Thursday, May 06, 2010

Public meeting with Scandia wind farm developers set for Thursday night in Mason County

Public meeting with Scandia wind farm developers set for Thursday night in Mason County
"Scandia wants county boards' acceptance of seeing turbines from shore before starting three years of economic and environmental studies to determine if the $4 billion offshore wind plan is viable."

Attend this meeting and demand they tell you where they will be getting the money to build these studies and the wind farm. (your tax dollars)

And demand they tell us what will happen to electricity rates when they are built. (they'll skyrocket)

And ask yourself if there will be ANY companies left in Michigan when we are the highest energy cost state in the country.

Wednesday, May 05, 2010

Newspaper Death Act

Newspaper Death Act [Mackinac Center]
"There is no shortage of bad ideas coming out of Lansing. Senate Bill 1285 introduced by Sen. Bruce Patterson, R-Canton, would require customers to pay a deposit on each newspaper they purchase equal to one-half the retail price of the newspaper.
The proposed law would operate much like Michigan's bottle deposit law.
Newspapers would be required to be returned to a redemption center, with each publisher in the state required to operate at least one such center."

Another ridiculous RINO with an astoundingly idiotic bill for Michigan.

Oust this goon in August!

U.S. exempted BP rig from impact study

U.S. exempted BP rig from impact study - Washington Post
"The Interior Department exempted BP's calamitous Gulf of Mexico drilling operation from a detailed environmental impact analysis last year, according to government documents, after three reviews of the area concluded that a massive oil spill was unlikely."

How's that hopey changey thing goin' for ya now?

Muskegon County panel deciding on procedure to fill drain commissioner vacancy

Muskegon County panel deciding on procedure to fill drain commissioner vacancy
"Also by state law, the committee consists of Mullally, county Prosecutor Tony Tague and county Clerk Nancy A. Waters. All are elected officials.
Tague and Waters are Democrats; Mullally’s office is nonpartisan.

Whoever they choose will serve only until the county’s voters choose someone Nov. 2 to serve the remaining two years of Hepler’s four-year term.

That’s unless, of course, the panel’s pick runs and wins the election.

And that possibility could make the interim selection politically important. Incumbents typically have the best chance of winning local elections, so if the committee picks one of the election candidates as interim drain commissioner, it could be a valuable political gift.

The timing is interesting.

The filing deadline for candidates wishing to run for the two-year office is 4 p.m. Tuesday. The three-person committee isn’t expected to make its interim selection before then: Mullally said Monday’s meeting is only to decide on the process, such as spelling out a job-application procedure and timetable.

That means the panel will have a choice of already-declared election candidates to pick from — or, if they decide not to influence the election, they could pick someone else to hold the office for just six months or so."

Or the real choice will be that Waters/Tague will make a secret deal with a democrat who will run.
Let's hope they don't do what democrats always do and pick another unqualified union thug.

The Michigan Summit-Van Jones

INFORMATION : The Michigan Summit

People power from the ground up. Social justice. Human rights. Clean energy jobs. Urban cities.
Where do they all intersect?

In East Lansing on Saturday, June 12 when former White House advisor Van Jones takes center stage as our keynote speaker at Progress Michigan's Michigan Summit:

....As a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, Van Jones is continuing his fight to show that the economic and ecological crises facing our nation can be solved together.
We need more jobs for our families, our neighbors, our friends, and ourselves.
But they can't be just any jobs.

We need jobs that can support families without sacrificing the health and future of our environment.
Here in Michigan, where we stand on the cusp of a clean energy jobs revolution, Jones' message is vital to remaking our economy so we all share in the prosperity, not just the privileged few.

America-hater and confirmed communist, Van Jones is back!
And the guy who is too radical even for BarryO is gonna be in Michigan soon.

Where are the protesters?

click for more info on this "leader of the left:

http://theblogprof.blogspot.com/2009/08/obama-green-jobs-czar-van-jones-and-his.html

(HT PaulaV)

Tuesday, May 04, 2010

SHOCKER: Source: Terrorist Faisal Shahzad Was Anti-Bush, Anti-War. “Wow!

Instapundit » Blog Archive

SHOCKER: Source: Terrorist Faisal Shahzad Was Anti-Bush, Anti-War.
“Wow!

