Firefighters or Mitch Albom's Movie Subsidy? [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
"Taxpayers in Allen Park may not share Albom’s confidence in the program after the city voted to lay off all 27 firefighters.
As reported in the Detroit Free Press, a failed film studio project is the reason.
“The decision to issue the layoff notices was attributed to financial problems caused by the decision announced last year by Unity Studios to leave the city for Detroit.”
The city and state offered a sweet subsidy deal of its own to lure the promoter of a supposedly $146 million project called “Unity Studios.”
A Nov. 2010 Mackinac Center blog post summarizes what followed:
“It’s taken less than two years for the entire project to implode.
The (ceremonial) groundbreaking in August 2009 was followed by a tumultuous period which saw Unity Studios founder Jimmy Lifton go from promising thousands of jobs at his privately owned utopian 104-acre film studio and “retraining program,” to a scaled down studio and film school on city-owned property, to near eviction and eventually hightailing it out of Allen Park to set up shop in Detroit.”"
Monday, February 28, 2011
Taxpayers' gain, public workers' pain
Taxpayers' gain, public workers' pain - CNN.com
"Manitowoc County operates a juvenile detention center at a cost of about $350,000 a year.
That center currently holds a single inmate.
The county executive has proposed closing the center and paying another county to hold the single inmate.
Seems sensible, right?
So why has it not happened?
The local paper has the details:
The relevant labor contract forbids Manitowoc County to do any subcontracting if unionized workers have been laid off."
"Manitowoc County operates a juvenile detention center at a cost of about $350,000 a year.
That center currently holds a single inmate.
The county executive has proposed closing the center and paying another county to hold the single inmate.
Seems sensible, right?
So why has it not happened?
The local paper has the details:
The relevant labor contract forbids Manitowoc County to do any subcontracting if unionized workers have been laid off."
Low-flow toilets cause a stink in SF
Low-flow toilets cause a stink in SF
"San Francisco's big push for low-flow toilets has turned into a multimillion-dollar plumbing stink.
Skimping on toilet water has resulted in more sludge backing up inside the sewer pipes, said Tyrone Jue, spokesman for the city Public Utilities Commission.
That has created a rotten-egg stench near AT&T Park and elsewhere, especially during the dry summer months."
"San Francisco's big push for low-flow toilets has turned into a multimillion-dollar plumbing stink.
Skimping on toilet water has resulted in more sludge backing up inside the sewer pipes, said Tyrone Jue, spokesman for the city Public Utilities Commission.
That has created a rotten-egg stench near AT&T Park and elsewhere, especially during the dry summer months."
YOU CAN SEE WHY TEA PARTY PROTESTERS WORRY THE COPS MIGHT TAKE SIDES
Instapundit » Blog Archive » YOU CAN SEE WHY TEA PARTY PROTESTERS WORRY THE COPS MIGHT TAKE SIDES
L.A. Police Union Urges Members to ‘Stand in Solidarity’ with SEIU and MoveOn.Org.
The folks at BoingBoing seem to like it that the Wisconsin cops are siding with protesters, but where’s the reason for trust from those who feel otherwise?
Do we want police to take sides in political disputes?
Apparently some do.
This is why (1) you should always bring a camera; and (2) public employee unions should be illegal.
If union protesters turn violent — as they increasingly have — can you trust pro-union police to intervene?"
L.A. Police Union Urges Members to ‘Stand in Solidarity’ with SEIU and MoveOn.Org.
The folks at BoingBoing seem to like it that the Wisconsin cops are siding with protesters, but where’s the reason for trust from those who feel otherwise?
Do we want police to take sides in political disputes?
Apparently some do.
This is why (1) you should always bring a camera; and (2) public employee unions should be illegal.
If union protesters turn violent — as they increasingly have — can you trust pro-union police to intervene?"
Single-Payer Hell: British NHS denies cancer patients life-extending drugs to save $$$
theblogprof: Single-Payer Hell: British NHS denies cancer patients life-extending drugs to save $$$
"From the UK Telegraph: Cancer sufferers refused life-extending drugs despite Government pledge.
