I think Levin has it about right.
"...I think there’s a lot of perverse thinking that goes on in his mind,
radical left-wing thinking. He was indoctrinated with Marx and Alinksy
propaganda. You not only see it in his agenda but in his words -- class
warfare; degrading successful people unless, of course, they help
finance his elections, causes, and organizations; pretending to speak
for the so-called middle class when, in fact, he is destroying their
jobs, savings, and future. Obama's war on our society is intended to be
an onslaught in which the system is overwhelmed.”
Cloward-Piven through and through.
Monday, January 21, 2013
The Catholic Church vs. Gun Rights?
Codrea publishes an essay which questions the position of the Catholic Church on gun rights.
Fr. Federico Lombardi, director of the press office of the Holy See, called “initiatives announced by the United States government in view of limiting and controlling the diffusion and use of arms … a step in the right direction.
“Forty-seven religious leaders of various confessions and religions have issued a call to American politicians to limit firearms, which ‘are making society pay an unacceptable price in terms of massacres and senseless deaths,’” Lombardi stated in his address. “I’m with them.”
Well.
The first thing to recognize is that Fr. Lombardi is NOT the Pope, nor does he 'speak for the Pope' on issues such as this. (The same applies to the USCC, by the way.) Thus, we must refer to the Catechism of the Catholic Church for guidance on the matter.
There are three paragraphs which refer to 'self-defense': 2263, 2264, and 2308 (the last referring to the right of self-defense for Governments.) None of them prohibit---in any way--armed self-defense.
Further, if one looks at #2263 ffd., it is clear that self-defense has applications beyond that of a one-to-one encounter.
2265: Legitimate defense can be not only a right but a grave duty for one who is responsible for the lives of others. The defense of the common good requires that an unjust aggressor be rendered unable to cause harm. For this reason, those who legitimately hold authority also have the right to use arms to repel aggressors against the civil community entrusted to their responsibility.
That 'legitimately hold authority' phrase is critical. The Declaration of Independence paid homage to that tenet of the Catechism, in the section beginning "But when a long train of abuses and usurpations...." It is not a coincidence that immediately before that line the Declaration also states that "Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments [...] should not be changed for light and transient causes...."
The Vatican has been legitimately concerned with small-arms proliferation. What is UN-mentioned in Lombardi's somewhat vacuous piece is that the old Soviet Union and the current Red Chinese governments are (and were) THE most significant small-arms proliferators. See AK-47, e.g.
Whatever Fr. Lombardi says is authoritative only insofar as his words comport with the Catechism. The USCC's "authority" is limited in exactly the same way. Thus, prudently exercised self-defense against persons or illicit governments is perfectly licit.
Fr. Federico Lombardi, director of the press office of the Holy See, called “initiatives announced by the United States government in view of limiting and controlling the diffusion and use of arms … a step in the right direction.
“Forty-seven religious leaders of various confessions and religions have issued a call to American politicians to limit firearms, which ‘are making society pay an unacceptable price in terms of massacres and senseless deaths,’” Lombardi stated in his address. “I’m with them.”
Well.
The first thing to recognize is that Fr. Lombardi is NOT the Pope, nor does he 'speak for the Pope' on issues such as this. (The same applies to the USCC, by the way.) Thus, we must refer to the Catechism of the Catholic Church for guidance on the matter.
There are three paragraphs which refer to 'self-defense': 2263, 2264, and 2308 (the last referring to the right of self-defense for Governments.) None of them prohibit---in any way--armed self-defense.
Further, if one looks at #2263 ffd., it is clear that self-defense has applications beyond that of a one-to-one encounter.
2265: Legitimate defense can be not only a right but a grave duty for one who is responsible for the lives of others. The defense of the common good requires that an unjust aggressor be rendered unable to cause harm. For this reason, those who legitimately hold authority also have the right to use arms to repel aggressors against the civil community entrusted to their responsibility.
That 'legitimately hold authority' phrase is critical. The Declaration of Independence paid homage to that tenet of the Catechism, in the section beginning "But when a long train of abuses and usurpations...." It is not a coincidence that immediately before that line the Declaration also states that "Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments [...] should not be changed for light and transient causes...."
The Vatican has been legitimately concerned with small-arms proliferation. What is UN-mentioned in Lombardi's somewhat vacuous piece is that the old Soviet Union and the current Red Chinese governments are (and were) THE most significant small-arms proliferators. See AK-47, e.g.
Whatever Fr. Lombardi says is authoritative only insofar as his words comport with the Catechism. The USCC's "authority" is limited in exactly the same way. Thus, prudently exercised self-defense against persons or illicit governments is perfectly licit.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Duh Noooz
Morrissey would fire this poor ignoramus.
It will also be tricky to determine just how many automatic bullets should be allowed in a rapid-fire magazine clip. Three? Ten? Twenty? Democrats in favor of restricting high-capacity magazines say that three bullets is enough to kill a duck or a quail. Fair enough, but gun enthusiasts say that 10 or 20 rounds makes more sense for people who possess firearms for self-defense purposes. How do negotiators strike a deal on that one?
For that matter, I'd love to see a "Democrat-in-favor" KO a duck or quail with one round.
It will also be tricky to determine just how many automatic bullets should be allowed in a rapid-fire magazine clip. Three? Ten? Twenty? Democrats in favor of restricting high-capacity magazines say that three bullets is enough to kill a duck or a quail. Fair enough, but gun enthusiasts say that 10 or 20 rounds makes more sense for people who possess firearms for self-defense purposes. How do negotiators strike a deal on that one?
For that matter, I'd love to see a "Democrat-in-favor" KO a duck or quail with one round.
New York Democrat Grows a Pair
Well, well.
The third-ranking Senate Democrat says Democrats will pass a budget proposal this year that includes new taxes and “our Republican colleagues had better get used to that fact.” --PowerLine quoting Meet the Depressed
Love to see the Democrats raise taxes, again. Elections 2 years out!!
The third-ranking Senate Democrat says Democrats will pass a budget proposal this year that includes new taxes and “our Republican colleagues had better get used to that fact.” --PowerLine quoting Meet the Depressed
Love to see the Democrats raise taxes, again. Elections 2 years out!!
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Gee. Those Awful Guns!!
"They shoulda just laid back and enjoyed it" --Jos. Biden, Vice-Clown
(I don't think he really said that.)
“Apparently, his intent was to rape and murder us all,” said student Charles Bailey.
... two masked men with guns burst in through a patio door.“They just came in and separated the men from the women and said, ‘Give me your wallets and cell phones,’”
... Bailey said the gunmen started counting bullets. “The other guy asked how many (bullets) he had. He said he had enough,” said Bailey.
That’s when one student grabbed a gun out of a backpack and shot at the invader who was watching the men. The gunman ran out of the apartment.
The student then ran to the room where the second gunman, identified by police as 23-year-old Calvin Lavant, was holding the women.
“Apparently the guy was getting ready to rape his girlfriend. So he told the girls to get down and he started shooting. The guy jumped out of the window,” said Bailey.
A neighbor heard the shots and heard someone running nearby.
“And I heard someone say, ‘Someone help me. Call the police. Somebody call the police,’” said a neighbor.
The neighbor said she believes it was Lavant, who was found dead...
"Call the police". Now THAT'S funny.
HT: Zippers
(I don't think he really said that.)
“Apparently, his intent was to rape and murder us all,” said student Charles Bailey.
... two masked men with guns burst in through a patio door.“They just came in and separated the men from the women and said, ‘Give me your wallets and cell phones,’”
... Bailey said the gunmen started counting bullets. “The other guy asked how many (bullets) he had. He said he had enough,” said Bailey.
That’s when one student grabbed a gun out of a backpack and shot at the invader who was watching the men. The gunman ran out of the apartment.
The student then ran to the room where the second gunman, identified by police as 23-year-old Calvin Lavant, was holding the women.
“Apparently the guy was getting ready to rape his girlfriend. So he told the girls to get down and he started shooting. The guy jumped out of the window,” said Bailey.
A neighbor heard the shots and heard someone running nearby.
“And I heard someone say, ‘Someone help me. Call the police. Somebody call the police,’” said a neighbor.
The neighbor said she believes it was Lavant, who was found dead...
"Call the police". Now THAT'S funny.
HT: Zippers
Well, How About Death by a Thousand Increases?
Hennessey suggests another "debt-limit" scenario which has some appeal.
Let the SCOAMF have a debt increase--every 90 days or so. EVERY 90 DAYS.
Let the SCOAMF have a debt increase--every 90 days or so. EVERY 90 DAYS.
Locating Murder by Gun
Grim finds a useful item.
...67% of firearm murders took place in the country’s 50 largest metro areas. The 62 cities in those metro areas have a firearm murder rate of 9.7, more than twice the national average. Among teenagers the firearm murder rate is 14.6 or almost three times the national average.
...Obama won every major city in the election, except for Jacksonville and Salt Lake City. And the higher the death rate, the bigger his victory.
He won New Orleans by 80 to 17 where the murder rate is ten times higher than the national average. He won Detroit, where the murder rate of 53 per 100,000 people is the second highest in the country and twice as high as any country in the world, including the Congo and South Africa. He won it 73 to 26. And then he celebrated his victory in Chicago where the murder rate is three times the statewide average....
In 2006, the 54% of the population living in those 50 metro areas was responsible for 67% of armed killings nationwide. --quoting FrontPageMag.com
Birds of a feather........
...67% of firearm murders took place in the country’s 50 largest metro areas. The 62 cities in those metro areas have a firearm murder rate of 9.7, more than twice the national average. Among teenagers the firearm murder rate is 14.6 or almost three times the national average.
...Obama won every major city in the election, except for Jacksonville and Salt Lake City. And the higher the death rate, the bigger his victory.
He won New Orleans by 80 to 17 where the murder rate is ten times higher than the national average. He won Detroit, where the murder rate of 53 per 100,000 people is the second highest in the country and twice as high as any country in the world, including the Congo and South Africa. He won it 73 to 26. And then he celebrated his victory in Chicago where the murder rate is three times the statewide average....
In 2006, the 54% of the population living in those 50 metro areas was responsible for 67% of armed killings nationwide. --quoting FrontPageMag.com
Birds of a feather........
Sunshine Harry and Mistress Nancy
Sent by a friend:
...The Tonopah Solar Company in Harry Reid's Nevada is getting a $737 million loan from Obama's DOE.
The project will produce a 110 megawatt power system and employ 45 permanent workers.
That's costing us just $16 million per job.
One of the investment partners in this endeavor is Pacific Corporate Group (PCG). The PCG executive director is Ron Pelosi who is the brother to Nancy 's husband.
All just co-incidence, you see.
...The Tonopah Solar Company in Harry Reid's Nevada is getting a $737 million loan from Obama's DOE.
The project will produce a 110 megawatt power system and employ 45 permanent workers.
That's costing us just $16 million per job.
One of the investment partners in this endeavor is Pacific Corporate Group (PCG). The PCG executive director is Ron Pelosi who is the brother to Nancy 's husband.
All just co-incidence, you see.
Friday, January 18, 2013
Act 10 Valid. Unions on Suicide-Watch
After some half-twit district judge ruled that portions of Act 10 were un-Constitutional, a Circuit panel stuffed the basket with a resounding "Go Ahead!!"
HT: Owen
HT: Owen
Don't Quit the Debt Fight Without...
Hillyer has a very, very good proposal.
...I would not pass a clean debt ceiling hike for the equivalent of three months; I would tie it to a very nominal package of savings, even if only, say, $15 billion over ten years, if just to establish the principle that cuts belong with debt ceiling hikes.
But I wouldn’t just put a number on it. The number of the dollars saved isn’t important. What’s important is the substance of the savings. The savings should be highly specified. They should be the sorts of things that will make the Dems look bad if they disagree....
And he has a couple of examples which are eminently do-able.
Now the question: do Boehner and Ryan have a spine?
...I would not pass a clean debt ceiling hike for the equivalent of three months; I would tie it to a very nominal package of savings, even if only, say, $15 billion over ten years, if just to establish the principle that cuts belong with debt ceiling hikes.
But I wouldn’t just put a number on it. The number of the dollars saved isn’t important. What’s important is the substance of the savings. The savings should be highly specified. They should be the sorts of things that will make the Dems look bad if they disagree....
And he has a couple of examples which are eminently do-able.
Now the question: do Boehner and Ryan have a spine?
West Point Nutbag Essay
This shouldn't come as a surprise, given the C-in-C we have.
A West Point think tank has issued a paper warning America about “far right” groups such as the “anti-federalist” movement, which supports “civil activism, individual freedoms and self-government.”
...It says anti-federalists “espouse strong convictions regarding the federal government, believing it to be corrupt and tyrannical, with a natural tendency to intrude on individuals’ civil and constitutional rights. Finally, they support civil activism, individual freedoms, and self government.
Umnnhhh....
