Click to embiggen.
HT: MoonBattery
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Kathleen Novack: Confused, at Best
Apparently Kathleen Novack doesn't know the Wisconsin Constitution.
Either that, or she doesn't give a rotten damn.
So. Either she's over-paid due to stupidity, or over-paid due to violating her oath of office. IOW, she's just another politician.
Either that, or she doesn't give a rotten damn.
So. Either she's over-paid due to stupidity, or over-paid due to violating her oath of office. IOW, she's just another politician.
The Cantor-Obozo Cloward-Pliven Gambit
As soon as Obozo phoned-and-penned amnesty for kids, thousands of them showed up, and are now living (literally) in warehouses near the border.
Cantor (and Paul Ryan, by the way) are co-conspirators.
I wish I could say that they are "unwitting"--that is, stupid--but I'm not sure of that. Maybe Paul Ryan can 'splain it all to Charlie Sykes, eh?
Cantor (and Paul Ryan, by the way) are co-conspirators.
I wish I could say that they are "unwitting"--that is, stupid--but I'm not sure of that. Maybe Paul Ryan can 'splain it all to Charlie Sykes, eh?
How To View These Times
Perhaps by co-incidence, this essay appeared today.
Then again, maybe it's not co-incidence.
The
disciples are warned that they will be hated just as Christ was hated.
They are not, to be sure, to return hatred for hatred. But they are not
forbidden to wonder about the depths of this hatred of the divine being
as it is manifested against them....
All
alternate visions insist that it is in this world. We are our own
instruments in finding or establishing it. The Son and the Father are
actively “hated.” In explaining and showing man what he is, it is
necessary to acknowledge that what is best for us is not what we make
for ourselves. It is what is given to us....
And how is this hatred manifest in our time, or perhaps in any time? It is presented in terms of “rights” and “dignity.” It is utopian in character. It claims to institute social justice and equality. It systematically rejects any stamp of man’s divine origin. What is said to be man’s nature, his need to distinguish, as something already in being, what is good from what is evil, comes to be hated. We must rid ourselves of things in man said to be of divine origin. The state is the instrument not of a common good, but of a transformation of man so that nothing of his ultimate origin or destiny can attain public profession....
...beyond our “sight,” we have “hope.” “Light” has pierced the “darkness.” Yet darkness and hatred, in fact, are freely chosen because many, if not most, reject the work of the Father who is seen in the Son. We refuse this “light” by insisting that we have “rights” to make ourselves as we want to be, not what is really best for us to be....
Many who claim Christianity hate the Father and Son, preferring utopian 'rights' and 'dignity,' which reject nature--that is to say, they reject ontology, to substitute their own. It's not new. Cain, too, hated, and attempted to re-make the world to accord with his own vision. He claimed "dignity" by murdering Abel.
This is the world. Christians who are cognizant are "in it" but not "of it." Woe to those who think and do otherwise.
Then again, maybe it's not co-incidence.
...The
world, I think, does not suffer from a lack of vision. If it suffers
from anything, it is from too many visions that are not true to reality.
I have often wondered about the passage in John’s Gospel that reads:
“To hate me is to hate my Father. Had I not performed such works among
them as no one has ever done before, they would not be guilty of sin;
but, as it is, they have seen, and they go on hating me and my Father”
(15:23-24). No words could be stronger.
...No
one who hates the Son or the Father sees God. What they hate are the
works “performed among them.” These “works” are designed to instruct and
teach men what they are. What we are from the beginning, in nature, is
better for us than any alternative vision we might concoct for ourselves
to explain what we are and what our individual destiny is. In this
sense, we can speak of a “hope beyond its sight.” The premise of
Christian civilization that modern secularism, with ever increasing
urgency and force, is busy ejecting from the public order is this: Final
human happiness is not found in this world.
And how is this hatred manifest in our time, or perhaps in any time? It is presented in terms of “rights” and “dignity.” It is utopian in character. It claims to institute social justice and equality. It systematically rejects any stamp of man’s divine origin. What is said to be man’s nature, his need to distinguish, as something already in being, what is good from what is evil, comes to be hated. We must rid ourselves of things in man said to be of divine origin. The state is the instrument not of a common good, but of a transformation of man so that nothing of his ultimate origin or destiny can attain public profession....
...beyond our “sight,” we have “hope.” “Light” has pierced the “darkness.” Yet darkness and hatred, in fact, are freely chosen because many, if not most, reject the work of the Father who is seen in the Son. We refuse this “light” by insisting that we have “rights” to make ourselves as we want to be, not what is really best for us to be....
Many who claim Christianity hate the Father and Son, preferring utopian 'rights' and 'dignity,' which reject nature--that is to say, they reject ontology, to substitute their own. It's not new. Cain, too, hated, and attempted to re-make the world to accord with his own vision. He claimed "dignity" by murdering Abel.
This is the world. Christians who are cognizant are "in it" but not "of it." Woe to those who think and do otherwise.
Monday, June 09, 2014
Cdl. Dolan, NRTL, and Squishes
It's well-known in the Milwaukee pro-life circles that while he was here, Abp. Dolan cozied up to NRTL--an organization which supports 'exceptions' and is not in tune with Roman Catholic teachings on birth control.
Seems that NRTL has problems with Conservatives in other places.
...More surprising to many conservatives are the endorsements by National Right to Life. NRTL has endorsed Lindsey Graham, Thad Cochran, Mitch McConnell, Pat Roberts and Thom Tillis for Senate in 2014. All of these endorsements are primary endorsements, and these are the only candidates NRTL has endorsed for Senate. In the North Carolina Senate primary, Tillis, who supports abortion exceptions, was opposed by two staunchly pro-life candidates in OB-GYN Greg Brannon and Pastor Mark Harris. NRTL has been taking an moderate stance for a while now, opposing Rep. Justin Amash’s amendment to defund all abortion providers, and kicking out Georgia Right to Life from the national network for being 100% pro-life.
So. What was Abp. Dolan thinking? That being "mostly" pro-life is better than being totally so? Or was he thinking schmooze? We know that Abp. Dolan was completely silent on the abortion-pill legislation (unlike other Wisconsin Bishops.)
Yoo-hoo, Cdl. Dolan!
Seems that NRTL has problems with Conservatives in other places.
...More surprising to many conservatives are the endorsements by National Right to Life. NRTL has endorsed Lindsey Graham, Thad Cochran, Mitch McConnell, Pat Roberts and Thom Tillis for Senate in 2014. All of these endorsements are primary endorsements, and these are the only candidates NRTL has endorsed for Senate. In the North Carolina Senate primary, Tillis, who supports abortion exceptions, was opposed by two staunchly pro-life candidates in OB-GYN Greg Brannon and Pastor Mark Harris. NRTL has been taking an moderate stance for a while now, opposing Rep. Justin Amash’s amendment to defund all abortion providers, and kicking out Georgia Right to Life from the national network for being 100% pro-life.
So. What was Abp. Dolan thinking? That being "mostly" pro-life is better than being totally so? Or was he thinking schmooze? We know that Abp. Dolan was completely silent on the abortion-pill legislation (unlike other Wisconsin Bishops.)
Yoo-hoo, Cdl. Dolan!
Sunday, June 08, 2014
The Ministry of National Thought
Coming soon in ObozoLand!
Argentina’s President Cristina Kirchner has created a new post: secretary for strategic co-ordination of national thought. -- quoted at HotAir
There are problems in Argentina. They might be prelude to problems here.
At the Daily Beast, Joel Kotkin agrees with Bloomberg’s Stephen Carter on the rise of a new McCarthyism, this time imposing penalties for dissent from progressive orthodoxy rather than tolerating debate on a broad range of issues.
This is hardly confined to "academia," although it's worse there.
Argentina’s President Cristina Kirchner has created a new post: secretary for strategic co-ordination of national thought. -- quoted at HotAir
There are problems in Argentina. They might be prelude to problems here.
At the Daily Beast, Joel Kotkin agrees with Bloomberg’s Stephen Carter on the rise of a new McCarthyism, this time imposing penalties for dissent from progressive orthodoxy rather than tolerating debate on a broad range of issues.
This is hardly confined to "academia," although it's worse there.
Saturday, June 07, 2014
Crabb: It's 'Consensus' Which Makes Law
Only 200 years ago, it was 'the laws of nature and nature's God'. Now it's 'consensus.'
Judge Crabb: "In light of Windsor and the many decisions that have invalidated restrictions on same-sex marriage since Windsor, it appears that courts are moving toward a consensus that it is time to embrace full legal equality for gay and lesbian citizens. --quoted from Althouse combox
Opposing gay 'marriage' has never been an argument from religion. It's an argument from natural law, which NO major religion has contradicted in its teachings.
Judge Crabb: "In light of Windsor and the many decisions that have invalidated restrictions on same-sex marriage since Windsor, it appears that courts are moving toward a consensus that it is time to embrace full legal equality for gay and lesbian citizens. --quoted from Althouse combox
Opposing gay 'marriage' has never been an argument from religion. It's an argument from natural law, which NO major religion has contradicted in its teachings.
Da Union Demands Taj Mahal
We've only spent $19 million on the place, but that's not good enough for Da Union. So they have a list of non-negotiable demands, or they won't work in the place.
I'd be happy to tell them that their non-work is accepted immediately and that they may pick up their final paycheck next Friday....but that's just me.
“Cubicles will not be used in the building, each person will have their own office,” the union has demanded. The office walls will be a minimum of 3 inches thick and “insulated with ‘Quiet Batt 30 Soundproofing Insulation.’”
The offices will also be furnished with a desk from the Kathy Ireland Southampton Onyx Collection, have a “Freedom Task Chair with Headrest,” and a 51 inch Samsung television, with a cable package that includes all available news and weather channels.
