The Political Ignorance of Swing Voters
"swing voters - on average - tend to be far more ignorant about politics than the rest of the electorate."
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Chester cites uncertainty over coal
Chester cites uncertainty over coal: "Chester says. Large plants capable of running continuously rather than just during periods of peak demand can cost $2 billion a piece to build, one reason the last big power plant capable of running 24/7 came on line in 1984."
Stanley Kurtz on "Obama's Lost Years."--
Stanley Kurtz on "Obama's Lost Years."
"The senator's tenure as a state legislator reveals him to be an old-fashioned, big government, race-conscious liberal.'"
"The senator's tenure as a state legislator reveals him to be an old-fashioned, big government, race-conscious liberal.'"
Saturday, August 02, 2008
The Margarita Grille, GR shut down!
Popular downtown bar closed
"A popular Grand Rapids nightclub has closed its doors just weeks after city officials began discussions to revoke the bar's liquor license."
"A popular Grand Rapids nightclub has closed its doors just weeks after city officials began discussions to revoke the bar's liquor license."
So In The Tank They Don't Know They Are In The Tank
So In The Tank They Don't Know They Are In The Tank
Michael Powell of the Times probably does not even realize how laughably tilted his first two paragraphs are in his story about Obama and race.
"Senator Barack Obama is a man of few rhetorical stumbles, but this week a few of his words opened a racial door his campaign would prefer not to step through."
Michael Powell of the Times probably does not even realize how laughably tilted his first two paragraphs are in his story about Obama and race.
"Senator Barack Obama is a man of few rhetorical stumbles, but this week a few of his words opened a racial door his campaign would prefer not to step through."
Whore Of Babylon-By-The-Bay Turns Off Lights, Microphones, Cameras In People's House -- Expels Press
Whore Of Babylon-By-The-Bay Turns Off Lights, Microphones, Cameras In People's House -- Expels Press
Queen 9% was not amused when Republicans tried to block adjournment and refused to leave the House floor after the Democrats irresponsibly voted for a 5-week paid vacation for themselves but not for an energy bill that would help the American people."
Queen 9% was not amused when Republicans tried to block adjournment and refused to leave the House floor after the Democrats irresponsibly voted for a 5-week paid vacation for themselves but not for an energy bill that would help the American people."
Friday, August 01, 2008
Muskegon Chamber Voter Guide
Muskegon Chamber
WHO SHOULD I VOTE FOR?
AUGUST 5th PRIMARY
County Commissioner Candidate Ratings
from the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce
WHO SHOULD I VOTE FOR?
AUGUST 5th PRIMARY
County Commissioner Candidate Ratings
from the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Muskegon bloggers!
We all know we never get the "rest of the story" from The Chronicle or anyone else.
Here is an opportunity to click into Muskegophiles with a web-view.
These Muskegon bloggers are trying to get another view out to all of us here in MuskegonLand.
Give 'em a click!
http://conservativeinmuskegon.blogspot.com/
http://bottomuppolitics.blogspot.com/
http://snarkyhuntress.blogspot.com/
http://muskegonpundit.blogspot.com/
http://www.surfmuskegon.com/
http://muskegontaxdollars.info/index.htm
E me at gordomuskegon@aol.com with more Muskego-Bloggers!
Here is an opportunity to click into Muskegophiles with a web-view.
These Muskegon bloggers are trying to get another view out to all of us here in MuskegonLand.
Give 'em a click!
http://conservativeinmuskegon.blogspot.com/
http://bottomuppolitics.blogspot.com/
http://snarkyhuntress.blogspot.com/
http://muskegonpundit.blogspot.com/
http://www.surfmuskegon.com/
http://muskegontaxdollars.info/index.htm
E me at gordomuskegon@aol.com with more Muskego-Bloggers!
Obama's Global Tax
Obama's Global Tax
"A plan by Barack Obama to redistribute American wealth on a global level is moving forward in the Senate. It follows Marxist theology — from each according to his ability, to each according to his need."
READ THIS!
"A plan by Barack Obama to redistribute American wealth on a global level is moving forward in the Senate. It follows Marxist theology — from each according to his ability, to each according to his need."
READ THIS!
Libs accuse GOPers of offering "fear" of B Hussein!
Fear of B Hussein?
How 'bout this:
1. Most liberal voting Senator in the Senate.
An even more liberal voting record in the Illinois senate.
2. A promise to increase taxes on every American and company in America by supporting the expiration of the current tax law.
3. Absolutely ZERO foreign policy or managerial experience!
4. His long association with the "Chicago Democratic Machine". The most corrupt political organization in America.
5. His "triple-double-back-flipper-with-reverse-where-am-I" on his plans for our military support in Iraq.
6. His lifelong association with haters of our country, America.
Rev "God Damn America" Wright, the Weather Underground terrorists who bombed and murdered Americans.
And who reiterated their contempt for Americans AFTER 9-11.
7. His promise to expand federal government spending and government control at every level.
8. His visiting "all 57 states". He's just not that smart. folks.....
9. His popularity among the European, Cuban, Venezuelan, Hammas, San Francisco leftist elites.
They don't like America as it is, they want us to be Europe. Do you?
10. His refusal to allow American resources: Nuclear, oil shale, drilling for oil on American soil, coal to "bridge" our energy needs to the next technology.
Folks, windmills and solar don't work yet. We tried wind power on sailing ships and sailors 200 years ago preferred ENGINES.
Vote for Obama and expect to see real change, real big and real soon.
Remember, the Germans voted for change in 1932.
They got change, all right!
How 'bout this:
1. Most liberal voting Senator in the Senate.
An even more liberal voting record in the Illinois senate.
2. A promise to increase taxes on every American and company in America by supporting the expiration of the current tax law.
3. Absolutely ZERO foreign policy or managerial experience!
4. His long association with the "Chicago Democratic Machine". The most corrupt political organization in America.
5. His "triple-double-back-flipper-with-reverse-where-am-I" on his plans for our military support in Iraq.
6. His lifelong association with haters of our country, America.
Rev "God Damn America" Wright, the Weather Underground terrorists who bombed and murdered Americans.
And who reiterated their contempt for Americans AFTER 9-11.
7. His promise to expand federal government spending and government control at every level.
8. His visiting "all 57 states". He's just not that smart. folks.....
9. His popularity among the European, Cuban, Venezuelan, Hammas, San Francisco leftist elites.
They don't like America as it is, they want us to be Europe. Do you?
10. His refusal to allow American resources: Nuclear, oil shale, drilling for oil on American soil, coal to "bridge" our energy needs to the next technology.
Folks, windmills and solar don't work yet. We tried wind power on sailing ships and sailors 200 years ago preferred ENGINES.
Vote for Obama and expect to see real change, real big and real soon.
Remember, the Germans voted for change in 1932.
They got change, all right!
Muskegon Towhship Elections
Snarky Huntress: Muskegon Towhship Elections
"Everything is decided August 5th for the Muskegon Township Trustees, Clerk, and Treasurer.
There are 8 people running for the 4 seats on the Township Board as Trustee."
"Ms Snarky" gives an excellent reason to vote "FOR" a candidate rether than "against".
"Everything is decided August 5th for the Muskegon Township Trustees, Clerk, and Treasurer.
There are 8 people running for the 4 seats on the Township Board as Trustee."
"Ms Snarky" gives an excellent reason to vote "FOR" a candidate rether than "against".
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Al Gore's Curiously Cost-Free Plan to Re-Power America
Al Gore's Curiously Cost-Free Plan to Re-Power America
"This massive push for no-carbon electricity production would help prevent climate change and cut our dependence on foreign oil. Of course, great-souled visionaries such as Gore do not concern themselves with piddling and mundane issues such as who will pay for this marvelous no-carbon energy future and how much it will cost."
"This massive push for no-carbon electricity production would help prevent climate change and cut our dependence on foreign oil. Of course, great-souled visionaries such as Gore do not concern themselves with piddling and mundane issues such as who will pay for this marvelous no-carbon energy future and how much it will cost."
Rove cited for contempt of Congress
Rove cited for contempt of Congress
"The House Judiciary Committee has voted to hold former White House strategist Karl Rove in contempt of Congress"
Hey!
Where do I sign up!
It is, really.... redundant.....
"The House Judiciary Committee has voted to hold former White House strategist Karl Rove in contempt of Congress"
Hey!
Where do I sign up!
It is, really.... redundant.....
FBI investigates DPS over funds
FBI investigates DPS over funds: "The FBI is investigating Detroit Public Schools for possible misuse of at least $500,000 in funds connected to a program aimed at retaining and attracting students in the beleaguered district,"
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Obama's Global Tax
Obama's Global Tax
"Election '08: A plan by Barack Obama to redistribute American wealth on a global level is moving forward in the Senate. It follows Marxist theology — from each according to his ability, to each according to his need."
"Election '08: A plan by Barack Obama to redistribute American wealth on a global level is moving forward in the Senate. It follows Marxist theology — from each according to his ability, to each according to his need."
