Instapundit » Blog Archive » FRUGALITY IS FOR THE LITTLE PEOPLE
Expensive massages, top shelf vodka and five-star hotels: First Lady accused of spending $10m in public money on her vacations.
Plus this: “The Obamas’ summer break on Martha’s Vineyard has already been branded a PR disaster after the couple arrived four hours apart on separate government jets.”
And, yes, I don’t want to hear one more goddamned thing about my carbon footprint.
Posted by Glenn Reynolds at 5:53 pm
Thursday, August 25, 2011
A Value-Added Tax Fuels Big Government
Ernest Christian and Gary Robbins: A Value-Added Tax Fuels Big Government - WSJ.com
The VAT is believed to be a magical device that can stuff government coffers with money without untoward economic political consequences.
It is no such thing.
The VAT is believed to be a magical device that can stuff government coffers with money without untoward economic political consequences.
It is no such thing.
The Five Most Catastrophic Hidden Costs of the Obama Presidency
Pajamas Media » The Five Most Catastrophic Hidden Costs of the Obama Presidency
The staggeringly high unemployment rate – 9.1%, not counting the Americans who have given up looking for work or who are underemployed.
The still-tumbling housing values, now worse than the Great Depression.
The inflation indicators, with uncounted sharp inflation in food and gasoline.
The debt and the deficit, now too big to even fathom without an advanced degree in mathematics.
The unfunded future liabilities –Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, public worker pensions, and the like.
When the S&P downgrade is thrown into this cliff-hanging mix, our fiscal situation goes from bad to worse.
The staggeringly high unemployment rate – 9.1%, not counting the Americans who have given up looking for work or who are underemployed.
The still-tumbling housing values, now worse than the Great Depression.
The inflation indicators, with uncounted sharp inflation in food and gasoline.
The debt and the deficit, now too big to even fathom without an advanced degree in mathematics.
The unfunded future liabilities –Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, public worker pensions, and the like.
When the S&P downgrade is thrown into this cliff-hanging mix, our fiscal situation goes from bad to worse.
It Really Was The Spending, Stupid
Editorial: It Really Was The Spending, Stupid - Investors.com
Faith in government to solve problems has diminished.
A new Rasmussen Reports poll, for instance, just found that 49% of Americans believe government programs actually increase poverty
Faith in government to solve problems has diminished.
A new Rasmussen Reports poll, for instance, just found that 49% of Americans believe government programs actually increase poverty
Victims of Smoking Ban Cut Off Politicians
Victims of Smoking Ban Cut Off Politicians [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
Small bar owners angered over losing their butts to the statewide indoor smoking ban plan to give lawmakers the boot.
A newly formed group, Protect Private Property Rights in Michigan (PPPRM), has organized an effort to ban lawmakers from their establishments in protest against Michigan's smoking ban.
I love this!
I'm not a smoker but the second-hand-smoke junk science and the state interference is despicable.
You go guys!
Small bar owners angered over losing their butts to the statewide indoor smoking ban plan to give lawmakers the boot.
A newly formed group, Protect Private Property Rights in Michigan (PPPRM), has organized an effort to ban lawmakers from their establishments in protest against Michigan's smoking ban.
I love this!
I'm not a smoker but the second-hand-smoke junk science and the state interference is despicable.
You go guys!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Drugs for Erasing Memory?
Drugs for Erasing Memory?
"Soon, doctors may have just the 'sweet oblivious antidote' that Macbeth so desired: drugs that numb the emotional sting typically associated with our intensely bad memories."
The authors do not think this is necessarily a good thing.
Wow!
Memory erasing drugs.
"Soon, doctors may have just the 'sweet oblivious antidote' that Macbeth so desired: drugs that numb the emotional sting typically associated with our intensely bad memories."
The authors do not think this is necessarily a good thing.
Wow!
Memory erasing drugs.
HUNGER HURTS: Millions of American Kids Go Hungry
HUNGER HURTS: Millions of American Kids Go Hungry - ABC News
a shocking 49 percent of all babies born in the U.S. are born to families receiving food supplements from the WIC program
It's tough when your parents are out of work.
It's also tough when your president golfs instead of working.
a shocking 49 percent of all babies born in the U.S. are born to families receiving food supplements from the WIC program
It's tough when your parents are out of work.
