Trillion-Dollar Pension Crisis Looms Large Over America
"Assuming they can laugh about such things, pension fund accountants might consider telling a joke that goes like this:
What’s the difference between General Motors and California?
California hasn’t gone bankrupt. At least, not yet."
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Playing the Victim - Well Blog - NYTimes.com
Playing the Victim - Well Blog - NYTimes.com
"In today’s Mind column, psychiatrist Dr. Richard A. Friedman explores the puzzling world of self-defeating behavior, when people blame others for their misfortune and feel victimized by bad luck.
So what explains those men and women who repeatedly pursue a path that leads to pain and disappointment?
Perhaps there is a hidden psychological reward.
I got a glimpse of it once from another patient, a woman in her early 60s who complained about her ungrateful children and neglectful friends.
As she spoke, it was clear she felt that all the major figures in her life had done her wrong.
In fact, her status as an injured party afforded her a psychological advantage: she felt morally superior to everyone she felt had mistreated her.
This was a role she had no intention of giving up.
As she left my office, she smiled and said, “I don’t expect that you’ll be able to help me.”
She was already setting up her next failure: her treatment."
Would it be cruel to say this fool is almost certainly a liberal democrat?.........
"In today’s Mind column, psychiatrist Dr. Richard A. Friedman explores the puzzling world of self-defeating behavior, when people blame others for their misfortune and feel victimized by bad luck.
So what explains those men and women who repeatedly pursue a path that leads to pain and disappointment?
Perhaps there is a hidden psychological reward.
I got a glimpse of it once from another patient, a woman in her early 60s who complained about her ungrateful children and neglectful friends.
As she spoke, it was clear she felt that all the major figures in her life had done her wrong.
In fact, her status as an injured party afforded her a psychological advantage: she felt morally superior to everyone she felt had mistreated her.
This was a role she had no intention of giving up.
As she left my office, she smiled and said, “I don’t expect that you’ll be able to help me.”
She was already setting up her next failure: her treatment."
Would it be cruel to say this fool is almost certainly a liberal democrat?.........
CEO Says ACORN 'Isn't Dead Yet' : NPR
CEO Says ACORN 'Isn't Dead Yet' : NPR:
"ACORN isn't disbanding despite a scandal that has caused membership to dwindle and revenues to dry up, the embattled activist group's chief executive officer told NPR on Tuesday.
'We're not dead, yet,' ACORN CEO Bertha Lewis told NPR's Allison Keyes on Tuesday's Tell Me More. 'Some of our state chapters have chosen to go their own way. We haven't been able to maintain the resources, state-by-state, that we had, so we have gotten a little bit smaller. We've had to change some of our programming.'"
"ACORN isn't disbanding despite a scandal that has caused membership to dwindle and revenues to dry up, the embattled activist group's chief executive officer told NPR on Tuesday.
'We're not dead, yet,' ACORN CEO Bertha Lewis told NPR's Allison Keyes on Tuesday's Tell Me More. 'Some of our state chapters have chosen to go their own way. We haven't been able to maintain the resources, state-by-state, that we had, so we have gotten a little bit smaller. We've had to change some of our programming.'"
14 Attorneys General Are Filing Suit on ObamaCare
14 Attorneys General Are Filing Suit on ObamaCare
"Fourteen Attorneys General have filed suits against ObamaCare.
Is your AG on this list?
If not, contact them and get them to stand up!
The fight to stop ObamaCare isn't over yet, and we can still win!"
MI AG Cox is on board!
"Fourteen Attorneys General have filed suits against ObamaCare.
Is your AG on this list?
If not, contact them and get them to stand up!
The fight to stop ObamaCare isn't over yet, and we can still win!"
MI AG Cox is on board!
Health-Care Overhaul Changes to Start Taking Effect This Year
Health-Care Overhaul Changes to Start Taking Effect This Year
"Indoor tanning salons will charge customers a 10 percent tax beginning today in just one of the changes Americans will see as a result of the U.S. health-care overhaul signed into law by President Barack Obama."
"Indoor tanning salons will charge customers a 10 percent tax beginning today in just one of the changes Americans will see as a result of the U.S. health-care overhaul signed into law by President Barack Obama."
NCAA.com – The Official Website of NCAA Championships - NCAA
NCAA.com – The Official Website of NCAA Championships - NCAA
This is a great site for Spartan NCAA tournament hoops!
This is a great site for Spartan NCAA tournament hoops!
ACORN disbanding because of money woes, scandal
ACORN disbanding because of money woes, scandal
"ACORN's board decided to close remaining state affiliates and field offices by April 1 because of falling revenues, with some national operations will continue operating for at least several weeks before shutting for good, Whelan said Monday."
