HT: CMR/Live Action
Thursday, June 09, 2011
Apocryphal Obozo Tales
Let's hope that this is not a repeatable pattern.
An Ohio restaurant mentioned last week by President Barack Obama as an indirect beneficiary of the government's Chrysler bailout will go out of business Sunday after a more than 70-year history. Co-owner Richard Lawrence of New Chet's Restaurant in Toledo says business has fallen victim to the economy ...
Obozo also tells us that Porkulus "saved" the US.
Until when? Next year sometime?
An Ohio restaurant mentioned last week by President Barack Obama as an indirect beneficiary of the government's Chrysler bailout will go out of business Sunday after a more than 70-year history. Co-owner Richard Lawrence of New Chet's Restaurant in Toledo says business has fallen victim to the economy ...
Obozo also tells us that Porkulus "saved" the US.
Until when? Next year sometime?
Gentlemen, Place Your Bets--and Buy More Ammo
Ron Paul bets against it.
Al Hunt: Do you think Congress will pass an Extension.
Ron Paul: I do. This will go up until the last minute, then they will raise the debt ceiling. --Vox quoting Mish
Ron Paul is also dour about the "10-Year Plans" for debt reduction.
He's betting the Inflation Card all the way.
Erickson's take?
News reports have emerged indicating that that “dollar for dollar” cuts to spending promised as part of a grand bargain to increase the debt ceiling may be pro-rated over 10, 20 or even 25 years. It is easy for politicians to promise future cuts to spending when many of these politicians cutting the deal will be long gone from Washington, DC.
IOW, it's back to business-as-usual from the PIG (Party In Government) cretins.
Buy more ammo.
Al Hunt: Do you think Congress will pass an Extension.
Ron Paul: I do. This will go up until the last minute, then they will raise the debt ceiling. --Vox quoting Mish
Ron Paul is also dour about the "10-Year Plans" for debt reduction.
He's betting the Inflation Card all the way.
Erickson's take?
News reports have emerged indicating that that “dollar for dollar” cuts to spending promised as part of a grand bargain to increase the debt ceiling may be pro-rated over 10, 20 or even 25 years. It is easy for politicians to promise future cuts to spending when many of these politicians cutting the deal will be long gone from Washington, DC.
IOW, it's back to business-as-usual from the PIG (Party In Government) cretins.
Buy more ammo.
United Council of UW Students--Who Are They?
The United Council blahblahblah denies that they were the zombies harassing Special Olympics kids.
OK.
So who are these people, anyway?
...Nicole has worked for the Wisconsin Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Sierra Club John Muir Chapter, the Assembly Democratic Campaign Committee, Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, and the Youth Coalition for Sexual & Reproductive Rights....
No irony there.
...Matt has organized across central Wisconsin and beyond.
Courtney is the current Membership Field Organizer with the United Council of UW students. She brings with her experience from the Oregon Student Association, dozens of non-profits including NARAL, Basic Rights Oregon, and the ACLU, three professional campaigns, and several years as a student organizer at Portland State University in Oregon....
Erika Wolf has spent 10 years as a community organizer. From anti-war demonstrations to teaching kids about composting
There's also a Board of Directors!!
OK.
So who are these people, anyway?
...Nicole has worked for the Wisconsin Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Sierra Club John Muir Chapter, the Assembly Democratic Campaign Committee, Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, and the Youth Coalition for Sexual & Reproductive Rights....
No irony there.
...Matt has organized across central Wisconsin and beyond.
Courtney is the current Membership Field Organizer with the United Council of UW students. She brings with her experience from the Oregon Student Association, dozens of non-profits including NARAL, Basic Rights Oregon, and the ACLU, three professional campaigns, and several years as a student organizer at Portland State University in Oregon....
Erika Wolf has spent 10 years as a community organizer. From anti-war demonstrations to teaching kids about composting
There's also a Board of Directors!!
Kerry/McCain's Permanent-War Resolution
Well, it's only a few years late.
The Senators from Eastasia (Kerry and McCain) will offer their Permanent War Resolution.
Fortunately, they're
not likely to assemble enough votes to pass it.
The Senators from Eastasia (Kerry and McCain) will offer their Permanent War Resolution.
Fortunately, they're
not likely to assemble enough votes to pass it.
Wednesday, June 08, 2011
More of the Same ObozoConomy Coming Right Up!!
We mentioned this a week or so ago, but it's worth a re-run.
Two new EPA pollution regulations will slam the coal industry so hard that hundreds of thousands of jobs will be lost, and electric rates will skyrocket 11 percent to over 23 percent, according to a new study based on government data.
If it costs nothing else, that's $17.5 mill down the toilet. How many children would THAT feed?
Two new EPA pollution regulations will slam the coal industry so hard that hundreds of thousands of jobs will be lost, and electric rates will skyrocket 11 percent to over 23 percent, according to a new study based on government data.
Overall, the rules aimed at making the air cleaner could cost the coal-fired power plant industry $180 billion, warns a trade group.
Near 60% of your electric bill is from coal-fired generators. You'll love the increase!!
We're not done yet:
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that it has awarded $17.4 million for pilot projects that will begin exploring how to establish a market for greenhouse gas (GHG) credits, a key component of a cap and trade system, to help reduce carbon and other emissions that apparently contribute to global warming. --HT ZippersIf it costs nothing else, that's $17.5 mill down the toilet. How many children would THAT feed?
HT: Gateway
The Exceptionally Classy EntitledTown Assholes
Patrick has the video of the EntitledTown assholes. You will NOT believe who they cut off for today's classy stunt.
Kinda makes me think of my chem-lab days, mixing butyl compounds for maximum stench-effect. They can be encapsulated, you know.
Kinda makes me think of my chem-lab days, mixing butyl compounds for maximum stench-effect. They can be encapsulated, you know.
ObozoBailout: Greece!!
Oh, sure, why not?
President Barack Obama on Tuesday urged European countries and bondholders to prevent a "disastrous" default by Greece and pledged U.S. support to help tackle the country's debt crisis.
"...we have pledged to cooperate fully in working through these issues, both on a bilateral basis but also through international and financial institutions like the IMF."
How very kind of you, Obozo.
President Barack Obama on Tuesday urged European countries and bondholders to prevent a "disastrous" default by Greece and pledged U.S. support to help tackle the country's debt crisis.
"...we have pledged to cooperate fully in working through these issues, both on a bilateral basis but also through international and financial institutions like the IMF."
How very kind of you, Obozo.
Ah, the Literature Department!
Think this might be a touch cynical?
...Literature departments really are where bad ideas go to die — or, rather, to walk the earth as poorly reanimated zombies, eating the brains of heedless young people. Marxism, conceived as a philosophy grounded in economics, failed utterly, everywhere it was tried, to do the things it promised: to increase prosperity and eliminate inequality....
...in literature departments, the only empirical test of an intellectual construct is whether it can offer coherent readings of poems, novels, and plays: Let’s call this the Cleverness Standard. Can a clever person, using these premises (derived from very, very clever people such as Marx, Freud, and de Beauvoir) spin out an interpretation of Mansfield Park? Or, increasingly, action movies such as Thor, or video games like Second Life? If so, that person is on the track toward tenure. If I ever went to work at a “mainstream” college English department, I would drop my theological study of Walker Percy and write up instead a book-length Jungian reading of my favorite PC shoot-’em-up Medieval Total War. I’m sure I would meet and exceed the Cleverness Standard, and when the thing was published by the Lusitania State University Press (to be read by some 70 people), I’d be well on my way toward snagging that faculty Volvo I’ve always dreamed of.
Yah, well, and (stamp feet here) he ended that 'graf with a PREPOSITION, so it must be.........wrong.......or something.
...Literature departments really are where bad ideas go to die — or, rather, to walk the earth as poorly reanimated zombies, eating the brains of heedless young people. Marxism, conceived as a philosophy grounded in economics, failed utterly, everywhere it was tried, to do the things it promised: to increase prosperity and eliminate inequality....
...in literature departments, the only empirical test of an intellectual construct is whether it can offer coherent readings of poems, novels, and plays: Let’s call this the Cleverness Standard. Can a clever person, using these premises (derived from very, very clever people such as Marx, Freud, and de Beauvoir) spin out an interpretation of Mansfield Park? Or, increasingly, action movies such as Thor, or video games like Second Life? If so, that person is on the track toward tenure. If I ever went to work at a “mainstream” college English department, I would drop my theological study of Walker Percy and write up instead a book-length Jungian reading of my favorite PC shoot-’em-up Medieval Total War. I’m sure I would meet and exceed the Cleverness Standard, and when the thing was published by the Lusitania State University Press (to be read by some 70 people), I’d be well on my way toward snagging that faculty Volvo I’ve always dreamed of.
Yah, well, and (stamp feet here) he ended that 'graf with a PREPOSITION, so it must be.........wrong.......or something.
Stupid Republican Games
It has been S. O. P. for the Democrat Party to cheat, finagle, and generally jack around with the system in elections and public policy issues for years.
We know, and they know, that they stuff ballot boxes. We know, and they know, that they'll use compliant and asinine judges to secure their anti-social ends when legislators cannot (publicly) or will not support those ends. We know, and they know, that perverse regulatory plots, schemes, and interference will be brought against industry and citizens who are not "compliant" enough. We know, and they know, that they lie all the time, about everything. They are the most hypocritical whitened sepulchres in the graveyard--which is, by no co-incidence, where they obtain a lot of "voters."
In brief, the Leftist/Democrat/Marxists will do anything they can to trample liberty, property, and right order (not necessarily in that sequence.)
We expect it, and we deal with it, usually by winning elections and reversing (more or less) their ill-gotten gains.
So what in Hell inspired (R) caucus leaders to roll in (D) dirt-piles, come up smelly, and BRAG about it?
We know, and they know, that they stuff ballot boxes. We know, and they know, that they'll use compliant and asinine judges to secure their anti-social ends when legislators cannot (publicly) or will not support those ends. We know, and they know, that perverse regulatory plots, schemes, and interference will be brought against industry and citizens who are not "compliant" enough. We know, and they know, that they lie all the time, about everything. They are the most hypocritical whitened sepulchres in the graveyard--which is, by no co-incidence, where they obtain a lot of "voters."
In brief, the Leftist/Democrat/Marxists will do anything they can to trample liberty, property, and right order (not necessarily in that sequence.)
We expect it, and we deal with it, usually by winning elections and reversing (more or less) their ill-gotten gains.
So what in Hell inspired (R) caucus leaders to roll in (D) dirt-piles, come up smelly, and BRAG about it?
Risser's Wife Should Get Out of the Kitchen
Poor, poor, baby.
Sen. Fred Risser (D-Madison) told WKOW27 News his wife telephoned police to complain about the noise [from EntitledTown, the Democrat/Rabble sidewalk settlement in Madison].
She should just leave. There are plenty of vacant rooms at the Clock Tower in Rockford.
HT: Lakeshore
Sen. Fred Risser (D-Madison) told WKOW27 News his wife telephoned police to complain about the noise [from EntitledTown, the Democrat/Rabble sidewalk settlement in Madison].
She should just leave. There are plenty of vacant rooms at the Clock Tower in Rockford.
HT: Lakeshore
"Consumer Credit" Growing? Nope
Ticker's been on this for quite some time.
First, the utterly deceptive Fed Reserve press crap:
Consumer credit increased at an annual rate of 3 percent in April 2011. Nonrevolving credit increased at an annual rate of 5-1/4 percent, while revolving credit decreased at an annual rate of 1-1/2 percent.
Now, the actualities:
Ex-Student loans both revolving and non-revolving credit contracted again.
IOW, "consumer credit"'s only "growth" is to feed people like Charlie Dee at MATC.
First, the utterly deceptive Fed Reserve press crap:
Consumer credit increased at an annual rate of 3 percent in April 2011. Nonrevolving credit increased at an annual rate of 5-1/4 percent, while revolving credit decreased at an annual rate of 1-1/2 percent.
Now, the actualities:
Ex-Student loans both revolving and non-revolving credit contracted again.
IOW, "consumer credit"'s only "growth" is to feed people like Charlie Dee at MATC.
Need Gun Control? Create an International Incident!!