It's also tough when your president golfs instead of working.
Will Baby Boomers Sink the Stock Market?
Pension Pulse: Will Baby Boomers Sink the Stock Market?
The ongoing wave of retirees won’t crater the market, but they may well be “a factor holding down equity valuations over the next two decades,” Zheng Liu and Mark Spiegel write.
The ongoing wave of retirees won’t crater the market, but they may well be “a factor holding down equity valuations over the next two decades,” Zheng Liu and Mark Spiegel write.
The coming pension earthquake
EDITORIAL: The coming pension earthquake - Washington Times
More bailouts are on the horizon. Even though taxpayers will shell out at least $250 billion to cover losses from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, there’s another, much less known federally chartered corporation that’s racking up the red ink - currently $23 billion worth.
The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp. (PBGC) could be the next to fall.
This east coast earthquake will really hurt!
More bailouts are on the horizon. Even though taxpayers will shell out at least $250 billion to cover losses from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, there’s another, much less known federally chartered corporation that’s racking up the red ink - currently $23 billion worth.
The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp. (PBGC) could be the next to fall.
This east coast earthquake will really hurt!
BIGGEST COLLEGE REGRETS
Instapundit » Blog Archive » BIGGEST COLLEGE REGRETS
“The day that I signed on the dotted line of my promissory note, I didn’t even understand what it would mean to have to pay back more than $40,000 in student loans.
I’ll tell you what it means: living in a crappy apartment in Queens well into my 30s.
I vaguely remember my dad trying to get the message through to me, but I must have had cotton in my teenage ears.”
As stories like this spread, the higher education bubble will deflate.
“The day that I signed on the dotted line of my promissory note, I didn’t even understand what it would mean to have to pay back more than $40,000 in student loans.
I’ll tell you what it means: living in a crappy apartment in Queens well into my 30s.
I vaguely remember my dad trying to get the message through to me, but I must have had cotton in my teenage ears.”
As stories like this spread, the higher education bubble will deflate.
KIDS COUNT
KIDS COUNT: 2011 KIDS COUNT Data Book
The 22nd annual KIDS COUNT Data Book profiles the status of children on a national and state-by-state basis and ranks states on 10 measures of well-being.
New features include an enhanced mobile site at http://mobile.kidscount.org/.
Interesting site.
The 22nd annual KIDS COUNT Data Book profiles the status of children on a national and state-by-state basis and ranks states on 10 measures of well-being.
New features include an enhanced mobile site at http://mobile.kidscount.org/.
Interesting site.
US jobs on line as EPA moves
US jobs on line as EPA moves--Michael A. Walsh - NYPOST.com
Get ready for the sacrifice of tens of thousands more American jobs (at least) to feed the fantasy of “clean energy.”
Even as the “green jobs” promise proves to be a lie, the Obama administration is getting set to force the shutdown of countless power plants across half the nation.
The Environmental Protection Agency’s new Cross-State Air Pollution Rule, announced last month, will affect coal-fired electric plants in at least 27 midwestern and eastern states.
Set to take effect next year, the rule could shutter up to a fifth of the nation’s generating capacity.
With coal providing 45 percent of the nation’s energy, utility companies warn of an economic “train wreck” if the regulations -- based on Bush-era EPA proposals that the federal courts threw out in 2008 -- take effect.
One Wisconsin utility says its costs would jump $32.6 million next year, while the head of the Texas Public Utility Commission says the rules could lead to rolling blackouts -- especially given the short time the utilities have to comply with Washington’s iron fist.
This is not some minor tweak.
Obama's jihad against electric power will destroy companies, jobs and lives!
Get ready for the sacrifice of tens of thousands more American jobs (at least) to feed the fantasy of “clean energy.”
Even as the “green jobs” promise proves to be a lie, the Obama administration is getting set to force the shutdown of countless power plants across half the nation.
The Environmental Protection Agency’s new Cross-State Air Pollution Rule, announced last month, will affect coal-fired electric plants in at least 27 midwestern and eastern states.
Set to take effect next year, the rule could shutter up to a fifth of the nation’s generating capacity.
With coal providing 45 percent of the nation’s energy, utility companies warn of an economic “train wreck” if the regulations -- based on Bush-era EPA proposals that the federal courts threw out in 2008 -- take effect.
