. A parent's only option is to withdraw their children completely from public school, lawyers argued.
...The parents decided on a lawsuit after a homosexual fairy tale, "King & King," was read to the Wirthlin's seven-year-old son in class. In the story, a prince turns away one beautiful princess after another until finally falling in love with another prince. The princes' marry, kiss, and live happily ever after. The story was read as part of a class on weddings.
The school brought up various Massachusetts Department of Education curriculum frameworks as well as the assertion that same-sex marriage is "legal" in Massachusetts.
Ruling expected in three weeks.
What you recognize in the School District's argument is called "Totalitarianism." Conveniently, I have a post below which addresses that question, although my post has to do with DarthDoyle's version.
Here's Chapter 2:
At a hearing last week, Lexington public school officials argued in court that public schools have a mandate to teach positively about homosexuality and that parents have no right to have their children exempted from such instruction. A parent's only option is to withdraw their children completely from public school, lawyers argued.
...The parents decided on a lawsuit after a homosexual fairy tale, "King & King," was read to the Wirthlin's seven-year-old son in class. In the story, a prince turns away one beautiful princess after another until finally falling in love with another prince. The princes' marry, kiss, and live happily ever after. The story was read as part of a class on weddings.
The school brought up various Massachusetts Department of Education curriculum frameworks as well as the assertion that same-sex marriage is "legal" in Massachusetts.
Ruling expected in three weeks.
What you recognize in the School District's argument is called "Totalitarianism." Conveniently, I have a post below which addresses that question, although my post has to do with DarthDoyle's version.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Cdl. Ratzinger on the New Mass
Before becoming Pope Benedict, Cdl. Ratzinger wrote extensively on the Liturgy. Here's a succinct excerpt which 'splains (to those who have ears) what he has been thinking.
Referring to Trent:
...In this confusing situation, which had become possible by the failure to produce unified liturgical legislation and by the existing liturgical pluralism inherited from the Middle Ages, the pope decided that now the Missale Romanum - the missal of the city of Rome - was to be introduced as reliably Catholic in every place that could not demonstrate its liturgy to be at least two hundred years old. Wherever the existing liturgy was that old, it could be preserved because its Catholic character would then be assured. In this case we cannot speak of the prohibition of a previous missal that had formerly been approved as valid.
Contrast the Revolution of 1969:
...the old building was demolished, and another was built, to be sure largely using materials from the previous one and even using the old building plans. There is no doubt that this new missal in many respects brought with it a real improvement and enrichment; but setting it as a new construction over against what had grown historically, forbidding the results of this historical growth, thereby makes the liturgy appear to be no longer a living development but the product of erudite work and juridical authority; this has caused us enormous harm. For then the impression had to emerge that liturgy is something "made", not something given in advance but something lying within our own power of decision. From this it also follows that we are not to recognize the scholars and the central authority alone as decision makers, but that in the end each and every "community" must provide itself with its own liturgy. When liturgy is self-made, however, then it can no longer give us what its proper gift should be: the encounter with the mystery that is not our own product but rather our origin and the source of our life. A renewal of liturgical awareness, a liturgical reconciliation that again recognizes the unity of the history of the liturgy and that understands Vatican II, not as a breach, but as a stage of development: these things are urgently needed for the life of the Church.
Amen.
HT: Blosser
Referring to Trent:
...In this confusing situation, which had become possible by the failure to produce unified liturgical legislation and by the existing liturgical pluralism inherited from the Middle Ages, the pope decided that now the Missale Romanum - the missal of the city of Rome - was to be introduced as reliably Catholic in every place that could not demonstrate its liturgy to be at least two hundred years old. Wherever the existing liturgy was that old, it could be preserved because its Catholic character would then be assured. In this case we cannot speak of the prohibition of a previous missal that had formerly been approved as valid.
Contrast the Revolution of 1969:
...the old building was demolished, and another was built, to be sure largely using materials from the previous one and even using the old building plans. There is no doubt that this new missal in many respects brought with it a real improvement and enrichment; but setting it as a new construction over against what had grown historically, forbidding the results of this historical growth, thereby makes the liturgy appear to be no longer a living development but the product of erudite work and juridical authority; this has caused us enormous harm. For then the impression had to emerge that liturgy is something "made", not something given in advance but something lying within our own power of decision. From this it also follows that we are not to recognize the scholars and the central authority alone as decision makers, but that in the end each and every "community" must provide itself with its own liturgy. When liturgy is self-made, however, then it can no longer give us what its proper gift should be: the encounter with the mystery that is not our own product but rather our origin and the source of our life. A renewal of liturgical awareness, a liturgical reconciliation that again recognizes the unity of the history of the liturgy and that understands Vatican II, not as a breach, but as a stage of development: these things are urgently needed for the life of the Church.
Amen.
HT: Blosser
Not ONLY Does He Lie and Spend...(DarthDoyle)
...not only that, but the forecast ain't so hot, either:
Almost simultaneously, the Legislative Fiscal Bureau (LFB) issued cautious revenue estimates for 2007-09, and Governor James E. Doyle (D) outlined ambitious plans for health and education in his state of the state speech.
In the months to come, state lawmakers will have to reconcile the governor’s sunny proposals in the areas of health and education with LFB projections best characterized as partly sunny-partly cloudy.
DarthDoyle's spending proposals are breathtaking to say the least, and in order to finance them (or at least provide a fig-leaf for the growth of the deficit) he principally relies on two things: 1) growing State tax revenues; and 2) growing Federal aids to the State.
(He also relies on voter-stupidity and apathy, as well as a three-card-monte scheme which allows taxes from NON-State entities to grow, specifically municipals and schools. Finally, he relies on the craven greed of various rent-seekers such as the Highwaymen and State employees to corrupt the judgment of Legislators.)
But apathy, stupidity, greed, and tricks cannot overcome flawed assumptions--and Revenue Growth which does not materialize (or Federal handouts which do not materialize) can put the State into financial quicksand.
Not to mention that some tax-revenue sheep may elect to 1) leave the slaughter-line before it's their turn to give it all up for Doyle; or 2) elect not to place assets in the State in the first damn place.
This would be fun to watch, if it weren't so damn serious.
Almost simultaneously, the Legislative Fiscal Bureau (LFB) issued cautious revenue estimates for 2007-09, and Governor James E. Doyle (D) outlined ambitious plans for health and education in his state of the state speech.
In the months to come, state lawmakers will have to reconcile the governor’s sunny proposals in the areas of health and education with LFB projections best characterized as partly sunny-partly cloudy.
DarthDoyle's spending proposals are breathtaking to say the least, and in order to finance them (or at least provide a fig-leaf for the growth of the deficit) he principally relies on two things: 1) growing State tax revenues; and 2) growing Federal aids to the State.
(He also relies on voter-stupidity and apathy, as well as a three-card-monte scheme which allows taxes from NON-State entities to grow, specifically municipals and schools. Finally, he relies on the craven greed of various rent-seekers such as the Highwaymen and State employees to corrupt the judgment of Legislators.)
But apathy, stupidity, greed, and tricks cannot overcome flawed assumptions--and Revenue Growth which does not materialize (or Federal handouts which do not materialize) can put the State into financial quicksand.
Not to mention that some tax-revenue sheep may elect to 1) leave the slaughter-line before it's their turn to give it all up for Doyle; or 2) elect not to place assets in the State in the first damn place.
This would be fun to watch, if it weren't so damn serious.
Eternal Verities--Cop Version
LawDog always, always, always provides a delightful read. Here are a few selected Truths from yesterday's posting:
The speed at which you respond to a fight call is always the slowest legal speed. You want to arrive in time to arrest the winner and put the loser in an ambulance.
Placing your pistol back in a holster with your finger on the trigger will cause you to walk with a limp.
If you have cleared all the rooms and met no resistance -- Congratulations: you kicked in the door of the wrong house
When a citizen sees red-and-blue lights approaching at a high rate of speed, he will always pull into the lane the cop needs to use.
If you drive your patrol car to the geometric center of the Sahara Desert, within five minutes someone is going to pull along side you and ask for directions.
The better you do your job, the more likely you are to be shot, injured, complained on, sued, investigated, or sub-poena'd on your day off.
Any suspect with a rifle is a better shot than any cop with a pistol.
You can also find LawDog classics at The Firing Line
The speed at which you respond to a fight call is always the slowest legal speed. You want to arrive in time to arrest the winner and put the loser in an ambulance.
Placing your pistol back in a holster with your finger on the trigger will cause you to walk with a limp.
If you have cleared all the rooms and met no resistance -- Congratulations: you kicked in the door of the wrong house
When a citizen sees red-and-blue lights approaching at a high rate of speed, he will always pull into the lane the cop needs to use.
If you drive your patrol car to the geometric center of the Sahara Desert, within five minutes someone is going to pull along side you and ask for directions.
The better you do your job, the more likely you are to be shot, injured, complained on, sued, investigated, or sub-poena'd on your day off.
Any suspect with a rifle is a better shot than any cop with a pistol.
You can also find LawDog classics at The Firing Line
"Market Surge" on Bernanke's Remarks? Nope
A money-manager makes an observation which utterly voids the MSM yappa-flappa:
While the media discussed how much the markets liked Bernanke's comments, the Trader in me just snickered. Like many of you, I saw the big buyer of SPX futures at 9:59am -- he lit up the markets long before any human had the ability to read Bernanke's comments and determine they were dovish on inflation. It was just a well timed program,...
...but the last thing that reporters will understand is the 'actualities' of business. See, e.g., the satisfaction with slamming profits of oil companies.
HT: The Big Picture
While the media discussed how much the markets liked Bernanke's comments, the Trader in me just snickered. Like many of you, I saw the big buyer of SPX futures at 9:59am -- he lit up the markets long before any human had the ability to read Bernanke's comments and determine they were dovish on inflation. It was just a well timed program,...
...but the last thing that reporters will understand is the 'actualities' of business. See, e.g., the satisfaction with slamming profits of oil companies.
HT: The Big Picture
Valentine Greetings!
Nope. Not from me.
From Planet Moron, which has several for the politically-inclined:
Moderate Republican:
Our states are red
Theirs are all blue
Abortion is murder
But what can you do?
Moderate Democrat:
The war is illegal
That is our finding
That’s why we need resolutions
That are not at all binding
Extreme Right Wing Republican:
Pelosi’s a red
Reid is one too
I do like that Lieberman
But I hear he’s a Jew
Extreme Left Wing Democrat:
We must stand as one
No matter our views
Except for that Lieberman
I hear he’s a Jew
Amanda Marcotte:
Roses are red
Violets are blue
This holiday is a patriarchal construct meant to sustain a corrupt male-dominated culture which at its center is built upon the subjugation of women [like practiced by the Hitlerian-led Catholic Church.]*
Planet Moron Readers
Campari is red
Curacao, blue
Add enough gin
And you’ll feel as we do
*Added by Dad29
Happy Valentine’s Day!
From Planet Moron, which has several for the politically-inclined:
Moderate Republican:
Our states are red
Theirs are all blue
Abortion is murder
But what can you do?
Moderate Democrat:
The war is illegal
That is our finding
That’s why we need resolutions
That are not at all binding
Extreme Right Wing Republican:
Pelosi’s a red
Reid is one too
I do like that Lieberman
But I hear he’s a Jew
Extreme Left Wing Democrat:
We must stand as one
No matter our views
Except for that Lieberman
I hear he’s a Jew
Amanda Marcotte:
Roses are red
Violets are blue
This holiday is a patriarchal construct meant to sustain a corrupt male-dominated culture which at its center is built upon the subjugation of women [like practiced by the Hitlerian-led Catholic Church.]*
Planet Moron Readers
Campari is red
Curacao, blue
Add enough gin
And you’ll feel as we do
*Added by Dad29
Happy Valentine’s Day!
4Q GDP: Downward Revision
The number initially posted seemed a bit, ah, enthusiastic.
And it was:
The U.S. economy was growing much slower in the fourth quarter of 2006 than the government's first estimate of 3.4%, economists say.Instead of fairly robust 3.4% annualized growth, the government's next estimate will probably be closer to 2.2%, according to median forecast of economists surveyed by MarketWatch. Instead of bouncing back, the economy would have turned in its third quarter in a row of below-trend growth.
The decline in the PMI over the last quarter of '06 was a telltale.
HT: Calculated Risk
And it was:
The U.S. economy was growing much slower in the fourth quarter of 2006 than the government's first estimate of 3.4%, economists say.Instead of fairly robust 3.4% annualized growth, the government's next estimate will probably be closer to 2.2%, according to median forecast of economists surveyed by MarketWatch. Instead of bouncing back, the economy would have turned in its third quarter in a row of below-trend growth.
The decline in the PMI over the last quarter of '06 was a telltale.
HT: Calculated Risk
Rudy? No. Part II
Rudy continues to work at capturing the East and West Coast folks.
Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, insisting he is "100 percent committed" to running for the 2008 Republican nomination for president, wooed Silicon Valley insiders Monday - saying he is a strong believer in global warming, praising Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger as a "progressive" leader on the environment, and calling for immigration policies that welcome "people who make contributions" to America's economy.
Abortion? OK. Gun Control? Only hunters need guns.
Even McPain has figured out that New York and California do not have 270 electoral votes.
Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, insisting he is "100 percent committed" to running for the 2008 Republican nomination for president, wooed Silicon Valley insiders Monday - saying he is a strong believer in global warming, praising Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger as a "progressive" leader on the environment, and calling for immigration policies that welcome "people who make contributions" to America's economy.
Abortion? OK. Gun Control? Only hunters need guns.
Even McPain has figured out that New York and California do not have 270 electoral votes.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
DarthDoyle's Coercive Agenda
While reading an essay on "Liberal vs. Conservative" written by a self-described "Thomist," (and a very bright one, indeed) the following paragraph jumped out:
Most social coercion today seems to come from those called liberal/left, not from those called conservatives, who are pretty "liberal" by comparison to self-designated "liberals." But then social coercion has always been a trademark of the left, which is overly anxious to improve things in this world, as, in their view, there is no other world or no other way to accomplish any improvement. So we find a certain impatience and restlessness in their agenda. The spiritual origins of totalitarianism are often found in a certain impatience at the slowness of the world to become what the ideologies tell us it ought to become.
One of the better coersive devices is taxation. It's a neat device because it can serve a number of purposes. The original purpose was to finance the operation of Government, to include paying various State officers, building public-good infrastructure, and, of course, defense. Not unreasonable, to the degree that such public goods are in balance with the public's actual need.
The next purpose became 'social engineering.' Want people to buy homes? Make mortgage-interest and real-estate taxes deductible. Want a lot of children to grow the national wealth? Make children deductible. Want folks to buy things? Make consumer-interest deductible. (Or provide special credits for buying certain kinds of cars.) Want to make corn into fuel? Provide "tax credits." You get the idea.
But why merely provide incentives when one can also use tax revenues to effect Social Goals by spending those revenues? In other words, why wait around for the taxpayers to Do the Right Thing with those tax incentives?
We have Things To Do!!!
Like, for example, raising the pay and benefits of teachers, or paving every square foot of the State not already dedicated to gambling palaces, or making Health Care available to all, or requiring taxpayers to finance health-insurance for a chosen few, (such as non-married 'partners' of employees of the State)?
After all, what choice do taxpayers have? Remember, we are dealing with coercion here. In effect, the Government is the Sheriff of Nottingham, (or his principal, the King.) If you don't turn over the money, the State can and will take it, by force.
That's why our essayist used the word "Totalitarianism."
Twelve months ago, DarthDoyle's agenda was kept in his closet, carefully hidden from most residents of this State. Last night, he unveiled it.
We know that DarthDoyle is smart. He thinks he can play the hand he presented.
That remains to be seen. Robin Hood, and his successors including Thomas Paine, provide role-models for those Republicans and common-sense Democrats remaining in the Legislature.
Most social coercion today seems to come from those called liberal/left, not from those called conservatives, who are pretty "liberal" by comparison to self-designated "liberals." But then social coercion has always been a trademark of the left, which is overly anxious to improve things in this world, as, in their view, there is no other world or no other way to accomplish any improvement. So we find a certain impatience and restlessness in their agenda. The spiritual origins of totalitarianism are often found in a certain impatience at the slowness of the world to become what the ideologies tell us it ought to become.
One of the better coersive devices is taxation. It's a neat device because it can serve a number of purposes. The original purpose was to finance the operation of Government, to include paying various State officers, building public-good infrastructure, and, of course, defense. Not unreasonable, to the degree that such public goods are in balance with the public's actual need.
The next purpose became 'social engineering.' Want people to buy homes? Make mortgage-interest and real-estate taxes deductible. Want a lot of children to grow the national wealth? Make children deductible. Want folks to buy things? Make consumer-interest deductible. (Or provide special credits for buying certain kinds of cars.) Want to make corn into fuel? Provide "tax credits." You get the idea.
But why merely provide incentives when one can also use tax revenues to effect Social Goals by spending those revenues? In other words, why wait around for the taxpayers to Do the Right Thing with those tax incentives?
We have Things To Do!!!
Like, for example, raising the pay and benefits of teachers, or paving every square foot of the State not already dedicated to gambling palaces, or making Health Care available to all, or requiring taxpayers to finance health-insurance for a chosen few, (such as non-married 'partners' of employees of the State)?
After all, what choice do taxpayers have? Remember, we are dealing with coercion here. In effect, the Government is the Sheriff of Nottingham, (or his principal, the King.) If you don't turn over the money, the State can and will take it, by force.
That's why our essayist used the word "Totalitarianism."
Twelve months ago, DarthDoyle's agenda was kept in his closet, carefully hidden from most residents of this State. Last night, he unveiled it.
We know that DarthDoyle is smart. He thinks he can play the hand he presented.
That remains to be seen. Robin Hood, and his successors including Thomas Paine, provide role-models for those Republicans and common-sense Democrats remaining in the Legislature.
No Child Left Behind To Be Tweaked?
This is interesting:
A panel on the No Child Left Behind Act recommended that teacher performance be part of the equation when it comes to measuring success in schools.
A high-school teacher friend and I had EXACTLY that discussion about 30 years ago. It was, ah, "spirited," because he was a true-blue Union guy and I wasn't. But it was civil.
Now "!!Tommy!!" has the idea?
About time.
By the way, it's not at all certain that No Child Left Behind will be renewed, although odds are that it will. Many (R) folk in Congress still view it as an arrogant and not-particularly-Constitutional infringement on States' (and locals') rights.
Ironically, the most fervent WEAC blogger (folkbum) has doubts about NCLB, too.
A panel on the No Child Left Behind Act recommended that teacher performance be part of the equation when it comes to measuring success in schools.
A high-school teacher friend and I had EXACTLY that discussion about 30 years ago. It was, ah, "spirited," because he was a true-blue Union guy and I wasn't. But it was civil.
Now "!!Tommy!!" has the idea?
About time.
By the way, it's not at all certain that No Child Left Behind will be renewed, although odds are that it will. Many (R) folk in Congress still view it as an arrogant and not-particularly-Constitutional infringement on States' (and locals') rights.
Ironically, the most fervent WEAC blogger (folkbum) has doubts about NCLB, too.
Murtha: STARVE Our Troops
HT PowerLine, here's the Democrat "strategy" for losing:
Murtha, the powerful chairman of the defense subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee, will seek to attach a provision to an upcoming $93 billion supplemental spending bill for Iraq and Afghanistan. It would restrict the deployment of troops to Iraq unless they meet certain levels adequate manpower, equipment and training to succeed in combat. That's a standard Murtha believes few of the units Bush intends to use for the surge would be able to meet.
In addition, Murtha, acting with the backing of the House Democratic leadership, will seek to limit the time and number of deployments by soldiers, Marines and National Guard units to Iraq, making it tougher for Pentagon officials to find the troops to replace units that are scheduled to rotate out of the country. Additional funding restrictions are also being considered by Murtha, such as prohibiting the creation of U.S. military bases inside Iraq, dismantling the notorious Abu Ghraib prison and closing the American detention facility in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Looks like "We Support the Troops" to me!! (/sarcasm)
Look, children (that means you, Fat Jack Murtha!): cutting off (or not cutting off) replacement troops, just like determining "battle-readiness" is, precisely, a decision to be made by the Commander-in-Chief, not a whore-in-Congress whose brother mysteriously gets all sorts of DoD contracts.
Murtha, the powerful chairman of the defense subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee, will seek to attach a provision to an upcoming $93 billion supplemental spending bill for Iraq and Afghanistan. It would restrict the deployment of troops to Iraq unless they meet certain levels adequate manpower, equipment and training to succeed in combat. That's a standard Murtha believes few of the units Bush intends to use for the surge would be able to meet.
In addition, Murtha, acting with the backing of the House Democratic leadership, will seek to limit the time and number of deployments by soldiers, Marines and National Guard units to Iraq, making it tougher for Pentagon officials to find the troops to replace units that are scheduled to rotate out of the country. Additional funding restrictions are also being considered by Murtha, such as prohibiting the creation of U.S. military bases inside Iraq, dismantling the notorious Abu Ghraib prison and closing the American detention facility in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Looks like "We Support the Troops" to me!! (/sarcasm)
Look, children (that means you, Fat Jack Murtha!): cutting off (or not cutting off) replacement troops, just like determining "battle-readiness" is, precisely, a decision to be made by the Commander-in-Chief, not a whore-in-Congress whose brother mysteriously gets all sorts of DoD contracts.
"By the Way" Tax Increases for Wisconsin Residents
In addition to DarthDoyle's massive Tax And Spend budget proposals, there are a few additional ramifications which Darth didn't mention.
Here are a couple, which (admittedly) are minor--but actually cost money.
If you use your car for business purposes, your employer may reimburse you for mileage. The current Federal rate is $0.41/mile--the same as the deduction a self-employed person may take for business miles.
However, that rate does NOT increase because the State of Wisconsin has increased the cost of driving your car by:
1) Increasing gasoline taxes;
2) Increasing registration fees;
3) Increasing drivers' license fees; or
4) Requiring Corn-a-Hole (which increases the cost of fuel AND decreases mileage.)