The genius of Obozo's very own Eric Holder:
Whistleblower ATF agents have made it clear as to the motive for the illegal scheme that has created an 'international incident' between the U.S. Government and the Government of Mexico. The agents themselves are adamant that their supervisors planned the scheme in order to pad statistics that would show U.S. guns are fueling the drug cartels, that the U.S. has a major problem with lax gun laws, and then provide an impetus for the Obama Administration and other gun control advocates to hype up anti-gun hysteria — all in support of another round of restrictive gun laws.
Gee. You mean the MFM hasn't mentioned this yet?
Whistleblower ATF agents have made it clear as to the motive for the illegal scheme that has created an 'international incident' between the U.S. Government and the Government of Mexico. The agents themselves are adamant that their supervisors planned the scheme in order to pad statistics that would show U.S. guns are fueling the drug cartels, that the U.S. has a major problem with lax gun laws, and then provide an impetus for the Obama Administration and other gun control advocates to hype up anti-gun hysteria — all in support of another round of restrictive gun laws.
Gee. You mean the MFM hasn't mentioned this yet?
Shocker! Growth "Tepid"
Ceridian's real-time diesel-fuel consumption index confirms Obozo doesn't have a clue.
The Ceridian-UCLA Pulse of Commerce Index™ (PCI), issued today by the UCLA Anderson School of Management and Ceridian Corporation fell 0.9 percent on a seasonally and workday adjusted basis in May, after falling 0.5 percent in April.
“The index has now declined in four of the first five months of 2011, and in eight of the past twelve months,” said Ed Leamer,...
Going nowhere slowly.
So the question: since Obozo & Co. have had their way for 3 years, do you really want to continue their "fix"?
HT: CalcRisk
The Ceridian-UCLA Pulse of Commerce Index™ (PCI), issued today by the UCLA Anderson School of Management and Ceridian Corporation fell 0.9 percent on a seasonally and workday adjusted basis in May, after falling 0.5 percent in April.
“The index has now declined in four of the first five months of 2011, and in eight of the past twelve months,” said Ed Leamer,...
Going nowhere slowly.
So the question: since Obozo & Co. have had their way for 3 years, do you really want to continue their "fix"?
HT: CalcRisk
The Reich Arrives!!
Law? We don't NEED your steeenkin' law!
The Daily Caller has learned the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) never had the authority to issue waivers from Obamacare’s annual limit requirements. Language granting HHS that power was never in the original law. Instead, through new rules and regulations, HHS gave itself the power...
The Regime assumes its rightful throne.
Obergruppenfuhrer Napolitano? Doesn't ring quite right--but it's reality.
HT: Owen
The Daily Caller has learned the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) never had the authority to issue waivers from Obamacare’s annual limit requirements. Language granting HHS that power was never in the original law. Instead, through new rules and regulations, HHS gave itself the power...
The Regime assumes its rightful throne.
Obergruppenfuhrer Napolitano? Doesn't ring quite right--but it's reality.
HT: Owen
Tuesday, June 07, 2011
Wisconsin Dept of Public Instruction Sued for Discrimination
Takes quite a while to get to the REAL story in this item, but here it is:
The state Department of Public Instruction has created a system "that excludes children with disabilities from most of the participating voucher schools and that leads to their segregation within MPS with the clear effect of subjecting children with disabilities to discrimination, "the complaint states.
That would be Evers and Doyle--mostly Evers.
Which is not quite the same as the lead 'graf:
The Milwaukee Parental School Choice Program discriminates against children with disabilities and segregates them in public schools, parents and civil rights groups allege in a complaint filed Tuesday with the U.S. Department of Justice.
Interesting. Could it be that MPS colluded with DPI to retain the disabled kids, because disabled kids bring more money into MPS' coffers?
No, of course not. /sarcasm
The state Department of Public Instruction has created a system "that excludes children with disabilities from most of the participating voucher schools and that leads to their segregation within MPS with the clear effect of subjecting children with disabilities to discrimination, "the complaint states.
That would be Evers and Doyle--mostly Evers.
Which is not quite the same as the lead 'graf:
The Milwaukee Parental School Choice Program discriminates against children with disabilities and segregates them in public schools, parents and civil rights groups allege in a complaint filed Tuesday with the U.S. Department of Justice.
Interesting. Could it be that MPS colluded with DPI to retain the disabled kids, because disabled kids bring more money into MPS' coffers?
No, of course not. /sarcasm
ObozoSpeech "Most Misleading..."
That's the Washington POST, folks:
What we found is one of the most misleading collections of assertions we have seen in a short presidential speech. Virtually every claim by the president regarding the auto industry needs an asterisk, just like the fine print in that too-good-to-be-true car loan.
Damn good thing that he's not responsible for big important decisions or something, eh?
What we found is one of the most misleading collections of assertions we have seen in a short presidential speech. Virtually every claim by the president regarding the auto industry needs an asterisk, just like the fine print in that too-good-to-be-true car loan.
Damn good thing that he's not responsible for big important decisions or something, eh?
The Elephant in the "Choice" Schoolroom
It's kind of fun to watch all the grenade-tossing between WEAC, DPI (but I repeat myself), Fuller, Sykes, the Pubbies (and others) over the question of school choice.
Even Bruce Murphy weighed in, with a fatuous objection that the underpaid Choice-school teachers are a threat to the Republic, or something, due to "turnover.
Oh, yah.
The real reason that parents send their darlings to Choice schools is NOT that they obtain a 'better education,' --albeit that they often do. It is NOT because little Johnny gets more attention from the teacher--that happens in the public skrewels, too.
The real reason?
Choice schools, in MOST (not all) cases, teach something the publics will not teach: values. They are orderly by design; discipline is administered, and the foundation of education is (dare we say it) religion.
Moms and Dads get it.
Even Bruce Murphy weighed in, with a fatuous objection that the underpaid Choice-school teachers are a threat to the Republic, or something, due to "turnover.
Oh, yah.
The real reason that parents send their darlings to Choice schools is NOT that they obtain a 'better education,' --albeit that they often do. It is NOT because little Johnny gets more attention from the teacher--that happens in the public skrewels, too.
The real reason?
Choice schools, in MOST (not all) cases, teach something the publics will not teach: values. They are orderly by design; discipline is administered, and the foundation of education is (dare we say it) religion.
Moms and Dads get it.
The USCCB Worship-Gang: Making It Up As They Go
Sometimes it's better not to know what USCCB is up to.
The USCCB has released a series of mostly useful bulletin inserts to catechize the faithful in advance of next fall's introduction of the corrected translation of the Roman Missal. The key word is mostly. The insert on the much misunderstood topic of "liturgical participation," which I found in a bulletin over the weekend, is terrible, claiming Catholics have a "duty" to participate in the lay "ministries" at Mass, e.g., bringing up the gifts, serving as a reader, volunteering as an Extraordinary Minister.
What balderdash these desk-weenies write! Evidently there's too much budget out there...
Actuosa participatio is first, most, and always conforming oneself to Christ in prayer, praise, and sacrifice. All the rest is nice, perhaps (if somewhere between helpful and silly).
HT: Ten Reasons
The USCCB has released a series of mostly useful bulletin inserts to catechize the faithful in advance of next fall's introduction of the corrected translation of the Roman Missal. The key word is mostly. The insert on the much misunderstood topic of "liturgical participation," which I found in a bulletin over the weekend, is terrible, claiming Catholics have a "duty" to participate in the lay "ministries" at Mass, e.g., bringing up the gifts, serving as a reader, volunteering as an Extraordinary Minister.
What balderdash these desk-weenies write! Evidently there's too much budget out there...
Actuosa participatio is first, most, and always conforming oneself to Christ in prayer, praise, and sacrifice. All the rest is nice, perhaps (if somewhere between helpful and silly).
HT: Ten Reasons
Solidarity Forever!!!
What Union Folks need is teamwork.
A child welfare worker who impregnated an emotionally troubled woman he had investigated for child abuse ordered the woman to get an abortion or she would lose everything, according to a lawsuit filed Monday in federal court and an interview with the woman's attorney.
...the complaint says, bureau caseworkers remained assigned to Nealy's case as it made its way through Children's Court.
A child welfare worker who impregnated an emotionally troubled woman he had investigated for child abuse ordered the woman to get an abortion or she would lose everything, according to a lawsuit filed Monday in federal court and an interview with the woman's attorney.
...the complaint says, bureau caseworkers remained assigned to Nealy's case as it made its way through Children's Court.
The complaint alleges that bureau caseworkers "attempted to intimidate (Nealy) from complaining about Nelsen's conduct, by threatening to terminate her parental rights."
Those are rights that the AFSCME bargained for, right?
...A few days after the Journal Sentinel story ran that August, the complaint says, three bureau social workers went to Nealy's home.
"They demanded to know why she was causing trouble and demanded that she 'drop the case' against Nelsen," the complaint says.
More "bargained rights"!!! The right to assault! The right to snatch babies!! The right to harass and intimidate victims!!!
AND the "right to a license, no matter the law!!!"
...The statement also says that "the Department immediately took action to terminate his employment when his inappropriate behavior was discovered."
But though the DCF was required to report Nelsen's behavior in a timely fashion to the state licensing board, a subsequent investigation by the Journal Sentinel found that it did not do so until after it was contacted by the paper.
Nelsen's social work license was at last revoked in September 2009.
Nelsen was last sighted in a tent near the Capitol in Madistan.
GM President Wants High Gas Tax, No Sales of GM Products
If this moron gets his "higher gas tax," he might find GM's annual sales sinking to zero.
That would be a fair trade.
That would be a fair trade.
The Ire of Folkbum, Tax Reform Edition
Ol' Folkie showed up in town to complain about this.
(No, that's not his only complaint....not by a long shot.)
The LeftyWonk response? Rational, carefully worded, penetrating:
...Joel Rogers, a University of Wisconsin-Madison professor who heads the Madison-based Center on Wisconsin Strategy, said:
Similarly:
Todd Berry, of the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance, said that if reducing the state's business tax burden is the goal, it might make more sense to simply cut the corporate tax rate rather than add this provision to the practices of the last few decades, where legislators created a "Swiss cheese" of a tax system with many targeted credits and deductions.
(No, that's not his only complaint....not by a long shot.)
The LeftyWonk response? Rational, carefully worded, penetrating:
...Joel Rogers, a University of Wisconsin-Madison professor who heads the Madison-based Center on Wisconsin Strategy, said:
"More mindless lunacy - when will it end?"
Yah, well. Perhaps his tent-quarters don't have a thesaurus.
Anyhoo, the far more useful critique is here:
The [WMC's] members who are corporate leaders and "frequently wooed by these other states, say to us, 'We think across the board reductions in the tax burden is far more important than economic development,'" Buchen said.Similarly:
Todd Berry, of the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance, said that if reducing the state's business tax burden is the goal, it might make more sense to simply cut the corporate tax rate rather than add this provision to the practices of the last few decades, where legislators created a "Swiss cheese" of a tax system with many targeted credits and deductions.
Most corporate tax managers would choose a simpler reduction, Berry said.
"They'll pick the rate reduction because it's simple and understandable and they know they'll get it and everybody participates," he said.
Probably should be the route that the full Legislature goes.
After all is said and done, "corporations" do NOT pay taxes. Their customers do. Folkbum and Rogers either don't know that, or don't really give a rip.
The Short Take on Ayn Rand
Well-thought-out comment here.
...Of course, Ayn Rand was a crank. It is neither desirable nor possible to swallow the whole of her message, even assuming it was consistent. She was, like Marx, one of the "great simplifiers" that Edmund Burke warned against, and her work has more in common with that of Marx than the disciples of either should feel comfortable about. The best of what she had to say was said more elegantly and intelligently by Adam Smith in the 18th century, by von Hayek in "The Road to Serfdom," or any number of other writers in the classic economic tradition.
The point is that it is possible to take the best of what she had to say and discard the rest, without the moral bullying and hectoring of the Christian Left or anyone else. The same point could be made about far greater philosophers. Colebatch, AmSpec
'Nuff said.
Road Repairs: Who Does 'Em?
There are more questions than answers here.
