As governments go broke, public employee unions must share the pain Washington Examiner
"Their situation could be quickly and dramatically improved 'with the stroke of a pen.'
But that stroke likely won't be taken for the state's school districts for the same reason it won't for Michigan's desperate localities -- public employee unions reflexively oppose cuts in their tax-funded compensation programs, including salaries, retirement and health benefits.
White estimates that as much as $300 million could be saved merely by requiring public school employees to pay for 20 percent of their health benefits -- they currently pay nothing.
By contrast, private-sector employees with company health plans pay a nationwide average of 26 percent, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.
And Cooper says Hamtramck's police and firefighter unions have steadfastly refused to renegotiate pay and benefits contracts that eat up 60 percent of the city's annual budget.
'They kind of have the Cadillac plan, and we'd kind of like the Chevy,' he told the Times."
Friday, January 07, 2011
Muskegon Taxpayers Alliance
Muskegon Taxpayers Alliance: "law labels interns 'highly qualified teachers' - FoxNews.com
'Civil rights advocates are blasting new federal legislation that allows states to classify teaching interns as 'highly qualified'"
'Civil rights advocates are blasting new federal legislation that allows states to classify teaching interns as 'highly qualified'"
Thursday, January 06, 2011
Storm Warning
Storm Warning - By Andrew Stuttaford - The Corner - National Review Online
"The Swiss stopped accepting Greek bonds for repo on April 26 last year.
The changes were spotted last night by Irish researcher Lorcan Roche Kelly.
The change in relation to Irish government bonds had been made in December 2010 after ratings agencies cut Ireland’s rating to below ‘A’ status.
Very wise.
Best guess is that it’s only a matter of time before Ireland (and Greece) default, er, “restructure” their debt.
The trick will be to do this without creating a fresh crisis within a European banking system heavily exposed to those countries and, for that matter, to other heavily indebted countries now beginning to pay a real price for Brussels’ funny money"
"The Swiss stopped accepting Greek bonds for repo on April 26 last year.
The changes were spotted last night by Irish researcher Lorcan Roche Kelly.
The change in relation to Irish government bonds had been made in December 2010 after ratings agencies cut Ireland’s rating to below ‘A’ status.
Very wise.
Best guess is that it’s only a matter of time before Ireland (and Greece) default, er, “restructure” their debt.
The trick will be to do this without creating a fresh crisis within a European banking system heavily exposed to those countries and, for that matter, to other heavily indebted countries now beginning to pay a real price for Brussels’ funny money"
John Edwards engaged to Rielle Hunter
Reports: John Edwards engaged to Rielle Hunter - Jennifer Epstein - POLITICO.com
"Former presidential candidate John Edwards is engaged to longtime mistress Rielle Hunter, according to a report."
Democrat ethics....right?
"Former presidential candidate John Edwards is engaged to longtime mistress Rielle Hunter, according to a report."
Democrat ethics....right?
FACT CHECK: Mass bird, fish deaths occur regularly
My Way News - FACT CHECK: Mass bird, fish deaths occur regularly
"The reality, say biologists, is that these mass die-offs happen all the time and usually are unrelated.
Federal records show they happen on average every other day somewhere in North America.
Usually, we don't notice them and don't try to link them to each other."
"The reality, say biologists, is that these mass die-offs happen all the time and usually are unrelated.
Federal records show they happen on average every other day somewhere in North America.
Usually, we don't notice them and don't try to link them to each other."
Autism-vaccine study was 'fraud,' journal says
Autism-vaccine study was 'fraud,' journal says
"Wakefield had been confidentially paid hundreds of thousands of pounds (US dollars, euros) through a law firm under plans to launch 'class action' litigation against the vaccine."
Off with his head!
"Wakefield had been confidentially paid hundreds of thousands of pounds (US dollars, euros) through a law firm under plans to launch 'class action' litigation against the vaccine."
Off with his head!
Retracted autism study an 'elaborate fraud,' British journal finds
Retracted autism study an 'elaborate fraud,' British journal finds - CNN.com
"A now-retracted British study that linked autism to childhood vaccines was an 'elaborate fraud' that has done long-lasting damage to public health, a leading medical publication reported Wednesday."
"A now-retracted British study that linked autism to childhood vaccines was an 'elaborate fraud' that has done long-lasting damage to public health, a leading medical publication reported Wednesday."