It’s a wonder the guy wasn’t co-anchoring at MSNBC.

Maybe he didn’t have the right skin color for that gig?

They pretty much have a white only policy over there, as I recall.”
Indeed.

Times Square Bombing Suspect Formally Charged; Confesses To Receiving Explosives Training

Times Square Bombing Suspect Formally Charged; Confesses To Receiving Explosives Training - wcbstv.com
"Sources told CBS 2 on Tuesday morning that Shahzad should have been on the United States 'No Fly' terror watch list, and that because he wasn't, he was able to board the plane.
Deputy FBI director John Pistole later said, however, that he was in fact placed on the No Fly list Monday, except it was done hours before he was arrested."

Is anyone wondering, and worrying, about how our government is "profiling" the mass murderers among us?

Tea party tax protestors seem to be on the front burner.

Cash paying Pakistani visitors seem to be getting a pass.

I guess this is "change" Obama style.

Bummer for us...and the entire world.

Resident questions Muskegon County board's policy on public comment

Resident questions Muskegon County board's policy on public comment
The public’s ability to provide input before Muskegon County commissioners make their final votes on issues is being called into question by a member of a group trying to become a local government watchdog."

Government Workers Ride Into a Golden Sunset on the Backs of Taxpayers | Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association

Government Workers Ride Into a Golden Sunset on the Backs of Taxpayers Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association
"For those who work in the private sector, the dream of enjoying a comfortable retirement has become just that -- a dream.

The impact of the recession continues to be brutal, especially on older workers.

“More than seven-in-ten (72 percent) workers over the age of 60 who said they are putting off their retirement are doing so because they can’t afford to retire,” according to a recent survey by CareerBuilder.

In California, with unemployment and under employment totaling over 21 percent – only Michigan with its decaying auto industry is worse off – older people being forced to work longer may regard themselves as lucky just to have a job.

This is not a concern for those who enjoy the job security of working for California government.

The highest paid public workers in all 50 states -- some of whom are able to retire as many 15 years earlier than the private sector average with pensions nearing full time-pay -- continue to be shielded from the impact of our dismal economy by their sponsors in the state Legislature."

Charters May Be Forced Into Public School Retirement System

Charters May Be Forced Into Public School Retirement System
"About 4,000 charter school teachers could be forced into the state's public school retirement system.

That's one item Michigan lawmakers are considering as they negotiate incentives to encourage more teachers to retire."

The bogus "it's for the children" ain't gonna fly here.

This is a flat out disgusting union grab pushed by their slobbering democrat political enablers.

It's anti-child, anti-teacher and anti-taxpayer.

And it's emblematic of what Michigan is today and will be for the foreseeable future.

(HT Cal)

letter to the county commission chairman

To commissioner Mahoney.


Copy to all other commissioners, Ted Williams, County clerk Waters

Dear commissioner Mahoney,

Last week I asked you to clarify your interpretation of the rules governing public participation at county meetings.

As I have yet to hear from you, I will ask again.

The rules as posted on the county web site are clear:

"1. On an agenda item, by providing a completed “Public Participation” form to the
secretary, chair or committee member, and being recognized by the chair during
discussion of the time;"

Your recently approved rules specifically mention "agenda item", "public participation form" and "during discussion of the time" an agenda item is being discussed.

It is clear to me that your rules encourage public comment during discussion and before a vote is taken on an agenda item.

The form is less clear but explicitly states that it is the "Public Participation" form:

My questions are simple:

1. Are citizens allowed to address the full board or committees during discussion of specific agenda items before a vote is taken?

2. If the answer is "yes", what do we citizens have do to get the approval to speak from the chairman of the county board?

3. If the answer is "no", please explain.

Thank you very much,

China May ‘Crash’ in Next 9 to 12 Months, Faber Says

China May ‘Crash’ in Next 9 to 12 Months, Faber Says (Update3) - Bloomberg.co
"Investor Marc Faber said China’s economy will slow and possibly “crash” within a year as declines in stock and commodity prices signal the nation’s property bubble is set to burst."

Candidates have until May 11 to file for Muskegon County drain commissioner's post

Candidates have until May 11 to file for Muskegon County drain commissioner's post
"Candidates for the suddenly vacant post of Muskegon County drain commissioner, a countywide partisan elective office, have until 4 p.m. May 11 to file declarations of candidacy with the Muskegon County clerk’s office."

