Thursday, August 05, 2010
Congresskook Gabrielle Giffords Wants to Use Green Energy to Fight Taliban
Moonbattery: Congresskook Gabrielle Giffords Wants to Use Green Energy to Fight Taliban
"If you were wondering why victory in the longest war in US history is nowhere in sight, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) presents the answer — our country is run by moonbats.
Here Gabby demands that General David Petraeus explain why the military doesn't help save the planet by using hydropower in the Afghan deserts"
"If you were wondering why victory in the longest war in US history is nowhere in sight, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) presents the answer — our country is run by moonbats.
Here Gabby demands that General David Petraeus explain why the military doesn't help save the planet by using hydropower in the Afghan deserts"
The Arizona experiment
NOVACK: The Arizona experiment - Washington Times
"It's also worth noting that former Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano, now secretary of Homeland Security, already tried a health insurance exchange for individuals and small businesses, a replica of the Obamacare exchanges. 'Healthcare Group' was to be financially self-sustaining in just a couple of years, the governor assured the legislature and the state.
However, the program needed a huge taxpayer-funded bailout, benefits were reduced and eligibility was severely curtailed.
The only party who didn't seem to suffer inordinately?
The Arizona health care giants who in 2008 somehow found enough cash to mount an aggressive effort against a ballot measure written to protected health care rights for Arizonans and their families.
Outspending supporters 5 to 1 during campaign worked, as the measure (back in refined form on this year's Arizona ballot) failed by less than 9,000 votes out of 2.1 million cast."
We will suffer from the healthcare-government/corporate complex until it kills us.
"It's also worth noting that former Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano, now secretary of Homeland Security, already tried a health insurance exchange for individuals and small businesses, a replica of the Obamacare exchanges. 'Healthcare Group' was to be financially self-sustaining in just a couple of years, the governor assured the legislature and the state.
However, the program needed a huge taxpayer-funded bailout, benefits were reduced and eligibility was severely curtailed.
The only party who didn't seem to suffer inordinately?
The Arizona health care giants who in 2008 somehow found enough cash to mount an aggressive effort against a ballot measure written to protected health care rights for Arizonans and their families.
Outspending supporters 5 to 1 during campaign worked, as the measure (back in refined form on this year's Arizona ballot) failed by less than 9,000 votes out of 2.1 million cast."
We will suffer from the healthcare-government/corporate complex until it kills us.
Senate OKs vote on cash to states
Senate OKs vote on cash to states - Washington Times
"Congress is poised to extend a taxpayer-funded lifeline to cash-strapped states after the Senate on Wednesday advanced another round of $26 billion in stimulus spending for teachers and health care,"
"Congress is poised to extend a taxpayer-funded lifeline to cash-strapped states after the Senate on Wednesday advanced another round of $26 billion in stimulus spending for teachers and health care,"
New Policy Allows Pledge of Allegiance at Massachusetts School District
FOXNews.com - New Policy Allows Pledge of Allegiance at Massachusetts School District
"No student, teacher or administrator will be required to participate in a recitation, an Arlington High School official confirmed to FoxNews.com."
"No student, teacher or administrator will be required to participate in a recitation, an Arlington High School official confirmed to FoxNews.com."
Democrats startlingly silent on "ground zero mosque" -
Democrats startlingly silent on "ground zero mosque" - War Room - Salon.com
"Yesterday President Obama's spokesman pointedly declined to take a position on the planned Muslim community center in Lower Manhattan, calling it a local issue."
Coward or islamist?
Or both.
"Yesterday President Obama's spokesman pointedly declined to take a position on the planned Muslim community center in Lower Manhattan, calling it a local issue."
Coward or islamist?
Or both.
Sheriff Taylor's health pitch sparks cardiac arrest
Sheriff Taylor's health pitch sparks cardiac arrest - NYPOST.com
"And the most shocking thing about the fantasy ad?
You paid for it.
That's right.
It is taxpayers who are coughing up the $700,000 to run the ad all over the country in a government campaign to sell its cockeyed health-care scheme"
"And the most shocking thing about the fantasy ad?
You paid for it.
That's right.
It is taxpayers who are coughing up the $700,000 to run the ad all over the country in a government campaign to sell its cockeyed health-care scheme"
Oceana County wind farm meeting turns ugly, former lawmaker forced off stage
Oceana County wind farm meeting turns ugly, former lawmaker forced off stage MLive.com
"Former Oceana elected official and state legislator Bill Bobier of Ferry was unable to complete his presentation at Hart Middle School on behalf of Scandia because of the audience uproar.
