Monday, February 28, 2011
Oh, To Be a Teacher in Wisconsin - WSJ.com
I wish there would be some reporting on why the mechanism of elected officials negotiating contracts is doomed to failure.
Elected officials have no profit/loss incentives.
Elected officials are unlikely to still be around when the consequences of their negotiations take effect.
Elected officials get campaign contributions from unions.
And with all that being said, elected officials are NOT the abusive employer that unions are intended to mitigate...
Elected officials have no profit/loss incentives.
Elected officials are unlikely to still be around when the consequences of their negotiations take effect.
Elected officials get campaign contributions from unions.
And with all that being said, elected officials are NOT the abusive employer that unions are intended to mitigate...
Robert M Costrell provides some info at the online Wall Street Journal:
"The showdown in Wisconsin over fringe benefits for public employees boils down to one number: 74.2. That's how many cents the public pays Milwaukee public-school teachers and other employees for retirement and health benefits for every dollar they receive in salary. The corresponding rate for employees of private firms is 24.3 cents.
Gov. Scott Walker's proposal would bring public-employee benefits closer in line with those of workers in the private sector. And to prevent benefits from reaching sky-high levels in the future, he wants to restrict collective-bargaining rights."
"...Disciplinary Action for Refusing to Attend Islamic Event"
Slowly, but surely, common sense people are fighting the slippery slope of political correctness.
I expect more cases like this, and perhaps another ripple effect, as more of us realize that political correctness is damaging the ability to debate in America...
I expect more cases like this, and perhaps another ripple effect, as more of us realize that political correctness is damaging the ability to debate in America...
Patrick Manning & Todd Starnes write about it at FoxNews.com:
"Capt. Paul Fields was reassigned after he refused to order officers under his command to attend the Islamic Center of Tulsa’s Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, a spokesman for the department said.
“It is my opinion and that of my legal counsel that forcing me to enter a Mosque when it is not directly related to a police call for service is a violation of my Civil Rights,” Fields wrote in an internal police department memo obtained by Fox News."
Sunday, February 27, 2011
2011-02-27 - Words of Wisdom
Saturday, February 26, 2011
"Walker asking for same bargaining flexibility Obama has"
Do you need some enlightening? Then try this.
And don't expect the national news media to even mention it...
And don't expect the national news media to even mention it...
Christian Schneider began his post at WISpolitics.com with this:
"Steven Malanga pointed out in an interview with the WPRI’s Christian Schneider Wednesday that federal workers do not have the right to bargain for wages or benefits – a fact that allowed President Barack Obama to impose a public-sector wage freeze.
'Federal workers do not have the right to bargain collectively for either benefits or wages,' said Malanga. '(Wisconsin Gov. Scott) Walker would only take away that right to bargain for benefits. The president has already exercised his power over federal workers when he imposed a wage freeze on them earlier this year, something that was prominently reported. By contrast, governors in states with collective bargaining cannot impose a wage freeze. And this has really limited the ability not only of governors but mayors and county executives.'
Obama recently called the effort to scale back collective bargaining rights in Wisconsin an 'assault' on unions. "
Arizona Senate Panel Passes Sweeping Bills Targeting Illegals, Birthright Citizenship
The immigration battles in Arizona are obviously continuing.
This latest bill has a lot in it for illegal immigrants not to like...
This latest bill has a lot in it for illegal immigrants not to like...
Bob Christie and Paul Davenport of the Associated Press wrote this story. It was posted at FoxNews.com:
"Republican state Sen. Russell Pearce, who authored Arizona's controversial illegal immigration law last year that touched off a nationwide debate on whether states can enforce federal immigration laws, sponsored the latest measure.
'If you're in the country illegally, you don't have a right to public benefits, period,' he said."
Friday, February 25, 2011
"Lobbyists: W.H. hides meetings off-site"
I think most of us would agree that politicians are slippery (did I mean slimy?)
What they say is rarely what really goes on behind the scenes.
It is a dishonest slight of hand, and if you watch carefully you CAN see the trickery...
What they say is rarely what really goes on behind the scenes.
It is a dishonest slight of hand, and if you watch carefully you CAN see the trickery...
Chris FratesR begins his writing at Politico.com with this:
"Caught between their boss’s anti-lobbyist rhetoric and the reality of governing, President Barack Obama’s aides often steer meetings with lobbyists to a complex just off the White House grounds – and several of the lobbyists involved say they believe the choice of venue is no accident.
It allows the Obama administration to keep these lobbyist meetings shielded from public view — and out of Secret Service logs collected on visitors to the White House and later released to the public.
'They’re doing it on the side. It’s better than nothing,' said immigration reform lobbyist Tamar Jacoby, who has attended meetings at the nearby Jackson Place complex and believes the undisclosed gatherings are better than none.
The White House scoffs at the notion of an ulterior motive for scheduling meetings in what are, after all, meeting rooms. But at least four lobbyists who’ve been to the conference rooms just off Lafayette Square tell POLITICO they had the distinct impression they were being shunted off to Jackson Place – and off the books – so their visits wouldn’t later be made public.
Obama’s administration has touted its release of White House visitors logs as a breakthrough in transparency, as the first White House team ever to reveal the comings and goings around the West Wing and the Old Executive Office Building.
The Jackson Place townhouses are a different story."
Parents Are Taking the Fun Out of Toys - WSJ.com
I'm thinking this article will appear differently to readers based on their age...
