Saturday, May 30, 2009

First President in US History to Have Voted to Filibuster a Supreme Court Nominee Now Hopes for Clean Process

First President in US History to Have Voted to Filibuster a Supreme Court Nominee Now Hopes for Clean Process
"In January 2006, then-Sen. Obama joined 24 colleagues in a futile effort led by Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., to filibuster the Supreme Court nomination of now-Justice Samuel Alito.
On January 29, 2006, Mr. Obama told George Stephanopulos on 'This Week' that he would 'be supporting the filibuster because I think Judge Alito, in fact, is somebody who is contrary to core American values, not just liberal values, you know. When you look at his decisions in particular during times of war, we need a court that is independent and is going to provide some check on the executive branch, and he has not shown himself willing to do that repeatedly.'"

NASA - New Solar Cycle Prediction

NASA - New Solar Cycle Prediction: "The 1859 storm--known as the 'Carrington Event' after astronomer Richard Carrington who witnessed the instigating solar flare--electrified transmission cables, set fires in telegraph offices, and produced Northern Lights so bright that people could read newspapers by their red and green glow."

Backlash grows against Obama's preventive detention proposal

Backlash grows against Obama's preventive detention proposal
"The backlash against President Obama's extraordinary proposal for indefinite 'preventive detention' -- already widespread in the immediate aftermath of his speech -- continues to grow. On Friday, Sen. Russ Feingold sent a letter (.pdf) to Obama which, while praising some aspects of his speech, vowed to hold hearings on his detention proposal, and in the letter, Feingold rather emphatically highlighted the radical and dangerous aspects of Obama's approach"

Facts and myths about Obama's preventive detention proposal

Facts and myths about Obama's preventive detention proposal
"(1) What does 'preventive detention' allow?
It's important to be clear about what 'preventive detention' authorizes. It does not merely allow the U.S. Government to imprison people alleged to have committed Terrorist acts yet who are unable to be convicted in a civilian court proceeding. That class is merely a subset, perhaps a small subset, of who the Government can detain. Far more significant, 'preventive detention' allows indefinite imprisonment not based on proven crimes or past violations of law, but of those deemed generally 'dangerous' by the Government for various reasons (such as, as Obama put it yesterday, they 'expressed their allegiance to Osama bin Laden' or 'otherwise made it clear that they want to kill Americans').
That's what 'preventive' means: imprisoning people because the Government claims they are likely to engage in violent acts in the future because they are alleged to be 'combatants.'"

Ted Rall: It’s increasingly evident that Obama should resign

Ted Rall: It’s increasingly evident that Obama should resign
"Obama has officially reneged on his campaign promise to acknowledge the Armenian genocide. When a president doesn’t have the nerve to annoy the Turks, why does he bother to show up for work in the morning?"

This is from a hyper-lefty!
Is the "love" waining?

Friday, May 29, 2009

Major Grand Rapids arts groups suffer state cuts - Grand Rapids Movies, Music, Events and Entertainment – MLive.com

Major Grand Rapids arts groups suffer state cuts - Grand Rapids Movies, Music, Events and Entertainment – MLive.com: "Some $286,000 was stripped from MCACA's budget in May in an effort to deal with the state's growing deficit for the 2009 fiscal year."

Lions ranked worst NFL franchise

Lions ranked worst NFL franchise
"Adam Schein of Sirius NFL Radio and Fox Sports has ranked every NFL franchise according to a cumulative score from eight categories: owner, front office, head coach, coaching staff, quarterback, offense, defense and intangibles.
The Lions finished dead last"

"...pumped five more bullets......"

Lucianne.com News Forum - Thread: "Confronted by two holdup men, pharmacist Jerome Ersland pulled a gun, shot one of them in the head and chased the other away. Then, in a scene recorded by the drugstore's security camera, he went behind the counter, got another gun, and pumped five more bullets into the wounded teenager as he lay on the floor."

Read the comments.

How much money do West Michigan school administrators make?

How much money do West Michigan school administrators make?
"Contract disputes have put teacher salaries into the spotlight in recent years, but rarely discussed are the salaries of school administrators.
Administrators' pay seems to have risen dramatically over the last five years.

Five years ago there were 65 area school employees making more than $100,000. Today that figure is 165, with four of them topping $200,000.
It's not just superintendents or even their deputies. Press education reporter Dave Murray has talked to area school districts to find why these salaries have risen so much.
Find his results in Sunday's Grand Rapids Press or on mlive.com/grand-rapids."

Bond Vigilantes Confront Obama as Housing Falters

Bond Vigilantes Confront Obama as Housing Falters
"Treasuries have lost 5.1 percent in their worst annual start since Merrill Lynch & Co. began its Treasury Master Index in 1977."

HOA Asks Vet to Remove Bumper Stickers

HOA Asks Vet to Remove Bumper Stickers: "Frank Larison is a disabled veteran with more than 14 years of service, including more than a year of combat duty in Vietnam.
The 58-year-old former Marine now finds himself under attack by his Dallas homeowners association for displaying seven decals on his vehicle supporting the Marine Corps."

Editorial: Scammers love us, so be careful


Editorial: Scammers love us, so be careful
"Apparently, scam season is moving from a springtime and holiday thing to a year-round profession"

Wait a minute!
Hold on here.... where's THE REST OF THE STORY?
What about the biggest scam EVER!
From government?
They promise "give us ever increasing amounts of you money and we'll make life better for you"?
And they keep on returning with the same old, same old "we're out of your money but if you will just give a little more, things will be GREAT"!

Area unemployment rates drop slightly

Area unemployment rates drop slightly
"In Muskegon and Ottawa counties, the number of those listed as unemployed dropped but so did the number of those having jobs. It is not immediately known whether the drop in April unemployment rates is due to an improved job market or a case of frustrated job seekers dropping out of the labor force altogether."

The lack of curiosity among Chronicle reporters is stunning.
No mention of those who have left our county to find jobs in other more employer friendly places.
No interview (or even any interest, I'd bet) of local employers asking what might be done to improve their business and job market.

Nothing 'cept the same old "things are bad......but it's not Jenny's fault!.... or Barry's either!"

West Michigan students showcase environmental work

West Michigan students showcase environmental work
"'Some people just mow their yard without caring what plants they're mowing down,' Charles said. 'They could mow down the lupine and hurt the Karner Blue butterfly. We don't want to see that butterfly go extinct.'"

These poor kids have been brainwashed in the same manner the Islamic madrasah's brainwash their children.
Though our kids only want to kill capitalism and our way of life.