...The report also draws a link between the mainstream conservative movement and the violent “far right,” and describes liberals as “future oriented” and conservatives as living in the past.
....because all those "old things"--like, e.g., the 10 Commandments--are simply inadequate, right?
And, of course, the intellectualoid links 'the right' to racists. Surprisingly, there are no linkages to sexists and homophobes.
A West Point think tank has issued a paper warning America about “far right” groups such as the “anti-federalist” movement, which supports “civil activism, individual freedoms and self-government.”
...It says anti-federalists “espouse strong convictions regarding the federal government, believing it to be corrupt and tyrannical, with a natural tendency to intrude on individuals’ civil and constitutional rights. Finally, they support civil activism, individual freedoms, and self government.
Umnnhhh....
...The report also draws a link between the mainstream conservative movement and the violent “far right,” and describes liberals as “future oriented” and conservatives as living in the past.
....because all those "old things"--like, e.g., the 10 Commandments--are simply inadequate, right?
And, of course, the intellectualoid links 'the right' to racists. Surprisingly, there are no linkages to sexists and homophobes.
Conservative Stuff From a College Prof?
Egads. This woman has endangered her job.
"Today, the medicalisaton of deviant behaviour has made it difficult for us to accept notions of "evil". Nancy J Herman, associate professor of sociology at Central Michigan University, notes that "the diminution of religious imagery of sin, the rise of determinist theories of human behaviour, and the doctrine of cultural relativity" have led further to the exclusion of "evil" from our discourse."
"I want to remind the US and the world of one thing: evil is about choice. Sickness is about the absence of choice." --quoted at Arms/Law
It is a Progressive Doctrine that technology (or medications, or psychiatry) will eradicate evil. In part that's due to the atheism, or practical atheism, of the Progressives. But that part is foundational. Without the Judaeo-Christian understanding of man-as-fallen, there is no reason to accept the historical record.
And there is no bar to "treating" the "mentally ill," however one chooses to define it. Thus the Progressive gulags of both Hitler and Stalin, as Grim reminds us.
"Today, the medicalisaton of deviant behaviour has made it difficult for us to accept notions of "evil". Nancy J Herman, associate professor of sociology at Central Michigan University, notes that "the diminution of religious imagery of sin, the rise of determinist theories of human behaviour, and the doctrine of cultural relativity" have led further to the exclusion of "evil" from our discourse."
"I want to remind the US and the world of one thing: evil is about choice. Sickness is about the absence of choice." --quoted at Arms/Law
It is a Progressive Doctrine that technology (or medications, or psychiatry) will eradicate evil. In part that's due to the atheism, or practical atheism, of the Progressives. But that part is foundational. Without the Judaeo-Christian understanding of man-as-fallen, there is no reason to accept the historical record.
And there is no bar to "treating" the "mentally ill," however one chooses to define it. Thus the Progressive gulags of both Hitler and Stalin, as Grim reminds us.
"Maneuver X" the Next Pubbie Cave?
We noticed that Paul Ryan was engaging in smoke-emission yesterday. Perhaps this Klein article sheds a bit more light.
...Consider, then, "Maneuver X." As modified to fit the current political environment, it would mean that Republicans remove all pressure. They should give Obama his debt limit increases without preconditions, and they shouldn't allow any government shutdowns.
Meanwhile, Republicans should use their majority in the House to pass bills that actually do address the nation's problems -- its economic stagnation, rising energy and health care costs, mounting debt and so on. At the same time, they can keep blocking major new expansions of government.
Erickson thinks that Klein's essay was drawn from Pubbie talking-points--meaning that Boehner et.al. want this to be known.
Looks like another El Foldo to me. Boehner must think that his children and grandchildren will be immune to debt-repayment taxes, like Obozo's chilluns are immune to armed threats.
Hmmmmm.
...Consider, then, "Maneuver X." As modified to fit the current political environment, it would mean that Republicans remove all pressure. They should give Obama his debt limit increases without preconditions, and they shouldn't allow any government shutdowns.
Meanwhile, Republicans should use their majority in the House to pass bills that actually do address the nation's problems -- its economic stagnation, rising energy and health care costs, mounting debt and so on. At the same time, they can keep blocking major new expansions of government.
Erickson thinks that Klein's essay was drawn from Pubbie talking-points--meaning that Boehner et.al. want this to be known.
Looks like another El Foldo to me. Boehner must think that his children and grandchildren will be immune to debt-repayment taxes, like Obozo's chilluns are immune to armed threats.
Hmmmmm.
Here Comes the Tax!!
Tommy Thompson's RoadBuilders gang has returned!!
A report to state lawmakers will recommend increasing the gas tax and raising vehicle registration and driver's license fees.
...The report from the Transportation Finance and Policy Commission will recommend a 5-cent increase in the gas tax and tying registration fees to miles traveled.
You recall that Diamond Jim Doyle's administration raised the registration fees, too.
A report to state lawmakers will recommend increasing the gas tax and raising vehicle registration and driver's license fees.
...The report from the Transportation Finance and Policy Commission will recommend a 5-cent increase in the gas tax and tying registration fees to miles traveled.
You recall that Diamond Jim Doyle's administration raised the registration fees, too.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Paul Ryan: Huh??
What the hell does this mean?
“We’re discussing the possible virtue of a short-term debt limit extension so that we have a better chance of getting the Senate and the White House involved in discussions in March,” Ryan, R-Wis., revealed during an off-camera discussion with reporters tracking the retreat. “What we want to achieve at the end of the day is a two-way discussion between Democrats and Republicans and, out of that, hopefully, some progress being made on getting this deficit and debt under control – because we really do believe that our obligation is to help prevent a debt crisis from hitting this country.”
...... “Our goal is to make sure that our members understand all of the deadlines that are coming, all the consequences of those deadlines that are coming, in order so that we can make a better-informed decision about how to move and how to proceed,” said Ryan--Hot Air quoting Yahoo!News
One suspects that the real Conservatives have backed the BoehnerBunch into a corner here. Ryan's circumlocution (should we say "obtusity"?) tells me that there's no consensus whatsoever.
“We’re discussing the possible virtue of a short-term debt limit extension so that we have a better chance of getting the Senate and the White House involved in discussions in March,” Ryan, R-Wis., revealed during an off-camera discussion with reporters tracking the retreat. “What we want to achieve at the end of the day is a two-way discussion between Democrats and Republicans and, out of that, hopefully, some progress being made on getting this deficit and debt under control – because we really do believe that our obligation is to help prevent a debt crisis from hitting this country.”
...... “Our goal is to make sure that our members understand all of the deadlines that are coming, all the consequences of those deadlines that are coming, in order so that we can make a better-informed decision about how to move and how to proceed,” said Ryan--Hot Air quoting Yahoo!News
One suspects that the real Conservatives have backed the BoehnerBunch into a corner here. Ryan's circumlocution (should we say "obtusity"?) tells me that there's no consensus whatsoever.
The Gun Shop
Went to the gun shop yesterday to see what there was to see.
Arrived around 11:45. There were 8-10 customers at the counter and 6 on the range.
There was one AR on the display rack. I was told that it's the last one they have.
The showcases which normally held around 20-25 pistols were empty, and I was told that the hardware had been sold out and that 'the back room' stock was also at zero.
The self-defense/Wisconsin CCL instructor is booked solid until mid-February. No openings at all.
Huh.
Arrived around 11:45. There were 8-10 customers at the counter and 6 on the range.
There was one AR on the display rack. I was told that it's the last one they have.
The showcases which normally held around 20-25 pistols were empty, and I was told that the hardware had been sold out and that 'the back room' stock was also at zero.
The self-defense/Wisconsin CCL instructor is booked solid until mid-February. No openings at all.
Huh.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Our Lying Sack-of-Crap President
The SCOAMF is threatening to cut off Social Security if he doesn't get his way on the debt.
Yah, well.....
The Social Security Trust Fund lacks the vast powers attributed to it by libs but their notional assets do count as part of Treasury debt for purposes of the debt ceiling. Consequently, if the Trust Fund needs to redeem bonds with Treasury to pay benefits the Treasury ought to have room under the debt ceiling to finance that by issuing an equal amount of bonds to the public. Debt held by the Trust fund will drop, debt held by the public will rise, but total debt for debt ceiling purposes will remain unchanged. Or at least,that is Congressional intent and the point of the law....
The MFM, of course, didn't bother to ask any questions.
Yah, well.....
The Social Security Trust Fund lacks the vast powers attributed to it by libs but their notional assets do count as part of Treasury debt for purposes of the debt ceiling. Consequently, if the Trust Fund needs to redeem bonds with Treasury to pay benefits the Treasury ought to have room under the debt ceiling to finance that by issuing an equal amount of bonds to the public. Debt held by the Trust fund will drop, debt held by the public will rise, but total debt for debt ceiling purposes will remain unchanged. Or at least,that is Congressional intent and the point of the law....
The MFM, of course, didn't bother to ask any questions.
Monday, January 14, 2013
The Stench of Congress
Ah, yes. Those poor victims of Sandy.
The first part is House Appropriations Chairman Rogers Sandy Supplemental bill, HR 152 as amended. This is the one that conservatives get to vote for, but it's far from perfect. HR 152 (including Rogers' amendment) clocks in at $17 billion. It includes:
HT: AOSHQ
The first part is House Appropriations Chairman Rogers Sandy Supplemental bill, HR 152 as amended. This is the one that conservatives get to vote for, but it's far from perfect. HR 152 (including Rogers' amendment) clocks in at $17 billion. It includes:
- $3 million for oil spill research;
- $25 million for the failed Head Start daycare program; and
- $3.9 billion for a new HUD disaster program.
- $16 billion for HUD to spend on any disaster "emergency" that was declared in 2011 and 2012, and any that will be declared in 2013 (meaning in 47 states plus Puerto Rico at the moment).
- $2.02 billion for Federal Highway Administration to spend on roads first in Connecticut, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Virginia whether they need Sandy-related repairs or not and then elsewhere in the country as FHA chooses;
- $561 million for the Corps of Engineers to spend outside of areas affected by Sandy, including $10 million for a national Water Resources Priorities Study;
- $100 million for Head Start;
- $86 million for AMTRAK on non-Sandy capital improvements;
- $40 million for military base repair and maintence, which includes spending for Guantanamo Bay;
- $25 million for NOAA to improve weather forecasting;
- $10 million for FBI salaries and expenses; and
- $2 million for Smithsonian roof repairs.
HT: AOSHQ
Sunday, January 13, 2013
The Party Line!!
You will like our Party, or drop dead.
...Politico explained that while Washington Democrats have always viewed GOP voters as a problem, Washington Republicans "in many a post-election soul-searching session" have come to agree. More precisely, the article said the party's Election 2012 failures have "brought forth one principal conclusion from establishment Republicans: They have a primary problem."...
...So, according to Politico, the Washington team is gearing up a new effort to protect incumbents and limit the ability of Republican voters to successfully challenge establishment candidates....
So lemmeesseee hah, Bumpkin:
The Priebus who was renowned for re-vitalizing the Wisconsin Pubbies is now an insider, and has closed the door. He's one-and-done for Conservatives; that be Sen. Johnson. (Possibly two: Walker hasn't shown us much more than Act 10 so far.)
Other than that, get in line and STFU.
...Politico explained that while Washington Democrats have always viewed GOP voters as a problem, Washington Republicans "in many a post-election soul-searching session" have come to agree. More precisely, the article said the party's Election 2012 failures have "brought forth one principal conclusion from establishment Republicans: They have a primary problem."...
...So, according to Politico, the Washington team is gearing up a new effort to protect incumbents and limit the ability of Republican voters to successfully challenge establishment candidates....
So lemmeesseee hah, Bumpkin:
The Priebus who was renowned for re-vitalizing the Wisconsin Pubbies is now an insider, and has closed the door. He's one-and-done for Conservatives; that be Sen. Johnson. (Possibly two: Walker hasn't shown us much more than Act 10 so far.)
Other than that, get in line and STFU.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Mo' Gummint Fail #665,779
The "Mo' Gummint" bunch are, by and large, idiots.
...According to E Magazine, the “Clunkers” program, which is officially known as the Car Allowance Rebates System (CARS), produced tons of unnecessary waste while doing little to curb greenhouse gas emissions.
...many of the “Cash for Clunkers” cars were never sent to recycling facilities. The agency reports that the cars’ engines were instead destroyed by federal mandate, in order to prevent dealers from illicitly reselling the vehicles later.
The remaining parts of each car could then be put up for auction, but program guidelines also required that after 180 days, no matter how much of the car was left, the parts woud be sent to a junkyard and shredded.
...E Magazine states recycling just the plastic and metal alone from the CARS scraps would have saved 24 million barrels of oil. While some of the “Clunkers” were truly old, many of the almost 700,000 cars were still in perfectly good condition....quoted at AmSpecBlog
Too bad, so sad.