Common areas will be painted the shade “marine” and all office areas will be painted in the shade “beeswax,” according to the document. The NWSEO also wants all artwork to be from “local artists within a 50 mile radius” of Tuscaloosa and the art is required to have a “water theme.”
Break rooms will also be furnished with Samsung TVs, a refrigerator, stove and oven, microwave, and an eating table that is “at least 18 square feet” as well as “10 Wynwood Garden Walk Arm Chairs.”
The union is also demanding that the break rooms be fully stocked with cleaning supplies before any employee starts working, and the women’s bathrooms be equipped with “personal feminine hygiene supplies.”
Outside, the union is requesting longleaf pine trees, water oaks, and camellias to be planted, and a minimum 100 by 100 foot plot for a “community garden.”--Zippers quoting Free Beacon
I suppose that the heated/cooled underground garage, gourmet dining facility, and game rooms are already in place.
I'd be happy to tell them that their non-work is accepted immediately and that they may pick up their final paycheck next Friday....but that's just me.
“Cubicles will not be used in the building, each person will have their own office,” the union has demanded. The office walls will be a minimum of 3 inches thick and “insulated with ‘Quiet Batt 30 Soundproofing Insulation.’”
The offices will also be furnished with a desk from the Kathy Ireland Southampton Onyx Collection, have a “Freedom Task Chair with Headrest,” and a 51 inch Samsung television, with a cable package that includes all available news and weather channels.
Common areas will be painted the shade “marine” and all office areas will be painted in the shade “beeswax,” according to the document. The NWSEO also wants all artwork to be from “local artists within a 50 mile radius” of Tuscaloosa and the art is required to have a “water theme.”
Break rooms will also be furnished with Samsung TVs, a refrigerator, stove and oven, microwave, and an eating table that is “at least 18 square feet” as well as “10 Wynwood Garden Walk Arm Chairs.”
The union is also demanding that the break rooms be fully stocked with cleaning supplies before any employee starts working, and the women’s bathrooms be equipped with “personal feminine hygiene supplies.”
Outside, the union is requesting longleaf pine trees, water oaks, and camellias to be planted, and a minimum 100 by 100 foot plot for a “community garden.”--Zippers quoting Free Beacon
I suppose that the heated/cooled underground garage, gourmet dining facility, and game rooms are already in place.
Stephen Moore Van Winkle Awakens
Stephen Moore is a respectable guy, who admits to having been comatose for the last several years:
Everywhere I go around the country — whether talking to financial advisers, business leaders, tea-party groups, or college students — I am almost always asked the same question: Is Barack Obama intentionally trying to destroy the economy? And for five and a half years, I’ve always flatly rejected that notion. This is a good man with the right intentions; it’s just that he has completely the wrong economic model floating around in his head.
Note well that 'everywhere' has the question. I don't know where Moore lives, but if one guesses DC-area...
Anyhow, he finally caught on to what 'everywhere' has known for 5 years.
After Monday’s announcement of imbecilic and destructive new carbon-emission standards, I’m not so sure that the White House is well-meaning or that this president really cares about the working men and women of this country. These regulations on energy use and carbon dioxide emissions will be a severe self-imposed wound to an economy already stuck in a slow-growth rut.
As though killing oil/gas exploration, flooding the country with low-skill/no-skill immigrants (but CHEAP, hey!!!), tax dis-incentives, and the crown jewel of Socialism--ObozoCare--wasn't enough, Stephen?
Shall we mention the psychological/economic effects of Rogue-Lawless executive actions, Rogue-Lawless A.G., HHS, and F.H.A. activities, and direct persecution of political opponents, Stephen??
How about Federal land-grabbing, Stephen?
Want some coffee for your awakening? We might be able to scrape up a buck or two to buy one for ya.
Everywhere I go around the country — whether talking to financial advisers, business leaders, tea-party groups, or college students — I am almost always asked the same question: Is Barack Obama intentionally trying to destroy the economy? And for five and a half years, I’ve always flatly rejected that notion. This is a good man with the right intentions; it’s just that he has completely the wrong economic model floating around in his head.
Note well that 'everywhere' has the question. I don't know where Moore lives, but if one guesses DC-area...
Anyhow, he finally caught on to what 'everywhere' has known for 5 years.
After Monday’s announcement of imbecilic and destructive new carbon-emission standards, I’m not so sure that the White House is well-meaning or that this president really cares about the working men and women of this country. These regulations on energy use and carbon dioxide emissions will be a severe self-imposed wound to an economy already stuck in a slow-growth rut.
As though killing oil/gas exploration, flooding the country with low-skill/no-skill immigrants (but CHEAP, hey!!!), tax dis-incentives, and the crown jewel of Socialism--ObozoCare--wasn't enough, Stephen?
Shall we mention the psychological/economic effects of Rogue-Lawless executive actions, Rogue-Lawless A.G., HHS, and F.H.A. activities, and direct persecution of political opponents, Stephen??
How about Federal land-grabbing, Stephen?
Want some coffee for your awakening? We might be able to scrape up a buck or two to buy one for ya.
Friday, June 06, 2014
Crabb: Boring
The sun rises in the East, and Barbara Crabb attempts to over-rule the Wisconsin Constitution.
A federal judge in Madison Friday overturned Wisconsin's gay marriage ban, striking down an amendment to the state constitution approved overwhelmingly by voters in 2006 and prompting an emergency action by the state to halt the dozens of joyous weddings that began in the state's two largest cities.
Ho-hum.
Ms. Crabb could have also ordered the sun to rise in the West, because that "East" thing is obviously discriminatory. After all, what's the law of nature to a Federal judge post-Roe?
A federal judge in Madison Friday overturned Wisconsin's gay marriage ban, striking down an amendment to the state constitution approved overwhelmingly by voters in 2006 and prompting an emergency action by the state to halt the dozens of joyous weddings that began in the state's two largest cities.
Ho-hum.
Ms. Crabb could have also ordered the sun to rise in the West, because that "East" thing is obviously discriminatory. After all, what's the law of nature to a Federal judge post-Roe?
Mandated Surveillance?
It's not called a "tax." But it's a city-required expense. Hmmmm.
The Chippewa Falls Police Department is pushing for an ordinance requiring all tavern owners in the city to pay for and set up surveillance cameras at their establishments because some law enforcement officials think the devices could help solve more crimes.
...if a bar owner were to violate the proposed law, which would allow police to obtain video footage at any time, they could lose their liquor license and be shut down.
Charming. What you don't see, however, until the very end of the story, is this:
The city also has a similar ordinance that applies to grocery and liquor stores.
Looks like an expensive town in which to do business.
The Chippewa Falls Police Department is pushing for an ordinance requiring all tavern owners in the city to pay for and set up surveillance cameras at their establishments because some law enforcement officials think the devices could help solve more crimes.
...if a bar owner were to violate the proposed law, which would allow police to obtain video footage at any time, they could lose their liquor license and be shut down.
Charming. What you don't see, however, until the very end of the story, is this:
The city also has a similar ordinance that applies to grocery and liquor stores.
Looks like an expensive town in which to do business.
Wednesday, June 04, 2014
The Bergdahl Maneuver
Trenchant comment on the Seditionist-in-Chief and his cabal:
I think this [reaction to the Bergdahl Maneuver] caught the regime by surprise because to them, personally, being a deserter in the face of the enemy is something that they think is no big deal, an action that they sympathize with, since they are themselves domestic enemies of the Constitution and have always identified their own country -- and the rest of us non-enlightened, unwashed citizens resistant to their Mandarin class -- as the enemy.
Indeed.
I think this [reaction to the Bergdahl Maneuver] caught the regime by surprise because to them, personally, being a deserter in the face of the enemy is something that they think is no big deal, an action that they sympathize with, since they are themselves domestic enemies of the Constitution and have always identified their own country -- and the rest of us non-enlightened, unwashed citizens resistant to their Mandarin class -- as the enemy.
Indeed.
The Voice Crying Out
This anonymous essay says it all.
The essayist is the voice in the wilderness, of course; and it speaks to the Therapeutic Society's most ....ahhhh....devilish problem: its utter relativity, which simply becomes irrelevant in the face of Evil.
Not that we haven't been warned before.
The essayist is the voice in the wilderness, of course; and it speaks to the Therapeutic Society's most ....ahhhh....devilish problem: its utter relativity, which simply becomes irrelevant in the face of Evil.
Not that we haven't been warned before.
Islam's Glorious Past
The five which Obozo dumped back into combat come from a line of glorious conquerors.
The enormity of the slaughters of the "religion of peace" are so far beyond comprehension that even honest historians overlook the scale. When one looks beyond our myopic focus, Islam is the greatest killing machine in the history of mankind, bar none.
About 80 million killed in the Muzzie takeover of India; around 100 million African blacks killed in the Muzzie slave-trade, and we're not clear on the dead Iberians.
Hitler stood in awe.
HT: ColdFury
The enormity of the slaughters of the "religion of peace" are so far beyond comprehension that even honest historians overlook the scale. When one looks beyond our myopic focus, Islam is the greatest killing machine in the history of mankind, bar none.
About 80 million killed in the Muzzie takeover of India; around 100 million African blacks killed in the Muzzie slave-trade, and we're not clear on the dead Iberians.
Hitler stood in awe.
HT: ColdFury
The Eyes of Holder
This falls right into line with NSA, Choke-Point, and ObozoCare's "medical terror" spying.
The United States is reviving a law enforcement group to investigate those it designates as domestic terrorists, the Department of Justice announced Tuesday....
The United States is reviving a law enforcement group to investigate those it designates as domestic terrorists, the Department of Justice announced Tuesday....
