Saturday, May 31, 2008

Detroit mayor vetoes funds for lawyers trying to remove him

Detroit mayor vetoes funds for lawyers trying to remove him
"Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick has vetoed $250,000 set aside by the City Council to pay for lawyers to try to remove him from office amid a text-messaging sex scandal."

RWDB – J.F. Beck: JOHN QUIGGIN'S FAVOURITE UNRELIABLE SOURCE

RWDB – J.F. Beck: JOHN QUIGGIN'S FAVOURITE UNRELIABLE SOURCE: "Lambert says Eritrea's anti-malaria program produced dramatic results by switching away from DDT. In reality, Eritrea produced dramatic results while greatly increasing DDT use."

Chances dim for climate-change legislation - May. 30, 2008

Chances dim for climate-change legislation - May. 30, 2008: "An influential coalition of Fortune 500 companies and environmental groups that was formed to support climate-change legislation has splintered over the Lieberman-Warner bill that is headed next week to the Senate floor."

Friday, May 30, 2008

President Bush Outlines Iraqi Threat

President Bush Outlines Iraqi Threat: "First, some ask why Iraq is different from other countries or regimes that also have terrible weapons. While there are many dangers in the world, the threat from Iraq stands alone -- because it gathers the most serious dangers of our age in one place. Iraq's weapons of mass destruction are controlled by a murderous tyrant who has already used chemical weapons to kill thousands of people. This same tyrant has tried to dominate the Middle East, has invaded and brutally occupied a small neighbor, has struck other nations without warning, and holds an unrelenting hostility toward the United States.
By its past and present actions, by its technological capabilities, by the merciless nature of its regime, Iraq is unique. As a former chief weapons inspector of the U.N. has said, 'The fundamental problem with Iraq remains the nature of the regime, itself. Saddam Hussein is a homicidal dictator who is addicted to weapons of mass destruction.'"

YouTube - World's Most Dangerous Airports

YouTube - World's Most Dangerous Airports

Shred of the Month - May 2008: Bicycles

Shred of the Month - May 2008: Bicycles

Civilization Comes First

Civilization Comes First:
"None the less I'm a strong supporter of MCain. Despite my very Libertarianish tendencies.
Make it harder for you to vote for McCain? You have no idea how hard it is for me to vote for the crap the GOP serves up to me. But you know there is a fookin' war on and my pet issues can wait until our civilization is properly secured."

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Best of the Web Today - WSJ.com

Best of the Web Today - WSJ.com: "I really believe that she just always thought 'This is mine' [laughter, hoots]. 'I'm Bill's wife. I'm white. And this is mine. And I jus' gotta get up. And step into the plate.' And then out of nowhere came, 'Hey, I'm Barack Obama.' And she said: 'Oh, damn! Where did you come from!?!?!' [Crowd going nuts, Pfleger screaming]. 'I'm white! I'm entitled! There's a black man stealing my show.' [Sobs.] She wasn't the only one crying! There was a whole lotta white people cryin'!"

Global Warming Skeptics Plot 'Carbon Belch Day'

Global Warming Skeptics Plot 'Carbon Belch Day'
"Conservative grassroots group Grassfire.org wants people to waste as much energy as possible on June 12 by 'hosting a barbecue, going for a drive, watching television, leaving a few lights on, or even smoking a few cigars.'
The point: the group wants to 'help Americans break free from the 'carbon footprint guilt' being imposed by Climate Alarmists.'"

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

McClellan's Mess

McClellan's Mess: "We're no longer surprised when a longtime confidant of a president comes out with a tell-all book. It's almost de rigueur. What's sad, however, is when so much of what the book tells is, in fact, false."

Sales of Spam rise as consumers trim food costs - Yahoo! News

Sales of Spam rise as consumers trim food costs - Yahoo! News: "The price of Spam is up too, with the average 12 oz. can costing about $2.62. That's an increase of 17 cents, or nearly 7 percent, from the same time last year."

When facts get in the way | STANDPOINT.ONLINE

When facts get in the way STANDPOINT.ONLINE: "British newspaper writing is famously more vigorous and readable than its American equivalent. But this comes at a price: there’s a good chance that anything you read in a British newspaper isn’t true.

When I worked as a leader writer for an American ­paper I was embarrassed when I was told that it was official policy not to trust any item in any British paper except the FT."

Dr. Helen: "Senator Biden Wants to Give Your Ex-Wife a Free Attorney..."

Dr. Helen: "Senator Biden Wants to Give Your Ex-Wife a Free Attorney...": "'Senator Biden Wants to Give Your Ex-Wife a Free Attorney...'"

Best of the Web Today - WSJ.com

Best of the Web Today - WSJ.com: "The trouble is that MAD depends on a series of assumptions about the nuclear adversaries in question, not all of which would necessarily apply in a confrontation between Iran and Israel or the U.S. One key assumption is that the actors are rational--meaning, among other things, not suicidal. Given that Iran is ruled by religious revolutionaries who have been known to use suicide as a tactic, this cannot be taken for granted."

Punxsutawney Condi - WSJ.com

Punxsutawney Condi - WSJ.com: "Where do we go from here? If this really were Groundhog Day, we would at least learn something from the previous, persistent failures. Even Mr. Murray's character changed his ways. But Iranian leaders have had six years to develop their nuclear programs since they were exposed in 2002, and the progress they have made has been formidable."

Granholm's Tax Warning - WSJ.com

Granholm's Tax Warning - WSJ.com: "This is a major embarrassment for Governor Jennifer Granholm, the second-term Democrat who shut down the state government last year until the Legislature approved Michigan's biggest tax hike in a generation. Her tax plan raised the state income tax rate to 4.35% from 3.9%, and increased the state's tax on gross business receipts by 22%. Ms. Granholm argued that these new taxes would raise some $1.3 billion in new revenue that could be 'invested' in social spending and new businesses and lead to a Michigan renaissance.
Not quite. Six months later one-third of the expected revenues have vanished as the state's economy continues to struggle. Income tax collections are falling behind estimates, as are property tax receipts and those from the state's transaction tax on home sales.
Michigan is now in the 18th month of a state-wide recession, and the unemployment rate of 6.9% remains far above the national rate of 5%. Ms. Granholm blames the nationwide mortgage meltdown and higher energy prices for the job losses and disappearing revenues, but this Great Lakes state is in its own unique hole. Nearby Illinois (5.4% jobless rate) and even Ohio (5.6%) are doing better.
Leon Drolet, the head of the Michigan Taxpayers Alliance, complains that 'we are witnessing the Detroit-ification of Michigan.' By that he means that the same high tax and spend policies that have hollowed out the Motor City are now infecting many other areas of the state."

