Not that Jim Doyle, champion of vote-fraud, will change his mind or anything...
Black and Democratic turnout increased more in Georgia, which has what’s commonly slandered as the “harshest” voter ID rules in the country, than in a demographically and Democratically comparable state, Mississippi.
Indiana, which also has a fairly no-nonsense requirement that voters actually prove they are who they say they are experienced the largest increase in Democrat turnout of any state in the country, much higher than in neighboring Illinois
Huh.
HT: McIlheran
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Mutual Sacrifice, Indeed
More and more it's clear that George Orwell saw the Pelosi/Reid Congress.
At the same time that President Obama is wagging his finger at Wall Street for their year end bonuses and auto executives are being harassed for flying on private jets, the Democratic-led congress just gave each lawmaker an extra $93,000 in petty cash to spend.
More equal than others.
HT: Gateway
At the same time that President Obama is wagging his finger at Wall Street for their year end bonuses and auto executives are being harassed for flying on private jets, the Democratic-led congress just gave each lawmaker an extra $93,000 in petty cash to spend.
More equal than others.
HT: Gateway
Obama: Dump Those R&D People
Yah.
There's too much of that private-industry research & development goin' on out there.
The Obama administration has asked the military’s Joint Chiefs of Staff to cut the Pentagon’s budget request for the fiscal year 2010 by more than 10 percent — about $55 billion — a senior U.S. defense official tells FOX News.
Last year’s defense budget was $512 billion. Service chiefs and planners will be spending the weekend “burning the midnight oil” looking at ways to cut the budget — looking especially at weapons programs, the defense official said.
As Morrissey observes, STD "prevention" and re-sodding the Mall is now preferable to national defense.
There's too much of that private-industry research & development goin' on out there.
The Obama administration has asked the military’s Joint Chiefs of Staff to cut the Pentagon’s budget request for the fiscal year 2010 by more than 10 percent — about $55 billion — a senior U.S. defense official tells FOX News.
Last year’s defense budget was $512 billion. Service chiefs and planners will be spending the weekend “burning the midnight oil” looking at ways to cut the budget — looking especially at weapons programs, the defense official said.
As Morrissey observes, STD "prevention" and re-sodding the Mall is now preferable to national defense.
The Heavy, Heavy, Hand of Gummint, Part 254
California is known as 'the land of fruits and nuts' for a reason--mostly because the nuts inhabit the Statehouse and courts.
Mr. Dominguez is a law abiding fellow who had the misfortune to live in California (everything he was doing would be completely legal in AZ). On the way to a shooting range, he stopped at the LA airport to pick up a friend who would go to the range with him. He had his firearms and ammo in locked cases in a locked cover to his pickup's bed. Airport security pulled him over for an inspection. All his guns were legal, including an assault rifle which he had registered in accord with the law.
But he was charged with a felony, anyway, because the CA law on assault rifles says they may be transported only between specific locations. Home to shooting range is OK, BUT the prosecution contends that since he stopped at the airport on the way to the range, his is guilty of felony transportation. They also seized and may forfeit his truck.
Another good reason for "jury nullification."
Or for simply packing up and leaving California to its bankruptcy.
HT: Of Arms
Mr. Dominguez is a law abiding fellow who had the misfortune to live in California (everything he was doing would be completely legal in AZ). On the way to a shooting range, he stopped at the LA airport to pick up a friend who would go to the range with him. He had his firearms and ammo in locked cases in a locked cover to his pickup's bed. Airport security pulled him over for an inspection. All his guns were legal, including an assault rifle which he had registered in accord with the law.
But he was charged with a felony, anyway, because the CA law on assault rifles says they may be transported only between specific locations. Home to shooting range is OK, BUT the prosecution contends that since he stopped at the airport on the way to the range, his is guilty of felony transportation. They also seized and may forfeit his truck.
Another good reason for "jury nullification."
Or for simply packing up and leaving California to its bankruptcy.
HT: Of Arms
Some Tax Cuts Are More Equal...
You will believe it, of course.
The House version of the stimulus already includes a bonus depreciation that lets businesses immediately write off 50% of their 2009 capital expenditures. But the Senate bill expands the definition of "qualifying property" -- specifically to include "certain motion picture film or videotape..."the provision is backed by firms like the Walt Disney Co., and the industry trade group the Motion Picture Association of America."
I forget which LeftOWacky commented on my blog that "no one is worth $100 million"--and of course, he was referring to Rush Limbaugh, an eeeeeeeeeeeeevil cretin (right?).
Let's talk about gross incomes a bit:
According to Variety, which covers show business, ticket sales for 2008 "clocked in at $9.63 billion, ahead of the $9.62 billion earned in 2007. Admissions were down roughly 4%, far less than declines in other sectors of the economy."
This is not "stimulus." This is payback, plain and simple.
HT: Eggs
The House version of the stimulus already includes a bonus depreciation that lets businesses immediately write off 50% of their 2009 capital expenditures. But the Senate bill expands the definition of "qualifying property" -- specifically to include "certain motion picture film or videotape..."the provision is backed by firms like the Walt Disney Co., and the industry trade group the Motion Picture Association of America."
I forget which LeftOWacky commented on my blog that "no one is worth $100 million"--and of course, he was referring to Rush Limbaugh, an eeeeeeeeeeeeevil cretin (right?).
Let's talk about gross incomes a bit:
According to Variety, which covers show business, ticket sales for 2008 "clocked in at $9.63 billion, ahead of the $9.62 billion earned in 2007. Admissions were down roughly 4%, far less than declines in other sectors of the economy."
This is not "stimulus." This is payback, plain and simple.
HT: Eggs
Daschle's Tax "Forgots": There's More
The wags have said that 'It's easy for Democrats to raise taxes, since they don't pay them,' and we find even more of the same with Tom Daschle.
On January 2 of this year, Daschle filed amended tax returns to pay the $140,167 in unpaid taxes.
That was last night.
This morning, we read:
The Finance Committee staff still is reviewing whether travel and entertainment services provided Tom and Linda Daschle by EduCap, Inc., Catherine B. Reynolds Foundation, Academy Achievement, and Loan to Learn should be reported as income. Earlier this month, the Wall Street Journal reported that Daschle made use of the jet belonging to EduCap, a non-profit student loan organization. . . .
Malkin finds even MORE THAN THAT:
Mr. Daschle also didn’t report $83,333 in consulting income in 2007.
The Senate Finance Committee Report also notes that during the vetting process, President Obama’s Transition Team “identified certain donations that did not qualify as charitable deductions because they were not paid to qualifying organizations
That "unreported consulting income" is very interesting, because it implies that either: 1) IRS did not match the 1099 against Daschle's tax return OR: 2) that the organizations did not ISSUE a 1099 for the payment.
UPDATE: PowerLine gives us background on Daschle's pal Hindery:
InterMedia Advisors was founded by Leo Hindery, who, as we noted here, was once the CEO of Global Crossing, a company that enriched a number of prominent Democrats, including Terry McAuliffe, but also turned into one of the biggest bankruptcies in the history of American business, in which creditors and innocent investors lost many millions of dollars
That "Rangel Rule" tax proposal must look pretty sweet to TommyBoy these days, eh?
HT: Lott
On January 2 of this year, Daschle filed amended tax returns to pay the $140,167 in unpaid taxes.
That was last night.
This morning, we read:
The Finance Committee staff still is reviewing whether travel and entertainment services provided Tom and Linda Daschle by EduCap, Inc., Catherine B. Reynolds Foundation, Academy Achievement, and Loan to Learn should be reported as income. Earlier this month, the Wall Street Journal reported that Daschle made use of the jet belonging to EduCap, a non-profit student loan organization. . . .
Malkin finds even MORE THAN THAT:
Mr. Daschle also didn’t report $83,333 in consulting income in 2007.
The Senate Finance Committee Report also notes that during the vetting process, President Obama’s Transition Team “identified certain donations that did not qualify as charitable deductions because they were not paid to qualifying organizations
That "unreported consulting income" is very interesting, because it implies that either: 1) IRS did not match the 1099 against Daschle's tax return OR: 2) that the organizations did not ISSUE a 1099 for the payment.
UPDATE: PowerLine gives us background on Daschle's pal Hindery:
InterMedia Advisors was founded by Leo Hindery, who, as we noted here, was once the CEO of Global Crossing, a company that enriched a number of prominent Democrats, including Terry McAuliffe, but also turned into one of the biggest bankruptcies in the history of American business, in which creditors and innocent investors lost many millions of dollars
That "Rangel Rule" tax proposal must look pretty sweet to TommyBoy these days, eh?
HT: Lott
The Lefties Have NO CASE for the Stimulus
Over the last week or so, I've noticed that the Reliable Lefty commenters are unable to make any sort of case whatsoever for "the Stimulus."
See the comboxes at this post, for example, which questions the plan to provide tax dollars to pay for COBRA insurance premium requirements. I argue that there is really no "need" to do so; a Lefty seems to think that without taxpayer support of COBRA payments, people will simply get sick and die.
Or here, where the same inchoate interlocutor attempts to tell us that "all Gummint spending is identical," failing to recognize the difference between spending on Oshkosh Truck (e.g.) and a Bureaucracy in DC.
In this one, where the LeftyWackos argue that 'there IS no [effective] Corporate income tax, so let's NOT cut it,' and in addition, argue that US employers providing war services and materiel spend all their money on CEO's--not on "skilled workers."
They're probably very nice folks to meet. Just don't ask for linear thought.
See the comboxes at this post, for example, which questions the plan to provide tax dollars to pay for COBRA insurance premium requirements. I argue that there is really no "need" to do so; a Lefty seems to think that without taxpayer support of COBRA payments, people will simply get sick and die.
Or here, where the same inchoate interlocutor attempts to tell us that "all Gummint spending is identical," failing to recognize the difference between spending on Oshkosh Truck (e.g.) and a Bureaucracy in DC.
In this one, where the LeftyWackos argue that 'there IS no [effective] Corporate income tax, so let's NOT cut it,' and in addition, argue that US employers providing war services and materiel spend all their money on CEO's--not on "skilled workers."
They're probably very nice folks to meet. Just don't ask for linear thought.
Why Doyle Likes Gas-Tax Indexing, Again
Our Governor, the Back-and-Forthright Guy* was against gas-tax-indexing before he was for it.
He's for it now, and the reason is pictured above. And you can bet an index-point or three that the December report will continue the cliff-dive-line, thus, the Governor will become more strident as the budget is presented.
*Walt Kelly invented that linguistic arabesque...
CAUTION: Do NOT go to the below-linked page unless you have a very strong stomach.
HT: CalculatedRisk
Olsen Family Business--Ethanol--in Trouble
Look at this Wiggy post from not-so-far back.
Let's add Senator Luther Olsen (R-Ripon) to the ethanol drinking list
...Luther Olsen is a part-owner of a number of large agricultural businesses in Wisconsin including Berlin Feed, Inc., Olsen Leasing, LLC, and Olsen's Mill, Inc., according to his Statement of Economic Interests filed with the State of Wisconsin Ethics Board in 2005 for the year 2004.
Well, maybe that wasn't such a good idea.
Renew Energy LLC, operator of a year-old ethanol plant in Jefferson, sought protection from creditors in U.S. Bankruptcy Court Friday.
The company listed debts of $100 million to $500 million and assets in the same range.
The largest unsecured creditor listed is Olsen's Mill Inc., which is owed $20 million, according to the filing.
Olsen's has ties to Renew Energy. Paul Olsen, whom Renew identified as its chairman when it broke ground on the ethanol plant in October 2006, is an officer with Olsen's Mill, which sells farm supplies and markets and stores grain from 11 Wisconsin locations.
...Meanwhile, in a separate action, a bank is trying to force Olsen's Mill Inc. into receivership, a state court proceeding similar to bankruptcy.
That case was filed Wednesday by BNP Paribas in Green Lake County
Back a hundred years or so, Olsen's Power Equipment had a major retail facility in Waukesha, on old Hy. 164. They were damn good at doing their jobs, too.
Let's hope they pull through this--but let's also hope that force-feeding ethanol to motorists is not part of the solution.
Let's add Senator Luther Olsen (R-Ripon) to the ethanol drinking list
...Luther Olsen is a part-owner of a number of large agricultural businesses in Wisconsin including Berlin Feed, Inc., Olsen Leasing, LLC, and Olsen's Mill, Inc., according to his Statement of Economic Interests filed with the State of Wisconsin Ethics Board in 2005 for the year 2004.
Well, maybe that wasn't such a good idea.
Renew Energy LLC, operator of a year-old ethanol plant in Jefferson, sought protection from creditors in U.S. Bankruptcy Court Friday.
The company listed debts of $100 million to $500 million and assets in the same range.
The largest unsecured creditor listed is Olsen's Mill Inc., which is owed $20 million, according to the filing.
Olsen's has ties to Renew Energy. Paul Olsen, whom Renew identified as its chairman when it broke ground on the ethanol plant in October 2006, is an officer with Olsen's Mill, which sells farm supplies and markets and stores grain from 11 Wisconsin locations.
...Meanwhile, in a separate action, a bank is trying to force Olsen's Mill Inc. into receivership, a state court proceeding similar to bankruptcy.
That case was filed Wednesday by BNP Paribas in Green Lake County
Back a hundred years or so, Olsen's Power Equipment had a major retail facility in Waukesha, on old Hy. 164. They were damn good at doing their jobs, too.
Let's hope they pull through this--but let's also hope that force-feeding ethanol to motorists is not part of the solution.
Friday, January 30, 2009
The "Catholic" Anti-Life Party
Senators who claim to be Catholic and who voted AGAINST restoration of the Mexico City Policy:
Gillibrand (NY); Reed (RI); Leahy (VT); Cantwell (WA); Menendez (NJ); Murray (WV); Begich (AL); Dodd (CT); Landrieu (LA); Harkin (IA); Kerry (MA); McCaskill (MO); Mikulski (MD); Durbin (IL) and Kaufman (DE)
'Nuff said.
Gillibrand (NY); Reed (RI); Leahy (VT); Cantwell (WA); Menendez (NJ); Murray (WV); Begich (AL); Dodd (CT); Landrieu (LA); Harkin (IA); Kerry (MA); McCaskill (MO); Mikulski (MD); Durbin (IL) and Kaufman (DE)
'Nuff said.
QueenNancy Pelosi's Logic--Extended
Neumayr is always worth the read.
Euthanasia is another shovel-ready job for Pelosi to assign to the states. Reducing health care costs under Obama's plan, after all, counts as economic stimulus too. Controlling life, controlling death, controlling costs.
"Shovel", indeed...
...Pelosi has helpfully if dimly blurted out what's often implicit in many of the left's schemes for human improvement: that, after all the rhetorical bells and whistles have fallen silent, the final solution concealed within the schemes is to eliminate people.
Nancy and Harry could at least honor their 'intellectual godfather' the way that Neumayr did in that last phrase.
And if you think that "STD" provision in the bill is markedly different in effect or intent from the "birth-control" provision the Queen deleted, think again, folks.
Euthanasia is another shovel-ready job for Pelosi to assign to the states. Reducing health care costs under Obama's plan, after all, counts as economic stimulus too. Controlling life, controlling death, controlling costs.
"Shovel", indeed...
...Pelosi has helpfully if dimly blurted out what's often implicit in many of the left's schemes for human improvement: that, after all the rhetorical bells and whistles have fallen silent, the final solution concealed within the schemes is to eliminate people.
Nancy and Harry could at least honor their 'intellectual godfather' the way that Neumayr did in that last phrase.
And if you think that "STD" provision in the bill is markedly different in effect or intent from the "birth-control" provision the Queen deleted, think again, folks.
HillaryCare Arrives
Let's put it this way.
You are the frog. The water is warmer--and warmer---and warmer.
You know the end of the story.
Democrats have studied "Frog-Cooking 101" and are instituting HillaryCare with just a little more warm water.
The "stimulus" also hijacks Cobra, a program that lets the unemployed retain access to their former company health benefits -- usually for about 18 months. The new stimulus permits any former employee over the age of 55 to keep using Cobra right up until they qualify for Medicare at age 65. And here's the kicker: Whereas employees were previously responsible for paying their health premiums while on Cobra, now the feds will pay 65%. CBO estimates? Seven million Americans will have the feds mostly pay their insurance bills in 2009.
While I would not object to 'allowing COBRA until Medicare qualification' under the usual terms and conditions, the red-highlighted part is objectionable--principally because NO ONE is denied health-care in this country under Hill-Burton. So what is the need?
None.
It is estimated that this provision will have 7 million recipients inside of 2 years.
HT: PowerLine
You are the frog. The water is warmer--and warmer---and warmer.
You know the end of the story.
Democrats have studied "Frog-Cooking 101" and are instituting HillaryCare with just a little more warm water.
The "stimulus" also hijacks Cobra, a program that lets the unemployed retain access to their former company health benefits -- usually for about 18 months. The new stimulus permits any former employee over the age of 55 to keep using Cobra right up until they qualify for Medicare at age 65. And here's the kicker: Whereas employees were previously responsible for paying their health premiums while on Cobra, now the feds will pay 65%. CBO estimates? Seven million Americans will have the feds mostly pay their insurance bills in 2009.
While I would not object to 'allowing COBRA until Medicare qualification' under the usual terms and conditions, the red-highlighted part is objectionable--principally because NO ONE is denied health-care in this country under Hill-Burton. So what is the need?
None.
It is estimated that this provision will have 7 million recipients inside of 2 years.
HT: PowerLine
Feingold Nominated Lautenschlager!
The US Attorney slot is vacant here (and lots of other places.)
Each of our Senators gets to nominate four people for the position.
GOP3 reports that Sen. Feingold nominated....
.....ta da!.....
Peg Lautenschager!!!
No wonder the Feds are buying lots of new cars with the stimulus money....
(The rest of the nominee list is predictable, by the way.)
Each of our Senators gets to nominate four people for the position.
GOP3 reports that Sen. Feingold nominated....
.....ta da!.....
Peg Lautenschager!!!
No wonder the Feds are buying lots of new cars with the stimulus money....
(The rest of the nominee list is predictable, by the way.)
Chicago Gun Appeal May Lose
Cramer reports.
The various challenges to handgun bans and obstructive gun registration laws in Illinois have been consolidated into a single case before the U.S. Court of Appeals. See the brief filed by Alan Gura here. A little background is visible here.
There is a very strong possibility that the Court of Appeals will rule against us, not on the merits of the case (which is very strong), but because finding that the Second Amendment is incorporated through the Fourteenth Amendment against the states is a decision above their pay grade
"Incorporation" is THE issue; this may well be in front of SCOTUS in a year or so.
The various challenges to handgun bans and obstructive gun registration laws in Illinois have been consolidated into a single case before the U.S. Court of Appeals. See the brief filed by Alan Gura here. A little background is visible here.
There is a very strong possibility that the Court of Appeals will rule against us, not on the merits of the case (which is very strong), but because finding that the Second Amendment is incorporated through the Fourteenth Amendment against the states is a decision above their pay grade
"Incorporation" is THE issue; this may well be in front of SCOTUS in a year or so.
Stimulus: No Longer Stimulating Support
The numbers are caving.
...the 52 percent public support for the stimulus bill reflected in the Gallup poll was a bit tepid, but a new Rasmussen poll finds support dropping to 42 percent with a near equal number of opposition at 39 percent. Some of the numbers behind the numbers are interesting, too. For instance, while support for the bill among Republicans and Democrats has remained relatively stable, "support among unaffiliated voters has fallen. A week ago, unaffiliateds were evenly divided on the plan, with 37% in favor and 36% opposed. Now, 50% of unaffiliated voters oppose the plan while only 27% favor it." In addition, 46 percent of those polled are worried that the government will end up doing too much, compared with 42 percent who worry it will do too little.
Umnnnhhhh....the average citizen is capable of separating the buckwheat from the BS, and is also acutely aware of the effects of debt-financing.
HT: AmSpecBlog
...the 52 percent public support for the stimulus bill reflected in the Gallup poll was a bit tepid, but a new Rasmussen poll finds support dropping to 42 percent with a near equal number of opposition at 39 percent. Some of the numbers behind the numbers are interesting, too. For instance, while support for the bill among Republicans and Democrats has remained relatively stable, "support among unaffiliated voters has fallen. A week ago, unaffiliateds were evenly divided on the plan, with 37% in favor and 36% opposed. Now, 50% of unaffiliated voters oppose the plan while only 27% favor it." In addition, 46 percent of those polled are worried that the government will end up doing too much, compared with 42 percent who worry it will do too little.
Umnnnhhhh....the average citizen is capable of separating the buckwheat from the BS, and is also acutely aware of the effects of debt-financing.
HT: AmSpecBlog
GAB Spent $50K of Taxpayer Money for Indefensible Suit
The GAB, which:
1) Refused to comply with the law; and
2) Caused the State Attorney General to sue them to force compliance; and
3) Agreed that the State Attorney General was correct (after the election, of course)
...spent $50K of taxpayer money to defend their indefensible position.
Seems like a lot of money, doesn't it?
1) Refused to comply with the law; and
2) Caused the State Attorney General to sue them to force compliance; and
3) Agreed that the State Attorney General was correct (after the election, of course)
...spent $50K of taxpayer money to defend their indefensible position.
Seems like a lot of money, doesn't it?
More Garbage in Senate "Stimulus" Truck
You thought that $335 million for STD's was bad?
How about $400 million?? The Senate perceives more STD problems than the House.
That's hardly all.
$20 million "for the removal of small- to medium-sized fish passage barriers."
$25 million to rehabilitate off-roading (ATV) trails
$34 million to remodel the Department of Commerce HQ
$70 million to "Support Supercomputing Activities" for climate research
$150 million for honey bee insurance
Something tells me that the Gardasil lobbyist has been very busy.
HT: RedStates
How about $400 million?? The Senate perceives more STD problems than the House.
That's hardly all.
$20 million "for the removal of small- to medium-sized fish passage barriers."
$25 million to rehabilitate off-roading (ATV) trails
$34 million to remodel the Department of Commerce HQ
$70 million to "Support Supercomputing Activities" for climate research
$150 million for honey bee insurance
Something tells me that the Gardasil lobbyist has been very busy.
HT: RedStates
Gitmo Judge: "Delay Is Not Reasonable"
Woopsie!
Seems that Obama's request isn't consonant with the public interest. And the reaction poses a very significant question.
President Barack Obama's plan to suspend proceedings against Guantanamo detainees hit a snag when a military judge said it would be unreasonable to delay a hearing for the alleged mastermind of the USS Cole bombing.
Thursday's ruling by the judge, Army Col. James Pohl, creates an unexpected challenge for the new administration as it reviews how America puts suspected terrorists on trial.
Pohl said his decision was difficult but necessary to protect "the public interest in a speedy trial."
Col. Pohl is not winning the hearts and minds of the Pentagon brass.
Geoff Morrell, another Pentagon spokesman, told reporters that there were "no ifs, ands or buts" about adhering to the president's executive order and that there would "be no proceedings continuing down at Gitmo with military commissions."
Mr. Morrell implies that "justice" is subordinate to the wishes of the President. Very interesting.
Seems that Obama's request isn't consonant with the public interest. And the reaction poses a very significant question.
President Barack Obama's plan to suspend proceedings against Guantanamo detainees hit a snag when a military judge said it would be unreasonable to delay a hearing for the alleged mastermind of the USS Cole bombing.
Thursday's ruling by the judge, Army Col. James Pohl, creates an unexpected challenge for the new administration as it reviews how America puts suspected terrorists on trial.
Pohl said his decision was difficult but necessary to protect "the public interest in a speedy trial."
Col. Pohl is not winning the hearts and minds of the Pentagon brass.
Geoff Morrell, another Pentagon spokesman, told reporters that there were "no ifs, ands or buts" about adhering to the president's executive order and that there would "be no proceedings continuing down at Gitmo with military commissions."
Mr. Morrell implies that "justice" is subordinate to the wishes of the President. Very interesting.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Barrett Signals Opposition to "Sick Leave"
Read between the lines.
The City of Milwaukee said yesterday it will not oppose the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce's request for a temporary injunction to halt the paid sick leave ordinance scheduled to take effect next month.
That doesn't make some people happy.
"Whatever the mayor's personal views, he had always assured us that he would carry out his duty to the taxpayers to implement and enforce the paid sick leave ordinance," said Amy Stear, state director of 9 to 5 in a statement. "By caving in to the business lobbyists at MMAC, the mayor shirks his sworn duty to uphold and carry out the laws of our city."
Barrett's a realist. 9 to 5--not so much.
The City of Milwaukee said yesterday it will not oppose the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce's request for a temporary injunction to halt the paid sick leave ordinance scheduled to take effect next month.
That doesn't make some people happy.
"Whatever the mayor's personal views, he had always assured us that he would carry out his duty to the taxpayers to implement and enforce the paid sick leave ordinance," said Amy Stear, state director of 9 to 5 in a statement. "By caving in to the business lobbyists at MMAC, the mayor shirks his sworn duty to uphold and carry out the laws of our city."
Barrett's a realist. 9 to 5--not so much.
The Economy: What's Next?
Inflation.
Some perspective from Martin Wolf of the (London) Financial Times:
“Let us start with some facts. The ratio of US public and private debt to gross domestic product reached 358% in the 3rd quarter of 2008. This was much the highest in US history. The previous peak of 300% was reached in 1933, during the Great Depression
“Nearly all of this debt is private. That reached an all-time high of 294% of GCP in 2007, a rise of 105 percentage points over the previous decade
“Particularly remarkable is the composition of the increased debt. In the early 1930s, most US private debt was owed by non-financial companies, so balance sheet deflation occurred in companies, as was also the case in Japan in the 1990s. This time, however, the big increase in debt was in the financial and household sectors.
“Over the past three decades the debt of the US financial sector grew six times faster than nominal GDP. The consequent increases in its scale and leverage explain why, at the peak, the financial sector allegedly generated 40% of US corporate profits....
“Household debt – most of based on rising housing values – rose from 66% of US GDP in ’97 to 100% in ’07”
Note the implication: balance sheet deterioration will occur in financial and household sectors, unlike during the Depression, which largely affected (non-financial) companies.
Need proof?
Why do you think TARP exists? To shore up the deteriorated balance sheets of banks!
And after The Inflation?
“If central banks and governments are aggressive enough, they can generate inflation which will lower the debt burden,” Wolf writes. “But they will imperil – if not terminate the experiment with un-backed fiat (or man-made) money that started in 1971.”
Now it's a tossup.
Buy Ammo? Buy Gold? This is a tough choice.
Despite that, Wolf prefers inflation.
“Inflation will allow debt to reduce day by day. Price rises will make companies going concerns, earning their way back to profit. Pay rises will enable households and consumers to pay down what they owe while saving more and spending some. And inflation allows interest rates to rise but still remain negative in real terms. It is healthier that people receive an annual pay rise than take out an extra annual loan – as they have been doing since 2000. This package will allow markets to breathe again.”
Which is precisely the direction the Gummint has taken.
Liquidation, of course, is the best alternative, and will NEVER be undertaken by the goons in Washington, unless it's 'liquidation' in the sense of the way the Kulaks understood it.
Some perspective from Martin Wolf of the (London) Financial Times:
“Let us start with some facts. The ratio of US public and private debt to gross domestic product reached 358% in the 3rd quarter of 2008. This was much the highest in US history. The previous peak of 300% was reached in 1933, during the Great Depression
“Nearly all of this debt is private. That reached an all-time high of 294% of GCP in 2007, a rise of 105 percentage points over the previous decade
“Particularly remarkable is the composition of the increased debt. In the early 1930s, most US private debt was owed by non-financial companies, so balance sheet deflation occurred in companies, as was also the case in Japan in the 1990s. This time, however, the big increase in debt was in the financial and household sectors.
“Over the past three decades the debt of the US financial sector grew six times faster than nominal GDP. The consequent increases in its scale and leverage explain why, at the peak, the financial sector allegedly generated 40% of US corporate profits....
“Household debt – most of based on rising housing values – rose from 66% of US GDP in ’97 to 100% in ’07”
Note the implication: balance sheet deterioration will occur in financial and household sectors, unlike during the Depression, which largely affected (non-financial) companies.
Need proof?
Why do you think TARP exists? To shore up the deteriorated balance sheets of banks!
And after The Inflation?
“If central banks and governments are aggressive enough, they can generate inflation which will lower the debt burden,” Wolf writes. “But they will imperil – if not terminate the experiment with un-backed fiat (or man-made) money that started in 1971.”
Now it's a tossup.
Buy Ammo? Buy Gold? This is a tough choice.
Despite that, Wolf prefers inflation.
“Inflation will allow debt to reduce day by day. Price rises will make companies going concerns, earning their way back to profit. Pay rises will enable households and consumers to pay down what they owe while saving more and spending some. And inflation allows interest rates to rise but still remain negative in real terms. It is healthier that people receive an annual pay rise than take out an extra annual loan – as they have been doing since 2000. This package will allow markets to breathe again.”
Which is precisely the direction the Gummint has taken.
Liquidation, of course, is the best alternative, and will NEVER be undertaken by the goons in Washington, unless it's 'liquidation' in the sense of the way the Kulaks understood it.
State Dems: "Hell, NO!" on Accountability
Not that anyone is surprised, or anything.
There is significant and very real concern mounting in the State Capitol that the much-anticipated multi-billion dollar bailout of our state government by the feds will result in massive amounts of funds being doled out with little, if any, meaningful oversight or accountability...
