The State of Wisconsin currently owns about 1/6th of the land within the State boundaries.
That's not enough.
Berry reports:
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources plans to spend more than $3 million to buy nine plots of land around the state.
$3 million for 1,000 acres, matter of fact.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Continuing Crumble of the Rule of Law
Gee, I haven't mentioned the 'rule of law' for a couple of days, so here we go again.
Deference to the judgments and rulings of courts depends upon public confidence in the integrity and independence of judges. The integrity and independence of judges depends in turn upon their acting without fear or favor. A judiciary of integrity is one in which judges are known for their probity, fairness, honesty, uprightness, and soundness of character. An independent judiciary is one free of inappropriate outside influences. --Canon One Commentary, Model Judicial Code of Conduct.
That's quoted in the specific context of Sotomayor's utterly indefensible remark that 'a Latina makes a better judge than a white male.'
BIW (an attorney) goes on:
It is kind of hard to convince your clients that they should be patient and work within the system when you yourself have doubts about its integrity. We all are damaged when Themis (or her younger Roman cousin Justicia) peeks
Were Sotomayor the worst example, it would be a fine story for Gilbert & Sullivan to work with--"I Am the Very Model of a Racist SCOTUS Appointee" could be a classic hit.
But she's not. We have Bush (the GM/Chrysler illegal bailouts), Obama (more of the same, plus the share-holding imbroglio of those entities), and James E. "Three-Card-Monte" Doyle, to whom theft of trust funds is a Gubernatorial privilege, you know, old chap.
Maybe the IRS can imprison ALL of the folks who decide to protest by simply not paying--and Wisconsin's DofRevenue, too.
But at the rate our "leadership" is baiting the public, I kinda doubt it will be all that easy.
HT: AOSHQ/Laura
Deference to the judgments and rulings of courts depends upon public confidence in the integrity and independence of judges. The integrity and independence of judges depends in turn upon their acting without fear or favor. A judiciary of integrity is one in which judges are known for their probity, fairness, honesty, uprightness, and soundness of character. An independent judiciary is one free of inappropriate outside influences. --Canon One Commentary, Model Judicial Code of Conduct.
That's quoted in the specific context of Sotomayor's utterly indefensible remark that 'a Latina makes a better judge than a white male.'
BIW (an attorney) goes on:
It is kind of hard to convince your clients that they should be patient and work within the system when you yourself have doubts about its integrity. We all are damaged when Themis (or her younger Roman cousin Justicia) peeks
Were Sotomayor the worst example, it would be a fine story for Gilbert & Sullivan to work with--"I Am the Very Model of a Racist SCOTUS Appointee" could be a classic hit.
But she's not. We have Bush (the GM/Chrysler illegal bailouts), Obama (more of the same, plus the share-holding imbroglio of those entities), and James E. "Three-Card-Monte" Doyle, to whom theft of trust funds is a Gubernatorial privilege, you know, old chap.
Maybe the IRS can imprison ALL of the folks who decide to protest by simply not paying--and Wisconsin's DofRevenue, too.
But at the rate our "leadership" is baiting the public, I kinda doubt it will be all that easy.
HT: AOSHQ/Laura
Murder Is Always Wrong...
I just cannot condone this crap.
George Tiller, the Wichita doctor who became a national lightning rod in the debate over abortion, was shot to death this morning as he walked into church services.
Tiller, 67, was shot just after 10 a.m. at Reformation Lutheran Church at 7601 E. 13th, where he was a member of the congregation. Witnesses and a police source confirmed Tiller was the victim.
HT: AOSHQ
George Tiller, the Wichita doctor who became a national lightning rod in the debate over abortion, was shot to death this morning as he walked into church services.
Tiller, 67, was shot just after 10 a.m. at Reformation Lutheran Church at 7601 E. 13th, where he was a member of the congregation. Witnesses and a police source confirmed Tiller was the victim.
HT: AOSHQ
Ratcheting the Rhetoric
Bet you didn't know this.
Climate change kills about 315,000 people a year through hunger, sickness and weather disasters, and the annual death toll is expected to rise to half a million by 2030, a report said on Friday
Yep.
Climate change is the greatest emerging humanitarian challenge of our time, causing suffering to hundreds of millions of people worldwide. The first hit and worst affected are the world's poorest groups, and yet they have done least to cause the problem.
Uh-huh.
These little-known "facts" are brought to you by none other than Kofi Annan, who also suggests that several bazillion USdollars get sent somewhere to rectify the problem.
HT: Moonbattery
Climate change kills about 315,000 people a year through hunger, sickness and weather disasters, and the annual death toll is expected to rise to half a million by 2030, a report said on Friday
Yep.
Climate change is the greatest emerging humanitarian challenge of our time, causing suffering to hundreds of millions of people worldwide. The first hit and worst affected are the world's poorest groups, and yet they have done least to cause the problem.
Uh-huh.
These little-known "facts" are brought to you by none other than Kofi Annan, who also suggests that several bazillion USdollars get sent somewhere to rectify the problem.
HT: Moonbattery
Obama Restrains Speech: Harbinger?
This announcement has drawn attention. It concerns the "Porkulus" program.
Following OMB’s review, the Administration has decided to make a number of changes to the rules that we think make them even tougher on special interests and more focused on merits-based decision making.
First, we will expand the restriction on oral communications to cover all persons, not just federally registered lobbyists. For the first time, we will reach contacts not only by registered lobbyists but also by unregistered ones, as well as anyone else exerting influence on the process. We concluded this was necessary under the unique circumstances of the stimulus program.
Hmmmmmm.
Second, we will focus the restriction on oral communications to target the scenario where concerns about merit-based decision-making are greatest –after competitive grant applications are submitted and before awards are made.
If, say, ACORN and The Charlie Brown Club both submit grant applications to 'harmonize a community,' the Charlie Brown Club will not be allowed to address ACORN's fitness as a grantee after the applications are submitted? Say that happens in the City of Milwaukee. Will you be able to have an offhand conversation with the Mayor about your concerns about ACORN?
Or, in another venue, as Spencer outlines:
With the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) making an all-out international effort to restrict free speech about Islam, including speech designed to alert non-Muslims to the motives and goals of the global jihad movement, and Obama making conciliatory gestures toward the OIC, it is not at all difficult to look down the path and see the day coming when it will Sharia provisions restricting speech about Islam will be in place in the United States of America, and it will be illegal to speak about the Islamic supremacist agenda...
Very curious announcement.
Following OMB’s review, the Administration has decided to make a number of changes to the rules that we think make them even tougher on special interests and more focused on merits-based decision making.
First, we will expand the restriction on oral communications to cover all persons, not just federally registered lobbyists. For the first time, we will reach contacts not only by registered lobbyists but also by unregistered ones, as well as anyone else exerting influence on the process. We concluded this was necessary under the unique circumstances of the stimulus program.
Hmmmmmm.
Second, we will focus the restriction on oral communications to target the scenario where concerns about merit-based decision-making are greatest –after competitive grant applications are submitted and before awards are made.
If, say, ACORN and The Charlie Brown Club both submit grant applications to 'harmonize a community,' the Charlie Brown Club will not be allowed to address ACORN's fitness as a grantee after the applications are submitted? Say that happens in the City of Milwaukee. Will you be able to have an offhand conversation with the Mayor about your concerns about ACORN?
Or, in another venue, as Spencer outlines:
With the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) making an all-out international effort to restrict free speech about Islam, including speech designed to alert non-Muslims to the motives and goals of the global jihad movement, and Obama making conciliatory gestures toward the OIC, it is not at all difficult to look down the path and see the day coming when it will Sharia provisions restricting speech about Islam will be in place in the United States of America, and it will be illegal to speak about the Islamic supremacist agenda...
Very curious announcement.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
The Psychology of "Preference Falsification"
Well, if you read THIS far, it's actually interesting--and VERY germane to such things as "TEA Parties..."
AOSHQ opines that the fresh fertilizer will soon hit the elevated rotational-cooling device based on the upcoming increases in the cost of gasoline. And the splatter will hit the White House.
He then appends some observations about "Preference Falsification" which tend to partially explain the current positive opinions about Obama; in short, AOSHQ doesn't think it's real.
From the book review:
Kuran begins his book with an illustration of a man at his employer's dinner party. Though the man dislikes the homes décor and the meal served, the man feels compelled to offer false compliments. At the end of the evening, the man kindly says he enjoyed the evening, though he is really happy to be leaving. The fictional person is constrained from being honest by societal pressure and personal fears. Whenever people choose to lie about their true beliefs, Kuran calls that "preference falsification."
Got it? You could call it 'socially-driven opinion quashing,' if you like.
Applications? Sure. Under Communism, for example:
Kuran uses communism as an example of a time when the majority believed differently than their public personas led others to believe. The result was that social change was stifled for decades. When a trigger finally made people feel comfortable in publicizing their beliefs, communism quickly fell.
And, present-day:
Affirmative action is another issue, according to Kuran, where public personas are often different than private. Anonymous polls routinely show that most Americans are against affirmative action. Yet, the practice persists because few people are willing to endure the horrendous social attacks from the minority who demands the programs.
Same thing applies to the Obama Administration. Porkulus was awful--frightful--and has long-term (debt) consequences which are abysmal. But 'give him a chance,' 'maybe it's the right thing,' and 'he's gotta do SOMEthing' were pretty much what was heard from the population.
Then came Chrysler, and now GM.
He still wants to jam in GummintHealthCare and Cap-and-Tax; his Fascistic authoritarian tendencies are coming to the fore, and he's saddled with Pelosi and Reid (not to mention Dave Obey, a loose cannon still largely under wraps).
Back to AOSHQ:
When the trigger eventually comes, people begin feeling comfortable about publicly expressing long-denied beliefs. Which in turn impels others to feel comfortable about doing likewise, which encourages still more of it, etc. Preference falsification is intensified and reinforced by social pressure; but so too is the revelation of true preferences, after the triggering event occurs.
For Obama, that trigger is going to be rising prices, rising taxes, rising interest rates, and almost certainly a second recessionary dip.
All interesting possibilities...
AOSHQ opines that the fresh fertilizer will soon hit the elevated rotational-cooling device based on the upcoming increases in the cost of gasoline. And the splatter will hit the White House.
He then appends some observations about "Preference Falsification" which tend to partially explain the current positive opinions about Obama; in short, AOSHQ doesn't think it's real.
From the book review:
Kuran begins his book with an illustration of a man at his employer's dinner party. Though the man dislikes the homes décor and the meal served, the man feels compelled to offer false compliments. At the end of the evening, the man kindly says he enjoyed the evening, though he is really happy to be leaving. The fictional person is constrained from being honest by societal pressure and personal fears. Whenever people choose to lie about their true beliefs, Kuran calls that "preference falsification."
Got it? You could call it 'socially-driven opinion quashing,' if you like.
Applications? Sure. Under Communism, for example:
Kuran uses communism as an example of a time when the majority believed differently than their public personas led others to believe. The result was that social change was stifled for decades. When a trigger finally made people feel comfortable in publicizing their beliefs, communism quickly fell.
And, present-day:
Affirmative action is another issue, according to Kuran, where public personas are often different than private. Anonymous polls routinely show that most Americans are against affirmative action. Yet, the practice persists because few people are willing to endure the horrendous social attacks from the minority who demands the programs.
Same thing applies to the Obama Administration. Porkulus was awful--frightful--and has long-term (debt) consequences which are abysmal. But 'give him a chance,' 'maybe it's the right thing,' and 'he's gotta do SOMEthing' were pretty much what was heard from the population.
Then came Chrysler, and now GM.
He still wants to jam in GummintHealthCare and Cap-and-Tax; his Fascistic authoritarian tendencies are coming to the fore, and he's saddled with Pelosi and Reid (not to mention Dave Obey, a loose cannon still largely under wraps).
Back to AOSHQ:
When the trigger eventually comes, people begin feeling comfortable about publicly expressing long-denied beliefs. Which in turn impels others to feel comfortable about doing likewise, which encourages still more of it, etc. Preference falsification is intensified and reinforced by social pressure; but so too is the revelation of true preferences, after the triggering event occurs.
For Obama, that trigger is going to be rising prices, rising taxes, rising interest rates, and almost certainly a second recessionary dip.
All interesting possibilities...
A Lefty on Obama
Ted Rall, who ........has his own issues:
Obama is cute. He is charming. But there is something rotten inside him. Unlike the Republicans who backed George W. Bush, I won’t follow a terrible leader just because I voted for him. Obama has revealed himself. He is a monster, and he should remove himself from power.
C'mon, Ted. Give him some time!
HT: HotAir
Obama is cute. He is charming. But there is something rotten inside him. Unlike the Republicans who backed George W. Bush, I won’t follow a terrible leader just because I voted for him. Obama has revealed himself. He is a monster, and he should remove himself from power.
C'mon, Ted. Give him some time!
HT: HotAir
Squeezing Israel: It Can Backfire
Interesting point raised by the Yankee. Quoting, the newspaper article:
The Obama administration has blocked Israel's request for advanced U.S.-origin attack helicopters.
Government sources said the administration has held up Israel's request for the AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopter.
Yankee observes:
Obama's Administration, which apparently has little knowledge of or use for military systems, does not seem to grasp that the use of the Longbow's mast-mounted sensor suite enables it to more carefully select targets that other variants of the Apache, which in and of themselves are a better targeting, surveillance, and attack system than most alternatives.
Nor do they seem to grasp that the close air support function of helicopters with lighter weapons loads is less likely to cause the collateral deaths of civilians than other weapons systems that would have to step into the suppression role that helicopters typically occupy.
The alternatives are 155mm howitzers or F-16s (or comparable). Neither of them is designed for "close air support," and neither of those options have nearly as controllable a blast as does the Apache Longbow.
Meaning that the Administration's complaint--that 'there were civilian casualties when the Longbow was employed'--will look silly when there are even MORE civilian casualties due to the nature of the weapons Israel will be forced to use.
The Obama administration has blocked Israel's request for advanced U.S.-origin attack helicopters.
Government sources said the administration has held up Israel's request for the AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopter.
Yankee observes:
Obama's Administration, which apparently has little knowledge of or use for military systems, does not seem to grasp that the use of the Longbow's mast-mounted sensor suite enables it to more carefully select targets that other variants of the Apache, which in and of themselves are a better targeting, surveillance, and attack system than most alternatives.
Nor do they seem to grasp that the close air support function of helicopters with lighter weapons loads is less likely to cause the collateral deaths of civilians than other weapons systems that would have to step into the suppression role that helicopters typically occupy.
The alternatives are 155mm howitzers or F-16s (or comparable). Neither of them is designed for "close air support," and neither of those options have nearly as controllable a blast as does the Apache Longbow.
Meaning that the Administration's complaint--that 'there were civilian casualties when the Longbow was employed'--will look silly when there are even MORE civilian casualties due to the nature of the weapons Israel will be forced to use.
England About to Go Conservative?
PowerLine notes the upcoming Brit elections--positively!
But I've wondered whether there is any real conservative movement left in the U.K. The Tories' leader, David Cameron, is no conservative by American standards, and certainly no Margaret Thatcher. So I was heartened by this assessment of the new Tory candidates who likely will form the majority in the next Parliament...
Mr Cameron has told close colleagues that he believes he is on course to win 140 new Tory MPs after the next election, The Times has been told. While such a net gain would give Mr Cameron an overall majority of about 15, it could place him to the left of most of his parliamentary party
...[T]hose most likely to be new Tory MPs are, in general, less concerned about climate change than terrorism, oppose green taxes and are hostile to gay adoptions. A majority oppose the party's official policy of raising green taxes to reduce the taxation burden on families, according to a survey of 148 Tory candidates
Heh.
But I've wondered whether there is any real conservative movement left in the U.K. The Tories' leader, David Cameron, is no conservative by American standards, and certainly no Margaret Thatcher. So I was heartened by this assessment of the new Tory candidates who likely will form the majority in the next Parliament...
Mr Cameron has told close colleagues that he believes he is on course to win 140 new Tory MPs after the next election, The Times has been told. While such a net gain would give Mr Cameron an overall majority of about 15, it could place him to the left of most of his parliamentary party
...[T]hose most likely to be new Tory MPs are, in general, less concerned about climate change than terrorism, oppose green taxes and are hostile to gay adoptions. A majority oppose the party's official policy of raising green taxes to reduce the taxation burden on families, according to a survey of 148 Tory candidates
Heh.
TEA Party, Part Two: "I Won't Pay the Taxes."
"The Coach" lights a match...
"...but when a long train of offenses..."
He should live in Wisconsin. In California, you get sunshine the regular way.
Here, Doyle blows the sunshine up your &^%
HT: Lott
"...but when a long train of offenses..."
He should live in Wisconsin. In California, you get sunshine the regular way.
Here, Doyle blows the sunshine up your &^%
HT: Lott
Gummint HealthCare: Yup, It Can Get Worse...
Teddy Kennedy. (No more needs be said...)
Sen. Edward Kennedy plans a new disability-insurance program that would automatically enroll all American workers as part of the sweeping health-care bill he is preparing to introduce, aides said Friday.
Premiums would automatically be charged, and in many cases deducted from workers' paychecks, unless they choose to opt out of the disability program
...On average, premiums could not exceed $65 per month, according to a Senate aide who described the provision in detail.
Participants would be entitled to a cash benefit of at least $50 a day if they become so disabled they cannot participate in at least two or three activities of daily living, such as eating, bathing or using the toilet. The money could be used for expenses to support staying in one's home.
Sure. $1500/month will go a really, really, LONG way toward 'staying in one's home' with that level of disability.
And what will happen when this gets imposed? EMPLOYERS will dump their disability-insurance programs.
HT: John Lott
Sen. Edward Kennedy plans a new disability-insurance program that would automatically enroll all American workers as part of the sweeping health-care bill he is preparing to introduce, aides said Friday.
Premiums would automatically be charged, and in many cases deducted from workers' paychecks, unless they choose to opt out of the disability program
...On average, premiums could not exceed $65 per month, according to a Senate aide who described the provision in detail.
Participants would be entitled to a cash benefit of at least $50 a day if they become so disabled they cannot participate in at least two or three activities of daily living, such as eating, bathing or using the toilet. The money could be used for expenses to support staying in one's home.
Sure. $1500/month will go a really, really, LONG way toward 'staying in one's home' with that level of disability.
And what will happen when this gets imposed? EMPLOYERS will dump their disability-insurance programs.
HT: John Lott
GM 'Money Back in 5 Years'--Really?
Gummint Motors is a 5-year payback for the taxpayer, according to Gummint.
The United States would recover most of its planned $50 billion investment in General Motors within five years, according to a preliminary Treasury Department estimate...
But according to others, .....meh.
Brian Bethune, chief U.S. financial economist for IHS Global Insight, called the assumptions "extremely optimistic" given the risks in the economy and the challenges facing the company...
Gummint Motors projects a 16 million-vehicle sales year in 2012 and that GM will only lose 1.1% in market share between now and then (Hummer, Saturn, and ??).
Calculated Risk has a graph which seems to show 15 million vehicles/year as the average since 1985.
The UAW contributed:
...the United Auto Workers ratified contract changes yesterday that will help General Motors cut more than $1 billion in labor costs. ...Under the deal, the union's cost-of-living increases, performance bonuses and some holiday pay will be suspended to offset health-care costs.
And a no-strike clause until 2015.
But as most people know, it isn't really the pay--it's the Rules. Generally speaking, "the Rules" govern who does what, when, and for how much on the floor; this severely reduces the flexibility of applying labor to the need, a key component of Lean Manufacturing under the Toyota system. What you have with 'the Rules' is built-in overhead cost on the floor in ADDITION to the GS&A overhead and design overhead.
The United States would recover most of its planned $50 billion investment in General Motors within five years, according to a preliminary Treasury Department estimate...
But according to others, .....meh.
Brian Bethune, chief U.S. financial economist for IHS Global Insight, called the assumptions "extremely optimistic" given the risks in the economy and the challenges facing the company...
Gummint Motors projects a 16 million-vehicle sales year in 2012 and that GM will only lose 1.1% in market share between now and then (Hummer, Saturn, and ??).
Calculated Risk has a graph which seems to show 15 million vehicles/year as the average since 1985.
The UAW contributed:
...the United Auto Workers ratified contract changes yesterday that will help General Motors cut more than $1 billion in labor costs. ...Under the deal, the union's cost-of-living increases, performance bonuses and some holiday pay will be suspended to offset health-care costs.
And a no-strike clause until 2015.
But as most people know, it isn't really the pay--it's the Rules. Generally speaking, "the Rules" govern who does what, when, and for how much on the floor; this severely reduces the flexibility of applying labor to the need, a key component of Lean Manufacturing under the Toyota system. What you have with 'the Rules' is built-in overhead cost on the floor in ADDITION to the GS&A overhead and design overhead.
JS Points to Democrat Pork in WI Budget
Yah. Patrick Cudahy would like this bill.
The JS article names names--the (D) leggies who made sure that during a horrific recession, the State's taxpayers would be spending a lot of money.
$44.5 million, mostly in bonds, for a University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire education building; represented by Sen. Kathleen Vinehout (D-Alma) and Rep. Jeff Smith (D-Eau Claire).
$13 million for the Wisconsin Rapids armory; represented by Sen. Julie Lassa (D-Stevens Point), who is on the committee, and Rep. Marlin Schneider (D-Wisconsin Rapids).
$28 million in bonds for a School of Nursing facility at the UW-Madison; Sen. Judy Robson (D-Beloit), a nurse who sits on the committee, has long backed her profession in the Legislature.
$6.6 million for a Yahara River project in Dane County; the county is represented mostly by Democrats, including the committee's co-chairmen, Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Madison) and Sen. Mark Miller (D-Monona).
$5 million for the Bradley Center Sports and Entertainment Corp. in downtown Milwaukee; represented by Sen. Spencer Coggs (D-Milwaukee) and Rep. Leon Young (D-Milwaukee). (The Bradley Center is also "represented" by Herb Kohl and a number of very powerful Downtown Milwaukee interests. Frankly, I don't think Coggs and Young count.)
$4 million for planning a joint museum for the State Historical Society and Department of Veterans Affairs; an area served by Pocan, Miller and other Dane County legislators would benefit.
Up to $1.25 million for Manitowoc Road in Bellevue; represented by Sen. Alan Lasee (R-De Pere) and Rep. Ted Zigmunt (D-Francis Creek).
$800,000 for the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin; the center has locations throughout the state.
Up to $500,000 for Washington Street in Racine; Democrats Sen. John Lehman, a committee member, and Rep. Robert Turner represent the area.
$500,000 for an environmental center in a park that borders Madison and Monona; the two cities are represented by the committee's co-chairmen.
$500,000 for the Oshkosh Opera House; Republican Sen. Randy Hopper and Rep. Gordon Hintz, a Democrat, represent Oshkosh.
$500,000 for Eco Park in La Crosse; represented by Sen. Dan Kapanke (R-La Crosse) and committee member Rep. Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse).
Up to $430,000 for Highway X in Chippewa County; represented by Sen. Pat Kreitlow (D-Chippewa Falls) and Rep. Kristen Dexter (D-Eau Claire).
Up to $400,000 for State St. in Racine; represented by Lehman and Turner.
$300,000 for the AIDS Network in Madison; represented by Pocan and Senate President Fred Risser (D-Madison).
$250,000 for a bridge on S. Reid Road in Rock County; Robson and Rep. Chuck Benedict (D-Beloit).
$250,000 for the Madison Children's Museum; represented by Pocan and Risser.
$125,000 to remodel an Eau Claire library; represented by Kreitlow and Dexter.
$100,000 for Huron Road in Bellevue; represented by Lasee and Zigmunt. (A roundabout construction project. No need at this time)
$100,000 for the Stone Barn historic site in Oconto County; represented by Sen. Dave Hansen (D-Green Bay), who sits on the committee, and Rep. John Nygren (R)
The red-highlights are expenses which could have been delayed by a year or two.
The JS article names names--the (D) leggies who made sure that during a horrific recession, the State's taxpayers would be spending a lot of money.
$44.5 million, mostly in bonds, for a University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire education building; represented by Sen. Kathleen Vinehout (D-Alma) and Rep. Jeff Smith (D-Eau Claire).
$13 million for the Wisconsin Rapids armory; represented by Sen. Julie Lassa (D-Stevens Point), who is on the committee, and Rep. Marlin Schneider (D-Wisconsin Rapids).
$28 million in bonds for a School of Nursing facility at the UW-Madison; Sen. Judy Robson (D-Beloit), a nurse who sits on the committee, has long backed her profession in the Legislature.
$6.6 million for a Yahara River project in Dane County; the county is represented mostly by Democrats, including the committee's co-chairmen, Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Madison) and Sen. Mark Miller (D-Monona).
$5 million for the Bradley Center Sports and Entertainment Corp. in downtown Milwaukee; represented by Sen. Spencer Coggs (D-Milwaukee) and Rep. Leon Young (D-Milwaukee). (The Bradley Center is also "represented" by Herb Kohl and a number of very powerful Downtown Milwaukee interests. Frankly, I don't think Coggs and Young count.)
$4 million for planning a joint museum for the State Historical Society and Department of Veterans Affairs; an area served by Pocan, Miller and other Dane County legislators would benefit.
Up to $1.25 million for Manitowoc Road in Bellevue; represented by Sen. Alan Lasee (R-De Pere) and Rep. Ted Zigmunt (D-Francis Creek).
$800,000 for the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin; the center has locations throughout the state.
Up to $500,000 for Washington Street in Racine; Democrats Sen. John Lehman, a committee member, and Rep. Robert Turner represent the area.
$500,000 for an environmental center in a park that borders Madison and Monona; the two cities are represented by the committee's co-chairmen.
$500,000 for the Oshkosh Opera House; Republican Sen. Randy Hopper and Rep. Gordon Hintz, a Democrat, represent Oshkosh.
$500,000 for Eco Park in La Crosse; represented by Sen. Dan Kapanke (R-La Crosse) and committee member Rep. Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse).
Up to $430,000 for Highway X in Chippewa County; represented by Sen. Pat Kreitlow (D-Chippewa Falls) and Rep. Kristen Dexter (D-Eau Claire).
Up to $400,000 for State St. in Racine; represented by Lehman and Turner.
$300,000 for the AIDS Network in Madison; represented by Pocan and Senate President Fred Risser (D-Madison).
$250,000 for a bridge on S. Reid Road in Rock County; Robson and Rep. Chuck Benedict (D-Beloit).
$250,000 for the Madison Children's Museum; represented by Pocan and Risser.
$125,000 to remodel an Eau Claire library; represented by Kreitlow and Dexter.
$100,000 for Huron Road in Bellevue; represented by Lasee and Zigmunt. (A roundabout construction project. No need at this time)
$100,000 for the Stone Barn historic site in Oconto County; represented by Sen. Dave Hansen (D-Green Bay), who sits on the committee, and Rep. John Nygren (R)
The red-highlights are expenses which could have been delayed by a year or two.
Still Waiting for Flagrant Journalism
You will notice something missing from this sentence in a JS news item.
Richard Wiles, executive director of the activist Environmental Working Group, said he was surprised by the content of the memo.
What's missing?
The fact that the "Environmental Working Group" is closely connected to the trial lawyers.
No doubt that EWG is an 'activist' bunch:
In 2007, a group called the Environmental Working Group sponsored a study that said BPA is hazardous to your health. Fenton Communications describes the working group as partner and client. David Fenton sits on its board of directors.
Fenton Communications assisted MoveOn.org with the "General Betray-us" ad, and is closely connected with the Trial Lawyers, as well as a lot of other interesting people:
Fenton Communications pitches for trial lawyers, collectively the largest contributors to the Democrat Party, as well as for the hard line environmental group Greenpeace; Venezuela's socialist leader Hugo Chavez; anti-war demonstrator Cindy Sheehan; and gay and abortion advocates.
It's clear from the JS article that a "communications" company is actively pushing the "BPA is DEATH!!!!!!" line.
Always useful to know just where that "communications" firm is coming from.
Richard Wiles, executive director of the activist Environmental Working Group, said he was surprised by the content of the memo.
What's missing?
The fact that the "Environmental Working Group" is closely connected to the trial lawyers.
No doubt that EWG is an 'activist' bunch:
In 2007, a group called the Environmental Working Group sponsored a study that said BPA is hazardous to your health. Fenton Communications describes the working group as partner and client. David Fenton sits on its board of directors.
Fenton Communications assisted MoveOn.org with the "General Betray-us" ad, and is closely connected with the Trial Lawyers, as well as a lot of other interesting people:
Fenton Communications pitches for trial lawyers, collectively the largest contributors to the Democrat Party, as well as for the hard line environmental group Greenpeace; Venezuela's socialist leader Hugo Chavez; anti-war demonstrator Cindy Sheehan; and gay and abortion advocates.
It's clear from the JS article that a "communications" company is actively pushing the "BPA is DEATH!!!!!!" line.
Always useful to know just where that "communications" firm is coming from.
Vos, Olsen Pushing Gas Tax Increase
Who likes INCREASING the gas tax?
Robin Vos (R) and Luther "Corn-A-Hole" Olsen, that's who.
Adding to the oil-franchise fee’s tenuous support was a push from state Sen. Luther Olsen, R-Ripon, and state Rep. Robin Vos, R-Racine, to back a gas-tax increase if the money stays segregated for transportation purposes.
This is not the Doyle "franchise tax" which is a violation of the Interstate Commerce Clause.
This would be an increase to Wisconsin's already-very-high gas tax.
They'll tell you that the "if" clause in the above actually means something.
Here's a thought, boys: PAY BACK THE $400+++MILLION DOYLE STOLE!
Robin Vos (R) and Luther "Corn-A-Hole" Olsen, that's who.
Adding to the oil-franchise fee’s tenuous support was a push from state Sen. Luther Olsen, R-Ripon, and state Rep. Robin Vos, R-Racine, to back a gas-tax increase if the money stays segregated for transportation purposes.
This is not the Doyle "franchise tax" which is a violation of the Interstate Commerce Clause.
This would be an increase to Wisconsin's already-very-high gas tax.
They'll tell you that the "if" clause in the above actually means something.
Here's a thought, boys: PAY BACK THE $400+++MILLION DOYLE STOLE!
Friday, May 29, 2009
Really Neat Grenade Launcher
Ace has the story.
