Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Gateway Pundit: Bus--ted... Obama Bussed In Supporters For New Hampshire Town Hall (Video)

Gateway Pundit: Bus--ted... Obama Bussed In Supporters For New Hampshire Town Hall (Video): "The hundreds of anti-Obamacare protesters waited out in the rain.

Funny... During the meeting Barack Obama told his supporters:

'I don't want people thinking I just have a bunch of plants in here.'
No, we sure wouldn't want that to happen.
People might think the town hall was just a staged dog and pony show."

Must see video!

Press Largely Ignored Incendiary Rhetoric at Bush Protest


Analysis: Press Largely Ignored Incendiary Rhetoric at Bush Protest
"News outlets that are focusing on the incendiary rhetoric of conservatives outside President Obama's town hall meeting Tuesday ignored the incendiary rhetoric -- and even violence -- of liberals outside an appearance by former President George W. Bush in 2002."

"All portesters are equal. Some are just more equal than others."

Swastika painted at Georgia congressman's office

Swastika painted at Georgia congressman's office
"A swastika was found Tuesday painted on a sign outside Rep. David Scott's district office, an act the Georgia Democrat said reflects an increasingly hateful and racist debate over health care and should serve as a reminder for people to tone down their rhetoric."

Haven't all the swastika painters the last few years been liberals?

Back to school spree: Billionaire, feds give out $175M to aid neediest students around the state

Back to school spree: Billionaire, feds give out $175M to aid neediest students around the state
'It's free money!' said Alecia Rumph, 26, who waited in a Morris Park, Bronx, line 300 people deep for the cash to buy uniforms and book bags for her two kids.
'Thank God for Obama. He's looking out for us.'"

Erase Cell Phone Data with ReCellular's Data Eraser

Erase Cell Phone Data with ReCellular's Data Eraser
"Sell, donate or recycle used cell phones worry free! The Cell Phone Data Eraser gives you all the tools you need to remove personal information like contact names and phone numbers from used cell phones. To receive instructions for your device, simply:"

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Dogs don't care about dogma


Dogs don't care about dogma
"Now, given the debate in Washington, it's at this point where I might be expected to pivot to some incisive -- or perhaps insipid -- argument about human-versus-animal medical care."

Nice article but a better "turn of phrase", donch ya think?

President Obama’s “Senior” Moment? - Political Punch


President Obama’s “Senior” Moment? - Political Punch: "President Obama today suggested that the health care reform legislation for which he’s pushing has been endorsed by the American Association of Retired Person.
“We have the AARP on board because they know this is a good deal for our seniors,” the president said.
At another point he said: “Well, first of all, another myth that we've been hearing about is this notion that somehow we're going to be cutting your Medicare benefits. We are not. AARP would not be endorsing a bill if it was undermining Medicare, okay?”
The problem?
The AARP hasn't endorsed any plan yet."

Obama: ‘It’s the Post Office That’s Always Having Problems’


Obama: ‘It’s the Post Office That’s Always Having Problems’

This fool is a president?

Smart Americans!


"August 11, 2009
RASMUSSEN:

32% Favor Single-Payer Health Care,


57% Oppose.

And most are smart enough to realize that ObamaCare is designed to lead to that.


ACORN Funding Stuffed Back In Stimulus Bill By Dem Leaders

ACORN Funding Stuffed Back In Stimulus Bill By Dem Leaders

· $2 billion for neighborhood stabilization program, money for groups like ACORN

"Soaring deficit may defy forecasts"

Soaring deficit may defy forecasts!
"Stagnant unemployment, shrinking tax revenue and a struggling economy threaten to quadruple the size of last year's federal budget deficit, raising more questions about the timing of costly proposals to overhaul health care."

Hope!


Fishy statements about health care reform


http://tinyurl.com/oc59qh
Subject: Fishy statements about health care reform
The Honorable Linda DouglassCommunications DirectorHealth Reform OfficeThe White House
Dear Ms. Douglass:
I write in response to the request posted on the White house blog, “Facts are stubborn things.”
If you get an email or see something on the web about health insurance reform that seems fishy, send it to flag@whitehouse.gov .
I call to your attention several fishy statements about health care reform legislation made by a gentleman named Dr. Douglas Elmendorf. He claims to be Director of the “Congressional Budget Office” and has posted frequently about health care reform on his website, cbo.gov. This information takes the form of personal posts on his Director’s Blog, as well as in-depth reports that have the veneer of competent, thorough, impartial professional analysis. The IP address of his site is 206.106.246.254, and his organization has named their hideout the “Ford House Office Building.”
Elmendorf appears to have several hundred followers in his organization, which has extraordinary influence over many in Congress. I understand that some right-wing Members of Congress support and even vote for his annual funding source.
CBO and Elmendorf make extraordinary claims about bills moving through Congress that attempt to implement the President’s plans for health care reform. I bring them to your attention so that you can refute them. I have included these allegations below. Specifically, Elmendorf and his rabble-rousers make the following claims:
The House bill would increase the budget deficit by $239 B over the next ten years. This conflicts with the President’s goal of not increasing short-term deficits.
Ten years from now the House bill would add $65 B to the budget deficit. This conflicts with the President’s insistence that legislation must not increase the deficit in that year.
The House bill would increase long-term budget deficits by ever-increasing amounts, making our long-term debt problem worse than under current law. This of course conflicts with the President’s statements that “health care reform is entitlement reform,” and that health care reform is essential to addressing America’s long-term budget problems.
Rather than “bending the cost curve down” as the President has laudably insisted, Dr. Elmendorf said the Senate HELP Committee bill would “raise the cost curve.”
Under the House bill, in the year 2015 about 8 million uninsured Americans would remain uninsured and pay higher taxes. This would violate the President’s pledge not to raise taxes on anyone earning less than $250,000 per year.
Under the House bill, about 3 million people who now have employer-sponsored health insurance would lose that coverage because their employer drops it, violating the President’s bold promise that no one will lose the health plan they have now.
The President’s Medicare Commission proposal would probably save only $2 billion over ten years, and there is a high probability it would save no taxpayer money. In the long run the saving would be “modest.”
If this suspect “Congressional Budget Office” is publishing disinformation about either health care reform, I hope you can correct it. A lot of important people seem to listen to this Elmendorf guy. Left unrefuted, these claims suggest that the bills being developed in the House and Senate would harm the U.S. economy and millions of Americans in violation of the President’s stated goals.
Sincerely,
Keith HennesseyKeithHennessey.com