Mich. House votes to ban partial birth abortions

Mich. House votes to ban partial birth abortions: "Michigan lawmakers moved closer to a state-level ban of what opponents call partial birth abortion on Tuesday.
The Democratic-led House passed the ban by a 74-32 vote late Tuesday.
The Republican-controlled Senate has approved similar legislation.
But Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm doesn't support the bill and might veto it because it doesn't include an exception for the health of the mother, setting the scene for a possible override showdown."

Study: Global warming could worsen Great Lakes problems

Global warming could worsen Great Lakes problems
"A new report says climate change could worsen a litany of problems plaguing the Great Lakes, from low water levels to depleted fish populations.
The report was released Wednesday by the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition, which represents more than 100 advocacy groups."

U.S. Representative Robert Wexler, Representing the 19th District of Florida

U.S. Representative Robert Wexler, Representing the 19th District of Florida: "Today Congressman Robert Wexler (D-FL) called for former White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan to appear before the House Judiciary Committee to testify under oath regarding the devastating revelations made in his new book on the Bush Administration’s deliberate efforts to mislead the American people into the Iraq War."

Spanish-English school program proving popular

Spanish-English school program proving popular
"The two-way immersion program, in which students are taught primarily in Spanish,"

This isn't an "immersion" program , it's teaching kids in Spanish!

And using the poor kids as a reason to hire extra teacher aids.

Classic garbage from a garbage school system.

Planet Slayer - Greenhouse Calculator

Planet Slayer - Greenhouse Calculator

Find out WHEN you SHOULD die!

What a nice idea for a kids show!

Granholm's Tax Warning - WSJ.com

Granholm's Tax Warning - WSJ.com: "'we are witnessing the Detroit-ification of Michigan.' By that he means that the same high tax and spend policies that have hollowed out the Motor City are now infecting many other areas of the state."

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Your next president is not a smart man.

Your next president is not a smart man.
"Your next president is not a smart man."

Your next president is not a smart man.
Rupert keeps telling me not to be so sure Obama’s going to win in November. I keep telling Rupert he doesn’t read enough conservative blogs and thus doesn’t realize how many conservatives are so tired of getting “poked in the eye” and “stabbed in the back” that they’re gonna take their “principles” all the way to nowhere on Election Day by sitting home or voting third-party rather than voting for McCain, which is the ONLY WAY to keep Obama out of office. But they’re just Na. Ga. Da. (not gonna do it). Because they want to “punish” the Republican party. Teach them a lesson!
Sorry, I know lots of you who feel that way are very wonderful people who I really do respect, but I’ve said it before and I’m saying it again: I think your plan is shitty. You’re going to get Obama elected, you realize that right? If you’re cool with that, more power to you, but I for one will NOT welcome my new Dumbass Overlord Obama. There are two new reasons for that today.
First: He has no fuckin’ clue what Memorial Day is for.
On this Memorial Day, as our nation honors its unbroken line of fallen heroes — and I see many of them in the audience here today — our sense of patriotism is particularly strong.
That’s via Hot Air, where you can also see that when McCain pointed out the error, this was the response:
Obama’s camp declined to hit back, with spokesman Bill Burton saying “Memorial Day is a day to honor our nation’s veterans, not a day for political posturing.”
Jesus on a battlestar. We have a whole holiday to honor veterans; it’s called VETERAN’S DAY. Memorial Day is for the ones who died while serving, and it’s a pretty simple concept, and you’d think presidential candidate would be capable of making that distinction but you’d be so wrong.
Second, via Ace of Spades, on the same venerated day:
…Obama also spoke about his uncle, who was part of the American brigade that helped to liberate Auschwitz…
Oy. I wonder how the Russians feel about that, seeing as how they’re the ones who liberated Auschwitz, not the Americans. Maybe Obama identifies so deeply with the Red Army that he has conflated things in his wee little brain.

GVSU, others count on freshmen despite economy

GVSU, others count on freshmen despite economy
This month also is when college admissions officers start sizing up their numbers for the fall. Their hope: that amid a bad economy, they guessed correctly on the number of admitted students who will follow through and enroll."

Interesting that the cost to the student/family/taxpayer isn't even a consideration to thie "journalist".

Not to mention the quality of the "product" as 60% of their students (custoners) don't graduate....... total waste of money and time.

And a dream.... thanks "kollege" lobby...

Obama Campaign Scrambles to Correct the Record on Uncle’s War Service

Obama Campaign Scrambles to Correct the Record on Uncle’s War Service
"There were two obvious problems with the tale: Auschwitz was liberated by the Soviet Army, and Obama’s American mother was an only child."

Polar bear listing is big win for area group (with video) | www.azstarnet.com ®

Polar bear listing is big win for area group
"The center's blueprint for saving the polar bear is ambitious and complex. It includes:
● Challenging offshore oil and gas leasing in Alaska within six months.
● Launching a large-scale challenge to the licensing of coal-fired power plants around the country sometime after that.
● Finally, challenging large-scale, local government development plans in major cities.
These efforts would be in the name of reducing greenhouse gases that many scientists are now linked to the breakup of the Arctic-area sea ice on which polar bears live."

The difference between demos and GOPers, continued....

Winningreen Issue Alert

Democrats must now choose between high energy prices and new production

By Gretchen RandallDate: May 27, 2008Issue:

U.S. House Republicans last week introduced 15 bills to increase our domestic oil and gas production such as opening the offshore and ANWR, recycling spent nuclear fuel, credits to build coal-to-liquid plants, encourage building new refineries and continuing support for renewables such as wind and solar.

They also roll back the renewable fuel standards or ethanol requirements to the 2005 level instead of the ever increasing amount in the Democrat bill passed in 2007 and reduce the number of boutiques fuels.
Proposed legislation also waives the import tariff on imported sugar-based ethanol, repeals the limitation the Democrats placed on development of oil shale and repeals the ban of the use of tar sands, coal-to-liquid or shale oil by the military that Democrats enacted earlier.

More specifics on each of the bills can be found at http://thomas.loc.gov where most of the bills are now posted.

Zombie Time!... Obama Sees Dead People at New Mexico Speech (Video)


Zombie Time!... Obama Sees Dead People at New Mexico Speech (Video): "Barack Obama opens up his Memorial Day speech in Las Cruces, New Mexico:

On this Memorial Day, as our nation honors its unbroken line of fallen heroes -- and I see many of them in the audience here today -- our sense of patriotism is particularly strong.
Let's hope that he didn't see any fallen heroes in the audience!
Add, this to the growing list of Obama gaffes."