The way a soldier operates this is you basically find your target, then laze to it, which gives the range, then you get an adjusted aim point, adjust fire and pull the trigger," deputy program manager Richard Audette told Army News Service. "Say you've lazed out to 543 meters ... when you pull the trigger it arms the round and fires it 543 meters plus or minus a one-, two- or three-meter increment, then it explodes over the target."
Another way to keep the birdseed for the birds, not the squirrels!!
The way a soldier operates this is you basically find your target, then laze to it, which gives the range, then you get an adjusted aim point, adjust fire and pull the trigger," deputy program manager Richard Audette told Army News Service. "Say you've lazed out to 543 meters ... when you pull the trigger it arms the round and fires it 543 meters plus or minus a one-, two- or three-meter increment, then it explodes over the target."
Another way to keep the birdseed for the birds, not the squirrels!!
PRC to Stop Obamunism?
In what could only be called 'Monster Irony,' it's entirely possible that the People's Republic of China (the ChiComs) will slapdoodle Geithner hard next week.
VERY hard.
Which is intended cause Obamunism to slow dramatically, if not stop in its tracks. Imagine that...the world's largest (titularly) Commie economy acting to prevent Socio-Fascism!
...investors from Beijing to Zurich are challenging a president’s attempts to revive the economy with record deficit spending. Fifteen years after forcing Bill Clinton to abandon his own stimulus plans, the so-called bond vigilantes are punishing Barack Obama for quadrupling the budget shortfall to $1.85 trillion.
...“The vigilante group is different this time around,” said Mark MacQueen, a partner and money manager at Austin, Texas- based Sage Advisory Services Ltd., which oversees $7.5 billion. “It’s major foreign creditors. This whole idea that we need to spend our way out of our problems is being questioned.”
...Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said in March that China was “worried” about its $767.9 billion investment and was looking for government assurances that the value of its holdings would be protected.
Read the following carefully:
The nation bought $5.6 billion in bills and sold $964 million in U.S. notes and bonds in February, according to Treasury data released April 15. It was the first time since November that China purchased more securities due in a year or less than longer-maturity debt.
PRC is not happy with the 10-year prospects for the USDollar, so it's dumping them.
But they're hardly as blunt as this guy:
...10-year yields have nowhere to go but up, according to Richard Hoey, the New York-based chief economist at Bank of New York Mellon Corp.
“The secular bull market in Treasury bonds is over,” Hoey said in a Bloomberg Television interview. “It ran a good 28 years. They’re never going lower. That’s it. It’s over.”
To quote the Winning McCain:
VERY hard.
Which is intended cause Obamunism to slow dramatically, if not stop in its tracks. Imagine that...the world's largest (titularly) Commie economy acting to prevent Socio-Fascism!
...investors from Beijing to Zurich are challenging a president’s attempts to revive the economy with record deficit spending. Fifteen years after forcing Bill Clinton to abandon his own stimulus plans, the so-called bond vigilantes are punishing Barack Obama for quadrupling the budget shortfall to $1.85 trillion.
...“The vigilante group is different this time around,” said Mark MacQueen, a partner and money manager at Austin, Texas- based Sage Advisory Services Ltd., which oversees $7.5 billion. “It’s major foreign creditors. This whole idea that we need to spend our way out of our problems is being questioned.”
...Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said in March that China was “worried” about its $767.9 billion investment and was looking for government assurances that the value of its holdings would be protected.
Read the following carefully:
The nation bought $5.6 billion in bills and sold $964 million in U.S. notes and bonds in February, according to Treasury data released April 15. It was the first time since November that China purchased more securities due in a year or less than longer-maturity debt.
PRC is not happy with the 10-year prospects for the USDollar, so it's dumping them.
But they're hardly as blunt as this guy:
...10-year yields have nowhere to go but up, according to Richard Hoey, the New York-based chief economist at Bank of New York Mellon Corp.
“The secular bull market in Treasury bonds is over,” Hoey said in a Bloomberg Television interview. “It ran a good 28 years. They’re never going lower. That’s it. It’s over.”
To quote the Winning McCain:
IT WON'T WORK!!
Spengler on Obama
Well-put.
Like dolphinplasty and negroplasty, [the Obama Administration] has given us cosmetic solutions that we might call civitaplasty, turning a terrorist gang into a state; fiducioplasty, making a bunch of bankrupt institutions look like functioning banks; creditoplasty, making government seizure of private property look like a corporate reorganization; matrimonioplasty, making same-sex cohabitation look like a marriage; and interfecioplasty, making murder look like a surgical procedure.
There is a consistent theme to the administration's major policy initiatives: Obama and his advisors start from the way they think things ought to be and work backwards to the uncooperative real world. If reality bars the way, it had better watch out. ... Obama's attempt to carve reality into the way things ought to be will also undergo catastrophic failure, perhaps in even more disgusting ways
Outside of the (imagined) size of the checkbook, that's pretty much the way the Wisconsin Democrats have operated so far, too.
"Catastrophic" and "disgusting" are relatively mild terms for what could occur.
HT: First Things (read the whole article--plenty more there)
Like dolphinplasty and negroplasty, [the Obama Administration] has given us cosmetic solutions that we might call civitaplasty, turning a terrorist gang into a state; fiducioplasty, making a bunch of bankrupt institutions look like functioning banks; creditoplasty, making government seizure of private property look like a corporate reorganization; matrimonioplasty, making same-sex cohabitation look like a marriage; and interfecioplasty, making murder look like a surgical procedure.
There is a consistent theme to the administration's major policy initiatives: Obama and his advisors start from the way they think things ought to be and work backwards to the uncooperative real world. If reality bars the way, it had better watch out. ... Obama's attempt to carve reality into the way things ought to be will also undergo catastrophic failure, perhaps in even more disgusting ways
Outside of the (imagined) size of the checkbook, that's pretty much the way the Wisconsin Democrats have operated so far, too.
"Catastrophic" and "disgusting" are relatively mild terms for what could occur.
HT: First Things (read the whole article--plenty more there)
Porky Pigs, (D-Gummint), Wisconsin Budget
Jackasses. Some of this may be necessary and worthwhile. But NOT all of it.
These are the budget earmarks pushed though during the Midnight Special (and ONLY the Midnight Special), courtesy of Rich Zipperer.
The ones highlighted red look as though they could have been put off for a year or so.
Dane County Yahara River
$6,600,000
Aids Network & Resource Center of Wisconsin
$1,100,000
Manitowoc Road in Village of Bellevue
$1,250,000
Bradley Center
$5,000,000
Madison Children's Museum
$250,000
Huron Road in Village of Bellevue
$100,000
La Crosse Eco Park
$500,000
Planning New State Historical Society Museum
$4,000,000
Oshkosh Opera House
$500,000
Aldo Leopold Climate Change Classroom
$500,000
Village of Bagley Flood Study
$19,000
Bike Path Facility Grants
$5,000,000
County Trunk Highway X, Chippewa County
$430,000
City of Racine Road Enhancements
$900,000
Reid Road in Town of La Prairie
$250,000
Pedestrian Path in Rock County
$20,000
Love Incorporated Food Bank
$10,000
Union Grove Food Bank
$5,000
Rio Area Food Pantry
$5,000
Lodi Food Pantry
$5,000
Eau Claire County Public Shooting Range
$50,000
Root River Education Center
$25,000
Beloit Children's Playground
$50,000
Beckman Mill Park in Rock County
$10,000
L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library in Eau Claire
$125,000
Stone Barn Historical Site in Town of Chase
$100,000
Restoration of Beloit's Turtle Island Park
$35,000
City of Stanley, Chippewa County
$37,500
And, of course, the famous Wrightstown Garbage Cans--for $47,000.00
These are the budget earmarks pushed though during the Midnight Special (and ONLY the Midnight Special), courtesy of Rich Zipperer.
The ones highlighted red look as though they could have been put off for a year or so.
Dane County Yahara River
$6,600,000
Aids Network & Resource Center of Wisconsin
$1,100,000
Manitowoc Road in Village of Bellevue
$1,250,000
Bradley Center
$5,000,000
Madison Children's Museum
$250,000
Huron Road in Village of Bellevue
$100,000
La Crosse Eco Park
$500,000
Planning New State Historical Society Museum
$4,000,000
Oshkosh Opera House
$500,000
Aldo Leopold Climate Change Classroom
$500,000
Village of Bagley Flood Study
$19,000
Bike Path Facility Grants
$5,000,000
County Trunk Highway X, Chippewa County
$430,000
City of Racine Road Enhancements
$900,000
Reid Road in Town of La Prairie
$250,000
Pedestrian Path in Rock County
$20,000
Love Incorporated Food Bank
$10,000
Union Grove Food Bank
$5,000
Rio Area Food Pantry
$5,000
Lodi Food Pantry
$5,000
Eau Claire County Public Shooting Range
$50,000
Root River Education Center
$25,000
Beloit Children's Playground
$50,000
Beckman Mill Park in Rock County
$10,000
L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library in Eau Claire
$125,000
Stone Barn Historical Site in Town of Chase
$100,000
Restoration of Beloit's Turtle Island Park
$35,000
City of Stanley, Chippewa County
$37,500
And, of course, the famous Wrightstown Garbage Cans--for $47,000.00
Voter Intimidation: OK by Obama!
You've all seen the films of the voter intimidation in Philadelphia last year.
Justice Department political appointees overruled career lawyers and ended a civil complaint accusing three members of the New Black Panther Party for Self-Defense of wielding a nightstick and intimidating voters at a Philadelphia polling place last Election Day, according to documents and interviews.
...Career lawyers pursued the case for months, including obtaining an affidavit from a prominent 1960s civil rights activist who witnessed the confrontation and described it as "the most blatant form of voter intimidation" that he had seen, even during the voting rights crisis in Mississippi a half-century ago.
Looks like carrying weapons to the polling place will become all the fashion!
HT AOSHQ
Justice Department political appointees overruled career lawyers and ended a civil complaint accusing three members of the New Black Panther Party for Self-Defense of wielding a nightstick and intimidating voters at a Philadelphia polling place last Election Day, according to documents and interviews.
...Career lawyers pursued the case for months, including obtaining an affidavit from a prominent 1960s civil rights activist who witnessed the confrontation and described it as "the most blatant form of voter intimidation" that he had seen, even during the voting rights crisis in Mississippi a half-century ago.
Looks like carrying weapons to the polling place will become all the fashion!
HT AOSHQ
Cold Fury
Now that the Democrats have done their work under cover of night, Fred sent a letter.
You took fees that were supposed to sunset and diverted them into the general fund.
You raised already high health care costs.
You increased taxes on every cell phone and land phone.
You turned convicts back onto the streets.
You rewarded unions and trial lawyers while you screwed average taxpayers and saddled them with newly created fees and cleverly hidden taxes.
You made school choice harder to operate while you repealed the QEO which will send education spending spiraling upwards out of control.
Oh, there's more at the link.
The ending:
I am beyond outraged...
Join the club, Fred.
You took fees that were supposed to sunset and diverted them into the general fund.
You raised already high health care costs.
You increased taxes on every cell phone and land phone.
You turned convicts back onto the streets.
You rewarded unions and trial lawyers while you screwed average taxpayers and saddled them with newly created fees and cleverly hidden taxes.
You made school choice harder to operate while you repealed the QEO which will send education spending spiraling upwards out of control.
Oh, there's more at the link.
The ending:
I am beyond outraged...
Join the club, Fred.
Mark Pocan (D-Government) Is a Lying Sack
He probably said this with a straight face:
Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Madison), a committee co-chairman, said Democrats were proud to craft a budget that didn't increase the sales tax or raise income taxes for 99% of Wisconsinites
Uh-huh.
Evidently "99% of Wisconsinites" do not:
1) Have a telephone, whether land-line or cell, now subject to new and increased taxes;
2) Purchase gasoline, which will be subject to a new tax (IF you can find some...);
3) Go to a hospital, which will be paying increased taxes;
4) Live in a Wisconsin municipality or school district--ALL of which will likely increase taxes;
5) Put garbage out for collection; or
6) Smoke cigarettes.
Like I said, he's a lying sack. What the sack is full of is up to your imagination.
Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Madison), a committee co-chairman, said Democrats were proud to craft a budget that didn't increase the sales tax or raise income taxes for 99% of Wisconsinites
Uh-huh.
Evidently "99% of Wisconsinites" do not:
1) Have a telephone, whether land-line or cell, now subject to new and increased taxes;
2) Purchase gasoline, which will be subject to a new tax (IF you can find some...);
3) Go to a hospital, which will be paying increased taxes;
4) Live in a Wisconsin municipality or school district--ALL of which will likely increase taxes;
5) Put garbage out for collection; or
6) Smoke cigarettes.
Like I said, he's a lying sack. What the sack is full of is up to your imagination.
Sandhill Cranes in Brookfield's Big Swamp
Brookfield has a very large swampy area bordering the Fox River. As you drive on North Avenue west of Elmbrook Hospital and east of Barker Road, you cross it.
Spotted a pair of sandhill cranes (colors as in the above pic) yesterday, on the south side of North Ave, about 50 yards off the road.
Think Heller Was Final? Think Again
It's no surprise that US citizens are purchasing guns at the rate of 1 million/month lately...
Gun-grabbers for some time have worked assiduously to induce the United States to sign a treaty that would curtail drastically Americans’ gun rights. So far, the United States has avoided taking such a drastic, unconstitutional step. But the Obama Administration could well bring a reversal of policy. Obama may want to do an end run around American gun owners by signing such an international agreement and subverting citizen rights in that way. The administration propaganda nonsense that the Mexican drug wars are fueled with American firearms could be a prelude to such a program
If Obama manages to find a treaty which effectively invalidates the 2A, he may well sign it. Then it's up to the Senate to ratify the treaty; when that happens, the treaty, not the 2A, is 'the law of the land.'
Gun-grabbers for some time have worked assiduously to induce the United States to sign a treaty that would curtail drastically Americans’ gun rights. So far, the United States has avoided taking such a drastic, unconstitutional step. But the Obama Administration could well bring a reversal of policy. Obama may want to do an end run around American gun owners by signing such an international agreement and subverting citizen rights in that way. The administration propaganda nonsense that the Mexican drug wars are fueled with American firearms could be a prelude to such a program
If Obama manages to find a treaty which effectively invalidates the 2A, he may well sign it. Then it's up to the Senate to ratify the treaty; when that happens, the treaty, not the 2A, is 'the law of the land.'
"Powers" Suit Coming on GM/Chrysler?
This may become interesting.
A bipartisan coalition of 36 members of the House of Representatives--including 30 Republicans and 6 Democrats--has sent a letter to President Obama asking him to return to Congress its constitutional legislative authority to oversee the bailout of the auto industry
...“The president is being ill served by the auto task force. They’re making decisions that I think are making a tough situation much worse,” LaTourette told CNSNews.com. “Now the president has off-loaded it and delegated it to this unelected and inexperienced – at least as far as the car business is concerned – automobile task force.”
Talk about "unitary Executive..."! The key phrase is 'constitutional legislative authority,' of course.
A bipartisan coalition of 36 members of the House of Representatives--including 30 Republicans and 6 Democrats--has sent a letter to President Obama asking him to return to Congress its constitutional legislative authority to oversee the bailout of the auto industry
...“The president is being ill served by the auto task force. They’re making decisions that I think are making a tough situation much worse,” LaTourette told CNSNews.com. “Now the president has off-loaded it and delegated it to this unelected and inexperienced – at least as far as the car business is concerned – automobile task force.”
Talk about "unitary Executive..."! The key phrase is 'constitutional legislative authority,' of course.
Health Care Debate Heats Up
Paul Ryan and others have assembled a plan to counter GummintCare, and now the industry begins to take up the discussion.
Ron Williams, chairman and CEO of health-care giant Aetna, said that a government-run health care plan was not necessary to ensure universal health coverage, but that the government should establish a public-private partnership and build on the employer-based system to provide coverage for all Americans.
...“Generally, we much prefer public-private partnerships, focusing on how we get everyone covered in a non-partisan way,” he said.
“One model I would point to is really the Part-D drug program for seniors, which I think is a very good example of a public-private partnership where individual seniors who have the resources buy their own Part-D drug benefit and those who don’t receive some sort of assistance,” said Williams
Obama's fevered "do it NOW" cries are not going to be helpful.
Ron Williams, chairman and CEO of health-care giant Aetna, said that a government-run health care plan was not necessary to ensure universal health coverage, but that the government should establish a public-private partnership and build on the employer-based system to provide coverage for all Americans.
...“Generally, we much prefer public-private partnerships, focusing on how we get everyone covered in a non-partisan way,” he said.
“One model I would point to is really the Part-D drug program for seniors, which I think is a very good example of a public-private partnership where individual seniors who have the resources buy their own Part-D drug benefit and those who don’t receive some sort of assistance,” said Williams
Obama's fevered "do it NOW" cries are not going to be helpful.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
The UW's Illegal Abortion Plans
HT Kevin, following text from Wisconsin Right-to-Life. Looks like another "rule of law" deal like Doyle's: "I AM the Law."
The Wisconsin Right to Life ad exposes shocking information contained in internal emails between various UW officials regarding the late-term abortion plan at the Madison Surgery Center. The emails were obtained through an open records request.
"Christman's email yesterday to his squeamish colleagues attempts to quell their discomfort but instead, he has reinforced the facts that we have been bringing to the publics attention," said Susan Armacost, Legislative Director of Wisconsin Right to Life.
1. UW admits they will force employees to assist in late-term abortions which is contrary to Wisconsin state law and to the public promises they have made.
2. UW admits that late-term abortions are dangerous and that abortionist Caryn Dutton could endanger women's lives but they are pursuing these abortions anyway.
3. UW admits that late-term abortions are not medically necessary.
4. Christman states employees would be forced to participate in the case of an "emergency." But UW will not define "emergency." Because they have admitted these abortions are not medically necessary any actual emergencies that arise would have to be a result of abortionist Dutton causing injury to women or from the inherent danger of the procedure. Even Planned Parenthood has little confidence in Dutton's ability to perform late-term abortions.
5. Because UW has not defined "emergency," they will be able to define any abortion as an emergency and force employees to participate in an expanding number of circumstances.
6. UW is understaffing their late-term abortion plan to save money.They admit that the abortions are dangerous and that abortionist Dutton could seriously harm or kill women but they refuse to bring in enough staff to take care of actual emergencies. They are virtually guaranteeing that objecting staff will be forced to participate
Wonder why there are TEA Parties? It ain't just taxes, folks!
The Wisconsin Right to Life ad exposes shocking information contained in internal emails between various UW officials regarding the late-term abortion plan at the Madison Surgery Center. The emails were obtained through an open records request.
"Christman's email yesterday to his squeamish colleagues attempts to quell their discomfort but instead, he has reinforced the facts that we have been bringing to the publics attention," said Susan Armacost, Legislative Director of Wisconsin Right to Life.
1. UW admits they will force employees to assist in late-term abortions which is contrary to Wisconsin state law and to the public promises they have made.
2. UW admits that late-term abortions are dangerous and that abortionist Caryn Dutton could endanger women's lives but they are pursuing these abortions anyway.
3. UW admits that late-term abortions are not medically necessary.
4. Christman states employees would be forced to participate in the case of an "emergency." But UW will not define "emergency." Because they have admitted these abortions are not medically necessary any actual emergencies that arise would have to be a result of abortionist Dutton causing injury to women or from the inherent danger of the procedure. Even Planned Parenthood has little confidence in Dutton's ability to perform late-term abortions.
5. Because UW has not defined "emergency," they will be able to define any abortion as an emergency and force employees to participate in an expanding number of circumstances.
6. UW is understaffing their late-term abortion plan to save money.They admit that the abortions are dangerous and that abortionist Dutton could seriously harm or kill women but they refuse to bring in enough staff to take care of actual emergencies. They are virtually guaranteeing that objecting staff will be forced to participate
Wonder why there are TEA Parties? It ain't just taxes, folks!
Beauty in Liturgy
Benedict XVI, in Rome:
The centre of the life of the parish is, as I said, the Eucharist, and especially the Sunday celebration. If the unity of the Church is born from the encounter with the Lord, it is not secondary then that the adoration and the celebration of the Eucharist be very elegant, giving way to who participates in it to experience the beauty of the mystery of Christ. Since the beauty of the liturgy "is not mere aestheticism, but the concrete way in which the truth of God's love in Christ encounters us, attracts us and delights us" (Sacramentum Caritatis n. 35), it is important that the Eucharistic celebration manifests, communicates through the sacramental signs, the divine life and reveals to men and women of this city the true face of the Church
Yup.
HT: New Lit Movement
The centre of the life of the parish is, as I said, the Eucharist, and especially the Sunday celebration. If the unity of the Church is born from the encounter with the Lord, it is not secondary then that the adoration and the celebration of the Eucharist be very elegant, giving way to who participates in it to experience the beauty of the mystery of Christ. Since the beauty of the liturgy "is not mere aestheticism, but the concrete way in which the truth of God's love in Christ encounters us, attracts us and delights us" (Sacramentum Caritatis n. 35), it is important that the Eucharistic celebration manifests, communicates through the sacramental signs, the divine life and reveals to men and women of this city the true face of the Church
Yup.
HT: New Lit Movement
The Office of Social Innovation?
Interesting text, here....no?
The White House Office of Social Innovation and Civic Participation will coordinate efforts to enlist all Americans –individuals, non-profits, social entrepreneurs, corporations and foundations – as partners in solving our great challenges
...[It will] Catalyze partnerships between the government and nonprofits, businesses and philanthropists in order to make progress on the President’s policy agenda
Sykes is asking "Have we lost our minds?", and the question is apropos.
McCain is yelling "WOLVERINES" at the top of his voice. I'll join that chorus.
The White House Office of Social Innovation and Civic Participation will coordinate efforts to enlist all Americans –individuals, non-profits, social entrepreneurs, corporations and foundations – as partners in solving our great challenges
...[It will] Catalyze partnerships between the government and nonprofits, businesses and philanthropists in order to make progress on the President’s policy agenda
Sykes is asking "Have we lost our minds?", and the question is apropos.
McCain is yelling "WOLVERINES" at the top of his voice. I'll join that chorus.
Yield Curve: Good News or Not?
When you look at the chart, it's clear that a high yield curve (the difference in yield between the 10-year bond and the 2-year bond) generally precedes a period of growth.
That's good, no?
Maybe not this time--as the higher 10-year rates COULD be a result of major players avoiding 10-year bonds to stay short, in T-Bills or the 2-year.
See, e.g., yesterday's post here.
HT: CalcRisk
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Treasury Auction: Bad News
Ticker reports:
The Bond Market has had it with the games, and despite a "good" auction today signaled its disgust with the lies, the unending deficits and both bonds and stocks sold off at the same time
The 10-year bond went to 3.67+% rate (up from ~3.5%,) AND the Dow sank by 100 points.
That's the good news, relatively speaking.
Prime 30-year mortgage rates went from 5.08% to 6.52% overnight!!
No wonder Obama is playing with a national sales-tax (VAT) and mewling about being "out of money."
He IS 'out of money.'
The Bond Market has had it with the games, and despite a "good" auction today signaled its disgust with the lies, the unending deficits and both bonds and stocks sold off at the same time
The 10-year bond went to 3.67+% rate (up from ~3.5%,) AND the Dow sank by 100 points.
That's the good news, relatively speaking.
Prime 30-year mortgage rates went from 5.08% to 6.52% overnight!!
No wonder Obama is playing with a national sales-tax (VAT) and mewling about being "out of money."
He IS 'out of money.'
Federal Revenues Cliff-Dive
Hooboy...
Federal tax revenue plunged $138 billion, or 34%, in April vs. a year ago — the biggest April drop since 1981, a study released Tuesday by the American Institute for Economic Research says.
... 6 million people lost jobs in the 12 months ended in April — and that means far fewer dollars from income taxes. Income tax revenue dropped 44% from a year ago.
"These are staggering numbers," Lynch says.
Big revenue losses mean that the U.S. budget deficit may be larger than predicted this year and in future years.
Wisconsin's revenue problems are worse, of course. We showed a 35.8% drop, April/April.
But there is a commonality: both Obama and Doyle have 'Unicorns and balloons' revenue forecasts in their budgets for the next few years.
Both are wrong.
HT: AOSHQ
Federal tax revenue plunged $138 billion, or 34%, in April vs. a year ago — the biggest April drop since 1981, a study released Tuesday by the American Institute for Economic Research says.
... 6 million people lost jobs in the 12 months ended in April — and that means far fewer dollars from income taxes. Income tax revenue dropped 44% from a year ago.
"These are staggering numbers," Lynch says.
Big revenue losses mean that the U.S. budget deficit may be larger than predicted this year and in future years.
Wisconsin's revenue problems are worse, of course. We showed a 35.8% drop, April/April.
But there is a commonality: both Obama and Doyle have 'Unicorns and balloons' revenue forecasts in their budgets for the next few years.
Both are wrong.
HT: AOSHQ
How Marxism Morphs
As you can see, the Marxist/Fascist lies morph. The dangerous ones were the most recent: simply re-defining reality (epistomology) or ethics. Eventually, these changes will also fail, but the track record of morbidity from Marxism is serious.
HT: Fr. Phil
Doyle's "Rule of Law": Screw You!
Reminder: James E. Doyle is an attorney. Karl VonRoy writes about this sterling Member of the Bar.
During the 1990's, Wisconsin enacted legislation to encourage recycling and waste reduction, including prohibiting certain items from being placed in landfills and establishing financial assistance payments to local governments to operate local recycling programs. To fund these programs, businesses and municipalities pay a variety of surcharges and tipping fees on every ton of solid waste disposed of in landfills throughout the state. Essentially, tipping fees are taxes paid on garbage.
...In the 2007-09 budget, the tipping fees were increased from $3.80 to $5.90 per ton, a 55% increase. In the 2009-11 budget that is currently being debated, Governor Doyle proposes to increase [and JFC passed 5/23] the tipping fees yet again from $5.90 to $10.30 per ton, a 75% increase.
OK? Well, not really.
...between 1991 and 2008, $107.5 million was transferred from the recycling fund to the state's general fund to pay for programs completely unrelated to recycling, even though it is supposed to be a protected segregated account
...Doyle's budget proposes to take $27 million collected from the environmental management tipping fee to pay the costs of debt service on outstanding government bonds.
In other words, folks, he's stealing the money--just like he did to the doctors by "re-allocating" the patients' compensation funds, and just like his theft of over $400 million from the highway trust fund.
So tell us again about how "we should obey the laws," Jimbo!
During the 1990's, Wisconsin enacted legislation to encourage recycling and waste reduction, including prohibiting certain items from being placed in landfills and establishing financial assistance payments to local governments to operate local recycling programs. To fund these programs, businesses and municipalities pay a variety of surcharges and tipping fees on every ton of solid waste disposed of in landfills throughout the state. Essentially, tipping fees are taxes paid on garbage.
...In the 2007-09 budget, the tipping fees were increased from $3.80 to $5.90 per ton, a 55% increase. In the 2009-11 budget that is currently being debated, Governor Doyle proposes to increase [and JFC passed 5/23] the tipping fees yet again from $5.90 to $10.30 per ton, a 75% increase.
OK? Well, not really.
...between 1991 and 2008, $107.5 million was transferred from the recycling fund to the state's general fund to pay for programs completely unrelated to recycling, even though it is supposed to be a protected segregated account
...Doyle's budget proposes to take $27 million collected from the environmental management tipping fee to pay the costs of debt service on outstanding government bonds.
In other words, folks, he's stealing the money--just like he did to the doctors by "re-allocating" the patients' compensation funds, and just like his theft of over $400 million from the highway trust fund.
So tell us again about how "we should obey the laws," Jimbo!
"Different Judging" Why?
Sotomayor gets away with THIS?
Sotomayor also referred to the cardinal duty of judges to be impartial as a mere "aspiration because it denies the fact that we are by our experiences making different choices than others." And she suggested that "inherent physiological or cultural differences" may help explain why "our gender and national origins may and will make a difference in our judging."
Another round of PMS jokes coming right up, after someone else digs up the Orval Faubus quotes which affirm this woman's theory.
HT: Sykes
Sotomayor also referred to the cardinal duty of judges to be impartial as a mere "aspiration because it denies the fact that we are by our experiences making different choices than others." And she suggested that "inherent physiological or cultural differences" may help explain why "our gender and national origins may and will make a difference in our judging."
Another round of PMS jokes coming right up, after someone else digs up the Orval Faubus quotes which affirm this woman's theory.
HT: Sykes
Mandate: White Roofs
You have the spare cash for this, of course.
The White House was aware that U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu would call for flat-topped roofs (both current and new construction) to be painted with white reflective paint.
...Chu indicated that government regulations would most likely have to require construction firms and developers to paint the flat roofs of building white, and slanted roofs colors that would reflect heat and energy.
Don't forget to 'sister' a doubling of your roof trusses for the snow buildup/extra weight.
HT: AmSpec
UPDATE: He'll want the asphalt streets painted white, too--another really, really, great idea for snow-prone areas.
The White House was aware that U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu would call for flat-topped roofs (both current and new construction) to be painted with white reflective paint.
...Chu indicated that government regulations would most likely have to require construction firms and developers to paint the flat roofs of building white, and slanted roofs colors that would reflect heat and energy.
Don't forget to 'sister' a doubling of your roof trusses for the snow buildup/extra weight.
HT: AmSpec
UPDATE: He'll want the asphalt streets painted white, too--another really, really, great idea for snow-prone areas.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
UN Prefers Death in Third World Countries
This should come as no surprise.
In 2006, after 25 years and 50 million preventable deaths, the World Health Organization reversed course and endorsed widespread use of the insecticide DDT to combat malaria. So much for that. Earlier this month, the U.N. agency quietly reverted to promoting less effective methods for attacking the disease. The result is a victory for politics over public health, and millions of the world’s poor will suffer as a result.
The U.N. now plans to advocate for drastic reductions in the use of DDT, which kills or repels the mosquitoes that spread malaria. The aim “is to achieve a 30% cut in the application of DDT worldwide by 2014 and its total phase-out by the early 2020s, if not sooner,” said WHO and the U.N. Environment Program in a statement on May 6
Rachel Carlson's bogus science is a close second to AlGore's, for the time being.
AlGore's bogus science hasn't killed quite as many people.
Yet.
HT: GreenHell
In 2006, after 25 years and 50 million preventable deaths, the World Health Organization reversed course and endorsed widespread use of the insecticide DDT to combat malaria. So much for that. Earlier this month, the U.N. agency quietly reverted to promoting less effective methods for attacking the disease. The result is a victory for politics over public health, and millions of the world’s poor will suffer as a result.