Obama notes 'tragic' US past
Obama notes 'tragic' US past
"'I personally would want to see our tragic history, or the tragic elements of our history, acknowledged,' the Democratic presidential hopeful said.
'I consistently believe that when it comes to whether it's Native Americans or African-American issues or reparations, the most important thing for the U.S. government to do is not just offer words, but offer deeds.'"
"'I personally would want to see our tragic history, or the tragic elements of our history, acknowledged,' the Democratic presidential hopeful said.
'I consistently believe that when it comes to whether it's Native Americans or African-American issues or reparations, the most important thing for the U.S. government to do is not just offer words, but offer deeds.'"
L.A. blocks new fast-food outlets from poor areas
L.A. blocks new fast-food outlets from poor areas
"The Los Angeles City Council has approved a one-year moratorium on new fast-food restaurants in a low-income area of the city.
The moratorium unanimously approved Tuesday is a bid to attract restaurants that offer healthier food choices to residents in a 32-square-mile area of South Los Angeles.
Councilwoman Jan Perry says residents at five public meetings expressed concern with the proliferation of fast-food outlets in the community plagued by above-average rates of obesity."
"The Los Angeles City Council has approved a one-year moratorium on new fast-food restaurants in a low-income area of the city.
The moratorium unanimously approved Tuesday is a bid to attract restaurants that offer healthier food choices to residents in a 32-square-mile area of South Los Angeles.
Councilwoman Jan Perry says residents at five public meetings expressed concern with the proliferation of fast-food outlets in the community plagued by above-average rates of obesity."
Snarky Huntress: 10 Blooms Hummingbirds Can't Refuse
Snarky Huntress
10 Blooms Hummingbirds Can't Refuse
I love hummingbirds.
Hummingbirds don't love me.
Ms Snarky may help Gordo with his affliction!
10 Blooms Hummingbirds Can't Refuse
I love hummingbirds.
Hummingbirds don't love me.
Ms Snarky may help Gordo with his affliction!
Gov. checks out Benton Harbor post-riot progress
Gov. checks out Benton Harbor post-riot progress
"Jennifer Granholm spoke at a church Tuesday morning and visited a development that features a Jack Nicklaus-designed public golf course.
The state promised after the rioting to kick off several new programs to provide area residents with more educational, job and housing opportunities."
No talk of new jobs and the booming downtown?
Give 'em a new golf course and the riots stop?
Maybe the French ought to try this.........?
"Jennifer Granholm spoke at a church Tuesday morning and visited a development that features a Jack Nicklaus-designed public golf course.
The state promised after the rioting to kick off several new programs to provide area residents with more educational, job and housing opportunities."
No talk of new jobs and the booming downtown?
Give 'em a new golf course and the riots stop?
Maybe the French ought to try this.........?
Another audit critical of Mich. child care program
Another audit critical of Mich. child care program
"For the second straight week, a state audit has been released criticizing Michigan's handling of child care for low-income families.
Auditor General Thomas McTavish said Tuesday the Michigan Department of Human Services potentially made $231 million in improper and in some cases fraudulent payments to day care providers."
So wrong on so many levels.
Why is the state in the daycare business?
It's obvious they can't provide an unecessary service without hundreds of millions of waste and fraud.
What is this program's total cost?
How much more $$$ are we taxpayers gonig to add to this disaster?
"For the second straight week, a state audit has been released criticizing Michigan's handling of child care for low-income families.
Auditor General Thomas McTavish said Tuesday the Michigan Department of Human Services potentially made $231 million in improper and in some cases fraudulent payments to day care providers."
So wrong on so many levels.
Why is the state in the daycare business?
It's obvious they can't provide an unecessary service without hundreds of millions of waste and fraud.
What is this program's total cost?
How much more $$$ are we taxpayers gonig to add to this disaster?
Fruitport Township passes support motion for casino
Fruitport Township passes support motion for casino
"The Fruitport Township clerk told 24 Hour News 8 there was a surprise move at Monday night's meeting to discuss a proposed casino on the property of the former Great Lakes Downs in Muskegon County's Fruitport Township.
A motion was passed to support the Little River Band of Ottawa Indian's proposal without any restrictions.
The meeting was scheduled to be informational but some board members were surprised that a motion was brought up for a vote."
I'm not for or against but ramming this thing through is starting to sound fishy.
"The Fruitport Township clerk told 24 Hour News 8 there was a surprise move at Monday night's meeting to discuss a proposed casino on the property of the former Great Lakes Downs in Muskegon County's Fruitport Township.
A motion was passed to support the Little River Band of Ottawa Indian's proposal without any restrictions.
The meeting was scheduled to be informational but some board members were surprised that a motion was brought up for a vote."
I'm not for or against but ramming this thing through is starting to sound fishy.
Developing oil shale is best choice
Developing oil shale is best choice
"Democrats control Congress, so Americans ought to be asking about their plan to lower gas prices. Let's hope their plan doesn't rest on solar, wind and geothermal, because planes, trains and automobiles don't run on electricity. They run on oil — mostly foreign oil — 97 percent of the time. Let's also hope the Democrats' plan doesn't rest on ethanol to break our dependence on foreign oil, because it can't."
"Democrats control Congress, so Americans ought to be asking about their plan to lower gas prices. Let's hope their plan doesn't rest on solar, wind and geothermal, because planes, trains and automobiles don't run on electricity. They run on oil — mostly foreign oil — 97 percent of the time. Let's also hope the Democrats' plan doesn't rest on ethanol to break our dependence on foreign oil, because it can't."
Monday, July 28, 2008
quote of the day
"QUOTE OF THE DAY: If you like what Jennifer Granholm has done for Michigan, and what Kwame Kilpatrick is doing for Detroit, you'll love what Barack Obama is going to do to America."
Marketing pitch aims to end population drop in Holland
Marketing pitch aims to end population drop in Holland
"The City Council is expected to vote Aug. 6 on a proposal to spend $50,000 on the first phase of the campaign, which would include a Web site highlighting local neighborhoods and other benefits of living in the city.
Since the 2000 Census, Holland's population has fallen 3 percent,"
WOW!
A web site!
I guess taxes, city regulation, the decline of the school system, crime, home values declining, etc. are not the problem...
The problem is the city doesn't have a cool web site!
Meebee the problem is the city has idiots running the city?
"The City Council is expected to vote Aug. 6 on a proposal to spend $50,000 on the first phase of the campaign, which would include a Web site highlighting local neighborhoods and other benefits of living in the city.
Since the 2000 Census, Holland's population has fallen 3 percent,"
WOW!
A web site!
I guess taxes, city regulation, the decline of the school system, crime, home values declining, etc. are not the problem...
The problem is the city doesn't have a cool web site!
Meebee the problem is the city has idiots running the city?
Police: Man shot churchgoers over liberal views
Police: Man shot churchgoers over liberal views
"An unemployed man accused of opening fire with a shotgun and killing two people at a Unitarian church apparently targeted the congregation out of hatred for its liberal social policies, police said
Monday."
Is it time to consider banning "liberal views"?
After all, if it saves just one life.........
"An unemployed man accused of opening fire with a shotgun and killing two people at a Unitarian church apparently targeted the congregation out of hatred for its liberal social policies, police said
Monday."
Is it time to consider banning "liberal views"?
After all, if it saves just one life.........
Crime skyrockets in 1 county, plummets right next door
Crime skyrockets in 1 county, plummets right next door
"One of the wealthiest counties in America reports crime skyrocketing by 22 percent in the first quarter of 2008, while its neighbor saw crime plummet by 19.3 percent in the same time period – coinciding with a get-tough policy on illegal immigration."
"One of the wealthiest counties in America reports crime skyrocketing by 22 percent in the first quarter of 2008, while its neighbor saw crime plummet by 19.3 percent in the same time period – coinciding with a get-tough policy on illegal immigration."
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Neighbors: Accused shooter everyone's friend, hated Christianity
Neighbors: Accused shooter everyone's friend, hated Christianity
"The man accused of a mass church shooting this morning was described by his Powell neighbors as a helpful and kind man, but one who had issues with Christianity."
Wonder where that hate came from.......
"The man accused of a mass church shooting this morning was described by his Powell neighbors as a helpful and kind man, but one who had issues with Christianity."
Wonder where that hate came from.......
New Jersey Man Killed by Flying Cocktail Glass
New Jersey Man Killed by Flying Cocktail Glass
"Authorities say an 80-year-old New Jersey man died from injuries suffered when his wife hurled a cocktail glass and struck him in the head."
Isn't it time we banned "flying cocktail glasses"?
If it saves just one life.......?
"Authorities say an 80-year-old New Jersey man died from injuries suffered when his wife hurled a cocktail glass and struck him in the head."
Isn't it time we banned "flying cocktail glasses"?
If it saves just one life.......?
