Time For Kids Classroom Home The State of U.S. Kids
"National Issues
Kids graded President Barack Obama on his first year in office.
Obama's Grades:
A: 19%
B: 30%
C: 24%
D: 10%
F: 16%"
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
Pension Pulse: Canada's $58 Billion Debt Time Bomb?
Pension Pulse: $58 Billion Debt Time Bomb?
"The federal government's bookkeeping of its pension promises for public servants is out of whack with the real costs, understating Canada's national debt by $58 billion, says a report by a leading think-tank."
"The federal government's bookkeeping of its pension promises for public servants is out of whack with the real costs, understating Canada's national debt by $58 billion, says a report by a leading think-tank."
Influx of bears a nuisance across Nunavut
Influx of bears a nuisance across Nunavut
"Ikummaq, a wildlife officer for 28 years who’s travelled on the land around Igloolik since the 1950s, says polar bears are indeed coming closer to human settlements in search of food, but they’re not skinny or sickly.
Instead, hunters in the region are reporting well-fed bears and mothers travelling with multiple cubs, another sign that bears are having no trouble finding food.
The male population is also up, he said.
“They [hunters] are guaranteed to be seeing polar bears at camp,” Ikummaq said.
“This much we know now.”
“Twenty years back, you went caribou hunting, there was never a time you saw a bear.
But in the last six years, that’s when polar bear-human encounters have occurred more constantly.”"
But AlGore and his minions promised us these dang bears were disappearing!
Sup wit dat?
"Ikummaq, a wildlife officer for 28 years who’s travelled on the land around Igloolik since the 1950s, says polar bears are indeed coming closer to human settlements in search of food, but they’re not skinny or sickly.
Instead, hunters in the region are reporting well-fed bears and mothers travelling with multiple cubs, another sign that bears are having no trouble finding food.
The male population is also up, he said.
“They [hunters] are guaranteed to be seeing polar bears at camp,” Ikummaq said.
“This much we know now.”
“Twenty years back, you went caribou hunting, there was never a time you saw a bear.
But in the last six years, that’s when polar bear-human encounters have occurred more constantly.”"
But AlGore and his minions promised us these dang bears were disappearing!
Sup wit dat?
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Shortfalls for U.S. cities could reach $56 billion
Shortfalls for U.S. cities could reach $56 billion
"U.S. cities will face a collective budget shortfall of at least $56 billion over the next two years, with the current recession not seen hitting bottom until 2011, according to a report on Wednesday.
The National League of Cities said that because economic recoveries in cities lag national ones by about two years, the pain from the recession that began in 2007 could continue for years to come"
$56 BILLION in the next TWO Years??!!!!!!
And the automatic annual step up in pay and COL and pension increases just keep on rolling along......
"U.S. cities will face a collective budget shortfall of at least $56 billion over the next two years, with the current recession not seen hitting bottom until 2011, according to a report on Wednesday.
The National League of Cities said that because economic recoveries in cities lag national ones by about two years, the pain from the recession that began in 2007 could continue for years to come"
$56 BILLION in the next TWO Years??!!!!!!
And the automatic annual step up in pay and COL and pension increases just keep on rolling along......
The Ninth Annual Year in Ideas - NYTimes.com
The Ninth Annual Year in Ideas - Magazine - NYTimes.com
"And so we hereby present, from A to Z, the most clever, important, silly and just plain weird innovations we carried back from all corners of the thinking world."
"And so we hereby present, from A to Z, the most clever, important, silly and just plain weird innovations we carried back from all corners of the thinking world."
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Illinois Careens Toward Bankruptcy
Illinois Careens Toward Bankruptcy: Report NBC Chicago
"The question is: what can Illinois do about its near-bankrupt status?
Answer: not much."
"The question is: what can Illinois do about its near-bankrupt status?
Answer: not much."
401k/IRA Screw Job Coming? - The Market Ticker
401k/IRA Screw Job Coming? - The Market Ticker
"401k/IRA Screw Job Coming?
Now this is a guaranteed rape job.
In a short conversation this noontime that CNBC apparently has omitted from their archives (Why's that folks?) Rick Santelli was talking about a potential to effectively force money into the Treasury market.