I know that's a minor point.
It doesn't apply, of course, if your car is State-provided.
Here are a couple, which (admittedly) are minor--but actually cost money.
If you use your car for business purposes, your employer may reimburse you for mileage. The current Federal rate is $0.41/mile--the same as the deduction a self-employed person may take for business miles.
However, that rate does NOT increase because the State of Wisconsin has increased the cost of driving your car by:
1) Increasing gasoline taxes;
2) Increasing registration fees;
3) Increasing drivers' license fees; or
4) Requiring Corn-a-Hole (which increases the cost of fuel AND decreases mileage.)
I know that's a minor point.
It doesn't apply, of course, if your car is State-provided.
McPain STILL Hates Free Speech
Caught by the American Spectator Blog:
Reading [McCain's] article with Joe Lieberman on the impending doom of global warming in the Boston Globe today, I couldn't help but shudder at this line:
"The debate has ended over whether global warming is a problem caused by human activity."
What McCain means is that he will not tolerate any more debate on the subject. Sounds a lot like campaign finance reform, no?
And this bozo is a "front-runner" for a Presidential nomination?
Reading [McCain's] article with Joe Lieberman on the impending doom of global warming in the Boston Globe today, I couldn't help but shudder at this line:
"The debate has ended over whether global warming is a problem caused by human activity."
What McCain means is that he will not tolerate any more debate on the subject. Sounds a lot like campaign finance reform, no?
And this bozo is a "front-runner" for a Presidential nomination?
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
DarthDoyle: Kiss My Taxes!
So far, I've seen two different figures estimating the total tax increases proposed by DarthDoyle, whose Madistan-Extreme-Left colors are flying high.
The first, $1 Billion, comes from the Republican Assembly Speaker. The second, a whopping
The first, $1 Billion, comes from the Republican Assembly Speaker. The second, a whopping
$1.7 BILLION
comes from another Assemblyman of the (R) stripe.
By the way, the "Madistan" reference is quite significant. A recent presentation indicates that the median family income in Dane County is around $64K--whereas the median family income in Milwaukee County is around $35K.
It should not surprise anyone that a Dane County Democrat, with Dane County pals, thinks that $1 Billion, or a $Billion-Seven, is no big deal.
But that's going to be imposed on Milwaukee County residents, too. Gasoline, hospital, and cigarette taxes are regressive by their very nature (as are drivers/auto registration "fee" increases), and property-tax increases will be painful, too.
There are not too many Counties in the State where the median-family income exceeds $64K--but that's where DarthDoyle's Cabinet, and most State workers live. No big deal to them....
Pitchforks at dawn, anyone?
“The true danger is when liberty is nibbled away, for expedients, and by parts.” —Edmund Burke
Salt Lake Shooter a Muslim
...or at least that's what Savage reports tonight.
Here's the UPI version:
The man who went on a shooting spree in a Salt Lake City shopping mall, killing five people, was identified Tuesday as an 18-year-old Bosnian refugee.
Police remained unsure of Suleiman Talovic's motive, the Salt Lake City Tribune reported. He apparently shot at random after entering the Trolley Square Mall with a shotgun Monday evening.
Police said Talovic parked in the lot and entered the mall, shooting two people immediately. He shot a woman before going into a gift shop where he gunned down five more people and then continued the shooting spree outside.
The dead included two men, two women and a 15-year-old girl. Two men and a woman were wounded along with the 16-year-old son of one of the dead men.
Wonder how long it will take for the MSM to get around to the religion.
UPDATE: Malkin picked it up too.
Here's the standard line of crap:
[The] FBI...confirmed Talovic was not from the United States but wouldn't say exactly where he was from. Originally they were looking at the case to see if there was possibly something more to it, but now believe this was just an isolated incident.
Translation: "Nothing to see here. Move along."
Here's the UPI version:
The man who went on a shooting spree in a Salt Lake City shopping mall, killing five people, was identified Tuesday as an 18-year-old Bosnian refugee.
Police remained unsure of Suleiman Talovic's motive, the Salt Lake City Tribune reported. He apparently shot at random after entering the Trolley Square Mall with a shotgun Monday evening.
Police said Talovic parked in the lot and entered the mall, shooting two people immediately. He shot a woman before going into a gift shop where he gunned down five more people and then continued the shooting spree outside.
The dead included two men, two women and a 15-year-old girl. Two men and a woman were wounded along with the 16-year-old son of one of the dead men.
Wonder how long it will take for the MSM to get around to the religion.
UPDATE: Malkin picked it up too.
Here's the standard line of crap:
[The] FBI...confirmed Talovic was not from the United States but wouldn't say exactly where he was from. Originally they were looking at the case to see if there was possibly something more to it, but now believe this was just an isolated incident.
Translation: "Nothing to see here. Move along."
Hello! Mayor Barrett!! You're In Wisconsin!!
We know that Milk-Carton spends a lot of time "out of the office," so we thought we'd help him.
Here in Wisconsin when you buy a handgun from a licensed dealer, the dealer is required to perform a background check. That's the reason you fill out a form supplied by the Wisconsin Department of Justice, and why the dealer may NOT transfer the weapon to the buyer until they recieve explicit authorization.
First key word in the above is "WISCONSIN." (Not D.C., not New York City.) OK, Tom?
Second key word: "handgun."
Third key word: "required."
Barrett also called upon the state Legislature to pass “responsible” gun legislation that would require background checks for all handgun purchases and prohibit all sales of handguns to those under 21 years old.
Just trying to help, Tom. Check your plane ticket-stubs to find out where you are.
HT: Boots & Sabers
Of course, if you want to obtain a pistol badly enough, just hang around the FBI offices. In the last 3 1/2 years, the FBI has lost 144 guns.
Here in Wisconsin when you buy a handgun from a licensed dealer, the dealer is required to perform a background check. That's the reason you fill out a form supplied by the Wisconsin Department of Justice, and why the dealer may NOT transfer the weapon to the buyer until they recieve explicit authorization.
First key word in the above is "WISCONSIN." (Not D.C., not New York City.) OK, Tom?
Second key word: "handgun."
Third key word: "required."
Barrett also called upon the state Legislature to pass “responsible” gun legislation that would require background checks for all handgun purchases and prohibit all sales of handguns to those under 21 years old.
Just trying to help, Tom. Check your plane ticket-stubs to find out where you are.
HT: Boots & Sabers
Of course, if you want to obtain a pistol badly enough, just hang around the FBI offices. In the last 3 1/2 years, the FBI has lost 144 guns.
No Oscar for Hildebeeste
Novak tells us that HRC is not the draw she used to be.
The buzz in Democratic circles for the past two weeks has been over the decision to raise money for Sen. Barack Obama by two or three multimillionaire liberals from Hollywood who were thought to be supporting Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton for president. An explanation that this is the movie industry's delayed reaction to some of President Bill Clinton's policies is not credible. The real reason for the defection is more troubling for Clinton's campaign.
...For many months, long before Clinton confirmed that she was a candidate, her agents have been pinning down commitments from a staggering array of Democrats who were connected in large or small degree to her husband to create an aura of inevitability about her nomination. That effort hit a bump two weeks ago with the announcement that David Geffen, Jeffrey Katzenberg and Steven Spielberg, the founders of the DreamWorks film studios who all were thought to be staunch Clintonites, were sponsoring a fundraiser for Obama.
...The real reason for not desiring a Hillary coronation, as described to me by California Democrats, is resentment of her cautious sidestep rightward over the past six years. They still cannot get over her sponsorship in 2005 of legislation against flag burning. The whispered worry is that Clinton as the presidential nominee would be a loser in a year when the stars seem aligned for a Republican defeat.
This could be fun to watch.
The buzz in Democratic circles for the past two weeks has been over the decision to raise money for Sen. Barack Obama by two or three multimillionaire liberals from Hollywood who were thought to be supporting Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton for president. An explanation that this is the movie industry's delayed reaction to some of President Bill Clinton's policies is not credible. The real reason for the defection is more troubling for Clinton's campaign.
...For many months, long before Clinton confirmed that she was a candidate, her agents have been pinning down commitments from a staggering array of Democrats who were connected in large or small degree to her husband to create an aura of inevitability about her nomination. That effort hit a bump two weeks ago with the announcement that David Geffen, Jeffrey Katzenberg and Steven Spielberg, the founders of the DreamWorks film studios who all were thought to be staunch Clintonites, were sponsoring a fundraiser for Obama.
...The real reason for not desiring a Hillary coronation, as described to me by California Democrats, is resentment of her cautious sidestep rightward over the past six years. They still cannot get over her sponsorship in 2005 of legislation against flag burning. The whispered worry is that Clinton as the presidential nominee would be a loser in a year when the stars seem aligned for a Republican defeat.
This could be fun to watch.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Doyle, Greenspan, and Lenin
It's speculated that M3 (the broadest measure of US dollars) is growing at more than 10% this year, atop similar growth last year. It's "speculated" because Greenspan's Fed stopped publishing the statistic and Bernanke's Fed has not shown signs of stopping the trend.
That kind of monetary growth, unmatched by similar productivity growth, spells "inflation." It will happen--the only question is "when."
So we will have Inflation.
Now for DarthDoyle's contribution: taxes. Ol' Jimbo's going to hike taxes--not nearly as much as he's proposed, because even Jimbo couldn't afford to live here if that happened--but he'll get a hike.
What does Lenin have to do with it?
"The way to crush the bourgeoisie is to grind them between the millstones of taxation and inflation." V. Lenin
Umnnnhhhh...some of us "bourgeoisie" won't take well to being crushed.
That kind of monetary growth, unmatched by similar productivity growth, spells "inflation." It will happen--the only question is "when."
So we will have Inflation.
Now for DarthDoyle's contribution: taxes. Ol' Jimbo's going to hike taxes--not nearly as much as he's proposed, because even Jimbo couldn't afford to live here if that happened--but he'll get a hike.
What does Lenin have to do with it?
"The way to crush the bourgeoisie is to grind them between the millstones of taxation and inflation." V. Lenin
Umnnnhhhh...some of us "bourgeoisie" won't take well to being crushed.
"Dark Ages"? Not for Mechanical Engineers
Here's a thought for the non-thinkers:
By the middle of the 12th century the Cistercians had reached the cutting edge of hydro-power and agricultural technology. A typical monastery straddled an artificial stream brought in through a canal. The stream ran through the monastery shops, living quarters, and refectories, providing power for milling, wood cutting, forging, and olive crushing. It also provided running water for cooking, washing, and bathing, and finally for sewage disposal. . . .
We're too often told that this period of history was a Dark Age. The reason is that the people who wrote Medieval political history were remote from the world of making things. The scribes of the kings wrote about armies and slaughter. They didn't devote much time to the engineers who were really changing the world.
Silly monks, developing hydro-power. We don't need all those "manufactured" things.
By the way, the Cistercians also developed the science of mining during the "Dark" Ages.
Lots at this link, and a HT to In Illo Tempore.
By the middle of the 12th century the Cistercians had reached the cutting edge of hydro-power and agricultural technology. A typical monastery straddled an artificial stream brought in through a canal. The stream ran through the monastery shops, living quarters, and refectories, providing power for milling, wood cutting, forging, and olive crushing. It also provided running water for cooking, washing, and bathing, and finally for sewage disposal. . . .
We're too often told that this period of history was a Dark Age. The reason is that the people who wrote Medieval political history were remote from the world of making things. The scribes of the kings wrote about armies and slaughter. They didn't devote much time to the engineers who were really changing the world.
Silly monks, developing hydro-power. We don't need all those "manufactured" things.
By the way, the Cistercians also developed the science of mining during the "Dark" Ages.
Lots at this link, and a HT to In Illo Tempore.
The Stem-Cells DarthDoyle Doesn't Want
DarthDoyle continues his press to make Wisconsin a haven for Embryonic-Stem-Cell Research.
That reveals two things: first, that Doyle has no problem sacrificing morality; and second, that Gummint-types are simply incapable of making decisions based on scientific developments.
The Texas Heart Institute has progressed to the clinical phase of a FDA approved trial, using stem cells to repair the damage done by heart attacks, with the researchers being encouraged by the positive out-comes shown in pre-clinical trials. The results of the study will be evaluated after a six month follow up and presented in 2008. Despite what one may think about stem cell research, it’s difficult to dispute the facts that have shown, time and time again, that stem cells are effective in treating diseases and improving the lives of debilitated patients around the world.
The research I mentioned above involves adult stem cells which are actually taken from the patient’s own fat tissue. Adult stem cell research has shown positive clinical results and useful treatments in human beings without compromising life including blindness, paralysis and child onset leukemia; while the same can not be said for the hopes in theoretical embryonic stem cell cures.
So while Darth continues to beat a drum which is clearly becoming outdated, Texas will capture a prize.
Good work, Darth.
Germane is the following quote from John Paul II:
...the original and inalienable right to life is questioned or denied on the basis of a parliamentary vote or the will of one part of the people-even if it is the majority. This is the sinister result of a relativism which reigns unopposed: the "right" ceases to be such, because it is no longer firmly founded on the inviolable dignity of the person, but is made subject to the will of the stronger part.
In this way democracy, contradicting its own principles, effectively moves towards a form of totalitarianism. The State is no longer the "common home" where all can live together on the basis of principles of fundamental equality, but is transformed into a tyrant State, which arrogates to itself the right to dispose of the life of the weakest and most defenceless members, from the unborn child to the elderly, in the name of a public interest which is really nothing but the interest of one part.
Next: Darth proposes the "New Deal," a comprehensive public-works-employment program for unemployed Wisconsinites--that is, those who survived DarthDoyle's totalitarian tendencies.
HT: Cosmos Liturgy Sex
That reveals two things: first, that Doyle has no problem sacrificing morality; and second, that Gummint-types are simply incapable of making decisions based on scientific developments.
The Texas Heart Institute has progressed to the clinical phase of a FDA approved trial, using stem cells to repair the damage done by heart attacks, with the researchers being encouraged by the positive out-comes shown in pre-clinical trials. The results of the study will be evaluated after a six month follow up and presented in 2008. Despite what one may think about stem cell research, it’s difficult to dispute the facts that have shown, time and time again, that stem cells are effective in treating diseases and improving the lives of debilitated patients around the world.
The research I mentioned above involves adult stem cells which are actually taken from the patient’s own fat tissue. Adult stem cell research has shown positive clinical results and useful treatments in human beings without compromising life including blindness, paralysis and child onset leukemia; while the same can not be said for the hopes in theoretical embryonic stem cell cures.
So while Darth continues to beat a drum which is clearly becoming outdated, Texas will capture a prize.
Good work, Darth.
Germane is the following quote from John Paul II:
...the original and inalienable right to life is questioned or denied on the basis of a parliamentary vote or the will of one part of the people-even if it is the majority. This is the sinister result of a relativism which reigns unopposed: the "right" ceases to be such, because it is no longer firmly founded on the inviolable dignity of the person, but is made subject to the will of the stronger part.
In this way democracy, contradicting its own principles, effectively moves towards a form of totalitarianism. The State is no longer the "common home" where all can live together on the basis of principles of fundamental equality, but is transformed into a tyrant State, which arrogates to itself the right to dispose of the life of the weakest and most defenceless members, from the unborn child to the elderly, in the name of a public interest which is really nothing but the interest of one part.
Next: Darth proposes the "New Deal," a comprehensive public-works-employment program for unemployed Wisconsinites--that is, those who survived DarthDoyle's totalitarian tendencies.
HT: Cosmos Liturgy Sex
The Edwards Bloglodytes: Another View
Unlike the local fellow Jay (who has yet to explicitly condemn the vicious anti-Catholicism expressed by Edwards' new hires,) Diogenes is clear about the role of the MSM in the affair:
First, the laughably supine harlotry of the prestige media in their coverage of the story. Below are the sole specimens of the bloggers' bliggotry cited in yesterday's New York Times article:
In some of their online writings, Ms. Marcotte and Ms. McEwan used vulgar language to characterize religious conservatives and Roman Catholic teachings on birth control, homosexuality and the virgin birth. On her personal blog, Shakespeare's Sister, Ms. McEwan had referred to conservative Christians as "Christofascists."
On the Pandagon blog site, Ms. Marcotte had said that the Catholic Church's prohibition on the use of birth control forced women to bear "more tithing Catholics."
Really, however, it's not just Catholics:
The second and more intriguing aspect of the flap is the nature of Marcotte and McEwan's anti-Catholicism. To call it "offensive" misses the point. It's the hatred behind the offensiveness that's the interesting phenomenon. After all, ridicule -- even ridicule intended to offend -- need not proceed from hatred. But Marcotte and McEwan's does. Nor is their antipathy "anti-Catholicism" of the old fashioned tribal variety. Their language about the Catholics they hate differs in no respect from Bishop Reggie Cawcutt's language about the Catholics he hates; tidy up the spelling, and you can't tell them apart. Whom do they hate? Anyone that professes orthodox Christian doctrine.
And it's a peculiar vice which these Blog-Trixies have--because, you see, they do not "hate."
To understand what's going on here it's vital to grasp that left-liberals are incapable a priori, on axiomatic grounds, of acknowledging their own hatred. It may be said that, performatively, they define and distinguish themselves from their adversaries precisely in virtue of their being preserved free from this sin. There is simply no such thing as a "left-wing hate group," as a Nexis-search will attest. That conservatives have a monopoly on this vice is dogma -- perhaps their only dogma. This means that the hatred that exists within left-liberal breasts must be accounted for as something other than what it is. In the case of in-house antipathy, of leftist versus leftist, malice is reflexively attributed to a recrudescence of right-wing politics (sexism, racism, hetero-centrism, etc.). When their hatred is directed toward non-leftists, it is explained as some variety of righteous indignation.
Which brings us back to Jay, who absolutely despises the writings (but not the person, he avers) of P-Mac. See, P-Mac quotes "haters." Because of this, P-Mac should either NOT be "part of the media," or he should not quote "haters."
Clearly, the Blog-Trixies in question are NOT "haters." They are just opinionated. That's why it's just fine that the Breck Girl hires them.
Right.
First, the laughably supine harlotry of the prestige media in their coverage of the story. Below are the sole specimens of the bloggers' bliggotry cited in yesterday's New York Times article:
In some of their online writings, Ms. Marcotte and Ms. McEwan used vulgar language to characterize religious conservatives and Roman Catholic teachings on birth control, homosexuality and the virgin birth. On her personal blog, Shakespeare's Sister, Ms. McEwan had referred to conservative Christians as "Christofascists."
On the Pandagon blog site, Ms. Marcotte had said that the Catholic Church's prohibition on the use of birth control forced women to bear "more tithing Catholics."
Really, however, it's not just Catholics:
The second and more intriguing aspect of the flap is the nature of Marcotte and McEwan's anti-Catholicism. To call it "offensive" misses the point. It's the hatred behind the offensiveness that's the interesting phenomenon. After all, ridicule -- even ridicule intended to offend -- need not proceed from hatred. But Marcotte and McEwan's does. Nor is their antipathy "anti-Catholicism" of the old fashioned tribal variety. Their language about the Catholics they hate differs in no respect from Bishop Reggie Cawcutt's language about the Catholics he hates; tidy up the spelling, and you can't tell them apart. Whom do they hate? Anyone that professes orthodox Christian doctrine.
And it's a peculiar vice which these Blog-Trixies have--because, you see, they do not "hate."
To understand what's going on here it's vital to grasp that left-liberals are incapable a priori, on axiomatic grounds, of acknowledging their own hatred. It may be said that, performatively, they define and distinguish themselves from their adversaries precisely in virtue of their being preserved free from this sin. There is simply no such thing as a "left-wing hate group," as a Nexis-search will attest. That conservatives have a monopoly on this vice is dogma -- perhaps their only dogma. This means that the hatred that exists within left-liberal breasts must be accounted for as something other than what it is. In the case of in-house antipathy, of leftist versus leftist, malice is reflexively attributed to a recrudescence of right-wing politics (sexism, racism, hetero-centrism, etc.). When their hatred is directed toward non-leftists, it is explained as some variety of righteous indignation.
Which brings us back to Jay, who absolutely despises the writings (but not the person, he avers) of P-Mac. See, P-Mac quotes "haters." Because of this, P-Mac should either NOT be "part of the media," or he should not quote "haters."
Clearly, the Blog-Trixies in question are NOT "haters." They are just opinionated. That's why it's just fine that the Breck Girl hires them.
Right.
Barrett & Doyle: Will The Axis Rise Again?
"Milk-Carton" Barrett, Milwaukee's occasionally-present Mayor, is making nice-nice noises about DarthDoyle:
Darth, following the "spend more than you can imagine" script, promised Milk-Carton several million dollars (at least in theory) with his budget announcements. As a result, Milk-Carton has been very careful to back off on criticism of Darth.
In fact, he is expected to be kind of nice:
Barrett indicated money Doyle is including in his budget ($1.5 million over two years) will help.
Some of us recall the old Maier-Lucey Axis with justifiable concern. During that time period, Milwaukee became "the drain" for all of the State's tax dollars.
Keep your eyes on the ball, folks.
Darth, following the "spend more than you can imagine" script, promised Milk-Carton several million dollars (at least in theory) with his budget announcements. As a result, Milk-Carton has been very careful to back off on criticism of Darth.
In fact, he is expected to be kind of nice:
Barrett indicated money Doyle is including in his budget ($1.5 million over two years) will help.
Some of us recall the old Maier-Lucey Axis with justifiable concern. During that time period, Milwaukee became "the drain" for all of the State's tax dollars.
Keep your eyes on the ball, folks.
Sky Turns Black, Falls on Wisconsin
That'll be the next headline from the JS Enviro-Wacky desk.
Wisconsin generates greenhouse gases linked to global warming at a rate that is about one-third faster than the national average, a Journal Sentinel analysis found.
This trend will only escalate because the state's utilities are on the leading edge of a national building boom of coal-burning power plants, fueled by an ever-increasing appetite for electricity.
Yeah. So?