Don't believe this for a second!
They have suffered less funding but they're simply changing the name and the signs.
The same scumbags are still getting our state, federal and charity money as before.
Be ever vigilant!
"ACORN's board decided to close remaining state affiliates and field offices by April 1 because of falling revenues, with some national operations will continue operating for at least several weeks before shutting for good, Whelan said Monday."
Don't believe this for a second!
They have suffered less funding but they're simply changing the name and the signs.
The same scumbags are still getting our state, federal and charity money as before.
Be ever vigilant!
The Old Jarhead: I'm tired
The Old Jarhead: I'm Tired
"I’m tired of being told how bad America is by leftwing millionaires like Michael Moore, George Soros and Hollywood entertainers who live in luxury because of the opportunities America offers.
In thirty years, if they get their way, the United States will have the religious freedom and women’s rights of Saudi Arabia, the economy of Zimbabwe, the freedom of the press of China, the crime and violence of Mexico, the tolerance for Gay people of Iran, and the freedom of speech of Venezuela.
Won’t multiculturalism be beautiful?"
He's tired of a lot more.
Read it all.
"I’m tired of being told how bad America is by leftwing millionaires like Michael Moore, George Soros and Hollywood entertainers who live in luxury because of the opportunities America offers.
In thirty years, if they get their way, the United States will have the religious freedom and women’s rights of Saudi Arabia, the economy of Zimbabwe, the freedom of the press of China, the crime and violence of Mexico, the tolerance for Gay people of Iran, and the freedom of speech of Venezuela.
Won’t multiculturalism be beautiful?"
He's tired of a lot more.
Read it all.
Another County board meeting today 3:30 at County building
Today (3-23-2010) there will be a full board meeting of the Muskegon County Commission.
Among other items I found these most interesting:
1. I'm against ANY porky funding for this type of public event but especially when our financial future is so bleak.
But look at the funding for the Heights "Festival".
$3000.
Does the county board "spread the money around" to the other cities?
Or is the heights just "special"? Either way, it ought to stop
.
They've already spent us broke.
They shouldn't have the fun of spending us broker.
CD/SP1 0103 -03To approve the financial contributions be made and that the funds be utilized from the CVB's Community Promotions (902020) line item:
Muskegon Heights "Festival in the Park" -$3,000.00;
The Associationof Concert Bands 2011 National Convention Committee -$500.00;
the Miss Michigan Scholarship Pageant -$3,000.00.
2. Most every trolley I've seen was empty or mostly empty.
Has there ever been a study of ridership vs cost?
Wouldn't it be nice to see that report?
TRlO/03-12 Move to approve operation of a 2010 Trolley Route Program as proposed.
3. They "waive" just about every meeting.
Maybe we citizens ought to get an explanation?
To waive the hiring freeze and allow the Human Resources Department to fill the vacant Human Resources Analyst position #N39502 at step 1 and change the funding from 100% 1010-0226 to 75% 1010-0226 and 25% 6770-0203.
4. Wait-a-minute!
County retirees get dental benefits??!!!!
What's that cost?
Do you get retirement dental?
Gimme a break!
To approve Professional Benefits Services (PBS) for the Third Party Administration of the Muskegon County retiree dental plan from 4/1/2010 -9/30/2012 at a rate of $1.90 per line item.
5. Probably nothing here but anytime I see vague wording, I get the ginchies.
"..grant the authority to sign NECESSARY contracts...."
I'd just like a bit more info sir.....
To grant the Chairperson of the Muskegon County Board of Commissioners and the County Clerk the authority to sign necessary contracts with Web Tecs, Inc., and Ottawa County.
6. This one is minor but says volumes about our state.
They want to hire a kid and pay him about $5,700 but the worker's comp is $1,011 for this part timer!!!!!
No wonder jobs keep leaving our state.
Requested Position Class/Pos. Description WATER SYSTEM ENG AIDE/SEASONAL Requested Table/Grade/Hourly Range $850~/HR~
Salary and Wages Social Security Hospitalization Ins. Life Ins. Retirement
$5,746
Worker's comp
$1,011
Among other items I found these most interesting:
1. I'm against ANY porky funding for this type of public event but especially when our financial future is so bleak.
But look at the funding for the Heights "Festival".
$3000.
Does the county board "spread the money around" to the other cities?
Or is the heights just "special"? Either way, it ought to stop
.
They've already spent us broke.
They shouldn't have the fun of spending us broker.
CD/SP1 0103 -03To approve the financial contributions be made and that the funds be utilized from the CVB's Community Promotions (902020) line item:
Muskegon Heights "Festival in the Park" -$3,000.00;
The Associationof Concert Bands 2011 National Convention Committee -$500.00;
the Miss Michigan Scholarship Pageant -$3,000.00.