Or those funds just might find Wisconsin ACORN checking accounts, eh?
...the Democrat majority in the State Assembly failed to take action on Assembly Joint Resolution 3. If adopted, AJR 3 would set up a bi-partisan committee of lawmakers - the Joint Committee on Economic Stimulus Accountability (JCESA) to specifically shine light on the use of federal bailout funds provided to the State of Wisconsin. Because Democrats control both Houses in the Legislature, they would have a majority on JCESA.
So the funds could STILL be directed to ACORN, except the Republicans would be able to document it....
...Democrats in the Assembly contended that the oversight provided by JCESA would "slow down" the expenditure of federal funds and thus hamper Wisconsin's recovery. This argument fails to hold water, however, since JCESA would be specifically required to hold a public hearing on any proposals within seven (7) days of the referral of the bill to the committee and issue its report no later than seven (7) days after the public hearing...
IOW, the Dimowit response was non-responsive.
How original.
Source: Gundrum Newsletter
There is significant and very real concern mounting in the State Capitol that the much-anticipated multi-billion dollar bailout of our state government by the feds will result in massive amounts of funds being doled out with little, if any, meaningful oversight or accountability...
Or those funds just might find Wisconsin ACORN checking accounts, eh?
...the Democrat majority in the State Assembly failed to take action on Assembly Joint Resolution 3. If adopted, AJR 3 would set up a bi-partisan committee of lawmakers - the Joint Committee on Economic Stimulus Accountability (JCESA) to specifically shine light on the use of federal bailout funds provided to the State of Wisconsin. Because Democrats control both Houses in the Legislature, they would have a majority on JCESA.
So the funds could STILL be directed to ACORN, except the Republicans would be able to document it....
...Democrats in the Assembly contended that the oversight provided by JCESA would "slow down" the expenditure of federal funds and thus hamper Wisconsin's recovery. This argument fails to hold water, however, since JCESA would be specifically required to hold a public hearing on any proposals within seven (7) days of the referral of the bill to the committee and issue its report no later than seven (7) days after the public hearing...
IOW, the Dimowit response was non-responsive.
How original.
Source: Gundrum Newsletter
"Fairness" = "Localism"--Catholic Radio on the ChopBlock
Sykes (thank God) has a contract extension.
But one wonders if the FCC regs will allow continuance.
As reported recently in the National Catholic Register, a new version of the so-called Fairness Doctrine is threatening Catholic radio. Under the new Obama administration, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will begin applying "localism" regulations to radio station licenses. Steve Gajdosik, president of the Catholic Radio Association, calls these regulations "the death knell for Catholic radio."
...the impact of localism could be the same as the Fairness Doctrine, since the FCC can take away a station's license if it's found not to serve the "interests" of the local community
...The head of the FCC transition team for Podesta and Obama is another supporter of localism standards: Henry Rivera, former chairman of the Minority Media and Telecommunications Council. The council spells out what is intended by localism:
"Broadcasters must . . . look for leaders in the civic, religious, and non-profit sectors that regularly serve the needs of the community, particularly the needs of minority groups that are typically poorly served by the broadcasting industry as a whole."
One could certainly argue that Catholic radio serves "minority interests" because there are lots of Catholics who are 'minorities.' On the other hand, the regs have onerous requirements on staffing, physical location, etc., which most Catholic stations simply cannot afford.
It will be interesting to see how the standards are applied.
HT: InsideCatholic
But one wonders if the FCC regs will allow continuance.
As reported recently in the National Catholic Register, a new version of the so-called Fairness Doctrine is threatening Catholic radio. Under the new Obama administration, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will begin applying "localism" regulations to radio station licenses. Steve Gajdosik, president of the Catholic Radio Association, calls these regulations "the death knell for Catholic radio."
...the impact of localism could be the same as the Fairness Doctrine, since the FCC can take away a station's license if it's found not to serve the "interests" of the local community
...The head of the FCC transition team for Podesta and Obama is another supporter of localism standards: Henry Rivera, former chairman of the Minority Media and Telecommunications Council. The council spells out what is intended by localism:
"Broadcasters must . . . look for leaders in the civic, religious, and non-profit sectors that regularly serve the needs of the community, particularly the needs of minority groups that are typically poorly served by the broadcasting industry as a whole."
One could certainly argue that Catholic radio serves "minority interests" because there are lots of Catholics who are 'minorities.' On the other hand, the regs have onerous requirements on staffing, physical location, etc., which most Catholic stations simply cannot afford.
It will be interesting to see how the standards are applied.
HT: InsideCatholic
Peasants, Turn Down the Heat!
But not Presidents. Ed Morrissey mentions "Mr. Workout's" disregard for the environment.
Last week, Barack Obama caused quite a stir when he allowed himself to be photographed in the Oval Office without wearing a suit jacket, ending the Bush tradition of coat-and-tie for the West Wing. The New York Times reports on how Obama made that possible during a colder-than-usual Washington winter. All Obama did was turn up the thermostat to Hawaii hothouse levels
Morrissey also provides a quote from Candidate Obama:
“We can’t drive our SUVs and eat as much as we want and keep our homes on 72 degrees at all times … and then just expect that other countries are going to say OK,” Obama said.
“That’s not leadership. That’s not going to happen,” he added
Unless it's the White House, of course.
Arugula, steaks, and warmth with the martinis, waiter!!
HT: ProEcclesia
Last week, Barack Obama caused quite a stir when he allowed himself to be photographed in the Oval Office without wearing a suit jacket, ending the Bush tradition of coat-and-tie for the West Wing. The New York Times reports on how Obama made that possible during a colder-than-usual Washington winter. All Obama did was turn up the thermostat to Hawaii hothouse levels
Morrissey also provides a quote from Candidate Obama:
“We can’t drive our SUVs and eat as much as we want and keep our homes on 72 degrees at all times … and then just expect that other countries are going to say OK,” Obama said.
“That’s not leadership. That’s not going to happen,” he added
Unless it's the White House, of course.
Arugula, steaks, and warmth with the martinis, waiter!!
HT: ProEcclesia
500,000 New Papists?
This will be a very interesting development.
It appears Rome is on the brink of welcoming close to half a million members of the Traditional Anglican Communion into membership of the Roman Catholic Church, writes Anthony Barich. Such a move would be the most historic development in Anglican-Catholic relations in the last 500 years. But it may also be a prelude to a much greater influx of Anglicans waiting on the sidelines, pushed too far by the controversy surrounding the consecration of practising homosexual bishops, women clergy and a host of other issues
An announcement could be made soon after Easter this year. It is understood that Pope Benedict XVI, who has taken a personal interest in the matter, has linked the issue to the year of St Paul, the greatest missionary in the history of the Church.
The Basilica of St Paul outside the Walls could feature prominently in such an announcement for its traditional and historical links to Anglicanism. Prior to the English Reformation it was the official Church of the Knights of the Garter. The TAC’s Primate, Adelaide-based Archbishop John Hepworth, told The Record he has also informed the Holy See he wants to bring all the TAC’s bishops to Rome for the beatification of Cardinal Henry Newman, also an Anglican convert to the Catholic Church, as a celebration of Anglican-Catholic unity.
Trust me. There will be a lot of Roman merchants selling garters if this occurs.
HT: Ignatius
It appears Rome is on the brink of welcoming close to half a million members of the Traditional Anglican Communion into membership of the Roman Catholic Church, writes Anthony Barich. Such a move would be the most historic development in Anglican-Catholic relations in the last 500 years. But it may also be a prelude to a much greater influx of Anglicans waiting on the sidelines, pushed too far by the controversy surrounding the consecration of practising homosexual bishops, women clergy and a host of other issues
An announcement could be made soon after Easter this year. It is understood that Pope Benedict XVI, who has taken a personal interest in the matter, has linked the issue to the year of St Paul, the greatest missionary in the history of the Church.
The Basilica of St Paul outside the Walls could feature prominently in such an announcement for its traditional and historical links to Anglicanism. Prior to the English Reformation it was the official Church of the Knights of the Garter. The TAC’s Primate, Adelaide-based Archbishop John Hepworth, told The Record he has also informed the Holy See he wants to bring all the TAC’s bishops to Rome for the beatification of Cardinal Henry Newman, also an Anglican convert to the Catholic Church, as a celebration of Anglican-Catholic unity.
Trust me. There will be a lot of Roman merchants selling garters if this occurs.
HT: Ignatius
Sam Adams, Prophet
In the days of George III, it came to pass that the Sugar Act was imposed, taxing some elements of trade with the Colonies.
A Boston fellow was asked to respond to the King on behalf of the traders of his town.
He wrote, in part, this:
“What still heightens our apprehensions is that these unexpected proceedings may be preparatory to new taxation upon us: For if our trade may be taxed why not our lands? Why not the produce of our lands and everything we possess and make use of?”
Why not, indeed?
Who knew that George III was such a frugal piker in comparison to Wilson, FDR, and the several States?
HT: FirstThings
A Boston fellow was asked to respond to the King on behalf of the traders of his town.
He wrote, in part, this:
“What still heightens our apprehensions is that these unexpected proceedings may be preparatory to new taxation upon us: For if our trade may be taxed why not our lands? Why not the produce of our lands and everything we possess and make use of?”
Why not, indeed?
Who knew that George III was such a frugal piker in comparison to Wilson, FDR, and the several States?
HT: FirstThings
On Education
This should lend some fire to the debate in which McIlheran and Esenberg participate.
“It is quaint that people talk of separating dogma from education. Dogma is actually the only thing that cannot be separated from education. It is education. A teacher who is not dogmatic is simply a teacher who is not teaching.”
--GK Chesterton
HT Chesterton and Friends
“It is quaint that people talk of separating dogma from education. Dogma is actually the only thing that cannot be separated from education. It is education. A teacher who is not dogmatic is simply a teacher who is not teaching.”
--GK Chesterton
HT Chesterton and Friends
"We Knew About the Mortgage Fraud"--FBI
Umnnnhhh...
"The FBI was aware for years of "pervasive and growing" fraud in the mortgage industry that eventually contributed to America's financial meltdown, but did not take definitive action to stop it.
"It is clear that we had good intelligence on the mortgage-fraud schemes, the corrupt attorneys, the corrupt appraisers, the insider schemes," said a recently retired, high FBI official. Another retired top FBI official confirmed that such intelligence went back to 2002.
The problem, according to the two FBI retirees and several other current and former bureau colleagues, is that the bureau was stretched so thin that no one noticed when those lenders began packaging bad mortgages into bad securities.
FBI had assigned 2400 folks to the anti-terror effort...
Even MORE interesting:
And Falvey said that financial executives who deliberately chose not to learn the facts about dicey mortgage-lending practices in their companies -- who chose to be "willfully blind" to such practices and the subsequent securitization of those mortgages -- could be vulnerable to prosecution for securities fraud.
Both retired FBI officials asserted that the Bush administration was thoroughly briefed on the mortgage fraud crisis and its potential to cascade out of control with devastating financial consequences, but made the decision not to give back to the FBI the agents it needed to address the problem
Well, that statement is a bit self-serving--that is, I think there's more to the story on "needed agent-power."
But the timeline is interesting. Think of who was running WaMu, or Golden West, during that timeframe...
HT: MarketTicker
"The FBI was aware for years of "pervasive and growing" fraud in the mortgage industry that eventually contributed to America's financial meltdown, but did not take definitive action to stop it.
"It is clear that we had good intelligence on the mortgage-fraud schemes, the corrupt attorneys, the corrupt appraisers, the insider schemes," said a recently retired, high FBI official. Another retired top FBI official confirmed that such intelligence went back to 2002.
The problem, according to the two FBI retirees and several other current and former bureau colleagues, is that the bureau was stretched so thin that no one noticed when those lenders began packaging bad mortgages into bad securities.
FBI had assigned 2400 folks to the anti-terror effort...
Even MORE interesting:
And Falvey said that financial executives who deliberately chose not to learn the facts about dicey mortgage-lending practices in their companies -- who chose to be "willfully blind" to such practices and the subsequent securitization of those mortgages -- could be vulnerable to prosecution for securities fraud.
Both retired FBI officials asserted that the Bush administration was thoroughly briefed on the mortgage fraud crisis and its potential to cascade out of control with devastating financial consequences, but made the decision not to give back to the FBI the agents it needed to address the problem
Well, that statement is a bit self-serving--that is, I think there's more to the story on "needed agent-power."
But the timeline is interesting. Think of who was running WaMu, or Golden West, during that timeframe...
HT: MarketTicker
Obama "Ethics" Statement: FooFooDust
Take it from someone who knows.
President Obama’s executive order of Jan. 21, “Ethics Commitments by Executive Branch Personnel,” is well intentioned but naïve and essentially unenforceable. The lobbying ban on “particular matters” perpetuates the same loophole that has made the federal “revolving door” criminal statute a dead letter since Congress first passed it decades ago.
For these ethics restrictions to work, there must be an open, publicly accessible reporting system where every executive branch appointee records meetings with registered lobbyists during and after working hours, both inside and outside the office.
Nope. That wasn't written by a Dittohead, sorry.
And if you want to take bets on "..open, publicly accessible reporting system..." the line forms at this window. My position? Ain't gonna happen. Ever. No how. No Way.
HT: Sunlight
President Obama’s executive order of Jan. 21, “Ethics Commitments by Executive Branch Personnel,” is well intentioned but naïve and essentially unenforceable. The lobbying ban on “particular matters” perpetuates the same loophole that has made the federal “revolving door” criminal statute a dead letter since Congress first passed it decades ago.
For these ethics restrictions to work, there must be an open, publicly accessible reporting system where every executive branch appointee records meetings with registered lobbyists during and after working hours, both inside and outside the office.
Nope. That wasn't written by a Dittohead, sorry.
And if you want to take bets on "..open, publicly accessible reporting system..." the line forms at this window. My position? Ain't gonna happen. Ever. No how. No Way.
HT: Sunlight
Remember the $500 Walk-Behind Mower?
Talk about asinine ideas.
Regulators, led by the California Air Resources Board, pressed for less pollution from the small-engine industry as emissions from cars and trucks improved.
They argued that Briggs and other engine-makers could install catalytic converters on small engines to reduce pollution. Briggs, the world's largest producer of small gasoline engines, said the equipment would pose safety hazards and would be too costly for products such as walk-behind lawn mowers
"Cats" are extremely hot during and after use, and very, very expensive. The 'cat' on your car costs about $400.00. Even if one scales down the cost to the size of the engine, you're still talking $100.00 just for the platinum.
Better idea: stop cutting the damn grass in California.
HT: FoxPolitics
Regulators, led by the California Air Resources Board, pressed for less pollution from the small-engine industry as emissions from cars and trucks improved.
They argued that Briggs and other engine-makers could install catalytic converters on small engines to reduce pollution. Briggs, the world's largest producer of small gasoline engines, said the equipment would pose safety hazards and would be too costly for products such as walk-behind lawn mowers
"Cats" are extremely hot during and after use, and very, very expensive. The 'cat' on your car costs about $400.00. Even if one scales down the cost to the size of the engine, you're still talking $100.00 just for the platinum.
Better idea: stop cutting the damn grass in California.
HT: FoxPolitics
Testify Against BATFE? Expect Revenge
One of the more curious stories you'll ever see.
The BATFE has arrested a weapon-conversion-kit.
You read that correctly. Not a person.
A kit.
Background: Savage designs NFA-related items. This one enables the owner of a lawful NFA firearm to convert it to a different caliber. BATFE originally ruled that the item was not a firearm, let alone an NFA one; it was a conversion kit. After Len gave some expert testimony in several cases against the agency, it reversed its ruling and held that the kit was an NFA firearm. Now it's pursuing forfeiture of it.
The linked story at OfArms fills you in a bit. Even the US Attorney can't restrain herself on this one.
The BATFE has arrested a weapon-conversion-kit.
You read that correctly. Not a person.
A kit.
Background: Savage designs NFA-related items. This one enables the owner of a lawful NFA firearm to convert it to a different caliber. BATFE originally ruled that the item was not a firearm, let alone an NFA one; it was a conversion kit. After Len gave some expert testimony in several cases against the agency, it reversed its ruling and held that the kit was an NFA firearm. Now it's pursuing forfeiture of it.
The linked story at OfArms fills you in a bit. Even the US Attorney can't restrain herself on this one.
No Arugula?
News report:
After pushing his $1.1 trillion Generational Theft Act of 2009 through the House last night, the White House apparently decided to throw itself a swank cocktail party. According to ABC’s Jake Tapper, the menu included alcoholic beverages (vodka martinis are an Obama favorite, reportedly) and wagyu steak.
Yeah, “wagyu steak.” $100 per serving delicacy.
No wonder they don't have that at Pick-N-Save.
After pushing his $1.1 trillion Generational Theft Act of 2009 through the House last night, the White House apparently decided to throw itself a swank cocktail party. According to ABC’s Jake Tapper, the menu included alcoholic beverages (vodka martinis are an Obama favorite, reportedly) and wagyu steak.
Yeah, “wagyu steak.” $100 per serving delicacy.
$100./serving.
No wonder they don't have that at Pick-N-Save.
The Depression's Recession
There is talk that FDR didn't spend enough money, which resulted in another recession during the Depression.
Not really. Lott presents this:
"In early 1937 the Federal Reserve doubled the required reserve ratios of the banking system with the purpose of immobilizing reserves and preventing future inflation. After some months, this action was followed by declines in the stock of money and real output. Money fell -0.37 percent between 1937 and 1938 while prices fell -0.50 percent, and real output fell -8.23 percent. High-powered money, responding to other forces, rose by 7.95 percent during the same year. Friedman and Schwartz conclude that the correlation between the decline in the stock of money and the decline in economic activity must have resulted from chance or from causation running from money to economic activity."
"Doubling the required reserve" had the same effect that we are seeing today in the banking system: loans are damn hard to get, no matter WHAT you offer in collateral.
It had nothing whatever to do with Federal spending.
One could also argue that the '37/'39 recession was a normal cyclical event; there had been three years of recovery before 1937.
Not really. Lott presents this:
"In early 1937 the Federal Reserve doubled the required reserve ratios of the banking system with the purpose of immobilizing reserves and preventing future inflation. After some months, this action was followed by declines in the stock of money and real output. Money fell -0.37 percent between 1937 and 1938 while prices fell -0.50 percent, and real output fell -8.23 percent. High-powered money, responding to other forces, rose by 7.95 percent during the same year. Friedman and Schwartz conclude that the correlation between the decline in the stock of money and the decline in economic activity must have resulted from chance or from causation running from money to economic activity."
"Doubling the required reserve" had the same effect that we are seeing today in the banking system: loans are damn hard to get, no matter WHAT you offer in collateral.
It had nothing whatever to do with Federal spending.
One could also argue that the '37/'39 recession was a normal cyclical event; there had been three years of recovery before 1937.
Want Mortgage Insurance?
Genworth has added the entire State of Wisconsin to its "distressed areas" list; so if you want to obtain mortgage insurance, it might be tough.
Minimum Credit Score = 700
Maximum Debt-to-Income = 41% regardless of AUS or submission channel
No word on MGIC's guidelines.
HT: Calculated Risk
Minimum Credit Score = 700
Maximum Debt-to-Income = 41% regardless of AUS or submission channel
No word on MGIC's guidelines.
HT: Calculated Risk
Recovery Ideas: Cut Prices of Goods and Services!
Limbaugh mentions some interesting facts and has a couple of ideas.
...most Americans, according to a new Rasmussen poll, are skeptical. Rasmussen finds that 59% fear that Congress and the president will increase government spending too much. Only 17% worry they will cut taxes too much
No question that Gummint spending will increase too much. That's already through the House.
...cut the U.S. corporate tax rate -- at 35%, among the highest of all industrialized nations -- in half. Suspend the capital gains tax for a year to incentivize new investment, after which it would be reimposed at 10%.
Never mind Limbaugh's wording. No "corporation" actually pays income taxes. People (you and me) who buy that corporation's products pay that tax. What Limbaugh is advocating here is actually price-reductions of virtually all goods and services sold in the US.
And, of course, there will be more cash-on-hand with which to maintain profits, retain employees, continue R&D, purchase machinery and equipment...
You know: actual "recovery."
...most Americans, according to a new Rasmussen poll, are skeptical. Rasmussen finds that 59% fear that Congress and the president will increase government spending too much. Only 17% worry they will cut taxes too much
No question that Gummint spending will increase too much. That's already through the House.
...cut the U.S. corporate tax rate -- at 35%, among the highest of all industrialized nations -- in half. Suspend the capital gains tax for a year to incentivize new investment, after which it would be reimposed at 10%.
Never mind Limbaugh's wording. No "corporation" actually pays income taxes. People (you and me) who buy that corporation's products pay that tax. What Limbaugh is advocating here is actually price-reductions of virtually all goods and services sold in the US.
And, of course, there will be more cash-on-hand with which to maintain profits, retain employees, continue R&D, purchase machinery and equipment...
You know: actual "recovery."
"Controlled, Reasonable, Checkpoints"??
From Doylie's State of the State recap:
The Governor added Wisconsin should also work to allow law enforcement officers to set up controlled, reasonable sobriety checkpoints.
Shutting down I-94, Hy. 100, Capitol Drive, Hy. 29, I-43...to sniff breath.
I don't buy it. Either there is articulable cause or not. And we already know that random mass traffic disruptions do NOT produce results:
...according to longtime traffic-safety researcher James C. Fell, a senior program director at the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, an organization funded largely by government grants.
"There's a reluctance by police to use them for two reasons," Fell said. "One, there's a perception that they take a lot of resources. . . . The other thing is police for the most part think they're not effective because they don't arrest that many drivers."
Most likely Doylie was posing for holy pictures. The facts certainly don't make his case.
The Governor added Wisconsin should also work to allow law enforcement officers to set up controlled, reasonable sobriety checkpoints.
Shutting down I-94, Hy. 100, Capitol Drive, Hy. 29, I-43...to sniff breath.
I don't buy it. Either there is articulable cause or not. And we already know that random mass traffic disruptions do NOT produce results:
...according to longtime traffic-safety researcher James C. Fell, a senior program director at the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, an organization funded largely by government grants.
"There's a reluctance by police to use them for two reasons," Fell said. "One, there's a perception that they take a lot of resources. . . . The other thing is police for the most part think they're not effective because they don't arrest that many drivers."
Most likely Doylie was posing for holy pictures. The facts certainly don't make his case.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Rodney Dangerfield As If He Were Catholic
The Jester had a very, very good night.
I once went to a retreat house of a progressive order of nuns. They sent me to a prayer labyrinth. Took me 5 days to get out of there. No respect. Later they gave me directions to protest the missiles at the local military base, turns out it was during a live firing
...I finally got a spiritual director. He told me that I must follow his direction exactly and not question his advice. He asked me if I could do that. I said yes and he said "Good, then leave and never come back." I tell you it is really hard being me.
...I have a devotion to St. Therese the Little Flower. I was praying to her to intercede for me and I asked for a sign. Sure enough next day somebody gave me some Rose stems.
There are plenty more at the link.
I once went to a retreat house of a progressive order of nuns. They sent me to a prayer labyrinth. Took me 5 days to get out of there. No respect. Later they gave me directions to protest the missiles at the local military base, turns out it was during a live firing
...I finally got a spiritual director. He told me that I must follow his direction exactly and not question his advice. He asked me if I could do that. I said yes and he said "Good, then leave and never come back." I tell you it is really hard being me.
...I have a devotion to St. Therese the Little Flower. I was praying to her to intercede for me and I asked for a sign. Sure enough next day somebody gave me some Rose stems.
There are plenty more at the link.
"Stimulating" Exactly What?
Snippets of stupidity ripped from the seamless garment of inanity:
...the "stimulus" package includes $50 million for the National Endowment of the Arts to help "the arts community throughout the United States." Wouldn't want our economy to get behind in the international arts competition. The government is going to borrow $50 million out of the private economy to spend on this, which will result in a net loss of economic output rather than a net gain.
Another $2.1 billion is for Head Start, another program not previously known for stimulating the economy. A further $2 billion is to be spent on Child Care Development Block Grants, which provide day care. We are going to revive economic growth through the federal government spending billions on babysitting, rather than tax cuts for capital investment. A similar initiative involves $120 million to finance part-time work for seniors in community service agencies.Then there is $500 million to speed the processing of applications for Social Security disability claims. This has already created one net new job in the employment of a person within the Obama Administration assigned to figure out what this has to do with stimulating the economy.
All sorts of productive economic activity there, people...
Pete Ferrara via The Winning McCain
...the "stimulus" package includes $50 million for the National Endowment of the Arts to help "the arts community throughout the United States." Wouldn't want our economy to get behind in the international arts competition. The government is going to borrow $50 million out of the private economy to spend on this, which will result in a net loss of economic output rather than a net gain.
Another $2.1 billion is for Head Start, another program not previously known for stimulating the economy. A further $2 billion is to be spent on Child Care Development Block Grants, which provide day care. We are going to revive economic growth through the federal government spending billions on babysitting, rather than tax cuts for capital investment. A similar initiative involves $120 million to finance part-time work for seniors in community service agencies.Then there is $500 million to speed the processing of applications for Social Security disability claims. This has already created one net new job in the employment of a person within the Obama Administration assigned to figure out what this has to do with stimulating the economy.
All sorts of productive economic activity there, people...
Pete Ferrara via The Winning McCain
Common Sense Is Peanuts
Hmmmmmm. Rather than some school-wide ban on all peanut products, what about Common Sense?
The conversation would surprise most school administrators and parents, who’ve grown accustomed to no-nuts policies at schools, daycares and other places where children gather. Calon didn’t want Trinity’s school to ban peanut butter or anything else containing nuts. She simply wanted the teachers to know who her daughter was, where her epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) was located and how to use it if Trinity was in trouble.
“The best thing I can do is prepare her for later in life, to make her accountable for her allergy,” Calon says. “I’m not always there with her. I want her to be responsible and question everything.”
It’s a view that’s becoming more common as some parents, physicians and even the national association for anaphylaxis awareness question whether food bans actually work.
Geez. What a concept!
HT: Schneier
The conversation would surprise most school administrators and parents, who’ve grown accustomed to no-nuts policies at schools, daycares and other places where children gather. Calon didn’t want Trinity’s school to ban peanut butter or anything else containing nuts. She simply wanted the teachers to know who her daughter was, where her epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) was located and how to use it if Trinity was in trouble.
“The best thing I can do is prepare her for later in life, to make her accountable for her allergy,” Calon says. “I’m not always there with her. I want her to be responsible and question everything.”
It’s a view that’s becoming more common as some parents, physicians and even the national association for anaphylaxis awareness question whether food bans actually work.
Geez. What a concept!
HT: Schneier
The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act SUCKS
Last night, Channel 6 (Fox News/Milwaukee) ran a short item about the CPSIA. It didn't even scratch the surface of the impact this bill will have, but they did find a used-toys retailer who fretted a bit.
Why didn't it even "scratch the surface"? Let us count the ways.
Barbed with penalties that include felony prison time and fines of $100,000, the law goes into effect in stages; one key deadline is Feb. 10, when it becomes unlawful to ship goods for sale that have not been tested. Eventually, new kids' goods will all have to be subjected to more stringent "third-party" testing, and it will be unlawful to give away untested inventory even for free
we're not just talking about toys here. With few exceptions, the law covers all products intended primarily for children under 12. That includes clothing, fabric and textile goods of all kinds: hats, shoes, diapers, hair bands, sports pennants, Scouting patches, local school-logo gear and so on.
And paper goods: books, flash cards, board games, baseball cards, kits for home schoolers, party supplies and the like. And sporting equipment, outdoor gear, bikes, backpacks and telescopes. And furnishings for kids' rooms.
And videogame cartridges and audio books. And specialized assistive and therapeutic gear used by disabled and autistic kids
Think that it just covers new toys, clothing, diapers, board games, and furniture?
Wrong-o, naivete-breath.
...Contrary to some reports, thrift and secondhand stores are not exempt from the law. Although (unlike creators of new goods) they aren't obliged to test the items they stock, they are exposed to liability and fines if any goods on their shelves (or a component button, bolt, binding, etc.) are found to test above the (very low) thresholds being phased in.
Nor does it get them off the hook to say an older product's noncompliance with the new standards wasn't something they knew or should have known about
Pretty much puts Goodwill, Salvation Army, and St Vincent dePaul out of business.
Oh, by the way: your library's costs are about to skyrocket.
And even worse: Since the law does not exempt books, children's' sections at libraries and bookstores will, at minimum, face price hikes on newly acquired titles and, at worse, may have to rethink older holdings
Cancel the Ethnic-Fests at Milwaukee's lakefront:
A traditional attraction on the heritage festival circuit is the kids' dance or performance troupe in ethnic, pioneer or frontier garb, often handcrafted with the sort of ornate detail (beads, pendants, lace inserts, etc.) that will not be practical to test.
The same goes for Native American kids' cherished moccasins, buckskins and powwow gear.
There ARE beneficiaries: the Big Boys of the toys and clothing industries such as Hasbro, Mattel, (etc.)
There are 300 million who will pay for it.
Why didn't it even "scratch the surface"? Let us count the ways.
