Grumpy about Kerrey?

More talk of pressure to get rid of him. I wonder if it's even possible? From the liberal Village VoiceGet rid of Kerry

Mondo Washington
by James Ridgeway
John Kerry Must Go
Note to Democrats: it's not too late to draft someone—anyone—else
April 27th, 2004 11:45 AM
WASHINGTON, D.C.— With the air gushing out of John Kerry's balloon, it may be only a matter of time until political insiders in Washington face the dread reality that the junior senator from Massachusetts doesn't have what it takes to win and has got to go. As arrogant and out of it as the Democratic political establishment is, even these pols know the party's got to have someone to run against George Bush. They can't exactly expect the president to self-destruct into thin air.

With growing issues over his wealth (which makes fellow plutocrat Bush seem a charity case by comparison), the miasma over his medals and ribbons (or ribbons and medals), his uninspiring record in the Senate (yes war, no war), and wishy-washy efforts to mimic Bill Clinton's triangulation gimmickry (the protractor factor), Kerry sinks day by day. The pros all know that the candidate who starts each morning by having to explain himself is a goner.

What to do? Look for the Dem biggies, whoever they are these days, to sit down with the rich and arrogant presumptive nominee and try to persuade him to take a hike. Then they can return to business as usual—resurrecting John Edwards, who is still hanging around, or staging an open convention in Boston, or both.

If things proceed as they are, the dim-bulb Dem leaders are going to be very sorry they screwed Howard Dean.

Where did all the MONEY go?

Pardon my grumpyness but after reading this article We need more $$$ about the Mona Shores School system "budget crisis" I feel like I live in Never Never Land. Get this quote from the superintendent, "The last 10 years have been a real interesting time in education, and the financial issues must be fixed at the state level. Districts are struggling for capital dollars," said Babbitt. "Parents with children in school really need to pay attention to what is going on" at the state level. " Of course he means that the state funnel more moola into the schools. No problem with that except where does the state get its moola? Oh, what are you anti education? Anti child?
Whatever.
Most of any school's budget is spent on labor. Mostly teachers/administrators salary and benefits. Maybe we could just take a peek at what the real total compensation package is for those fine folks. What are you? Anti learning?!!
Try this cool link to see what MS Schools want us to see about that.Mona-Shores Schools

Joke of the day!

from Luskin
Joke of the Day
Monday, April 26, 2004

Every day there are news reports about more deaths. Every night on TV there are photos of death and destruction. Why are we still there?
We occupied this land, which we had to take by force, but it causes us nothing but trouble. Why are we still there?

Many of our children go there and never come back. Why are we still there?

Their government is unstable, and they have loopy leadership. Why are we still there?

Many of their people are uncivilized. Why are we still there?

The place is subject to natural disasters, which we are supposed to bail them out of. Why are we still there?

There are more than 1000 religious sects, which we do not understand. Why are we still there?

Their folkways, foods and fads are unfathomable to ordinary Americans. Why are we still there?

We can't even secure the borders. Why are we still there?

They are billions of dollars in debt and it will cost billions more to rebuild, which we can't afford. Why are we still there?

It is becoming obvious... we must move out of California!
Posted by Donald Luskin at 4/26/2004 10:40:53 AMjoke link

Big government logic in today's Chronicle!!

The Chronicle Honchos reprinted an editorial from the Flint Journal applauding Gov. Jennifer's veto of the GOPers porkey and redundant creation of a "Michigan State Manufacturing Czar" position with all the attendant promises and Czar-like international travel and personal expenses. Good for her! The Republicans should be ashamed. Flagrant politicking with the taxpayer's money again. Maybe the Chronicle will print a list of all of our "czars add czarinas" created in the last 15 years. Why not a sunset provision for every new program in our wonderful state? Wouldn't the money saved be better spent on roads, bridges and beer tent subsidies for Muskegon residents?

Unity Fest Aug 12-14

I'd never even heard any Christian music but last year I was dragged to the Unity Festival. I was amazed! The music was fab and it was real interesting to watch all the different ages and types of folks who really enjoy this music. This another wonderful Muskegon Summer opportunity not to be missed. It is best, if possible, to bring along a friend who is a member of the Eagles..... no beer's sold on the Fest site and all that Praisin' and rockin' and rollin' does get one a bit thirsty. And the Eagles is just a quick trip across the street.
Fest

Pat Tillman-Hero

-NFL player Tillman killed in Afghanistan
Former Cardinal gave up big salary to join Army RangersBREAKING NEWS
NBCSports.com news services
Updated: 10:26 a.m. ET April 23, 2004Pat Tillman, who gave up a lucrative NFL contract with the Phoenix Cardinals to join the Army Rangers, reportedly has been killed in Afghanistan.
from MSNBC
more about this fine young man