2. Most every trolley I've seen was empty or mostly empty.
Has there ever been a study of ridership vs cost?
Wouldn't it be nice to see that report?
TRlO/03-12 Move to approve operation of a 2010 Trolley Route Program as proposed.
3. They "waive" just about every meeting.
Maybe we citizens ought to get an explanation?
To waive the hiring freeze and allow the Human Resources Department to fill the vacant Human Resources Analyst position #N39502 at step 1 and change the funding from 100% 1010-0226 to 75% 1010-0226 and 25% 6770-0203.
4. Wait-a-minute!
County retirees get dental benefits??!!!!
What's that cost?
Do you get retirement dental?
Gimme a break!
To approve Professional Benefits Services (PBS) for the Third Party Administration of the Muskegon County retiree dental plan from 4/1/2010 -9/30/2012 at a rate of $1.90 per line item.
5. Probably nothing here but anytime I see vague wording, I get the ginchies.
"..grant the authority to sign NECESSARY contracts...."
I'd just like a bit more info sir.....
To grant the Chairperson of the Muskegon County Board of Commissioners and the County Clerk the authority to sign necessary contracts with Web Tecs, Inc., and Ottawa County.
6. This one is minor but says volumes about our state.
They want to hire a kid and pay him about $5,700 but the worker's comp is $1,011 for this part timer!!!!!
No wonder jobs keep leaving our state.
Requested Position Class/Pos. Description WATER SYSTEM ENG AIDE/SEASONAL Requested Table/Grade/Hourly Range $850~/HR~
Salary and Wages Social Security Hospitalization Ins. Life Ins. Retirement
$5,746
Worker's comp
$1,011
Come on and join me in these meetings!
Every Tues and Thurs at 3:30 at the County Building.
Exempted From Obamacare: Senior Staff Who Wrote the Bill
Exempted From Obamacare: Senior Staff Who Wrote the Bill The New Ledger
"One such surprise is found on page 158 of the legislation, which appears to create a carveout for senior staff members in the leadership offices and on congressional committees, essentially exempting those senior Democrat staffers who wrote the bill from being forced to purchase health care plans in the same way as other Americans."
"One such surprise is found on page 158 of the legislation, which appears to create a carveout for senior staff members in the leadership offices and on congressional committees, essentially exempting those senior Democrat staffers who wrote the bill from being forced to purchase health care plans in the same way as other Americans."
Muskegon County meeting today 1:00-be there!
These are the big issues today:
1. Equalization and assessments. That's your property taxes, folks!
2. The new casino in Fruitport. Lot's of money to be spread around in this deal.
3. Long range financial planning for the County. The county is broke. This is something EVERYONE needs to understand. This is BIG!
4. The county commissioner's travel budget. Just how much do they really spend? Who's the biggest spender?
5. County purchasing policy. They spend our money. How do they decide?
http://muskegonpundit.blogspot.com/2010/03/big-meeting-tomorrow-100pm.html
There will be an open "planning session" meeting of the full Muskegon county board tomorrow from 1-3:00 PM at the Muskegon County convention and visitors bureau building.
That's the old train station across from the Eagles, corner of 7th and Western.
All citizens are legally entitled to attend.
This is where much of the real policy info is discussed and in the past, the commissioners have had the luxury of little citizen attendance or input.
So they could do just whatever they and those with their hands out wanted.
With little public scrutiny.
Let's change that!
I'll be there tomorrow at 12:45, outside by the front door to greet any of you patriots who will stand tall and attend.
It is YOUR future and your money they will be talking about!
See you there!
1. Equalization and assessments. That's your property taxes, folks!
2. The new casino in Fruitport. Lot's of money to be spread around in this deal.
3. Long range financial planning for the County. The county is broke. This is something EVERYONE needs to understand. This is BIG!
4. The county commissioner's travel budget. Just how much do they really spend? Who's the biggest spender?
5. County purchasing policy. They spend our money. How do they decide?
http://muskegonpundit.blogspot.com/2010/03/big-meeting-tomorrow-100pm.html
There will be an open "planning session" meeting of the full Muskegon county board tomorrow from 1-3:00 PM at the Muskegon County convention and visitors bureau building.
That's the old train station across from the Eagles, corner of 7th and Western.
All citizens are legally entitled to attend.
This is where much of the real policy info is discussed and in the past, the commissioners have had the luxury of little citizen attendance or input.
So they could do just whatever they and those with their hands out wanted.
With little public scrutiny.
Let's change that!
I'll be there tomorrow at 12:45, outside by the front door to greet any of you patriots who will stand tall and attend.
It is YOUR future and your money they will be talking about!
See you there!
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