Barbed with penalties that include felony prison time and fines of $100,000, the law goes into effect in stages; one key deadline is Feb. 10, when it becomes unlawful to ship goods for sale that have not been tested. Eventually, new kids' goods will all have to be subjected to more stringent "third-party" testing, and it will be unlawful to give away untested inventory even for free
we're not just talking about toys here. With few exceptions, the law covers all products intended primarily for children under 12. That includes clothing, fabric and textile goods of all kinds: hats, shoes, diapers, hair bands, sports pennants, Scouting patches, local school-logo gear and so on.
And paper goods: books, flash cards, board games, baseball cards, kits for home schoolers, party supplies and the like. And sporting equipment, outdoor gear, bikes, backpacks and telescopes. And furnishings for kids' rooms.
And videogame cartridges and audio books. And specialized assistive and therapeutic gear used by disabled and autistic kids
Think that it just covers new toys, clothing, diapers, board games, and furniture?
Wrong-o, naivete-breath.
...Contrary to some reports, thrift and secondhand stores are not exempt from the law. Although (unlike creators of new goods) they aren't obliged to test the items they stock, they are exposed to liability and fines if any goods on their shelves (or a component button, bolt, binding, etc.) are found to test above the (very low) thresholds being phased in.
Nor does it get them off the hook to say an older product's noncompliance with the new standards wasn't something they knew or should have known about
Pretty much puts Goodwill, Salvation Army, and St Vincent dePaul out of business.
Oh, by the way: your library's costs are about to skyrocket.
And even worse: Since the law does not exempt books, children's' sections at libraries and bookstores will, at minimum, face price hikes on newly acquired titles and, at worse, may have to rethink older holdings
Cancel the Ethnic-Fests at Milwaukee's lakefront:
A traditional attraction on the heritage festival circuit is the kids' dance or performance troupe in ethnic, pioneer or frontier garb, often handcrafted with the sort of ornate detail (beads, pendants, lace inserts, etc.) that will not be practical to test.
The same goes for Native American kids' cherished moccasins, buckskins and powwow gear.
There ARE beneficiaries: the Big Boys of the toys and clothing industries such as Hasbro, Mattel, (etc.)
There are 300 million who will pay for it.
More and More and More Debt
If all families were asked to equally shoulder the burden of the $825 billion “stimulus” package, it would be like asking them to take on an amount of debt equivalent to what they spend on food, clothing, and health care — or most of what they spend on shelter — for an entire year.
No wonder Malkin refers to this as the "intergenerational theft plan."
Bad enough that Social Security/Medicare are a $450Trillion deadweight (yet to be funded.) Now Dave Obey and his merry band of spend-a-holics add another trillion.
But that's hardly all. More than 30% of the "plan" is Additional Gummint Programs, which as we all know, never go away. Never.
Proud of what you're handing on to your children, and their children?
Poll: Less Gummint! (Less Cancer)
Clay Cramer found a nugget.
This poll taken earlier this month, published in the January 17, 2009 Washington Post shows that 53% of Americans would prefer less government with less services, while 43% wanted more government, and more services
And he understands the Obama victory properly.
...some of it is that the Obama vs. McCain choice was really two different liberals, arguing about what parts of the government they were going to expand. If Republicans would take a consistent position in favor of a smaller government, they would have a powerful tool for winning. But that would require Republicans interested in winning.
Not quite.
Cramer is insufficiently cynical. What we have here is the Party-Of-Governnment (PIG) problem with folks like Specter, McConnell, McCain, Snowe (et al). They actually 'think' that more Gummint is GOOD Gummint.
And, frankly, they also think that they and their friends are doing us all a favor by Ruling More.
Well, cancer does its victim a favor too: after torturing the victim, it kills him.
See? A favor!!
This poll taken earlier this month, published in the January 17, 2009 Washington Post shows that 53% of Americans would prefer less government with less services, while 43% wanted more government, and more services
And he understands the Obama victory properly.
...some of it is that the Obama vs. McCain choice was really two different liberals, arguing about what parts of the government they were going to expand. If Republicans would take a consistent position in favor of a smaller government, they would have a powerful tool for winning. But that would require Republicans interested in winning.
Not quite.
Cramer is insufficiently cynical. What we have here is the Party-Of-Governnment (PIG) problem with folks like Specter, McConnell, McCain, Snowe (et al). They actually 'think' that more Gummint is GOOD Gummint.
And, frankly, they also think that they and their friends are doing us all a favor by Ruling More.
Well, cancer does its victim a favor too: after torturing the victim, it kills him.
See? A favor!!
The ACORN Relief and Lobbying Assistance Bill
Here's a description of the scheme.
Title XII of the spending legislation backed by the Democratic congressional leadership and the Obama administration would dole out $1 billion in old-fashioned slush funds for the Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) program...
...the biggest chunk of the $5.2 billion comes in the form of $4.19 billion for foreclosure relief through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program.
Although ACORN operatives usually get their hands on such funds only after they have first passed through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or state and local governments, the new spending bill largely eliminates these dawdling middle men, making it easier to get Uncle Sam's largess directly into the hands of the same people who run ACORN's various vote fraud and extortion rackets. And the legislative package provides these funds without the usual prohibition on using government money for lobbying or political activities.
I'm certain that eliminating that provision was merely an oversight.
Ask Dave Obey.
Title XII of the spending legislation backed by the Democratic congressional leadership and the Obama administration would dole out $1 billion in old-fashioned slush funds for the Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) program...
...the biggest chunk of the $5.2 billion comes in the form of $4.19 billion for foreclosure relief through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program.
Although ACORN operatives usually get their hands on such funds only after they have first passed through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or state and local governments, the new spending bill largely eliminates these dawdling middle men, making it easier to get Uncle Sam's largess directly into the hands of the same people who run ACORN's various vote fraud and extortion rackets. And the legislative package provides these funds without the usual prohibition on using government money for lobbying or political activities.
I'm certain that eliminating that provision was merely an oversight.
Ask Dave Obey.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Bullet Control?
Some silly ideas.
Eugene Kane and Joe Zilber discuss gun control ideas:
Zilber chuckled when I mentioned comedian Chris Rock, who once said the key to gun control was making all guns free but charging an exorbitant amount - as high as $5,000 - for a single bullet.
That might make people think twice about firing a gun.
"That's pretty good," said Zilber. He didn't dismiss it out of hand. "You could buy an ammunition company and do it that way."
Actually, as Zilber undoubtedly knows, he'd have to buy ALL the ammo companies (and then find a way to prevent imports) to make that happen.
Of course, the DA weighed in, too.
Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm said Zilber's plan was an attempt to deal with some of the most frustrating aspects of gun control laws in Wisconsin. Although the state has some of the nation's strictest laws in regards to carrying concealed weapons, Chisholm said, Wisconsin's laws concerning the buying and selling of guns are relatively weak.
"We're very schizophrenic in our approach to gun control laws," he told me. In fact, Chisholm talked of a recent case in which police tracked a gun that had changed hands up to nine times
What law would the DA propose to stop gun trafficking amidst the criminal element in Milwaukee? When a gun comes to Chisholm's attention, it's 99.99999% likely that the weapon was used by (or in possession of) a criminal.
So it's a foregone conclusion that the guy-with-the-gun doesn't really care TOO much about such things as "laws."
Eugene Kane and Joe Zilber discuss gun control ideas:
Zilber chuckled when I mentioned comedian Chris Rock, who once said the key to gun control was making all guns free but charging an exorbitant amount - as high as $5,000 - for a single bullet.
That might make people think twice about firing a gun.
"That's pretty good," said Zilber. He didn't dismiss it out of hand. "You could buy an ammunition company and do it that way."
Actually, as Zilber undoubtedly knows, he'd have to buy ALL the ammo companies (and then find a way to prevent imports) to make that happen.
Of course, the DA weighed in, too.
Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm said Zilber's plan was an attempt to deal with some of the most frustrating aspects of gun control laws in Wisconsin. Although the state has some of the nation's strictest laws in regards to carrying concealed weapons, Chisholm said, Wisconsin's laws concerning the buying and selling of guns are relatively weak.
"We're very schizophrenic in our approach to gun control laws," he told me. In fact, Chisholm talked of a recent case in which police tracked a gun that had changed hands up to nine times
What law would the DA propose to stop gun trafficking amidst the criminal element in Milwaukee? When a gun comes to Chisholm's attention, it's 99.99999% likely that the weapon was used by (or in possession of) a criminal.
So it's a foregone conclusion that the guy-with-the-gun doesn't really care TOO much about such things as "laws."
Traditional Politics, Doyle Version
No big surprise here.
Gov. Jim Doyle's administration has hired a former legislative aide convicted of two misdemeanors in the caucus scandal to a six-figure job leading the state's federal lobbying effort.
Tanya Bjork, 38, was convicted of two misdemeanors in 2005 for her role in the largest political scandal in state history. Bjork served as a chief of staff to former Sen. Brian Burke (D-Milwaukee), who was convicted of a felony and misdemeanor in 2005 as part of a widespread investigation that uncovered political campaigning using taxpayer resources. Before she worked for Burke, she worked for the Assembly Democratic Caucus
What makes Ms. Bjork so extra-special?
Heck said the job represented a "continuation of the political spoils system" because Bjork ran the presidential campaign of Barack Obama in Wisconsin.
Even with a fiscal crisis, Doyle managed to find a bunch of money.
Bjork, who started the new job Monday, will earn $102,000 a year - 17% more than her predecessor. The job had been open for about 14 months
Fourteen months, or just about the timeframe during which Ms. Bjork was otherwise occupied (with Obama.)
Gov. Jim Doyle's administration has hired a former legislative aide convicted of two misdemeanors in the caucus scandal to a six-figure job leading the state's federal lobbying effort.
Tanya Bjork, 38, was convicted of two misdemeanors in 2005 for her role in the largest political scandal in state history. Bjork served as a chief of staff to former Sen. Brian Burke (D-Milwaukee), who was convicted of a felony and misdemeanor in 2005 as part of a widespread investigation that uncovered political campaigning using taxpayer resources. Before she worked for Burke, she worked for the Assembly Democratic Caucus
What makes Ms. Bjork so extra-special?
Heck said the job represented a "continuation of the political spoils system" because Bjork ran the presidential campaign of Barack Obama in Wisconsin.
Even with a fiscal crisis, Doyle managed to find a bunch of money.
Bjork, who started the new job Monday, will earn $102,000 a year - 17% more than her predecessor. The job had been open for about 14 months
Fourteen months, or just about the timeframe during which Ms. Bjork was otherwise occupied (with Obama.)
"Hush Rush" By Any Other Name
The LeftoBloggers keep telling us that the "Fairness Doctrine" is dead, dead, dead.
And it is.
But there are a lot of ways to skin a cat, folks.
Obama elaborates on the site that his aim is to "encourage diversity in the ownership of broadcast media, promote the development of new media outlets for expression of diverse viewpoints, and clarify the public interest obligations of broadcasters who occupy the nation's spectrum."
"Clarify the public interest obligations" is another way to say that there will be FCC regs which find a way to define "public interest" so as to dump Rush, Sykes, Belling (et al), one way or the other. It doesn't have to be shutting them down.
And it is.
But there are a lot of ways to skin a cat, folks.
Obama elaborates on the site that his aim is to "encourage diversity in the ownership of broadcast media, promote the development of new media outlets for expression of diverse viewpoints, and clarify the public interest obligations of broadcasters who occupy the nation's spectrum."
"Clarify the public interest obligations" is another way to say that there will be FCC regs which find a way to define "public interest" so as to dump Rush, Sykes, Belling (et al), one way or the other. It doesn't have to be shutting them down.
Wis. Unemployment Tax Hike Coming
There's no other way to read this report.
Here's the State Auditor's letter (pertinent grafs):
...the Fund’s balance has continued to decline from its high of $1.9 billion as of
June 30, 2000. As of June 30, 2008, the Unemployment Reserve Fund balance was $608.8 million.
It has continued to decline after that date, and as of November 30, 2008, $312.0 million was
available to pay benefits. The Department expects that the Fund’s cash balances will be depleted
in February 2009, at which time borrowed federal funds will be needed in order to continue
unemployment benefit payments.
2007 Wis. Act 59 included several provisions to strengthen the Unemployment Reserve Fund,
including increasing the amount of wages subject to unemployment taxes starting in calendar
year 2009, with additional increases in 2011 and 2013. However, given current economic conditions, it is unclear whether anticipated increases in revenues from the taxes paid by employers will be sufficient to restore the Fund’s balances, and further changes may be needed to increase employer taxes or reduce unemployment benefit payments.
Gee. That's really great.
Here's the State Auditor's letter (pertinent grafs):
...the Fund’s balance has continued to decline from its high of $1.9 billion as of
June 30, 2000. As of June 30, 2008, the Unemployment Reserve Fund balance was $608.8 million.
It has continued to decline after that date, and as of November 30, 2008, $312.0 million was
available to pay benefits. The Department expects that the Fund’s cash balances will be depleted
in February 2009, at which time borrowed federal funds will be needed in order to continue
unemployment benefit payments.
2007 Wis. Act 59 included several provisions to strengthen the Unemployment Reserve Fund,
including increasing the amount of wages subject to unemployment taxes starting in calendar
year 2009, with additional increases in 2011 and 2013. However, given current economic conditions, it is unclear whether anticipated increases in revenues from the taxes paid by employers will be sufficient to restore the Fund’s balances, and further changes may be needed to increase employer taxes or reduce unemployment benefit payments.
Gee. That's really great.
Monday, January 26, 2009
England Almost Sank
Interesting little tidbit:
Britain was just three hours away from going bust last year after a secret run on the banks, one of Gordon Brown's Ministers has revealed.
City Minister Paul Myners disclosed that on Friday, October 10, the country was 'very close' to a complete banking collapse after 'major depositors' attempted to withdraw their money en masse.
The Mail on Sunday has been told that the Treasury was preparing for the banks to shut their doors to all customers, terminate electronic transfers and even block hole-in-the-wall cash withdrawals.
Only frantic behind-the-scenes efforts averted financial meltdown.
If the moves had failed, Mr Brown would have been forced to announce that the Government was nationalising the entire financial system and guaranteeing all deposits.
Well, THAT would have been a diversion, eh, old chap?
HT: MarketTicker
Britain was just three hours away from going bust last year after a secret run on the banks, one of Gordon Brown's Ministers has revealed.
City Minister Paul Myners disclosed that on Friday, October 10, the country was 'very close' to a complete banking collapse after 'major depositors' attempted to withdraw their money en masse.
The Mail on Sunday has been told that the Treasury was preparing for the banks to shut their doors to all customers, terminate electronic transfers and even block hole-in-the-wall cash withdrawals.
Only frantic behind-the-scenes efforts averted financial meltdown.
If the moves had failed, Mr Brown would have been forced to announce that the Government was nationalising the entire financial system and guaranteeing all deposits.
Well, THAT would have been a diversion, eh, old chap?
HT: MarketTicker
Mitch McConnell Tries "Bob Dole"
McConnell, who is the US Senate minority leader, has a few deficiencies.
...Lately, the GOP has been intent on starting from outside the base and working its way in.
Mitch McConnell is indicative of this problem and seems intent on spreading his party killing cancer. He needs to turn back from the path down which he intends to lead the Republican Party.
Erikson then quotes Roll Call:
Although McConnell’s speech could prove unpopular with the activists who generally attend the winter meeting, it could also provide a rallying cry for old-line Republicans to reassert their authority within the party, one GOP source familiar with the meeting said
"Old-line" is a euphemism for Country Club Pubbies. The actual, live fat-cat crowd which, secure in their seats (and benefits, perks, and pensions) ekes out niche-tax-breaks for certain very-special-inDEED clientele. Otherwise, they kinda don't really give a damn, just like in the movie.
Does McConnell deserve the scorn? Erikson thinks so. Here's a partial list:
Mitch McConnell...has consistently sided with porkers over reformers, and never has enacted what he promised to do - reform/transparency re: earmarks and the appropriations process ...failed to make sure Chambliss, and his gang of idiots, didn’t screw up the energy negotiations. Our “signature issue” was left dangling over August heading into the political season with a bunch of pissed off people...allowed moderates like Coleman, Smith and Collins to dictate the overall Republican Conference message, like leaving ANWR out of our energy bill(s). Nice record on those guys in the election, huh?
Plenty more at the link.
For want of a leader, the Party is lost, folks.
...Lately, the GOP has been intent on starting from outside the base and working its way in.
Mitch McConnell is indicative of this problem and seems intent on spreading his party killing cancer. He needs to turn back from the path down which he intends to lead the Republican Party.
Erikson then quotes Roll Call:
Although McConnell’s speech could prove unpopular with the activists who generally attend the winter meeting, it could also provide a rallying cry for old-line Republicans to reassert their authority within the party, one GOP source familiar with the meeting said
"Old-line" is a euphemism for Country Club Pubbies. The actual, live fat-cat crowd which, secure in their seats (and benefits, perks, and pensions) ekes out niche-tax-breaks for certain very-special-inDEED clientele. Otherwise, they kinda don't really give a damn, just like in the movie.
Does McConnell deserve the scorn? Erikson thinks so. Here's a partial list:
Mitch McConnell...has consistently sided with porkers over reformers, and never has enacted what he promised to do - reform/transparency re: earmarks and the appropriations process ...failed to make sure Chambliss, and his gang of idiots, didn’t screw up the energy negotiations. Our “signature issue” was left dangling over August heading into the political season with a bunch of pissed off people...allowed moderates like Coleman, Smith and Collins to dictate the overall Republican Conference message, like leaving ANWR out of our energy bill(s). Nice record on those guys in the election, huh?
Plenty more at the link.
For want of a leader, the Party is lost, folks.
The Government Bank
The Government Bank (decorated with pretty pictures of Obama and Pelosi) may be coming to your town soon.
What a deal!
[M]ost members of the Obama economic team concede that the rapid deterioration of the country’s biggest banks, notably Bank of America and Citigroup, is bound to require far larger investments of taxpayer money, atop the more than $300 billion of taxpayer money already poured into those two financial institutions and hundreds of others.
But if hundreds of billions of dollars of new investment is needed ... what do taxpayers get in return? --NYTimes
Pelosi is on record as playing with the idea of nationalization; at the rate the Feds are purchasing stock in Citi and BofA, (and guaranteeing against loan-losses) it's a fait accompli.
So far, President Obama’s top aides have steered clear of the word entirely, and they are still actively discussing other alternatives, including creating a “bad bank” that would nationalize the worst nonperforming loans by taking them off the hands of financial institutions without actually taking ownership of the banks. Others talk of de facto nationalization, in which the government owns a sizeable chunk of the banks but not a majority
Just another way to hand out pork and favors, I suppose.
HT Calculated Risk
What a deal!
[M]ost members of the Obama economic team concede that the rapid deterioration of the country’s biggest banks, notably Bank of America and Citigroup, is bound to require far larger investments of taxpayer money, atop the more than $300 billion of taxpayer money already poured into those two financial institutions and hundreds of others.
But if hundreds of billions of dollars of new investment is needed ... what do taxpayers get in return? --NYTimes
Pelosi is on record as playing with the idea of nationalization; at the rate the Feds are purchasing stock in Citi and BofA, (and guaranteeing against loan-losses) it's a fait accompli.
So far, President Obama’s top aides have steered clear of the word entirely, and they are still actively discussing other alternatives, including creating a “bad bank” that would nationalize the worst nonperforming loans by taking them off the hands of financial institutions without actually taking ownership of the banks. Others talk of de facto nationalization, in which the government owns a sizeable chunk of the banks but not a majority
Just another way to hand out pork and favors, I suppose.
HT Calculated Risk
$53 Trillion Entitlement Deficit vs. QueenNancy
Mitch McConnell, (R-Ky) reminds us that the US has a $53Trillion entitlements deficit. The Government has promised $53Trillion more than it will collect to pay benefits to the elderly over the next 50 years or so.
McConnell's warning is not exactly news; Paul Ryan (R-WI) has been talking about it for a couple of years; and the former Comptroller of the Currency has been all over the country talking about it.
Only two things could happen to resolve this: 1) entitlements are reduced, or 2) tax revenues increase.
Enter QueenNancy Pelosi, who likes entitlements (especially and intitlement like large, comfortable Air Force jets at her disposal.)
QueenNancy defends the "stimulus plan"'s $umpty-hundreds of million being spent on birth-control pills.
Aside from the facial inanity of that earmark, a benefit only to certain drug manufacturers and Planned Barrenhood, the Queen might like to ponder the longer-term results of the expenditure: less US taxpayers.
On the one hand, a long-term increase in tax revenues is absolutely critical to maintaining Social Security and Medicare.
On the other hand, The Queen proposes to reduce the number of people PAYING such taxes.
Clearly, foresight is not one of QueenNancy's abilities.
McConnell's warning is not exactly news; Paul Ryan (R-WI) has been talking about it for a couple of years; and the former Comptroller of the Currency has been all over the country talking about it.
Only two things could happen to resolve this: 1) entitlements are reduced, or 2) tax revenues increase.
Enter QueenNancy Pelosi, who likes entitlements (especially and intitlement like large, comfortable Air Force jets at her disposal.)
QueenNancy defends the "stimulus plan"'s $umpty-hundreds of million being spent on birth-control pills.
Aside from the facial inanity of that earmark, a benefit only to certain drug manufacturers and Planned Barrenhood, the Queen might like to ponder the longer-term results of the expenditure: less US taxpayers.
On the one hand, a long-term increase in tax revenues is absolutely critical to maintaining Social Security and Medicare.
On the other hand, The Queen proposes to reduce the number of people PAYING such taxes.
Clearly, foresight is not one of QueenNancy's abilities.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Koschnik Forgot a Couple of Shirley-Paloozas
While Judge Koschnik points to three of Justice Abrahamson's decisions as "activist," he forgets about the most "activist" ones.
He mentions a 'bloody shirt' evidentiary dispute, the "who's the Legislature, anyway?" arrogance, and the "Sue 'em all!!" lead-paint issue.
But Shirley is also known for her "Mommy, May I??" decisions on self-defense, wherein she attempts to ignore the Wisconsin Constitution in favor of State laws. (Hint: the Constitution is supposed to prevail, not the law.)
And I'm certain that Mark Green has his own favorite "Shirley-Palooza" Bonzo-Justice stories...
He mentions a 'bloody shirt' evidentiary dispute, the "who's the Legislature, anyway?" arrogance, and the "Sue 'em all!!" lead-paint issue.
But Shirley is also known for her "Mommy, May I??" decisions on self-defense, wherein she attempts to ignore the Wisconsin Constitution in favor of State laws. (Hint: the Constitution is supposed to prevail, not the law.)
And I'm certain that Mark Green has his own favorite "Shirley-Palooza" Bonzo-Justice stories...
Who Needs a Cabinet, Anyway??
Politico agrees with my thoughts.
President Barack Obama is taking far-reaching steps to centralize decision-making inside the White House, surrounding himself with influential counselors, overseas envoys and policy "czars" that shift power from traditional Cabinet posts.
The AB will recognize that statement--it's the long version of what I posted in a response-box.
For all the talk of his “Team of Rivals” pick in Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Obama last week handed the two hottest hotspots in American foreign policy to presidential envoys – one to former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell, and the other to a man who knows his way around Foggy Bottom better than Clinton does, Richard Holbrooke."Czar" Carol Browner will head up Obama's fight on global warming, where once his energy and environmental chiefs might have stepped in. Tom Daschle scored a ground floor office in the West Wing not by running Health and Human Services – but because of his role as Obama's health-reform czar.
Obama is still trolling for a Commerce Secretary--but who needs one? He has David Axelrod.
Look at it this way: his nominee for IRS Overlord is a tax evader. His nominee for Ass't SecDef is a lobbyist, and he was forced to make a "one-time exception" from his "rules." His SecState has more conflicts of interest than a junior high has pimples.
He doesn't give a rotten fig about the Cabinet. It's a joke.
And that, my friends, is something to ponder.
President Barack Obama is taking far-reaching steps to centralize decision-making inside the White House, surrounding himself with influential counselors, overseas envoys and policy "czars" that shift power from traditional Cabinet posts.
The AB will recognize that statement--it's the long version of what I posted in a response-box.
For all the talk of his “Team of Rivals” pick in Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Obama last week handed the two hottest hotspots in American foreign policy to presidential envoys – one to former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell, and the other to a man who knows his way around Foggy Bottom better than Clinton does, Richard Holbrooke."Czar" Carol Browner will head up Obama's fight on global warming, where once his energy and environmental chiefs might have stepped in. Tom Daschle scored a ground floor office in the West Wing not by running Health and Human Services – but because of his role as Obama's health-reform czar.
Obama is still trolling for a Commerce Secretary--but who needs one? He has David Axelrod.
Look at it this way: his nominee for IRS Overlord is a tax evader. His nominee for Ass't SecDef is a lobbyist, and he was forced to make a "one-time exception" from his "rules." His SecState has more conflicts of interest than a junior high has pimples.
He doesn't give a rotten fig about the Cabinet. It's a joke.
And that, my friends, is something to ponder.
JS Child Care Investigation Hits Grand Slam
The JSOnline reports that State of Wisconsin taxpayers are getting ripped off. AND the Federal taxpayers are in the same boat.
Nice work!
On paper Angela Hale is a child-care provider.
She reported taking care of the same five kids seven days a week while their mom supposedly worked at a lawn-care service, even in the winter months.
The government paid Hale more than $30,000 last year for her child-care business.
It appears the government got duped. Hale didn't care for the kids at times she said she did, nor did the mom legitimately work, the Journal Sentinel found.
There's a long story. As usual, the good stuff is near the end.
While state and county regulators have authority to revoke licenses and certifications, they seldom do. From 2003 to 2007, state regulators revoked fewer than 10 licenses for suspected fraud. Counties, meanwhile, shut down two providers based on fraudulent billing to Wisconsin Shares.
...Some officials familiar with Wisconsin Shares say there's not much incentive to police the program. Much of the funding comes from federal block grants.
The federal government spends more than $5 billion on child-care development grants every year. That doesn't include other assistance that goes toward child-care subsidies.
An annual audit is mandated by the federal government but requires only a listing of how money was spent. It does not examine program integrity.
The state hasn't completed a full-program audit since 2001. And as for Milwaukee County's oversight: "We typically wouldn't go in and audit what's essentially a state program," said Doug Jenkins of the county Department of Audit.
In 2007, state representative Robin Vos (R-Racine) co-sponsored legislation giving counties incentives to crack down on fraud. Neither the state nor officials with Milwaukee County could say how the incentive program has worked.
"I think they're being incredibly generous when they say someone filled out a time sheet for 20 kids and they were never there," Vos said. "Is that error or is that fraud?"
We can all concede that people make mistakes. But I have a hard time accepting $200++K in "mistakes," as the JS reports for a few instances.
Of course, there is the "negative incentive," too: if the program shrinks, there's less need for County and State workers, right?
Nice work!
On paper Angela Hale is a child-care provider.
She reported taking care of the same five kids seven days a week while their mom supposedly worked at a lawn-care service, even in the winter months.
The government paid Hale more than $30,000 last year for her child-care business.
It appears the government got duped. Hale didn't care for the kids at times she said she did, nor did the mom legitimately work, the Journal Sentinel found.
There's a long story. As usual, the good stuff is near the end.
While state and county regulators have authority to revoke licenses and certifications, they seldom do. From 2003 to 2007, state regulators revoked fewer than 10 licenses for suspected fraud. Counties, meanwhile, shut down two providers based on fraudulent billing to Wisconsin Shares.
...Some officials familiar with Wisconsin Shares say there's not much incentive to police the program. Much of the funding comes from federal block grants.
The federal government spends more than $5 billion on child-care development grants every year. That doesn't include other assistance that goes toward child-care subsidies.
An annual audit is mandated by the federal government but requires only a listing of how money was spent. It does not examine program integrity.
The state hasn't completed a full-program audit since 2001. And as for Milwaukee County's oversight: "We typically wouldn't go in and audit what's essentially a state program," said Doug Jenkins of the county Department of Audit.
In 2007, state representative Robin Vos (R-Racine) co-sponsored legislation giving counties incentives to crack down on fraud. Neither the state nor officials with Milwaukee County could say how the incentive program has worked.
"I think they're being incredibly generous when they say someone filled out a time sheet for 20 kids and they were never there," Vos said. "Is that error or is that fraud?"
We can all concede that people make mistakes. But I have a hard time accepting $200++K in "mistakes," as the JS reports for a few instances.
Of course, there is the "negative incentive," too: if the program shrinks, there's less need for County and State workers, right?
Saturday, January 24, 2009
A National Treasure
Too bad GWB didn't give this guy a Medal of Freedom before he left the White Temple.
The Epic, altered, and utterly unrewarding to the scan-a-holic, but still holding up.
..."for I am Obamacles,Lord of Illinus, who single handedly conquered the LSATsand disarmed the Chicagomon. What task would you possibly fear me with?"
"You are to led the Demos back to the White Temple, by vanquishing Hildusa."
At the sound of Hildusa's name even brave Obamacles was driven to wet his toga,
For Hildusa, cuckolder of Bubba, was the mightiest of all the gorgons.
From her head grew a writhing nest of asps, and the mere sight of her cankles
Would turn a man to stone. Some said she came from Lesbos
But others said her only pleasure was torment and sucking the marrow from her victim's bones.
Around her at all times was a phalanx guard of mincing eunuchs,
led by Ickis, Wolfsonis, Blumenthalis and Pennis. At her side, an angry force
of menopausal PUMAs ready to strike on her command -- for the children
Believe it or not, the whole thing is just that good or better.