Global warming sceptics in an unholy row - Telegraph

Global warming sceptics in an unholy row
"The latest carbon credits scheme - published in a parliamentary committee report - is squarely on the side of the believers. The idea is that everyone gets an annual carbon ration to spend on fuel and energy bills and, if you want to overspend, you buy credits from low carbon emitters.
It's just like the medieval trade in indulgences, where remission for sins was granted by the Church once the sinner confessed and received absolution. By the late Middle Ages, the system had grown corrupt, with professional pardoners selling indulgences by the bucketload.
The medieval market in indulgences ended with the Reformation. You can imagine the outcome of this market in modern sin. Oceans of sackcloth-and-ashes piety from those who underspend their carbon credit, and badly informed abuse for people who like flying abroad on holiday."

Global warming sceptics in an unholy row - Telegraph

Global warming sceptics in an unholy row
"I wonder when people last got widely and publicly ridiculed for not believing in God: probably not for several hundred years.
Nowadays, you'd get a slightly odd look for doing the opposite and expressly stating your faith. But, if you really want to know what it's like to be a 16th-century heretic, try saying you're a bit sceptical about man-made global warming.
Temperatures do seem to have gone up a little, even though environmentalists acknowledge that we might be in for a cool spell now. And we've certainly had our fair share of tsunamis, hurricanes and typhoons recently. Still, no one has convincingly proved that all this is definitely man's fault. Try saying that in polite circles and it's like saying you're partial to roasted babies."

CFP: UN’s IPCC preying on people’s ignorance

CFP: UN’s IPCC preying on people’s ignorance

Here is what John McLean said, “The IPCC would have us believe that its reports are diligently reviewed by many hundreds of scientists and that these reviewers endorse the contents of the report. An analysis of the reviewers’ comments for the scientific assessment report by Working Group I show a very different and very worrying story.”—http://scienceandpublicpolicy.org

I have been unable to determine who chose the reviewers or why they were chosen. We know they were sworn to secrecy during the process and it continued after.

McLean again: The comments for Working Group I are the only set of reviewers’ comments to be made available to the public, and only then thanks to use of US Freedom of Information laws rather than a willingness on the part of the IPCC to allow people to examine the material.

Subway Bans Homeschooled Kids from Essay Contest

Subway Bans Homeschooled Kids from Essay Contest
"Subway -- the multi-national fast-food sub-shop giant -- has shot themselves in the foot. Again."
Don't forget to let Subway know how you feel! 800-888-4848

American Thinker Blog: Obama Words That Matter

American Thinker Blog: Obama Words That Matter: "So, just what would a President Obama do?


On 60 occasions, promised action is prefaced with the words 'He will...' For example: 'He will...


...make sure homebuyers have honest and complete information about their mortgage options


...give a tax credit to all middle-class homeowners


...improve rural schools and attract more doctors to rural areas


...ban the permanent replacement of striking workers


...improve the assessments used to track student progress to measure readiness for college


...provide incentives to give teachers paid common planning time so they can collaborate to share best practices


...stop the development of new nuclear weapons.'


The how of what he will do is absent."

Dealers worry that Mercury is a goner

Dealers worry that Mercury is a goner
"With no product in the pipeline, Ford dodges questions about the declining brand's fate."

Boy attacked by eagle in Manistee County

Boy attacked by eagle in Manistee County
"An 11-year-old boy has been injured when an eagle attacked him during a walk through the woods in Manistee County.
Radio station WKLA reports Alex Birch was attacked by the eagle about 9 p.m. Sunday in Copemish. He was treated at a local hospital for numerous cuts and scratches to his back, head and neck."

Events to raise money for Wings of Mercy

Events to raise money for Wings of Mercy
"Both events begin at 8 a.m. at Executive Air Transport, 4905 Stariha."

SUE, SARAH, SUE

SUE, SARAH, SUE
"The act, for one, requires the department to ensure that 'all actions authorized, funded or carried out' by all federal agencies aren't likely to 'result in the . . . adverse modification of habitat' of listed species.
This was odious enough when the presence of a few worthless snail darters was sufficient to derail massive public-works projects.
But because polar bears are now imperiled by global warming (officially, anyway), any carbon emissions anywhere in the country could conceivably be judged an illegal threat to their habitat."

Monday, May 26, 2008

Bill Clinton says wife is victim of a ‘cover up’ « - Blogs from CNN.com

Bill Clinton says wife is victim of a ‘cover up’
"And they're trying to get her to cry uncle before the Democratic Party has to decide what to do in Florida and Michigan” – which the party would need to do “unless we want to lose the election. '"

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Indianapolis 500




"It's Race Day At Indy"
Indy 500 Pace Cars.
The T-Bird was the Pace Car in 1961. The Studebaker followed in 1962. No wonder Studebaker went out of business.

A mother's tribute


April 13, 2006
"I drove today to Scappoose Oregon to meet Karla Comfort, the mother of our fallen Hero L/Cpl John M Holmason and photographed the HMVEE she had painted as a tribute to her son and 9 others of his unit that gave their all in Iraq. Below I have included an article from Camp Pendleton CA. It was such an honor to have been able to photograph this work of love and be able to share it with all."
A nice story and a Super Mother. No wonder Karla had such a fine son.

Muskegon hero, Ike Kepford, Memorial Day!







Groundbreaking planned for air ace's monument

"The public is invited to a 3 p.m. groundbreaking ceremony Saturday for a monument to Muskegon's most famous air ace, Lt. Ira 'Ike' Kepford.
A three-quarter-scale replica of Kepford's fighter plane will be displayed on a pylon near the bow of LST-393, the World War II-era Navy tank-landing ship of D-Day fame berthed at Muskegon's Mart Dock that is undergoing conversion into a floating military museum."

Pretty cool


Tribute to the American Flag & our Sevice Men & Women: "Between the fields where the flag is planted, there are 9+ miles of flower fields that go all the way to the ocean."

Memorial Day in Muskegon "Lost Boat" Ceremony-USS Silversides


This "Lost Boat" Ceremony is a truly moving tribute to the brave young men who gave their lives for our country.
Well worth your time.

"Every year on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend, the Great Lakes Naval Memorial and Museum holds the Lost Boat Ceremony. This event honors the 52 submarines and and 3,000 men who were lost during WWII. Each year there is a different keynote speaker. This past year guests were honored to have Admiral Richard Anderson speak about his experiences on USS BLENNY, SS-324, and USS CORPORAL, SS-346."

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Apocalypse later: a nuclear world the solution to a burning question

Apocalypse later: a nuclear world the solution to a burning question:
"If you really believe the problem is not only enormous but pressing, you have only two options. One is to cut back emissions by radically reducing your energy use and thereby your economic activity. The other is to adopt nuclear power."

KOB.com - Group wants Wi-Fi banned from public buildings

KOB.com - Group wants Wi-Fi banned from public buildings: "A group in Santa Fe says the city is discriminating against them because they say that they're allergic to the wireless Internet signal. And now they want Wi-Fi banned from public buildings."

