Commentary: Whitehall Township Residents Should Say 'Yes' To Wal-Mart [Michigan Capitol Confidential]:
"Groups like BOW NOT claim to speak for the community, but they often represent a narrow slice of citizens, and those tend to be ones for whom the benefits of a more conveniently located Wal-Mart are not significant enough to matter.
For the struggling families who benefit most from Wal-Mart's low prices, greater variety and convenience, and the jobs they provide, having one even closer to home can be a big difference maker."
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Experts say fraud rampant in federal worker disability program
Experts say fraud rampant in federal worker disability program | WashingtonExaminer.com:
"First of a three-part series
A postal worker who ran marathons found her race times improved after she began drawing federal disability checks for an alleged back injury.
Another disabled federal employee went scuba diving, skied in Switzerland and did flips on a trapeze. She spent part of her $193,000 in disability payments on a boat named "Free Ride" before she was caught.
A Justice Department lawyer collected $90,000 in annual disability checks after claiming the stress of his job kept him off the job. Apparently the cable TV show he began hosting while drawing disability pay wasn't so stressful."
"First of a three-part series
A postal worker who ran marathons found her race times improved after she began drawing federal disability checks for an alleged back injury.
Another disabled federal employee went scuba diving, skied in Switzerland and did flips on a trapeze. She spent part of her $193,000 in disability payments on a boat named "Free Ride" before she was caught.
A Justice Department lawyer collected $90,000 in annual disability checks after claiming the stress of his job kept him off the job. Apparently the cable TV show he began hosting while drawing disability pay wasn't so stressful."
James O’Keefe targets ‘Obamaphones’ in latest undercover investigation
James O’Keefe targets ‘Obamaphones’ in latest undercover investigation | WashingtonExaminer.com
"James O’Keefe is back – this time targeting cell phone stores participating in the government program to offer free phones to low income individuals – or ‘Obamaphones.’
O’Keefe’s latest video features his investigators getting free phones from a store in Philadelphia, explicitly telling the employees that they planned to sell them for cash to buy designer hand bags or heroin.
One employee responds, “Hey, I don’t judge.”
Another responds, “Just keep it to yourself.”
Another employee reminds an investigator that it’s illegal to sell the phone, but tells her to “plead the Fifth” if she is caught."
"James O’Keefe is back – this time targeting cell phone stores participating in the government program to offer free phones to low income individuals – or ‘Obamaphones.’
O’Keefe’s latest video features his investigators getting free phones from a store in Philadelphia, explicitly telling the employees that they planned to sell them for cash to buy designer hand bags or heroin.
One employee responds, “Hey, I don’t judge.”
Another responds, “Just keep it to yourself.”
Another employee reminds an investigator that it’s illegal to sell the phone, but tells her to “plead the Fifth” if she is caught."
3 Things You Should Know About the Supreme Court and Voter ID
3 Things You Should Know About the Supreme Court and Voter ID
1. This is not a voter ID decision.
2. Federal law already mandates that a person must be a U.S. citizen to vote.
3. States do determine the qualifications of their voters.
1. This is not a voter ID decision.
2. Federal law already mandates that a person must be a U.S. citizen to vote.
3. States do determine the qualifications of their voters.
Monday, June 17, 2013
AMA Considers Classifying Obesity As A Disease
AMA Considers Classifying Obesity As A Disease - Forbes:
"“More widespread recognition of obesity as a disease could result in greater investment by government and the private sector to develop and reimburse obesity treatments,” a 14-page report released by the AMA’s Council on Science and Public Health said."
"“More widespread recognition of obesity as a disease could result in greater investment by government and the private sector to develop and reimburse obesity treatments,” a 14-page report released by the AMA’s Council on Science and Public Health said."
Treasury’s ‘Extraordinary’ Accounting: Deficit UP $138.7B in May, Debt DOWN $90B
Treasury’s ‘Extraordinary’ Accounting: Deficit UP $138.7B in May, Debt DOWN $90B | CNS News
Where did that additional $49.574 billion come from?
CNSNews.com asked the Treasury Department. A department spokesman pointed to the letter Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew sent to House Speaker John Boehner on May 17, which explained that the Treasury was going to begin using “extraordinary measures” to avoid hitting the current legal limit on the federal government’s debt.
.....Among the “extraordinary measures” the Treasury can use during a “Debt Issuance Suspension Period,” Lew explained in the appendix to his letter, is to change the way it accounts for the pension funds of federal employees.
How duct tape patched up the world – and why we're still sticking with it
How duct tape patched up the world – and why we're still sticking with it - Cosmic Log:
"Is there anything duct tape can't do?
Well ... yes.
"What's ironic about duct tape is that it's really not the best product for sealing duct work," Malmer said."
"Is there anything duct tape can't do?
Well ... yes.
"What's ironic about duct tape is that it's really not the best product for sealing duct work," Malmer said."
Failte First Family: the Obamas touch down in Ireland
Failte First Family: the Obamas touch down in Ireland - Independent.ie:
"It is understood a total of 30 rooms in the five-star, 265-bedroom hotel, have been booked for the visit of Mrs Obama and her entou- rage."