And the subline: 'Dying cancer patients have been refused costly life-extending drugs on cost grounds despite a Government promise to end the 'scandal' forever.'
If you want to know what ObamaCare will be like, check out how this story starts out:
Their requests have been rejected by regional health authorities who were accused of operating covert “blacklists” to restrict dozens of treatments to save money.
Blacklists.
Coming soon, your liver transplant is going to be decided based on your politics."
"From the UK Telegraph: Cancer sufferers refused life-extending drugs despite Government pledge.
And the subline: 'Dying cancer patients have been refused costly life-extending drugs on cost grounds despite a Government promise to end the 'scandal' forever.'
If you want to know what ObamaCare will be like, check out how this story starts out:
Their requests have been rejected by regional health authorities who were accused of operating covert “blacklists” to restrict dozens of treatments to save money.
Blacklists.
Coming soon, your liver transplant is going to be decided based on your politics."
Chances for Local Government Union Pay Reform Good in House; Questionable in GOP Senate
Chances for Local Government Union Pay Reform Good in House; Questionable in GOP Senate [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
"Among the features that upset its critics most, the law governing binding arbitration with local police and fire unions does not allow arbitrators to first consider the ability of a local government to afford the pay raises that are being demanded by unions.
Local officials say this creates a situation where union salaries can only go up, even if the local government can’t afford it.
“There is never a ‘win’ where concessions are made in arbitration,” said Samantha Harkins, legislative associate for the Michigan Municipal League, a lobbying organization for municipalities across the state.
“It’s never a cost-going-down situation.”
Public Act 312, the law that requires binding arbitration for police and firefighter unions when they cannot agree to a contract with their municipalities, has been considered a problem for years by municipal officials and many in the GOP.
Today, with Republicans in firm control of the entire Legislature and the governor’s office, there is a serious effort brewing in the Michigan House to eliminate PA 312 altogether.
But the major obstacle may come from within the Republican Party’s own ranks.
Last week, speaking to the MIRS newsletter (www.MIRSnews.com), GOP Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville said a repeal of PA 312 was not on his agenda."
"Among the features that upset its critics most, the law governing binding arbitration with local police and fire unions does not allow arbitrators to first consider the ability of a local government to afford the pay raises that are being demanded by unions.
Local officials say this creates a situation where union salaries can only go up, even if the local government can’t afford it.
“There is never a ‘win’ where concessions are made in arbitration,” said Samantha Harkins, legislative associate for the Michigan Municipal League, a lobbying organization for municipalities across the state.
“It’s never a cost-going-down situation.”
Public Act 312, the law that requires binding arbitration for police and firefighter unions when they cannot agree to a contract with their municipalities, has been considered a problem for years by municipal officials and many in the GOP.
Today, with Republicans in firm control of the entire Legislature and the governor’s office, there is a serious effort brewing in the Michigan House to eliminate PA 312 altogether.
But the major obstacle may come from within the Republican Party’s own ranks.
Last week, speaking to the MIRS newsletter (www.MIRSnews.com), GOP Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville said a repeal of PA 312 was not on his agenda."
Video - FOX News Reporter Gets Hit During Live Broadcast From Wisconsin
RealClearPolitics - Video - FOX News Reporter Gets Hit During Live Broadcast From Wisconsin
"While reporting outside the Wisconsin state capital, FOX News correspondent Mike Tobin is struck by a pro-union protester.
The demonstrators were chanting 'FOX News lies.'"
"While reporting outside the Wisconsin state capital, FOX News correspondent Mike Tobin is struck by a pro-union protester.
The demonstrators were chanting 'FOX News lies.'"
Grand Haven Blockbuster kaput
West Michigan News from the Grand Haven Tribune a Michigan Newspaper
"There will soon be one less choice in the area to get the latest movie releases.
The Blockbuster store at 520 N. Beacon Blvd. is closing its doors."
"There will soon be one less choice in the area to get the latest movie releases.
The Blockbuster store at 520 N. Beacon Blvd. is closing its doors."