Man riding low-riding bicycle killed on Musketawa Trail
Man riding low-riding bicycle killed on Musketawa Trail
"A 55-year-old Grandville man was killed Sunday morning while riding his bike on the Musketawa Trail."
Isn't it time we considered closing Musketawa Trail?
Or at least making illegal those Rans Recumbent low-riding bicycles?
I mean, if it saves just ONE life............
"A 55-year-old Grandville man was killed Sunday morning while riding his bike on the Musketawa Trail."
Isn't it time we considered closing Musketawa Trail?
Or at least making illegal those Rans Recumbent low-riding bicycles?
I mean, if it saves just ONE life............
Thursday, July 24, 2008
SEN. JOHN EDWARDS CAUGHT WITH MISTRESS AND LOVE CHILD!
SEN. JOHN EDWARDS CAUGHT WITH MISTRESS AND LOVE CHILD!
"Vice Presidential candidate Sen. John Edwards was caught visiting his mistress and secret love child at 2:40 this morning in a Los Angeles hotel"
"Vice Presidential candidate Sen. John Edwards was caught visiting his mistress and secret love child at 2:40 this morning in a Los Angeles hotel"
U.S. schools eye four-day week to cut fuel costs
U.S. schools eye four-day week to cut fuel costs
"Facing a crippling increase in fuel costs, some rural U.S. schools are mulling a solution born of the '70s oil crisis: a four-day week."
Why not cut back to 1 day a week?
Isn't "mother earth" more important than kids?
"Facing a crippling increase in fuel costs, some rural U.S. schools are mulling a solution born of the '70s oil crisis: a four-day week."
Why not cut back to 1 day a week?
Isn't "mother earth" more important than kids?
Victor Davis Hanson on The Boomer Legacy
Victor Davis Hanson on The Boomer Legacy
"Barack Obama, a child during the ’60s, is imbued nonetheless with that decade’s “hope and change” messianic sermonizing. Now he wants a new mammoth government-funded “civilian national security force,” one “that’s just as powerful, just as strong, just as well-funded” as the Pentagon."
Wonderfully written.
Read it all.
"Barack Obama, a child during the ’60s, is imbued nonetheless with that decade’s “hope and change” messianic sermonizing. Now he wants a new mammoth government-funded “civilian national security force,” one “that’s just as powerful, just as strong, just as well-funded” as the Pentagon."
Wonderfully written.
Read it all.
The Soldier Voting Scandal
The Soldier Voting Scandal
"Rep. Roy Blunt, the House Republican whip, on July 8 introduced a resolution demanding that the Defense Department better enable U.S. military personnel overseas to vote in the November elections. That act was followed by silence. Democrats normally leap on an opportunity to find fault with the Bush Pentagon. But not a single Democrat joined Blunt as a co-sponsor, and an all-Republican proposal cannot pass in the Democratic-controlled House."
This is disgusting.
This IS the democrat party today.
"Rep. Roy Blunt, the House Republican whip, on July 8 introduced a resolution demanding that the Defense Department better enable U.S. military personnel overseas to vote in the November elections. That act was followed by silence. Democrats normally leap on an opportunity to find fault with the Bush Pentagon. But not a single Democrat joined Blunt as a co-sponsor, and an all-Republican proposal cannot pass in the Democratic-controlled House."
This is disgusting.
This IS the democrat party today.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Woman Charged With Assault After Trying to Make Allergic Neighbor Eat Peanut
Woman Charged With Assault After Trying to Make Allergic Neighbor Eat Peanut
Robyn Lee, 23, was riding in a car with Shanna Ferguson when she attempted to put a peanut in Ferguson's mouth,"
Robyn Lee, 23, was riding in a car with Shanna Ferguson when she attempted to put a peanut in Ferguson's mouth,"
$3 trillion USA budget!
Ten Thousand Commandments
"President George W. Bush’s federal budget for fiscal year (FY) 2009 proposed $3.107 trillion in discretionary, entitlement, and interest spending. This was the first-ever $3 trillion budget in the United States. Many other countries’ governments consume more of the national output than the government does, but in absolute terms, ours is the largest government on planet Earth. President Bush was also the first president to deliver a $2 trillion federal budget, as recently as 2002."
"President George W. Bush’s federal budget for fiscal year (FY) 2009 proposed $3.107 trillion in discretionary, entitlement, and interest spending. This was the first-ever $3 trillion budget in the United States. Many other countries’ governments consume more of the national output than the government does, but in absolute terms, ours is the largest government on planet Earth. President Bush was also the first president to deliver a $2 trillion federal budget, as recently as 2002."
DNC host's tax-free gas : Updates : The Rocky Mountain News
DNC host's tax-free gas "The committee hosting the Democratic National Convention has used the city's gas pumps to fill up and apparently avoided paying state and federal fuel taxes."
No gas-tax cut for "little people".
The political party of "The Queen of Mean", Leona Helmsly!
Dispicable hypocrites!
No gas-tax cut for "little people".
The political party of "The Queen of Mean", Leona Helmsly!
Dispicable hypocrites!
New York Times 2Q profit drops 82 percent
New York Times 2Q profit drops 82 percent: "New York Times Co. says its second-quarter earnings fell 82 percent from the year-ago quarter boosted by a one-time gain. Meanwhile, print advertising revenue continued to shrink."
heh....
heh....
Reeths-Puffer school board gives superintendent high marks
Reeths-Puffer school board gives superintendent high marks
"According to the board's evaluation, Cousins 'exceeds expectations' in all areas of job performance, including: Fiscal responsibility; leadership; judgment; communications; organizational development; professional development; motivation; decisiveness; and community relations."
Nice for the big teacher union members.Too bad there are no marks for "student education" or "learning" or.... horror, MEAP!!!
Not a word about "student achievement" or "taxpayers".
Same old, same old.....
Will the parents and taxpayers ever realize that the system is rigged totally for the big union and the little things like student scores, parental satisfaction and taxpayers aren't even mentioned?
Employers know the truth.
"According to the board's evaluation, Cousins 'exceeds expectations' in all areas of job performance, including: Fiscal responsibility; leadership; judgment; communications; organizational development; professional development; motivation; decisiveness; and community relations."
Nice for the big teacher union members.Too bad there are no marks for "student education" or "learning" or.... horror, MEAP!!!
Not a word about "student achievement" or "taxpayers".
Same old, same old.....
Will the parents and taxpayers ever realize that the system is rigged totally for the big union and the little things like student scores, parental satisfaction and taxpayers aren't even mentioned?
Employers know the truth.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Best of the Web Today - WSJ.com
Best of the Web Today - WSJ.com: "One Conventional Bomb Can Ruin Your Whole Day
We'll give you three guesses which political leader said this:
Throughout our history, America's confronted constantly evolving danger, from the oppression of an empire, to the lawlessness of the frontier, from the bomb that fell on Pearl Harbor, to the threat of nuclear annihilation. Americans have adapted to the threats posed by an ever-changing world.
Hint: The speaker was born in Hawaii. Thinking that perhaps it was a transcription error, we checked the video, and sure enough, he actually said 'the bomb.' Could our speaker be mixing up Pearl Harbor and Hiroshima, or Nagasaki? In any case, it's perhaps the biggest Pearl Harbor goof since Sept. 7, 1988, when George H.W. Bush got the month of the attack wrong."
We'll give you three guesses which political leader said this:
Throughout our history, America's confronted constantly evolving danger, from the oppression of an empire, to the lawlessness of the frontier, from the bomb that fell on Pearl Harbor, to the threat of nuclear annihilation. Americans have adapted to the threats posed by an ever-changing world.
Hint: The speaker was born in Hawaii. Thinking that perhaps it was a transcription error, we checked the video, and sure enough, he actually said 'the bomb.' Could our speaker be mixing up Pearl Harbor and Hiroshima, or Nagasaki? In any case, it's perhaps the biggest Pearl Harbor goof since Sept. 7, 1988, when George H.W. Bush got the month of the attack wrong."
Best of the Web Today - WSJ.com
Best of the Web Today - WSJ.com: "Flint, of course, would claim that she was standing up for a principle--for, in the AP's words, 'the privacy rights of library patrons.' Have you noticed, though, how the people who assert this principle are never patrons but always librarians? We'd say this is really a case of status envy. Librarians want their 'profession' to be treated with the same respect society affords the practice of medicine or law. (We should note that people in our own line of work are vulnerable to the same criticism, as evidenced by this item on proposed shield laws.)
Here is a case in which police searching for a missing girl were forced to waste precious time because a bureaucrat, acting on her own authority, said 'Show me the paper' instead of 'How can I help?' Judith Flint is no heroine."
Here is a case in which police searching for a missing girl were forced to waste precious time because a bureaucrat, acting on her own authority, said 'Show me the paper' instead of 'How can I help?' Judith Flint is no heroine."