Bobier is a consultant and lobbyist for the U.S.-Norwegian offshore wind developers"
"Former Oceana elected official and state legislator Bill Bobier of Ferry was unable to complete his presentation at Hart Middle School on behalf of Scandia because of the audience uproar.
Bobier is a consultant and lobbyist for the U.S.-Norwegian offshore wind developers"
Primary surprise won't carry over to general election
Steve Gunn: Primary surprise won't carry over to general election MLive.com
"The Democratic primary results taught us two very clear lessons:
Bernero is for sale, and was willing to cede control of his operation to the highest bidder, which in this case was organized labor.
He would probably do the same thing as governor.
The other lesson is that the Michigan Democratic Party is still the sole domain of Big Labor, and there’s no room for free thought or fresh ideas within its ranks."
"The Democratic primary results taught us two very clear lessons:
Bernero is for sale, and was willing to cede control of his operation to the highest bidder, which in this case was organized labor.
He would probably do the same thing as governor.
The other lesson is that the Michigan Democratic Party is still the sole domain of Big Labor, and there’s no room for free thought or fresh ideas within its ranks."
Michigan's annual report cards for schools suggest charters are struggling, Muskegon Heights troubled
Michigan's annual report cards for schools suggest charters are struggling, Muskegon Heights troubled MLive.com
"Muskegon Heights was the only area school to miss AYP last year and this year, and has missed AYP for the last eight years.
Now it will have state monitors overseeing achievement at the school."
No marches by the black community?
No outrage?
Nope.....
"Muskegon Heights was the only area school to miss AYP last year and this year, and has missed AYP for the last eight years.
Now it will have state monitors overseeing achievement at the school."
No marches by the black community?
No outrage?
Nope.....
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
Light rail, commuter trains, high-speed buses envisioned for Detroit
Light rail, commuter trains, high-speed buses envisioned for Detroit Detroit Free Press
"The intent was to start small: Build a 3-mile light-rail line that would run from Hart Plaza to the New Center in Detroit.
From there, stakeholders would try to build upon the system, ultimately turning it into a $10-billion system of light rail, commuter trains and high-speed buses spanning metro Detroit.
That start-small idea got a big boost Monday when Detroit Mayor Dave Bing received a gleaming endorsement from U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood"
"The intent was to start small: Build a 3-mile light-rail line that would run from Hart Plaza to the New Center in Detroit.
From there, stakeholders would try to build upon the system, ultimately turning it into a $10-billion system of light rail, commuter trains and high-speed buses spanning metro Detroit.
That start-small idea got a big boost Monday when Detroit Mayor Dave Bing received a gleaming endorsement from U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood"
Michigan court sets new standard in injury lawsuits
Michigan court sets new standard in injury lawsuits Detroit Free Press
"Dissenting were Justices Maura Corrigan, Stephen Markman and Robert Young Jr., who criticized the majority for reversing course abruptly and potentially threatening the financial integrity of the no-fault system, which is premised on limiting lawsuits in exchange for more generous and efficiently administered benefits.
Peter Kuhnmeunch, of the Insurance Institute of Michigan, said it is too soon to know whether the new standard will result in a dramatic increase in lawsuits and higher premiums."
"Dissenting were Justices Maura Corrigan, Stephen Markman and Robert Young Jr., who criticized the majority for reversing course abruptly and potentially threatening the financial integrity of the no-fault system, which is premised on limiting lawsuits in exchange for more generous and efficiently administered benefits.
Peter Kuhnmeunch, of the Insurance Institute of Michigan, said it is too soon to know whether the new standard will result in a dramatic increase in lawsuits and higher premiums."
New State Data Shows Michigan Public Schools Spent Record Amount Per-Student
New State Data Shows Michigan Public Schools Spent Record Amount Per-Student [Mackinac Center]: "Combined taxes from local, state and federal sources pumped $19.59 billion in the public school system last year.
This gross receipts figure was actually down $200 million from the previous year, but since the number of students dropped by an unprecedented 31,000 from 2007-2008, the amount of money spent per student increased by $200, to just over $13,000."
This gross receipts figure was actually down $200 million from the previous year, but since the number of students dropped by an unprecedented 31,000 from 2007-2008, the amount of money spent per student increased by $200, to just over $13,000."