...According to E Magazine, the “Clunkers” program, which is officially known as the Car Allowance Rebates System (CARS), produced tons of unnecessary waste while doing little to curb greenhouse gas emissions.
...many of the “Cash for Clunkers” cars were never sent to recycling facilities. The agency reports that the cars’ engines were instead destroyed by federal mandate, in order to prevent dealers from illicitly reselling the vehicles later.
The remaining parts of each car could then be put up for auction, but program guidelines also required that after 180 days, no matter how much of the car was left, the parts woud be sent to a junkyard and shredded.
...E Magazine states recycling just the plastic and metal alone from the CARS scraps would have saved 24 million barrels of oil. While some of the “Clunkers” were truly old, many of the almost 700,000 cars were still in perfectly good condition....quoted at AmSpecBlog
Too bad, so sad.
Buy It at Mills' Fleet Farm!
We don't expect Lefties to become educated. It involves effort.
But this video is useful for those who are contemplating purchase of a weapon (or three.)
But this video is useful for those who are contemplating purchase of a weapon (or three.)
Friday, January 11, 2013
Remarkable Paragraph
The author is a 'former' Catholic retired magazine editor.
...I write this partly to rescue the old traditions from conservatives who use them as a symbol in their resistance to any reform. And also for those liberals who are just as adamant that concern about aesthetics is somehow suspect. Yes, I know the liturgy is not fundamentally a drama or theater but a ritual, a rite—it is worship, not spectacle. And I know that the council’s reforms were an effort to engage Catholics as participants in the Mass rather than as spectators closed off from each other in private devotion. And I know that my youthful liturgical experience at St. Mary’s was perhaps exceptional. The old rite was not always beautifully or even reverently done. But I still find it tragic that the unplowed and fallow fields of today’s Catholic youth no longer soak up the nutrients of two thousand years, composted from the dead language of the Romans and the poetic drama of the Greeks, with a heavy leavening of Gothic romanticism. Thank God—I say it now without irony—that Roman Catholic architecture, murals, sculpture, paintings, music, and the theater of the traditional services were there to nourish my soul, exactly as my father believed they would.
HT: Badger Catholic
...I write this partly to rescue the old traditions from conservatives who use them as a symbol in their resistance to any reform. And also for those liberals who are just as adamant that concern about aesthetics is somehow suspect. Yes, I know the liturgy is not fundamentally a drama or theater but a ritual, a rite—it is worship, not spectacle. And I know that the council’s reforms were an effort to engage Catholics as participants in the Mass rather than as spectators closed off from each other in private devotion. And I know that my youthful liturgical experience at St. Mary’s was perhaps exceptional. The old rite was not always beautifully or even reverently done. But I still find it tragic that the unplowed and fallow fields of today’s Catholic youth no longer soak up the nutrients of two thousand years, composted from the dead language of the Romans and the poetic drama of the Greeks, with a heavy leavening of Gothic romanticism. Thank God—I say it now without irony—that Roman Catholic architecture, murals, sculpture, paintings, music, and the theater of the traditional services were there to nourish my soul, exactly as my father believed they would.
HT: Badger Catholic
On Big Gummint
Napolitano hits one out of the park here:
...Most people in government reject natural rights and personal sovereignty. Most people in government believe that the exercise of everyone’s rights is subject to the will of those in the government. Most people in government believe that they can write any law and regulate any behavior, not subject to the natural law, not subject to the sovereignty of individuals, not cognizant of history’s tyrants, but subject only to what they can get away with....
It's usually easy to discern Mo' Gummint folks. They actually DO believe that their election, or appointment, or time-in-grade, makes them slightly superior to others. They actually DO believe that their job is more difficult than anyone else's job, and that's why they're slightly superior beings.
And it is rare--almost impossible--to find a Gummint type who understands the phrase "best interests of the State (or country, or city....). That's because they confuse The Gummint with the State.
Oh, well.
...Most people in government reject natural rights and personal sovereignty. Most people in government believe that the exercise of everyone’s rights is subject to the will of those in the government. Most people in government believe that they can write any law and regulate any behavior, not subject to the natural law, not subject to the sovereignty of individuals, not cognizant of history’s tyrants, but subject only to what they can get away with....
It's usually easy to discern Mo' Gummint folks. They actually DO believe that their election, or appointment, or time-in-grade, makes them slightly superior to others. They actually DO believe that their job is more difficult than anyone else's job, and that's why they're slightly superior beings.
And it is rare--almost impossible--to find a Gummint type who understands the phrase "best interests of the State (or country, or city....). That's because they confuse The Gummint with the State.
Oh, well.
Mo' Big Gummint!!
While it's impossible to put A.G. "Dairy King" Van Hollen in the same class of "Mo' Gummint" as is the following example, it's amazing how similar the results are.
More than 20 million American children have gone through [Head Start], which is designed to impart parenting skills to parents, and cognitive, emotional, and health improvements to children. Over the years, the program has cost $180 billion. For the second time in two years, a Congressionally mandated study of the Health and Human Services program has shown it does not work.
...and neither do 112 former employees of Golden Guernsey.
But Mo' Gummint rolls on.....
More than 20 million American children have gone through [Head Start], which is designed to impart parenting skills to parents, and cognitive, emotional, and health improvements to children. Over the years, the program has cost $180 billion. For the second time in two years, a Congressionally mandated study of the Health and Human Services program has shown it does not work.
...and neither do 112 former employees of Golden Guernsey.
But Mo' Gummint rolls on.....
Told Ya So!
Biden telegraphed this 10 days ago.
According to the New York Times, the administration’s prospects of pushing an assault-weapons ban through Congress are slim and, as a result, the White House “is focusing on other measures it deems more politically achievable.” --NRO quoted at AOSHQ
They're going to regulate, somehow.
As if anyone will pay attention. Illicit Government? Ignore the bastards.
According to the New York Times, the administration’s prospects of pushing an assault-weapons ban through Congress are slim and, as a result, the White House “is focusing on other measures it deems more politically achievable.” --NRO quoted at AOSHQ
They're going to regulate, somehow.
As if anyone will pay attention. Illicit Government? Ignore the bastards.
Van Hollen Essays on Inadequate Sentencing
Our AG is a Gummint Guy, ya' know. So he likes Mo' Gummint.
But it's difficult to read his "Mo' Gummint" essay seriously when he begins with an example demonstrating the utter fecklessness of Gummint.
In June 2000, an unknown assailant sexually assaulted a woman in a Madison parking ramp. The Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Crime Laboratory Bureau’s (CLB) DNA databank, which contains DNA profiles from convicted felons, did not contain a DNA profile that matched the unknown rapist’s DNA recovered during the rape investigation.
Following felony convictions in 2010, officials obtained a DNA specimen from Christopher R. Golden and uploaded it to the DNA databank, generating a hit on the 2000 sexual assault that ultimately led to his conviction for sexual assault.
Unfortunately, these convictions were not Golden’s first contact with the law. In 1994, Golden was arrested for a felony child abuse offense and was subsequently convicted of misdemeanor battery and intimidation of a witness.
So a guy who was nailed for battery and intimidation was in slam for less than 6 years--and because of Gummint's failure to properly incarcerate the slimebucket, what we really need is Mo' Gummint?
Nope.
But it's difficult to read his "Mo' Gummint" essay seriously when he begins with an example demonstrating the utter fecklessness of Gummint.
In June 2000, an unknown assailant sexually assaulted a woman in a Madison parking ramp. The Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Crime Laboratory Bureau’s (CLB) DNA databank, which contains DNA profiles from convicted felons, did not contain a DNA profile that matched the unknown rapist’s DNA recovered during the rape investigation.
Following felony convictions in 2010, officials obtained a DNA specimen from Christopher R. Golden and uploaded it to the DNA databank, generating a hit on the 2000 sexual assault that ultimately led to his conviction for sexual assault.
Unfortunately, these convictions were not Golden’s first contact with the law. In 1994, Golden was arrested for a felony child abuse offense and was subsequently convicted of misdemeanor battery and intimidation of a witness.
So a guy who was nailed for battery and intimidation was in slam for less than 6 years--and because of Gummint's failure to properly incarcerate the slimebucket, what we really need is Mo' Gummint?
Nope.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Louisiana Goes 'Fair Tax'
It's called a 'sales tax' there.
"The bottom line is that for too long, Louisiana's workers and small businesses have suffered from having a state tax structure that is too complex and that holds back economic prosperity," Jindal said in a statement released by his office. "It's time to change that so people can keep more of their own money and foster an environment where businesses want to invest and create good-paying jobs."
Jindal said the plan would be revenue-neutral and that the goal would be to keep sales taxes "as low and flat as possible." --quoted at AOSHQ
So happens that the "Fair Tax" is really a sales tax (consumption tax, to be technical), although the Fair Tax proposal allows a "pre-bate" based on family size and income factors.
But it's a sales tax, at its core.
"The bottom line is that for too long, Louisiana's workers and small businesses have suffered from having a state tax structure that is too complex and that holds back economic prosperity," Jindal said in a statement released by his office. "It's time to change that so people can keep more of their own money and foster an environment where businesses want to invest and create good-paying jobs."
Jindal said the plan would be revenue-neutral and that the goal would be to keep sales taxes "as low and flat as possible." --quoted at AOSHQ
So happens that the "Fair Tax" is really a sales tax (consumption tax, to be technical), although the Fair Tax proposal allows a "pre-bate" based on family size and income factors.
But it's a sales tax, at its core.
The Offspring of Jabba and Hydra
Conservative political punditry from the Cognoscenti--whether Erickson, Will, Sykes, or Jeffrey, has focused on "entitlement spending reform" as a salve to the deficit (and longer-term, to the national debt.) That's a good discussion to have.
But all those writers quietly forget that there are other ways to reduce Federal spending, such as elimination of Federal employees. Curious, no?
When MorganStanley finds a cost problem, they eliminate 1600 jobs. Hatteras Yachts, 105. Henredon Furniture and various coal-mining firms simply close plants, eliminating dozens or hundreds of jobs.
The Feds? Nope.
The giant sucking sound made by the Feds in the Department of "Education", the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Departments of Energy, the Transportation SecurityAdministration Theatre, EPA--no layoffs, no cuts.
That group, and quite a few others in D.C., are collectively the offspring of Jabba the Hut and Hydra. So long as "conservatives" forget that these departments and bureaus should be de-populated, "conservatives" will have a very hard time selling "entitlement reform."
After all, like charity, "reform" begins at home. DC needs a root-and-branch radical surgery, and now is the time to do it.
But all those writers quietly forget that there are other ways to reduce Federal spending, such as elimination of Federal employees. Curious, no?
When MorganStanley finds a cost problem, they eliminate 1600 jobs. Hatteras Yachts, 105. Henredon Furniture and various coal-mining firms simply close plants, eliminating dozens or hundreds of jobs.
The Feds? Nope.
The giant sucking sound made by the Feds in the Department of "Education", the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Departments of Energy, the Transportation Security
That group, and quite a few others in D.C., are collectively the offspring of Jabba the Hut and Hydra. So long as "conservatives" forget that these departments and bureaus should be de-populated, "conservatives" will have a very hard time selling "entitlement reform."
After all, like charity, "reform" begins at home. DC needs a root-and-branch radical surgery, and now is the time to do it.
Wednesday, January 09, 2013
Seeing the Light on Factory Hires and Careers
It's an interesting article on the whole, but this couple of grafs jumps out:
...“Years ago you had apprenticeships, companies that would bring you on and train you,” said Andrew Beere, human resources manager at Pioneer Products, 1917 S. Memorial Drive. “And we have kind of gone back to that. If they have some experience, we’re willing to train.”...
...Richard Meeusen, chairman, president and CEO of Racine Federated’s parent company, Badger Meter. “We have presidents and leaders who say every child should have the opportunity to go to college.
“Unfortunately, it sends the message to parents that if they don’t send their kids to college, they’re failing.”
“Now we’re saying, ‘Where are our electricians, auto mechanics, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) workers and CNC (computer numeric control) operators?’” Meeusen said.
He added, “We’ve ripped out all the shop classes and replace them with calculus.”
I've mentioned to a few friends that the next bubble to burst will be Big College. First, because the ROI is oftentimes negative--or barely positive. Second, because in many cases it's clear that edyumakayshun did nothing for the chilluns' ability to read, write, and reason. Finally, because the trades are paying more and more as the pool diminishes (see 'first', above.)
HT: Vox
...“Years ago you had apprenticeships, companies that would bring you on and train you,” said Andrew Beere, human resources manager at Pioneer Products, 1917 S. Memorial Drive. “And we have kind of gone back to that. If they have some experience, we’re willing to train.”...
...Richard Meeusen, chairman, president and CEO of Racine Federated’s parent company, Badger Meter. “We have presidents and leaders who say every child should have the opportunity to go to college.
“Unfortunately, it sends the message to parents that if they don’t send their kids to college, they’re failing.”