The Department of Justice will
reconstitute a task force that was originally formed after the 1995
Oklahoma City bombing but dissolved after the Sept. 11, 2001 hijacked
plane attacks as law enforcement agencies focused on threats from
militants abroad. --Captain quoting Reuters
Shouldn't be too hard to track Bill Ayers and his close associates from Chicago, right??
More Obozoism: Mel Watt
Seems that the Director of the Fed Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has a serious case of Obozoism, which is, essentially, "Not My Job". Fortunately, Watt's Obozoism won't cost lives, like Benghazi or deserter-rescues.
But it will cost Americans a lot.
As voices across the ideological spectrum have come to recognize the need for serious reform of our housing finance system with a greater role for private capital, the nation’s top housing regulator made an unfortunate revelation. A revelation which points to the difficult path for serious housing reform. Mel Watt, newly installed Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) director and top regulator of mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, says that reforming the unfair housing finance system and protecting property rights is not part of his job description.
“My responsibility in the conservatorship is not to the shareholders, really. So I don’t lay awake at night worrying about what’s fair to the shareholders,” Watt said in a recent interview on C-SPAN’s “Newsmakers”....
Well, it's only money, after all.
But it will cost Americans a lot.
As voices across the ideological spectrum have come to recognize the need for serious reform of our housing finance system with a greater role for private capital, the nation’s top housing regulator made an unfortunate revelation. A revelation which points to the difficult path for serious housing reform. Mel Watt, newly installed Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) director and top regulator of mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, says that reforming the unfair housing finance system and protecting property rights is not part of his job description.
“My responsibility in the conservatorship is not to the shareholders, really. So I don’t lay awake at night worrying about what’s fair to the shareholders,” Watt said in a recent interview on C-SPAN’s “Newsmakers”....
Well, it's only money, after all.
ObozoCare Elevator, You Get the Shaft
And away we go!!
....Insurers are upping premiums for all Obamacare exchange customers in Vermont, which is working its way to a single-payer health-care system to encompass the whole state by 2017. MVP Health Care has requested an average rate increase of 15.4 percent, while the only other insurer, Blue Cross Blue Shield, requested average hikes of 9.8 percent....
...While not all Arizona’s Obamacare insurers have submitted proposals, two top insurers are planning to up rates drastically: Cigna proposed average premium hikes of 14.4 percent and Humana requested a 25.5 percent boost....
...[In Connecticut] Anthem Health Plans requested a 12.5 percent average increase, affecting 66,000 individual health care policies; ConnectiCare Benefits has proposed an 11.8 percent average rate increase
BONUS!!! Those increases will be identical to the COST OF ELECTRICITY increases in Wisconsin beginning 2015 due to Obozo--who still thinks that the pen is mightier than the sword.
....Insurers are upping premiums for all Obamacare exchange customers in Vermont, which is working its way to a single-payer health-care system to encompass the whole state by 2017. MVP Health Care has requested an average rate increase of 15.4 percent, while the only other insurer, Blue Cross Blue Shield, requested average hikes of 9.8 percent....
...While not all Arizona’s Obamacare insurers have submitted proposals, two top insurers are planning to up rates drastically: Cigna proposed average premium hikes of 14.4 percent and Humana requested a 25.5 percent boost....
...[In Connecticut] Anthem Health Plans requested a 12.5 percent average increase, affecting 66,000 individual health care policies; ConnectiCare Benefits has proposed an 11.8 percent average rate increase
BONUS!!! Those increases will be identical to the COST OF ELECTRICITY increases in Wisconsin beginning 2015 due to Obozo--who still thinks that the pen is mightier than the sword.
Sunday, June 01, 2014
Yes? No? Walker Campaign Settlement
While the WSJournal reports one thing, Walker says another.
Gov. Scott Walker said Friday that he won't back away from key allies amid a continuing secret John Doe investigation.
Walker also expressed surprise with a recent Wall Street Journal editorial that criticized alleged settlement talks between the Walker campaign and special prosecutor Francis Schmitz.
"I'm certainly not going to undermine people who share my same beliefs and I'm certainly not going to undermine anyone's First Amendment rights. I'm frankly kind of shocked for anyone to suggest that," Walker said...--Thinker quoting MJS
The suggestion from some parties is that Schmitz (et.al.) initiated the discussion of "settlement" to protect themselves from a complete disaster. The civil-liability potential remains quite high here.
But how, exactly, the Walker campaign can "settle" when the conservative-group leadership is in position to sue the prosecutors (and possibly GAB) remains to be seen.
Gov. Scott Walker said Friday that he won't back away from key allies amid a continuing secret John Doe investigation.
Walker also expressed surprise with a recent Wall Street Journal editorial that criticized alleged settlement talks between the Walker campaign and special prosecutor Francis Schmitz.
"I'm certainly not going to undermine people who share my same beliefs and I'm certainly not going to undermine anyone's First Amendment rights. I'm frankly kind of shocked for anyone to suggest that," Walker said...--Thinker quoting MJS
The suggestion from some parties is that Schmitz (et.al.) initiated the discussion of "settlement" to protect themselves from a complete disaster. The civil-liability potential remains quite high here.
But how, exactly, the Walker campaign can "settle" when the conservative-group leadership is in position to sue the prosecutors (and possibly GAB) remains to be seen.
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Big Government Brother, Part Three
We finally have Big Brother!
In the name of "national security," NSA collects all the phone calls and emails, and ObozoCare will be collecting all your medical information.
To complete the trifecta, another agency (not subject to Congressional budgeting) will be collecting all your financial and demographic data if you've had a mortgage at any time in the last 16 years.
The Federal Housing Finance Agency and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau posted an April 16 Federal Register notice of an expansion of their joint National Mortgage Database Program to include personally identifiable information that reveals actual users, a reversal of previously stated policy.
But that's not all.
... under the April register notice, the database expansion means it will include a host of data points, including a mortgage owner’s name, address, Social Security number, all credit card and other loan information and account balances.
The database will also encompass a mortgage holder’s entire credit history, including delinquent payments, late payments, minimum payments, high account balances and credit scores, according to the notice.
The two agencies will also assemble “household demographic data,” including racial and ethnic data, gender, marital status, religion, education, employment history, military status, household composition, the number of wage earners and a family’s total wealth and assets.
So, comrade, all that remains is for Big Government to monitor every word you say to anyone, at any time, in any place.
In the name of "national security," NSA collects all the phone calls and emails, and ObozoCare will be collecting all your medical information.
To complete the trifecta, another agency (not subject to Congressional budgeting) will be collecting all your financial and demographic data if you've had a mortgage at any time in the last 16 years.
The Federal Housing Finance Agency and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau posted an April 16 Federal Register notice of an expansion of their joint National Mortgage Database Program to include personally identifiable information that reveals actual users, a reversal of previously stated policy.
But that's not all.
... under the April register notice, the database expansion means it will include a host of data points, including a mortgage owner’s name, address, Social Security number, all credit card and other loan information and account balances.
The database will also encompass a mortgage holder’s entire credit history, including delinquent payments, late payments, minimum payments, high account balances and credit scores, according to the notice.
The two agencies will also assemble “household demographic data,” including racial and ethnic data, gender, marital status, religion, education, employment history, military status, household composition, the number of wage earners and a family’s total wealth and assets.
So, comrade, all that remains is for Big Government to monitor every word you say to anyone, at any time, in any place.
Thursday, May 29, 2014
What Epic Systems REALLY Does: Spy on You!
If you're not living in a cave, you know that ObozoCare is a gold-mine for IT systems providers, especially if they have current installations in hospitals and clinics. You also know that people who know what the system-requirements are going to be will do very well, indeed, when the bids are let.
So yah, Epic Systems had a large installed base in health-care institutions, and yah, their CEO was in Obozo's office quite a few times before the "law of the land" was cast in stone.
Humdrum, right? Crony capitalism is not new.
Well, some of this crony-ism IS new, and you won't like it.
A very broad government biosurveillance plan that makes your health records a matter of “national security” showed up on my radar today. It opens the door leading to the government having near-real-time access to monitor your health....the reason we might not have heard much about this “sneaky biosurveillance plan that will track American’s health records” is because the 50-page departmental draft (pdf) states, “Do not cite or quote.”
Hmmmm.
It’s regarded as national security, meaning in the same way NSA surveillance was a secret until the Snowden leaks, you won’t even know how your health is being spied upon and shared with others. The 2015-2018 National Health Security Strategy (NHSS) (pdf) will keep track of and share information about not just sick people and sick animals, but even sick plants.
“The information collected by the government will be ‘all-encompassing’ and include ‘what our health status is, whether we exercise, how often we get a cold, or what kind of medications we’re taking,” according to the Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF).
And how do you s'pose it will be tracked? Epic Systems' software.
“Officials want a ‘near-real-time’ reporting requirement for electronic data systems. What is a ‘health threat’ or ‘incident’ that could jeopardize our ‘national health security?’ The Strategy says these could include terrorist activities, antibiotic resistance, climate change or subjects surrounding the economic environment. In other words, anything and everything could become a health threat by the government’s standards.”
So. What, exactly, will be tracked by the Ruling Class?
...The draft proposal (pdf) claims NHSS will create “health situational awareness” made up from “many types of health-related and non-health-related data.” A graphic illustration of inputs to health situational awareness includes: non-health sources like informatics, supply chain, energy, environment, event driven, media, social determinants, transportation services, active intelligence and veterinary. Examples of health-related sources include: morbidity and mortality, lab/diagnostics, social service utilization, disease prevalence, health service utilization, public health investigation and response asset data. All of the above are merely part of the big picture, or “examples” of what data feeds into the “biosurveillance” portion of public health and medical situational awareness.
And what does the Ruling Class call this?
...Brase warns that the “government’s biosurveillance plan is much more intrusive than the data collection currently being done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).” It “talks about the need for the ‘examination of data from electronic medical records’ and calls for ‘cooperation among federal and non-federal stakeholders, including the scientific community and public and private healthcare providers ... to achieve an efficient and reliable surveillance system.”