Friday, May 23, 2008

GRPS Board to stop collecting union dues

GRPS Board to stop collecting union dues: "The Grand Rapids Board of Education voted to suspend collecting union dues out of teachers' paychecks.
The move comes after a mediation session was held Thursday. School officials say that session was unproductive. The board also took a no-confidence vote in Grand Rapids Education Association president Paul Helder.
The dues are now taken out of teachers' paychecks by the district and forwarded to the union. It amounts to $57,000 every pay period, once every two weeks."

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Skyrocketing Oil Prices Stump Experts - washingtonpost.com

Skyrocketing Oil Prices Stump Experts - washingtonpost.com

House passes farm bill

House passes farm bill:
"Michigan's six House Democrats voted for final passage.
The state's nine Republicans splintered, with seven voting for it and two against it.
U.S. Rep. Candice Miller, R-Harrison Township, called the bill a 'great example of bipartisan compromise' that would 'greatly' help sugar beet growers in her district.
In addition to Walberg and Miller, Republicans voting for the bill were Dave Camp of Midland; Fred Upton of St. Joseph; Mike Rogers of Brighton; Thad McCotter of Livonia and Pete Hoekstra of Holland.
In addition to Knollenberg, Republican Vern Ehlers of Grand Rapids voted against it.
Michigan's senators -- Carl Levin, D-Detroit, and Debbie Stabenow, D-Lansing -- support the legislation."

European Court agrees to hear chimp's plea for human rights

European Court agrees to hear chimp's plea for human rights
"His name is Matthew, he is 26 years old, and his supporters hope to take his case to the European Court of Human Rights."

Well, liberals and democrats have "human rights". Why not include a smarter species?

March of the Polar Bears

March of the Polar Bears
"The Interior Department, bound by the Endangered Species Act, has declared polar bears a 'threatened' species because they might be endangered 'in the foreseeable future,' meaning 45 years. (Note: 45 years ago, the now-long-forgotten global cooling menace of 35 years ago was not yet foreseen.)"

McCain's "evil" minister?

Lucianne.com News Forum: "Sen. John McCain recruited the support of an evangelical minister who describes Islam as 'anti-Christ' and Mohammed as 'the mouthpiece of a conspiracy of spiritual evil.'"

Don't mention the war

Don't mention the war
"HOW do you know when things are going well for the US and its coalition allies in Iraq? When you see virtually nothing about it on your television screen or in the papers."

Potato-Potatoe, What About Obama Gaffes?

Potato-Potatoe, What About Obama Gaffes?
"Last May, he claimed that tornadoes in Kansas killed a whopping 10,000 people:
'In case you missed it, this week, there was a tragedy in Kansas. Ten thousand people died — an entire town destroyed.'
The actual death toll: 12."

Mona Shores provides health plan for child care workers

Mona Shores provides health plan for child care workers
"In March, the Mona Shores Community Child Care Center ended the month in a $43,500 deficit."

They're broke but can't break the habit of never-ending spending.

We taxpayers must tighten our belts so big education can let theirs out.

Quagmire in Grand Rapids!

Two die in separate GR shootings
"Grand Rapids police say a 34-year-old Kentwood man was killed after he was shot multiple times along a Southeast Side street Wednesday night, the first of two shooting deaths in Grand Rapids overnight."

Isn't it time we considered pulling out of Grand Rapids?

Maybe President Obama will have a nice chat with the murderers and everything will be nice again..... sorta like it is in Chicago......

live dangerously be a conservative: BIGGER STAGE - SMALLER BUT NOT LESSER PARTS

live dangerously be a conservative: BIGGER STAGE - SMALLER BUT NOT LESSER PARTS

"“Big” politics can be personal too."

Interesting insight from live dangerously. Everything we do is affected by politics at many levels.

Those who ignore that fact are giving away their own freedom.

Pigs At The Public Trough: So Much Pork Even The Dept. of Agriculture is Against The $300B Farm Bill


CARPE DIEM: Pigs At The Public Trough: So Much Pork Even The Dept. of Agriculture is Against The $300B Farm Bill:
"Imagine if Michigan's struggling Big Three automakers suddenly struck this deal with Congress: The U.S. government would buy the Motor City's cars for roughly twice the world market price, then resell them at about an 80% loss."

High Pump-Price Fairy Tales

High Pump-Price Fairy Tales: "The reason that no new facilities have been built is partly because it costs far less to expand production capacity at existing plants than it does to expand capacity by building new plants. And because existing refineries are ideally situated near oil terminals and pipelines, it's more convenient to increase capacity in those locations than to do so elsewhere."

If Big Oil continues to make statements that are easily proven as lies, things are gonna get worse for everyone.

Update: Congresswoman denies foreclosure report

Update: Congresswoman denies foreclosure report: "Capitol Weekly reported that Richardson walked away from the mortgage on her $535,000 Sacramento home, letting the house slip into foreclosure and disrepair less than two years after she bought it with no money down."

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Obama Oregon Win ‘Enormous Day in American Politics’ | NewsBusters.org

Obama Oregon Win ‘Enormous Day in American Politics’
"On Wednesday’s CBS 'Early Show' co-host Julie Chen took the relatively obscure milestone of Obama winning Tuesday’s Oregon primary, thereby getting the majority of pledged delegates, and declared that it was: 'An enormous day in American politics as Barack Obama inches closer to his dream.'"

Report: Most oil, gas beneath public lands off-limits - Los Angeles Times

Report: Most oil, gas beneath public lands off-limits - Los Angeles Times: "A new report from the Bush administration says most of the oil and more than 40% of the natural gas beneath public lands in the United States are off-limits to drilling.

Rolling back environmental safeguards and employing new drilling technologies would give energy companies access to 19 billion barrels of oil and trillions of cubic feet of natural gas, administration officials said Wednesday."

The Day Lebanon Died

The Day Lebanon Died: "Beirut's death struggle ends amid a sea of Western indifference and U.N. incompetence. A deal struck Wednesday in Qatar gives Hezbollah the control it seeks. Welcome to Hezbollahstan."

Lt-Cdr Jack Smart - Telegraph

Lt-Cdr Jack Smart - Telegraph: "Lieutenant-Commander Jack Smart, who has died aged 91, took part in two of the most daring midget submarine operations of the Second World War."

Bill weighs in on Hillary's campaign

Bill weighs in on Hillary's campaign
-'I think most of the press people are in Obama's demographic. ... There have been times when I thought I was literally lost in a fun house.'"