“Now we’re saying, ‘Where are our electricians, auto mechanics, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) workers and CNC (computer numeric control) operators?’” Meeusen said.
He added, “We’ve ripped out all the shop classes and replace them with calculus.”
I've mentioned to a few friends that the next bubble to burst will be Big College. First, because the ROI is oftentimes negative--or barely positive. Second, because in many cases it's clear that edyumakayshun did nothing for the chilluns' ability to read, write, and reason. Finally, because the trades are paying more and more as the pool diminishes (see 'first', above.)
HT: Vox
Molon Labe, Suckah!
The Petty Dictator has a plan.
“The president is going to act,” said Biden, giving some comments to the press before a meeting with victims of gun violence. “There are executives orders, there’s executive action that can be taken. We haven’t decided what that is yet. But we’re compiling it all with the help of the attorney general and the rest of the cabinet members...--quoted at Gateway
Come and get 'em, bozo.
“The president is going to act,” said Biden, giving some comments to the press before a meeting with victims of gun violence. “There are executives orders, there’s executive action that can be taken. We haven’t decided what that is yet. But we’re compiling it all with the help of the attorney general and the rest of the cabinet members...--quoted at Gateway
Come and get 'em, bozo.
Tuesday, January 08, 2013
What's Wrong With This Picture?
Yah, fine, Megna and Fallone both oppose Walker. Duh.
But look again at the Megna-circulated petition. Look specifically at Line # 2, signed by Timothy Aiken.
Notice anything--besides his dipsy-doodle on his home address?
C'mon. You can see it plain as day!
OK. Let me put it this way: when did ZIP Code 53226 move over to ZIP Code 53211? Does Mayor Barrett know that Wauwatosa has just annexed the fashionable Lower East Side?
But look again at the Megna-circulated petition. Look specifically at Line # 2, signed by Timothy Aiken.
Notice anything--besides his dipsy-doodle on his home address?
C'mon. You can see it plain as day!
OK. Let me put it this way: when did ZIP Code 53226 move over to ZIP Code 53211? Does Mayor Barrett know that Wauwatosa has just annexed the fashionable Lower East Side?
Monday, January 07, 2013
Obozo's EPA: Killing Jobs, Killing Ratepayers
Nice move, Frank Windsor Lisa Jackson!
In keeping with Obozo's promise that 'you won't be able to afford' coal-generated electricity, his EPA, led by a charades-queen, has slammed Wisconsin Public Service Corp. with a $1 million ++ fine and forced them to drop $300 million into "new" technology. WPS will also have to drop $6 million into horse-hockey "mitigation" schemes.
The technology may work; no one else is using it. But the other effects?
The heavy-handed EPA decision prompted a statement from the Northern Wisconsin energy company claiming “the settlement along with current economic conditions will likely lead to employee staff reductions within its energy supply operations area.”
Nice.
No, that's not all.
The EPA’s settlement with the energy company will not only kill jobs but will likely force higher rates on ratepayers
WPS is not alone here. A lot of utilities have done exactly what they did: utilize "best-possible" technology to reduce pollution. Unfortunately, Ms. Windsor/Jackson demanded un-proven 'maybe-it'll work' technology.
We'll see how that plays out Up Nort'.
In keeping with Obozo's promise that 'you won't be able to afford' coal-generated electricity, his EPA, led by a charades-queen, has slammed Wisconsin Public Service Corp. with a $1 million ++ fine and forced them to drop $300 million into "new" technology. WPS will also have to drop $6 million into horse-hockey "mitigation" schemes.
The technology may work; no one else is using it. But the other effects?
The heavy-handed EPA decision prompted a statement from the Northern Wisconsin energy company claiming “the settlement along with current economic conditions will likely lead to employee staff reductions within its energy supply operations area.”
Nice.
No, that's not all.
The EPA’s settlement with the energy company will not only kill jobs but will likely force higher rates on ratepayers
WPS is not alone here. A lot of utilities have done exactly what they did: utilize "best-possible" technology to reduce pollution. Unfortunately, Ms. Windsor/Jackson demanded un-proven 'maybe-it'll work' technology.
We'll see how that plays out Up Nort'.
Sunday, January 06, 2013
It's the Spending, Stupid!! Part 335,648
Rand Paul:
...The arguments against the automatic “cuts” in military spending were particularly dishonest. Hawks on both sides warned of doom and gloom if, as the plan called for, the defense budget would have returned to 2007 levels of spending! Does anybody really believe that our defense spending was woefully inadequate just five years ago? And since 2007 we have been told that the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are winding down. According to the Congressional Budget Office, over the next eight years military spending would increase 20 percent without the sequester and would increase 18 percent with the sequester. And this is what is called a dangerous reduction in defense spending?...
And that's only a small part of his speech.
HT: Shedlock
...The arguments against the automatic “cuts” in military spending were particularly dishonest. Hawks on both sides warned of doom and gloom if, as the plan called for, the defense budget would have returned to 2007 levels of spending! Does anybody really believe that our defense spending was woefully inadequate just five years ago? And since 2007 we have been told that the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are winding down. According to the Congressional Budget Office, over the next eight years military spending would increase 20 percent without the sequester and would increase 18 percent with the sequester. And this is what is called a dangerous reduction in defense spending?...
And that's only a small part of his speech.
HT: Shedlock
THIS Is "Actuarial Science"?
The Mayans were only off by a couple dozen years?
ObozoCare DOES have a 'kill the semi-elderly' clause?
HT: JustOneMinute
Stupid Is As....
Collection of stupids from Grim.
One:
PT WAS SWINGING HAMMER AND HIT SELF IN GROIN
Others, even more stupider, at the link.
One:
PT WAS SWINGING HAMMER AND HIT SELF IN GROIN
Others, even more stupider, at the link.
Podhoretz the Poseur
Legal Insurrection paid a little attention to Podhoretz, who has now joined the Pragmatist gang.
The most passionately anti-Obama Republican politicians and activists consider themselves the truest and purest of conservatives, and often unleash their scorn and fury on others who also call themselves conservative but differ on strategy and tactics.
But in the realm of philosophy, “conservatism” from Thomas Hobbes onward is a worldview dedicated to order and tradition and the proposition that disorder is dangerous and deadly....
...Thus, it is the opposite of “conservative” to embrace chaos instead of order. It is the opposite of “conservative” to embrace crisis rather than accept unpleasant realities.
And yet, over the past week, that is exactly what many conservatives have done. They have violated fundamental conservative precepts.
It is not likely that Podhoretz is ignorant of Burke. More likely he just conveniently "forgot" him.
Here's what Burke had to say about Podhoretz's faux-Conservative, Hobbes (interpolated with a favorable citation of Babbitt):
With Hobbes, this negation of morality enters English political thought, and we continue to suffer from it poison.
In other words, Podhoretz 1) cites a despicable little disciple of Machiavelli; 2) calls him a "Conservative"; and 3) uses him to accuse Conservatives of betraying principles.
Podhoretz ought to know about 'betraying principles.' He does it himself.
The most passionately anti-Obama Republican politicians and activists consider themselves the truest and purest of conservatives, and often unleash their scorn and fury on others who also call themselves conservative but differ on strategy and tactics.
But in the realm of philosophy, “conservatism” from Thomas Hobbes onward is a worldview dedicated to order and tradition and the proposition that disorder is dangerous and deadly....
...Thus, it is the opposite of “conservative” to embrace chaos instead of order. It is the opposite of “conservative” to embrace crisis rather than accept unpleasant realities.
And yet, over the past week, that is exactly what many conservatives have done. They have violated fundamental conservative precepts.
It is not likely that Podhoretz is ignorant of Burke. More likely he just conveniently "forgot" him.
Here's what Burke had to say about Podhoretz's faux-Conservative, Hobbes (interpolated with a favorable citation of Babbitt):
With Hobbes, this negation of morality enters English political thought, and we continue to suffer from it poison.
In other words, Podhoretz 1) cites a despicable little disciple of Machiavelli; 2) calls him a "Conservative"; and 3) uses him to accuse Conservatives of betraying principles.
Podhoretz ought to know about 'betraying principles.' He does it himself.
Five Rounds. Lefties Remain Confused.
The story of the Georgia woman who successfully defended herself and her children is all over the 'net.
Mewling and squalling Left-O-Bozos remain confused.
...The woman then shot him five times, but he survived, Chapman said. He said the woman ran out of bullets but threatened to shoot the intruder if he moved.....--Cold Fury quoting WSBTV
Wait, wait!! Didn't he fall backwards and die on the first shot, just like in Matt Damon movies??
[Sheriff's deputy] said Slater was shot in the face and neck.
He had FIVE .38" holes in the face, neck, and torso. Half of a "high-clip". Still not dead.
Another useful observation at the link, by the way.
Lefties continue to mewl and squall. Louder. That always works better.
Mewling and squalling Left-O-Bozos remain confused.
...The woman then shot him five times, but he survived, Chapman said. He said the woman ran out of bullets but threatened to shoot the intruder if he moved.....--Cold Fury quoting WSBTV
Wait, wait!! Didn't he fall backwards and die on the first shot, just like in Matt Damon movies??
[Sheriff's deputy] said Slater was shot in the face and neck.
He had FIVE .38" holes in the face, neck, and torso. Half of a "high-clip". Still not dead.
Another useful observation at the link, by the way.
Lefties continue to mewl and squall. Louder. That always works better.
Stupid Newspaper Tricks
Yah, so some non-entity Gannett outfit published the names/addresses of every CCW permit holder in some part of New York State.
“That was the most asinine article I’ve ever seen,” said Walter T. Shaw, 65, a former burglar and jewel thief who the FBI blames for more than 3,000 break-ins that netted some $70 million in the 1960s and 1970s. “Having a list of who has a gun is like gold - why rob that house when you can hit the one next door, where there are no guns? ---Vox quoting Fox News
There are less-theoretical consequences, too. Seems like a number of those CCW holders are prison guards (and cops.) And the prisoners now know their home addresses.
Won't take long for the predictable events to occur, and then for a motivated PI lawyer to make Gannett into a smoldering pile of BK.
“That was the most asinine article I’ve ever seen,” said Walter T. Shaw, 65, a former burglar and jewel thief who the FBI blames for more than 3,000 break-ins that netted some $70 million in the 1960s and 1970s. “Having a list of who has a gun is like gold - why rob that house when you can hit the one next door, where there are no guns? ---Vox quoting Fox News
There are less-theoretical consequences, too. Seems like a number of those CCW holders are prison guards (and cops.) And the prisoners now know their home addresses.
Won't take long for the predictable events to occur, and then for a motivated PI lawyer to make Gannett into a smoldering pile of BK.
New "Gun Control"? Not in Congress
The realpolitik hasn't changed.
The White House is weighing a far broader and more comprehensive approach to curbing the nation’s gun violence than simply reinstating an expired ban on assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition, according to multiple people involved in the administration’s discussions.
A working group led by Vice President Biden is seriously considering measures backed by key law enforcement leaders that would require universal background checks for firearm buyers, track the movement and sale of weapons through a national database, strengthen mental health checks, and stiffen penalties for carrying guns near schools or giving them to minors, the sources said....
Uh-huh. All of which measures will be religiously observed by criminals, of course.
But here's the key sentence:
...Biden’s group has expanded its focus to include measures that would not need congressional approval and could be quickly implemented by executive action...
IOW, they know they can't get what they want from Congress.
The real screamer?
...White House aides have also been in regular contact with advisers to New York Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg (I), an outspoken gun-control advocate who could emerge as a powerful surrogate for the Obama administration’s agenda....
Yup. New York City Mayors have always sold real well west of the Hudson and east of the San Gabriel mountains, no? It's BANK, baby!!
If you still think that Obozo can get his gun-grab through Congress, then read this item.
On a proposal to ban manufacture of "assault weapons":
....one year before Newtown, Americans opposed the proposition by a 53 to 43 margin. A few weeks ago – three days before Christmas, in fact – the same question was put to the nation with exactly the same wording. How much did it change? Still opposed… 51 to 44. It’s a net shift which is less than the margin of error.
At this point in time, it's a moot question. You can't FIND an AR for sale, anyway.
The White House is weighing a far broader and more comprehensive approach to curbing the nation’s gun violence than simply reinstating an expired ban on assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition, according to multiple people involved in the administration’s discussions.
A working group led by Vice President Biden is seriously considering measures backed by key law enforcement leaders that would require universal background checks for firearm buyers, track the movement and sale of weapons through a national database, strengthen mental health checks, and stiffen penalties for carrying guns near schools or giving them to minors, the sources said....
Uh-huh. All of which measures will be religiously observed by criminals, of course.
But here's the key sentence:
...Biden’s group has expanded its focus to include measures that would not need congressional approval and could be quickly implemented by executive action...
IOW, they know they can't get what they want from Congress.
The real screamer?