Local and state officials have lined up in opposition to a state budget amendment they say is likely to drive up local road costs by banning equipment sharing and mandating private companies be hired for certain work
That's the headline graf. Here's the "other side":
Wisconsin Transportation Builders Association President Pat Goss said the amendment phases in a requirement that any job with federal funding and then two years later, state funding, that costs more than $100,000 be put out to bid. It won't end county maintenance programs nor does the amendment prohibit locally funded road projects
Any time the RoadBuilders want something, little red flags pop up and wave all over the landscape.
This should come out of the Budget and be considered separately.
Local and state officials have lined up in opposition to a state budget amendment they say is likely to drive up local road costs by banning equipment sharing and mandating private companies be hired for certain work
That's the headline graf. Here's the "other side":
Wisconsin Transportation Builders Association President Pat Goss said the amendment phases in a requirement that any job with federal funding and then two years later, state funding, that costs more than $100,000 be put out to bid. It won't end county maintenance programs nor does the amendment prohibit locally funded road projects
Any time the RoadBuilders want something, little red flags pop up and wave all over the landscape.
This should come out of the Budget and be considered separately.
Coulter on the Madison Mob
Actually, she didn't write the book with Madison in mind....but ya' know, it fits:
It was the Democratic Party that ginned up the racist mob against blacks and it is the Democratic Party ginning every new mob today...
...Just as fire seeks oxygen, Democrats seek power, which is why they will always be found championing the mob whether the mob consists of Democrats lynching blacks or Democrats slandering the critics of ObamaCare as racists.
Democrats have gone from demagoguing white (trash) voters with claims that Republicans are the party of blacks, to demagoguing black voters telling them Republicans are the party of racists. Any mob in a storm.
Yes indeed!
It was the Democratic Party that ginned up the racist mob against blacks and it is the Democratic Party ginning every new mob today...
...Just as fire seeks oxygen, Democrats seek power, which is why they will always be found championing the mob whether the mob consists of Democrats lynching blacks or Democrats slandering the critics of ObamaCare as racists.
Democrats have gone from demagoguing white (trash) voters with claims that Republicans are the party of blacks, to demagoguing black voters telling them Republicans are the party of racists. Any mob in a storm.
Yes indeed!
Monday, June 06, 2011
The Return of the Dumb Terminal
All this "cloud" stuff....
Declaring that the personal computer was no longer the central hub of people’s digital lives, Steven P. Jobs, Apple’s chief executive, on Monday unveiled the company’s new online storage and syncing service for music, photos, files and software.
Uh-huh.
About 40 years ago, the "dumb" terminal was hot stuff--largely because there WAS no itsy-bitsy-teeny-weenyyellow polka dot bikini computing capability.
Then came the PC.
Now the PC is gone and the dumb terminal returns, according to Apple (who's merely the latest cloud-adapter.)
Another 40 years (or less), after all your personal data has been hijacked, and/or all your corporate SAAS-based records have been perused by the competitors, the PC will return.
Hummppphhhh.
Declaring that the personal computer was no longer the central hub of people’s digital lives, Steven P. Jobs, Apple’s chief executive, on Monday unveiled the company’s new online storage and syncing service for music, photos, files and software.
Uh-huh.
About 40 years ago, the "dumb" terminal was hot stuff--largely because there WAS no itsy-bitsy-teeny-weeny
Then came the PC.
Now the PC is gone and the dumb terminal returns, according to Apple (who's merely the latest cloud-adapter.)
Another 40 years (or less), after all your personal data has been hijacked, and/or all your corporate SAAS-based records have been perused by the competitors, the PC will return.
Hummppphhhh.
Smells Like a Candidate
What could POSSIBLY be the motive?
Former U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold led a crowd of hundreds of marchers, taxicabs and an antique fire engine around the Capitol Square in a demonstration Monday against Gov. Scott Walker's budget bill, and at least eight people were arrested
Oh, yah...........elections!!
You can bet that Tammy--and Tommy--are grinding their teeth.
Former U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold led a crowd of hundreds of marchers, taxicabs and an antique fire engine around the Capitol Square in a demonstration Monday against Gov. Scott Walker's budget bill, and at least eight people were arrested
Oh, yah...........elections!!
You can bet that Tammy--and Tommy--are grinding their teeth.
Do You Pay Taxes? Bank of America Owes You Big-Time
Dodd-Frank has wonderful effects on zombies like Bank of America.
The implicit government guarantee these banks enjoy is a subsidy. The "five notches of uplift from government support assumptions" that Moody's gives to Bank of America translate into real profits for Bank of America. Without a presumed bailout, Bank of America's senior debt would be rated Baa3, just barely on the right side of the "Investment Grade"/"Speculative Grade" boundary. The presumed "government support" raises the bank's debt rating to A2, which is "very low credit risk." --Tim Carney quoted at AmSpec blog
Gotta be worth at least a free toaster or something....
By the way, I TOLD you that Chris Dodd was a bank-whore.
The implicit government guarantee these banks enjoy is a subsidy. The "five notches of uplift from government support assumptions" that Moody's gives to Bank of America translate into real profits for Bank of America. Without a presumed bailout, Bank of America's senior debt would be rated Baa3, just barely on the right side of the "Investment Grade"/"Speculative Grade" boundary. The presumed "government support" raises the bank's debt rating to A2, which is "very low credit risk." --Tim Carney quoted at AmSpec blog
Gotta be worth at least a free toaster or something....
By the way, I TOLD you that Chris Dodd was a bank-whore.
Beauty, Not Banality, in Church
Every time you visit Weakland's wrecking-job--the Cathedral--you should recall this.
By definition, theology "says God." And this "saying" the truth of God has a beauty of its own. [...] This was the conviction of Saint Augustine, who spoke of the "splendor of truth," and was repeatedly echoed by Thomas Aquinas, [...] attributing the prerogative to be "splendor and beauty" to the Word, who in the mystery of his transfiguration and ascension has effused and poured it out in his own glorious humanity, the inexhaustible end of the contemplation of the blessed. [...]
It is said that the dogmas are true. One must go farther, and say that the dogmas are beautiful. [...] One must continue and observe that the beauty of the mystery is not only that which appears through theological discourse, as intellectual aesthetics, through "the architectural organization of ideas," but also [...] that which pours forth from the "cathedrals of stone," or in the aesthetic of the visible, and, we would add, of poetry, of music. I. Biffi, L'Osservatore Romano
Gee. Maybe that means that the Broadway/Gospel stuff doesn't really cut it? That Rembert's abominable "crucifix" doesn't really make the grade?
Yup. That's what it means.
HT: NLM
By definition, theology "says God." And this "saying" the truth of God has a beauty of its own. [...] This was the conviction of Saint Augustine, who spoke of the "splendor of truth," and was repeatedly echoed by Thomas Aquinas, [...] attributing the prerogative to be "splendor and beauty" to the Word, who in the mystery of his transfiguration and ascension has effused and poured it out in his own glorious humanity, the inexhaustible end of the contemplation of the blessed. [...]
It is said that the dogmas are true. One must go farther, and say that the dogmas are beautiful. [...] One must continue and observe that the beauty of the mystery is not only that which appears through theological discourse, as intellectual aesthetics, through "the architectural organization of ideas," but also [...] that which pours forth from the "cathedrals of stone," or in the aesthetic of the visible, and, we would add, of poetry, of music. I. Biffi, L'Osservatore Romano
Gee. Maybe that means that the Broadway/Gospel stuff doesn't really cut it? That Rembert's abominable "crucifix" doesn't really make the grade?
Yup. That's what it means.
HT: NLM
The Planned Barrenhood/Obozo Play: Kill ALL of 'Em!
Indiana will de-fund Planned Parenthood.
HT: CMR
That’s kind of a big deal because other states may gear up to do the same. Planned Parenthood doesn’t like that and sued Indiana of course but more importantly, they instructed their political arm, the Democratic Party, to fight this tooth and nail. Big Abortion has instructed the Party of Death to make an example of Indiana to ensure that no other states dare to defund Planned Parenthood.
And oh boy does the Party of Death take orders well. The Obama administration’s Department of Health and Human Services sent a letter to Indiana threatening to withhold billions in federal Medicaid funding for low-income people if the state doesn’t agree to fund Planned Parenthood.
That's Teh Won, folks!HT: CMR
Stalag-Kommandant Calls Walker "King"?
Tommy Barrett, who wishes to keep all City of Milwaukee employees INSIDE the City of Milwaukee, says that Scott Walker acts like a "king."
Barrett has not yet ordered razor-wire for his Stalag.....but one never knows.
Barrett has not yet ordered razor-wire for his Stalag.....but one never knows.
Obozo Deficit Even Worse!!
Well, he hasn't accomplished his mission to demolish the US yet, folks.What did you expect to see? Responsibility?
HT: Human Events
WI Delegation Doesn't Like Libya--Mostly
Here's a curious item:
Congress is not happy with President Obama’s Libyan adventure. House leadership pulled a resolution calling for withdrawal from the action in 15 days because they thought it actually might pass.
So are we to infer that Boehner & Cantor are sending their "Party Of Goverment" dues check soon? Or should it be sent to Billy Kristol's War Party?
Maybe that's not an accurate story--see below.
...This successful resolution also demands that the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, and the Attorney General "transmit to the House of Representatives" copies of any documents, records, or correspondence referencing the administration's need to communicate with Congress or the War Powers Resolution.
Baldwin, Duffy, Ribble, Petri, and Sensenbrenner voted for it. Kind and Ryan voted to continue the illegal and un-Constitutional adventure.
Congress is not happy with President Obama’s Libyan adventure. House leadership pulled a resolution calling for withdrawal from the action in 15 days because they thought it actually might pass.
So are we to infer that Boehner & Cantor are sending their "Party Of Goverment" dues check soon? Or should it be sent to Billy Kristol's War Party?
Maybe that's not an accurate story--see below.
...This successful resolution also demands that the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, and the Attorney General "transmit to the House of Representatives" copies of any documents, records, or correspondence referencing the administration's need to communicate with Congress or the War Powers Resolution.
Obama has maintained all along that he consulted with Congress sufficiently to justify going to war. The Congress, including a significant number of House liberals, is calling him a liar with this first resolution, and demanding documentary evidence that will prove it
The writer also mentions another resolution which demanded that the US pull out of Libya in 15 days.Baldwin, Duffy, Ribble, Petri, and Sensenbrenner voted for it. Kind and Ryan voted to continue the illegal and un-Constitutional adventure.
Sunday, June 05, 2011
Obama-cize the USD, Pay More for Gas
Well, somebody ran the numbers.
The Obama administration’s monetary policies have added approximately 56.5 cents to the price of every gallon of gas you pump, according to a new congressional Joint Economic Committee report.
The Obama administration’s monetary policies have added approximately 56.5 cents to the price of every gallon of gas you pump, according to a new congressional Joint Economic Committee report.
Estimates suggest that had the dollar maintained the value it had when Obama came into office, gasoline would cost approximately $3.40 per gallon instead of around $4 per gallon in many parts of the country.
The other 60 cents goes to turmoil, some limited speculation, and Obama's shut-down of US exploration and drilling. The Arabs can spell oligopoly, too.
By the way, it's interesting that the report came from the Joint Econ Committee--meaning that the (D) Senate allowed its release. Straws in the wind?
HT: Gateway
A Different Crowd in Madistan
Well, yah, most of the State's employees in Madistan are Dane County.
But there's a contingent from Milwaukee/Waukesha, too.
I've noticed for the last 3 weeks that there are now 3 or 4 (sometimes more) State ride-share vans in the Goerke's Corners park/ride lot.
There have never been any of them there before--or if there were, they were few and far between.
Good. Maybe some common sense from around here will eventually leak into the State bureaucracy.
But there's a contingent from Milwaukee/Waukesha, too.
I've noticed for the last 3 weeks that there are now 3 or 4 (sometimes more) State ride-share vans in the Goerke's Corners park/ride lot.
There have never been any of them there before--or if there were, they were few and far between.
Good. Maybe some common sense from around here will eventually leak into the State bureaucracy.
Another Case for the Sensitive Soul of Bice
We discussed below the ooooohhh so Sensitive Soul of Mr. Bice.