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
19 Democrats vote against Nancy Pelosi
19 Democrats vote against Nancy Pelosi - John Bresnahan and Jonathan Allen - POLITICO.com
"The first anti-Pelosi vote during the alphabetical roll call came from Rep. Jason Altmire (D-Pa.).
He rose to answer the call of his name and declared loudly and clearly “Heath Shuler!”
Shuler, who voted for himself, told POLITICO that Democrats will have to follow a more moderate path “if we’re going to go back out and win a majority.”"
Heath is in deep trouble with both parties.
How cool is that?
"The first anti-Pelosi vote during the alphabetical roll call came from Rep. Jason Altmire (D-Pa.).
He rose to answer the call of his name and declared loudly and clearly “Heath Shuler!”
Shuler, who voted for himself, told POLITICO that Democrats will have to follow a more moderate path “if we’re going to go back out and win a majority.”"
Heath is in deep trouble with both parties.
How cool is that?
How to Defeat Obama
How to Defeat Obama - Dick Morris and Eileen McGann - Townhall Conservative
"The only way to break the deadlock and proceed with the urgent task of rolling back the Obama agenda is to use three key confrontations to do so:
-- The debt-limit extension.
-- The demands of states for more bailouts.
-- The 2012 budget."
"The only way to break the deadlock and proceed with the urgent task of rolling back the Obama agenda is to use three key confrontations to do so:
-- The debt-limit extension.
-- The demands of states for more bailouts.
-- The 2012 budget."
Plagiarism Double Standards at Michigan State
Plagiarism Double Standards at Michigan State [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
"The Mackinac Center for Public Policy claimed that Sharif Shakrani, senior scholar at the Education Policy Center at MSU and a professor of measurement and quantitative methods, plagiarized more than 800 words in a study titled “School District Consolidation Study in 10 Michigan Counties.”
Shakrani's report received widespread media attention last summer."
"The Mackinac Center for Public Policy claimed that Sharif Shakrani, senior scholar at the Education Policy Center at MSU and a professor of measurement and quantitative methods, plagiarized more than 800 words in a study titled “School District Consolidation Study in 10 Michigan Counties.”
Shakrani's report received widespread media attention last summer."
'One-man crimewave': Bag thief faces deportation for a FIFTH time - after we gave him £3,000 to go back to Algeria
'One-man crimewave': Bag thief faces deportation for a FIFTH time - after we gave him £3,000 to go back to Algeria Mail Online
"He has been branded a one-man crimewave. And despite all attempts at deportation, including being given £3,000 by the Government, he is still here.
Hakim Benmakhlouf, 29, a prolific thief is facing deportation for the fifth time after being arrested for stealing at Heathrow Airport."
European "public safety".
Do we want it here?
"He has been branded a one-man crimewave. And despite all attempts at deportation, including being given £3,000 by the Government, he is still here.
Hakim Benmakhlouf, 29, a prolific thief is facing deportation for the fifth time after being arrested for stealing at Heathrow Airport."
European "public safety".
Do we want it here?
Good drivers in Michigan can avoid points for minor offenses
Good drivers in Michigan can avoid points for minor offenses MLive.com
"The Secretary of State will mail a letter to those who qualify telling them they are eligible to take the driver-improvement course, either in a classroom, or online, to wipe out points."
No mention of any cost for this "service".
"The Secretary of State will mail a letter to those who qualify telling them they are eligible to take the driver-improvement course, either in a classroom, or online, to wipe out points."
No mention of any cost for this "service".
Mascot Politics
Mascot Politics - Investors.com
"In Hanson's own words: 'Many of the rural trailer-house compounds I saw appear to the naked eye no different from what I have seen in the Third World.
There is a Caribbean look to the junked cars, electric wires crossing between various outbuildings, plastic tarps substituting for replacement shingles, lean-tos cobbled together as auxiliary housing, pit bulls unleashed, and geese, goats and chickens roaming around the yards.'
This is a Third World culture, transplanted from Mexico, and living largely outside the scope of American law, state or federal."
"In Hanson's own words: 'Many of the rural trailer-house compounds I saw appear to the naked eye no different from what I have seen in the Third World.
There is a Caribbean look to the junked cars, electric wires crossing between various outbuildings, plastic tarps substituting for replacement shingles, lean-tos cobbled together as auxiliary housing, pit bulls unleashed, and geese, goats and chickens roaming around the yards.'