But the (R) Party doesn't want to repeal ObozoCare. They want to "fix" it, instead.
You can bet that the 'efficient and reliable surveillance system' will not be "fixed.', folks.
So yah, Epic Systems had a large installed base in health-care institutions, and yah, their CEO was in Obozo's office quite a few times before the "law of the land" was cast in stone.
Humdrum, right? Crony capitalism is not new.
Well, some of this crony-ism IS new, and you won't like it.
A very broad government biosurveillance plan that makes your health records a matter of “national security” showed up on my radar today. It opens the door leading to the government having near-real-time access to monitor your health....the reason we might not have heard much about this “sneaky biosurveillance plan that will track American’s health records” is because the 50-page departmental draft (pdf) states, “Do not cite or quote.”
Hmmmm.
It’s regarded as national security, meaning in the same way NSA surveillance was a secret until the Snowden leaks, you won’t even know how your health is being spied upon and shared with others. The 2015-2018 National Health Security Strategy (NHSS) (pdf) will keep track of and share information about not just sick people and sick animals, but even sick plants.
“The information collected by the government will be ‘all-encompassing’ and include ‘what our health status is, whether we exercise, how often we get a cold, or what kind of medications we’re taking,” according to the Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF).
And how do you s'pose it will be tracked? Epic Systems' software.
“Officials want a ‘near-real-time’ reporting requirement for electronic data systems. What is a ‘health threat’ or ‘incident’ that could jeopardize our ‘national health security?’ The Strategy says these could include terrorist activities, antibiotic resistance, climate change or subjects surrounding the economic environment. In other words, anything and everything could become a health threat by the government’s standards.”
So. What, exactly, will be tracked by the Ruling Class?
...The draft proposal (pdf) claims NHSS will create “health situational awareness” made up from “many types of health-related and non-health-related data.” A graphic illustration of inputs to health situational awareness includes: non-health sources like informatics, supply chain, energy, environment, event driven, media, social determinants, transportation services, active intelligence and veterinary. Examples of health-related sources include: morbidity and mortality, lab/diagnostics, social service utilization, disease prevalence, health service utilization, public health investigation and response asset data. All of the above are merely part of the big picture, or “examples” of what data feeds into the “biosurveillance” portion of public health and medical situational awareness.
And what does the Ruling Class call this?
...Brase warns that the “government’s biosurveillance plan is much more intrusive than the data collection currently being done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).” It “talks about the need for the ‘examination of data from electronic medical records’ and calls for ‘cooperation among federal and non-federal stakeholders, including the scientific community and public and private healthcare providers ... to achieve an efficient and reliable surveillance system.”
But the (R) Party doesn't want to repeal ObozoCare. They want to "fix" it, instead.
You can bet that the 'efficient and reliable surveillance system' will not be "fixed.', folks.
The Real Perps in Milwaukee
Couldn't have said it better.
Of particular interest: Chisholm, the politically craven cluck, and DiMotto, who's even dumber.
HT: The Invaluable Sykes & Co.
Of particular interest: Chisholm, the politically craven cluck, and DiMotto, who's even dumber.
HT: The Invaluable Sykes & Co.
The Big Boys Got What They Wanted, and....
....it bit them in the ass. Couldn't happen to a nicer bunch, either.
Corporate America was an early supporter of Obamacare, because CEOs thought they could “game the system” by dumping their sickest workers onto state and federal healthcare exchanges that are often subsidized by taxpayers. But in an unexpected financially important ruling, the Internal Revenue Service just notifed employers they will be subject to a tax penalty of $100 a day — or $36,500 a year — for each employee who goes into the individual exchange....
The Business Roundtable boyzzzz were perfectly happy to dump their obligations onto taxpayers.
Too bad.
Corporate America was an early supporter of Obamacare, because CEOs thought they could “game the system” by dumping their sickest workers onto state and federal healthcare exchanges that are often subsidized by taxpayers. But in an unexpected financially important ruling, the Internal Revenue Service just notifed employers they will be subject to a tax penalty of $100 a day — or $36,500 a year — for each employee who goes into the individual exchange....
The Business Roundtable boyzzzz were perfectly happy to dump their obligations onto taxpayers.
Too bad.
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Walker to "Settle"? It Fits
Apparently Scott Walker wants to "settle" with the John Doe kleagles. While much remains to be learned about this "settlement," the legal beagle for the targets of the Doe is very unhappy.
...David B. Rivkin Jr., lead attorney for Eric O’Keefe and the Wisconsin Club for Growth, who are taking on the John Doe prosecutors in a civil rights lawsuit, had much to say on the reported potential deal — and the environment in which it may be created.
...David B. Rivkin Jr., lead attorney for Eric O’Keefe and the Wisconsin Club for Growth, who are taking on the John Doe prosecutors in a civil rights lawsuit, had much to say on the reported potential deal — and the environment in which it may be created.
Rivkin takes aim at the notion by the left and the prosecutors
pushing the probe that Walker’s campaign and the reported 29
conservative groups targeted in the investigation have illegally
coordinated.
"Self-appointed campaign-finance 'watchdogs’ act as if the
Wisconsin Club for Growth is a proxy for the Walker campaign. They and
the John Doe prosecutors assume issue advocacy groups are in cahoots
with candidates whose policies they may support and, for that reason,
those groups’ speech may be regulated by the government and even subject
to criminal penalties. But reporting in today’s Wall Street Journal
explodes that myth," Rivkin wrote in a statement issued to Wisconsin
Reporter....
We mentioned earlier that Capitol rumors have it that Walker quashed the pro-life bills in the State Senate (i.e., he told Fitzgerald to shut them down) for his own political purposes.
Principles, schminciples. We have an election to worry about!
Like I Said: Buy More Ammo!
In these days, it came to pass that the Emperor got worried.
A 2010 Pentagon directive on military support to civilian authorities details what critics say is a troubling policy that envisions the Obama administration’s potential use of military force against Americans.
... Directive No. 3025.18, “Defense Support of Civil Authorities,” was issued Dec. 29, 2010, and states that U.S. commanders “are provided emergency authority under this directive.”
“Federal military forces shall not be used to quell civil disturbances unless specifically authorized by the president in accordance with applicable law or permitted under emergency authority,” the directive states.
“In these circumstances, those federal military commanders have the authority, in extraordinary emergency circumstances where prior authorization by the president is impossible and duly constituted local authorities are unable to control the situation, to engage temporarily in activities that are necessary to quell large-scale, unexpected civil disturbances” under two conditions.
The conditions include military support needed “to prevent significant loss of life or wanton destruction of property and are necessary to restore governmental function and public order.” A second use is when federal, state and local authorities “are unable or decline to provide adequate protection for federal property or federal governmental functions.”
Hmmmm. 'State authorities....decline to provide adequate protection for [the Feds]'? WHY would THAT happen, eh?
Oh, I know!! I know!!
....A U.S. official said the Obama administration considered but rejected deploying military force under the directive during the recent standoff with Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy and his armed supporters....
Yes, there's more. PajamaBoy President needs a large Palace Guard, ya'know:
Defense analysts say there has been a buildup of military units within non-security-related federal agencies, notably the creation of Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams. The buildup has raised questions about whether the Obama administration is undermining civil liberties under the guise of counterterrorism and counternarcotics efforts.
Other agencies with SWAT teams reportedly include the Department of Agriculture, the Railroad Retirement Board, the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Office of Personnel Management, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Education Department.
Ag SWAT for Killer Chickens, OPM SWAT for ???, CPSC SWAT for Drug-Crazed Davenports, Ed SWAT for Killer Kindergartners. Ya' never know when the little bastards will haul out their SuperSoakers to attack the Fed Ed 'crats.
Right?
Or, as we're reminded by ColdFury, that Manufacturing Rebellion is just around the corner.
HT: Zippers
A 2010 Pentagon directive on military support to civilian authorities details what critics say is a troubling policy that envisions the Obama administration’s potential use of military force against Americans.
... Directive No. 3025.18, “Defense Support of Civil Authorities,” was issued Dec. 29, 2010, and states that U.S. commanders “are provided emergency authority under this directive.”
“Federal military forces shall not be used to quell civil disturbances unless specifically authorized by the president in accordance with applicable law or permitted under emergency authority,” the directive states.
“In these circumstances, those federal military commanders have the authority, in extraordinary emergency circumstances where prior authorization by the president is impossible and duly constituted local authorities are unable to control the situation, to engage temporarily in activities that are necessary to quell large-scale, unexpected civil disturbances” under two conditions.
The conditions include military support needed “to prevent significant loss of life or wanton destruction of property and are necessary to restore governmental function and public order.” A second use is when federal, state and local authorities “are unable or decline to provide adequate protection for federal property or federal governmental functions.”
Hmmmm. 'State authorities....decline to provide adequate protection for [the Feds]'? WHY would THAT happen, eh?
Oh, I know!! I know!!
....A U.S. official said the Obama administration considered but rejected deploying military force under the directive during the recent standoff with Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy and his armed supporters....
Yes, there's more. PajamaBoy President needs a large Palace Guard, ya'know:
Defense analysts say there has been a buildup of military units within non-security-related federal agencies, notably the creation of Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams. The buildup has raised questions about whether the Obama administration is undermining civil liberties under the guise of counterterrorism and counternarcotics efforts.
Other agencies with SWAT teams reportedly include the Department of Agriculture, the Railroad Retirement Board, the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Office of Personnel Management, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Education Department.
Ag SWAT for Killer Chickens, OPM SWAT for ???, CPSC SWAT for Drug-Crazed Davenports, Ed SWAT for Killer Kindergartners. Ya' never know when the little bastards will haul out their SuperSoakers to attack the Fed Ed 'crats.