Here's another slight which deserves attention from his manicured fingers.
Here's another slight which deserves attention from his manicured fingers.
Tax Rebates, New York-Sized!
Wow. Scott Walker doubles Deval Patrick's bet, sees Cuomo. And we call Walker "a hater."
That Wisconsin EITC cut of last week?
The cut...falls heaviest on those with three or more kids, for whom Wisconsin's credit was easily the most generous in the country. Such is our "hate" that this top tier will fall to about what Vermont or New York pay (and twice what Massachusetts does).
Meantime, the Sensitive Ones are complaining about painting-placements.
HT: P-Mac
That Wisconsin EITC cut of last week?
The cut...falls heaviest on those with three or more kids, for whom Wisconsin's credit was easily the most generous in the country. Such is our "hate" that this top tier will fall to about what Vermont or New York pay (and twice what Massachusetts does).
Meantime, the Sensitive Ones are complaining about painting-placements.
HT: P-Mac
The "Fecal Matter" Criticism of Walker
It's hard to imagine the delicacy of the Leftist's "mind."
They are Oh, So Sensitive; so caring; soooooooo much more empathetic than rude, rustic, plebeian commoners like Scott Walker. So much more so that they can write a few hundred words about that crude, unwashed, base, Governor.
All about a painting.
Maybe Bice and the Sensitive Ones don't know this, but Milwaukee is not the only city in Wisconsin. And Milwaukee's children are not the only children in Wisconsin, either.
Dick Pieper's description of the Sensitive Ones' hand-wringing and fainting spells as "fecal matter" is dead-on.
They are Oh, So Sensitive; so caring; soooooooo much more empathetic than rude, rustic, plebeian commoners like Scott Walker. So much more so that they can write a few hundred words about that crude, unwashed, base, Governor.
All about a painting.
Maybe Bice and the Sensitive Ones don't know this, but Milwaukee is not the only city in Wisconsin. And Milwaukee's children are not the only children in Wisconsin, either.
Dick Pieper's description of the Sensitive Ones' hand-wringing and fainting spells as "fecal matter" is dead-on.
Gurda's "Division" Lessons
John Gurda is a good historian, so his essay of today is worth reading.
What Gurda does not mention is the Republican Party's odious flirtation with "Progressivism", which alienated the Catholic and Lutheran immigrants from Poland, Ireland, Germany, and Belgium, tossing them into (or at least towards) the Democrat Party.
Simply put, Progressivism is antithetical to Christianity. Gurda, Jesuit-educated, should know that.
What Gurda does not mention is the Republican Party's odious flirtation with "Progressivism", which alienated the Catholic and Lutheran immigrants from Poland, Ireland, Germany, and Belgium, tossing them into (or at least towards) the Democrat Party.
Simply put, Progressivism is antithetical to Christianity. Gurda, Jesuit-educated, should know that.
Saturday, June 04, 2011
Eastwood's Homage to Wayne: Gran Torino
I knew that eventually Gran Torino would show up on DirecTV. It did last night.
(Spoiler alert, folks).....
Eastwood is an interesting critter. He's a Renaissance man who composes and performs a good part of the music in his movies, besides acting in them and directing some. He's a tough bird--he's the stunt-man more often than not. His movies generally reflect the roughness of his persona rather than an artsy refinement.
In his last several movies, he's been exploring Bigger Ideas, too. Prize Fighter is a not-quite-noir film about exploitation v. reward (or, perhaps, the arc between doing something dangerous and its logical physical consequences set over against the rewards for doing it well) and Gran Torino is a virtual re-make of The Shootist, but with a far different ending.
Shootist is a 'redemption' movie. Bad guy decides to make up for his evils as he approaches his death, does so by taking out a bunch of even worse guys. Gets a shave and a haircut on the way to the grave, by the way.
Torino has the same general plot, but Eastwood is not a 'bad' guy. Instead, he's a good guy who's living in the '70's, except it's the '90's. He's very ill and he knows it. As in Shootist, the main character befriends a young fellow, helps that younger fellow with practical lessons, gets a shave and a haircut, and proceeds to take out a bunch of bad guys.
Since Eastwood's character is not a 'bad' guy--his last Confession reveals no horrific sins--his "redemption" twists the Wayne resolution; Eastwood arranges for the arrest, (and presumed life-imprisonment) of the real bad-guys; unlike Wayne, he doesn't make them assume room temperature.
Fr. Barron saw something else at the end: Eastwood's last pose, in death, is cruciform, as was Christ's. That fits perfectly into the denouement of the movie.
It's a movie which will be viewed sympathetically by almost any man over the age of 65 and which should be seen. Don't look for too much--but don't think of it as another spaghetti Western. It's a lot better than that.
(Spoiler alert, folks).....
Eastwood is an interesting critter. He's a Renaissance man who composes and performs a good part of the music in his movies, besides acting in them and directing some. He's a tough bird--he's the stunt-man more often than not. His movies generally reflect the roughness of his persona rather than an artsy refinement.
In his last several movies, he's been exploring Bigger Ideas, too. Prize Fighter is a not-quite-noir film about exploitation v. reward (or, perhaps, the arc between doing something dangerous and its logical physical consequences set over against the rewards for doing it well) and Gran Torino is a virtual re-make of The Shootist, but with a far different ending.
Shootist is a 'redemption' movie. Bad guy decides to make up for his evils as he approaches his death, does so by taking out a bunch of even worse guys. Gets a shave and a haircut on the way to the grave, by the way.
Torino has the same general plot, but Eastwood is not a 'bad' guy. Instead, he's a good guy who's living in the '70's, except it's the '90's. He's very ill and he knows it. As in Shootist, the main character befriends a young fellow, helps that younger fellow with practical lessons, gets a shave and a haircut, and proceeds to take out a bunch of bad guys.
Since Eastwood's character is not a 'bad' guy--his last Confession reveals no horrific sins--his "redemption" twists the Wayne resolution; Eastwood arranges for the arrest, (and presumed life-imprisonment) of the real bad-guys; unlike Wayne, he doesn't make them assume room temperature.
Fr. Barron saw something else at the end: Eastwood's last pose, in death, is cruciform, as was Christ's. That fits perfectly into the denouement of the movie.
It's a movie which will be viewed sympathetically by almost any man over the age of 65 and which should be seen. Don't look for too much--but don't think of it as another spaghetti Western. It's a lot better than that.
Room Temperature for Al Q's Kashmiri
This was a big one.
...quoting one American agent as saying, “This guy ties everybody together.” And if the intel on him is correct, that assessment was true: Kashmiri may have had a hand in the Mumbai terror mega-attack and was suspected of organizing operations in Europe, the UK, the U.S., and of course India. He was also supposedly a key liaison to Al Qaeda recruits from western countries. He was, in other words, an operational linchpin...
The cruise missile was coated with pork fat, I hear.
...quoting one American agent as saying, “This guy ties everybody together.” And if the intel on him is correct, that assessment was true: Kashmiri may have had a hand in the Mumbai terror mega-attack and was suspected of organizing operations in Europe, the UK, the U.S., and of course India. He was also supposedly a key liaison to Al Qaeda recruits from western countries. He was, in other words, an operational linchpin...
The cruise missile was coated with pork fat, I hear.
Adam Gadahn: Dummy
Get this:
In a new video message released on the internet Friday, American-born al Qaeda spokesman Adam Gadahn calls on Muslims living in America to carry out deadly one-man terrorist acts using fully automatic weapons purchased at gun shows, and to target major institutions and public figures.
This traitorous bastard is so stupid, he thinks Brady Campaign literature is accurate.
In a new video message released on the internet Friday, American-born al Qaeda spokesman Adam Gadahn calls on Muslims living in America to carry out deadly one-man terrorist acts using fully automatic weapons purchased at gun shows, and to target major institutions and public figures.
This traitorous bastard is so stupid, he thinks Brady Campaign literature is accurate.
2+2= 4? OK. Then Justify "Free Trade!"
I'll start where Vox ends:
For the purposes of this exercise, we are assuming that the Samuelsonian metrics are valid, relevant, and a legitimate foundation for national policy.
Here's where he begins:
1. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the statistical measure for the size of the national economy.
2. The formula for calculating GDP is C+I+G+(x-m).
3. In the most recent BEA report, current dollar GDP was 15,010 billion. Exports (x) were 2,020 billion and imports (m) were 2,591 billion.
4. In Q1-11, international trade reduced the size of the US economy by $571 billion
So have at it, preferably in Vox's combox. Go ahead, justify "Free Trade."
For the purposes of this exercise, we are assuming that the Samuelsonian metrics are valid, relevant, and a legitimate foundation for national policy.
Here's where he begins:
1. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the statistical measure for the size of the national economy.
2. The formula for calculating GDP is C+I+G+(x-m).
3. In the most recent BEA report, current dollar GDP was 15,010 billion. Exports (x) were 2,020 billion and imports (m) were 2,591 billion.
4. In Q1-11, international trade reduced the size of the US economy by $571 billion
So have at it, preferably in Vox's combox. Go ahead, justify "Free Trade."
You Think I'm Kidding About Statism and "Licensing" ?
"The State, the State, the State........." (NOT what MacArthur said, for a good reason)
...He wanted to help. His schedule for Monday, May 23, was wide open. And, since he operates Custom Cut, a tree trimming business here, he figured his services could be put to good use.
There's a word for "City Inspectors" like that. It's a compound noun, beginning with "chicken" and ending with the letters "ers".
HT: Agitator
...He wanted to help. His schedule for Monday, May 23, was wide open. And, since he operates Custom Cut, a tree trimming business here, he figured his services could be put to good use.
“I thought it would be the perfect chance to help,” he said. “I knew there would be people needing help.”
He was right. By 10:30 a.m. Monday, he was signing paperwork with the Urban League to be a volunteer. He signed a waiver, hopped back into his truck and headed off to help out. The Urban Homeworks sent along a couple volunteers with him, too.
...He and the volunteers got to work on homes where the resident didn’t have insurance.“We were removing stuff so people could get out of their driveways and out of their doors,” he said. “The place was a pretty big disaster.”
What happened next shocked Haege.
A city inspector arrived at the scene. She told Haege he had to leave. Immediately.
“You have to leave right now,” the inspector told Haege. “You’re not licensed to be here.”
...Haege got more bad news in the mail Wednesday afternoon. He received a $275 fine from the City of MinneapolisThere's a word for "City Inspectors" like that. It's a compound noun, beginning with "chicken" and ending with the letters "ers".
HT: Agitator
I'll Stick With Used Cars, Thanks
News item:
Beginning in June of 2011, all new cars manufactured and sold in the United States will be required to have a mandated black box device installed, which can be used to monitor several different physical and technical data points....
The installation and use of these black boxes can have infinite possibilities for local, state, and federal governments to monitor and record data for a number of other revenue programs that are currently under consideration.
Wouldn't surprise me if the damn things included body-scanners.
HT: MoonBattery
Beginning in June of 2011, all new cars manufactured and sold in the United States will be required to have a mandated black box device installed, which can be used to monitor several different physical and technical data points....
The installation and use of these black boxes can have infinite possibilities for local, state, and federal governments to monitor and record data for a number of other revenue programs that are currently under consideration.
Wouldn't surprise me if the damn things included body-scanners.
HT: MoonBattery
Hey! You Fitzgerald Boys! MORE Good Legislation!
Well, they finished the budget--mostly--and are within 30 days of seeing Act 10 go into force.
CCW's almost a law, Voter ID's in and done, and a number of other small and large reforms and fixes are in the bag.
What's next?
This week, Texas Gov. Rick Perry signed a law that will help free Lone Star State businesses from the threat of frivolous lawsuits by enacting “loser-pays” tort reform. Prior to the legislation, litigants faced a no-lose situation, while defendants stood to lose everything—even for the most outrageous, bizarre and wrongful accusations. --Hot Air quoting Chuck Norris
Personally, I'd pay $5.00 to watch HabushHabushHabushHabushHabush and his clones living in Tent City/Madistan.
Will there be assigned spaces for his Mercedes?
CCW's almost a law, Voter ID's in and done, and a number of other small and large reforms and fixes are in the bag.