...White House aides have also been in regular contact with advisers to New York Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg (I), an outspoken gun-control advocate who could emerge as a powerful surrogate for the Obama administration’s agenda....
Yup. New York City Mayors have always sold real well west of the Hudson and east of the San Gabriel mountains, no? It's BANK, baby!!
If you still think that Obozo can get his gun-grab through Congress, then read this item.
On a proposal to ban manufacture of "assault weapons":
....one year before Newtown, Americans opposed the proposition by a 53 to 43 margin. A few weeks ago – three days before Christmas, in fact – the same question was put to the nation with exactly the same wording. How much did it change? Still opposed… 51 to 44. It’s a net shift which is less than the margin of error.
At this point in time, it's a moot question. You can't FIND an AR for sale, anyway.
Friday, January 04, 2013
SCOAMF's Recovery
Four years of this Stuttering Clusterf*** Of A Miserable Failure's "Stimulus" and we have Tennessee Ernie's .'...another day older and deeper in debt...'
A LOT deeper.
Thursday, January 03, 2013
Another Little Problem With ObozoCare
Surprise! The box of chocolates has another soured-cream bite!
In a long-awaited interpretation of the new health care law, the Obama administration said Monday that employers must offer health insurance to employees and their children, but will not be subject to any penalties if family coverage is unaffordable to workers. --JustOneMinute quoting NYT
In other words,
The gist is that employers are not obliged to weigh a worker's family status in deciding his total compensation, which makes sense - because the family insurance can cost an extra $10,000 per year, an employer would have a strong incentive to avoid family guys and gals when hiring for lower paying jobs.
Unfortunately, this means that a stay-at-home spouse becomes a tremendous financial burden due to lost federal subsidies; the employed partner's income can make the couple ineligible for Medicaid but the federal subsidy for health insurance may not be available either.
Nice.
In a long-awaited interpretation of the new health care law, the Obama administration said Monday that employers must offer health insurance to employees and their children, but will not be subject to any penalties if family coverage is unaffordable to workers. --JustOneMinute quoting NYT
In other words,
The gist is that employers are not obliged to weigh a worker's family status in deciding his total compensation, which makes sense - because the family insurance can cost an extra $10,000 per year, an employer would have a strong incentive to avoid family guys and gals when hiring for lower paying jobs.
Unfortunately, this means that a stay-at-home spouse becomes a tremendous financial burden due to lost federal subsidies; the employed partner's income can make the couple ineligible for Medicaid but the federal subsidy for health insurance may not be available either.
Nice.
EPA "Experiments" on Old, Sick, and Children
Think Dustin Hoffman v. "Dr." Mengele.
This has been ongoing for a while, but under the radar. The MFM doesn't give a rip, and Conservatives haven't yet jumped on the bandwagon.
The Obama Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says no law empowers any judge to stop it from conducting illegal scientific experiments on seniors, children and the sick.
That astounding assertion will be tested Friday, when a federal district court in Alexandria decides whether it has jurisdiction to hear claims made by the American Tradition Institute that EPA researchers are exposing unwary and genetically susceptible senior citizens to air pollutants the agency says can cause a variety of serious cardiac and respiratory problems, including sudden death.
Say what?
...EPA-employed or -funded researchers have intentionally exposed a variety of people to concentrated levels of different air pollutants, including particulate matter (soot and dust), diesel exhaust, ozone and chlorine gas — the latter substance more recognized as a World War I-era chemical weapon than as an outdoor air pollutant....
Say WHAAAT?
...The American Tradition Institute contends in its lawsuit that the EPA has broken virtually every rule established to protect human subjects used in scientific experiments, including the Nuremberg Code, ethics principles for human experimentation adopted following the Nuremberg Trials at the end of World War II, and similar U.S. regulations known as “The Common Rule.”...
OK. So how does EPA intend to defend itself?
The answer is meaningful. They will not deny the specific allegations. Instead, EPA argues that it is not subject to any law on the matter.
Mengele would be proud. There was no law which prohibited his activities, either.
This has been ongoing for a while, but under the radar. The MFM doesn't give a rip, and Conservatives haven't yet jumped on the bandwagon.
The Obama Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says no law empowers any judge to stop it from conducting illegal scientific experiments on seniors, children and the sick.
That astounding assertion will be tested Friday, when a federal district court in Alexandria decides whether it has jurisdiction to hear claims made by the American Tradition Institute that EPA researchers are exposing unwary and genetically susceptible senior citizens to air pollutants the agency says can cause a variety of serious cardiac and respiratory problems, including sudden death.
Say what?
...EPA-employed or -funded researchers have intentionally exposed a variety of people to concentrated levels of different air pollutants, including particulate matter (soot and dust), diesel exhaust, ozone and chlorine gas — the latter substance more recognized as a World War I-era chemical weapon than as an outdoor air pollutant....
Say WHAAAT?
...The American Tradition Institute contends in its lawsuit that the EPA has broken virtually every rule established to protect human subjects used in scientific experiments, including the Nuremberg Code, ethics principles for human experimentation adopted following the Nuremberg Trials at the end of World War II, and similar U.S. regulations known as “The Common Rule.”...
OK. So how does EPA intend to defend itself?
The answer is meaningful. They will not deny the specific allegations. Instead, EPA argues that it is not subject to any law on the matter.
Mengele would be proud. There was no law which prohibited his activities, either.
Megna, Fallone Are In SCOWI Race
This will be fun to watch.
Both Vince Megna and Ed Fallone have filed enough signatures to run for SCOWI.
In all likelihood, Fallone will run to the right of Megna (even though they are similarly Left-inclined.)
Fallone will have the Democrat Party's machinery behind him, as noted by Lakeshore. That means that Fallone has a fat source of funds, too--and unless Megna wants to spend a whole lot of his personal fortune, he's not likely to prevail.
The fact that the Dem Party of Wisconsin has more-or-less anointed Fallone leaves Megna and his supporters in the position that Eric Hovde and his supporters were in during the Senate primary. Megna won't necessarily like that comparison (nor Hovde), but the Party Elders have wrinkled their noses at him.
Hmmmm.
Both Vince Megna and Ed Fallone have filed enough signatures to run for SCOWI.
In all likelihood, Fallone will run to the right of Megna (even though they are similarly Left-inclined.)
Fallone will have the Democrat Party's machinery behind him, as noted by Lakeshore. That means that Fallone has a fat source of funds, too--and unless Megna wants to spend a whole lot of his personal fortune, he's not likely to prevail.
The fact that the Dem Party of Wisconsin has more-or-less anointed Fallone leaves Megna and his supporters in the position that Eric Hovde and his supporters were in during the Senate primary. Megna won't necessarily like that comparison (nor Hovde), but the Party Elders have wrinkled their noses at him.
Hmmmm.
Wednesday, January 02, 2013
Obozo's Gifts Buried in "Tax" Bill
If he weren't the savior, some in the MFM might question this.
The "fiscal cliff" legislation passed this week included $76 billion in special-interest tax credits for the likes of General Electric, Hollywood and even Captain Morgan. But these subsidies weren't the fruit of eleventh-hour lobbying conducted on the cliff's edge -- they were crafted back in August in a Senate committee, and they sat dormant until the White House reportedly insisted on them this week....
Really? These provisions? Tax-avoidance?
Really.
...A Republican Senate aide familiar with the cliff negotiations tells me the White House wanted permanent extensions of a whole slew of corporate tax credits. When Senate Republicans said no, "the White House insisted that the exact language" of the Baucus bill be included in the fiscal cliff deal. "They were absolutely insistent," another aide tells me....
Sure enough, Title II of the fiscal cliff legislation is nearly a word-for-word replication of the Family and Business Tax Cut Certainty Act of 2012.
The Slimebucket-in-Chief pays off his friends.
The "fiscal cliff" legislation passed this week included $76 billion in special-interest tax credits for the likes of General Electric, Hollywood and even Captain Morgan. But these subsidies weren't the fruit of eleventh-hour lobbying conducted on the cliff's edge -- they were crafted back in August in a Senate committee, and they sat dormant until the White House reportedly insisted on them this week....
Really? These provisions? Tax-avoidance?
Really.
...A Republican Senate aide familiar with the cliff negotiations tells me the White House wanted permanent extensions of a whole slew of corporate tax credits. When Senate Republicans said no, "the White House insisted that the exact language" of the Baucus bill be included in the fiscal cliff deal. "They were absolutely insistent," another aide tells me....
Sure enough, Title II of the fiscal cliff legislation is nearly a word-for-word replication of the Family and Business Tax Cut Certainty Act of 2012.
The Slimebucket-in-Chief pays off his friends.
The Title Is Correct
Insurrection titles his essay: "To say that Republicans in Congress folded like a cheap suit is an insult to cheap suits."
There's another little gem in that essay having to do with lawyers. Read it.
There's another little gem in that essay having to do with lawyers. Read it.
McConnell: The Engineer of US Bankruptcy
Mirengoff has the rundown:
Let’s step back and consider the impact of McConnell’s deals on the valiant effort of House Republicans in 2011 to use the debt-ceiling to attack the debt. So far, the results are as follows: (1) the debt ceiling was raised, (2) the debt continued to soar, (3) the latest McConnell-brokered deal will increase, rather than decrease, the debt, and (4) taxes are about to go up.
There are extenuating circumstances, to be sure — most notably the 2012 election. But they are insufficient to explain how the Democrats have thus far been able to turn the debt-ceiling battle of 2011 so decisively to their advantage.
It’s a tribute to McConnell’s skill that John Boehner seems to be taking most of the heat over the latest deal.
Well--that last point is true, but then Boehner doesn't know "conservative" from zits, either.
DeMint and Erickson are right. McConnell and his ilk is the fifth column in this country.
Let’s step back and consider the impact of McConnell’s deals on the valiant effort of House Republicans in 2011 to use the debt-ceiling to attack the debt. So far, the results are as follows: (1) the debt ceiling was raised, (2) the debt continued to soar, (3) the latest McConnell-brokered deal will increase, rather than decrease, the debt, and (4) taxes are about to go up.
There are extenuating circumstances, to be sure — most notably the 2012 election. But they are insufficient to explain how the Democrats have thus far been able to turn the debt-ceiling battle of 2011 so decisively to their advantage.
It’s a tribute to McConnell’s skill that John Boehner seems to be taking most of the heat over the latest deal.
Well--that last point is true, but then Boehner doesn't know "conservative" from zits, either.
DeMint and Erickson are right. McConnell and his ilk is the fifth column in this country.
SCOTUS, Here We Come!
Bingo!
An Oklahoma district denied an injunction to Hobby Lobby.
A Michigan district did the opposite:
A federal judge has ordered a temporary halt on the Obama administration’s birth-control coverage policy for Tom Monaghan, the Catholic billionaire who founded Domino’s Pizza.
Federal District Court Judge Lawrence P. Zatkoff issued the decision Sunday, less than two days before the policy would have taken effect and exposed Monaghan to fines for non-compliance.
“Plaintiff has shown that abiding by the mandate will substantially burden his exercise of religion,” Zatkoff wrote.
“The government has failed to satisfy its burden of showing that its actions were narrowly tailored to serve a compelling interest. … This factor weighs in favor of granting Plaintiffs’ motion.” --HotAir quoting The Hill
Maybe the US Bishops will join Monaghan's action.
An Oklahoma district denied an injunction to Hobby Lobby.
A Michigan district did the opposite:
A federal judge has ordered a temporary halt on the Obama administration’s birth-control coverage policy for Tom Monaghan, the Catholic billionaire who founded Domino’s Pizza.
Federal District Court Judge Lawrence P. Zatkoff issued the decision Sunday, less than two days before the policy would have taken effect and exposed Monaghan to fines for non-compliance.
“Plaintiff has shown that abiding by the mandate will substantially burden his exercise of religion,” Zatkoff wrote.
“The government has failed to satisfy its burden of showing that its actions were narrowly tailored to serve a compelling interest. … This factor weighs in favor of granting Plaintiffs’ motion.” --HotAir quoting The Hill
Maybe the US Bishops will join Monaghan's action.
Intel to Blow Up Cable Companies
Well, somebody's looking out for Americans.
Clay [Forbes reporter] says Intel is planning to deliver cable content to any device with an Internet connection. And instead of having to pay $80 a month for two hundred channels you don't want, you'll be able to subscribe to specific channels of your choosing.
That means that ATT, Charter, Time-Warner (et al) will be spending several $Ka-Zillion on lobbying over the next several months--which you will pay for, assuming you continue their "service."
And that spending will be at the State level, not just the Federal level. Watch your friendly local legislators closely, folks.
Clay [Forbes reporter] says Intel is planning to deliver cable content to any device with an Internet connection. And instead of having to pay $80 a month for two hundred channels you don't want, you'll be able to subscribe to specific channels of your choosing.
That means that ATT, Charter, Time-Warner (et al) will be spending several $Ka-Zillion on lobbying over the next several months--which you will pay for, assuming you continue their "service."