President, Hillary Clinton flub Mideast
President, Hillary Clinton flub Mideast--Michael A. Walsh - NYPOST.com
"'It's 3 a.m. and your children are safe and asleep,' it began.
'But there's a phone in the White House and it's ringing.
Something's happening in the world.
'Your vote will decide who answers that call.
Whether it's someone who already knows the world's leaders, knows the military, someone tested and ready to lead in a dangerous world . . . Who do you want answering the phone?'
Now we know the answer: neither of the above."
"'It's 3 a.m. and your children are safe and asleep,' it began.
'But there's a phone in the White House and it's ringing.
Something's happening in the world.
'Your vote will decide who answers that call.
Whether it's someone who already knows the world's leaders, knows the military, someone tested and ready to lead in a dangerous world . . . Who do you want answering the phone?'
Now we know the answer: neither of the above."
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Tea Party rally Arizona |
Tea Party rally Arizona Tea Party Patriots Republicans The Daily Caller - Breaking News, Opinion, Research, and Entertainment
"Antsy for results, tea party supporters gathered for a weekend strategy summit say they’re intent on making sure the Republicans they helped return to power last fall live up to promises to dramatically change course in Washington."
My goal is to hold them accountable here in Muskegon too!
"Antsy for results, tea party supporters gathered for a weekend strategy summit say they’re intent on making sure the Republicans they helped return to power last fall live up to promises to dramatically change course in Washington."
My goal is to hold them accountable here in Muskegon too!
Articles & Commentary
Articles & Commentary
"A crucial distinction has been lost in the debate over Walker's proposals:
Government unions are not the same thing as private sector unions.
Traditional, private sector unions were born out of an often bloody adversarial relationship between labor and management.
It's been said that during World War I, U.S. soldiers had better odds of surviving on the front lines than miners did in West Virginia coal mines. Mine disasters were frequent; hazardous conditions were the norm.
In 1907, the Monongah mine explosion claimed the lives of 362 West Virginia miners.
Day-to-day life often resembled serfdom, with management controlling vast swaths of the miners' lives.
And before unionization and many New Deal-era reforms, Washington had little power to reform conditions by legislation.
The labor-politician negotiations can't be fair when the unions can put so much money into campaign spending.
Meanwhile, government unions have no such narrative on their side.
Do you recall the Great DMV cave-in of 1959?
How about the travails of second-grade teachers recounted in Upton Sinclair's famous schoolhouse sequel to 'The Jungle'?
No?
Don't feel bad, because no such horror stories exist.
Government workers were making good salaries in 1962 when President Kennedy lifted, by executive order (so much for democracy), the federal ban on government unions.
Civil service regulations and similar laws had guaranteed good working conditions for generations.
The argument for public unionization wasn't moral, economic or intellectual.
It was rankly political."
"A crucial distinction has been lost in the debate over Walker's proposals:
Government unions are not the same thing as private sector unions.
Traditional, private sector unions were born out of an often bloody adversarial relationship between labor and management.
It's been said that during World War I, U.S. soldiers had better odds of surviving on the front lines than miners did in West Virginia coal mines. Mine disasters were frequent; hazardous conditions were the norm.
In 1907, the Monongah mine explosion claimed the lives of 362 West Virginia miners.
Day-to-day life often resembled serfdom, with management controlling vast swaths of the miners' lives.
And before unionization and many New Deal-era reforms, Washington had little power to reform conditions by legislation.
The labor-politician negotiations can't be fair when the unions can put so much money into campaign spending.
Meanwhile, government unions have no such narrative on their side.
Do you recall the Great DMV cave-in of 1959?
How about the travails of second-grade teachers recounted in Upton Sinclair's famous schoolhouse sequel to 'The Jungle'?
No?
Don't feel bad, because no such horror stories exist.
Government workers were making good salaries in 1962 when President Kennedy lifted, by executive order (so much for democracy), the federal ban on government unions.
Civil service regulations and similar laws had guaranteed good working conditions for generations.