What's next?
This week, Texas Gov. Rick Perry signed a law that will help free Lone Star State businesses from the threat of frivolous lawsuits by enacting “loser-pays” tort reform. Prior to the legislation, litigants faced a no-lose situation, while defendants stood to lose everything—even for the most outrageous, bizarre and wrongful accusations. --Hot Air quoting Chuck Norris
Personally, I'd pay $5.00 to watch HabushHabushHabushHabushHabush and his clones living in Tent City/Madistan.
Will there be assigned spaces for his Mercedes?
Balancing Three Interests: Re-Working America
Grim raises an interesting issue, but I think he should define "society" as 'culturally-founded intermediary which establishes and enforces behavioral norms on its members.'
...By the same token, there are three other groups that need a system of checks and balances: the state, society, and individuals. We have balanced much too far toward the state, and to some degree too far toward individuals, whilesociety culture has lost almost all of its power.
What's this "society" (or "culture") thing, and why is it important?
All individuals die. It is a matter of complete indifference to the state as to whether it dies or lives. Societies are what live across time, and link lives together. It is only insociety culture(s) that we find life expressing itself as an evolutionary control on behavior and standards.
(I selectively replaced his term to demonstrate the definition's utility--and clumsiness.)
The discussion is a result of the combox entries found here.
"Culture" is derived from the word "cult," and cultures are shaped by the cult which birthed them. So we are talking --more or less-- about "societies" which are formed by religious principles. You can't have "society" without "culture."
Grim's right, of course. The State has attempted to re-form itself, consciously ignoring 'religion' or its child, 'culture,' and the progeny of that culture, 'society.'
That will not end well.
We remind you of the term "subsidiarity", the application of which principle is NOT limited to governments (i.e., Fed/State/Muni) but also, properly, includes parishes/congregations and certain clubs (e.g., Kiwanis, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, etc.) when it is appropriate to engage their assistance.
And while we're at it, we'll remind you that Benedict XVI (and John Paul II) have both spoken out forcefully about the necessity for 'intermediary' organizations between State and man. Good to see Grim echoes 'em.
...By the same token, there are three other groups that need a system of checks and balances: the state, society, and individuals. We have balanced much too far toward the state, and to some degree too far toward individuals, while
What's this "society" (or "culture") thing, and why is it important?
All individuals die. It is a matter of complete indifference to the state as to whether it dies or lives. Societies are what live across time, and link lives together. It is only in
(I selectively replaced his term to demonstrate the definition's utility--and clumsiness.)
The discussion is a result of the combox entries found here.
"Culture" is derived from the word "cult," and cultures are shaped by the cult which birthed them. So we are talking --more or less-- about "societies" which are formed by religious principles. You can't have "society" without "culture."
Grim's right, of course. The State has attempted to re-form itself, consciously ignoring 'religion' or its child, 'culture,' and the progeny of that culture, 'society.'
That will not end well.
We remind you of the term "subsidiarity", the application of which principle is NOT limited to governments (i.e., Fed/State/Muni) but also, properly, includes parishes/congregations and certain clubs (e.g., Kiwanis, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, etc.) when it is appropriate to engage their assistance.
And while we're at it, we'll remind you that Benedict XVI (and John Paul II) have both spoken out forcefully about the necessity for 'intermediary' organizations between State and man. Good to see Grim echoes 'em.
Paul Revere DID "Warn the Brits"
Jacobson and I are on the same page--we both thunk that Revere 'warned the Colonials.'
Well, that's not all he did. Here's his own account:
When I got there, out Started Six officers, on Horse back,and orderd me to dismount;-one of them, who appeared to have the command, examined me, where I came from,& what my Name Was? I told him. it was Revere, he asked if it was Paul? I told him yes He asked me if I was an express? I answered in the afirmative. He demanded what time I left Boston? I told him; and aded, that their troops had catched aground in passing the River, and that There would be five hundred Americans there in a short time, for I had alarmed the Country all the way up.
Palin 1, MFM 0.
Talk about "OODA-Loop" interference....!!
Well, that's not all he did. Here's his own account:
When I got there, out Started Six officers, on Horse back,and orderd me to dismount;-one of them, who appeared to have the command, examined me, where I came from,& what my Name Was? I told him. it was Revere, he asked if it was Paul? I told him yes He asked me if I was an express? I answered in the afirmative. He demanded what time I left Boston? I told him; and aded, that their troops had catched aground in passing the River, and that There would be five hundred Americans there in a short time, for I had alarmed the Country all the way up.
Palin 1, MFM 0.
Talk about "OODA-Loop" interference....!!
Sheriff Dupnik's Troubles Are Beginning
Dupnik is notorious for running his mouth without checking the facts.
He may be notorious for far worse in the near future.
Here's a careful analysis of the Guerena shooting. (Guerena was a decorated military veteran whose home was raided on information/belief that he was involved in crime.)
It ain't good news for the LEO's.
He may be notorious for far worse in the near future.
Here's a careful analysis of the Guerena shooting. (Guerena was a decorated military veteran whose home was raided on information/belief that he was involved in crime.)
It ain't good news for the LEO's.
Again on "Gun Training"
This post makes sense.
In brief, it's silly to demand 'proficiency' with a given handgun, as each handgun genre (semiauto, revolver, caliber) has different characteristics and reaction to firing. So if somebody is "proficient" with a 9mm semiauto, they're not necessarily "proficient" with a .357 wheelgun.
The MOST important 'training' is "go/no go" training, which is to say "When to use the handgun, and when NOT to use it."
Again: buy and read "In the Gravest Extreme" by Ayoob.
In brief, it's silly to demand 'proficiency' with a given handgun, as each handgun genre (semiauto, revolver, caliber) has different characteristics and reaction to firing. So if somebody is "proficient" with a 9mm semiauto, they're not necessarily "proficient" with a .357 wheelgun.
The MOST important 'training' is "go/no go" training, which is to say "When to use the handgun, and when NOT to use it."
Again: buy and read "In the Gravest Extreme" by Ayoob.
Romney Working Hard to Lose Primaries
He carefully fixed his hair, and then dropped the following lead-weight onto his toes:
I don’t speak for the scientific community, of course, but I believe that the world is getting warmer, and No. 2, I believe that humans contribute to that. And so I think it’s important for us to reduce our emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases that may well be significant contributors to the climate change and the global warming that you’re seeing. --AOSHQ quoting NPR quoting Romney
Well, Mitt, I have a suggestion. Reduce consumption by just ending your campaign. You've certainly ended your viability--so make it complete!
I don’t speak for the scientific community, of course, but I believe that the world is getting warmer, and No. 2, I believe that humans contribute to that. And so I think it’s important for us to reduce our emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases that may well be significant contributors to the climate change and the global warming that you’re seeing. --AOSHQ quoting NPR quoting Romney
Well, Mitt, I have a suggestion. Reduce consumption by just ending your campaign. You've certainly ended your viability--so make it complete!
Dave Obey: Jerk, Yes. Populist? Hell, No
Dave Obey always was a jerk.
And he always claimed to be a 'populist.' Milk-Carton Tommy spoke about Obey's wonderfulness to the commoners.
In light of Obey now working on K Street for a lobbying firm whose clients include Boeing, General Electric, Goldman Sachs, and Peabody Energy, it's also worth calling up some of the praise liberals have poured on Obey in recent years.
Even populists have to have $Umpty-Million incomes on top of their taxpayer-paid retirement bennies, eh?
And he always claimed to be a 'populist.' Milk-Carton Tommy spoke about Obey's wonderfulness to the commoners.
In light of Obey now working on K Street for a lobbying firm whose clients include Boeing, General Electric, Goldman Sachs, and Peabody Energy, it's also worth calling up some of the praise liberals have poured on Obey in recent years.
Even populists have to have $Umpty-Million incomes on top of their taxpayer-paid retirement bennies, eh?
Yup, It's a Coyote
The neighbor thought he saw a coyote last week.
He was right. It trotted through the yard, south-westbound, early yesterday evening.
Looked pretty well-fed.
He was right. It trotted through the yard, south-westbound, early yesterday evening.
Looked pretty well-fed.
Friday, June 03, 2011
Congress Slams Obozo on His Libyan Adventure
About damn time.
Crossing party lines to deliver a stunning rebuke to the commander in chief, the vast majority of the House voted Friday for resolutions telling President Obama he has broken the constitutional chain of authority by committing U.S. troops to the international military mission in Libya.
There were two resolutions--the other demanded withdrawal of troops immediately. A total of 91 (D) Congresscritters voted with the Pubbies.
Teh Won was not happy.
Crossing party lines to deliver a stunning rebuke to the commander in chief, the vast majority of the House voted Friday for resolutions telling President Obama he has broken the constitutional chain of authority by committing U.S. troops to the international military mission in Libya.
There were two resolutions--the other demanded withdrawal of troops immediately. A total of 91 (D) Congresscritters voted with the Pubbies.
Teh Won was not happy.
NLRB Doesn't Stop With Boeing; Obama's Boyzzz Must Be Stopped
The NLRB, now chock-full of Marxists/Statists, proposes to tell Boeing how to run its business, and proposes to judge the 'Catholicity' of Catholic colleges, too, despite a court order prohibiting such. So NLRB joins FCC in the "Screw you, courts, we'll do what we damn well please!" Obama-lawless bunch.
Last week a NLRB director ruled that St. Xavier University in Chicago, Illinois, “is not a church-operated institution” and therefore subject to federal labor law. It follows a January ruling that another Catholic institution, Manhattan College, is also not sufficiently religious to claim exemption from federal law.
The Manhattan and St. Xavier announcements are only the latest developments in a decades-long struggle between Catholic colleges and the NLRB. In 1979 U.S. Supreme Court ruled in NLRB v. The Catholic Bishop of Chicago, et al. that the NLRB had violated the First Amendment by asserting jurisdiction over Catholic parochial schools, because that could interfere with religious decisions about curriculum and personnel. Although Catholic colleges have made similar arguments, the NLRB has insisted on an intrusive “substantial religious character” test to determine jurisdiction over colleges—thereby engaging in the very sort of subjective analysis of colleges’ religious criteria that the Supreme Court sought to avoid.
The D.C. Circuit Court—following criteria developed by now-Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer—has since instructed the NLRB in 2002 and 2008 to cease using its “substantial religious character” test. Those instructions have thus far been ignored by the NLRB.
It is not surprising in the least that NLRB flouts the judiciary; the FCC does exactly the same under Genachowski while pursuing "net neutrality" (as defined by Soros and his Marxist allies Nichols & Co.)--ignoring a Second Circuit ruling that FCC has no authority to do so.
The only question: how long will Congress and the public stand for this shit?
Last week a NLRB director ruled that St. Xavier University in Chicago, Illinois, “is not a church-operated institution” and therefore subject to federal labor law. It follows a January ruling that another Catholic institution, Manhattan College, is also not sufficiently religious to claim exemption from federal law.
The Manhattan and St. Xavier announcements are only the latest developments in a decades-long struggle between Catholic colleges and the NLRB. In 1979 U.S. Supreme Court ruled in NLRB v. The Catholic Bishop of Chicago, et al. that the NLRB had violated the First Amendment by asserting jurisdiction over Catholic parochial schools, because that could interfere with religious decisions about curriculum and personnel. Although Catholic colleges have made similar arguments, the NLRB has insisted on an intrusive “substantial religious character” test to determine jurisdiction over colleges—thereby engaging in the very sort of subjective analysis of colleges’ religious criteria that the Supreme Court sought to avoid.
The D.C. Circuit Court—following criteria developed by now-Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer—has since instructed the NLRB in 2002 and 2008 to cease using its “substantial religious character” test. Those instructions have thus far been ignored by the NLRB.
It is not surprising in the least that NLRB flouts the judiciary; the FCC does exactly the same under Genachowski while pursuing "net neutrality" (as defined by Soros and his Marxist allies Nichols & Co.)--ignoring a Second Circuit ruling that FCC has no authority to do so.
The only question: how long will Congress and the public stand for this shit?
The Very Bad News--for Obama, Updated!
Well, the unemployment report came forth.