Dangers of Status Quo Budgeting in Higher Education
Analysis: Dangers of Status Quo Budgeting in Higher Education [Mackinac Center]
"One of the biggest changes in higher education lately has been the growth of overhead employment.
The number of administrators and service staff in Michigan's 15 state universities increased from 19,576 in 2005 to 22,472 in 2009.
And in addition to all the new employees, average compensation increased by 13 percent as well."
"One of the biggest changes in higher education lately has been the growth of overhead employment.
The number of administrators and service staff in Michigan's 15 state universities increased from 19,576 in 2005 to 22,472 in 2009.
And in addition to all the new employees, average compensation increased by 13 percent as well."
GVSU buys building hikes tuition
GVSU buys building hikes tuition
"The tuition hike of 5.3% -- about $229 per semester -- comes along with a one-year wage freeze for university employees."
"The tuition hike of 5.3% -- about $229 per semester -- comes along with a one-year wage freeze for university employees."
WMU raises tuition 7.4 percent
WMU raises tuition 7.4 percent
"The Western Michigan University Board of Trustees on Friday approved a 7.4 percent increase in tuition and required fees.
Officials said in a news release the increase will allow the 'university to make strategic investments in academic areas and boost academic resources available to students but still maintain its position as one of the nation's best values in higher education.'
The increases for the 2010-11 academic year will amount to $312 per semester or $624 per year for an in-state resident who is a full-time freshman or sophomore. The increased rates adopted by the board include fee increases that account for 0.5 percent of the total increase.
The fee changes include modest increases to existing technology and recreation fees of $25 and $15 per semester, respectively, and a new sustainability fee of $8 per semester approved by a vote of the WMU student body during the spring 2010 semester."
"The Western Michigan University Board of Trustees on Friday approved a 7.4 percent increase in tuition and required fees.
Officials said in a news release the increase will allow the 'university to make strategic investments in academic areas and boost academic resources available to students but still maintain its position as one of the nation's best values in higher education.'
The increases for the 2010-11 academic year will amount to $312 per semester or $624 per year for an in-state resident who is a full-time freshman or sophomore. The increased rates adopted by the board include fee increases that account for 0.5 percent of the total increase.
The fee changes include modest increases to existing technology and recreation fees of $25 and $15 per semester, respectively, and a new sustainability fee of $8 per semester approved by a vote of the WMU student body during the spring 2010 semester."
Newcomers will be plentiful in Michigan Legislature with all 148 seats on the line
Newcomers will be plentiful in Michigan Legislature with all 148 seats on the line
More than half the lawmakers now in the Legislature will be gone from their current seats next year, one of the largest turnovers in decades.
Only nine of 38 seats in the Senate are held by an incumbent seeking re-election, along with 58 of 110 seats in the House.
More than half the lawmakers now in the Legislature will be gone from their current seats next year, one of the largest turnovers in decades.
Only nine of 38 seats in the Senate are held by an incumbent seeking re-election, along with 58 of 110 seats in the House.
Norton Shores to ask for approval of ballot language for public safety millage
Norton Shores to ask for approval of ballot language for public safety millage MLive.com
"The Norton Shores City Council voted unanimously Monday to ask the state attorney general’s office to approve ballot language for a dedicated public safety millage, one of the last hurdles before the question may be put before voters.
The attorney general’s office will decide whether language for the proposed 10-year, 2-mill property tax increase — which only would be used for public safety-related expenses — is sufficient, city officials said."
"The Norton Shores City Council voted unanimously Monday to ask the state attorney general’s office to approve ballot language for a dedicated public safety millage, one of the last hurdles before the question may be put before voters.
The attorney general’s office will decide whether language for the proposed 10-year, 2-mill property tax increase — which only would be used for public safety-related expenses — is sufficient, city officials said."
Mau-Mauing the Free Press
The American Spectator : Mau-Mauing the Free Press
"Lee Bollinger, president of Columbia University, host to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and newly appointed head of the New York Federal Reserve Bank, says government should get into the business of subsidizing journalism.
Like other Obama appointees, he says he is concerned that, with the changes in the financial structure of journalism, Americans might be deprived 'of the essential information they need as citizens.'
It's not difficult to imagine that one of those 'needs' would be a more 'balanced' view of President Obama.
Can anyone doubt that an administration that was willing to Madoff General Motors' bondholders in favor of its own union supporters would not exercise maximum bias in subsidizing the press?
Mr. Bollinger, practicing the glib and oily art to speak and purpose not, is a harbinger of Venezuelan-style gangster journalism."