From Golden State to 19th-century backwater

From Golden State to 19th-century backwater
"Imagine a state that considers itself progressive, cutting edge, the envy of the world.
Imagine a state with the globe's fifth largest economy.
Imagine a state, population 37 million, with more wealthy people than practically any other spot on earth. Imagine a state that once had by far the best public infrastructure in America and a voting public that was deeply committed to its premier institutions.
Now imagine that state so cash-strapped, because of decades of anti-tax revolts and irresponsible, unfunded, spending mandates, that it can't pay even its basic bills"

Stimulus projects bypass hard-hit states

Stimulus projects bypass hard-hit states
"In Michigan, for example — where years of economic tumult and a collapsing domestic auto industry have produced the nation's worst unemployment rate — federal agencies have spent about $2 million on stimulus contracts, or 21 cents per person."

An Open Letter to GM President Obama

An Open Letter to GM President Obama
"With the UAW owning 20%, only 11% of GM will remain in the hands of private investors of any stripe. In effect, GM will have been nationalized, putting Barack Obama in charge."

Obama’s European Energy Vacation

Obama’s European Energy Vacation
"Turns out there really is a downside to forcing the marketplace to shift to energy sources that are less economical than those currently used. Spain, which instituted a green jobs program a decade ago, found this out the hard way.

A study by researchers at King Juan Carlos University found that 2.2 jobs were destroyed for every green job created through government mechanisms, and those green jobs are rarely permanent"

Thursday, May 28, 2009

U.S. Inflation to Approach Zimbabwe Level


U.S. Inflation to Approach Zimbabwe Level,
"The U.S. economy will enter “hyperinflation” approaching the levels in Zimbabwe because the Federal Reserve will be reluctant to raise interest rates, investor Marc Faber said......
“The problem with government debt growing so much is that when the time will come and the Fed should increase interest rates, they will be very reluctant to do so and so inflation will start to accelerate.”"

“The Associated Press called it: GM is set to enter popular parlance as ‘Government …

“The Associated Press called it: GM is set to enter popular parlance as ‘Government …: "As the New York Times recently asserted (welcome!), we can blame GM’s sclerotic corporate culture for their abject failure to create a complete line of compelling/profitable vehicles. The idea that the United States government will reform GM’s way of being and reverse the curse is completely preposterous. It’s like asking a cocaine dealer to sponsor a crack addict.”"

Federal "Terrorist" Legislation Could Threaten Gun Owners

Federal "Terrorist" Legislation Could Threaten Gun Owners
"'Critics say the names of suspected terrorists could be drawn from existing government watch lists that cover such broad categories as animal rights extremists, Christian identity extremists, black separatists, anti-abortion extremists, anti-immigration extremists and anti-technology extremists.'

In effect, any group or people who someone might want to label as 'extremist' or 'anti.'

'It doesn't say anything about trials and due process,'
Larry Pratt, executive director of Gun Owners of America, told Fox News. 'This is one of the most outrageous pieces of legislation to come along in some time. It's basically saying, ‘I suspect you, so your rights are toast.’'

The bill’s Constitutionality was a big question."

Not another Runaway Entitlement Program

Not another Runaway Entitlement Program
"However high the current cost estimates might seem to be, actual costs will turn out to be thousands of times higher. Entitlement spending by its very nature cannot be controlled. Having determined the qualifications for participating in an entitlement program, the government is obligated to pay whoever shows up. If, as often happens, it turns out that more people than expected qualify for an entitlement program and therefore spending exceeds estimates, politically it’s almost impossible to stop."

Couple: County Trying To Stop Home Bible Studies

Couple: County Trying To Stop Home Bible Studies
"'The county asked,
'Do you have a regular meeting in your home?' She said, 'Yes.'
'Do you say amen?' 'Yes.'
'Do you pray?' 'Yes.'
'Do you say praise the Lord?' 'Yes.''"

RED ALERT: Did anti-Obama campaign contributions dictate which Chrysler dealers were shuttered?

RED ALERT: Did anti-Obama campaign contributions dictate which Chrysler dealers were shuttered?: "Click here for the latest Dealergate post, which shows statistical evidence that Chrysler dealers were shuttered on partisan grounds"

Is Obama closing GOP car dealers? | Mark Tapscott | San Francisco Examiner

Is Obama closing GOP car dealers? Mark Tapscott San Francisco Examiner: "Bloggers on the Right side of the Blogosphere are up in arms over data suggesting that President Barack Obama’s White House auto industry potentates are targeting for closure Chrysler dealers with records of contributing either to Republicans like Sen. John McCain or to other Democrats in the 2008 presidential primary.
Posts at RedState, Reliapundit, American Thinker, Gateway Pundit, Joey Smith and Doug Ross pointed initially at the remarkable number of closed Chrysler dealerships whose owners happen to have been contributors to Obama opponents, mainly Republicans."

Woman Upset After American Flag Taken Down At Work - cbs11tv.com

Woman Upset After American Flag Taken Down At Work - cbs11tv.com: "When McLucas came to work Friday, her boss told her another supervisor had found her flag offensive. 'I was just totally speechless. I was like, 'You're kidding me,'' McLucas said."

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Police: Last words by would-be robber, ‘Let’s get it on.’

Police: Last words by would-be robber, ‘Let’s get it on.’
"A Northwest Side pharmacy owner fatally shot a would-be robber on Wednesday morning. That’s according to San Antonio police detectives.

The robbery suspect entered the Babcock Square Pharmacy around 9 a.m. at 5824 Babcock Rd. Inside were the owner/pharmacist, his wife, and an employee. The employee saw the man had a gun and told the pharmacist, who then pulled out his own handgun.

Seeing this, the robber reportedly responded by saying “Let’s get it on.” That’s when the owner shot him. The man died inside the business."

Sotomayor reversed 60% by high court

Sotomayor reversed 60% by high court

Mental health center closes

Mental health center closes
"The steady increase of mentally ill residents combined with Sacramento County's budget woes forced the county's main psychiatric hospital late Friday to close its doors to new patients.
The doors remained closed through Tuesday – and might stay closed for several more days, officials said, until its caseload falls.
Officials said the scene could repeat itself throughout the year as local and state funding continue their decline.
The situation, officials and advocates say, suggests the state is at the brink of a mental health catastrophe."

"BRAVE NEW WORLD" Pest control company charged with animal cruelty

Pest control company charged with animal cruelty
"The owner of a New Jersey pest control company has been charged with animal cruelty after a squirrel was found dead in a rooftop trap.
The Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals charged Kathleen Buck, owner of Critter Ridder, on Friday.
Chief Buddy Amato says a professional complex hired Critter Ridder to help get rid of the squirrel. He says a trap was set Wednesday for the animal, and no one returned to check on it.
Amato says the squirrel was found 'cooked to death on the hot roof' Thursday afternoon.
Buck faces four counts of animal cruelty, including one that cites her for not providing the squirrel with adequate food, water and shelter."