city municipal sewage overflows in the Grand River

GR city municipal sewage overflows in the Grand River
"For the second time in three days, heavy rains caused city municipal sewage overflows in the Grand River early Monday.
About one million gallons of sewage overflowed into the river from four locations between 3:30 a.m. and 4 a.m., officials at the city's Wastewater Treatment Plant said.
The overflows followed rainfalls that ranged from 1.94 inches at the treatment plant to 0.89 inch on the city's Northeast Side.
Early Saturday, overflows caused by overnight rains caused the discharge of 34,000 gallons of sewage into the Grand River."

No sweat!
It's the city of Grand Rapids not some scum sucking, tax paying, employer!

GM says new Volt to get 230 mpg in city driving


GM says new Volt to get 230 mpg in city driving
"General Motors Corp. said Tuesday its Chevrolet Volt rechargeable electric car should get 230 miles per gallon of gasoline in city driving, more than four times the mileage of the current champion, the Toyota Prius."

No mention of where the Volt gets its "voltage"......oh yeah, it's that nifty plug in the wall.....

UNTANGLING THE SPAGHETTI

SteynOnline - UNTANGLING THE SPAGHETTI
"But Obama believes in “the fierce urgency of now”, and fierce it is.
That’s where all the poor befuddled sober centrists who can’t understand why the Democrats keep passing incoherent 1,200-page bills every week are missing the point.
If “health care” were about health care, the devil would be in the details.
But it’s not about health or costs or coverage; it’s about getting over the river and burning the bridge.
It doesn’t matter what form of governmentalized health care gets passed as long as it passes.
Once it’s in place, it will be “reformed”, endlessly, but it will never be undone.
Same with a lot of the other stuff: Keep throwing the spaghetti at the wall. The Republicans may pick off the odd strand but, if you keep it coming fast enough, by the end of Obama’s first year the wall will be a great writhing mass of pasta entwined like copulating anacondas in some jungle simulacrum of Hef’s grotto.
And that’s a good image of how government will slither into every corner of your life: You can try and pull one of those spaghetti strings out but it’ll be all tied up with a hundred others and you’ll never untangle them."

New Poster Reveals the Ugly Face of Racism


Monday, August 10, 2009

Welcome to AfterMath


209 Muskegon County residents charged in Social Security scam - MLive.com

209 Muskegon County residents charged in Social Security scam - MLive.com: "It's a huge bust -- by far the most people charged in Muskegon County memory, maybe in history.
Muskegon County Prosecutor Tony Tague and the Office of the Inspector General for the Social Security Administration, supported by the Muskegon Police Department, announced today that 209 Muskegon-area residents have been charged with felonies or misdemeanors for defrauding the federal government of more than $400,000.
Hundreds of local residents are accused of cashing duplicate Social"

First 25 defendants arraigned for Social Security fraud - MLive.com

First 25 defendants arraigned for Social Security fraud - MLive.com: "The first batch of 209 defendants charged with cashing duplicate Social Security disability checks in the Muskegon area were arraigned Monday in a hot, packed Muskegon County courtroom.
The 25 individuals, mostly from the Muskegon-area, kicked off the first of hundreds to be arraigned in Muskegon County 60th District Court in the coming weeks."

Great post

Loooong by Lakeside, 8/10/09 21:43 ET
I meant to get back to you about your response to my post about end of life issues. I have been trying for DAYS to find the exact wording of the bill. To say that I am disgusted is putting it mildly. I GIVE UP . Obama ran one of the best campaigns I have ever seen. And I have been watching campaigns carefully since Hubert Humphry's run for the presidency.
Here it is:We ALL know that we need healthcare reform. Even the right wing radio hosts admit to that. If Obama, who ran the slickest campaign I have ever seen in 40 years, can't come up with a plan and present it to the american people in a way that they understand and accept, he does not deserve support. The liberal media has given him everything he could possibly ask for and he has blown it. I mean, they have done everything short of kneeling down and blowing the guy. The truth is he has not convinced the American people that his bill, whatever the he11 it is, has their best interests at heart. The guy who ate dinner with Bill Ayers and Bernadine Dorn, who wrote a blurb for Bill Ayers book, and still convinced voters, that he is "centrist" can't manage to convey what the healthcare bill is, and how it will improve what we already have. Something aint right here.
Ronald Reagan inherited HUGE inflation, unemployment, and a "malaise". You NEVER heard him bellyaching like a crybaby about the previous administration. Ronald Reagan, whether you agreed with his politics or not, WAS A MAN. I never expected much from Obama because of his lack of experience, and his coming up from Chicago Politics, but he has proven to be much worse than even I expected. He needs to grow up, stand up like a man with some nads, and show some leadership. And by leadership, I mean, stop whining about what he inherited. He wanted the job, he got it. John McCain, the POW, who had the crap beaten out of him by the North Vietnamese prison guards, would not have acted like this. He would have done what he has always done, taken his punches like a man, and moved on.
If Obama wants us to buy into ANY healthcare plan, he needs to spell out specifically what that freakin.healthcare plan is, tell us how much it will cost us, tell us, as taxpayers, what we will have to pay to foot the bill, and tell us honestly if we will have to give up any of our expectations. If he can't manage to do that, then the dems need to stop referring to the opposition as nazis, mobs, unamerican and blah, blah, blah.
When McCain was in his prison camp having the crap beaten out of him, I was a half witted 18 year old protesting the war in vietnam. He has, as far as I know, never referred to me, or anyone else, as "unamerican, mobs, nazis, blah, blah, blah." If McCain could take it, then so can Pelosi, Reid, and any other democrat out there. This crap of referring to opositional, protesting Americans in insulting, disrespectful terms is WRONG. I don't care whether you believe like Obama or not on healthcare. The dems have gone WAAY over the line. Who the he11 do these people think they are talking about American citizens like this. I am Pizzed. Obama needs to grow up; and act like a president. As far as Pelosi and the rest of those liberal dolts go, they aren't even worth my keyboarding skills.
Those out of control townhall meetings have occurred for one reason only: the ineptness of congress and this administration. Give the people a clear picture of what they will get with their bill, not a bunch of unsubstantiated myths based on three or four different bills, that no one understands!
After days of trying to get the exact wording of the document that we are expected to buy into, I am Angry, Obama and his supporters need to stop whining about the opposition and do their jobs. There will always be opposition, adults understand that. He will be successful in promoting his healthcare plan, whateve that is, when he stops b1tching about Bush, and sticks to promoting his own program. To quote Bill Clinton, "This is a full contact sport."