Right?
Or, as we're reminded by ColdFury, that Manufacturing Rebellion is just around the corner.
HT: Zippers
Monday, May 26, 2014
One Shooter Nabbed; Courts Indicted
The Milwaukee cops nabbed one of the two shooters who shot a 10-y-o girl at a playground.
..Flynn said the 18-year-old man they have in custody has been arrested by Milwaukee police 15 times previously and was on probation. ...
The criminal justice system, hard at work for you!!
..Flynn said the 18-year-old man they have in custody has been arrested by Milwaukee police 15 times previously and was on probation. ...
The criminal justice system, hard at work for you!!
The Unfathomable Stupidity of Obozo & Co.
I suppose that it's "unfathomable stupidity" rather than intentional mayhem against the Republic.
Right?
Right?
Santa Barbara: Koch Brothers!!
Harry Reid will tell us that the Santa Barbara murders were caused by the Koch Brothers.
Al Gore will assign blame to Climate Change.
Our DipsyDoodle President will mention immigration policy.
Al Gore will assign blame to Climate Change.
Our DipsyDoodle President will mention immigration policy.
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Image Is All
Apparently the (D) (short for duhhh) party is pushing a new image for Obozo.
Here's the one I think fits best:
Yup. Excellent representation of the subject, with complete fidelity, too!!
HT: PJMedia
Here's the one I think fits best:
Yup. Excellent representation of the subject, with complete fidelity, too!!
HT: PJMedia
Buy More Ammo, With CASH Only
GWBush initiative (Operation SWIFT) becomes Obozo/Holder dream scenario.
In June 2006, the New York Times, over strident pleas not to from the Bush 43 administration, published details of how counterterrorism officials were “tracing transactions of people suspected of having ties to Al Qaeda by reviewing records from the nerve center of the global banking industry.” According to the administration, the program had “helped in the capture of the most wanted Qaeda figure in Southeast Asia.” Other outlets like the Wall Street Journal and the Los Angeles Times, which were apparently on the brink of breaking what the Times reported first, also chipped in with their own supplements. The stories received prominent network TV coverage, and reinforced the image of the Bush administration as secretive and far less than transparent....
Well, yah--because as far as the GWB ops went, 'secretive' was--arguably--a national security imperative.
But just like with the "Patriot Act", good intentions are easily corrupted, especially when corrupt people are regnant. Not by co-incidence, sloppy Congressional law-writing in combination with the Congressional habit of turning all decisionmaking over to the Agencies and Bureaus will invariably result in Bad Things--specifically, Totalitarianism.
...why has the press been barely interested in a far more troubling development, namely Eric Holder’s U.S. Department of Justice using pressure on the financial system to conduct “a massive government overreach into private businesses that are operating within the law,” which has been going on for at least a year? Welcome to “Operation Choke Point.”
The Press never got off its knees in the last 6 years, that's why.
(Quoting American Banker):
On March 20, 2013, federal prosecutor Michael Bresnick gave a little-noticed speech to the Exchequer Club in Washington in which he said that that (the) Justice Department planned to crack down on banks that allowed online scammers to access the payments system. “Sadly, what we’ve seen is that too many banks allow payment processors to continue to maintain accounts within their institutions, despite the presence of glaring red flags indicative of fraud,” said Bresnick,
So far, not all bad. 'Scammers' are evil, right? Your Granny (and your kids) can be ripped off.
...In recent months, Operation Choke Point has increasingly become a political football. Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., who chairs the House Oversight Committee, wrote to Attorney General Eric Holder in January, requesting a slew of documents and suggesting that the probe was a veiled effort to eliminate even legal online lending. Around the same time, an anonymous online campaign, “Stop the Choke,” sought to persuade conservative lawmakers to attack Justice’s investigation. Then in February, Rep. Elijah Cummings of Maryland, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, and 12 other congressional Democrats wrote to Holder urging the Justice Department not to cave in the face of Republican opposition....
DOJ is essentially employing a variant of the tactics former New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer used against mutual fund companies last decade: threatening to smear them in the business community and otherwise make their lives miserable unless they settle....
Yah. So?
...There are two problems with this position....
The first is that DOJ doesn’t have the constitutional authority to go after businesses whose illegality has not been established by threatening their bank and financial services providers with legal sanctions and regulatory harassment if they don’t participate in the persecution. There are these things called laws which must be passed to declare certain financial practices and contracts illegal. That hasn’t happened. Short of that, there at least need to be court rulings having the same effect. There is apparently no evidence that DOJ has involved the courts at all.
Yup. This is now. Granted, "the law" never had a close nexus with Obozism/Holderism. And sure enough, when corrupt people get their hands on 'good intentions,' things go directly to Totalitarianism.
(Now quoting Cryptocoin, with link to FDIC website embedded.)
The DOJ is targeting 30 high-risk industries, as labeled by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) in 2011, in a report titled “Managing Risks in Third-Party Payment Processor Relationships.”
The FDIC’s list of 30 high-risk merchant categories that are currently being pursued by the DOJ.
Now quoting "Techdirt":
Let’s not mince words: a program that was built upon the goals of stopping financial fraud has devolved into a massive government overreach into private businesses that are operating within the law. … The intention of the government, it would seem, is to make the banks unwilling to deal with the government harassment and simply cut anyone in those industries off from the financial institutions. Nobody is happy about this....
The federal government is lording over legal industries operating within their respective states’ laws and single-handedly directing banking institutions to cut their legs out from beneath them. … It represents a violation of a free and legal marketplace by a government that has as much moral authority as can fit in a thimble.
… This should be terrifying to business owners in every industry. Sure, this time they’re going after some companies that you may not like, be they porn, or payday lenders, or people making racist materials, tobacco, or fireworks. But if those industries are operating within the law, they have the right to exist. The law is the only measure by which the DOJ should be invoking banking policy....
It's not a stretch to say that within 2 years, you will be paying cash-only for guns and ammo--assuming you can find a retailer that's still operating.
So who gives a s*&^ about the Second Amendment (or the Fourth, or Fifth)? Not Obozo/Holder.
In June 2006, the New York Times, over strident pleas not to from the Bush 43 administration, published details of how counterterrorism officials were “tracing transactions of people suspected of having ties to Al Qaeda by reviewing records from the nerve center of the global banking industry.” According to the administration, the program had “helped in the capture of the most wanted Qaeda figure in Southeast Asia.” Other outlets like the Wall Street Journal and the Los Angeles Times, which were apparently on the brink of breaking what the Times reported first, also chipped in with their own supplements. The stories received prominent network TV coverage, and reinforced the image of the Bush administration as secretive and far less than transparent....
Well, yah--because as far as the GWB ops went, 'secretive' was--arguably--a national security imperative.
But just like with the "Patriot Act", good intentions are easily corrupted, especially when corrupt people are regnant. Not by co-incidence, sloppy Congressional law-writing in combination with the Congressional habit of turning all decisionmaking over to the Agencies and Bureaus will invariably result in Bad Things--specifically, Totalitarianism.
...why has the press been barely interested in a far more troubling development, namely Eric Holder’s U.S. Department of Justice using pressure on the financial system to conduct “a massive government overreach into private businesses that are operating within the law,” which has been going on for at least a year? Welcome to “Operation Choke Point.”
The Press never got off its knees in the last 6 years, that's why.
(Quoting American Banker):
On March 20, 2013, federal prosecutor Michael Bresnick gave a little-noticed speech to the Exchequer Club in Washington in which he said that that (the) Justice Department planned to crack down on banks that allowed online scammers to access the payments system. “Sadly, what we’ve seen is that too many banks allow payment processors to continue to maintain accounts within their institutions, despite the presence of glaring red flags indicative of fraud,” said Bresnick,
So far, not all bad. 'Scammers' are evil, right? Your Granny (and your kids) can be ripped off.
...In recent months, Operation Choke Point has increasingly become a political football. Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., who chairs the House Oversight Committee, wrote to Attorney General Eric Holder in January, requesting a slew of documents and suggesting that the probe was a veiled effort to eliminate even legal online lending. Around the same time, an anonymous online campaign, “Stop the Choke,” sought to persuade conservative lawmakers to attack Justice’s investigation. Then in February, Rep. Elijah Cummings of Maryland, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, and 12 other congressional Democrats wrote to Holder urging the Justice Department not to cave in the face of Republican opposition....
DOJ is essentially employing a variant of the tactics former New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer used against mutual fund companies last decade: threatening to smear them in the business community and otherwise make their lives miserable unless they settle....
Yah. So?
...There are two problems with this position....
The first is that DOJ doesn’t have the constitutional authority to go after businesses whose illegality has not been established by threatening their bank and financial services providers with legal sanctions and regulatory harassment if they don’t participate in the persecution. There are these things called laws which must be passed to declare certain financial practices and contracts illegal. That hasn’t happened. Short of that, there at least need to be court rulings having the same effect. There is apparently no evidence that DOJ has involved the courts at all.
Yup. This is now. Granted, "the law" never had a close nexus with Obozism/Holderism. And sure enough, when corrupt people get their hands on 'good intentions,' things go directly to Totalitarianism.
(Now quoting Cryptocoin, with link to FDIC website embedded.)
The DOJ is targeting 30 high-risk industries, as labeled by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) in 2011, in a report titled “Managing Risks in Third-Party Payment Processor Relationships.”
The FDIC’s list of 30 high-risk merchant categories that are currently being pursued by the DOJ.
Ammunition SalesThe red-highlighted items are not necessarily "illegal" businesses. Some may be extremely distasteful, some are abusive, and certainly, every one of the operations on this list (red OR blue) could be run by criminals. But that's not the point.