"It is understood a total of 30 rooms in the five-star, 265-bedroom hotel, have been booked for the visit of Mrs Obama and her entou- rage."
MI Senate OKs changes to fireworks law
MI Senate OKs changes to fireworks law | WOOD TV8:
"Legislation approved 37-0 Wednesday by the Senate would let local governments regulate fireworks use during nighttime hours on national holidays and the day before and after.
The House is expected to send the bill to Gov. Rick Snyder in time for the July Fourth holiday. "
"Legislation approved 37-0 Wednesday by the Senate would let local governments regulate fireworks use during nighttime hours on national holidays and the day before and after.
The House is expected to send the bill to Gov. Rick Snyder in time for the July Fourth holiday. "
Detroit recovery plan threatens underpinnings of muni market
Detroit recovery plan threatens underpinnings of muni market | Crain's Detroit Business:
"Orr proposed a deal last week that included skipping a $39.7 million payment on pension-obligation debt.
The city is also set to default on unsecured unlimited-tax and limited-tax general-obligation bonds as it grapples with $17 billion in liabilities to avoid a record bankruptcy.
......It definitely sets a precedent, and there's definitely going to be a penalty going forward for the city and the state," said Dan Solender, director of munis at Lord Abbett & Co. in Jersey City, New Jersey.
The company oversees $19.5 billion of local debt.
Detroit, where officials struggle to provide public safety and even street lighting, joins California cities Stockton and San Bernardino in trying to stick bondholders with a loss.
With about 700,000 residents, it's the most-populous city in at least 35 years to default on debt."
"Orr proposed a deal last week that included skipping a $39.7 million payment on pension-obligation debt.
The city is also set to default on unsecured unlimited-tax and limited-tax general-obligation bonds as it grapples with $17 billion in liabilities to avoid a record bankruptcy.
......It definitely sets a precedent, and there's definitely going to be a penalty going forward for the city and the state," said Dan Solender, director of munis at Lord Abbett & Co. in Jersey City, New Jersey.
The company oversees $19.5 billion of local debt.
Detroit, where officials struggle to provide public safety and even street lighting, joins California cities Stockton and San Bernardino in trying to stick bondholders with a loss.
With about 700,000 residents, it's the most-populous city in at least 35 years to default on debt."
Heartwell expresses 'deep disappointment and anger' over Benteler's Grand Rapids plant-closing decision | MLive.com
Heartwell expresses 'deep disappointment and anger' over Benteler's Grand Rapids plant-closing decision | MLive.com:
"In Grand Rapids, the announcement was disappointing because the city helped Benteler to establish a Renaissance Zone that eliminated state and local property taxes for the factory for 10 years and then, handed out four tax abatements which halved the company’s taxes on new equipment.
Last October, the city approved two property tax abatements for $7.3 million worth of new equipment that was to be installed over the following two years.
Benteler requested a 12-year property tax abatement for a new “hot form line” and “laser cutting cell” and a five-year abatement for “weld cells” that will be used on its contracts with Ford and Nissan.
The most recent abatements have been partially granted, according to city Economic Development Director Kara Wood."
"In Grand Rapids, the announcement was disappointing because the city helped Benteler to establish a Renaissance Zone that eliminated state and local property taxes for the factory for 10 years and then, handed out four tax abatements which halved the company’s taxes on new equipment.
Last October, the city approved two property tax abatements for $7.3 million worth of new equipment that was to be installed over the following two years.
Benteler requested a 12-year property tax abatement for a new “hot form line” and “laser cutting cell” and a five-year abatement for “weld cells” that will be used on its contracts with Ford and Nissan.
The most recent abatements have been partially granted, according to city Economic Development Director Kara Wood."
Grand Rapids eyes plan to sell all tax-foreclosed properties to land bank before county auction
Grand Rapids eyes plan to sell all tax-foreclosed properties to land bank before county auction | MLive.com
"City officials are proposing that 163 tax-foreclosed properties be signed over to the Kent County Land Bank Authority rather go to a county auction where private investors can bid on them."
"City officials are proposing that 163 tax-foreclosed properties be signed over to the Kent County Land Bank Authority rather go to a county auction where private investors can bid on them."
How Michigan's budget impacts you
How Michigan's budget impacts you | Lansing State Journal | lansingstatejournal.com:
"If you have a 4-year-old, he or she might be eligible for publicly funded preschool under an effort to give 16,000 more disadvantaged kids the chance to be better prepared for K-12 schooling.
The income cutoff is roughly $39,000 for a parent with one child, $59,000 for a family of four — with slots first going to the poorest children."
"If you have a 4-year-old, he or she might be eligible for publicly funded preschool under an effort to give 16,000 more disadvantaged kids the chance to be better prepared for K-12 schooling.
The income cutoff is roughly $39,000 for a parent with one child, $59,000 for a family of four — with slots first going to the poorest children."