TigerHawk

TigerHawk

MSU running back Glenn Winston leaves jail, rejoins team

MSU running back Glenn Winston leaves jail, rejoins team
"Glenn Winston's release from the Ingham County Jail came just in time for him to participate in the first practice of Michigan State preseason camp Monday afternoon."

Yes!
Jail is just as good as a really good junior college program!
Plus he's not in debt for school!

"Oh boy, this is gonna be great!"

Obama Health Care logo-- the latest and strangest controversy in Health Care Reform?







Obama Health Care logo-- the latest and strangest controversy in Health Care Reform?: "And here is the latest buzz: the Health Care reform logo featured on Barack Obama's website is getting attention for its eerie likeness to dictator propaganda- style depictions. Is this just another contrived controversy against the current administration or is there any validity to the notion that this is a frightening sign of things to come?
Let's compare and you decide."

**TALENTED LEADERS needed to work for health care reform $11-16/hour**

**TALENTED LEADERS needed to work for health care reform $11-16/hour**

Why democrats win elections

an oldie from an e-mail:

ONE OF THE BEST EXPLANATIONS OF WHY OBAMA WON THE ELECTION
From a teacher in the Nashville area:
"We are worried about "the cow" when it is all about the "Ice Cream"

The most eye-opening civics lesson I ever had was while teaching third grade this year.
The presidential election was heating up and some of the children showed an interest.
I decided we would have an election for a class president.
We would choose our nominees.
They would make a campaign speech and the class would vote.

To simplify the process, candidates were nominated by other class members.
We discussed what kinds of characteristics these students should have.
We got many nominations and from those, Jamie and Olivia were picked to run for the top spot.

The class had done a great job in their selections. Both candidates were good kids.
I thought Jamie might have an advantage because he got lots of parental support.
I had never seen Olivia's mother.
The day arrived when they were to make their speeches.

Jamie went first.
He had specific ideas about how to make our class a better place.
He ended by promising to do his very best.
Everyone applauded and he sat down.

Now is was Olivia's turn to speak.
Her speech was concise.
She said, "If you will vote for me, I will give you ice cream."
She sat down.
The class went wild.
"Yes! Yes! We want ice cream."

She surely would say more.
She did not have to.
A discussion followed.
How did she plan to pay for the ice cream?
She wasn't sure.
Would her parents buy it or would the class pay for it?
She didn't know.
The class really didn't care.
All they were thinking about was ice cream.

Jamie was forgotten.
Olivia won by a landslide.

Every time Barack Obama opened his mouth he offered ice cream and 52 percent of the people reacted like nine year olds.
They want ice cream.

The other 48 percent know they're going to have to feed the cow and clean up the mess."

Geithner Asks Congress to Increase Federal Debt Limit

Geithner Asks Congress to Increase Federal Debt Limit
"U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner asked Congress to increase the $12.1 trillion debt limit on Friday, saying it is 'critically important' that they act in the next two months......
The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office said Thursday the federal government's budget deficit reached $1.3 trillion through the first ten months of fiscal 2009, on track to reach a record high of $1.8 trillion for the 12-month period."

"would you like some can o peas?"

"The 26-year-old said she then retaliated with her secret weapon: a can of peas stuffed inside a sock that she used to beat her assailant until the homemade weapon ripped and the culprit fled,"

Opposition Emerges to House's Jet Spree

Opposition Emerges to House's Jet Spree
"Bipartisan opposition is emerging in the Senate to a plan by House lawmakers to spend $550 million for additional passenger jets for senior government officials."

Un-American?

A QUESTION: Do you want your medical care controlled by people who think it’s “Un-American” to criticize them?

MichiganTransparency.org / ShowMichigantheMoney.org [Mackinac Center]

MichiganTransparency.org / ShowMichigantheMoney.org [Mackinac Center]

Norton Shores boosts costs for filmmakers

Norton Shores boosts costs for filmmakers
"City council members decided this week to increase the film permit fee from $50 to $500, citing filmmakers' ability to easily handle the expense and the recent increase in the rest of the city's fees.
City staff had recommended leaving the permit fee at $50 based on fees charged by other communities."

Can't find the money!!!!!!

http://tinyurl.com/mf22kw
Despite a new oversight panel, a new special inspector general, the existing Government Accountability Office and eight other inspectors general, those charged with minding the store say they don't have all the weapons they need.
Ten months into the Troubled Asset Relief Program, some members of Congress say that some oversight of bailout dollars has been so lacking that it's essentially worthless.

"Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan has tentatively agreed to raise rates..... an average of 22 per

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan has tentatively agreed to raise rates..... by an average of 22 percent
"Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan has tentatively agreed to raise rates for nearly 200,000 of its health insurance customers by an average of 22 percent, a significantly lower rate increase than originally sought.
The agreement reached Thursday with Attorney General Mike Cox is subject to approval by state regulators before it could take effect.
The agreement covers ate increases for Blue Cross customers who have non-group and group conversion policies. Those policies typically are bought by people under age 65 not covered by employer-based or government plans.
Blue Cross originally requested to raise those rates 42 percent to 56 percent earlier this year."

"a historic shift of philosophy" by federal housing officials.

"a historic shift of philosophy" by federal housing officials"
"The agreement calls for the county to spend more than $50 million to build or acquire 750 homes or apartments, 630 of which must be provided in towns and villages where blacks constitute 3 percent or less of the population and Hispanic residents make up less than 7 percent. The county has seven years to complete the construction or acquisition of the affordable housing units."

Sunday, August 09, 2009

Lucianne.com News Forum - Thread

Lucianne.com News Forum - Thread

Still Not Getting It?

Still Not Getting It?
"Now it may be that these are essential fact-finding missions for the lawmakers in question and, in the latter case, their wives, but if the GOP is to rebuild its credentials (and yes, they badly need rebuilding) as the party of fiscal prudence, a reputation that could be an enormous asset in 2010 and 2012, these are exactly the stories that we should not be seeing — at least without very good explanation indeed."

Saturday, August 08, 2009

America's Best College

America's Best College
"Most college students, we think, do not march to meals. A goodly number of them drink into the wee hours, duck morning classes and fail to hit the gym with any regularity. But Vetter, 21, is a cadet at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y., where college life is a bit different."

Friday, August 07, 2009

Michelle Malkin

Michelle Malkin: "In May, I told you how the Service Employees International Union’s $61 million investment in Barack Obama paid off with cabinet appointments, executive orders, key personnel slots, and legislative goodies.
Now, the SEIU thugs are looking out for The Boss. In Tampa, Florida and St. Louis today, the Purple People turned out to give cover to members of Congress targeted by Tea Party activists and town hall protesters. For the first time, the town hall protests were marked by physical aggression. More on the St. Louis arrests of confrontational Obamacare activists here. (Just like Obama wanted: “In your face.”) This is no coincidence.
I’m excerpting a portion of my Culture of Corruption chapter on the SEIU. This is what you are up against."

Cash-strapped Cuba says toilet paper running short

Cash-strapped Cuba says toilet paper running short
"Cuba both imports toilet paper and produces its own, but does not currently have enough raw materials to make it, he said."

Cheryl Crow would love it there!

15 years?????

TPP
"The traffic light at Shoreline Drive and Mart Street was taken out two weeks ago, said John Richard, a spokesman for the Michigan Department of Transportation.
The intersection, with low traffic volume from the south, did not warrant a signal, said Mohammed Al-Shatel, city engineer for Muskegon. It had been a flashing light for at least 15 years, he said."

Video - Pelosi: Town Hall Protesters Are "Carrying Swastikas"

Video - Pelosi: Town Hall Protesters Are "Carrying Swastikas"
"Nancy Pelosi claims protesters are 'carrying swastikas and symbols like that to a town meeting on healthcare.'"

Congress Gets an Upgrade


Congress Gets an Upgrade
"Congress plans to spend $550 million to buy eight jets, a substantial upgrade to the fleet used by federal officials at a time when lawmakers have criticized the use of corporate jets by companies receiving taxpayer funds."

Obama: ‘Don’t Want the Folks Who Created the Mess to Do a Lot of Talking’

Obama: ‘Don’t Want the Folks Who Created the Mess to Do a Lot of Talking’

Top Democrat denounces health care protests

Top Democrat denounces health care protests: "The Senate's most powerful Democrat on Thursday scolded health care protesters dogging his party's lawmakers at local meetings, arguing that some critics on the political right have run out of ideas—and ditched their civic manners. Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada accused the protesters of trying to 'sabotage' the democratic process."

White House Move to Collect 'Fishy' Info May Be Illegal

White House Move to Collect 'Fishy' Info May Be Illegal, Critics Say
"The White House strategy of turning supporters into snitches when they see 'fishy' information about the health care debate may run afoul of the law, legal experts say."

| GORE LIED

GORE LIED: "Physicist, Frank J. Tipler,Professor of Mathematical Physics at Tulane University, writes at Pajamas Media:
Carbon dioxide is first and foremost a plant food. In fact, plants take carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and use the energy from sunlight to combine the CO2 with water to yield glucose, the simplest sugar molecule. Carbon dioxide is also the source of all organic — this word just means “contains carbon” — molecules synthesized by plants. Without carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, there would be no organic molecules synthesized by plants. The less carbon dioxide there is in the atmosphere, the fewer organic molecules synthesized by plants. All animals depend on plants to synthesize essential organic molecules. Without the organic molecules synthesized by plants, the animal world could not exist. Without plants, there would be no biosphere.

Those who want to reduce the use of fossil fuels are the mortal enemies of the biosphere. They must be stopped at all costs! Write your senator at once!"

Detroit unions threaten to strike over cuts


Detroit unions threaten to strike over cuts
"Public employees and members of several Detroit labor unions threatened to strike Wednesday in response to Mayor Dave Bing's plans to trim the city's budget through furloughs, layoffs and union concessions."