Cable Box De-scramblers
Coin Dealers
Credit Card Schemes
Credit Repair Services
Dating Services
Debt Consolidation Scams
Drug Paraphernalia
Escort Services
Firearms Sales
Fireworks Sales
Get Rich Products
Government Grants
Home-Based Charities
Life-Time Guarantees
Life-Time Memberships
Lottery Sales
Mailing Lists/Personal Info
Money Transfer Networks
On-line Gambling
PayDay Loans
Pharmaceutical Sales
Ponzi Schemes
Pornography
Pyramid-Type Sales
Racist Materials
Surveillance Equipment
Telemarketing
Tobacco Sales
Travel Clubs
Now quoting "Techdirt":
Let’s not mince words: a program that was built upon the goals of stopping financial fraud has devolved into a massive government overreach into private businesses that are operating within the law. … The intention of the government, it would seem, is to make the banks unwilling to deal with the government harassment and simply cut anyone in those industries off from the financial institutions. Nobody is happy about this....
The federal government is lording over legal industries operating within their respective states’ laws and single-handedly directing banking institutions to cut their legs out from beneath them. … It represents a violation of a free and legal marketplace by a government that has as much moral authority as can fit in a thimble.
… This should be terrifying to business owners in every industry. Sure, this time they’re going after some companies that you may not like, be they porn, or payday lenders, or people making racist materials, tobacco, or fireworks. But if those industries are operating within the law, they have the right to exist. The law is the only measure by which the DOJ should be invoking banking policy....
It's not a stretch to say that within 2 years, you will be paying cash-only for guns and ammo--assuming you can find a retailer that's still operating.
So who gives a s*&^ about the Second Amendment (or the Fourth, or Fifth)? Not Obozo/Holder.
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Sensenbrenner Brags, NSA Rejoices
Jim Sensenbrenner is bragging that his USA FREEDOM act passed.
Justin Amash, who had originally co-sponsored the act, voted against it. Why?
“This morning's bill maintains and codifies a large-scale, unconstitutional domestic spying program,” Amash wrote on his Facebook page. “It claims to end ‘bulk collection' of Americans' data only in a very technical sense: The bill prohibits the government from, for example, ordering a telephone company to turn over all its call records every day.”
... For example, the government could order AT&T to turn over all phone records for a particular area code or for “phone calls made east of the Mississippi,” according to Amash.
The current bill also extends the Patriot Act’s controversial section 215, which allows for the bulk collection of data, until 2017. The original bill expired that section in 2015.
In other words, Jim Sensenbrenner--who wrote the Patriot Act that was "mis-used" by NSA--wrote another bill which doesn't really stop NSA surveillance of US citizens.
Jim kinda likes the Gummint, ya' know. He's lived on it for a long, long, long, long, long, time.
Justin Amash, who had originally co-sponsored the act, voted against it. Why?
“This morning's bill maintains and codifies a large-scale, unconstitutional domestic spying program,” Amash wrote on his Facebook page. “It claims to end ‘bulk collection' of Americans' data only in a very technical sense: The bill prohibits the government from, for example, ordering a telephone company to turn over all its call records every day.”
... For example, the government could order AT&T to turn over all phone records for a particular area code or for “phone calls made east of the Mississippi,” according to Amash.
The current bill also extends the Patriot Act’s controversial section 215, which allows for the bulk collection of data, until 2017. The original bill expired that section in 2015.
In other words, Jim Sensenbrenner--who wrote the Patriot Act that was "mis-used" by NSA--wrote another bill which doesn't really stop NSA surveillance of US citizens.
Jim kinda likes the Gummint, ya' know. He's lived on it for a long, long, long, long, long, time.
What Abp. Listecki SHOULD Be Prioritizing
The Archbishop of Milwaukee has been busy attempting to resolve the bankruptcy case precipitated by two of his predecessors (Weakland and Cousins). He's also been busy attempting to silence the growing dissent over his apparatchik's ramming Common Core into the Archdiocesan schools.
Prioritizing the former is appropriate but secondary. Prioritizing the latter is silly at best, and threatens the unity of the Church, especially with the incendiary and borderline-slanderous flapjaw of his designated mouthpiece on the matter.
What should the Archbishop be prioritizing? Exactly what the Second Vatican Council (in several documents) described as "the source and summit" of Catholic life: the Eucharistic Sacrifice. Specifically, the Archbishop should be focusing on the clear and continuous teachings and regulations concerning that 'source and summit', particularly the music therein.
(Perhaps it's just co-incidence, but the mouthpiece above has openly bragged at least twice that he's not a liturgical "fusspot." Apparently he's only a "fusspot" when it comes to demanding that the Faithful shut up and obey about Common Core. Other "fusspotting"--say, about the 'source and summit'--well, that's just silly. A waste of breath, time, and his intellectual superiority.)
Uh-huh.
Let's begin with a takeoff on the thinking of Marshall McLuhan, who happens to be Catholic. Recall his famous dictum that "the medium is the message" here utilized in an essay in Patheos:
“The music of the Mass is made similar to the
music of our culture. The demeanor of the Mass is made similar to the
“Christian services” of our culture. The clothing we wear to Mass is made
similar to our everyday clothing. The posture, structure, language,
architecture, the position of priest to people — all this, and nearly anything
that can be presented in a mode of similarity is thus presented. And, in a
sense, it works. People come. But what does the mode of similarity do to the
way in which people encounter the Mass? What does the mode do to the message?
Indeed. One does not go to the tavern to hear sacred music. What on earth possesses diocesan priests who want their flocks in the church to hear variations on "Evita" and/or third-rate Elton John tunesmithing from Haugen, et.al., dressed up with 'hymn-language'?
The good news for Abp. Listecki is this: another US Bishop has written a clear and concise document on the matter. H.E. Listecki could re-publish it and tell his priests that he expects them to....ahhh....shut up and obey. (Of course, he might then be called a "fusspot", as is--apparently--the Bishop of Phoenix.)
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (#1157) makes a direct reference to St. Augustine’s experience when it teaches that the music and song of the liturgy “participate in the purpose of the liturgical words and actions: the glory of God and the sanctification of the faithful.”
The
Council’s enthusiastic rediscovery and promotion of sacred music was not meant
to discourage “religious” music but rather to encourage it — assuming the clear distinction and proper
relationship between them.
Priorities, Your Excellency.
Prioritizing the former is appropriate but secondary. Prioritizing the latter is silly at best, and threatens the unity of the Church, especially with the incendiary and borderline-slanderous flapjaw of his designated mouthpiece on the matter.
What should the Archbishop be prioritizing? Exactly what the Second Vatican Council (in several documents) described as "the source and summit" of Catholic life: the Eucharistic Sacrifice. Specifically, the Archbishop should be focusing on the clear and continuous teachings and regulations concerning that 'source and summit', particularly the music therein.
(Perhaps it's just co-incidence, but the mouthpiece above has openly bragged at least twice that he's not a liturgical "fusspot." Apparently he's only a "fusspot" when it comes to demanding that the Faithful shut up and obey about Common Core. Other "fusspotting"--say, about the 'source and summit'--well, that's just silly. A waste of breath, time, and his intellectual superiority.)
Uh-huh.
Let's begin with a takeoff on the thinking of Marshall McLuhan, who happens to be Catholic. Recall his famous dictum that "the medium is the message" here utilized in an essay in Patheos:
“This possibility of undoing the message by the mode in
which you yodel gains special importance with respect to the Divine Liturgy.
Catholics have, for the past 60 years or so, tended towards presenting the
Divine Liturgy in a mode of similarity. We want to “get people to come,”
and so we strive to make our liturgies similar to other experiences, to provide
that condition by which someone may enter comfortably into its presence, as I
am comfortable to be in the presence of someone I already know, comfortable to
engage a conversation with people who have similar interests, similar views.
Indeed. One does not go to the tavern to hear sacred music. What on earth possesses diocesan priests who want their flocks in the church to hear variations on "Evita" and/or third-rate Elton John tunesmithing from Haugen, et.al., dressed up with 'hymn-language'?
The good news for Abp. Listecki is this: another US Bishop has written a clear and concise document on the matter. H.E. Listecki could re-publish it and tell his priests that he expects them to....ahhh....shut up and obey. (Of course, he might then be called a "fusspot", as is--apparently--the Bishop of Phoenix.)
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (#1157) makes a direct reference to St. Augustine’s experience when it teaches that the music and song of the liturgy “participate in the purpose of the liturgical words and actions: the glory of God and the sanctification of the faithful.”
The Mass itself is a song; it is meant to be sung. Recall
that the Gospels only tell us of one time when Jesus sings: when he institutes
the Holy Eucharist (Cf. Mt 26:30; Mk 14:26). We should not be surprised, then,
that Christ sings when he institutes the sacramentum
caritatis (the Sacrament of love), and that for the vast majority of the
past 2,000 years, the various parts of the Mass have been sung by priests and
lay faithful. In the 1960s, the Second Vatican Council strongly encouraged a
rediscovery of the ancient concept of singing the Mass: “[The musical tradition
of the universal Church] forms a necessary or integral part of solemn liturgy”
(Sacrosanctum Concilium,112). The Mass
is most itself when it is sung.
This recent rediscovery of “singing the Mass” did not begin with the Second Vatican Council.
Following a movement that stretches back at least to Pope Saint Pius X in 1903,
Pope Pius XII wrote in 1955, “The dignity and lofty purpose of sacred music
consists in the fact that its lovely melodies and splendor beautify and
embellish the voices of the priest who offers Mass and of the Christian people
who praise the Sovereign God” (Musicae Sacrae Disciplina, #31).
Sacred music is distinct from the broader category of what
we may call “religious” music, that which aids and supports Christian faith but
is not primarily a part of the sacred liturgy. “Religious” music includes
various devotional music, such as much popular hymnody, “praise and worship”
music, as well as a host of other musical forms.