This is a Third World culture, transplanted from Mexico, and living largely outside the scope of American law, state or federal."
As we count the cost of the freeze, Government prepares for global warming
As we count the cost of the freeze, Government prepares for global warming - Telegraph
"The authorities continue to prepare for 'rising temperatures' despite a succession of unprecedentedly cold winters, says Christopher Booker"
"The authorities continue to prepare for 'rising temperatures' despite a succession of unprecedentedly cold winters, says Christopher Booker"
Raging Against “Them”
Works and Days » Raging Against “Them”
"California Got What It Wanted
The same is true of California.
Our elites liked the idea of stopping new gas and oil extraction, shutting down the nuclear power industry, freezing state east-west freeways, strangling the mining and timber industries, cutting off water to agriculture in the Central Valley, diverting revenues from fixing roads and bridges to redistributive entitlements, and praising the new multicultural state that would welcome in half the nation’s 11-15 million illegal aliens."
"California Got What It Wanted
The same is true of California.
Our elites liked the idea of stopping new gas and oil extraction, shutting down the nuclear power industry, freezing state east-west freeways, strangling the mining and timber industries, cutting off water to agriculture in the Central Valley, diverting revenues from fixing roads and bridges to redistributive entitlements, and praising the new multicultural state that would welcome in half the nation’s 11-15 million illegal aliens."
The UAW & Clubbing Baby Harp Seals
The UAW & Clubbing Baby Harp Seals RedState
"The UAW’s “Principles for Fair Union Elections” [view PDF here] is a series of 11 mostly one-sided and seemingly innocuous guidelines, a few of which are harmless, a few that are superfluous, and several which strike at the heart of an employer’s property and free speech rights."
"The UAW’s “Principles for Fair Union Elections” [view PDF here] is a series of 11 mostly one-sided and seemingly innocuous guidelines, a few of which are harmless, a few that are superfluous, and several which strike at the heart of an employer’s property and free speech rights."
The 10 Most Underreported Stories for 2010
The 10 Most Underreported Stories for 2010 - Big Journalism:
"1. The Pigford Case
You have a finite number of black farmers discriminated against by the USDA.
They are awarded a settlement.
You have over 73,000 more applicants, more than the number of actual farmers or people related to farming, all claiming a piece of the settlement.
The settlement is billions of dollars of taxpayer money.
Over 36% of the claims were already rejected due to fraud.
Instead of vetting the claims and awarding to those who were truly wronged, elected officials decide to increase the size of the settlement so everyone can get a check.
People who farmed their whole lives got the same size check as someone who never farmed."
"1. The Pigford Case
You have a finite number of black farmers discriminated against by the USDA.
They are awarded a settlement.
You have over 73,000 more applicants, more than the number of actual farmers or people related to farming, all claiming a piece of the settlement.
The settlement is billions of dollars of taxpayer money.
Over 36% of the claims were already rejected due to fraud.
Instead of vetting the claims and awarding to those who were truly wronged, elected officials decide to increase the size of the settlement so everyone can get a check.
People who farmed their whole lives got the same size check as someone who never farmed."
Tuesday, January 04, 2011
The States Can Stop Obama – Nullify Now!
The States Can Stop Obama – Nullify Now!
"The truth of the matter is all the slogans of “Don’t Tread On Me” or “Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death” or “We’re Mad As Hell And We’re Not Taking It Anymore,” don’t mean a thing when compared to reality; the real and actual answer to all the protests, marches, and outrage.
The answer is in our own backyards!
The States can stop every bit of it!
That’s right, the individual States can stop “Obamacare” and all other forms of out-of-control federal government mandates and “big brother” tactics.
If Arizona, Hawaii, New Hamshire, Texas, etc. want nothing to do with National Healthcare as proposed by Barack Obama or Congress, then all they have to do is say “No!”
"The truth of the matter is all the slogans of “Don’t Tread On Me” or “Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death” or “We’re Mad As Hell And We’re Not Taking It Anymore,” don’t mean a thing when compared to reality; the real and actual answer to all the protests, marches, and outrage.
The answer is in our own backyards!
The States can stop every bit of it!
That’s right, the individual States can stop “Obamacare” and all other forms of out-of-control federal government mandates and “big brother” tactics.