The state's growing addiction to coal-based power comes as global warming has vaulted into the national conversation, thanks to warm winters, the melting polar ice cap and a growing media spotlight that includes former Vice President Al Gore's 2006 documentary, "An Inconvenient Truth."
Now I get it. The authors went to a movie and based on its incontrovertible truth-claims, see the future. And it's a very warm future. We know that because Al Gore told us so.
Obviously, the eeeeeeeevil executives at WE have a plan. They're going to reduce the cost of healthcare by simply 1) smoking, and then 2) cooking, the residents of the State.
In the meantime, perhaps the Sierra Club could obtain a life. You should be able to purchase them cheap here in Wisconsin; the future-discount is massive, according to the JS' "Analysis."
Wisconsin generates greenhouse gases linked to global warming at a rate that is about one-third faster than the national average, a Journal Sentinel analysis found.
This trend will only escalate because the state's utilities are on the leading edge of a national building boom of coal-burning power plants, fueled by an ever-increasing appetite for electricity.
Yeah. So?
The state's growing addiction to coal-based power comes as global warming has vaulted into the national conversation, thanks to warm winters, the melting polar ice cap and a growing media spotlight that includes former Vice President Al Gore's 2006 documentary, "An Inconvenient Truth."
Now I get it. The authors went to a movie and based on its incontrovertible truth-claims, see the future. And it's a very warm future. We know that because Al Gore told us so.
Obviously, the eeeeeeeevil executives at WE have a plan. They're going to reduce the cost of healthcare by simply 1) smoking, and then 2) cooking, the residents of the State.
In the meantime, perhaps the Sierra Club could obtain a life. You should be able to purchase them cheap here in Wisconsin; the future-discount is massive, according to the JS' "Analysis."
DarthDoyle Disses Marriage, Too
It's not really enough to propose A Tax A Day for DarthDoyle (D-Babykillers.)
He just has to get rid of that money, too.
So here's part of it:
Gov. Jim Doyle says he’ll propose offering group health insurance benefits to domestic partners of all state employees when he presents his state budget proposals to lawmakers during the coming week.
Reaction from a State employee:
Megan Sapnar, a UW graduate student and lecturer in the department of communications arts, said being able to cover her partner under the state’s health insurance program would make a tremendous difference in their lives.
I guess so. Of course, her 'partner' could actually get a friggin' JOB.
It's clear that the cynical boys were right (and now actually govern some States): "Why buy the cow if you can have the milk free?"
Here, 'the milk' is health-insurance coverage. The condition requiring actual sacrifice and commitment demonstrated by marriage is no longer required.
He just has to get rid of that money, too.
So here's part of it:
Gov. Jim Doyle says he’ll propose offering group health insurance benefits to domestic partners of all state employees when he presents his state budget proposals to lawmakers during the coming week.
Reaction from a State employee:
Megan Sapnar, a UW graduate student and lecturer in the department of communications arts, said being able to cover her partner under the state’s health insurance program would make a tremendous difference in their lives.
I guess so. Of course, her 'partner' could actually get a friggin' JOB.
It's clear that the cynical boys were right (and now actually govern some States): "Why buy the cow if you can have the milk free?"
Here, 'the milk' is health-insurance coverage. The condition requiring actual sacrifice and commitment demonstrated by marriage is no longer required.
Ol' Jim Doyle, He Had a Farm
PKK Crackdown: Why It's Interesting
Never really heard of the PKK, eh? Here's a brief:
Outside of Turkey, there has been remarkably little attention paid to the major European raids against the PKK, which began in early February in France and have now included operations in Belgium and by some accounts, possibly Germany as well, with arrests of some 40 people in all on charges relating to terrorism and terrorist finance.
According to wire reports and articles in the Turkish press, the operation is being conducted within the scope of an investigation into the financing of terrorism, organized crime, and money laundering, including trafficking in narcotics and extortion in order to finance the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) terrorist organization.
My personal red-flag-o-meter pops towards a "10" whenever 'Workers' Party' appears as part of a name. Of course, like Secretary Gates, I've lived through one Cold War with its frequent "hot" challenges.
Just sayin'.....
HT: CounterTerror Blog
Outside of Turkey, there has been remarkably little attention paid to the major European raids against the PKK, which began in early February in France and have now included operations in Belgium and by some accounts, possibly Germany as well, with arrests of some 40 people in all on charges relating to terrorism and terrorist finance.
According to wire reports and articles in the Turkish press, the operation is being conducted within the scope of an investigation into the financing of terrorism, organized crime, and money laundering, including trafficking in narcotics and extortion in order to finance the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) terrorist organization.
My personal red-flag-o-meter pops towards a "10" whenever 'Workers' Party' appears as part of a name. Of course, like Secretary Gates, I've lived through one Cold War with its frequent "hot" challenges.
Just sayin'.....
HT: CounterTerror Blog
Clueless Rudy
The guy doesn't get it.
Rudy Giuliani addressed a potentially troublesome issue with conservative voters, saying his policies as mayor to get handguns off the street helped reduce crime in New York.
"I used gun control as mayor," he said at a news conference Saturday during a swing through California. But "I understand the Second Amendment. I understand the right to bear arms."
He said what he did as mayor would have no effect on hunting.
I must have missed the part of the 2nd which talks about deer and squirrels.
Rudy Giuliani addressed a potentially troublesome issue with conservative voters, saying his policies as mayor to get handguns off the street helped reduce crime in New York.
"I used gun control as mayor," he said at a news conference Saturday during a swing through California. But "I understand the Second Amendment. I understand the right to bear arms."
He said what he did as mayor would have no effect on hunting.
I must have missed the part of the 2nd which talks about deer and squirrels.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
David Walsh: Confused on the Law
Rick Esenberg calls out an attorney who happens to chair the UW Board of Regents:
It is certainly true that the Supreme Court, by a 5-4 vote, has held that an admissions program that considers race "as a factor" does not violate the United States Constitution. According to Rep. Steve Nass, some people apparently think this trumps state law. If they do, I hope they are not lawyers. (Update: Not only are they lawyers, but one is my former partner.)
As Rep. Nass quite correctly points out, such a claim is unequivocally false. The Supreme Court decision, Grutter v. Bollinger, only means that a state may adopt such a program, not that it must.
The Regents remain bound by state law which, it seems, they have and will continue to ignore.
If evaluating candidates for admission based upon the color of the skin is a good idea, the Regents should go to the legislature and ask it to amend the law to give them the authority to do so. As it is, it is hard to see why what they are doing is not patently illegal.
Evidently the canard about "moving lips" is not a canard.
It is certainly true that the Supreme Court, by a 5-4 vote, has held that an admissions program that considers race "as a factor" does not violate the United States Constitution. According to Rep. Steve Nass, some people apparently think this trumps state law. If they do, I hope they are not lawyers. (Update: Not only are they lawyers, but one is my former partner.)
As Rep. Nass quite correctly points out, such a claim is unequivocally false. The Supreme Court decision, Grutter v. Bollinger, only means that a state may adopt such a program, not that it must.
The Regents remain bound by state law which, it seems, they have and will continue to ignore.
If evaluating candidates for admission based upon the color of the skin is a good idea, the Regents should go to the legislature and ask it to amend the law to give them the authority to do so. As it is, it is hard to see why what they are doing is not patently illegal.
Evidently the canard about "moving lips" is not a canard.
Bigger Things For York
He's one of the best, and we'll miss him.
But "Dennis" moves on. Maybe the new digs will afford some time for great humor, too.
Best Wishes!
But "Dennis" moves on. Maybe the new digs will afford some time for great humor, too.
Best Wishes!
Lobbyist Payoffs: How They Work Now
Some of us understand that it's not the money--it's the Congressman's ethics. In other words, "character counts." Elect a slimeball, and you'll get slimy results.
So how's McPain/Feinie working out for you?
It works very well for some.
In just the last two months, lawmakers invited lobbyists to help pay for a catalog of outings: lavish birthday parties in a lawmaker’s honor ($1,000 a lobbyist), martinis and margaritas at Washington restaurants (at least $1,000), a California wine-tasting tour (all donors welcome), hunting and fishing trips (typically $5,000), weekend golf tournaments ($2,500 and up), a Presidents’ Day weekend at Disney World ($5,000), parties in South Beach in Miami ($5,000), concerts by the Who or Bob Seger ($2,500 for two seats), and even Broadway shows like “Mary Poppins” and “The Drowsy Chaperone” (also $2,500 for two).
The lobbyists and their employers typically end up paying for the events, but within the new rules.
Instead of picking up the tab directly, lobbyists pay a political fund-raising committee and, in turn, the committee pays the lawmaker’s way. The prices listed are for lobbyists with political action committees. And the lobbyists usually pay for their own travel and hotel rooms, too.
Still and all, it's not on a USAF 757, right?
HT: Captain's Quarters
So how's McPain/Feinie working out for you?
It works very well for some.
In just the last two months, lawmakers invited lobbyists to help pay for a catalog of outings: lavish birthday parties in a lawmaker’s honor ($1,000 a lobbyist), martinis and margaritas at Washington restaurants (at least $1,000), a California wine-tasting tour (all donors welcome), hunting and fishing trips (typically $5,000), weekend golf tournaments ($2,500 and up), a Presidents’ Day weekend at Disney World ($5,000), parties in South Beach in Miami ($5,000), concerts by the Who or Bob Seger ($2,500 for two seats), and even Broadway shows like “Mary Poppins” and “The Drowsy Chaperone” (also $2,500 for two).
The lobbyists and their employers typically end up paying for the events, but within the new rules.
Instead of picking up the tab directly, lobbyists pay a political fund-raising committee and, in turn, the committee pays the lawmaker’s way. The prices listed are for lobbyists with political action committees. And the lobbyists usually pay for their own travel and hotel rooms, too.
Still and all, it's not on a USAF 757, right?
HT: Captain's Quarters
DarthDoyle's Lying Three-Card Monte
Tax, Tax, Who Takes the Tax?
Switch a few cups around on the table, fast--THEN repeat Tax, Tax, Who Takes the Tax?
Darth ain't too stupid. Recognizing that the Revolution (when it comes) may have serious effects--like the guillotine for him--he offers local officials the chance to participate in skinning the taxpayers.
Evidently he figures that taxpayers won't lop off the heads of everyone in Government.
Gov. Jim Doyle will ask the Legislature to let local governments raise their fall property tax levies by 4% - double the limit of the past two years, but a rate the governor said would still control local taxes.
The lying commences in the very next paragraph:
If the plan is passed by the Legislature, Doyle estimates it would cause a $75 increase - or 2.7% - in the December property tax bill on the median-valued Wisconsin home. Last year, the tax bill on that home was $2,730.
Only if you forget that the school tax may ALSO rise (and we use "may" with a laugh.)
Public school spending is controlled by separate formulas. Partly because of the passage of so many local referendums, the average statewide levy for public schools rose 5.4% last year, according to the non-partisan Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance.
Hardly the end of the lying. Here's another one:
To also control property tax bills, Doyle will recommend that the state continue to pay two-thirds of public school costs
"Continue" to pay? Recall that Darth UN-'continued' the 67% payment in the last budget. So yah, hey, if the State pops for 67%, it not only has to ratchet up from its current lower-level 'contribution;' it has to ratched up again, for the increases in school costs for THIS year (not to mention 2008.)
After the lying, there's the switcheroo:
Aides said the governor's plan will include:
• Providing $88 million in potential bonus payments, starting in 2009, to be shared by local governments that increase their levies at 85% or less of the maximum allowed.
• Providing $15 million more in state shared-revenue aid to local governments, a 1.5% increase. It would be the first increase in shared revenue in several years, Doyle said.
...and where's THAT $103 million coming from? (Hint: look in a mirror while holding your Wisconsin income-tax form.)
And finally, the "wish-and-prayer" method of payment:
• Providing a new credit on tax bills sent in December 2008 that Doyle aides say would be worth $48 to the owner of a typical home.
Under the new credit, the state would pay the tax levy for public schools on the first $5,545 of assessed value on any building - home, apartment, business or farm barn.
The credit would be paid the owners of 2.1 million parcels of property with buildings but not paid the owners of 1.6 million parcels that are vacant or farmland. That has raised questions of constitutionality.
The Wisconsin Constitution requires that all types of property be taxed equally.
State Budget Director David Schmiedicke said the new credit would be legal because all owners of property with buildings would be entitled to claim it.
"We think we're applying it in a uniform manner," Schmiedicke said.
Switch a few cups around on the table, fast--THEN repeat Tax, Tax, Who Takes the Tax?
Darth ain't too stupid. Recognizing that the Revolution (when it comes) may have serious effects--like the guillotine for him--he offers local officials the chance to participate in skinning the taxpayers.
Evidently he figures that taxpayers won't lop off the heads of everyone in Government.
Gov. Jim Doyle will ask the Legislature to let local governments raise their fall property tax levies by 4% - double the limit of the past two years, but a rate the governor said would still control local taxes.
The lying commences in the very next paragraph:
If the plan is passed by the Legislature, Doyle estimates it would cause a $75 increase - or 2.7% - in the December property tax bill on the median-valued Wisconsin home. Last year, the tax bill on that home was $2,730.
Only if you forget that the school tax may ALSO rise (and we use "may" with a laugh.)
Public school spending is controlled by separate formulas. Partly because of the passage of so many local referendums, the average statewide levy for public schools rose 5.4% last year, according to the non-partisan Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance.
Hardly the end of the lying. Here's another one:
To also control property tax bills, Doyle will recommend that the state continue to pay two-thirds of public school costs
"Continue" to pay? Recall that Darth UN-'continued' the 67% payment in the last budget. So yah, hey, if the State pops for 67%, it not only has to ratchet up from its current lower-level 'contribution;' it has to ratched up again, for the increases in school costs for THIS year (not to mention 2008.)
After the lying, there's the switcheroo:
Aides said the governor's plan will include:
• Providing $88 million in potential bonus payments, starting in 2009, to be shared by local governments that increase their levies at 85% or less of the maximum allowed.
• Providing $15 million more in state shared-revenue aid to local governments, a 1.5% increase. It would be the first increase in shared revenue in several years, Doyle said.
...and where's THAT $103 million coming from? (Hint: look in a mirror while holding your Wisconsin income-tax form.)
And finally, the "wish-and-prayer" method of payment:
• Providing a new credit on tax bills sent in December 2008 that Doyle aides say would be worth $48 to the owner of a typical home.
Under the new credit, the state would pay the tax levy for public schools on the first $5,545 of assessed value on any building - home, apartment, business or farm barn.
The credit would be paid the owners of 2.1 million parcels of property with buildings but not paid the owners of 1.6 million parcels that are vacant or farmland. That has raised questions of constitutionality.
The Wisconsin Constitution requires that all types of property be taxed equally.
State Budget Director David Schmiedicke said the new credit would be legal because all owners of property with buildings would be entitled to claim it.
So there's a cigarette tax increase, a driving-"fee"-increase, a petroleum-distribution-tax increase, a property-tax increase, and a "get-sick-and-pay-more" tax increase on the table.
Where's the SPENDING DECREASE????
"We think we're applying it in a uniform manner," Schmiedicke said.
McCann's Final Gift: Child Molesters
Evidently the now-retired Milwaukee County DA doesn't read the law too often. I mean, hey! Working on retirement-party planning, figuring out how to spend the pension...who has time for all that legal stuff?
A law that went on the books in June required guys like Scholke and Diperna to do several years of hard time unless a judge declares - for the record - that there is some extraordinary reason not to throw the book at the felons.
But by their admission, Milwaukee County prosecutors were clueless for about a half-year about the new law. From June until December, they were charging defendants, recommending sentences to judges and cutting plea deals without using the power legislators had entrusted in them.
The impact of the goof-up will be felt for months, much to the benefit of the perverts.
In our review of the records, we found at least 20 criminal cases, including one filed Feb. 1, in which prosecutors listed the potential penalty on the complaint as the old, lighter sentence, not the one now on the books.
The new law set a "presumptive minimum" prison term, meaning the judge is urged to lock up the defendant and could impose a lesser sentence only in highly unusual cases, for certain child-sex crimes. For instance, those like Scholke who are convicted of using a computer to hook up with a minor for sex are to face a presumptive minimum sentence of five years behind bars and five years of extended supervision. The law also boosted the maximum penalty from 25 years in prison to 40 years.
An occasional review of Legislative activity should be on the calendar for Milwaukee's new DA, we hope.
A law that went on the books in June required guys like Scholke and Diperna to do several years of hard time unless a judge declares - for the record - that there is some extraordinary reason not to throw the book at the felons.
But by their admission, Milwaukee County prosecutors were clueless for about a half-year about the new law. From June until December, they were charging defendants, recommending sentences to judges and cutting plea deals without using the power legislators had entrusted in them.
The impact of the goof-up will be felt for months, much to the benefit of the perverts.
In our review of the records, we found at least 20 criminal cases, including one filed Feb. 1, in which prosecutors listed the potential penalty on the complaint as the old, lighter sentence, not the one now on the books.
The new law set a "presumptive minimum" prison term, meaning the judge is urged to lock up the defendant and could impose a lesser sentence only in highly unusual cases, for certain child-sex crimes. For instance, those like Scholke who are convicted of using a computer to hook up with a minor for sex are to face a presumptive minimum sentence of five years behind bars and five years of extended supervision. The law also boosted the maximum penalty from 25 years in prison to 40 years.
An occasional review of Legislative activity should be on the calendar for Milwaukee's new DA, we hope.
Widera: Was it "Dr." Leo Graham, or Abp. Cousins?
A California court ruled that the Archdiocese of Milwaukee should release its personnel records on one of Milwaukee's most notorious child-abusing priests, Fr. Sigfried Widera. But there's more to the story than just Bishops and other priests.
The JSOnline's story reports as follows:
From Siegfried Widera's earliest days as a Roman Catholic priest in the Milwaukee Archdiocese, church officials and others acting on the church's behalf knew he was sexually abusing young boys and continually placed his well-being above that of parishioners' in various dioceses, according to newly released court documents.
The documents describe a man for whom molesting boys was like breathing air or eating food, yet who was sent to California by an archbishop who said he was "no great risk" doing pastoral work and was dealing merely with "legal complications" as a result of a "moral problem."
...Just six years after his ordination, Widera was arrested in Port Washington for having sexual contact with an 11-year-old boy. He admitted to the crime and to similar conduct with several other boys but was charged with only one count of what was known as sexual perversion. He avoided jail; he was placed on three years' probation and ordered to stay out of Ozaukee County.
But here, 3/4ths of the way through the story, we find a non-Bishop/non-priest who was a very influential and significant actor in the story:
After his arrest, Widera began seeing Leo Graham, a church-employed therapist, who was in frequent contact with archdiocesan officials, the records say.
Graham played an integral role in finding a new church assignment for his patient. Widera's placement had to be considered carefully, he said.
On June 29, 1976, archdiocesan officials learned of new abuse accusations from an Elkhorn therapist who was treating a boy. After a church official assured the therapist that Widera would receive inpatient treatment, the therapist persuaded the victim's mother not to go to the police.
A July 7, 1976, entry in a vicar's log kept by the archdiocese says, however: "Leo (Graham) doubts value of inpatient treatment."
It also notes that "Graham feels that 'one slip' in 3 years is not too bad a track record."
Really, Leo?
Archdiocesan officials set in motion a plan to get Widera out of Wisconsin. Initially, he would go "on vacation" to California. But Milwaukee Archbishop William Cousins said Widera should prepare for reassignment.
Graham was upset that Widera was about to be moved without his input. He said Widera should remain in Delavan - he still was on probation - and Graham said he would see the abused child in what the vicar's log called "a one-shot evaluation of the boy to determine if there is any traumatic damages (usually in these cases, there is not)."
We don't doubt that the Archdiocese was wrong.
But I'd like to know exactly how "Dr." Graham retained so much influence with the Archdiocese.
Dr. Graham seems to have a history: (Terry Berres' history at this link is very useful, but not enjoyable.)
Graham surrendered his license to practice in Wisconsin in 1987 for having inappropriate sexual contact with patients.
That was not the only problem "Dr." Graham had. Although Widera was a serious offender, one who was even worse was Fr. Effinger, who molested his way through several assignments, too.
What was "Dr." Graham's opinion of Effinger?
Graham’s report concluded that he believed Father Effinger was “not a pedophile,” although he was concerned about his alcohol use.
Yeah, I guess that might have been a problem, too, "Dr." Graham.
It's a very sad story all around, filled with denials, utter stupidity, and broken boys. But it isn't just Archbishops and priests.
The JSOnline's story reports as follows:
From Siegfried Widera's earliest days as a Roman Catholic priest in the Milwaukee Archdiocese, church officials and others acting on the church's behalf knew he was sexually abusing young boys and continually placed his well-being above that of parishioners' in various dioceses, according to newly released court documents.
The documents describe a man for whom molesting boys was like breathing air or eating food, yet who was sent to California by an archbishop who said he was "no great risk" doing pastoral work and was dealing merely with "legal complications" as a result of a "moral problem."
...Just six years after his ordination, Widera was arrested in Port Washington for having sexual contact with an 11-year-old boy. He admitted to the crime and to similar conduct with several other boys but was charged with only one count of what was known as sexual perversion. He avoided jail; he was placed on three years' probation and ordered to stay out of Ozaukee County.
But here, 3/4ths of the way through the story, we find a non-Bishop/non-priest who was a very influential and significant actor in the story:
After his arrest, Widera began seeing Leo Graham, a church-employed therapist, who was in frequent contact with archdiocesan officials, the records say.
Graham played an integral role in finding a new church assignment for his patient. Widera's placement had to be considered carefully, he said.
On June 29, 1976, archdiocesan officials learned of new abuse accusations from an Elkhorn therapist who was treating a boy. After a church official assured the therapist that Widera would receive inpatient treatment, the therapist persuaded the victim's mother not to go to the police.
A July 7, 1976, entry in a vicar's log kept by the archdiocese says, however: "Leo (Graham) doubts value of inpatient treatment."
It also notes that "Graham feels that 'one slip' in 3 years is not too bad a track record."
Really, Leo?