"Lee Bollinger, president of Columbia University, host to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and newly appointed head of the New York Federal Reserve Bank, says government should get into the business of subsidizing journalism.
Like other Obama appointees, he says he is concerned that, with the changes in the financial structure of journalism, Americans might be deprived 'of the essential information they need as citizens.'
It's not difficult to imagine that one of those 'needs' would be a more 'balanced' view of President Obama.
Can anyone doubt that an administration that was willing to Madoff General Motors' bondholders in favor of its own union supporters would not exercise maximum bias in subsidizing the press?
Mr. Bollinger, practicing the glib and oily art to speak and purpose not, is a harbinger of Venezuelan-style gangster journalism."
Monday, August 02, 2010
Heroism in ambush may yield top valor awards
Heroism in ambush may yield top valor awards - Navy News, news from Iraq - Navy Times
"With no air or artillery support, the Marines of Embedded Training Team 2-8 were trapped deep in a kill zone in eastern Afghanistan.
Their radios worked only sporadically, and dozens of insurgents fired on them repeatedly from three sides.
“We’re surrounded!” Gunnery Sgt. Edwin Johnson yelled into his radio in the early-morning hours of Sept. 8, 2009.
“They’re moving in on us!”"
"With no air or artillery support, the Marines of Embedded Training Team 2-8 were trapped deep in a kill zone in eastern Afghanistan.
Their radios worked only sporadically, and dozens of insurgents fired on them repeatedly from three sides.
“We’re surrounded!” Gunnery Sgt. Edwin Johnson yelled into his radio in the early-morning hours of Sept. 8, 2009.
“They’re moving in on us!”"
The Secret History of Climate Alarmism
The Secret History of Climate Alarmism The Weekly Standard
"Changes in the earth’s atmosphere, the additional greenhouse effect and the resultant changes in the climate . . . represent a global danger for humanity and the entire biosphere of the earth.
If no effective counteracting measures are taken, dramatic consequences are to be expected for all of the earth’s regions.
This warning will undoubtedly seem familiar, perhaps even mind-numbingly so.
But if the substance sounds like the same-old same-old, the date on which it was issued might seem surprising.
It was not in the run-up to the Copenhagen climate summit or indeed anytime in the last decade.
The above passage is nearly two decades old.
It comes from a resolution adopted by the German Bundestag in September 1991."
"Changes in the earth’s atmosphere, the additional greenhouse effect and the resultant changes in the climate . . . represent a global danger for humanity and the entire biosphere of the earth.
If no effective counteracting measures are taken, dramatic consequences are to be expected for all of the earth’s regions.
This warning will undoubtedly seem familiar, perhaps even mind-numbingly so.
But if the substance sounds like the same-old same-old, the date on which it was issued might seem surprising.
It was not in the run-up to the Copenhagen climate summit or indeed anytime in the last decade.
The above passage is nearly two decades old.
It comes from a resolution adopted by the German Bundestag in September 1991."
Obama's Immigration Power Play
The American Spectator : Obama's Immigration Power Play
"Last week, the Obama administration got Clinton-appointed Judge Susan Bolton to at least temporarily throw out key provisions of Arizona's immigration law.
Within 24 hours came more evidence that they weren't done eviscerating immigration enforcement yet.
That proof came in the form of an astonishing internal memo outlining ways the United States Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) could effectively legalize at least tens of thousands of illegal immigrants even if Congress fails to enact amnesty.
Some would be granted resident status with the USCIS simply giving them green cards.
Others would be allowed to evade deportation, possibly indefinitely."
"Last week, the Obama administration got Clinton-appointed Judge Susan Bolton to at least temporarily throw out key provisions of Arizona's immigration law.
Within 24 hours came more evidence that they weren't done eviscerating immigration enforcement yet.
That proof came in the form of an astonishing internal memo outlining ways the United States Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) could effectively legalize at least tens of thousands of illegal immigrants even if Congress fails to enact amnesty.
Some would be granted resident status with the USCIS simply giving them green cards.
Others would be allowed to evade deportation, possibly indefinitely."
Climate Profiteers
Climate Profiteers - IBD - Investors.com
"And what are those goals, and just what has GEPAC accomplished thus far? 'On climate change,' Rice wrote, 'we were able to work closely with key authors of the Waxman-Markey climate and energy bill, recently passed by the House of Representatives. If this bill is enacted into law, it will benefit many GE businesses.'"
