We Interrupt this Socialization of Medicine to Bring You an Abdication of Our National Defense . . . - Andy McCarthy - The Corner on National Review Online
"But the release announced this past weekend is just appalling.
The twelve detainees have been transferred to: Yemen, an al-Qaeda hotbed whose government makes common cause with jihadists (and has a history of allowing them to escape — or of releasing them outright);
Afghanistan, which is so ungovernable and rife with jihadism that we're surging thousands of troops there (troops the jihadists are targeting);
and Somaliland, which is not even a country,"
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
"Change… Obama Now More Loathed Than Bush at End of His Second Term"
Gateway Pundit
"Change… Obama Now More Loathed Than Bush at End of His Second Term"
A Good Solid B+
Barack Obama’s approval index number dropped to a new low today.
Rasmussen reported:
The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Tuesday shows that 25% of the nation’s voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as President.
Forty-six percent (46%) Strongly Disapprove giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -21 That’s the lowest Approval Index rating yet recorded for this President (see trends).
At the end of his second term President George W. Bush had a 43% disapproval rating.
In less than one year Barack Obama managed to pi$$ off more people than George W. Bush.
Nice work, Barack."
"Change… Obama Now More Loathed Than Bush at End of His Second Term"
A Good Solid B+
Barack Obama’s approval index number dropped to a new low today.
Rasmussen reported:
The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Tuesday shows that 25% of the nation’s voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as President.
Forty-six percent (46%) Strongly Disapprove giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -21 That’s the lowest Approval Index rating yet recorded for this President (see trends).
At the end of his second term President George W. Bush had a 43% disapproval rating.
In less than one year Barack Obama managed to pi$$ off more people than George W. Bush.
Nice work, Barack."
Obama's replacement
The Weekly Standard
"Senator Roland Burris is claiming credit for a provision in Harry Reid's 'manager's amendment,' unveiled Saturday morning, that could funnel money to ACORN through the health care bill.
On December 9, Burris, an Illinois Democrat, pledged that he would filibuster a health care bill without a public option. 'If we have to get 60 and it comes back and it does not have a public option in it, I will not vote for it,' he said. Then early last week he said he could vote for the bill if there were changes made to achieve the goals of the public option: 'until this bill addresses cost, competition, and accountability in a meaningful way—it will not win [my vote].'"
"Senator Roland Burris is claiming credit for a provision in Harry Reid's 'manager's amendment,' unveiled Saturday morning, that could funnel money to ACORN through the health care bill.
On December 9, Burris, an Illinois Democrat, pledged that he would filibuster a health care bill without a public option. 'If we have to get 60 and it comes back and it does not have a public option in it, I will not vote for it,' he said. Then early last week he said he could vote for the bill if there were changes made to achieve the goals of the public option: 'until this bill addresses cost, competition, and accountability in a meaningful way—it will not win [my vote].'"
Crowdsourcing The Contract With America 2.0
Chicago Boyz » Blog Archive » Crowdsourcing The Contract With America 2.0
"The GOP is not exactly the sharpest bunch of elephants on the savannah.
They are looking at a historic threat, and a historic opportunity, with the Democrats making massive and unpopular changes to the foundations of our economy and our government.
But I am seeking just about zero leadership in the opposition ranks. Gov. Palin, who is now a bystanderer, has accomplished more with her Facebook page than most of the elected legislators have managed to do from their roost in DC.
In the run-up to the 1994 takeover of Congress by the GOP, New Gingrich came up with his Contract with America, which nationalized the election.
We need an equivalent program now.
Question for our dear readers: What should CWA 2.0 have in it?
I suggest some possible items:"
"The GOP is not exactly the sharpest bunch of elephants on the savannah.
They are looking at a historic threat, and a historic opportunity, with the Democrats making massive and unpopular changes to the foundations of our economy and our government.
But I am seeking just about zero leadership in the opposition ranks. Gov. Palin, who is now a bystanderer, has accomplished more with her Facebook page than most of the elected legislators have managed to do from their roost in DC.
In the run-up to the 1994 takeover of Congress by the GOP, New Gingrich came up with his Contract with America, which nationalized the election.
We need an equivalent program now.
Question for our dear readers: What should CWA 2.0 have in it?
I suggest some possible items:"
We Are No Longer a Nation of Laws. Senate Sets Up Requirement for Super-Majority to Ever Repeal Obamacare
We Are No Longer a Nation of Laws. Senate Sets Up Requirement for Super-Majority to Ever Repeal Obamacare
Erick’s blog - RedState:
"Section 3403 of Senator Harry Reid’s amendment requires that “it shall not be in order in the Senate or the House of Representatives to consider any bill, resolution, amendment, or conference report that would repeal or otherwise change this subsection.”