Lenore Skeazy recently wrote in the Wall Street Journal:
"I'd rather the toy biz not create the idea that we parents need to buy certain items or else our children will end up dumber than Play-Doh dogs. Why do classic playthings need to be promoted as occupational therapy meets intensive tutoring? That's what I asked Susan Linn, author of 'The Case for Make Believe.' 'Because otherwise, no one would buy them,' she replied. Oh."
Thursday, February 24, 2011
The council 'fat cat’ earning £570,000 - Telegraph
Looks like elected officials are the same all over...
This was reported by Holly Watt, Robert Winnett and Steven Swinford in the U.K. Telegraph:
"Phil Dolan, 54, received £569,000 of taxpayers' money in salary, pension and redundancy payments after leaving his post as chief executive of South Somerset district council. He is now acting as a consultant for other local authorities.
Two other executives at the tiny council also received more than £300,000 each in salary, pension and severance payments last year.
It means every resident of the district paid the equivalent of £7 in council tax last year just to fund the three men's pay packages. Taken together, the payments represent the most dramatic example of local government largesse yet to be exposed."
Fuel Fix - Ethanol pumps big problems for small engines
Apparently, ethanol has more drawbacks than just taking from the food supply.
For some, the savings from mandatory ethanol gasoline supplements is negated by the problems it causes...
For some, the savings from mandatory ethanol gasoline supplements is negated by the problems it causes...
The Associated Press has some info in this article titled:
"Ethanol pumps big problems for small engines"
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Politiciians - U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks
Looks a bit shady to me...
The New York Post is on to him:
"As The Post’s Isabel Vincent and Melissa Klein reported last Sunday, the Queens Democrat spends an awful lot of time in the gambling city, ostensibly raising funds for his political action committee.
Problem is, he has precious little to show for these outings.
In fact, Meeks spent more than $8,000 late last year on hotels and food in Sin City — plus another $17,000 on fund-raising 'consultants' — but didn’t report taking in a single penny.
Worse still, he isn’t very forthcoming about the trips on his official financial-disclosure forms."
Government at Work - Promoting Passenger Rail Service
For most Americans, cars equate to a form of independence.
That being said, Americans won't be giving up their cars any time soon.
Government would be better off acknowledging those facts, instead of trying to force an untenable issue...
That being said, Americans won't be giving up their cars any time soon.
Government would be better off acknowledging those facts, instead of trying to force an untenable issue...
Robert Samuelson recently wrote about it at RealClearPolitics.com:
"Despite the subsidies, Amtrak does not provide low-cost transportation. Longtime critic Randal O'Toole of the Cato Institute recently planned a trip from Washington to New York. Noting that fares on Amtrak's high-speed Acela start at $139 one-way, he decided to take a private bus service. The roundtrip fare: $21.50. Nor does Amtrak do much to relieve congestion, cut oil use, reduce pollution or eliminate greenhouse gases. Its traffic volumes are simply too small to matter.
Consider. In 2010, Amtrak carried 29.1 million passengers for the entire year. That's about one-twenty-fifth of annual air travel (2010 estimate: 725 million passengers). It's also roughly a quarter of daily automobile commuters (124 million in 2008). Measured by passenger-miles traveled, Amtrak represents one-tenth of 1 percent of the national total."
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
"Wisconsin protests spread"
It's normal not to want to give things up.
That being known, there are times when some should be able to give up something for the good of everyone.
I think getting governments fiscal houses in order is one of those times...
That being known, there are times when some should be able to give up something for the good of everyone.
I think getting governments fiscal houses in order is one of those times...
This was in an article by Mathew Boyle at DailyCaller.com:
"Walker is also seeking to get those public-sector employees to pay for more of their own benefits. Under his plan, they’d pay about 12.6 percent of their health care plans, instead of the about 6 percent they currently pay. Also, Walker’s budget calls for public-sector employees to contribute 5.8 percent of their salaries to their pension plans. Currently, some pay nothing while others contribute negligible amounts. From 2000 to 2009, public sector employees in Wisconsin paid $55.4 million into a pension system that cost $12.6 billion."
"Wisconsin State Senator Smacks Down Chris Matthews..."
Fortunately, Chris Matthews has a small (and obviously misinformed) audience.
It's almost unbelievable, how biased some of the media has become...
It's almost unbelievable, how biased some of the media has become...
Noel Sheppard has the misrepresentation and plenty of facts at NewsBusters.org:
"QMSNBC's Chris Matthews tried Monday to push the liberal media meme that Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker exempted police and firefighters from his budget repair plan because their unions endorsed him in last November's election.
'Well one more time you're completely uninformed,' replied Republican State Senator Glenn Grothman who then proceeded to tell the facts to the obviously clueless 'Hardball' host (video follows with transcript and commentary):"
Monday, February 21, 2011
"An Open Letter to Mr. Daily Kos"
Humorous, true, and right on the mark...
Stephen Green points out some differences at PajamasMedia.com:
"Dear Mr. Moulitsas,
May I call you Kos? I know everybody else does. Thanks. Anyway, last night you wrote an open letter of your own, on Twitter. It was brief, of course. Surveying the goings-on in Wisconsin, you said, 'Dear Tea Baggers, It’s our turn now.'
Well, I suppose it is. And now that both sides have had their turns, let’s compare and contrast. I can’t keep this quite as short as your tweet, but I’ll do my best."
Politicians - U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem
At face value I like her.
Let's hope the Washington insider disease doesn't get to her and change that...
Let's hope the Washington insider disease doesn't get to her and change that...
Jonathan Strong writes about her at DailyCaller.com:
"On Election Day, Noem beat a rising star of the Democratic party by three points. She became one of 87 new Republican freshman sent by millions of angry voters hoping to slow the Obama agenda. From a ranch in a town of 400, she’ll walk the halls of power in Washington.