Not pretty at all. 9.1% headline rate, 64+% participation rate. And that combination will have its effect:
...the participation rate was unchanged at 64.2%. Note: This is the percentage of the working age population in the labor force. I expect the participation rate to move a little higher as the job market improves, and that will keep the unemployment rate elevated all year....
Then you add in the actual number of jobs created, and you get this:
There have been 783,000 total non-farm jobs added this year or 157 thousand per month. This is a better pace of payroll job creation than last year, but the economy still has 6.95 million fewer payroll jobs than at the beginning of the 2007 recession. At this pace (157 thousand jobs per month), it will take almost 4 years just to get back to the pre-recession level.
November 2012 comes a lot faster than "4 years."
Good.
UPDATE: Vox pitches in with even worse news.
...the real U3 unemployment rate has been over 11 percent since 2010, as I originally predicted. However, the BLS has concealed this very high rate of unemployment by the simple tactic of reducing the size of the labor force despite the growing population of the country. This is only one of the many reasons that Mises was correct to condemn the use of statistical empiricism in economics; the statistics are neither reliable nor represent a consistent metric.
There is no mystery and it is not true that "nobody is sure why it's happening." The reason it is happening is completely obvious: there is no economic recovery.
HT: CalcRisk
Not pretty at all. 9.1% headline rate, 64+% participation rate. And that combination will have its effect:
...the participation rate was unchanged at 64.2%. Note: This is the percentage of the working age population in the labor force. I expect the participation rate to move a little higher as the job market improves, and that will keep the unemployment rate elevated all year....
Then you add in the actual number of jobs created, and you get this:
There have been 783,000 total non-farm jobs added this year or 157 thousand per month. This is a better pace of payroll job creation than last year, but the economy still has 6.95 million fewer payroll jobs than at the beginning of the 2007 recession. At this pace (157 thousand jobs per month), it will take almost 4 years just to get back to the pre-recession level.
November 2012 comes a lot faster than "4 years."
Good.
UPDATE: Vox pitches in with even worse news.
...the real U3 unemployment rate has been over 11 percent since 2010, as I originally predicted. However, the BLS has concealed this very high rate of unemployment by the simple tactic of reducing the size of the labor force despite the growing population of the country. This is only one of the many reasons that Mises was correct to condemn the use of statistical empiricism in economics; the statistics are neither reliable nor represent a consistent metric.
There is no mystery and it is not true that "nobody is sure why it's happening." The reason it is happening is completely obvious: there is no economic recovery.
HT: CalcRisk
Hey!! Boehner!!! Pay ATTENTION!!!!
The Speaker should have moved this 60 days ago. And the "Republicans" from Wisconsin should be badgered, harassed, and browbeaten about this, too>
Rep. Joe Barton, R-Texas, proposed a bill to save incandescent light bulbs in January. Barton's measure has 62 co-sponsors, including 61 Republicans and one Democrat. A companion bill with 28 backers in the Senate is sponsored by Sen. Michael Enzi, R-Wyo.
Clearly, "dim" applies to other entities in the House. For example, Ribble, Duffy, Ryan, and Petri, NONE of whom have co-sponsored this.
Only Jim Sensenbrenner is wired correctly on this issue.
Rep. Joe Barton, R-Texas, proposed a bill to save incandescent light bulbs in January. Barton's measure has 62 co-sponsors, including 61 Republicans and one Democrat. A companion bill with 28 backers in the Senate is sponsored by Sen. Michael Enzi, R-Wyo.
The bills have not yet been considered in committee. --AmSPec quoting Examiner
The author of the Examiner article suggests that the lightbulb-ban is "dim."Clearly, "dim" applies to other entities in the House. For example, Ribble, Duffy, Ryan, and Petri, NONE of whom have co-sponsored this.
Only Jim Sensenbrenner is wired correctly on this issue.
The Rabble Rides Segway
You want to know about Jeremy Ryan, the rabble on a Segway?
Go here. Interesting list of 'friends,' eh?
Free speech and the 1st Amendment are one thing.
Being a total ass is another thing entirely.
Go here. Interesting list of 'friends,' eh?
Free speech and the 1st Amendment are one thing.
Being a total ass is another thing entirely.
THIS 'Biofuel' May Make Sense!
Good news.
...Virent Energy Systems has produced "biogasoline" from crops that aren't part of the nation's food supply.
...Virent Energy Systems has produced "biogasoline" from crops that aren't part of the nation's food supply.
The Madison biofuels firm announced it has made biogasoline from a combination of corn stalks and leaves left on farms after the corn harvest, as well as pine tree branches, needles and stumps left on the forest floor after logging.
ChristmasTree Gas!
Pubbie Panders in Madison
We shouldn't be surprised that Madistan's Ruling Class is about the same as DC's Ruling Class.
Overbearing know-it-all pandering Elites....who can't keep their hands out of local matters.
Milwaukee taxpayers would have to pay wages and benefits for some fired cops while they appealed their dismissals under a provision Republicans tucked into the state budget early Friday.
...Police officers would have their pay cut off immediately upon their dismissal only if they were fired for conduct that also resulted in felony charges or Class A or Class B misdemeanor charges. For those who violated department rules or engaged in behavior that did not result in serious charges, they would have to be paid while they fought their dismissal...
I don't live in Milwaukee and don't have a dog in this fight; but the principle is the same as is the principle on "residency requirements." The State, by and large, should keep its nose out of local affairs. Period.
Overbearing know-it-all pandering Elites....who can't keep their hands out of local matters.
Milwaukee taxpayers would have to pay wages and benefits for some fired cops while they appealed their dismissals under a provision Republicans tucked into the state budget early Friday.
...Police officers would have their pay cut off immediately upon their dismissal only if they were fired for conduct that also resulted in felony charges or Class A or Class B misdemeanor charges. For those who violated department rules or engaged in behavior that did not result in serious charges, they would have to be paid while they fought their dismissal...
I don't live in Milwaukee and don't have a dog in this fight; but the principle is the same as is the principle on "residency requirements." The State, by and large, should keep its nose out of local affairs. Period.
Are the Fitzgerald Brothers Watching Texas?
Maybe the busy boys in Madison can copy/paste this!
Texas lawmakers may reconsider a bill to outlaw controversial airport pat-downs, the sponsor of legislation that was shelved recently said this week.
Texas state Rep. David Simpson (R) said that Texas Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst asked Gov. Rick Perry to include the measure in a special session of the Texas legislature. Dewhurst reported asked lawmakers to withdraw the bill when federal officials threatened to cancel flights to Texas if it passed.
But he has since had a change of heart...
Utah's considering the same sort of legislation. And don't for one minute believe that the Feds will "cancel" all airline flights.
You think Herbie Kohl and Tammy Two-Step are going to WALK back here?
Texas lawmakers may reconsider a bill to outlaw controversial airport pat-downs, the sponsor of legislation that was shelved recently said this week.
Texas state Rep. David Simpson (R) said that Texas Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst asked Gov. Rick Perry to include the measure in a special session of the Texas legislature. Dewhurst reported asked lawmakers to withdraw the bill when federal officials threatened to cancel flights to Texas if it passed.
But he has since had a change of heart...
Utah's considering the same sort of legislation. And don't for one minute believe that the Feds will "cancel" all airline flights.
You think Herbie Kohl and Tammy Two-Step are going to WALK back here?
War Powers Resolution? Republicans Don't Care, Either
In the middle of a budget-news story:
Although Republicans are pursing a separate bill that questions President Barack Obama’s military actions in Libya, they voted down a Democratic amendment that would have prohibited the use of funds from being used in contravention of the War Powers Resolution.
So.....now there are TWO Permanent-War Parties?
Although Republicans are pursing a separate bill that questions President Barack Obama’s military actions in Libya, they voted down a Democratic amendment that would have prohibited the use of funds from being used in contravention of the War Powers Resolution.
So.....now there are TWO Permanent-War Parties?
How to Avoid ObozoCare's Mandate
Ripley couldn't dream this stuff up; he didn't live in Stalin's regime.
President Obama's solicitor general, defending the national health care law on Wednesday, told a federal appeals court that Americans who didn't like the individual mandate could always avoid it by choosing to earn less money.
Because it's a tax not a tax. Or something.
President Obama's solicitor general, defending the national health care law on Wednesday, told a federal appeals court that Americans who didn't like the individual mandate could always avoid it by choosing to earn less money.
Because it's
The Legacy, or One Term Is Enough!
The video reprise of Obozo's demolition.
Only about 3 minutes, so it only covers about 1/10th of his destructive term's activity.
Only about 3 minutes, so it only covers about 1/10th of his destructive term's activity.
Thursday, June 02, 2011
Capitol Caterwauling
The disorder in the Capitol, nurtured by Mark Miller, Bob Jauch, Fred Risser, and other Democrats, includes disrupting Red Cross blood drives.
Rep. Paul Farrow (R-Waukesha) complained that a protest group called the Solidarity Singers has been disrupting work in the Capitol by singing in the building every day at noon. On Tuesday the American Red Cross was scheduled to hold a blood drive in the Capitol, but the noise in the Capitol forced the Red Cross to shut it down for the day and reschedule the drive for Thursday.
Classy.
The Board of the sponsoring organization includes quite a few interesting biographies--and included good 'ol Xoff. Surprised?
Rep. Paul Farrow (R-Waukesha) complained that a protest group called the Solidarity Singers has been disrupting work in the Capitol by singing in the building every day at noon. On Tuesday the American Red Cross was scheduled to hold a blood drive in the Capitol, but the noise in the Capitol forced the Red Cross to shut it down for the day and reschedule the drive for Thursday.
Classy.
The Board of the sponsoring organization includes quite a few interesting biographies--and included good 'ol Xoff. Surprised?
Tenting in Madistan
"We Are Wisconsin" intends to clog up downtown Madistan with tents. Let's hope they also have a few porta-potties.
Who is this group? Glad you asked!!!
Who is this group? Glad you asked!!!
Wisconsin AFL-CIO
AFSCME Councils 24, 40 & 48
AFT-Wisconsin
America Votes
Citizen Action of Wisconsin
Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin
SEIU Healthcare Wisconsin
Voces de la Frontera
Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters
NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin
Babykillers, rabble, organizers, and Entitled-Union members.THIS Is What Democracy Looks Like--to Rabble
Well, the Democrats have their way.
The Legislature's budget committee plans to expand school choice late Thursday to eastern Racine County but not Green Bay, legislative leaders said.
The Legislature's budget committee plans to expand school choice late Thursday to eastern Racine County but not Green Bay, legislative leaders said.
The meeting began shortly before 7 p.m. in a state of near pandemonium. Protesters talked over the members of the committee, and some of them were hauled out by state troopers.
Jauch, who is morally responsible for that activity, poses for holy pictures:
"I happen to be on your side," Sen. Bob Jauch (D-Poplar) said. "I have been arguing on your behalf day or not [sic]."
Some of the protesters loudly disagreed. Jauch responded: "I'm asking you to recognize you could do more harm than good" by disrupting the committee.
No, BobbyBoy, they're simply doing what you have been signaling for over the last 90 days or so. You, Marky-Mark Miller, and Risser (D-Dinosaur) have been sending semaphores since the Conservative Revolution became effective, and you should be in slam with those reprehensible little twerps you spawned.
It's not a coincidence that the shouting and disorder began in a meeting which signals the end of WEAC hegemony, either.
How to Train a Defensive Back
From a combox at Grim's place:
In 1975, I met a defensive end for the Eagles -- he trained by running down cottontails.
Think McCarthy'll try that in Green Bay? There are plenty of bunnies and deer up there.
In 1975, I met a defensive end for the Eagles -- he trained by running down cottontails.
Think McCarthy'll try that in Green Bay? There are plenty of bunnies and deer up there.
Keep Your Daughters Away From Downtown
The definitive take on Little Weenie from AOSHQ:
He looks guilty because he's guilty.
Regardless, if you have a buxom daughter over the age of........umnnnhhh.......16, it would be prudent to keep her out of Downtown Milwaukee this weekend.
He looks guilty because he's guilty.
He acts guilty because he's guilty.
He talks guilty because he's guilty.
He doesn't call the cops on the hackers because he's guilty.
He calls the cops on reporters because he's guilty.