Sacred music is, in the narrowest sense, that music created
to support, elevate, and better express the
words and actions of the sacred liturgy. The Council praises it as music
“closely connected…with the liturgical action” (Sacrosanctum Concilium, 112),
for example, the Order of Mass (dialogues between ministers and people, the
unchanging framework of the Mass), the Ordinary of the Mass (Kyrie, Gloria, The
Creed, Sanctus and Agnus Dei), and the Proper of the Mass (the priest’s sung
prayers, the Responsorial Psalm, Alleluia and Verses, the antiphons and psalms
prescribed for the processions [specifically, the Introit, Offertory, and
Communion processions]).
Sacred music is distinct from the
broader category of what we may call “religious” music, that which aids and
supports Christian faith but is not primarily a part of the sacred liturgy.
“Religious” music includes various devotional music such as much popular
hymnody, “praise and worship” music, as well as a host of other musical forms.
Priorities, Your Excellency.
VA Problems? It's "Da Union."
Responding to the VA scandal, the House passed a bill which would dminish Da Union's power to negate firing of Da Union's members.
It's not hard to tell who is on Da Union's side here. 33 (D) Congress-slimes voted against it.
...House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), House Democratic Caucus Chairman Xavier Becerra (D-Calif.) and House Assistant Minority Leader Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.), all voted in opposition. All 33 votes against the measure came from Democrats....
There's an interesting history here.
...President Carter's biggest domestic policy achievement was winning passage of the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 that included several desperately needed changes in the federal bureaucracy.
The most important of those changes was creation of the Senior Executive Service, the highest level of career managers, and the Merit Pay program for federal middle managers.
Both the SES and Merit Pay managers were put under a Pay-for-Performance system and could be more easily disciplined, transferred or removed entirely from the civil service than before.
Of all people! Carter!!
But that didn't last too long. The Hildebeeste's hubby un-did that.
...the Clinton administration gave the employee unions significantly more power, the Bush administration ignored civil service issues and the Obama administration consolidated union power and privileges in the federal workplace....
The Examiner's item points out that the bill will have repercussions which go far beyond VA--which is why Da Union is going to do everything in its considerable power to block the legislation in the Senate.
In Wisconsin, we are well-aware of Da Union's (former) ability to suck the taxpayer dry. We are also aware that all it takes to slap Da Union into the next galaxy is the Tea Party.
It's not hard to tell who is on Da Union's side here. 33 (D) Congress-slimes voted against it.
...House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), House Democratic Caucus Chairman Xavier Becerra (D-Calif.) and House Assistant Minority Leader Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.), all voted in opposition. All 33 votes against the measure came from Democrats....
There's an interesting history here.
...President Carter's biggest domestic policy achievement was winning passage of the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 that included several desperately needed changes in the federal bureaucracy.
The most important of those changes was creation of the Senior Executive Service, the highest level of career managers, and the Merit Pay program for federal middle managers.
Both the SES and Merit Pay managers were put under a Pay-for-Performance system and could be more easily disciplined, transferred or removed entirely from the civil service than before.
Of all people! Carter!!
But that didn't last too long. The Hildebeeste's hubby un-did that.
...the Clinton administration gave the employee unions significantly more power, the Bush administration ignored civil service issues and the Obama administration consolidated union power and privileges in the federal workplace....
The Examiner's item points out that the bill will have repercussions which go far beyond VA--which is why Da Union is going to do everything in its considerable power to block the legislation in the Senate.
In Wisconsin, we are well-aware of Da Union's (former) ability to suck the taxpayer dry. We are also aware that all it takes to slap Da Union into the next galaxy is the Tea Party.
The Pope: "Homosexual Marriage Is Contrary to Nature"
There's a reason that the homosex-marriage people frame the argument as one of 'religion.' It's because 'religion' (and truth) has been relative-ized in what remains of Western culture.
St. John Paul II saw that, as did Benedict XVI; JPII therefore argued from truth in his theology of the body; Benedict, on the other hand, argued against 'the culture of relativism.'
Pope Francis argues from nature, as did JPII.
...the Pope has rejected the idea of same-sex marriage as an “anthropological regression” and stressed that when it comes to adoption, “every person needs a male father and a female mother.”
Pope Francis explained his views on these hot-button issues in his book, On Heaven and Earth: Pope Francis on Faith, Family, and the Church in the Twenty-First Century, which he co-wrote with Rabbi Abraham Skorka in 2010 and which was republished after the then-Argentine cardinal was elected to the papacy in March 2013.
The book is a dialogue between Skorka and the future Pope and includes a chapter on same-sex marriage, which is where the pontiff also talks about adoption.
Looks like Pope Francis will not again grace the cover of Time Maga-rag, eh?
Skorka first explains that Judaism “prohibits sexual relations between two men” and then expresses worry about how a proposed gay-marriage law in Argentina could change “the core values of our society.”
Pope Francis (then-Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio) says, “I have the exact same opinion; in order to define it I would use the expression ‘anthropologic regression,’ a weakening of the [marriage] institution that is thousands of years old and that was forged according to nature and anthropology.”
It's not only Jews and Catholics, of course. There is NO civilization on the face of the Earth which endorses homosexual "marriage." (And for those of you who argue that black-robed lawyers represent 'civilization,' let's remember Dred Scott and Roe.)
In the end, Francis, JPII, and Benedict all argued from "what is", the epistemology of truth. "What is" also is the essential of nature. It's why rain falls down, not up.
But none are so blind as those who will not see; another Jewish/Catholic maxim which just so happens to be true, and conforms with nature.
St. John Paul II saw that, as did Benedict XVI; JPII therefore argued from truth in his theology of the body; Benedict, on the other hand, argued against 'the culture of relativism.'
Pope Francis argues from nature, as did JPII.
...the Pope has rejected the idea of same-sex marriage as an “anthropological regression” and stressed that when it comes to adoption, “every person needs a male father and a female mother.”
Pope Francis explained his views on these hot-button issues in his book, On Heaven and Earth: Pope Francis on Faith, Family, and the Church in the Twenty-First Century, which he co-wrote with Rabbi Abraham Skorka in 2010 and which was republished after the then-Argentine cardinal was elected to the papacy in March 2013.
The book is a dialogue between Skorka and the future Pope and includes a chapter on same-sex marriage, which is where the pontiff also talks about adoption.
Looks like Pope Francis will not again grace the cover of Time Maga-rag, eh?
Skorka first explains that Judaism “prohibits sexual relations between two men” and then expresses worry about how a proposed gay-marriage law in Argentina could change “the core values of our society.”
Pope Francis (then-Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio) says, “I have the exact same opinion; in order to define it I would use the expression ‘anthropologic regression,’ a weakening of the [marriage] institution that is thousands of years old and that was forged according to nature and anthropology.”
It's not only Jews and Catholics, of course. There is NO civilization on the face of the Earth which endorses homosexual "marriage." (And for those of you who argue that black-robed lawyers represent 'civilization,' let's remember Dred Scott and Roe.)
In the end, Francis, JPII, and Benedict all argued from "what is", the epistemology of truth. "What is" also is the essential of nature. It's why rain falls down, not up.
But none are so blind as those who will not see; another Jewish/Catholic maxim which just so happens to be true, and conforms with nature.
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Doctor/Patient Confidences? Not in Obozo's America
Noted by Ticker, from CNS News:
The federal government is piecing together a sweeping national “biosurveillance” system that will give bureaucrats near real-time access to Americans’ private medical information in the name of national security, according to Twila Brase, a public health nurse and co-founder of the Citizens Council for Health Freedom.
Sure. It's "national security" whether you have hemorrhoids in ObozoLand.
The federal government is piecing together a sweeping national “biosurveillance” system that will give bureaucrats near real-time access to Americans’ private medical information in the name of national security, according to Twila Brase, a public health nurse and co-founder of the Citizens Council for Health Freedom.
Sure. It's "national security" whether you have hemorrhoids in ObozoLand.
Monday, May 19, 2014
The Business Model of the Abortion Industry
Anyone who saw the "sex-ed" curricula rammed into Wisconsin schools back in the '70's/'80's knew what the results would be. Now comes the admission from an ex-Planned Parenthood Abortion Revenue employee.
The business model is simple: 1) Get 'em while they're young, 2) establish trust, and 3) sell them the "service". Cha-Ching!! You've monetized!!
...Public school sexual education programs run by pro-choice groups “break down the natural modesty (of students), they separate them from their parents and their values … and they eventually give them low-dose birth control pills they know they’ll get pregnant on,” Everett told Progressives Today.
...many parents don’t understand what their children are learning about sex at school, or more importantly, how their kids are being targeted as potential clients by the abortion industry.
“We went to the schools as early as kindergarten,” Everett said of her years working in the industry. During those sessions, sex ed instructors “are planting the seed (in student’s minds) that parents don’t know what they are talking about.”
In elementary schools, the sex ed curriculum utilizes several books – such as Robie H. Harris’ “It’s So Amazing,” “It’s Perfectly Normal,” and “It’s Not the Stork” – to acclimate students to the idea of sex, and to promote sexual behaviors....
Yup.
...By fifth or sixth grade, the curriculum turns to “talking about having sex” and intentionally encourages a “parents don’t understand you” mentality.
“That’s when we gave them the low-dose birth control we know they’ll get pregnant on,” Everett said. The pills must be taken at exactly the same time every day, something those administering the pills know is very difficult, if not impossible, for most teens, she said.
Inevitably, many young girls become pregnant while still in school. Scared, vulnerable, and conditioned to avoid discussions of a sexual nature with their parents, they call the only people they think they can trust.
When crisis pregnancy counselors at Planned Parenthood and other abortion clinics get a troubled young girl on the line, “they … pull out their abortion script and use that to sell an abortion,” Everett said.