'She has more raw talent than any candidate I’ve ever seen in South Dakota,' said Hustead, 'I knew the more people that I can get Kristi Noem in front of the more votes we’re gonna get.'"
"Officials: ‘Bath salts’ are growing drug problem"
There's a lot of seemingly harmless stuff out there that can really cause problems...
Shelia Byrd tells us about this one at DailyCaller.com:
"From the Deep South to California, emergency calls are being reported over-exposure to the stimulants the powders often contain: mephedrone and methylenedioxypyrovalerone, also known as MDPV.
Sold under such names as Ivory Wave, Bliss, White Lightning and Hurricane Charlie, the chemicals can cause hallucinations, paranoia, rapid heart rates and suicidal thoughts, authorities say. The chemicals are in products sold legally at convenience stores and on the Internet as bath salts and even plant foods. However, they aren’t necessarily being used for the purposes on the label."
Sunday, February 20, 2011
What's at Stake in Wisconsin's Budget Battle - WSJ.com
Here's more on the Wisconsin budget battle.
It's being treated as if what happens in Wisconsin will happen in America.
That could very well be true...
It's being treated as if what happens in Wisconsin will happen in America.
That could very well be true...
John Fund writes this and more in the Wall Street Journal:
"The labor laws that Wisconsin unions are so bitterly defending were popular during an era of industrialization and centralization. But the labor organizations they protect have become much less popular, as the declining membership of many private-sector unions attests. Moreover, it's become abundantly clear that too many government workers enjoy wages, benefits and pensions that are out of line with the rest of the economy."
"Homeowner Forecloses on Wells Fargo"
I've taken a side on this.
It doesn't take a genius to figure which side it is...
It doesn't take a genius to figure which side it is...
Ash Bennington reported on this at CNBC.com:
"You read the headline correctly: A homeowner has begun foreclosure proceedings on a local Wells Fargo Office in Pennsylvania.
This is how it happened."
"Obama Energy Secretary Promises “Massive” Coal Plant Closures"
I'm thinking the environmental movement would rather NOT have any humans on the planet.
They want to save plants, animals. fish, and who knows what else, no matter how much suffering it causes humans....
They want to save plants, animals. fish, and who knows what else, no matter how much suffering it causes humans....
This is the beginning of a post by "grizz" at PatDollard.com:
"Obama Energy Secretary Steven Chu has launched the next phase of the White House’s publicly stated agenda to bankrupt the coal industry via EPA regulations after announcing the prospect of 'massive' coal plant closures even as Texas and other states suffer rolling blackouts as a result of maxed-out power plants that cannot cope with demand.
The Obama administration’s strict enforcement of draconian EPA regulations has led to new clean-burning coal-fired plants being mothballed and other existing ones being shut down, which has in turn led to Texas and other states becoming energy-dependent, leading to shortages and blackouts exacerbated by freezing temperatures.
Despite White House Communications Director Dan Pfeiffer’s brazen lie in claiming that the blackouts are solely a result of 'mechanical failures,' the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, the agency that oversees the state’s power, confirmed this morning that the threat of blackouts was ongoing as a result of a 'maxed out grid'.
This 'maxed out grid' is a consequence of federally enforced EPA restrictions that have led to the delay, mothballing and closing down of coal-fired plants. In Texas, approval for the much-needed Las Brisas Energy Center has been delayed for 3 years as a result of EPA meddling in Texas’ energy policy."
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Wisconsin Union Protest | Bill Details Wisconsin Budget | The Daily Caller - Breaking News, Opinion, Research, and Entertainment
The public employees unions are taking a stand in Wisconsin.
Considering that states are in big financial trouble, I'm thinking the facts actually hurt them.
That being said, I think we all should take note that unions in private profit-driven competitive industries are much different than those in the public sector...
Considering that states are in big financial trouble, I'm thinking the facts actually hurt them.
That being said, I think we all should take note that unions in private profit-driven competitive industries are much different than those in the public sector...
Matthew Boyle has some details at DailyCaller.com:
"But the details of the governor’s bill have largely been overshadowed by the drama of the debates and protests.
Walker’s proposal, which is part of his plan to address the $137 million deficit in Wisconsin’s current budget and projected $3.6 billion shortfall over the next two years, would allow public sector unions many of the collective bargaining privileges they enjoy now.
Some key points:"
4 Walmart employees fired after disarming gunman...
I think there must be some compromise possible in this case.
See what you think...
See what you think...
Andrew Adams recently reported on this at KSL.com in Layton, Utah:
"'She said, 'You're fired,' Richins recalled, of the person brought in to let him go. 'You're being terminated for a violation of AP09.' AP09 is Walmart's policy on dealing with shoplifters. A copy obtained by KSL shows employees are allowed to use 'reasonable force' to limit movements of struggling suspects. If a weapon comes out, however, associates must 'disengage' and 'withdraw,' the policy states.
The workers say they don't know where they would have withdrawn to, with the door behind them closed in a small room and the man charging at them. They contend they had no other real option."
Friday, February 18, 2011
Bullied Philadelphia Eagles fan Nadin Khoury's redeeming moment
A nice story...
Rick Reilly has the story at ESPN.com:
"A 13-year-old boy named Nadin Khoury told about how he'd been attacked by seven bigger schoolmates, kicked, beaten, dragged through the snow, stuffed into a tree, and hung on a 7-foot spiked fence, all while adults watched.