The good news is that this only applies to one section of the Obamacare legislation.
The bad news is that it applies to regulations imposed on doctors and patients by the Independent Medicare Advisory Boards a/k/a the Death Panels."
Erick’s blog - RedState:
"Section 3403 of Senator Harry Reid’s amendment requires that “it shall not be in order in the Senate or the House of Representatives to consider any bill, resolution, amendment, or conference report that would repeal or otherwise change this subsection.”
The good news is that this only applies to one section of the Obamacare legislation.
The bad news is that it applies to regulations imposed on doctors and patients by the Independent Medicare Advisory Boards a/k/a the Death Panels."
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
The firefighter longevity myth surfaces again
The firefighter longevity myth surfaces again - America's Finest - SignOnSanDiego.com
"There is no difference at all -- no matter what people trying to justify their outrageous and unaffordable benefits tell you."
"There is no difference at all -- no matter what people trying to justify their outrageous and unaffordable benefits tell you."
Beware the Taxpayer Bailout of Underfunded Teamsters Pension Funds
Mish's Global Economic Trend Analysis: Beware the Taxpayer Bailout of Underfunded Teamsters Pension Funds
"Replenishing Pension Funds From Taxpayer Pockets
It should be no surprise that the Teamsters (or any union) would want taxpayer handouts, or that Congress would buy votes giving away handouts."
"Replenishing Pension Funds From Taxpayer Pockets
It should be no surprise that the Teamsters (or any union) would want taxpayer handouts, or that Congress would buy votes giving away handouts."
Lefty: 10 reasons to kill Obamacare
Lefty: 10 reasons to kill Obamacare « Don Surber
"From her Web site, her reasons for opposing Obamacare:
1. Forces you to pay up to 8% of your income to private insurance corporations — whether you want to or not.
2. If you refuse to buy the insurance, you’ll have to pay penalties of up to 2% of your annual income to the IRS.
3. Many will be forced to buy poor-quality insurance they can’t afford to use, with $11,900 in annual out-of-pocket expenses over and above their annual premiums.
4. Massive restriction on a woman’s right to choose, designed to trigger a challenge to Roe v. Wade in the Supreme Court.
5. Paid for by taxes on the middle class insurance plan you have right now through your employer, causing them to cut back benefits and increase co-pays.
6. Many of the taxes to pay for the bill start now, but most Americans won’t see any benefits — like an end to discrimination against those with preexisting conditions — until 2014 when the program begins.
7. Allows insurance companies to charge people who are older 300% more than others.
8. Grants monopolies to drug companies that will keep generic versions of expensive biotech drugs from ever coming to market.
9. No re-importation of prescription drugs, which would save consumers $100 billion over 10 years.
10. The cost of medical care will continue to rise, and insurance premiums for a family of four will rise an average of $1,000 a year — meaning in 10 years, your family’s insurance premium will be $10,000 more annually than it is right now."
"From her Web site, her reasons for opposing Obamacare:
1. Forces you to pay up to 8% of your income to private insurance corporations — whether you want to or not.
2. If you refuse to buy the insurance, you’ll have to pay penalties of up to 2% of your annual income to the IRS.
3. Many will be forced to buy poor-quality insurance they can’t afford to use, with $11,900 in annual out-of-pocket expenses over and above their annual premiums.
4. Massive restriction on a woman’s right to choose, designed to trigger a challenge to Roe v. Wade in the Supreme Court.
5. Paid for by taxes on the middle class insurance plan you have right now through your employer, causing them to cut back benefits and increase co-pays.
6. Many of the taxes to pay for the bill start now, but most Americans won’t see any benefits — like an end to discrimination against those with preexisting conditions — until 2014 when the program begins.
7. Allows insurance companies to charge people who are older 300% more than others.
8. Grants monopolies to drug companies that will keep generic versions of expensive biotech drugs from ever coming to market.
9. No re-importation of prescription drugs, which would save consumers $100 billion over 10 years.
10. The cost of medical care will continue to rise, and insurance premiums for a family of four will rise an average of $1,000 a year — meaning in 10 years, your family’s insurance premium will be $10,000 more annually than it is right now."
Recovery not as strong as previously thought
Recovery not as strong as previously thought
"The economy grew at a 2.2 percent pace in the third quarter, as the recovery got off to a weaker start than previously thought."
"The economy grew at a 2.2 percent pace in the third quarter, as the recovery got off to a weaker start than previously thought."
