Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Protecting Public Pensions

Protecting Public Pensions
"The city of Evanston, Illinois is a suburban municipality located directly north of the city of Chicago and has approximately 74,000 residents.
This city has had a long history of underfunding its police and fire pension plans and it still dealing with these problems today despite prior litigation.
The underfunding of the police and fire pension plans continually worsened with the City now facing a $159 million unfunded accrued liability for the police and fire pension plans with plan assets covering only 42% of the benefits owed.
To put these figures in context, the unfunded liability is about $2,000 per Evanston resident or $4,500 per household."

4 dead in Southeast DC drive-by shooting

4 dead in Southeast DC drive-by shooting
"The shooting victims are six men and three women. Most are in their 20s and 30s. One is a teen."

It's obvious we've lost the war against crime and criminal government in DC.
Isn't it time we considered pulling our troops and police out of harms way?

Works and Days » We Are All Pods Now

Works and Days » We Are All Pods Now
: "Go to Sleep, Wake up a Pod

I am catching on to this new year-old society; I think I am at least.

Paying an underwater mortgage is sort of what wealthy and dubious people do; defaulting on one is proof of legitimate victimhood.

There is no more immigration law — unless you are a foolish German, Russian, or Aussie who overstays his visa without claim on a proper -ism.
Budgeting for your private health care plan is proof of privilege; a maxed out credit card is better proof of corporate conspiracy.

And paying no federal income taxes is evidence that you belong to the good 50% of Americans — or are mega-rich, savvy, and able enough to pay on your income instead at the capital gains rate.

There is no more interest on your meager passbook account; just on your mortgage: you pay the bank 5% for a house loan; they pay you a tenth of that at .5% for having $10,000 in your savings.
They are dubbed “evil” by Washington and given more perks and latitude than ever before.

You are to pay higher local, state, federal, payroll, and heath care taxes, with the assumptions that you will not help to pay down the debt and you, the greedy bastard, should pay even more taxes than you do.

Wake up, and get with it, reader: either you are a pod now — or everyone else is."

A Trip Down Memory Lane

A Trip Down Memory Lane

"Not too long ago, taking to the streets to protest your government was considered a patriotic act.

It’s true!

But it seems that publicly airing your grievances stopped being patriotic right around noon on January 20th, 2009.
Once President Obama was sworn in, protesting became incitement to violence.

If you’ve opened up a newspaper or watched a cable news program in the past week or so, you’ve probably seen members of the media painting Tea Party activists as dangerous bigots.

That’s because disagreeing with President Obama on issues like government spending and high taxes makes you a racist, you see.


What’s interesting about the media’s latest freak-out is that there were radicals a-plenty under President Bush.
They protested in the streets.
They talked openly about revolution and killing.
But oddly, the violent imagery used by people claiming to be advocates for peace never registered with the media.
They were too busy fawning over Cindy Sheehan.


Why the difference in coverage?

Did the media cheerlead the protests against President Bush to hurt him politically?

Are they trying to marginalize the increasingly powerful Tea Party movement because they favor President Obama’s agenda?


One thing’s for sure: If there is such a thing as dangerous rhetoric, then the media is at least one president too late in reporting the story.


Don’t believe me?

Well, then let’s take a trip down memory lane..."

Click the link to see Evan's 4 minute movie.
And then tell me there is no media bias.
Yeah...right.

Power Line - Evan Coyne Maloney remembers

Power Line - Evan Coyne Maloney remembers
"... During the Bush administration, Evan was out in the field with his camera observing protests and interviewing protesters.
He is therefore in a good position to recall the signs and symbols of the left-wing opposition to the Bush administration's post-9/11 national security policies.
How do they compare to the Tea Party protesters expressing their opposition to Barack Obama's program of national socialism?

Evan has now produced a timely new video splicing together footage that he calls 'A trip down memory lane.'

He describes it as four minutes of nonstop examples of violent imagery and extremist rhetoric employed by left-wing anti-Bush protesters.

He writes: 'For some reason, despite it being well documented at the time by me and many others, the media chose to ignore it.'

Indeed."

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

NCAA Final Four and Championship live in 3D At Celebration! Cinema

NCAA Final Four and Championship live in 3D At Celebration! Cinema
"Come watch the Michigan State vs. Butler game LIVE in 3D on April 3rd and the NCAA championship game live in 3D on April 5th!

Tickets for the MSU-Butler final four matchup and the NCAA championship game are on sale below:

Michigan State vs. Butler
Click here to buy tickets for the Michigan State vs. Butler matchup in the Final Four!

NCAA Championship Game
Click here to buy tickets for the NCAA Championship Game!

Additional Info:
Tickets are $20.

There will be a cash bar available for both games."

This is pretty cool!

Does MSU really belong among college baskeball elite?

Does MSU really belong among college baskeball elite?
"But think about the track record. Izzo has now taken MSU to consecutive Final Fours TWICE in his career.
Only five other coaches have ever done that.
And only four coaches now have ever gone to more Final Fours than Izzo has."

The Costs of Expanding Medicaid Will Bankrupt the States

The Costs of Expanding Medicaid Will Bankrupt the States

"One of the central aspects ObamaCare, besides the individual mandate to purchase insurance, is the expansion of Medicaid eligibility to 133 percent of the poverty level.

To entice Democrat lawmakers, especially in the Senate, to vote for this, Senate leaders assured the states that the federal government would cover the costs of the expansion until 2014.

After that, they said, the states would be responsible for paying for 10 percent of the expansion.

According to the Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured, the Medicaid expansion would “result in large increases in eligibles in most states and many new enrollees.
Not only would eligibility standards be extended but the individual mandate, though somewhat difficult to enforce at these income levels, will mean that large numbers of both previously eligible and newly eligible people will enroll.”

In other words, costs will go up. A lot."

Obama To Take Over Control of College Textbooks?

Obama To Take Over Control of College Textbooks? « Publius Forum
"National Review quotes George Mason economics professor Donald J. Boudreaux as saying that this act seems to be “a first step toward federal oversight of the contents of college textbooks.”
As proof he points specifically to section C, the publisher requirements section.

"(C) A description of the substantial content revisions made between the current edition of the college textbook or supplemental material and the previous edition, if any."

Why does Obama’s overlords need to know what revisions have been made to a textbook?
This act is supposed to be concerned with pricing and availability, not content… isn’t it?"

Karl Rove Gets Branded 'War Criminal' At Beverly Hills Book Signing

Karl Rove Gets Branded 'War Criminal' At Beverly Hills Book Signing
"KCAL 9's Dave Bryan was there and said Rove 'was shouted down and forced to leave the stage.'

Another woman screamed at Rove, 'The only comfort I take is that...you're going to rot in hell.'"

Did Lawmakers Play “Race Card” to Smear Protesters?

Did Lawmakers Play “Race Card” to Smear Protesters?
"In one case, there simply is no evidence.
Video shows the congressmen walking to the Capitol, while protesters shouted “Kill the bill!”
No racial slurs can be heard. In another case, emerging facts seem to expose the lie;
Cleaver claimed that a protester spat on him and was arrested, yet Capitol Police spokesman Sgt. Kimberly Schneider said that no arrests were made that day."