"And what are those goals, and just what has GEPAC accomplished thus far? 'On climate change,' Rice wrote, 'we were able to work closely with key authors of the Waxman-Markey climate and energy bill, recently passed by the House of Representatives. If this bill is enacted into law, it will benefit many GE businesses.'"
Climate Profiteers
Climate Profiteers - IBD - Investors.com
"And what are those goals, and just what has GEPAC accomplished thus far? 'On climate change,' Rice wrote, 'we were able to work closely with key authors of the Waxman-Markey climate and energy bill, recently passed by the House of Representatives. If this bill is enacted into law, it will benefit many GE businesses.'"
"And what are those goals, and just what has GEPAC accomplished thus far? 'On climate change,' Rice wrote, 'we were able to work closely with key authors of the Waxman-Markey climate and energy bill, recently passed by the House of Representatives. If this bill is enacted into law, it will benefit many GE businesses.'"
Layoffs to gut East St. Louis police force
Layoffs to gut East St. Louis police force
"East St. Louis has been crippled by crime and poverty for decades. Police officials say the cuts will mean fewer officers for patrols, investigations and juvenile cases.
Fire officials said the region should be upset because the department will have fewer people at the ready to fight fires on some of the region’s major highways and bridges"
"East St. Louis has been crippled by crime and poverty for decades. Police officials say the cuts will mean fewer officers for patrols, investigations and juvenile cases.
Fire officials said the region should be upset because the department will have fewer people at the ready to fight fires on some of the region’s major highways and bridges"
Oops! Obama mama passport 'destroyed'
Oops! Obama mama passport 'destroyed'
"Last week, in response to a Freedom of Information Act request, the State Department released passport records of Stanley Ann Dunham, President Obama's mother – but those records for the years surrounding Obama's 1961 birth are missing.
The State Department claims that a 1980s General Services Administration directive had resulted in the destruction of many passport applications and other 'non-vital' passport records, including Dunham's 1965 passport application and any other passports she may have applied for or held prior to 1965.
Destroyed, then, would also be any records shedding light on whether Dunham did or did not travel out of the country around the time of Barack Obama's birth."
DOH...?
"Last week, in response to a Freedom of Information Act request, the State Department released passport records of Stanley Ann Dunham, President Obama's mother – but those records for the years surrounding Obama's 1961 birth are missing.
The State Department claims that a 1980s General Services Administration directive had resulted in the destruction of many passport applications and other 'non-vital' passport records, including Dunham's 1965 passport application and any other passports she may have applied for or held prior to 1965.
Destroyed, then, would also be any records shedding light on whether Dunham did or did not travel out of the country around the time of Barack Obama's birth."
DOH...?
Pastor sticks up for modern view of God
Pastor sticks up for modern view of God - Religion - NewsObserver.com
"As Duke's campus minister for the United Church of Christ, the Rev. Mark Rutledge helped lead weekly worship services - reading Scripture and reciting the creed. He counseled students about their faith and took part in interfaith activities on campus.
But Rutledge is the first to admit he does not believe in a supernatural God with supernatural powers.
'The cosmic guy in the sky is not a credible image of God,' he said."
"As Duke's campus minister for the United Church of Christ, the Rev. Mark Rutledge helped lead weekly worship services - reading Scripture and reciting the creed. He counseled students about their faith and took part in interfaith activities on campus.
But Rutledge is the first to admit he does not believe in a supernatural God with supernatural powers.
'The cosmic guy in the sky is not a credible image of God,' he said."
Chicago: Where Criminals No Longer Fear the Police
Pajamas Media » Chicago: Where Criminals No Longer Fear the Police
"(Chicagoans might find some comfort in the knowledge that the murder rate in Detroit is almost twice as high as theirs, and New Orleans’s is more than three times as high.)"
"(Chicagoans might find some comfort in the knowledge that the murder rate in Detroit is almost twice as high as theirs, and New Orleans’s is more than three times as high.)"
Sunday, August 01, 2010
The Auto Bailout Payback
The Auto Bailout Payback [Mackinac Center]
"President Barack Obama went on the TV show 'The View' and told the cast that all the taxpayer money his administration spent to bail out General Motors and Chrysler will be repaid.
The Mackinac Center for Public Policy experts talk about their take on the impact of the auto bailouts"
"President Barack Obama went on the TV show 'The View' and told the cast that all the taxpayer money his administration spent to bail out General Motors and Chrysler will be repaid.
The Mackinac Center for Public Policy experts talk about their take on the impact of the auto bailouts"
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