David Fisher is absolutely the most qualified to fill the job.

I hope that democrats Waters and Tague do the right thing for Muskegon and appoint Dave Fisher right now!
It might be a first.
It might be the begining of better times for Muskegon.

Republicans Sound Alarm on Administration Plan to Seize 401(k)s

Republicans Sound Alarm on Administration Plan to Seize 401(k)s
"In February, the White House released its “Annual Report on the Middle Class” containing new regulations favored by Big Labor including a bailout of critically underfunded union pension plans through “retirement security” options.
The radical solution most favored by Big Labor is the seizure of private 401(k) plans for government disbursement -- which lets them off the hook for their collapsing retirement scheme.
And, of course, the Obama administration is eager to accommodate their buddies."

This government is at war with its citizens.

When will we wake up?

CBS Features NY Mayor Bloomberg Speculating Bomber Was Mad About ObamaCare

CBS Features NY Mayor Bloomberg Speculating Bomber Was Mad About ObamaCare
"With Katie Couric drawing him out, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg agreed the Times Square car bombing was likely “homegrown” as he proceeded, in an interview excerpt run on Monday's CBS Evening News, to speculate it could have been placed by “somebody with a political agenda who doesn't like the health care bill or something. It could be anything.”"

Monday, May 03, 2010

Drain commissioner race will get HOT!

Now that county drain commissioner Hepler has been "fired" by democrat prosecutor Tony Tague, the May 11 primary filing date is all important.

The two democrats (clerk Waters & prosecutor Tague) and the probate judge will appoint a replacement who most likely have to run in November. Or maybe a later date.

The two democrats have the majority so the appointee most likely will be another Marty Hulka style democrat hack or an Hepleresque felon-in-waiting.

The primary could change that.

And maybe the direction of Muskegon county.

We'll see!

20 most stressed, least stressed counties

20 most stressed, least stressed counties
"Here are the 20 most economically stressed counties with populations of at least 25,000 and their March 2010 Stress scores"

I'm very conflicted about this report.

On one hand, Muskegon county is not on the list.
That's good, I think.

On the other hand, there are three Michigan counties on the list.

There are at least 3 Michigan counties economically WORSE than Muskegon?!!!!!!

How really, really bad it must be out there.

And Gov. Jenny is on another list to be appointed to a lifetime position on the Supreme Court?

Muskegon County prosecutor rules Drain Commissioner Jeffrey Hepler ousted at conviction

Muskegon County prosecutor rules Drain Commissioner Jeffrey Hepler ousted at conviction
"However, according to research by the prosecutor’s office following the conviction, no resignation or removal is necessary.
For certain officeholders — basically, elected countywide department heads such as drain commissioners — the job ceases upon conviction of a felony, according to the prosecutor’s opinion."

Very interesting as the state has explicit rules governing the removal of county officials.

I wonder if the union controlled Muskegon democrats have another unqualified, felon-in-waiting to be appointed to this most important position.

Muskegon didn't get to be "muskegon" by chance.

We elected leaders who got us where we are.

Sunday, May 02, 2010

Power Line - Don't leave it to Cleaver, part 12

Power Line - Don't leave it to Cleaver, part 12
"Yesterday we received an email message from McClatchy News DC investigative editor James Asher promoting a current McClatchy story.
Of all the news outlets that covered the fabricated March 20 story of Reps. Carson, Cleaver, Clyburn and Lewis regarding the racial abuse to which they (Carson and Lewis, anyway) were subjected by Tea Party/Obamacare protesters on Capitol Hill, McClatchy's 'Tea party protesters scream 'nigger' at black congressmen' may have been the worst."

Top 10 dumbest things said about the Arizona immigration law

Top 10 dumbest things said about the Arizona immigration law Washington Examiner

Memo to Deficit Commission: Spending is the Problem

Saturday, May 01, 2010

Leave Vera Baker Alone. She Did Not Have An Affair With Obama.

Leave Vera Baker Alone. She Did Not Have An Affair With Obama. « HillBuzz
"We never believed Obama had an affair with a woman, because Obama does not appear to like women.