Pet shop owner who sold goldfish to boy hauled before court and ordered to wear electronic tag | Mail Online

Pet shop owner who sold goldfish to boy hauled before court and ordered to wear electronic tag
"Buying a goldfish at a pet shop used to be an innocent childhood pleasure.
But today an elderly pet shop owner told how she was 'entrapped' into selling a goldfish to a 14-year-old schoolboy, then warned she could face jail.
She had breached a law introduced in 2006 which bans selling live fish to anyone under 16."

The Associated Press: Prudential to take $100M health care charge in 1Q

The Associated Press: Prudential to take $100M health care charge in 1Q
"Insurer Prudential Financial Inc. said Monday that it will take a $100 million charge in the first quarter in relation to the recent health care overhaul legislation."

NASA Data Worse Than Climate-Gate Data, Space Agency Admits

NASA Data Worse Than Climate-Gate Data, Space Agency Admits

No Time for a Real Threat as ABC and CBS Skip Arrest of Man Targeting GOP’s Cantor

No Time for a Real Threat as ABC and CBS Skip Arrest of Man Targeting GOP’s Cantor
"Yet after the networks led last week with less-immediate threats against Democrats, they weren’t so interested in a real case of a death threat against a Republican as neither CBS nor ABC aired a word about the arrest and NBC’s Brian Williams gave it short-shrift after leading last Wednesday with Democrats as the victims:
“It's getting ugly as anger over health care reform erupts into some over-the-top rhetoric, including threats now against members of Congress.”"

American music during World War Two-World War II song Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.

American music during World War Two - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"An article published in Stars & Stripes during WWII credits Clarence Zylman of Muskegon, Michigan, as the original Boogie Woogie Bugler."

James Lovelock: Humans are too stupid to prevent climate change

James Lovelock: Humans are too stupid to prevent climate change
"One of the main obstructions to meaningful action is 'modern democracy', he added"

CNN Fails to Stop Fall in Ratings

CNN Fails to Stop Fall in Ratings
"CNN continued what has become a precipitous decline in ratings for its prime-time programs in the first quarter of 2010, with its main hosts losing almost half their viewers in a year."

Monday, March 29, 2010

Rep. Burgess: If Mandate To Buy Health Insurance Upheld By Court, No Limit To What Govt Can Force People To Buy

Rep. Burgess: If Mandate To Buy Health Insurance Upheld By Court, No Limit To What Govt Can Force People To Buy
"Representative Michael Burgess (R-Texas) told CNSNews.com that if the mandate in the health care law requiring individuals to purchase health insurance or be penalized is upheld by the courts, the federal government could mandate anything, such as requiring all Americans to purchase a General Motors car."

Sunday, March 28, 2010

My Way News - Many felony pot cases getting tossed out of court

My Way News - Many felony pot cases getting tossed out of court: "Police in a northern California town thought they had an open-and-shut case when they seized more than two pounds of marijuana from a couple's home, even though doctors authorized the pair to use pot for medical purposes."

Seven arrested in FBI raids linked to Christian militia group

Seven arrested in FBI raids linked to Christian militia group
Seven arrested in FBI raids linked to Christian militia group"

Most Say Tea Party Has Better Understanding of Issues than Congress - Rasmussen Reports™

Most Say Tea Party Has Better Understanding of Issues than Congress - Rasmussen Reports™: "The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 52% of U.S. voters believe the average member of the Tea Party movement has a better understanding of the issues facing America today than the average member of Congress. Only 30% believe that those in Congress have a better understanding of the key issues facing the nation."

STEYN: A healthy dose of catastrophe

STEYN: A healthy dose of catastrophe
"Which is to say that right now, the future lies somewhere between the certainty of decline and the probability of catastrophe.
What can stop it?
Not a lot."

Coward Russ Carnahan Pushes Bogus Tea Party Lie to Media

Coward Russ Carnahan Pushes Bogus Tea Party Lie to Media– Claims Prayer Service With Coffin Was a Violent Threat - Big Government
"Claims Prayer Service With Coffin Was a Violent Threat

Remember as you read this: There is nothing the democratic-media complex will not do to lie about the tea party patriots or to prop up these horrid leftists who are transforming our country into some kind of quasi-socialist state.

On Sunday night several members of the St. Louis Tea Party Coalition held a prayer vigil at Russ Carnahan’s office for the millions of babies that will be slaughtered under the democrat’s pro-abortion health care bill.

We also prayed for the handicapped and the elderly who will be turned away as they face the death panels created by this bill.
And, as we stood outside his office in the rain, we prayed for our country and for the democrats in Washington DC who were stealing away our freedom at that very moment.

We brought a coffin with us to represent the millions of Americans who will suffer from inadequate treatment and perish under Obamacare."

Read this and fear for YOUR freedoms.

Fake Products and Companies Certified by Energy Star

Fake Products and Companies Certified by Energy Star - Popular Mechanics
"The Government Accountability Office Punk'd Energy Star recently by submitting fake products and companies for certification.

1. Tropical Thunder Appliances

To perform this investigation, the Government Accountability Office's (GAO) March 26, 2010, report states that it "used four bogus manufacturing firms and fictitious individuals to apply for Energy Star partnership." All four qualified. In fact, two of the fake firms received requests for real companies to buy their Energy Star–certified products—none of which exist. ."

Ten more!

They Fly First Class « John Stossel

They Fly First Class « John Stossel
"Will you and your family put off a vacation this year because you can't afford it?
Too bad, because you have paid for some terrific trips -- for government bureaucrats.
The Washington Times reports that last year $13 billion in tax dollars was spent to pamper 'public servants' on trips that double as vacation junkets."

Michigan Great Lake Wind Council meets the public -- and council members call response 'surprisingly favorable'

Michigan Great Lake Wind Council meets the public -- and council members call response 'surprisingly favorable'
"Two more public meetings are planned.
Both will start with a 6 p.m. open house, followed by 7:00 p.m. presentations.
The meetings are intended to end by 9 p.m.
APRIL 14: Danforth Place. 4989 Danforth Road, Escanaba, (Upper Penninsula).
MAY 4: Muskegon Community College, Collegiate Hall, 221 S Quarterline Rd, Muskegon."

Be there or pay the price of your laziness.

Arenas will return to Wizards

Arenas will return to Wizards
"Arenas avoided jail time for the offense, instead receiving a sentence that also includes two years of probation, a $5,000 fine and 400 hours of community service."

Interesting.
DC has very strict gun laws with mandatory jail sentences.
But Arenas walks.

Ah yes, the two Americas.
One for the rich and famous and another for us rabble.
It ain't gonna get better folks.
The media is enbracing this cuz they think they're in the first group.
They always are....until they're not.

ALERT: Reid Supporters Throw Eggs at Tea Party Express Buses

ALERT: Reid Supporters Throw Eggs at Tea Party Express Buses
"Supporters of Senator Harry Reid have just thrown eggs at the Tea Party Express bus caravan - striking at least one of the three buses (the red Tea Party Express bus) with multiple eggs.

About 35 Reid supporters had lined Highway 95 in front of the Nugget Casino in Searchlight where they were attempting a counter-demonstration the tens of thousands of tea party supporters who are gathering for the 'Showdown in Searchlight.'"