This is the new "amerika" folks...... unless we rise up!

Judge: Nash must resign a position

Judge: Nash must resign a position
"Judge Timothy G. Hicks agreed to the county prosecutor's request that he rule immediately on the inappropriateness of Nash serving on both boards, which have contractual agreements with one another.
Nash said he would appeal Hicks' decision, but declined to comment further.
He will need an order from the Michigan Court of Appeals staying Hicks' decision in order to remain on both boards while an appeal is being considered.
'The case was pretty clear-cut,' said Muskegon County Prosecutor Tony Tague. 'It was just a matter of Michigan law.'"

How much is this idiocy costing the taxpayers of Muskegon, the Muskegon schools and the County?

Plan to ax dealers not Chrysler's decision -lawyer | Industries | Consumer Goods & Retail | Reuters

Plan to ax dealers not Chrysler's decision
"'It became clear to us that Chrysler does not see the wisdom
of terminating 25 percent of its dealers,' Bellavia said. 'It
really wasn't Chrysler's decision. They are under enormous
pressure from the President's automotive task force.'"


Why did Obama's acadenic "car czar" bankrupt those dealer- employers and their employees?

Once Considered Unthinkable, U.S. Sales Tax Gets Fresh Look

Once Considered Unthinkable, U.S. Sales Tax Gets Fresh Look
"'There is a growing awareness of the need for fundamental tax reform,' Sen. Kent Conrad (D-N.D.) said in an interview. 'I think a VAT and a high-end income tax have got to be on the table.'
A VAT is a tax on the transfer of goods and services that ultimately is borne by the consumer. Highly visible, it would increase the cost of just about everything, from a carton of eggs to a visit with a lawyer. It is also hugely regressive, falling heavily on the poor. But VAT advocates say those negatives could be offset by using the proceeds to pay for health care for every American -- a tangible benefit that would be highly valuable to low-income families."

Understand that "fundamental tax reform" means MORE TAXES!

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Buying Brand New $23,000 Cars For Commuters in Phoenix is Cheaper Than Light Rail for $1.4B

Buying Brand New $23,000 Cars For Commuters in Phoenix is Cheaper Than Light Rail for $1.4B
"Well, if we bought each of these folks a brand new Prius III for $23,000 it would cost us just over $425 million.
This is WAY less than the $1.4 billion we pay to move them by rail instead.
We could have bought every regular rider a Prius and still have a billion dollars left over!"

The world according to Americans


Monday, May 25, 2009

Online news fees: financial salvation or suicide?

Online news fees: financial salvation or suicide?: "'To me, an online subscription is just the commonsense thing to do,' says Roger Plothow, editor and publisher of the Post Register in Idaho Falls, Idaho. 'To just give it all away on a Web site is completely and blindly idiotic.'"

Online news fees: financial salvation or suicide?

Online news fees: financial salvation or suicide?: "The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette is a rarity among large U.S. newspapers—it's selling more weekday copies than a decade ago. In Idaho, the Post Register's circulation has remained stable, while many other print publications have lost readers to the Internet. How can this be?
The executives behind the Arkansas and Idaho newspapers believe it's because they've been giving free access to their Web sites only to people who subscribe to the printed edition. Everyone else has to pay to read the Democrat-Gazette and the Post Register online. Meanwhile, most publishers have been giving away their stories and photos to all comers on the Internet."

Legislature shuts door on nurse care

Legislature shuts door on nurse care
"The word in Washington is that health care reform, not immigration or energy, is Congress' top priority this year.
This means universal, or near universal, insurance coverage is likely. Insuring nearly everyone means more health care, right? Wrong. If the number of health care providers remains the same, it means less health care for everyone. If universal coverage materializes, you won't want to fall ill, especially in Texas.
Look at Massachusetts, where waits to see primary care doctors grew to as long as 100 days as of last September. The state's new insurance policy extended coverage in 2006 to 439,000 more people. The number of doctors putting out “no new patients” signs also is rising, the Boston Globe reported."

Where are the proofs of cheaper, more efficient health care provided by ANY government?

Obama don't dig guns!

NRA-ILA ::: "On the Second Amendment, Don’t Believe Obama"

ORGANIZE - Take Muskegon Back: Voulnteering and just watching#links

ORGANIZE - Take Muskegon Back: Voulnteering and just watching#links

Hope and Change's Shelf Life


Hope and Change's Shelf Life - Victor Davis Hanson
"In other words, rather than explaining the bleak choices before us and explaining why his preferences have the best chance of succeeding, Obama has so far reduced his presidency to two themes: 'Bush did it' and 'I'm not your normal white male President.' If he keeps this monotony up, at some point even the comedians are going to notice the predictability.
Sorry, we need more than that to keep us safe from some creepy enemies and get the economy back on track."

Sunday, May 24, 2009

An amazing WW2 story


Look carefully at the B-17 and note how shot up it is - one engine dead, tail, horizontal stabilizer and nose shot up.. It was ready to fall out of the sky. (This is a painting done by an artist from the description of both pilots many years later.) Then realize that there is a German ME-109 fighter flying next to it. Now read the story below. I think you'll be surprised.....

Charlie Brown was a B-17 Flying Fortress pilot with the 379th Bomber Group at Kimbolton, England. His B-17 was called 'Ye Old Pub' and was in a terrible state, having been hit by flak and fighters. The compass was damaged and they were flying deeper over enemy territory instead of heading home to Kimbolton. After flying the B-17 over an enemy airfield, a German pilot named Franz Steigler was ordered to take off and shoot down the B-17. When he got near the B-17, he could not believe his eyes. In his words, he 'had never seen a plane in such a bad state'. The tail and rear section was severely damaged, and the tail gunner wounded. The top gunner was all over the top of the fuselage. The nose was smashed and there were holes everywhere. Despite having ammunition, Franz flew to the side of the B-17 and looked at Charlie Brown, the pilot. Brown was scared and struggling to control his damaged and blood-stained plane.
Aware that they had no idea where they were going, Franz waved at Charlie to turn 180 degrees. Franz escorted and guided the stricken plane to, and slightly over, the North Sea towards England. He then saluted Charlie Brown and turned away, back to Europe.
When Franz landed he told the CO that the plane had been shot down over the sea, and never told the truth to anybody. Charlie Brown and the remains of his crew told all at their briefing, but were ordered never to talk about it.
More than 40 years later, Charlie Brown wanted to find the Luftwaffe pilot who saved the crew. After years of research, Franz was found. He had never talked about the incident, not even at post-war reunions.