He doesn't deny the picture is his because he's guilty.
This is not complicated. This is not Twin Peaks.
Coulter's line was best: it should be settled in small-claims court.Regardless, if you have a buxom daughter over the age of........umnnnhhh.......16, it would be prudent to keep her out of Downtown Milwaukee this weekend.
Billy Kristol's Excellent Experiment
Billy Kristol, professional warmonger, leaves a legacy.
The Iraqi government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is increasingly corrupt and autocratic.
....matters escalated dramatically in February with the regime's shocking brutality. As with many other countries in the Middle East, demonstrations broke out in Iraq demanding, among other things, an end to the Maliki government's rampant corruption. Those demonstrations culminated with a "Day of Rage." Although the demonstrations even on that day were mostly peaceful, security forces killed at least twenty-nine participants. --Cato Ins't quoted at AmSpecBlog
Maybe Kristol and his pal Wolfowitz should go over there and mediate. That would be fair.
The Iraqi government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is increasingly corrupt and autocratic.
....matters escalated dramatically in February with the regime's shocking brutality. As with many other countries in the Middle East, demonstrations broke out in Iraq demanding, among other things, an end to the Maliki government's rampant corruption. Those demonstrations culminated with a "Day of Rage." Although the demonstrations even on that day were mostly peaceful, security forces killed at least twenty-nine participants. --Cato Ins't quoted at AmSpecBlog
Maybe Kristol and his pal Wolfowitz should go over there and mediate. That would be fair.
Doyle's Reckless Privatization Threatens Funding
(The above is the headline which the JS SHOULD have used....)
The state rapidly privatized much of its enrollment work in programs for the poor with little oversight from the Legislature and in possible violation of federal rules, a new state audit shows.
...The Enrollment Services Center was started in June 2009 by Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle's administration to enroll childless adults in FoodShare and BadgerCare Plus health services.
...The USDA's Food and Nutrition Service told Wisconsin officials in January 2010 not to expand their use of private contractors in the Enrollment Services Center offices in Madison and Milwaukee beyond the 106 private staff employed at that time.
The state rapidly privatized much of its enrollment work in programs for the poor with little oversight from the Legislature and in possible violation of federal rules, a new state audit shows.
...The Enrollment Services Center was started in June 2009 by Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle's administration to enroll childless adults in FoodShare and BadgerCare Plus health services.
...The USDA's Food and Nutrition Service told Wisconsin officials in January 2010 not to expand their use of private contractors in the Enrollment Services Center offices in Madison and Milwaukee beyond the 106 private staff employed at that time.
But the audit found as of March 2011 that there were 432 HP Enterprise Services employees working for the Enrollment Services Center.
Meaning that Jim Doyle, Governor of Wisconsin (and a lawyer) flat-out ignored the Feds' warnings.
Wanna bet he did that to sandbag Walker?
Ed Flynn: 1 + 1 = 3!!
Ed Flynn starts off OK...
Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn urged Gov. Scott Walker to "provide some adult supervision" and ensure that a final law contains requirements to obtain a permit to carry concealed weapons and some stipulations for that, including basic training and not being a "criminal, drug abuser or insane."
Umnnhhh, yah, OK.
Then he goes off the rails--like all good Democrats do.
The news conference came after a gunfight overnight between Milwaukee police officer Jose Viera and an armed suspect in the Sherman Park neighborhood.
Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn urged Gov. Scott Walker to "provide some adult supervision" and ensure that a final law contains requirements to obtain a permit to carry concealed weapons and some stipulations for that, including basic training and not being a "criminal, drug abuser or insane."
Umnnhhh, yah, OK.
Then he goes off the rails--like all good Democrats do.
The news conference came after a gunfight overnight between Milwaukee police officer Jose Viera and an armed suspect in the Sherman Park neighborhood.
"This is not a political talking points issue. This is an officer safety issue. This is the second time in less than a week my officers have been in a gun battle with armed, reckless assailants. We cannot afford a reckless bill."
So, Eddie, are you telling us that a CRIMINAL who WAS ILLEGALLY CARRYING is the same as the people who will be screened before obtaining a CCW permit?
Dumbass.
That Pentagon Budget? Porky, Porky, Pigs
We mentioned the overly-generous spending in the D of D budget.
Now we know why......at least partially.
Today, Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW) expressed indignation over the establishment by the House Armed Services Committee of the $1 billion Mission Force Enhancement Transfer Fund (MFET), a slush fund included in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2012 National Defense Authorization Act. Members of the committee added 111 legislative provisions that will cost taxpayers $651.7 million; 59 of the add-ons, or 53 percent, appear to be similar to projects included as earmarks in CAGW’s 2010 Congressional Pig Book. House Armed Services Committee Chairman Howard “Buck” McKeon (R-Calif.) has claimed that the authorization bill contains no earmarks, and that the MFET was created in order to allow committee members to “move [defense] funding around to more important items.” However, the MFET, which did not exist in the FY 2011 defense authorization bill, appears to be designed to allow members to secure pork for their districts without violating the congressional earmark moratorium.
This reminds me that the TEA Party's work is not complete.
Let's simply get an entirely new 535. No re-runs, no repeats.
Throw out ALL the sons-of-bitches.
HT: RenMan
Now we know why......at least partially.
Today, Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW) expressed indignation over the establishment by the House Armed Services Committee of the $1 billion Mission Force Enhancement Transfer Fund (MFET), a slush fund included in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2012 National Defense Authorization Act. Members of the committee added 111 legislative provisions that will cost taxpayers $651.7 million; 59 of the add-ons, or 53 percent, appear to be similar to projects included as earmarks in CAGW’s 2010 Congressional Pig Book. House Armed Services Committee Chairman Howard “Buck” McKeon (R-Calif.) has claimed that the authorization bill contains no earmarks, and that the MFET was created in order to allow committee members to “move [defense] funding around to more important items.” However, the MFET, which did not exist in the FY 2011 defense authorization bill, appears to be designed to allow members to secure pork for their districts without violating the congressional earmark moratorium.
This reminds me that the TEA Party's work is not complete.
Let's simply get an entirely new 535. No re-runs, no repeats.
Throw out ALL the sons-of-bitches.
HT: RenMan
A View of Priesthood
Very thought-provoking:
The second talk of the afternoon was given by Don Nicola Bux, the well-known author and professor of the Bari Theological Institute, on the Sacrament of Holy Orders in the Pontificale Romanum. Beginning with a lengthy and detailed technical explanation of the origins of the Pontifical as a liturgical book, he pointed out the particular emphasis which the ordination rites of both priest and bishop lay on the celebrant of Mass as the mediator between God and Man. This is a especially necessary role in a world in which so many people live as if God does not exist. In reference to the excessive optimism about the world characteristic of many modern theologians, Don Bux asserted that the role of the priest is to “remove space from the profane. Those who believe that ‘the profane’ does not exist are really saying that the Second Coming of Christ has already happened.” Such a notion is based on a false doctrine of the Incarnation, contrary to the teachings of the Church and the insistence of the ordination rites themselves that the teaching of the priest must be “pure, sound and true.”
That sheds a good deal of light onto the LiturgyWonkLoosey-Goosey priests, no?
HT: NLM
The second talk of the afternoon was given by Don Nicola Bux, the well-known author and professor of the Bari Theological Institute, on the Sacrament of Holy Orders in the Pontificale Romanum. Beginning with a lengthy and detailed technical explanation of the origins of the Pontifical as a liturgical book, he pointed out the particular emphasis which the ordination rites of both priest and bishop lay on the celebrant of Mass as the mediator between God and Man. This is a especially necessary role in a world in which so many people live as if God does not exist. In reference to the excessive optimism about the world characteristic of many modern theologians, Don Bux asserted that the role of the priest is to “remove space from the profane. Those who believe that ‘the profane’ does not exist are really saying that the Second Coming of Christ has already happened.” Such a notion is based on a false doctrine of the Incarnation, contrary to the teachings of the Church and the insistence of the ordination rites themselves that the teaching of the priest must be “pure, sound and true.”
That sheds a good deal of light onto the LiturgyWonkLoosey-Goosey priests, no?
HT: NLM
George Will Discovers That He's Old and Irrelevant
Well, yes, we're mentioning Will, so he can't be completely irrelevant.
But he's nigh unto the "I" word, like the rest of the Governing Class.
Just one question, George: does Obozo deserve the "nuke button"?
Does he?
Followup, George: who's in YOUR OODA-loop?
HT: ProEcclesia
But he's nigh unto the "I" word, like the rest of the Governing Class.
Just one question, George: does Obozo deserve the "nuke button"?
Does he?
Followup, George: who's in YOUR OODA-loop?
HT: ProEcclesia
Signals? Anomalies? Contradictions?
Culled from a professional bear blog:
Puplava: If I look at your analysis, so far you would argue that QE2 has failed, and a lack of broad money growth will mean that growth and inflation expectations are too high. That implies, likewise that equity prices should fall, and yields rise which you believe could lead to deflation and a bad environment for equities.
Napier: Equities are overpriced and bonds overpriced. But the thing I am saying that is really quite different is normally when the economy slows bonds do well, that is the normal relationship. That's what everybody expects. What I am saying is a much more frightening scenario, where the economy slows and bond yields go up. And the reason I am suggesting they go up is the matters underpinning their path of huge inflows of foreign central bank capital simply stop coming or slow very dramatically.
Well, then.
Here at Barry's place, we learn that the 10-year cracked 3% yield today--but going down, not up.
Puplava: If I look at your analysis, so far you would argue that QE2 has failed, and a lack of broad money growth will mean that growth and inflation expectations are too high. That implies, likewise that equity prices should fall, and yields rise which you believe could lead to deflation and a bad environment for equities.
Napier: Equities are overpriced and bonds overpriced. But the thing I am saying that is really quite different is normally when the economy slows bonds do well, that is the normal relationship. That's what everybody expects. What I am saying is a much more frightening scenario, where the economy slows and bond yields go up. And the reason I am suggesting they go up is the matters underpinning their path of huge inflows of foreign central bank capital simply stop coming or slow very dramatically.
Well, then.
Here at Barry's place, we learn that the 10-year cracked 3% yield today--but going down, not up.
Minneapolis Now Exporting Terrorists
Well, it's good for the economy to export, right?
Abdirahman Warsame at Terror Free Somalia informed us late last night that messages appearing on known al-Shabaab websites indicate that a suicide bomber who carried out on attack on AMISOM forces in Mogadishu on Monday was a Somali-American from the Minneapolis area.
Prolly better than IMporting terrorists.
Abdirahman Warsame at Terror Free Somalia informed us late last night that messages appearing on known al-Shabaab websites indicate that a suicide bomber who carried out on attack on AMISOM forces in Mogadishu on Monday was a Somali-American from the Minneapolis area.
Prolly better than IMporting terrorists.
"You Don't Need That Steeenkin' Petroleum...."
A friend and I were in conversation this morning and we both knew that the Texas frack-oil field would be put out of commission.
The Eagle Ford field just got sold today to Marathon Oil for $3.5 billion, which gives an indication of the field’s value. But this field could be at risk — and other fields as well — if the US Fish and Wildlife Service lists the sand dunes lizard as endangered...
TrogloBurri has the solution to this problem, of course. (Hint: the initials are S, S, S.)
The Eagle Ford field just got sold today to Marathon Oil for $3.5 billion, which gives an indication of the field’s value. But this field could be at risk — and other fields as well — if the US Fish and Wildlife Service lists the sand dunes lizard as endangered...
TrogloBurri has the solution to this problem, of course. (Hint: the initials are S, S, S.)
Glass-Steagall, Again! Where's Sensenbrenner?
We noted yesterday that Jim Sensenbrenner had not co-sponsored the revival of Glass-Steagall.
Here's a factoid which should help convince the congressman that he OUGHT to sign up:
“In the run-up to the financial crisis, the giant national banks — which he viewed as a distinct species from the typical American bank — had done things that deserved condemnation. And, he added, “They are still doing things that I don’t think are very good.”Such as? “It has become a virtual casino,” he replied. “To me, banks exist for people to keep their liquid income, and also to finance trade and commerce.” Yet the six largest holding companies, which made a combined $75 billion last year, had $56 billion in trading revenues. “If you assume, as I do, that trading revenues go straight to the bottom line, that means that trading, not lending, is how they make most of their money,” he said. --J Nocera, quoted at Barry's Place
Casinos moved from Las Vegas.....