The Fuzzy Math of 47 Million

The Fuzzy Math of 47 Million
: "According the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2006 report, “Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States,” 46.9 million people are uninsured in the U.S. There’s only one problem with this statistic: approximately 31.85 million of them do not actually exist.
The numbers really cannot lie, although the report does. Out of a total population of 297.05 million, the report states on Page 20 that the “number of people covered by private insurance was… 201.7 million in 2006” and the “number of people covered by government health programs was… 80.3 million in 2006.”
Therefore, 282 million had insurance.
Which means that out of a total population of 297.05 million, 15.05 million did not have insurance.
Right?"

Turn Up the Heat in August: Help Defeat ObamaCare and Cap-and-Trade | FreedomWorks

Turn Up the Heat in August: Help Defeat ObamaCare and Cap-and-Trade FreedomWorks

It may be true that August is just a month, but it’s also true that the longer we have to expose the real intentions and the economic ramifications of the Cap and Tax and health care reform legislation on the table, the more afraid Ms. Pelosi, Senator Reid, and President Obama should be.
As it stands, Cap and Trade must still pass the Senate and health care legislation is waiting in the wings in both the House and Senate. It is essential that we don’t let the pressure up. While Senators and Representatives are home for their August recess they need to hear from you, regardless of party.
Follow the steps below to help us halt these bills.

FreedomWorks | Lower Taxes, Less Government, More Freedom

FreedomWorks Lower Taxes, Less Government, More Freedom

Thursday, August 06, 2009

Man barks dog

TPP: "The man, who was outside the building, approached the vehicle. He began 'to torment the police dog by barking and shouting at the animal,'"

POLL: 71% Say Obama’s Policies Have Driven Up Deficit. Gee, why would they think that? …


POLL: 71% Say Obama’s Policies Have Driven Up Deficit. Gee, why would they think that? …: "POLL: 71% Say Obama’s Policies Have Driven Up Deficit. Gee, why would they think that?"

Wednesday, August 05, 2009

Different Presidents, A Different Corps

How quickly we forget!

Bill Clinton Visits North Korea, Secures Release of Captive Journalists


Bill Clinton Visits North Korea, Secures Release of Captive Journalists
"The last time an American civilian was held prisoner by North Korea, in 1996, it took a visit from then-Congressman Bill Richardson to secure his release. Yesterday, it required the full prestige of a former U.S. President to win the freedom of captive journalists Euna Lee and Laura Ling. When it comes to giving up politically valuable hostages, the Dear Leader has clearly raised the price."
Maybe yes, maybe no.
Why?
1. The two "reporters" were employees of Al Gore's TV company.
2. They knew well in advance that they would be arrested when they went to N Korea.
3. The reporters (very well treated while "prisoners") texted their parents, relaying the demand that Bill Clinton visit N Korea before they would be released.
4. BIG TV coverage including the plane landing in the US with Clinton AND AlGore hugging etc.
5. Clinton always looking for publicity and his Peace Prize.
6. AlGore's TV company dying on the vine, needs publicity.
7. Two progressive, liberally well connected reporters looking for instant fame.
8. Clinton-the-savior , AlGore-the-caring-TV-company-owner, two-cute-now-famous-reporters. With book, TV, speaking deals galore!!
All for a few months in a N Korean hotel... with cell phone privileges to boot!
Oh yeah, Dear Leader Kim comes out lookin' pretty good too!
Could anyone concoct a better scenario?

Tuesday, August 04, 2009

Cancer Patient Offered Gov’t Suicide Funds But Not Medical Care


Cancer Patient Offered Gov’t Suicide Funds But Not Medical Care
"Doctor C.L. Gray and his Physicians for Reform group tell us of the horror story of Oregon’s government run healthcare plan that offered a cancer patient named Barbara all the suicide assisted funding she wanted, but not one penny for the medical care that could save her life."

Norton Shores mayoral primary results


Norton Shores mayoral primary results
Oh boy, this is gonna be great.......zzzzzzzzzzzzz

Why Default on U.S. Treasuries is Likely


Why Default on U.S. Treasuries is Likely
"Many predict that, instead, the government will inflate its way out of this future bind, using Federal Reserve monetary expansion to fill the shortfall between outlays and receipts.
But I believe, in contrast, that it is far more likely that the United States will be driven to an outright default on Treasury securities, openly reneging on the interest due on its formal debt and probably repudiating part of the principal."

Yikes!
Read it all...and cower in your basement!

Why Most Journalists Are Democrats: A View from the Soviet Socialist Trenches


Very scary!
Very true!
Very MUST read!

Hoekstra voted FOR "Clunker2" !


But his website might have you believing he didn't.
Is Pete RINOing before our eyes?

Not to mention this bill is exactly what we DON'T want from any republican.

I guess it's time to check out the other GOPer candidates for governor to see if ANY is a true, BRAVE, conservative.

Representative Pete Hoekstra
"Washington, Jul 31 -
U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Holland, today heavily criticized the bureaucracy managing the 'Cash for Clunkers' program.
'The red tape involved in ‘Cash for Clunkers’ is creating a major backlog in providing rebates to dealers and causing used cars to pile up,' Hoekstra said. 'If the government cannot manage a $1 billion automobile program, how can we expect it to manage a $1.5 trillion health care program?'
The original Consumers Assistance to Recycle and Save Act of 2009 (H.R. 1550) – otherwise known as the Cash for Clunkers bill – would offer a voucher worth up to $4,500 toward a new, more fuel efficient car in exchange for trading in an older vehicle that achieves a fuel economy rating of 18 miles per gallon or less, has been insured for a year and is in 'drivable condition.'
The House today voted to include an additional $2 billion for the original $1 billion program. Much of the money has been committed, but the government has failed to pay out a vast majority of it because of the bureaucracy involved. Examples include the 21-page paperwork process, one hour to complete one form and rejections on claims for no reason.
'The program needs major improvement for it to work effectively,' Hoekstra said. 'Cash for Clunkers looks good on paper, but its delivery has so far been a disaster for dealerships.'"