The U.N. now plans to advocate for drastic reductions in the use of DDT, which kills or repels the mosquitoes that spread malaria. The aim “is to achieve a 30% cut in the application of DDT worldwide by 2014 and its total phase-out by the early 2020s, if not sooner,” said WHO and the U.N. Environment Program in a statement on May 6
Rachel Carlson's bogus science is a close second to AlGore's, for the time being.
AlGore's bogus science hasn't killed quite as many people.
Yet.
HT: GreenHell
Another Regressive Tax Increase in Wisconsin
It was reported over the weekend, but wasn't too clear.
Not only did the Joint Finance Committee (motto: "Smoke a joint, do finance!!") steal $20 million from cellphone users as Three-Card-Monte Doyle proposed.
They then re-instated the cellphone tax, UPPED it to seventy-five cents/month, and furthermore, applied the SAME tax to land-lines, too.
Meaning (of course) that the folks who depend on their landline (such as the elderly, by and large) will be paying a NEW telephone tax.
HT: Americans for Tax Reform
Not only did the Joint Finance Committee (motto: "Smoke a joint, do finance!!") steal $20 million from cellphone users as Three-Card-Monte Doyle proposed.
They then re-instated the cellphone tax, UPPED it to seventy-five cents/month, and furthermore, applied the SAME tax to land-lines, too.
Meaning (of course) that the folks who depend on their landline (such as the elderly, by and large) will be paying a NEW telephone tax.
HT: Americans for Tax Reform
Belling: Weakland DIS-Invited to NJ Abbey
So far, the disgraced Abp. Weakland is zero-for-two in fleeing to a distant Benedictine abbey.
Several years ago, his home abbey, St. Vincent's in Latrobe Pennsylvania told him 'they had no room' for him after his "retirement" from the Archdiocese.
Now, Belling reports (and the JS confirms) that the New Jersey abbot told Rembert that he was 'too controversial' for them.
Whassaproblem?
He won't be there all that much. Has a book tour to do, you know. Has to re-establish with his peeps--the rusted cutting edge of Leftydom--before they all expire of old age.
Several years ago, his home abbey, St. Vincent's in Latrobe Pennsylvania told him 'they had no room' for him after his "retirement" from the Archdiocese.
Now, Belling reports (and the JS confirms) that the New Jersey abbot told Rembert that he was 'too controversial' for them.
Whassaproblem?
He won't be there all that much. Has a book tour to do, you know. Has to re-establish with his peeps--the rusted cutting edge of Leftydom--before they all expire of old age.
Night Time Is the Right Time...for Democrats
Hey...guess what?
The Joint Finance Committee (motto: "Smoke a joint, then do finance") had scheduled today's Taxpayer Massacre meeting for 1:00 PM.
Nope.
It's not dark enough for them to come out.
The Joint Finance Committee (motto: "Smoke a joint, then do finance") had scheduled today's Taxpayer Massacre meeting for 1:00 PM.
Nope.
It's not dark enough for them to come out.
Sotomayer's Confirmation Process
Here's some good language for the (R) Party to use.
I believe firmly that the Constitution calls for the Senate to advise and consent. I believe that it calls for meaningful advice and consent that includes an examination of a judge's philosophy, ideology, and record. And when I examine the philosophy, ideology, and record of [Judge X], I'm deeply troubled.
--Senator B. Hussein Obama, on Sam Alito.
HT: Drew/Ace
I believe firmly that the Constitution calls for the Senate to advise and consent. I believe that it calls for meaningful advice and consent that includes an examination of a judge's philosophy, ideology, and record. And when I examine the philosophy, ideology, and record of [Judge X], I'm deeply troubled.
--Senator B. Hussein Obama, on Sam Alito.
HT: Drew/Ace
Why "Moderate" Republicans Are Despised
Take Ray LaHood.
Please!
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood told a group of reporters at the National Press Club on Thursday that he wants to “coerce people out of their cars.”
...LaHood, a former Republican congressman from Peoria, Ill., has become a champion of using the Department of Transportation and federal transportation spending to get people to take trains, busses, and ride bikes instead of driving cars.
Part of LaHood's problem is endemic to Federal employees; it's called "myopia." See, every single person in the whole country lives just like the hive-dwellers in DC.
“I mean, look, people don't like spending an hour and a half getting to work. And people don't like spending an hour going to the grocery store. And all of you who live around here know exactly what I'm talking about...."
Well YEAH! Nothing could be more conveeeeeenient than shlepping 5 or 10 bags of groceries while you're on the choo-choo or bus, Ray, you dumbkopf. (I'd enjoy watching Ray try to coerce my wife out of her car on shopping day. Girly-girl Republican would come out a distinct third place in that two-person melee.)
If it is not obvious, ol' Ray is not only myopic. He also has less analytical ability than a muskrat, and is perfectly comfortable using Big Gummint to solve problems.
One size fits all, right, Ray?
Especially if the 'one size' in question is really, really, BIG Gummint.
Please!
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood told a group of reporters at the National Press Club on Thursday that he wants to “coerce people out of their cars.”
...LaHood, a former Republican congressman from Peoria, Ill., has become a champion of using the Department of Transportation and federal transportation spending to get people to take trains, busses, and ride bikes instead of driving cars.
Part of LaHood's problem is endemic to Federal employees; it's called "myopia." See, every single person in the whole country lives just like the hive-dwellers in DC.
“I mean, look, people don't like spending an hour and a half getting to work. And people don't like spending an hour going to the grocery store. And all of you who live around here know exactly what I'm talking about...."
Well YEAH! Nothing could be more conveeeeeenient than shlepping 5 or 10 bags of groceries while you're on the choo-choo or bus, Ray, you dumbkopf. (I'd enjoy watching Ray try to coerce my wife out of her car on shopping day. Girly-girl Republican would come out a distinct third place in that two-person melee.)
If it is not obvious, ol' Ray is not only myopic. He also has less analytical ability than a muskrat, and is perfectly comfortable using Big Gummint to solve problems.
One size fits all, right, Ray?
Especially if the 'one size' in question is really, really, BIG Gummint.
The Idea of "Nation"
A very interesting essay here, as usual. Deneen asks good questions.
Our national self-understanding has been transformed over the past twenty-five years or more - from one bounded by particular stories of particular people, often with an emphasis on sacrifices made during war-time, instead to a nation-building effort to encourage allegiance to the idea of the nation, its animating ideals and underlying philosophy. As has been pointed out by my friend Mark Henrie, where once school-children learned about the lives and deeds of Betsy Ross, Paul Revere, and George Washington on or near the battlefield, now they are more prone to be taught (if at all) about the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and above all, their Rights as enshrined in the Bill of Rights (and, from there, their ever-greater realization through various emancipation and civil rights movements). The story of America itself is not a patchwork of stories, but instead a grand narrative that discloses - with Hegelian inevitability - the unfolding of an every more perfect natural rights Republic.
This emphasis upon the idea of the nation has been shared alike by liberals and so-called conservatives alike. If the Pledge of Allegiance was written by a socialist (with an aim to overcoming any particular allegiances people may have had to region and varying traditions), it is today fiercely defended by conservatives. Our liberals have as their hero Martin Luther King, and our conservatives, Abraham Lincoln - both because they advanced the natural rights Republic. If there is one main point of distinction between liberals and conservatives today, it is that liberals believe that the idea of the nation can and should be extended universally, while conservatives would emphasize its limitation to a particular nation-state. Neither is much interested in defending the legitimate place of smaller units within the nation - other than as administrative units. Both are attracted to the theory of America more than its stories, poems, places and songs.
That last red-highlighted sentence makes GWBush (and Limbaugh, by the way) into liberals.
But the question is legitimate: is it the duty of the US to enforce 'the idea of a nation' through military means, let alone exactly what are the elements of that "idea"?
Our national self-understanding has been transformed over the past twenty-five years or more - from one bounded by particular stories of particular people, often with an emphasis on sacrifices made during war-time, instead to a nation-building effort to encourage allegiance to the idea of the nation, its animating ideals and underlying philosophy. As has been pointed out by my friend Mark Henrie, where once school-children learned about the lives and deeds of Betsy Ross, Paul Revere, and George Washington on or near the battlefield, now they are more prone to be taught (if at all) about the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and above all, their Rights as enshrined in the Bill of Rights (and, from there, their ever-greater realization through various emancipation and civil rights movements). The story of America itself is not a patchwork of stories, but instead a grand narrative that discloses - with Hegelian inevitability - the unfolding of an every more perfect natural rights Republic.
This emphasis upon the idea of the nation has been shared alike by liberals and so-called conservatives alike. If the Pledge of Allegiance was written by a socialist (with an aim to overcoming any particular allegiances people may have had to region and varying traditions), it is today fiercely defended by conservatives. Our liberals have as their hero Martin Luther King, and our conservatives, Abraham Lincoln - both because they advanced the natural rights Republic. If there is one main point of distinction between liberals and conservatives today, it is that liberals believe that the idea of the nation can and should be extended universally, while conservatives would emphasize its limitation to a particular nation-state. Neither is much interested in defending the legitimate place of smaller units within the nation - other than as administrative units. Both are attracted to the theory of America more than its stories, poems, places and songs.
That last red-highlighted sentence makes GWBush (and Limbaugh, by the way) into liberals.
But the question is legitimate: is it the duty of the US to enforce 'the idea of a nation' through military means, let alone exactly what are the elements of that "idea"?
The Unstated Premise of Obama's "Less Abortion"
At the infamous event in Indiana, Obama emitted circumlocution and blather. But one phrase which will be recalled is something along the lines of 'let us work together to reduce the need for abortions.'
Sounds good.
Arkes gives us "on the other hand:"
...In the case of Obama, as with Clinton and Gore before him, the unspoken premises are again the most astounding – and even more astounding yet in being unnoticed. The techniques of contraception may work well or badly, as people seek, artfully or clumsily, to avoid “unintended pregnancies.” But it is simply taken for granted, as a point well beyond questioning now, that there is a “right,” even a “constitutional right” to destroy an innocent human life for reasons wholly of self-interest, indeed for reasons that need not rise above convenience. ...
Indeed. Obama's operating premise is that murder of innocents is OK, but less murder of innocents would be "OK-er."
And he's wrong.
Sounds good.
Arkes gives us "on the other hand:"
...In the case of Obama, as with Clinton and Gore before him, the unspoken premises are again the most astounding – and even more astounding yet in being unnoticed. The techniques of contraception may work well or badly, as people seek, artfully or clumsily, to avoid “unintended pregnancies.” But it is simply taken for granted, as a point well beyond questioning now, that there is a “right,” even a “constitutional right” to destroy an innocent human life for reasons wholly of self-interest, indeed for reasons that need not rise above convenience. ...
Indeed. Obama's operating premise is that murder of innocents is OK, but less murder of innocents would be "OK-er."
And he's wrong.
Sotomayer's Speech
Does it occur to you that "It's All About ME ME ME ME" is the theme, the sub-text, and the content?
Joint Finance: First, Smoke a Joint. Then Do Finance!
You really don't want to read this piece. That's OK--the guy who wrote it really didn't want to sit through 1/3rd of the Memorial Day weekend writing it.
Samples:
...No matter, we are going to roll up our sleeves, sharpen our pencils, and find a way to fix this additional $1.6 billion dollar deficit. $6.6 billion if you are a stickler for facts or accounting.
- $138,000.00 in savings over two years from the Medigap Helpline. Oh wait, the "savings" is lapsed into the general fund for other spending. Not a cut.
- $3 million in savings from the increased spending on the film production tax credit was going to receive. Hold it. That is a reduction in the proposed increase, not a cut.
Approved 50 new state-funded positions for indigent legal defense Because the current fiscal situation is so dire, the committee votes to delay starting these positions until 2011. Now there is some common sense. Good old fashioned credit card spending. Buy now, pay later. Will only cost us $4.4 million next budget. We don't have to worry about that for another 2 whole years. That is an eternity in politics
...The committee voted to support Gov. Doyle's new money for the WI Institute for Discovery
Gov. Doyle proposed and Joint Finance agreed to spend $8.2 million in general tax revenues on a new program to fund the WI Institute for Discovery (WID). Not sure how we continue to create new government programs at a time when we are not only flat broke but up to our eyeballs in debt? These new positions at the Institute aren't exactly "entry level" jobs, either. Seven new faculty members will be hired at the WID in 2009-2010, with average salary and benefits packages of $164,000.00 each. And don't forget the 14 "support" staff that the faculty just couldn't live or work without. Salary and benefits for each of these support staff will average over $128,000.00. Where does a taxpayer sign up for a job like that?
Oh, there's plenty more!!
MORE property taxes from new State-mandated benefits--health insurance for gay lovers and not-gay live-in lovers. MORE laws hitting a flea with a 155mm howitzer. MORE property taxes resulting from State mandates (garbage tax increase...)
Resume smoking your joint, finance committee.
Samples:
...No matter, we are going to roll up our sleeves, sharpen our pencils, and find a way to fix this additional $1.6 billion dollar deficit. $6.6 billion if you are a stickler for facts or accounting.
- $138,000.00 in savings over two years from the Medigap Helpline. Oh wait, the "savings" is lapsed into the general fund for other spending. Not a cut.
- $3 million in savings from the increased spending on the film production tax credit was going to receive. Hold it. That is a reduction in the proposed increase, not a cut.
Approved 50 new state-funded positions for indigent legal defense Because the current fiscal situation is so dire, the committee votes to delay starting these positions until 2011. Now there is some common sense. Good old fashioned credit card spending. Buy now, pay later. Will only cost us $4.4 million next budget. We don't have to worry about that for another 2 whole years. That is an eternity in politics
...The committee voted to support Gov. Doyle's new money for the WI Institute for Discovery
Gov. Doyle proposed and Joint Finance agreed to spend $8.2 million in general tax revenues on a new program to fund the WI Institute for Discovery (WID). Not sure how we continue to create new government programs at a time when we are not only flat broke but up to our eyeballs in debt? These new positions at the Institute aren't exactly "entry level" jobs, either. Seven new faculty members will be hired at the WID in 2009-2010, with average salary and benefits packages of $164,000.00 each. And don't forget the 14 "support" staff that the faculty just couldn't live or work without. Salary and benefits for each of these support staff will average over $128,000.00. Where does a taxpayer sign up for a job like that?
Oh, there's plenty more!!
MORE property taxes from new State-mandated benefits--health insurance for gay lovers and not-gay live-in lovers. MORE laws hitting a flea with a 155mm howitzer. MORE property taxes resulting from State mandates (garbage tax increase...)
Resume smoking your joint, finance committee.
Want A Nice Party? Go Armed!
Fischer observes a contrast which is telling.
One "family" festival in Greenfield featured forty arrests.
The other festival in Greenfield had ZERO arrests.
One "family" festival in Greenfield featured forty arrests.
The other festival in Greenfield had ZERO arrests.
The "Gitmo-Recruiting-Tool" Argument is Anonymous
Not "unanimous," but "anonymous." Byron York raises a very legitimate concern.
It is widely asserted that Guantanamo has been a key recruiting tool for terrorists around the world. Indeed, it has been asserted so often that the assertion has become conventional wisdom. But what is the source of the conventional wisdom? To hear Sen. Durbin and some of his allies in the Guantanamo debate tell it, the source is Matthew Alexander. Here's the interesting part: Nobody knows who he is.
"Matthew Alexander" is the pseudonym of a man who, according to an online biography, is a former U.S. Air Force officer who "personally conducted more than 300 interrogations in Iraq and supervised more than 1,000." He is the author of a book, "How to Break a Terrorist," in which he describes his part in the interrogations that led to the killing of al Qaeda-in-Iraq chief Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. He says he wrote the book under an assumed name for security reasons.
Using an "anonymous" source is not destructive of the argument ipso facto. But:
...when there is a consensus as widespread as the Guantanamo-as-terrorist-recruitment-tool idea is, it's often based on some sort of report, or extensive research, or key document. In this case, it isn't. There are certainly other arguments in line with Alexander's -- for example, former U.S. Navy general counsel Alberto Mora has said there are top U.S. military officers who believe that Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo have been responsible for "recruiting insurgent fighters into combat" in Iraq, and thus the deaths of U.S. soldiers. But a big report that can be studied -- and challenged? There's not one.
Not one. No corroboration, no "peer-reviewed" studies. Zip.
We note the total lack of concern from the MSM.....
It is widely asserted that Guantanamo has been a key recruiting tool for terrorists around the world. Indeed, it has been asserted so often that the assertion has become conventional wisdom. But what is the source of the conventional wisdom? To hear Sen. Durbin and some of his allies in the Guantanamo debate tell it, the source is Matthew Alexander. Here's the interesting part: Nobody knows who he is.
"Matthew Alexander" is the pseudonym of a man who, according to an online biography, is a former U.S. Air Force officer who "personally conducted more than 300 interrogations in Iraq and supervised more than 1,000." He is the author of a book, "How to Break a Terrorist," in which he describes his part in the interrogations that led to the killing of al Qaeda-in-Iraq chief Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. He says he wrote the book under an assumed name for security reasons.
Using an "anonymous" source is not destructive of the argument ipso facto. But:
...when there is a consensus as widespread as the Guantanamo-as-terrorist-recruitment-tool idea is, it's often based on some sort of report, or extensive research, or key document. In this case, it isn't. There are certainly other arguments in line with Alexander's -- for example, former U.S. Navy general counsel Alberto Mora has said there are top U.S. military officers who believe that Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo have been responsible for "recruiting insurgent fighters into combat" in Iraq, and thus the deaths of U.S. soldiers. But a big report that can be studied -- and challenged? There's not one.
Not one. No corroboration, no "peer-reviewed" studies. Zip.
We note the total lack of concern from the MSM.....
Ament Vindicated? When Slime Is Snow!
Gotta hand it to Tommy "I'll Steal ALL Your Money" Ament.
The onetime king of the courthouse is not even ruling out a comeback, though he said family and friends wanted him to stay out of politics.
Family, friends, and 99% of Wisconsin residents.
And just to show you how pure and clean he really is, check the red highlight here:
In an interview in his attorney's office, Ament insisted...
Actually, having Tom Ament crawl out from the primordial slime again will be the best thing to happen to Scott Walker since Tom Ament crawled INTO the slime.
Just paste that big old "Democratic Party of Wisconsin" label on his picture, where it belongs...
The onetime king of the courthouse is not even ruling out a comeback, though he said family and friends wanted him to stay out of politics.
Family, friends, and 99% of Wisconsin residents.
And just to show you how pure and clean he really is, check the red highlight here:
In an interview in his attorney's office, Ament insisted...
Actually, having Tom Ament crawl out from the primordial slime again will be the best thing to happen to Scott Walker since Tom Ament crawled INTO the slime.
Just paste that big old "Democratic Party of Wisconsin" label on his picture, where it belongs...
Monday, May 25, 2009
NML CEO Should Stick to Actuarial Tables
P-Mac points us to a letter from Ed Zore, CEO of Northwestern Mutual. (Scroll a bit)
It's really hard to believe that Zore wrote this:
As CEO of a major business in Milwaukee County, I know dedicated funding for transit is critical to the future success of my business.
As opposed to, say, good commercial-real-estate lending practices? Or savvy bond-trading? Or solid actuarial practice? Or excellent sales-forces nationally?
C'mon, Ed.
Next:
The local business community in Milwaukee is solidly behind the current RTA's recommendations to shift funding for transit to a dedicated sales tax. Many opponents of this transit proposal argue that shifting transit from the property tax to a sales tax is anti-business or will drive business away. That is categorically untrue
There's a reason for that: the "local business community" pays a helluvalotta property tax. They pay zero sales tax. In other words, "Please pay the freight, consumers, and I'll take the train, thanks!!"
Doh.
The best observation was made by Patrick, (of course.) You'll have to read that here.
It's really hard to believe that Zore wrote this:
As CEO of a major business in Milwaukee County, I know dedicated funding for transit is critical to the future success of my business.
As opposed to, say, good commercial-real-estate lending practices? Or savvy bond-trading? Or solid actuarial practice? Or excellent sales-forces nationally?
C'mon, Ed.
Next:
The local business community in Milwaukee is solidly behind the current RTA's recommendations to shift funding for transit to a dedicated sales tax. Many opponents of this transit proposal argue that shifting transit from the property tax to a sales tax is anti-business or will drive business away. That is categorically untrue
There's a reason for that: the "local business community" pays a helluvalotta property tax. They pay zero sales tax. In other words, "Please pay the freight, consumers, and I'll take the train, thanks!!"
Doh.
The best observation was made by Patrick, (of course.) You'll have to read that here.
Bolton as Isaiah; "Scholars" as Idiots
HuffPo expresses its confidence in precisely the Wrong Class:
Today, Bolton chose to growl at the old, but reliable, enemy of North Korea. This is a particularly vintage move when one considers North Korea already tried to strike fear into the hearts of Americans last month when they tested a missile that fizzled and fell into the ocean 1,300 miles off the east coast of Japan. Bolton's stance is pretty brave because his frenzied ideology flies in the face of scholarly counsel. ...B. R. Myers, a researcher of North Korean ideology and propaganda at Dongseo University, recommends America ignore Kim...
That would be on May 20th. Exactly FIVE days ago.
(Or about FOUR and ONE-HALF days before NK popped 10+ kilotons.)
HT: Legal Insurrection
Today, Bolton chose to growl at the old, but reliable, enemy of North Korea. This is a particularly vintage move when one considers North Korea already tried to strike fear into the hearts of Americans last month when they tested a missile that fizzled and fell into the ocean 1,300 miles off the east coast of Japan. Bolton's stance is pretty brave because his frenzied ideology flies in the face of scholarly counsel. ...B. R. Myers, a researcher of North Korean ideology and propaganda at Dongseo University, recommends America ignore Kim...
That would be on May 20th. Exactly FIVE days ago.
(Or about FOUR and ONE-HALF days before NK popped 10+ kilotons.)
HT: Legal Insurrection
Budget? Or More Policy?
WisPolitics tells us this is now a "budget" item, passed 11-4.
Hello, proptax increase!!
It requires contraceptive coverage for all State, County, Muni, and School District health and disability plans (with a few exceptions.)
Hello, proptax increase!!
It requires contraceptive coverage for all State, County, Muni, and School District health and disability plans (with a few exceptions.)
Memorial Day, II
Flanders is representative....Iwo, Antietam, Lexington, Pork Chop Hill, Hue, Baghdad...
In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
HT: Feddie
In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
HT: Feddie
The 10A Movement and TEA Parties
Interesting insight here from Ilana Mercer.
These days neoconservatives are celebrating signs of local self-government, not for love of liberty and an appreciation of states’ right, but because they mistake the awakening for a mere revolt against the ruling rat pack (Democrats).
The TEA Parties were definitely NOT partisan Republican events.
Ms. Mercer quotes Ben Shapiro.
Now states are surprised to find that their ability to resist federal directives has been all but extinguished. They are surprised that they are no longer able to set their own standards regarding social, economic or criminal policy. They are surprised that through a combination of moral blindness and drooling greed, they surrendered their role in the constitutional system
The 10A Movement, still somewhat beneath the radar (and completely somnambulent in Wisconsin so far) may capitalize on the TEA Party movement.
They have a lot more in common than one might think at first glance.
These days neoconservatives are celebrating signs of local self-government, not for love of liberty and an appreciation of states’ right, but because they mistake the awakening for a mere revolt against the ruling rat pack (Democrats).
The TEA Parties were definitely NOT partisan Republican events.
Ms. Mercer quotes Ben Shapiro.
Now states are surprised to find that their ability to resist federal directives has been all but extinguished. They are surprised that they are no longer able to set their own standards regarding social, economic or criminal policy. They are surprised that through a combination of moral blindness and drooling greed, they surrendered their role in the constitutional system
The 10A Movement, still somewhat beneath the radar (and completely somnambulent in Wisconsin so far) may capitalize on the TEA Party movement.
They have a lot more in common than one might think at first glance.
For Obama, It's Time to Re-Think Spending Priorities
Two items which are currently of interest.
Five specific missile defense components are forecast to be the battlegrounds during this year’s debate.
Obama’s budget plan would reduce the planned number of deployed ground-based missile interceptors in Alaska and California from 44 to 30, keeping the remainder as backups or testing devices.
Many GOP lawmakers are angered at the move.
“This is the one system that protects the homeland from ICBMs that’s completely on our land, our territory, that’s under our control without having to ask permission to place it in a foreign nation,” said Sen. Jeff Sessions , R-Ala.
The president’s budget also would kill two problem-plagued futuristic technology programs: the Kinetic Energy Interceptor (KEI), which was meant to hit missiles in their earliest stage, and the Multiple Kill Vehicle program, which was conceived to hit multiple incoming warheads at once.
Sen. Richard C. Shelby , R-Ala., wrote to the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) on May 13 calling on them not to halt the KEI project just yet. “Stopping work on the program now is irresponsible,” he wrote.
(N.B.: the M-16 rifle was also "problem-plagued" in its first couple of iterations. Ask anyone who was in VietNam about that first version of the weapon...)
I suppose that spending the money on ObamaCare is more important.
Does ObamaCare include fallout-sickness treatment?
North Korea claimed it carried out a powerful underground nuclear test Monday - much larger than one conducted in 2006 - in a major provocation in the escalating international standoff over its rogue nuclear and missile programs.
Pyongyang announced the test, and Russia's Defense Ministry confirmed an atomic explosion at 9:54 a.m. (0054 GMT) in northeastern North Korea, estimating the blast's yield at 10 to 20 kilotons - comparable to the bombs that flattened Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
The regime also test-fired three short-range, ground-to-air missiles later Monday from the same northeastern site where it launched a rocket last month, the Yonhap news agency reported, citing unnamed sources. The rocket liftoff, widely believed to be a cover for a test of its long-range missile technology, drew censure from the U.N. Security Council
On the other hand, losing the entire population of Los Angeles could make health-care less expensive in the short run.
Five specific missile defense components are forecast to be the battlegrounds during this year’s debate.
Obama’s budget plan would reduce the planned number of deployed ground-based missile interceptors in Alaska and California from 44 to 30, keeping the remainder as backups or testing devices.
Many GOP lawmakers are angered at the move.
“This is the one system that protects the homeland from ICBMs that’s completely on our land, our territory, that’s under our control without having to ask permission to place it in a foreign nation,” said Sen. Jeff Sessions , R-Ala.
The president’s budget also would kill two problem-plagued futuristic technology programs: the Kinetic Energy Interceptor (KEI), which was meant to hit missiles in their earliest stage, and the Multiple Kill Vehicle program, which was conceived to hit multiple incoming warheads at once.
Sen. Richard C. Shelby , R-Ala., wrote to the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) on May 13 calling on them not to halt the KEI project just yet. “Stopping work on the program now is irresponsible,” he wrote.
(N.B.: the M-16 rifle was also "problem-plagued" in its first couple of iterations. Ask anyone who was in VietNam about that first version of the weapon...)
I suppose that spending the money on ObamaCare is more important.
Does ObamaCare include fallout-sickness treatment?
North Korea claimed it carried out a powerful underground nuclear test Monday - much larger than one conducted in 2006 - in a major provocation in the escalating international standoff over its rogue nuclear and missile programs.
Pyongyang announced the test, and Russia's Defense Ministry confirmed an atomic explosion at 9:54 a.m. (0054 GMT) in northeastern North Korea, estimating the blast's yield at 10 to 20 kilotons - comparable to the bombs that flattened Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
The regime also test-fired three short-range, ground-to-air missiles later Monday from the same northeastern site where it launched a rocket last month, the Yonhap news agency reported, citing unnamed sources. The rocket liftoff, widely believed to be a cover for a test of its long-range missile technology, drew censure from the U.N. Security Council
On the other hand, losing the entire population of Los Angeles could make health-care less expensive in the short run.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
We Just Made You Broke! Now, Off to Disneyland!
The progenitor of Obamunism bought a clue.
Well, we are out of money now. We are operating in deep deficits, not caused by any decisions we've made on health care so far. This is a consequence of the crisis that we've seen and in fact our failure to make some good decisions on health care over the last several decades.
That is a line deserving of utter derision. There are four-year-olds who understand that touching a hot stove results in pain. They do not blame it on Zombies, or the Weather Witch, or Lack of HillaryCare.
But since it's health care which has brought the economy to ruin (!!!), Obamamama has the solution: healthcare for all!
Drew comments:
Medicare is going to be broke in 2018, so naturally the only sane thing to do is put the government on the hook for even more liabilities. This whole idea that we can't get cost under control unless the government controls every thing presupposes that this is an area where the government has any competency at all. Where exactly is the proof of that?
Don't need proof, Drew. We have "Hopey/Changey"!
Now, where's the tickets for Disneyland?
Well, we are out of money now. We are operating in deep deficits, not caused by any decisions we've made on health care so far. This is a consequence of the crisis that we've seen and in fact our failure to make some good decisions on health care over the last several decades.
That is a line deserving of utter derision. There are four-year-olds who understand that touching a hot stove results in pain. They do not blame it on Zombies, or the Weather Witch, or Lack of HillaryCare.
But since it's health care which has brought the economy to ruin (!!!), Obamamama has the solution: healthcare for all!
Drew comments:
Medicare is going to be broke in 2018, so naturally the only sane thing to do is put the government on the hook for even more liabilities. This whole idea that we can't get cost under control unless the government controls every thing presupposes that this is an area where the government has any competency at all. Where exactly is the proof of that?
Don't need proof, Drew. We have "Hopey/Changey"!
Now, where's the tickets for Disneyland?
Insight on Obamunism's Use of the Artful Dodge
Levin's writing on Statism, (which has both positives and negatives):
For the Statist, the international community and international organizations serve as useful sources for importing disaffection with the civil society. The Statist urges Americans to view themselves through the lenses of the those who resent and even hate them. He needs Americans to become less confident, to doubt their institutions, and to accept the status assigned to them by outsiders--as isolationists, invaders, occupiers, oppressors, and exploiters. The Statist wants Americans to see themselves as backward, foolishly holding to their quaint notions of individual liberty, private property, family, and faith, long diminished or jettisoned in other countries. They need to listen to the voices of condemnation from world capitals and self-appointed global watchdogs hostile to America's superior standard of living. America is said to be out of step and regressive, justifying the surrendering of its sovereignty though treaties and other arrangements that benefit the greater "humanity." And it would not hurt if America admitted its past transgressions, made reparations, and accepted its fate as just another aging nation--one among many.