Archdiocesan officials set in motion a plan to get Widera out of Wisconsin. Initially, he would go "on vacation" to California. But Milwaukee Archbishop William Cousins said Widera should prepare for reassignment.
Graham was upset that Widera was about to be moved without his input. He said Widera should remain in Delavan - he still was on probation - and Graham said he would see the abused child in what the vicar's log called "a one-shot evaluation of the boy to determine if there is any traumatic damages (usually in these cases, there is not)."
We don't doubt that the Archdiocese was wrong.
But I'd like to know exactly how "Dr." Graham retained so much influence with the Archdiocese.
Dr. Graham seems to have a history: (Terry Berres' history at this link is very useful, but not enjoyable.)
Graham surrendered his license to practice in Wisconsin in 1987 for having inappropriate sexual contact with patients.
That was not the only problem "Dr." Graham had. Although Widera was a serious offender, one who was even worse was Fr. Effinger, who molested his way through several assignments, too.
What was "Dr." Graham's opinion of Effinger?
Graham’s report concluded that he believed Father Effinger was “not a pedophile,” although he was concerned about his alcohol use.
Yeah, I guess that might have been a problem, too, "Dr." Graham.
It's a very sad story all around, filled with denials, utter stupidity, and broken boys. But it isn't just Archbishops and priests.
Friday, February 09, 2007
Rove: Is He REALLY This Stupid?
Dreher posts an excerpt from Mark Krikorian's "Corner" column:
According to a congressman's wife who attended a Republican women's luncheon yesterday, Karl Rove explained the rationale behind the president's amnesty/open-borders proposal this way: "I don't want my 17-year-old son to have to pick tomatoes or make beds in Las Vegas."
There should be no need to explain why this is an obscene statement coming from a leader in the party that promotes the virtues of hard work, thrift, and sobriety, a party whose demi-god actually split fence rails as a young man, a party where "respectable Republican cloth coat" once actually meant something.
Krikorian assumes that Rove actually believes the (R) rhetoric.
Perhaps Rove is contemplating his future without Air Force One, eh? Bad enough that he'll have to fly G-5's, or commercial; even worse is the possibility that his child would have to stoop to earn money. Such dark days lie ahead.
This is why the president's "willing worker/willing employer" immigration extravaganza is morally wrong — it's not just that it will cost taxpayers untold billions, or that it will beggar our own blue-collar workers, or that it will compromise security, or that it will further dissolve our sovereignty. It would do all that, of course, but most importantly it would change the very nature of our society for the worse, creating whole occupations deemed to be unfit for respectable Americans, for which little brown people have to be imported from abroad. In other words, mass immigration, even now, is moving us toward an unequal, master-servant society.
There is an excellent case to be made for LEGAL immigration (and perhaps in larger numbers than the current 12,000/month from Mexico.)
Rove's kid's clean hands is not part of that case.
According to a congressman's wife who attended a Republican women's luncheon yesterday, Karl Rove explained the rationale behind the president's amnesty/open-borders proposal this way: "I don't want my 17-year-old son to have to pick tomatoes or make beds in Las Vegas."
There should be no need to explain why this is an obscene statement coming from a leader in the party that promotes the virtues of hard work, thrift, and sobriety, a party whose demi-god actually split fence rails as a young man, a party where "respectable Republican cloth coat" once actually meant something.
Krikorian assumes that Rove actually believes the (R) rhetoric.
Perhaps Rove is contemplating his future without Air Force One, eh? Bad enough that he'll have to fly G-5's, or commercial; even worse is the possibility that his child would have to stoop to earn money. Such dark days lie ahead.
This is why the president's "willing worker/willing employer" immigration extravaganza is morally wrong — it's not just that it will cost taxpayers untold billions, or that it will beggar our own blue-collar workers, or that it will compromise security, or that it will further dissolve our sovereignty. It would do all that, of course, but most importantly it would change the very nature of our society for the worse, creating whole occupations deemed to be unfit for respectable Americans, for which little brown people have to be imported from abroad. In other words, mass immigration, even now, is moving us toward an unequal, master-servant society.
There is an excellent case to be made for LEGAL immigration (and perhaps in larger numbers than the current 12,000/month from Mexico.)
Rove's kid's clean hands is not part of that case.
Liturgeists vs. Liturgy: Weigel on Orientation
It would be largely accurate to characterize Liturgeists as "disoriented," and it starts with their completely un-informed insistence on having Father 'face the people' during the celebration of the Mass.
In a review of a new book on the topic, George Weigel makes the case for "ad orientem" (towards the East, for Liturgeists.) Some excerpts:
The question at issue is not so much the celebration of Mass facing the people as the orientation of liturgical prayer. Thus attempts to derail this discussion by dismissing it as a project of anti-Vatican II reactionaries eager for the priest to turn his back to the people should be resisted. As Father Lang writes, "this cheesy sound-bite is a classic example of confounding theology and topography, for the crucial point is that the Mass is a common act of worship where priest and people together, representing the pilgrim church, reach out for the transcendent God."
This, in fact, is one of the primary purposes of the eucharistic liturgy: it is meant to point Christian existence toward Christ coming in glory. (That is, it is "other-directed, or "outward-directed," not a closed circle.)
This common orientation of priest and people toward Christ, returning in glory, is deeply rooted in the origins of Christianity. Then, it was a matter of course for Christians to turn in prayer toward the rising sun
Thus, the priest facing the same direction as the faithful when he stands at the altar, leads the people of God in a common movement toward the Lord, who is the rising sun of history (Christ)
Not hard to understand, eh?
HT: Christus Vincit
In a review of a new book on the topic, George Weigel makes the case for "ad orientem" (towards the East, for Liturgeists.) Some excerpts:
The question at issue is not so much the celebration of Mass facing the people as the orientation of liturgical prayer. Thus attempts to derail this discussion by dismissing it as a project of anti-Vatican II reactionaries eager for the priest to turn his back to the people should be resisted. As Father Lang writes, "this cheesy sound-bite is a classic example of confounding theology and topography, for the crucial point is that the Mass is a common act of worship where priest and people together, representing the pilgrim church, reach out for the transcendent God."
This, in fact, is one of the primary purposes of the eucharistic liturgy: it is meant to point Christian existence toward Christ coming in glory. (That is, it is "other-directed, or "outward-directed," not a closed circle.)
This common orientation of priest and people toward Christ, returning in glory, is deeply rooted in the origins of Christianity. Then, it was a matter of course for Christians to turn in prayer toward the rising sun
Thus, the priest facing the same direction as the faithful when he stands at the altar, leads the people of God in a common movement toward the Lord, who is the rising sun of history (Christ)
Not hard to understand, eh?
HT: Christus Vincit
Props for Archdiocese of DC
We've taken shots at the Archbishop(s) of DC, so in a spirit of fairness, here's a good thing from that Archdiocese AND a suggestion for Milwaukee:
Thought you might like to share this good news with your readers: I take the Metro in to work every morning in DC. This morning, I was overjoyed to see in place of the usual ads for TV shows and gadgets, an invitation from the Archdiocese of Washington to come celebrate the sacrament of Confession. It included a link to this website: http://www.the-light-is-on.org/ , which takes you to links about how confession works and where to find a parish.
(Emailed to DomBet)
The website is a good idea! If combined with (ideals, ideals) Archdiocese-wide standard times for Confessions (e.g., 3:30-5:00 Saturdays, 6:30-8:00PM Wednesdays, and 30 minutes before all Sunday Masses,) it will work.
Not necessarily in Week One, or Month One. But it WILL work.
Thought you might like to share this good news with your readers: I take the Metro in to work every morning in DC. This morning, I was overjoyed to see in place of the usual ads for TV shows and gadgets, an invitation from the Archdiocese of Washington to come celebrate the sacrament of Confession. It included a link to this website: http://www.the-light-is-on.org/ , which takes you to links about how confession works and where to find a parish.
(Emailed to DomBet)
The website is a good idea! If combined with (ideals, ideals) Archdiocese-wide standard times for Confessions (e.g., 3:30-5:00 Saturdays, 6:30-8:00PM Wednesdays, and 30 minutes before all Sunday Masses,) it will work.
Not necessarily in Week One, or Month One. But it WILL work.
When GrannyNan Becomes Queen...
Some of you recall that line (slightly adapted) from a musical based on "Peanuts." Lucy's character kept intoning 'When I become Queen...' (which was a prospect more frightening than war, of course...)
Well, Lucy emerged from the cartoon as GrannyNan Pelosi, the wannabe-Queen of the United States of America.
The Washington Times first reported last week on Mrs. Pelosi's request, saying she wanted a larger plane and more passengers than afforded her predecessor, Rep. J. Dennis Hastert, Illinois Republican. The Air Force allotted Mr. Hastert a small, 12-seat commuter jet to ferry him to his Illinois district.
Her comment?
"I don't even like having the security," Mrs. Pelosi said. "I would rather travel on the plane with my friends to get some work done. I like my freedom, but there are certain sacrifices you have to make when you are speaker of the House."
Yup. It's only a 757, not a 747. I don't know how she can STAND the difficulty.
GrannyNan wants a 42-business-class-passenger jet which can non-stop from DC to SFO. Meantime, for "fuel efficiency," YOU can ride a bicycle.
Well, Lucy emerged from the cartoon as GrannyNan Pelosi, the wannabe-Queen of the United States of America.
The Washington Times first reported last week on Mrs. Pelosi's request, saying she wanted a larger plane and more passengers than afforded her predecessor, Rep. J. Dennis Hastert, Illinois Republican. The Air Force allotted Mr. Hastert a small, 12-seat commuter jet to ferry him to his Illinois district.
Her comment?
"I don't even like having the security," Mrs. Pelosi said. "I would rather travel on the plane with my friends to get some work done. I like my freedom, but there are certain sacrifices you have to make when you are speaker of the House."
Yup. It's only a 757, not a 747. I don't know how she can STAND the difficulty.
GrannyNan wants a 42-business-class-passenger jet which can non-stop from DC to SFO. Meantime, for "fuel efficiency," YOU can ride a bicycle.
Another $Umpty-Million Down the Drain
The State, in its infinite wisdom, hired Accenture.
A computerized system to register Wisconsin voters and prevent fraudulent voting won't be ready for the April 3 election, state elections officials said.
The state has already missed a federal deadline of Jan. 1, 2006 for setting up the system.
The state has paid software developer Accenture $9 million for the system so far, Richmond said. Most of that money came from the federal government.
Elections Board director Kevin Kennedy said the state had hoped to work with Accenture to complete the project, but the agency is now considering suing the developer.
There are always two sides to the story, and Accenture is not telling theirs, yet.
Meantime, don't count on "clean and honest" elections. The frauds from last year's are just emerging now.
A computerized system to register Wisconsin voters and prevent fraudulent voting won't be ready for the April 3 election, state elections officials said.
The state has already missed a federal deadline of Jan. 1, 2006 for setting up the system.
The state has paid software developer Accenture $9 million for the system so far, Richmond said. Most of that money came from the federal government.
Elections Board director Kevin Kennedy said the state had hoped to work with Accenture to complete the project, but the agency is now considering suing the developer.
There are always two sides to the story, and Accenture is not telling theirs, yet.
Meantime, don't count on "clean and honest" elections. The frauds from last year's are just emerging now.
Raise Cost of Health Care to Lower Cost of Health Care
Only Kafka could make this up...but then, we have DarthDoyle (D-Babykillers).
In his Tuesday budget message, Gov. Jim Doyle is expected to propose a tax on hospitals.
Although details of Doyle's proposal aren't known, Illinois levies its 2.5% hospital tax on gross revenue. If Wisconsin did likewise, a 2% tax could raise about $225 million from hospitals, since the Wisconsin Hospital Association reported total revenue of $11.2 billion in 2004.
Stone inanity? The Feds (of course) are partially responsible.
A new tax on Wisconsin hospital revenue would bring in more federal aid for this reason: The federal government pays 57 cents out of every $1 that Wisconsin spends on Medicaid; state government pays 43 cents. So, if revenue from a hospital tax is used to boost state Medicaid spending, the federal government would pay the state much more than it does now.
For more complex (and asinine) ideas, there IS the Wisconsin school-aid formula.
"If hospitals are taxed in this state, there's no question those taxes are going to be passed on to patients in our hospitals," Borgerding [Wisconsin Hospital Ass'n] said.
Duhhhhh!
Experience should be instructive to Darth. Let's hope he reads this:
Jennifer Jackson, chief executive officer of the Connecticut Hospital Association, said that state eliminated its hospital tax in 2003 - after nearly a decade - after a lawsuit from the hospital group.
Such programs look appealing the first year because of the revenue potential, she said, but it's hard to keep the original program and reimbursement rates in later years, as federal rules change and the money is diverted to other programs.
Darth could put the money into schools, I suppose.
In his Tuesday budget message, Gov. Jim Doyle is expected to propose a tax on hospitals.
Although details of Doyle's proposal aren't known, Illinois levies its 2.5% hospital tax on gross revenue. If Wisconsin did likewise, a 2% tax could raise about $225 million from hospitals, since the Wisconsin Hospital Association reported total revenue of $11.2 billion in 2004.
Stone inanity? The Feds (of course) are partially responsible.
A new tax on Wisconsin hospital revenue would bring in more federal aid for this reason: The federal government pays 57 cents out of every $1 that Wisconsin spends on Medicaid; state government pays 43 cents. So, if revenue from a hospital tax is used to boost state Medicaid spending, the federal government would pay the state much more than it does now.
For more complex (and asinine) ideas, there IS the Wisconsin school-aid formula.
"If hospitals are taxed in this state, there's no question those taxes are going to be passed on to patients in our hospitals," Borgerding [Wisconsin Hospital Ass'n] said.
Duhhhhh!
Experience should be instructive to Darth. Let's hope he reads this:
Jennifer Jackson, chief executive officer of the Connecticut Hospital Association, said that state eliminated its hospital tax in 2003 - after nearly a decade - after a lawsuit from the hospital group.
Such programs look appealing the first year because of the revenue potential, she said, but it's hard to keep the original program and reimbursement rates in later years, as federal rules change and the money is diverted to other programs.
Darth could put the money into schools, I suppose.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Legal Prostitution?
The Libertarian instincts of Sykes were unleashed this morning while he commented on using police time and resources to track down and arrest local whores; he asked the question 'whether prostitution should be legal?'
He didn't mention "safe and rare," but hey...
That's a question that I satirized when I was around 21 years of age, in discussing what could be done with a fine old mansion at the east end of Wisconsin Avenue. Back then, not even the Democrat I worked for was amused.
Regardless, by co-incidence (perhaps NOT,) another blogger published a brief on our old pal, Friedrich Nietzsche, whose philosophy just happens to coincide with Libertarian thinking on the subject. (Or perhaps it's more accurate to state that Libertarian thinking follows that of Nietzsche.)
Quoting Peter Kreeft, the blogger posts:
Friedrich Nietzsche called himself “the Anti-Christ,” and wrote a book by that title. He argued for atheism as follows: “I will now disprove the existence of all gods. If there were gods, how could I bear not to be a god? Consequently, there are no gods.”
He scorned reason as well as faith, often deliberately contradicted himself, said that “a sneer is infinitely more noble that a syllogism” and appealed to passion, rhetoric and even deliberate hatred rather than reason.
He saw love as “the greatest danger” and morality as mankind’s worst weakness. He died insane, in an asylum, of syphilis-signing his last letters “the Crucified One.” He was adored by the Nazis as their semi-official philosopher.
But in Nietzsche’s last work, “The Will to Power,” the lack of an end or goal appears as demonic, and mirrors the demonic character of the modern mind. Without a God, a heaven, truth, or an absolute Goodness to aim at, the meaning of life becomes simply “the will to power.” Power becomes its own end, not a means. Life is like a bubble, empty within and without; but its meaning is self-affirmation, egotism, blowing up your bubble, expanding the meaningless self into the meaningless void. “Just will,” is Nietzsche’s advice. It does not matter what you will or why.
We are now in a position to see why Nietzsche is such a crucially important thinker, not despite but because of his insanity. No one in history, except possibly the Marquis de Sade, has ever so clearly, candidly and consistently formulated the complete alternative to Christianity.
Pre-Christian (i.e., pagan) societies and philosophies were like virgins. Post-Christian (i.e., modern) societies and philosophies are like divorcees. Nietzsche is no pagan pre-Christian, but the essential, modern post-Christian and anti-Christian.
Note that Nietzsche's "will to power" sees love as "the greatest danger." When you've internalized that, you begin to understand the flaw in his thinking--but to cut to the chase, N. postulates that one can "make his own rules" through the Will to Power.
This is also referred to as 'the transvaluation of all values' by other critics of N., and acceptance of N.'s position implies not only the legitimization of prostitution, but an anarchical situation which neither Conservatives nor good Republicans should espouse.
He didn't mention "safe and rare," but hey...
That's a question that I satirized when I was around 21 years of age, in discussing what could be done with a fine old mansion at the east end of Wisconsin Avenue. Back then, not even the Democrat I worked for was amused.
Regardless, by co-incidence (perhaps NOT,) another blogger published a brief on our old pal, Friedrich Nietzsche, whose philosophy just happens to coincide with Libertarian thinking on the subject. (Or perhaps it's more accurate to state that Libertarian thinking follows that of Nietzsche.)
Quoting Peter Kreeft, the blogger posts:
Friedrich Nietzsche called himself “the Anti-Christ,” and wrote a book by that title. He argued for atheism as follows: “I will now disprove the existence of all gods. If there were gods, how could I bear not to be a god? Consequently, there are no gods.”
He scorned reason as well as faith, often deliberately contradicted himself, said that “a sneer is infinitely more noble that a syllogism” and appealed to passion, rhetoric and even deliberate hatred rather than reason.
He saw love as “the greatest danger” and morality as mankind’s worst weakness. He died insane, in an asylum, of syphilis-signing his last letters “the Crucified One.” He was adored by the Nazis as their semi-official philosopher.
But in Nietzsche’s last work, “The Will to Power,” the lack of an end or goal appears as demonic, and mirrors the demonic character of the modern mind. Without a God, a heaven, truth, or an absolute Goodness to aim at, the meaning of life becomes simply “the will to power.” Power becomes its own end, not a means. Life is like a bubble, empty within and without; but its meaning is self-affirmation, egotism, blowing up your bubble, expanding the meaningless self into the meaningless void. “Just will,” is Nietzsche’s advice. It does not matter what you will or why.
We are now in a position to see why Nietzsche is such a crucially important thinker, not despite but because of his insanity. No one in history, except possibly the Marquis de Sade, has ever so clearly, candidly and consistently formulated the complete alternative to Christianity.
Pre-Christian (i.e., pagan) societies and philosophies were like virgins. Post-Christian (i.e., modern) societies and philosophies are like divorcees. Nietzsche is no pagan pre-Christian, but the essential, modern post-Christian and anti-Christian.
Note that Nietzsche's "will to power" sees love as "the greatest danger." When you've internalized that, you begin to understand the flaw in his thinking--but to cut to the chase, N. postulates that one can "make his own rules" through the Will to Power.
This is also referred to as 'the transvaluation of all values' by other critics of N., and acceptance of N.'s position implies not only the legitimization of prostitution, but an anarchical situation which neither Conservatives nor good Republicans should espouse.
Iran Helping Shoot Down Choppers?
Roggio reports:
The suspicion is the Islamic Republic of Iran is behind supplying al-Qaeda with the needed weapons, training and logistical support to supply and field a successful anti-aircraft force, much as the United States provided the mujahideen with Stingers in Afghanistan in the 1980s.
They're using Russian-made SA-7's, which are not quite as sophisticated as the US Stinger.
What is really interesting is this:
During the Baghdad and Irbil raids, the U.S. detained seven members of Iran's Qods Force (Iranian special forces) and captured documentation which proved Iran was supporting both the Sunni and Shia insurgent and death squads, as well as Al_Qaeda and Ansar al-Sunnah.
It's not surprising that Iran is involved; but their support of ALL the combative splinters will eventually bite them where it counts.
The suspicion is the Islamic Republic of Iran is behind supplying al-Qaeda with the needed weapons, training and logistical support to supply and field a successful anti-aircraft force, much as the United States provided the mujahideen with Stingers in Afghanistan in the 1980s.
They're using Russian-made SA-7's, which are not quite as sophisticated as the US Stinger.
What is really interesting is this:
During the Baghdad and Irbil raids, the U.S. detained seven members of Iran's Qods Force (Iranian special forces) and captured documentation which proved Iran was supporting both the Sunni and Shia insurgent and death squads, as well as Al_Qaeda and Ansar al-Sunnah.
It's not surprising that Iran is involved; but their support of ALL the combative splinters will eventually bite them where it counts.
Tim Russert: Not As Bad As Dan Rather
Clearly, the Government's side of the Libby case is going poorly.
But that's not nearly as bad as things are for Tim Russert, former (D) political operative and currently hosting some NBC program.
Here's a summary of the cross-examination of Russert from Just One Minute.
Wells [Libby's attorney] ... established that (a) the FBI report of [Russert's] conversations (they say he had two, he only recalls one) made far closer in time to the event indicate he conceded that Ms. Wilson's name may have come up in their conversation though he earlier discounted that as "impossible" (b) In a heated matter involving the Buffalo News, [Russert's] own memory was faulty. He'd made two angry calls to a critical reporter, denied that he had, and then, after checking his phone records, apologized, asserting he had no memory whatsoever of the calls, and (c) while making an impassioned plea for the right of reporters to protect the confidentiality of sources, [Rusert had] already twice discussed the Libby exchanges with the FBI and failed to disclose that to the Court or the public.
"Not as bad as Dan Rather" is not how Timmy wants to be remembered. But he's getting there.
But that's not nearly as bad as things are for Tim Russert, former (D) political operative and currently hosting some NBC program.
Here's a summary of the cross-examination of Russert from Just One Minute.