Where would they get this?
From your 401k and IRA accounts!
From Businessweek:
The U.S. Treasury and Labor Departments will ask for public comment as soon as next week on ways to promote the conversion of 401(k) savings and Individual Retirement Accounts into annuities or other steady payment streams, according to Assistant Labor Secretary Phyllis C. Borzi and Deputy Assistant Treasury Secretary Mark Iwry, who are spearheading the effort.
"401k/IRA Screw Job Coming?
Now this is a guaranteed rape job.
In a short conversation this noontime that CNBC apparently has omitted from their archives (Why's that folks?) Rick Santelli was talking about a potential to effectively force money into the Treasury market.
Where would they get this?
From your 401k and IRA accounts!
From Businessweek:
The U.S. Treasury and Labor Departments will ask for public comment as soon as next week on ways to promote the conversion of 401(k) savings and Individual Retirement Accounts into annuities or other steady payment streams, according to Assistant Labor Secretary Phyllis C. Borzi and Deputy Assistant Treasury Secretary Mark Iwry, who are spearheading the effort.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
West Michigan Environmental Action Council to provide 5,000 energy-efficient bulbs to Muskegon area residents
West Michigan Environmental Action Council to provide 5,000 energy-efficient bulbs to Muskegon area residents
"Putting 5,000 such light bulbs into use saves $235,000 in energy costs and prevents the release of 3.6 million pounds of carbon dioxide over the lifetime of the bulbs, Hood said.
She said each bulb can save $20 to $30 per year in energy costs.
The bulbs will be distributed door-to-door in various neighborhoods and at locations such as churches and food pantries during March and April, said Ann Erhardt, the project coordinator."
OK, we know these "savings" numbers are bogus.
And we know that global warming is bogus.
But we don't know who is paying for all these "free" mercury bulbs......OK...we do..... it's us.
But where specifically is this idiocy coming from?
Maybe a republican running for office could call this scam out for us taxpayers?
"Putting 5,000 such light bulbs into use saves $235,000 in energy costs and prevents the release of 3.6 million pounds of carbon dioxide over the lifetime of the bulbs, Hood said.
She said each bulb can save $20 to $30 per year in energy costs.
The bulbs will be distributed door-to-door in various neighborhoods and at locations such as churches and food pantries during March and April, said Ann Erhardt, the project coordinator."
OK, we know these "savings" numbers are bogus.
And we know that global warming is bogus.
But we don't know who is paying for all these "free" mercury bulbs......OK...we do..... it's us.
But where specifically is this idiocy coming from?
Maybe a republican running for office could call this scam out for us taxpayers?
5th Kent County person dies of H1N1 flu
5th Kent County person dies of H1N1 flu
"A woman in her late 60s with underlying health conditions is the fifth person in the county to die of H1N1, commonly known as swine flu, since this fall, according to the Kent County Health Department."
Remember waaaay back when the same guys who are now "helping" Haiti (the UN) told us all that the swine flu was a pandemic and without EVERYONE getting a show the world would bla bla?
Given the FACT that we see no comparisons between this flu season and other years, it's a safe bet that we just saw another government led boondoggle.
Will we EVER learn?
"A woman in her late 60s with underlying health conditions is the fifth person in the county to die of H1N1, commonly known as swine flu, since this fall, according to the Kent County Health Department."
Remember waaaay back when the same guys who are now "helping" Haiti (the UN) told us all that the swine flu was a pandemic and without EVERYONE getting a show the world would bla bla?
Given the FACT that we see no comparisons between this flu season and other years, it's a safe bet that we just saw another government led boondoggle.
Will we EVER learn?
Saving the euro from a Greek tragedy
Saving the euro from a Greek tragedy
"Keen to keep Greece from crashing the euro, European Union governments pressed the country Tuesday to stick to a painful austerity program that could cut its ballooning debt at the risk of social unrest."
Greece appears to be the "California" of the EU.
bummer dudes....
"Keen to keep Greece from crashing the euro, European Union governments pressed the country Tuesday to stick to a painful austerity program that could cut its ballooning debt at the risk of social unrest."
Greece appears to be the "California" of the EU.
bummer dudes....