The argument for public unionization wasn't moral, economic or intellectual.
It was rankly political."
Union Chief Doesn't Condemn Comparisons of Wisconsin's Walker to Hitler
Union Chief Doesn't Condemn Comparisons of Wisconsin's Walker to Hitler - FoxNews.com
"On several occasions over the past two weeks of demonstrations in the Wisconsin capital of Madison news media have zeroed in on signs that liken Republican Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker to Nazi leader Adolf Hitler and recently ousted Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.
Appearing Sunday on NBC's 'Meet the Press,' AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka was twice asked whether he found the tone at the nearly two-week long demonstrations 'wrong' or 'inappropriate.'
Trumka did not answer,"
Another Obama supporter who embraces "liberal love".
"On several occasions over the past two weeks of demonstrations in the Wisconsin capital of Madison news media have zeroed in on signs that liken Republican Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker to Nazi leader Adolf Hitler and recently ousted Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.
Appearing Sunday on NBC's 'Meet the Press,' AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka was twice asked whether he found the tone at the nearly two-week long demonstrations 'wrong' or 'inappropriate.'
Trumka did not answer,"
Another Obama supporter who embraces "liberal love".
Governor Sean Parnell: "Let Alaska help put America back to work"
Governor Sean Parnell: "Let Alaska help put America back to work" - The Note
"“More domestic oil production, not less, better secures our nation and grows our jobs at home.”"
We need oil and jobs.
And American oil is here, cheap and creates jobs.
Why does our president keep our energy and new jobs from our country's citizens?
"“More domestic oil production, not less, better secures our nation and grows our jobs at home.”"
We need oil and jobs.
And American oil is here, cheap and creates jobs.
Why does our president keep our energy and new jobs from our country's citizens?
Union Bile Runneth Over
FoxNews.com - MICHAEL GOODWIN: Union Bile Runneth Over
"Wherever you look, the bile runneth over.
Beyond making fools of themselves with juvenile comparisons, the 'social justice' crowd is inadvertently proving that public-sector unions are a privileged class.
Touch them and you die from a thousand insults.
One Democratic congressman wanted the real thing. Rep. Michael Capuano of Boston said Wisconsin protesters should 'get a little bloody' to protect bargaining rights.
He later apologized, but too late to rescue the era of civility President Obama urged after the Tucson shooting.
Civility doesn't stand a chance against the entitlement culture of unions and their political puppets."
"Wherever you look, the bile runneth over.
Beyond making fools of themselves with juvenile comparisons, the 'social justice' crowd is inadvertently proving that public-sector unions are a privileged class.
Touch them and you die from a thousand insults.
One Democratic congressman wanted the real thing. Rep. Michael Capuano of Boston said Wisconsin protesters should 'get a little bloody' to protect bargaining rights.
He later apologized, but too late to rescue the era of civility President Obama urged after the Tucson shooting.
Civility doesn't stand a chance against the entitlement culture of unions and their political puppets."
Michigan state rep's. health benefits
This is from a letter sent by Ludington TPer InfoRod.
The cost for these benefits is likely similar to those of other state, city and county union employees.
And, of course, they do not include pension benefit costs.
I agree with InfoRod, big time!
The attached letter from State Representative Tom McMillin provides an insight into what benefits we as taxpayers provide.
I mentioned this at our last LATP meeting but really didn’t give it a good look until today.
For instance, how do you feel about paying the following approximate premiums for each and every one of our Representatives?
Medical: $ 998.28
Vision: 11.33
Prescription: 241.20
Dental: 149.78
Total monthly premium: $1,400.59
($16,807 per year)
Rep. McMillin is one of a number of Republicans who are attempting to pass legislation that will require full transparency in Michigan government.
As you look through the attached I believe you will find many reasons why it is so important for an elected official to remain in office for six years so as to retain these benefits for life. (They do have to pay 10% of the cost of the plan to remain insured).
How many other public officials receive similar perks for holding office?
As we are seeing a tremendous burden reported by our schools to support retirees, how can we also support the many elected state officials for life?