Wells [Libby's attorney] ... established that (a) the FBI report of [Russert's] conversations (they say he had two, he only recalls one) made far closer in time to the event indicate he conceded that Ms. Wilson's name may have come up in their conversation though he earlier discounted that as "impossible" (b) In a heated matter involving the Buffalo News, [Russert's] own memory was faulty. He'd made two angry calls to a critical reporter, denied that he had, and then, after checking his phone records, apologized, asserting he had no memory whatsoever of the calls, and (c) while making an impassioned plea for the right of reporters to protect the confidentiality of sources, [Rusert had] already twice discussed the Libby exchanges with the FBI and failed to disclose that to the Court or the public.
"Not as bad as Dan Rather" is not how Timmy wants to be remembered. But he's getting there.
How Much More Can Mayfair Take?
About a year ago, we issued the orders: none of our children living at home would be allowed at Mayfair shopping center after 7:00 PM. Further, since their parents weren't going there after 7:00 PM, either, no use asking for a "parent-accompanied" exception.
That was before it became dangerous to ride the bus or trying to PARK in the place.
The owners of the land underneath Mayfair don't have to worry too much; a redevelopment into office space will sustain the value of the land quite well, thank you.
But the retailers currently paying very heavy rent--that's another thing.
That was before it became dangerous to ride the bus or trying to PARK in the place.
The owners of the land underneath Mayfair don't have to worry too much; a redevelopment into office space will sustain the value of the land quite well, thank you.
But the retailers currently paying very heavy rent--that's another thing.
McIlheran vs. Folkbum: No Contest
Whenever Folkbum decides to take on McIlheran (P-Mac), it's always fun to read Folkie's attempt to refute P-Mac.
"Where's the beef?" is always appropriate--sometimes, "Where's the bread?" fits, too.
McIlheran:
Sen. John Edwards (D-N.C.) has hired a campaign blogmaster, just the thing for a candidate with young and hip hair. The background check missed something, though:
She’s got a real problem with Catholics.
Specifically, when Amanda Marcotte was writing on her own blog, Pandagon, about the church’s view of birth control, she started with a little joke that, in crude terms, involved the Virgin Mary, the Plan B contraceptive, a nasty description of the “holy spirit” and a reference to Catholic doctrine as an “ancient mythology” meant to justify misognyny. Follow the link if you want to read it; it won’t be reprinted on the Journal Sentinel’s Web site.
Folkie:
It's the way he's dumbly parroting the party line without considering the double standards, without recognizing the cognitive dissonance that must be overcome to complain about Amanda.
For example, among those leading the charge is the Catholic League's Bill Donohue; you might remember him as the one who famously said
"Who really cares what Hollywood thinks? All these hacks come out there. Hollywood is controlled by secular Jews who hate Christianity in general and Catholicism in particular. It's not a secret, okay?
And that, my friends, is the tip of the porverbial iceberg--just google Donohue, and you can learn all about his hateful speech--less profane, but no less offensive--against Jews and homosexuals (or see, yes, Pandagon for more). Yet Donohue gets to go on TV to represent Catholics everywhere while Amanda may get fired from her gig as a blogger. Go figure.
It's reasonably well-known that Donohue is a pit-bull Catholic, as aggressive in defending Catholicism and Catholics as is the ADL in defending Judaism and Jews. (By the way, Donohue's remarks about Hollywood are accurate.)
Then Folkie launches into a rant about a second-rate (R) operative who works for a sure-loser (R) Presidential candidate (McPain); the operative apparently dissed Henry Waxman. This IS relevant--both Edwards and McPain are DOA in the primaries.
McIlheran's point was that John Edwards (D--The Richest America), in hiring a flame-throwing anti-Catholic bigot, made an error in judgment which may tell us something about the Breck Girl's overall Presidential timber.
Folkie's point was....what? That Edwards was right?
Pointing out that someone has a history of blind-rage-hatred of the Catholic Church is not a "party" line, Folkie. The Republicans actually don't do all that well with Catholics.
But Edwards' choice of 'net spokesman may change that.
By the way, Folkie: you never mentioned whether you disagree with Ms. Marcotte.
UPDATED: It now appears that the BreckGirl will keep the bloggers on his staff. Glad that's cleared up, hey!
"Where's the beef?" is always appropriate--sometimes, "Where's the bread?" fits, too.
McIlheran:
Sen. John Edwards (D-N.C.) has hired a campaign blogmaster, just the thing for a candidate with young and hip hair. The background check missed something, though:
She’s got a real problem with Catholics.
Specifically, when Amanda Marcotte was writing on her own blog, Pandagon, about the church’s view of birth control, she started with a little joke that, in crude terms, involved the Virgin Mary, the Plan B contraceptive, a nasty description of the “holy spirit” and a reference to Catholic doctrine as an “ancient mythology” meant to justify misognyny. Follow the link if you want to read it; it won’t be reprinted on the Journal Sentinel’s Web site.
Folkie:
It's the way he's dumbly parroting the party line without considering the double standards, without recognizing the cognitive dissonance that must be overcome to complain about Amanda.
For example, among those leading the charge is the Catholic League's Bill Donohue; you might remember him as the one who famously said
"Who really cares what Hollywood thinks? All these hacks come out there. Hollywood is controlled by secular Jews who hate Christianity in general and Catholicism in particular. It's not a secret, okay?
And that, my friends, is the tip of the porverbial iceberg--just google Donohue, and you can learn all about his hateful speech--less profane, but no less offensive--against Jews and homosexuals (or see, yes, Pandagon for more). Yet Donohue gets to go on TV to represent Catholics everywhere while Amanda may get fired from her gig as a blogger. Go figure.
It's reasonably well-known that Donohue is a pit-bull Catholic, as aggressive in defending Catholicism and Catholics as is the ADL in defending Judaism and Jews. (By the way, Donohue's remarks about Hollywood are accurate.)
Then Folkie launches into a rant about a second-rate (R) operative who works for a sure-loser (R) Presidential candidate (McPain); the operative apparently dissed Henry Waxman. This IS relevant--both Edwards and McPain are DOA in the primaries.
McIlheran's point was that John Edwards (D--The Richest America), in hiring a flame-throwing anti-Catholic bigot, made an error in judgment which may tell us something about the Breck Girl's overall Presidential timber.
Folkie's point was....what? That Edwards was right?
Pointing out that someone has a history of blind-rage-hatred of the Catholic Church is not a "party" line, Folkie. The Republicans actually don't do all that well with Catholics.
But Edwards' choice of 'net spokesman may change that.
By the way, Folkie: you never mentioned whether you disagree with Ms. Marcotte.
UPDATED: It now appears that the BreckGirl will keep the bloggers on his staff. Glad that's cleared up, hey!
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Rudy? No.
You've noticed the sudden increase in blog accolades of Rudy Giuliani. By no coincidence, the laudatory bits are all over the place in the rightist 'sphere.
The fact that Rudy announced yesterday is not a coincidence.
Given the amount of antipathy to McPain (whose personal campaign-finance "reform" is to opt out of the system and maximize his donation-intake) and the relatively low-visibility of others (Brownback, e.g.,) the Right-Side Kingmakers have decided Rudy's the man.
Somewhere along the line, I thought there were supposed to be some caucuses and primaries. Maybe I missed them.
GWB was also a relatively conservative guy who suddenly materialized as "the man." He's pretty good on judicial picks, has done a yeoman's (and thankless) job with foreign affairs and a somewhat amorphous war, and stuck to his principles on ESCR.
But there are a couple of areas in which it's clear that he's not a Conservative. He's a drunken sailor with a budget, and he doesn't have a firm grip on the concept of borders and citizenship.
But what is likely to hurt GWB's reputation most are his clearly horrific picks for domestic staff: FEMA comes to mind, and now his US Attorneys in Texas are clearly problems.
Rudy's promised that his Judiciary picks will be just great.
No noises on budgets, and he thinks that the 2nd Amendment right to self-defense only applies to country folks.
God only knows about his US Attorney picks, tax policy, or his thoughts on such things as borders and citizenship.
Not King yet. Maybe not even a prince.
The fact that Rudy announced yesterday is not a coincidence.
Given the amount of antipathy to McPain (whose personal campaign-finance "reform" is to opt out of the system and maximize his donation-intake) and the relatively low-visibility of others (Brownback, e.g.,) the Right-Side Kingmakers have decided Rudy's the man.
Somewhere along the line, I thought there were supposed to be some caucuses and primaries. Maybe I missed them.
GWB was also a relatively conservative guy who suddenly materialized as "the man." He's pretty good on judicial picks, has done a yeoman's (and thankless) job with foreign affairs and a somewhat amorphous war, and stuck to his principles on ESCR.
But there are a couple of areas in which it's clear that he's not a Conservative. He's a drunken sailor with a budget, and he doesn't have a firm grip on the concept of borders and citizenship.
But what is likely to hurt GWB's reputation most are his clearly horrific picks for domestic staff: FEMA comes to mind, and now his US Attorneys in Texas are clearly problems.
Rudy's promised that his Judiciary picks will be just great.
No noises on budgets, and he thinks that the 2nd Amendment right to self-defense only applies to country folks.
God only knows about his US Attorney picks, tax policy, or his thoughts on such things as borders and citizenship.
Not King yet. Maybe not even a prince.
Defense Costs in Perspective
While the Milwaukee JS seems to be embarking on the "Pentagon Costs a Lot" boat, here's a reality check statistic:
Mr. Bush's request would only bring defense outlays to 4.2% of GDP, or about 20% of total federal spending. That compares to 4.7% of GDP even under Jimmy Carter
(Source: WSJ, HT Betsy)
Mr. Bush's request would only bring defense outlays to 4.2% of GDP, or about 20% of total federal spending. That compares to 4.7% of GDP even under Jimmy Carter
(Source: WSJ, HT Betsy)
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Bp. Gumbleton Gets Vatican Smackdown? About Time!
This fellow, Bp Gumbleton, is long overdue for a good smackdown. Now maybe he got it.
Bishop Thomas Gumbleton of Detroit must seek permission from local bishops anywhere he wishes to speak, by order of the papal nuncio, the Vatican's ambassador to the United States, according to local leaders of Call to Action. The group has taken a variety of positions at odds with church policy.
Normally, Catholic clergy need permission only to conduct religious services. The Vatican has penalized dissident theologians in the past, but Robert Blair Kaiser, a Phoenix author who has covered the Vatican since 1962, said he had never heard of a nuncio restricting a bishop.
A source close to Gumbleton in Detroit confirmed the nuncio's action. A man who declined to identify himself at the nuncio's office in Washington, D.C., said the office would not talk about any such order.
Here's the "Gumby/Call to Action Spin" on the silencing:
Call to Action leaders said Archbishop Pietro Sambi, the papal nuncio, laid down the requirement to Gumbleton several months ago, reportedly as a result of testimony Gumbleton gave a year ago to the Ohio Legislature in favor of expanded time frames for abuse victims to file lawsuits.
Frankly, Bp G's outspoken heterodoxy is far more compelling than some Ohio lobbying. But CTA's major theme is that the Church is all about 'money and power,' so they reflexively assign the Vatican's action to a money-related item.
HT: Pro Ecclesia
Bishop Thomas Gumbleton of Detroit must seek permission from local bishops anywhere he wishes to speak, by order of the papal nuncio, the Vatican's ambassador to the United States, according to local leaders of Call to Action. The group has taken a variety of positions at odds with church policy.
Normally, Catholic clergy need permission only to conduct religious services. The Vatican has penalized dissident theologians in the past, but Robert Blair Kaiser, a Phoenix author who has covered the Vatican since 1962, said he had never heard of a nuncio restricting a bishop.
A source close to Gumbleton in Detroit confirmed the nuncio's action. A man who declined to identify himself at the nuncio's office in Washington, D.C., said the office would not talk about any such order.
Here's the "Gumby/Call to Action Spin" on the silencing:
Call to Action leaders said Archbishop Pietro Sambi, the papal nuncio, laid down the requirement to Gumbleton several months ago, reportedly as a result of testimony Gumbleton gave a year ago to the Ohio Legislature in favor of expanded time frames for abuse victims to file lawsuits.
Frankly, Bp G's outspoken heterodoxy is far more compelling than some Ohio lobbying. But CTA's major theme is that the Church is all about 'money and power,' so they reflexively assign the Vatican's action to a money-related item.
HT: Pro Ecclesia
Want to Get Old Fast?
Read this:
The group had been celebrating [actress Farah] Fawcett's 60th birthday
(From a story about Ryan O'Neal's self-defense vs. his son, Griffin.)
HT: John Lott
The group had been celebrating [actress Farah] Fawcett's 60th birthday
(From a story about Ryan O'Neal's self-defense vs. his son, Griffin.)
HT: John Lott
B-16's Analysis of Islam and the West
While most of the shallow-thinking MSM (and Muslim) reaction to the Pope's Regensburg speech was focused on a passage relating to Muslim conquests, the REST of the Pope's address was largely ignored.
There are two reasons for that. First, the press thrives on controversy--the bigger, the better. When the Successor of Peter quotes remarks which are uncomfortable to the next-largest world religion, it sells newspapers.
But the second reason may be far more important: B-16 also fired a serious shot at Western society:
While the pope is asking Islam for dialogue based on culture, human rights, the refusal of violence, he is asking the West, at the same time, to go back to a vision of human nature and rationality in which the religious dimension is not excluded.
"God-talk" does not win the hearts and minds of the MSM, folks. Certainly not in Old Europe, and not in East-Coast press/broadcast headquarters buildings.
To understand Benedict XVI’s thinking on Islamic religion, we must go over its evolution.
...First of all, he shows that there is no orthodoxy in Islam, because there is no one authority, no common doctrinal magisterium. This makes dialogue difficult: when we engage in dialogue, it is not “with Islam”, but with groups.
But the key point that he tackles is that of shari’a. He points out that:
“the Koran is a total religious law, which regulates the whole of political and social life and insists that the whole order of life be Islamic. Shari’a shapes society from beginning to end. In this sense, it can exploit such freedoms as our constitutions give, but it cannot be its final goal to say: Yes, now we too are a body with rights, now we are present [in society] just like the Catholics and the Protestants. In such a situation, [Islam] would not achieve a status consistent with its inner nature; it would be in alienation from itself”.
...Ratzinger saw clearly an essential difficulty of socio-political relations with the Muslim world, which comes from the totalizing conception of Islamic religion, which is profoundly different from Christianity. For this reason, he insists in saying that we cannot try to project onto Islam the Christian vision of the relationship between politics and religion.
In brief:
The essential idea is that dialogue with Islam and with other religions cannot be essentially a theological or religious dialogue, except in the broad terms of moral values; it must instead be a dialogue of cultures and civilizations.
This goes to the nature of the religious belief-system: Shari'a is 'complete in itself' as law, (it "descended upon" Mohammed, per se excluding interpretation) whereas in the Judaeo-Christian tradition, Scripture "was inspired," allowing for interpretation.
Therefore,
...it is a question of tackling the question of coexistence in the concrete terms of politics, economy, history, culture, customs.
For which the Natural Law is a common ground.
As to the West, now feverishly working to dis-join reason from faith, the Pope has another message.
“It has been said that we must not speak of God in the European constitution, because we must not offend Muslims and the faithful of other religions. The opposite is true: what offends Muslims and the faithful of other religions is not talking about God or our Christian roots, but rather the disdain for God and the sacred, that separates us from other cultures and does not create the opportunity for encounter, but expresses the arrogance of diminished, reduced reason, which provokes fundamentalist reactions.”
The author of the piece comments:
Benedict XVI admires in Islam the certainty based on faith, which contrasts with the West where everything is relativized; and he admires in Islam the sense of the sacred, which instead seems to have disappeared in the West. He has understood that a Muslim is not offended by the crucifix, by religious symbols: this is actually a laicist polemic that strives to eliminate the religious from society. Muslims are not offended by religious symbols, but by secularized culture, by the fact that God and the values that they associate with God are absent from this civilization.
This is also my experience, when I chat every once in a while with Muslims who live in Italy. They tell me: this country offers everything, we can live as we like, but unfortunately there are no “principles” (this is the word they use). This is felt very much by the pope, who says: let’s go back to human nature, based on rationality, on conscience, which gives an idea of human rights; on the other hand, let’s not reduce rationality to something which is impoverished, but let’s integrate the religious in rationality; the religious is part of rationality.
...[Benedict XVI's] proposal is that, if we want to find a common basis, we must get out of religious dialogue to give humanistic foundations to this dialogue, because only these are universal and shared by all human beings. Humanism is a universal factor; faiths can be factors of clash and division.
The pope’s position never falls into the justification of terrorism and violence. ...But, on the other hand, he has never fallen into the behaviour found in certain Christian circles in the West marked by “do-goodism” and by guilt complexes.
The Pope's proposal to the world is simple: recognize the essential junction of faith and reason, which promotes and protects the universal human values found in the natural law and conscience.
Attempting to "reason without faith" is as impossible as attempting "faith without reason."
HT: Dhimmi Watch
There are two reasons for that. First, the press thrives on controversy--the bigger, the better. When the Successor of Peter quotes remarks which are uncomfortable to the next-largest world religion, it sells newspapers.
But the second reason may be far more important: B-16 also fired a serious shot at Western society:
While the pope is asking Islam for dialogue based on culture, human rights, the refusal of violence, he is asking the West, at the same time, to go back to a vision of human nature and rationality in which the religious dimension is not excluded.
"God-talk" does not win the hearts and minds of the MSM, folks. Certainly not in Old Europe, and not in East-Coast press/broadcast headquarters buildings.
To understand Benedict XVI’s thinking on Islamic religion, we must go over its evolution.
...First of all, he shows that there is no orthodoxy in Islam, because there is no one authority, no common doctrinal magisterium. This makes dialogue difficult: when we engage in dialogue, it is not “with Islam”, but with groups.
But the key point that he tackles is that of shari’a. He points out that:
“the Koran is a total religious law, which regulates the whole of political and social life and insists that the whole order of life be Islamic. Shari’a shapes society from beginning to end. In this sense, it can exploit such freedoms as our constitutions give, but it cannot be its final goal to say: Yes, now we too are a body with rights, now we are present [in society] just like the Catholics and the Protestants. In such a situation, [Islam] would not achieve a status consistent with its inner nature; it would be in alienation from itself”.
...Ratzinger saw clearly an essential difficulty of socio-political relations with the Muslim world, which comes from the totalizing conception of Islamic religion, which is profoundly different from Christianity. For this reason, he insists in saying that we cannot try to project onto Islam the Christian vision of the relationship between politics and religion.
In brief:
The essential idea is that dialogue with Islam and with other religions cannot be essentially a theological or religious dialogue, except in the broad terms of moral values; it must instead be a dialogue of cultures and civilizations.
This goes to the nature of the religious belief-system: Shari'a is 'complete in itself' as law, (it "descended upon" Mohammed, per se excluding interpretation) whereas in the Judaeo-Christian tradition, Scripture "was inspired," allowing for interpretation.
Therefore,
...it is a question of tackling the question of coexistence in the concrete terms of politics, economy, history, culture, customs.
For which the Natural Law is a common ground.
As to the West, now feverishly working to dis-join reason from faith, the Pope has another message.
“It has been said that we must not speak of God in the European constitution, because we must not offend Muslims and the faithful of other religions. The opposite is true: what offends Muslims and the faithful of other religions is not talking about God or our Christian roots, but rather the disdain for God and the sacred, that separates us from other cultures and does not create the opportunity for encounter, but expresses the arrogance of diminished, reduced reason, which provokes fundamentalist reactions.”
The author of the piece comments:
Benedict XVI admires in Islam the certainty based on faith, which contrasts with the West where everything is relativized; and he admires in Islam the sense of the sacred, which instead seems to have disappeared in the West. He has understood that a Muslim is not offended by the crucifix, by religious symbols: this is actually a laicist polemic that strives to eliminate the religious from society. Muslims are not offended by religious symbols, but by secularized culture, by the fact that God and the values that they associate with God are absent from this civilization.
This is also my experience, when I chat every once in a while with Muslims who live in Italy. They tell me: this country offers everything, we can live as we like, but unfortunately there are no “principles” (this is the word they use). This is felt very much by the pope, who says: let’s go back to human nature, based on rationality, on conscience, which gives an idea of human rights; on the other hand, let’s not reduce rationality to something which is impoverished, but let’s integrate the religious in rationality; the religious is part of rationality.
...[Benedict XVI's] proposal is that, if we want to find a common basis, we must get out of religious dialogue to give humanistic foundations to this dialogue, because only these are universal and shared by all human beings. Humanism is a universal factor; faiths can be factors of clash and division.
The pope’s position never falls into the justification of terrorism and violence. ...But, on the other hand, he has never fallen into the behaviour found in certain Christian circles in the West marked by “do-goodism” and by guilt complexes.
The Pope's proposal to the world is simple: recognize the essential junction of faith and reason, which promotes and protects the universal human values found in the natural law and conscience.
Attempting to "reason without faith" is as impossible as attempting "faith without reason."
HT: Dhimmi Watch
Monday, February 05, 2007
Coming Soon: Network Wailing Over the Dead
You can expect some crying, a lot of fake pictures, and even MORE lies transmitted as "truth" from the usual BSCBSNBSCCNNBSABSBC.
Plans for a joint American-Iraqi offensive against insurgents in Baghdad have been laid, and the commanding Iraqi general, an American nominee, has been named. American officers say the offensive will dwarf all prior efforts:
"It's going to be an operation unlike anything this city has seen," Col. Doug Heckman added. "It's a multiple-order magnitude of difference, not just a 30 percent, I mean a couple hundred percent" larger than previous offensives.
HT: Powerline
Plans for a joint American-Iraqi offensive against insurgents in Baghdad have been laid, and the commanding Iraqi general, an American nominee, has been named. American officers say the offensive will dwarf all prior efforts:
"It's going to be an operation unlike anything this city has seen," Col. Doug Heckman added. "It's a multiple-order magnitude of difference, not just a 30 percent, I mean a couple hundred percent" larger than previous offensives.