The boy was only 5-foot-2, but he'd made up his mind to stand tall no matter how much of his pride bled out. As the brutal video played on a screen behind him, his collar stayed buttoned, his spine straight, but his bottom lip quivered.
'Next time maybe it could be somebody smaller than me,' he said, loud and clear, like the Marine he wants to be someday. 'Maybe next time, somebody could really get hurt.'
That's when host Elisabeth Hasselbeck said, 'There are some guys here who want to tell you just how brave you are.'"
"Road Train Completes First Trials In Sweden"
I'm posting this as a novelty.
It sort of sounds like an interesting idea (at first).
Based on the article's comments, others have seen that it's potential is limited...
It sort of sounds like an interesting idea (at first).
Based on the article's comments, others have seen that it's potential is limited...
Hugh Pickens recently posted about it at SlashDot.org:
"BBC reports technology that links vehicles into 'road trains' that can travel as a semi-autonomous convoy has undergone its first real world tests with trials held on Volvo's test track in Sweden. Researchers believe platoons of cars could be traveling on Europe's roads within a decade cutting fuel use, boosting safety and may even reducing congestion."
Thursday, February 17, 2011
The Weather Isn't Getting Weirder - WSJ.com
Current events (in this case, weather events), are being exploited to further the global warming agenda.
It's sad how we are led to believe certain things that just aren't true.
Some of us are old enough to remember similar occurrences in the past.
Others can use computers and historical data to disprove the exploitation...
It's sad how we are led to believe certain things that just aren't true.
Some of us are old enough to remember similar occurrences in the past.
Others can use computers and historical data to disprove the exploitation...
Anne Jolis discusses it at the Wall Street Journal online and finds:
"The latest research belies the idea that storms are getting more extreme."
"American Thinker: No Coal, No Power, No Gas"
Government at work doing what they do best, and here's the result...
Jeffrey Folks writes about this gem at AmericanThinker.com:
"How was it that Texas suffered an extended period of rolling blackouts at a time when there's a glut of coal and natural gas waiting to be used?
The answer may be quite simple. It seems that a great deal of natural gas got 'stuck in the pipes' because there was not enough electricity to operate the pumps to move it along. And there was not enough electricity to operate the pumps because environmentalists had seen to it that plans for new coal-powered generating plants had been shuttered back in 2007. So without the coal, there was no electricity, and without the electricity, there was no natural gas. And since much of the natural gas was intended to supply electrical power generating plants, there was even less electricity to supply the pumps and everything else."
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
"Al-Qaida on brink of using nuclear bomb"
If you're running out of things to worry about, try this...
Heidi Blake and Christopher Hope recently reported this in the Vancouver Sun:
"Al-Qaida is on the verge of producing radioactive weapons after sourcing nuclear material and recruiting rogue scientists to build 'dirty' bombs, according to leaked diplomatic documents.
A leading atomic regulator has privately warned that the world stands on the brink of a 'nuclear 9/11'.
Security briefings suggest that jihadi groups are also close to producing 'workable and efficient' biological and chemical weapons that could kill thousands if unleashed in attacks on the West.
Thousands of classified American cables obtained by the WikiLeaks website and passed to The Daily Telegraph detail the international struggle to stop the spread of weapons-grade nuclear, chemical and biological material around the globe."
"Magnetic polar shifts causing massive global superstorms"
Want something to worry about?
Read this article in it's entirety (4 web pages)...
Read this article in it's entirety (4 web pages)...
Terrence Aym has this and much more at Helium.com:
"The Earth's northern magnetic pole was moving towards Russia at a rate of about five miles annually. That progression to the East had been happening for decades.
Suddenly, in the past decade the rate sped up. Now the magnetic pole is shifting East at a rate of 40 miles annually, an increase of 800 percent. And it continues to accelerate.
Recently, as the magnetic field fluctuates, NASA has discovered 'cracks' in it. This is worrisome as it significantly affects the ionosphere, troposphere wind patterns, and atmospheric moisture. All three things have an effect on the weather.
Worse, what shields the planet from cancer-causing radiation is the magnetic field. It acts as a shield deflecting harmful ultra-violet, X-rays and other life-threatening radiation from bathing the surface of the Earth. With the field weakening and cracks emerging, the death rate from cancer could skyrocket and mutations of DNA can become rampant."
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
"Wikileaks: No 10 urged commander to play down Afghanistan failures"
As I probably said before, elected officials are rightfully a bit frightened of the WikiLeaks people.
After all, getting caught putting politics first doesn't play well at all...
After all, getting caught putting politics first doesn't play well at all...
Recently, the U.K. Daily Telegraph published this:
"A senior adviser to Gordon Brown put pressure on the commander of Nato forces in Afghanistan to play down the “bleak and deteriorating” situation to reduce criticism of his government, leaked documents disclose."
"Rep. Royce plans to push national-level version of contentious Arizona immigration law"
It's difficult to really know what's going on at America's southern border.
The media seems to be pro-immigration, while the local citizens are suffering with the reality.
Clearly, proposals like this would not be offered if everything was fine...
The media seems to be pro-immigration, while the local citizens are suffering with the reality.
Clearly, proposals like this would not be offered if everything was fine...
At Daily Caller.com, Matthew Boyle reported this:
"Before a University of Texas at El Paso audience on Monday, Napolitano said that the border was safe and that border security critics are exaggerating border problems for political purposes.
'It is inaccurate to state, as too many have, that the border is overrun with violence and out of control,' Napolitano said in prepared remarks. 'This statement – often made only to score political points – is just plain wrong.'
Documentarians and border security experts Stan Wald and Jerry Misner, who covered border issues in their documentary 'Southern Exposure,' told TheDC that what Napolitano said is not even close to the real story of what’s going on along the border.