If Arizona, Hawaii, New Hamshire, Texas, etc. want nothing to do with National Healthcare as proposed by Barack Obama or Congress, then all they have to do is say “No!”
As governments go broke, public employee unions must share the pain
As governments go broke, public employee unions must share the pain Washington Examiner
"Their situation could be quickly and dramatically improved 'with the stroke of a pen.'
But that stroke likely won't be taken for the state's school districts for the same reason it won't for Michigan's desperate localities -- public employee unions reflexively oppose cuts in their tax-funded compensation programs, including salaries, retirement and health benefits.
White estimates that as much as $300 million could be saved merely by requiring public school employees to pay for 20 percent of their health benefits -- they currently pay nothing.
By contrast, private-sector employees with company health plans pay a nationwide average of 26 percent, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.
And Cooper says Hamtramck's police and firefighter unions have steadfastly refused to renegotiate pay and benefits contracts that eat up 60 percent of the city's annual budget.
'They kind of have the Cadillac plan, and we'd kind of like the Chevy,' he told the Times."
"Their situation could be quickly and dramatically improved 'with the stroke of a pen.'
But that stroke likely won't be taken for the state's school districts for the same reason it won't for Michigan's desperate localities -- public employee unions reflexively oppose cuts in their tax-funded compensation programs, including salaries, retirement and health benefits.
White estimates that as much as $300 million could be saved merely by requiring public school employees to pay for 20 percent of their health benefits -- they currently pay nothing.
By contrast, private-sector employees with company health plans pay a nationwide average of 26 percent, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.
And Cooper says Hamtramck's police and firefighter unions have steadfastly refused to renegotiate pay and benefits contracts that eat up 60 percent of the city's annual budget.
'They kind of have the Cadillac plan, and we'd kind of like the Chevy,' he told the Times."
DPS says teacher tried to pawn school laptop | freep.com
DPS says teacher tried to pawn school laptop freep.com Detroit Free Press
"Store staff refused to pay the teacher for the netbook –- which is engraved with the DPS “I’m In” logo on its cover -– instead confiscating it and contacting DPS officials.
Drysdale-Oriucci was suspended Thursday with pay, pending a disciplinary hearing."
"Store staff refused to pay the teacher for the netbook –- which is engraved with the DPS “I’m In” logo on its cover -– instead confiscating it and contacting DPS officials.
Drysdale-Oriucci was suspended Thursday with pay, pending a disciplinary hearing."
Illinois Has Days to Plug $13 Billion Deficit That Took Years to Produce
Illinois Has Days to Plug $13 Billion Deficit That Took Years to Produce - Bloomberg
"The legislative session that began today as the House convened will take aim at a budget deficit of at least $13 billion, including a backlog of more than $6 billion in unpaid bills and almost $4 billion in missed payments to underfunded state pensions."
"The legislative session that began today as the House convened will take aim at a budget deficit of at least $13 billion, including a backlog of more than $6 billion in unpaid bills and almost $4 billion in missed payments to underfunded state pensions."
Europe starts confiscating private pension funds
Europe starts confiscating private pension funds Washington Examiner
"If fiscal austerity becomes a real issue in the U.S. the way that it's been reaching critical mass in Europe -- don't think that U.S. lawmakers regard your either your personal wealth or money they might owe you as sacrosanct. Government has a habit of looking out for itself."
"If fiscal austerity becomes a real issue in the U.S. the way that it's been reaching critical mass in Europe -- don't think that U.S. lawmakers regard your either your personal wealth or money they might owe you as sacrosanct. Government has a habit of looking out for itself."
Detroit Public Schools: 40,000 kids to get laptops from stimulus funds
Detroit Public Schools: 40,000 kids to get laptops from stimulus funds freep.com Detroit Free Press
"Detroit Public Schools will spend $49 million in federal money to push technology in the district, including distributing 40,000 new laptop computers to students in grades 6-12 for use in class, as well as more than 5,000 new desktop computers."
"Detroit Public Schools will spend $49 million in federal money to push technology in the district, including distributing 40,000 new laptop computers to students in grades 6-12 for use in class, as well as more than 5,000 new desktop computers."
Monday, January 03, 2011
New Jersey Wants to Seize Your Unused Gift Cards
New Jersey Wants to Seize Your Unused Gift Cards - CNBC
"Lawmakers voted last year to allow the seizure of cards after two to three years as a way to raise about $80 million and help balance the state's budget.