Hmmm.
No frowny faces reporting this hate on TV.

No 'special relationship' between Britain and US: MPs

No 'special relationship' between Britain and US: MPs
"'The UK must continue to position itself closely alongside the US but there is a need to be less deferential and more willing to say no where our interests diverge,' the committee chairman, Labour's Mike Gapes, said, summing up the report.
He added that the phrase 'special relationship' -- first coined by Winston Churchill in 1946, the year after World War II -- was 'potentially misleading, and we recommend that its use should be avoided'."

The world will truly love us when Obama is president....right?

The Empire Strikes Back

Power Line - The Empire Strikes Back
"Good post on the true cost of ObamaCare.
But it gets better: the Dems are now shaking down CEOs who don't get with the program.

In the attached letter, Henry Waxman not only orders the CEOs of AT&T, Caterpillar, Deere & Co, and Verizon to testify before the Energy and Commerce Committee, but also to produce internal analyses and emails related to their statements.

They don't expressly subpoena the CEOs, so we can hope that they tell the Dems to GFY, though somehow I doubt that will happen.

The Dems sent these letters to the Republicans on the committee after 6pm tonight with no advance notice or prior cooperation.

Here is the letter Waxman sent to the Chairman of AT&T; the others are similar. Click to enlarge:"

READ THIS LETTER!

So if an American company tells its employees the true cost of Obama care, the federal government will intimidate (and fine or imprison) the company's executives?

And our American media refuses to report this?!!!

321 killed in previously unreported Congo massacre

321 killed in previously unreported Congo massacre
DAKAR, Senegal (AP) -- At least 321 civilians were killed in a previously unreported massacre in Congo in late 2009, while villagers that escaped their rebel captors were sent back with their lips and ears cut off as a warning to others of what would happen if they tried to talk,"

Is this the Africa so wistfully portrayed in our new America?

Obama, scolding GOP, makes 15 appointments

Obama, scolding GOP, makes 15 appointments
"The Constitution gives presidents the power to appoint nominees who would otherwise require Senate confirmation while the chamber is in recess.
The appointments expire at the end the next legislative session, which in this case means the end of 2011.

Mr. Becker, a former AFL-CIO and Service Employees International Union lawyer, has been the target of fierce opposition as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and other business groups have warned he would pursue union interests at the expense of employers, including a stalled piece of legislation that would make union organizing easier."

Two points.
The phrase "legislation that would make union organizing easier" is the destruction of the secret ballot in union elections known as "card check".
Card check is back folks.
And it is as anti-American as any piece of legislation ever proposed in our country.

The republican party leaders should have seen this coming.
Did they know and simply dodge the issue?
Or were they scammed again because they're a bunch of lazy fools?
Either way, we need more change in the party.

KUHNER: Will America break up?

KUHNER: Will America break up?
"President Obama is splintering America.

The passage of Obamacare was a historic victory for liberal governance.

Yet, its true cost may be that it triggers the eventual breakup of the country.

Mr. Obama has achieved what his liberal predecessors - Franklin D. Roosevelt, Lyndon B. Johnson, Bill Clinton - could only dream of: nationalized health care.

Obamacare signifies the government take-over of one-sixth of the U.S. economy.
It has dealt a mortal blow to traditional America.

We are now a European-style socialist welfare state.

The inevitable permanent tax hikes, massive public bureaucracy and liberal ruling elites will stifle competition and initiative."

And the looming bankruptcy of most of our cities, counties and states isn't even counted in this equation.

CBO report: Debt will rise to 90% of GDP

CBO report: Debt will rise to 90% of GDP
"President Obama's fiscal 2011 budget will generate nearly $10 trillion in cumulative budget deficits over the next 10 years, $1.2 trillion more than the administration projected, and raise the federal debt to 90 percent of the nation's economic output by 2020, the Congressional Budget Office reported Thursday."

This explosion of government spending will destroy our country.
Are the Tea Party members the only ones who have a clue?

The medicare part A underfunding already equals the entire value of all the stocks of all the companies on all the stock exchanges of every country in the world.

That's about $40 trillion dollars.

http://muskegonpundit.blogspot.com/2009/12/world-equity-value-us-medicare-debt.html

Will we end up as the 21st century's USSR?

A corrupt, bankrupt group of bickering small countries?

A North American Europe?

In the faces of Tea Party shouters, images of hate and history

Colbert I. King - In the faces of Tea Party shouters, images of hate and history - washingtonpost.com
"They were spotted last weekend on Capitol Hill under the Tea Party banner protesting the health-care-reform bill.

Some carried a signs that read 'If Brown [Scott Brown (R-Mass.)] can't stop it, a Browning [high power weapon] can.'

Some shouted racial and homophobic epithets at members of Congress.

Others assumed the role of rabble, responding to the calls of instigating Republican representatives gathered on a Capitol balcony."

This is the meme that the left hopes to use to marginalize ANY dissent.

Nothing really new here.

"Anyone who disagrees with us is a racist, homophobe, sexist, baby killer, etc."

We must fight them everywhere.

Saturday, March 27, 2010

JammieWearingFool

JammieWearingFool
"These clowns can't even install windows but we expect they can run our healthcare system?
Good luck with that."

A pushup bra for your butt.

Finally, A pushup bra for your butt.

Nursing homes at breaking point, says report

Nursing homes at breaking point, says report The Australian
"AUSTRALIAN nursing homes have reached breaking point due to chronic underfunding and staff shortages, with reports of physical assaults increasing by more than 50 per cent and sexual assaults by 36 per cent."

For Years, Deaf Boys Tried to Tell of Priest’s Abuse

For Years, Deaf Boys Tried to Tell of Priest’s Abuse - NYTimes.com
"They told other priests.
They told three archbishops of Milwaukee.
They told two police departments and the district attorney.
They used sign language, written affidavits and graphic gestures to show what exactly Father Murphy had done to them.

But their reports fell on the deaf ears of hearing people."

Supply fears start to hit Treasuries

Supply fears start to hit Treasuries
“The environment for debt auctions has turned negative,” says Rick Klingman, managing director at BNP Paribas. “Long-term rates are rising and it is no coincidence that this has occurred after the passage of healthcare reform and the end of Fed buy-backs.”"

Little-Known Health Care Law Provision Is a Budget Buster

Little-Known Health Care Law Provision Is a Budget Buster, Critics Say
"While Congress spent the last year debating how to provide health insurance for the uninsured, a little-known provision slipped into the heath care law that could cost some Americans upwards of $2,000 a year.
The Class Act, otherwise known as the Community Living Assistance Services and Support Act, is the federal government's first long-term care insurance program.

Under-reported and the under the radar of most lawmakers, the program will allow workers to have an average of roughly $150 or $240 a month, based on age and salary, automatically deducted from their paycheck to save for long-term care.
The Congressional Budget Office expects the government will collect $109 billion in premiums by 2019."

Friday, March 26, 2010

Downtown no more: G&L Chili Dogs to close on Saturday

Downtown no more: G&L Chili Dogs to close on Saturday
"MUSKEGON -- G & L Chili Dogs, a downtown mainstay for more than 80 years, a place where folks went for a quick bite to eat and to dine in a familiar setting with people they knew, where 'regulars' have flocked since the first hot dog restaurant opened in 1929, will serve up its final Greek hot dog at 4 p.m. Saturday."