As American Standard recently wondered, there are no former girlfriends, either on the scene or noted in any of the books William Ayers or Jon Favreau wrote for Obama.
No high school girlfriends.
No college sweethearts.
But, there sure are plenty of men he’s spent an odd amount of time with......

Could this have anything to do with the fact that, surreally, even people like Maureen Dowd have been hinting at a sexual relationship between Obama and his “basketball buddy” and “body man” Reggie Love…or is it linked to Kal Penn’s firing?"

OBAMA CHEATING SCANDAL

OBAMA CHEATING SCANDAL: SHOCKING NEW REPORTS
National Enquirer: "Reports out of Washington, DC: PRESIDENT OBAMA in a shocking cheating scandal after being caught in a Washington, DC Hotel with a former campaign aide"
more:
http://www.mediaite.com/online/obama-sex-scandal-national-enquirer/

The Michigan Tax Burden: Growing or Falling?

The Michigan Tax Burden: Growing or Falling? [Mackinac Center]

Basing his calculations on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis and the U.S. Census Bureau, Hohman used three other indicators that show a different picture about the state's tax burden.
Luke asserts that the percentage of total personal income paid in taxes and fees went down between 2000 and what is estimated will be taken in for fiscal 2010.
Hohman largely confirms this, noting that the federal data he is using shows a drop from 10.8 percent in 2000 to 10.7 percent in 2007 - the latest year the federal data is available.

But that's not the whole story.

Hohman points out that per capita taxes paid went from $3,162 in 2000 to $3,691 in 2007.

Taxes paid per job went from $6,730 in 2000 to $8,691 in 2007.

And percentage of state Gross Domestic Product in taxes went from 9.3 percent in 2000 to 10.0 percent in 2008.
Hohman said the three other indicators show that the state tax burden has increased.

UN Puts Iran On ‘Women’s Commission’

Mr. Obama sheds tears for women’s rights leader, Dorothy Height.




UN Puts Iran On ‘Women’s Commission’ Sweetness & Light
"Without fanfare, the United Nations this week elected Iran to its Commission on the Status of Women, handing a four-year seat on the influential human rights body to a theocratic state in which stoning is enshrined in law and lashings are required for women judged 'immodest.'"

Europe's Bad Example On Science Policy

Europe's Bad Example On Science Policy - IBD
"As one European report on precaution states about new technologies, 'their very novelty might be considered as a warning sign.'

Here the core of precaution is revealed: Society needs to forego technological advance for fear of innovative disaster"

Social Security Explained

"The Michigan chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business provides a handy chart to explain the critical differences between federal retirement programs like the Social Security Administration and crooked Ponzi schemes being peddled by con men like Bernard Madoff"

Oil Spill a Catastrophe of Monumental Proportions: Is It Sabotage?

Oil Spill a Catastrophe of Monumental Proportions: Is It Sabotage?

As you might imagine, such an occurrence is an oil company’s worst nightmare, and there are fail-safe measures like you would not believe, to ensure that such a thing as what happened, never happens.
There are “deadman switches,” down-hole safety valves, “panic buttons.” and Blow Out Preventers (BOPs). (Source)

And yet obviously, something did happen.
What—and was it sabotage?
How could so many time-tested automatic back-ups fail, all at the same time?
What are the odds?

As Carl Franzen writes, the BOP, “the piece of offshore-rig equipment designed to be ‘a drilling operation’s last line of defense’ against leaks, failed miserably.”

Sabotage is not outside the realm of possibility when trillions of dollars are at stake.
The question to ask is:
With “climate-gate” throwing a wrench in the works of Cap and Trade, and the (potentially) extremely lucrative carbon-credit market about to go down the drain, were drastic measures taken? (Here and Here)

May Day 2010: A Day of Remembrance

May Day 2010: A Day of Remembrance The Distributed Republic
"Welcome to this year's May Day commemoration.
As is our tradition, today, we remember the all those who have died at the hands of communism."

Still Government Motors

Still Government Motors - Forbes.com
"So how is it paying it?
As it turns out, the Obama administration put $13.4 billion of the aid money as 'working capital' in an escrow account when the company was in bankruptcy.
The company is using this escrow money--government money--to pay back the government loan."