Another, sir?
Certainly:
...Hildusa was enraged for she thought them allies, and shot them the stink-eye.
"Destroy Obamacles!" she bellowed at her Eunuchs,
But they were retards and got busted for DUI on the chariot ride over.
Then Obamacles shot the arrow of Iowa across abyss of Dukakis,
striking Hildusa true in her cankles, no more to freeze men to stone,
And all of Demos roared approval.
"Citizens of Demos," screamed the hobbled gorgon, "fair Obamacles is not what he appears! Look, behind him! A phalanx of Chicagomon, the demons from the pits of Illinus!"
When the Demos people saw the Chicagomon they shrugged,
but Obamacles was taking no chances for the general battle;
He had no more further use for the Chicagomon and thus he summoned
Underbus, the destroyer of memes. One by one he disposed them,The Jeremiad and Phlegeron and Ayres, all sacrificed to Underbus.
When Hildusa saw this her eyes boiled with rage,
and she summoned her Amazon Pumas
But they were too fat and old and employed
to battle the snarky college assholes in official Obamacles tunics.
HT: Esenberg, who should tell Fr. JDLaurance to translate this to Greek. Then maybe the damn thing will scan into hexameter.
The Epic, altered, and utterly unrewarding to the scan-a-holic, but still holding up.
..."for I am Obamacles,Lord of Illinus, who single handedly conquered the LSATsand disarmed the Chicagomon. What task would you possibly fear me with?"
"You are to led the Demos back to the White Temple, by vanquishing Hildusa."
At the sound of Hildusa's name even brave Obamacles was driven to wet his toga,
For Hildusa, cuckolder of Bubba, was the mightiest of all the gorgons.
From her head grew a writhing nest of asps, and the mere sight of her cankles
Would turn a man to stone. Some said she came from Lesbos
But others said her only pleasure was torment and sucking the marrow from her victim's bones.
Around her at all times was a phalanx guard of mincing eunuchs,
led by Ickis, Wolfsonis, Blumenthalis and Pennis. At her side, an angry force
of menopausal PUMAs ready to strike on her command -- for the children
Believe it or not, the whole thing is just that good or better.
Another, sir?
Certainly:
...Hildusa was enraged for she thought them allies, and shot them the stink-eye.
"Destroy Obamacles!" she bellowed at her Eunuchs,
But they were retards and got busted for DUI on the chariot ride over.
Then Obamacles shot the arrow of Iowa across abyss of Dukakis,
striking Hildusa true in her cankles, no more to freeze men to stone,
And all of Demos roared approval.
"Citizens of Demos," screamed the hobbled gorgon, "fair Obamacles is not what he appears! Look, behind him! A phalanx of Chicagomon, the demons from the pits of Illinus!"
When the Demos people saw the Chicagomon they shrugged,
but Obamacles was taking no chances for the general battle;
He had no more further use for the Chicagomon and thus he summoned
Underbus, the destroyer of memes. One by one he disposed them,The Jeremiad and Phlegeron and Ayres, all sacrificed to Underbus.
When Hildusa saw this her eyes boiled with rage,
and she summoned her Amazon Pumas
But they were too fat and old and employed
to battle the snarky college assholes in official Obamacles tunics.
HT: Esenberg, who should tell Fr. JDLaurance to translate this to Greek. Then maybe the damn thing will scan into hexameter.
The Heavy, Heavy Hand of the Feds
Hillyer has a two-part essay about a fellow who is working on creating renewable energy.
Excerpt from Part One:
In Salmon, Evertson spent $100,000 of his family’s money seeking to create a fuel cell that would use pure sodium, mixed with borax (yes, the detergent ingredient), to create clean energy without polluting the environment.
Pure sodium is a metal that, when in direct contact with a certain amount of water, can explode. But it can be easily bought online when it is packaged correctly, that is, surrounded by an oil solution that protects against water.
...Evertson said he planned to return once he raised enough money to re-start his experiments. He moved to his mother’s house in Wasilla, Alaska, taking a few dozen pounds of sodium with him, and began selling the sodium on E-bay to raise funds to finance a new gold-mining expedition.
Then on May 27, 2004, federal agents in black SUVs and waving assault rifles, appeared out of nowhere, forced Evertson’s truck off the road, and arrested him. He was charged for shipping sodium he had sold on E-Bay by air, which is understandably forbidden as a result of its potential explosiveness.
What he didn’t know was that in the UPS system, ground transportation from Alaska actually is carried by air. That meant Evertson should have put a special sticker on the package of sodium routing it for special “ground” treatment.
Federal authorities could have treated the incident as a simple civil violation, but instead chose to charge Evertson with a serious criminal offense.
You'll have to go to the link to find out what happened in court.
Oh, don't worry: it gets worse.
When federal agents first interviewed Krister Evertson about his shipping sodium he had sold on E-Bay via UPS, he described his fuel cell experiments back home in Idaho in great detail.
Federal authorities in Alaska sent word to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Idaho, which promptly dispatched its agents to the industrial supply facility in Salmon where Evertson had stored his fuel cell materials.
The EPA agents treated the materials like a Superfund site. They cut open his steel drums, cleared away a perimeter – and, by their own account, spent some $430,000 disposing of every bit of Evertson’s painstakingly assembled experiments.
“They never told me; they just went and did it,” Evertson told The Washington Examiner ...
Never mind that Evertson had clearly saved the material for future use rather than abandoning it. Never mind that it would be potentially dangerous only if taken out of the storage materials Evertson had so carefully constructed.
And never mind, finally, that, in the words of Evertson’s appellate brief, none of the materials were “discharged into the air, land or sea,” and the government failed to produce any evidence “that the defendant intended this to happen.”
Indeed, the brief notes, “the EPA witness, Marc Callaghan, testified that the materials became hazardous waste [only] when the EPA disposed of them.”
Again, you have to go to the link. But no matter if you're a "Greenie" or not, you'll be disturbed.
Unless, of course, you're a Justice Department "greenie" lawyer.
The reason for the article?
Simple. The utterly distorted (you could say "lying") claims that GWB's folks applied a 'litmus test' to Justice candidates--which is another linked item at the source, Southern Appeal.
Excerpt from Part One:
In Salmon, Evertson spent $100,000 of his family’s money seeking to create a fuel cell that would use pure sodium, mixed with borax (yes, the detergent ingredient), to create clean energy without polluting the environment.
Pure sodium is a metal that, when in direct contact with a certain amount of water, can explode. But it can be easily bought online when it is packaged correctly, that is, surrounded by an oil solution that protects against water.
...Evertson said he planned to return once he raised enough money to re-start his experiments. He moved to his mother’s house in Wasilla, Alaska, taking a few dozen pounds of sodium with him, and began selling the sodium on E-bay to raise funds to finance a new gold-mining expedition.
Then on May 27, 2004, federal agents in black SUVs and waving assault rifles, appeared out of nowhere, forced Evertson’s truck off the road, and arrested him. He was charged for shipping sodium he had sold on E-Bay by air, which is understandably forbidden as a result of its potential explosiveness.
What he didn’t know was that in the UPS system, ground transportation from Alaska actually is carried by air. That meant Evertson should have put a special sticker on the package of sodium routing it for special “ground” treatment.
Federal authorities could have treated the incident as a simple civil violation, but instead chose to charge Evertson with a serious criminal offense.
You'll have to go to the link to find out what happened in court.
Oh, don't worry: it gets worse.
When federal agents first interviewed Krister Evertson about his shipping sodium he had sold on E-Bay via UPS, he described his fuel cell experiments back home in Idaho in great detail.
Federal authorities in Alaska sent word to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Idaho, which promptly dispatched its agents to the industrial supply facility in Salmon where Evertson had stored his fuel cell materials.
The EPA agents treated the materials like a Superfund site. They cut open his steel drums, cleared away a perimeter – and, by their own account, spent some $430,000 disposing of every bit of Evertson’s painstakingly assembled experiments.
“They never told me; they just went and did it,” Evertson told The Washington Examiner ...
Never mind that Evertson had clearly saved the material for future use rather than abandoning it. Never mind that it would be potentially dangerous only if taken out of the storage materials Evertson had so carefully constructed.
And never mind, finally, that, in the words of Evertson’s appellate brief, none of the materials were “discharged into the air, land or sea,” and the government failed to produce any evidence “that the defendant intended this to happen.”
Indeed, the brief notes, “the EPA witness, Marc Callaghan, testified that the materials became hazardous waste [only] when the EPA disposed of them.”
Again, you have to go to the link. But no matter if you're a "Greenie" or not, you'll be disturbed.
Unless, of course, you're a Justice Department "greenie" lawyer.
The reason for the article?
Simple. The utterly distorted (you could say "lying") claims that GWB's folks applied a 'litmus test' to Justice candidates--which is another linked item at the source, Southern Appeal.
Perception and Reality
It is reported that the former Chairman of Lehman Brothers has transferred title of his $13.5MM Jupiter Island shack to his wife's name.
It is reported that John Thain of Merrill, Lynch, authorized $4Bn in bonus payments (of which he took HIS part, too) before the taxpayer-financed bailout of MLPF&S by Bank of America.
Those are the reports which have surfaced...
HT: Ritholtz
Obama's Fear? Rush Limbaugh
Another rookie mistake from the President.
The Drudge Report blared the New York Post report by Charles Hurt that President Obama told the Republicans in Congress that they should go along and get along, and stop listening to Rush Limbaugh: "You can't just listen to Rush Limbaugh and get things done."
Like referring to PRC's manipulation of its currency as "manipulation." It may be correct, but it's not how senior statesmen use the language on the record.
Here, Obama identified his principal (and principled, we add) opponent, knowing full well that Limbaugh speaks for the 58 million folks who voted for someone else last November.
HT: Newsbusters
The Drudge Report blared the New York Post report by Charles Hurt that President Obama told the Republicans in Congress that they should go along and get along, and stop listening to Rush Limbaugh: "You can't just listen to Rush Limbaugh and get things done."
Like referring to PRC's manipulation of its currency as "manipulation." It may be correct, but it's not how senior statesmen use the language on the record.
Here, Obama identified his principal (and principled, we add) opponent, knowing full well that Limbaugh speaks for the 58 million folks who voted for someone else last November.
HT: Newsbusters
The Missing Numbers
MSM reports on the annual March for Life were devoid of a crowd-count.
Strange, eh?
There are valid estimates:
March for Life chief organizer Nellie Gray told LifeSiteNews the crowd definitely appeared larger than normal this year. She said there were "definitely over 200,000" participants and noted that one television station reported that there were 300,000 participants in the march. Gray also said the march normally takes about one and a half hours to pass one point, but this year it took over two and a half hours, indicating a large increase in numbers
Of course, these are people who 'don't count' in the current Washington calculus.
Strange, eh?
There are valid estimates:
March for Life chief organizer Nellie Gray told LifeSiteNews the crowd definitely appeared larger than normal this year. She said there were "definitely over 200,000" participants and noted that one television station reported that there were 300,000 participants in the march. Gray also said the march normally takes about one and a half hours to pass one point, but this year it took over two and a half hours, indicating a large increase in numbers
Of course, these are people who 'don't count' in the current Washington calculus.
WisTax "Partisan"?
Pot/Kettle.
OWN reported WisTax board members have donated $288,000 to conservative-leaning candidates compared to $24,500 to liberals and questioned if the group should be considered non-partisan.
WisTax President Todd Berry took issue with the report, saying it was misleading because it went back 19 years and included donations from some who were no longer on the group’s board; Berry said half of the current board members donated to Dem Gov. Jim Doyle in the last election.
One Wisconsin Now is run by someone named Scot Ross. He should know from "partisan;" here's his condensed resume:
Ross has held a series of positions in Wisconsin Democratic politics over the past decade, working for the old state Senate caucus, working on Kathleen Falk’s 2002 gubernatorial campaign, serving as Peg Lautenschlager’s spokesman at the state Department of Justice and even making an unsuccessful primary bid for secretary of state against longtime incumbent Doug La Follette in 2006.
Unmentioned are Ross' legal problems while 'working for the old state Senate caucus' (does the name Chvala ring a bell?), but let that pass.
The work that I have read from WisTax is not "partisan." It is analytical, and provides the truth about issues surrounding the tax climate in Wisconsin.
It is no surprise that Ross and OWN consider the truth to be "partisan." To committed Leftists, there is no truth except that which furthers their own interests.
Bob Burke, Jim Rowen, Kerry Schumann, Michelle McGrorty, Stephanie Bloomingdale, David Tork, Kim Warkentin, Sheila Cochran and Scot Ross.
Check those names here, and see what you get.
OWN reported WisTax board members have donated $288,000 to conservative-leaning candidates compared to $24,500 to liberals and questioned if the group should be considered non-partisan.
WisTax President Todd Berry took issue with the report, saying it was misleading because it went back 19 years and included donations from some who were no longer on the group’s board; Berry said half of the current board members donated to Dem Gov. Jim Doyle in the last election.
One Wisconsin Now is run by someone named Scot Ross. He should know from "partisan;" here's his condensed resume:
Ross has held a series of positions in Wisconsin Democratic politics over the past decade, working for the old state Senate caucus, working on Kathleen Falk’s 2002 gubernatorial campaign, serving as Peg Lautenschlager’s spokesman at the state Department of Justice and even making an unsuccessful primary bid for secretary of state against longtime incumbent Doug La Follette in 2006.
Unmentioned are Ross' legal problems while 'working for the old state Senate caucus' (does the name Chvala ring a bell?), but let that pass.
The work that I have read from WisTax is not "partisan." It is analytical, and provides the truth about issues surrounding the tax climate in Wisconsin.
It is no surprise that Ross and OWN consider the truth to be "partisan." To committed Leftists, there is no truth except that which furthers their own interests.
And just for the record, we'll list the Board Members of OWN:
Bob Burke, Jim Rowen, Kerry Schumann, Michelle McGrorty, Stephanie Bloomingdale, David Tork, Kim Warkentin, Sheila Cochran and Scot Ross.
Check those names here, and see what you get.
End of "Choice" in Wisconsin?
This report is not clearly worded, but it is portentous.
Heritage Foundation's analysis of the "stimulus" package includes a reference to "choice" schools.
The House bill also creates a $79 billion State Fiscal Stabilization Fund to help states pay for public services, 61 percent of which must be spent on education. “[This money] comes with new federal restrictions designed to please leftist constituency groups,” say the authors. “For example, the legislation [...] require[s] that ‘no recipient of funds under this title shall use funds to provide financial assistance to students to attend private elementary or secondary schools.’”
In the longer run it makes no practical difference whether the bill prohibits Stimulus dollars to be used for 'financial assistance.....' or whether it prohibits non-Stimulus disbursements for the same purpose.
That's because, in the longer run, the purpose of the "Stimulus bill" is to facilitate Washington command-and-control of damn near everything.
Heritage Foundation's analysis of the "stimulus" package includes a reference to "choice" schools.
The House bill also creates a $79 billion State Fiscal Stabilization Fund to help states pay for public services, 61 percent of which must be spent on education. “[This money] comes with new federal restrictions designed to please leftist constituency groups,” say the authors. “For example, the legislation [...] require[s] that ‘no recipient of funds under this title shall use funds to provide financial assistance to students to attend private elementary or secondary schools.’”
In the longer run it makes no practical difference whether the bill prohibits Stimulus dollars to be used for 'financial assistance.....' or whether it prohibits non-Stimulus disbursements for the same purpose.
That's because, in the longer run, the purpose of the "Stimulus bill" is to facilitate Washington command-and-control of damn near everything.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Blago: Jim Doyle Is My Character Reference
Well, that would be the implication.
Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich said this afternoon that he hoped to get a chance to tell his side of the story during next week's Illinois Senate impeachment trial.
But Blagojevich, a Democrat, suggested that Gov. Jim Doyle, among others, would be a good witness in his defense.
Blagojevich made the statement this afternoon during a news conference in advance of the impeachment trial scheduled for Monday in the Illinois Senate in Springfield.
The Illinois governor specifically mentioned Doyle and Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius. Blagojevich said that he and the two governors worked together to ease the importation of prescription drugs from Canada to the Midwest.
Doyle is not for sale (cough...):
Lee Sensenbrenner, a Doyle spokesman, said: "Obviously, the governor has no connection to what's happening in Illinois. We don't have a reaction to his remarks."
No connection? Seems to me that Jim Doyle whiled away some time at the Bears/Packers game in Soldier Field last year. Who were those seat-mates again??
Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich said this afternoon that he hoped to get a chance to tell his side of the story during next week's Illinois Senate impeachment trial.
But Blagojevich, a Democrat, suggested that Gov. Jim Doyle, among others, would be a good witness in his defense.
Blagojevich made the statement this afternoon during a news conference in advance of the impeachment trial scheduled for Monday in the Illinois Senate in Springfield.
The Illinois governor specifically mentioned Doyle and Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius. Blagojevich said that he and the two governors worked together to ease the importation of prescription drugs from Canada to the Midwest.
Doyle is not for sale (cough...):
Lee Sensenbrenner, a Doyle spokesman, said: "Obviously, the governor has no connection to what's happening in Illinois. We don't have a reaction to his remarks."
No connection? Seems to me that Jim Doyle whiled away some time at the Bears/Packers game in Soldier Field last year. Who were those seat-mates again??
Fun AND Games in Milwaukee
Today's JSOnline:
The North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance is planning a huge softball tournament for Milwaukee late this summer.
City officials and VISIT Milwaukee, the main tourism promotion organization in town, say as many as 200 teams and 4,000 athletes will be in Milwaukee from Aug. 29 through Sept. 7 this year to play in the tournament.
Games will be played on softball diamonds all over southeast Wisconsin. Milwaukee hosted the inaugural tournament in 1979 and again hosted the event in 1985.
VISIT Milwaukee officials say the group will have a $1 million economic impact on the city and will fill local hotels. The group is expected to book 1,755 hotel nights in Milwaukee.
There must be at least 200 puns available here....
The North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance is planning a huge softball tournament for Milwaukee late this summer.
City officials and VISIT Milwaukee, the main tourism promotion organization in town, say as many as 200 teams and 4,000 athletes will be in Milwaukee from Aug. 29 through Sept. 7 this year to play in the tournament.
Games will be played on softball diamonds all over southeast Wisconsin. Milwaukee hosted the inaugural tournament in 1979 and again hosted the event in 1985.
VISIT Milwaukee officials say the group will have a $1 million economic impact on the city and will fill local hotels. The group is expected to book 1,755 hotel nights in Milwaukee.
There must be at least 200 puns available here....
Pogrom II?
Via Dreher:
At my dinner table on Friday night, a holocaust survivor admits that she is trying to persuade her son to take his family out of Europe to America, Canada, Australia, Canada, Australia, Israel...'They say they can't leave me, but I tell them: "Go, get out. My parents left my grandparents behind in Berlin and brought me to safety in England. Now I want you to leave so that my grandchildren will be safe."' There is an unbearable desperation in her plea. But she has a point.
(Quoting an essay in The Spectator)
The Muslim takeover of parts of Europe and England is having its effect...
At my dinner table on Friday night, a holocaust survivor admits that she is trying to persuade her son to take his family out of Europe to America, Canada, Australia, Canada, Australia, Israel...'They say they can't leave me, but I tell them: "Go, get out. My parents left my grandparents behind in Berlin and brought me to safety in England. Now I want you to leave so that my grandchildren will be safe."' There is an unbearable desperation in her plea. But she has a point.
(Quoting an essay in The Spectator)
The Muslim takeover of parts of Europe and England is having its effect...
Just Because
This particular quote strikes a personal chord with me.
We are not baptized into the hierarchy; [we] do not receive the Cardinals sacramentally, [we] will not spend an eternity in the beatific vision of the pope. Christ is the point.
I, myself, admire the present pope, but even if I criticized him as harshly as some do, even if his successor proved to be as bad as some of those who have gone before, even if I find the Church, as I have to live with it, a pain in the neck, I should still say that nothing a pope (or a priest) could do or say would make me wish to leave the Church although I might well wish that they would leave. --Frank Sheed
He's right, of course.
HT: Happy
We are not baptized into the hierarchy; [we] do not receive the Cardinals sacramentally, [we] will not spend an eternity in the beatific vision of the pope. Christ is the point.
I, myself, admire the present pope, but even if I criticized him as harshly as some do, even if his successor proved to be as bad as some of those who have gone before, even if I find the Church, as I have to live with it, a pain in the neck, I should still say that nothing a pope (or a priest) could do or say would make me wish to leave the Church although I might well wish that they would leave. --Frank Sheed
He's right, of course.
HT: Happy
Pretty Good Record of Gillibrand (D-NY)
The representative-who-will-be-Senator has impressed the Sunlight bunch.
Entering Congress in 2007, Gillibrand was at the vanguard of transparency innovation in Congress. She was the first congressional candidate to sign Sunlight’s Punch Clock pledge, a promise to post her daily schedule once she had taken office, and to post her schedule (which has been archived at Congresspedia). She was also one of the first to post her earmarks, earmark requests, and personal financial disclosures to her official web site without a requirement to do so. Gillibrand was also a chief proponent of requiring Inspector General reports to be posted online. We truly hope that she carries this spirit of transparency with her to the Senate.
Sunlight complains that her recent schedule-entries have been sparse; they don't include all meetings with all parties--but it's a good start, anyway!
Entering Congress in 2007, Gillibrand was at the vanguard of transparency innovation in Congress. She was the first congressional candidate to sign Sunlight’s Punch Clock pledge, a promise to post her daily schedule once she had taken office, and to post her schedule (which has been archived at Congresspedia). She was also one of the first to post her earmarks, earmark requests, and personal financial disclosures to her official web site without a requirement to do so. Gillibrand was also a chief proponent of requiring Inspector General reports to be posted online. We truly hope that she carries this spirit of transparency with her to the Senate.
Sunlight complains that her recent schedule-entries have been sparse; they don't include all meetings with all parties--but it's a good start, anyway!
Five Billion Gallons Saved
Yup.
Driving less saves gas.
Travel on all roads and streets changed by -5.3% (-12.9 billion vehicle miles) for November 2008 as compared with November 2007. Travel for the month is estimated to be 230.4 billion vehicle miles.
Cumulative Travel for 2008 changed by -3.7% (-102.1 billion vehicle miles).
Figuring a nice, round, 20 MPG average, that's a reduction of 5 billion gallons of gasoline consumed last year.
HT: Calculated Risk
Driving less saves gas.
Travel on all roads and streets changed by -5.3% (-12.9 billion vehicle miles) for November 2008 as compared with November 2007. Travel for the month is estimated to be 230.4 billion vehicle miles.
Cumulative Travel for 2008 changed by -3.7% (-102.1 billion vehicle miles).
Figuring a nice, round, 20 MPG average, that's a reduction of 5 billion gallons of gasoline consumed last year.
HT: Calculated Risk
No Gitmo Here!
The President doesn't exactly know what will become of the prisoners at Gitmo. But the Republicans know what should NOT become of them.
With President Obama ordering the closure of the Guantanamo Bay detention facility within the year, House Republicans today introduced legislation to prohibit federal courts from ordering the release or transfer of detainees from the facility onto U.S. soil.
“Closing Guantanamo Bay presents a clear and present danger to all Americans," said House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Lamar Smith. "These suspected terrorists must now be relocated and if they are transferred to military prisons in the U.S., they automatically will be granted rights far beyond those given to enemy combatants by any other country."
...In addition to preventing courts from bring enemy combatants into the U.S., the bill requires that an alien captured and detained abroad during wartime cannot be admitted and released into the country
Let's see how this plays out, eh?
With President Obama ordering the closure of the Guantanamo Bay detention facility within the year, House Republicans today introduced legislation to prohibit federal courts from ordering the release or transfer of detainees from the facility onto U.S. soil.
“Closing Guantanamo Bay presents a clear and present danger to all Americans," said House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Lamar Smith. "These suspected terrorists must now be relocated and if they are transferred to military prisons in the U.S., they automatically will be granted rights far beyond those given to enemy combatants by any other country."
...In addition to preventing courts from bring enemy combatants into the U.S., the bill requires that an alien captured and detained abroad during wartime cannot be admitted and released into the country
Let's see how this plays out, eh?
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Trouble in SEIU City
A California local discovers that once you're in the SEIU, you can't escape.
Sorta like Hell.
Link here to the AmSpec story (and a video of a noisy little invasion.)
Andy Stern's not worried. He has bodyguards.
Sorta like Hell.
Link here to the AmSpec story (and a video of a noisy little invasion.)
Andy Stern's not worried. He has bodyguards.
Truth, Goodness, Beauty
The Aristotelian troika...
Deal Hudson proposes an interesting thesis.
In my earlier column, I spoke about the lack of "connectedness" that many non-practicing Catholics report when they are asked why they have stopped attending Mass. I limited my interpretation of this to their sense of rapport with other worshippers -- that is, I think, what elicited the criticism. It gave the impression that Catholics should primarily nurture an emotional connection among the members of the parish community to evangelize. Personal recognition is a good thing, but it is not the primary thing, at least among Catholics...
So what makes Catholics distinctive among other Christian groups? Certainly papal primacy, the authority of bishops and priests, the universality of the Church, and the meaning of sacraments are among the most important. Of the sacraments, our belief in the "real presence" of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist not only distinguishes us doctrinally but liturgically as well...
Here he quotes B-16:
[T]he most convincing demonstration of [faith's] truth against every denial, are the saints, and the beauty that the faith has generated. Today, for faith to grow, we must lead ourselves and the persons we meet to encounter the saints and to enter into contact with the Beautiful
He mentions rubrics AND the music, to which we would add the language and the decor. And no, I don't mean "Latin" by "language"--beautiful English would do.
And he wants to develop that theme.
I will argue that the beauty of liturgy, emanating from the Eucharistic sacrifice, has been marred by misguided liturgical improvisation. Dumbed-down liturgies have only increased the distance many Catholics feel from their Church, whatever their good intentions
We'll look forward to seeing that essay.
Deal Hudson proposes an interesting thesis.
In my earlier column, I spoke about the lack of "connectedness" that many non-practicing Catholics report when they are asked why they have stopped attending Mass. I limited my interpretation of this to their sense of rapport with other worshippers -- that is, I think, what elicited the criticism. It gave the impression that Catholics should primarily nurture an emotional connection among the members of the parish community to evangelize. Personal recognition is a good thing, but it is not the primary thing, at least among Catholics...
So what makes Catholics distinctive among other Christian groups? Certainly papal primacy, the authority of bishops and priests, the universality of the Church, and the meaning of sacraments are among the most important. Of the sacraments, our belief in the "real presence" of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist not only distinguishes us doctrinally but liturgically as well...
Here he quotes B-16:
[T]he most convincing demonstration of [faith's] truth against every denial, are the saints, and the beauty that the faith has generated. Today, for faith to grow, we must lead ourselves and the persons we meet to encounter the saints and to enter into contact with the Beautiful
He mentions rubrics AND the music, to which we would add the language and the decor. And no, I don't mean "Latin" by "language"--beautiful English would do.
And he wants to develop that theme.
I will argue that the beauty of liturgy, emanating from the Eucharistic sacrifice, has been marred by misguided liturgical improvisation. Dumbed-down liturgies have only increased the distance many Catholics feel from their Church, whatever their good intentions
We'll look forward to seeing that essay.
January 22
Quotable:
"I've noticed that everybody that is for abortion has already been born."
--Ronald Reagan, quoted in New York Times, 22 September 1980
As you know, Reagan is a convert to the pro-life side.
HT: KellyClark
"I've noticed that everybody that is for abortion has already been born."
--Ronald Reagan, quoted in New York Times, 22 September 1980
As you know, Reagan is a convert to the pro-life side.
HT: KellyClark
Ex-Coms of SSPX Bishops to Be Lifted?
Maybe this weekend.
...the removal, withdrawal, or annulment of the excommunications of Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre (+ 1991), Bishop Antonio de Castro Mayer (+ 1991), and of the four Bishops consecrated by them for the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Pius X (FSSPX / SSPX) in Ecône, Switzerland, on June 30, 1988 is imminent. The Papal act on the matter has almost certainly been signed, and it will be made public shortly
An interesting sidelight from Mgr. Fellay SSPX, describing a 2005 meeting:
At a certain point [during the audience], the Pontiff himself put the matter on the table: pondering on the state of the Church in countries such as France and Germany, Benedict XVI recognized as perfectly well-grounded the question of the subsistence of the state of necessity in such countries... [sic] The Pope said this, not we
Very, very interesting.
HT: Rorate
...the removal, withdrawal, or annulment of the excommunications of Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre (+ 1991), Bishop Antonio de Castro Mayer (+ 1991), and of the four Bishops consecrated by them for the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Pius X (FSSPX / SSPX) in Ecône, Switzerland, on June 30, 1988 is imminent. The Papal act on the matter has almost certainly been signed, and it will be made public shortly
An interesting sidelight from Mgr. Fellay SSPX, describing a 2005 meeting:
At a certain point [during the audience], the Pontiff himself put the matter on the table: pondering on the state of the Church in countries such as France and Germany, Benedict XVI recognized as perfectly well-grounded the question of the subsistence of the state of necessity in such countries... [sic] The Pope said this, not we
Very, very interesting.