Exclusive: Rep. Parker Griffith switches to GOP - - POLITICO.com
Exclusive: Rep. Parker Griffith switches to GOP - - POLITICO.com
"POLITICO has learned that Rep. Parker Griffith, a freshman Democrat from Alabama, will announce today that he’s switching parties to become a Republican."
"POLITICO has learned that Rep. Parker Griffith, a freshman Democrat from Alabama, will announce today that he’s switching parties to become a Republican."
The Best Notable Quotables of 2009
The Best Notable Quotables of 2009
"Andrea Mitchell (2755 Votes)
“What a day it was. It may take days or years to really absorb the significance of what happened to America today....When he [Barack Obama] finally emerged, he seemed, even in this throng, so solitary, somber, perhaps already feeling the weight of the world, even before he was transformed into the leader of the free world....The mass flickering of cell phone cameras on the Mall seemed like stars shining back at him.”
— NBC’s Andrea Mitchell on the January 20 Nightly News."
Grab a barf bag and read the rest.....
"Andrea Mitchell (2755 Votes)
“What a day it was. It may take days or years to really absorb the significance of what happened to America today....When he [Barack Obama] finally emerged, he seemed, even in this throng, so solitary, somber, perhaps already feeling the weight of the world, even before he was transformed into the leader of the free world....The mass flickering of cell phone cameras on the Mall seemed like stars shining back at him.”
— NBC’s Andrea Mitchell on the January 20 Nightly News."
Grab a barf bag and read the rest.....
What recovery? Budget deficits get worse for states.
What recovery? Budget deficits get worse for states.
CSMonitor.com: "Budget deficits for 2010 have worsened in 39 states in the past two or three months, according to a new analysis by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities."
CSMonitor.com: "Budget deficits for 2010 have worsened in 39 states in the past two or three months, according to a new analysis by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities."
Steven Greenhut exposes clout of government unions
Steven Greenhut exposes clout of government unions
"former Register editorial writer Steven Greenhut has just released his book, 'Plunder! How Public Employee Unions Are Raiding Treasuries, Controlling Our Lives and Bankrupting the Nation.'
For the vast majority of ordinary citizens who toil in the private sector, this book will produce more than outrage – it is likely to spur many to take up the cause of stopping these corrupting influences on our systems of governance.
The real outrage will kick in at Chapter Two, entitled 'Unbelievable Pay and Benefits.' It is here that Greenhut catalogs the shocking abuses of public employee compensation."
"former Register editorial writer Steven Greenhut has just released his book, 'Plunder! How Public Employee Unions Are Raiding Treasuries, Controlling Our Lives and Bankrupting the Nation.'
For the vast majority of ordinary citizens who toil in the private sector, this book will produce more than outrage – it is likely to spur many to take up the cause of stopping these corrupting influences on our systems of governance.
The real outrage will kick in at Chapter Two, entitled 'Unbelievable Pay and Benefits.' It is here that Greenhut catalogs the shocking abuses of public employee compensation."
'Morning Joe' Team Takes Direction From WH
The Radio Equalizer: Brian Maloney: MSNBC Libtalker: 'Morning Joe' Team Takes Direction From WH
"For anyone wondering why an increasing number of conservatives now use the term 'state-controlled media' to refer to television networks and newspapers, here's one that drives the point home.
During his syndicated radio show Friday, libtalker and MSNBC host Ed Schultz relayed to listeners how he observed 'Morning Joe' Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski take feedback directly from the White House during their program last week"
And the rest of the lib MSM get's their talking points via fax and e-mail... from the White House.
"For anyone wondering why an increasing number of conservatives now use the term 'state-controlled media' to refer to television networks and newspapers, here's one that drives the point home.
During his syndicated radio show Friday, libtalker and MSNBC host Ed Schultz relayed to listeners how he observed 'Morning Joe' Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski take feedback directly from the White House during their program last week"
And the rest of the lib MSM get's their talking points via fax and e-mail... from the White House.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Why the Reid Bill is Unconstitutional
PointOfLaw Columns: Impermissible Ratemaking in Health-Insurance Reform: Why the Reid Bill is Unconstitutional
"This action is not only a source of real anxiety but also a decision of constitutional proportions, for it systematically strips the regulated health-insurance issuers of their constitutional entitlement to earn a reasonable rate of return on the massive amounts of capital that they have already invested in building out their businesses."
Interesting.
I wonder if the constitutional questions will be addressed BEFORE the bill's provisions start their mayhem.