Thursday, March 25, 2010

They Fly First Class « John Stossel

They Fly First Class « John Stossel: "Will you and your family put off a vacation this year because you can't afford it? Too bad, because you have paid for some terrific trips -- for government bureaucrats. The Washington Times reports that last year $13 billion in tax dollars was spent to pamper 'public servants' on trips that double as vacation junkets."

Vatican Declined to Defrock U.S. Priest Who Abused Boys

Vatican Declined to Defrock U.S. Priest Who Abused Boys - NYTimes.com
"Top Vatican officials — including the future Pope Benedict XVI — did not defrock a priest who molested as many as 200 deaf boys, even though several American bishops repeatedly warned them that failure to act on the matter could embarrass the church, according to church files newly unearthed as part of a lawsuit."

The Pope is complicit.
He must go...if the church is to have any credibility.

But imagine if the NYT had the guts to do similar investigating of the Islamic religion......yeah, right!

MSHDA: Michigan's Fannie Mae?

MSHDA: Michigan's Fannie Mae? [Mackinac Center]
"The state housing authority that one developer called the backbone for development and economic activity in Michigan is another victim of the collapse of the housing market.
The Michigan State Housing Development Authority's financial reports show it is in danger of losing money for the first time since the mid-1960s when it was created."

Rental Ordinance banning illegals struck Down

Latest Farmers Branch Rental Ordinance Struck Down NBC Dallas-Fort Worth
"Getty Images A federal judge has ruled that a Farmers Branch ordinance banning illegal immigrants from renting apartments is unconstitutional."

hidden cost of government

The Free Enterprise Nation - hidden cost of government
"the actual unfunded liability for these public sector pension plans would be $3.5 trillion if more realistic and conservative interest rate assumptions were utilized.

Attempts by others to determine the true federal debt (including unfunded obligations) result in the determination that if one federal “balance sheet” were utilized, the total federal debt would exceed $107 trillion, not the $12.3 trillion currently stated as “debt”.

The result is that the total federal and non-federal debt (if unfunded liabilities are included) is an estimated $112+ trillion, or SEVEN TIMES higher than the total $15 trillion currently disclosed to taxpayers.!!"

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

COMMON CENTS BLOG

COMMON CENTS BLOG: "Liberal Liars Exposed! With the State Run Media Report it?
Have you heard the one about the Tea Party Protesters calling African American Congressmen Racial Epithets or calling them the 'N' Word? As the story goes:

The media claimed"

New post on Muskegon Taxpayer's Alliance from John McNally!

http://muskegontaxpayers.blogspot.com/2010/03/john-mcnally-reports-on-100-county.html

Police: Woman swapped girl, 10, to man for cocaine

Police: Woman swapped girl, 10, to man for cocaine
"SAGINAW, Mich. (AP) - Police in Michigan say a 45-year-old woman with a cocaine habit let a 67-year-old man have sex with a 10-year-old girl she was caring for in exchange for the drug."

Shocking Audio: Rep. Dingell Says ObamaCare Will Eventually ‘Control the People’

Breitbart.tv » Shocking Audio: Rep. Dingell Says ObamaCare Will Eventually ‘Control the People’

How the Tablet Will Change the World

How the Tablet Will Change the World
"Everyone who jammed into the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco on January 27, 2010, knew what they were there for:
Apple CEO Steve Jobs’ introduction of a thin, always-on tablet device that would let people browse the Web, read books, send email, watch movies, and play games.
It was also no surprise that the 1.5-pound iPad resembled an iPhone, right down to the single black button nestled below the bright 10-inch screen."

Trillion-Dollar Pension Crisis Looms Large Over America

Trillion-Dollar Pension Crisis Looms Large Over America
"Assuming they can laugh about such things, pension fund accountants might consider telling a joke that goes like this:

What’s the difference between General Motors and California?

California hasn’t gone bankrupt. At least, not yet."

Top 10 Low Pass Flyby's of All Time

Oh..my..God!

This is cool!

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Playing the Victim - Well Blog - NYTimes.com

Playing the Victim - Well Blog - NYTimes.com

"In today’s Mind column, psychiatrist Dr. Richard A. Friedman explores the puzzling world of self-defeating behavior, when people blame others for their misfortune and feel victimized by bad luck.

So what explains those men and women who repeatedly pursue a path that leads to pain and disappointment?

Perhaps there is a hidden psychological reward.

I got a glimpse of it once from another patient, a woman in her early 60s who complained about her ungrateful children and neglectful friends.

As she spoke, it was clear she felt that all the major figures in her life had done her wrong.

In fact, her status as an injured party afforded her a psychological advantage: she felt morally superior to everyone she felt had mistreated her.

This was a role she had no intention of giving up.

As she left my office, she smiled and said, “I don’t expect that you’ll be able to help me.”

She was already setting up her next failure: her treatment."

Would it be cruel to say this fool is almost certainly a liberal democrat?.........

CEO Says ACORN 'Isn't Dead Yet' : NPR

CEO Says ACORN 'Isn't Dead Yet' : NPR:

"ACORN isn't disbanding despite a scandal that has caused membership to dwindle and revenues to dry up, the embattled activist group's chief executive officer told NPR on Tuesday.
'We're not dead, yet,' ACORN CEO Bertha Lewis told NPR's Allison Keyes on Tuesday's Tell Me More. 'Some of our state chapters have chosen to go their own way. We haven't been able to maintain the resources, state-by-state, that we had, so we have gotten a little bit smaller. We've had to change some of our programming.'"

14 Attorneys General Are Filing Suit on ObamaCare

14 Attorneys General Are Filing Suit on ObamaCare
"Fourteen Attorneys General have filed suits against ObamaCare.

Is your AG on this list?

If not, contact them and get them to stand up!

The fight to stop ObamaCare isn't over yet, and we can still win!"

MI AG Cox is on board!

Health-Care Overhaul Changes to Start Taking Effect This Year

Health-Care Overhaul Changes to Start Taking Effect This Year
"Indoor tanning salons will charge customers a 10 percent tax beginning today in just one of the changes Americans will see as a result of the U.S. health-care overhaul signed into law by President Barack Obama."

NCAA.com – The Official Website of NCAA Championships - NCAA

NCAA.com – The Official Website of NCAA Championships - NCAA

This is a great site for Spartan NCAA tournament hoops!

ACORN disbanding because of money woes, scandal

ACORN disbanding because of money woes, scandal

"ACORN's board decided to close remaining state affiliates and field offices by April 1 because of falling revenues, with some national operations will continue operating for at least several weeks before shutting for good, Whelan said Monday."

Don't believe this for a second!

They have suffered less funding but they're simply changing the name and the signs.

The same scumbags are still getting our state, federal and charity money as before.

Be ever vigilant!

The Old Jarhead: I'm tired

The Old Jarhead: I'm Tired
"I’m tired of being told how bad America is by leftwing millionaires like Michael Moore, George Soros and Hollywood entertainers who live in luxury because of the opportunities America offers.