Levin's prose is a bit over-wrought; obviously, he's not a Catholic who has gone through 'examination of conscience.'
It would be polemically less satisfying but far more useful if Levin had simply ignored the Ninnies and Nannies of Suavity and Debonair-ity both here and abroad and contrasted the US with even higher standards than those of "Europe" and the "UN" (a body filled to the brim with rapists and thieves, by the way).
On the other hand, Levin has drawn an accurate picture of the Left-o-Statist propaganda of Obama and his allies in the Governing Class. It is very easy to find one or two (or several dozen) examples of INDIVIDUALS who are jerks--greedy, coarse, murderous, uncaring slobs--in the US' 300 million population.
But it is impossible to assign those faults to the US population as a whole.
And therein lies the rhetorical trick the Left has used to great effect: generalize the particulars. Sure, it's a logic error, but who cares? It works very well, indeed.
Levin should have rejected the Left's language; those who control the language control the debate. He should have, instead, pointed out the flaw in the argument.
"The decisions were made only after exhaustive legal analysis, and tacitly (or vocally) approved by ranking Members of Congress--our representatives, as you recall from your study of the Constitution. So you would ascribe evil to the entire population of this country, Mr. President? Would you say that our self-defense was malevolent from the start? That this country's population and leaders are immoral to the core?"
"We think not, Mr. President."
HT: Dr Sanity via McCain
For the Statist, the international community and international organizations serve as useful sources for importing disaffection with the civil society. The Statist urges Americans to view themselves through the lenses of the those who resent and even hate them. He needs Americans to become less confident, to doubt their institutions, and to accept the status assigned to them by outsiders--as isolationists, invaders, occupiers, oppressors, and exploiters. The Statist wants Americans to see themselves as backward, foolishly holding to their quaint notions of individual liberty, private property, family, and faith, long diminished or jettisoned in other countries. They need to listen to the voices of condemnation from world capitals and self-appointed global watchdogs hostile to America's superior standard of living. America is said to be out of step and regressive, justifying the surrendering of its sovereignty though treaties and other arrangements that benefit the greater "humanity." And it would not hurt if America admitted its past transgressions, made reparations, and accepted its fate as just another aging nation--one among many.
Levin's prose is a bit over-wrought; obviously, he's not a Catholic who has gone through 'examination of conscience.'
It would be polemically less satisfying but far more useful if Levin had simply ignored the Ninnies and Nannies of Suavity and Debonair-ity both here and abroad and contrasted the US with even higher standards than those of "Europe" and the "UN" (a body filled to the brim with rapists and thieves, by the way).
On the other hand, Levin has drawn an accurate picture of the Left-o-Statist propaganda of Obama and his allies in the Governing Class. It is very easy to find one or two (or several dozen) examples of INDIVIDUALS who are jerks--greedy, coarse, murderous, uncaring slobs--in the US' 300 million population.
But it is impossible to assign those faults to the US population as a whole.
And therein lies the rhetorical trick the Left has used to great effect: generalize the particulars. Sure, it's a logic error, but who cares? It works very well, indeed.
Levin should have rejected the Left's language; those who control the language control the debate. He should have, instead, pointed out the flaw in the argument.
"The decisions were made only after exhaustive legal analysis, and tacitly (or vocally) approved by ranking Members of Congress--our representatives, as you recall from your study of the Constitution. So you would ascribe evil to the entire population of this country, Mr. President? Would you say that our self-defense was malevolent from the start? That this country's population and leaders are immoral to the core?"
"We think not, Mr. President."
HT: Dr Sanity via McCain
Lefties Continue Social Engineering in "Budget"
Oh, yes, things can get worse.
Sen. Robson and Rep. Sherman offered a motion to fine pharmacies $2,500 for not having someone on duty to offer contraceptive drugs or devices to customers. (Passed, 12-4.)
That's certainly going to reduce the cost of healthcare!
The committee spent the last 20 minutes discussing a motion by GOP members to make welfare fraud a felony offense. It failed 10-6, with Dems Rep. Mason and Sen. Lehman voting with the four Republicans.
Sure wouldn't want to jail people who are stealing from the taxpayers. (Besides, if "theft from taxpayers" became a felony, it would have repercussions in the Governor's Mansion.)
Not only should pharmacies have two RP's on duty (one for babykilling, one for actual life-supporting stuff...) but they'll get slammed by the State's rebate system:
Gov. Doyle proposed to reduce funding by nearly $4 million annually to reflect savings from eliminating the 5 percent premium for pharmacies who dispense prescriptions under SeniorCare. Rep. Vos attempted a motion to delete the governor's proposal, but it was defeated on a party-line vote. The governor's proposal then passed 12-4
More:
Among other things, Sen. Miller's motion would raise tipping fees from $5.09 per ton to $13 per ton and reinstate the Clean Sweep program at fund it at 75 percent of the current level The LFB says the tipping fee increase will raise costs to municipalities by $63 million (Passed 12-4.)
This is the "dump on municipalities" motion.
Surprising note on "prevailing wage" deal which passsed:
...committee members negotiated the deal, but that groups like the Wisconsin REALTORS Assocation and operating engineers are supporting it. He asked those in the audience who support it to raise their hands.
What the Hell are the Realtors doing?
Continue reading this sad saga at Eggster's place.
Sen. Robson and Rep. Sherman offered a motion to fine pharmacies $2,500 for not having someone on duty to offer contraceptive drugs or devices to customers. (Passed, 12-4.)
That's certainly going to reduce the cost of healthcare!
The committee spent the last 20 minutes discussing a motion by GOP members to make welfare fraud a felony offense. It failed 10-6, with Dems Rep. Mason and Sen. Lehman voting with the four Republicans.
Sure wouldn't want to jail people who are stealing from the taxpayers. (Besides, if "theft from taxpayers" became a felony, it would have repercussions in the Governor's Mansion.)
Not only should pharmacies have two RP's on duty (one for babykilling, one for actual life-supporting stuff...) but they'll get slammed by the State's rebate system:
Gov. Doyle proposed to reduce funding by nearly $4 million annually to reflect savings from eliminating the 5 percent premium for pharmacies who dispense prescriptions under SeniorCare. Rep. Vos attempted a motion to delete the governor's proposal, but it was defeated on a party-line vote. The governor's proposal then passed 12-4
More:
Among other things, Sen. Miller's motion would raise tipping fees from $5.09 per ton to $13 per ton and reinstate the Clean Sweep program at fund it at 75 percent of the current level The LFB says the tipping fee increase will raise costs to municipalities by $63 million (Passed 12-4.)
This is the "dump on municipalities" motion.
Surprising note on "prevailing wage" deal which passsed:
...committee members negotiated the deal, but that groups like the Wisconsin REALTORS Assocation and operating engineers are supporting it. He asked those in the audience who support it to raise their hands.
What the Hell are the Realtors doing?
Continue reading this sad saga at Eggster's place.
Polling Signals Rightward Shift
Not only Rasmussen; Pew affirms.
Independents, who now make up 39% of the electorate, are "more skittish than they were two years ago about expanding the social safety net and are reluctant backers of greater government involvement in the private sector," according to the poll.
Among Republicans, self-identified conservatives have risen since 2000 from 60% to 66%, hopefully high enough to crowd RINOs off the top of the ticket next time around. Among independents, conservatives have risen to 33%, from 28% in 2007.
Wait until the inflation implosion hits.
HT: Moonbattery
Independents, who now make up 39% of the electorate, are "more skittish than they were two years ago about expanding the social safety net and are reluctant backers of greater government involvement in the private sector," according to the poll.
Among Republicans, self-identified conservatives have risen since 2000 from 60% to 66%, hopefully high enough to crowd RINOs off the top of the ticket next time around. Among independents, conservatives have risen to 33%, from 28% in 2007.
Wait until the inflation implosion hits.
HT: Moonbattery
Doyle's New Fraud Will Cost Fed Supports
Our Governor, "Bait-and-Switch" Doyle, is not only stealing money from cellphone users. He's also making sure that the State will not get Federal 9-1-1 assistance.
What a guy!
Doyle’s proposal to divert $100 million from a 911 surcharge to funding for local governments would make the state ineligible for federal 911 grants and remove an existing surcharge that saves 911 centers $7 million a year.
Let's not forget his outright theft of $20 million in refunds due to cellphone users, folks.
What a guy!
Doyle’s proposal to divert $100 million from a 911 surcharge to funding for local governments would make the state ineligible for federal 911 grants and remove an existing surcharge that saves 911 centers $7 million a year.
Let's not forget his outright theft of $20 million in refunds due to cellphone users, folks.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Rich Lefty Has Fix for Illegals' College Tuition
This happens once every 6 months or so....
A Lefty has the right idea! Of course, he/she/it had to go through several insults before arriving there, but I'll quote him from the combox:
Why aren't we asking the K-12 public schools to filter out the illegals?
I told him to write to Three-Card-Monte Doyle.
A Lefty has the right idea! Of course, he/she/it had to go through several insults before arriving there, but I'll quote him from the combox:
Why aren't we asking the K-12 public schools to filter out the illegals?
I told him to write to Three-Card-Monte Doyle.
Will Doyle's Wisconsin Lead This Parade?
It's scary enough that Obambi-Hopey-Changey could KO the US' credit ratings.
The dollar extended declines today after Treasuries and American stocks slumped on concern the U.S. government’s debt rating may at some point be lowered. Bill Gross, the co-chief investment officer of Pacific Investment Management Co., said the U.S. “eventually” will lose its AAA grade…
But if the US' rating is endangered, how much more so is Wisconsin's bond-rating?
The dollar extended declines today after Treasuries and American stocks slumped on concern the U.S. government’s debt rating may at some point be lowered. Bill Gross, the co-chief investment officer of Pacific Investment Management Co., said the U.S. “eventually” will lose its AAA grade…
But if the US' rating is endangered, how much more so is Wisconsin's bond-rating?
The New Economy Is Here!
For all those unemployed Masters of the Universe (see below post), there's hope, as Mark Steyn relates.
I was in Vermont the other day and made the mistake of picking up the local paper. Impressively, it contained a quarter-page ad, a rare sight these days
...the one real advertisement was from something called SEVCA. SEVCA is a "nonprofit agency," ...And it stands for "South-Eastern Vermont Community Action."
The designated "anti-poverty agency" is taking out quarter-page ads in every local paper because they're "seeking applicants for several positions funded in full or part by the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA)"
The first listed job?
"ARRA Projects Coordinator."
Gotcha. So the first new job created by the stimulus is a job "coordinating" other programs funded by the stimulus. What's next?
"Grantwriter."
That's how they spell it. Like in "Star Wars" – Luke Grantwriter waving his hope saber as instructed by his mentor Obi-Bam Baracki ("May the Funds be with you!"). The Grantwriter will be responsible for writing grant applications "to augment ARRA funds." So the second new job created by stimulus funding funds someone to petition for additional funding for projects funded by the stimulus.
The third job is a "Marketing Specialist" to increase "public awareness of ARRA-funded services."
Plenty more at the link. Think of it--this circus of Statism/Fascism will soon be arriving here in Wisconsin!
I was in Vermont the other day and made the mistake of picking up the local paper. Impressively, it contained a quarter-page ad, a rare sight these days
...the one real advertisement was from something called SEVCA. SEVCA is a "nonprofit agency," ...And it stands for "South-Eastern Vermont Community Action."
The designated "anti-poverty agency" is taking out quarter-page ads in every local paper because they're "seeking applicants for several positions funded in full or part by the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA)"
The first listed job?
"ARRA Projects Coordinator."
Gotcha. So the first new job created by the stimulus is a job "coordinating" other programs funded by the stimulus. What's next?
"Grantwriter."
That's how they spell it. Like in "Star Wars" – Luke Grantwriter waving his hope saber as instructed by his mentor Obi-Bam Baracki ("May the Funds be with you!"). The Grantwriter will be responsible for writing grant applications "to augment ARRA funds." So the second new job created by stimulus funding funds someone to petition for additional funding for projects funded by the stimulus.
The third job is a "Marketing Specialist" to increase "public awareness of ARRA-funded services."
Plenty more at the link. Think of it--this circus of Statism/Fascism will soon be arriving here in Wisconsin!
Where's the Sympathy?
Unemployment is awful, and frightening for most people.
Still, some war-stories just don't call up the sympathy reaction...
...Cavonberry’s, Yang’s 46th Street shop near the headquarters of the New York firm taken over by JPMorgan Chase & Co., once bustled with finance workers jostling to buy a barbeque chicken chopped salad and bottled water for $12. “They used to be turning them away at the door,”...
...In New York City alone, bonuses fell to $18.4 billion last year from $32.9 billion in 2007, the largest absolute drop ever, according to the state comptroller’s office...
On the convertible bond desk at Bear Stearns, traders made from $175,000 to $1 million annually, depending on bonuses, Irace said. He dined with co-workers at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House, home of the $55.95 porterhouse. Now he earns $75 to $175 a day at Kellenberg Memorial High School and often brings a packed lunch from home
Another fellow also suffers.
Earning less, the attorney stopped buying a daily venti black iced tea, unsweetened, from Starbucks Corp., which said Jan. 28 it will cut 6,700 jobs this year. He goes less often to Procter & Gamble Co.’s Frederic Fekkai salon in Greenwich, Connecticut, where haircuts start at $125. His wife’s cousin in Queens trims it
Even waitresses have taken a cut.
...Many nights, financial types crowded tables where “bottle service” starts at $250 for a Veuve Clicquot Brut Rose 2000 champagne, said Jessica Rosa, a waitress at the time.
It wasn’t uncommon to see someone with a black American Express Co. card ringing up a $30,000 tab, said Tim Gaglio, who helped start the restaurant and bar in 2006.
At the peak, Rosa, 30, said she made $85,000 a year working three days a week.
It's a struggle everywhere, no?
Still, some war-stories just don't call up the sympathy reaction...
...Cavonberry’s, Yang’s 46th Street shop near the headquarters of the New York firm taken over by JPMorgan Chase & Co., once bustled with finance workers jostling to buy a barbeque chicken chopped salad and bottled water for $12. “They used to be turning them away at the door,”...
...In New York City alone, bonuses fell to $18.4 billion last year from $32.9 billion in 2007, the largest absolute drop ever, according to the state comptroller’s office...
On the convertible bond desk at Bear Stearns, traders made from $175,000 to $1 million annually, depending on bonuses, Irace said. He dined with co-workers at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House, home of the $55.95 porterhouse. Now he earns $75 to $175 a day at Kellenberg Memorial High School and often brings a packed lunch from home
Another fellow also suffers.
Earning less, the attorney stopped buying a daily venti black iced tea, unsweetened, from Starbucks Corp., which said Jan. 28 it will cut 6,700 jobs this year. He goes less often to Procter & Gamble Co.’s Frederic Fekkai salon in Greenwich, Connecticut, where haircuts start at $125. His wife’s cousin in Queens trims it
Even waitresses have taken a cut.
...Many nights, financial types crowded tables where “bottle service” starts at $250 for a Veuve Clicquot Brut Rose 2000 champagne, said Jessica Rosa, a waitress at the time.
It wasn’t uncommon to see someone with a black American Express Co. card ringing up a $30,000 tab, said Tim Gaglio, who helped start the restaurant and bar in 2006.
At the peak, Rosa, 30, said she made $85,000 a year working three days a week.
It's a struggle everywhere, no?
Polls Look Good!
PowerLine reports some very good news.
By a 77 percent to 14 percent margin, voters say the big problem in the United States is politicians' unwillingness to cut spending, not the electorate's unwillingness to pay more taxes.
Gee. Search this blog for "It's the Spending, Stupid." (Modest cough...)
By a 47 percent to 18 percent margin, respondents believe the government will do a bad job, not a good job, of running GM and Chrysler.
By a 75 percent to 13 percent margin, Americans think it is more important to develop new sources of energy than to require auto-makers to produce more fuel-efficient cars.
Next question: does "new sources" include drilling off the coasts and in Alaska?
By a 66 percent to 24 percent margin, voters oppose a federal bailout for California.
It's increasingly clear that the next set of TEA Parties (July 4th) will be very, very exciting!
By a 77 percent to 14 percent margin, voters say the big problem in the United States is politicians' unwillingness to cut spending, not the electorate's unwillingness to pay more taxes.
Gee. Search this blog for "It's the Spending, Stupid." (Modest cough...)
By a 47 percent to 18 percent margin, respondents believe the government will do a bad job, not a good job, of running GM and Chrysler.
By a 75 percent to 13 percent margin, Americans think it is more important to develop new sources of energy than to require auto-makers to produce more fuel-efficient cars.
Next question: does "new sources" include drilling off the coasts and in Alaska?
By a 66 percent to 24 percent margin, voters oppose a federal bailout for California.
It's increasingly clear that the next set of TEA Parties (July 4th) will be very, very exciting!
Harvard Grad Legislation
You read about the proposal to require 2 weeks' paid vacation for everyone in the US.
What you didn't read was that the Congresscritter who proposed that is a Harvard grad!
So damn smart...
HT: Planet Moron
What you didn't read was that the Congresscritter who proposed that is a Harvard grad!
So damn smart...
HT: Planet Moron
Friday, May 22, 2009
Illegal, Shmillegal: Tuition Breaks for ALL!!
Besides saddling State taxpayers with gay-bennies for State employees, we will also be footing the tuition for illegals.
The provision allows for in-state tuition rates for people who graduated from a Wisconsin high school or received a GED from this state, have been in the state for three years after their first day of attending a Wisconsin school or prior to their receipt of the GED, and has filed to be a permanent resident.
...which happens to include illegal aliens.
Of course, Pedro "Shove It Up Your Colon" has a stupid remark:
Rep. Colon said that the policy, which has been killed in previous budgets, always "incites a lot of imagination." But he said critics have their "heads in the sand" need to realize that immigrants are in Wisconsin, and their children need to be educated.
...and that education will be at your expense, you damnfool taxpayers.
Did I mention that the State has a $6.6 BILLION hole in its budget?
RELATED: Last month, Wisconsin was one of 25 states with record initial claims for unemployment insurance resulting from mass layoffs, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Friday.
Wisconsin had 108 incidents of layoffs involving 50 or more workers at a single work place last month, according to the report. That's more than double the number in April 2008. Those actions resulted in more than 11,000 workers filing new applications for unemployment insurance benefits, up from fewer than 4,400 in April 2008.
That will sure help with income-tax revenues, no?
The provision allows for in-state tuition rates for people who graduated from a Wisconsin high school or received a GED from this state, have been in the state for three years after their first day of attending a Wisconsin school or prior to their receipt of the GED, and has filed to be a permanent resident.
...which happens to include illegal aliens.
Of course, Pedro "Shove It Up Your Colon" has a stupid remark:
Rep. Colon said that the policy, which has been killed in previous budgets, always "incites a lot of imagination." But he said critics have their "heads in the sand" need to realize that immigrants are in Wisconsin, and their children need to be educated.
...and that education will be at your expense, you damnfool taxpayers.
Did I mention that the State has a $6.6 BILLION hole in its budget?
RELATED: Last month, Wisconsin was one of 25 states with record initial claims for unemployment insurance resulting from mass layoffs, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Friday.
Wisconsin had 108 incidents of layoffs involving 50 or more workers at a single work place last month, according to the report. That's more than double the number in April 2008. Those actions resulted in more than 11,000 workers filing new applications for unemployment insurance benefits, up from fewer than 4,400 in April 2008.
That will sure help with income-tax revenues, no?
A Billion ++ In New Taxes for Gay "Benefits"
Sure makes sense to me!
The JFC voted to extend domestic partner retirement and group insurance benefits to state employees despite the objections of Republican members.
Sen. Alberta Darling, R-River Hills, moved to eliminate the provision, saying that while it "may be a good idea" this is the wrong time to expand state benefits to a new group.
But Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Madison, said the provision merely allows the state to catch up with other neighboring states who already offer the benefits, and that it gives "fairness to all state employees."
Rep. Robin Vos, R-Caledonia, said the extension of the benefits to same-sex couples flies in the face of residents who "voted overwhelmingly" against gay marriage
First off, Darling is wrong. It is NOT "a good idea," no matter when. And if Mark Pocan likes the neighboring States' bennie schedule, he could do us all a big favor and get the Hell OUTTAHERE!
RELATED: Last month, Wisconsin was one of 25 states with record initial claims for unemployment insurance resulting from mass layoffs, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Friday.
Wisconsin had 108 incidents of layoffs involving 50 or more workers at a single work place last month, according to the report. That's more than double the number in April 2008. Those actions resulted in more than 11,000 workers filing new applications for unemployment insurance benefits, up from fewer than 4,400 in April 2008
The JFC voted to extend domestic partner retirement and group insurance benefits to state employees despite the objections of Republican members.
Sen. Alberta Darling, R-River Hills, moved to eliminate the provision, saying that while it "may be a good idea" this is the wrong time to expand state benefits to a new group.
But Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Madison, said the provision merely allows the state to catch up with other neighboring states who already offer the benefits, and that it gives "fairness to all state employees."
Rep. Robin Vos, R-Caledonia, said the extension of the benefits to same-sex couples flies in the face of residents who "voted overwhelmingly" against gay marriage
First off, Darling is wrong. It is NOT "a good idea," no matter when. And if Mark Pocan likes the neighboring States' bennie schedule, he could do us all a big favor and get the Hell OUTTAHERE!
RELATED: Last month, Wisconsin was one of 25 states with record initial claims for unemployment insurance resulting from mass layoffs, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Friday.
Wisconsin had 108 incidents of layoffs involving 50 or more workers at a single work place last month, according to the report. That's more than double the number in April 2008. Those actions resulted in more than 11,000 workers filing new applications for unemployment insurance benefits, up from fewer than 4,400 in April 2008
Democrat? Or Robber Baron?
I didn't remember this. Discussing his book, Donkey Cons, the Winning McCain:
It is the most comprehensive of Democratic Party corruption ever published. In Chapter 2, "Rap Sheet," Lynn took on the task of counting every serious charge of corruption or criminality involving members of Congress since 1976, and found 46 Democrats to 15 Republicans. So it's certainly true that Democrats are the more criminal party -- by a 3-to-1 margin!
It would take Lynn several years of research to tote up all the State/Local corruption cases, of course, but if those odds (3-1) hold, we now know who the Robber Barons REALLY are.
It is the most comprehensive of Democratic Party corruption ever published. In Chapter 2, "Rap Sheet," Lynn took on the task of counting every serious charge of corruption or criminality involving members of Congress since 1976, and found 46 Democrats to 15 Republicans. So it's certainly true that Democrats are the more criminal party -- by a 3-to-1 margin!
It would take Lynn several years of research to tote up all the State/Local corruption cases, of course, but if those odds (3-1) hold, we now know who the Robber Barons REALLY are.
Let's Talk About "Scary" Language
This is Acceptable Terrorizing with words:
...James Lovelock, who believes that much of Europe will be Saharan and London will be underwater within 30 years; Sir Crispin Tickell, who believes that the United Kingdom's population needs to be cut by two-thirds so the country can cope with global warming; and Timothy Flannery, who warns of sea level rises as high as "an eight-story building."
You recall the more localized versions of the same--NYC would go underwater, the State of Wisconsin will become a savannah...
In contrast, this is UN-Acceptable Terrorizing with words:
“When an entire population is targeted by a terror network, nothing is more consistent with American values than to stop them,” [Cheney] said. He would make those decisions again “without hesitation,”...
Surely, you can tell the difference!
...James Lovelock, who believes that much of Europe will be Saharan and London will be underwater within 30 years; Sir Crispin Tickell, who believes that the United Kingdom's population needs to be cut by two-thirds so the country can cope with global warming; and Timothy Flannery, who warns of sea level rises as high as "an eight-story building."
You recall the more localized versions of the same--NYC would go underwater, the State of Wisconsin will become a savannah...
In contrast, this is UN-Acceptable Terrorizing with words:
“When an entire population is targeted by a terror network, nothing is more consistent with American values than to stop them,” [Cheney] said. He would make those decisions again “without hesitation,”...
Surely, you can tell the difference!
Doyle's Incompetent Bozo "Government"
HT Sykes...
Three-Card-Monte Doyle has mis-managed, tricked, twisted, and pissed away Wisconsin's finances for 6 years, resulting in a net-negative $6.6 BILLION problem. Granted, he was not alone in his chicanery and fraud--the (R) and (D) legislators were perfectly happy to assist him.
Doyle's "remedy" includes raising taxes, (of course.) He's also cutting spending (overdue by only about 20 years--thanks, Tommy "Stick-It-To-'Em" Thompson, you self-aggrandizing twit), and promising "enhanced" tax-collections.
Goody goody gumdrop.
In the meantime:
Shalanda Lock went by the name "Pleasure." Police and prosecutors say she danced in strip clubs and sold sex across the Midwest.
They say she was the madam, lining up hookers and prostituting herself, while pumping the proceeds into a criminal empire led by her husband, Michael Lock, the featured subject in this week's Journal Sentinel series, "The Preacher's Mob."
State regulators who licensed Shalanda Lock's Nuk Nuk's Childcare Development Center at 3800 W. Vliet St. learned of nearly a dozen pending prostitution charges against Lock in 2007, just months after they first licensed her.
But Lock was allowed to continue running the center and collected nearly $380,000 in taxpayer money from Wisconsin Shares, the state program that subsidizes child care for low-income working families.
She stayed in business even as regulators learned she had abused or neglected her children.
The state cut off Lock's public funding this week after questioning by the Journal Sentinel.
No, she was not the Lone Ranger.
Nicole Brown, owner of Jasmine's Learning House near N. 35th and W. Congress streets, admitted using her day care center to falsify employment records as part of Lock's scheme to defraud mortgage lenders. Records and interviews show she may also be scamming the Wisconsin Shares program.
At the time of the federal indictment in 2007, Brown and other participants in the scheme had spurred lenders to advance more than $2 million in loans based on fraudulent representations.
Brown pleaded guilty and was convicted in 2008. She is awaiting sentencing.
But that hasn't interfered with her day care operation. Brown took in more than $1.1 million in taxpayer money from 2006 to '08 and is on pace to make at least $400,000 in 2009 if her billing continues as it has in recent weeks.
State regulators initially revoked her day care license, saying "her actions and criminal activity are directly and substantially related to the care of children and activities of a center."
The charges raise concerns about her ability to conduct business in an "ethical and honest manner and constitute proper grounds for revocation of her license to operate Jasmine's Learning House," regulators wrote in a December 2007 letter.
Yet in July 2008 they reversed the decision and allowed her to reopen with a few conditions. The main one forbids her from allowing any of the people involved in the scheme from being on the day care premises.
Yup. And as you recall, Doyle's sterling crew had OTHER similar problems in Kenosha
A Kenosha County child-care provider whose fraudulent activity was detailed in a Journal Sentinel series this year is back in business - billing the state for more than $1,400 in recent weeks.
Angela Hale never officially shut down her day care operation but stopped billing after the newspaper detailed how she charged the state when she wasn't actually taking care of children.
Perhaps the JS folks could add up all the numbers in the day-care fraud stories they've printed; it might help Doyle's Incompetent-Boob Brigade to cut spending.
Or maybe not.
Three-Card-Monte Doyle has mis-managed, tricked, twisted, and pissed away Wisconsin's finances for 6 years, resulting in a net-negative $6.6 BILLION problem. Granted, he was not alone in his chicanery and fraud--the (R) and (D) legislators were perfectly happy to assist him.
Doyle's "remedy" includes raising taxes, (of course.) He's also cutting spending (overdue by only about 20 years--thanks, Tommy "Stick-It-To-'Em" Thompson, you self-aggrandizing twit), and promising "enhanced" tax-collections.
Goody goody gumdrop.
In the meantime:
Shalanda Lock went by the name "Pleasure." Police and prosecutors say she danced in strip clubs and sold sex across the Midwest.
They say she was the madam, lining up hookers and prostituting herself, while pumping the proceeds into a criminal empire led by her husband, Michael Lock, the featured subject in this week's Journal Sentinel series, "The Preacher's Mob."
State regulators who licensed Shalanda Lock's Nuk Nuk's Childcare Development Center at 3800 W. Vliet St. learned of nearly a dozen pending prostitution charges against Lock in 2007, just months after they first licensed her.
But Lock was allowed to continue running the center and collected nearly $380,000 in taxpayer money from Wisconsin Shares, the state program that subsidizes child care for low-income working families.
She stayed in business even as regulators learned she had abused or neglected her children.
The state cut off Lock's public funding this week after questioning by the Journal Sentinel.
No, she was not the Lone Ranger.
Nicole Brown, owner of Jasmine's Learning House near N. 35th and W. Congress streets, admitted using her day care center to falsify employment records as part of Lock's scheme to defraud mortgage lenders. Records and interviews show she may also be scamming the Wisconsin Shares program.
At the time of the federal indictment in 2007, Brown and other participants in the scheme had spurred lenders to advance more than $2 million in loans based on fraudulent representations.
Brown pleaded guilty and was convicted in 2008. She is awaiting sentencing.
But that hasn't interfered with her day care operation. Brown took in more than $1.1 million in taxpayer money from 2006 to '08 and is on pace to make at least $400,000 in 2009 if her billing continues as it has in recent weeks.
State regulators initially revoked her day care license, saying "her actions and criminal activity are directly and substantially related to the care of children and activities of a center."
The charges raise concerns about her ability to conduct business in an "ethical and honest manner and constitute proper grounds for revocation of her license to operate Jasmine's Learning House," regulators wrote in a December 2007 letter.
Yet in July 2008 they reversed the decision and allowed her to reopen with a few conditions. The main one forbids her from allowing any of the people involved in the scheme from being on the day care premises.
Yup. And as you recall, Doyle's sterling crew had OTHER similar problems in Kenosha
A Kenosha County child-care provider whose fraudulent activity was detailed in a Journal Sentinel series this year is back in business - billing the state for more than $1,400 in recent weeks.
Angela Hale never officially shut down her day care operation but stopped billing after the newspaper detailed how she charged the state when she wasn't actually taking care of children.
Perhaps the JS folks could add up all the numbers in the day-care fraud stories they've printed; it might help Doyle's Incompetent-Boob Brigade to cut spending.
Or maybe not.
Southridge a "Dead Mall"?
Interesting...