Police: Man operating riding lawnmower had blood alcohol level more than 5 times the legal limit
Police: Man operating riding lawnmower had blood alcohol level more than 5 times the legal limit
"The driver of riding lawnmower was so drunk -- more than five times the legal limit -- that he slumped over the wheel as it circled in an intersection before he fell to the ground and passed out"
I sure hope it wasn't an ozone action day!
"The driver of riding lawnmower was so drunk -- more than five times the legal limit -- that he slumped over the wheel as it circled in an intersection before he fell to the ground and passed out"
I sure hope it wasn't an ozone action day!
T. Boone Pickens' plan for your pocketbook: empty it!
Winningreen ENERGY Alert NO. 24
T. Boone Pickens’ plan for your pocketbook: empty it
By Tom Randall Date: July 21, 2008
Situation: Oil billionaire T. Boone Pickens is touting his grand new plan for energy independence: generate electricity with windmills thereby freeing natural gas to be used in vehicles instead of gasoline.
It is a scam. It would raise gas prices. Currently, when natural gas is used to generate electricity, it is almost exclusively in “peaker” plants — plants of relatively small capacity (usually about 250 megawatts) that can be turned on and off at short notice to boost output during peak demand periods. Baseload plants, which produce most of our electricity, are fired with less costly coal or nuclear energy but they must run almost continuously because they can’t be easily or economically stopped and restarted.
Generating large amounts of electricity with wind also requires natural gas peaker plants to take up the slack when the wind doesn't blow at the required speed to drive a wind turbine.
Therefore, for every 1,000 megawats of wind generation you would need four new natural-gas-fired peaker plants.
By Tom Randall Date: July 21, 2008
Situation: Oil billionaire T. Boone Pickens is touting his grand new plan for energy independence: generate electricity with windmills thereby freeing natural gas to be used in vehicles instead of gasoline.
It is a scam. It would raise gas prices. Currently, when natural gas is used to generate electricity, it is almost exclusively in “peaker” plants — plants of relatively small capacity (usually about 250 megawatts) that can be turned on and off at short notice to boost output during peak demand periods. Baseload plants, which produce most of our electricity, are fired with less costly coal or nuclear energy but they must run almost continuously because they can’t be easily or economically stopped and restarted.
Generating large amounts of electricity with wind also requires natural gas peaker plants to take up the slack when the wind doesn't blow at the required speed to drive a wind turbine.
Therefore, for every 1,000 megawats of wind generation you would need four new natural-gas-fired peaker plants.
This would require the U.S. to burn more natural gas, not less. Less would be available for non-electricity purposes, such as transportation and, particularly, home heating,
The increasing use of natural gas for electricity is one of the principal reasons your natural gas home heating costs have been skyrocketing in recent years. Pickens’ scheme would only increase this price spiral as environmentalists block increased gas supplies.
Response 1: Pickens, in his commercials and opinion pieces, fails to mention his extensive holdings in wind farms and natural gas. He does say that he has been an “oil man” most of this life. Well, now he’s a wind and gas man…’scuse the pun.
Response 2: The fact is wind and solar are not renewable resources. There is nothing we can do to renew them. They are capricious resources that must be regularly replaced by conventional energy.
Response 3: If Pickens were truly interested in clean abundant energy he would be touting genuinely clean coal-to- liquids technology and absolutely emission-free and nearly limitless recyclable nuclear energy.
Response 4: Pickens could also go back to being an oil man and break the grip of foreign producers by producing oil from shale where we have reserves greater than any country in the world located in just three western states.
Link: Read more about "Pitfalls in Pickens Plan" at: http://www.instituteforenergyresearch.org/2008/07/10/pitfalls-in-the-pickens-plan/
Just like the ethanol scam.
Bank Mess
Bank Mess: It Started With Gov't Intervention: "Blaming the lenders is the party line of congressional Democrats as well. What we need is more government regulation of lenders, they say, to protect the innocent borrowers from 'predatory' lending practices.
Before going further down that road, it may be useful to look back at what got us into this mess in the first place."
Before going further down that road, it may be useful to look back at what got us into this mess in the first place."
Monday, July 21, 2008
No bias?
Rasmussen Reports™
"The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey found that 49% of voters believe most reporters will try to help Obama with their coverage, up from 44% a month ago."
With credibility gone, the MSM continues its "stay-the-course" plunge into denial.
"The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey found that 49% of voters believe most reporters will try to help Obama with their coverage, up from 44% a month ago."
With credibility gone, the MSM continues its "stay-the-course" plunge into denial.
Gay float takes top honor in Hall parade
Gay float takes top honor in Hall parade: "Tensions reached the point where an FBI agent holding a video camera followed the float in a golf cart during last year's Blossomtime parade, in case anyone perpetrated a hate crime, Gorman said."
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Brightest Ideas of the Week
Brightest Ideas of the Week
"Cut their pay, send them home
4 Facing an unexpectedly strong public outcry, Louisiana’s reformist Gov. Bobby Jindal reversed course and vetoed legislation that would have doubled the pay of Bayou State legislators from $16,800 to $37,500.
Details: “It is clear to me that the legislative pay raise is, in itself, a threat to our reform movement and our progress as a state,” Jindal said. Outraged voters had filed recall petitions against five legislative leaders pushing the raise.
Let people vote on tax hikes
5 A new Scott Rasmussen poll finds that 57 percent of those surveyed believe voters should have a chance to vote a tax hike up or down before it goes into effect.
Details: Nearly the same percentage told Rasmussen that government doesn’t need additional tax revenues to fund essential operations. And 51 percent said they expect Barack Obama to raise taxes if he’s elected president."
"Cut their pay, send them home
4 Facing an unexpectedly strong public outcry, Louisiana’s reformist Gov. Bobby Jindal reversed course and vetoed legislation that would have doubled the pay of Bayou State legislators from $16,800 to $37,500.
Details: “It is clear to me that the legislative pay raise is, in itself, a threat to our reform movement and our progress as a state,” Jindal said. Outraged voters had filed recall petitions against five legislative leaders pushing the raise.
Let people vote on tax hikes
5 A new Scott Rasmussen poll finds that 57 percent of those surveyed believe voters should have a chance to vote a tax hike up or down before it goes into effect.
Details: Nearly the same percentage told Rasmussen that government doesn’t need additional tax revenues to fund essential operations. And 51 percent said they expect Barack Obama to raise taxes if he’s elected president."
First to register handgun, owner 'doesn't fit' profile - Examiner.com
First to register handgun, owner 'doesn't fit' profile - Examiner.com: "McVey found the cops very encouraging of her gun ownership. “I asked them, ‘Do you mind good people owning guns?’ ” she said. “One said, ‘It will help make our job easier.’ ”"
Double JJ Ranch files for bankruptcy
Double JJ Ranch files for bankruptcy: "Just weeks after nearly 50,000 fans from across the United States came to the Double JJ Ranch for the Rothbury Music Festival, the owners filed for bankruptcy in federal court.
The owners filed a Chapter 11 bankruptcy petition in the US Western District Court."
The owners filed a Chapter 11 bankruptcy petition in the US Western District Court."
CARPE DIEM: U.S. Exports More Than China or Japan
CARPE DIEM: U.S. Exports More Than China or Japan: "The U.S. exports more ($1.024 trillion) than any country in the world except Germany ($1.133 trillion), and more than China ($974 billion) or Japan ($590 billion). Data available here."
The Volokh Conspiracy - -#1216572130
The Volokh Conspiracy - -#1216572130: "interesting national Qunnipiac poll on various legal issues. Of particular interest, the poll asked the following question:
'The Supreme Court has recently ruled that a mandatory death penalty for child rape is unconstitutional. Do you favor or oppose the death penalty for persons convicted of child rape?'
Here are the results:
Favor: 55 percent
Oppose: 38 percent
DK/No Opinion: 7 percent
This would seem to further undermine Justice Kennedy's claim in Kennedy v. Louisiana that there is a national consensus opposing the death penalty for child rape."
'The Supreme Court has recently ruled that a mandatory death penalty for child rape is unconstitutional. Do you favor or oppose the death penalty for persons convicted of child rape?'
Here are the results:
Favor: 55 percent
Oppose: 38 percent
DK/No Opinion: 7 percent
This would seem to further undermine Justice Kennedy's claim in Kennedy v. Louisiana that there is a national consensus opposing the death penalty for child rape."
Instapundit.com -
Instapundit.com -: "STRATEGYPAGE:
While the mass media continues to feature wars and terrorism, the overall trend continues away from such unpleasantness. Such stories are anathema to the mass media, because they do not attract eyeballs, and revenue. That's the way people are, and the result is a distorted view of trends in global violence.
Worldwide, violence continues to decline, as it has for the last few years. Violence has also greatly diminished, or disappeared completely, in places like Iraq, Nepal, Chechnya, Congo, Indonesia and Burundi. Even Afghanistan, touted as the new war zone, is seeing less violence this year than last.
All this continues a trend that began when the Cold War ended, and the Soviet Union no longer subsidized terrorist and rebel groups everywhere.