-On accusations that he and Hillary have played the race card: "This was cold-blooded, calculated, manipulated and a revolting strategy

Boy shot outside downtown nightclub - mlive.com

Boy shot outside downtown nightclub - mlive.com: "'I don't wish for (the Spotlight) to go out of business, but fighting is not good for business at all, especially for someone to get shot right outside my place,' said Johnson. 'It's had a negative effect on my customers, some who said they're less likely to come down here when the Spotlight is open late at night.'
Johnson said he wished the police would be more proactive, such as patrolling when the club is about to close.
'It shouldn't take somebody to get killed, but it probably will to make things change,' he said"

Obama said oops on 6 state Senate votes - Los Angeles Times

Obama said oops on 6 state Senate votes - Los Angeles Times: "Barack Obama angered fellow Democrats in the Illinois Senate when he voted to strip millions of dollars from a child welfare office on Chicago's West Side. But Obama had a ready explanation: He goofed.

'I was not aware that I had voted no,' he said that day in June 2002, asking that the record be changed to reflect that he 'intended to vote yes"

Public Pension Plans Face Billions in Shortages - New York Times

Public Pension Plans Face Billions in Shortages - New York Times:

In 2003, a whistle-blower forced San Diego to reveal that it had been shortchanging its city workers’ pension fund for years, setting off a wave of lawsuits, investigations and eventually criminal indictments.


"The mayor ended up resigning under a cloud. With the city’s books a shambles, San Diego remains barred from raising money by selling bonds. Cut off from a vital source of cash, it has fallen behind on its maintenance of streets, storm drains and public buildings. Potholes are proliferating and beaches are closed because of sewage spills."

But by one estimate, state and local governments owe their current and future retirees roughly $375 billion more than they have committed to their pension funds.

This is Muskegon, folks!

Wake up!

GRPS warns of cuts or deficits if student-loss isn't stopped

GRPS warns of cuts or deficits if student-loss isn't stopped: "Grand Rapids Public Schools Superintendent Bernard Taylor warned Monday night of deficit spending - the district running out of money - or staff cuts in just more than a year if the district doesn't stem the tide of student-loss."

Jeepers.... no talk of adjusting pay and benefits for all those unionized employees.... like every other "business" in the WORLD.

Why are public employees exempt from the facts of life that every American must face?

Suicide State!

Mich. House passes plan aimed at boosting resident hiring: "The Michigan House has approved a plan aimed at making sure companies that get state construction contracts and economic development incentives hire in-state workers."

Are our demo-legislators actually spies from indiana, Ohio and Illinois?

Tough math for Obama Mickey Kaus - Slate Magazine

Tough math for Obama
"I think this means he basically has to win either Ohio or Colorado. Not the odds-on bet you would expect in a Democratic year. ... See also Karl Rove's maps. [via RCP] ..."

McGeezer still will most likely find a way to kick out his conservatives but this math is interesting.

"broke" Muskegon County never ending spending

Homes to bank on:

The land bank put up a $5,000 bond to stop condemnation on the Washington Street house, then put about $50,000 into improvements.

"In 2007, it purchased 21 properties off the tax reversion list. This year the board still is deciding how many properties in which to invest."

Our totally insolvent county tells us, endlessly, there are no places to cut spending but it somehow finds the money to fund the employees and improvements for their own tax payer funded, non-volunteer "habitat for humanity".

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Barack Carter Obama

Barack Carter Obama: "He views Iran's nuclear threat as 'tiny.' He'd meet with its leader, who is pledged to Israel's destruction. His adviser wants Israel to disarm. Clearly, Barack Obama is running for Jimmy Carter's second term."

Fox wins TV season crown

Entertainment News, "The writers strike, along with the rising popularity of DVRs and the increased availability of programming on multiple platforms, conspired to make this season the lowest-rated on record for the broadcasters. There was also a dearth of breakout hits, with no new show emerging as the biz’s savior.
Of course, the broadcasters have been losing audience share to cable for years -- but this season saw the most troubling year-to-year declines yet."

Stink over alarmist theory

Stink over alarmist theory
"global warming in fact halted in 1998 - a basic point confirmed by almost all measuring bodies"

Canton Council proposes jail time for tall grass

Canton Council proposes jail time for tall grass
"For residents tired of that overgrown lot that resembles a minijungle next door, the city wants to help by trying to put high-grass violators behind bars.

City Council wants to beef up its existing high-grass and weeds law by making a second offense a fourth-degree misdemeanor, which is punishable by a fine of up to $250 and up to 30 days in jail."

So much for 'settled science'

So much for 'settled science': "Almost no climate scientist who backed the alarmism ever expected warming would take anything like a 10 or 15-year hiatus."

Absurd

Obama Absurd
"Susan Rice, Barack Obama’s foreign policy advisor, is at it again. She is on a mission to save Obama from himself, insisting that he never promised to meet with Mahmoud Ahmadinejad–and that he never said without preconditions.
The bizarre additional explanation this time is that it was some other unnamed leader of Iran he may have had in mind for a get together. Two problems :1) it is a lie and 2) huh"

He Eats As Much As He Wants



Too funny!

Obama and the Jews


Obama and the Jews
"What was missing from Friedman's piece... and amazingly and glaringly so... was the subject of many emails I have received from Jews and Jewish organizations - Jeremiah Wright. Although the fuddy-duddy Friedman titles his op-ed 'Obama and the Jews' there is not one word about the Democratic candidate spending twenty years in the pew of and taking the title of his book from an anti-Semitic admirer (even idolater) of the racist Louis Farrakhan."

The NYT may ignore this evil association, the 527s won't.

CO2 vs Temperature: Last 400,000 years

CO2 vs Temperature: Last 400,000 years
"Over the last 400,000 years the natural upper limit of atmospheric CO2 concentrations was about 300 ppm. Today, CO2 concentrations worldwide average about 370 ppm. Humans may be able to take credit for some of these additions, but not all of them. Earth's plant life will respond to soak up these additions with additional biologic activity, but this takes time. Meanwhile perhaps up to 9% of CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere today may be attributable to human-related activities like agriculture, industry, and transportation. Compared to former geologic periods, concentrations of CO2 in our atmosphere are still very small and may not have a statistically measurable effect on global temperatures. For example, during the Ordovician Period 460 million years ago CO2 concentrations were 4400 ppm while temperatures then were about the same as they are today."

Exclusive: Fossella will not seek re-election

Exclusive: Fossella will not seek re-election
"In a bombshell announcement that brings the curtain down on one of the most storied careers in Staten Island political history, fifth-term Republican Rep. Vito Fossella will not seek re-election this fall."

Monday, May 19, 2008

Obama and "torte reform"


Obama on a jihad with foods we want to eat?.. in Oregon:
"'We can't drive our SUVs and eat as much as we want and keep our homes on 72 degrees at all times ... and then just expect that other countries are going to say OK,' Obama said.
'That's not leadership. That's not going to happen,' he added."