In thirty years, if they get their way, the United States will have the religious freedom and women’s rights of Saudi Arabia, the economy of Zimbabwe, the freedom of the press of China, the crime and violence of Mexico, the tolerance for Gay people of Iran, and the freedom of speech of Venezuela.

Won’t multiculturalism be beautiful?"

He's tired of a lot more.
Read it all.

Another County board meeting today 3:30 at County building

Today (3-23-2010) there will be a full board meeting of the Muskegon County Commission.

Among other items I found these most interesting:

1. I'm against ANY porky funding for this type of public event but especially when our financial future is so bleak.

But look at the funding for the Heights "Festival".

$3000.

Does the county board "spread the money around" to the other cities?

Or is the heights just "special"? Either way, it ought to stop
.
They've already spent us broke.

They shouldn't have the fun of spending us broker.

CD/SP1 0103 -03To approve the financial contributions be made and that the funds be utilized from the CVB's Community Promotions (902020) line item:
Muskegon Heights "Festival in the Park" -$3,000.00;
The Associationof Concert Bands 2011 National Convention Committee -$500.00;
the Miss Michigan Scholarship Pageant -$3,000.00.

2. Most every trolley I've seen was empty or mostly empty.

Has there ever been a study of ridership vs cost?

Wouldn't it be nice to see that report?

TRlO/03-12 Move to approve operation of a 2010 Trolley Route Program as proposed.

3. They "waive" just about every meeting.

Maybe we citizens ought to get an explanation?

To waive the hiring freeze and allow the Human Resources Department to fill the vacant Human Resources Analyst position #N39502 at step 1 and change the funding from 100% 1010-0226 to 75% 1010-0226 and 25% 6770-0203.


4. Wait-a-minute!

County retirees get dental benefits??!!!!

What's that cost?

Do you get retirement dental?

Gimme a break!

To approve Professional Benefits Services (PBS) for the Third Party Administration of the Muskegon County retiree dental plan from 4/1/2010 -9/30/2012 at a rate of $1.90 per line item.

5. Probably nothing here but anytime I see vague wording, I get the ginchies.
"..grant the authority to sign NECESSARY contracts...."
I'd just like a bit more info sir.....

To grant the Chairperson of the Muskegon County Board of Commissioners and the County Clerk the authority to sign necessary contracts with Web Tecs, Inc., and Ottawa County.

6. This one is minor but says volumes about our state.

They want to hire a kid and pay him about $5,700 but the worker's comp is $1,011 for this part timer!!!!!

No wonder jobs keep leaving our state.

Requested Position Class/Pos. Description WATER SYSTEM ENG AIDE/SEASONAL Requested Table/Grade/Hourly Range $850~/HR~

Salary and Wages Social Security Hospitalization Ins. Life Ins. Retirement
$5,746
Worker's comp
$1,011

Come on and join me in these meetings!

Every Tues and Thurs at 3:30 at the County Building.



Exempted From Obamacare: Senior Staff Who Wrote the Bill

Exempted From Obamacare: Senior Staff Who Wrote the Bill The New Ledger
"One such surprise is found on page 158 of the legislation, which appears to create a carveout for senior staff members in the leadership offices and on congressional committees, essentially exempting those senior Democrat staffers who wrote the bill from being forced to purchase health care plans in the same way as other Americans."

Muskegon County meeting today 1:00-be there!


These are the big issues today:

1. Equalization and assessments. That's your property taxes, folks!

2. The new casino in Fruitport. Lot's of money to be spread around in this deal.

3. Long range financial planning for the County. The county is broke. This is something EVERYONE needs to understand. This is BIG!

4. The county commissioner's travel budget. Just how much do they really spend? Who's the biggest spender?

5. County purchasing policy. They spend our money. How do they decide?

http://muskegonpundit.blogspot.com/2010/03/big-meeting-tomorrow-100pm.html

There will be an open "planning session" meeting of the full Muskegon county board tomorrow from 1-3:00 PM at the Muskegon County convention and visitors bureau building.

That's the old train station across from the Eagles, corner of 7th and Western.
All citizens are legally entitled to attend.

This is where much of the real policy info is discussed and in the past, the commissioners have had the luxury of little citizen attendance or input.

So they could do just whatever they and those with their hands out wanted.
With little public scrutiny.

Let's change that!

I'll be there tomorrow at 12:45, outside by the front door to greet any of you patriots who will stand tall and attend.

It is YOUR future and your money they will be talking about!

See you there!

Madam Pelosi's House Of Ill Repute

Investors.com - Madam Pelosi's House Of Ill Repute
"Conned by the promise of an ephemeral executive order, the last holdouts cave and ObamaCare advances.
It doesn't add a single doctor or hospital room, but needs 17,000 new IRS agents to enforce it."

Monday, March 22, 2010

Althouse: "Are tea parties racist?"

Althouse: "Are tea parties racist?"

"Welch attended a rally:

But if there was anything “overwhelming” about the protest it was the percentage—which I would place well above 90—of signage and conversation specifically referring to government spending, economic policy, and creeping federal interference into various areas of life.

I saw nothing about affirmative action, nothing about welfare, nothing about illegal immigration, almost nothing about hot-button social conservative issues, and very little on foreign policy.

If race played a central role, 100,000 people did a good job of hiding it."

Florida Senate: Rubio 45%, Meek 25%, Crist 22%

Florida Senate: Rubio 45%, Meek 25%, Crist 22% - Rasmussen Reports™
"Former Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio for now runs well ahead in a three-way race for the U.S. Senate in Florida, should Governor Charlie Crist decide to run as an independent."

The Tea Partiers aren't just a passing fad...right?

Health-Care Overhaul Fight Moves to States, Agencies

Health-Care Overhaul Fight Moves to States, Agencies
"Health legislation passed yesterday by the U.S. House changes some rules immediately on insurance coverage while leaving much of the fight over how to remake the medical system to federal regulators, states and courts."

It ain't over until the GOPers give up.

It's up to us "little people" to give 'em some gumption!

N.J. Town Out To Ban Dog Barking Round-The-Clock

N.J. Town Out To Ban Dog Barking Round-The-Clock
"But now in Piscataway an ordinance about incessant barking between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m., has been expanded to include barking around the clock.
And, yes, you could be fined."

This can't be good for Rosie O'donnell....or Queen Nancy Pelosi....

Interesting e-mail from MoveOn.org to ME!

We conservatives and Tea Party activists can and MUST learn from folks like the George Soros funded MoveOn.org.

They respond quickly.

They personalize. They demonize. (Saul Alinsky)

And they make it easy for their citizen-army to move/call/e-mail quickly by providing all the info on a well written e-mail.

And they punish those who deviate from the dogma.

Sadly, this seems to be our new communication future.