HT: Rorate
The Place of the State
Benedict XVI:
The state is not the whole of human existence and does not encompass all human hope. Man and what he hopes for extend beyond the framework of the state and beyond the sphere of political action. This is true not only for a state like Babylon, but for every state. The state is not the totality; this unburdens the politician and at the same time opens up for him the path of reasonable politics.
...even though their propaganda says that their goal is man's complete liberation, the abolition of all ruling authority, they contradict the truth of man and are opposed to his freedom, because they force man to fit into what he himself can make. Such politics, which declares that the kingdom of God is the outcome of politics and twists faith into the universal primacy of the political, is by its very nature the politics of enslavement; it is mythological politics.
...The cry for the grandiose project has the cachet of morality; restricting oneself to what is possible, in contrast, seems to be the renunciation of moral passion, mere faint-hearted pragmatism. But, as a matter of fact, political morality consists precisely of resisting the seductive force of the big words for which humanity and its chances are being gambled away. The moral thing is not adventurous moralism, which tries to mind God's business, but rather honesty, which accepts man's limits and does man's work within them....
Words to the wise.
The state is not the whole of human existence and does not encompass all human hope. Man and what he hopes for extend beyond the framework of the state and beyond the sphere of political action. This is true not only for a state like Babylon, but for every state. The state is not the totality; this unburdens the politician and at the same time opens up for him the path of reasonable politics.
...even though their propaganda says that their goal is man's complete liberation, the abolition of all ruling authority, they contradict the truth of man and are opposed to his freedom, because they force man to fit into what he himself can make. Such politics, which declares that the kingdom of God is the outcome of politics and twists faith into the universal primacy of the political, is by its very nature the politics of enslavement; it is mythological politics.
...The cry for the grandiose project has the cachet of morality; restricting oneself to what is possible, in contrast, seems to be the renunciation of moral passion, mere faint-hearted pragmatism. But, as a matter of fact, political morality consists precisely of resisting the seductive force of the big words for which humanity and its chances are being gambled away. The moral thing is not adventurous moralism, which tries to mind God's business, but rather honesty, which accepts man's limits and does man's work within them....
Words to the wise.
"Sick Leave" Judge Bails Out
This is not good.
Milwaukee Circuit Court Judge John DiMotto has recused himself from participating in the hearing for a court order to prevent the city of Milwaukee sick-leave ordinance from taking effect Feb. 10.
DiMotto’s decision to take himself off the case led to the canceling of the Feb. 6 court hearing to review the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce’s legal action to halt enforcement of the ordinance. The court case was reassigned to Judge Elsa Lamelas, and there is no certainty when her schedule will open up to conduct the initial hearing, according to a court clerk
The "no certainty....her schedule" part is the bad news. An injunction against enforcement is sought, and would most likely be granted. But the delay may mean that Milwaukee-area employers will begin recordkeeping/accounting procedures--an expense which is burdensome.
Milwaukee Circuit Court Judge John DiMotto has recused himself from participating in the hearing for a court order to prevent the city of Milwaukee sick-leave ordinance from taking effect Feb. 10.
DiMotto’s decision to take himself off the case led to the canceling of the Feb. 6 court hearing to review the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce’s legal action to halt enforcement of the ordinance. The court case was reassigned to Judge Elsa Lamelas, and there is no certainty when her schedule will open up to conduct the initial hearing, according to a court clerk
The "no certainty....her schedule" part is the bad news. An injunction against enforcement is sought, and would most likely be granted. But the delay may mean that Milwaukee-area employers will begin recordkeeping/accounting procedures--an expense which is burdensome.
New Word for Partisan Glosses
Well, we had to post something today, and Ritholtz liked it, so...
“When it comes to many contentious subjects, our usual relationship to information is reversed: Ignorance increases.
[Proctor] has developed a word inspired by this trend: agnotology. Derived from the Greek root agnosis, it is “the study of culturally constructed ignorance.”
As Proctor argues, when society doesn’t know something, it’s often because special interests work hard to create confusion.
...“People always assume that if someone doesn’t know something, it’s because they haven’t paid attention or haven’t yet figured it out,” Proctor says. “But ignorance also comes from people literally suppressing truth—or drowning it out—or trying to make it so confusing that people stop caring about what’s true and what’s not.”
Some of the examples provided at Big Pic are interesting, but the pre-eminent recent example would be "the credit meltdown." It ain't just Barney Frank vs. Greedy Capitalists, no matter how hard the propagandists attempt to paint it that way.
“When it comes to many contentious subjects, our usual relationship to information is reversed: Ignorance increases.
[Proctor] has developed a word inspired by this trend: agnotology. Derived from the Greek root agnosis, it is “the study of culturally constructed ignorance.”
As Proctor argues, when society doesn’t know something, it’s often because special interests work hard to create confusion.
...“People always assume that if someone doesn’t know something, it’s because they haven’t paid attention or haven’t yet figured it out,” Proctor says. “But ignorance also comes from people literally suppressing truth—or drowning it out—or trying to make it so confusing that people stop caring about what’s true and what’s not.”
Some of the examples provided at Big Pic are interesting, but the pre-eminent recent example would be "the credit meltdown." It ain't just Barney Frank vs. Greedy Capitalists, no matter how hard the propagandists attempt to paint it that way.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Abortion: Not Just for Babies Anymore
You could call it post-birth abortion, if you like.
In Britain, a government agency evaluates new medical products for their "cost effectiveness" before citizens can get access to them. The agency has concluded that $45,000 is the most worth paying for products that extend a person's life by one "quality-adjusted" year. (By their calculus, a year combating cancer is worth less than a year in perfect health.)
Here in the U.S., President-elect Barack Obama and House Democrats embrace the creation of a similar "comparative effectiveness" entity that will do research on drugs and medical devices. They claim that they don't want this to morph into a British-style agency that restricts access to medical products based on narrow cost criteria, but provisions tucked into the fiscal stimulus bill betray their real intentions.
The centerpiece of their plan is $1.1 billion of the $825 billion stimulus package for studies to compare different drugs and devices to "save money and lives." Report language accompanying the House stimulus bill says that "more expensive" medical products "will no longer be prescribed." The House bill also suggests that the new research should be used to create "guidelines" to direct doctors' treatment of difficult, high-cost medical problems.
--WSJ
So....what's YOUR mother's life worth?
HT: The Hatted One
In Britain, a government agency evaluates new medical products for their "cost effectiveness" before citizens can get access to them. The agency has concluded that $45,000 is the most worth paying for products that extend a person's life by one "quality-adjusted" year. (By their calculus, a year combating cancer is worth less than a year in perfect health.)
Here in the U.S., President-elect Barack Obama and House Democrats embrace the creation of a similar "comparative effectiveness" entity that will do research on drugs and medical devices. They claim that they don't want this to morph into a British-style agency that restricts access to medical products based on narrow cost criteria, but provisions tucked into the fiscal stimulus bill betray their real intentions.
The centerpiece of their plan is $1.1 billion of the $825 billion stimulus package for studies to compare different drugs and devices to "save money and lives." Report language accompanying the House stimulus bill says that "more expensive" medical products "will no longer be prescribed." The House bill also suggests that the new research should be used to create "guidelines" to direct doctors' treatment of difficult, high-cost medical problems.
--WSJ
So....what's YOUR mother's life worth?
HT: The Hatted One
Open Carry?
Seems like today's theme will be 'civil liberties' whether national or local.
This article refers to a West Allis case of 'open carry.' You might think "Who CARES? West Allis? Open Carry? Bump on a log."
Except it might go through the Wisconsin court system and into the Federal Courts.
In brief:
According to multiple reports, on Aug 22, 2008, Krause was at home planting trees - with a holstered firearm on his side. That prompted a neighbor to call the police to ask if that was legal.
It wasn't, at least to the West Allis police. The department dispatched two squad cars to his residence and, after approaching him with their weapons drawn, ultimately arrested him for disorderly conduct, says Gene German, a gun-rights advocate who has followed the case closely.
Personally, I wouldn't perambulate through the yard with a 9mm strapped on, but hey...
The D.O. charge is typically applied in urban Wisconsin, if there IS a charge in the first place. So happens that under Wisconsin law, "open carry" is perfectly legal. But it is un-nerving, not only to neighbors, but to the Local Authorities. No surprise there.
According to Gene German, no matter who "wins" in W.A. MuniCourt, it will be appealed.
But there's more. This case could move to a 4th Amendment basis, and in that case, the West Allis city attorney may be on thin ice.
A while back, I mentioned the Georgia/Mead case.
In a case involving Zachary Nelson Mead, the court adopted a settlement in a case similar to Krause's, declaring that seizing a firearm for no reason except that it was openly carried violated the Fourth Amendment's protection again unreasonable search and seizure.
Mead filed a federal civil rights action after a Richmond County sheriff's deputy, Tadum Townsend, stopped him outside a Kroger grocery store as Mead was returning to his car from shopping, according to federal court records. Mead was carrying an exposed handgun in a holster on his belt.
You all know the drill on the 4th Amendment, right?
..As the [Federal] court noted in summarizing Mead's arguments, federal case law allows officers to conduct investigatory stops without a warrant only if "the officer has a reasonable, articulable suspicion that criminal activity is afoot." To make a showing that he or she in fact had reasonable suspicion, the court continued, "[t]he officer must be able to articulate more than an 'inchoate and unparticularized suspicion or hunch of criminal activity.'"
It is a stretch, to say the least, that 'a reasonable, articulable, suspcion of criminal activity is afoot' in applying D.O. ordinances to open-carry in one's own yard. It is less a stretch to think about using the D.O. ordinance for open-carry in a shopping center; on the other hand, lacking any "articulable suspicion" of criminal activity, (other than "he's a pain in the ass,") it would seem that Wisconsin law (and the Georgia precedent) will give the West Allis city attorney fits.
This could be fun to watch.
HT: FoxPolitics
This article refers to a West Allis case of 'open carry.' You might think "Who CARES? West Allis? Open Carry? Bump on a log."
Except it might go through the Wisconsin court system and into the Federal Courts.
In brief:
According to multiple reports, on Aug 22, 2008, Krause was at home planting trees - with a holstered firearm on his side. That prompted a neighbor to call the police to ask if that was legal.
It wasn't, at least to the West Allis police. The department dispatched two squad cars to his residence and, after approaching him with their weapons drawn, ultimately arrested him for disorderly conduct, says Gene German, a gun-rights advocate who has followed the case closely.
Personally, I wouldn't perambulate through the yard with a 9mm strapped on, but hey...
The D.O. charge is typically applied in urban Wisconsin, if there IS a charge in the first place. So happens that under Wisconsin law, "open carry" is perfectly legal. But it is un-nerving, not only to neighbors, but to the Local Authorities. No surprise there.
According to Gene German, no matter who "wins" in W.A. MuniCourt, it will be appealed.
But there's more. This case could move to a 4th Amendment basis, and in that case, the West Allis city attorney may be on thin ice.
A while back, I mentioned the Georgia/Mead case.
In a case involving Zachary Nelson Mead, the court adopted a settlement in a case similar to Krause's, declaring that seizing a firearm for no reason except that it was openly carried violated the Fourth Amendment's protection again unreasonable search and seizure.
Mead filed a federal civil rights action after a Richmond County sheriff's deputy, Tadum Townsend, stopped him outside a Kroger grocery store as Mead was returning to his car from shopping, according to federal court records. Mead was carrying an exposed handgun in a holster on his belt.
You all know the drill on the 4th Amendment, right?
..As the [Federal] court noted in summarizing Mead's arguments, federal case law allows officers to conduct investigatory stops without a warrant only if "the officer has a reasonable, articulable suspicion that criminal activity is afoot." To make a showing that he or she in fact had reasonable suspicion, the court continued, "[t]he officer must be able to articulate more than an 'inchoate and unparticularized suspicion or hunch of criminal activity.'"
It is a stretch, to say the least, that 'a reasonable, articulable, suspcion of criminal activity is afoot' in applying D.O. ordinances to open-carry in one's own yard. It is less a stretch to think about using the D.O. ordinance for open-carry in a shopping center; on the other hand, lacking any "articulable suspicion" of criminal activity, (other than "he's a pain in the ass,") it would seem that Wisconsin law (and the Georgia precedent) will give the West Allis city attorney fits.
This could be fun to watch.
HT: FoxPolitics
Full Reverse on Patriot Act
To accompany the below item, here's an interesting note.
Last Thursday, Barack Obama’s nominee for Attorney General, Eric Holder, admitted during his Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing that he supported renewing the part of the Patriot Act that allows for the FBI to seek records from businesses, libraries and bookstores as the policing agency investigates suspects in this country. For years we’ve seen news agencies and opinionists rail against the expanded power of the FBI to search such records...
...Over the years many challenges to the library and bookstore search power have been made and thus far the law has withstood the onslaught. As a result, the Bush administration has been accused of indulging any manner of imperialist, unconstitutional, Orwellian motives
Hmmmmm.
(Cue the crickets)
HT: RedState
Last Thursday, Barack Obama’s nominee for Attorney General, Eric Holder, admitted during his Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing that he supported renewing the part of the Patriot Act that allows for the FBI to seek records from businesses, libraries and bookstores as the policing agency investigates suspects in this country. For years we’ve seen news agencies and opinionists rail against the expanded power of the FBI to search such records...
...Over the years many challenges to the library and bookstore search power have been made and thus far the law has withstood the onslaught. As a result, the Bush administration has been accused of indulging any manner of imperialist, unconstitutional, Orwellian motives
Hmmmmm.
(Cue the crickets)
HT: RedState
The Full Reverse on Presidential Powers
Keep your eye on the ball, folks.
...It turns out that Bush's aggressive assertion of judicial power was not really the problem; the problem was, well, Bush. This, according to Gellman, is the real view of Dawn Johnson, the arch-critic of Bush administration legal policy who has been nominated to head the DOJ's Office of Legal Counsel. In her "popular commentaries in Slate and elsewhere" Johnson has vigorously attacked Bush and Cheney for "overreaching." But Gellman says that in her "scholarly writing" she takes the position that "the trouble was not that [Bush] asserted the power, but that he used it wrongly." How post-modern for a once-and-future top DOJ official to talk out of both sides of her mouth this way. As they say, don't believe everything you read on the internet.
The agenda driving this revisionism is obvious. The liberal Dems now control the executive branch, and they have no interest in diminishing its power. To the contrary, as John Podesta who headed Obama's transition team explains, Obama "certainly comes into office with a very powerful set of executive authorities and I suspect that he will use those authorities in order to get the key policy goals accomplished that he's set for the people."
--PowerLine
You may or may not have approved of what Bush was doing with the 'unitary Presidency.' But the policy implications were serious because they apply to ALL Presidents.
...It turns out that Bush's aggressive assertion of judicial power was not really the problem; the problem was, well, Bush. This, according to Gellman, is the real view of Dawn Johnson, the arch-critic of Bush administration legal policy who has been nominated to head the DOJ's Office of Legal Counsel. In her "popular commentaries in Slate and elsewhere" Johnson has vigorously attacked Bush and Cheney for "overreaching." But Gellman says that in her "scholarly writing" she takes the position that "the trouble was not that [Bush] asserted the power, but that he used it wrongly." How post-modern for a once-and-future top DOJ official to talk out of both sides of her mouth this way. As they say, don't believe everything you read on the internet.
The agenda driving this revisionism is obvious. The liberal Dems now control the executive branch, and they have no interest in diminishing its power. To the contrary, as John Podesta who headed Obama's transition team explains, Obama "certainly comes into office with a very powerful set of executive authorities and I suspect that he will use those authorities in order to get the key policy goals accomplished that he's set for the people."
--PowerLine
You may or may not have approved of what Bush was doing with the 'unitary Presidency.' But the policy implications were serious because they apply to ALL Presidents.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Another Mayor for Un-Married Sex
Must be all the rage these days...
More than a year after denying it, the newly elected mayor of Portland has admitted having a sexual relationship with a male teenager in 2005.
Sam Adams, who is openly gay, acknowledged the relationship in a statement Monday, after the Willamette Week newspaper broke the story on its Web site.
The boy was 18 at the time.
You might notice that the newspaper article does NOT mention the Mayor's political party--therefore you know immediately what Party he belongs to.
HT: The McCain Who Didn't Lose
More than a year after denying it, the newly elected mayor of Portland has admitted having a sexual relationship with a male teenager in 2005.
Sam Adams, who is openly gay, acknowledged the relationship in a statement Monday, after the Willamette Week newspaper broke the story on its Web site.
The boy was 18 at the time.
You might notice that the newspaper article does NOT mention the Mayor's political party--therefore you know immediately what Party he belongs to.
HT: The McCain Who Didn't Lose
The Double-Bottom Recession
Kasriel (see below post) also thinks that there will be growth in the economy in 4Q09, largely due to the stimulus package.
That, of course, will trigger inflation through monetization of the Treasury and private debt--which will cause the Fed to put on the brakes in 2010, and likely increase the braking pressure through most of the year.
Then there will be another recession, during 2011, probably not as serious as this one.
That 2012 campaign might be very interesting, no?
That, of course, will trigger inflation through monetization of the Treasury and private debt--which will cause the Fed to put on the brakes in 2010, and likely increase the braking pressure through most of the year.
Then there will be another recession, during 2011, probably not as serious as this one.
That 2012 campaign might be very interesting, no?
"Banks Are Lending"? Nope
Kasriel of Northern Trust posts a chart (can't bring it here) which shows bank lending has dropped like a rock--a genuine cliff-dive--in the last couple of months.
He shows bank lending contracting by 7.5% on a percentage-change basis during the last 13 weeks.
Ugh.
He shows bank lending contracting by 7.5% on a percentage-change basis during the last 13 weeks.
Ugh.
AlQuaeda Poisoned Itself
There were reports of the Bubonic Plague killing 40 AlQuaeda in Algeria.
Maybe not.
An al Qaeda affiliate in Algeria closed a base earlier this month after an experiment with unconventional weapons went awry, a senior U.S. intelligence official said Monday.
The official, who spoke on the condition he not be named because of the sensitive nature of the issue, said he could not confirm press reports that the accident killed at least 40 al Qaeda operatives, but he said the mishap led the militant group to shut down a base in the mountains of Tizi Ouzou province in eastern Algeria. (Washington Times)
If you don't know how to use it, then maybe you shouldn't be playing with it...
HT: Ace
Maybe not.
An al Qaeda affiliate in Algeria closed a base earlier this month after an experiment with unconventional weapons went awry, a senior U.S. intelligence official said Monday.
The official, who spoke on the condition he not be named because of the sensitive nature of the issue, said he could not confirm press reports that the accident killed at least 40 al Qaeda operatives, but he said the mishap led the militant group to shut down a base in the mountains of Tizi Ouzou province in eastern Algeria. (Washington Times)
If you don't know how to use it, then maybe you shouldn't be playing with it...
HT: Ace
Measuring CPI 2008: Lots? or Little?
Statistical anomaly which could have major impact on labor union wages and SocSec recipients.
A mathematical oddity in Friday’s consumer price index means you can claim with some statistical backing that inflation last year was either 0.1% or 3.8%.
Measured on a December to December - or calendar year - basis, the consumer price index only grew 0.1% in 2008, according to Labor Department figures, the smallest gain in over 50 years and well below the 4.1% gain in 2007. But when the annual average of the CPI for all of 2008 is compared to the average for 2007, the increase was much higher, 3.8%. That was actually up from 2007’s rate. . . .
When it comes to assessing near-term trends, economists prefer calendar-year changes, which is why Wall Street research notes universally mentioned the 0.1% figure, and not the 3.8% one. The two series should even out over time, and in 2009 the calendar-year increase will probably be much higher than the average annual increase given the low base that the CPI index is starting at this year
HT: Big Picture
A mathematical oddity in Friday’s consumer price index means you can claim with some statistical backing that inflation last year was either 0.1% or 3.8%.
Measured on a December to December - or calendar year - basis, the consumer price index only grew 0.1% in 2008, according to Labor Department figures, the smallest gain in over 50 years and well below the 4.1% gain in 2007. But when the annual average of the CPI for all of 2008 is compared to the average for 2007, the increase was much higher, 3.8%. That was actually up from 2007’s rate. . . .
When it comes to assessing near-term trends, economists prefer calendar-year changes, which is why Wall Street research notes universally mentioned the 0.1% figure, and not the 3.8% one. The two series should even out over time, and in 2009 the calendar-year increase will probably be much higher than the average annual increase given the low base that the CPI index is starting at this year
HT: Big Picture
More on "National Bankruptcy Day" Law
The law (CPSIA) which, on its face, is "for the children" but which has cataclysmic unintended consequences continues to get attention.
On Friday there was a noteworthy development on CPSIA: Reps. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) and Bobby Rush (D-Ill.) and Sens. Mark Pryor (D-Ark.) and John D. Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.) sent a letter to Nancy Nord, chairman of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, endorsing some softenings in the law’s regulatory interpretation, which seems to represent a modest shift (if not an admitted one) from their earlier position. At the same time, Waxman, Rush et al held the line against any demand to revise the law itself, despite the outcry being heard from small producers, retailers and secondhand sellers across the country
Gee. Four Democrats unified in their determination to crush small business. We're shocked!!
And, by the way, Goodwill, St Vincent dePaul, and Salvation Army stores are still in the target-zone:
The truth is that while thrift stores are not directly obligated to test, they are liable if they inadvertently sell an old item any part of which (even a snap, button or bolt) exceeds the stringent new standards. Since a broad-based testing regime will normally be incompatible with the economics of a thrift store, that will leave them with the unpleasant alternative of 1) ceasing to sell kids’ goods; 2) predictably being in noncompliance on a lot of old items (without knowing which ones) and hoping no one actually enforces the law against them.
Those four Democrats absolutely, positively, REFUSE to re-write the legislation--so far.
Sell your bootstraps, folks. The (D) Party doesn't care for "little guys" at all.
On Friday there was a noteworthy development on CPSIA: Reps. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) and Bobby Rush (D-Ill.) and Sens. Mark Pryor (D-Ark.) and John D. Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.) sent a letter to Nancy Nord, chairman of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, endorsing some softenings in the law’s regulatory interpretation, which seems to represent a modest shift (if not an admitted one) from their earlier position. At the same time, Waxman, Rush et al held the line against any demand to revise the law itself, despite the outcry being heard from small producers, retailers and secondhand sellers across the country
Gee. Four Democrats unified in their determination to crush small business. We're shocked!!
And, by the way, Goodwill, St Vincent dePaul, and Salvation Army stores are still in the target-zone:
The truth is that while thrift stores are not directly obligated to test, they are liable if they inadvertently sell an old item any part of which (even a snap, button or bolt) exceeds the stringent new standards. Since a broad-based testing regime will normally be incompatible with the economics of a thrift store, that will leave them with the unpleasant alternative of 1) ceasing to sell kids’ goods; 2) predictably being in noncompliance on a lot of old items (without knowing which ones) and hoping no one actually enforces the law against them.
Those four Democrats absolutely, positively, REFUSE to re-write the legislation--so far.
Sell your bootstraps, folks. The (D) Party doesn't care for "little guys" at all.
"Crazy Uncle": John Holdren
The O's "Science Adviser"-nominee has taken a number of disturbing (or just plain crazy) positions.
Jeff Jacoby (quoted by The Warrior) has a few questions for him. Of those, the one which is most significant is this one:
You have advocated the “long-term desirability of zero population growth” for the United States. In 1973, you pronounced the US population of 210 million as “too many” and warned that “280 million in 2040 is likely to be much too many.” The US population today is 304 million. Are there too many Americans?
His Malthusian-Enthusiasm is consistent, anyway:
You were long associated with population alarmist Paul Ehrlich, and joined him in predicting disasters that never came to pass. For example, you and Ehrlich wrote in 1969: “It cannot be emphasized enough that if . . . population control measures are not initiated immediately and effectively, all the technology man can bring to bear will not fend off the misery to come.” In 1971, the two of you were adamant that “some form of ecocatastrophe, if not thermonuclear war, seems almost certain to overtake us before the end of the century.” In the 1980s, Ehrlich quoted your expectation that “carbon dioxide-induced famines could kill as many as a billion people before the year 2020.” What have you learned from the failure of these prophecies to come true?
Judging by the rest of Jacoby's piece, it's not likely that Holdren learned anything.
Just what we need in a "Science Adviser."
Jeff Jacoby (quoted by The Warrior) has a few questions for him. Of those, the one which is most significant is this one:
You have advocated the “long-term desirability of zero population growth” for the United States. In 1973, you pronounced the US population of 210 million as “too many” and warned that “280 million in 2040 is likely to be much too many.” The US population today is 304 million. Are there too many Americans?
His Malthusian-Enthusiasm is consistent, anyway:
You were long associated with population alarmist Paul Ehrlich, and joined him in predicting disasters that never came to pass. For example, you and Ehrlich wrote in 1969: “It cannot be emphasized enough that if . . . population control measures are not initiated immediately and effectively, all the technology man can bring to bear will not fend off the misery to come.” In 1971, the two of you were adamant that “some form of ecocatastrophe, if not thermonuclear war, seems almost certain to overtake us before the end of the century.” In the 1980s, Ehrlich quoted your expectation that “carbon dioxide-induced famines could kill as many as a billion people before the year 2020.” What have you learned from the failure of these prophecies to come true?
Judging by the rest of Jacoby's piece, it's not likely that Holdren learned anything.
Just what we need in a "Science Adviser."
Monday, January 19, 2009
Those Damn Statistics
Coulter:
By 1996, 70 percent of inmates in state juvenile detention centers serving long-term sentences were raised by single mothers. Seventy percent of teenage births, dropouts, suicides, runaways, juvenile delinquents and child murderers involve children raised by single mothers. Girls raised without fathers are more sexually promiscuous and more likely to end up divorced.
A 1990 study by the left-wing Progressive Policy Institute showed that, after controlling for single motherhood, the difference in black and white crime disappeared.
Various studies come up with slightly different numbers, but all the figures are grim. A study cited in the far left-wing Village Voice found that children brought up in single-mother homes "are five times more likely to commit suicide, nine times more likely to drop out of high school, 10 times more likely to abuse chemical substances, 14 times more likely to commit rape (for the boys), 20 times more likely to end up in prison, and 32 times more likely to run away from home."
With new children being born, running away, dropping out of high school and committing murder every year, it's not a static problem to analyze. But however the numbers are run, single motherhood is a societal nuclear bomb.
Whether they know it or not, MPS Admin and teachers have only to cite this column to deflect blame for the miserable performance in the schools.
By 1996, 70 percent of inmates in state juvenile detention centers serving long-term sentences were raised by single mothers. Seventy percent of teenage births, dropouts, suicides, runaways, juvenile delinquents and child murderers involve children raised by single mothers. Girls raised without fathers are more sexually promiscuous and more likely to end up divorced.
A 1990 study by the left-wing Progressive Policy Institute showed that, after controlling for single motherhood, the difference in black and white crime disappeared.
Various studies come up with slightly different numbers, but all the figures are grim. A study cited in the far left-wing Village Voice found that children brought up in single-mother homes "are five times more likely to commit suicide, nine times more likely to drop out of high school, 10 times more likely to abuse chemical substances, 14 times more likely to commit rape (for the boys), 20 times more likely to end up in prison, and 32 times more likely to run away from home."
With new children being born, running away, dropping out of high school and committing murder every year, it's not a static problem to analyze. But however the numbers are run, single motherhood is a societal nuclear bomb.
Whether they know it or not, MPS Admin and teachers have only to cite this column to deflect blame for the miserable performance in the schools.
Think It's Bad Here? Look at Europe
The first graf is gripping; the rest fills in the blanks.
Events are moving fast in Europe. The worst riots since the fall of Communism have swept the Baltics and the south Balkans. An incipient crisis is taking shape in the Club Med bond markets. S&P has cut Greek debt to near junk. Spanish, Portuguese, and Irish bonds are on negative watch
So far, the US (and PRC) are the last men standing, although it ain't so pretty here, either.
HT: Dreher
Events are moving fast in Europe. The worst riots since the fall of Communism have swept the Baltics and the south Balkans. An incipient crisis is taking shape in the Club Med bond markets. S&P has cut Greek debt to near junk. Spanish, Portuguese, and Irish bonds are on negative watch
So far, the US (and PRC) are the last men standing, although it ain't so pretty here, either.
HT: Dreher
Chicago's Kass: A Columnist With Understanding
Roeser does a mild hagiography of Mr. John Kass.
This particular section was interesting:
3. Rather than concentrating on right or left, he has invented the “Combine” which is an amalgam of the two parties which believe in nothing except the acquisition of power and riches.
4. The danger Kass has presciently noted is that just as the two parties in Illinois have been nothing more than acquisitive funnels for aggrandizement…with no philosophical ballast whatever…the two parties in the United States are becoming similar.
5. In writing this, Kass is very courageous. He goes after the dinosaurs of both parties and shows that basically the two parties are the same-with very few exceptions…Peter Fitzgerald being one of them.
6. And in his writing, Kass is alone among the newspaper columnists. What political columnist shares his view of the identicality of the two parties and the corruption that undergirds them?
Come to think of it, I don't know of any, at least at the JS.
Here, Eggster and I use the term "P.I.G." (Party In Government) interchangeably with "P.O.G" (Party OF Government). Either of those appellations doesn't convey the proper sense of involvment (or lack thereof) by the Bureaucracy, but you get the drift, no?
This particular section was interesting:
3. Rather than concentrating on right or left, he has invented the “Combine” which is an amalgam of the two parties which believe in nothing except the acquisition of power and riches.