'From our standpoint, it’s not getting better [along the border], it’s getting worse,' Misner told TheDC. 'We make that assessment solely on the number of crimes, particularly drug trafficking, and criminals who illegal aliens are bringing north with them.'
Wald said that top-level administration officials and spokespeople have spun the storyline that the border is secure so that the administration can move forward with its 'comprehensive immigration reform' plans, or what some consider amnesty for all illegal immigrants.
'If you talk to the boots on the ground, those who are out in the field, not management level and not supervisors, you get the real story, you get the truth,' Wald said."
"Big Obama donor quits envoy job amid criticism"
I guess this is some kind of time honored tradition.
Even so, one must be careful with these kind of appointments as they reflect on the entire country (USA)...
Even so, one must be careful with these kind of appointments as they reflect on the entire country (USA)...
The Associated Press recently reported on it:
"Stroum's case illustrates the pitfalls that presidents can face when they appoint non-career diplomats to ambassadorships as a reward for their political support."
Monday, February 14, 2011
"Obama ignored by Mubarak -- again"
Jennifer Rubin is now the (token) conservative opinion writer at the Washington Post. Her perceptions are usually spot on. Here she discusses the Egypt situation and summarizes the implications for the Obama administration...
Jennifer Rubin summarized her recent Washington Post column with this:
"The major challenges that confront Obama -- job creation, Middle East unrest, fiscal discipline -- all appear to be above his pay grade. His words are of limited and diminishing utility. And the distinguishing characteristic of this administration is now confusion. As Iran did to Jimmy Carter, Egypt's crisis now threatens to subsume the rest of the agenda. And even worse (as the gulf oil spill did), it may come to symbolize a presidency that lacks the skill and insight needed to manage a crisis and shape events."
"Singapore's Lee: 'we can integrate all religions and races except Islam'"
When assimilation works for most, it seems to indicate that unwillingness to make concessions (blend in) is worthy of some criticism.
Isn't there an old saying: "When in Rome, do as the Romans do"?
I think that applies to those who move to a new country...
Isn't there an old saying: "When in Rome, do as the Romans do"?
I think that applies to those who move to a new country...
At AmericanThinker.com, Thomas Lifson passes on some thoughts by Singapore's now-retired prime minister:
"Lee Kuan Yew ranks as one of the most successful statesmen of the 20th century, having led Singapore to independence, and built a thriving prosperous mini-state with a world class economy, out of an ethnically diverse population. He retired as the world's longest serving prime minister, and at 87 years of age, has little to lose in speaking his mind.
Thus, his candor in discussing the assimilation of Muslims is perhaps understandable, but stil startling in a world of political correctness and compulsory sensitivity to Muslims, who are never expected to reciprocate."
Sunday, February 13, 2011
"Obama Renominates Judge with Record of Racial Double Standards"
This nominee seems highly questionable.
Why can't we skip him, and look for someone less controversial?
Then again, maybe I don't want to know why; or, maybe I already do...
Why can't we skip him, and look for someone less controversial?
Then again, maybe I don't want to know why; or, maybe I already do...
Hans A. von Spakovsky has the story at PajamasMedia.com:
"Graves, a black justice on the Mississippi Supreme Court, was nominated to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals by the president last year. His nomination died when the Senate failed to act on it before the 111th Congress ended. But Graves was one of several judges that President Obama renominated on January 5.
This despite the fact that Graves’ votes in three different disciplinary cases involving Mississippi judges show that he looks at alleged misconduct differently depending on the race of the perpetrator. While Graves strongly condemns racist and other discriminatory attitudes and language by white judges, he tolerates and finds acceptable the very same type of distasteful and sordid attitudes and language by a black judge. He apparently believes that while the First Amendment protects black judges, it has its limits when it comes to white judges."
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Meanwhile - in the U.K. - Trimming staff jobs
Sometimes, the U.S. picks up on what the Brits do.
Let's hope this is one of those times.
I don't really like seeing people lose their jobs, so my preference would be a hiring freeze, prudence and attrition...
Let's hope this is one of those times.
I don't really like seeing people lose their jobs, so my preference would be a hiring freeze, prudence and attrition...
Robert Winnett recently reported in the U.K. Daily Telegraph:
"As many as 15,000 council workers earning more than £58,000 a year are to be named under government plans to force local authorities to cut middle management waste, The Daily Telegraph can disclose.
...
Official figures show that council spending on middle managers is more than £2.4billion – a rise of more than 20 per cent in the last three years.
According to an analysis of council accounts, in 1997 when Labour came to power the average local authority employed just seven people earning more than £50,000 a year. By 2008 this had risen to 81 people per council. Local authorities employing the most middle managers include Birmingham, Hampshire and Essex councils."
The PJ Tatler - A theory of Bill O’Reilly
Here's a brief blog entry about FoxNews' Bill O'Reilly.
Mr. O'Reilly has definitely changed over the years, while enjoying great success.
This article is what it is, attracting a certain group of people, and causing them to leave comments.
I found the comments quite interesting...
Mr. O'Reilly has definitely changed over the years, while enjoying great success.
This article is what it is, attracting a certain group of people, and causing them to leave comments.
I found the comments quite interesting...
Charlie Martin posted this at PajamasMedia.com, and as I mentioned, stimulated many to comment:
"So today it struck me: O’Reilly is a self-important middle manager. If he sees you are 'above him' in stature, someone who makes him look good by being on the screen with him, he’s obsequious. If he sees you as beneath him, then he expects deference."