They met in the USA at a 379th Bomber Group reunion, together with 25 people who are alive now - all because Franz never fired his guns that day. (L-R) German Ace Franz Stigler, artist Ernie Boyett, and B-17 pilot Charlie Brown.
When asked why he didn't shoot them down, Stigler later said, "I didn't have the heart to finish those brave men. I flew beside them for a long time. They were trying desperately to get home and I was going to let them do that. I could not have shot at them. It would have been the same as shooting at a man in a parachute."
Both men died in 2008.
This story is essentially true:

Reagan's Impromptu Speech at 1976 GOP Convention

Saturday's wonderful, Muskegon Patriots gathering to honor our American fallen vets mentioned this short speech by President Reagan.

I've added another link to his moving "Shining City on a Hill" speech in 1974:

http://www.originofnations.org/books,%20papers/quotes%20etc/Reagan_The%20Shining%20City%20Upon%20A%20Hill%20speech.htm

Veterans Appreciation Event recap


Bottom Up Politics:
"I left the above meeting and hurried down to the “Veterans Appreciation Event” being put on by “Muskegon Patriots”. I have been working with Josh Charney the leader of Muskegon Patriots along with several others to help put on the event. Compared to the previous Tea Party event, the turnout was smaller. We planned on that due to the nature of the event, and the threat of rain also played a part. We did have a nice event with by my count, over 50 people braving the elements."

Nice recap of a proud event recognizing those who gave their all.

Splat! Former SKorean leader leaps to death over scandal


Former SKorean leader leaps to death over scandal
"Former President Roh Moo-hyun, embroiled in a penetrating corruption investigation, leaped to his death Saturday — a shocking end for a man whose rags-to-riches rise took him from rural poverty to Seoul's presidential Blue House. He was 62."

Wouldn't the USA be a better place if more "American" politicians took this option?

Snarky Huntress-tax grab!

Snarky Huntress: "When government leaders claim to oppose tax increases and promise not to create new taxes but then raid trust funds, they have deceived you because THEY HAVE CREATED A NEW TAX.

In a last minute sneak attack on gun owners, the Florida Legislature raided the concealed weapons and firearms licensing trust fund and CREATED A TAX ON THE EXERCISE OF THE SECOND AMENDMENT.

They took $6 million from the Division of Licensing Concealed Weapons and Firearm Trust Fund that is intended, by law, to be used solely for administering the concealed weapons and firearms licensing program. THAT IS A DEFACTO TAX ON GUN OWNERS (Read background Information below)."

Obama Addresses US Naval Academy Graduation | A Soldier's Perspective

Obama Addresses US Naval Academy Graduation A Soldier's Perspective: "Oddly enough, the midshipmen in attendance didn't applaud until Obama promised to 'to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat al Qaeda and its allies in Afghanistan and Pakistan.' Only then, did the soon-to-be Naval Ensigns and Marine Corps Lieutenants applaud his words. It's strength and resolve that we want, not candy-ass defeat and premature withdrawal."

Obama addressing ANY US military academy is just not right.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

USS Silversides "Lost Boat Ceremony" Sunday May 24! Be There!


"GLNMM's annual Lost Boat Ceremony will be held this Sunday, May 24, 11 a.m.
Americans, this is a truly moving event that honors those who have kept us free for so many decades.
Bring your pride, gratitude... and a hankey.
Rear Admiral Stephen E. Johnson (www.ssp.navy.mil/about/Johnson_bio) will be guest speaking. The ceremony will also include a War Birds flyby and the starting of SILVERSIDES' engines.
A free walk-through tour will conclude the ceremony.
A hot dog luncheon will follow."

Saturday thoughts


Did you ever notice the anti-war types never show up at Memorial Day events?

Why does Gov. Granholm order flags at half-mast when soldiers die, but not police or firefighters? Or American contractors, most of whom are military vets?

And why aren't military deaths outside of Iraq/Afghanistan not worthy of a lowered flag?

I think we know the answer......




Malaria, Politics and DDT

Malaria, Politics and DDT
"In 2006, after 25 years and 50 million preventable deaths, the World Health Organization reversed course and endorsed widespread use of the insecticide DDT to combat malaria.

So much for that. Earlier this month, the U.N. agency quietly reverted to promoting less effective methods for attacking the disease. The result is a victory for politics over public health, and millions of the world's poor will suffer as a result."

June 6th Obama-style




Organizing for America BarackObama.com Host or Attend a Health Care Organizing Kickoff
The subject of this e-mail from Obama's crew was: "June 6th: It all begins!"

"On June 6th, thousands of people just like you are beginning to organize for health care reform by hosting or attending a Health Care Organizing Kickoff."

I guess June 6th means different things to different Americans.

Friday, May 22, 2009

Muskegon Patriots Memorial Day event


Muskegon Patriots!
"When: May 23, 2009 Promptly starting at 1030AM (aprox 1hr)

Where: Veterans Memorial Park, Causeway

Parking: Please reserve south end of the park for Handicap Parking Only. All other parking will be in north end of Park, more parking areas will be announced on Tuesday, and they will all be near the park.

Event: At this event we will be honoring our Veterans and Service Men and Women.
If it were not for the time honored traditions of our armed services from President Washington to our current volunteer military we would not be able to enjoy this great Nation.

Bring with:
Please bring signs supporting our troops and veterans.
Cameras, video for sharing after the event
Money for t-shirts, hats, buttons, and beverages ($10, $10
$2)
YOU!

Activities:
There will be three Speakers
We will have a large signing area with a petition calling for the
removal of Janet Napoitano
Fundraising for continued support of the Muskegon Patriots"

75 MOVIES every man should see….

75 MOVIES every man should see….: "75 MOVIES every man should see."

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Editorial: Orchard View facing tough budget choices

Editorial: Orchard View facing tough budget choices
"A looming $1.6 million budget shortfall has forced Orchard View school board members to consider privatizing custodial and maintenance services -- something that several other area school districts have done"

Barack Obama's national security remarks

Barack Obama's national security remarks
"These are extraordinary times for our country. We are confronting an historic economic crisis. We are fighting two wars. We face a range of challenges that will define the way that Americans will live in the 21st century. There is no shortage of work to be done, or responsibilities to bear."

Dick Cheney's national security remarks

Dick Cheney's national security remarks
"Being the first vice president who had also served as secretary of defense, naturally my duties tended toward national security. I focused on those challenges day to day, mostly free from the usual political distractions. I had the advantage of being a vice president content with the responsibilities I had, and going about my work with no higher ambition.
Today, I'm an even freer man. Your kind invitation brings me here as a private citizen - a career in politics behind me, no elections to win or lose, and no favor to seek."