4. The danger Kass has presciently noted is that just as the two parties in Illinois have been nothing more than acquisitive funnels for aggrandizement…with no philosophical ballast whatever…the two parties in the United States are becoming similar.
5. In writing this, Kass is very courageous. He goes after the dinosaurs of both parties and shows that basically the two parties are the same-with very few exceptions…Peter Fitzgerald being one of them.
6. And in his writing, Kass is alone among the newspaper columnists. What political columnist shares his view of the identicality of the two parties and the corruption that undergirds them?
Come to think of it, I don't know of any, at least at the JS.
Here, Eggster and I use the term "P.I.G." (Party In Government) interchangeably with "P.O.G" (Party OF Government). Either of those appellations doesn't convey the proper sense of involvment (or lack thereof) by the Bureaucracy, but you get the drift, no?
TARP II Accountability? Fuggedaboutit
Not surprising to read this:
I just received confirmation from a congressional aide that Senate Banking Chair Chris Dodd will not introduce legislation in the Senate to mirror House Finance Chair Barney Frank’s bill, HR 384, to provide increased conditions, transparency and oversight on the second $350 billion of the Wall Street bailout money (otherwise known as TARP).
Chris Dodd, (D-CountryWide), eh?
Surprise, surprise, surprise, Andy!
HT: Sunlight
I just received confirmation from a congressional aide that Senate Banking Chair Chris Dodd will not introduce legislation in the Senate to mirror House Finance Chair Barney Frank’s bill, HR 384, to provide increased conditions, transparency and oversight on the second $350 billion of the Wall Street bailout money (otherwise known as TARP).
Chris Dodd, (D-CountryWide), eh?
Surprise, surprise, surprise, Andy!
HT: Sunlight
Canada Rejects Bill Ayers Visit
Some countries take national security seriously.
Authorities blocked Bill Ayers from entering Canada this weekend for a campus speech.
Quoth Bomber Bill:
"I got off the plane like everyone else and I was asked to come over to the other side. The border guards reviewed some stuff and said I wasn't going to be allowed into Canada. To me it seems quite bureaucratic and not at all interesting ... If it were me I would have let me in. I couldn't possibly be a threat to Canada."
That's up to them to determine, Billy.
HT: Gateway
Authorities blocked Bill Ayers from entering Canada this weekend for a campus speech.
Quoth Bomber Bill:
"I got off the plane like everyone else and I was asked to come over to the other side. The border guards reviewed some stuff and said I wasn't going to be allowed into Canada. To me it seems quite bureaucratic and not at all interesting ... If it were me I would have let me in. I couldn't possibly be a threat to Canada."
That's up to them to determine, Billy.
HT: Gateway
The Latest Scam
HT: Berry Laker
...Most of us take those summonses for jury duty seriously, but enough people skip out on their civic duty, that a new and ominous kind of fraud has surfaced.
The caller claims to be a jury coordinator. If you protest that you never received a summons for jury duty, the scammer asks you for your Social Security number and date of birth so he or she can verify the information and cancel the arrest warrant. Give out any of this information and bingo; your identity was just stolen.
The fraud has been reported so far in 11 states, including Oklahoma, Illinois, and Colorado
Berry picked this up from the Sheboygan County Sheriff; apparently the FBI is aware of it and working on the thing.
...Most of us take those summonses for jury duty seriously, but enough people skip out on their civic duty, that a new and ominous kind of fraud has surfaced.
The caller claims to be a jury coordinator. If you protest that you never received a summons for jury duty, the scammer asks you for your Social Security number and date of birth so he or she can verify the information and cancel the arrest warrant. Give out any of this information and bingo; your identity was just stolen.
The fraud has been reported so far in 11 states, including Oklahoma, Illinois, and Colorado
Berry picked this up from the Sheboygan County Sheriff; apparently the FBI is aware of it and working on the thing.
Obama Mania at Church? Puh-LEEEZE...
HT to Kevin and to Freedom Eden.
Apparently ObamaMania has found its place in Catholic parish bulletins and in hyperbolic (if not fevered) minds:
In the same America that for centuries had systematically held African-Americans in slavery or under the yolk [sic] of Jim Crow laws, has now voted to seat an African-American as president. The blood of the martyrs has watered the land to produce this miracle.
A MIRACLE??
Sorry. It's a historic event, yes, but compared with reviving the dead, healing the sick, or feeding the 5,000...I don't think so.
I suppose "Fr. Carl" is engaging in hyperbole, to be kind.
Apparently ObamaMania has found its place in Catholic parish bulletins and in hyperbolic (if not fevered) minds:
In the same America that for centuries had systematically held African-Americans in slavery or under the yolk [sic] of Jim Crow laws, has now voted to seat an African-American as president. The blood of the martyrs has watered the land to produce this miracle.
A MIRACLE??
Sorry. It's a historic event, yes, but compared with reviving the dead, healing the sick, or feeding the 5,000...I don't think so.
I suppose "Fr. Carl" is engaging in hyperbole, to be kind.
Some Things Never Change
With all the YAY!!/NAY!! noises going on about tomorrow's Inauguration, this little passage is timely, and timeless:
The latent causes of faction are thus sown in the nature of man; and we see them everywhere brought into different degrees of activity, according to the different circumstances of civil society. A zeal for different opinions concerning religion, concerning government, and many other points, as well of speculation as of practice; an attachment to different leaders ambitiously contending for pre-eminence and power; or to persons of other descriptions whose fortunes have been interesting to the human passions, have, in turn, divided mankind into parties, inflamed them with mutual animosity, and rendered them much more disposed to vex and oppress each other than to co-operate for their common good. --Publius, Federalist 10
Like McIlheran, I wish the new President a great deal of success in defending our shores and in remedying the economic troubles.
So long as he does it the right way.
HT: PowerLine
The latent causes of faction are thus sown in the nature of man; and we see them everywhere brought into different degrees of activity, according to the different circumstances of civil society. A zeal for different opinions concerning religion, concerning government, and many other points, as well of speculation as of practice; an attachment to different leaders ambitiously contending for pre-eminence and power; or to persons of other descriptions whose fortunes have been interesting to the human passions, have, in turn, divided mankind into parties, inflamed them with mutual animosity, and rendered them much more disposed to vex and oppress each other than to co-operate for their common good. --Publius, Federalist 10
Like McIlheran, I wish the new President a great deal of success in defending our shores and in remedying the economic troubles.
So long as he does it the right way.
HT: PowerLine
Pre-Exit Victories for GWB & The Company
GWB unleashed the hounds of Hell about a year ago.
They've done well; here's a list of those now at room temperature:
Khalid Habib, a veteran combat leader and operations chief involved with plots to attack the West, who served as deputy to Al Qaeda No. 3 Shaikh Sa’id al-Masri
Rashid Rauf, the mastermind of the 2006 British airliner plot
Abu Khabab al-Masri, Al Qaeda’s most seasoned explosives expert and trainer, and the man responsible for its chemical and biological weapons efforts
Abdallah Azzam, also a top aide to Sheikh Sa’id al-Masri
Abu al-Hassan al-Rimi, a leader who led cross-border operations against coalition forces in Afghanistan
Abu Sulaiman al-Jaziri, a senior external operations planner and facilitator
Abu Jihad al-Masri, a senior operational planner and propagandist
Usama al-Kini, an East African who was chief of Pakistan operations and the planner of last year’s Marriott attack in Pakistan and the bombing of Benazir Bhutto’s motorcade upon her return from exile.
There's little reason for Obama to change direction, either.
HT: CounterTerrorism
They've done well; here's a list of those now at room temperature:
Khalid Habib, a veteran combat leader and operations chief involved with plots to attack the West, who served as deputy to Al Qaeda No. 3 Shaikh Sa’id al-Masri
Rashid Rauf, the mastermind of the 2006 British airliner plot
Abu Khabab al-Masri, Al Qaeda’s most seasoned explosives expert and trainer, and the man responsible for its chemical and biological weapons efforts
Abdallah Azzam, also a top aide to Sheikh Sa’id al-Masri
Abu al-Hassan al-Rimi, a leader who led cross-border operations against coalition forces in Afghanistan
Abu Sulaiman al-Jaziri, a senior external operations planner and facilitator
Abu Jihad al-Masri, a senior operational planner and propagandist
Usama al-Kini, an East African who was chief of Pakistan operations and the planner of last year’s Marriott attack in Pakistan and the bombing of Benazir Bhutto’s motorcade upon her return from exile.
There's little reason for Obama to change direction, either.
HT: CounterTerrorism
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Meanwhile, In Ireland
The Archbishop of Dublin, a fellow named Diarmuid Martin, has cause quite a stir.
Interviewer: You can say yes or no to my question: do you think that people -- homosexual people -- who engage in homosexual sexual relations are engaged in an intrinsic moral evil?
Archbishop: I would not make a judgment, again, on ... on ... on ... on ... on individual people. I have no idea
That, my friends, is called "answering the UN-asked question."
This is the Catechism's response to the ASKED question:
...tradition has always declared that "homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered." They are contrary to the natural law...
And there is no question that such acts ARE serious sins--or intrinsically evil (assuming the usual: grave matter and which is also committed with full knowledge and deliberate consent.")
Finally, the Archbishop falls into a very popular trap. One judges ACTS, your Grace.
HT: Diogenes
Interviewer: You can say yes or no to my question: do you think that people -- homosexual people -- who engage in homosexual sexual relations are engaged in an intrinsic moral evil?
Archbishop: I would not make a judgment, again, on ... on ... on ... on ... on individual people. I have no idea
That, my friends, is called "answering the UN-asked question."
This is the Catechism's response to the ASKED question:
...tradition has always declared that "homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered." They are contrary to the natural law...
And there is no question that such acts ARE serious sins--or intrinsically evil (assuming the usual: grave matter and which is also committed with full knowledge and deliberate consent.")
Finally, the Archbishop falls into a very popular trap. One judges ACTS, your Grace.
HT: Diogenes
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Ron Paul: Not Entirely Nuts
Yah, I know that Ron Paul has some....ahhhhh.....erratic opinions.
But here he has it dead-on:
We are at an economic dead-end and those in power are in denial. The truth is our economic problems are due to loose monetary policy, central economic planning, and the parasitic expenses of government. Unless we assess these problems honestly, we unfortunately have a long way to go until, like the junkie, we hit rock bottom
And that simile is correct, too.
HT: The McCain Who Did NOT Lose
But here he has it dead-on:
We are at an economic dead-end and those in power are in denial. The truth is our economic problems are due to loose monetary policy, central economic planning, and the parasitic expenses of government. Unless we assess these problems honestly, we unfortunately have a long way to go until, like the junkie, we hit rock bottom
And that simile is correct, too.
HT: The McCain Who Did NOT Lose
The Pilots of the Crash
An observation from a single-engine licensed private pilot:
But there wasn't enough altitude: the choice was buildings or freezing cold water. Looking back during those crucial moments, history provided no comfort. Ahead and below them was death, not merely their own deaths but their passengers' deaths too, 155 souls, and possibly the deaths of others on the surface. But they followed the pilot's mantra: fly the airplane. Never stop flying the airplane, not until you are dead and can't fly it anymore; fly it into and through the crash, as long as you have any control.
....while we wait for AB's post on the event, which will be VERY informative, as he usually is....
HT: WWWTW
But there wasn't enough altitude: the choice was buildings or freezing cold water. Looking back during those crucial moments, history provided no comfort. Ahead and below them was death, not merely their own deaths but their passengers' deaths too, 155 souls, and possibly the deaths of others on the surface. But they followed the pilot's mantra: fly the airplane. Never stop flying the airplane, not until you are dead and can't fly it anymore; fly it into and through the crash, as long as you have any control.
....while we wait for AB's post on the event, which will be VERY informative, as he usually is....
HT: WWWTW
Wondering About Jazz in the Park Carry-In Ban?
Cui Bono is the first question you should ask when reading "odd" stories like the Jazz in the Park carry-in item.
The Milwaukee PD cites the following as its reason to ban carry-ins to Jazz in the Park:
125.32(6)(a) (a) Except as provided in s. 125.33 (2) (o) or (12) or 125.70, no person may possess on the premises covered by a retail or wholesale fermented malt beverages license or permit any alcohol beverages not authorized by law for sale on the premises.
(The exceptions are not germane.)
Apparently, East Town Association had a license and was dispensing alcohol. That license is the predicate of the ban.
If East Town would drop its license, then carry-ins would be permitted. Of course, East Town would then lose revenues from its bar operations.
This is another example of "special interest" legislation, by the way. The interest being served is that of the license-holder. Under the law, the license holder MUST BE THE ONLY BENEFICIARY of liquor/beer/wine consumption.
1) It is possible that East Town Ass'n wants to increase its revenues--meaning that they asked the cop-shop to issue its opinion, and then released the "news" as though they knew nothing about it.
2) It's also possible that East Town was as surprised as most people were...
3) It's possible that the Leggies created this statute because there were riotous drunken parties going on at licensed premises and the licensee swore up and down that he/she did NOT serve the drunks.
But let there be no doubt: the tavernkeepers, caterers, and other license-holders are supporting this law. Whether "for the good of the public order" or just for the good of their pocketbooks, that's the way it is.
HT: GOP3
The Milwaukee PD cites the following as its reason to ban carry-ins to Jazz in the Park:
125.32(6)(a) (a) Except as provided in s. 125.33 (2) (o) or (12) or 125.70, no person may possess on the premises covered by a retail or wholesale fermented malt beverages license or permit any alcohol beverages not authorized by law for sale on the premises.
(The exceptions are not germane.)
Apparently, East Town Association had a license and was dispensing alcohol. That license is the predicate of the ban.
If East Town would drop its license, then carry-ins would be permitted. Of course, East Town would then lose revenues from its bar operations.
This is another example of "special interest" legislation, by the way. The interest being served is that of the license-holder. Under the law, the license holder MUST BE THE ONLY BENEFICIARY of liquor/beer/wine consumption.
1) It is possible that East Town Ass'n wants to increase its revenues--meaning that they asked the cop-shop to issue its opinion, and then released the "news" as though they knew nothing about it.
2) It's also possible that East Town was as surprised as most people were...
3) It's possible that the Leggies created this statute because there were riotous drunken parties going on at licensed premises and the licensee swore up and down that he/she did NOT serve the drunks.
But let there be no doubt: the tavernkeepers, caterers, and other license-holders are supporting this law. Whether "for the good of the public order" or just for the good of their pocketbooks, that's the way it is.
HT: GOP3
The Investment Banker's Interview
You saw the first couple of these a while back; a couple of chaps called Bird and Fortune.
Now, there are two followup YouTubes, wherein the Investment Banker is interviewed again.
It would be a lot funnier if it weren't so true.
HT: Calculated Risk
Now, there are two followup YouTubes, wherein the Investment Banker is interviewed again.
It would be a lot funnier if it weren't so true.
HT: Calculated Risk
Friday, January 16, 2009
Drop the Chevy Label?
The AfternoonRanter carried on today about which label GM will drop.
He concluded that it was Chevrolet.
Really?
As of August, GM was selling 6800 Chevy-labeled vehicles/day. They were selling 900 Pontiac labels/day, 650 Buick labels/day, and 750 Saturn labels/day.
So RadioMouth suggests that GM drop the label comprising TWO-THIRDS of their ANNUAL SALES?
Sure. After all, when a company has excess factory capacity, the best thing to do is under-utilize most of it, not just some of it.
Why RadioMouth will never be a capital-finance kinda guy...
He concluded that it was Chevrolet.
Really?
As of August, GM was selling 6800 Chevy-labeled vehicles/day. They were selling 900 Pontiac labels/day, 650 Buick labels/day, and 750 Saturn labels/day.
So RadioMouth suggests that GM drop the label comprising TWO-THIRDS of their ANNUAL SALES?
Sure. After all, when a company has excess factory capacity, the best thing to do is under-utilize most of it, not just some of it.
Why RadioMouth will never be a capital-finance kinda guy...
Church Teachings on Homosexuality
From CourageMan, some notes on a "Theo on Tap" session with Fr. Scalia. (If that name sounds familiar, it should...)
--"The Church does not have two different standards for chastity -- one for homosexuals and one for heterosexuals."
--"Notice that both these groups (gay activists and Fred Phelps) make the same error. They collapse the person into the sexual attractions. They believe that sexual attractions define the person. The Church's view of the person is much deeper and broader than that. That sexual attractions are an aspect of the human person, an aspect of human sexuality, but they do not define the person."
--"First [the Catechism talks about] homosexual acts, which the church teaches are 'intrinsically disordered' ... The church does not teach that persons are intrinsically disordered, it has never taught that. Second, the Catechism talks about homosexual attractions. Homosexual attractions the Catechism describes as 'objectively disordered.' They are not immoral in themselves ... feelings in and of themselves cannot be morally good or morally bad; they're simply feelings. They become morally charged when we act on them. But there are certain feelings lead us to the wrong things and certain feelings lead us to the right things."
--"This is one of the boldest paragraphs in the Catechism. It calls those with same-sex attractions to holiness, not just to physical continence -- it's not just saying, 'OK, you've just gotta control yourself and that's it.' No, 'you have a particular weakness, an attraction that is not right, but you're called to holiness.' And as is true for everyone, it is the struggle against our sinful inclinations that makes us holy. We don't become holy despite the struggle -- 'gosh, if I just got over my human weakness, then I could be holy.' No, it is by struggling with our human weakness and availing ourselves of every opportunity for God's grace that we become holy. And that's the Church's message to those with same-sex attractions."
Nicely compact, readable, and understandable, unlike legal opinions...
--"The Church does not have two different standards for chastity -- one for homosexuals and one for heterosexuals."
--"Notice that both these groups (gay activists and Fred Phelps) make the same error. They collapse the person into the sexual attractions. They believe that sexual attractions define the person. The Church's view of the person is much deeper and broader than that. That sexual attractions are an aspect of the human person, an aspect of human sexuality, but they do not define the person."
--"First [the Catechism talks about] homosexual acts, which the church teaches are 'intrinsically disordered' ... The church does not teach that persons are intrinsically disordered, it has never taught that. Second, the Catechism talks about homosexual attractions. Homosexual attractions the Catechism describes as 'objectively disordered.' They are not immoral in themselves ... feelings in and of themselves cannot be morally good or morally bad; they're simply feelings. They become morally charged when we act on them. But there are certain feelings lead us to the wrong things and certain feelings lead us to the right things."
--"This is one of the boldest paragraphs in the Catechism. It calls those with same-sex attractions to holiness, not just to physical continence -- it's not just saying, 'OK, you've just gotta control yourself and that's it.' No, 'you have a particular weakness, an attraction that is not right, but you're called to holiness.' And as is true for everyone, it is the struggle against our sinful inclinations that makes us holy. We don't become holy despite the struggle -- 'gosh, if I just got over my human weakness, then I could be holy.' No, it is by struggling with our human weakness and availing ourselves of every opportunity for God's grace that we become holy. And that's the Church's message to those with same-sex attractions."
Nicely compact, readable, and understandable, unlike legal opinions...
It's Budget Time, So Chertoff Makes Stuff Up
So friggin' transparent, and so easily refuted...
Chertoff gives an interview, and says this:
What I can tell you is that in the period prior to September 12, 2001, it was a regular, routine issue to have American aircraft hijacked or blown up from time to time, whether it was Lockerbie or TSA or TWA 857 [I believe he meant TWA 847 – Joel] or 9/11 itself. And we haven't had even a serious attempt at a hijacking or bombing on an American plane since then
Well, not really, Mickey Mouse.
The actualities, from research:
According to Airsafe.com, the last flight previous to 9/11 to be hijacked with fatalities from an American destination was a Pacific Southwest Airlines flight on December 7th, 1987. "Lockerbie" refers to Pan Am Flight 103 which was destroyed by a bomb over Scotland after departing from London Heathrow International Airport on its way to JFK, with screening done — as now — by an organization other than the TSA. TWA Flight 847 departed from Athens (Ellinikon) International Airport, also not under TSA oversight.
While Wikipedia's list of aircraft hijackings may not be comprehensive — I cannot find a complete list from the FAA, which does not seem to list hijackings, including 9/11, in its Accidents & Incidents Data — the last incident of an American flight being hijacked was in 1994, when FedEx Flight 705 was hijacked by a disgruntled employee.
But hey! MickeyMouse has a budget to expand. No little old lady with toothpaste will go un-searched!!!
HT: Schneier
Chertoff gives an interview, and says this:
What I can tell you is that in the period prior to September 12, 2001, it was a regular, routine issue to have American aircraft hijacked or blown up from time to time, whether it was Lockerbie or TSA or TWA 857 [I believe he meant TWA 847 – Joel] or 9/11 itself. And we haven't had even a serious attempt at a hijacking or bombing on an American plane since then
Well, not really, Mickey Mouse.
The actualities, from research:
According to Airsafe.com, the last flight previous to 9/11 to be hijacked with fatalities from an American destination was a Pacific Southwest Airlines flight on December 7th, 1987. "Lockerbie" refers to Pan Am Flight 103 which was destroyed by a bomb over Scotland after departing from London Heathrow International Airport on its way to JFK, with screening done — as now — by an organization other than the TSA. TWA Flight 847 departed from Athens (Ellinikon) International Airport, also not under TSA oversight.
While Wikipedia's list of aircraft hijackings may not be comprehensive — I cannot find a complete list from the FAA, which does not seem to list hijackings, including 9/11, in its Accidents & Incidents Data — the last incident of an American flight being hijacked was in 1994, when FedEx Flight 705 was hijacked by a disgruntled employee.
But hey! MickeyMouse has a budget to expand. No little old lady with toothpaste will go un-searched!!!
HT: Schneier
More ChooChoo Troubles
Evidently the Union Pacific Railroad is not pleased with KRM's plans.
The current KRM feasibility study “has deviated from our past understanding of the general principles (of how the commuter rail would operate),” Michael Payette, Union Pacific’s assistant vice president of government affairs in Chicago, wrote in the tersely worded letter sent in late December to the mayors of Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha, the county executives of Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha counties, and to Frank Busalacchi, secretary of the state Department of Transportation.
For example, the KRM study calls for the deferment of some capital improvements, such as the installation of a second main track along the corridor between Kenosha and Milwaukee.
“Union Pacific is not agreeable to that concept,” Payette wrote.
The latest cost estimate of creating the KRM rail service is about $209 million with an annual operating cost of $12.9 million. Building a second track along the corridor would cost more than $1 million per mile over the 33-mile route, said Mark Davis, a Union Pacific spokesman based at the company’s headquarters in Omaha, Neb.
Union Pacific also is insisting that KRM pay for other infrastructure expenses such as new signals and side tracks along the corridor.
“We have to ensure we can continue to provide access to customers who are increasing freight shipments on the existing lines,” Davis said.
Adding $33++million to the front end? No problem-o!! Just raise taxes!
Another thing:
The letter was sent in "late December." The news breaks in MID-JANUARY? Kudos to the BizJournal for getting there--but what took so long?
The current KRM feasibility study “has deviated from our past understanding of the general principles (of how the commuter rail would operate),” Michael Payette, Union Pacific’s assistant vice president of government affairs in Chicago, wrote in the tersely worded letter sent in late December to the mayors of Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha, the county executives of Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha counties, and to Frank Busalacchi, secretary of the state Department of Transportation.
For example, the KRM study calls for the deferment of some capital improvements, such as the installation of a second main track along the corridor between Kenosha and Milwaukee.
“Union Pacific is not agreeable to that concept,” Payette wrote.
The latest cost estimate of creating the KRM rail service is about $209 million with an annual operating cost of $12.9 million. Building a second track along the corridor would cost more than $1 million per mile over the 33-mile route, said Mark Davis, a Union Pacific spokesman based at the company’s headquarters in Omaha, Neb.
Union Pacific also is insisting that KRM pay for other infrastructure expenses such as new signals and side tracks along the corridor.
“We have to ensure we can continue to provide access to customers who are increasing freight shipments on the existing lines,” Davis said.
Adding $33++million to the front end? No problem-o!! Just raise taxes!
Another thing:
The letter was sent in "late December." The news breaks in MID-JANUARY? Kudos to the BizJournal for getting there--but what took so long?
"Simple Mistake"--Do YOU Get a Pass?
Herring was released yesterday; here's the very, very brief summary.
Bennie Dean Herring, a man with prior felony convictions, went to retrieve an impounded truck. Looking for a reason to arrest him, a police officer asked if there were any warrants outstanding. The computer showed a warrant from a neighboring county.
Herring was arrested and found to be in possession of a pistol (illegal, as he had a prior felony) and methamphetamine. Moments later, the clerk called to say that the warrant had been withdrawn, but by then the search and the arrest had been made.
According to Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the majority, "When police mistakes leading to an unlawful search are the result of isolated negligence attenuated from the search, rather than systemic error or reckless disregard of constitutional requirements, the exclusionary rule does not apply."
You can see their reasoning. Herring's a bad guy. Why punish the police by letting a guilty man go free when they just made a simple mistake?
Umnnnhhh, yah. I'm kinda sympathetic to that.
Of course, there IS a disparate-treatment issue:
If you're a citizen who, say, accidentally carries a gun into a designated "gun-free" zone, the Supreme Court will not say that you can escape punishment because your action was "the result of isolated negligence." For citizens, there's no "I forgot" defense.
Or, in some Wisconsin jurisdictions, try "I forgot" or "I can't afford it" when the cop notices that your automobile registration is not current.
Or what about the Geithner Tax Defense: "Screw YOU! I didn't pay because I didn't pay, and wouldn't have paid at all except for this damn Treasury nomination, where I become Big Kahoona of IRS"
I've said it before, and I will say it again. We are rapidly approaching the point where the law (and enforcement thereof) is so utterly ludicrous that there will BE no law.
Bennie Dean Herring, a man with prior felony convictions, went to retrieve an impounded truck. Looking for a reason to arrest him, a police officer asked if there were any warrants outstanding. The computer showed a warrant from a neighboring county.
Herring was arrested and found to be in possession of a pistol (illegal, as he had a prior felony) and methamphetamine. Moments later, the clerk called to say that the warrant had been withdrawn, but by then the search and the arrest had been made.
According to Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the majority, "When police mistakes leading to an unlawful search are the result of isolated negligence attenuated from the search, rather than systemic error or reckless disregard of constitutional requirements, the exclusionary rule does not apply."
You can see their reasoning. Herring's a bad guy. Why punish the police by letting a guilty man go free when they just made a simple mistake?
Umnnnhhh, yah. I'm kinda sympathetic to that.
Of course, there IS a disparate-treatment issue:
If you're a citizen who, say, accidentally carries a gun into a designated "gun-free" zone, the Supreme Court will not say that you can escape punishment because your action was "the result of isolated negligence." For citizens, there's no "I forgot" defense.
Or, in some Wisconsin jurisdictions, try "I forgot" or "I can't afford it" when the cop notices that your automobile registration is not current.
Or what about the Geithner Tax Defense: "Screw YOU! I didn't pay because I didn't pay, and wouldn't have paid at all except for this damn Treasury nomination, where I become Big Kahoona of IRS"
I've said it before, and I will say it again. We are rapidly approaching the point where the law (and enforcement thereof) is so utterly ludicrous that there will BE no law.
California's Budget Problem
The State of California is so broke that they will issue IOU's instead of tax refunds.
But the State does have SOME money to spend:
Three juvenile punks who beat up an old lady during a home invasion will reportedly be flown at taxpayer expense from California to DC to attend the Moonbat Messiah's coronation as part of their "treatment."
Someone at the L.A. Detention Services Bureau denied that this outrage is a done deal…
But another employee with the facility claimed that on Thursday, the minors were taken to be measured for tuxedos and that a judge has approved the trip.
There is some doubt about the story (as you can see from the above.) Knowing it's California, however, you wouldn't want to make book...
HT: Van Helsing
But the State does have SOME money to spend:
Three juvenile punks who beat up an old lady during a home invasion will reportedly be flown at taxpayer expense from California to DC to attend the Moonbat Messiah's coronation as part of their "treatment."
Someone at the L.A. Detention Services Bureau denied that this outrage is a done deal…
But another employee with the facility claimed that on Thursday, the minors were taken to be measured for tuxedos and that a judge has approved the trip.
There is some doubt about the story (as you can see from the above.) Knowing it's California, however, you wouldn't want to make book...
HT: Van Helsing
"Bank of America" Now a Double-Entendre
First you give a farewell speech, then you hand out the parting gifts. In effect, the Bank of America has become "America's Bank," owned by the taxpayers.
With a new round of turmoil gripping the financial markets, the Bush administration late Thursday night rushed $20 billion in emergency funding for Bank of America.
Just months ago, Bank of America, based in Charlotte, N.C., appeared to emerge as the nation’s top bank after it stepped in on Sept. 15 to purchase investment bank Merrill Lynch. After Merrill’s fourth-quarter results proved worse than expected, however, the acquisition was in peril and investors have fled Bank of America in droves.
Bank of America’s stock lost 40 percent of its value during the past 10 days — shares closed on Thursday in single digits for the first time in 18 years — and the taxpayer money will be used to ameliorate the losses from its acquisition of Merrill Lynch. Chief Executive Ken Lewis called it “deal of a lifetime” when it was announced.
No mention of the resignation of Ken Lewis, nor his Board ofDoofusses Directors in the story. Also not mentioned is the $118BILLION guarantee against bad loans made by the Taxpayer's Bank of American.