We ignore their successes at our own, and our country's, peril.
(the rest of their excellently crafted e-mail is in the "comments" below)


Dear MoveOn member,
Yesterday, the House of Representatives made history. Even with the bill's flaws, health care reform is the most important piece of progressive legislation in decades.
Below is a list of ten of the most important things health care reform will accomplish for everyday Americans—all of which Representative Pete Hoekstra opposed by voting no.1
We've got to show that there are consequences for standing in the way of progress. To let Rep. Hoekstra know how upset voters are that he sided with Big Insurance to oppose health care reform, we've set a goal of making 14 calls from Muskegon to his office today—can you join in?
Here's where to call:
Representative Pete HoekstraPhone: 202-225-4401
And after you call, take a moment to check out the list and share it with all your friends. Big Insurance and right-wing extremists are already ratcheting up their campaign to spread misinformation about the bill, so it's critical that we get the truth out as widely as possible.
Thanks for all you do.
–Kat, Lenore, Laura, Michael, and the rest of the team

Steve Gunn: Remember, we deserve the government we get

Steve Gunn: Remember, we deserve the government we get
"The point is that some people, despite their best intentions, should never be elected to public office in the first place. They only get elected, and remain in office, because we the voters are too lazy to pay attention to what’s happening in local government.

Luckily, there is a group forming that wants to increase citizen participation in local government and demand accountability from local officials.

The Muskegon Patriots are a fledgling group that rose out of last year’s April 15 Tea Party protest at Heritage Landing.

One of the group’s main goals is to recruit and train citizens to attend local government meetings, ask tough questions and report back to the rest of the community through blog entries."

Breakdown of Medicare Expenditures


Breakdown of Medicare Expenditures Mercatus
"In addition, growing deficits in the Hospital Insurance Trust Fund will need to be proactively addressed by new legislation to avoid a future interruption of service.
Medicare funding must be cut; these cuts must be deliberate, not due to a legislative loophole."

Big meeting tomorrow 1:00PM!


There will be an open "planning session" meeting of the full Muskegon county board tomorrow from 1-3:00 PM at the Muskegon County convention and visitors bureau building.
That's the old train station across from the Eagles, corner of 7th and Western.

All citizens are legally entitled to attend.

On the agenda will be discussion about:
1. Equalization and assessments.
2. The new casino in Fruitport.
3. Long range financial planning for the County.
4. The county commissioner's travel budget.
5. County purchasing policy.

This is where much of the real policy info is discussed and in the past, the commissioners have had the luxury of little citizen attendance or input.

So they could do just whatever they and those with their hands out wanted.
With little public scrutiny.

Let's change that!

I'll be there tomorrow at 12:45, outside by the front door to greet any of you patriots who will stand tall and attend.

It is YOUR future and your money they will be talking about!

See you there!


"It's the SPENDING Stupid!"

"The liberties of a people never were, nor ever will be, secure when the transactions of their rulers may be concealed from them." -Patrick Henry, revolutionary (1736-1799)

Three-card Monte and Medicare Part D


from wikipedia:
Medicare Part D - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"The plan requires Medicare beneficiaries whose total drug costs reach $2,700 to pay 100% of prescription costs until $4,350 is spent out of pocket...
This coverage gap is known as the 'Donut Hole.'

The original gap between $2700 and $4350 was inserted to reduce the overall "cost" of the drug bill.

Now the "hole" has been closed so "fairness" rules.

This is the "three-card Monte" game politicians, and their willing enablers in the liberal media, have been playing for decades on us poor, unsuspecting mokes here in flyover country.

They create "savings" in one bill and "fix" it in another bill.

Quick...look....your money was here.....and now it's ......there...!

This happens dozens of times monthly at the local, state and federal level.

Will anyone stand with the Tea Party watchdogs and tell the people the truth?

Investors Chase Risk in Junk Bonds at Fastest Pace Ever

Mish's Global Economic Trend Analysis: Investors Chase Risk in Junk Bonds at Fastest Pace Ever

"The Bloomberg article said this is a sign markets are returning to normal.

Really?

Was chasing risk in summer of 2007 normal?
How well did it work out?

Let's not confuse the willingness of the greater fool to finance global junk at the highest rate ever with 'normal'.
Instead I would advise focusing on corporate real estate, credit card defaults, and especially housing starts.
The latter typically leads normal recoveries.

Music Still Playing?

But hey, everyone likes a party.
Let's party like it was summer of 2007 again.

I have the perfect quote to match.
It's from July 2007 - Quotes of the Day / Top Call
Chuck Prince: “When the music stops, in terms of liquidity, things will be complicated. But as long as the music is playing, you’ve got to get up and dance. We’re still dancing'.

The Music Stopped for Chuck Prince On November 2, 2007 when his last dance was a two-step out the door.

Rest assured things will 'get complicated' again.
I just wish I could tell you when."

What is it about "human nature" that suppresses even the most recent memory of historical/economic events?

Anger mounting over tax increases to pay for public pensions

Anger mounting over tax increases to pay for public pensions
"MoneyWatch’s editor-in-chief Eric Schurenberg predicts that public employees will soon be going through their own version of a cold reality bath as anger mounts over tax increases to pay for government pensions, and that “they can’t count on pension promises that states can’t afford to keep.”"

There won't be enough anger until the taxpayer finds out what is happening.

The liberal MSM won't report it.

Tell your friends!

Shout it from top of tall buildings!

If we let them, they will take ALL of our money.

Public Pension Deficits Are Worse Than You Think

Andrew G. Biggs: Public Pension Deficits Are Worse Than You Think - WSJ.com
"Pension plans for state government employees today report they are underfunded by $450 billion, according to a recent report from the Pew Charitable Trusts. But this vastly underestimates the true shortfall, because public pension accounting wrongly assumes that plans can earn high investment returns without risk.

My research indicates that overall underfunding tops $3 trillion.

The problem is fundamental:

According to accounting rules adopted by the states, a public sector pension plan may call itself 'fully funded' even if there is a better-than-even chance it will be unable to meet its obligations.

When that happens, the taxpayer is on the hook."

(the rest of this article is posted in the "comments section" below. Sometimes the WSJ doesn't publish the entire article. GordoM did NOT write the comment)

So, the states adopt a rule that would be illegal for private companies and lie to the taxpayer until it is too late to fix. And then they simply demand more taxes from the fools who were duped.

And they think/know we are the fools, folks!

This scam will destroy our cities and states.

And no one in public office is talking about it.

We, the people, must make noise or we'll be rolled again!

Join a Tea Party now!

http://www.teapartyofwmi.org/group/muskegonpatriots?commentId=3249824%3AComment%3A33605&xg_source=msg_com_group

Sunday, March 21, 2010

What America Will Look Like If The White House Gets Its Way

What America Will Look Like If The White House Gets Its Way
"A picture of America’s future under Obamacare can be revealed, though, after peeling away the pages and digging through the dirt.
Here’s 10 things you can expect:"

Read this and weep.

Vote no quickly or get treated 'like a piƱata'

Democratic defector: Vote no quickly or get treated 'like a piƱata'
"A Democrat who has long committed to opposing healthcare reform legislation has advised his fellow defectors that they should vote no early on Sunday and then immediately leave the House chamber.

Otherwise, Rep. Gene Taylor (D-Miss.) told The Hill, they will be treated 'like a piƱata.'"

"Fringe Group" Controlling GOP

"Fringe Group" Controlling GOP - The New Editor
"In a 60 Minutes interview with CBS' Katie Couric, President Obama's chief of staff Rahm Emanuel calls the Tea Party movement a ''fringe group' that's taken control' of the Republican Party.

Hey, don't mess with Rahmbo:"

The Real Arithmetic of Health Care Reform

The Real Arithmetic of Health Care Reform - NYTimes.com
"Could this really be true?
How can the budget office give a green light to a bill that commits the federal government to spending nearly $1 trillion more over the next 10 years?