HT: Powerline
How to Kill Terrorists
These bozo/wannabe "soldiers" are dumber than boxes of rocks:
Like the time when some ISF were driving and got blasted by an IED, causing numerous casualties and preventing them from recovering the vehicle. The terrorists came out and did their rifle-pumping-in-the-air thing, shooting AKs, dancing around like monkeys. Videos went ’round the world, making it appear the terrorists were running Mosul, which was pretty much what was being reported at the time.
But that wasn’t the whole story. In the Yarmuk neighborhood, only terrorists openly carry AK-47s. The lawyers call this Hostile Intent. The soldiers call this Dead Man Walking.
Deuce Four is an overwhelmingly aggressive and effective unit, and they believe the best defense is a dead enemy. They are constantly thinking up innovative, unique, and effective ways to kill or capture the enemy; proactive not reactive. They planned an operation with snipers, making it appear that an ISF vehicle had been attacked, complete with explosives and flash-bang grenades to simulate the IED. The simulated casualty evacuation of sand dummies completed the ruse.
The Deuce Four soldiers left quickly with the “casualties,” “abandoning” the burning truck in the traffic circle. The enemy took the bait. Terrorists came out and started with the AK-rifle-monkey-pump, shooting into the truck, their own video crews capturing the moment of glory. That’s when the American snipers opened fire and killed everybody with a weapon. Until now, only insiders knew about the AK-monkey-pumpers smack-down."
Monkey-pump, indeed.
Like the time when some ISF were driving and got blasted by an IED, causing numerous casualties and preventing them from recovering the vehicle. The terrorists came out and did their rifle-pumping-in-the-air thing, shooting AKs, dancing around like monkeys. Videos went ’round the world, making it appear the terrorists were running Mosul, which was pretty much what was being reported at the time.
But that wasn’t the whole story. In the Yarmuk neighborhood, only terrorists openly carry AK-47s. The lawyers call this Hostile Intent. The soldiers call this Dead Man Walking.
Deuce Four is an overwhelmingly aggressive and effective unit, and they believe the best defense is a dead enemy. They are constantly thinking up innovative, unique, and effective ways to kill or capture the enemy; proactive not reactive. They planned an operation with snipers, making it appear that an ISF vehicle had been attacked, complete with explosives and flash-bang grenades to simulate the IED. The simulated casualty evacuation of sand dummies completed the ruse.
The Deuce Four soldiers left quickly with the “casualties,” “abandoning” the burning truck in the traffic circle. The enemy took the bait. Terrorists came out and started with the AK-rifle-monkey-pump, shooting into the truck, their own video crews capturing the moment of glory. That’s when the American snipers opened fire and killed everybody with a weapon. Until now, only insiders knew about the AK-monkey-pumpers smack-down."
Monkey-pump, indeed.
Nader Defines The Hildebeeste
The lefties don't like HRC, do they?
Asked on CNN's Late Edition news program if he would run in 2008, the lawyer and consumer activist said, "It's really too early to say. ...
Nader, 72, said he did not plan to vote for Clinton, a Democratic senator from New York and former first lady.
"I don't think she has the fortitude. Actually she's really a panderer and a flatterer. As she goes around the country, you'll see more of that," Nader said.
On whether he would be encouraged to run if Clinton gets the Democratic nomination, Nader said, "It would make it more important that that be the case."
No question that HRC studied the X42 book.
HT: Captain's Quarters
Asked on CNN's Late Edition news program if he would run in 2008, the lawyer and consumer activist said, "It's really too early to say. ...
Nader, 72, said he did not plan to vote for Clinton, a Democratic senator from New York and former first lady.
"I don't think she has the fortitude. Actually she's really a panderer and a flatterer. As she goes around the country, you'll see more of that," Nader said.
On whether he would be encouraged to run if Clinton gets the Democratic nomination, Nader said, "It would make it more important that that be the case."
No question that HRC studied the X42 book.
HT: Captain's Quarters
Risser Shows His Wrinkles, Snows Owen
There comes a time when being 'old' is not the same as being 'wise.'
Fred Risser, the oldest Lefty in Wisconsin government, has passed that point.
Wisconsin would become one of a handful of states allowing some 17-year-olds to vote in primary elections, under a bill introduced by a Madison lawmaker.
The proposal would allow 17- year-olds who would turn 18 by the date of the general election to vote in the primary.
Freddie says that 'it's good public policy' to let the little darlings participate in 'the whole cycle.' Balderdash. There's a cutoff for everything, and that's the way it is.
HT: Owen, (who is wrong on this one.)
Fred Risser, the oldest Lefty in Wisconsin government, has passed that point.
Wisconsin would become one of a handful of states allowing some 17-year-olds to vote in primary elections, under a bill introduced by a Madison lawmaker.
The proposal would allow 17- year-olds who would turn 18 by the date of the general election to vote in the primary.
Freddie says that 'it's good public policy' to let the little darlings participate in 'the whole cycle.' Balderdash. There's a cutoff for everything, and that's the way it is.
HT: Owen, (who is wrong on this one.)
MMSD: Cheap Front-End, Expensive Results
The MMSD's original "Deep Tunnels" were only partially lined with concrete (that saved a few bucks, no?) and as a result, at least one Downtown building is settling. Damage to this one building so far? $9+ million.
Because the building owners cannot recover the full amount of the damages under the law, the judge in the case has ordered MMSD to line their tunnel with concrete to prevent further damage.
Henry Maier's "legacy:" buildings collapsing, but plenty of beer and song at Summerfest.
Because the building owners cannot recover the full amount of the damages under the law, the judge in the case has ordered MMSD to line their tunnel with concrete to prevent further damage.
Henry Maier's "legacy:" buildings collapsing, but plenty of beer and song at Summerfest.
"Real ID" in Trouble?
A major element of both national security AND vote-fraud prevention may be in trouble.
A revolt against a national driver's license, begun in Maine last month, is quickly spreading to other states.
The issue may be moot for states if Congress takes action.
Republican Sen. John Sununu of New Hampshire, along with Democratic Sen. Daniel Akaka of Hawaii, filed a bill last year to repeal the law. Sununu expects similar legislation will be introduced soon.
"The federal government should not be in charge of defining and issuing drivers' licenses," Sununu said in a statement.
Privacy advocates say a national driver's license will promote identity theft.
Barry Steinhardt, a lawyer with the American Civil Liberties Union, said the Real ID ordered by Congress would require a digital photo and probably a fingerprint on each driver's license or state-issued ID card. That, he said, will make it more valuable to identity thieves because the ID card will be accepted as much more than a driving credential.
"It's going to be a honey pot out there that's going to be irresistible to identity thieves," Steinhardt said.
The ACLU's opinion on the matter doesn't reflect their actual thought. The ACLU doesn't give a tinkers' damn about identity theft.
Their agitation will have the effect of allowing much greater freedom for illegal aliens (some of whom are terrorists) and, of course, for undermining the integrity of the vote.
DarthDoyle has also complained about "the cost" of implementing Real ID. In reality, this is also a smokescreen, as Darth's priorities do not include prevention of election fraud.
A revolt against a national driver's license, begun in Maine last month, is quickly spreading to other states.
The issue may be moot for states if Congress takes action.
Republican Sen. John Sununu of New Hampshire, along with Democratic Sen. Daniel Akaka of Hawaii, filed a bill last year to repeal the law. Sununu expects similar legislation will be introduced soon.
"The federal government should not be in charge of defining and issuing drivers' licenses," Sununu said in a statement.
Privacy advocates say a national driver's license will promote identity theft.
Barry Steinhardt, a lawyer with the American Civil Liberties Union, said the Real ID ordered by Congress would require a digital photo and probably a fingerprint on each driver's license or state-issued ID card. That, he said, will make it more valuable to identity thieves because the ID card will be accepted as much more than a driving credential.
"It's going to be a honey pot out there that's going to be irresistible to identity thieves," Steinhardt said.
The ACLU's opinion on the matter doesn't reflect their actual thought. The ACLU doesn't give a tinkers' damn about identity theft.
Their agitation will have the effect of allowing much greater freedom for illegal aliens (some of whom are terrorists) and, of course, for undermining the integrity of the vote.
DarthDoyle has also complained about "the cost" of implementing Real ID. In reality, this is also a smokescreen, as Darth's priorities do not include prevention of election fraud.
Sunday, February 04, 2007
The Good Fight
This should be very interesting, indeed.
A Wisconsin church whose leaders created a video and passed out leaflets to support a state ban on gay marriage is fighting allegations that it violated campaign finance laws by failing to disclose its activities.
Monona Oaks Community Church acknowledges it spent more than $25 - which triggers a requirement to register with the Elections Board - urging people to vote for the gay marriage ban, which passed with 59 percent of the vote last November.
But its lawyers asked the board this week to dismiss complaints filed by voters and the Freedom From Religion Foundation, arguing the registration requirement cannot apply to religious groups.
The requirement is unconstitutional because the video program on public access television and distribution of 1,500 pamphlets by church members "were protected exercises of their rights and responsibilities to freely exercise their religion," they wrote.
The Diocese of Madison was also named as an "offender" by Mike McCabe, a professional pain in the ass. But there's a difference between the two cases.
McCabe's group made a similar argument before the Nov. 7 referendum when it accused the Catholic Diocese of Madison of trying to sway the election without registering. The group cited a diocese flier urging a "yes" vote distributed outside a Catholic church in Madison.
But Madison Bishop Robert Morlino said the reporting requirement did not apply since the fliers were given to church members and called the complaint an attempt to intimidate the Catholic Church.
"To claim that I must pay a fee and report to the state about my teaching activities in Catholic venues blatantly violates the rights of myself and my sister and brother Catholics to the free exercise of religion," Morlino said at the time.
The Elections Board didn't act on the accusation [about the Catholic church] since it never received a formal complaint from a witness.
The Monona Oaks church apparently went door-to-door with its flyers.
When someone comes to my door with religious tract-materials I generally thank them for their time, shoo them away (politely as possible,) and toss their materials. It matters not whether their materials are "political" or "religious."
Seems to me that Annie, Mikie, & Co. take themselves FAR too seriously.
Or maybe they don't have any common sense.
A Wisconsin church whose leaders created a video and passed out leaflets to support a state ban on gay marriage is fighting allegations that it violated campaign finance laws by failing to disclose its activities.
Monona Oaks Community Church acknowledges it spent more than $25 - which triggers a requirement to register with the Elections Board - urging people to vote for the gay marriage ban, which passed with 59 percent of the vote last November.
But its lawyers asked the board this week to dismiss complaints filed by voters and the Freedom From Religion Foundation, arguing the registration requirement cannot apply to religious groups.
The requirement is unconstitutional because the video program on public access television and distribution of 1,500 pamphlets by church members "were protected exercises of their rights and responsibilities to freely exercise their religion," they wrote.
The Diocese of Madison was also named as an "offender" by Mike McCabe, a professional pain in the ass. But there's a difference between the two cases.
McCabe's group made a similar argument before the Nov. 7 referendum when it accused the Catholic Diocese of Madison of trying to sway the election without registering. The group cited a diocese flier urging a "yes" vote distributed outside a Catholic church in Madison.
But Madison Bishop Robert Morlino said the reporting requirement did not apply since the fliers were given to church members and called the complaint an attempt to intimidate the Catholic Church.
"To claim that I must pay a fee and report to the state about my teaching activities in Catholic venues blatantly violates the rights of myself and my sister and brother Catholics to the free exercise of religion," Morlino said at the time.
The Elections Board didn't act on the accusation [about the Catholic church] since it never received a formal complaint from a witness.
The Monona Oaks church apparently went door-to-door with its flyers.
When someone comes to my door with religious tract-materials I generally thank them for their time, shoo them away (politely as possible,) and toss their materials. It matters not whether their materials are "political" or "religious."
Seems to me that Annie, Mikie, & Co. take themselves FAR too seriously.
Or maybe they don't have any common sense.
Your Cough Won't Stop? Here's a Possible Remedy
From Some Have Hats:
Last time we were in North Carolina, my husband came home from the drug store with the worst tasting thing I have ever put anywhere near my mouth. He said, "The pharmacist said it's horrific, but if you want to stop coughing, this will do it." He was right on both counts.
The stuff is called "Buckley's Mixture."
Buckley's ad campaign seems to be straightforward:
"We're #1, But We Taste Like #2" quipped a former Buckley's ad—just one example of a ‘tell like it is’ advertisement for Buckley's cough suppressant. To be sure, Buckley's is nasty tasting, awful smelling stuff. The thick, gooey, sugar- and alcohol-free liquid is the kind of elixir that will send shivers down your spine and clear the cobwebs from your head at the first wince-filled spoonful.
So you know, neither "Hats" nor I are MDs. Didn't sleep in a Holiday Inn Express, either.
Last time we were in North Carolina, my husband came home from the drug store with the worst tasting thing I have ever put anywhere near my mouth. He said, "The pharmacist said it's horrific, but if you want to stop coughing, this will do it." He was right on both counts.
The stuff is called "Buckley's Mixture."
Buckley's ad campaign seems to be straightforward:
"We're #1, But We Taste Like #2" quipped a former Buckley's ad—just one example of a ‘tell like it is’ advertisement for Buckley's cough suppressant. To be sure, Buckley's is nasty tasting, awful smelling stuff. The thick, gooey, sugar- and alcohol-free liquid is the kind of elixir that will send shivers down your spine and clear the cobwebs from your head at the first wince-filled spoonful.
So you know, neither "Hats" nor I are MDs. Didn't sleep in a Holiday Inn Express, either.
How ICEL Works: Liturgeists Loose!
Here's the short story on ICEL's 'dynamic' translation techniques and results.
There's a Latin plaque in the Pontifical Lateran University, inscribed as follows:
SEMPER MEMORIA SERVETUR FAUSTI DIEI XII ANTE KAL NOVEMBRIS MMVI QUO BENEDICTUS XVI PONTIFEX MAXIMUS DECESSORUM SUORUM VESTIGIA SECUTUS ACADEMICA COMMUNITATE SUMMA LAETITIA RECEPTUS PONTIFICIAM UNIVERSITATEM LATERANENSEM INVISITNOVAM BIBLIOTHECAM UTI STUDIORUM ET INVESTIGATIONIS SEDEM AD SACRAM TRADITIONEM ALENDAM BENEDIXIT AULAM MAGNAM SIBI DICATAM INAUGURAVIT COMITANTIBUS CAMILLO S.R.E. CARDINALE RUINI MAGNO CANCELLARIO ET RINO FISICHELLA EPISCOPO TIT VICO HABENTINO MAGNIFICO RECTORE QUI OPUS SUSCIPIENDUM AC PERFICIENDUM CURAVIT
Here's the English translation, by Fr. George Rutler:
May the memory always be preserved of the auspicious day of 21 October 2006 on which Benedict XVI, Pontifex Maximus, following the footsteps of his predecessors, and having been received with greatest joy by the academic community, visited the Pontifical Lateran University, blessed the new library as a seat of studies and research to foster sacred tradition, and inaugurated the Great Hall dedicated to himself. Accompanying him were Camillo Ruini, Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church, the Grand Chancellor, and Rino Fisichella, titular bishop of Voghenza, the Magnificent Rector, who saw to it that the work was begun and completed.
Were ICEL the translator of the plaque, here's how it would read:
“One day last year, the Pope came to our school. He made us all very happy when he said a prayer for the new bookcases and a big room with his name on it. Cardinal Ruini (who is very important) was there and so was Bishop Rino who got it all done.”
HT: First Things and The Hermeneutic of Continuity (which provided the ICEL language.)
There's a Latin plaque in the Pontifical Lateran University, inscribed as follows:
SEMPER MEMORIA SERVETUR FAUSTI DIEI XII ANTE KAL NOVEMBRIS MMVI QUO BENEDICTUS XVI PONTIFEX MAXIMUS DECESSORUM SUORUM VESTIGIA SECUTUS ACADEMICA COMMUNITATE SUMMA LAETITIA RECEPTUS PONTIFICIAM UNIVERSITATEM LATERANENSEM INVISITNOVAM BIBLIOTHECAM UTI STUDIORUM ET INVESTIGATIONIS SEDEM AD SACRAM TRADITIONEM ALENDAM BENEDIXIT AULAM MAGNAM SIBI DICATAM INAUGURAVIT COMITANTIBUS CAMILLO S.R.E. CARDINALE RUINI MAGNO CANCELLARIO ET RINO FISICHELLA EPISCOPO TIT VICO HABENTINO MAGNIFICO RECTORE QUI OPUS SUSCIPIENDUM AC PERFICIENDUM CURAVIT
Here's the English translation, by Fr. George Rutler:
May the memory always be preserved of the auspicious day of 21 October 2006 on which Benedict XVI, Pontifex Maximus, following the footsteps of his predecessors, and having been received with greatest joy by the academic community, visited the Pontifical Lateran University, blessed the new library as a seat of studies and research to foster sacred tradition, and inaugurated the Great Hall dedicated to himself. Accompanying him were Camillo Ruini, Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church, the Grand Chancellor, and Rino Fisichella, titular bishop of Voghenza, the Magnificent Rector, who saw to it that the work was begun and completed.
Were ICEL the translator of the plaque, here's how it would read:
“One day last year, the Pope came to our school. He made us all very happy when he said a prayer for the new bookcases and a big room with his name on it. Cardinal Ruini (who is very important) was there and so was Bishop Rino who got it all done.”
HT: First Things and The Hermeneutic of Continuity (which provided the ICEL language.)
GKChesterton on Religious Liberty
This sums it up:
"Religious liberty might be supposed to mean that everybody is free to discuss religion. In practice it means that hardly anybody is allowed to mention it."
GKC, Autobiography
HT: Chesterton and Friends
"Religious liberty might be supposed to mean that everybody is free to discuss religion. In practice it means that hardly anybody is allowed to mention it."
GKC, Autobiography
HT: Chesterton and Friends
Saturday, February 03, 2007
Evaporating Cash
So what happens when cash as a % of household debt goes back to a norm of...let's say, 85%?
HT: The Big Picture
Garbage In, Garbage Out: Fox6 "News" and UN Modeling "Warming"
Despite the efforts of Channel 6' "News" to declare that the End of the World is coming to Wisconsin (savannah, anyone? swim and fish in Canada, not Three Lakes? No more dairy cows? You'll DIE of breathing difficulties......)
It was a disgusting display of opinion, and they've run the damn thing TWICE in the last 3 weeks...
Well, as I began, despite their propaganda, a few interesting notes about the UN's Climate report from Random 10:
UN scientists faced several problems their computer models had not predicted [in previous reports]. Globally, temperature is not rising at all, and sea level is not rising anything like as fast as had been forecast. … The report’s generally more cautiously-expressed projections confirm scientists’ warnings that the UN’s heavy reliance on computer models had exaggerated the temperature effect of greenhouse-gas emissions.
Previous reports in 1990, 1995 and 2001 had been progressively more alarmist. In the final draft of the new report there is a change in tone. Though carbon dioxide in the air is increasing, global temperature is not.
Computer models heavily relied on by the UN did not predict the considerable cooling of the oceans that has occurred since 2003 – a cooling which demonstrates that neither the frequency nor the intensity of the hurricanes in the year of Katrina was attributable to “global warming”.
The UN’s models also failed to predict the halt to the rise in methane concentrations in the air that began in 2001. And they did not predict the timing or size of the El Nino which hiked temperature in 1998. Without it, the satellite record shows little or no greenhouse warming. Landbased temperature records may accordingly overstate the problem. Likewise the UN’s models have recently been found to have over-projected the observed rise in sea temperatures, which has had to be corrected downward to allow for over reading by incorrectly-calibrated instrumentation.
There's more at the link. Maybe the Fox6 "news team" should actually read the news...
The reliance on "computer models" is a serious flaw, because somebody programs the computers. And if that programmer writes assumptions, well, you know the old saying about "assume."
Looks like the old saying is true.
It was a disgusting display of opinion, and they've run the damn thing TWICE in the last 3 weeks...
Well, as I began, despite their propaganda, a few interesting notes about the UN's Climate report from Random 10:
UN scientists faced several problems their computer models had not predicted [in previous reports]. Globally, temperature is not rising at all, and sea level is not rising anything like as fast as had been forecast. … The report’s generally more cautiously-expressed projections confirm scientists’ warnings that the UN’s heavy reliance on computer models had exaggerated the temperature effect of greenhouse-gas emissions.
Previous reports in 1990, 1995 and 2001 had been progressively more alarmist. In the final draft of the new report there is a change in tone. Though carbon dioxide in the air is increasing, global temperature is not.
Computer models heavily relied on by the UN did not predict the considerable cooling of the oceans that has occurred since 2003 – a cooling which demonstrates that neither the frequency nor the intensity of the hurricanes in the year of Katrina was attributable to “global warming”.
The UN’s models also failed to predict the halt to the rise in methane concentrations in the air that began in 2001. And they did not predict the timing or size of the El Nino which hiked temperature in 1998. Without it, the satellite record shows little or no greenhouse warming. Landbased temperature records may accordingly overstate the problem. Likewise the UN’s models have recently been found to have over-projected the observed rise in sea temperatures, which has had to be corrected downward to allow for over reading by incorrectly-calibrated instrumentation.
There's more at the link. Maybe the Fox6 "news team" should actually read the news...
The reliance on "computer models" is a serious flaw, because somebody programs the computers. And if that programmer writes assumptions, well, you know the old saying about "assume."
Looks like the old saying is true.
US Attorney in Texas: Nuts? or Just Soros-Lite?
You recall the story about the two Border Patrolmen who have been imprisoned for wounding an illegal alien after he shot at them.
Well, there's another one brewing:
After a Texas deputy sheriff fired shots at the tires of a fleeing vehicle that had tried to run him down, he was arrested for injuring one of the passengers, a Mexican who was being illegally smuggled into the USA.
Edwards County Deputy Sheriff Guillermo F. Hernandez could get up to 10 years in prison for doing his thankless job after being prosecuted by the office of Bush-appointed US attorney Johnny Sutton, who recently was able to obtain draconian prison terms for Border Patrol agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Alonso Compean for wounding a drug-smuggling illegal alien who had assaulted Compean.
Hernandez's boss Sheriff Donald Letsinger confirms that he "followed the letter of the law" in defending himself — for what little that's worth.