Just as a matter of interest, the following are Members of the Board/Doofusses:
Lead Director
O. Temple Sloan, Jr.
Directors
William Barnet, III, (65)Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Barnet Company
Frank P. Bramble, Sr. (59)Former Executive Officer, MBNA Corporation
John T. Collins, (61)Chief Executive Officer, The Collins Group, Inc.
Gary L. Countryman, (68)Chairman Emeritus, Liberty Mutual Group
Tommy R. Franks, (62)Retired General, United States Army
Charles K. Gifford, (65)Former Chairman, Bank of America Corporation
Kenneth D. Lewis, (60)Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President, Bank of America Corporation
Monica C Lozano, (51)Publisher and Chief Executive Officer of La Opinion
Walter E. Massey, (69)President Emeritus, Morehouse College
Thomas J. May , (60)Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, NSTAR
Patricia E. Mitchell, (65)President and Chief Executive Officer, The Paley Center for Media
Thomas M. Ryan, (55)Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, CVS/Caremark Corporation
O. Temple Sloan, Jr., (69)Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, General Parts International, Inc.
Meredith R. Spangler, (70)Trustee and Board Member
Robert L. Tillman, (64)Former Chairman and CEO Emeritus, Lowe's Companies, Inc.
Jackie M. Ward, (69)Retired Chairman/CEO, Computer Generation, Inc.
With a new round of turmoil gripping the financial markets, the Bush administration late Thursday night rushed $20 billion in emergency funding for Bank of America.
Just months ago, Bank of America, based in Charlotte, N.C., appeared to emerge as the nation’s top bank after it stepped in on Sept. 15 to purchase investment bank Merrill Lynch. After Merrill’s fourth-quarter results proved worse than expected, however, the acquisition was in peril and investors have fled Bank of America in droves.
Bank of America’s stock lost 40 percent of its value during the past 10 days — shares closed on Thursday in single digits for the first time in 18 years — and the taxpayer money will be used to ameliorate the losses from its acquisition of Merrill Lynch. Chief Executive Ken Lewis called it “deal of a lifetime” when it was announced.
No mention of the resignation of Ken Lewis, nor his Board of
Just as a matter of interest, the following are Members of the Board/Doofusses:
Lead Director
O. Temple Sloan, Jr.
Directors
William Barnet, III, (65)Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Barnet Company
Frank P. Bramble, Sr. (59)Former Executive Officer, MBNA Corporation
John T. Collins, (61)Chief Executive Officer, The Collins Group, Inc.
Gary L. Countryman, (68)Chairman Emeritus, Liberty Mutual Group
Tommy R. Franks, (62)Retired General, United States Army
Charles K. Gifford, (65)Former Chairman, Bank of America Corporation
Kenneth D. Lewis, (60)Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President, Bank of America Corporation
Monica C Lozano, (51)Publisher and Chief Executive Officer of La Opinion
Walter E. Massey, (69)President Emeritus, Morehouse College
Thomas J. May , (60)Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, NSTAR
Patricia E. Mitchell, (65)President and Chief Executive Officer, The Paley Center for Media
Thomas M. Ryan, (55)Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, CVS/Caremark Corporation
O. Temple Sloan, Jr., (69)Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, General Parts International, Inc.
Meredith R. Spangler, (70)Trustee and Board Member
Robert L. Tillman, (64)Former Chairman and CEO Emeritus, Lowe's Companies, Inc.
Jackie M. Ward, (69)Retired Chairman/CEO, Computer Generation, Inc.
If you're looking for a member of YOUR Board, these are people to avoid, at all costs.
Whatever happened to "Duty, Honor, Country," General Franks???
Capacity Utilization Drops
Now approaching the '01 level.
The striking part is the shape of the curve, which actually looks like a straight line, like the '74/'75 recession. However, the recovery from '74/'75 was also very sharp, unlike the recovery following 9/11.
That's a positive, if the precedent holds.
HT: CalculatedRisk
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Think It's Slow in Retail? You're Right, Part 364
You know it's slow in retail when Brookfield Square doesn't even bother to plow the snow from the outer 25% of its parking lot near Sears...
Bush: Not a Communicator
The excerpts here are reposted merely to drive a stake through Bert/Folkbum's heart.
Bush failure to communicate goes far beyond his linguistic pratfalls -- such as Tuesday's reference to helicopter pilots as "chopper drivers." Besides not explaining its policies, the administration handed its opponents fresh truncheons with which to pound it silly.
Bush and his minions refused to detail the multifarious ties between Saddam Hussein and Islamofascist terrorists. They even stayed quiet about Clinton-appointed federal Judge Harold Baer's May 7, 2003 decision that Hussein provided "material support" to the 9-11 conspirators.
When the administration found 3,894 pounds of low-enriched uranium in Iraq, Bush did not call a news conference. Instead, the Energy Department issued an almost totally ignored July 2004 press release. Ditto the 606.3 tons of yellowcake uranium that the administration moved from Iraq to Canada last July. Despite the Left's relentless charges that Bush lied about Hussein's fondness for yellowcake, this development passed in near silence.
--Deroy Murdock, 1/15/09
Bush failure to communicate goes far beyond his linguistic pratfalls -- such as Tuesday's reference to helicopter pilots as "chopper drivers." Besides not explaining its policies, the administration handed its opponents fresh truncheons with which to pound it silly.
Bush and his minions refused to detail the multifarious ties between Saddam Hussein and Islamofascist terrorists. They even stayed quiet about Clinton-appointed federal Judge Harold Baer's May 7, 2003 decision that Hussein provided "material support" to the 9-11 conspirators.
When the administration found 3,894 pounds of low-enriched uranium in Iraq, Bush did not call a news conference. Instead, the Energy Department issued an almost totally ignored July 2004 press release. Ditto the 606.3 tons of yellowcake uranium that the administration moved from Iraq to Canada last July. Despite the Left's relentless charges that Bush lied about Hussein's fondness for yellowcake, this development passed in near silence.
--Deroy Murdock, 1/15/09
Auto Sales: 10.5 Million in 2009
GM is thinking "worst-case scenario."
General Motors Corp. said Thursday that it's basing its turnaround plan on the assumption that the auto industry will sell 10.5 million cars and trucks in the U.S. this year, a 1.5 million drop from the expectation it shared with Congress last month.
While asking lawmakers for $18 billion in loans, the Detroit automaker said it expected industrywide sales of about 12 million for 2009, with 10.5 million seen as a worst-case scenario.
U.S. auto sales fell to 13.2 million in 2008, down 18 percent from a year earlier as poor consumer confidence and tight credit kept buyers away. Many analysts have been predicting sales of 10.5 million to 11.5 million in 2009.
I don't know if I like this part:
GM has said it will become profitable again once sales return to between 12.5 million and 13 million
2007 sales were around 12.4 million units.
It will be interesting to see GM's "recovery plan."
General Motors Corp. said Thursday that it's basing its turnaround plan on the assumption that the auto industry will sell 10.5 million cars and trucks in the U.S. this year, a 1.5 million drop from the expectation it shared with Congress last month.
While asking lawmakers for $18 billion in loans, the Detroit automaker said it expected industrywide sales of about 12 million for 2009, with 10.5 million seen as a worst-case scenario.
U.S. auto sales fell to 13.2 million in 2008, down 18 percent from a year earlier as poor consumer confidence and tight credit kept buyers away. Many analysts have been predicting sales of 10.5 million to 11.5 million in 2009.
I don't know if I like this part:
GM has said it will become profitable again once sales return to between 12.5 million and 13 million
2007 sales were around 12.4 million units.
It will be interesting to see GM's "recovery plan."
General "Accountablity" Board Admits Errors
Spin it any way you want, folks, but the GAB has conceded that VanHollen was absolutely correct.
Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen indicated today he will drop his lawsuit over checking data on voters after the state's election authority said it would perform more checks starting in May.
The Government Accountability Board began running checks on voters on Aug. 6, 2008, but Van Hollen sued, saying the board needed to run the checks going back to Jan. 1, 2006. Dane County Circuit Court Judge Maryann Sumi dismissed the suit shortly before the November presidential election, but Van Hollen appealed.
This afternoon, the board unanimously approved running the checks on people who registered to vote between Jan. 1, 2006 and Aug. 5, 2008
If the Board was not comprised of several jackasses, this could have been done a long time ago, and at much less State expense.
Van Hollen should now sue those silly bastards for the costs of the suit...
Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen indicated today he will drop his lawsuit over checking data on voters after the state's election authority said it would perform more checks starting in May.
The Government Accountability Board began running checks on voters on Aug. 6, 2008, but Van Hollen sued, saying the board needed to run the checks going back to Jan. 1, 2006. Dane County Circuit Court Judge Maryann Sumi dismissed the suit shortly before the November presidential election, but Van Hollen appealed.
This afternoon, the board unanimously approved running the checks on people who registered to vote between Jan. 1, 2006 and Aug. 5, 2008
If the Board was not comprised of several jackasses, this could have been done a long time ago, and at much less State expense.
Van Hollen should now sue those silly bastards for the costs of the suit...
US Seminaries Lack Latin and Moral Theo Formation
The report on US seminary formation has been released.
An apostolic visitation team concluded that U.S. Catholic seminaries and houses of priestly formation are generally healthy, but recommended a stronger focus on moral theology, increased oversight of seminarians and greater involvement of diocesan bishops in the formation process."
The Vatican is generally happy, but specifically criticized the lack of Latin studies and a less-than-rigorous Moral Theo formation.
They also mentioned that there were a number of faculty members who were ambiguous about the character of the priesthood AND in moral matters.
But it's better than before...
HT: American Papist
An apostolic visitation team concluded that U.S. Catholic seminaries and houses of priestly formation are generally healthy, but recommended a stronger focus on moral theology, increased oversight of seminarians and greater involvement of diocesan bishops in the formation process."
The Vatican is generally happy, but specifically criticized the lack of Latin studies and a less-than-rigorous Moral Theo formation.
They also mentioned that there were a number of faculty members who were ambiguous about the character of the priesthood AND in moral matters.
But it's better than before...
HT: American Papist
NASA's Hansen: Fraud on Global Warming Data
Headless posts what should be the final condemnation of Fraudster Hansen.
I really assumed that their mathematical "corrections" systematically revised the temperature data based on some logical assumptions. Instead, we learn from Anthony Watts that statistical analysis provides evidence that Hansen and his crew are hand editing the data. You really can't make this stuff up.
David Stockwell has analyzed the frequency of the final digits in the temperature data by NASA’s GISS led by James Hansen, and he claims that the unequal distribution of the individual digits strongly suggests that the data have been modified by a human hand.
With Mathematica 7, such hypotheses take a few minutes to be tested. And remarkably enough, I must confirm Stockwell’s bold assertion.
Not that anyone will pay attention...
I really assumed that their mathematical "corrections" systematically revised the temperature data based on some logical assumptions. Instead, we learn from Anthony Watts that statistical analysis provides evidence that Hansen and his crew are hand editing the data. You really can't make this stuff up.
David Stockwell has analyzed the frequency of the final digits in the temperature data by NASA’s GISS led by James Hansen, and he claims that the unequal distribution of the individual digits strongly suggests that the data have been modified by a human hand.
With Mathematica 7, such hypotheses take a few minutes to be tested. And remarkably enough, I must confirm Stockwell’s bold assertion.
Not that anyone will pay attention...
Just Kill Off Bank of America
Ritholtz is in Full Screaming Rant.
So the horrific deal Citibank cut with Treasury was a blueprint, an example for the next foolish investment — and here it is: Bank America, a supposed good bank, that couldn’t wait to get their hands on Merrill Lynch, now a bad bank.
And now that we all see what a terrible decision that was by supposedly sophisticated private sector players, well, then rather than take the hit, BoA has their grubby hands out begging for some taxpayer loot to paper over their idiotic decision-making. First they bought that giant manure pile CountryWide, and now they own another stinking pile of enzyme-free donkey-fazoo, Merrill Lynch.
I say, f&^% ‘em. Why do I have to pay for their bad judgment?
Enough already! Fire Ken Lewis, he’s a bum. He’s made several horrific acquisitions, and needs to serve up his head on a platter for his god-awful lack of judgment. Toss out the entire Board of Directors, too, as they all suck. They’ve bankrupted the company, its time they all need to go.
Oh, Barry!
Don't you KNOW?
These are the Elite, the Illuminated, the Educated! The Coast-ies! These are the Best and Brightest! They have MBA's and JD's and Stuff like That!
You can't fire them all, Barry. That would trigger another housing crisis, or something.
So the horrific deal Citibank cut with Treasury was a blueprint, an example for the next foolish investment — and here it is: Bank America, a supposed good bank, that couldn’t wait to get their hands on Merrill Lynch, now a bad bank.
And now that we all see what a terrible decision that was by supposedly sophisticated private sector players, well, then rather than take the hit, BoA has their grubby hands out begging for some taxpayer loot to paper over their idiotic decision-making. First they bought that giant manure pile CountryWide, and now they own another stinking pile of enzyme-free donkey-fazoo, Merrill Lynch.
I say, f&^% ‘em. Why do I have to pay for their bad judgment?
Enough already! Fire Ken Lewis, he’s a bum. He’s made several horrific acquisitions, and needs to serve up his head on a platter for his god-awful lack of judgment. Toss out the entire Board of Directors, too, as they all suck. They’ve bankrupted the company, its time they all need to go.
Oh, Barry!
Don't you KNOW?
These are the Elite, the Illuminated, the Educated! The Coast-ies! These are the Best and Brightest! They have MBA's and JD's and Stuff like That!
You can't fire them all, Barry. That would trigger another housing crisis, or something.
Bloomberg Mayors: Jailbirds
Becker of Racine is only the latest "Mayor Against Illegal Guns" to....ahhhh....have difficulties with the law. You remember them, of course; they all trooped to NYC to join Hizzoner in railing and ranting about lawbreakers-with-guns.
He joins:
Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon
Birmingham mayor Larry Langford
Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick
Jackson, MS mayor Frank Melton
in a list of 'indicted-WITHOUT-guns' (but with well-armed personal guards, often called "police officers.")
Mayor Daley of Chicago and Milwaukee's Barrett are also members of Bloomberg's group.
HT: Of Arms
He joins:
Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon
Birmingham mayor Larry Langford
Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick
Jackson, MS mayor Frank Melton
in a list of 'indicted-WITHOUT-guns' (but with well-armed personal guards, often called "police officers.")
Mayor Daley of Chicago and Milwaukee's Barrett are also members of Bloomberg's group.
HT: Of Arms
The (R) Party's Alternative Stimulus
Really good stuff here, (although the details are scant).
The Republican Study Committee has released its own stimulus plan.
They'd cut marginal income tax rates across the board by five percent, increase the child tax credit to $5000, make the 15% capital gains and dividends tax rate permanent, repeal the AMT on individuals, repeal the law requiring mandatory withdrawals from IRAs and 401Ks for seniors; make all IRA and 401(k) withdrawals penalty free during 2009. (Obama agrees with this last idea.)
For businesses and entrepreneurs, they'd allow businesses to either fully deduct the cost of their new assets from their tax returns; they'd cut the top corporate tax rate bracket by ten percentage points; end the capital gains tax on inflation; extend the "carryback" period for operating losses to seven years. (Obama wants this extended back five years.)
And the Republicans would reduce discretionary Fed spending by 1% with a couple of exceptions.
Woulda been nice to see all those thoughts during the 2004/06 Congress, I suppose.
The Republican Study Committee has released its own stimulus plan.
They'd cut marginal income tax rates across the board by five percent, increase the child tax credit to $5000, make the 15% capital gains and dividends tax rate permanent, repeal the AMT on individuals, repeal the law requiring mandatory withdrawals from IRAs and 401Ks for seniors; make all IRA and 401(k) withdrawals penalty free during 2009. (Obama agrees with this last idea.)
For businesses and entrepreneurs, they'd allow businesses to either fully deduct the cost of their new assets from their tax returns; they'd cut the top corporate tax rate bracket by ten percentage points; end the capital gains tax on inflation; extend the "carryback" period for operating losses to seven years. (Obama wants this extended back five years.)
And the Republicans would reduce discretionary Fed spending by 1% with a couple of exceptions.
Woulda been nice to see all those thoughts during the 2004/06 Congress, I suppose.
Blatant Lying Spinners on Geithner
I'm not inclined to crucify nominee Geithner over his tax deficiencies.
But these "experts" are simply lying sacks.
"This is a very discrete issue,” said Michael Lloyd, an employment tax lawyer at Miller & Chevalier. “If you’re not a payroll tax lawyer, you’re not immersed in this, you are probably not getting it at first blush.”
My foot.
Ask computer consultants, or business consultants who work as freelancers. There's no mystery at all: your client pays you a fee, and YOU HAVE TO PAY THE TAXES.
Making that lawyer's argument even more shaky is this:
Geithner did his own taxes in 2001 and 2002. An accountant did them in 2003 and 2004
Who are these "experts" trying to kid? Are they telling us that an "accountant" missed that, too?
Puh leeeeeeeeze.
“Usually, all this stuff is taken out of your paycheck, so this particular arrangement is unusual,” said George Yin, a tax professor at the University of Virginia Law School and former chief of staff for the congressional Joint Committee on Taxation.
Mr. Yin is an ignoramus. Calling self-employment "unusual" is ludicrous on its face--there are several million self-employed people in this country who know all about the laws and regs. They have to. U of Va. should re-examine Mr. Yin's tenure.
More:
The IMF requires employees to fill out an annual tax allowance request worksheet to get the extra income, and gives employees both a personnel manual and quarterly and year-end wage statements detailing their tax obligations. While Geithner signed the statement, he still failed to pay up.
How "immersed" does one have to be, Mr. "Tax Attorney" Lloyd, to read a year-end statement?
And here's the smoking gun:
In 2006, the IRS audited Geithner’s 2003 and 2004 returns and charged him accordingly. But Geithner didn’t pay his 2001 and 2002 back taxes until the Obama transition team that vetted him brought the oversight to his attention
"Confused" and "ignorant"?
Nope.
But these "experts" are simply lying sacks.
"This is a very discrete issue,” said Michael Lloyd, an employment tax lawyer at Miller & Chevalier. “If you’re not a payroll tax lawyer, you’re not immersed in this, you are probably not getting it at first blush.”
My foot.
Ask computer consultants, or business consultants who work as freelancers. There's no mystery at all: your client pays you a fee, and YOU HAVE TO PAY THE TAXES.
Making that lawyer's argument even more shaky is this:
Geithner did his own taxes in 2001 and 2002. An accountant did them in 2003 and 2004
Who are these "experts" trying to kid? Are they telling us that an "accountant" missed that, too?
Puh leeeeeeeeze.
“Usually, all this stuff is taken out of your paycheck, so this particular arrangement is unusual,” said George Yin, a tax professor at the University of Virginia Law School and former chief of staff for the congressional Joint Committee on Taxation.
Mr. Yin is an ignoramus. Calling self-employment "unusual" is ludicrous on its face--there are several million self-employed people in this country who know all about the laws and regs. They have to. U of Va. should re-examine Mr. Yin's tenure.
More:
The IMF requires employees to fill out an annual tax allowance request worksheet to get the extra income, and gives employees both a personnel manual and quarterly and year-end wage statements detailing their tax obligations. While Geithner signed the statement, he still failed to pay up.
How "immersed" does one have to be, Mr. "Tax Attorney" Lloyd, to read a year-end statement?
And here's the smoking gun:
In 2006, the IRS audited Geithner’s 2003 and 2004 returns and charged him accordingly. But Geithner didn’t pay his 2001 and 2002 back taxes until the Obama transition team that vetted him brought the oversight to his attention
"Confused" and "ignorant"?
Nope.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Michelle O Leaves Job: No Replacement Sought
Musta been a really, really, really CRITICAL position, eh?
She hasn’t shown up for work very regularly over the last year or so, so when Michelle Obama’s $300,000 job was cut at the University of Chicago Hospitals, it may have been hard to notice the difference. Crain’s skipped the part about the incoming First Lady, must have been an oversight in their expert analysis of Chicago Business, because we know Crain’s is “Not show business. All business”.
The Tribune announced the layoff without much analysis, but let the cat far enough out of the bag to prompt our Don Rose to question how important Michelle Obama’s job must have been, as it was so easily eliminated.
Umnnnhhhh....it was 'critical' for obtaining Federal grants.
HT: Ace
She hasn’t shown up for work very regularly over the last year or so, so when Michelle Obama’s $300,000 job was cut at the University of Chicago Hospitals, it may have been hard to notice the difference. Crain’s skipped the part about the incoming First Lady, must have been an oversight in their expert analysis of Chicago Business, because we know Crain’s is “Not show business. All business”.
The Tribune announced the layoff without much analysis, but let the cat far enough out of the bag to prompt our Don Rose to question how important Michelle Obama’s job must have been, as it was so easily eliminated.
Umnnnhhhh....it was 'critical' for obtaining Federal grants.
HT: Ace
Something the (R) Party Should Advance
From AB's blog, quoting Steven Moore:
‘We need alternatives to the Obama stimulus plan,” said Moore. “We need to call for a one-year suspension of the income tax. If we want to see this economy recover, bring tax rates down to zero. We will get jobs."
Is there an (R) with gonads in the audience?
‘We need alternatives to the Obama stimulus plan,” said Moore. “We need to call for a one-year suspension of the income tax. If we want to see this economy recover, bring tax rates down to zero. We will get jobs."
Is there an (R) with gonads in the audience?
Our New (D) Hospital Program
Paul Ryan doesn't like it.
...The legislation goes far beyond simply extending the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), a program intended to serve low-income, uninsured children whose family incomes were a little too high to qualify for Medicaid assistance. Instead, H.R 2 expands eligibility to include families making more than $80,000 a year, loosens citizenship verification standards, and moves millions of children who already have private insurance onto government-run health care. In fact, the Congressional Budget Office estimates that the Majority’s plan would shift about 2.4 million individuals currently enrolled in private health care plans to government-run health care.
The legislation attempts to pay for this massive expansion of an entitlement program by imposing an ill-conceived, regressive tax on tobacco and by attacking physician-owned hospitals. H.R. 2 not only eliminates the creation of physician-owned hospitals, but goes further by prohibiting the completion of those under construction – threatening jobs and forfeiting millions of dollars already invested in these facilities. This bill moves us further away from the goal of putting the patient and their physician as the nucleus of health care delivery.
The true cost of this entitlement expansion is deceptively hidden in the legislative language, but holds dramatic consequences for millions of children and taxpayers. After five years of attracting new SCHIP enrollees, the bill abruptly cuts SCHIP funding by 65% in 2014. This would effectively pull out the rug on 7 million children reliant on this program. If Congress decides not to kick these children off the program in 2014, the Congressional Budget Office estimates that it would cost taxpayers $42 billion more. This budget gimmick is either disingenuous to the taxpayer or disingenuous to millions of children.
Perhaps the O will exercise his first veto if this gets to his desk without modification by the Senate. $80K is not "poor," there's no good reason to include illegals, shutting down in-process construction projects is....ahhhhhh.....utterly incomprehensible, and the DoylieTrick of "now you see it, now you don't" financing is almost unconscionable.
But hey, that's QueenNancy.
Source: Ryan email.
...The legislation goes far beyond simply extending the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), a program intended to serve low-income, uninsured children whose family incomes were a little too high to qualify for Medicaid assistance. Instead, H.R 2 expands eligibility to include families making more than $80,000 a year, loosens citizenship verification standards, and moves millions of children who already have private insurance onto government-run health care. In fact, the Congressional Budget Office estimates that the Majority’s plan would shift about 2.4 million individuals currently enrolled in private health care plans to government-run health care.
The legislation attempts to pay for this massive expansion of an entitlement program by imposing an ill-conceived, regressive tax on tobacco and by attacking physician-owned hospitals. H.R. 2 not only eliminates the creation of physician-owned hospitals, but goes further by prohibiting the completion of those under construction – threatening jobs and forfeiting millions of dollars already invested in these facilities. This bill moves us further away from the goal of putting the patient and their physician as the nucleus of health care delivery.
The true cost of this entitlement expansion is deceptively hidden in the legislative language, but holds dramatic consequences for millions of children and taxpayers. After five years of attracting new SCHIP enrollees, the bill abruptly cuts SCHIP funding by 65% in 2014. This would effectively pull out the rug on 7 million children reliant on this program. If Congress decides not to kick these children off the program in 2014, the Congressional Budget Office estimates that it would cost taxpayers $42 billion more. This budget gimmick is either disingenuous to the taxpayer or disingenuous to millions of children.
Perhaps the O will exercise his first veto if this gets to his desk without modification by the Senate. $80K is not "poor," there's no good reason to include illegals, shutting down in-process construction projects is....ahhhhhh.....utterly incomprehensible, and the DoylieTrick of "now you see it, now you don't" financing is almost unconscionable.
But hey, that's QueenNancy.
Source: Ryan email.
Fr. Richard Neuhaus' Valedictory
Some of you 3.968 regular readers know that I am acquainted with oratory. Not because I can write, or deliver, a great speech.
But I sure KNOW one when I read it.
Fr. Richard Neuhaus, who died on Monday, gave a Great Speech in July 2008 at the NRLC Convention.
Maybe a few of you heard this when he gave it. You were, indeed, privileged.
Imagine this oratory being delivered by someone like Richard Burton, or M L King, or Heston...
Read it all. ALL!!
But I sure KNOW one when I read it.
Fr. Richard Neuhaus, who died on Monday, gave a Great Speech in July 2008 at the NRLC Convention.
Maybe a few of you heard this when he gave it. You were, indeed, privileged.
Imagine this oratory being delivered by someone like Richard Burton, or M L King, or Heston...
Read it all. ALL!!
"The Rules" and Actuosa Participatio
Perhaps the single most mis-understood phrase in all of SC (the document on the Liturgy of VatII) is the phrase "actuosa participatio".
The Latin is best approximated by the English "complete participation," but translators usually render "actuosa" as "active." That translation is barely adequate for the sense of the word "actuosa;" it lends to the "sing, respond, stand, kneel (and in worse cases) mimic the priest" syndromes, with the inevitable result that the Liturgy becomes horizontal rather than vertical.
In any case, here's a parallel observation from an essay by CosmosLiturgy, commenting on Jesus' admonitions of the Pharisees:
So what is Jesus saying to the Pharisees and scribes if he is not telling them stop pushing the rules? Jesus is telling them to change their hearts. His point is that the rules are meant to transform them[...] interiorly through observance of exterior behavior. Both are necessary.
"Change ...hearts." That's the real intent of the controversial phrase. It may or may not mean "sing, respond, stand, kneel..."--but it certainly means "change your heart."
The Latin is best approximated by the English "complete participation," but translators usually render "actuosa" as "active." That translation is barely adequate for the sense of the word "actuosa;" it lends to the "sing, respond, stand, kneel (and in worse cases) mimic the priest" syndromes, with the inevitable result that the Liturgy becomes horizontal rather than vertical.
In any case, here's a parallel observation from an essay by CosmosLiturgy, commenting on Jesus' admonitions of the Pharisees:
So what is Jesus saying to the Pharisees and scribes if he is not telling them stop pushing the rules? Jesus is telling them to change their hearts. His point is that the rules are meant to transform them[...] interiorly through observance of exterior behavior. Both are necessary.
"Change ...hearts." That's the real intent of the controversial phrase. It may or may not mean "sing, respond, stand, kneel..."--but it certainly means "change your heart."
Translation: Bernanke to Plain English
MarketTicker is nothing if not a bomb-thrower. Samples, deriving from Bernanke's London School of Econ speech:
"....although the subprime debacle triggered the crisis, the developments in the U.S. mortgage market were only one aspect of a much larger and more encompassing credit boom whose impact transcended the mortgage market to affect many other forms of credit. Aspects of this broader credit boom included widespread declines in underwriting standards, breakdowns in lending oversight by investors and rating agencies, increased reliance on complex and opaque credit instruments that proved fragile under stress, and unusually low compensation for risk-taking."
In English: We had the responsibility to monitor banks, set reserve requirements and keep leverage ratios reasonable. We abdicated all of the above on purpose and got in on the scam because our various Fed Boards are all made up of former, current, or wanna-be-future bankers who make lots of money by cheating the rules of sound banking. This produced a huge credit boom, and it was entirely intentional. Oh, and we knew it would go bust too - we didn't care
Of course, that was largely the work of Greenspan, the Ayn Rand disciple. Too bad Bernanke landed the Dream Job at exactly the wrong time, eh?
There's plenty more at the link. You don't have to agree with all of it (I don't), but if you need to burnish your cynic-skills, it's a good place to start.
"....although the subprime debacle triggered the crisis, the developments in the U.S. mortgage market were only one aspect of a much larger and more encompassing credit boom whose impact transcended the mortgage market to affect many other forms of credit. Aspects of this broader credit boom included widespread declines in underwriting standards, breakdowns in lending oversight by investors and rating agencies, increased reliance on complex and opaque credit instruments that proved fragile under stress, and unusually low compensation for risk-taking."
In English: We had the responsibility to monitor banks, set reserve requirements and keep leverage ratios reasonable. We abdicated all of the above on purpose and got in on the scam because our various Fed Boards are all made up of former, current, or wanna-be-future bankers who make lots of money by cheating the rules of sound banking. This produced a huge credit boom, and it was entirely intentional. Oh, and we knew it would go bust too - we didn't care
Of course, that was largely the work of Greenspan, the Ayn Rand disciple. Too bad Bernanke landed the Dream Job at exactly the wrong time, eh?