Here's the roll call on Clunker 2:
http://www.gop.gov/portfolio/votes/111/1/682

Monday, August 03, 2009

North Muskegon, Heights post offices on list for possible closure

North Muskegon, Heights post offices on list for possible closure
"The post offices in Muskegon Heights and North Muskegon are among a list of nearly 700 offices across the country that are potential candidates to be closed as the U.S. Postal Service deals with staggering financial losses.
The Postal Service has been struggling with a sharp decline in mail volume as people and businesses switch to e-mail both for personal contact and bill paying.
The agency is facing a nearly $7 billion potential loss this fiscal year despite a 2 cent increase in the price of stamps in May, cuts in staff and removal of collection boxes."

Amazing that FedEx and UPS have been paying taxes for decades and the USPS just continues to suck up American tax dollars.

Alabama's Jefferson County makes massive job cuts

Alabama's Jefferson County makes massive job cuts
"Alabama's debt-ridden Jefferson County laid off about two-thirds of its 3,600 employees on Monday because of plummeting revenues, a move that will sharply curtail services in areas ranging from roads to courthouses."

This is HUGE!
I never understood the employee's or the union attitudes.
Did they think the endless raises and benefits would continue forever?
Muskegon County may be in the same boat.

Changing state's 56-year-old ban on Sunday car sales would help dealers

Changing state's 56-year-old ban on Sunday car sales would help dealers - MLive.com: "When West Michigan residents leave church this morning, some will head for Sunday brunch at their favorite restaurant.
Others will eat at home, but they might stop for milk at the grocery store or pick up Grandpa's medicine at the pharmacy on the way. Another contingent will hit the mall or even shop for a book at Family Christian stores.
But one thing they won't do is buy a car.
Michigan's 56-year-old blue law forbids Sunday car sales in counties with more than 130,000 people
. The legislation passed when the Chevy Bel-Air, the Nash Rambler Country Club sedan and the Ford Crestline Victoria all rolled through town.
If the law sounds as rusty as that Rambler would be today, its wording won't dissuade you:
'It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to engage in the business of buying, selling, trading or exchanging new, used or second-hand motor vehicles or offering to buy, sell, trade or exchange, or participate in the negotiation thereof, or attempt to buy, sell, trade or exchange any motor vehicle or interest therein, or of any written instrument pertaining thereto, on the first day of the week, commonly called Sunday.'"

Amazing that our state has such a destructive law...... oh...wait a minute.... not so amazing...

Bummer!

The 5 myths of health care reform


The 5 myths of health care reform
"The Lesson :
Socialism fails, because a roomful of bureaucrats can't possibly have the same knowledge as millions of patients, nurses and doctors.
Socialized medicine, like most other government takeovers of the private sector, will end up doing the opposite of what it is intended to do.
Instead of helping Americans improve medical care, it will make it worse.
Much worse."
Read it all!

Indy Transponder

Indy Transponder

My Oshkosh 2009: A real life hero; an amazing coincidence; the most beautiful airplane ever


My Oshkosh 2009: A real life hero; an amazing coincidence; the most beautiful airplane ever:

“Excuse me, I hope you don’t mind the interruption, but I was in Stalag Luft III with the man who jumped from that plane.”

Amazing story from an amazing venue.

I had hoped to attend but ......

Uncovered Video: Obama Explains How His Health Care Plan Will ‘Eliminate’ Private Insurance

Uncovered Video: Obama Explains How His Health Care Plan Will ‘Eliminate’ Private Insurance

Proof... but no surprise from our prevaricator-in-chief.

Car Dealer Giving Away Free AK-47's With New Trucks!

You gotta watch this one to the end!

Can-do spirits!

Can-do spirits!
"Stacy Slagor had never entered a cooking contest in her life, but she couldn't resist the San Diego County Fair's SPAM recipe competition this summer.
“I like SPAM and I like the fair, so why not?” figured the 40-year-old UCSD employee."

NPR's sophestry with kids!

http://ncane.com/01n

Okay, sports fans, get a load of this — it will not make you happy, I wager. Last week, a friend of mine wrote,
Hi, Jay,

I have to recount to you an incident that involved my daughter a few days ago. Here goes:

Both of my daughters participate in a student-run theater group called Act 2 Act whose purpose is to raise money for human-rights causes. They are rehearsing The Diary of Anne Frank, to be performed this weekend. They have been doing local radio interviews to promote the play.

My twelve-year-old is playing Anne, and her director — the founder of the group — is 16. They did an interview by phone with an NPR correspondent. She asked some odd, leading questions such as “Isn’t this the first time you’ve ever done something helpful like this?” and “What does this have to do with President Obama?” The answer to the first question is “No, we do this sort of thing regularly,” and the answer to the second is, “Well, nothing.” The kids were really put on the spot. It was all strange and disconcerting.

Well, everything became clear when the interview aired later in the evening. The correspondent shaped the piece to insinuate that the kids had been inspired by Barack Obama to start this theater company and do this play. OMG! (As the kids say.) We all know the NPR mindset, but to stoop so low and take away from these kids their own heartfelt inspiration — that was just disgusting.
Disgusting. Absolutely disgusting. Could you remind me, once more, why we have government radio, and government TV, anyway? I guess this is what Dan Rather means by “public media” (as if privately owned media weren’t public). It’s bad enough when an ordinary, commercial outlet is shoddy, misleading, or mendacious. But a taxpayer-funded outlet?This may be mere emotion talking, but if there’s one reform I’d like to see, it is to do away altogether with government media in this liberal republic (and you know I mean liberal in an older, honorable sense).

Racial insights!