When Hernandez is thrown in jail for violating the "civil rights" of Mexican invader Maricela Rodriguez-Garcia, he will leave behind a wife and 4-month-old daughter.
Prosecutors had offered Hernandez probation in exchange for a guilty plea, but he turned down the deal on the grounds that he had done absolutely nothing wrong.
You know, it occurs to me that I haven't heard a damn thing about either of these cases from the usual BushBotBoyzzz...
What's the matter? Worshipping at the Bush-God takes your breath away?
HT: Moonbattery
Well, there's another one brewing:
After a Texas deputy sheriff fired shots at the tires of a fleeing vehicle that had tried to run him down, he was arrested for injuring one of the passengers, a Mexican who was being illegally smuggled into the USA.
Edwards County Deputy Sheriff Guillermo F. Hernandez could get up to 10 years in prison for doing his thankless job after being prosecuted by the office of Bush-appointed US attorney Johnny Sutton, who recently was able to obtain draconian prison terms for Border Patrol agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Alonso Compean for wounding a drug-smuggling illegal alien who had assaulted Compean.
Hernandez's boss Sheriff Donald Letsinger confirms that he "followed the letter of the law" in defending himself — for what little that's worth.
When Hernandez is thrown in jail for violating the "civil rights" of Mexican invader Maricela Rodriguez-Garcia, he will leave behind a wife and 4-month-old daughter.
Prosecutors had offered Hernandez probation in exchange for a guilty plea, but he turned down the deal on the grounds that he had done absolutely nothing wrong.
You know, it occurs to me that I haven't heard a damn thing about either of these cases from the usual BushBotBoyzzz...
What's the matter? Worshipping at the Bush-God takes your breath away?
HT: Moonbattery
Screw George Soros AND His Horse
From Captain's Quarters:
It's hard to get surprised by Leftist characterizations of conservatives as fascists The epithet flows so freely that even members of the Senate have used it, the last time by an ex-Klansman. The latest version of the insult comes from George Soros, speaking at the Davos Economic Forum last week about the situation in Iraq. Claiming that the US needs to cleanse itself from conservatives, Soros compared the process necessary to that used by the US in Germany: He went on to say that Turkey and Japan are still hurt by a reluctance to admit to dark parts of their history, and contrasted that reluctance to Germany's rejection of its Nazi-era past.
"America needs to follow the policies it has introduced in Germany," Soros said. "We have to go through a certain de-Nazification process.
Now THERE'S a guy who deserves a few buckets of spit tossed at him, either end first, at his next appearance in America.
Obama is Soros' favorite (D) candidate, by the way.
It's hard to get surprised by Leftist characterizations of conservatives as fascists The epithet flows so freely that even members of the Senate have used it, the last time by an ex-Klansman. The latest version of the insult comes from George Soros, speaking at the Davos Economic Forum last week about the situation in Iraq. Claiming that the US needs to cleanse itself from conservatives, Soros compared the process necessary to that used by the US in Germany: He went on to say that Turkey and Japan are still hurt by a reluctance to admit to dark parts of their history, and contrasted that reluctance to Germany's rejection of its Nazi-era past.
"America needs to follow the policies it has introduced in Germany," Soros said. "We have to go through a certain de-Nazification process.
Now THERE'S a guy who deserves a few buckets of spit tossed at him, either end first, at his next appearance in America.
Obama is Soros' favorite (D) candidate, by the way.
Kudos to Katie and Jessica!
The local girl makes REALLY good.
Last February, the main folks judging Katie Crabb's work were her teachers at Brookfield Central High School. This February, some 90 million people will get to see what she can do.
The college freshman, who just turned 19, has won a national contest and the honor of having a Chevrolet commercial she developed shown during the Super Bowl, the premier forum for the ad industry.
It was an improbable victory: Crabb has no advertising background. She competed against more than 200 entrants and, in the finals at General Motors headquarters in Detroit, stood alone against four other teams, each consisting of seniors or graduate students in fields such as advertising and visual communications.
She entered the Chevy Super Bowl College Ad Challenge as part of a first-semester media-writing class at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Her teacher, Jessica McBride, gave students the option of designing contest ads for the week they spend on broadcast ad writing.
OK. We'll watch for the commercial.
Last February, the main folks judging Katie Crabb's work were her teachers at Brookfield Central High School. This February, some 90 million people will get to see what she can do.
The college freshman, who just turned 19, has won a national contest and the honor of having a Chevrolet commercial she developed shown during the Super Bowl, the premier forum for the ad industry.
It was an improbable victory: Crabb has no advertising background. She competed against more than 200 entrants and, in the finals at General Motors headquarters in Detroit, stood alone against four other teams, each consisting of seniors or graduate students in fields such as advertising and visual communications.
She entered the Chevy Super Bowl College Ad Challenge as part of a first-semester media-writing class at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Her teacher, Jessica McBride, gave students the option of designing contest ads for the week they spend on broadcast ad writing.
OK. We'll watch for the commercial.
Friday, February 02, 2007
"Second Hand Smoke" Blown Away
Those dratted fact-based scientists spoil everyone's fun. Here's a guy with credentials:
Gio Batta Gori, an epidemiologist and toxicologist, is a fellow of the Health Policy Center in Bethesda. He is a former deputy director of the National Cancer Institute's Division of Cancer Cause and Prevention, and he received the U.S. Public Health Service Superior Service Award in 1976 for his efforts to define less hazardous cigarettes.
So what does he have to say?
...[D]o the studies Carmona references support his claims, and are their findings as sound as he suggests?
Lung cancer and cardiovascular diseases develop at advancing ages. Estimating the risk of those diseases posed by secondhand smoke requires knowing the sum of momentary secondhand smoke doses that nonsmokers have internalized over their lifetimes. Such lifetime summations of instant doses are obviously impossible, because concentrations of secondhand smoke in the air, individual rates of inhalation, and metabolic transformations vary from moment to moment, year after year, location to location.
In an effort to circumvent this capital obstacle, all secondhand smoke studies have estimated risk using a misleading marker of "lifetime exposure." Yet, instant exposures also vary uncontrollably over time, so lifetime summations of exposure could not be, and were not, measured.
Typically, the studies asked 60--70 year-old self-declared nonsmokers to recall how many cigarettes, cigars or pipes might have been smoked in their presence during their lifetimes, how thick the smoke might have been in the rooms, whether the windows were open, and similar vagaries. Obtained mostly during brief phone interviews, answers were then recorded as precise measures of lifetime individual exposures.
(This is called 'scientific studies'? Good heavens, I coulda hadda Ph.D.)
In reality, it is impossible to summarize accurately from momentary and vague recalls, and with an absurd expectation of precision, the total exposure to secondhand smoke over more than a half-century of a person's lifetime. No measure of cumulative lifetime secondhand smoke exposure was ever possible, so the epidemiologic studies estimated risk based not only on an improper marker of exposure, but also on exposure data that are illusory.
Adding confusion, people with lung cancer or cardiovascular disease are prone to amplify their recall of secondhand smoke exposure. Others will fib about being nonsmokers and will contaminate the results. More than two dozen causes of lung cancer are reported in the professional literature, and over 200 for cardiovascular diseases; their likely intrusions have never been credibly measured and controlled in secondhand smoke studies. Thus, the claimed risks are doubly deceptive because of interferences that could not be calculated and corrected.
In addition, results are not consistently reproducible. The majority of studies do not report a statistically significant change in risk from secondhand smoke exposure, some studies show an increase in risk, and--astoundingly--some show a reduction of risk.
Some prominent anti-smokers have been quietly forthcoming on what "the science" does and does not show. Asked to quantify secondhand smoke risks at a 2006 hearing at the UK House of Lords, Oxford epidemiologist Sir Richard Peto--a leader of the secondhand smoke crusade-- replied, "I am sorry not to be more helpful; you want numbers and I could give you numbers..., but what does one make of them? ...These hazards cannot be directly measured."
It has been fashionable to ignore the weakness of "the science" on secondhand smoke, perhaps in the belief that claiming "the science is settled" will lead to policies and public attitudes that will reduce the prevalence of smoking. But such a Faustian bargain is an ominous precedent in public health and political ethics. Consider how minimally such policies as smoking bans in bars and restaurants really reduce the prevalence of smoking, and yet how odious and socially unfair such prohibitions are.
By any sensible account, the anachronism of tobacco use should eventually vanish in an advancing civilization. Why must we promote this process under the tyranny of deception?
Presumably, we are grown-up people, with a civilized sense of fair play, and dedicated to disciplined and rational discourse. We are fortunate enough to live in a free country that is respectful of individual choices and rights, including the right to honest public policies. Still, while much is voiced about the merits of forceful advocacy, not enough is said about the fundamental requisite of advancing public health with sustainable evidence, rather than by dangerous, wanton conjectures.
A frank discussion is needed to restore straight thinking in the legitimate uses of "the science" of epidemiology--uses that go well beyond secondhand smoke issues. Today, health rights command high priority on many agendas, as they should. It is not admissible to presume that people expect those rights to be served less than truthfully.
Well, well.
They lied about "secondhand smoke." They're lying about "global warming" being caused by SUV's and industry.
What ELSE are they lying about? And to what ends?
Gio Batta Gori, an epidemiologist and toxicologist, is a fellow of the Health Policy Center in Bethesda. He is a former deputy director of the National Cancer Institute's Division of Cancer Cause and Prevention, and he received the U.S. Public Health Service Superior Service Award in 1976 for his efforts to define less hazardous cigarettes.
So what does he have to say?
...[D]o the studies Carmona references support his claims, and are their findings as sound as he suggests?
Lung cancer and cardiovascular diseases develop at advancing ages. Estimating the risk of those diseases posed by secondhand smoke requires knowing the sum of momentary secondhand smoke doses that nonsmokers have internalized over their lifetimes. Such lifetime summations of instant doses are obviously impossible, because concentrations of secondhand smoke in the air, individual rates of inhalation, and metabolic transformations vary from moment to moment, year after year, location to location.
In an effort to circumvent this capital obstacle, all secondhand smoke studies have estimated risk using a misleading marker of "lifetime exposure." Yet, instant exposures also vary uncontrollably over time, so lifetime summations of exposure could not be, and were not, measured.
Typically, the studies asked 60--70 year-old self-declared nonsmokers to recall how many cigarettes, cigars or pipes might have been smoked in their presence during their lifetimes, how thick the smoke might have been in the rooms, whether the windows were open, and similar vagaries. Obtained mostly during brief phone interviews, answers were then recorded as precise measures of lifetime individual exposures.
(This is called 'scientific studies'? Good heavens, I coulda hadda Ph.D.)
In reality, it is impossible to summarize accurately from momentary and vague recalls, and with an absurd expectation of precision, the total exposure to secondhand smoke over more than a half-century of a person's lifetime. No measure of cumulative lifetime secondhand smoke exposure was ever possible, so the epidemiologic studies estimated risk based not only on an improper marker of exposure, but also on exposure data that are illusory.
Adding confusion, people with lung cancer or cardiovascular disease are prone to amplify their recall of secondhand smoke exposure. Others will fib about being nonsmokers and will contaminate the results. More than two dozen causes of lung cancer are reported in the professional literature, and over 200 for cardiovascular diseases; their likely intrusions have never been credibly measured and controlled in secondhand smoke studies. Thus, the claimed risks are doubly deceptive because of interferences that could not be calculated and corrected.
In addition, results are not consistently reproducible. The majority of studies do not report a statistically significant change in risk from secondhand smoke exposure, some studies show an increase in risk, and--astoundingly--some show a reduction of risk.
Some prominent anti-smokers have been quietly forthcoming on what "the science" does and does not show. Asked to quantify secondhand smoke risks at a 2006 hearing at the UK House of Lords, Oxford epidemiologist Sir Richard Peto--a leader of the secondhand smoke crusade-- replied, "I am sorry not to be more helpful; you want numbers and I could give you numbers..., but what does one make of them? ...These hazards cannot be directly measured."
It has been fashionable to ignore the weakness of "the science" on secondhand smoke, perhaps in the belief that claiming "the science is settled" will lead to policies and public attitudes that will reduce the prevalence of smoking. But such a Faustian bargain is an ominous precedent in public health and political ethics. Consider how minimally such policies as smoking bans in bars and restaurants really reduce the prevalence of smoking, and yet how odious and socially unfair such prohibitions are.
By any sensible account, the anachronism of tobacco use should eventually vanish in an advancing civilization. Why must we promote this process under the tyranny of deception?
Presumably, we are grown-up people, with a civilized sense of fair play, and dedicated to disciplined and rational discourse. We are fortunate enough to live in a free country that is respectful of individual choices and rights, including the right to honest public policies. Still, while much is voiced about the merits of forceful advocacy, not enough is said about the fundamental requisite of advancing public health with sustainable evidence, rather than by dangerous, wanton conjectures.
A frank discussion is needed to restore straight thinking in the legitimate uses of "the science" of epidemiology--uses that go well beyond secondhand smoke issues. Today, health rights command high priority on many agendas, as they should. It is not admissible to presume that people expect those rights to be served less than truthfully.
Well, well.
They lied about "secondhand smoke." They're lying about "global warming" being caused by SUV's and industry.
What ELSE are they lying about? And to what ends?
More NYSlimes Lies
I know it's hard to imagine...but the NYT also lies in its magazine. Here's an excerpt from the National Right to Life Committee's Dave Andrusko's interview with Dr. Priscilla Coleman of Bowling Green U.:
I recently spoke with Dr. Priscilla Coleman who was interviewed by Ms Bazelon and briefly mentioned in the article. Dr. Coleman was disturbed by what she considers "out-right misrepresentation of the science by a reporter who was given the evidence and clearly understood it."
Bazelon writes: "The idea that abortion is at the root of women's psychological ills is not supported by the bulk of the research." She offers this conclusion, early in her lengthy essay, after having received from Dr. Coleman an overview of the more than a dozen studies published just since 2002 by the Bowling Green State University Researcher and her colleagues suggesting otherwise.
SOME facts are just not going to emerge in the NYT.
I recently spoke with Dr. Priscilla Coleman who was interviewed by Ms Bazelon and briefly mentioned in the article. Dr. Coleman was disturbed by what she considers "out-right misrepresentation of the science by a reporter who was given the evidence and clearly understood it."
Bazelon writes: "The idea that abortion is at the root of women's psychological ills is not supported by the bulk of the research." She offers this conclusion, early in her lengthy essay, after having received from Dr. Coleman an overview of the more than a dozen studies published just since 2002 by the Bowling Green State University Researcher and her colleagues suggesting otherwise.
SOME facts are just not going to emerge in the NYT.
On the Contrary re: the Muslims
Dinesh D'Souza is a respectable guy with very solid conservative credentials. Recently, however, he's been the object of derision (to say the least) because he has made remarks which undermine the "kill all the Muslims" Company line espoused by the usual suspects.
Crisis magazine interviewed him.
DD: In talking about “liberal” Muslims, we have to distinguish between the old and new liberalism. Classical liberalism—the idea that we must have the freedom to vote or to assemble or be religiously tolerant—has wide support in the Islamic world. You can look at the Pew studies or the World Values Survey for confirmation of that. Muslims can accept the old liberalism.
On the other hand, we have the new liberalism of a Nancy Pelosi, Hillary Clinton, or Michael Moore. This brand of liberalism has almost no support in the Islamic world. You can find isolated individuals like Salman Rushdie, but they have no constituency among Muslims.
[Well, GrannyNan, Hildebeeste, and Moore are icons of the atheist/materialist wacko Left, and are certainly not enjoying huge support from the average American.]
The Muslim world is divided between the radical Muslims and the traditional Muslims. Both groups are religiously and socially conservative. The main difference between the two is that the radicals support violence as a way of striking out against America, while traditional Muslims do not. However, the radicals have been very successful over the past decade in recruiting traditional Muslims into their ranks. So no long-term victory in the war on terrorism can work unless it finds a way to put a wedge between traditional Islam and radical Islam.
That makes sense.
BSP: I don’t think it’s going too far to say that most conservatives and faithful Christians would agree with 90 percent of the Islamic critique of America’s liberal culture. Given this, what can we do to help win this war? We may have more common ground than we thought.
DD: I would say three things. First, don’t condemn Islam as a whole. The clash-of-civilizations idea has a grain of truth in it, but it is both tactically and morally wrong. In fact, it plays right into bin Laden’s hands. He wants to construe the war in exactly those terms.
If you dismiss Islam as being inherently violent or say the Prophet Mohammed is the founder of terrorism, then you’re pushing the traditional Muslims into the radical camp. This is a foolish thing to do, even if what you’re saying is true.
The clash-of-civilizations thing had something to do with the, ah, nasty patch back when the Muslims grabbed Jerusalem and a bunch of Spain, too. But going on:
There must be something going on in Islam today to make it an incubator for violent fanaticism.
While rejecting Islamic theology, Christians and conservatives can find common cause with traditional Muslims on issues of morality—particularly in the foreign sphere and in the United Nations. Traditional Christians, Muslims, and Jews can help promote traditional values on the international stage.
True fact; the Roman Catholic Church has worked VERY well with the Muslims at the UN to squelch the Hildebeeste/GrannyNan (etc.)-type initiatives on global abortion, e.g.
I'd certainly rather believe D'Souza than his critics, whose War!!! Blood!! Vanquish!! screeches are not only tiresome, but impossible to execute.
Crisis magazine interviewed him.
DD: In talking about “liberal” Muslims, we have to distinguish between the old and new liberalism. Classical liberalism—the idea that we must have the freedom to vote or to assemble or be religiously tolerant—has wide support in the Islamic world. You can look at the Pew studies or the World Values Survey for confirmation of that. Muslims can accept the old liberalism.
On the other hand, we have the new liberalism of a Nancy Pelosi, Hillary Clinton, or Michael Moore. This brand of liberalism has almost no support in the Islamic world. You can find isolated individuals like Salman Rushdie, but they have no constituency among Muslims.
[Well, GrannyNan, Hildebeeste, and Moore are icons of the atheist/materialist wacko Left, and are certainly not enjoying huge support from the average American.]
The Muslim world is divided between the radical Muslims and the traditional Muslims. Both groups are religiously and socially conservative. The main difference between the two is that the radicals support violence as a way of striking out against America, while traditional Muslims do not. However, the radicals have been very successful over the past decade in recruiting traditional Muslims into their ranks. So no long-term victory in the war on terrorism can work unless it finds a way to put a wedge between traditional Islam and radical Islam.
That makes sense.
BSP: I don’t think it’s going too far to say that most conservatives and faithful Christians would agree with 90 percent of the Islamic critique of America’s liberal culture. Given this, what can we do to help win this war? We may have more common ground than we thought.
DD: I would say three things. First, don’t condemn Islam as a whole. The clash-of-civilizations idea has a grain of truth in it, but it is both tactically and morally wrong. In fact, it plays right into bin Laden’s hands. He wants to construe the war in exactly those terms.
If you dismiss Islam as being inherently violent or say the Prophet Mohammed is the founder of terrorism, then you’re pushing the traditional Muslims into the radical camp. This is a foolish thing to do, even if what you’re saying is true.
The clash-of-civilizations thing had something to do with the, ah, nasty patch back when the Muslims grabbed Jerusalem and a bunch of Spain, too. But going on:
There must be something going on in Islam today to make it an incubator for violent fanaticism.
While rejecting Islamic theology, Christians and conservatives can find common cause with traditional Muslims on issues of morality—particularly in the foreign sphere and in the United Nations. Traditional Christians, Muslims, and Jews can help promote traditional values on the international stage.
True fact; the Roman Catholic Church has worked VERY well with the Muslims at the UN to squelch the Hildebeeste/GrannyNan (etc.)-type initiatives on global abortion, e.g.
I'd certainly rather believe D'Souza than his critics, whose War!!! Blood!! Vanquish!! screeches are not only tiresome, but impossible to execute.
Charting the Seven Deadly Sins
Here's an interesting way to look at some current fads. First look at the column on the left, which is the key. Then guffaw your way through the geometric exercise.
HT: Dappled Things
HT: Dappled Things
Eleven Myths of Liturgy
The Adoremus Bulletin usually has good stuff, and this is no exception. The author is a 20-year veteran parish musician who has obviously read the documents--not just rolled over for the Liturgeist Crowd of American Idol rejects. Here are the Myths and some comments:
1) There is no need for a choir in today’s parish. If you have one, its only function is to support congregational singing.
But the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) says: “Among the faithful, the schola cantorum or choir exercises its own liturgical function, ensuring that the parts proper to it, in keeping with the different types of chants, are properly carried out and fostering the active participation of the faithful through the singing”.
2. The liturgy requires a leader of song.
Regarding the “leader of song”, the GIRM says: “It is fitting that there be a cantor or a choir director to lead and sustain the people’s singing. When in fact there is no choir, it is up to the cantor to lead the different chants, with the people taking part.”
Note that the GIRM specifies that it is up to the cantor to lead the singing when there is no choir. I served at a parish for many years that had no “leader of song;” instead the congregational singing, which was unusually robust for a Catholic church, was led by a trained choir and an accomplished organist who knew how to simultaneously guide and support the congregation. (See, e.g., St. Anthony's on 9th and Mitchell, for a local example.)
3. Mass must open with a congregational gathering song.
A congregational hymn or song as the Entrance chant has become de rigueur, yet it is not required by the GIRM. The American version of the GIRM permits it but only as the last of four options.
4. The nine-fold Kyrie, required in the pre-Vatican II Mass, is obsolete.
But the GIRM says: “As a rule, each acclamation (of the Kyrie) is sung or said twice, though it may be repeated several times, by reason of the character of the various languages, as well as of the artistry of the music or of other circumstances.”
5. The Gloria is strictly a congregational part.
Yet the GIRM states: “The Gloria is intoned by the priest or, if appropriate, by a cantor or by the choir; but it is sung either by everyone together, or by the people alternately with the choir or by the choir alone.”