This ain't gonna sell in Florida


"We can't drive our SUVs and eat as much as we want and keep our homes on 72 degrees at all times ... and then just expect that other countries are going to say OK," Obama said.
"That's not leadership. That's not going to happen," he added.

The next big question:

"is 72 degrees too hot or too cold?"

Overtime for special events wearing out cops, chief says

Overtime for special events wearing out cops, chief says
"Tony Kleibecker, the city's public safety director, figures officers can't absorb many more hours, although the tab for special events is paid by event promoters, not taxpayers."

Texas is booming!


CARPE DIEM
"Adding 262,000 jobs in Texas over the last 12 months is almost like adding an entire new state the size of Wyoming (total state employment of 283,000) to the Texas economy. Even the construction sector in Texas is booming - 3,000 jobs were added in April, for a gain of 23,200 jobs over the year."

Maybe Michigan might ask what they're doin'?
Naaaaa........

Obama tells us how warm he'll let us keep our homes


Obama camp tells us to turn turn down thermostat and wear cardigan sweaters
"'We can't drive our SUVs and eat as much as we want and keep our homes on 72 degrees at all times ... and then just expect that other countries are going to say OK,' Obama said."
Barry O channeling Jimmah?

Report: Blue Cross CEO compensation above industry average

Report: Blue Cross CEO compensation above industry average
"A newspaper reports that Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan's chief executive officer has been earning more than the national average for similar positions in the insurance industry."

I don't know if this guy is paid too much or not but the Freep reports this as if anyone earning more then the "national average" has done something wrong.

Aren't half of ALL executives paid more than "the national average"?

Rising food costs taking toll on family budgets

Rising food costs taking toll on family budgets
"Congress last year required more ethanol in the nation's fuel supply in a bid to cut greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles. But in its efforts to solve one problem, lawmakers created another."

And the same democrat liars who brought us the food price explosion tell us they will save the earth as they triple energy costs to us little people.

Medicaid Money Laundering

Medicaid Money Laundering
"Now it turns out that states have been goosing their financing arrangements to maximize their federal payouts and dump more of their costs onto taxpayers nationwide.
The swindle works like this: A state overpays state-run health-care providers, such as county hospitals or nursing homes, for Medicaid benefits far in excess of its typical rates. Then the federal government reimburses the state for 'half' of the inflated bills. Once the state bags the extra matching funds, the hospital is required to rebate the extra money it received at the scam's outset. Cash thus makes a round trip from states to providers and back to the states – all to dupe Washington."

And the democrat politicians want these people want to take over our entire healthcare system?

Obama/Teamster deal?

The Local
"The Wall Street Journal recently reported that last summer, Illinois Senator Barack Obama told officials in the Teamsters union that he favored ending the Independent Review Board (IRB) that was created in 1989 by the federal government to rid the union of organized crime. Tommy Vietor, a spokesman for Obama, confirmed the story, saying that the candidate believed that the IRB had 'run its course' because 'organized crime influence in the union has drastically declined.' The Teamsters subsequently endorsed Obama for president, in late February."

Yippie Kay Yay America


"If you find supporting John McCain unpalatable, here's the next best thing."
http://www.anationforchange.com/

31,000 Scientists Rejecting Global Warming Theory to be Named Monday

31,000 Scientists Rejecting Global Warming Theory to be Named Monday
"The names of over 31,000 American scientists that reject the theory of anthropogenic global warming are to be revealed on Monday.
Although this will occur at the National Press Club in Washington, DC., it seems a metaphysical certitude media will completely ignore the event."

Eco-friendly claims for ‘hybrid’ cars dismissed as gimmickry

Eco-friendly claims for ‘hybrid’ cars dismissed as gimmickry
"Cars promoted as eco-friendly were criticised yesterday for pumping out up to 56 per cent more carbon dioxide than the manufacturers claim.
Three models, including the Honda Civic hybrid, performed so badly in tests that their environmental claims were dismissed as a gimmick."

Your Energy Future Under the Democrats

Your Energy Future Under the Democrats
"The 'energy plan' announced by the Democrats offer one thing: a significant slowdown of our economy for at least twenty years."

Sunday, May 18, 2008

The difference between liberals, conservatives and independents




The difference between conservatives, liberals and independents:

Issues are of paramount importance to conservatives.

The political party is of value only as far as it will further the fulfillment of those issues.

The political party, and its leader, is a near "religious" experience for liberals.

Issues will be made more or less important in order to fit into the actions of the party and the behavior of its leaders.
.
Independents care little about the political parties.
.
Issues are "very" important to them but not important enough for them to do more research than the evening news a few times a week.
.
So they get all of their issue "information" from the liberal media.
.
The GOP needs to understand this difference!

Oakland Hills CC and Indy 500


IndyStar.com 2008 Indy 500 The Indianapolis Star

I just watched the end of Indy 500 qualifying on TV.

Always exciting!

And it always reminds me of my days as a caddy at Oakland Hill CC in B'Ham as a caddy.

We would listen to the 500 race in the caddy shack.... yup, the caddy shack and take "loops" to carry member's bags around the course.

Double loops meant two bags.... a heavy bitch well worth the money for a 14 year old!

When we waited for loops, we would sit around and shoot the sheet.... I was the youngest, so the 20-somethings were "gods".

Ah, the memories...

and yes, I had that exact same hat!

More Michigan License Plates


More Michigan License Plates: "A while back I posted A few new license plates designed to help Michigan raise money to offset the perpetual budget shortfall created by poor tax policy. A couple more are now being considered."

Astounding school board CUTS!

For a Better Day: Meeting 5-12: "Here is the breakdown of what we cut:

HS Asst Principal $105,000
Teachers $800,000
Reduction in expenditures $100,000
Privatize Administrators $ 65,000
Tech Services Coord $ 80,000
Privatize Coaches $ 5,000
Reduction in Unemployment $125,000
Food Price Increase $ 95,000
Community Ed $200,000
Maintaince Position $ 51,000
Energy Savings $ 75,000
Supplies for Indiv Printers $15,000
Textbooks $100,000
Privatize Security $ 5,000
Privatize Pool Employees $100,000
Cut HS Secretary Position $50,000
Cut In-room suspension aid $30,000
Cut Business Assistant $50,000
Cut 2-hour clerks $30,000
Cut HS Career Resource $40,000

Total $2,103,600"

Michigan debates drivers on cell phones

Michigan debates drivers on cell phones

"Teater now works for a company that is working to make cell phones safer and easier to use, including technology that would sense when a phone is in 'driving' mode so a driver won't be distracted while behind the wheel.
Persuading Michigan lawmakers that a new law is needed won't be easy."