And that spending will be at the State level, not just the Federal level. Watch your friendly local legislators closely, folks.
Obozo to UNILATERALLY Raise Debt Ceiling
Didn't take long for this little bomb to fall:
Speaking Jan. 1 at the White House at 11:20 p.m., less than an hour after the House voted 257 to 167 to approve new tax hikes, President Barack Obama announced that he will assert the authority to raise the debt ceiling for spending approved by Congress....
...Obama framed his assumption of the authority to borrow funds, regardless of a statutory debt ceiling, in the context of the upcoming fight to raise it—a fight Sen. Lindsey O. Graham (R.-S.C.) called “Round 2” becuase the senator said Republicans had been beaten in the negotiations to avoid the “fiscal cliff” or “Round 1.”
The president was direct. Either Congress raises the debt ceiling or he will go ahead and borrow the money to pay the bills on his own in order to avoid damage to the U.S. and world economies.
Obviously, the GOP "leadership" thought of this when they caved in.
Right?
Speaking Jan. 1 at the White House at 11:20 p.m., less than an hour after the House voted 257 to 167 to approve new tax hikes, President Barack Obama announced that he will assert the authority to raise the debt ceiling for spending approved by Congress....
...Obama framed his assumption of the authority to borrow funds, regardless of a statutory debt ceiling, in the context of the upcoming fight to raise it—a fight Sen. Lindsey O. Graham (R.-S.C.) called “Round 2” becuase the senator said Republicans had been beaten in the negotiations to avoid the “fiscal cliff” or “Round 1.”
The president was direct. Either Congress raises the debt ceiling or he will go ahead and borrow the money to pay the bills on his own in order to avoid damage to the U.S. and world economies.
Obviously, the GOP "leadership" thought of this when they caved in.
Right?
Lights Out!
Here's a fine opportunity for an entrepreneurial smuggler.
Beginning today, the 75-watt incandescent lightbulb has been banned from production and importation in the United States.
It's good as practice-running; in one year, the 60- and 40- watt bulbs will be illegal, too.
Beginning today, the 75-watt incandescent lightbulb has been banned from production and importation in the United States.
It's good as practice-running; in one year, the 60- and 40- watt bulbs will be illegal, too.
Tuesday, January 01, 2013
Samuel Whittemore
Don't know the name, eh?
Owens provides a bit of history.
Whittemore was one of [t]hose too young, too old, and too female to be part of the organized militia of their day. These were the “alarm listers.”
...The oldest man to fight that fateful day was an alarm-lister named Samuel Whittemore, a 78-year-old veteran of three American wars in the King’s service.
While Lord Percy’s relief column attempted to link up with Regular forces under attack by colonial militias, Whittemore set up behind a low stone wall near his home and attacked the 47th Regiment of Foot by himself.
Whittemore’s aimed fire did enough damage to the column that an assault was ordered upon his position.
Whittemore is documented to have killed one man from this assaulting force with his musket, then killed one and severely wounded another with horse pistols he’d removed from the body of French officer he’d dispatched decades before. Whittemore was in the act of drawing his ornate French Calvary sabre—again, taken from another French officer who “died suddenly” according to Whittemore, more than 20 years before—when half his face was shot away at point-blank range. Whittemore’s horrified relatives watched from a distance as the nearly 80-year old patriarch of their clan was bayoneted thirteen times by the Redcoats, and left for dead in a pool of his own blood.
He survived, by the way, for 18 years.
Oh, there's more.
The proximate, immediate cause of the first American Revolutionary War was an attempt to capture powder and shot, cannon, and community food stores...
That's the part to remember. Taxation was part of it, but not 'proximate.' Quartering was part and proximate, but not immediate.
The gun-takeaway? That was the spark that lit the fire.
Owens provides a bit of history.
Whittemore was one of [t]hose too young, too old, and too female to be part of the organized militia of their day. These were the “alarm listers.”
...The oldest man to fight that fateful day was an alarm-lister named Samuel Whittemore, a 78-year-old veteran of three American wars in the King’s service.
While Lord Percy’s relief column attempted to link up with Regular forces under attack by colonial militias, Whittemore set up behind a low stone wall near his home and attacked the 47th Regiment of Foot by himself.
Whittemore’s aimed fire did enough damage to the column that an assault was ordered upon his position.
Whittemore is documented to have killed one man from this assaulting force with his musket, then killed one and severely wounded another with horse pistols he’d removed from the body of French officer he’d dispatched decades before. Whittemore was in the act of drawing his ornate French Calvary sabre—again, taken from another French officer who “died suddenly” according to Whittemore, more than 20 years before—when half his face was shot away at point-blank range. Whittemore’s horrified relatives watched from a distance as the nearly 80-year old patriarch of their clan was bayoneted thirteen times by the Redcoats, and left for dead in a pool of his own blood.
He survived, by the way, for 18 years.
Oh, there's more.
The proximate, immediate cause of the first American Revolutionary War was an attempt to capture powder and shot, cannon, and community food stores...
That's the part to remember. Taxation was part of it, but not 'proximate.' Quartering was part and proximate, but not immediate.
The gun-takeaway? That was the spark that lit the fire.
RoJo's Short on Explanations
RoJo, the green-eyeshade, voted for McConnell's Gummint-First cheese, and said 'well, it's not very good.'
But he voted for it anyway.
...The Senate deal to avoid the “fiscal cliff” will add roughly $4 trillion to the deficit when compared to current law, according to new numbers from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). . . .
The CBO says the budget agreement will lead to an overall increase in spending of about $330 billion over 10 years. . . .--quoted at Real McCain.
'It's not very good.'
That's the best you can do, RoJo?
Oh, by the way, here's what RoJo says. Compare to his "yea" vote.
“It’s an alternate universe. No, this — this place is a joke. I mean, bottom line, this is an absurd process,” Johnson said on CNBC. “It certainly proves the genius of our founding fathers that government should be limited. I mean, the fact that we have this place having such an enormous effect on our economy, on people’s livelihood, is wrong. It’s simply wrong.”...
...“We’re here at the end of the year, a couple of elected officials with their unelected staffs, are doing these deals behind closed doors,” he said. “I don’t know what’s happening behind there. Am I all of a sudden going to get a product sometime in the middle of the day and say, ‘you’ve got to vote on it right away’? I mean, that is an absurd process.”...
Well, yes, Ron. Vote right away. And vote the way McConnell tells you, Ron. Thankyouverymuch.
But he voted for it anyway.
...The Senate deal to avoid the “fiscal cliff” will add roughly $4 trillion to the deficit when compared to current law, according to new numbers from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). . . .
The CBO says the budget agreement will lead to an overall increase in spending of about $330 billion over 10 years. . . .--quoted at Real McCain.
'It's not very good.'
That's the best you can do, RoJo?
Oh, by the way, here's what RoJo says. Compare to his "yea" vote.
“It’s an alternate universe. No, this — this place is a joke. I mean, bottom line, this is an absurd process,” Johnson said on CNBC. “It certainly proves the genius of our founding fathers that government should be limited. I mean, the fact that we have this place having such an enormous effect on our economy, on people’s livelihood, is wrong. It’s simply wrong.”...
...“We’re here at the end of the year, a couple of elected officials with their unelected staffs, are doing these deals behind closed doors,” he said. “I don’t know what’s happening behind there. Am I all of a sudden going to get a product sometime in the middle of the day and say, ‘you’ve got to vote on it right away’? I mean, that is an absurd process.”...
Well, yes, Ron. Vote right away. And vote the way McConnell tells you, Ron. Thankyouverymuch.
They're Gone
Bob Owens reports:
...The cases of ammunition that typically lined the far wall were picked to pieces. There was a 100-round case of .50 BMG, and cases of European shotshells suitable for small game. The .223 Remington, 5.56 NATO, 7.62×39, 7.62 NATO, and 7.62x54R had sold out long ago, along with the bulk 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP. A few pump shotguns remained along with a smattering of deer rifles, single-shots, and longer double-barreled shotguns suitable only for trap or skeet. Even the semi-automatic .22LR rifles like Ruger 10/22s were gone, along with all but one BX-25 magazine
... They didn’t know when they’d be getting anything back in stock, from magazines to rifles to pistols. Manufacturers were running full-bore, but couldn’t come close to keeping up with market demand.It wasn’t just the AR-15s, the AK-pattern rifles, the M1As, and the FALs that were sold out. It really hit me when I realized that the World War-era M1 Garands , M1 carbines, and Enfield .303s were gone, along with every last shell. Ubiquitous Mosin-Nagants—of which every gun store always seems to have 10-20—were gone. So was their ammo. Only a dust free space marked their passing. I’ve never seen anything like it.
Every weapon of military utility designed within the past 100+ years was gone...
Well. That's a sign of something.
...The cases of ammunition that typically lined the far wall were picked to pieces. There was a 100-round case of .50 BMG, and cases of European shotshells suitable for small game. The .223 Remington, 5.56 NATO, 7.62×39, 7.62 NATO, and 7.62x54R had sold out long ago, along with the bulk 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP. A few pump shotguns remained along with a smattering of deer rifles, single-shots, and longer double-barreled shotguns suitable only for trap or skeet. Even the semi-automatic .22LR rifles like Ruger 10/22s were gone, along with all but one BX-25 magazine
... They didn’t know when they’d be getting anything back in stock, from magazines to rifles to pistols. Manufacturers were running full-bore, but couldn’t come close to keeping up with market demand.It wasn’t just the AR-15s, the AK-pattern rifles, the M1As, and the FALs that were sold out. It really hit me when I realized that the World War-era M1 Garands , M1 carbines, and Enfield .303s were gone, along with every last shell. Ubiquitous Mosin-Nagants—of which every gun store always seems to have 10-20—were gone. So was their ammo. Only a dust free space marked their passing. I’ve never seen anything like it.
Every weapon of military utility designed within the past 100+ years was gone...
Well. That's a sign of something.
Monday, December 31, 2012
Reid: 'I Can't Get the Votes the Obozo Plan'
If you were paying attention during the National Handwringing, you'd notice what the MFM has not. (It's only the size of a 6,000 lb. elephant, after all....)
...This morning, we have been trying to come up with some counteroffer to my friend’s [Mitch McConnell] proposal. We have been unable to do that. I have had a number of conversations with the president, and at this stage we’re not able to make a counteroffer....
Reid has been on the sidelines because his party is NOT entirely composed of Marxists. He cannot get them behind the SCOAMF's plan, and he cannot let them vote on a common-sense plan because it will look a lot like the House's original position.
HT: Zippers
...This morning, we have been trying to come up with some counteroffer to my friend’s [Mitch McConnell] proposal. We have been unable to do that. I have had a number of conversations with the president, and at this stage we’re not able to make a counteroffer....
Reid has been on the sidelines because his party is NOT entirely composed of Marxists. He cannot get them behind the SCOAMF's plan, and he cannot let them vote on a common-sense plan because it will look a lot like the House's original position.
HT: Zippers
Who's Afraid of the Fiscal Cliff?
Really--it's not that big a deal, outside of the AMT and Medicare.
(Did you ever wonder why Congress NEVER 'fixes' the AMT with a permanent inflation-indexing law? Think "Campaign Contributions." The scumbags are consistent, anyway....)
Medicare is an easy one-target fix, too.
As to DOD cuts: even after they are fully implemented---which they won't be---DoD spending will still be greater as a percentage of GDP than they were just after VietNam.
(Did you ever wonder why Congress NEVER 'fixes' the AMT with a permanent inflation-indexing law? Think "Campaign Contributions." The scumbags are consistent, anyway....)
Medicare is an easy one-target fix, too.
As to DOD cuts: even after they are fully implemented---which they won't be---DoD spending will still be greater as a percentage of GDP than they were just after VietNam.
Those Damn Facts....
The NYPD released info on murders (2011 stats.)
...Blacks were 23% of the NYC population but 68% of the homicide victims; 38% of all victims were black males aged 16-37; 86% of black male victims aged 16-21 were shot.
On the other side, 59% of suspects were black. 83% of black suspects had a black victim.
Among all suspects, 34% were aged 16-21; 41% were aged 22-37.
And a stat I would like to know more about: 42% of suspects and 38% of victims had prior arrests for drug sales or possession. ...--quoted by JustOneMinute
Well, THAT is foundation for removing guns from middle-aged Americans whose drug-use is .......ahhh.....aspirin and Viagara, no?
...Blacks were 23% of the NYC population but 68% of the homicide victims; 38% of all victims were black males aged 16-37; 86% of black male victims aged 16-21 were shot.
On the other side, 59% of suspects were black. 83% of black suspects had a black victim.
Among all suspects, 34% were aged 16-21; 41% were aged 22-37.
And a stat I would like to know more about: 42% of suspects and 38% of victims had prior arrests for drug sales or possession. ...--quoted by JustOneMinute
Well, THAT is foundation for removing guns from middle-aged Americans whose drug-use is .......ahhh.....aspirin and Viagara, no?