Another "No-Show" by the Chronicle

Bush bashing on the front page is just duckey for the Chronicle but where are they when the real cause of French, German and Russian obstruction of our efforts against terrorism have been on the Blogoshpere for months?
UNSCAM, the shocking and dreadful theft of the UN's "Oil for Food" program now looks to include Kofi Annan, the political leadership of France, Germany and Russia and major political contributors of those politicians. It's beginning to look like the War was all about oil, stolen oil. Read the article and ask why the major media has ignored this for months.
UNSCAM

Dirty air and alphabetizing.....

from the FREEP:
"ENVIRONMENT: 25 counties fail new smog rules, EPA says

April 16, 2004
Twenty-five Michigan counties fail new, stricter limits on smog, the Environmental Protection Agency announced Thursday.

The designations mean the counties and the state must take measures to reduce pollution. ......
But he was pleased that western Michigan, which gets most of its smog from upwind industry in Chicago and Milwaukee, was allowed more leeway.
The affected Michigan counties are: Allegan, Berrien, Benzie, Calhoun, Clinton, Eaton, Genesee, Huron, Lapeer, Lenawee, Livingston, Ingham, Kalamazoo, Kent, Macomb, Mason, Monroe, Oakland, Ottawa, St. Clair, Van Buren, Washtenaw, Wayne, Cass and Muskegon. "
Were Cass and Muskegon added at the last minute or does the FREEP have an alphabatizing problem? HeHe....
from the FREEP

Blame the Governor!

Another front page article from the Chronicle "Poor economy is pushing more to food programs" (No link, buy the paper!) OK, the Michigan economy is slow, and Muskegon's economy is slower than the rest of the state and more folks are utilizing whatever free resources available. No surprise. But if Georgie Bush is responsible for the terrible US economy, why isn't Jennie G to blame for our terrible state economy? And why not a front page expose on the mayors and county commissioners for wrecking Muskegon County's hope for a sound economic future? Huh? Maybe because most people have heard of 9-11? Maybe because most folks realize Jennie and the Muskegon Jets inherited a whole heap of problems from their predecessors? Just maybe? It seems to me that Grandholm and Muskegon County's leaders have done a pretty decent job so far. Same with Georgie. Oh, and by the way, the US economy is pretty good, not terrible.

Oil for Terror?

I generally think that the Chronicle is a good newspaper but their coverage of national news, particularly the war on terror, is appalling. Today's front page shouts "War's cost: $4.7 billion per month". No context is provided, no comparison with other wars or other federal programs. Just the same "dang, this is TOO much money" inference. It sure would be keen to see the Chronicle give front page space to other financial boondoogles....like this maybe?
"Especially with the U.N.'s own investigation into Oil-for-Food now taking shape, and more congressional hearings in the works, it is high time to focus on the likelihood that Saddam may have fiddled Oil-for-Food contracts not only to pad his own pockets, buy pals, and acquire clandestine arms but also to fund terrorist groups, quite possibly including al Qaeda."Read the whole article

Don't get me wrong....

Today's Chronicle reports a tsunami of praise for those receiving the largesse of our wonderful Muskegon taxpayers. I think most folks think that MPS does a reasonably good job but calling their financial management a "miracle" seems a bit of a stretch.
"That we still are maintaining the quality of education in Muskegon Public Schools is nothing short of a miracle," Michalski said.
Director of Support Services Gary Privasky is expected to be promoted to executive director of administrative services with a salary increase of $3,176. He currently earns $92,267 annually.
Huh? $92,267 per YEAR? And a $3,176 raise? How many of these salaries are being paid by this "Miracle" school system? Does anyone wonder?
The district has arrived at its dismal financial picture for a variety of reasons. Revenues from per-pupil state aid are stagnant, but enrollment has dropped the last several years and could drop some more.
In addition, the district is anticipating having to pay $913,604 more in salaries because of increased seniority and an anticipated 1 percent negotiated pay increase.
Health insurance costs are expected to rise by 18 percent or $1.5 million."
Maybe it's time the Chronicle honchos did a front page story on where all the money goes?
read it all

Was this a close vote?

That's $7500 per student per year. I wonder how that compares to charter and private schools in the area.
New School Ain't Cheap
Whitehall District Schools operates on a $16.5 million budget with 280 employees and 2,200 students.

The new 750-student high school, on land formerly in Whitehall Township but annexed to the city of Whitehall in 2002,

Will Great Lakes Downs reopen?

Sunday's Chronicle says there might be hope.....from MLive