Divided MCC board approves tuition hike

Divided MCC board approves tuition hike
"A divided Muskegon Community College Board of Trustees Wednesday approved a 4.7 percent tuition hike."

4.7%!!!!!!!??????
Where is Prez Obama's "Shared Sacrifice" from the MCC employees?

Automatic annual wage step-ups, annual COL increases, monster benefits and pensions that don't seem to "Sharing" the sacrifice of students, parents and taxpayers.

The TWO AMERICAS ...again....

Aren't Regulations A Form of a Tax?

Aren't Regulations A Form of a Tax?
"Remember when Obama said that not one single American making under $250,000 would pay a single dime more in federal taxes?
Well the new emission standards Obama wants will make the cars we all buy as much as $600 - $1,300 more expensive."

As Cartoonists See It for the week of May 17

As Cartoonists See It for the week of May 17

Memorial Day parades, activities listed

Memorial Day parades, activities listed:
"The following is a look at local Memorial Day activities"

Hilarious Honda Insight 1.3 IMA SE Hybrid review

Jeremy Clarkson Honda Insight 1.3 IMA SE Hybrid review
"So here goes.
It’s terrible.
Biblically terrible.
Possibly the worst new car money can buy.
It’s the first car I’ve ever considered crashing into a tree, on purpose, so I didn’t have to drive it any more.
The biggest problem, and it’s taken me a while to work this out, because all the other problems are so vast and so cancerous....."

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

MEA prez threatens Benton Harbor board; board ignores her grandstanding

MEA prez threatens Benton Harbor board; board ignores her grandstanding
"The Benton Harbor school board last night voted to save a projected $2.75 million over five years by contracting for bus service.
Never an easy decision, the board put taxpayers first and made a wise decision.
MEA president Iris Salters took the opportunity to grandstand against privatization and even issued a threat to the board, according to the Herald Palladium:
“There will be a day when you rue the day you made this decision,” Salters said.


Anyone smell a recall?

With the Southfield story, we know the MEA isn’t above exacting revenge. There, the Uniserv director herself filed the recall petitions. Here, we’re guessing if a recall is filed, the MEA will be a little better about covering their tracks."

This is big union thuggery at its .... well normal level from the teacher's union thugs who seem immune from ANY media scrutiny, ever!

Michigan Budget, Michigan Legislature [Mackinac Center]

Michigan Budget, Michigan Legislature
"It's not really all that hard to cut state government spending — if you're willing to think outside the box and if you reject, 'But that's not the way we've done it in the past!' You also have to be willing to anger certain special interests (including government employees and their unions) who benefit from the status quo.
If you are willing to do those things, then here's a list of ways to achieve $2.24 billion in savings."

Wind turbine plant could create 219 jobs


Wind turbine plant could create 219 jobs
"The Michigan Economic Growth Authority board Tuesday tried to sway WindTronics officials' plant location decision by granting the company a 10-year, $3.7 million tax break if it selects an existing building in Muskegon's Port City Industrial Park.
WindTronics plans to invest $4.4 million in its first manufacturing plant that would employ up to 219 workers within five years. Michigan Economic Development Corp. officials say such a plant in Muskegon would generate an additional 243 indirect jobs."

How many times will we hear these same promises of jobs (taxpayer cost is $17,000 per job!) with zero follow up by ANYONE when the jobs don't pan out and the lies are buried?

Has our wonderful Muskegon Chronicle heard what's happened in Greenville? Yep!
But they'll never tell us in their paper.

Michigan unemployment in April reaches highest mark since 1983


12.9%
"A year ago, Michigan's April unemployment rate was 7.9 percent."
No worries, failure is the new "success"!
Lots of Obamamana flows to those who excel at the new "success".

Automotive Pension Disaster; $42 Billion in Pension Promises Completely Unfunded


Automotive Pension Disaster; $42 Billion in Pension Promises Completely Unfunded
"The potential for General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC to end their plans has left the PBGC facing the prospect of adding 900,000 current and future beneficiaries. The PBGC, which pays retirement income to almost 44 million Americans, estimates that $77 billion of the automotive industry’s pensions are underfunded, with about $42 billion of that not funded at all."

Doesn't ANYONE understand the ramifications of this disaster that is here now?

Japan economy shrinks at record 15.2 percent pace


Japan economy shrinks at record 15.2 percent pace
"Japan's economy contracted by a 15.2 percent annual pace in the first quarter - its sharpest drop on record - as exports plunged, companies slashed production and families cut back on spending, the government said Wednesday.
But the outlook is hopeful."
DOWN 15.2%?!!!
In one quarter?!!!
This is the Japan we were told to emulate by the democrats?
This is the same style of economics foisted on us by today's Obamanomics.

Rail heads petition to stop moving toxins

Rail heads petition to stop moving toxins
"Federal law requires railroads to transport such materials, which are used in manufacturing, agriculture and water treatment."

Responsible credit-card users to “subsidize” deadbeats now

Responsible credit-card users to “subsidize” deadbeats now
"Just a little friendly congressional intervention in the marketplace to shift risk from people who can’t afford the product to people who can. Hey — it worked out with mortgages, didn’t it?"

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

MAYBE THIS EXPLAINS DEMOCRATS

MAYBE THIS EXPLAINS DEMOCRATS
"Teachers don't know no stinkin' math.
MALDEN, Mass. (WPRI) - According to state education officials, nearly three-quarters of the people who took the state elementary school teacher’s licensing exam this year failed the new math section.
The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is releasing the results Tuesday. They say that only 27 percent of the more than 600 candidates who took the test passed. The test was administered in March of this year."

LA, Other CA Cities Most Polluted In US | Sweetness & Light

LA, Other CA Cities Most Polluted In US Sweetness & Light: "A report by the American Lung Association
17 May 2009: Six out of ten Americans live in urban areas where air pollution can cause major health problems. While a new report for the American Lung Association acknowledges substantial progress against air pollution in many areas of the USA, it finds nearly every major city was still burdened by air pollution. Despite America’s growing “green” movement, the air in many cities became dirtier during the past 12 months. The research names Pittsburgh, Los Angeles and Bakersfield as the most polluted US cities."