The Behind-Leader
Obozo's not going heavy on gun control.
...In an interview with David Gregory on “Meet the Press,” Obama said he would await the recommendations of his gun control task force and present a package of gun control proposals. But he said, “We’re not going to get this done unless the American people decide it’s important and so this is not something that’s going to be a matter of me spending political capital.”...
That tells you that the polls are against "control". And it reminds you that Obozo has about zero testosterone.
Remember, Obozo did not "lead" on ObozoCare, either. That was strictly a Nancy-and-Harry deal, although Obozo was very happy to snatch the credit in the end.
...In an interview with David Gregory on “Meet the Press,” Obama said he would await the recommendations of his gun control task force and present a package of gun control proposals. But he said, “We’re not going to get this done unless the American people decide it’s important and so this is not something that’s going to be a matter of me spending political capital.”...
That tells you that the polls are against "control". And it reminds you that Obozo has about zero testosterone.
Remember, Obozo did not "lead" on ObozoCare, either. That was strictly a Nancy-and-Harry deal, although Obozo was very happy to snatch the credit in the end.
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Spot 'Em the First Quarter....
Yah, well. When you give almost ANY pro football team the first 15 minutes, y'all are in trouble.
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Eat the Rich, Yah Hey!!
Where does all that charity funding come from?
Nevadans with a net worth of more than $1 million make up only 0.2 percent of the state’s population but account for more than 27 percent of its reported charitable contributions, according to a report from The Private Bank by Nevada State Bank. --Fox News quoted at Badger
Good thing that Obozo's plan will limit charitable deductions, eh? That way those charities will have to hit everybody else for a change.
Nevadans with a net worth of more than $1 million make up only 0.2 percent of the state’s population but account for more than 27 percent of its reported charitable contributions, according to a report from The Private Bank by Nevada State Bank. --Fox News quoted at Badger
Good thing that Obozo's plan will limit charitable deductions, eh? That way those charities will have to hit everybody else for a change.
Scary Magazine (High Clip) Theory
Since a number of radiomouths of the 'conservative' bent have been squishy about "scary magazines", this short sentence might help their cogitative faculties:
Magazine size is irrelevant, since the shooter was unimpeded (which is the core problem anyway).
Then again, it may not help them. But it ought to help you.
HT: The Captain
Magazine size is irrelevant, since the shooter was unimpeded (which is the core problem anyway).
Then again, it may not help them. But it ought to help you.
HT: The Captain
Friday, December 28, 2012
Think This Is Possible?
The first really big contingency is this one:
...Let us imagine for a moment that sweeping a sweeping gun control bill similar to the one currently suggested is passed by the House and Senate, and signed into law by a contemptuous President....
That would be Feinstein's Folly. There is no question in my mind: it will not pass--not in its current form, and not even if highly watered down.
But if it does....
...Tens of millions of Americans will refuse to comply with an order that is clearly a violation of the explicit intent of the Second Amendment. Among the most ardent opposing these measures will be military veterans, active duty servicepersons, and local law enforcement officers. Many of these individuals will refuse to carry out what they view as Constitutionally illegal orders....
...After a number of carefully-planned, highly-publicized, and successful raids by the government, one or more will invariably end “badly.” Whether innocents are gunned down, a city block burned to ash, or especially fierce resistance leads to a disastrously failed raid doesn’t particularly matter. What matters is that when illusion of the government’s invincibility and infallibility is broken, the hunters will become the hunted...
No matter how it ends, it ends badly.
...Let us imagine for a moment that sweeping a sweeping gun control bill similar to the one currently suggested is passed by the House and Senate, and signed into law by a contemptuous President....
That would be Feinstein's Folly. There is no question in my mind: it will not pass--not in its current form, and not even if highly watered down.
But if it does....
...Tens of millions of Americans will refuse to comply with an order that is clearly a violation of the explicit intent of the Second Amendment. Among the most ardent opposing these measures will be military veterans, active duty servicepersons, and local law enforcement officers. Many of these individuals will refuse to carry out what they view as Constitutionally illegal orders....
...After a number of carefully-planned, highly-publicized, and successful raids by the government, one or more will invariably end “badly.” Whether innocents are gunned down, a city block burned to ash, or especially fierce resistance leads to a disastrously failed raid doesn’t particularly matter. What matters is that when illusion of the government’s invincibility and infallibility is broken, the hunters will become the hunted...
No matter how it ends, it ends badly.
Huh! Imagine That!!
People have not only read my blog. They actually took my advice.
Ammunition Stock levels have fallen by more than 90% from the pre-Election Day levels. Less than 10% remains available. --Insurrection quoting Traction Control
Now for the Evil Capitalist trick: selling dear what I bought cheap.
HAH!!
Ammunition Stock levels have fallen by more than 90% from the pre-Election Day levels. Less than 10% remains available. --Insurrection quoting Traction Control
Now for the Evil Capitalist trick: selling dear what I bought cheap.
HAH!!
Here's a Remedy!! Gun-Free Zones!!
We all KNOW that gun-free zones make everyone inside them safer, right?
Of course. Herbie Kohl thinks so, just like the majority of Congress who passed the law. So it must be true.
Gun Free Zones are supposed to protect our children, and some politicians wish to strip us of our right to keep and bear arms. Those same politicians and their families are currently under the protection of armed Secret Service agents. If Gun Free Zones are sufficient protection for our children, then Gun Free Zones should be good enough for politicians. --MoonBattery quoting a W H petition
Works for me!
Of course. Herbie Kohl thinks so, just like the majority of Congress who passed the law. So it must be true.
Gun Free Zones are supposed to protect our children, and some politicians wish to strip us of our right to keep and bear arms. Those same politicians and their families are currently under the protection of armed Secret Service agents. If Gun Free Zones are sufficient protection for our children, then Gun Free Zones should be good enough for politicians. --MoonBattery quoting a W H petition
Works for me!
Two Years' Hard Time for David (Dodo) Gregory?
The twit-for-brains on NBC (maybe CNN? ABC? ...who knows?) appears on national TV breaking a law. It's on videotape, and everything.
Now we're advised by his cohort twit-for-brainers that 'he did not INTEND to break the law.'
But that's not what the anti-gun law says.
I know. If he were a black or Hispanic schmuck from the inner core, he'd still be in slam without bail, awaiting indictment.
But he's not. He's a rich white guy with good hair.
Now we're advised by his cohort twit-for-brainers that 'he did not INTEND to break the law.'
But that's not what the anti-gun law says.
I know. If he were a black or Hispanic schmuck from the inner core, he'd still be in slam without bail, awaiting indictment.
But he's not. He's a rich white guy with good hair.
Thursday, December 27, 2012
I'm Gonna Have to Get Some of These
Didn't know they were out there, but a New York politician-ette says they are: "heat-seeking bullets."
Off to Cabela's!!
HT: MoonBattery
Off to Cabela's!!
HT: MoonBattery
ObozoConomy
Oh, it could have been worse, I guess. Could have gone negative.
...MasterCard Advisors SpendingPulse reported a 0.7% increase in holiday sales as compared to last year. The number was a disappointment as the general consensus expected sales to rise by up to 4.0%. Instead, the modest uptick represented the slowest growth in four years...
That would be less than 25% of expected growth.
Four years of rolling up debt, increasing costs-of-regulation, and total uncertainty over huge tax increases, and that's what you get.
...MasterCard Advisors SpendingPulse reported a 0.7% increase in holiday sales as compared to last year. The number was a disappointment as the general consensus expected sales to rise by up to 4.0%. Instead, the modest uptick represented the slowest growth in four years...
That would be less than 25% of expected growth.
Four years of rolling up debt, increasing costs-of-regulation, and total uncertainty over huge tax increases, and that's what you get.
Only TSA
There must be a "prove you're stupid" test to advance in TSA, right?
..the former TSA screener also rails against the federal agency’s more ridiculous policies, including the ban on snow globes.
..the former TSA screener also rails against the federal agency’s more ridiculous policies, including the ban on snow globes.
“The entire ban on snow globes was just another of the
many intelligence-insulting rules that I was often forced to follow
during my time at TSA. Imagine having to look, year after year, into the
faces of innocent children and tell them and their parents that their
Pretty-Princess-in-a-Blizzard snow globe has to go into the trash. “But
why,” little Angie would ask, puppy dog pouting, tears trembling,” he
writes....
I remember hearing about that particularly inane piece of jackassery.
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Monday, December 24, 2012
Rent-Seeking Truth-in-Labeling
Found at PowerLine:
...Even the Washington Post has come out against renewing the PTC. Here’s my suggestion: the American Wind Energy Association should change its name to the Fatuous Attempt to Rob Taxpayers, or FART for short....
The Dead Condors Club endorses that, too.
...Even the Washington Post has come out against renewing the PTC. Here’s my suggestion: the American Wind Energy Association should change its name to the Fatuous Attempt to Rob Taxpayers, or FART for short....
The Dead Condors Club endorses that, too.
Christmas Begins!
Yah, it's only Christmas Eve.
But this is worth hearing now.
That work was commissioned by Paul Salamunovich's Los Angeles Master Chorale. Paul was a student of Roger Wagner and both are KCSGs.
It's a large-form Christmas carol and one can argue that it's become a classic less than 20 years after its premiere. How good is it? Well, Robert Shaw (Atlanta Symphony & Chorus) recorded it, too. If both Shaw and Salamunovich put it to recording, it's good. Very good.
While you listen, here's a bit of reading-accompaniment, written by a pal of Willy Shakespeare:
THE NATIVITY OF CHRIST
By Saint Robert Southwell
Behold the father is his daughter's son,
The bird that built the nest is hatch'd therein,
The old of years an hour hath not outrun,
Eternal life to live doth now begin,
The word is dumb, the mirth of heaven doth weep,
Might feeble is, and force doth faintly creep.
O dying souls! behold your living spring!
O dazzled eyes! behold your sun of grace!
Dull ears attend what word this word doth bring!
Up, heavy hearts, with joy your joy embrace!
From death, from dark, from deafness, from despairs,
This life, this light, this word, this joy repairs.
Gift better than Himself God doth not know,
Gift better than his God no man can see;
This gift doth here the giver given bestow,
Gift to this gift let each receiver be:
God is my gift, Himself He freely gave me,
God's gift am I, and none but God shall have me.
Man alter'd was by sin from man to beast;
Beast's food is hay, hay is all mortal flesh;
Now God is flesh, and lies in manger press'd,
As hay the brutest sinner to refresh:
Oh happy field wherein this fodder grew,
Whose taste doth us from beasts to men renew!
Both cadged from Chant Cafe.
But this is worth hearing now.
That work was commissioned by Paul Salamunovich's Los Angeles Master Chorale. Paul was a student of Roger Wagner and both are KCSGs.
It's a large-form Christmas carol and one can argue that it's become a classic less than 20 years after its premiere. How good is it? Well, Robert Shaw (Atlanta Symphony & Chorus) recorded it, too. If both Shaw and Salamunovich put it to recording, it's good. Very good.
While you listen, here's a bit of reading-accompaniment, written by a pal of Willy Shakespeare:
THE NATIVITY OF CHRIST
By Saint Robert Southwell
Behold the father is his daughter's son,
The bird that built the nest is hatch'd therein,
The old of years an hour hath not outrun,
Eternal life to live doth now begin,
The word is dumb, the mirth of heaven doth weep,
Might feeble is, and force doth faintly creep.
O dying souls! behold your living spring!
O dazzled eyes! behold your sun of grace!
Dull ears attend what word this word doth bring!
Up, heavy hearts, with joy your joy embrace!
From death, from dark, from deafness, from despairs,
This life, this light, this word, this joy repairs.
Gift better than Himself God doth not know,
Gift better than his God no man can see;
This gift doth here the giver given bestow,
Gift to this gift let each receiver be:
God is my gift, Himself He freely gave me,
God's gift am I, and none but God shall have me.
Man alter'd was by sin from man to beast;
Beast's food is hay, hay is all mortal flesh;
Now God is flesh, and lies in manger press'd,
As hay the brutest sinner to refresh:
Oh happy field wherein this fodder grew,
Whose taste doth us from beasts to men renew!
Both cadged from Chant Cafe.
The "Let It Burn" Position
Instead of allowing The Tanned One to boehn the republic and himself with more self-negotiations away from principles, why not Let It Burn?
...The time to reduce the deficit is now, before a real fiscal crisis emerges, one that makes Greece look like a picnic.
By leaving town and letting America go over the fiscal cliff, Republicans don’t have to vote for tax hikes that they justly oppose. Economically counterproductive spending, like the unemployment benefit extension, will come to an end. And an enormous amount of irresponsible accounting gimmickry, like the annual wrangling over the Medicare “doc fix,” will end also....