United Nations Will Investigate America for Racism

United Nations Will Investigate America for Racism
"a Geneva-based United Nations human rights investigator plans to come here next week to investigate whether racism plays a role in the presidential campaign, according to a statement released yesterday."

Sea-Tac's security: Are they serious?

Sea-Tac's security: Are they serious?

.......all of a sudden I realized: We're out on the goddamn runway," Alderete recalled. "We're in a gassed-up, seven-passenger van, and no one really knows who we are. We have an unobstructed path to the main runways, the commercial gates, the whole place. It was unbelievable."......

"Both the Port of Seattle and the federal Transportation Safety Administration reviewed the incident, including videotapes, and concluded their security system is sound."

And these people tell us the federal government can manage our healthcare?

Global warming with Dr. Kyoto

Global warming with Dr. Kyoto
"Dr. Kyoto, what are carbon offsets?
Carbon offsets allow rich people like movie stars, professional athletes and Al Gore not to change their carbon-intensive lifestyles while lecturing you to simplify yours so as to do your part to fight global warming. Basically, rich people pay someone else not to emit carbon in the future so they can go right on emitting it now. Next question."

Boy shot outside downtown nightclub


Boy shot outside downtown nightclub
"Muskegon Police were dispatched to the Spotlight, 441 W. Western, shortly before 1 a.m. on a shooting call"

What a "wonderful" addition to the rich cultural stew that the downtown leaders and their cronies at The Muskegon Chronicle are serving to the entire county.

Repair bill dispute to be decided in court


Repair bill dispute to be decided in court
"Countywide, there are 1,800 culverts, most of which are made of corrugated metal pipe and were installed in the late 1950s. Repair costs vary from a couple thousand dollars to more than $100,000, and costs typically are shared between the municipality and county, Hulka said. The Syers Road repair cost is estimated at $42,000."

This is BIG!
Our county is broke.
Our roads and culverts are BROKEN!
And our county and city leaders focus on EVERYTHING but the REAL problems of unending spending and a countywide anti-business attitude.

And the spending is almost entirely on over-compensated employees with insane retirement benefits and ever increasing pay and perks.
And no one would dare even visit the issuse......

McCain Unable to Exploit Democratic Internet Fatigue as Obama Continues to Dominate

McCain Unable to Exploit Democratic Internet Fatigue as Obama Continues to Dominate
"As McCain’s inability to make any substantive inroads shows, the GOP’s dismal performance in ongoing SIPP Ratings continues to demonstrates the Party’s failure to grasp command of the Internet, which is taking an ever increasing market share from television, the principal medium for political campaigning."

The GOPers better wise up to this change from TV to Internet as the new medium.
Maybe someone ought to talk to a kid?

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Crude Mistake

Crude Mistake: "Underscoring its failure to grasp the nature of our current problems, the Senate Appropriations Committee on Friday refused to end its moratorium on oil shale development in Colorado."

Obama's health plan


Obama's health plan:
"Now that Hillary is fading fast in Obama's rear view mirror we should take a look at some of his proposals for America. Let's start with health care. Here are his words on the subject from one of his speeches:


“We now face an opportunity — and an obligation — to turn the page on the failed politics of yesterday's health care debates… My plan begins by covering every American. If you already have health insurance, the only thing that will change for you under this plan is the amount of money you will spend on premiums. That will be less. If you are one of the 45 million Americans who don't have health insurance, you will have it after this plan becomes law. No one will be turned away because of a preexisting condition or illness.”

— Barack Obama, Speech in Iowa City, IA, May 29, 2007"


Where is the money gonna come from to pay for this?

Rich guys?

Increased cigarette taxes?

Cell phone taxes?

Unending spending......

Who Is Really Responsible For The High Prices You Pay For Gasoline?

Who Is Really Responsible For The High Prices You Pay For Gasoline?:
"For the last 28 years, Democrats in Congress and a few Republicans have again and again opposed our drilling for oil in Alaska's ANWR area when we knew it contained at least 10 billion barrels of oil we could be using now."

Why isn't EVERY republican candidate for election at EVERY level not shouting out this FACT to their voters?


CARPE DIEM: Gas Taxes By State



Our gasoline problems are not caused by "evil" oil companies or our own driving around!

Check out how Michigan compares with the rest of our competition (other states) in taxes.

Bummer, Jenny and the dems jest lookin' elsewhere...... bummer Michiganders....

CARPE DIEM: Cartoon of the Day: How the Tax Rebate Works


Striking Out on Energy

Striking Out on Energy
"ExxonMobil chairman and CEO Rex Tillerson said it’s “astonishing” that Bush keeps asking Saudi Arabia to pump more oil, rather than working harder for increased oil production at home.

Tillerson called this “terribly upside down,” and went on to say the president should be fighting to open U.S. coastal waters to drilling and production on the outer continental shelf. He correctly wants to end the federal moratorium on such off-shore drilling, where kajillions of barrels of oil and natural gas are being completely ignored."

your medium is dying.. ha ha.... Nelson Muntz....


The Bitch Girls

Next time you get grumpadosh with the MSM (our wonderful "The Muskegon Chronicle") click on this link and feel the rich bloggy goodness...

Obama flipflop

youtube ain't gonna be BHussein's bestest friend... ya think?

"Why Is Obama's Foreign Policy Advisor Attempting To Shift Her Candidate's Weak Position On Meeting With Hostile Foreign Leaders?

Click Here To View Obama Versus His Advisor:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5xj82Zuc0Y

Today, Obama Foreign Policy Advisor Susan Rice Claimed That Obama Has Only Committed To Meeting With The 'Appropriate Leaders' Of Hostile Nations, Including Iran, At The 'Appropriate Time':"

QUOTE OF THE DAY

QUOTE OF THE DAY
"Two substantive political issues are the federal budget deficit and the war in Iraq. Now, if you're electing Democrats to control government spending, then you're marrying Angelina Jolie for her brains.

This leaves the Democrats with one real issue: Iraq. And so far the best that any Democratic presidential candidate has been able to manage with Iraq is to make what I think of as the high school sex promise: I will pull out in time, honest dear.'"

Phosphorus ban for yard fertilizer on the horizon


OK, keep Bob on the job.... but keep him out of my dang lawn!!!!!!!
Phosphorus ban for yard fertilizer on the horizon

"Phosphorus is being rooted out of the home and garden, and a Michigan-wide ban may be in our future.

And our state is insolvent...... and we pay these bozos every day to come up with bans on lawn fertilizer.... and our state is insolvent...... and our roads are falling apart..... and our "legislators" fill their tiny world with more minutia.....

I'm getting sick and tired of this......

Could film incentives be Michigan's Ishtar?