By the way, repeat business is best!!
“It’s more deceptive than people realize,” Everett said. “The abortion industry sells and re-sells their product.
“Our goal was three to five abortions per student for every student we could get.”
About 45 percent of women who have an abortion have more than one, she said.
Any questions, class?
HT: Gateway
The business model is simple: 1) Get 'em while they're young, 2) establish trust, and 3) sell them the "service". Cha-Ching!! You've monetized!!
...Public school sexual education programs run by pro-choice groups “break down the natural modesty (of students), they separate them from their parents and their values … and they eventually give them low-dose birth control pills they know they’ll get pregnant on,” Everett told Progressives Today.
...many parents don’t understand what their children are learning about sex at school, or more importantly, how their kids are being targeted as potential clients by the abortion industry.
“We went to the schools as early as kindergarten,” Everett said of her years working in the industry. During those sessions, sex ed instructors “are planting the seed (in student’s minds) that parents don’t know what they are talking about.”
In elementary schools, the sex ed curriculum utilizes several books – such as Robie H. Harris’ “It’s So Amazing,” “It’s Perfectly Normal,” and “It’s Not the Stork” – to acclimate students to the idea of sex, and to promote sexual behaviors....
Yup.
...By fifth or sixth grade, the curriculum turns to “talking about having sex” and intentionally encourages a “parents don’t understand you” mentality.
“That’s when we gave them the low-dose birth control we know they’ll get pregnant on,” Everett said. The pills must be taken at exactly the same time every day, something those administering the pills know is very difficult, if not impossible, for most teens, she said.
Inevitably, many young girls become pregnant while still in school. Scared, vulnerable, and conditioned to avoid discussions of a sexual nature with their parents, they call the only people they think they can trust.
When crisis pregnancy counselors at Planned Parenthood and other abortion clinics get a troubled young girl on the line, “they … pull out their abortion script and use that to sell an abortion,” Everett said.
By the way, repeat business is best!!
“It’s more deceptive than people realize,” Everett said. “The abortion industry sells and re-sells their product.
“Our goal was three to five abortions per student for every student we could get.”
About 45 percent of women who have an abortion have more than one, she said.
Any questions, class?
HT: Gateway
Saturday, May 17, 2014
Even MORE ObozoCare Trouble
Yah, well, the website didn't work, and you can't keep your plan, nor your doctor, prolly not your hospital, and the insurers will be given tax money by the ton next year.
Otherwise, all dandy, right?
Not if you have an ObozoCare policy.
The Washington Post has learned that more than a million Americans who signed up for Obamacare insurance policies are being paid too much or too little in taxpayer funded subsidies.
Bad enough, right? It gets worse
The process by which the government informs these taxpayers that they are receiving an incorrect subsidy has broken down, or is not even in place yet. In their unholy rush to sign people up and “prove” Obamacare “works,” the administration has created a monstrously confusing situation that won’t be resolved any time soon....
If you are over-subsidized, you'll find out next year when you do your taxes. Then you'll have to pay the bill.
Yes, there's even MORE trouble. Read all about it at the link.
Otherwise, all dandy, right?
Not if you have an ObozoCare policy.
The Washington Post has learned that more than a million Americans who signed up for Obamacare insurance policies are being paid too much or too little in taxpayer funded subsidies.
Bad enough, right? It gets worse
The process by which the government informs these taxpayers that they are receiving an incorrect subsidy has broken down, or is not even in place yet. In their unholy rush to sign people up and “prove” Obamacare “works,” the administration has created a monstrously confusing situation that won’t be resolved any time soon....
If you are over-subsidized, you'll find out next year when you do your taxes. Then you'll have to pay the bill.
Yes, there's even MORE trouble. Read all about it at the link.
Friday, May 16, 2014
Sensenbrenner Worried About Attack Chickens!!
We mentioned that the USDA was purchasing submachine guns (.40 cal) in preparation for ......well.......maybe.......ATTACK CHICKENS!
As it turns out, Jim Sensenbrenner voted for the legislation which allows USDA to establish its own mini-army. Evidently Sensenbrenner was aware of the ATTACK CHICKEN menace.
He'll be in the district this weekend. Ask him about ATTACK CHICKENS. Then ask why he did not vote to de-fund ObozoCare when it counted. (Fake "no" votes don't count in this game, Jimbo.) For that matter, why didn't he vote to cut the bloated cesspool that is the US budget?
Finally, ask when he's going to retire to play the lottery full-time.
As it turns out, Jim Sensenbrenner voted for the legislation which allows USDA to establish its own mini-army. Evidently Sensenbrenner was aware of the ATTACK CHICKEN menace.
He'll be in the district this weekend. Ask him about ATTACK CHICKENS. Then ask why he did not vote to de-fund ObozoCare when it counted. (Fake "no" votes don't count in this game, Jimbo.) For that matter, why didn't he vote to cut the bloated cesspool that is the US budget?
Finally, ask when he's going to retire to play the lottery full-time.
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Rubio: "Vote (D) Senators Back In"
Sure he's being candid.
Senate Republicans say they'll try to pass immigration reform legislation in the next two years if they take back the Senate in November.
The Republicans say winning back the Senate will allow them to pass a series of bills on their own terms
Let's see if that wins the Senate for the Ruling Class.
Senate Republicans say they'll try to pass immigration reform legislation in the next two years if they take back the Senate in November.
The Republicans say winning back the Senate will allow them to pass a series of bills on their own terms
Let's see if that wins the Senate for the Ruling Class.
Does Wisconsin Need the G.A.B.? (Hint: "NO")
The Seventh Circuit tells us that about 75% of the GAB staff is a waste of money and oxygen.
...The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday struck down several GAB rules meant to regulate so-called issue ads run around an election. Many of those rules weren't enforced after the agency was sued in a separate suit.
Still, the court also threw out GAB reporting requirements that those who spend as little as $300 on express advocacy must formally organize, register and report like a PAC....
...The court also ruled bans on corporate speech and limits on corporate PAC spending were unconstitutional based on the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Citizens United.
In addition, the court said the definitions of "political purposes" and "political committee" were overbroad and vague and should be narrowed to align with court precedent in defining express advocacy. The court took issue that the definitions seems to include nearly every political speaker who exercised that right close to an election, when it should only include groups advocating the support or defeat of a candidate.
The court said the state also unconstitutionally treated issue advocacy groups with "PAC" status if it mentioned a candidate within certain windows of an election. Instead, the court ruled that those standards should only apply to groups who engage mostly in express advocacy.
Just dump the whole damn thing into Lake Mendota.
...The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday struck down several GAB rules meant to regulate so-called issue ads run around an election. Many of those rules weren't enforced after the agency was sued in a separate suit.
Still, the court also threw out GAB reporting requirements that those who spend as little as $300 on express advocacy must formally organize, register and report like a PAC....
...The court also ruled bans on corporate speech and limits on corporate PAC spending were unconstitutional based on the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Citizens United.
In addition, the court said the definitions of "political purposes" and "political committee" were overbroad and vague and should be narrowed to align with court precedent in defining express advocacy. The court took issue that the definitions seems to include nearly every political speaker who exercised that right close to an election, when it should only include groups advocating the support or defeat of a candidate.
The court said the state also unconstitutionally treated issue advocacy groups with "PAC" status if it mentioned a candidate within certain windows of an election. Instead, the court ruled that those standards should only apply to groups who engage mostly in express advocacy.
Just dump the whole damn thing into Lake Mendota.
ONE Tax Ends
Unlike the Selig/Attanasio tax, the Packer tax actually ends.
The Selig/Attanasio tax was another product of the Tommy Thompson reign, just like Lynn Adelman and the greatest headcount-growth of State Gummint in our history.
The Selig/Attanasio tax was another product of the Tommy Thompson reign, just like Lynn Adelman and the greatest headcount-growth of State Gummint in our history.
The USDA Prepares for Attack Chickens
Apparently inspecting chickens, pigs, and cows is far more dangerous than anyone thought.
But sub-machine guns?
Ya'd think that ordinary potato guns would suffice.
But sub-machine guns?
Ya'd think that ordinary potato guns would suffice.
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
H. E. Listecki Threatens the Loyal Opposition
While Common Core is causing problems with public-school kids, it's also causing a problem with the Catholic schools in Milwaukee. As some of you know, ONLY the Milwaukee Archdiocese mandated Common Core for its schools; Green Bay, Madison, and LaCrosse politely declined.
Opposition to Common Core is significant in both spheres. The program's contents in math and literature are particularly controversial.
Now, apparently taking advice from John Chisholm and Francis Schmitz, the Archbishop of apparently mailing lengthy nastygrams to the loyal opposition, complete with threats (!?!)
Common Core is a Federally-pushed program (take it or lose your Federal aid dollars.) Numerous teachers' organizations, college professor's alliances, and plain old parents oppose it. So do some faithful Catholics in Milwaukee.
While the Archbishop has authority over the Catholic schools, his threats remind us of Abp. Weakland's modus operandi. That's not a good memory to bring back; nor is the name-calling and slanders which have been made by his underlings.
Stay tuned. This could be fun.
Opposition to Common Core is significant in both spheres. The program's contents in math and literature are particularly controversial.
Now, apparently taking advice from John Chisholm and Francis Schmitz, the Archbishop of apparently mailing lengthy nastygrams to the loyal opposition, complete with threats (!?!)
Common Core is a Federally-pushed program (take it or lose your Federal aid dollars.) Numerous teachers' organizations, college professor's alliances, and plain old parents oppose it. So do some faithful Catholics in Milwaukee.
While the Archbishop has authority over the Catholic schools, his threats remind us of Abp. Weakland's modus operandi. That's not a good memory to bring back; nor is the name-calling and slanders which have been made by his underlings.
Stay tuned. This could be fun.
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