...President Obama has insisted that he would be happy to go over the fiscal cliff in order to ensure that the wealthy pay more in taxes. The responsible thing for Republicans to do is to let him.
Of course, Boehner will blow this--but it's also required that Boehner pin the tail on the SCOAMF for 'the cliff.'
...The time to reduce the deficit is now, before a real fiscal crisis emerges, one that makes Greece look like a picnic.
By leaving town and letting America go over the fiscal cliff, Republicans don’t have to vote for tax hikes that they justly oppose. Economically counterproductive spending, like the unemployment benefit extension, will come to an end. And an enormous amount of irresponsible accounting gimmickry, like the annual wrangling over the Medicare “doc fix,” will end also....
...President Obama has insisted that he would be happy to go over the fiscal cliff in order to ensure that the wealthy pay more in taxes. The responsible thing for Republicans to do is to let him.
Of course, Boehner will blow this--but it's also required that Boehner pin the tail on the SCOAMF for 'the cliff.'
Sunday, December 23, 2012
"Active Shooter" Defense Satirized
Believe it or not, some dingbat had suggested that schoolchildren be taught to 'throw anything you can find' at an active school shooter. It's supposed to help, ya'know.
You can look it up; I won't.
So The Onion decided a little satire would be fun.
According to reviews this week of Kathryn Bigelow’s thriller Zero Dark Thirty, which chronicles the 10-year hunt for Osama bin Laden, the film’s climactic scene features a team of U.S. Navy SEALs shrieking in terror as they gradually kill the al-Qaeda leader by throwing a variety of nearby objects at him. “The mood is tense and silent as SEAL Team Six infiltrates the infamous Abbottabad compound, but then all hell breaks loose when bin Laden emerges from behind a door, causing the whole squadron to start yelling wildly as they pelt him with shoes, cups, and flimsy pieces of drywall,” wrote New York Times film critic Manohla Dargis, who mentioned that the hectic five-minute sequence shows bin Laden stumbling around with his head stuck in a sweatshirt thrown by one of the SEALs, bashing into various fixtures and shouting, “Ow, ow!”
If even The Onion gets it, .......
Nevermind.
You can look it up; I won't.
So The Onion decided a little satire would be fun.
According to reviews this week of Kathryn Bigelow’s thriller Zero Dark Thirty, which chronicles the 10-year hunt for Osama bin Laden, the film’s climactic scene features a team of U.S. Navy SEALs shrieking in terror as they gradually kill the al-Qaeda leader by throwing a variety of nearby objects at him. “The mood is tense and silent as SEAL Team Six infiltrates the infamous Abbottabad compound, but then all hell breaks loose when bin Laden emerges from behind a door, causing the whole squadron to start yelling wildly as they pelt him with shoes, cups, and flimsy pieces of drywall,” wrote New York Times film critic Manohla Dargis, who mentioned that the hectic five-minute sequence shows bin Laden stumbling around with his head stuck in a sweatshirt thrown by one of the SEALs, bashing into various fixtures and shouting, “Ow, ow!”
If even The Onion gets it, .......
Nevermind.
Help for MSM
HT: MoonBattery
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Tolkien and Jack Ryan
Umnhh....not as strange as you may think.
Long essay here about JRRTolkien's works. Very short excerpt:
...when Frodo asks Gandalf how the Ring came into his possession, Gandalf answers: “Behind that there was something else at work, beyond any design of the Ring-maker. I can put it no plainer than by saying that Bilbo was meant to find the Ring, and not by its maker. In which case you also were meant to have it. And that may be an encouraging thought.” In Unfinished Tales, Gandalf declares that what one calls chance is really one’s will accepting Ilúvatar's direction. When Elrond calls the council to order, deciding what to do with the Ring, he says: “Called, I say, though I have not called you to me, strangers from distant lands. You have come and are met here, in this very nick of time, by chance as it may seem. Yet it is not so. Believe rather that it is so ordered that we, who sit here, and none others, must now find counsel for the peril of the world.” ...
Compare Jack Ryan: "There is no such thing as co-incidence."
And--just so you get it--there is no such thing as co-incidence.
Long essay here about JRRTolkien's works. Very short excerpt:
...when Frodo asks Gandalf how the Ring came into his possession, Gandalf answers: “Behind that there was something else at work, beyond any design of the Ring-maker. I can put it no plainer than by saying that Bilbo was meant to find the Ring, and not by its maker. In which case you also were meant to have it. And that may be an encouraging thought.” In Unfinished Tales, Gandalf declares that what one calls chance is really one’s will accepting Ilúvatar's direction. When Elrond calls the council to order, deciding what to do with the Ring, he says: “Called, I say, though I have not called you to me, strangers from distant lands. You have come and are met here, in this very nick of time, by chance as it may seem. Yet it is not so. Believe rather that it is so ordered that we, who sit here, and none others, must now find counsel for the peril of the world.” ...
Compare Jack Ryan: "There is no such thing as co-incidence."
And--just so you get it--there is no such thing as co-incidence.
Household Income? Individual Income?
Kinda lengthy, not-too-technical.
Explains the "rich are richer" vs. "not really" analyses pretty well.
Core of the item (but not the only stuff you should read) includes this:
[First, as to the claim that 'median income' is only up 3.2% over the last 30 years:]
....PETHOKOUKIS: 3.2% over 30 years is bupkis.
BURKHAUSER: That’s stagnation. And that’s what they call it: the middle class has stagnated over the last 30 years. And that statement is correct. But what does that statement mean, and how do you put it in the context of how the typical American has done in the last 30 years? Is it true that we haven’t increased at all in the last 30 years in our ability to consume things?
Okay, so let’s–and this is the fun part of the puzzle. Let’s no longer take the tax unit as the unit of analysis. Now let’s look at the household. And you go from a gain of 3.2% over that period to a gain of 15.2%. And that happens because the number of tax units per household has been rising over that 30-year period. There are a lot more people living together and sharing everything except a marriage certificate.
Hmmmmm.
Can IRS and Census (CPS) data--seemingly disparate in results--be reconciled?
...people have argued that you can’t actually use the CPS to look at the tails of the distribution, and therefore, Piketty and Saez, even though their data has problems, those problems are less than the problems in the CPS. The thing that took us 4 years to do was to show people: No, that’s not true. We can actually get very close to the levels and trends that they get in the IRS data using the CPS data
Following that graf is a discussion of transfer-payments, which pump up HHI to around a 29% gain in the 30-year period.
Then this:
...the last change is to talk about this growing share of earnings that comes in non-wage compensation, and also the fact that Medicare and Medicaid have been growing also. So, as an example of how important it is to think about in-kind transfers as well as in-cash transfers, and to think about the value of health insurance for employees as well as their wages, we are able to estimate the employer share of employer-provided health insurance to workers and the insurance value of Medicare and Medicaid to lower-income people who are getting those benefits. And when you do that, it goes from 29.3% to 36.7%. So, we are really talking about a difference from 3.2% in the way Piketty and Saez are thinking about things in tax units, to 36.7% if we simply include the value of health insurance as well as do the other things that we’ve talked about
Well, now. There's an interesting discussion point, assuming that your typical Leftoid is capable of rational discussion.
Explains the "rich are richer" vs. "not really" analyses pretty well.
Core of the item (but not the only stuff you should read) includes this:
[First, as to the claim that 'median income' is only up 3.2% over the last 30 years:]
....PETHOKOUKIS: 3.2% over 30 years is bupkis.
BURKHAUSER: That’s stagnation. And that’s what they call it: the middle class has stagnated over the last 30 years. And that statement is correct. But what does that statement mean, and how do you put it in the context of how the typical American has done in the last 30 years? Is it true that we haven’t increased at all in the last 30 years in our ability to consume things?
Okay, so let’s–and this is the fun part of the puzzle. Let’s no longer take the tax unit as the unit of analysis. Now let’s look at the household. And you go from a gain of 3.2% over that period to a gain of 15.2%. And that happens because the number of tax units per household has been rising over that 30-year period. There are a lot more people living together and sharing everything except a marriage certificate.
Hmmmmm.
Can IRS and Census (CPS) data--seemingly disparate in results--be reconciled?
...people have argued that you can’t actually use the CPS to look at the tails of the distribution, and therefore, Piketty and Saez, even though their data has problems, those problems are less than the problems in the CPS. The thing that took us 4 years to do was to show people: No, that’s not true. We can actually get very close to the levels and trends that they get in the IRS data using the CPS data
Following that graf is a discussion of transfer-payments, which pump up HHI to around a 29% gain in the 30-year period.
Then this:
...the last change is to talk about this growing share of earnings that comes in non-wage compensation, and also the fact that Medicare and Medicaid have been growing also. So, as an example of how important it is to think about in-kind transfers as well as in-cash transfers, and to think about the value of health insurance for employees as well as their wages, we are able to estimate the employer share of employer-provided health insurance to workers and the insurance value of Medicare and Medicaid to lower-income people who are getting those benefits. And when you do that, it goes from 29.3% to 36.7%. So, we are really talking about a difference from 3.2% in the way Piketty and Saez are thinking about things in tax units, to 36.7% if we simply include the value of health insurance as well as do the other things that we’ve talked about
Well, now. There's an interesting discussion point, assuming that your typical Leftoid is capable of rational discussion.
Friday, December 21, 2012
Newt Goes Nuts
Gingrich is a bomb-thrower, and a reasonably good thinker. But not always.
Newt Gingrich blames the Republican party for fostering a corrosive culture that produced Romney as its candidate. The former House Speaker argued that the GOP has grown stale and introverted, putting itself on the wrong side of history on issues like immigration and painting itself into a corner on others, like gay marriage.
On gay marriage, Gingrich says that Republicans can no longer close their eyes to the course of public opinion. While he continues to profess a belief that marriage is defined as being between a man and a woman, he suggests that the party (and he himself) could accept a distinction between a “marriage in a church from a legal document issued by the state” — the latter being acceptable...
Wrong.
"Public opinion" is not a determinant of right action--at least not in and of itself.
Newt would be well-advised to work on leadership skills, not Political Think.
Newt Gingrich blames the Republican party for fostering a corrosive culture that produced Romney as its candidate. The former House Speaker argued that the GOP has grown stale and introverted, putting itself on the wrong side of history on issues like immigration and painting itself into a corner on others, like gay marriage.
On gay marriage, Gingrich says that Republicans can no longer close their eyes to the course of public opinion. While he continues to profess a belief that marriage is defined as being between a man and a woman, he suggests that the party (and he himself) could accept a distinction between a “marriage in a church from a legal document issued by the state” — the latter being acceptable...
Wrong.
"Public opinion" is not a determinant of right action--at least not in and of itself.
Newt would be well-advised to work on leadership skills, not Political Think.
Time to Primary Sensenbrenner? (Part Two)
We mentioned 'primary-ing' Sensenbrenner earlier.
And he keeps asking for it, louder and louder.
Yesterday he (along with Ryan) were happy to vote for Boehner's tax increase--unlike actual Conservatives who recognized that Boehner's "Plan B" was all give and no get.
To give Ryan the benefit of the doubt, he voted with Mr. Suntan to keep his chairmanship--from which he can fight another way and another day.
Sensenbrenner doesn't have that excuse.
And he keeps asking for it, louder and louder.
Yesterday he (along with Ryan) were happy to vote for Boehner's tax increase--unlike actual Conservatives who recognized that Boehner's "Plan B" was all give and no get.
To give Ryan the benefit of the doubt, he voted with Mr. Suntan to keep his chairmanship--from which he can fight another way and another day.
Sensenbrenner doesn't have that excuse.
Boehner Failed
This about sums it up.
...Before last night’s vote, we faced two possible outcomes; either we go over the cliff (which is not even such a cliff because rates could always be extended retroactively) or Boehner was going to cave on 90% of what Obama wanted. The same thing applies now. Boehner was never going to stand by his plan. And if it was worth voting for Boehner’s plan, which according to their logic represented a tax cut for 99.81%, then it was worth voting for Obama’s plan, which, by the same logic is a tax cut for 99% of taxpayers.
This all gets back to the issue of trust, not the issue of compromise. Most of us would be willing to compromise on some level if we knew there would be some point at which Boehner would hold the line and fight for his own position.
The honorable thing for Boehner to do is tocommit hara-kiri resign the Speaker's chair.
...Before last night’s vote, we faced two possible outcomes; either we go over the cliff (which is not even such a cliff because rates could always be extended retroactively) or Boehner was going to cave on 90% of what Obama wanted. The same thing applies now. Boehner was never going to stand by his plan. And if it was worth voting for Boehner’s plan, which according to their logic represented a tax cut for 99.81%, then it was worth voting for Obama’s plan, which, by the same logic is a tax cut for 99% of taxpayers.
This all gets back to the issue of trust, not the issue of compromise. Most of us would be willing to compromise on some level if we knew there would be some point at which Boehner would hold the line and fight for his own position.
The honorable thing for Boehner to do is to
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