Monday, January 25, 2010
Greater accountability needed for county department heads
Greater accountability needed for county department heads
"It would be better to have the county administrator fill those positions, with the consent of county commissioners. Then the administrator could supervise the department leaders and hold them accountable, just like the county board holds the administrator accountable.
With so much happening out of the public eye, it’s a wonder that more small county departments have not experienced the same sort of nightmares as the drain commissioner’s office.
The elected officials who run those departments are not accountable to anyone except voters, and the voters lack the time or inclination to keep them in check.
Let’s take a lesson from Hulka and Hepler and allow the people who know county government to fill these quiet but important posts. That way somebody will be supervising and watching, and future problems may be avoided."
And maybe a little "sunshine" from our local newspaper might help too?
"It would be better to have the county administrator fill those positions, with the consent of county commissioners. Then the administrator could supervise the department leaders and hold them accountable, just like the county board holds the administrator accountable.
With so much happening out of the public eye, it’s a wonder that more small county departments have not experienced the same sort of nightmares as the drain commissioner’s office.
The elected officials who run those departments are not accountable to anyone except voters, and the voters lack the time or inclination to keep them in check.
Let’s take a lesson from Hulka and Hepler and allow the people who know county government to fill these quiet but important posts. That way somebody will be supervising and watching, and future problems may be avoided."
And maybe a little "sunshine" from our local newspaper might help too?
Police prepare for more guns in public
Police prepare for more guns in public
"No one was charged because Michigan law does not prevent people over 18 who do not have a felony record from carrying a gun in the open -- as long as they don't try to enter certain gun-free locations like a church, day care center, bank or court, Saylor said."
Go ahead, make my day!
"No one was charged because Michigan law does not prevent people over 18 who do not have a felony record from carrying a gun in the open -- as long as they don't try to enter certain gun-free locations like a church, day care center, bank or court, Saylor said."
Go ahead, make my day!
Employee Compensation in State and Local Governments
Table 1 shows average compensation per hour worked in state and local governments and the U.S. private sector.
Public sector pay averaged $39.66 per hour in 2009, which was 45 percent higher than the private sector average.
The public sector advantage was 34 percent in wages and 70 percent in benefits.
Read it all.
This disparity between the two Americas may well tear us apart if it continues.
Public sector pay averaged $39.66 per hour in 2009, which was 45 percent higher than the private sector average.
The public sector advantage was 34 percent in wages and 70 percent in benefits.
Read it all.
This disparity between the two Americas may well tear us apart if it continues.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Unions Get Exempt from Cadillac Tax
Unions Get Exempt from Cadillac Tax - WSJ.com
"Democrats seem impervious to embarrassment as they buy votes for ObamaCare, but their latest move makes even Nebraska's Ben Nelson look cheap: The 87% of Americans who don't belong to a union will now foot the bill for a $60 billion giveaway to those who do.
The Senate bill was financed in part by a 40% excise tax on high-cost insurance coverage. The White House backs this 'Cadillac tax' as one of the few remaining cost-control tokens. But Big Labor abhors the tax because union benefits tend to be far more generous than average, and labor leaders and House Democrats have been throwing a political tantrum for weeks.
So emerging from their backrooms, Democrats have agreed to extend a special exemption from the Cadillac tax to any health plan that is part of a collective-bargaining agreement, plus state and local workers, many of whom are unionized.
Everyone else with a higher-end plan will start to be taxed in 2013, but union members will get a free pass until 2018.
Ponder that one for a moment.
Two workers who are identical in every respect—wages, job, health plan—will be treated differently by the tax system, based solely on union membership.
"Democrats seem impervious to embarrassment as they buy votes for ObamaCare, but their latest move makes even Nebraska's Ben Nelson look cheap: The 87% of Americans who don't belong to a union will now foot the bill for a $60 billion giveaway to those who do.
The Senate bill was financed in part by a 40% excise tax on high-cost insurance coverage. The White House backs this 'Cadillac tax' as one of the few remaining cost-control tokens. But Big Labor abhors the tax because union benefits tend to be far more generous than average, and labor leaders and House Democrats have been throwing a political tantrum for weeks.