Now if we can just get the Saudis and Iranians to stop. Read the whole"
While the mass media continues to feature wars and terrorism, the overall trend continues away from such unpleasantness. Such stories are anathema to the mass media, because they do not attract eyeballs, and revenue. That's the way people are, and the result is a distorted view of trends in global violence.
Worldwide, violence continues to decline, as it has for the last few years. Violence has also greatly diminished, or disappeared completely, in places like Iraq, Nepal, Chechnya, Congo, Indonesia and Burundi. Even Afghanistan, touted as the new war zone, is seeing less violence this year than last.
All this continues a trend that began when the Cold War ended, and the Soviet Union no longer subsidized terrorist and rebel groups everywhere.
Now if we can just get the Saudis and Iranians to stop. Read the whole"
'Time' Publishes Definitive Obama Puff Piece
'Time' Publishes Definitive Obama Puff Piece
"No news publication has dared to barely scratch the surface like this before,' columnist and campaign reporter Michael King wrote in The Washington Post Tuesday. 'This profile sets a benchmark for mindless filler by which all other features about Sen. Obama will now be judged."
"No news publication has dared to barely scratch the surface like this before,' columnist and campaign reporter Michael King wrote in The Washington Post Tuesday. 'This profile sets a benchmark for mindless filler by which all other features about Sen. Obama will now be judged."
Chefs invest in Muskegon downtown's future with bistro
Chefs invest in Muskegon downtown's future with bistro
"Longtime Muskegon residents will remember 1133 Third in downtown Muskegon as the site of Big Bob's Restaurant -- Muskegon's bygone 'omelet king.'
But two weeks ago, Jeremy and Jamie Paquin opened Mia & Grace, turning a classic 'greasy spoon' that sat vacant for more than 15 years into a sophisticated eatery that would fit in on a Manhattan street."
"Longtime Muskegon residents will remember 1133 Third in downtown Muskegon as the site of Big Bob's Restaurant -- Muskegon's bygone 'omelet king.'
But two weeks ago, Jeremy and Jamie Paquin opened Mia & Grace, turning a classic 'greasy spoon' that sat vacant for more than 15 years into a sophisticated eatery that would fit in on a Manhattan street."
MSU coach Izzo makes summer home in Grand Haven
MSU coach Izzo makes summer home in Grand Haven
"'Two years in a row, I went to Kuwait for a week,' Izzo said. 'I lived in the barracks with U.S. troops; that was pretty interesting.'"
"'Two years in a row, I went to Kuwait for a week,' Izzo said. 'I lived in the barracks with U.S. troops; that was pretty interesting.'"
Most eligible state kids miss free summer lunches
Most eligible state kids miss free summer lunches: "The Michigan Department of Education took over the summer meal program in 2004, and its outreach efforts have added about 200 sites for a total of about 960. Even so, only about 15 percent of the 460,000 children who are eligible take advantage of it, the Detroit Free Press reported Sunday."
Instapundit.com -
Instapundit.com -: "Too much U.S. presence might interfere with corruption! 'As long as the American troops are in the country, auditors have armed protection and can be very effective at revealing the thefts and getting the thieves punished."
Saturday, July 19, 2008
For Some Ohioans, Even Meat Is Out Of Reach
For Some Ohioans, Even Meat Is Out Of Reach
"The rising cost of food means their money gets them about a third fewer bags of groceries — $100 used to buy about 12 bags of groceries, but now it's more like seven or eight. So they cut back on expensive items like meat, and they don't buy extras like ice cream anymore."
And not a minute too soon!
"The rising cost of food means their money gets them about a third fewer bags of groceries — $100 used to buy about 12 bags of groceries, but now it's more like seven or eight. So they cut back on expensive items like meat, and they don't buy extras like ice cream anymore."
And not a minute too soon!
chizumatic.mee.nu
chizumatic.mee.nu: "In order for 'alternate energy' to become feasible, it has to satisfy all of the following criteria:
1. It has to be huge (in terms of both energy and power)
2. It has to be reliable (not intermittent or unschedulable)
3. It has to be concentrated (not diffuse)
4. It has to be possible to utilize it efficiently
5. The capital investment and operating cost to utilize it has to be comparable to existing energy sources (per gigawatt, and per terajoule).
If it fails to satisfy any of those, then it can't scale enough to make any difference. Solar power fails #3, and currently it also fails #5. (It also partially fails #2, but there are ways to work around that.)
The only sources of energy available to us now that satisfy all five are petroleum, coal, hydro, and nuclear."
1. It has to be huge (in terms of both energy and power)
2. It has to be reliable (not intermittent or unschedulable)
3. It has to be concentrated (not diffuse)
4. It has to be possible to utilize it efficiently
5. The capital investment and operating cost to utilize it has to be comparable to existing energy sources (per gigawatt, and per terajoule).
If it fails to satisfy any of those, then it can't scale enough to make any difference. Solar power fails #3, and currently it also fails #5. (It also partially fails #2, but there are ways to work around that.)
The only sources of energy available to us now that satisfy all five are petroleum, coal, hydro, and nuclear."
Grand Valley State University board increases tuition 13 percent
Grand Valley State University board increases tuition 13 percent
"Trustee Noreen Myers said many families are struggling financially and will be devastated by a $1,000 hit. A freshman will pay $8,196, up from $7,240. Upperclassmen will pay slightly more.
'I'm really troubled by this increase in light of the troubled economy in Michigan at this time,' Myers said. She and Michael Thomas voted against the hike, a rare dissent on the board."
"Trustee Noreen Myers said many families are struggling financially and will be devastated by a $1,000 hit. A freshman will pay $8,196, up from $7,240. Upperclassmen will pay slightly more.
'I'm really troubled by this increase in light of the troubled economy in Michigan at this time,' Myers said. She and Michael Thomas voted against the hike, a rare dissent on the board."
Grand Valley State University to offer benefits to any live-in partner
Grand Valley State University to offer benefits to any live-in partner
"In a surprise move, Grand Valley State University trustees on Friday added benefits for unmarried couples to the health insurance they offer employees.
The benefit will apply to gay couples, as well as any other live-in partner or friend who is an unrelated adult and has lived with a faculty member or staff member for 18 months or more."
"In a surprise move, Grand Valley State University trustees on Friday added benefits for unmarried couples to the health insurance they offer employees.
The benefit will apply to gay couples, as well as any other live-in partner or friend who is an unrelated adult and has lived with a faculty member or staff member for 18 months or more."
McCain Talks with GM workers
McCain Talks with GM workers
".--Speaking to a group of General Motors Corp. employees, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) promised to provide a $5,000 tax credit for Americans who buy electric-powered cars such as the future Chevy Volt and 'other automobiles that put us on the path to energy independence,' even as he suggested he might alter his climate plan to aid the auto industry."
".--Speaking to a group of General Motors Corp. employees, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) promised to provide a $5,000 tax credit for Americans who buy electric-powered cars such as the future Chevy Volt and 'other automobiles that put us on the path to energy independence,' even as he suggested he might alter his climate plan to aid the auto industry."
Friday, July 18, 2008
Do As They Say
Do As They Say
"Of course, this spartan existence would be for the masses only. The elites will still be able to live their lives of opulence, just as high-ranking communists in the Soviet Union, the nomenklatura, had private Chaika lanes in Moscow streets that members of the working class — Marx's proletariat — were forbidden to drive on."
"Of course, this spartan existence would be for the masses only. The elites will still be able to live their lives of opulence, just as high-ranking communists in the Soviet Union, the nomenklatura, had private Chaika lanes in Moscow streets that members of the working class — Marx's proletariat — were forbidden to drive on."
'Rig' The Election
'Rig' The Election
"When President Bush lifted the executive order banning exploration and drilling in the Outer Continental Shelf, two things happened almost immediately: The world price for oil started to drop and the Democrats panicked. They could no longer hide under the umbrella the order provided.
On Sept. 30, when the Interior Department's 2008 appropriations expire, the Democrats will have to reauthorize the congressional ban and explain to the voters why."
"When President Bush lifted the executive order banning exploration and drilling in the Outer Continental Shelf, two things happened almost immediately: The world price for oil started to drop and the Democrats panicked. They could no longer hide under the umbrella the order provided.
On Sept. 30, when the Interior Department's 2008 appropriations expire, the Democrats will have to reauthorize the congressional ban and explain to the voters why."
Texas approves major new wind power project
Texas approves major new wind power project
"Texas electric customers will bear the cost of construction over the next several years, paying about $3 or $4 more per month on their bills, according to Tom Smith, state director of the consumer group Public Citizen. But he predicted that increase would easily be offset by lower energy prices."
BULLSHIT!
"Texas electric customers will bear the cost of construction over the next several years, paying about $3 or $4 more per month on their bills, according to Tom Smith, state director of the consumer group Public Citizen. But he predicted that increase would easily be offset by lower energy prices."