Global warming could be twice as bad as forecast

Global warming could be twice as bad as forecast
"Global warming's effects this century could be twice as extreme as estimated just six years ago, scientists reported on Tuesday.
Earth's median surface temperature could rise 9.3 degrees F (5.2 degrees C) by 2100, the scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology found, compared to a 2003 study that projected a median temperature increase of 4.3 degrees F (2.4 degrees C).
The new study, published in the American Meteorological Society's Journal of Climate, said the difference in projection was due to improved economic modeling and newer economic data than in previous scenarios.
Earlier climate warming may also have been masked by the global cooling effect of 20th-century volcanoes and by the emission of soot, which can add to warming, the scientists said in a statement.
To reach their conclusions, the MIT team used computer simulations that took world economic activity as well as climate processes into account, they said in a statement."

Caroline Glick: Iran's global reach

Caroline Glick: Iran's global reach
"As far as Washington is concerned, Iran's latest threats to destroy Israel were nothing more than payback for statements by Netanyahu and other senior Israeli officials regarding Israel's refusal to countenance a nuclear armed Iran.
Over the past several weeks, we have learned that the administration has made its peace with Iran's nuclear aspirations."

There is little question that it will take a major attack with WMDs for Obama to act... and even that might not be enough!

Vehicle break-ins on sharp rise in Muskegon County

Vehicle break-ins on sharp rise in Muskegon County
"Over the past two months, Muskegon County has been plagued by hundreds of vehicle break-ins, and in most cases the victim left valuables visible in an unlocked vehicle, police said.
Between March 1 and Friday, authorities countywide responded to 308 such incidents,"

The jails and prisons are full and the bad guys know it's a slap on their thieving wrist if they get caught.

Bummer dudes....

Monday, May 18, 2009

State may back off on new kindergarten rule

State may back off on new kindergarten rule
"It's not a lot to go on, but rumors out of Lansing are that the full-day requirement for developmental kindergarten next year will be delayed.
That means some districts expect to still offer half-day 'young fives' or DK programs in the fall, but that could change depending on the state's budget process."

Soak the Rich, Lose the Rich

Soak the Rich, Lose the Rich
"Here's the problem for states that want to pry more money out of the wallets of rich people. It never works because people, investment capital and businesses are mobile: They can leave tax-unfriendly states and move to tax-friendly states........
.....we found that from 1998 to 2007, more than 1,100 people every day including Sundays and holidays moved from the nine highest income-tax states such as California, New Jersey, New York and Ohio and relocated mostly to the nine tax-haven states with no income tax, including Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire and Texas.
We also found that over these same years the no-income tax states created 89% more jobs and had 32% faster personal income growth than their high-tax counterparts."

Happiness Is ... Being Old, Male and Republican


Happiness Is ... Being Old, Male and Republican
"Americans grow happier as they age, surveys find. And a new Pew Research Center survey shows the tendency is holding up as the economy tanks.
Happiness is a complex thing. Past studies have found that happiness is partly inherited, that Republicans are happier than Democrats, and that old men tend to be happier than old women."


Seriously, find a happy liberal!


They don't exist!


Bummer dudes......dudettes....

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Is the Dog-o-Matic an owner's best friend?





"Frenchman Romain Jarry, 31, who insists the device is not cruel, hopes to introduce it to Britain next year after it proved a huge success in his home town of St Max, near Nancy.
It costs the equivalent of £13 to wash a small dog, £22 for medium size, rising to £31 for the largest customers. Cats can also be catered for - at the small-dog price."

Spilled mercury causes hazmat cleanup in Hazel Park


Spilled mercury causes hazmat cleanup in Hazel Park
"Investigators are trying to figure out how a small amount of highly toxic mercury ended up on a sidewalk on Dequindre just south of Nine Mile Road.
A pedestrian called police at about 9 a.m. Sunday to report seeing a substance that looked like mercury, Sgt. Craig Fowler said.
'We called the hazmat crew and they confirmed that it did appear to be mercury,' Fowler said."

I remember when we were kids in the 50s we'd smash open thermometers to get the mercury and play with it for weeks.

None of us got sick or died.

We didn't even think to put it on out hotdogs....... but most of us are now conservatives......OMG!

Is mercury fondeling corrolated with conservatism?

And that is why libs want to keep it from young minds...........?

Man, 85, charged in fatal hammer attack on neighbor


Man, 85, charged in fatal hammer attack on neighbor

Hammer licensing?
If it saves just one life.....

Brady Hammer-Control?

Legal savvy, empathy keep Granholm on Supreme Court short list, experts say


Legal savvy, empathy keep Granholm on Supreme Court short list, experts say
"Michael Traugott, a political science professor at University of Michigan, says Granholm's strength is her mix of legal and political skills.
'If he doesn't want someone who's hasn't spent their life on the bench, who has practical experience, then you can see how she could fit,' he said.
'She has good legal experience. But she also has the experience that goes to the issue of empathy he seems to want.'"

But where do these "experts" prove Granholm's empathy for employers, employees or taxpayers?

Well, they don't.

But "those people" don't matter anymore.....

More state cutbacks on way


More state cutbacks on way
"State departments are bracing for 8 percent cuts next year in the wake of an agreement by the state's top economists Friday that the treasury will take in $1.72 billion less in tax collections next year than expected.
The cuts will mean more state worker layoffs and reductions in programs and services on top of statewide cuts ordered earlier this month by Gov. Jennifer Granholm to balance this year's budget."

Notice no interest in their President's concept of "shared sacrifice".
State workers who aren't laid off (those with GM/Chrysler seniority) seem to prefer others share the sacrifice....just like all government employees in our state.

Popular village of Three Oaks nearly broke

Popular village of Three Oaks nearly broke
"Three Oaks -- Not many communities of 1,800 have a poet laureate, community radio station, art-film house, and a downtown park that shows silent movies accompanied by an orchestra.
This isle of whimsy tucked in the southwest corner of Michigan differs from other quaint burgs in one other way.
It's nearly broke."

How could this happen?
With all this free stuff?
....... could there be a connection?

As Cartoonists See It for the week of May 10

As Cartoonists See It for the week of May 10

Michigan's broke, but it could be worse


Michigan's broke, but it could be worse
"Most of the economic stimulus money flowing into Lansing from Washington will go to keep state and school budgets in balance, not to fund hundreds of millions in job-creating infrastructure projects beyond those receiving stimulus money earmarked for that purpose"

So the "economic stimulus" is really not a stimulus but a public employee bailout just like the bailout for Chrysler and GM?

And about as successful too.

Column: Rumors of our demise premature


Column: Rumors of our demise premature
"I refer to the loose talk we've heard that The Muskegon Chronicle is going out of business, or has moved all of its employees to Grand Rapids, or has moved out of its downtown Muskegon building, or whatever else ignorant people are offering as their versions of truth these days.
None of the statements above is true."


It would be nice if The Chronicle continued its Terri Schiavo live-but-dying grip on life.