So emerging from their backrooms, Democrats have agreed to extend a special exemption from the Cadillac tax to any health plan that is part of a collective-bargaining agreement, plus state and local workers, many of whom are unionized.
Everyone else with a higher-end plan will start to be taxed in 2013, but union members will get a free pass until 2018.
Ponder that one for a moment.
Two workers who are identical in every respect—wages, job, health plan—will be treated differently by the tax system, based solely on union membership.
Michigan: 17,000 state workers to take up to 10 furlough days
Michigan: 17,000 state workers to take up to 10 furlough days
"LANSING – About 17,000 state employees will take up to 10 furlough days, as bargaining failed to produce $16 million in concessions.
The employees are represented by the UAW and work in administrative services and human services.
Mitchell said the union offered more in concessions than the state asked, but was rejected.
He said the union would not agree to a two-tier health benefit system, with reduced benefits for new hires such as higher deductibles and co-pays."
"LANSING – About 17,000 state employees will take up to 10 furlough days, as bargaining failed to produce $16 million in concessions.
The employees are represented by the UAW and work in administrative services and human services.
Mitchell said the union offered more in concessions than the state asked, but was rejected.
He said the union would not agree to a two-tier health benefit system, with reduced benefits for new hires such as higher deductibles and co-pays."
Americans Traveling to Vancouver Olympics Warned of Possible Terror Threats
Americans Traveling to Vancouver Olympics Warned of Possible Terror Threats
"Americans traveling to Vancouver for the 2010 Winter Olympics are being warned by the U.S. State Department to stay vigilant about terrorist threats.
A recently issued fact sheet from the agency warns that al Qaeda's 'demonstrated capability to carry out sophisticated attacks against sizeable structures – such as ships, large office buildings, embassies, and hotels – makes it one of the greatest potential threats to the Olympics.'"
No worries, the Mounties will protect ya, you betcha.
"Americans traveling to Vancouver for the 2010 Winter Olympics are being warned by the U.S. State Department to stay vigilant about terrorist threats.
A recently issued fact sheet from the agency warns that al Qaeda's 'demonstrated capability to carry out sophisticated attacks against sizeable structures – such as ships, large office buildings, embassies, and hotels – makes it one of the greatest potential threats to the Olympics.'"
No worries, the Mounties will protect ya, you betcha.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Michigan leaders downplay state's Race to the Top chances as Obama announces $1.35 billion expansion of program
Michigan leaders downplay state's Race to the Top chances as Obama announces $1.35 billion expansion of program
"Michigan educators had their Race to the Top application in Washington by today’s deadline, and some state leaders and lawmakers are now downplaying the state’s chances at winning one of the initial grants.
The deadline comes as President Obama announces he’ll add $1.35 billion to next year’s budget to expand the reform program, even setting aside some of the money to allow districts to submit plans directly to the federal government.....
There has been speculation since last month that Michigan’s chances faded when the state cut education funding and then failed to land a planning grant from the Gates Foundation.
It also likely didn’t help that Michigan’s teachers unions withheld their support, though the New York Times reports they’re not alone, as labor groups in Minnesota and Florida also balked."
Anyone getting this "union" /"failure" connection?
"Michigan educators had their Race to the Top application in Washington by today’s deadline, and some state leaders and lawmakers are now downplaying the state’s chances at winning one of the initial grants.
The deadline comes as President Obama announces he’ll add $1.35 billion to next year’s budget to expand the reform program, even setting aside some of the money to allow districts to submit plans directly to the federal government.....
There has been speculation since last month that Michigan’s chances faded when the state cut education funding and then failed to land a planning grant from the Gates Foundation.
It also likely didn’t help that Michigan’s teachers unions withheld their support, though the New York Times reports they’re not alone, as labor groups in Minnesota and Florida also balked."
Anyone getting this "union" /"failure" connection?
More Details on Obama's Big Bribe to Big Labor
More Details on Obama's Big Bribe to Big Labor
"Back when he was taken seriously as a politician, John Edwards used to talk about there being two Americas.
Well it turns out, that's a good description of life under President Obama.
If you're part of one America, you have to pay a tax if you receive generous health benefits.
But if you're part of the other America that has contributed handily to Democratic campaigns and has access to the White House, you can receive those same benefits without paying a tax."