This map/chart tells us that Southridge may be a "dead mall."
The main story makes a few points, one of which is that enclosed malls are .....not so hot, and that if the mall isn't turning $284.00/square foot, it's simply not viable.
Evidently Southridge is not hitting the nut.
HT: CalcRisk
This map/chart tells us that Southridge may be a "dead mall."
The main story makes a few points, one of which is that enclosed malls are .....not so hot, and that if the mall isn't turning $284.00/square foot, it's simply not viable.
Evidently Southridge is not hitting the nut.
HT: CalcRisk
Clarke's Very Good Question
The JS has been running a series on a dirtball named Lock.
Seems that Lock was under investigation a long time ago--but that investigation was terminated.
The Milwaukee County drug unit began a case on Lock in 1999, led by sheriff's Detective Daniel Ornelas. A secret John Doe court proceeding, reserved for the biggest cases, was convened to aid the investigation. Authorities worried that Lock, who had relatives on the Milwaukee Police Department, might otherwise get tipped off.
Investigators learned Lock was moving 10 pounds of cocaine a week and laundering hundreds of thousands through legitimate-looking businesses. But they shut down the investigation in 2001. It would be six more years before Lock was charged with a long list of offenses, including homicides from 1999 and 2000.
[The lead investigator] Ornelas said he was ordered off the drug unit and told to close any open cases, including Lock's. He said he doesn't know who made that decision.
Clarke, who became sheriff in 2002, said he will inquire about who decided to close the Lock matter.
"There are obviously some things here that raise legitimate questions," Clarke said.
No kidding!
Seems that Lock was under investigation a long time ago--but that investigation was terminated.
The Milwaukee County drug unit began a case on Lock in 1999, led by sheriff's Detective Daniel Ornelas. A secret John Doe court proceeding, reserved for the biggest cases, was convened to aid the investigation. Authorities worried that Lock, who had relatives on the Milwaukee Police Department, might otherwise get tipped off.
Investigators learned Lock was moving 10 pounds of cocaine a week and laundering hundreds of thousands through legitimate-looking businesses. But they shut down the investigation in 2001. It would be six more years before Lock was charged with a long list of offenses, including homicides from 1999 and 2000.
[The lead investigator] Ornelas said he was ordered off the drug unit and told to close any open cases, including Lock's. He said he doesn't know who made that decision.
Clarke, who became sheriff in 2002, said he will inquire about who decided to close the Lock matter.
"There are obviously some things here that raise legitimate questions," Clarke said.
No kidding!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
I'll Take "National Security" For a Lifetime, Alex
Yah. I read both speeches.
Obama can call names all day long, and prissy-pansy-patty-cake with the language all he wants.
But it's my wife and kids I care about. Not some grubslug Muslim terrorbangers.
Cheney was right. Whatever GWB did to AlQuaeda worked.
Prissy-pansy-patty-cake will NOT work. Period.
And Obama knows it--or he would not have retained "renditions," "aggressive interrogation," and military courts for non-state actors.
On those items, he's right. Now maybe he'll man up and admit that Bush and Cheney were right, too.
Or maybe not.
Obama can call names all day long, and prissy-pansy-patty-cake with the language all he wants.
But it's my wife and kids I care about. Not some grubslug Muslim terrorbangers.
Cheney was right. Whatever GWB did to AlQuaeda worked.
Prissy-pansy-patty-cake will NOT work. Period.
And Obama knows it--or he would not have retained "renditions," "aggressive interrogation," and military courts for non-state actors.
On those items, he's right. Now maybe he'll man up and admit that Bush and Cheney were right, too.
Or maybe not.
Response to the Sex Abuse Scandal
Here's the Archbishop's thoughts on revelation of sex-abuses:
Asked whether those who perpetrated violence and abuse should be held to account, he said: "Yes they should, no matter how long ago it happened.
"In this country now we have a very steady and reliable system of co-operation with police and social services who actually now hold us in good regard.
"They know that we are reliable and trustworthy partners. Those that abused the trust that was placed in them should be brought to public account."
Asked whether legal and police process should take place, he said: "Yes, absolutely. If the offences are such that demand that."
No, not Rembert Weakland.
The Abp. of Westminster, Vincent Nichols.
Asked whether those who perpetrated violence and abuse should be held to account, he said: "Yes they should, no matter how long ago it happened.
"In this country now we have a very steady and reliable system of co-operation with police and social services who actually now hold us in good regard.
"They know that we are reliable and trustworthy partners. Those that abused the trust that was placed in them should be brought to public account."
Asked whether legal and police process should take place, he said: "Yes, absolutely. If the offences are such that demand that."
No, not Rembert Weakland.
The Abp. of Westminster, Vincent Nichols.
Coulter on Notre Shame
She makes a good point.
...According to liberals, the right to kill babies was enshrined by the Founding Fathers in our Constitution -- and other constitutional rights are celebrated in public.
...So instead of inviting a constitutional lawyer to yammer on about this purported constitutional right, why not show it being practiced?
How about a 21-vacuum hose (D&C) salute? Maybe have the Notre Dame marching band form a giant skull-piercing fork? How about having the president throw out the ceremonial first fetus, like on opening day in baseball?
...With Roe v. Wade, abortion supporters ripped the issue out of the democratic process -- limb from limb, you might say -- and declared their desired outcome a "constitutional right." They have hysterically defended that lawless decision for the last quarter-century.
All of Obama's soothing words about joining hands and not demonizing one another are just blather as long as that legal monstrosity remains the law of the land.
Showing his open-mindedness, Obama asked, "How does each of us remain firm in our principles ... without demonizing those with just as strongly held convictions on the other side?" (What do I have to do to get you murderers and you non-murderers to shake hands and be friends?)
A good start would be letting us vote.
Actually, she's too kind--both to Obama AND to Notre Dame's Jenkins.
Go to the link. There's lots more there!
HT: Cavey & Co.
...According to liberals, the right to kill babies was enshrined by the Founding Fathers in our Constitution -- and other constitutional rights are celebrated in public.
...So instead of inviting a constitutional lawyer to yammer on about this purported constitutional right, why not show it being practiced?
How about a 21-vacuum hose (D&C) salute? Maybe have the Notre Dame marching band form a giant skull-piercing fork? How about having the president throw out the ceremonial first fetus, like on opening day in baseball?
...With Roe v. Wade, abortion supporters ripped the issue out of the democratic process -- limb from limb, you might say -- and declared their desired outcome a "constitutional right." They have hysterically defended that lawless decision for the last quarter-century.
All of Obama's soothing words about joining hands and not demonizing one another are just blather as long as that legal monstrosity remains the law of the land.
Showing his open-mindedness, Obama asked, "How does each of us remain firm in our principles ... without demonizing those with just as strongly held convictions on the other side?" (What do I have to do to get you murderers and you non-murderers to shake hands and be friends?)
A good start would be letting us vote.
Actually, she's too kind--both to Obama AND to Notre Dame's Jenkins.
Go to the link. There's lots more there!
HT: Cavey & Co.
Abstinence Education Works
But of course, in Wisconsin, we don't bother with 'abstinence education.'
...I ran the latest abortion numbers from All the states which reported to the CDC in 2005. I compared the teen abortion rates of the (17) states which reject abstinence only education funds with those ( 31) which accept them, using the 2002 census estimation. I discovered that the 2005 abortion rates for teens were 46% higher in states which reject funding for abstinence only when compared to those which accept them.
AZ, CA, CO, CT, IA, MA, ME, MN, MT, NJ, NM, NY, OH, RI, VA, WI and WY (fund rejecting states) need to stop playing politics.
Nice chart on the linked page, too!
Since abortions are a revenue source for Planned Parenthood, it's possible that Doyle is trading dead babies for campaign donations, no?
HT: CosmosLiturgy
...I ran the latest abortion numbers from All the states which reported to the CDC in 2005. I compared the teen abortion rates of the (17) states which reject abstinence only education funds with those ( 31) which accept them, using the 2002 census estimation. I discovered that the 2005 abortion rates for teens were 46% higher in states which reject funding for abstinence only when compared to those which accept them.
AZ, CA, CO, CT, IA, MA, ME, MN, MT, NJ, NM, NY, OH, RI, VA, WI and WY (fund rejecting states) need to stop playing politics.
Nice chart on the linked page, too!
Since abortions are a revenue source for Planned Parenthood, it's possible that Doyle is trading dead babies for campaign donations, no?
HT: CosmosLiturgy
Actual Journalism on Doyle's Milwaukee Appearance
...but not reported in the JSOnline...
Doyle was in Milwaukee Monday to sign his smoking ban. He was met by an angry crowd, and slunk in the back of the restaurant where he signed the bill, then slunk back out the same way. And all the passersby cheered the protesters!
Gee.
I'm with Wiggy on recalling Doyle--it's emotionally appealing, but intellectually.........not so much.
I'd rather keep him in office where he can be the target for rotten tomatoes, pitchforks, hot tar, etc., when he "slinks into" public appearances by the back door.
That's an even BETTER emotional appeal.
FoxPolitics.net
Doyle was in Milwaukee Monday to sign his smoking ban. He was met by an angry crowd, and slunk in the back of the restaurant where he signed the bill, then slunk back out the same way. And all the passersby cheered the protesters!
Gee.
I'm with Wiggy on recalling Doyle--it's emotionally appealing, but intellectually.........not so much.
I'd rather keep him in office where he can be the target for rotten tomatoes, pitchforks, hot tar, etc., when he "slinks into" public appearances by the back door.
That's an even BETTER emotional appeal.
FoxPolitics.net
Rush Was Right...Ugh!
Limbaugh mentioned that Obama was likely to bail out Californicate.
At least the first half of that transaction is launched:
...with California on the verge of financial collapse, state leaders are demanding an unprecedented federal rescue of their own.
They say they need the Obama administration to step in and back billions of dollars in emergency loans. If Washington fails to do so, the state could start running out of cash in July and then would have to stop paying huge amounts of its bills. That, in turn, could set off dangerous ripples throughout the economy, state officials say.
The argument is familiar. Just like AIG and General Motors, California says it is too big to fail.
Hey, Bill Lockyer! Aaaaaahhhhhhhhhhnold!!
CUT THE SPENDING!!! And give back our dairy cows, dammit.
At least the first half of that transaction is launched:
...with California on the verge of financial collapse, state leaders are demanding an unprecedented federal rescue of their own.
They say they need the Obama administration to step in and back billions of dollars in emergency loans. If Washington fails to do so, the state could start running out of cash in July and then would have to stop paying huge amounts of its bills. That, in turn, could set off dangerous ripples throughout the economy, state officials say.
The argument is familiar. Just like AIG and General Motors, California says it is too big to fail.
Hey, Bill Lockyer! Aaaaaahhhhhhhhhhnold!!
CUT THE SPENDING!!! And give back our dairy cows, dammit.
Cap-and-Tax Costs ALREADY Going Up
Steve can darken your Memorial Day weekend here. I'll give you a quick preview.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), arguably the most prestigious engineering college in the US (if not the world) studied the cap-and-tax proposal.
Forget about mal-invested dollars which will chase rainbows, or investment-dollars drained out of the pot to purchase 'credits.' Those will only reduce US jobs by a couple of million over the next 10+ years. What the hey--a couple of million jobs...
MIT estimates that, AFTER savings on coal- or petroleum- or gas-fired heating and appliances, cap-and-tax will STILL cost the average US family around $3,900.00/year.
You have an extra $325.00/month to piss away?
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), arguably the most prestigious engineering college in the US (if not the world) studied the cap-and-tax proposal.
Forget about mal-invested dollars which will chase rainbows, or investment-dollars drained out of the pot to purchase 'credits.' Those will only reduce US jobs by a couple of million over the next 10+ years. What the hey--a couple of million jobs...
MIT estimates that, AFTER savings on coal- or petroleum- or gas-fired heating and appliances, cap-and-tax will STILL cost the average US family around $3,900.00/year.
You have an extra $325.00/month to piss away?
Cap-and-Tax Extra Goodies
The markups on Cap-and-Tax are flying into place.
I am NOT making this up:
...the Democrats have added an amendment to essentially require every new and existing home sold in America to be inspected and labeled as to its energy efficiency.
Maybe a nice red/yellow/green color code?
In addition, on a party-line vote, the Majority has included a mandated study on requiring all products sold in the United States, down to potato chips, to be labeled as to their CO2 "content," showing how much CO2 is emitted in the manufacturing of each product.
I'll guarantee you that NOTHING sold in the USA emits as much gas as the Democrats in Congress.
--Source: RedState Morning Briefing
I am NOT making this up:
...the Democrats have added an amendment to essentially require every new and existing home sold in America to be inspected and labeled as to its energy efficiency.
Maybe a nice red/yellow/green color code?
In addition, on a party-line vote, the Majority has included a mandated study on requiring all products sold in the United States, down to potato chips, to be labeled as to their CO2 "content," showing how much CO2 is emitted in the manufacturing of each product.
I'll guarantee you that NOTHING sold in the USA emits as much gas as the Democrats in Congress.
--Source: RedState Morning Briefing
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
New Hampshire's Problems With Gay "Marriage"
As reported by AOSHQ:
...the short version is that the New Hampshire legislature passed a marriage law last week which would allow gay marriages, but the Governor vetoed it because it did not contain strong enough religious conscience exceptions. He sent the law back with a suggested exception broader than the one they already had.
It was widely expected to pass and be signed into law by the end of the week. However, the New Hampshire House just rejected the new version of the law. This version was blocked by mostly party-line vote 188-186.
Seems that the Gay Activists will NOT accept 'religious conscience exceptions.'
Not too smart of them, was it?
...the short version is that the New Hampshire legislature passed a marriage law last week which would allow gay marriages, but the Governor vetoed it because it did not contain strong enough religious conscience exceptions. He sent the law back with a suggested exception broader than the one they already had.
It was widely expected to pass and be signed into law by the end of the week. However, the New Hampshire House just rejected the new version of the law. This version was blocked by mostly party-line vote 188-186.
Seems that the Gay Activists will NOT accept 'religious conscience exceptions.'
Not too smart of them, was it?
More on Homeland "Security"
He's the acknowledged expert in security, so the quote is worth pondering.
Bruce Schneier, an internationally recognized security technologist, said whole-body imaging technology "works pretty well," privacy rights aside. But he thinks the financial investment was a mistake. In a post-9/11 world, he said, he knows his position isn't "politically tenable," but he believes money would be better spent on intelligence-gathering and investigations.
"It's stupid to spend money so terrorists can change plans," he said by phone from Poland, where he was speaking at a conference. If terrorists are swayed from going through airports, they'll just target other locations, such as a hotel in Mumbai, India, he said.
"We'd be much better off going after bad guys ... and back to pre-9/11 levels of airport security," he said. "There's a huge 'cover your ass' factor in politics, but unfortunately, it doesn't make us safer."
IOW, spend the damn money on CIA/NSA (with the emphasis on humint for a change).
This is common sense. The way to prevent terrorism is to eliminate terrorists, not to inspect Granny Smith. The terrorist will simply take a job at an airport and blow up the plane on the friggin' apron if that's what he wants to do.
I repeat: Homeland Security was one of GWBush's most egregious errors, just as the EPA was one of Nixon's most awful stupids.
Bruce Schneier, an internationally recognized security technologist, said whole-body imaging technology "works pretty well," privacy rights aside. But he thinks the financial investment was a mistake. In a post-9/11 world, he said, he knows his position isn't "politically tenable," but he believes money would be better spent on intelligence-gathering and investigations.
"It's stupid to spend money so terrorists can change plans," he said by phone from Poland, where he was speaking at a conference. If terrorists are swayed from going through airports, they'll just target other locations, such as a hotel in Mumbai, India, he said.
"We'd be much better off going after bad guys ... and back to pre-9/11 levels of airport security," he said. "There's a huge 'cover your ass' factor in politics, but unfortunately, it doesn't make us safer."
IOW, spend the damn money on CIA/NSA (with the emphasis on humint for a change).
This is common sense. The way to prevent terrorism is to eliminate terrorists, not to inspect Granny Smith. The terrorist will simply take a job at an airport and blow up the plane on the friggin' apron if that's what he wants to do.
I repeat: Homeland Security was one of GWBush's most egregious errors, just as the EPA was one of Nixon's most awful stupids.
The Ryan Health Plan
Introduced in the House and Senate, this from the AmSpec. UPDATE: More here from Eggster, including links to Q&A.
The key to the bill is that it shifts the tax benefits for employer provided health insurance from corporations to all workers. As a result, every citizen not retired on Medicare will get a refundable tax credit of $2,300 per year for individual health insurance or $5,700 per year for family coverage. ...Workers with employer-provided coverage can keep that or use these credits to purchase their own preferred insurance instead. ...All consumers would be free to choose from the full range of coverage alternatives available in the marketplace, from Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) to Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) to standard fee-for-service coverage with different health provider network arrangements. ...Workers can take the health insurance they choose with them when they change jobs, as this new system makes such insurance fully portable.
The bill would also enable employers to devote a specified amount towards health coverage for each worker each month, with the worker to then use those funds to buy the health plan of his choice on the state Exchange, or outside the Exchange. This could potentially increase employer provided coverage quite substantially, because the employer would not have to carry the burden of choosing and administering a health plan, or commit to paying the full cost of such a plan, with unknown future cost increases. This would be particularly attractive to small and medium size businesses. Yet, the worker would still gain full control and choice over his or her coverage.
Insurance offered on the state Exchanges would have to be open to everyone, regardless of age or health condition. ...Each state would also set up an uninsurable risk pool, ensuring that a coverage option is available even to the sickest consumers in their state. Those without coverage who suffer costly and serious illnesses could always obtain coverage from the pool.
...in addition to the tax credits for health insurance, the bill would enable low income consumers to choose to receive additional funds from Medicaid to help pay for private insurance coverage, like a health insurance voucher. This would enable the poor on Medicaid to receive the same private coverage and care on the same terms as everyone else
...The bill would increase the monthly voluntary contribution limits for HSAs to $3,000 for individuals and $5,950 for families. It would also allow HSA funds to be used for health insurance premiums and innovative health plans targeted to serve the sick [These are tax-free funds going in AND coming out for payments--Ed.]
...Medicare includes an option for retirees to choose private coverage, called Medicare Advantage. Almost 11 million retirees have chosen such private coverage, close to 25% of all Medicare enrollees. The Republican plan would expand this option by allowing private insurers to competitively bid down the Medicare payments they would receive for providing the specified benefits. The insurers would also be able to modify benefits to provide more of what seniors are telling them they want, and then compete in the marketplace to sell those benefits to seniors. This same competitive bidding system has been in use for Medicare prescription drug benefits and is estimated to have reduced costs by 26%, with premiums charged to seniors 37% lower than originally expected. This private option would enable seniors to avoid the increasing threat of rationing under Medicare.
...The bill implements as well the health information technology theme that Obama has also so heavily touted, which has been advanced by others such as Newt Gingrich and Hillary Clinton going back many years. The bill proposes a health care ATM card that would access fully digitized insurance and medical records from each doctor's office.
The bill would also finance specific state programs to end lawsuit abuses and excessive malpractice costs. Each state's health commissioner could appoint an expert panel of three medical and three legal experts to recommend a quick, low cost resolution for each case. States could also establish specialized, expert health courts.
Another important innovation is the creation of a Health Services Commission (HSC) modeled after the Securities and Exchange Commission. The HSC, however, would not be regulatory. It would establish principles, standards and metrics for the reporting and publication of price and quality information by doctors, hospitals and other health providers, similarly to the Financial Accounting Systems Board for accounting principles. This would truly enable consumers to compare price and quality among competing providers [FINALLY!!!! --Ed]
All the good stuff, none of the trash that Gummint HealthCare is saddled with. You get to choose the plan you like, you get to put away large dollars in an HSA if you wish, your employer can significantly cut their expenses and STILL contribute to your health plan. There are cost controls through competitive bids, quality- and price-checking methods, and portability.
Wow.
Congrats to Rep. Ryan, Rep. Nunez, Sen. Burr, and Sen. Coburn (who is also an MD and knows a bit about healthcare.)
The key to the bill is that it shifts the tax benefits for employer provided health insurance from corporations to all workers. As a result, every citizen not retired on Medicare will get a refundable tax credit of $2,300 per year for individual health insurance or $5,700 per year for family coverage. ...Workers with employer-provided coverage can keep that or use these credits to purchase their own preferred insurance instead. ...All consumers would be free to choose from the full range of coverage alternatives available in the marketplace, from Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) to Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) to standard fee-for-service coverage with different health provider network arrangements. ...Workers can take the health insurance they choose with them when they change jobs, as this new system makes such insurance fully portable.
The bill would also enable employers to devote a specified amount towards health coverage for each worker each month, with the worker to then use those funds to buy the health plan of his choice on the state Exchange, or outside the Exchange. This could potentially increase employer provided coverage quite substantially, because the employer would not have to carry the burden of choosing and administering a health plan, or commit to paying the full cost of such a plan, with unknown future cost increases. This would be particularly attractive to small and medium size businesses. Yet, the worker would still gain full control and choice over his or her coverage.
Insurance offered on the state Exchanges would have to be open to everyone, regardless of age or health condition. ...Each state would also set up an uninsurable risk pool, ensuring that a coverage option is available even to the sickest consumers in their state. Those without coverage who suffer costly and serious illnesses could always obtain coverage from the pool.
...in addition to the tax credits for health insurance, the bill would enable low income consumers to choose to receive additional funds from Medicaid to help pay for private insurance coverage, like a health insurance voucher. This would enable the poor on Medicaid to receive the same private coverage and care on the same terms as everyone else
...The bill would increase the monthly voluntary contribution limits for HSAs to $3,000 for individuals and $5,950 for families. It would also allow HSA funds to be used for health insurance premiums and innovative health plans targeted to serve the sick [These are tax-free funds going in AND coming out for payments--Ed.]
...Medicare includes an option for retirees to choose private coverage, called Medicare Advantage. Almost 11 million retirees have chosen such private coverage, close to 25% of all Medicare enrollees. The Republican plan would expand this option by allowing private insurers to competitively bid down the Medicare payments they would receive for providing the specified benefits. The insurers would also be able to modify benefits to provide more of what seniors are telling them they want, and then compete in the marketplace to sell those benefits to seniors. This same competitive bidding system has been in use for Medicare prescription drug benefits and is estimated to have reduced costs by 26%, with premiums charged to seniors 37% lower than originally expected. This private option would enable seniors to avoid the increasing threat of rationing under Medicare.
...The bill implements as well the health information technology theme that Obama has also so heavily touted, which has been advanced by others such as Newt Gingrich and Hillary Clinton going back many years. The bill proposes a health care ATM card that would access fully digitized insurance and medical records from each doctor's office.
The bill would also finance specific state programs to end lawsuit abuses and excessive malpractice costs. Each state's health commissioner could appoint an expert panel of three medical and three legal experts to recommend a quick, low cost resolution for each case. States could also establish specialized, expert health courts.
Another important innovation is the creation of a Health Services Commission (HSC) modeled after the Securities and Exchange Commission. The HSC, however, would not be regulatory. It would establish principles, standards and metrics for the reporting and publication of price and quality information by doctors, hospitals and other health providers, similarly to the Financial Accounting Systems Board for accounting principles. This would truly enable consumers to compare price and quality among competing providers [FINALLY!!!! --Ed]
All the good stuff, none of the trash that Gummint HealthCare is saddled with. You get to choose the plan you like, you get to put away large dollars in an HSA if you wish, your employer can significantly cut their expenses and STILL contribute to your health plan. There are cost controls through competitive bids, quality- and price-checking methods, and portability.
Wow.
Congrats to Rep. Ryan, Rep. Nunez, Sen. Burr, and Sen. Coburn (who is also an MD and knows a bit about healthcare.)
One More Take on NotreShame
And since it's a very good analogical take, I'll swipe it (with credit...)
I see nothing wrong with swatting flies.
Let's say that you have a different opinion. You think the lives of flies are sacred, and therefore you think that swatting flies is grossly immoral. You hold this view with the utmost sincerity. Unfortunately for you, I'm making the rules. And I say:
You can't refer to fly-swatting as "murder." That would be "hate speech," inciting others to violence.
You can't interfere when I swat flies.
You must contribute to the purchase of fly swatters.
Now, with those ground-rules established, let's begin a civil discussion of the morality of swatting flies. There's no need for anger, recrimination, or name-calling. We have a sincere different of opinion. Let's-- oh, wait, excuse me a moment [thwack!]-- find some common ground
--Diogenes
I see nothing wrong with swatting flies.
Let's say that you have a different opinion. You think the lives of flies are sacred, and therefore you think that swatting flies is grossly immoral. You hold this view with the utmost sincerity. Unfortunately for you, I'm making the rules. And I say:
You can't refer to fly-swatting as "murder." That would be "hate speech," inciting others to violence.
You can't interfere when I swat flies.
You must contribute to the purchase of fly swatters.
Now, with those ground-rules established, let's begin a civil discussion of the morality of swatting flies. There's no need for anger, recrimination, or name-calling. We have a sincere different of opinion. Let's-- oh, wait, excuse me a moment [thwack!]-- find some common ground
--Diogenes
Economic Recovery Through Self-Dealing
Hey...why not?
Obama's "Economic Recovery Board" has 16 members, 15 of which support cap-and-trade.
Of those 15, four have large skin in the game.
Jeffrey R. Immelt, CEO, GE ("Green" Products, windmills);
John Doerr, partner at Kleiner, Perkins, Caufield & Byers (Financial partner of AlGore, $1Bn or so in cap/trade-dependent biz ventures);
Jim Owens, chairman and CEO, Caterpillar Inc (builds the machinery which will dig the holes for the windmills...);
Charles E. Phillips, Jr., president, Oracle (pushing his software as the "intelligent electricity management/control" management system).
HT: Green Hell
Obama's "Economic Recovery Board" has 16 members, 15 of which support cap-and-trade.
Of those 15, four have large skin in the game.
Jeffrey R. Immelt, CEO, GE ("Green" Products, windmills);
John Doerr, partner at Kleiner, Perkins, Caufield & Byers (Financial partner of AlGore, $1Bn or so in cap/trade-dependent biz ventures);
Jim Owens, chairman and CEO, Caterpillar Inc (builds the machinery which will dig the holes for the windmills...);
Charles E. Phillips, Jr., president, Oracle (pushing his software as the "intelligent electricity management/control" management system).
HT: Green Hell
"It Won't Work"--the Cigarette Tax Mirage
Aside from the cigarette tax being very poor public policy, regressive by its nature, and being a declining revenue source, the damn things DO NOT WORK.
Here's the 'need-to-know' line from a study commissioned by retailers:
A 2007 study by the American Shareholders Association found the average state cigarette
tax rate has more than doubled in the past seven years, from 42 cents to 92 cents a pack. Tobacco tax collections increased only 59 percent over that period. (P. 8)
In other words, the Law of Diminishing Returns is at play; cig-tax increases are only ~49.6% efficacious.
Of course, that also means that when Jim Doyle & Co. promise $Umpty-Millions in 'new revenues' based on their cig-tax increase, you can count on a general tax increase to make up for the deficiency in cig-tax revenues.
Or, I suppose, the State could actually cut spending.
Here's the 'need-to-know' line from a study commissioned by retailers:
A 2007 study by the American Shareholders Association found the average state cigarette
tax rate has more than doubled in the past seven years, from 42 cents to 92 cents a pack. Tobacco tax collections increased only 59 percent over that period. (P. 8)
In other words, the Law of Diminishing Returns is at play; cig-tax increases are only ~49.6% efficacious.
Of course, that also means that when Jim Doyle & Co. promise $Umpty-Millions in 'new revenues' based on their cig-tax increase, you can count on a general tax increase to make up for the deficiency in cig-tax revenues.
Taking Medical Advice From Musicians...
Here we have a Pontificator.
"If it's 2012 and our party is defined by Palin and Limbaugh and Cheney, then we're headed for a blowout," says strategist John Weaver, who advised Huntsman and was for years a close adviser to Sen. John McCain. "That's just the truth."
Umnnhhh......do I discern the name of a spectacularly-idiotic Loser here? Spelled M-c-C-a-i-n?
Another member of the Shrum club.
HT: McCain
"If it's 2012 and our party is defined by Palin and Limbaugh and Cheney, then we're headed for a blowout," says strategist John Weaver, who advised Huntsman and was for years a close adviser to Sen. John McCain. "That's just the truth."
Umnnhhh......do I discern the name of a spectacularly-idiotic Loser here? Spelled M-c-C-a-i-n?
Another member of the Shrum club.
HT: McCain
Rubio of Florida
This is the guy that the Nat'l "Republican" Senatorial Committee decided to squash with their endorsement of "Good-Times-Charlie" Crist.
The Winning McCain reminds us of the "Not One Red Cent" site, which is a far more polite version of what I might have told the NRSC on learning of their "Clubmember" endorsement.
The Winning McCain reminds us of the "Not One Red Cent" site, which is a far more polite version of what I might have told the NRSC on learning of their "Clubmember" endorsement.
The Easy Wisconsin Budget Fix
Headless assembled the numbers.
Since the solution is simple, it will never happen--but the numbers are mind-boggling.
Want a hint?
The average state government worker makes $50,350. The average private sector worker makes $43,889. That is a 14% difference.
That's the overall NATIONAL average, exclusive of benefits.
The difference in Wisconsin is much, much worse.
Since the solution is simple, it will never happen--but the numbers are mind-boggling.
Want a hint?
The average state government worker makes $50,350. The average private sector worker makes $43,889. That is a 14% difference.
That's the overall NATIONAL average, exclusive of benefits.
The difference in Wisconsin is much, much worse.
The Obama "Unitary Executive"--Far More Dangerous Than Bush
Interesting article here (HT PowerLine). The author (Goldsmith) served in the Bush Administration's AG office.
Cutting to the chase, the author describes Bush's most significant policies vis-a-vis terrorists and shows how Obama's "hopey-changey" Administration has differed. Mostly, it has NOT differed, as we know.
But Obama is far, FAR more effective in his propaganda effort. When the author remarks that the Bush Boyzzz 'shot themselves in the foot' in that regard, he's correct.
The contrast plays well for Obama's intentions.
The new president was a critic of Bush administration terrorism policies, a champion of civil liberties, and an opponent of the invasion of Iraq. His decision (after absorbing the classified intelligence and considering the various options) to continue core Bush terrorism policies is like Nixon going to China. Because the Obama policies play against type and (in some quarters of his party) against interest, they appear more likely to be a necessary response to a real terror threat and thus less worrisome from the perspective of presidential aggrandizement than when the Bush administration embraced essentially the same policies.