(via InstaPundit)
"This action is not only a source of real anxiety but also a decision of constitutional proportions, for it systematically strips the regulated health-insurance issuers of their constitutional entitlement to earn a reasonable rate of return on the massive amounts of capital that they have already invested in building out their businesses."
Interesting.
I wonder if the constitutional questions will be addressed BEFORE the bill's provisions start their mayhem.
(via InstaPundit)
Report: Michigan gas prices up 1.2 cents
Report: Michigan gas prices up 1.2 cents
"AAA Michigan says gasoline prices are up 1.2 cents per gallon over the past week to a statewide average of $2.55."
One year ago gas was about $1.60/gal.
Seems like the Obama supporting libs in the MSM don't want us to remember that.
"AAA Michigan says gasoline prices are up 1.2 cents per gallon over the past week to a statewide average of $2.55."
One year ago gas was about $1.60/gal.
Seems like the Obama supporting libs in the MSM don't want us to remember that.
Gordon Brown calls for new group to police global environment issues
Gordon Brown calls for new group to police global environment issues
"A new global body dedicated to environmental stewardship is needed to prevent a repeat of the deadlock which undermined the Copenhagen climate change summit, Gordon Brown will say tomorrow.
The UN’s consensual method of negotiation, which requires all 192 countries to reach agreement, needs to be reformed to ensure that the will of the majority prevails, he feels.
....... One of the frustrations for me was the lack of a global body with the sole responsibility for environmental stewardship."
"A new global body dedicated to environmental stewardship is needed to prevent a repeat of the deadlock which undermined the Copenhagen climate change summit, Gordon Brown will say tomorrow.
The UN’s consensual method of negotiation, which requires all 192 countries to reach agreement, needs to be reformed to ensure that the will of the majority prevails, he feels.
....... One of the frustrations for me was the lack of a global body with the sole responsibility for environmental stewardship."
Right,we want these criminal fools to vote our money to themselves.
check out just who they are:
English Channel trains halted indefinitely
English Channel trains halted indefinitely
"The French government on Monday announced a thorough investigation into the shutdown of the Eurostar, as the suspension of the only passenger rail link between Britain and continental Europe entered its third day, hitting holiday travel plans for some 55,000 people."
I thought the european train systems were SO much better than our transportation systems.
Something to be admired and emulated...... like their health care systems.....and military.....
"The French government on Monday announced a thorough investigation into the shutdown of the Eurostar, as the suspension of the only passenger rail link between Britain and continental Europe entered its third day, hitting holiday travel plans for some 55,000 people."
I thought the european train systems were SO much better than our transportation systems.
Something to be admired and emulated...... like their health care systems.....and military.....
Wind-farm developers face hurdles before project can become reality
Wind-farm developers face hurdles before project can become reality
"There was an audible gasp at a public hearing Tuesday when the audience saw what the proposed Aegir Offshore Wind Farm would look like from Mears State Park in Pentwater."
Wait till they see how much it costs!
"There was an audible gasp at a public hearing Tuesday when the audience saw what the proposed Aegir Offshore Wind Farm would look like from Mears State Park in Pentwater."
Wait till they see how much it costs!
...and all those dead birdies......
Fruitport Township, county, Indian tribe set up account for casino-related expenses
Fruitport Township, county, Indian tribe set up account for casino-related expenses
"The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians has proposed constructing a casino on the property near I-96 and U.S. 31. The tribe, which operates Little River Casino in Manistee, purchased the former Great Lakes Downs racetrack in 2008 and acquired additional adjacent property for a 233-acre site."
Not really noteworthy except for a comment by a friend yesterday.
"When is it gonna open?"
Lots of hurdles still remain before the fat lady sings and we may have a whole new state government elected in about 10 months.
"The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians has proposed constructing a casino on the property near I-96 and U.S. 31. The tribe, which operates Little River Casino in Manistee, purchased the former Great Lakes Downs racetrack in 2008 and acquired additional adjacent property for a 233-acre site."
Not really noteworthy except for a comment by a friend yesterday.
"When is it gonna open?"
Lots of hurdles still remain before the fat lady sings and we may have a whole new state government elected in about 10 months.
Muskegon Public Schools award $2.4 million in construction contracts
Muskegon Public Schools award $2.4 million in construction contracts
"But the work does not include about $50,000 in lighting improvements to the district’s two middle school swimming pools — work the school board dropped after Superintendent Colin Armstrong indicated the pools could be closed as part of cost-cutting measures for next year."
Hmmm.
For teachers union members:
The automatic annual "step-up" pay increases continue.
The automatic "cost of living" pay increase continue.
The featherbedding in classrooms continues.