Could film incentives be Michigan's Ishtar?:
"The script reads something like this: Hollywood producers get a big tax break from Michigan, and the next thing you know they're blocking scenes in places like downtown Grand Rapids.....
But true to Hollywood form, this story takes a sudden and unexpected twist.
Turns out the program, which allows producers to get back up to 42 percent of their production costs, was so popular the cost overruns have state leaders playing the part of angry studio execs.
'It's probably costing more than we thought,' said State Treasurer Robert Klein.
Try millions more.

State budget officials discussed the problem, and other budget issues during Friday's revenue estimating conference. That's where lawmakers got a better look at the overall budget picture.
The bad news is the current budget is short by just under $44 million for the spending year ending in October. Projections for next year's budget put the shortfall at between $170 and $350 million."

Wow, and wait until Jenny and the Dems start REALLY "investing" our road-fix-up money in her eco-business contributors!

Sen. Ted Kennedy hospitalized with stroke symptoms


Sen. Ted Kennedy hospitalized with stroke symptoms: "A spokeswoman for Edward M. Kennedy says the Massachusetts senator is in the hospital for evaluation after becoming ill at his Hyannis home."

Thank "god" that Ted's 16 year, three children marriage to Joan was annulled by the wonderful Catholic Church.

Otherwise, if Teddy took that final Chappaquiddick Plunge he might have to spend eternity in "heck".

Saudi oil output hike would not solve US problems: Bush

Saudi oil output hike would not solve US problems: Bush
"US President George W. Bush said on Saturday that a hike in oil output by Saudi Arabia would not solve American energy problems. ......

'Our problem in America gets solved when we aggressively go for domestic exploration. Our problem in America gets solved if we expand our refining capacity, promote nuclear energy and continue our strategy for the advancing of alternative energies as well as conservation,' he said.

'One interesting thing about American politics these days is those who are screaming the loudest for increased production from Saudi Arabia are the very same people who are fighting the fiercest against domestic exploration, against the development of nuclear power and against expanding refining capacity.'"

That the energy industry and the GOP have failed to explain this simple fact to Americans is astounding!

Cruise with Congressman Hoekstra!


I've taken this "cruise" in the past and it is GREAT fun!
You don't have to be "political" to have an excellent time and get a chance to schmooze with our Congressman Pete.
Do it!
GordoM
hoekstraforcongress.com:

"Join Congressman Pete Hoekstra and Team Hoekstra on a Tropical Cruise along the Lake Michigan shoreline aboard the grand ship “The S.S. Badger”!

Ludington, MI
Saturday Evening, June 21
Boarding – 8:00 p.m.

"We will set sail from the Ludington Marina for a Caribbean style cruise
on beautiful Lake Michigan. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and desserts
while you stroll the deck or sit back to take in the sounds
of the steel drum band and other entertainers."

The Rust Belt Should Be Bitter - WSJ.com


Jenny and Kwame!
The Rust Belt Should Be Bitter - WSJ.com

In the firestorm touched off by Barack Obama's comments about those who "cling to" guns and religion out of economic resentment, most analysis missed a crucial point: The "bitterness" felt in the so-called Rust Belt is mainly a product of high-tax, highly unionized states.

While there are pockets of prosperity in Pennsylvania, upstate New York, Ohio and Michigan, a good deal of this area is economically depressed. That's not because of Washington's policies (or lack thereof). These policies aren't killing Texas, North Carolina, Georgia, Arizona, Nevada and Florida.

While southern states do have problems, their governments generally don't smother economic growth by layering on ever-rising taxation, regulation and expenses. They don't permit workers to be forced to join closed-shop unions. No one in D.C. – Obama, Clinton, McCain or Superman – can fix the Rust Belt's self-inflicted wounds.

Western New York offers a prime example. Despite proximity to major markets, a long international border with a major trading partner, a well-developed transport system, untold natural splendors and a well-educated workforce, the Buffalo area's population shrinks every year. Why? High taxes, high government costs and forced unionization are major factors.

New York state is run by and for its public-employee unions, particularly teachers, but several others as well. The unions collect dues and then recycle a significant amount of what they collect into politicians' campaign funds. These contributions (plus state electoral law, which seems designed to protect incumbents and hobble challengers) produce tax-and-expense structures that drive employers away. To varying degrees, the same is true for much of the Rust Belt.

Mr. Obama referred to the ire of poor folks who've been given false promises in the past by national politicians. The real falsehood is the notion that federal programs or subsidies can overcome a state's own ruinous policies.

Mr. Durstewitz, co-author of "Younger Than That Now – A Shared Passage From the Sixties" (Bantam, 2001), lives in Saratoga Springs, NY.
Jenny wants to complete her governoreering by turning the rest of Michigan into Detroit!

Barack Obama's America



"One of the wisest American former officials I know asked me a few nights ago: “Michael, put on your thinking cap, and tell me where the United States will be four years from now, if Barack Obama is president.”"
Read this and weep for our country....

Friday, May 16, 2008

United Way of America sets more focused course


United Way of America sets more focused course
"The report finds that one in four high school students does not graduate on time, one in four families do not earn enough to provide for their household, and two in three young people and adults lead unhealthy lives, including those who engage in such risky behaviors as drug use, binge drinking and unsafe sex"

Well, isn't that nice.......the United Way is gonna be our own Church Lady.....

John McCain 2008 - John McCain for President


I got this e-mail from the McCain committee.
Do they really think conservatives will rush to his campaign with "eco-friendly" idiocy like this?
click to see eco-idiocy in action.

My Friends,
I have long said that I am running for president not to be someone, but to do something - to do what is hard, but necessary to address the challenges we face as a nation. In the coming weeks, I intend to address many of the great challenges that America's energy policies must meet.
One of these challenges is global climate change. Whether we call it "climate change" or "global warming," in the end we're all left with the same set of facts. Good stewardship, prudence and simple common sense demand that we act to meet the challenge and act quickly. And if we are wrong and climate change is not a threat, all we are doing is leaving a better planet for our children and lowering our dependence on foreign oil.
That is why I have proposed a cap-and-trade system that would set limits on greenhouse gas emissions while encouraging the development of low-cost compliance options. This is a market-based system to curb greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, mobilize innovative technologies and strengthen the economy.
With so much at stake in this election, it is more important than ever that we work together to secure our energy future, to create opportunities for American industry and to leave a better future for our children. I cannot succeed in my efforts without your immediate financial support.
Unfortunately, some have already begun to criticize my efforts to solve global climate change. My campaign must be financially prepared to respond to this criticism and that's why I ask that you follow this link immediately to make a donation of $50, $100, $250, $500, $1,000 or up to the legal limit of $2,300.
We Americans like to say that there is no problem we can't solve, however complicated, and no obstacle we can't overcome if we meet it together. I believe this about our country. I know this about our country. And now it is time for us to act with this resolve.
Please join my campaign today by following this link. Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
John McCain