Friday, February 11, 2011
"David Cameron versus the Islamists: the Prime Minister throws down the gauntlet to a deadly enemy"
Some things just need to be said.
British Prime Minister David Cameron recently said some of them.
Time will tell whether he's sincere or just being a politician...
British Prime Minister David Cameron recently said some of them.
Time will tell whether he's sincere or just being a politician...
Nile Gardiner offers his opinion in the U.K. Daily Telegraph:
"The Prime Minister’s speech was among the most important of his premiership so far, dealing with a subject critical to British national security, as well as the future of Britain as a free nation. It was a powerful condemnation of a deadly Islamist ideology that threatens the very fabric of British society, as well as a wholehearted rejection of 'the doctrine of state multiculturalism'. As Cameron noted:..."
"Crony Capitalism Or Raw Corruption?"
You can decide for yourself. I already have...
Investors Business Daily has this and the story on their website:
"Last month, the White House issued tough new rules on CO2 emissions. This month, its biggest corporate supporter wins an exemption. Something smells here."
"That's just what happened in California, with the so-called Avenal Energy project. That badly needed energy plant uses two natural gas-fired General Electric 7FA gas turbines and one General Electric steam turbine to generate electricity. Under the EPA's tough new rules, the Avenal project wasn't going to be built.
Don't get us wrong: We support the project. The nation needs energy. We just don't like how the White House seems to play favorites with who gets exemptions and who doesn't."
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Government at Work - Controlled Delivery
Didn't anyone have enough sense to stand up and reject this idea as "wrong-headed" thinking.
That being said, we all can imagine how government works, and, the subsequent unintended consequences.
Oh yeah, did you notice we're talking about GUNS here?...
That being said, we all can imagine how government works, and, the subsequent unintended consequences.
Oh yeah, did you notice we're talking about GUNS here?...
Maxim Lott reports on this at FoxNews.com:
"Additionally, Dick Deguerin, attorney for a Texas gun store named 'Carter Country,' told Fox26 Houston that the ATF asked the store to sell the guns to even those they thought were going to smuggle them to Mexico -- so that ATF could track where the guns went.
'They were told to go through with sales of three or more assault rifles at the same time... They went through with the sales because the ATF told them to go through with the sales,' Deguerin said, adding that the store reported all suspicious sales to the ATF.
Federal investigators are known to use such techniques in drug trafficking investigations."
"Chrysler releases $9m Super Bowl ad while requesting more taxpayer dollars"
Everything today seems to be about swaying public opinion.
All too often, people in the know or with personal knowledge of a subject, can't believe what they're seeing and hearing.
This appears to be one of those cases...
All too often, people in the know or with personal knowledge of a subject, can't believe what they're seeing and hearing.
This appears to be one of those cases...
J.P. Freire has this and more at WashingtonExaminer.com, beginning with:
"You may have noticed that Chrysler released the longest ad in Super Bowl history on Sunday night, featuring the new Chrysler 200 driven by Detroit native rap star Eminem, an ad that CEO Sergio Marchionne says cost less than $9 million. But given that the company's CEO also announced this past week that is seeking a 'better deal' on government loans, it is likely that this ad had more to do with getting political support than selling cars. Besides, is spending millions on a Super Bowl ad appropriate for a company that received a taxpayer bailout to recover from a bankruptcy?"
Liberal Nightmare - Conservative Dream
Wednesday, February 09, 2011
The NAACP - Condemn or condone?
The NAACP appears to have a double standard.
This article points that out and I'm not surprised.
Racism is a two-way street. It should be condemned in either direction.
I might add that (in some cases) failure to condemn could be considered as condoning...
This article points that out and I'm not surprised.
Racism is a two-way street. It should be condemned in either direction.
I might add that (in some cases) failure to condemn could be considered as condoning...
Matthew Boyle has the story at DailyCaller.com:
"In response to The Daily Caller’s request for comment on a video showing progressive protesters calling for somebody to “string up” African American Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, or 'send him back into the fields' or 'cut off all his toes and feed them to him one-by-one,' NAACP spokesman Hilary Shelton pointed to the organization’s recent resolution calling for a 'civil political discourse.'
'Last summer, the NAACP passed a resolution calling for a civil political discourse,' Shelton said in an e-mail to TheDC. 'We continue to call on all Americans to abandon vitriolic language. It serves as a distraction from the real issues our society need to address and distorts the challenges we as Americans have to confront to make our nation greater still.'
Shelton would not, however, address the content of the video directly."
"Christensen introduces 'birther bill'"
Nebraska. Here's another state that wants to be sure about eligibility...
Emily Nohr reports this at McCookGazette.com:
"Nebraska has joined several other states in introducing a "birther" bill, a piece of legislation that would require proof of U.S. citizenship from candidates for the nation's highest political offices.
The 14-page bill, sponsored by District 44 State Sen. Mark Christensen of Holdrege, would prohibit placing presidential and vice presidential candidates on the state's ballot unless they provide a certified, long-form version of their birth certificate to Nebraska's secretary of state.
Christensen's bill would also require candidates to provide their parents' certified long-form birth certificates. If a person's birth father is unknown, Christensen said a candidate would have to file an affidavit with the state, stating that they have no reason to believe their father is not a U.S. citizen."
Tuesday, February 08, 2011
"Lockerbie: David Cameron attacks Labour after report finds government aided bomber release"
The previous British government seems to have been caught here.
It serves as a reminder as to how elected officials think and act.
The citizens (and justice) are NOT at the forefront of their existence.
Sadly, American families are among those that have be disrespected..