Racial insights!
"It's my committee's opinion that it violates our 'Best Practices List' to act as if you're calling the police chief to report the supposedly racist officer who came to help you.
It's also considered highly inappropriate, in terms of race relations, to begin screaming at the officer insipid questions such as 'Do you know who I am?' and 'Do you know who you are messing with?'"

Read the comments

Dufus loses winning lottery ticket
"It was a $500,000 answer to his prayers and it was in his back pocket. And then, suddenly, it wasn't. On his way to a Florida Lottery office Wednesday to claim his half-million-dollar prize, Louis Tolentino, a 69-year-old retiree who lives near Wellington, lost the ticket(Snip)in his excitement he forgot to sign the ticket. Without his signature, anyone who finds it could turn it in as his or her own."

Sunday, August 02, 2009

Muskegon's Leggett hopes to step into starting role for Spartans

Muskegon's Leggett hopes to step into starting role for Spartans
"The former Muskegon Big Red came out of spring practice with a slight edge over a group of talented but inexperienced running backs, according to Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio."

ABC NEWS: Geithner Won’t Rule Out New Taxes For Middle Class. Hey, wait, I thought Obama promised …

Geithner Won’t Rule Out New Taxes For Middle Class.
"ABC NEWS: Geithner Won’t Rule Out New Taxes For Middle Class.
Hey, wait, I thought Obama promised that no one making less than $250,000 a year would see a tax increase?"

Who'd of guessed?

Patients forced to live in agony after NHS refuses to pay for painkilling injections

Patients forced to live in agony after NHS refuses to pay for painkilling injections
"Tens of thousands with chronic back pain will be forced to live in agony after a decision to slash the number of painkilling injections issued on the NHS, doctors have warned."

Why Sarah Palin Fans Feel Betrayed


Why Sarah Palin Fans Feel Betrayed
"To be conservative is to be betrayed on a regular basis.
You send your kids to a school that tries to slyly indoctrinate them into liberalism, you come home to watch an “unbiased” news show that covers almost every story differently based on whether a Republican or Democrat is involved, and then you try to unwind by watching TV shows that take guarded shots at the values you cherish.....
.......There’s only one Sarah Palin and there’s not another soul on the national stage who can even come close to filling her high heels.
At a time when the Republican Party has lost so many seats in Congress that it’s teetering on the brink of irrelevancy, Palin’s detractors on the right should ask themselves how much sense it makes to help the liberal media try to tear down the biggest star in the conservative movement."

Where is the Public Outrage Over Pensions?

Where is the Public Outrage Over Pensions?
"You might be reading my blog wondering where is public outrage over pensions?
For example, how can PSP Investments lose billions and still pay their top officers bonuses, allowing them to get extremely well compensated in a terrible year?

And it's not just PSP. The same is happening in many other large public Canadian pension funds, including CPPIB where top officers got millions with their bonuses after losing a whopping $24 billion in FY 2009.

So where is the outrage?
I just came back from Greece where if even a fraction of this came out in the media, there would be riots in the streets.
The same can be said about other European countries, especially in France.

But 'civilized' Canadians seem to be sleepwalking while their pensions are dwindling.
The unions are keeping silent too.
Why?
Maybe because they know that the federal and provincial governments are on the hook to pay out pension benefits even if the public pension plans are severely underfunded.
Why make a fuss when you know the government will come in and shore up the plan?"

Segway rental service offers tours of Grand Rapids


Segway rental service offers tours of Grand Rapids
"Segway Tours of Grand Rapids, began his rental operation in May.......
Kaback rents the two-wheeled scooters at $50 for a half-hour ride....
....The prices are on par with Segway rentals in Fort Lauderdale, Chicago and other cities, he said.
Kaback said he owns eight Segways, which he bought for $38,000. "

Good luck......but I sure hope he didn't get "stimulus" money for this.

Saturday, August 01, 2009

Birthers Versus True Believers

Birthers Versus True Believers
"Let's think big (in a small-minded way) - suppose the original certifcate has Obama as 'Barry', with attendant documentation formally changing his name to 'Barack' when Obama was in his teens or twenties. That would be a hard memory lapse to explain, and sort of mar the current version of his 'Dreams From My Father' story."

Gordo's Musings


I watched the local news shows this morning and they were ALL talking about how SUCCESSFUL the cash for junk cars was.

Like they were surprised that the government giving out free money was popular to those who got the free money.
Isn't EVERY "free money" program popular?

Are these TV folks seriously stupid or just lying to us?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The same folks who complain about EVERY government department (road repair, cops, non-synchronized stop lights, giant deficits, et al, etcetera....) are totally convinced that Obama and Rom Emanuel (with help from Nancy Pelosi and Barney Frank) will run our entire health care system with precision, efficiency and economy.

ARE THEY NUTS???????
update:
the rest of us are just too stupid....

MSU kicker, Brett Swenson looking for great year


Brett Swenson not worried about kicking award
"Swenson was only the third Spartans kicker to score 100 points in a season, joining Paul Edinger and Dave Rayner, and he was tied for fourth in the NCAA for field goals made but was overlooked as a Groza semifinalist late in the season."

Weird headline but nice story AND stats!

Dealers Race to Get Their Clunkers Crushed


Dealers Race to Get Their Clunkers Crushed
"Until they can certify that the car has been decommissioned, they cannot submit their paperwork to be repaid."

Unbelievable!
They've got to destroy the car BEFORE they can even submit the paperwork!!!!!!

And if it's rejected AFTER the destruction of the customer's car, Great Leader's minions will say "never mind"?

Dealers Race to Get Their Clunkers Crushed


Dealers Race to Get Their Clunkers Crushed
"We spent a couple of days earlier this week following the whole complex program, from dealer to scrap heap, and found twists and turns in it that are making it a nightmare now for everyone involved.
The program requires that the clunkers be put out of service for good, so dealers must destroy the engines on cars that are traded in.
We watched this process yesterday at the DCH Paramus Honda in Paramus, N.J. It is quite laborious and potentially dangerous.
And it certainly is final."