6. When the psalm between the readings is sung, it must be sung responsorially.
It is preferable that the responsorial Psalm be sung, at least as far as the people’s response is concerned. Hence, the psalmist, or the cantor of the Psalm, sings the verses of the Psalm from the ambo or another suitable place. The entire congregation remains seated and listens but, as a rule, takes part by singing the response, except when the Psalm is sung straight through without a response. (Of course, a trained cantor is necessary.)
7. The readings, Creed, and general intercessions should not be sung.
Concerning the general intercessions, the GIRM says: “The intentions are announced from the ambo or from another suitable place, by the deacon or by a cantor, a lector, or one of the lay faithful.”
Regarding the Creed, the GIRM says “If it is sung, it is begun by the priest or, if this is appropriate, by a cantor or by the choir. It is sung, however, either by all together or by the people alternating with the choir.”
8. The Lamb of God is a litany that properly includes tropes.
There is simply no provision in the liturgical rules for any changes or insertions to the text of the Lamb of God, except for the option to repeat the petition as often as needed to cover the fraction rite.
9. The congregation must sing during Communion.
In describing the Communion chant, the GIRM says: “This is sung either by the choir alone or by the choir or cantor with the people.”
10. The time before Mass and the time after Communion are ideal opportunities for the choir to sing by itself.
It is clear that the song after Communion is to be sung by the congregation, not by the choir. It is not a time for a “performance” by the choir. Nor is it necessarily a time of meditation (one frequently hears mention of “the Meditation Song”), since a “psalm or other canticle of praise or a hymn” may be sung.
I like to call this “throwing a bone to the choir”. The choir has its own proper liturgical role. It does not exist to “fill in the gaps”.
11. The most important congregational parts of the Mass are the hymns and songs.
But the GIRM says: “The acclamations and the responses of the faithful to the priest’s greetings and prayers constitute that level of active participation that the gathered faithful are to contribute in every form of the Mass, so that the action of the entire community may be clearly expressed and fostered.”
In addition to their generally astounding ignorance of the documents governing liturgy, most current "music directors" have an abysmal (or worse) knowledge of the Church's patrimony of music for the liturgy.
But they make up for it with insufferable sanctimony and condescension!
1) There is no need for a choir in today’s parish. If you have one, its only function is to support congregational singing.
But the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) says: “Among the faithful, the schola cantorum or choir exercises its own liturgical function, ensuring that the parts proper to it, in keeping with the different types of chants, are properly carried out and fostering the active participation of the faithful through the singing”.
2. The liturgy requires a leader of song.
Regarding the “leader of song”, the GIRM says: “It is fitting that there be a cantor or a choir director to lead and sustain the people’s singing. When in fact there is no choir, it is up to the cantor to lead the different chants, with the people taking part.”
Note that the GIRM specifies that it is up to the cantor to lead the singing when there is no choir. I served at a parish for many years that had no “leader of song;” instead the congregational singing, which was unusually robust for a Catholic church, was led by a trained choir and an accomplished organist who knew how to simultaneously guide and support the congregation. (See, e.g., St. Anthony's on 9th and Mitchell, for a local example.)
3. Mass must open with a congregational gathering song.
A congregational hymn or song as the Entrance chant has become de rigueur, yet it is not required by the GIRM. The American version of the GIRM permits it but only as the last of four options.
4. The nine-fold Kyrie, required in the pre-Vatican II Mass, is obsolete.
But the GIRM says: “As a rule, each acclamation (of the Kyrie) is sung or said twice, though it may be repeated several times, by reason of the character of the various languages, as well as of the artistry of the music or of other circumstances.”
5. The Gloria is strictly a congregational part.
Yet the GIRM states: “The Gloria is intoned by the priest or, if appropriate, by a cantor or by the choir; but it is sung either by everyone together, or by the people alternately with the choir or by the choir alone.”
6. When the psalm between the readings is sung, it must be sung responsorially.
It is preferable that the responsorial Psalm be sung, at least as far as the people’s response is concerned. Hence, the psalmist, or the cantor of the Psalm, sings the verses of the Psalm from the ambo or another suitable place. The entire congregation remains seated and listens but, as a rule, takes part by singing the response, except when the Psalm is sung straight through without a response. (Of course, a trained cantor is necessary.)
7. The readings, Creed, and general intercessions should not be sung.
Concerning the general intercessions, the GIRM says: “The intentions are announced from the ambo or from another suitable place, by the deacon or by a cantor, a lector, or one of the lay faithful.”
Regarding the Creed, the GIRM says “If it is sung, it is begun by the priest or, if this is appropriate, by a cantor or by the choir. It is sung, however, either by all together or by the people alternating with the choir.”
8. The Lamb of God is a litany that properly includes tropes.
There is simply no provision in the liturgical rules for any changes or insertions to the text of the Lamb of God, except for the option to repeat the petition as often as needed to cover the fraction rite.
9. The congregation must sing during Communion.
In describing the Communion chant, the GIRM says: “This is sung either by the choir alone or by the choir or cantor with the people.”
10. The time before Mass and the time after Communion are ideal opportunities for the choir to sing by itself.
It is clear that the song after Communion is to be sung by the congregation, not by the choir. It is not a time for a “performance” by the choir. Nor is it necessarily a time of meditation (one frequently hears mention of “the Meditation Song”), since a “psalm or other canticle of praise or a hymn” may be sung.
I like to call this “throwing a bone to the choir”. The choir has its own proper liturgical role. It does not exist to “fill in the gaps”.
11. The most important congregational parts of the Mass are the hymns and songs.
But the GIRM says: “The acclamations and the responses of the faithful to the priest’s greetings and prayers constitute that level of active participation that the gathered faithful are to contribute in every form of the Mass, so that the action of the entire community may be clearly expressed and fostered.”
In addition to their generally astounding ignorance of the documents governing liturgy, most current "music directors" have an abysmal (or worse) knowledge of the Church's patrimony of music for the liturgy.
But they make up for it with insufferable sanctimony and condescension!
Stella Awards (DumbAss Lawsuits)--2006
They're out! Courtesy DomBet, here's the Final Five:
#5: Marcy Meckler. While shopping at a mall, Meckler stepped outside and was “attacked” by a squirrel that lived among the trees and bushes. And “while frantically attempting to escape from the squirrel and detach it from her leg, [Meckler] fell and suffered severe injuries,” her resulting lawsuit says. That’s the mall’s fault, the lawsuit claims, demanding in excess of $50,000, based on the mall’s “failure to warn” her that squirrels live outside.
#4: Ron and Kristie Simmons. The couple’s 4-year-old son, Justin, was killed in a tragic lawnmower accident in a licensed daycare facility, and the death was clearly the result of negligence by the daycare providers. The providers were clearly deserving of being sued, yet when the Simmons’s discovered the daycare only had $100,000 in insurance, they dropped the case against them and instead sued the manufacturer of the 16-year-old lawn mower because the mower didn’t have a safety device that 1) had not been invented at the time of the mower’s manufacture, and 2) no safety agency had even suggested needed to be invented. A sympathetic jury still awarded the family $2 million.
#3: Robert Clymer. An FBI agent working a high-profile case in Las Vegas, Clymer allegedly created a disturbance, lost the magazine from his pistol, then crashed his pickup truck in a drunken stupor—his blood-alcohol level was 0.306 percent, more than three times the legal limit for driving in Nevada. He pled guilty to drunk driving because, his lawyer explained, “With public officials, we expect them to own up to their mistakes and correct them.” Yet Clymer had the gall to sue the manufacturer of his pickup truck, and the dealer he bought it from, because he “somehow lost consciousness” and the truck “somehow produced a heavy smoke that filled the passenger cab.” Yep: the drunk-driving accident wasn’t his fault, but the truck’s fault. Just the kind of guy you want carrying a gun in the name of the law.
#2: KinderStart.com. The specialty search engine says Google should be forced to include the KinderStart site in its listings, reveal how its “Page Rank” system works, and pay them lots of money because they’re a competitor. They claim by not being ranked higher in Google, Google is somehow infringing KinderStart’s Constitutional right to free speech. Even if by some stretch they were a competitor of Google, why in the world would they think it’s Google’s responsibility to help them succeed? And if Google’s “review” of their site is negative, wouldn’t a government court order forcing them to change it infringe on Google’s Constitutional right to free speech?
And the winner of the 2006 True Stella Award: Allen Ray Heckard. Even though Heckard is 3 inches shorter, 25 pounds lighter, and 8 years older than former basketball star Michael Jordan, the Portland, Oregon, man says he looks a lot like Jordan, and is often confused for him—and thus he deserves $52 million “for defamation and permanent injury”—plus $364 million in “punitive damage for emotional pain and suffering”, plus the SAME amount from Nike co-founder Phil Knight, for a grand total of $832 million. He dropped the suit after Nike’s lawyers chatted with him, where they presumably explained how they’d counter-sue if he pressed on.
©2007 by Randy Cassingham
©2007 by Randy Cassingham,
#5: Marcy Meckler. While shopping at a mall, Meckler stepped outside and was “attacked” by a squirrel that lived among the trees and bushes. And “while frantically attempting to escape from the squirrel and detach it from her leg, [Meckler] fell and suffered severe injuries,” her resulting lawsuit says. That’s the mall’s fault, the lawsuit claims, demanding in excess of $50,000, based on the mall’s “failure to warn” her that squirrels live outside.
#4: Ron and Kristie Simmons. The couple’s 4-year-old son, Justin, was killed in a tragic lawnmower accident in a licensed daycare facility, and the death was clearly the result of negligence by the daycare providers. The providers were clearly deserving of being sued, yet when the Simmons’s discovered the daycare only had $100,000 in insurance, they dropped the case against them and instead sued the manufacturer of the 16-year-old lawn mower because the mower didn’t have a safety device that 1) had not been invented at the time of the mower’s manufacture, and 2) no safety agency had even suggested needed to be invented. A sympathetic jury still awarded the family $2 million.
#3: Robert Clymer. An FBI agent working a high-profile case in Las Vegas, Clymer allegedly created a disturbance, lost the magazine from his pistol, then crashed his pickup truck in a drunken stupor—his blood-alcohol level was 0.306 percent, more than three times the legal limit for driving in Nevada. He pled guilty to drunk driving because, his lawyer explained, “With public officials, we expect them to own up to their mistakes and correct them.” Yet Clymer had the gall to sue the manufacturer of his pickup truck, and the dealer he bought it from, because he “somehow lost consciousness” and the truck “somehow produced a heavy smoke that filled the passenger cab.” Yep: the drunk-driving accident wasn’t his fault, but the truck’s fault. Just the kind of guy you want carrying a gun in the name of the law.
#2: KinderStart.com. The specialty search engine says Google should be forced to include the KinderStart site in its listings, reveal how its “Page Rank” system works, and pay them lots of money because they’re a competitor. They claim by not being ranked higher in Google, Google is somehow infringing KinderStart’s Constitutional right to free speech. Even if by some stretch they were a competitor of Google, why in the world would they think it’s Google’s responsibility to help them succeed? And if Google’s “review” of their site is negative, wouldn’t a government court order forcing them to change it infringe on Google’s Constitutional right to free speech?
And the winner of the 2006 True Stella Award: Allen Ray Heckard. Even though Heckard is 3 inches shorter, 25 pounds lighter, and 8 years older than former basketball star Michael Jordan, the Portland, Oregon, man says he looks a lot like Jordan, and is often confused for him—and thus he deserves $52 million “for defamation and permanent injury”—plus $364 million in “punitive damage for emotional pain and suffering”, plus the SAME amount from Nike co-founder Phil Knight, for a grand total of $832 million. He dropped the suit after Nike’s lawyers chatted with him, where they presumably explained how they’d counter-sue if he pressed on.
©2007 by Randy Cassingham
©2007 by Randy Cassingham,
Going Vista? Read This First
I've found that these guys are really good, as is their advice. Lots of useful links in the article, too.
I'll stay with XP for a while, even though my Milwaukee PC hardware setup will be adequate.
Let me know about the bugs.
I'll stay with XP for a while, even though my Milwaukee PC hardware setup will be adequate.
Let me know about the bugs.
Is Alderman Donovan the Next Tom Reynolds?
While Tom Reynolds was a good conservative, he said and did a few wacky things. Most of us assigned the wacko moments to "charm," as in 'odd-but-not-harmful.'
Let's hope Milwaukee's Aldermen Donovan is in the same category. Here's the "odd" part, reported by Kevin Fischer in his blog:
Milwaukee Alderman Bob Donovan says the Governor should step in and take over control of the entire Milwaukee Public Schools System. Uhhh, Bob….about 50-100 people in a crowd of 1100 got out of hand. And you want the state to take over the entire MPS system?
Actually, Kevin, I'd rather have the Governor and the Legislature teaching schools than actually making laws and raising taxes...
Maybe Donovan has a point, eh?
Let's hope Milwaukee's Aldermen Donovan is in the same category. Here's the "odd" part, reported by Kevin Fischer in his blog:
Milwaukee Alderman Bob Donovan says the Governor should step in and take over control of the entire Milwaukee Public Schools System. Uhhh, Bob….about 50-100 people in a crowd of 1100 got out of hand. And you want the state to take over the entire MPS system?
Actually, Kevin, I'd rather have the Governor and the Legislature teaching schools than actually making laws and raising taxes...
Maybe Donovan has a point, eh?
David Trashed Goliath--Again
The State Journal (you know--the paper with the blackened Red Star logo) reports that "Fair Wisconsin" spent $4+MM to promote Homosex marriage.
"Vote Yes"--the folks with right order on their side--only spent $600K.
Heh.
"Vote Yes"--the folks with right order on their side--only spent $600K.
Heh.
ISM Goes Negative
Continuing a pattern of decreases for the last several months, the ISM index (Purchasing Managers' Index for us old fogies) has now gone negative. The index has been trending down since last April's 12-month high of 56.9. (It was also negative in November, bounced slightly "+" in December, and reverted in January.)
It's now 49.3, a 2 point drop from December.
As long as we mentioned old fogies, it's also noted in the ISM report that the price of copper is down. That's usually bad news for manufacturing.
It's now 49.3, a 2 point drop from December.
As long as we mentioned old fogies, it's also noted in the ISM report that the price of copper is down. That's usually bad news for manufacturing.
Iraq News
From my own Deep Throat on matters in Iraq, I'm informed that AlQ is taking a real beating at the hands (and guns) of Allied forces.
You saw it here. Don't look for it in AP/Reuters or the alphabet soup of networks.
Just like the story here. Still hasn't appeared in the local paper, nor on the 6/10PM news, albeit this target was a very important one.
You saw it here. Don't look for it in AP/Reuters or the alphabet soup of networks.
Just like the story here. Still hasn't appeared in the local paper, nor on the 6/10PM news, albeit this target was a very important one.
Sly Jab of the Week
Nominee: P-Mac.
Line?
...though Coulter's point is that it's far easier to believe Libby forgot than did President Willy.
It works because EVERYBODY knows, immediately, the object of the wickedly delightful pun.
Line?
...though Coulter's point is that it's far easier to believe Libby forgot than did President Willy.
It works because EVERYBODY knows, immediately, the object of the wickedly delightful pun.
Global Warming Is a Redux
The ABC News weatherman let one slip through.
"About 11,500 years ago . . . forests quickly regained the ground that they had lost to cold and aridity. Ice sheets again began melting, though because of their size they took about two thousand more years to disappear completely. The Earth entered several thousand years of conditions warmer and moister than today; the Saharan and Arabian deserts almost completely disappeared under a vegetation cover, and in the northern latitudes forests grew slightly closer to the poles than they do at present. This phase, known as the 'Holocene optimum' occurred between about 9,000 and 5,000 years ago.
"Perhaps even more signicantly, the paper paints a picture of mammoth climate changes going back hundreds of thousands of years, repeated cycles of heating and cooling that as recently as 18,000 years ago - a blink in geological terms -...
So who the Hell was flying jumbo jets?
"About 11,500 years ago . . . forests quickly regained the ground that they had lost to cold and aridity. Ice sheets again began melting, though because of their size they took about two thousand more years to disappear completely. The Earth entered several thousand years of conditions warmer and moister than today; the Saharan and Arabian deserts almost completely disappeared under a vegetation cover, and in the northern latitudes forests grew slightly closer to the poles than they do at present. This phase, known as the 'Holocene optimum' occurred between about 9,000 and 5,000 years ago.
"Perhaps even more signicantly, the paper paints a picture of mammoth climate changes going back hundreds of thousands of years, repeated cycles of heating and cooling that as recently as 18,000 years ago - a blink in geological terms -...
So who the Hell was flying jumbo jets?
How Much State-Supported College Is TOO Much?
GOP3 relays some interesting info while dissecting a tuition-increase notice from Marquette U.
The info pertains to more than just Marquette--it is noteworthy for Wisconsin taxpayers who will be funding DarthDoyle's $225 million spending-on-college program(s) in the future.
A good rule of thumb is that tuition rates will increase at about twice the general inflation rate. During any 17-year period from 1958 to 2001, the average annual tuition inflation rate was between 6% and 9%, ranging from 1.2 times general inflation to 2.1 times general inflation. On average, tuition tends to increase about 8% per year. An 8% college inflation rate means that the cost of college doubles every nine years.
Think about that.
UW students who are residents of Wisconsin do NOT pay the cost of their education; Wisconsin taxpayers kick in quite a bit.
It's about time for some legislator with cojones to propose a shut-down of a couple of UW campuses. River Falls? Parkside?
The GOP3 entry has a LOT more of interest to freight-payers--issues of governance, slop, inefficiency, rent-seeking...
In short, colleges are merely a form of Government in less-frenetic settings.
The info pertains to more than just Marquette--it is noteworthy for Wisconsin taxpayers who will be funding DarthDoyle's $225 million spending-on-college program(s) in the future.
A good rule of thumb is that tuition rates will increase at about twice the general inflation rate. During any 17-year period from 1958 to 2001, the average annual tuition inflation rate was between 6% and 9%, ranging from 1.2 times general inflation to 2.1 times general inflation. On average, tuition tends to increase about 8% per year. An 8% college inflation rate means that the cost of college doubles every nine years.
Think about that.
UW students who are residents of Wisconsin do NOT pay the cost of their education; Wisconsin taxpayers kick in quite a bit.
It's about time for some legislator with cojones to propose a shut-down of a couple of UW campuses. River Falls? Parkside?
The GOP3 entry has a LOT more of interest to freight-payers--issues of governance, slop, inefficiency, rent-seeking...
In short, colleges are merely a form of Government in less-frenetic settings.
Tell Me Again Why I Should Join the (R) Party-WI
Marcus Aurelius reports:
The country club Republicans are with the left on this issue. [While] debating resolutions one member of the resolution committee I am working with informed us since the RPW does not control the state senate the RPW is not going to push concealed carry and therefore we should drop concealed carry and second amendment rights resolutions.
Wow, the left loses on a Constitutional amendment issue and what do they do? They pretty much declare the fight is just starting.
And therein lies the key. RPW honchos duck for cover and comfort at the Milwaukee Athletic Club or wherever, while inner-city citizens duck for cover--prevented from self-defense.
Hell of a way to build a party.
The country club Republicans are with the left on this issue. [While] debating resolutions one member of the resolution committee I am working with informed us since the RPW does not control the state senate the RPW is not going to push concealed carry and therefore we should drop concealed carry and second amendment rights resolutions.
Wow, the left loses on a Constitutional amendment issue and what do they do? They pretty much declare the fight is just starting.
And therein lies the key. RPW honchos duck for cover and comfort at the Milwaukee Athletic Club or wherever, while inner-city citizens duck for cover--prevented from self-defense.
Hell of a way to build a party.
Clean Wisconsin and Sierra Club to Clean Your Clocks?
Some bunch of wackos wants you to pay a LOT more for your lights (and computer time.)
Clean Wisconsin and the Sierra Club pursued a legal challenge [about] whether 2 billion gallons of Lake Michigan water will be cycled through the power plant daily to cool it. Environmentalists say last week's ruling should require We Energies to build two huge water cooling towers rather than proceed with its plan to draw lake water through a pipe that they fear would kill fish and other aquatic life.
The ruling came from a Federal Appeals Court in New York State.
The Wisconsin DNR doesn't think that the NY ruling has anything to do with the WE permit, maintaining that the decision to allow WE's method was based on State law.
But at minimum, your electric bill will cover legal fees defending WE.
Clean Wisconsin and the Sierra Club pursued a legal challenge [about] whether 2 billion gallons of Lake Michigan water will be cycled through the power plant daily to cool it. Environmentalists say last week's ruling should require We Energies to build two huge water cooling towers rather than proceed with its plan to draw lake water through a pipe that they fear would kill fish and other aquatic life.
The ruling came from a Federal Appeals Court in New York State.
The Wisconsin DNR doesn't think that the NY ruling has anything to do with the WE permit, maintaining that the decision to allow WE's method was based on State law.
But at minimum, your electric bill will cover legal fees defending WE.
Perjury Watch
Well, somebody's going to dissemble.
Two of Gov. Jim Doyle's appointees told a Department of Transportation attorney to delay the release of a politically damaging 2004 report - in apparent violation of the state open records law - the attorney testified Thursday.
Attorney Jim Thiel said he was told to not release the report until after he got a copy of a Department of Administration rebuttal that questioned the DOT's finding that state engineers cost 18% less than consultants. The conclusion that state employees cost less conflicted with Doyle's platform of trimming state jobs.
Sure enough, the best part is scheduled for Friday:
Busalacchi and Romanski are among those slated to testify today.
Romanski is now a bigwig in DNR. That's comforting.
Two of Gov. Jim Doyle's appointees told a Department of Transportation attorney to delay the release of a politically damaging 2004 report - in apparent violation of the state open records law - the attorney testified Thursday.
Attorney Jim Thiel said he was told to not release the report until after he got a copy of a Department of Administration rebuttal that questioned the DOT's finding that state engineers cost 18% less than consultants. The conclusion that state employees cost less conflicted with Doyle's platform of trimming state jobs.
Sure enough, the best part is scheduled for Friday:
Busalacchi and Romanski are among those slated to testify today.
Romanski is now a bigwig in DNR. That's comforting.