It serves as a reminder as to how elected officials think and act.
The citizens (and justice) are NOT at the forefront of their existence.
Sadly, American families are among those that have be disrespected..
The U.K.Telegraph reports this on their website:
"In a statement to MPs, Mr Cameron said: 'Insufficient consideration was given to the most basic question of all - was it really right for the British government to facilitate an appeal by the Libyans to the Scottish government in the case of an individual who was convicted of murdering 270 people, including 43 British citizens and 190 Americans and 19 other nationalities?
'That for me is the biggest lesson of this entire affair. For my part I repeat, I believe it was profoundly wrong.'"
"WikiLeaks files reveal 'cold, callous and brutal' behaviour of ministers"
You can think want you want about WikiLeaks; however, revelations like this would remain unknown without them.
Most of us already know the behavior of politicians and elected officials leaves a lot to be desired.
Even so, it does not hurt to be reminded.
Considering this, it's no wonder governments are so quick to label WikiLeaks as traitors, and worse...
Most of us already know the behavior of politicians and elected officials leaves a lot to be desired.
Even so, it does not hurt to be reminded.
Considering this, it's no wonder governments are so quick to label WikiLeaks as traitors, and worse...
Auslan Cramb, Christopher Hope and Robert Winnett write about this case in the U.K. Daily Telegraph:
"Documents obtained by the Daily Telegraph show that a Foreign Office minister sent Libyan officials detailed legal advice on how to use Abdelbaset al-Megrahi’s cancer diagnosis to ensure he was released from a Scottish prison on compassionate grounds.
The Duke of York is also said to have played a behind-the-scenes role in encouraging the terrorist’s release."
Monday, February 07, 2011
Gary Sinise Speaks At Reagan 100th Birthday Celebration
I like this guy. Perhaps you will too...
USDA's Pigford fraud - Washington Times Editorial
Is this isn't a mismanaged government program, I don't know what is.
And look at the numbers!...
And look at the numbers!...
The Washington Times discusses this in an editorial:
"Race hustlers are shaking down taxpayers for payoffs, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is falling for the scam. The controversy involves a discrimination claim against the USDA for allegedly denying loans because of race. A federal judge approved payments of $50,000 or more based on low levels of proof. This encouraged a mad scramble for cash based on false claims.
The 'Pigford Settlement,' an agreement that came out of the original 1997 lawsuit by Timothy Pigford and 400 southern black farmers, resulted from some apparently legitimate instances of discrimination. However, plaintiffs’ lawyers got involved, and the number of supposedly aggrieved farmers grew exponentially. Eventually, more than 94,000 claims were filed even though the U.S. Census Bureau never counted more than 33,000 black farmers in America during the years in question."
Sunday, February 06, 2011
"The four inch gadget that helps British soldiers to pinpoint Taliban snipers"
Another example of high-tech on the battlefield...
Christopher Leake recently reported at the U.K.'s DailyMail website:
"The tiny computerised ‘sniper spotter’, which has been developed by Army scientists at the top-secret Defence Science and Technology Laboratory in Wiltshire, identifies the shooter’s location in an instant, enabling British troops to fire back immediately and accurately.
The new high-tech gadget – just 4in square and weighing 11oz – is worn on a soldier’s arm. It is connected to a shoulder sensor which pinpoints the location. "
Saturday, February 05, 2011
"The naked truth about scanners"
I guess this is a "government at work" thing.
Government just doesn't do many things well, and they rarely get any value for their money.
A 70% failure rate is probably par for the course...
Government just doesn't do many things well, and they rarely get any value for their money.
A 70% failure rate is probably par for the course...
This is part of Roger Simon's recent article at Politico.com:
"Janet Napolitano, the secretary of homeland security, was interviewed Sunday by CNN’s Candy Crowley, and Napolitano said nothing was going to change “for the foreseeable future.”
'You know, we’re always looking to improve systems and so forth,' Napolitano said. 'But the new technology, the pat-downs, is just objectively safer for our traveling public.'
But Crowley decided to screen and pat down that assertion.
Citing an ABC report, Crowley said, 'There are some major airports who had a 70 percent failure rate at detecting guns, knives, bombs, that they got through in your tests…. So how good can it be when you have major airports with a 70 percent fail rate?'
Napolitano dismissed those results as old and questionable and said, 'Let’s set those aside.' One of the real successes of the machines and procedures, Napolitano said, is that they discourage terrorists from even trying to get on planes.
In other words, the machines keep us safe even if they don’t work at all."
"Chris Matthews’ in-law charged in plot to smuggle drugs"
I saw this early in January.
Should I be surprised that the "main stream" media didn't mention much about it?...
Should I be surprised that the "main stream" media didn't mention much about it?...
PRE-LINK TEXT Curt Brown did post this at BostonHerald.com:
"Nearly six weeks ago, when federal agents intercepted the 79-foot sailboat Sarah Moira heading to the U.S. from Jamaica, they scored a major international drug bust — seizing the boat’s cargo of 4,497 pounds of marijuana and arresting the captain and his crew.
Local police are now revealing that the trail to this $8.1 million pot bust began some 1,500 miles away, in Dartmouth.
The captain of the vessel and the target of a federal probe is 58-year-old James Ormonde Staveley-O’Carroll, a shipbuilder and self-described firebrand liberal, whose daughter, Sarah, is married to Michael K. Matthews, the son of MSNBC 'Hardball' host Chris Matthews."
Friday, February 04, 2011
"Where Judicial Activism Morphs into Disregard"
The more I read about the Ninth Circuit Court, the worse it gets.
This article continues that thought...