There's plenty more at the link. You don't have to agree with all of it (I don't), but if you need to burnish your cynic-skills, it's a good place to start.
How Bad IS It? Don't Ask the President (Or Obama)
Just as GWB was inclined to ignore the bad news in the economy (see here, for one very small example), the O-and-Savior is inclined to amplify the bad news.
Not that they are politically-motivated, or anything.
Obama is intentionally painting a doomsday scenario — either to pave the way for huge tax increases, or to make himself look like a miracle worker even if things get much worse from here on out
...it would not be surprising if Orszag’s projections closely mirrored those of the CBO. In fact, since Orszag is at liberty to project how these numbers will be improved by Obama’s policies (something CBO’s projections cannot do), we would expect that Orszag’s numbers would be better than those of the CBO.
Instead, they are dramatically worse.
While the CBO projects that current policies will yield deficits of roughly 1 percent of GDP by 2019, Orszag anticipates they will be 5 times higher. And that’s after Obama scrubs the federal budget line by line to cut our waste, after he restores economic growth, after he introduces extraordinary new efficiencies to health care, after he restores the solvency of our entitlement programs, and after he fixes the educational system and America’s crumbling infrastructure.
In other words, once Obama has delivered us a better world, the budget will look far, far worse than we think possible today.
GWB ignored the "non-borrowed reserves" number while it sank to negative territory for the first time since 1959--and suddenly paid attention with the $700Bn bailout (not to mention the $134Bn outright purchase of AIG, massive $$Bn taxpayer rescues of Detroit, Bank of America, (etc., etc., ad nauseam.) Wouldn't want to have a blemish on HIS record, no sirreee!!
O, of course, wants to paint the Bush Administration as the Worst In History, so he directs his budget guru to make Doomsday the day after tomorrow.
Party In Government=Party OF Government=PIG. How many times must we repeat that?
HT: RedState
Not that they are politically-motivated, or anything.
Obama is intentionally painting a doomsday scenario — either to pave the way for huge tax increases, or to make himself look like a miracle worker even if things get much worse from here on out
...it would not be surprising if Orszag’s projections closely mirrored those of the CBO. In fact, since Orszag is at liberty to project how these numbers will be improved by Obama’s policies (something CBO’s projections cannot do), we would expect that Orszag’s numbers would be better than those of the CBO.
Instead, they are dramatically worse.
While the CBO projects that current policies will yield deficits of roughly 1 percent of GDP by 2019, Orszag anticipates they will be 5 times higher. And that’s after Obama scrubs the federal budget line by line to cut our waste, after he restores economic growth, after he introduces extraordinary new efficiencies to health care, after he restores the solvency of our entitlement programs, and after he fixes the educational system and America’s crumbling infrastructure.
In other words, once Obama has delivered us a better world, the budget will look far, far worse than we think possible today.
GWB ignored the "non-borrowed reserves" number while it sank to negative territory for the first time since 1959--and suddenly paid attention with the $700Bn bailout (not to mention the $134Bn outright purchase of AIG, massive $$Bn taxpayer rescues of Detroit, Bank of America, (etc., etc., ad nauseam.) Wouldn't want to have a blemish on HIS record, no sirreee!!
O, of course, wants to paint the Bush Administration as the Worst In History, so he directs his budget guru to make Doomsday the day after tomorrow.
Party In Government=Party OF Government=PIG. How many times must we repeat that?
HT: RedState
Yup. The Roads Are Bad
My Dearly Beloved left the home at 9:05 this morning.
She called at 9:15 to report that she had traveled SIX BLOCKS in the intervening 10 minutes, all on the nearby county highway.
That's walking pace, folks.
She called at 9:15 to report that she had traveled SIX BLOCKS in the intervening 10 minutes, all on the nearby county highway.
That's walking pace, folks.
Sortatistics
When Planet Moron is good, he is really, really, really good.
The title of this post was stolen (with admiration but no shame) directly from him--and as a bonus, here are some excerpts from the post.
“Job Losses Worst Since WWII”
“Wow,” you are probably saying to yourself, “I’m going to have Google Megan Fox bikini pics myself this time, aren’t I?”
Also, “That sounds terrible! Give Obama whatever he wants!!”
Of course, the loss of 2.6 million jobs is bad, but there are three-and-a-half times the number of workers in this country than there were in 1945 making the 2008 job losses more equivalent to 1975 than 1945.
But let’s face it, “Job Losses Worst Since Drew Barrymore Was Born!” doesn’t exactly send you into the state of panic and alarm ...
He mentions some other Sortatistics--and we have one from Milwaukee's own Public Screwels Super to add to the steaming pile.
According to district data, MPS has issued 9,000 fewer suspensions this year, with particular improvement in seventh, eighth and ninth grades
...student suspensions throughout the district are down more than a quarter in the first half of the 2008-'09 school year, when compared with the same time period a year earlier.
Of course, that means that there WERE over 30,000 suspensions between September and December. (H/T Belling)
Sortatistics. Dammit, that's clever!
The title of this post was stolen (with admiration but no shame) directly from him--and as a bonus, here are some excerpts from the post.
“Job Losses Worst Since WWII”
“Wow,” you are probably saying to yourself, “I’m going to have Google Megan Fox bikini pics myself this time, aren’t I?”
Also, “That sounds terrible! Give Obama whatever he wants!!”
Of course, the loss of 2.6 million jobs is bad, but there are three-and-a-half times the number of workers in this country than there were in 1945 making the 2008 job losses more equivalent to 1975 than 1945.
But let’s face it, “Job Losses Worst Since Drew Barrymore Was Born!” doesn’t exactly send you into the state of panic and alarm ...
He mentions some other Sortatistics--and we have one from Milwaukee's own Public Screwels Super to add to the steaming pile.
According to district data, MPS has issued 9,000 fewer suspensions this year, with particular improvement in seventh, eighth and ninth grades
...student suspensions throughout the district are down more than a quarter in the first half of the 2008-'09 school year, when compared with the same time period a year earlier.
Of course, that means that there WERE over 30,000 suspensions between September and December. (H/T Belling)
Sortatistics. Dammit, that's clever!
National Banko Day, Round III
We mentioned the "no-lead-in-toys" law about a month ago, and we were pretty much avant-garde on it, following the lead (no pun) of Overlawyered.
Then, a week ago, Goodwill and Salvation Army-type re-sale stores were in (and out of) the crosshairs of this ridiculous law.
But it ain' just mom-and-pop clothing and toymakers which are endangered.
It also applies to a sweeping array of children’s goods including clothing, bedding, Scouting patches, and countless other fabric and textile goods for kids’ use; paper goods, school supplies, homeschooling kits, as well as library books and audiobooks, board games, baseball cards, and the like; outdoor gear, bikes, backpacks, telescopes and sporting equipment; home furnishings when marketed for use in kids’ rooms; and much more.
Another Act of Congress which was carefully drafted, carefully considered by Brilliant, Elite, Highly-Educated and Concerned, Esteemed People...
....and which is a practical disaster of the first water.
HT: OverLawyered
Then, a week ago, Goodwill and Salvation Army-type re-sale stores were in (and out of) the crosshairs of this ridiculous law.
But it ain' just mom-and-pop clothing and toymakers which are endangered.
It also applies to a sweeping array of children’s goods including clothing, bedding, Scouting patches, and countless other fabric and textile goods for kids’ use; paper goods, school supplies, homeschooling kits, as well as library books and audiobooks, board games, baseball cards, and the like; outdoor gear, bikes, backpacks, telescopes and sporting equipment; home furnishings when marketed for use in kids’ rooms; and much more.
Another Act of Congress which was carefully drafted, carefully considered by Brilliant, Elite, Highly-Educated and Concerned, Esteemed People...
....and which is a practical disaster of the first water.
HT: OverLawyered
Another Accolade for Obama
At least someone appreciates Obama.
A surprising award for Barack Obama. He is being hailed by an outdoor industry website as the "Gun Salesman of the Year." Gun dealers and manufacturers say the fear over what Obama might do with gun laws has sent people shopping like mad.
Well-deserved.
HT: Of Arms
A surprising award for Barack Obama. He is being hailed by an outdoor industry website as the "Gun Salesman of the Year." Gun dealers and manufacturers say the fear over what Obama might do with gun laws has sent people shopping like mad.
Well-deserved.
HT: Of Arms
Folkbum Endorses Rose Fernandez?
Not really.
No, really, NOT really.
Rose Fernandez isn't going to win the hearts and minds of voters by saying there is little to be done in, with, by, or to MPS to change the test results or balance the books. None of the other candidates will say that, nor will any of the candidates for MPS school board this spring. The mayor won't say it, the superintendent won't say it, and you sure won't hear school principals telling parents that.
But I will say it. I have said it.
The thrust of his post, however, is not to praise Ms. Fernandez. Rather, it is to propose a minor miracle: eliminating poverty in Milwaukee (which harms the prefrontal cortex, apparently.)
He doesn't mention marriage-before-childbearing, and doesn't have much use for Willie Hines or Pat McIlheran's thoughts, either.
No, really, NOT really.
Rose Fernandez isn't going to win the hearts and minds of voters by saying there is little to be done in, with, by, or to MPS to change the test results or balance the books. None of the other candidates will say that, nor will any of the candidates for MPS school board this spring. The mayor won't say it, the superintendent won't say it, and you sure won't hear school principals telling parents that.
But I will say it. I have said it.
The thrust of his post, however, is not to praise Ms. Fernandez. Rather, it is to propose a minor miracle: eliminating poverty in Milwaukee (which harms the prefrontal cortex, apparently.)
He doesn't mention marriage-before-childbearing, and doesn't have much use for Willie Hines or Pat McIlheran's thoughts, either.
Next Implosion?
The FHLB's--Federal Home Loan Banks.
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle joined its San Francisco counterpart in suspending dividends and “excess” stock repurchases, after the declining value of mortgage bonds likely led to a regulatory capital shortfall.
The FHLB system has $1.25 trillion of debt, making it the largest U.S. borrower after the federal government
These outfits purchased mortgages from traditional savings-and-loans.
Calculated Risk also has some very sharp commentary on FHLBs from Roubini on the post.
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle joined its San Francisco counterpart in suspending dividends and “excess” stock repurchases, after the declining value of mortgage bonds likely led to a regulatory capital shortfall.
The FHLB system has $1.25 trillion of debt, making it the largest U.S. borrower after the federal government
These outfits purchased mortgages from traditional savings-and-loans.
Calculated Risk also has some very sharp commentary on FHLBs from Roubini on the post.
Finance Indicators Improve
Again, from Calculated Risk:
The TED spread is at 0.99, sharply lower. (improved)
The three month LIBOR has decreased to 1.109%.
The A2P2 spread as at 2.23. This spread has seen a huge decline in 2009
The two year swap spread from Bloomberg: 52.25. (improved). This spread peaked at near 165 in early October
Approaching some sort of normality, here, but not quite time to throw a party about it.
The TED spread is at 0.99, sharply lower. (improved)
The three month LIBOR has decreased to 1.109%.
The A2P2 spread as at 2.23. This spread has seen a huge decline in 2009
The two year swap spread from Bloomberg: 52.25. (improved). This spread peaked at near 165 in early October
Approaching some sort of normality, here, but not quite time to throw a party about it.
Think It's Slow in Retail? You're Right!
In fact, the 2008 retail purchase slump is the worst since the Census Bureau began measuring.
HT: Calculated Risk
DC Gets Another Handout
Hey--it's only a 500% increase.
President Bush declared a state of emergency in the District of Columbia today and ordered the use of federal funds for Barack Obama's inauguration
According to the Washington Times, Mayor Adrian Fenty has estimated he will need $75 million – $60 million more than the $15 million Congress appropriated for security and associated costs
Think there will be an audit on use-of-funds?
President Bush declared a state of emergency in the District of Columbia today and ordered the use of federal funds for Barack Obama's inauguration
According to the Washington Times, Mayor Adrian Fenty has estimated he will need $75 million – $60 million more than the $15 million Congress appropriated for security and associated costs
Think there will be an audit on use-of-funds?
Feingold Bores in on Hillary
Yah, the hearings for Sec/State were tough.
Our own Sen. Feingold had a question for Ms. Clinton.
Sen. Russ Feingold of Wisconsin decided to ask the nominee if she would "consider ways to address the challenges faced by the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees" of the State Department
Kabuki.
Our own Sen. Feingold had a question for Ms. Clinton.
Sen. Russ Feingold of Wisconsin decided to ask the nominee if she would "consider ways to address the challenges faced by the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees" of the State Department
Kabuki.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
This Gives Us Great Confidence
The head of the New York Fed is O's nominee-Treasury.
You know, one of the Enlightened Ones. Really Smart. Multiple Degrees. Elite. Refined.
President-elect Barack Obama’s choice to run the Treasury Department and lead the economic rescue effort disclosed to senators Tuesday that he failed to pay $34,000 in taxes from 2001 to 2004, a last-minute complication in an otherwise smooth path to confirmation.
Timothy Geithner paid most of the past-due taxes days before Obama announced his nomination in November
Pshaw. Thirty-four grand? Chickenfeed. And so long ago!! 2001-2004. Who's expected to remember that?
Then there's this:
Geithner also didn’t realize a housekeeper he paid in 2004 and 2005 did not have current employment documentation as an immigrant for the final three months she worked for him, the transition official said.
With yahoos like that running the Treasury...oh, wait! We already have Clueless Paulson role-modeling. Curious that Goldman is the only remaining WallStreet investment bank, no?
HT: Malkin
You know, one of the Enlightened Ones. Really Smart. Multiple Degrees. Elite. Refined.
President-elect Barack Obama’s choice to run the Treasury Department and lead the economic rescue effort disclosed to senators Tuesday that he failed to pay $34,000 in taxes from 2001 to 2004, a last-minute complication in an otherwise smooth path to confirmation.
Timothy Geithner paid most of the past-due taxes days before Obama announced his nomination in November
Pshaw. Thirty-four grand? Chickenfeed. And so long ago!! 2001-2004. Who's expected to remember that?
Then there's this:
Geithner also didn’t realize a housekeeper he paid in 2004 and 2005 did not have current employment documentation as an immigrant for the final three months she worked for him, the transition official said.
With yahoos like that running the Treasury...oh, wait! We already have Clueless Paulson role-modeling. Curious that Goldman is the only remaining WallStreet investment bank, no?
HT: Malkin
Let's Get Specific
Owen caught this:
Police have arrested a Greenfield man for allegedly arranging to sell his 14-year-old daughter into marriage in exchange for $16,000, 100 cases of beer and several cases of meat
Yah....so....
What kind of beer?
Police have arrested a Greenfield man for allegedly arranging to sell his 14-year-old daughter into marriage in exchange for $16,000, 100 cases of beer and several cases of meat
Yah....so....
What kind of beer?
Back in 2002, He Predicted...
Vox is a sharp-edged guy who probably makes more enemies than most.
But he's not bereft of reason.
[T]here can be little doubt that the implosion of the equity markets will soon be followed by the pricking of the credit and real estate bubbles. As great financial houses such as Citigroup and JP Morgan Chase teeter on the edge of bankruptcy, it is well within the realm of possibility that the triple whammy of the equity, credit and real estate implosions will lead to the collapse of the entire global financial system
That was 2002, folks. Here's his take on that prediction:
Okay, the global financial system hasn't collapsed yet, but two for three isn't bad so far. And it's not as if the triple whammy has finished crashing yet; Obama is still on deck
Not bad at all.
But he's not bereft of reason.
[T]here can be little doubt that the implosion of the equity markets will soon be followed by the pricking of the credit and real estate bubbles. As great financial houses such as Citigroup and JP Morgan Chase teeter on the edge of bankruptcy, it is well within the realm of possibility that the triple whammy of the equity, credit and real estate implosions will lead to the collapse of the entire global financial system
That was 2002, folks. Here's his take on that prediction:
Okay, the global financial system hasn't collapsed yet, but two for three isn't bad so far. And it's not as if the triple whammy has finished crashing yet; Obama is still on deck
Not bad at all.
Big3 Now Want Self-Extinction
The Big3 have now decided to kick their customers in the .......ahhhhh.......wallet.
The auto industry is warming up to the idea of higher taxes on gasoline to force buyers to keep considering fuel-efficient and small cars
The carmakers acknowledge that raising the gas tax is an unpopular idea, but they also saw how fast consumer preference shifted toward small cars when gasoline prices topped $4 a gallon last summer. Without that economic incentive, the tide is turning back to bigger cars, crossovers and trucks
...Mike Jackson, CEO of car-shopping site AutoNation, who has pushed for higher fuel taxes for more than a year [ ] says consumers talk about wanting fuel-efficient cars but don't buy them until gas prices are sky-high.
"We watched the consumer stampede to fuel efficiency in May, and now the herd is getting ready to stampede back to their old ways," says Jackson. "We have the most unbelievable technology around fuel efficiency, but no one will buy it if gas prices are this low."
Jackson refers to his customers as "the herd."
GM, FoMoCo, and Chrysler want to squeeze their customers with high gasoline prices.
That tells you something, folks...
HT: NoRunny
The auto industry is warming up to the idea of higher taxes on gasoline to force buyers to keep considering fuel-efficient and small cars
The carmakers acknowledge that raising the gas tax is an unpopular idea, but they also saw how fast consumer preference shifted toward small cars when gasoline prices topped $4 a gallon last summer. Without that economic incentive, the tide is turning back to bigger cars, crossovers and trucks
...Mike Jackson, CEO of car-shopping site AutoNation, who has pushed for higher fuel taxes for more than a year [ ] says consumers talk about wanting fuel-efficient cars but don't buy them until gas prices are sky-high.
"We watched the consumer stampede to fuel efficiency in May, and now the herd is getting ready to stampede back to their old ways," says Jackson. "We have the most unbelievable technology around fuel efficiency, but no one will buy it if gas prices are this low."
Jackson refers to his customers as "the herd."
GM, FoMoCo, and Chrysler want to squeeze their customers with high gasoline prices.
That tells you something, folks...
HT: NoRunny
The Cost of Walgreen's
It's not just the $850K from the City of Milwaukee.
It's the $1.6 million from the "other" taxing units (read MPS, MATC, and the County) which will hurt.
Now you City folk will have to ante up the $2.4 million AND the downstream tax reductions, too.
You don't really expect Gummint spending to decrease accordingly, do you?
It's the $1.6 million from the "other" taxing units (read MPS, MATC, and the County) which will hurt.
Now you City folk will have to ante up the $2.4 million AND the downstream tax reductions, too.
You don't really expect Gummint spending to decrease accordingly, do you?
"Thrill Killers" Deserve Worse Than They Gave
Very disturbing, to say the least.
Thrill killing is suspected in the slaughter of five deer in Waupaca County, with snowmobilers believed to have chased the animals down in a field and run them over, authorities said Monday.
"Apparently some people using snowmobiles as a weapon ran down, dragged and did unspeakable acts of cruelty" to the deer, said state Department of Natural Resources spokeswoman Laurel Steffes.
Four deer were found dead at the scene and a fifth had to be euthanized, said Carl Mesman, a conservation warden supervisor with the DNR.
One deer was apparently dragged and strapped by the neck to a tree, where it was run over and apparently died trying to free itself
There are some people who cannot be classified as 'human beings.'
Thrill killing is suspected in the slaughter of five deer in Waupaca County, with snowmobilers believed to have chased the animals down in a field and run them over, authorities said Monday.
"Apparently some people using snowmobiles as a weapon ran down, dragged and did unspeakable acts of cruelty" to the deer, said state Department of Natural Resources spokeswoman Laurel Steffes.
Four deer were found dead at the scene and a fifth had to be euthanized, said Carl Mesman, a conservation warden supervisor with the DNR.
One deer was apparently dragged and strapped by the neck to a tree, where it was run over and apparently died trying to free itself
There are some people who cannot be classified as 'human beings.'
Ooops! Milwaukee R E Prices Down!
Contrary to the RadarLogic report we posted a few days ago, the Greater Milwaukee housing real estate market does show declining prices, except in Ozaukee County.
Home prices fell 4.6% and sales of existing homes dropped 18.2% in the Milwaukee metro area last year as the economy stumbled and potential home-buyers stayed out of the market
...Milwaukee County saw the steepest slide in the prices of existing homes, with the average sale price slipping to $169,737 from $192,844 in 2007, a decline of 12%, according to figures released Monday by the Wauwatosa-based Multiple Listing Service Inc.
The average home price was down 5.4% in Washington County, retreating to $218,492 from $231,052. The average price in Waukesha County was $283,833, compared with $301,688 a year ago, a decrease of 5.9%.
Prices rose 1.7% in Ozaukee County, according to the MLS numbers, with the average price climbing to $315,871 from $310,535 last year.
Oh, well. It was nice while it lasted.
Home prices fell 4.6% and sales of existing homes dropped 18.2% in the Milwaukee metro area last year as the economy stumbled and potential home-buyers stayed out of the market
...Milwaukee County saw the steepest slide in the prices of existing homes, with the average sale price slipping to $169,737 from $192,844 in 2007, a decline of 12%, according to figures released Monday by the Wauwatosa-based Multiple Listing Service Inc.
The average home price was down 5.4% in Washington County, retreating to $218,492 from $231,052. The average price in Waukesha County was $283,833, compared with $301,688 a year ago, a decrease of 5.9%.
Prices rose 1.7% in Ozaukee County, according to the MLS numbers, with the average price climbing to $315,871 from $310,535 last year.
Oh, well. It was nice while it lasted.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Libertarianism
Found this here:
Q. “How many Libertarians does it takes to a change a lightbulb?
A. None. If the lightbulb were really burned out, the market would have already changed it.
Nick will never speak to me again.
Q. “How many Libertarians does it takes to a change a lightbulb?
A. None. If the lightbulb were really burned out, the market would have already changed it.
Nick will never speak to me again.
Model for UAW?
The Teamsters can read the newspapers.
YRC Worldwide Inc. employees who belong to the International Brotherhood of Teamsters have approved an amended labor agreement that includes a 10 percent wage cut and suspension of cost-of-living adjustments. The move is seen as vital to the trucking company’s financial health.
The amended contract applies to union workers in YRC’s Yellow Transportation, Roadway, Holland and New Penn business units.
In exchange for the wage cut and suspension of cost-of-living adjustments, Teamsters employees will get a 15 percent ownership stake in YRC. Contributions to the health, welfare and pension plans will continue as previously negotiated, YRC said in a news release.
Nonunion employees will see similar or greater reductions in total compensation, including changes made last year to nonunion workers’ retirement and benefit programs. Nonunion employees also have options to buy as much as a 7 percent ownership stake in the company.
Senior executives will reduce total compensation and won’t be eligible to participate in the stock option program.
Note that management took some hits, too.
No mention of work rules, but those are largely the province of the US Dep't of Transportation.
YRC Worldwide Inc. employees who belong to the International Brotherhood of Teamsters have approved an amended labor agreement that includes a 10 percent wage cut and suspension of cost-of-living adjustments. The move is seen as vital to the trucking company’s financial health.
The amended contract applies to union workers in YRC’s Yellow Transportation, Roadway, Holland and New Penn business units.
In exchange for the wage cut and suspension of cost-of-living adjustments, Teamsters employees will get a 15 percent ownership stake in YRC. Contributions to the health, welfare and pension plans will continue as previously negotiated, YRC said in a news release.
Nonunion employees will see similar or greater reductions in total compensation, including changes made last year to nonunion workers’ retirement and benefit programs. Nonunion employees also have options to buy as much as a 7 percent ownership stake in the company.
Senior executives will reduce total compensation and won’t be eligible to participate in the stock option program.
Note that management took some hits, too.
No mention of work rules, but those are largely the province of the US Dep't of Transportation.
Curious Fed Reserve Numbers
Here's something a bit curious, sent by an educated relative.
He went to the Federal Reserve stats database and downloaded a large bunch of figures.
The interesting part:
In January 2008, "Non-Borrowed Reserves of Depositary Institutions" went NEGATIVE.
The high-water mark of Non-Borrowed Reserves was in January '05 at $47.7 Billion, and it deteriorated since then. In November '07, it was $42Bn or so; in December '07, it was $27Bn (a very large drop), and became -3.5Bn in January '08.
Mind you, the table runs back to 1959. There was NEVER a negative NBR number until Jan'08.
It got worse:
By October '08, the nadir, NBR was $332Bn--then it began turning around. (Paulson, anyone?)
In December '08, the number was back in positive territory, at $167Bn or so.
Curious, no?
He went to the Federal Reserve stats database and downloaded a large bunch of figures.
The interesting part:
In January 2008, "Non-Borrowed Reserves of Depositary Institutions" went NEGATIVE.
The high-water mark of Non-Borrowed Reserves was in January '05 at $47.7 Billion, and it deteriorated since then. In November '07, it was $42Bn or so; in December '07, it was $27Bn (a very large drop), and became -3.5Bn in January '08.
Mind you, the table runs back to 1959. There was NEVER a negative NBR number until Jan'08.
It got worse:
By October '08, the nadir, NBR was $332Bn--then it began turning around. (Paulson, anyone?)
In December '08, the number was back in positive territory, at $167Bn or so.
Curious, no?
The "New" Carol Browner, After Serious Scrubbing
You've heard, of course, that Obama has appointed Carol Browner as the czarina of ecology.
That's not good news; Ms. Browner is a bit extreme on enviro matters.
That's not why I write. I write because (evidently) someone is VERY concerned about Ms. Browner's affiliations with the Socialist Party and with AlGore.
[Obama picked] a raging socialist to head his global warming/junk science position.Carol M. Browner was listed as one of the leaders of the Commission for a Sustainable World Society which is an international anti-American, anti-West socialist organization:
(Screenshot of webpage)
She was listed as one of the members of the commission...Until they scrubbed her from the website
Browner is also a member of Al Gore's junk science group The Alliance for Climate Protection:
(Screenshot of webpage)
Although, she's now been scrubbed from that webpage, too.
One is reminded of the lesson of Nixon: it ain't the crime--it's the COVERUP.
So is even The O convinced that Socialist and Gore-ite memberships are poison?
HT: Gateway
That's not good news; Ms. Browner is a bit extreme on enviro matters.
That's not why I write. I write because (evidently) someone is VERY concerned about Ms. Browner's affiliations with the Socialist Party and with AlGore.
[Obama picked] a raging socialist to head his global warming/junk science position.Carol M. Browner was listed as one of the leaders of the Commission for a Sustainable World Society which is an international anti-American, anti-West socialist organization:
(Screenshot of webpage)
She was listed as one of the members of the commission...Until they scrubbed her from the website
Browner is also a member of Al Gore's junk science group The Alliance for Climate Protection:
(Screenshot of webpage)
Although, she's now been scrubbed from that webpage, too.
One is reminded of the lesson of Nixon: it ain't the crime--it's the COVERUP.
So is even The O convinced that Socialist and Gore-ite memberships are poison?
HT: Gateway
On HRC as SecState
P J O'Rourke:
I think about the next four years of Hillary's dutiful efforts at global peacemaking, and I hear a chorus of voices echoing around the world--from Israelis and Palestinians, Iraqis and al Qaeda, Taliban and NATO troops, Pakistanis and Indians, Sri Lankans and Tamil Tigers, Georgians and South Ossetians, Colombian soldiers and FARC guerrillas, Hutus and Tutsis, Congolese rebels and other Congolese rebels--all saying, "Thanks, but we'd rather be killed by each other than nagged to death by you."
He has a point there...
I think about the next four years of Hillary's dutiful efforts at global peacemaking, and I hear a chorus of voices echoing around the world--from Israelis and Palestinians, Iraqis and al Qaeda, Taliban and NATO troops, Pakistanis and Indians, Sri Lankans and Tamil Tigers, Georgians and South Ossetians, Colombian soldiers and FARC guerrillas, Hutus and Tutsis, Congolese rebels and other Congolese rebels--all saying, "Thanks, but we'd rather be killed by each other than nagged to death by you."
He has a point there...
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Humor Break #25,405
Yes, I know. That number is larger than the number of posts here. Make of it what you will.
A Protestant Minister was overcome with mice in his church. They were everywhere and into everything. He tried every form of eco-friendly and humane pest control known and yet the mice were everywhere.
One day he went to the nearby Catholic Parish to see if they had the same problem and how they were dealing with it.
“No,” said the priest, “we don’t have a mouse problem.”
“Really,” asked the minister, “you’ve never had a problem?”
“Now I never said that,” replied the priest. “We used to have a terrible mouse problem here.”
“Then how did you deal with it in an eco-friendly and humane way?”
“We baptized and confirmed them, we haven’t seen them since.”
--except once, for their wedding...
HT: Fr. Cranky
A Protestant Minister was overcome with mice in his church. They were everywhere and into everything. He tried every form of eco-friendly and humane pest control known and yet the mice were everywhere.
One day he went to the nearby Catholic Parish to see if they had the same problem and how they were dealing with it.
“No,” said the priest, “we don’t have a mouse problem.”
“Really,” asked the minister, “you’ve never had a problem?”
“Now I never said that,” replied the priest. “We used to have a terrible mouse problem here.”
“Then how did you deal with it in an eco-friendly and humane way?”
“We baptized and confirmed them, we haven’t seen them since.”
--except once, for their wedding...
HT: Fr. Cranky