The answer, unfortunately, is that the budget office is required to take written legislation at face value and not second-guess the plausibility of what it is handed.

So fantasy in, fantasy out.

In reality, if you strip out all the gimmicks and budgetary games and rework the calculus, a wholly different picture emerges:

The health care reform legislation would raise, not lower, federal deficits, by $562 billion."

YouTube - Key House Democrat: "There Are No Rules Here ... We Make Them Up As We Go Along"

YouTube - Key House Democrat: "There Are No Rules Here ... We Make Them Up As We Go Along"

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Bank regulators given big bonuses

Bank regulators given big bonuses
"Just as bank executives got bonuses despite taking on dangerous amounts of risk, regulators got taxpayer-funded bonuses despite missing or ignoring signs that the system was on the verge of a meltdown.

The bonuses were part of a reward program little known outside the government.
Some government regulators got tens of thousands of dollars in perks, boosting their salaries by almost 25 percent. Often, though, rewards amounted to just a few hundred dollars for employees who came up with good ideas.

During the 2003-06 boom, the three agencies that supervise most U.S. banks - the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC), the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS) and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) - gave out at least $19 million in bonuses, records show.

Nearly all that money was spent recognizing 'superior' performance.

The largest share, more than $8.4 million, went to financial examiners, those employees and managers who scrutinize internal bank documents and sound the first alarms.

Analysts, auditors, economists and criminal investigators also got awards."

In Wal-Mart Intercom Incident, AP 'Forgets' Critical Story Element in Company's Defense

In Wal-Mart Intercom Incident, AP 'Forgets' Critical Story Element in Company's Defense
"Gosh, if I didn't know better, I'd think that the AP was keeping information from its national readers and subscribers in an attempt to make a favorite target of the left look bad.
Those hallowed keepers of the journalistic flame at the self-described 'Essential Global News Network' wouldn't do that ... would they?"

WWII: The most racist generation

WWII: The most racist generation
"Was the 'Greatest Generation' just a bunch of racists? Actor and producer Tom Hanks, promoting his new World War II series 'The Pacific,' suggested that the war with Japan was really all about American intolerance; and by the way, so is the war on terrorism."

RATINGS: With a little luck, MSNBC might catch up to the Hallmark Channel….

RATINGS: With a little luck, MSNBC might catch up to the Hallmark Channel….

Migrants get colleges' nod

Migrants get colleges' nod
"The State Community College Board cast a final vote Friday to admit illegal immigrants at the 58 community college campuses.
Illegal immigrants will have to pay out-of-state tuition, about $7,700 a year, and they can be removed from a class if it is full and a legal resident wants in."

State-Owned Banks: The Future of Banking?

State-Owned Banks: The Future of Banking? - ABC News
"Stories like Wanner's are sparking interest from state officials outside of North Dakota, who see the 91-year-old Bank of North Dakota as a model of what they could do to revive troubled business lending in their own home states.
Most recently, in Michigan, Democrats in the state senate and Michigan gubernatorial candidate Virg Bernero began pushing to establish a state-owned bank similar to North Dakota's."

More demands for government ownership of private enterprise.
USSR anyone.........?

Blockbuster on Muskegon's Henry St. closing as firm reorganizes after losses

Blockbuster on Muskegon's Henry St. closing as firm reorganizes after losses
"Muskegon will lose one of two Blockbuster movie rental stores on April 18."

Just wait until the indian casino opens up in Fruitport.
They'll suck out more dollars and businesses from our community.

Muskegon Heights downtown development authority chairman resigns after alleged improper land sales

Muskegon Heights downtown development authority chairman resigns after alleged improper land sales
"James Anthony, board chair of the Muskegon Heights Downtown Development Authority, resigned Friday amid allegations that he sold property without the full board's knowledge."

Another crook in a town full of crooks.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

What Makes a Guy 'Undateable'?


What Makes a Guy 'Undateable'? Oh, Any of 311 Different Things
"Speedos:
OK, this also made 'Undateable''s list, but we feel the need to reiterate, as it was the first Tourette's-like exclamation out of our mouths."

Leprechaun bank robber shot dead

Leprechaun bank robber shot dead
"Two bank robbery suspects, one dressed in a green leprechaun costume, have been shot dead after a St Patrick's Day chase and shootout with US police in Tennessee."

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Man convicted in Muskegon County for embezzlement, receives $9.1 million state tax credit

Man convicted in Muskegon County for embezzlement, receives $9.1 million state tax credit
"Among his parole conditions: He is barred from having a checking account, charge account or credit card. He is also barred from leaving Michigan.

“This case is alarming,” Tague said after learning of the multi-million-dollar tax credit.
“It shows the ineptness at the state level of our government.
Not only are we doing a wholesale release of prisoners from our prison system, but we’re granting major financial rewards to parolees."

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Cahill rips governor on health care plans

Cahill rips governor on health care plans - BostonHerald.com


"“If President Obama and the Democrats repeat the mistakes of the health insurance mandate on a national level, they will bankrupt this country within four years,”

Cahill said.

“It is time for the President and the Democratic leadership to go back to the drawing board and come up with a new plan that does not threaten to wipe out the American economy.”"

Obama Orders Army NOT To Fly U.S. Flag in Haiti « Publius Forum

Obama Orders Army NOT To Fly U.S. Flag in Haiti « Publius Forum: "Obama Orders Army NOT To Fly U.S. Flag in Haiti"

Mish's Global Economic Trend Analysis: The $2 Trillion Public Pension Hole and What You Can Do About It

Mish's Global Economic Trend Analysis: The $2 Trillion Public Pension Hole and What You Can Do About It: "Populist Rage

That was page one of a three page article. I encourage everyone to read it all.

I am very grateful to Barron's for the opening sentence 'LIKE A CALIFORNIA WILDFIRE, populist rage burns over bloated executive compensation and unrepentant avarice on Wall Street.'

I get a lot mail suggesting I have been giving too much attention to unions and pensions. In reality, I have not been giving enough attention to the issue, or at least bloggers in general haven't.

There are a dozen blogs covering every aspect of the housing bubble, bailouts, and wall street salaries. Yet I am aware of no other major blogs covering the enormous pension problem in depth. Moreover, I have hardly shied away from bailout fraud, calling for the indictment of Geithner, Lewis, Bernanke and others on numerous occasions. Here is a list."

Obama's illusions of cost-control

Obama's illusions of cost-control - washingtonpost.com
"How often, for example, have you heard the emergency-room argument?

The uninsured, it's said, use emergency rooms for primary care.
That's expensive and ineffective.
Once they're insured, they'll have regular doctors.
Care will improve; costs will decline.
Everyone wins.
Great argument.
Unfortunately, it's untrue.

A study by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation found that the insured accounted for 83 percent of emergency-room visits, reflecting their share of the population."

The main reason is the liberal MSM "reports" EVERYTHING the lying liberals tell them.

Joint Strike Fighter Massively Behind Schedule, Over budget

Joint Strike Fighter Massively Behind Schedule, Over budget - HUMAN EVENTS
"If the F-35 Lightning falls further behind, it will not only be bad news for the Air Force and it's fighter gap.
The Navy estimates it could be short 250 fighters in five years.