But children swimming in the two swimming pools won't continue.
I guess the phrase "it's for the children" only matters when the teacher's union bosses demand more money and benefits for teachers.
"But the work does not include about $50,000 in lighting improvements to the district’s two middle school swimming pools — work the school board dropped after Superintendent Colin Armstrong indicated the pools could be closed as part of cost-cutting measures for next year."
Hmmm.
For teachers union members:
The automatic annual "step-up" pay increases continue.
The automatic "cost of living" pay increase continue.
The featherbedding in classrooms continues.
But children swimming in the two swimming pools won't continue.
I guess the phrase "it's for the children" only matters when the teacher's union bosses demand more money and benefits for teachers.
more:
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Lawrence Solomon: Wikipedia’s climate doctor
Lawrence Solomon: Wikipedia’s climate doctor
"The Climategate Emails reveal something else, too: the enlistment of the most widely read source of information in the world — Wikipedia — in the wholesale rewriting of this history.
The Medieval Warm Period, which followed the meanness and cold of the Dark Ages, was a great time in human history — it allowed humans around the world to bask in a glorious warmth that vastly improved agriculture, increased life spans and otherwise bettered the human condition.
But the Medieval Warm Period was not so great for some humans in our own time — the same small band that believes the planet has now entered an unprecedented and dangerous warm period. As we now know from the Climategate Emails, this band saw the Medieval Warm Period as an enormous obstacle in their mission of spreading the word about global warming. If temperatures were warmer 1,000 years ago than today, the Climategate Emails explain in detail, their message that we now live in the warmest of all possible times would be undermined. As put by one band member, a Briton named Folland at the Hadley Centre, a Medieval Warm Period “dilutes the message rather significantly.”"
"The Climategate Emails reveal something else, too: the enlistment of the most widely read source of information in the world — Wikipedia — in the wholesale rewriting of this history.
The Medieval Warm Period, which followed the meanness and cold of the Dark Ages, was a great time in human history — it allowed humans around the world to bask in a glorious warmth that vastly improved agriculture, increased life spans and otherwise bettered the human condition.
But the Medieval Warm Period was not so great for some humans in our own time — the same small band that believes the planet has now entered an unprecedented and dangerous warm period. As we now know from the Climategate Emails, this band saw the Medieval Warm Period as an enormous obstacle in their mission of spreading the word about global warming. If temperatures were warmer 1,000 years ago than today, the Climategate Emails explain in detail, their message that we now live in the warmest of all possible times would be undermined. As put by one band member, a Briton named Folland at the Hadley Centre, a Medieval Warm Period “dilutes the message rather significantly.”"
Climategate: What's the "trick" and what did it "hide"?
Climategate: What's the "trick" and what did it "hide"?
"In a new famous email, Phil Jones, then head of the Climactic Research Unit at the University of East Anglia, wrote on Nov. 16 to climate research colleagues in the United States and at his own CRU:
'Dear Ray, Mike and Malcolm,
Once Tim's got a diagram here we'll send that either later today or first thing tomorrow.
I've just completed Mike's Nature trick of adding in the real temps to each series for the last 20 years (ie from 1981 onwards) and (sic) from 1961 for Keith's to hide the decline...'
What's the trick and what did it hide?"
"In a new famous email, Phil Jones, then head of the Climactic Research Unit at the University of East Anglia, wrote on Nov. 16 to climate research colleagues in the United States and at his own CRU:
'Dear Ray, Mike and Malcolm,
Once Tim's got a diagram here we'll send that either later today or first thing tomorrow.
I've just completed Mike's Nature trick of adding in the real temps to each series for the last 20 years (ie from 1981 onwards) and (sic) from 1961 for Keith's to hide the decline...'
What's the trick and what did it hide?"
Michigan's Fire Safe Cigarette Law Takes Effect January 1, 2010 Manufacturers Required to Certify Self-Extinguishing Cigarettes with State
DELEG - Michigan's Fire Safe Cigarette Law Takes Effect January 1, 2010 Manufacturers Required to Certify Self-Extinguishing Cigarettes with State
"State Fire Marshal Ronald R. Farr today announced that cigarette manufacturers must certify their brand families and associated styles as fire safe in order to sell them in Michigan after January 1, 2010. The Fire Standard Compliant (FSC) mark approval process for manufacturers begins today."
"State Fire Marshal Ronald R. Farr today announced that cigarette manufacturers must certify their brand families and associated styles as fire safe in order to sell them in Michigan after January 1, 2010. The Fire Standard Compliant (FSC) mark approval process for manufacturers begins today."
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