So, these same geniuses are gonna use the same methodology on your wife or daughter's breast lump.

Are there really THAT many fools in our country who believe that Obama and his cronys can deliver better, CHEAPER health care than our current system?

10 Reasons Why American Healthcare Is Better Than You've Been Told

10 Reasons Why American Healthcare Is Better Than You've Been Told

Ann Coulter, Michelle Malkin & My Skip Gates Question


Ann Coulter, Michelle Malkin & My Skip Gates Question
"They are not, however, to paraphrase the late Sen. Patrick Moynihan, entitled to their own facts, or entitled to invent a scenario in which the White House somehow prompted me to ask Obama about Gates at his press conference last week"

Except this "expose" proves the "how" and "why" Mr Brilliant chose her as the last questioner.

Is this TV gal so ignorant that she doesn't believe her own words?

youbetchya!!!!

Cash for Clunkers May Cost Up to $45,354 Per Vehicle

Cash for Clunkers May Cost Up to $45,354 Per Vehicle
"Meanwhile, if all buyers have qualified for the higher $4,500 rebate, the 'cash for clunkers' program will mean a marginal increase in car sales of 22,000 this quarter. $1 billion divided by 22,000 means a net cost to the government of $45,354 per car."

Walking the walk


Walking the walk - Mark Steyn
"This picture, which Rich noted yesterday, has gone around the world, and has been generally considered to be worth the proverbial thousand words, or a thousand White House beers.
What I find oddest about the whole business is that it's an official White House photograph by an official White House photographer from the official White House website.
So at some point some number of Obama flacks must have figured that this pic makes our guy look good: Are they so monarchically besotted that what most people find jarring about the shot is what the image boys actually like about it?"

Review of Metro fares, service raises civil rights concerns

Review of Metro fares, service raises civil rights concerns
"Metro must do a better job of evaluating whether fare increases and service changes disproportionately affect low-income and minority customers, a federal review found.
The Federal Transit Administration's review also found the transit agency needs to improve services to customers with limited English skills."

Oh, the unintended consequences of subsidived government transit-care...."everyone here is equal. Some are just more equal than others"

CBS Buries Democrat Label in Chris Dodd/Kent Conrad Countrywide Scandal Story

CBS Buries Democrat Label in Chris Dodd/Kent Conrad Countrywide Scandal Story
"the two most prominent figures currently still in government who are implicated in the scandal are Democratic Senators Christopher Dodd and Kent Conrad, neither Senator was identified by Attkisson as a Democrat."

The Weekly Standard

The Weekly Standard
"Kennedy received a Presidential Medal of Freedom this week, the highest honor that can be bestowed upon any American civilian.
Liberals freely lionize the good senator, thinking nothing of honoring him at the 2008 Democratic National Convention with a tribute video with a water motif, no less. It is considered bad form for conservatives to mention Mary Jo Kopechne (who would have been close to 70 now if she had lived), especially now that Kennedy himself has fallen ill with a brain tumor"

Robbing the bank

Robbing the bank
"Rep. Barney Frank, Massachusetts Democrat, is threatening to revive legislation that would let bankruptcy judges rewrite mortgage contracts if banks don't 'voluntarily' write off a larger percentage of bad home loans."

Oakland County service providers must verify workers are legal

Oakland County service providers must verify workers are legal
"The move will require service vendors to use the E-Verify program to avoid hiring illegal workers"

Read the comments below the article!

Michigan teachers oppose fast track to teaching math, science

Michigan teachers oppose fast track to teaching math, science
"The Michigan Education Association, the state's largest union for school employees, commissioned the survey conducted by EPIC-MRA.
Among the findings released Thursday: 58% of the 400 educators surveyed oppose the plan."

Bad bridges passed up for stimulus cash

Bad bridges passed up for stimulus cash
"Tens of thousands of unsafe or decaying bridges carrying 100 million drivers a day must wait for repairs because states are spending stimulus money on spans that are already in good shape or on easier projects like repaving roads, an Associated Press analysis shows"

A Minimum Wage Equals Minimum Jobs: The unseen costs of minimum wage laws

A Minimum Wage Equals Minimum Jobs: The unseen costs of minimum wage laws
"Wage minimums tell employers: 'Don't give a beginner a chance.'

Such losses are hard to see, but they are widespread.
One company closes because it can't afford to pay higher wages.
Another decides to produce its product with fewer workers, and another never expands.
Perhaps most importantly, there's the business that never opens.
The people who were never hired don't complain—they wouldn't know whom to blame—they don't even know that they were harmed.
They are the unseen victims."

Behold!

Behold! - Jonah Goldberg

"I lamented the non-existence of a good Biden gaffe agglomerator.
Within three hours, JoeBidenSaidThat.com was born!"

Six-potato gatling gun - Boing Boing

Six-potato gatling gun - Boing Boing

George Perles gives reasons for 10-win prediction

George Perles gives reasons for 10-win prediction
"'I've been around here since 1956, and I've never seen the entire athletic department in better shape.'"

Speaker Will Keep 'Villains' Money

Speaker Will Keep 'Villains' Money
"Pelosi ranked 55th among members of the 111th Congress in contributions from health insurers since the 1989-1990 election cycle, according to CRP, having taken in $186,750"

Pelosi lashes out against insurance companies

Pelosi lashes out against insurance companies
"'It's almost immoral what they are doing,' Pelosi said to reporters, referring to insurance companies. 'Of course they've been immoral all along in how they have treated the people that they insure,' she said, adding, 'They are the villains. They have been part of the problem in a major way. They are doing everything in their power to stop a public option from happening.'"