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Concepts and implications of altruism bias and pathological altruism
Concepts and implications of altruism bias and
pathological altruism
pathological altruism
Distrust of Government Is What It's All About
Distrust of Government Is What It's All About | RealClearPolitics:
"President Obama, whose deeply held faith in government is unwavering, unintentionally provided that moment of clarity last week. In attempting to dismiss concerns about the NSA disclosures, he said,
"If people can't trust not only the executive branch but also don't trust Congress and don't trust federal judges to make sure that we're abiding by the Constitution with due process and rule of law, then we're going to have some problems here."
We have a problem.
Just 30 percent of voters nationwide have that much trust in government officials when it comes to these surveillance efforts.
Only 24 percent now are confident that the federal government does the right thing most of the time."
"President Obama, whose deeply held faith in government is unwavering, unintentionally provided that moment of clarity last week. In attempting to dismiss concerns about the NSA disclosures, he said,
"If people can't trust not only the executive branch but also don't trust Congress and don't trust federal judges to make sure that we're abiding by the Constitution with due process and rule of law, then we're going to have some problems here."
We have a problem.
Just 30 percent of voters nationwide have that much trust in government officials when it comes to these surveillance efforts.
Only 24 percent now are confident that the federal government does the right thing most of the time."
Detroit Chapter 9 bankruptcy: Answers to key questions
Chapter 9 bankruptcy: Answers to key questions | Detroit Free Press | freep.com:
"Can union contracts be abandoned?
Yes. In fact, Chapter 9 bankruptcy makes it easier to slash labor deals than in Chapter 11 corporate bankruptcy.
Can city retirees lose their pensions?
Probably not completely. But there’s a chance that their monthly pension payments could be reduced. Orr is pursuing “significant” cuts to pensions. This will invite legal challenges.
Can city retirees lose health care insurance?
Yes. Or benefits could be reduced. Orr wants to shift retirees to the federal government’s new health care exchanges or to Medicare.
What happens to general obligation bondholders?
They can expect a fraction in return for their original investments. In most cases, bond insurers incur these losses."
"Can union contracts be abandoned?
Yes. In fact, Chapter 9 bankruptcy makes it easier to slash labor deals than in Chapter 11 corporate bankruptcy.
Can city retirees lose their pensions?
Probably not completely. But there’s a chance that their monthly pension payments could be reduced. Orr is pursuing “significant” cuts to pensions. This will invite legal challenges.
Can city retirees lose health care insurance?
Yes. Or benefits could be reduced. Orr wants to shift retirees to the federal government’s new health care exchanges or to Medicare.
What happens to general obligation bondholders?
They can expect a fraction in return for their original investments. In most cases, bond insurers incur these losses."
8th Grader Suspended Over NRA T-Shirt Could Get Jail Time
8th Grader Suspended Over NRA T-Shirt Could Get Jail Time"In April Breitbart News reported that West Virginia 8th grader Jared Marcum was suspended for refusing to take off an NRA t-shirt he wore to school.
And details now indicate the 8th grader could face a $500 fine and up to a year in jail for obstruction charges.
Fox News reports that on June 13 Marcum appeared before a judge "and was officially charged with obstructing an officer."
Moreover, the judge has allowed "the prosecution to move forward" with its case against Marcum.
Logan City Police officer James Adkins says that Marcum refused to quit talking when asked to remove the shirt.
The officer said this hindered his ability to do his job.
Marcum's father remains confident and stands by his son: "Me, I'm more of a fighter and so is Jared and eventually we're going to get through this.
I don't think it should have ever gone this far."
Marcum has to appear in court again on July 11 if his attorney can't get the charges dismissed before then. "
Superintendent: Muskegon school staff could face 7 percent pay cut, 70 job losses
Superintendent: Muskegon school staff could face 7 percent pay cut, 70 job losses | MLive.com:
"The district recently informed the state it will have a negative budget balance at the end of this year. Originally estimated at $2.6 million, the deficit at the end of this fiscal year is now expected to be between $2 million and $2.1 million, according to Superintendent Jon Felske."
"The district recently informed the state it will have a negative budget balance at the end of this year. Originally estimated at $2.6 million, the deficit at the end of this fiscal year is now expected to be between $2 million and $2.1 million, according to Superintendent Jon Felske."
Buena Vista Township Clerk Gloria Platko attends first board meeting since racial slur recording was released, says her life was destroyed
Buena Vista Township Clerk Gloria Platko attends first board meeting since racial slur recording was released, says her life was destroyed | MLive.com:
"Platko, who has been asked by numerous groups and citizens to step down from her position, said after the meeting,
”I’m here. That’s what the citizens put me here for. I’m not resigning and I’m not backing down.”
"Platko, who has been asked by numerous groups and citizens to step down from her position, said after the meeting,
”I’m here. That’s what the citizens put me here for. I’m not resigning and I’m not backing down.”
Emergency Manager: Detroit to Default on $2.5B Debt
Emergency Manager: Detroit to Default on $2.5B Debt:
"Kevyn Orr said Friday that Detroit is asking creditors to take about 10 cents on the dollar of what they're owed. Underfunded pension claims will get less."
"Kevyn Orr said Friday that Detroit is asking creditors to take about 10 cents on the dollar of what they're owed. Underfunded pension claims will get less."
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