How many others we don’t know about are receiving something similar from the taxpayers?
Isn’t it time to provide true financial transparency from our schools all the way to the upper levels of state government?
Don’t we as employers have a right to be able to monitor how our money is spent?
The old argument of additional labor to report financial information should now be invalid now that nearly everything is reported in electronic form.
Since Rep. Ray Franz is also supportive of transparency in government then please let him know how you feel.
Once the Republicans lose control, there is little likelihood the Democrats will support this type of legislation.
It seems the party of big business labor treats us as taxpayers just too stupid to understand how best we should be spending our money.
Fiscal responsibility has been a mandate provided by the electorate to the GOP. Isn’t it time we make sure they enforce it?
InfoRod
Ludington Tea Party - group coordinator
The cost for these benefits is likely similar to those of other state, city and county union employees.
And, of course, they do not include pension benefit costs.
I agree with InfoRod, big time!
The attached letter from State Representative Tom McMillin provides an insight into what benefits we as taxpayers provide.
I mentioned this at our last LATP meeting but really didn’t give it a good look until today.
For instance, how do you feel about paying the following approximate premiums for each and every one of our Representatives?
Medical: $ 998.28
Vision: 11.33
Prescription: 241.20
Dental: 149.78
Total monthly premium: $1,400.59
($16,807 per year)
Rep. McMillin is one of a number of Republicans who are attempting to pass legislation that will require full transparency in Michigan government.
As you look through the attached I believe you will find many reasons why it is so important for an elected official to remain in office for six years so as to retain these benefits for life. (They do have to pay 10% of the cost of the plan to remain insured).
How many other public officials receive similar perks for holding office?
As we are seeing a tremendous burden reported by our schools to support retirees, how can we also support the many elected state officials for life?
How many others we don’t know about are receiving something similar from the taxpayers?
Isn’t it time to provide true financial transparency from our schools all the way to the upper levels of state government?
Don’t we as employers have a right to be able to monitor how our money is spent?
The old argument of additional labor to report financial information should now be invalid now that nearly everything is reported in electronic form.
Since Rep. Ray Franz is also supportive of transparency in government then please let him know how you feel.
Once the Republicans lose control, there is little likelihood the Democrats will support this type of legislation.
It seems the party of big business labor treats us as taxpayers just too stupid to understand how best we should be spending our money.
Fiscal responsibility has been a mandate provided by the electorate to the GOP. Isn’t it time we make sure they enforce it?
InfoRod
Ludington Tea Party - group coordinator
Feeling the Love
RightMichigan.com Feeling the Love
"Look at this guy's face.
Just before he reaches out to grab the camera.
Pure.. hate?
I really dislike having to ascribe emotion to others without knowing them, but I just thought I would guess.
Anyhow, I have yet to see any tea party activist behave this way.
And I am proud to say so.
I will tell you, this was typical of the disrespect these people offer those who oppose their entitlement mentality."
(click the link above for the disgusting behaviour demonstrated on the video)
"Look at this guy's face.
Just before he reaches out to grab the camera.
Pure.. hate?
I really dislike having to ascribe emotion to others without knowing them, but I just thought I would guess.
Anyhow, I have yet to see any tea party activist behave this way.
And I am proud to say so.
I will tell you, this was typical of the disrespect these people offer those who oppose their entitlement mentality."
(click the link above for the disgusting behaviour demonstrated on the video)
California pension costs: Facing up to the funding gap
California pension costs: Facing up to the funding gap - latimes.com
"Many state and local government employees have been promised pensions that the public couldn't have afforded even had there been no crash."
"Many state and local government employees have been promised pensions that the public couldn't have afforded even had there been no crash."
Lucianne.com News Forum - Thread
Lucianne.com News Forum - Thread
"Let's see. We have an America-hating Entitlement Junkie, Queen Grievance I, jet-setting around the world during the quasi-depression her husband both exacerbated and prolonged, joined by a few hundred close friends and her pampered brood, feeding their faces and living quite large on our dime, while lecturing us about sacrifice and reminding us of what Barack will and will not 'let us do' with our lives.