BULLSHIT!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Drowning boy saved by passers-by
Drowning boy saved by passers-by
"She was Sandy Butkis, 41, of Spring Lake, who saw the mother and heard people asking if anyone knew CPR."
HERO!
"She was Sandy Butkis, 41, of Spring Lake, who saw the mother and heard people asking if anyone knew CPR."
HERO!
Retired adminstrator to stay on at middle school under private contract
Retired adminstrator to stay on at middle school under private contract
"The district will pay Beaudoin $79,050, similar to his annual salary.
Superintendent Dave Sipka said the change will save the district about $36,000 in money it would have spent on health insurance benefits, FICA and annual retirement contributions."
Holy shittake!
$36,000 in benefits?
That's 46% added to his pay?
I wonder what the benefit package is for the rest of the school employees.
"The district will pay Beaudoin $79,050, similar to his annual salary.
Superintendent Dave Sipka said the change will save the district about $36,000 in money it would have spent on health insurance benefits, FICA and annual retirement contributions."
Holy shittake!
$36,000 in benefits?
That's 46% added to his pay?
I wonder what the benefit package is for the rest of the school employees.
Norton Shores council supports wind turbine ordinance
Norton Shores council supports wind turbine ordinance
"Shared turbines for residential developments could be 70 to 200 feet tall, according to the draft ordinance."
This is so wrong on so many levels, but 200' tall towers all over Norton Shores?
And have we set aside money for all the PETA lawsuits?
"Shared turbines for residential developments could be 70 to 200 feet tall, according to the draft ordinance."
This is so wrong on so many levels, but 200' tall towers all over Norton Shores?
And have we set aside money for all the PETA lawsuits?
West Michigan Film Office created to tout local movie settings
West Michigan Film Office created to tout local movie settings
"State film incentives legislation, which offers a 42 percent rebate for filmmakers,"
Apparently, our state "leaders" understand the concept of "reduce taxes, increase employers".
But only for Hollywood style boondoggles.
"State film incentives legislation, which offers a 42 percent rebate for filmmakers,"
Apparently, our state "leaders" understand the concept of "reduce taxes, increase employers".
But only for Hollywood style boondoggles.
Environmentalists oppose more coal plants in state - Muskegon Chronicle - MLive.com
Environmentalists oppose more coal plants in state
The headline says it all.
"environmentalists=democrats=no-new-powerplants"
The headline says it all.
"environmentalists=democrats=no-new-powerplants"
Grant money to boost state university research
Grant money to boost state university research
"Universities also are assisting the projects with their own resources, but more cash from foundations and businesses is needed to make the program successful.
'We have a responsibility in the economic development of this state,' Grand Valley State President Thomas J. Haas said"
Businesses, small and big, tell us they're leaving Michigan because of high taxes and onerous regulation.
Our state government and educational leaders tell us that more spending and government subsidized competition are what's needed.
No wonder we have a "single-state recession" that ain't gonna end soon.
"Universities also are assisting the projects with their own resources, but more cash from foundations and businesses is needed to make the program successful.
'We have a responsibility in the economic development of this state,' Grand Valley State President Thomas J. Haas said"
Businesses, small and big, tell us they're leaving Michigan because of high taxes and onerous regulation.
Our state government and educational leaders tell us that more spending and government subsidized competition are what's needed.
No wonder we have a "single-state recession" that ain't gonna end soon.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
New Taxes!
(from an e-mail)
Proposed changes in taxes after the 2008 General election:
CAPITAL GAINS TAX
MCCAIN 0% on home sales up to $500,000 per home (couples). McCain does not propose any change in existing home sales income tax.
OBAMA 28% on profit from ALL home sales How does this affect you? If you sell your home and make a profit, you will pay 28% of your gain on taxes. If you are heading toward retirement and would like to down-size your home or move into a retirement community, 28% of the money you make from your home will go to taxes. This proposal will adversely affect the elderly who are counting on the income from their homes as part of their retirement income.
DIVIDEND TAX
MCCAIN 15% (no change)
OBAMA 39.6% How will this affect you? If you have any money invested in stock market, IRA, mutual funds, college funds, life insurance, retirement accounts, or anything that pays or reinvests dividends, you will now be paying nearly 40% of the money earned on taxes if Obama becomes president. The experts predict that 'Higher tax rates on dividends and capital gains would crash the stock market, yet do absolutely nothing to cut the deficit.'
INCOME TAX
MCCAIN (no changes)
Single making 30K - tax $4,500
Single making 50K - tax $12,500
Single making 75K - tax $18,750
Married making 60K- tax $9,000
Married making 75K - tax $18,750
Married making 125K - tax $31,250
OBAMA (reversion to pre-Bush tax cuts)Single making 30K - tax $8,400 Single making 50K - tax $14,000 Single making 75K - tax $23,250 Married making 60K - tax $16,800 Married making 75K - tax $21,000 Married making 125K - tax $38,750 Under Obama, your taxes could almost double!
INHERITANCE TAX
MCCAIN 0% (No change, Bush repealed this tax)
OBAMA Restore the inheritance taxMany families have lost businesses, farms, ranches, and homes that have been in their families for generations because they could not afford the inheritance tax. Those willing their assets to loved ones will only lose them to these taxes.
NEW TAXES PROPOSED BY OBAMA
New government taxes proposed on homes that are more than 2400 square feet.
New gasoline taxes (as if gas weren't high enough already)
New taxes on natural resources consumption (heating gas, water, & electricity)
New taxes on retirement accounts, and last but not least....
New taxes to pay for socialized medicine so we can receive the same level of medical care as other third-world countries!!!
You can verify a lot of the above at the following web sites: http://money.cnn.com/news/specials/election/2008/index.html http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/issues/issues.taxes.html http://elections.foxnews.com/?s=proposed+taxes http://bulletin.aarp.org/yourworld/politics/articles/mccain_obama_offer_different_visions_on_taxes.html http://blog.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/candidates/barack_obama/ http://blog.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/candidates/john_mccain/ (and there are many more to choose from, just use your favorite search engine)
Proposed changes in taxes after the 2008 General election:
CAPITAL GAINS TAX
MCCAIN 0% on home sales up to $500,000 per home (couples). McCain does not propose any change in existing home sales income tax.
OBAMA 28% on profit from ALL home sales How does this affect you? If you sell your home and make a profit, you will pay 28% of your gain on taxes. If you are heading toward retirement and would like to down-size your home or move into a retirement community, 28% of the money you make from your home will go to taxes. This proposal will adversely affect the elderly who are counting on the income from their homes as part of their retirement income.
DIVIDEND TAX
MCCAIN 15% (no change)
OBAMA 39.6% How will this affect you? If you have any money invested in stock market, IRA, mutual funds, college funds, life insurance, retirement accounts, or anything that pays or reinvests dividends, you will now be paying nearly 40% of the money earned on taxes if Obama becomes president. The experts predict that 'Higher tax rates on dividends and capital gains would crash the stock market, yet do absolutely nothing to cut the deficit.'
INCOME TAX
MCCAIN (no changes)
Single making 30K - tax $4,500
Single making 50K - tax $12,500
Single making 75K - tax $18,750
Married making 60K- tax $9,000
Married making 75K - tax $18,750
Married making 125K - tax $31,250
OBAMA (reversion to pre-Bush tax cuts)Single making 30K - tax $8,400 Single making 50K - tax $14,000 Single making 75K - tax $23,250 Married making 60K - tax $16,800 Married making 75K - tax $21,000 Married making 125K - tax $38,750 Under Obama, your taxes could almost double!
INHERITANCE TAX
MCCAIN 0% (No change, Bush repealed this tax)
OBAMA Restore the inheritance taxMany families have lost businesses, farms, ranches, and homes that have been in their families for generations because they could not afford the inheritance tax. Those willing their assets to loved ones will only lose them to these taxes.
NEW TAXES PROPOSED BY OBAMA
New government taxes proposed on homes that are more than 2400 square feet.
New gasoline taxes (as if gas weren't high enough already)
New taxes on natural resources consumption (heating gas, water, & electricity)
New taxes on retirement accounts, and last but not least....
New taxes to pay for socialized medicine so we can receive the same level of medical care as other third-world countries!!!
You can verify a lot of the above at the following web sites: http://money.cnn.com/news/specials/election/2008/index.html http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/issues/issues.taxes.html http://elections.foxnews.com/?s=proposed+taxes http://bulletin.aarp.org/yourworld/politics/articles/mccain_obama_offer_different_visions_on_taxes.html http://blog.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/candidates/barack_obama/ http://blog.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/candidates/john_mccain/ (and there are many more to choose from, just use your favorite search engine)
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Give citizens facts before Shores votes
After reading the article in the June 25 Chronicle concerning Norton Shores' proposed road millage, I feel compelled to write. First, I find it disingenuous and misleading that under the title "Road Tax Details," The Chronicle stated that the 1.5 mills would cost a homeowner of a $50,000 house an extra $75 per year. I do not know of many houses in Norton Shores that have a taxable value of $50,000!