"Back when he was taken seriously as a politician, John Edwards used to talk about there being two Americas.
Well it turns out, that's a good description of life under President Obama.
If you're part of one America, you have to pay a tax if you receive generous health benefits.
But if you're part of the other America that has contributed handily to Democratic campaigns and has access to the White House, you can receive those same benefits without paying a tax."
To Help Haiti, End Foreign Aid
Bret Stephens: To Help Haiti, End Foreign Aid - WSJ.com
"For actual Haitians, however, just about every conceivable aid scheme beyond immediate humanitarian relief will lead to more poverty, more corruption and less institutional capacity.
It will benefit the well-connected at the expense of the truly needy, divert resources from where they are needed most, and crowd out local enterprise.
And it will foster the very culture of dependence the country so desperately needs to break.
How do I know this?
It helps to read a 2006 report from the National Academy of Public Administration, usefully titled 'Why Foreign Aid to Haiti Failed.'
The report summarizes a mass of documents from various aid agencies describing their lengthy records of non-accomplishment in the country.
Here, for example, is the World Bank—now about to throw another $100 million at Haiti—on what it achieved in the country between 1986 and 2002: 'The outcome of World Bank assistance programs is rated unsatisfactory (if not highly so), the institutional development impact, negligible, and the sustainability of the few benefits that have accrued, unlikely.'"
"For actual Haitians, however, just about every conceivable aid scheme beyond immediate humanitarian relief will lead to more poverty, more corruption and less institutional capacity.
It will benefit the well-connected at the expense of the truly needy, divert resources from where they are needed most, and crowd out local enterprise.
And it will foster the very culture of dependence the country so desperately needs to break.
How do I know this?
It helps to read a 2006 report from the National Academy of Public Administration, usefully titled 'Why Foreign Aid to Haiti Failed.'
The report summarizes a mass of documents from various aid agencies describing their lengthy records of non-accomplishment in the country.
Here, for example, is the World Bank—now about to throw another $100 million at Haiti—on what it achieved in the country between 1986 and 2002: 'The outcome of World Bank assistance programs is rated unsatisfactory (if not highly so), the institutional development impact, negligible, and the sustainability of the few benefits that have accrued, unlikely.'"
Friday, January 22, 2010
Task force says Lansing-Detroit rail line needs more study
Task force says Lansing-Detroit rail line needs more study
"A proposed high-speed rail line between Detroit and Lansing needs further study, said a legislative task force that has studied the idea since the summer.
....... The construction would cost roughly $10 million per mile of construction.
The rail would run off solar-powered hydrogen and use magnetic levitation technology to propel rail cars about 200 miles per hour.
A combination of 40-seat passenger cars, private cars, car ferries, freight and even medical triage cars could run along the line."
A combination of billions of American tax dollars and millions of Michigan borrowed tax dollars will be sucked into this replica of Detroit's People Mover.
Stop this disaster NOW!
"A proposed high-speed rail line between Detroit and Lansing needs further study, said a legislative task force that has studied the idea since the summer.
....... The construction would cost roughly $10 million per mile of construction.
The rail would run off solar-powered hydrogen and use magnetic levitation technology to propel rail cars about 200 miles per hour.
A combination of 40-seat passenger cars, private cars, car ferries, freight and even medical triage cars could run along the line."
A combination of billions of American tax dollars and millions of Michigan borrowed tax dollars will be sucked into this replica of Detroit's People Mover.
Stop this disaster NOW!
Copenhagen Accord on Climate Change Collapsing?
Copenhagen Accord on Climate Change Collapsing? - Hit & Run : Reason Magazine
"The nonbinding Copenhagen Accord was hastily cobbled together at President Barack Obama's insistence as the United Nations' Copenhagen climate change conference whimpered to its end in December.
Under the Accord, countries are supposed to make their commitments to cut greenhouse gases official by January 31.
It now appears that most countries will miss that deadline."
"The nonbinding Copenhagen Accord was hastily cobbled together at President Barack Obama's insistence as the United Nations' Copenhagen climate change conference whimpered to its end in December.
Under the Accord, countries are supposed to make their commitments to cut greenhouse gases official by January 31.