One Wisconsin utility says its costs would jump $32.6 million next year, while the head of the Texas Public Utility Commission says the rules could lead to rolling blackouts -- especially given the short time the utilities have to comply with Washington’s iron fist.
This is not some minor tweak.
Obama's jihad against electric power will destroy companies, jobs and lives!
Obama’s EPA is Killing More Jobs than Economy Can Create
Brown: Obama’s EPA is Killing More Jobs than Economy Can Create responses from FERC Commissioners to an inquiry from Congress regarding the degree of agency coordination on the impact of the agency's new rules clearly shows the EPA statements were not truthful. Correspondence from the FERC chairman and commissioners revealed the commission is not working on a formal assessment of the impact of the EPA regulations on the ability of our power grid to reliably deliver electricity to the nation's homes and businesses.
Obama's eco-loonies are not only destroying our businesses, they're lying about and getting caught.
Where is the media on this?
Obama's eco-loonies are not only destroying our businesses, they're lying about and getting caught.
Where is the media on this?
Why Obama Can't Lead
Articles: Why Obama Can't Lead
For 22 years he attended the church services led by Rev. Jeremiah Wright.
African-Americans who attended his and other black liberation theology church services in Chicago are taught that their options are limited by the "other," and this other is white society.
Personal choice is not the route to success; choices are limited by the overwhelmingly oppressive power of dominant white America.
America is not, for Rev. Wright's paradigm, a land of opportunity, but instead a land of oppression.
In this political culture, the black political leader does not encourage his people to move forward, but rather convinces them that they cannot move forward.
Whatever choices they make, their future is determined not by personal choice, but by the restrictive confines of white society.
This is why actor-comedian Bill Cosby is viciously attacked when he suggests that African-Americans take responsibility for their own choices.
We see this in Muskegon with too many of the older local black leaders.
Thankfully the new voices (and some old, like Rillistine Wilkins) see personal choice and opportunity as positive options.
For 22 years he attended the church services led by Rev. Jeremiah Wright.
African-Americans who attended his and other black liberation theology church services in Chicago are taught that their options are limited by the "other," and this other is white society.
Personal choice is not the route to success; choices are limited by the overwhelmingly oppressive power of dominant white America.
America is not, for Rev. Wright's paradigm, a land of opportunity, but instead a land of oppression.
In this political culture, the black political leader does not encourage his people to move forward, but rather convinces them that they cannot move forward.
Whatever choices they make, their future is determined not by personal choice, but by the restrictive confines of white society.
This is why actor-comedian Bill Cosby is viciously attacked when he suggests that African-Americans take responsibility for their own choices.
We see this in Muskegon with too many of the older local black leaders.
Thankfully the new voices (and some old, like Rillistine Wilkins) see personal choice and opportunity as positive options.
Illinois Loses Most Jobs in the Nation
Illinois Policy Institute - Policy Chart: Illinois Loses Most Jobs in the Nation
Illinois started to create jobs as the national economy began to recover.
But just when Illinois’s economy seemed to be turning around, lawmakers passed record tax increases in January of this year.
Since then, Illinois’s employment numbers have done nothing but decline.
Illinois started to create jobs as the national economy began to recover.
But just when Illinois’s economy seemed to be turning around, lawmakers passed record tax increases in January of this year.
Since then, Illinois’s employment numbers have done nothing but decline.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Networks Barely Criticize Obama's Disastrous 'Green Jobs' Policies
Networks Barely Criticize Obama's Disastrous 'Green Jobs' Policies
Criticism excluded from 92 percent of network news reports, despite bankruptcies of federally subsidized companies.
Criticism excluded from 92 percent of network news reports, despite bankruptcies of federally subsidized companies.
Social Security Disability Program To Go Entirely Bankrupt in 2017
Social Security Disability Program To Go Entirely Bankrupt in 2017
New congressional estimates say the trust fund that supports Social Security disability will run out of money by 2017, leaving the program unable to pay full benefits, unless Congress acts.
About two decades later, Social Security’s much larger retirement fund is projected to run dry as well.
And Obama golfs......
New congressional estimates say the trust fund that supports Social Security disability will run out of money by 2017, leaving the program unable to pay full benefits, unless Congress acts.