The word "appear" is portentous.
...the Obama administration is following the Lincoln-Roosevelt approach to rhetoric and public symbols. The president talks frequently about the importance of adhering to constitutional values, he worries publicly about terrorism policies going too far, and he suggests that he is looking for ways to keep them in check. He has said not a word about presidential prerogative in national security or the importance of expanding his power. Closing GTMO--especially in the face of loud opposition--is an important symbol of the new president's commitment to the rule of law even if the detainees ultimately receive no greater rights. The small restrictions his administration has placed on itself as compared to the late Bush practices are public indications of restraint,...
The word "small" is also portentous.
President Obama has not changed much of substance from the late Bush practices, and the changes he has made, including changes in presentation, are designed to fortify the bulk of the Bush program for the long-run. Viewed this way, President Obama is in the process of strengthening the presidency to fight terrorism
While Goldsmith essentially approves of Obama's policies on the terrorism front, it's worth noting that the "Unitary Presidency" thing has never been popular, and Bush's approach to exercising those powers showed an abysmal lack of understanding the public's resistance.
But "better packaging" is more dangerous, as is now obvious on the domestic side. While Bush's unhinged decision to bail out GM and Chrysler paved the way, Obama has (in effect) taken almost-complete control of a major domestic economic sector--unprecedented except in wartime.
Similarly, he is applying his "packaging" formula to a proposed takeover of the nation's health sector (about 16% of GDP). Yes, the packaging begins with a big non-sequitur--that 'health expense' is the equivalent of 'terrorism' in its consequences for the nation. But he may well get away with it.
Finally, as the PowerLine post mentions, Obama has another 'unitary executive' gift from Bush: the Department of Homeland Security:
Goldsmith has argued that, in the immediate aftermath of 9/11, the congressional Democrats were willing to cooperate with the president on national security issues. But even then, the Dems were attempting to juxtapose a liberal agenda that had little to do with national security, e.g., the establishment of a vast new bureaucracy (the Department of Homeland Security) with pro-union rules.
This apparatus, which has displayed remarkably horrible judgment by labeling damn near all Americans as "security threats"--whether those Americans are Leftists or Rightists, we should add--is, perhaps, the single largest error in judgment of GWBush. The Department has not provided "security" beyond what the FBI, NSA, and CIA ever did; and its boneheaded "airport security" errors are legend.
Note well that there has never been a promise to dismantle DHS. Not from Bush, nor from Obama. Neither of them will discuss the possibility of 'an end to terrorism.' Thus, we will have DHS and its charter-mandated paranoia with us for a long, long, time.
Packaged neatly, of course.
Cutting to the chase, the author describes Bush's most significant policies vis-a-vis terrorists and shows how Obama's "hopey-changey" Administration has differed. Mostly, it has NOT differed, as we know.
But Obama is far, FAR more effective in his propaganda effort. When the author remarks that the Bush Boyzzz 'shot themselves in the foot' in that regard, he's correct.
The contrast plays well for Obama's intentions.
The new president was a critic of Bush administration terrorism policies, a champion of civil liberties, and an opponent of the invasion of Iraq. His decision (after absorbing the classified intelligence and considering the various options) to continue core Bush terrorism policies is like Nixon going to China. Because the Obama policies play against type and (in some quarters of his party) against interest, they appear more likely to be a necessary response to a real terror threat and thus less worrisome from the perspective of presidential aggrandizement than when the Bush administration embraced essentially the same policies.
The word "appear" is portentous.
...the Obama administration is following the Lincoln-Roosevelt approach to rhetoric and public symbols. The president talks frequently about the importance of adhering to constitutional values, he worries publicly about terrorism policies going too far, and he suggests that he is looking for ways to keep them in check. He has said not a word about presidential prerogative in national security or the importance of expanding his power. Closing GTMO--especially in the face of loud opposition--is an important symbol of the new president's commitment to the rule of law even if the detainees ultimately receive no greater rights. The small restrictions his administration has placed on itself as compared to the late Bush practices are public indications of restraint,...
The word "small" is also portentous.
President Obama has not changed much of substance from the late Bush practices, and the changes he has made, including changes in presentation, are designed to fortify the bulk of the Bush program for the long-run. Viewed this way, President Obama is in the process of strengthening the presidency to fight terrorism
While Goldsmith essentially approves of Obama's policies on the terrorism front, it's worth noting that the "Unitary Presidency" thing has never been popular, and Bush's approach to exercising those powers showed an abysmal lack of understanding the public's resistance.
But "better packaging" is more dangerous, as is now obvious on the domestic side. While Bush's unhinged decision to bail out GM and Chrysler paved the way, Obama has (in effect) taken almost-complete control of a major domestic economic sector--unprecedented except in wartime.
Similarly, he is applying his "packaging" formula to a proposed takeover of the nation's health sector (about 16% of GDP). Yes, the packaging begins with a big non-sequitur--that 'health expense' is the equivalent of 'terrorism' in its consequences for the nation. But he may well get away with it.
Finally, as the PowerLine post mentions, Obama has another 'unitary executive' gift from Bush: the Department of Homeland Security:
Goldsmith has argued that, in the immediate aftermath of 9/11, the congressional Democrats were willing to cooperate with the president on national security issues. But even then, the Dems were attempting to juxtapose a liberal agenda that had little to do with national security, e.g., the establishment of a vast new bureaucracy (the Department of Homeland Security) with pro-union rules.
This apparatus, which has displayed remarkably horrible judgment by labeling damn near all Americans as "security threats"--whether those Americans are Leftists or Rightists, we should add--is, perhaps, the single largest error in judgment of GWBush. The Department has not provided "security" beyond what the FBI, NSA, and CIA ever did; and its boneheaded "airport security" errors are legend.
Note well that there has never been a promise to dismantle DHS. Not from Bush, nor from Obama. Neither of them will discuss the possibility of 'an end to terrorism.' Thus, we will have DHS and its charter-mandated paranoia with us for a long, long, time.
Packaged neatly, of course.
Doyle's Boiler: "Risky"
Whoopsie.
Uncertainty about the availability and cost of biomass fuels makes Gov. Jim Doyle’s $251 million plan to overhaul a University of Wisconsin-Madison power plant somewhat risky, according to a report released Tuesday.
Cost? Availability? Who cares? It's Green!
But there's more.
The plant also would add storage space on site as well as a facility somewhere in Dane County to store and process supplies. The report also warned that traffic from trains and trucks to the plant would increase to deliver enough biomass
Of course, those trains and trucks would not emit any fumes.
Uncertainty about the availability and cost of biomass fuels makes Gov. Jim Doyle’s $251 million plan to overhaul a University of Wisconsin-Madison power plant somewhat risky, according to a report released Tuesday.
Cost? Availability? Who cares? It's Green!
But there's more.
The plant also would add storage space on site as well as a facility somewhere in Dane County to store and process supplies. The report also warned that traffic from trains and trucks to the plant would increase to deliver enough biomass
Of course, those trains and trucks would not emit any fumes.
Jack Welch: Obama Has "Fake Budget"
Now and then, Jack Welch says interesting stuff. Bloomberg reports:
“I don’t particularly like where he’s taking us,” Welch said, referring to Obama, during an interview yesterday at the Boston Convention Center. Welch, 73, who led GE from 1981 to 2001, was a guest speaker at the New England Business Xpo.
“To get the money he needs, he has to have a fake budget,” Welch said. “He’s fooling people about how we’re going to have the top line support the programs in the middle without enormous taxes and some programs not going.”
Yah, hey. Ask Jim (Three-Card-Monte) Doyle about that.
“I don’t particularly like where he’s taking us,” Welch said, referring to Obama, during an interview yesterday at the Boston Convention Center. Welch, 73, who led GE from 1981 to 2001, was a guest speaker at the New England Business Xpo.
“To get the money he needs, he has to have a fake budget,” Welch said. “He’s fooling people about how we’re going to have the top line support the programs in the middle without enormous taxes and some programs not going.”
Yah, hey. Ask Jim (Three-Card-Monte) Doyle about that.
California Voters: NO!
California's electorate told the State Gummint to cut spending.
Period.
Voters rejected...Proposition 1A, the centerpiece of efforts by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and other state leaders to fix California's ongoing fiscal problems. It would have created a state spending cap while prolonging temporary tax increases and also strengthened the state's rainy day fund.
Wisconsin leggies and Three-Card-Monte Doyle--are you paying attention?
Period.
Voters rejected...Proposition 1A, the centerpiece of efforts by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and other state leaders to fix California's ongoing fiscal problems. It would have created a state spending cap while prolonging temporary tax increases and also strengthened the state's rainy day fund.
Wisconsin leggies and Three-Card-Monte Doyle--are you paying attention?
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Buechel Advocates OTHER People's Tax Increase
Fond du Lac County Executive Allen Buechel:
...counties are already struggling with increasing demands for services from those who've lost jobs in the ongoing economic downturn, and are making cuts to other, less-essential services, such as road paving, said Fond du Lac County Executive Allen Buechel at a Capitol news conference.
Any deep cuts in aid to local government will have "cascading effect," he said.
"The Legislature and Gov. Doyle cannot find an additional $6.6 billion to balance the budget through cuts alone, the cuts would hurt too many hard-working Wisconsin families and communities trying to recover from this recession," Buechel said. "There has to be a mix of spending cuts and responsible revenue increases."
I have an idea for you, Al, old boy!
Raise taxes in Fond du Lac County! Put your constituents' money where YOUR mouth is!
...counties are already struggling with increasing demands for services from those who've lost jobs in the ongoing economic downturn, and are making cuts to other, less-essential services, such as road paving, said Fond du Lac County Executive Allen Buechel at a Capitol news conference.
Any deep cuts in aid to local government will have "cascading effect," he said.
"The Legislature and Gov. Doyle cannot find an additional $6.6 billion to balance the budget through cuts alone, the cuts would hurt too many hard-working Wisconsin families and communities trying to recover from this recession," Buechel said. "There has to be a mix of spending cuts and responsible revenue increases."
I have an idea for you, Al, old boy!
Raise taxes in Fond du Lac County! Put your constituents' money where YOUR mouth is!
Masters of Propaganda: the Banks
This line is inspired by Goebbels:
“It will be a different business,” said Edward L. Yingling, the chief executive of the American Bankers Association, which has been lobbying Congress for more lenient legislation on behalf of the nation’s biggest banks. “Those that manage their credit well will in some degree subsidize those that have credit problems.”
Let's step back and think about this. Please!
The card issuers (the Banks) made the conscious decision to give out unsecured lines of credit to less-than-stellar people. That decision was not made because the Banks were nice guys. The decision was made in order to INCREASE BANK PROFITS and "market share".
Now that Banks are losing money because of their really, really, lousy credit decisions, the Banks' flaks and professional dissemblers cannot blame themselves for their stupidity and/or greed.
Nosirreee!
Instead, they will blame the bad credits, and shape the story so that the "good guys" feel like they have to bear the burden.
The bankers who MADE the lousy decisions will keep their TARP-paid salaries, stock-options, and bonuses. But they will blame the schlubs to whom they GAVE FREE MONEY--and tell the New York Times' reporters that "good guys" will pay.
And yup, the NYT will repeat the line, and Hot Air will repeat the line, (etc., etc.). No thought required!
Damn!! That's Great Goebbels!!
“It will be a different business,” said Edward L. Yingling, the chief executive of the American Bankers Association, which has been lobbying Congress for more lenient legislation on behalf of the nation’s biggest banks. “Those that manage their credit well will in some degree subsidize those that have credit problems.”
Let's step back and think about this. Please!
The card issuers (the Banks) made the conscious decision to give out unsecured lines of credit to less-than-stellar people. That decision was not made because the Banks were nice guys. The decision was made in order to INCREASE BANK PROFITS and "market share".
Now that Banks are losing money because of their really, really, lousy credit decisions, the Banks' flaks and professional dissemblers cannot blame themselves for their stupidity and/or greed.
Nosirreee!
Instead, they will blame the bad credits, and shape the story so that the "good guys" feel like they have to bear the burden.
The bankers who MADE the lousy decisions will keep their TARP-paid salaries, stock-options, and bonuses. But they will blame the schlubs to whom they GAVE FREE MONEY--and tell the New York Times' reporters that "good guys" will pay.
And yup, the NYT will repeat the line, and Hot Air will repeat the line, (etc., etc.). No thought required!
Damn!! That's Great Goebbels!!
If Ron Paul Gets Only ONE Wish, This Should Be It
Ritholtz, Ron Paul, and Midwestern taxpayers can all agree.
Paul is calling for a full audit of the Fed — including the dreaded Maiden Lane holdings, the mess that is the junk paper formerly owned by Bear Stearns. This would be a positive, as taxpayers would learn the truth about how much financial support was given to incompetently run financial institutions. These enormous taxpayer giveaways will shock the conscience of those who read the details. [I fixed Barry's typos--Ed.]
Here's Paul's relevant language, quoted by Ritholtz:
“The main argument [against auditing/disbanding the FRB] seems to be that congressional oversight over the Fed is government interference in the free market. This argument shows a misunderstanding of what a free market really is. Fundamentally, you cannot defend the Federal Reserve and the free market at the same time. The Fed negates the very foundation of a free market by artificially manipulating the price and supply of money — the lifeblood of the economy. In a free market, interest rates, like the price of any other consumer good, are decentralized and set by the market. The only legitimate, constitutional role of government in monetary policy is to protect the integrity of the monetary unit and defend against counterfeiters.
Instead, Congress has abdicated this responsibility to a cabal of elite, quasi-governmental banks that, instead of stabilizing the economy, have destabilized it. It took less than two decades for the Federal Reserve to bring on the Great Depression of the 1930s. It has also inflated away the value of our currency by over 96 percent since its inception. It has invisibly stolen from the poor and given to the rich through this controlled inflation, and now openly stolen through recent bank bailouts. It has predictably exacerbated the very problems it was meant to solve . . .
As far as the foolishness of placing complex monetary policy decisions in the hands of politicians — I couldn’t agree more. No politician or central banker, no matter how brilliant, is smart enough to know more than the market itself. The failure of central economic planning has been witnessed over and over. It is frankly beyond me why we ever agreed to try it again.”
Like Ritholtz, I have grave reservations about disbanding the Fed; it's a useful tool in world markets and its functions, while different from those of State and Defense, are just as critical to the national welfare.
Having said that, the Overly Elite gang has demonstrated very well its willingness to self-serve, and the Overly Bloviating gang has demonstrated very well its willingness to run and hide.
Screw 'em all.
Paul is calling for a full audit of the Fed — including the dreaded Maiden Lane holdings, the mess that is the junk paper formerly owned by Bear Stearns. This would be a positive, as taxpayers would learn the truth about how much financial support was given to incompetently run financial institutions. These enormous taxpayer giveaways will shock the conscience of those who read the details. [I fixed Barry's typos--Ed.]
Here's Paul's relevant language, quoted by Ritholtz:
“The main argument [against auditing/disbanding the FRB] seems to be that congressional oversight over the Fed is government interference in the free market. This argument shows a misunderstanding of what a free market really is. Fundamentally, you cannot defend the Federal Reserve and the free market at the same time. The Fed negates the very foundation of a free market by artificially manipulating the price and supply of money — the lifeblood of the economy. In a free market, interest rates, like the price of any other consumer good, are decentralized and set by the market. The only legitimate, constitutional role of government in monetary policy is to protect the integrity of the monetary unit and defend against counterfeiters.
Instead, Congress has abdicated this responsibility to a cabal of elite, quasi-governmental banks that, instead of stabilizing the economy, have destabilized it. It took less than two decades for the Federal Reserve to bring on the Great Depression of the 1930s. It has also inflated away the value of our currency by over 96 percent since its inception. It has invisibly stolen from the poor and given to the rich through this controlled inflation, and now openly stolen through recent bank bailouts. It has predictably exacerbated the very problems it was meant to solve . . .
As far as the foolishness of placing complex monetary policy decisions in the hands of politicians — I couldn’t agree more. No politician or central banker, no matter how brilliant, is smart enough to know more than the market itself. The failure of central economic planning has been witnessed over and over. It is frankly beyond me why we ever agreed to try it again.”
Like Ritholtz, I have grave reservations about disbanding the Fed; it's a useful tool in world markets and its functions, while different from those of State and Defense, are just as critical to the national welfare.
Having said that, the Overly Elite gang has demonstrated very well its willingness to self-serve, and the Overly Bloviating gang has demonstrated very well its willingness to run and hide.
Screw 'em all.
"News", Weakland, and Morals
Since when is it "news" that a Catholic school actually enforces contract language requiring its Catholic faculty to live according to Catholic moral standards?
Last time around, Jeffy Wagner (the 'law-and-order' fake) assailed Xavier HS for doing exactly what their contract SAID they would do. I'm not bothering to listen to Jeffy this time around...
Anchors at two Milwaukee TV stations (I didn't watch 12 or 58) reported on it--with the Channel 6 9P anchor barely repressing his perma-smirk.
620TMJ is STILL running the story, now a day old, and in a market 90 miles from Appleton.
Collectively, the only excuse they have for this "news" judgment is the spectacular failure of Rembert Weakland (locally), and a lot of OTHER Catholic Bishops, (nationally) to hold the line since about 1965.
Last time around, Jeffy Wagner (the 'law-and-order' fake) assailed Xavier HS for doing exactly what their contract SAID they would do. I'm not bothering to listen to Jeffy this time around...
Anchors at two Milwaukee TV stations (I didn't watch 12 or 58) reported on it--with the Channel 6 9P anchor barely repressing his perma-smirk.
620TMJ is STILL running the story, now a day old, and in a market 90 miles from Appleton.
Collectively, the only excuse they have for this "news" judgment is the spectacular failure of Rembert Weakland (locally), and a lot of OTHER Catholic Bishops, (nationally) to hold the line since about 1965.
The Obama Effect, NRA Chapter
From the front lines:
The new president [of the NRA] announced, among other things, that membership was increasing by 100,000 a month, and that over 10,000 new members had signed up during the convention.
Obama will be awarded "NRA Recruiter of the Decade" at the next NRA Convention.
The new president [of the NRA] announced, among other things, that membership was increasing by 100,000 a month, and that over 10,000 new members had signed up during the convention.
Obama will be awarded "NRA Recruiter of the Decade" at the next NRA Convention.
Have a Good Used Car? You're Wealthier!!
If you own a decent car, your net worth just increased.
Obama on Tuesday planned to announce the first-ever national emissions limits for cars and trucks, as well as require a 35.5 miles per gallon standard. Consumers should expect to pay an extra $1,300 per vehicle by the time the plan is complete in 2016, officials said.
The price of new cars, in general, affects the price of used cars. So when Obama makes new cars more expensive, decent alternatives (your pretty-good used car) become more valuable.
However, since no one will be able to afford ObamaCars (nor ObamaHeat, ObamaLight, nor ObamaHotWater), it remains to be seen how the theory works in the ObamaSmolderingPit Economy.
Obama on Tuesday planned to announce the first-ever national emissions limits for cars and trucks, as well as require a 35.5 miles per gallon standard. Consumers should expect to pay an extra $1,300 per vehicle by the time the plan is complete in 2016, officials said.
The price of new cars, in general, affects the price of used cars. So when Obama makes new cars more expensive, decent alternatives (your pretty-good used car) become more valuable.
However, since no one will be able to afford ObamaCars (nor ObamaHeat, ObamaLight, nor ObamaHotWater), it remains to be seen how the theory works in the ObamaSmolderingPit Economy.
The French: Not Just Cheese-Eaters
Grim points to a lengthy military-science study of the First Crusade, written to provide background for the current challenges in the Middle East.
One interesting item:
Other Muslim accounts note that the Franks not only killed civilians, but they tortured them to extort treasure and even ate them. According to Maalouf, Christian sources confirm that the Franks boiled and grilled adults as well as children so they could eat them.
Musta run out of camembert, eh?
One interesting item:
Other Muslim accounts note that the Franks not only killed civilians, but they tortured them to extort treasure and even ate them. According to Maalouf, Christian sources confirm that the Franks boiled and grilled adults as well as children so they could eat them.
Musta run out of camembert, eh?
The Temptation of Schadenfreude
Awwww...
After they spend all that money buying legislators, the Corn-A-Hole crowd is under the bus, too.
The EPA is considering raising the maximum allowable amount of ethanol in most motor fuel from the current 10% blend to a 15% blend.
It's a common-sense solution to economic, energy and environmental challenges, according to Growth Energy, an ethanol industry trade group that's petitioned the government for the change.
But the Trial Lawyers' very own "enviro" front-group doesn't approve.
The Environmental Working Group, a Washington, D.C., nonprofit, doesn't favor a higher ethanol blend until tests have proved it's better for the environment.
The higher blend may worsen air pollution, said Craig Cox, the group's Midwest vice president, at the news conference.
"Growth Energy is lobbying for an industry that cannot survive on its own, even after lavish taxpayer-funded subsidies," Cox said. "We really should be focused mostly on improving the fuel efficiency of cars and trucks. That is a much more effective and rapid way to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuels."
We've already remarked on "Environmental Working Group," which is inbusiness bed with the Trial Lawyers through the machinations of the Fenton Group. They're not particularly trustworthy.
The reason all this is of interest is that ethanol is poison to small engines.
Increasing the ethanol blend to 15%, currently being considered by the Environmental Protection Agency, could damage or ruin millions of small engines and possibly worsen air pollution, according to the engine manufacturers.
Engine performance and overheating are among the problems, since most boats, lawn mowers and other outdoor power products haven't been designed to run on 15% ethanol.
Far more important that small-engine damage, auto-engine damage, and the awful environmental effects, of course, is the massive increase in food prices, which is leading to hunger and/or starvation problems in the Third World, not to mention difficulties in the US.
After they spend all that money buying legislators, the Corn-A-Hole crowd is under the bus, too.
The EPA is considering raising the maximum allowable amount of ethanol in most motor fuel from the current 10% blend to a 15% blend.
It's a common-sense solution to economic, energy and environmental challenges, according to Growth Energy, an ethanol industry trade group that's petitioned the government for the change.
But the Trial Lawyers' very own "enviro" front-group doesn't approve.
The Environmental Working Group, a Washington, D.C., nonprofit, doesn't favor a higher ethanol blend until tests have proved it's better for the environment.
The higher blend may worsen air pollution, said Craig Cox, the group's Midwest vice president, at the news conference.
"Growth Energy is lobbying for an industry that cannot survive on its own, even after lavish taxpayer-funded subsidies," Cox said. "We really should be focused mostly on improving the fuel efficiency of cars and trucks. That is a much more effective and rapid way to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuels."
We've already remarked on "Environmental Working Group," which is in
The reason all this is of interest is that ethanol is poison to small engines.
Increasing the ethanol blend to 15%, currently being considered by the Environmental Protection Agency, could damage or ruin millions of small engines and possibly worsen air pollution, according to the engine manufacturers.
Engine performance and overheating are among the problems, since most boats, lawn mowers and other outdoor power products haven't been designed to run on 15% ethanol.
Far more important that small-engine damage, auto-engine damage, and the awful environmental effects, of course, is the massive increase in food prices, which is leading to hunger and/or starvation problems in the Third World, not to mention difficulties in the US.
Monday, May 18, 2009
It Was Tantalization, I Know
McCain (not that balding loser...)
A sort of political Murphy's Law seemed to be in effect, so that naturally the Republican Party nominated as its 2008 standard-bearer the same "Maverick" who had done everything in his power to divide the GOP and alienate its grassroots. (Talk to some reporters who rode the 2000 "Straight Talk Express," if you want to understand the profound contempt John McCain has for the conservative rank-and-file.)
So--R. S.--tell us who we should call!
A sort of political Murphy's Law seemed to be in effect, so that naturally the Republican Party nominated as its 2008 standard-bearer the same "Maverick" who had done everything in his power to divide the GOP and alienate its grassroots. (Talk to some reporters who rode the 2000 "Straight Talk Express," if you want to understand the profound contempt John McCain has for the conservative rank-and-file.)
So--R. S.--tell us who we should call!
More BabyKilling Dollars Demanded!
The "screw you very much, taxpayer" party will be held at the State capitol tomorrow.
Among the groups who will demand that taxes be increased to support their lifestyle:
Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin
(It's in red--the color of blood.)
You'd think that the Uihlein fortune would be enough for PP--Lynde is an "honoree" of PPAW. But no! Tax money is SO much better for babykilling.
The Babykiller crowd has its friends:
League of Women Voters
and
Wisconsin Alliance of Cities
Bedfellows.
Among the groups who will demand that taxes be increased to support their lifestyle:
Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin
(It's in red--the color of blood.)
You'd think that the Uihlein fortune would be enough for PP--Lynde is an "honoree" of PPAW. But no! Tax money is SO much better for babykilling.
The Babykiller crowd has its friends:
League of Women Voters
and
Wisconsin Alliance of Cities
Bedfellows.
With Friends Like This...
Move over, Joe Biden.
Former prime minister of Pakistan Benazir Bhutto was assassinated on the orders of the special death squad formed by former US vice-president Dick Cheney, which had already killed the Lebanese Prime Minister Rafique Al Hariri and the army chief of that country."
The squad was headed by General Stanley McChrystal, the newly-appointed commander of US army in Afghanistan. It was disclosed by reputed US journalist Seymour Hersh while talking to an Arab TV in an interview.
--Reported by Paki newspaper, The Nation, relayed by AmSpec blog.
Hersh has a reputation for being several degrees off top-dead-center; his planet is not in our solar system, so to speak. But he's happy to represent himself as an authority...
Former prime minister of Pakistan Benazir Bhutto was assassinated on the orders of the special death squad formed by former US vice-president Dick Cheney, which had already killed the Lebanese Prime Minister Rafique Al Hariri and the army chief of that country."
The squad was headed by General Stanley McChrystal, the newly-appointed commander of US army in Afghanistan. It was disclosed by reputed US journalist Seymour Hersh while talking to an Arab TV in an interview.
--Reported by Paki newspaper, The Nation, relayed by AmSpec blog.
Hersh has a reputation for being several degrees off top-dead-center; his planet is not in our solar system, so to speak. But he's happy to represent himself as an authority...
Xavier Does the Right Thing, Again
Seems like Xavier hired at least two people with questionable common sense.
Matt Prill, told members of the baseball team recently he was not rehired because it came to the attention of school officials that he went to Green Bay one night to visit his girlfriend, had a few drinks and decided it was better to stay over in her house than to drive back to Appleton.
Teachers at Xavier are required by contract to conduct their personal lives in accordance with Catholic teachings, which forbid cohabitation outside of marriage.
Ummmnnnnhhhh....yah.
[The same school] attracted national attention several years ago after it was reported that a married French teacher was given a pink slip after she underwent in vitro fertilization that led to having a baby.
SHE was dumb enough to talk about it.
Matt Prill, told members of the baseball team recently he was not rehired because it came to the attention of school officials that he went to Green Bay one night to visit his girlfriend, had a few drinks and decided it was better to stay over in her house than to drive back to Appleton.
Teachers at Xavier are required by contract to conduct their personal lives in accordance with Catholic teachings, which forbid cohabitation outside of marriage.
Ummmnnnnhhhh....yah.
[The same school] attracted national attention several years ago after it was reported that a married French teacher was given a pink slip after she underwent in vitro fertilization that led to having a baby.
SHE was dumb enough to talk about it.
A Tour of History
This NYT article is kinda neat.
...The Dodge reputation was so great that thousands of people applied for the first dealerships. Twenty-five were chosen. No. 3 on the list was George T. Tator, an automobile mechanic in a rural slice of Westchester County, who managed to scrape together $800 and a horse to buy four and a half acres with a house and a barn outside South Salem.
In his first year he sold seven of the very first crop of $785 Dodges, using the barn as his garage and office and three horse stalls as bays for the cars
...Sales plummeted with the Depression and never surpassed their peaks in the 1920s. The Dodge brothers both died of flu in 1920. Five years later, their widows sold the company to the New York investment firm of Dillon Read & Company for the astonishing sum of $146 million. Walter Chrysler bought the company in 1928 for $170 million and since then it’s lived on as a Chrysler brand
One is reminded that Milwaukee Electric Tool was, at one time, a property of Merrill, Lynch--like Dillon, Read, a marque which has disappeared.
...Of those 25 original Dodge dealers, all but a handful are gone. Only one, Tator’s Dodge, is still owned by the original family. It’s like an automotive museum, decades of parts filed away, the vintage Coke machine, the original cash register, the ancient Sealed Power Piston Rings clock and the red neon Red Ram V8 neon sign, the emerald green 1953 Windsor Deluxe sedan that hasn’t been driven for five years
Wow.
HT: Dreher
...The Dodge reputation was so great that thousands of people applied for the first dealerships. Twenty-five were chosen. No. 3 on the list was George T. Tator, an automobile mechanic in a rural slice of Westchester County, who managed to scrape together $800 and a horse to buy four and a half acres with a house and a barn outside South Salem.
In his first year he sold seven of the very first crop of $785 Dodges, using the barn as his garage and office and three horse stalls as bays for the cars
...Sales plummeted with the Depression and never surpassed their peaks in the 1920s. The Dodge brothers both died of flu in 1920. Five years later, their widows sold the company to the New York investment firm of Dillon Read & Company for the astonishing sum of $146 million. Walter Chrysler bought the company in 1928 for $170 million and since then it’s lived on as a Chrysler brand
One is reminded that Milwaukee Electric Tool was, at one time, a property of Merrill, Lynch--like Dillon, Read, a marque which has disappeared.
...Of those 25 original Dodge dealers, all but a handful are gone. Only one, Tator’s Dodge, is still owned by the original family. It’s like an automotive museum, decades of parts filed away, the vintage Coke machine, the original cash register, the ancient Sealed Power Piston Rings clock and the red neon Red Ram V8 neon sign, the emerald green 1953 Windsor Deluxe sedan that hasn’t been driven for five years
Wow.
HT: Dreher
Accuracy in Naming: Cap and Trade
Green Hell ran a contest to re-name Cap-and-Trade.
Here are the SECOND five finishers. You have to click the link to get the FIRST five.
Energy tithing
Waxman Malarkey
The Great Leap Forward
Energy Option 19/22 (i.e., 19th century energy options at 22nd century prices)
Carbon Concentration Control Program, or “CCCP” for afficianados of the old USSR
Tree and Economic Starvation Act
The first five are in a runoff poll...