It now appears that most countries will miss that deadline."
Fool us once, shame on you. Fool us twice...
RightMichigan.com Fool us once, shame on you. Fool us twice...:
State Senator Wayne Kuipers recently announced that he is the first candidate in the race for the 2nd Congressional District to sign Club for Growth's 'Repeal it!' pledge to repeal Obamacare should it become law.
What's better than being first, of course, is being credible.
The Repeal It! pledge states:
'I, Wayne Kuipers, hereby pledge to the people of my district (MI-02) upon my election to the U.S. House of Representatives, to sponsor and support legislation to repeal any federal health care takeover passed in 2010, and replace it with real reforms that lower health care costs without growing government.'
But this is not the first pledge Wayne Kuipers has made to the tax payers of Michigan.
Several years ago, Wayne Kuipers signed Americans for Tax Reform's, 'Taxpayer Protection Pledge', in which he pledged to the taxpayers of his district 'and all the people of this state that I [Kuipers] will oppose and vote against any and all efforts to increase taxes.'
Sen. Kuipers is listed as a signatory to ATR's Taxpayer Protection Pledge on the ATR website.
Unfortunately, in 2004 Kuipers either forgot his pledge, or hoped that the taxpayers would.
He voted to raise taxes three different times, and earned himself inclusion into ATR's Taxpayers' 'Hall of Shame'."
State Senator Wayne Kuipers recently announced that he is the first candidate in the race for the 2nd Congressional District to sign Club for Growth's 'Repeal it!' pledge to repeal Obamacare should it become law.
What's better than being first, of course, is being credible.
The Repeal It! pledge states:
'I, Wayne Kuipers, hereby pledge to the people of my district (MI-02) upon my election to the U.S. House of Representatives, to sponsor and support legislation to repeal any federal health care takeover passed in 2010, and replace it with real reforms that lower health care costs without growing government.'
But this is not the first pledge Wayne Kuipers has made to the tax payers of Michigan.
Several years ago, Wayne Kuipers signed Americans for Tax Reform's, 'Taxpayer Protection Pledge', in which he pledged to the taxpayers of his district 'and all the people of this state that I [Kuipers] will oppose and vote against any and all efforts to increase taxes.'
Sen. Kuipers is listed as a signatory to ATR's Taxpayer Protection Pledge on the ATR website.
Unfortunately, in 2004 Kuipers either forgot his pledge, or hoped that the taxpayers would.
He voted to raise taxes three different times, and earned himself inclusion into ATR's Taxpayers' 'Hall of Shame'."
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Supreme Court Vindicates Political Speech, Pulverizes McCain-Feingold
Supreme Court Vindicates Political Speech, Pulverizes McCain-Feingold
"In a landmark 5-to-4 ruling, the Supreme Court today in Citizens United v. FEC struck down major portions of the McCain-Feingold campaign-finance law. The Court left in place the disclosure requirement for corporations and the disclaimer requirement that identifies whether an ad is not paid for by the campaign. But little else remains. The Court overruled the highly controversial 1990 decision in Austin v. Michigan Chamber of Commerce, which upheld restrictions on corporate spending to support or oppose political candidates. As this report notes:
The majority, invoking the Constitution’s free-speech clause, said the government lacks a legitimate basis to restrict independent campaign expenditures by companies. . .“The government may regulate corporate political speech through disclaimer and disclosure requirements, but it may not suppress that speech altogether,” Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote for the majority. Companies, which had been barred since 1947 from spending money in support or opposition to a candidate, potentially now will pump millions of dollars into campaigns. Companies, and possibly labor unions as well, will be able to use their general-treasury dollars to punish or reward lawmakers for their votes on legislation.
This is a vindication of the First Amendment and a victory for the protection of political speech, which is at the heart of our political system. It will certainly increase the amount of speech."