Levin called it 'a shortfall that's large enough that if it were realized could cause us to tie up aircraft carriers at the pier for lack of aircraft to send with them."

YIKES!
This is a big deal!

Obama Aides See ‘Extended Period’ of Unemployment


Obama Aides See ‘Extended Period’ of Unemployment
"U.S. employers won’t hire enough workers this year to lower the jobless rate much below the level of 9.7 percent reached in February, three Obama administration economic officials said today.

The proportion of Americans who can’t find work is likely to “remain elevated for an extended period,” .....
Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner, White House budget director Peter Orszag and Christina Romer, chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, said in a joint statement.

The officials said unemployment may even rise “slightly” over the next few months as discouraged workers start job-hunting again."
The ghost of Jimmy is descending on BarryO.
And that ain't good for Americans.

GRASSroots group to hold second meeting

GRASSroots group to hold second meeting
"The group, also known as GRASS, plans to focus the meeting on three specific areas of interest: city employees' health insurance benefits package, city employee wages and wage increases, and the city's pension system, representatives told 24 Hour News 8.

The health insurance benefits package is too expensive, GRASS alleges, and wages for city employees have surpassed comparable jobs in the private sector.
Group representatives also claim the city's pension system is not sustainable."

85% of the disposable spending of most cities is on employee/retiree compensation.

It's about time some group investigated where our public dollars are going.

You go GRASS!

Woman championed by Obama eligible for aid

Clinic: Woman championed by Obama eligible for aid
"A woman championed as the Obama administration's emblem for health care reform does not have to choose between her home and her health, according to officials at the Ohio hospital where she is being treated.

With a self-reported annual income of about $6,000, Natoma Canfield is a prime candidate for financial aid in the form of Medicaid - the federal health care program for low-income and disabled people - or charitable assistance."

Think about it!

The "brilliant" BarryO and his equally "brilliant" comrades searched the entire country to find the poster child of America's miserable health care system.

And they came up with a gal who is covered already.

I mean...this ought to be a big deal to Obama, right?

And they can't even find an American who is suffering from our "unfair" health system/

And they want even more power over our system?

Gimme a break!

Hitler Is Forced to Teach on Fridays

TaxProf Blog: Law Prof Hitler Is Forced to Teach on Fridays

Funding crunch shines light on White River Light Station museum budget

Funding crunch shines light on White River Light Station museum budget
"'It's not something we want to do,' St. Amour said.
'We're not sure where the money is going to come from.'
Amy VanLoon, executive director of the White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, said her staff receives hundreds of inquiries a year about the lighthouse museum.
'People come from far and wide to see it,' VanLoon said."

Funny.
Everyone says the lighthouse is a treasure...but everyone says someone else ought to pay for it.

Sounds oh, so familiar.

How going green may make you mean

How going green may make you mean Environment The Guardian
"When Al Gore was caught running up huge energy bills at home at the same time as lecturing on the need to save electricity, it turns out that he was only reverting to 'green' type.

According to a study, when people feel they have been morally virtuous by saving the planet through their purchases of organic baby food, for example, it leads to the 'licensing [of] selfish and morally questionable behaviour', otherwise known as 'moral balancing' or 'compensatory ethics'."

West Michigan Reform Review

West Michigan Reform Review
"Does State Rep. Mary Valentine support
late-term partial-birth abortion?

We believe she does, based on
her 2008 vote against a proposed
ban of partial birth abortion in
Michigan.


Her recent letter to the
editor of the Muskegon Chronicle
disputes that conclusion, at least
to some degree."


She's caught in her own lie and is scrambling to cover up the real facts.

Good job, "Reform Review" in keeping her votes front and center!

And a pretty good website too!

Six Stupid Things Candidates Do to Mess Up Their Campaigns


Pajamas Media » Six Stupid Things Candidates Do to Mess Up Their Campaigns
"Americans are tired of politicians’ smooth answers, refusal to follow principles, and slick campaign talk.

However, some campaigns are doomed to defeat because they’re making basic errors.

As a former candidate, I made a couple big mistakes that I wish someone would have told me to avoid.

If people want to make a difference, they should avoid giving their money and energy to campaigns that have doomed themselves to political oblivion.

Here are the warning signs."

Anyone considering a run for ANY office should read this!

(HT Atlanta Lou)

My Way News - ACORN branches rename, rebrand after video scandal

My Way News - ACORN branches rename, rebrand after video scandal
"Affiliates of the once mighty liberal activist group ACORN are remaking themselves in a desperate bid to ditch the tarnished name of their parent organization and restore federal grants and other revenue streams that ran dry in the wake of a video scandal.
The letters A, C, O, R and N are coming off office doors from New York to California.
Business cards are being reprinted.
New signs with new names are popping up in front of offices."

New name, same crooks.
They will continue to thrive unless we stop them!

Monday, March 15, 2010

Mish's Global Economic Trend Analysis: The $2 Trillion Public Pension Hole and What You Can Do About It

Mish's Global Economic Trend Analysis: The $2 Trillion Public Pension Hole and What You Can Do About It: "The cover story of Barron's is on public pensions, an issue I have been railing about for years, and heatedly so for several months. Please consider The $2 Trillion Hole."

Bracket breakdown: Midwest, West, East and South

Bracket breakdown: Midwest, West, East and South
"Georgia Tech (No. 10 seed) is young and super talented.
Michigan fans will have a nice flashback when they watch freshman guard Glen Rice Jr . (5.2 ppg) come in off the bench."

MSU's Tom Izzo has no regrets about his disciplinary decisions

MSU's Tom Izzo has no regrets about his disciplinary decisions
“I realize that everything I did was good,” Izzo said.
“I don’t regret one iota of it.
I say that, and I think it’s the best I’ve felt in a year.
There’s one thing I’ve always done in this job, and I’ve gotten personal with every guy.
I feel like I always have their best interest in mind.”"

U.S. & U.K. Closer to Losing AAA Credit Rating, Moody’s Says. Related: Fortune: Wel…

U.S. & U.K. Closer to Losing AAA Credit Rating, Moody’s Says.

OH, GOODY: U.S. & U.K. Closer to Losing AAA Credit Rating, Moody’s Says.
Related:

Fortune: Welcome to the United States of Iceland.

Are things really that bad? I don’t think so, but a budget-busting health-care entitlement won’t help . . . .

Also: China, Japan reduce holdings of U.S. Treasury debt."

Turkey bans trips abroad for artificial insemination

BBC News - Turkey bans trips abroad for artificial insemination
"Now they will face punishment of one to three years in prison for doing so."

Ain't government health care great?

Funding crunch shines light on White River Light Station museum budget | - MLive.com

Funding crunch shines light on White River Light Station museum budget
"The proposed budget lists McDonnell's salary at $13,806 and her health insurance at $6,444.
The museum's portion of the budget also calls for $4,000 in utility expenses, $1,000 for repairs and maintenance, and $1,000 for printing and publishing, among other items."

Duh...you're out of taxpayer's money.
Fire her and save $30-40,000.
If the local won't support it, bulldoze it!

Are we ever going to realize that rich folks want the rest of us to pay for their hobbies?