Instead, the taxable value of most homes in the city range between $100,000 to $175,000, which for the average taxpayer translates into $150 to $263 more in annual taxes if the millage passes. I urge you not to play fast and loose with your readers, but instead be upfront and give them the facts. I know they would appreciate it.
And, being upfront brings me to my second point. I have been a Norton Shores resident nearly my entire life, and have witnessed our quickly deteriorating roads. While I question whether the city is being overzealous in asking its taxpayers for an extra 1.5 mills in these tough economic times, I know that something needs to be done, and done quickly. However, it appears that the city is once again not being upfront with its citizens.
That is, the city refuses to inform its citizens as to which roads would most likely be improved if the millage passes. It uses excuses such as it being "too difficult at this stage" to create a street improvement list. What are the difficulties? What makes it "too difficult" now in June than in December? The city concedes that it has an inventory of the conditions of the roads, so what else does the city need?
Clearly, the city fears that an informed citizenry will make ill-informed decisions at the voting booth, and thus the city has made a decision to keep them in the dark until after the November vote. I believe it is the obligation of our councilmembers, all of whom are elected officials, to ensure that their constituents, before they pull the lever this November, are well informed and privy to all of the facts surrounding the millage. Norton Shores, be upfront and honest with your citizens.
Dan Olson
Norton Shores
After reading the article in the June 25 Chronicle concerning Norton Shores' proposed road millage, I feel compelled to write. First, I find it disingenuous and misleading that under the title "Road Tax Details," The Chronicle stated that the 1.5 mills would cost a homeowner of a $50,000 house an extra $75 per year. I do not know of many houses in Norton Shores that have a taxable value of $50,000!
Instead, the taxable value of most homes in the city range between $100,000 to $175,000, which for the average taxpayer translates into $150 to $263 more in annual taxes if the millage passes. I urge you not to play fast and loose with your readers, but instead be upfront and give them the facts. I know they would appreciate it.
And, being upfront brings me to my second point. I have been a Norton Shores resident nearly my entire life, and have witnessed our quickly deteriorating roads. While I question whether the city is being overzealous in asking its taxpayers for an extra 1.5 mills in these tough economic times, I know that something needs to be done, and done quickly. However, it appears that the city is once again not being upfront with its citizens.
That is, the city refuses to inform its citizens as to which roads would most likely be improved if the millage passes. It uses excuses such as it being "too difficult at this stage" to create a street improvement list. What are the difficulties? What makes it "too difficult" now in June than in December? The city concedes that it has an inventory of the conditions of the roads, so what else does the city need?
Clearly, the city fears that an informed citizenry will make ill-informed decisions at the voting booth, and thus the city has made a decision to keep them in the dark until after the November vote. I believe it is the obligation of our councilmembers, all of whom are elected officials, to ensure that their constituents, before they pull the lever this November, are well informed and privy to all of the facts surrounding the millage. Norton Shores, be upfront and honest with your citizens.
Dan Olson
Norton Shores
Monday, July 14, 2008
Obama tells NAACP blacks must take responsibility
Obama tells NAACP blacks must take responsibility
What a concept!
Seriously, that this would make national news tells us too much about how far "black" "leadership" has fallen.
And much about the liberal media.... sad
What a concept!
Seriously, that this would make national news tells us too much about how far "black" "leadership" has fallen.
And much about the liberal media.... sad
Bush pushes Congress to allow oil drilling
Bush pushes Congress to allow oil drilling: "President Bush has prodded Congress to allow oil drilling in offshore waters and in the Alaskan wildlife refuge, citing 'tough economic times' for the American people."
Yes, there is a difference between the two political parties!
Yes, there is a difference between the two political parties!
University of California eyes admission changes
University of California eyes admission changes
"The University of California's admissions standards would undergo their most far-reaching overhaul in decades under a faculty proposal that would allow students who have not completed the prescribed college-prep courses or earned minimum test scores to have their applications considered.
Starting with the freshmen class of 2012, the revised policy also would promise a spot on one of UC's nine undergraduate campuses for all students who graduate in the top 9 percent of their senior classes, compared with the 4 percent now promised admission.
The changes, scheduled to be discussed by the university's governing board on Wednesday, are designed to ensure the state is making room in its premier public colleges for promising students who are overlooked under current qualification requirements, said Mark Rashid, who chaired the faculty committee that developed the proposal"
Well, stupid students DO add to diversity.....
"The University of California's admissions standards would undergo their most far-reaching overhaul in decades under a faculty proposal that would allow students who have not completed the prescribed college-prep courses or earned minimum test scores to have their applications considered.
Starting with the freshmen class of 2012, the revised policy also would promise a spot on one of UC's nine undergraduate campuses for all students who graduate in the top 9 percent of their senior classes, compared with the 4 percent now promised admission.
The changes, scheduled to be discussed by the university's governing board on Wednesday, are designed to ensure the state is making room in its premier public colleges for promising students who are overlooked under current qualification requirements, said Mark Rashid, who chaired the faculty committee that developed the proposal"
Well, stupid students DO add to diversity.....
County pays for pulling land from tax roll
County pays for pulling land from tax roll
"Oakridge schools and Egelston Township will receive more compensation for property Muskegon County is buying -- and taking off the tax rolls -- for improvements to the wastewater system.
Payments in lieu of property taxes are included in an amended agreement for township fire coverage at the sprawling Muskegon County Wastewater Management System in Egelston and Moorland townships.
The county has been buying up land in the area"
Ah, those unintended consequences.....no problem, the County has oodles of extra moolah......
"Oakridge schools and Egelston Township will receive more compensation for property Muskegon County is buying -- and taking off the tax rolls -- for improvements to the wastewater system.
Payments in lieu of property taxes are included in an amended agreement for township fire coverage at the sprawling Muskegon County Wastewater Management System in Egelston and Moorland townships.
The county has been buying up land in the area"
Ah, those unintended consequences.....no problem, the County has oodles of extra moolah......
Contract OK saved Synagro $1 million
Contract OK saved Synagro $1 million
"A review of City Council minutes shows council members spent more time worrying about the contract's impact on labor unions, minority contractors and environmental health than on dollars and cents."
"A review of City Council minutes shows council members spent more time worrying about the contract's impact on labor unions, minority contractors and environmental health than on dollars and cents."
Oh, so satisfying!
SHORT BUT SWEET
Oh, so satisfying! Read this before watching Video...... At least the dog got away!!! Navy video from Iraq, shot at night with Infrared equipment. The narrative below tells the story. BUT...this is testimony to the spectacular accuracy of today's hi-tech weaponry. These guys have just taken action against US troops at night and are casually retreating, totally unaware that their every move is being watched from .87 miles away!!! Yep, .87 miles away and from an aircraft. That same aircraft unleashes their guns, and from .87 miles away they mow down these killers with NO shell being more than a foot or so off the target. I believe they could have landed the shells in the enemy's back pockets. This brief clip tells you how far we've come from the armaments used in WW II. Whew! Thi is a chilling clip. Remember...th ese guys have just finished opening fire on US troops. These are the same people who think it's OK to strap bombs on kids and send them out as suicide bombers. Guess these guys shouldn't have taken the relaxed walk back to the mosque.Video taken on Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) sensor in Iraq. The FLIR Sensor produces a video picture based on heat all objects give off. These terrorists just completed an attack on an American position and had slowed downto a stroll thinking they were home free. WRONG!!!The Chain Gun onboard uses a 30 mm high energy explosive in the bullet. The gun is considered an area weapon, but as you can see it is very accurate; you can see the projectile coming in on these guys. The aircraft was watching them from approximately 1.45 Km or approxim ately 0.87 miles. As you can see, even though the gun is loud, they were far enough away that they don't even hear or know thatthey were being watched. A nasty weapon. As is said, younever hear the bullet that kills you. We also could have used a laser guided missile, but then a cost factor comes in, $122 worth of bullets vs a $60,000 missile with a 100 lb warhead. Tax dollars well spent!
Money machine!
Free money for 4 years!
"A nearly $6 million federal grant awarded to Muskegon Public Schools will expand 'Family Resource Centers' that connect families with local agencies.....
Muskegon Public Schools will hire a director for the program, a social worker/counselor and a parent coordinator, Wierenga said.
"
It sure is great the federal government has SO much "free" money to spend.
But what about the poor workers who will be let go in 4 years.... yeah right!
"A nearly $6 million federal grant awarded to Muskegon Public Schools will expand 'Family Resource Centers' that connect families with local agencies.....
Muskegon Public Schools will hire a director for the program, a social worker/counselor and a parent coordinator, Wierenga said.
"
It sure is great the federal government has SO much "free" money to spend.
But what about the poor workers who will be let go in 4 years.... yeah right!
Inhofe: EPA too powerful, could damage economy
Inhofe: EPA too powerful, could damage economy: "Last month, he said, the Senate rejected a 'cap-and-trade' proposal that would allow companies to buy or sell allowances depending on their level of pollution.