Here are the SECOND five finishers. You have to click the link to get the FIRST five.
Energy tithing
Waxman Malarkey
The Great Leap Forward
Energy Option 19/22 (i.e., 19th century energy options at 22nd century prices)
Carbon Concentration Control Program, or “CCCP” for afficianados of the old USSR
Tree and Economic Starvation Act
The first five are in a runoff poll...
AB221: All You Need to Do Is See the Sponsors-List
A leggie-aide in the Capitol points us to AB221.
Assembly Bill 221—Relating to creating a microstamping requirement for certain handguns, certification of compliance with the microstamping requirement, requiring the exercise of rule-making authority, and providing penalties. By Representatives Young, Berceau, Turner, Richards, Grigsby, A. Williams, Colon , Kessler, Sinicki and Pasch; cosponsored by Senators Coggs and Taylor
And, of course the "good public policy" farm-offal follows...
AB221 will be good for two things:
1) Increasing the price of handguns, and
2) Increasing sales of nail-files.
Assembly Bill 221—Relating to creating a microstamping requirement for certain handguns, certification of compliance with the microstamping requirement, requiring the exercise of rule-making authority, and providing penalties. By Representatives Young, Berceau, Turner, Richards, Grigsby, A. Williams, Colon , Kessler, Sinicki and Pasch; cosponsored by Senators Coggs and Taylor
And, of course the "good public policy" farm-offal follows...
AB221 will be good for two things:
1) Increasing the price of handguns, and
2) Increasing sales of nail-files.
You KNOW You're in Trouble When...
....When Pravda editorializes on the US' descent into Marxism.
PRAVDA, for crying out loud!
It must be said, that like the breaking of a great dam, the American decent into Marxism is happening with breath taking speed, against the back drop of a passive, hapless sheeple, excuse me dear reader, I meant people
He even analyzed the methodology. Folkie will be proud of this part:
First, the population was dumbed down through a politicized and substandard education system based on pop culture, rather then the classics
Certain clerics (yes, some of whom are allegedly Roman Catholic) are in on this part:
Then their faith in God was destroyed, until their churches, all tens of thousands of different "branches and denominations" were for the most part little more then Sunday circuses and their televangelists and top protestant mega preachers were more then happy to sell out their souls and flocks to be on the "winning" side of one pseudo Marxist politician or another
And, of course:
The final collapse has come with the election of Barack Obama. His speed in the past three months has been truly impressive. His spending and money printing has been a record setting, not just in America's short history but in the world. If this keeps up for more then another year, and there is no sign that it will not, America at best will resemble the Wiemar Republic and at worst Zimbabwe
There's plenty more at the link: indictments of Congress, Geithner, the Wall Street Robber Barons, and this delicious assessment:
Barney Franks, a social pervert basking in his homosexuality
And some advice for his landsmenscher:
The Russian owners of American companies and industries should look thoughtfully at this and the option of closing their facilities down and fleeing the land of the Red as fast as possible. In other words, divest while there is still value left
And this guy hasn't even met Three-Card-Monte Doyle.
HT: Vox
PRAVDA, for crying out loud!
It must be said, that like the breaking of a great dam, the American decent into Marxism is happening with breath taking speed, against the back drop of a passive, hapless sheeple, excuse me dear reader, I meant people
He even analyzed the methodology. Folkie will be proud of this part:
First, the population was dumbed down through a politicized and substandard education system based on pop culture, rather then the classics
Certain clerics (yes, some of whom are allegedly Roman Catholic) are in on this part:
Then their faith in God was destroyed, until their churches, all tens of thousands of different "branches and denominations" were for the most part little more then Sunday circuses and their televangelists and top protestant mega preachers were more then happy to sell out their souls and flocks to be on the "winning" side of one pseudo Marxist politician or another
And, of course:
The final collapse has come with the election of Barack Obama. His speed in the past three months has been truly impressive. His spending and money printing has been a record setting, not just in America's short history but in the world. If this keeps up for more then another year, and there is no sign that it will not, America at best will resemble the Wiemar Republic and at worst Zimbabwe
There's plenty more at the link: indictments of Congress, Geithner, the Wall Street Robber Barons, and this delicious assessment:
Barney Franks, a social pervert basking in his homosexuality
And some advice for his landsmenscher:
The Russian owners of American companies and industries should look thoughtfully at this and the option of closing their facilities down and fleeing the land of the Red as fast as possible. In other words, divest while there is still value left
And this guy hasn't even met Three-Card-Monte Doyle.
HT: Vox
Visiting the Big Apple? Ritholtz' Guide Here!
Ritholtz provides far more than sagacious financial observations.
This started with friends from California who were coming to visit NYC for the very first time. They are intrepid Asian and Australian travelers, and wanted what they described as the “nonGuidebook version” of what to do in NYC
He covers important stuff like "where's the biffy?"
Very practical.
This started with friends from California who were coming to visit NYC for the very first time. They are intrepid Asian and Australian travelers, and wanted what they described as the “nonGuidebook version” of what to do in NYC
He covers important stuff like "where's the biffy?"
Very practical.
Post Office Whining: Not "Old School"
Some twerp from Oconomowoc claims to be "old-school" while whining about service changes.
"I'm old school - I'm used to getting my mail by noon," said Brian Wiemer, an Oconomowoc Town Board member.
"Old school," Brian, is remembering two-a-day deliveries every day except Saturday, and remembering three-cent first-class stamps. Do you shave yet, Brian?
"By noon" has been history since about the 1970's in actually-developed territory, such as Brookfield and Elm Grove.
This Wiemer-Whine is costing my favorite newspaper, Human Events, a significant pile of money. (That, and the machinations of the Time/Newsweek lobbying empire.)
The Post Office's charter as a quasi-private enterprise is NOT to put your mail in your hands 'before noon.' It's to deliver the mail efficiently.
"I'm old school - I'm used to getting my mail by noon," said Brian Wiemer, an Oconomowoc Town Board member.
"Old school," Brian, is remembering two-a-day deliveries every day except Saturday, and remembering three-cent first-class stamps. Do you shave yet, Brian?
"By noon" has been history since about the 1970's in actually-developed territory, such as Brookfield and Elm Grove.
This Wiemer-Whine is costing my favorite newspaper, Human Events, a significant pile of money. (That, and the machinations of the Time/Newsweek lobbying empire.)
The Post Office's charter as a quasi-private enterprise is NOT to put your mail in your hands 'before noon.' It's to deliver the mail efficiently.
Want Cheap Gas? Go to Madistan
One reason that "your" legislators don't really give a flying fig about the cost of gasoline in SE Wisconsin is because most of "your" legislatwhores purchase their gasoline in Madistan.
Last week, the difference was FIFTEEN CENTS/gallon, with Milwaukee on the high side.
This week? Not so much.
Only NINE CENTS/gallon, with Milwaukee on the high side.
By the way--it will get cheaper soon. But if you want to know how much the State and the Feds are taking, read this graf carefully:
Gasoline futures will average $1.40 a gallon during the summer, a 17 percent decline from May 15, according to surveys of five analysts by Bloomberg. Refiners are finishing seasonal shutdowns to increase production just as the global recession reduces oil demand by the most since 1981 and U.S. imports rise.
$1.40, of course, is pre-tax (and yes, pre-distribution.)
Last week, the difference was FIFTEEN CENTS/gallon, with Milwaukee on the high side.
This week? Not so much.
Only NINE CENTS/gallon, with Milwaukee on the high side.
By the way--it will get cheaper soon. But if you want to know how much the State and the Feds are taking, read this graf carefully:
Gasoline futures will average $1.40 a gallon during the summer, a 17 percent decline from May 15, according to surveys of five analysts by Bloomberg. Refiners are finishing seasonal shutdowns to increase production just as the global recession reduces oil demand by the most since 1981 and U.S. imports rise.
$1.40, of course, is pre-tax (and yes, pre-distribution.)
Sloppy Thinking, Ear-Candy Rhetoric: Obama at ND
Didn't really want to read the speech, but ...
Take a look at this graf:
The soldier and the lawyer may both love this country with equal passion, and yet reach very different conclusions on the specific steps needed to protect us from harm. The gay activist and the evangelical pastor may both deplore the ravages of HIV/AIDS, but find themselves unable to bridge the cultural divide that might unite their efforts. Those who speak out against stem cell research may be rooted in an admirable conviction about the sacredness of life, but so are the parents of a child with juvenile diabetes who are convinced that their son's or daughter's hardships can be relieved.
This is an example of what I'll call "The Rhetoric of Evasion." Obama's teleprompter elides distinctions. One could hear Dr. Ralph McInerny screaming "DISTINGUISH!!" throughout this neatly deceptive bit of flim-flammery.
Sure, you kinda-sorta know what he meant, and it felt good to kinda-sorta know that. But what he said doesn't really mean anything; the appositions fail for lack of clearly voiced differences.
The obvious example is his use of the term "stem cell research." Anyone who pays attention knows that there are TWO kinds of "stem-cell research;" one is flat-out immoral (embryonic); the other is perfectly acceptable (adult.) Obama does not want to make that clear.
Somewhat more subtle is his false apposition of "gay activist"/"evangelical pastor." Surely, each is unhappy with the effects of AIDS. But Obama's rhetoric suggests that opposition to disordered sexual activity is on the same plane as calling for research for cure to the disease.
Similarly, he establishes a false dichotomy between "lawyers" and "soldiers" in the arena of defense-of-country. Umnnnhhh...the battles these entities fight are literally on different grounds--which call for very different actions.
All that ear-candy is preparation for his attempt at the home run, of course.
"...Because when we do that _ when we open up our hearts and our minds to those who may not think precisely like we do or believe precisely what we believe-that's when we discover at least the possibility of common ground...So let us work together to reduce the number of women seeking abortions, let's reduce unintended pregnancies. Let's make adoption more available. Let's provide care and support for women who do carry their children to term....Open hearts. Open minds. Fair-minded words."
Well, who could object to being civil? Who could object to caring for people?
He very, very, carefully tiptoed around the distinction between the parties here. Some hold that killing pre-born children is circumstantially justified. Others hold that killing pre-born babies is a first-order and invariably evil act.
Without that distinction, it's all Unicorns and Balloons.
Without distinctions, it's Ear-Candy.
Take a look at this graf:
The soldier and the lawyer may both love this country with equal passion, and yet reach very different conclusions on the specific steps needed to protect us from harm. The gay activist and the evangelical pastor may both deplore the ravages of HIV/AIDS, but find themselves unable to bridge the cultural divide that might unite their efforts. Those who speak out against stem cell research may be rooted in an admirable conviction about the sacredness of life, but so are the parents of a child with juvenile diabetes who are convinced that their son's or daughter's hardships can be relieved.
This is an example of what I'll call "The Rhetoric of Evasion." Obama's teleprompter elides distinctions. One could hear Dr. Ralph McInerny screaming "DISTINGUISH!!" throughout this neatly deceptive bit of flim-flammery.
Sure, you kinda-sorta know what he meant, and it felt good to kinda-sorta know that. But what he said doesn't really mean anything; the appositions fail for lack of clearly voiced differences.
The obvious example is his use of the term "stem cell research." Anyone who pays attention knows that there are TWO kinds of "stem-cell research;" one is flat-out immoral (embryonic); the other is perfectly acceptable (adult.) Obama does not want to make that clear.
Somewhat more subtle is his false apposition of "gay activist"/"evangelical pastor." Surely, each is unhappy with the effects of AIDS. But Obama's rhetoric suggests that opposition to disordered sexual activity is on the same plane as calling for research for cure to the disease.
Similarly, he establishes a false dichotomy between "lawyers" and "soldiers" in the arena of defense-of-country. Umnnnhhh...the battles these entities fight are literally on different grounds--which call for very different actions.
All that ear-candy is preparation for his attempt at the home run, of course.
"...Because when we do that _ when we open up our hearts and our minds to those who may not think precisely like we do or believe precisely what we believe-that's when we discover at least the possibility of common ground...So let us work together to reduce the number of women seeking abortions, let's reduce unintended pregnancies. Let's make adoption more available. Let's provide care and support for women who do carry their children to term....Open hearts. Open minds. Fair-minded words."
Well, who could object to being civil? Who could object to caring for people?
He very, very, carefully tiptoed around the distinction between the parties here. Some hold that killing pre-born children is circumstantially justified. Others hold that killing pre-born babies is a first-order and invariably evil act.
Without that distinction, it's all Unicorns and Balloons.
Without distinctions, it's Ear-Candy.
Handpicked by Obama
This idiot...
Biden...has revealed the existence of a secret bunker intended to house the vice president in case of a national emergency or attack.
This idiot was hand-picked by Obama, right?
Biden...has revealed the existence of a secret bunker intended to house the vice president in case of a national emergency or attack.
This idiot was hand-picked by Obama, right?
Sunday, May 17, 2009
What Brother Bob Didn't Say
Brother Bob Smith defends the Milwaukee Choice program in an essay--largely because Jim Doyle is taking up his position in the schoolhouse door once again. I don't know if the State budget will afford him the German Shepherd attack-dogs (or the National Guard...)
You can read all of it here; I'll focus on a small part:
In our elementary schools, we take pains not to label students with learning disabilities, including students who arrive from MPS with such labels attached. Students who have current individual educational plans receive assistance (at our cost) during the week, on Saturdays and after school. We do these things not because we have to but because we see the success of the student as priority. As researchers have pointed out, while more MPS parents than MPCP parents report that their children have learning disabilities (18.2% vs. 8.7%), the difference may result in the fact that private schools are less likely to label
There's a REASON that public schools "label" kids as 'learning-disabled': there's a helluvalot more State and Federal MONEY that comes with that label.
How many times must we say it? Follow the Money!
You can read all of it here; I'll focus on a small part:
In our elementary schools, we take pains not to label students with learning disabilities, including students who arrive from MPS with such labels attached. Students who have current individual educational plans receive assistance (at our cost) during the week, on Saturdays and after school. We do these things not because we have to but because we see the success of the student as priority. As researchers have pointed out, while more MPS parents than MPCP parents report that their children have learning disabilities (18.2% vs. 8.7%), the difference may result in the fact that private schools are less likely to label
There's a REASON that public schools "label" kids as 'learning-disabled': there's a helluvalot more State and Federal MONEY that comes with that label.
How many times must we say it? Follow the Money!
Learning From Union Organizers
Truer words were never spoken:
"You get the union you deserve."
Those were uttered by an ex-union organizer who now consults for union-avoidance.
More? Sure:
The grievances are always the same, he says, and "it always has to do with the employer not being responsive." Bad employers may think that decent pay can substitute for recognizing good work or listening to employees.
Wrong, and there's nothing like surviving an attempted unionization to wake up employers, says Wathen. It makes most see the error of their ways and purge bad managers. If they don't, they'll likely face a second campaign, and, statistically speaking, in those "the union kicks their ass. As well it should," said Wathen.
McIlheran's editorial has a great deal more information--there ARE such things as trickery and deceit, for example, in union-organizing drives.
But in most cases, trickery and deceit are not really necessary. Usually all it takes is a supervisor or manager who is an idiot.
"You get the union you deserve."
Those were uttered by an ex-union organizer who now consults for union-avoidance.
More? Sure:
The grievances are always the same, he says, and "it always has to do with the employer not being responsive." Bad employers may think that decent pay can substitute for recognizing good work or listening to employees.
Wrong, and there's nothing like surviving an attempted unionization to wake up employers, says Wathen. It makes most see the error of their ways and purge bad managers. If they don't, they'll likely face a second campaign, and, statistically speaking, in those "the union kicks their ass. As well it should," said Wathen.
McIlheran's editorial has a great deal more information--there ARE such things as trickery and deceit, for example, in union-organizing drives.
But in most cases, trickery and deceit are not really necessary. Usually all it takes is a supervisor or manager who is an idiot.
Front-Page Fake-Science Whine
Go ahead. Read this article.
It consists of a few thousand words which I will condense for you:
WhinefactfreewhineBPAwhineinsinuatewhineFDApissandmoanlobbyistwhinebitchyou'llalldiewhine.
The term "peer-reviewed" doesn't appear in that article, does it?
Then re-read this post.
Note that the JS article cites the "Environmental Working Group"--which makes up "science" for the benefit of trial lawyers. It's like a lot of other front groups--except it's better-connected, using a big-time Lefty PR outfit, Fenton Communications. (The matrix includes George Soros and the Tides Foundation.)
Or maybe it was created by the big-time lefty PR outfit?
The BPA saga illustrates Fenton's reach. A Fenton-allied group sponsors the study. Fenton drums up press coverage. A second Fenton-connected group stirs up grass-roots anger. And then a big Fenton client, the trial lawyers, swoop in to demand billions of dollars in damages.
Science has nothing to do with this, folks.
This is another lesson in "follow the money."
It consists of a few thousand words which I will condense for you:
WhinefactfreewhineBPAwhineinsinuatewhineFDApissandmoanlobbyistwhinebitchyou'llalldiewhine.
The term "peer-reviewed" doesn't appear in that article, does it?
Then re-read this post.
Note that the JS article cites the "Environmental Working Group"--which makes up "science" for the benefit of trial lawyers. It's like a lot of other front groups--except it's better-connected, using a big-time Lefty PR outfit, Fenton Communications. (The matrix includes George Soros and the Tides Foundation.)
Or maybe it was created by the big-time lefty PR outfit?
The BPA saga illustrates Fenton's reach. A Fenton-allied group sponsors the study. Fenton drums up press coverage. A second Fenton-connected group stirs up grass-roots anger. And then a big Fenton client, the trial lawyers, swoop in to demand billions of dollars in damages.
Science has nothing to do with this, folks.
This is another lesson in "follow the money."
Saturday, May 16, 2009
The Games Health Insurers Play
Oh, I don't doubt that there are "gamers" at the health insurance companies.
Take, for example, the national firm headquartered in the Twin Cities...
Which gets a claim from a diagnostic lab concerning a covered dependent in mid-April....
And mails its "verification of dependency" query in mid-MAY...
With a warning that 'failure to respond in 45 days' will result in automatic denial.
Take, for example, the national firm headquartered in the Twin Cities...
Which gets a claim from a diagnostic lab concerning a covered dependent in mid-April....
And mails its "verification of dependency" query in mid-MAY...
With a warning that 'failure to respond in 45 days' will result in automatic denial.
The REAL Reason for Card-Check
McIlheran did a bit of digging and exposes the.........ummmmnnn........uncovered bets.
It begins with Spectral Specter's half-reverse on card-check, whereby he would support only the compulsory-arbitration portion of the legislation.
Why?
“Failing pension plans are a major problem for unions. Unions create these multiemployer, collectively-bargained plans in order to provide retirement income for workers in several different places of employment. This requires the union, the sponsor of the plan, to negotiate with each employer to join and contribute to the fund.”
“If the arbitration panel were to require a firm to join one of the many underfunded plans, the firm could well become liable for the pensions of workers, some already retired, of other firms. This would generate an inflow of new cash to the plan but harm the financial position of the firm. According to Brett McMahon, vice president of the construction company Miller and Long, ‘Strengthening underfunded plans is an unstated union motive for seeking mandatory arbitration.’”
That from the ex-Chief Economist of the Dept of Labor.
And that under-funding is significant; when those SEIU and Sheet Metal Workers retire and find that their Union screwed them, it might not be very pleasant.
It begins with Spectral Specter's half-reverse on card-check, whereby he would support only the compulsory-arbitration portion of the legislation.
Why?
“Failing pension plans are a major problem for unions. Unions create these multiemployer, collectively-bargained plans in order to provide retirement income for workers in several different places of employment. This requires the union, the sponsor of the plan, to negotiate with each employer to join and contribute to the fund.”
“If the arbitration panel were to require a firm to join one of the many underfunded plans, the firm could well become liable for the pensions of workers, some already retired, of other firms. This would generate an inflow of new cash to the plan but harm the financial position of the firm. According to Brett McMahon, vice president of the construction company Miller and Long, ‘Strengthening underfunded plans is an unstated union motive for seeking mandatory arbitration.’”
That from the ex-Chief Economist of the Dept of Labor.
And that under-funding is significant; when those SEIU and Sheet Metal Workers retire and find that their Union screwed them, it might not be very pleasant.
AG Holder: Pelosi's Mentor?
If you thought that QueenNancy was.......ahhhhh........un-convincing in her fourth fifth discussion of 'who knew what and when,' then check out this colloquy between Eric Holder and the House Judiciary Committee's Lungren and Gohmert.
..."Holder stated at the hearing that in his view waterboarding is torture." Lungren wondered:
Are Navy SEALS subjected to waterboarding as part of their training being tortured?
Holder: No, it's not torture in the legal sense because you're not doing it with the intention of harming these people physically or mentally, all we're trying to do is train them --
Lungren: So it's the question of intent?
Holder: Intent is a huge part.
Lungren: So if the intent was to solicit information but not do permanent harm, how is that torture?
Holder: Well, it... uh... it... one has to look at... ah... it comes out to question of fact as one is determining the intention of the person who is administering the waterboarding
Heh. I hear a tricycle going in circles, fast. Continuing...
Rep. Louie Gohmert: Whether waterboarding is torture you say is an issue of intent. If our officers when waterboarding have no intent and in fact knew absolutely they would do no permanent harm to the person being waterboarded, and the only intent was to get information to save people in this country then they would not have tortured under your definition, isn't that correct?
Holder: No, not at all. Intent is a fact question, it's a fact specific question.
Gohmert: So what kind of intent were you talking about?
Holder: Well, what is the intention of the person doing the act? Was it logical that the result of doing the act would have been to physically or mentally harm the person?
Gohmert: I said that in my question. The intent was not to physically harm them because they knew there would be no permanent harm -- there would be discomfort but there would be no permanent harm -- knew that for sure. So, is the intent, are you saying it's in the mind of the one being water-boarded, whether they felt they had been tortured. Or is the intent in the mind of the actor who knows beyond any question that he is doing no permanent harm, that he is only making them think he's doing harm.
Holder: [Pure BS warning here--ed.] The intent is in the person who would be charged with the offense, the actor, as determined by a trier of fact looking at all of the circumstances. That is ultimately how one decides whether or not that person has the requisite intent.
Holder should have had a "prepared statement" to which he could refer.
It's possible, of course, that Holder's intent was to confuse the reader. /sarcasm
HT: PowerLIne
..."Holder stated at the hearing that in his view waterboarding is torture." Lungren wondered:
Are Navy SEALS subjected to waterboarding as part of their training being tortured?
Holder: No, it's not torture in the legal sense because you're not doing it with the intention of harming these people physically or mentally, all we're trying to do is train them --
Lungren: So it's the question of intent?
Holder: Intent is a huge part.
Lungren: So if the intent was to solicit information but not do permanent harm, how is that torture?
Holder: Well, it... uh... it... one has to look at... ah... it comes out to question of fact as one is determining the intention of the person who is administering the waterboarding
Heh. I hear a tricycle going in circles, fast. Continuing...
Rep. Louie Gohmert: Whether waterboarding is torture you say is an issue of intent. If our officers when waterboarding have no intent and in fact knew absolutely they would do no permanent harm to the person being waterboarded, and the only intent was to get information to save people in this country then they would not have tortured under your definition, isn't that correct?
Holder: No, not at all. Intent is a fact question, it's a fact specific question.
Gohmert: So what kind of intent were you talking about?
Holder: Well, what is the intention of the person doing the act? Was it logical that the result of doing the act would have been to physically or mentally harm the person?
Gohmert: I said that in my question. The intent was not to physically harm them because they knew there would be no permanent harm -- there would be discomfort but there would be no permanent harm -- knew that for sure. So, is the intent, are you saying it's in the mind of the one being water-boarded, whether they felt they had been tortured. Or is the intent in the mind of the actor who knows beyond any question that he is doing no permanent harm, that he is only making them think he's doing harm.
Holder: [Pure BS warning here--ed.] The intent is in the person who would be charged with the offense, the actor, as determined by a trier of fact looking at all of the circumstances. That is ultimately how one decides whether or not that person has the requisite intent.
Holder should have had a "prepared statement" to which he could refer.
It's possible, of course, that Holder's intent was to confuse the reader. /sarcasm
HT: PowerLIne
Friday, May 15, 2009
Best Quick Analysis of QueenNancy's Problem
From Ace/Drew:
If this were Obama, I'd chalk it up to a TOTUS malfunction but with Pelosi, she's just cracking up. She was shaky during her appearance yesterday and this just seems to verge on batshit crazy. If she starts talking about strawberries, we'll know the end is near.
You mean she already has the steelies?
If this were Obama, I'd chalk it up to a TOTUS malfunction but with Pelosi, she's just cracking up. She was shaky during her appearance yesterday and this just seems to verge on batshit crazy. If she starts talking about strawberries, we'll know the end is near.
You mean she already has the steelies?
Kierkegaard on Obama
Wonderful quote found in a Neumayr (no surprise...) essay on the Notre Dame crap.
“A passionate tumultuous age will overthrow everything, pull everything down,” wrote Soren Kierkegaard, “but a revolutionary age that is at the same time reflective and passionless leaves everything standing but cunningly empties it of significance.”
Obama is that cool revolutionary. He won’t even bother to topple the Church in America; he will leave it standing and co-opt it from within.
He won't succeed with the Church, of course.
But he might succeed with the country.
“A passionate tumultuous age will overthrow everything, pull everything down,” wrote Soren Kierkegaard, “but a revolutionary age that is at the same time reflective and passionless leaves everything standing but cunningly empties it of significance.”
Obama is that cool revolutionary. He won’t even bother to topple the Church in America; he will leave it standing and co-opt it from within.
He won't succeed with the Church, of course.
But he might succeed with the country.
Humor Time
Heh.
Then there was the Jesuit out for a drive who crashed into another car, only to discover that the other driver was a Franciscan.
"It was my fault," each of them insisted -- as is only right and proper with religious men.
The Jesuit in his concern for the other said, "You look badly shaken up. You could probably use a good stiff drink right now to calm down." So he produced a flask.
The Franciscan drank and said, "Thank you; I feel much better now."
The Jesuit said, "You still look a little rattled, have another drink."
And the Frannie did.
"One more," said the Jesuit," and you'll be feeling fine again."
The Franciscan, after taking a drink, said, "But Father, you're probably shaken up too. Why don't you have a drink."
"I will," the Jesuit replied, "but I think I'll wait until after the police have come."
HT: Fr. Philip
Then there was the Jesuit out for a drive who crashed into another car, only to discover that the other driver was a Franciscan.
"It was my fault," each of them insisted -- as is only right and proper with religious men.
The Jesuit in his concern for the other said, "You look badly shaken up. You could probably use a good stiff drink right now to calm down." So he produced a flask.
The Franciscan drank and said, "Thank you; I feel much better now."
The Jesuit said, "You still look a little rattled, have another drink."
And the Frannie did.
"One more," said the Jesuit," and you'll be feeling fine again."
The Franciscan, after taking a drink, said, "But Father, you're probably shaken up too. Why don't you have a drink."
"I will," the Jesuit replied, "but I think I'll wait until after the police have come."
HT: Fr. Philip
"All-Solar House" (Whoopsie...)
Should you laugh or cry?
It was supposed to be a shining example of the green movement — a completely independent solar-powered house with no gas or electrical hookups.
Seven months ago, officials gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the $900,000 house owned by the city of Troy that was to be used as an educational tool and meeting spot.
But it never opened to the public. And it remains closed.
Frozen pipes during the winter caused $16,000 in damage to floors, and city officials aren’t sure when the house at the Troy Community Center will open…
“The system was designed to kick a heater on to keep water from freezing,” [the superintendent of parks for the city] said. “The heater drew all reserve power out of the battery causing the system to back down and the pipes froze.”
JunkScience tells us that this "house" is 800 square feet. Divide $900K by 800 square feet and what do you get?
Government Health Care!
It was supposed to be a shining example of the green movement — a completely independent solar-powered house with no gas or electrical hookups.
Seven months ago, officials gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the $900,000 house owned by the city of Troy that was to be used as an educational tool and meeting spot.
But it never opened to the public. And it remains closed.
Frozen pipes during the winter caused $16,000 in damage to floors, and city officials aren’t sure when the house at the Troy Community Center will open…
“The system was designed to kick a heater on to keep water from freezing,” [the superintendent of parks for the city] said. “The heater drew all reserve power out of the battery causing the system to back down and the pipes froze.”
JunkScience tells us that this "house" is 800 square feet. Divide $900K by 800 square feet and what do you get?
Government Health Care!
Stimulating Dem Dry Bones
Fox News reports:
This week, thousands of people are getting stimulus checks in the mail. The problem is that a lot of them are dead.
Yah. But they were registered to vote by ACORN.
HT: Berry
This week, thousands of people are getting stimulus checks in the mail. The problem is that a lot of them are dead.
Yah. But they were registered to vote by ACORN.
HT: Berry
McCain: Dead-On
The eye-rolling will soon become screams of agony.
Obamachiavelli's latest:
"We can't keep on just borrowing from China . . We have to pay interest on that debt, and that means we are mortgaging our children’s future with more and more debt. . . . It will have a dampening effect on our economy."
All that really means is exactly what the Winning McCain posits here:
My guess is that this "debt is bad" line is not about cutting spending. It's about raising taxes.
Yup.
Obamachiavelli's latest:
"We can't keep on just borrowing from China . . We have to pay interest on that debt, and that means we are mortgaging our children’s future with more and more debt. . . . It will have a dampening effect on our economy."
All that really means is exactly what the Winning McCain posits here:
My guess is that this "debt is bad" line is not about cutting spending. It's about raising taxes.
Yup.
Weakland Whining, Again. Please Shut Up!!
In the New York Times (surprise!!)
“If we say our God is an all-loving god,” he said, “how do you explain that at any given time probably 400 million living on the planet at one time would be gay? Are the religions of the world, as does Catholicism, saying to those hundreds of millions of people, you have to pass your whole life without any physical, genital expression of that love?”
Reliable estimates put homosexuals at five percent of the population (or less.) That would mean that the number is, perhaps, THREE hundred + million, not 400 million. And, of course, that number is smaller the further back in time you go.
But nevermind, Bertie.
There is no necessary connection between "love" and "physical, genital expression." None.