About two decades later, Social Security’s much larger retirement fund is projected to run dry as well.
And Obama golfs......
Tea Party | Terrorists
Tea Party Terrorists Rasmussen The Daily Caller
But it turns out only 29 percent of Americans agree with him, according to a Rasmussen poll released Monday.
Yet their political messiah won't call Islamic murderers "terrorists".
Are they all French?
But it turns out only 29 percent of Americans agree with him, according to a Rasmussen poll released Monday.
Yet their political messiah won't call Islamic murderers "terrorists".
Are they all French?
Chevy Volt supply rises to 22 days as sales slip
Chevy Volt supply rises to 22 days as sales slip — Autoblog Green
Chevrolet sold a mere 125 Volts in July, down from 561 in June.
Chevrolet sold a mere 125 Volts in July, down from 561 in June.
Dem Congresswoman: "The Real Enemy Is The Tea Party"
Dem Congresswoman: "The Real Enemy Is The Tea Party" RealClearPolitics
"Let us all remember who the real enemy is.
The real enemy is the Tea Party -- the Tea Party holds the Congress hostage.
They have one goal in mind, and that's to make President Obama a one-term president,"
"Let us all remember who the real enemy is.
The real enemy is the Tea Party -- the Tea Party holds the Congress hostage.
They have one goal in mind, and that's to make President Obama a one-term president,"
Feds' role in schools re-emerges as 2012 issue
Feds' role in schools re-emerges as 2012 issue - Washington Times
During an Aug. 15 campaign stop in Iowa, Mr. Perry said he doesn’t “think the federal government has a role in education.”
A few days later, Mr. Duncan shot back, telling the Bloomberg news agency he feels “very, very badly” for the students of Texas, a rare example of the education secretary using his pulpit to take political shots at Republicans.
It does seem that more federal government $$ results in worse student performance.
During an Aug. 15 campaign stop in Iowa, Mr. Perry said he doesn’t “think the federal government has a role in education.”
A few days later, Mr. Duncan shot back, telling the Bloomberg news agency he feels “very, very badly” for the students of Texas, a rare example of the education secretary using his pulpit to take political shots at Republicans.
It does seem that more federal government $$ results in worse student performance.
Fresh Prince of Hot Air
Lucianne.com News Forum - Thread
You can bet it will be more generalities from the Fresh Prince of Hot Air.
You can bet it will be more generalities from the Fresh Prince of Hot Air.
Rioting sparks concern about London Olympics
Rioting sparks concern about London Olympics - Washington Times
German lawmaker Manuel Hoeferlin said last week that he thought officials should consider moving the Olympics if rioting and looting resumed.
Imagine the outrage from Muslims when they see women in track and gymnastics outfits.......blimey!
German lawmaker Manuel Hoeferlin said last week that he thought officials should consider moving the Olympics if rioting and looting resumed.
Imagine the outrage from Muslims when they see women in track and gymnastics outfits.......blimey!
That Federal Bank Bailout in 2008 Was Bigger Than We Knew. A Lot Bigger
Articles: That Federal Bank Bailout in 2008 Was Bigger Than We Knew. A Lot Bigger
Thanks to some hard digging and a willingness to engage in litigation by Bloomberg News, we now have the benefit of their truly astonishing analysis of the scope and dimensions of the federal government's fall, 2008 bailout of the American and European banking industries.
Remember the TARP, the U.S. Treasury Department's highly controversial, $ 500 billion Troubled Asset Relief Program?
That was only the tip of the iceberg.
Think: $ 1.2 trillion.
That's right.
One trillion, two hundred billion dollars as of December 5, 2008 - when Wall Street's emergency borrowing for the federal government peaked.
Thanks to some hard digging and a willingness to engage in litigation by Bloomberg News, we now have the benefit of their truly astonishing analysis of the scope and dimensions of the federal government's fall, 2008 bailout of the American and European banking industries.
Remember the TARP, the U.S. Treasury Department's highly controversial, $ 500 billion Troubled Asset Relief Program?
That was only the tip of the iceberg.
Think: $ 1.2 trillion.
That's right.
One trillion, two hundred billion dollars as of December 5, 2008 - when Wall Street's emergency borrowing for the federal government peaked.
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