What's not to love?"
"Let's see. We have an America-hating Entitlement Junkie, Queen Grievance I, jet-setting around the world during the quasi-depression her husband both exacerbated and prolonged, joined by a few hundred close friends and her pampered brood, feeding their faces and living quite large on our dime, while lecturing us about sacrifice and reminding us of what Barack will and will not 'let us do' with our lives.
What's not to love?"
A Warning Regarding Michigan's $10 Annual "Recreation Passport"
A Warning Regarding Michigan's $10 Annual "Recreation Passport"
"If you're a Michigan driver renewing your license plate, you'll notice a new choice on your renewal form this year:
__YES! I want my Recreation Passport for an additional $10!
__No. This vehicle will not be used to enter state parks and recreation areas.
As a Michigan state Representative, I opposed legislation creating the 'Recreation Passport' because I knew the state intended to use the misleading language above.
Let me be clear, because the state is not:
You can select 'No' and still enter your vehicle into a state park or recreation area.
That is the law.
You will, of course, have to pay a (non-annual) gate fee, but your vehicle is not irrevocably banned for one year as the language above implies."
Isn't it refreshing that we have a US rep. who actually informs his constituents?
"If you're a Michigan driver renewing your license plate, you'll notice a new choice on your renewal form this year:
__YES! I want my Recreation Passport for an additional $10!
__No. This vehicle will not be used to enter state parks and recreation areas.
As a Michigan state Representative, I opposed legislation creating the 'Recreation Passport' because I knew the state intended to use the misleading language above.
Let me be clear, because the state is not:
You can select 'No' and still enter your vehicle into a state park or recreation area.
That is the law.
You will, of course, have to pay a (non-annual) gate fee, but your vehicle is not irrevocably banned for one year as the language above implies."
Isn't it refreshing that we have a US rep. who actually informs his constituents?
| Kathleen Parker | Doomed At CNN
John Ziegler Kathleen Parker Doomed At CNN Mediaite
"There is also an interesting secondary element to Parker’s demise which might make media pundits a little more hesitant to attack Sarah Palin.
Since the 2008 election, many of her biggest media critics have found themselves out of a job.
Keith Olbermann, Rick Sanchez, David Shuster, Alan Colmes, Campbell Brown, John Roberts, Larry King, Harry Smith and Parker are all prominently mentioned in my documentary and all of them have been let go from TV jobs since Obama got elected.
Coincidence?
Perhaps, though I have no doubt that if the media wanted to create a narrative here there would be more than enough data to justify it. Regardless, if Chris Matthews is smart, he might want to be careful."
"There is also an interesting secondary element to Parker’s demise which might make media pundits a little more hesitant to attack Sarah Palin.
Since the 2008 election, many of her biggest media critics have found themselves out of a job.
Keith Olbermann, Rick Sanchez, David Shuster, Alan Colmes, Campbell Brown, John Roberts, Larry King, Harry Smith and Parker are all prominently mentioned in my documentary and all of them have been let go from TV jobs since Obama got elected.
Coincidence?
Perhaps, though I have no doubt that if the media wanted to create a narrative here there would be more than enough data to justify it. Regardless, if Chris Matthews is smart, he might want to be careful."
Peek Inside Red Bull’s Toy Box
"SALZBURG, Austria — This city is well known as the birthplace of Mozart, the backdrop for the Sound of Music and simply for being a beautiful place.
But thanks to worldwide interest in caffeinated energy drinks and Dietrich Mateschitz's desire to share his love of aircraft and race cars, one of this city's newest places to visit is known as Hangar 7.
Located at the Salzburg Airport, Hangar 7 could be called the Red Bull toy box.
It is where Mateschitz, who co-founded Red Bull in 1987, stores all his coolest toys.
It is a massive glass-enclosed hangar complete with a changing collection of airplanes belonging to the Flying Bulls.
It's also got an assortment of Formula 1 cars sponsored by Red Bull, along with a handful of racing motorcycles as well."
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