"In a landmark 5-to-4 ruling, the Supreme Court today in Citizens United v. FEC struck down major portions of the McCain-Feingold campaign-finance law. The Court left in place the disclosure requirement for corporations and the disclaimer requirement that identifies whether an ad is not paid for by the campaign. But little else remains. The Court overruled the highly controversial 1990 decision in Austin v. Michigan Chamber of Commerce, which upheld restrictions on corporate spending to support or oppose political candidates. As this report notes:
The majority, invoking the Constitution’s free-speech clause, said the government lacks a legitimate basis to restrict independent campaign expenditures by companies. . .“The government may regulate corporate political speech through disclaimer and disclosure requirements, but it may not suppress that speech altogether,” Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote for the majority. Companies, which had been barred since 1947 from spending money in support or opposition to a candidate, potentially now will pump millions of dollars into campaigns. Companies, and possibly labor unions as well, will be able to use their general-treasury dollars to punish or reward lawmakers for their votes on legislation.
This is a vindication of the First Amendment and a victory for the protection of political speech, which is at the heart of our political system. It will certainly increase the amount of speech."
Local gal on Salon.com part 2 Cultivating Failure - The Atlantic (January/February 2010)
Cultivating Failure - The Atlantic (January/February 2010)
"Imagine that as a young and desperately poor Mexican man, you had made the dangerous and illegal journey to California to work in the fields with other migrants.
There, you performed stoop labor, picking lettuce and bell peppers and table grapes; what made such an existence bearable was the dream of a better life."
"Imagine that as a young and desperately poor Mexican man, you had made the dangerous and illegal journey to California to work in the fields with other migrants.
There, you performed stoop labor, picking lettuce and bell peppers and table grapes; what made such an existence bearable was the dream of a better life."
Local gal on Salon.com
Education - Salon.com
"Last month, Alissa Novoselick wrote a wonderful story for Salon about starting a school garden in rural Camp Verde, Ariz.
So when Caitlin Flanagan wrote her sneering attack on Alice Waters, the Edible Schoolyard, and school gardening in general, Alissa chose to respond.
Also read Andrew Leonard's response here."
"Last month, Alissa Novoselick wrote a wonderful story for Salon about starting a school garden in rural Camp Verde, Ariz.
So when Caitlin Flanagan wrote her sneering attack on Alice Waters, the Edible Schoolyard, and school gardening in general, Alissa chose to respond.
Also read Andrew Leonard's response here."
Michigan Senate GOP: Cut all public workers' pay, benefits | lansingstatejournal.com | Lansing State Journal
Michigan Senate GOP: Cut all public workers' pay, benefits
"Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop said Tuesday the pay of teachers, professors and state and local government workers should be cut by 5 percent and held at that level for the next three years to save money."
The Rochester Republican told reporters he is proposing a constitutional amendment to go to the voters in August that would suspend collective bargaining rights and allow the pay cut to take effect.
Another constitutional amendment would be needed to require that all public employees pay 20 percent of their health care premiums unless they participate in a health savings account or wellness program.......
It's all part of a plan Bishop said would save up to $2 billion, enough to eliminate the estimated $1.6 billion deficit in next year's budget.
Both the pay cut and the higher premiums cost would affect lawmakers.
Bishop said he's not trying to be mean-spirited, but wants to solve the money woes of public institutions, including state government, by decreasing costs rather than raising taxes.
"We cannot afford the government that we have today," he said.
"We're asking that our public servants ... step up to the plate to be a part of the solution."
Our problem is too many state employees making too much money and benefits.
This is an excellent first step.
And an shrewd political move by the republicans.
"Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop said Tuesday the pay of teachers, professors and state and local government workers should be cut by 5 percent and held at that level for the next three years to save money."
The Rochester Republican told reporters he is proposing a constitutional amendment to go to the voters in August that would suspend collective bargaining rights and allow the pay cut to take effect.
Another constitutional amendment would be needed to require that all public employees pay 20 percent of their health care premiums unless they participate in a health savings account or wellness program.......
It's all part of a plan Bishop said would save up to $2 billion, enough to eliminate the estimated $1.6 billion deficit in next year's budget.
Both the pay cut and the higher premiums cost would affect lawmakers.
Bishop said he's not trying to be mean-spirited, but wants to solve the money woes of public institutions, including state government, by decreasing costs rather than raising taxes.
"We cannot afford the government that we have today," he said.
"We're asking that our public servants ... step up to the plate to be a part of the solution."
Our problem is too many state employees making too much money and benefits.
This is an excellent first step.
And an shrewd political move by the republicans.
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