'It is ironic that the EPA has proposed an even more economically destructive scheme this close to that bill's demise,' Inhofe said."
'It is ironic that the EPA has proposed an even more economically destructive scheme this close to that bill's demise,' Inhofe said."
Sunday, July 13, 2008
How Chuck Schumer Caused the Second Largest Bank Failure in US History
How Chuck Schumer Caused the Second Largest Bank Failure in US History
"But Chuck Schumer is no FDR.
He doesn’t stop bank runs; he starts them.
Or, at least, has started one.
The collapse of Indymac bank, the second largest bank failure in American history, began with a letter from the office of Senator Charles Schumer on June 27. He questioned the viability of the bank. When a senior senator who is in a number of influential posts regarding oversight of bank regulators directly attacks the confidence of a depository institution, it matters.
Not surprisingly, the director of the Office of Thrift Supervision concluded that the collapse of the bank immediately following the Senator’s comments has not a coincidence.
Director Reich concluded that Senator Schumer had ‘given the bank a heart attack’."
"But Chuck Schumer is no FDR.
He doesn’t stop bank runs; he starts them.
Or, at least, has started one.
The collapse of Indymac bank, the second largest bank failure in American history, began with a letter from the office of Senator Charles Schumer on June 27. He questioned the viability of the bank. When a senior senator who is in a number of influential posts regarding oversight of bank regulators directly attacks the confidence of a depository institution, it matters.
Not surprisingly, the director of the Office of Thrift Supervision concluded that the collapse of the bank immediately following the Senator’s comments has not a coincidence.
Director Reich concluded that Senator Schumer had ‘given the bank a heart attack’."
British motorists face £100 fine for failing to wear fluorescent vests when driving in France | Mail Online
British motorists face £100 fine for failing to wear fluorescent vests when driving in France
"For years they’ve regarded British motorists as a soft target.....
And now French police have another excuse to hammer British holidaymakers – a new law insisting all cars carry a luminous yellow safety vest for the driver to wear in an emergency.
Those caught without a vest face a stinging £100 on-the-spot fine – even though the law has received virtually no publicity on this side of the Channel"
Mon dieu!
(BHussein should be SO proud of GordoMuskegon)
"For years they’ve regarded British motorists as a soft target.....
And now French police have another excuse to hammer British holidaymakers – a new law insisting all cars carry a luminous yellow safety vest for the driver to wear in an emergency.
Those caught without a vest face a stinging £100 on-the-spot fine – even though the law has received virtually no publicity on this side of the Channel"
Mon dieu!
(BHussein should be SO proud of GordoMuskegon)
An honest democrat?
Political Diary - WSJ.com
"Mr. Reid, who was evidently fed up with questions about drilling, suddenly exclaimed: 'Coal makes us sick, oil makes us sick; it's global warming. It's ruining our country, it's ruining the world. We've got to stop using fossil fuel.'
Mr. Reid's rant quickly became the No. 1 video on the Internet, approaching a half-million views. The pollster Rasmussen even took the unusual step of conducting a survey to see how many Americans agreed with the Nevadan's view. Let's just say he didn't win a majority.
But give Mr. Reid marks for honesty. To many liberal Democrats, cheap fossil fuels are the root cause of excessive materialism, suburban sprawl, a despoiled environment – and they've been demanding for decades that government raise the price of energy to discourage Americans from driving big cars and living in large, well-heated homes. Democrats may never have had the political courage to impose such towering European-style gasoline taxes directly, but Mr. Reid's policy diatribe at least explains why Democrats have found it so easy to sit on their hands rather than take steps to increase domestic supply and bring down $4 gasoline."
"Mr. Reid, who was evidently fed up with questions about drilling, suddenly exclaimed: 'Coal makes us sick, oil makes us sick; it's global warming. It's ruining our country, it's ruining the world. We've got to stop using fossil fuel.'
Mr. Reid's rant quickly became the No. 1 video on the Internet, approaching a half-million views. The pollster Rasmussen even took the unusual step of conducting a survey to see how many Americans agreed with the Nevadan's view. Let's just say he didn't win a majority.
But give Mr. Reid marks for honesty. To many liberal Democrats, cheap fossil fuels are the root cause of excessive materialism, suburban sprawl, a despoiled environment – and they've been demanding for decades that government raise the price of energy to discourage Americans from driving big cars and living in large, well-heated homes. Democrats may never have had the political courage to impose such towering European-style gasoline taxes directly, but Mr. Reid's policy diatribe at least explains why Democrats have found it so easy to sit on their hands rather than take steps to increase domestic supply and bring down $4 gasoline."
Saturday, July 12, 2008
New downtown statue gets a rise out of Tracy
"Here's a classic artist example: I was in The Chronicle art department about a year ago and I noticed the clock was off by around three hours. So, I said to one of the women there 'Um, your clock is off.' And she looked at it and said, 'Oh yeah, well, we're artists.'
See, that's what I need, I need that sweeping excuse"
"Art" is nice...sometimes.
But artists are not logical people.
And folks who spend public or donated money (someone else's MONEY) have a responsibility to spend it wisely... yeah, right....
Punditry | Professor Bainbridge
Punditry Professor Bainbridge: "The Imminent Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Debacle"
GOPer-DOH!
Instapundit.com -: "July 12, 2008
JACK KELLY:
Much of the dissatisfaction with Congress is due to its unwillingness to do anything about the soaring price of gasoline. 'Right now, our strategy on gas prices is 'Drive small cars and wait for the wind,'•' a Democratic congressional aide told The Hill newspaper.
'So why are the Republicans running scared, and why aren't they going after the 'new Democratic Congress' hammer and tongs?' wondered Web logger Glenn Reynolds at Instapundit.
'Beats me. Because they're idiots, I guess.'
I disagree. Some Republicans in Congress are crooks, and many are cowards. But few are idiots. For idiocy, you have to look to the campaign of Sen. John McCain.
Ouch. But, yeah.
posted at 05:52 PM by Glenn Reynolds"
JACK KELLY:
Much of the dissatisfaction with Congress is due to its unwillingness to do anything about the soaring price of gasoline. 'Right now, our strategy on gas prices is 'Drive small cars and wait for the wind,'•' a Democratic congressional aide told The Hill newspaper.
'So why are the Republicans running scared, and why aren't they going after the 'new Democratic Congress' hammer and tongs?' wondered Web logger Glenn Reynolds at Instapundit.
'Beats me. Because they're idiots, I guess.'
I disagree. Some Republicans in Congress are crooks, and many are cowards. But few are idiots. For idiocy, you have to look to the campaign of Sen. John McCain.
Ouch. But, yeah.
posted at 05:52 PM by Glenn Reynolds"
IndyMac Bank seized by federal regulators
IndyMac Bank seized by federal regulators - Los Angeles Times
IndyMac, which once employed 10,000, fell prey to a classic run on the bank, and regulators singled out Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) as having helped to fuel massive withdrawals. On June 26, Schumer said in letters to the FDIC, the OTS and two other federal agencies that IndyMac might have 'serious problems' with its loan holdings."
Senator Schumer caused the run?
The democrat .....?
I'm bettin' ya didn't hear that on your 6:00 news.
Dang, if he'd have been a GOPer they would have had screaming "SPECIAL REPORTS"!
IndyMac, which once employed 10,000, fell prey to a classic run on the bank, and regulators singled out Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) as having helped to fuel massive withdrawals. On June 26, Schumer said in letters to the FDIC, the OTS and two other federal agencies that IndyMac might have 'serious problems' with its loan holdings."
Senator Schumer caused the run?
The democrat .....?
I'm bettin' ya didn't hear that on your 6:00 news.
Dang, if he'd have been a GOPer they would have had screaming "SPECIAL REPORTS"!
Friday, July 11, 2008
Antioch faculty to keep teaching as school closes
Antioch faculty to keep teaching as school closes
"Antioch College, founded in 1852, doesn't grade classes, encourages students to develop their own study plans and combines academic learning with experience through a co-op program in which students leave campus to work in various fields."
Bad ideas belly-up.
Who'd of guessed?
"Antioch College, founded in 1852, doesn't grade classes, encourages students to develop their own study plans and combines academic learning with experience through a co-op program in which students leave campus to work in various fields."
Bad ideas belly-up.
Who'd of guessed?
US judge blocks gas drilling in Mason Tract area
US judge blocks gas drilling in Mason Tract area
A federal judge has overturned a decision by the U.S. Forest Service to allow oil and gas drilling in an environmentally sensitive area near the Au Sable River in Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula."
Two environmental groups, the Sierra Club and Anglers of the Au Sable, sued the government to halt the drilling.
Obama supporters, all!
A federal judge has overturned a decision by the U.S. Forest Service to allow oil and gas drilling in an environmentally sensitive area near the Au Sable River in Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula."
Two environmental groups, the Sierra Club and Anglers of the Au Sable, sued the government to halt the drilling.
Obama supporters, all!
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