This article continues that thought...
Debra J. Saunders writes about it at Townhall.com:
"Four times this month, the U.S. Supreme Court has slapped down the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Four times the Big Bench unanimously reversed Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decisions. Unanimous is a big deal. It means that there's no left-right political divide in the Big Bench's findings -- just right on the law and wrong on the law."
Thursday, February 03, 2011
"Chrysler Loses Money, Gives UAW Bonuses"
See anything wrong with this? I sure do...
Mark Modica reports at NLPC.org:
"Chrysler recently reported a 4th quarter loss of $652 million. So what does a UAW majority owned company that is losing money do? How about a bonus for UAW workers?
Current Chrysler ownership breakdown puts the UAW at a 63.5% ownership stake while the US Treasury holds a 9.2% stake. Italy's Fiat currently owns 25%. Bonuses planned for UAW workers are estimated to average $750.
It is disturbing that at the same time Chrysler plans for UAW bonus distributions they are back asking taxpayers for more money. "
The Media - Bob Woodruff ABC News
Clearly everyone has a right to believe in whatever they choose.
That being said, it seems reasonable to expect media news personalities to be free from any appearance that they may be reporting with bias...
That being said, it seems reasonable to expect media news personalities to be free from any appearance that they may be reporting with bias...
Andrew Breitbart reports at BigJournalism.com:
"Unfortunately, Big Journalism has learned that Mr. Woodruff has been doing much more than objectively reporting on environmental issues.
Woodruff has been working with an environmental advocacy group, an action in direct violation of ABC News journalistic guidelines. According to ABC News, Mr. Woodruff’s actions were in violation of the company’s standards policies and ABC will take 'appropriate disciplinary action' for his not reporting his advocacy activities to them. ABC News further said that if Mr. Woodruff had sought approval for his environmental advocacy efforts, their standards department would have declined permission."
A Toast to Your Health - WSJ.com
There have been arguments on both sides of this issue for a long time.
The questions are: who to believe; do the information issuers have an agenda; what does your anecdotal experience tell you; and does one size fit all?...
The questions are: who to believe; do the information issuers have an agenda; what does your anecdotal experience tell you; and does one size fit all?...
Stanton Peele reports in the Wall Street Journal:
"The Guidelines, created by America's leading health researchers, state: "Alcohol consumption may have beneficial effects when consumed in moderation (up to two drinks daily). Strong evidence from observational studies has shown that moderate alcohol consumption is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Moderate alcohol consumption also is associated with reduced risk of all-cause mortality among middle-aged and older adults and may help to keep cognitive function intact with age."
What was that again?
Moderate alcohol consumption is associated with reduced risk of all-cause mortality and may help to keep cognitive function intact with age? You mean, alcohol is associated with living and remaining mentally alert longer?"
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
"Planned Parenthood, ‘Safe Haven’ for Sex Trafficking: A Shocking, Breaking Video"
Taxpayer funded Planned Parenthood is clearly not what it appears to be.
Did I mention that you and I are paying for this?...
Did I mention that you and I are paying for this?...
Kathryn Jean Lopez has the story (and video) at NationalReview.com:
"This particular video was taken of a clinic visit on January 11 in Perth Amboy, N.J. The timing of the video comes as New Jersey governor Chris Christie – who has already said 'no' already for some Planned Parenthood funding — has a bill before him he could veto that would be another Planned Parenthood entry for some state and federal funds.
The release of the video this morning has been 'expedited' by recent media reports that Planned Parenthood is onto Live Action’s most recent routine and wants the FBI involved. There is nothing Lila Rose would welcome more. (She has yet to receive any notification from Planned Parenthood or the FBI. All she knows she’s read in the media.)
From her undercover work, it is absolutely clear, Rose says, that 'the perfect partner for a pimp is Planned Parenthood itself.' This Perth Amboy clinic presents itself 'a save haven for sex trafficking.'"
"The War Against Palin Goes On and On and …"
Unless you've been on another planet, you probably know how the media treats Sarah Palin.
It's outrageous, mostly unfair, and usually inaccurate, not to mention that certain others say/do much worse without criticism...
It's outrageous, mostly unfair, and usually inaccurate, not to mention that certain others say/do much worse without criticism...
Victor Davis Hanson recently pointed out the media's sloppiness and bias in an article at PajamasMedia.com:
"So much for the new Obama age of civility.
Palin This, Palin That
In this context, since the moment of the Tucson shootings we have witnessed not just a campaign to smear Sarah Palin with the charge that she, or what she supposedly represents, is responsible for the mayhem, but that her rebuttals themselves are more proof that she is culpable.
Op-ed writers all the time employ the metaphor 'crosshairs.' Democrats use targets to highlight their plans to unseat congressional Republicans. “Blood libel” long ago became a generic charge far more than a specific one reflecting its anti-Semitic roots. No matter — if Palin can be tied to any of that, then she alone is guilty of all that. So what is it that so bugs the media elite about Sarah Palin?"
Tuesday, February 01, 2011
Say Anything?
Is it just me or does the State of the Union address have a high frequency of things that are not exactly as they appear to be.
And where is the media when it comes to fact checking or correcting them?...
And where is the media when it comes to fact checking or correcting them?...
Rob Port has this at SayAnythingBlog.com:
"Irony: School Obama Highlighted In State Of The Union Address Got Exemption From Union Rules"
The Media - MSNBC's Chris Matthews
After reading this article, I think it's a legitimate question...
Amy Siskind discusses him at DailyCaller.com, and asks:
"Why does MSNBC tolerate Chris Matthews’s misogyny?"