It would be way better if they started to report on what really is happening in our county, city/township governments and the MAISD and school spending vs how our kids are educated.

But that doesn't seem to be in the cards..... or Chairman Keep woulda told us, right?

Gas-tax increase introduced


Gas-tax increase introduced
"Lawmakers and road advocates began what will be a months-long push to raise $1.8 billion in higher gas tax and registration fees over the next half-decade that they say is required to keep Michigan roads in decent repair."

The tax-increase tsunami is rollin' folks!

Call you legislators or forever hold your peace.

One-size-fits-all laws strain local resources

One-size-fits-all laws strain local resources
"And, as one state official put it, it's another instance of 'one size fits all' laws.

If that were the only recent unfunded mandate ordered by the state or federal government, the city would take it and run like a thief.

Of course, it isn't."

Biden Reveals Location of Secret VP Bunker


Biden Reveals Location of Secret VP Bunker
"Biden told his dinnermates about the existence of a secret bunker under the old U.S. Naval Observatory, which is now the home of the vice president.
The bunker is believed to be the secure, undisclosed location"

Not any more....

5 Reasons Ethanol is a Major Scam

5 Reasons Ethanol is a Major Scam:
"3. All fuels laced with ethanol reduce the vehicle's fuel efficiency, and the E85 blend drops gas mileage between 30% and 40%, depending on whether you use the EPA's fuel mileage standards or those of the Dept. of Energy."

Saturday, May 16, 2009

43 stun-gunned at prisons' Take Your Kids to Work Day

43 stun-gunned at prisons' Take Your Kids to Work Day
"A total of 43 children were directly and indirectly shocked by electric stun guns during simultaneous ''Take Your Sons and Daughters to Work Day'' events gone wrong at three state prisons, according to new information provided Friday by the Florida Department of Corrections."

The Volokh Conspiracy

The Volokh Conspiracy
"Two YouTube videos help put proposed budget cuts and our growin"

New York Times, Nation's "Paper of Record," Rejects Frontpage Coverage of Pelosi Scandal

New York Times, Nation's "Paper of Record," Rejects Frontpage Coverage of Pelosi Scandal

Judge blocks 'robo-calls' selling car warranties

Judge blocks 'robo-calls' selling car warranties
"A federal judge has issued two temporary restraining orders designed to stop what officials describe as a wave of deceptive 'robo-calls' warning people their auto warranties are expiring and offering to sell them new service plans."

Anti-Gun Blacklist Bill Introduced in U.S. House


Anti-Gun Blacklist Bill Introduced in U.S. House
"H.R. 2159 would give 'the Attorney General the authority to deny the sale, delivery, or transfer of a firearm or the issuance of a firearms or explosives license or permit to dangerous terrorists. . . . if the Attorney General determines that the transferee is known (or appropriately suspected) to be or have been engaged in conduct constituting, in preparation for, in aid of, or related to terrorism, or providing material support thereof, and the Attorney General has a reasonable belief that the prospective transferee may use a firearm in connection with terrorism.'

H.R. 2159 does not, however, impose any requirements or limits on the information the Attorney General could use to make a determination, and it proposes that 'any information which the Attorney General relied on for this determination may be withheld from the applicant if the Attorney General determines that disclosure of the information would likely compromise national security.'

In stark contrast to the scheme proposed in H.R. 2159, federal law (already!) establishes guidelines for the nine categories of persons currently prohibited from possessing firearms, and it protects the right of a person to be told why he is prohibited. The latter is important because a person who is not prohibited can be mistaken for someone who is, due to incomplete or incorrect records in the FBI's database of prohibited persons, or due to being mistaken for a prohibited person on the basis of a similar name or other personal information."

Obama to name Utah gov. envoy to China

Obama to name Utah gov. envoy to China
"A Republican governor whose name has come up as a potential challenger to President Barack Obama in 2012 intends go to work for the president as ambassador to China, a source close to the governor said.
Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, who is fluent in Mandarin Chinese from his days as a Mormon missionary in Taiwan, has accepted the appointment.....
He made headlines recently for encouraging the Republican Party to swing in a more moderate direction if it wanted to bounce back from the 2008 elections.....He signed an initiative that would set a regional cap-and-trade effort to reduce global warming.
"

Friday, May 15, 2009

Gateway Pundit: Change!... Obama's Defense Cuts Cost St. Louis 30,000 Jobs




Lot's of nice, high-pay, American jobs gone, gone, gone!

Hope and change, baby!

ENCOUNTERING NEMESIS.

ENCOUNTERING NEMESIS.
The problem is that between 2003-2008 there was such hysterical antagonism to Bush that the combatants never worried about the often vicious means they used to achieve their supposedly lofty ends, and so now, finding themselves in a position of responsibility, are infuriated that anyone, well, would even conceive of playing hardball as they once did.
The striking thing about the sudden wounded-fawn Democratic syndrome is that Cheney is far milder than Gore was, that the CIA is not the firebrand Pelosi has been, and Bush has been silent about Obama in a way that even Clinton was not about Bush. If this softball stuff excites such outrage, what will happen if politics really get rough, say, as it was around 2007?
I expect we’ll find out."

Pelosi's Self-Torture - WSJ.com

Pelosi's Self-Torture - WSJ.com

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Obama Says U.S. Long-Term Debt Load ‘Unsustainable’ (Update1) - Bloomberg.com

Obama Says U.S. Long-Term Debt Load ‘Unsustainable’ (Update1) - Bloomberg.com: "President Barack Obama, calling current deficit spending “unsustainable,” warned of skyrocketing interest rates for consumers if the U.S. continues to finance government by borrowing from other countries."

Gulf Coast of Florida

Ooh yeah!!

Muskegon Democrats | Home


Muskegon Democrats
05/11/2009 QUOTE OF THE DAY:
'In the past year, despite a vice presidential nod that rocketed her to stardom, Sarah Palin's favorable ratings in her state have plunged from 86 percent to 54 percent. Jeez, you reveal yourself to be a connivin', scandal-dodgin', logic-twistin', ignorance embracin', witch doctor-lovin', bridge-to-nowhere thankin' then no-thankin', stimulus money rejectin' hypocrite and people just turn on ya. Oh well, at least Russia loves ya, ma'am. Look---they're wavin' at ya now.' Bill in Portland, Maine"

This is our Muskegon County democrat party official site.

They must be so proud!

Palin: Obama believes same thing as anti-gay beauty queen

Palin: Obama believes same thing as anti-gay beauty queen
“What I find so remarkable is that these politically-motivated attacks fail to show that what Carrie and I believe is also what President Obama and Secretary Clinton believe — marriage is between a man and a woman,” Palin said."