Here's a factoid which should help convince the congressman that he OUGHT to sign up:
“In the run-up to the financial crisis, the giant national banks — which he viewed as a distinct species from the typical American bank — had done things that deserved condemnation. And, he added, “They are still doing things that I don’t think are very good.”Such as? “It has become a virtual casino,” he replied. “To me, banks exist for people to keep their liquid income, and also to finance trade and commerce.” Yet the six largest holding companies, which made a combined $75 billion last year, had $56 billion in trading revenues. “If you assume, as I do, that trading revenues go straight to the bottom line, that means that trading, not lending, is how they make most of their money,” he said. --J Nocera, quoted at Barry's Place
Casinos moved from Las Vegas.....
Biodegradable Containers and Explosions!
Nothing like green, right?
Research from North Carolina State University shows that so-called biodegradable products are likely doing more harm than good in landfills, because they are releasing a powerful greenhouse gas as they break down.
The gas is methane, which is highly explosive besides its 'greenhouse' negative.
It's usually accompanied by the sulfur-smell, too.
HT: MoonBattery
Research from North Carolina State University shows that so-called biodegradable products are likely doing more harm than good in landfills, because they are releasing a powerful greenhouse gas as they break down.
The gas is methane, which is highly explosive besides its 'greenhouse' negative.
It's usually accompanied by the sulfur-smell, too.
HT: Moon
Battery
Wednesday, June 01, 2011
Victims' Testimony Changes?
So the victims of abuse in the Milwaukee Archdiocese seem to have problems. Or do they?
Frank LoCoco, attorney for the archdiocese, argued that none of the victims had ever complained about the mediation process previously, and that Marquette law professor Eva Soeka, who designed the mediation process, testified that she'd never had complaints about it.
Hmmmmm.
Frank LoCoco, attorney for the archdiocese, argued that none of the victims had ever complained about the mediation process previously, and that Marquette law professor Eva Soeka, who designed the mediation process, testified that she'd never had complaints about it.
Hmmmmm.
Legalize Pot?
Sometimes it's tempting to go with the 'legalize pot' flow.
Then you read a short essay from someone who knows better.
...On the other hand, the use of drugs poses so many dangers to society from impaired drivers, criminals trying to fund their habit, and so on, that I can't possibly support their legalization.
In my work as a prison chaplain I saw many younger criminals who were permanently mentally impaired by drug use. They'd almost literally 'fried their brains', to use a common description. A new study suggests such damage is more easily sustained early in life, and is probably irreversible.
More at the link.
Then you read a short essay from someone who knows better.
...On the other hand, the use of drugs poses so many dangers to society from impaired drivers, criminals trying to fund their habit, and so on, that I can't possibly support their legalization.
In my work as a prison chaplain I saw many younger criminals who were permanently mentally impaired by drug use. They'd almost literally 'fried their brains', to use a common description. A new study suggests such damage is more easily sustained early in life, and is probably irreversible.
More at the link.
One Less Giant in the Land
We mourn the death of Tom Roeser, whose essays we frequently quoted here.
His sagacity and humor were wonderful consolation, as was his dedication to the Faith.
His sagacity and humor were wonderful consolation, as was his dedication to the Faith.
Weigel on the Smarmy Catholic Professors
Love that word 'smarmy,' and it fits.
More substance:
>The Church’s concern for the poor does not imply a “preferential option” for Big Government. The social doctrine teaches that the problem of poverty is best addressed by empowerment: enabling poor people to enter the circle of productivity and exchange in society. The responsibility for that empowerment falls on everyone...
>Fiscal prudence is a matter of justice extended toward future generations, and is therefore an intergenerational moral imperative (as is provision for the retired elderly). To leave mountains of unserviceable debt to future generations is shameful.
>There are legitimate disagreements about the implications of the Church’s social doctrine for American social welfare policy. To suggest that the social doctrine provides obvious, clear-cut answers to questions about the future of Medicare or Medicaid is to misrepresent that teaching...
More at the link, well-written and well-reasoned.
More substance:
>The Church’s concern for the poor does not imply a “preferential option” for Big Government. The social doctrine teaches that the problem of poverty is best addressed by empowerment: enabling poor people to enter the circle of productivity and exchange in society. The responsibility for that empowerment falls on everyone...
>Fiscal prudence is a matter of justice extended toward future generations, and is therefore an intergenerational moral imperative (as is provision for the retired elderly). To leave mountains of unserviceable debt to future generations is shameful.
>There are legitimate disagreements about the implications of the Church’s social doctrine for American social welfare policy. To suggest that the social doctrine provides obvious, clear-cut answers to questions about the future of Medicare or Medicaid is to misrepresent that teaching...
More at the link, well-written and well-reasoned.
Ugly for Banks, Again
Ticker has all sorts of bad news.
"If we do not see a meaningful recovery in home prices by the end of the year, we may need to contemplate impairment charges on first liens owned by banks and wholesale write-downs of second lien exposures. This implies solvency issues..." C Whalen, Inst'l Risk Analytics, quoted by Ticker.
Named in the Whalen quote: Citi, B of A, JPMorganChase, and WellsFargo.
"If we do not see a meaningful recovery in home prices by the end of the year, we may need to contemplate impairment charges on first liens owned by banks and wholesale write-downs of second lien exposures. This implies solvency issues..." C Whalen, Inst'l Risk Analytics, quoted by Ticker.
Named in the Whalen quote: Citi, B of A, JPMorganChase, and WellsFargo.
Jim Sensenbrenner? Where Are You?
Saw Jim Sensenbrenner at the parade the other day.
Maybe that's why he hasn't yet co-sponsored this.
To repeal certain provisions of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and revive the separation between commercial banking and the securities business, in the manner provided in the Banking Act of 1933, the so-called "Glass-Steagall Act", and for other purposes.
Glass-Steagall was very effective at keeping banks in the banking business and investment houses in the investment business. The separation was deliberate, and worked well.
Then Phil Gramm--who was confused--repealed it.
Then.........well.........2008 happened.
Maybe that's why he hasn't yet co-sponsored this.
To repeal certain provisions of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and revive the separation between commercial banking and the securities business, in the manner provided in the Banking Act of 1933, the so-called "Glass-Steagall Act", and for other purposes.
Glass-Steagall was very effective at keeping banks in the banking business and investment houses in the investment business. The separation was deliberate, and worked well.
Then Phil Gramm--who was confused--repealed it.
Then.........well.........2008 happened.
The Definitive Take on Sumi's "Decision"
Esenberg writes a gentlemanly essay on why Judge Sumi is 1) wrong; 2) wrong; and 3) wrong in her arrogation-of-powers decision.
It starts with Marbury, by the way--which is to say that the Legislature's action was not only licit, but backed by ~200 years of judicial precedent.
Until Sumi.
It starts with Marbury, by the way--which is to say that the Legislature's action was not only licit, but backed by ~200 years of judicial precedent.
Until Sumi.
Home Ownership Rate: $Zillions to No Effect?
Umnnhhh...
How many $Umpty-Billions were stuffed into Fannie and Freddie in the last decade or so with the promise that "home-ownership" would rise, and this would be a Wonderful Thing for All?
How many $Umpty-Billions of mortgages (good, bad, or indifferent) were ginned up by brokers and banks, then converted to jumbo-investment bonds (MBS's) with lotsa profit-bucks on every single step of the transaction trail?
OK. Then how does one account for THIS:
The Census Bureau tells us that the home-ownership rate in 1990 was 64.2%
In 2000, it was 66.2%
In 2010, it was down to 65.1%
IOW, with all those programs, all those Federal incentives, all that "opportunity" crap--with ALL that in the mix, the needle ain't going to move past ~65%.
HT: CalcRisk
How many $Umpty-Billions were stuffed into Fannie and Freddie in the last decade or so with the promise that "home-ownership" would rise, and this would be a Wonderful Thing for All?
How many $Umpty-Billions of mortgages (good, bad, or indifferent) were ginned up by brokers and banks, then converted to jumbo-investment bonds (MBS's) with lotsa profit-bucks on every single step of the transaction trail?
OK. Then how does one account for THIS:
The Census Bureau tells us that the home-ownership rate in 1990 was 64.2%
In 2000, it was 66.2%
In 2010, it was down to 65.1%
IOW, with all those programs, all those Federal incentives, all that "opportunity" crap--with ALL that in the mix, the needle ain't going to move past ~65%.
HT: CalcRisk
Another 90 Days in Libya, War Power Law???
Obozo's still ignoring the War Powers Act.
You'd expect that from a Statist dictator, I guess.
NATO and its partners in the military campaign to protect Libyan civilians have decided to extend their mission another 90 days, the alliance's top official said Wednesday.
Nothing from the Obozo Administration.
You'd expect that from a Statist dictator, I guess.
NATO and its partners in the military campaign to protect Libyan civilians have decided to extend their mission another 90 days, the alliance's top official said Wednesday.
Nothing from the Obozo Administration.
Pubbies' DOD Spend: High, to Say the Least
The politics-as-usual stench is enough to choke you. Once again, the US is assuming all the expense of defending Europe and Eastern Asia--not to mention a helluvalotta sand in the Middle East.
The House has released the 2012 defense spending bill and it includes a little bit of belt tightening. But just barely, and not enough to please Democrats who say there should be significant cuts at the Pentagon to counter proposals to slash domestic spending.
The House has released the 2012 defense spending bill and it includes a little bit of belt tightening. But just barely, and not enough to please Democrats who say there should be significant cuts at the Pentagon to counter proposals to slash domestic spending.
The bill would provide $539 billion in total defense allocations for the 2012 fiscal year. That's just a hair below the president's FY 2012 request. Republicans lopped off $8.9 billion in spending, but even with those cuts, the total comes in $17 billion above this year's spending levels.
Not surprising: Hal Rogers' press release was quoted extensively; you'd think he's Florence Nightingale.
He's not. He's just another Big Spender.
PJBuchanan asks the questions that Rogers didn't bother to deal with:
Europe is as prosperous and more populous than the United States. And the Russian army is no longer in Germany, but 1,000 miles to the east, behind the Baltic republics, Belarus and Ukraine.
What is the necessity now for a U.S. troop presence in Europe?
We'll have to answer those very, very soon.
The Corrupt FDR
Think of it: for 50 years, Democrats have been telling us this guy is their role-model/saint.
It now looks like the Roosevelt administration was not only morally and factually wrong in making the decision, but plainly dishonest in defending it.
And his house-lawyer was complicit.
It now looks like the Roosevelt administration was not only morally and factually wrong in making the decision, but plainly dishonest in defending it.
And his house-lawyer was complicit.
Weiner (D-Viagra) Answers Questions!
The answers are priceless.
4) Was the account hacked, or was Weiner the victim of a prank?
Find something ELSE to focus on, stupid. Like your resignation, for example.
4) Was the account hacked, or was Weiner the victim of a prank?
I'm not convinced that there's any value any more of me talking about it. I understand you've got to do your job, and I'm going to get back to work. There are some enormously important things, and I believe this has been a distraction. I'm not going to let it be so any more.
5) Why was Weiner following a 21 year-old college student on Twitter?
Hey, Tony-boy: Your problem was exactly "things I want to focus on."I appreciate the questions. I understand you're doing your job but this is now a couple of days later, I've got to finally get back to work and focus on things I want to focus on.
Find something ELSE to focus on, stupid. Like your resignation, for example.
Jack Up National Debt? Gwen Moore Would!
Ask the question, Gwen'll tell you: just raise the debt limit.
(Rep. A. Weiner of New York also voted to raise........ahhhh..........whatever)
Not even Tammy Baldwin voted with Gwen, but then Tammy's running for Herbie's seat. Gotta act responsible for the cameras.
(Rep. A. Weiner of New York also voted to raise........ahhhh..........whatever)
Not even Tammy Baldwin voted with Gwen, but then Tammy's running for Herbie's seat. Gotta act responsible for the cameras.
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