IIRC, the greatest Lover ever born on earth did not "physically, genitally" 'do' anyone. All He did was preach, suffer, and die for those He loved. Matter of fact, Rembert, He serves as the Model for priests, no?
Children love their parents non-genitally, Bertie. People who are not married can love non-genitally. They do it all the time.
Please, Rembert. Take Charlie Sykes' advice and SHUT UP!! SHUT UP!! JUST SHUT UP!!
HT: FoxPolitics
“If we say our God is an all-loving god,” he said, “how do you explain that at any given time probably 400 million living on the planet at one time would be gay? Are the religions of the world, as does Catholicism, saying to those hundreds of millions of people, you have to pass your whole life without any physical, genital expression of that love?”
Reliable estimates put homosexuals at five percent of the population (or less.) That would mean that the number is, perhaps, THREE hundred + million, not 400 million. And, of course, that number is smaller the further back in time you go.
But nevermind, Bertie.
There is no necessary connection between "love" and "physical, genital expression." None.
IIRC, the greatest Lover ever born on earth did not "physically, genitally" 'do' anyone. All He did was preach, suffer, and die for those He loved. Matter of fact, Rembert, He serves as the Model for priests, no?
Children love their parents non-genitally, Bertie. People who are not married can love non-genitally. They do it all the time.
Please, Rembert. Take Charlie Sykes' advice and SHUT UP!! SHUT UP!! JUST SHUT UP!!
HT: FoxPolitics
Deficient Math at JS Local Desk
Walker orders a reduction in pay for some County employees. The JS reports:
For affected county workers, losing five hours of reduced pay a week would amount to about a 12.5% cut.
Maybe, but not really.
Let's assume that this reduction begins on June 1st; that means that the employees will lose 12.5% of their pay for 7 months of the year 2009.
Conventional 'compensation calculations' are annualized. In fact, the affected employees will undergo a 7.29% reduction in 2009 pay ([12.5%/12]X7). That's a hit, to be sure.
But it's not quite as bad as the JS' article would make it--if you accept convention.
For affected county workers, losing five hours of reduced pay a week would amount to about a 12.5% cut.
Maybe, but not really.
Let's assume that this reduction begins on June 1st; that means that the employees will lose 12.5% of their pay for 7 months of the year 2009.
Conventional 'compensation calculations' are annualized. In fact, the affected employees will undergo a 7.29% reduction in 2009 pay ([12.5%/12]X7). That's a hit, to be sure.
But it's not quite as bad as the JS' article would make it--if you accept convention.
Obamachiavelli: Morrissey Finally Gets It
The Prince, using the usual lies.
Earlier this week, President Obama announced that American health providers had pledged to cut costs by 1.5% each of the next ten years as a means to stave off an economic crisis in the industry.
Well, not really.
Now Obama’s partners say that the President misstated their agreement, and that they pledged to eventually ramp up to a 1.5% annual savings rate over the next ten years
BIG difference.
Morrisey's beginning to catch on to the game.
The more conspiratorial may believe that the overpromise was deliberate, setting up the AHA for failure so that Obama can impose his government-dictated system on the country while blaming the AHA. Before the campaign of intimidation against Chrysler senior creditors, I would have scoffed. Now, I’m not so sure.
Morrissey's a little late to the party. Obama is a committed Extreme Lefty. His Corporate Fascist orientation has been clear since about 2 weeks into his imperial reign; all that remains to be settled is whether the country's inhabitants will accept it.
Buy More Ammo, Ed!
Earlier this week, President Obama announced that American health providers had pledged to cut costs by 1.5% each of the next ten years as a means to stave off an economic crisis in the industry.
Well, not really.
Now Obama’s partners say that the President misstated their agreement, and that they pledged to eventually ramp up to a 1.5% annual savings rate over the next ten years
BIG difference.
Morrisey's beginning to catch on to the game.
The more conspiratorial may believe that the overpromise was deliberate, setting up the AHA for failure so that Obama can impose his government-dictated system on the country while blaming the AHA. Before the campaign of intimidation against Chrysler senior creditors, I would have scoffed. Now, I’m not so sure.
Morrissey's a little late to the party. Obama is a committed Extreme Lefty. His Corporate Fascist orientation has been clear since about 2 weeks into his imperial reign; all that remains to be settled is whether the country's inhabitants will accept it.
Buy More Ammo, Ed!
"Gimme Tax Money!!" That's Allstate's Stand
More rewards for incompetence.
“The Treasury Department will make federal bailout funds available to a number of U.S. life insurers, acting on the embattled sector’s long-running effort to get government help. The Treasury is prepared to inject up to $22 billion into the insurers under the rescue plan launched last fall as the Troubled Asset Relief Program, said a person familiar with the matter."
Ritholtz is more than a little unhappy:
This is totally unacceptable. If you did not manage your assets prudently, if you failed to employ appropriate risk management procedures, and if you come to the government teat for aid, there must be a heavy cost and major strings attached
Recipients? Here's a list.
Hartford Financial Services
Prudential Financial Inc.,
Principal Financial Group Inc.
Lincoln National Corp.
Allstate
Ameriprise Financial
We're waiting for a list of 'fired idiots'...
“The Treasury Department will make federal bailout funds available to a number of U.S. life insurers, acting on the embattled sector’s long-running effort to get government help. The Treasury is prepared to inject up to $22 billion into the insurers under the rescue plan launched last fall as the Troubled Asset Relief Program, said a person familiar with the matter."
Ritholtz is more than a little unhappy:
This is totally unacceptable. If you did not manage your assets prudently, if you failed to employ appropriate risk management procedures, and if you come to the government teat for aid, there must be a heavy cost and major strings attached
Recipients? Here's a list.
Hartford Financial Services
Prudential Financial Inc.,
Principal Financial Group Inc.
Lincoln National Corp.
Allstate
Ameriprise Financial
We're waiting for a list of 'fired idiots'...
Mitch Daniels: Two Fists, "No, Thanks!" To CapandTax
HT: ABadger! ...who posts this essay by Mitch Daniels, Governor of Indiana.
...But it’s clear to me that the nation, and in particular Indiana, my home state, will be terribly disserved by this cap-and-trade policy on the verge of passage in the House
...This bill would impose enormous taxes and restrictions on free commerce by wealthy but faltering powers — California, Massachusetts and New York — seeking to exploit politically weaker colonies in order to prop up their own decaying economies.
The Waxman-Markey legislation would more than double electricity bills in Indiana. [and probably in Wisconsin, too. --ed.] Years of reform in taxation, regulation and infrastructure-building would be largely erased at a stroke
...No honest estimate pretends to suggest that a U.S. cap-and-trade regime will move the world’s thermometer by so much as a tenth of a degree a half century from now. My fellow citizens are being ordered to accept impoverishment for a policy that won’t save a single polar bear
...Our president has commendably committed himself to “government that works.” But his imperial climate-change policy is government that cannot work, and we humble colonials out here in the provinces have no choice but to petition for relief from the Crown’s impositions.”
(You'll note that Three-Card-Monte Doyle, GloriouslyImpoverishing Reigning Governor of Wisconsin, hasn't said "boo" about this nuclear bomb heading toward this State.)
It is very interesting, indeed, that Daniels is using language which calls to mind the Declaration of Independence.
Huzzah to him!!
...But it’s clear to me that the nation, and in particular Indiana, my home state, will be terribly disserved by this cap-and-trade policy on the verge of passage in the House
...This bill would impose enormous taxes and restrictions on free commerce by wealthy but faltering powers — California, Massachusetts and New York — seeking to exploit politically weaker colonies in order to prop up their own decaying economies.
The Waxman-Markey legislation would more than double electricity bills in Indiana. [and probably in Wisconsin, too. --ed.] Years of reform in taxation, regulation and infrastructure-building would be largely erased at a stroke
...No honest estimate pretends to suggest that a U.S. cap-and-trade regime will move the world’s thermometer by so much as a tenth of a degree a half century from now. My fellow citizens are being ordered to accept impoverishment for a policy that won’t save a single polar bear
...Our president has commendably committed himself to “government that works.” But his imperial climate-change policy is government that cannot work, and we humble colonials out here in the provinces have no choice but to petition for relief from the Crown’s impositions.”
(You'll note that Three-Card-Monte Doyle, Gloriously
It is very interesting, indeed, that Daniels is using language which calls to mind the Declaration of Independence.
Huzzah to him!!
How the JS Got Flim-Flammed on Bishpnenol-A
Ever wonder how the Milwaukee JS got into "Bispenol-A"?
Think of "The Music Man." They get sold a bill of goods by an outfit called Fenton Communications.
Fenton Communications pitches for trial lawyers, collectively the largest contributors to the Democrat Party, as well as for the hard line environmental group Greenpeace; Venezuela's socialist leader Hugo Chavez; anti-war demonstrator Cindy Sheehan; and gay and abortion advocates. [Fenton is ] a powerhouse propaganda machine that helped Moveon.org smear a four-star general, promotes endless environmental scares and brags it can place its left wing themes in the nation's leading newspapers
It was Fenton which came up with the "General Betray-Us" ad...which tells you a bit about the scummy "ethics" this outfit has. No co-incidence that it's tightly connected to the Trial Lawyers, eh?
Back to bisphenol-A.
Perhaps no other case better illustrates the network -- Fenton, the news media and liberal pressure groups -- better than a chemical called bisphenol A, or BPA. The substance is used in the production of bottles -- especially baby bottles -- and food cans. The Food and Drug Administration, based on two-industry studies that followed recognized scientific guidelines, ruled BPA as safe.
Enter the Fenton connection.
In 2007, a group called the Environmental Working Group sponsored a study that said BPA is hazardous to your health. Fenton Communications describes the working group as partner and client. David Fenton sits on its board of directors. There had been previous anti-BPA studies, but this one -- with Fenton's backing -- got the ball rolling.
What's the problem with BPA? Nothing. Not a damn thing.
"It's garbage," Steven Milloy, editor of JunkScience.com, says of the various studies on BPA which subject mice to large doses.
Of Wal-Mart and other companies bowing to Fenton and the trial lawyers, Milloy tells HUMAN EVENTS, "The whole thing just makes you want to throw up."
He said one ballyhooed study comes from a scientist who will not share his data. "That's about as unscientific as you get. So you have this secret science used to railroad this product. If you look at the government reports on this, they can't find any health effects ... There's not a single federal report out there that can find a single thing wrong with BPA.
And there's nothing wrong with the Trial Lawyers' pocketbooks, either.
By 2008, the reporters were in a BPA frenzy. With the news media onboard and a grass roots effort under way to find BPA victims, a perfect storm arose for rich and powerful trial lawyers. They began filing billion-dollar lawsuits across the country against baby bottle makers and retailers who sold them
Basically, it's a "YOU'RE GONNA DIE!!!" racketeering deal.
"Fenton Communications has ... been a key player in numerous scares, including those involving biotech foods, 'toxic' chemicals in breast milk, toys and medical equipment made with PVC plastic, chemicals in the environment alleged to mimic hormones .... Milloy wrote in a 2007 column. "None of these scares have a scientific leg to stand on and all have been debunked over the course of time."
Milloy said the Environmental Working Group-sponsored study is no different than previous studies. He explained the way they did it this way:"I would say that EWG's testing revealed that BPA in food containers/food products was not at dangerous levels (i.e., not above 50 micrograms per kilogram of bodyweight) -- so EWG fabricated a new 'toxic dose' (2 micrograms per kilogram of bodyweight) so that EWG could then pretend that BPA was present at 'toxic' levels. EWG's pretend toxic dose of 2 is not supported by real-life experiences or scientific data. Moreover, the EPA safe dose of 50 has a substantial margin of safety built into it. This method of making up a "toxic" dose is an old trick of groups like EWG.
But JS "reporters" don't know that. Nor will you find them taking biochem courses to find the realities.
They just get flim-flammed by the modern-day version of Prof. Harold Hill--and they don't even get kissed.
Think of "The Music Man." They get sold a bill of goods by an outfit called Fenton Communications.
Fenton Communications pitches for trial lawyers, collectively the largest contributors to the Democrat Party, as well as for the hard line environmental group Greenpeace; Venezuela's socialist leader Hugo Chavez; anti-war demonstrator Cindy Sheehan; and gay and abortion advocates. [Fenton is ] a powerhouse propaganda machine that helped Moveon.org smear a four-star general, promotes endless environmental scares and brags it can place its left wing themes in the nation's leading newspapers
It was Fenton which came up with the "General Betray-Us" ad...which tells you a bit about the scummy "ethics" this outfit has. No co-incidence that it's tightly connected to the Trial Lawyers, eh?
Back to bisphenol-A.
Perhaps no other case better illustrates the network -- Fenton, the news media and liberal pressure groups -- better than a chemical called bisphenol A, or BPA. The substance is used in the production of bottles -- especially baby bottles -- and food cans. The Food and Drug Administration, based on two-industry studies that followed recognized scientific guidelines, ruled BPA as safe.
Enter the Fenton connection.
In 2007, a group called the Environmental Working Group sponsored a study that said BPA is hazardous to your health. Fenton Communications describes the working group as partner and client. David Fenton sits on its board of directors. There had been previous anti-BPA studies, but this one -- with Fenton's backing -- got the ball rolling.
What's the problem with BPA? Nothing. Not a damn thing.
"It's garbage," Steven Milloy, editor of JunkScience.com, says of the various studies on BPA which subject mice to large doses.
Of Wal-Mart and other companies bowing to Fenton and the trial lawyers, Milloy tells HUMAN EVENTS, "The whole thing just makes you want to throw up."
He said one ballyhooed study comes from a scientist who will not share his data. "That's about as unscientific as you get. So you have this secret science used to railroad this product. If you look at the government reports on this, they can't find any health effects ... There's not a single federal report out there that can find a single thing wrong with BPA.
And there's nothing wrong with the Trial Lawyers' pocketbooks, either.
By 2008, the reporters were in a BPA frenzy. With the news media onboard and a grass roots effort under way to find BPA victims, a perfect storm arose for rich and powerful trial lawyers. They began filing billion-dollar lawsuits across the country against baby bottle makers and retailers who sold them
Basically, it's a "YOU'RE GONNA DIE!!!" racketeering deal.
"Fenton Communications has ... been a key player in numerous scares, including those involving biotech foods, 'toxic' chemicals in breast milk, toys and medical equipment made with PVC plastic, chemicals in the environment alleged to mimic hormones .... Milloy wrote in a 2007 column. "None of these scares have a scientific leg to stand on and all have been debunked over the course of time."
Milloy said the Environmental Working Group-sponsored study is no different than previous studies. He explained the way they did it this way:"I would say that EWG's testing revealed that BPA in food containers/food products was not at dangerous levels (i.e., not above 50 micrograms per kilogram of bodyweight) -- so EWG fabricated a new 'toxic dose' (2 micrograms per kilogram of bodyweight) so that EWG could then pretend that BPA was present at 'toxic' levels. EWG's pretend toxic dose of 2 is not supported by real-life experiences or scientific data. Moreover, the EPA safe dose of 50 has a substantial margin of safety built into it. This method of making up a "toxic" dose is an old trick of groups like EWG.
But JS "reporters" don't know that. Nor will you find them taking biochem courses to find the realities.
They just get flim-flammed by the modern-day version of Prof. Harold Hill--and they don't even get kissed.
GE: Gimme-Magination!
On the Big-Time-Rent-Seekers front, we find Jeff Immelt sucking up tax dollars...
General Electric will receive $40 million in federal stimulus money and another $15 million in New York State grant money to build a $100 million locomotive-battery plant near Albany, NY, according to the Wall Street Journal. The plant will eventually employ 350 people and could generate as much as $500 million per year in revenue by 2015, according to GE.
As Milloy (properly) asks--why the Hell does GE need $55 million in grants? Their reported profit last year was $18 BILLION on revenues of $180 BILLION.
By the way, the technology may or may not work...
(Parenthetically, we note that GE's revenue/profits ratio is approximately identical to that of Big Oil. I'm waiting for the screeching about "windfall profits...")
General Electric will receive $40 million in federal stimulus money and another $15 million in New York State grant money to build a $100 million locomotive-battery plant near Albany, NY, according to the Wall Street Journal. The plant will eventually employ 350 people and could generate as much as $500 million per year in revenue by 2015, according to GE.
As Milloy (properly) asks--why the Hell does GE need $55 million in grants? Their reported profit last year was $18 BILLION on revenues of $180 BILLION.
By the way, the technology may or may not work...
(Parenthetically, we note that GE's revenue/profits ratio is approximately identical to that of Big Oil. I'm waiting for the screeching about "windfall profits...")
California v. Wisconsin Budget Deficits
Deficit-wise, you're better off moving to California.
We're told that the Golden State's 1-year budget deficit will be $15.4Bn. Jim Doyle's (two-year) deficit is $6.4 Bn.
Just for grins, let's cut Doyle's Deficit by half, to compare annual numbers.
So:
California has a population of 33,800,000; each Californian's share of the deficit is ~$455.00.
Wisconsin has a population of 5,300,000, so each Wisconsinite's share of the deficit is ~$584.00.
No wonder California's cows are happy. They aren't milked NEARLY as much as Wisconsin's...
We're told that the Golden State's 1-year budget deficit will be $15.4Bn. Jim Doyle's (two-year) deficit is $6.4 Bn.
Just for grins, let's cut Doyle's Deficit by half, to compare annual numbers.
So:
California has a population of 33,800,000; each Californian's share of the deficit is ~$455.00.
Wisconsin has a population of 5,300,000, so each Wisconsinite's share of the deficit is ~$584.00.
No wonder California's cows are happy. They aren't milked NEARLY as much as Wisconsin's...
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Jim Antle Proposes Conservatism (!!)
Rather than the sturm und drang over "losing" Specter...
There is a flavor of conservatism that has not been discredited by the events of the past eight years. If anything, its criticisms of loose monetary policies, overconsumption, reckless private and public borrowing, uncontrolled immigration, and foreign adventurism now seem prescient. It is a conservatism unburdened by the Iraq War, the “heckuva job” response to Hurricane Katrina, and the financial meltdown, which are really the biggest contributors to the GOP’s decline. Most of all, it is a conservatism that does not need to rehabilitate the Bush legacy since its leading exponents were never full-time Bush apologists
Yup. Kinda like PJB. Whaddya know about that?
There is a flavor of conservatism that has not been discredited by the events of the past eight years. If anything, its criticisms of loose monetary policies, overconsumption, reckless private and public borrowing, uncontrolled immigration, and foreign adventurism now seem prescient. It is a conservatism unburdened by the Iraq War, the “heckuva job” response to Hurricane Katrina, and the financial meltdown, which are really the biggest contributors to the GOP’s decline. Most of all, it is a conservatism that does not need to rehabilitate the Bush legacy since its leading exponents were never full-time Bush apologists
Yup. Kinda like PJB. Whaddya know about that?
Who's Vladimir Bukovsky? And Why Hobbes?
Bukovsky was a Russki dissident and writer, who was the first to expose the use of "psychiatric" imprisonment of political dissidents in the Soviet Union.
He doesn't care for the European Union. But take his statements and change a couple of words (like, say, switch "Europol" for "DHS"), and it becomes a bit more compelling, no?
"Go through all the structures, all the features of this emerging European monster, and it more and more resembles the Soviet Union. Of course, it’s a milder version of the Soviet Union. Please don’t misunderstand me...it has no gulag. It has no KGB, not yet. But I’m very carefully watching such structures as Europol, for example. And that really concerns because this organisation will have power probably even more than the KGB. They will have diplomatic immunity. I cannot imagine the KGB with diplomatic immunity. That’s even more frightening than it is."
About "hate speech,":
"What you have observe taken in perspective, is the systematic introduction of ideology which will be enforced later...and apparently, that's the whole purpose of Europol. Otherwise, why would we need it? That for me is very suspicious. And I'd watch very carefully who is persecuted for what and what is happening now.
That is one field in which I am an expert. I know how gulags spring up."
Resume Soma treatments...
HT: Orwell
That's related to Hobbes.....how?
Let's begin with the trenchant observation of Fr. Schall:
"We are losing our liberties because of our 'rights.'”
So?
...Many fine scholars such as Jacques Maritain, John Finnis, and others have worked valiantly to save “rights” terminology from relativism, the context in which it is understood in modern political philosophy. They have not prevailed in baptizing it as was their intent, even though they provide plausible arguments about why it need not be a relativistic concept. These arguments are simply ignored or rejected by most rights advocates, though seldom confronted intellectually.
David Walsh has noted that the word “rights” still retains a vague relation to some stable grounding in being. Today, however, “rights” mean what Hobbes, its original formulator, claimed: namely, the word rights means whatever the de facto political authority says it means. A “right” is what the government defines and enforces as a right, nothing more, nothing less.
That's the connection to Bukovsky, the Gulag, and "Europol." Coming soon to a theatre near you.
He doesn't care for the European Union. But take his statements and change a couple of words (like, say, switch "Europol" for "DHS"), and it becomes a bit more compelling, no?
"Go through all the structures, all the features of this emerging European monster, and it more and more resembles the Soviet Union. Of course, it’s a milder version of the Soviet Union. Please don’t misunderstand me...it has no gulag. It has no KGB, not yet. But I’m very carefully watching such structures as Europol, for example. And that really concerns because this organisation will have power probably even more than the KGB. They will have diplomatic immunity. I cannot imagine the KGB with diplomatic immunity. That’s even more frightening than it is."
About "hate speech,":
"What you have observe taken in perspective, is the systematic introduction of ideology which will be enforced later...and apparently, that's the whole purpose of Europol. Otherwise, why would we need it? That for me is very suspicious. And I'd watch very carefully who is persecuted for what and what is happening now.
That is one field in which I am an expert. I know how gulags spring up."
Resume Soma treatments...
HT: Orwell
That's related to Hobbes.....how?
Let's begin with the trenchant observation of Fr. Schall:
"We are losing our liberties because of our 'rights.'”
So?
...Many fine scholars such as Jacques Maritain, John Finnis, and others have worked valiantly to save “rights” terminology from relativism, the context in which it is understood in modern political philosophy. They have not prevailed in baptizing it as was their intent, even though they provide plausible arguments about why it need not be a relativistic concept. These arguments are simply ignored or rejected by most rights advocates, though seldom confronted intellectually.
David Walsh has noted that the word “rights” still retains a vague relation to some stable grounding in being. Today, however, “rights” mean what Hobbes, its original formulator, claimed: namely, the word rights means whatever the de facto political authority says it means. A “right” is what the government defines and enforces as a right, nothing more, nothing less.
That's the connection to Bukovsky, the Gulag, and "Europol." Coming soon to a theatre near you.
Steyn on Obama-Nation
Mark Steyn:
...The bailout and the stimulus and the budget and the trillion-dollar deficits are not merely massive transfers from the most dynamic and productive sector to the least dynamic and productive. When governments annex a huge chunk of the economy, they also annex a huge chunk of individual liberty. You fundamentally change the relationship between the citizen and the state into something closer to that of junkie and pusher—and you make it very difficult ever to change back...
And he adds a poignant scene:
Whereas New Hampshire's motto—"Live free or die!"—is still the greatest rallying cry for this state or any other. About a year ago, there was a picture in the papers of Iranian students demonstrating in Tehran and waving placards. And what they'd written on those placards was: "Live free or die!" They understand the power of those words; so should we...
It's a lengthy read, but worth it.
...The bailout and the stimulus and the budget and the trillion-dollar deficits are not merely massive transfers from the most dynamic and productive sector to the least dynamic and productive. When governments annex a huge chunk of the economy, they also annex a huge chunk of individual liberty. You fundamentally change the relationship between the citizen and the state into something closer to that of junkie and pusher—and you make it very difficult ever to change back...
And he adds a poignant scene:
Whereas New Hampshire's motto—"Live free or die!"—is still the greatest rallying cry for this state or any other. About a year ago, there was a picture in the papers of Iranian students demonstrating in Tehran and waving placards. And what they'd written on those placards was: "Live free or die!" They understand the power of those words; so should we...
It's a lengthy read, but worth it.
The Stupid Party? Yup.
Allahpundit is absolutely correct.
A member of the Republican National Committee told me Tuesday that when the RNC meets in an extraordinary special session next week, it will approve a resolution rebranding Democrats as the “Democrat Socialist Party.” --Roger Simon, Politico
Allah's take:
...now they’re going to up the ante by trying the hard sell: Just repeat “socialism” as much as possible to try to drive it into people’s skulls, never minding the fact that that term’s already lost some of its taboo ...
Inane move, folks.
A member of the Republican National Committee told me Tuesday that when the RNC meets in an extraordinary special session next week, it will approve a resolution rebranding Democrats as the “Democrat Socialist Party.” --Roger Simon, Politico
Allah's take:
...now they’re going to up the ante by trying the hard sell: Just repeat “socialism” as much as possible to try to drive it into people’s skulls, never minding the fact that that term’s already lost some of its taboo ...
Inane move, folks.
Paulson DID Force the Banks Into TARP
Some LeftOWackies insisted that 'nobody forced the banks to take TARP money.'
They were (as usual) wrong.
Former Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said nine U.S. banks would have to accept $125 billion in government investments or be forced to by regulators, according to a memo prepared for a meeting with the lenders’ chief executive officers in October.
“If a capital infusion is not appealing, you should be aware that your regulator will require it in any circumstance,” the one-page list of talking points said. “We don’t believe it is tenable to opt out because doing so would leave you vulnerable and exposed.”
Yes, at the time (October '08) I thought that purchasing bad loans would be helpful. And yes, it was the Bush Administration.
But Paulson re-directed the funds to 'capital purchases,' unilaterally. His bad, not mine. Bush/Paulson laid the groundwork for Obama's ominous GM/Chrysler takeovers, and for his 'compensation' regime...something for which Bush should be ashamed.
They were (as usual) wrong.
Former Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said nine U.S. banks would have to accept $125 billion in government investments or be forced to by regulators, according to a memo prepared for a meeting with the lenders’ chief executive officers in October.
“If a capital infusion is not appealing, you should be aware that your regulator will require it in any circumstance,” the one-page list of talking points said. “We don’t believe it is tenable to opt out because doing so would leave you vulnerable and exposed.”
Yes, at the time (October '08) I thought that purchasing bad loans would be helpful. And yes, it was the Bush Administration.
But Paulson re-directed the funds to 'capital purchases,' unilaterally. His bad, not mine. Bush/Paulson laid the groundwork for Obama's ominous GM/Chrysler takeovers, and for his 'compensation' regime...something for which Bush should be ashamed.
Dems Quashing Ethics Probe of Murtha
There are a few (D) Congresscritters who are utterly devoid of ethics and morals. Jack Murtha is one.
And he may wind up in the crosshairs of an ethics investigation.
Or not.
As the House prepared to vote this week on Republican Rep. Jeff Flake’s push for an ethics investigation involving Rep. John Murtha and other senior appropriators, Democratic leaders (Van Hollen, acting for QueenNancy-of-Faulty-Memory) sent an unmistakable message to their members: “Don’t be a Flake.”
But 29 Dems voted FOR the ethics referral--including Ron Kind (D-WI).
Think of it--the man who built the Murtha Memorial Intergalactic Airport, plus all his nephews, might be out of work soon!
And he may wind up in the crosshairs of an ethics investigation.
Or not.
As the House prepared to vote this week on Republican Rep. Jeff Flake’s push for an ethics investigation involving Rep. John Murtha and other senior appropriators, Democratic leaders (Van Hollen, acting for QueenNancy-of-Faulty-Memory) sent an unmistakable message to their members: “Don’t be a Flake.”
But 29 Dems voted FOR the ethics referral--including Ron Kind (D-WI).
Think of it--the man who built the Murtha Memorial Intergalactic Airport, plus all his nephews, might be out of work soon!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
JS Story Doesn't Add Up
The text provided by the JS writer does not correlate with the quotation of Feingold.
Sen. Russ Feingold said Wednesday that former Vice President Dick Cheney is “misleading the American people” by claiming that harsh interrogation techniques on suspected terrorists averted additional attacks on the country after Sept. 11.
“Nothing I have seen, including the two documents to which former Vice President Cheney has repeatedly referred, indicates that the torture techniques authorized by the last administration were necessary or that they were the best way to get information out of detainees,” Feingold said during a Senate Judiciary subcommittee hearing.
Feinie does NOT state whether 'additional attacks were (or were not) averted.' All the quote says is that they may not have been necessary, or may not have been the best methods.
So. Is the JS writer simply inserting her own spin? Or did some editor at the paper delete the important language?
What WAS the price of JS stock yesterday??
Sen. Russ Feingold said Wednesday that former Vice President Dick Cheney is “misleading the American people” by claiming that harsh interrogation techniques on suspected terrorists averted additional attacks on the country after Sept. 11.
“Nothing I have seen, including the two documents to which former Vice President Cheney has repeatedly referred, indicates that the torture techniques authorized by the last administration were necessary or that they were the best way to get information out of detainees,” Feingold said during a Senate Judiciary subcommittee hearing.
Feinie does NOT state whether 'additional attacks were (or were not) averted.' All the quote says is that they may not have been necessary, or may not have been the best methods.
So. Is the JS writer simply inserting her own spin? Or did some editor at the paper delete the important language?
What WAS the price of JS stock yesterday??
Coulter's On Target Here
Ann gets it.
Liberals wouldn't attack James Dobson with the amount of bile they've directed at a 21-year-old beauty contestant.
It's not just Christianity -- it's women liberals hate. From Jean-Paul Sartre, Pablo Picasso and Bertrand Russell, who treated women -- mostly their mistresses -- like dogs, to Teddy Kennedy and Bill Clinton in our own day, liberals are ferocious misogynists.
They share Muslims' opinion of women, differing only to the extent that liberals also support a women's right to have an abortion and to perform lap dances
"Hate" is not quite the correct word. To the lefties, women are Kleenex, as are babies-in-utero. So it's not really "hate."
It's dehumanization.
Liberals wouldn't attack James Dobson with the amount of bile they've directed at a 21-year-old beauty contestant.
It's not just Christianity -- it's women liberals hate. From Jean-Paul Sartre, Pablo Picasso and Bertrand Russell, who treated women -- mostly their mistresses -- like dogs, to Teddy Kennedy and Bill Clinton in our own day, liberals are ferocious misogynists.
They share Muslims' opinion of women, differing only to the extent that liberals also support a women's right to have an abortion and to perform lap dances
"Hate" is not quite the correct word. To the lefties, women are Kleenex, as are babies-in-utero. So it's not really "hate."
It's dehumanization.