Muslim Demographics

It's coming, folks!

Pension issue isn't just about the teachers

Pension issue isn't just about the teachers
"it's against the law in Illinois to reduce the retirement benefits for any public employee -- a violation of Illinois' Constitution actually. You can't undo that without a Constitutional amendment, which nobody is proposing."

Aren't laws that public employees make for themselves great!

Granholm to Supreme Court? Serious tax issues fit Obama pattern

Granholm to Supreme Court? Serious tax issues fit Obama pattern
"The Ivory Tower reports this morning that Michigan's very own Governor Jennifer Granholm has landed smack dab on the Obama administration's short list of potential nominees to fill outgoing Justice David Souter's seat on the United States Supreme Court."

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

What The EPA's Ruling Means For Business - Forbes.com

What The EPA's Ruling Means For Business
"The decision on CO2 emissions is likely a boon for cleantech; critics fear huge risk to the U.S. economy.

The Environmental Protection Agency ruled today that carbon dioxide, a suspected cause of global warming, is an air pollutant that it is legally bound to regulate, a decision likely to have a vast impact on the U.S. economy and the way American companies do business. It is also a boon for cleantech, and may turn investors away from carbon intensive industries for good.
Lisa Jackson, the EPA administrator, signed a so-called endangerment finding, stating that carbon dioxide and five other products of fossil fuel combustion are harmful to both the environment and to human health. As a result, the EPA could begin regulating automotive CO2 emissions as soon as June. The ruling also gives the EPA broad power to regulate greenhouse-gas emissions from industry and electric power utilities for the first time."

This is disturbing-"Mission Accomplished" deleted.


I posted this back in 2007 when a friend told me "Bush landed on the aircraft carrier, said "Mission Accomplished" and told the world that the war was over".

http://muskegonpundit.blogspot.com/2007/05/msm-keeps-repeating-democrat-lie.html

It is an oft told lie, made up by Bush-haters and the liberal MSM (redundancy alert!) so when I saw it again on the web I went back to my original post and clicked my link to the US government website http://www.state.gov/p/nea/rls/rm/20203.htm and found, voila! gone, deleted, out-of-there!
The US government had deleted the link and any mention of what President Bush said that day.

I even went to youtube and found only hate-Bush, misleading or shortened to the point of meaningless links to videos.

The entire Bush speech on video is nowhere to be found.
So the lie will be perpetuated and the truth buried.
Our brave new world with our great leader and his acolytes.

An aside:
My friend is an elderly gentleman who had no internet connection, so I went to the US government website and printed out the entire Bush "Mission Accomplished" speech on the USS Abe Lincoln.

He read it and responded, "you got this from the internet, right? Anyone could have written that. I don't believe things from the internet".

He gets most of his "news" from TV and Time magazine.

He had comfortably settled into his belief and no more information was needed.

State a lie often enough and people will see it as the truth.


MuskegonSummerCelebration to offer "Early-In Passes" $135




MUSKEGON, MI, May 13, 2009
The Muskegon Summer Celebration, ...., announces a chance for patrons to avoid the line and enter the Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge (Obama) Main Stage venue early for this year’s event, June 25 – July 5.
Up to 1000 patrons will be allowed into the concert venue beginning at 5:00 PM each day. Those patrons will either have purchased a special Sappi 11-Day Pass good for early entrance each night or a special ticket upgrade good for that particular night. There will be 400 Sappi 11-Day Early- In Passes available for $135 at the Downtown Summer Sampler/Sappi Pass Party, May 15 – 17, and 600 individual early-in upgrades for each night selling for $10 each.

This is a good idea.
Wait for the howls of angst from those who want free stuff!

US Speeding Towards Financial Crash

US Speeding Towards Financial Crash
"a warning from a top credit rating agency that the nation risked losing its triple A rating if it did not start putting its finances in order, is coming back to haunt us.
That warning from Moody’s focused on the exploding healthcare and Social Security costs that threaten to engulf the federal government in debt over coming decades. The facts show we’re in even worse shape now, and there are signs that confidence in America’s ability to control its finances is eroding."

Recession Drains Social Security and Medicare

Recession Drains Social Security and Medicare
"the Medicare fund that pays hospital bills for older Americans is expected to run out of money in 2017, two years sooner than projected last year. The Social Security trust fund will be exhausted in 2037, four years earlier than predicted"

And just where is this "Social Security TRUST FUND"?

In someone's lockbox?

Yeah, right......

Oh, our youth are just wild about big spendin' BarryO.

Wait till they realize the bill is theirs.

Was It a Sucker's Rally?

Was It a Sucker's Rally?
"You can have a jobless recovery, but you can't have a profitless recovery. Consider: Earnings are subpar, Treasury's last auction was a bust because of weak demand, the dollar is suspect, the stimulus is pork, the latest budget projects a $1.84 trillion deficit, the administration is berating investment firms and hedge funds saying 'I don't stand with them,' California is dead broke, health care may be nationalized, cap and trade will bump electric bills by 30% . . . Shall I go on?"

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Chrysler Walks Away from Lemon Laws | The Truth About Cars

Chrysler Walks Away from Lemon Laws The Truth About Cars: "When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade (or glazed strawberry lemon streusel muffins). When Chrysler gives you lemons, you’re SOL. Since April 30, Judge Arthur Gonzales has to approve payment on claims against Chrysler incurred before C11. That includes “lemon law” settlement checks to customers who bought defective Dodge, Chrysler or Jeep products. Not happening. “San Diego attorney Ellen Turnage represents a client who reached a settlement with Chrysler over a 2006 Dodge Magnum with a bad suspension. The car has been returned to Chrysler, but the automaker’s check bounced. ‘Now he’s got no car and no money, so he can’t go buy a new one,’ Turnage said of her client. ‘He’s stuck. We’re hanging on to a glimmer of hope that at some point this will all be resolved.’” As the LA Times reports, Turnage’s pessimism is well-justified. Instead of saying, sorry, we’ll expedite this, the new Chrysler is telling aggrieved customers to FO&D.
The company said it had no plans at this point to ask the bankruptcy judge to approve payments to settle lemon law complaints. ”This is a complex process and there are a lot of issues being discussed,” said Chrysler spokesman Mike Palese. “This could be one of those issues that comes up in the course of the bankruptcy, but I can’t say that we have any plans to present it at this time.”
Chrysler advises customers with pending lemon law complaints to file a proof of claim form with the Bankruptcy Court and join the ranks of the automaker’s unsecured creditors.
“In that case, you’ll be lucky to get pennies on the dollar,” [Atlanta attorney Alex]"