But in November, a federal judge temporarily struck down the law.
The Record of Bergen County reports the state isn't giving up though.
State treasurer Andrew Sidamon-Eristoff has told a judge that the state will appeal the earlier ruling."
"Lawmakers voted last year to allow the seizure of cards after two to three years as a way to raise about $80 million and help balance the state's budget.
But in November, a federal judge temporarily struck down the law.
The Record of Bergen County reports the state isn't giving up though.
State treasurer Andrew Sidamon-Eristoff has told a judge that the state will appeal the earlier ruling."
Eco-bulb cost to treble: Makers cash in as the ban on old-style bulbs kicks in
Eco-bulb cost to treble: Makers cash in as the ban on old-style bulbs kicks in Mail Online
"The price of energy-saving light bulbs will treble as the final supplies of traditional bulbs dry up, industry experts have warned.
The Government has ordered energy companies to scrap the subsidies that have kept the price of eco-bulbs artificially low for the last few years.
At the same time, manufacturers are increasing wholesale prices to take advantage of the European ban on ‘energy guzzling’ old-style bulbs."
"The price of energy-saving light bulbs will treble as the final supplies of traditional bulbs dry up, industry experts have warned.
The Government has ordered energy companies to scrap the subsidies that have kept the price of eco-bulbs artificially low for the last few years.
At the same time, manufacturers are increasing wholesale prices to take advantage of the European ban on ‘energy guzzling’ old-style bulbs."
Is Barack Obama Intentionally Trying to Damage Our Economy and Security?
Is Barack Obama Intentionally Trying to Damage Our Economy and Security?
"Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal recounts an exchange with President Obama during the Gulf oil drilling moratorium. (Full disclosure: I co-wrote the book with Jindal.)
After telling Obama that the moratorium would potentially cost tens of thousands of jobs, ”The president went on to assure me that anyone who lost their job would get a check from BP.
When I explained that BP might not write them checks because it was the federal government that imposed the moratorium the president said, ‘Well, if BP won’t pay the claim, they can file for unemployment.’
I was amazed by the level of disconnect.
The people of Louisiana want to work, not collect unemployment or BP checks.”"
"Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal recounts an exchange with President Obama during the Gulf oil drilling moratorium. (Full disclosure: I co-wrote the book with Jindal.)
After telling Obama that the moratorium would potentially cost tens of thousands of jobs, ”The president went on to assure me that anyone who lost their job would get a check from BP.
When I explained that BP might not write them checks because it was the federal government that imposed the moratorium the president said, ‘Well, if BP won’t pay the claim, they can file for unemployment.’
I was amazed by the level of disconnect.
The people of Louisiana want to work, not collect unemployment or BP checks.”"
Saturday, January 01, 2011
'Redundant' Mercury comes to end of the line
'Redundant' Mercury comes to end of the line detnews.com The Detroit News
As of today, the Mercury name disappears from dealerships, marking the end of a once-heralded brand that was a step up from Ford, the everyday people's car."
As of today, the Mercury name disappears from dealerships, marking the end of a once-heralded brand that was a step up from Ford, the everyday people's car."
Top Republican prepares to leave Obama's big tent
Top Republican prepares to leave Obama's big tent The Spectator
"Huntsman is now indicating that he may resign as ambassador to China soon and run for the Republican nomination"
"Huntsman is now indicating that he may resign as ambassador to China soon and run for the Republican nomination"
Bowl game glut ruins proud football ritual
Editorial: Bowl game glut ruins proud football ritual - Sacramento Bee
"Today, too many bowls reward mediocrity.
This season is particularly putrid – 14 participating teams (at 6-6) didn't even post a winning record during the regular season."
"Today, too many bowls reward mediocrity.
This season is particularly putrid – 14 participating teams (at 6-6) didn't even post a winning record during the regular season."
Charge NYC Union Leaders with Negligent Homicide
Charge NYC Union Leaders with Negligent Homicide - Big Government
"For too long, Big Labor has been allowed to hold taxpayers hostage in order to get their way at the bargaining table.
And this time, their utter selfishness may have contributed to the deaths of two innocent people."
"For too long, Big Labor has been allowed to hold taxpayers hostage in order to get their way at the bargaining table.
And this time, their utter selfishness may have contributed to the deaths of two innocent people."
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