VIDEO: “I never thought I’d be on national TV for wearing an American flag shirt.”
“What seems to elude people in this incident is that everyone has the right to express themselves on every day of the year in the US, and that ’some people may be offended’ is no just cause for censorship.”"
Saturday, May 08, 2010
The Greek Economy Explained
The Greek Economy Explained
"In terms of overall ease of doing business, Greece comes in 109 out of 183 countries around the world.
It is dead last among the 27 members of the European Union as well as the advanced economies in the OECD.
You have to go up 30 slots to find the next worst EU performer, Italy. The U.S. ranks fourth and Singapore is first.
At 109, Greece ranks below such models of transparency and free enterprise as Egypt (106), Zambia (90), Rwanda (67) and Kazakhstan (63).
A country has to work hard to do this poorly.
The Doing Business survey reveals an economy that's hostile to free enterprise and private property, primed for corruption, lacking in labor and capital mobility, stifled by powerful trade unions and unlikely to grow without deep-rooted changes."
"In terms of overall ease of doing business, Greece comes in 109 out of 183 countries around the world.
It is dead last among the 27 members of the European Union as well as the advanced economies in the OECD.
You have to go up 30 slots to find the next worst EU performer, Italy. The U.S. ranks fourth and Singapore is first.
At 109, Greece ranks below such models of transparency and free enterprise as Egypt (106), Zambia (90), Rwanda (67) and Kazakhstan (63).
A country has to work hard to do this poorly.
The Doing Business survey reveals an economy that's hostile to free enterprise and private property, primed for corruption, lacking in labor and capital mobility, stifled by powerful trade unions and unlikely to grow without deep-rooted changes."
Friday, May 07, 2010
FOXNews.com - 2 People Shot to Death in Old Navy in Chicago
FOXNews.com - 2 People Shot to Death in Old Navy in Chicago: "Authorities say two people were shot to death at the Old Navy clothing store in the heart of the city's Loop retail corridor.
Chicago Fire Department spokesman Larry Langford says a man and a woman were shot inside the store. He says they were dead when emergency responders arrived Friday morning at the scene, just blocks from Chicago's City Hall."
Chicago Fire Department spokesman Larry Langford says a man and a woman were shot inside the store. He says they were dead when emergency responders arrived Friday morning at the scene, just blocks from Chicago's City Hall."
MAJOR MEDIA FAIL
MAJOR MEDIA FAIL: Note this poll on Arizona:
The new poll finds 61 percent of voters nationally think Arizona was right to take action instead of waiting for the federal government to do something on immigration.
That’s more than twice as many as the 27 percent who think securing the border is a federal responsibility and Arizona should have waited for Washington to act. . . .
Significantly more voters think the Obama administration should wait and see how the new law works (64 percent) than think the administration should try to stop it (15 percent).
Forget the Arizona bill itself.
What this poll says is that despite weeks of national-media coverage that was unrelentingly negative, calling the bill racist, drawing Nazi analogies, etc. — only 15 percent are really against it.
Sorry guys — you’re still talking, but people aren’t listening.
UPDATE: A reader asks why I didn’t just use the favor/oppose numbers, which support the bill but in a less lopsided way.
Because if the bill is really a racist, Nazi enactment, people should want to actually do something about it, not just register opposition.
Right?"
The new poll finds 61 percent of voters nationally think Arizona was right to take action instead of waiting for the federal government to do something on immigration.
That’s more than twice as many as the 27 percent who think securing the border is a federal responsibility and Arizona should have waited for Washington to act. . . .
Significantly more voters think the Obama administration should wait and see how the new law works (64 percent) than think the administration should try to stop it (15 percent).
Forget the Arizona bill itself.
What this poll says is that despite weeks of national-media coverage that was unrelentingly negative, calling the bill racist, drawing Nazi analogies, etc. — only 15 percent are really against it.
Sorry guys — you’re still talking, but people aren’t listening.
UPDATE: A reader asks why I didn’t just use the favor/oppose numbers, which support the bill but in a less lopsided way.
Because if the bill is really a racist, Nazi enactment, people should want to actually do something about it, not just register opposition.
Right?"
Take Action! Vote on Bridge Boondoggle Looming!
Take Action! Vote on Bridge Boondoggle Looming!
"The Michigan House of Representatives is likely to vote on House Bill 4961 next week. Your State Representative needs to hear from taxpayers like you today to avoid a massive waste of your tax dollars.
The Ambassador Bridge, built and maintained for 80 years by the Detroit International Bridge Company (DIBC), carries one-quarter of all trade between the U.S. and Canada. DIBC has begun a $1 billion project to build a second span using no taxpayer funds.
But the state has sued to stop construction so they can build the Detroit River International Crossing (DRIC) – using taxpayer money only.
Building the DRIC would cost American taxpayers billions of dollars, forcibly relocate hundreds of families and businesses, and be another example of Michigan’s fiscal failure."
"The Michigan House of Representatives is likely to vote on House Bill 4961 next week. Your State Representative needs to hear from taxpayers like you today to avoid a massive waste of your tax dollars.
The Ambassador Bridge, built and maintained for 80 years by the Detroit International Bridge Company (DIBC), carries one-quarter of all trade between the U.S. and Canada. DIBC has begun a $1 billion project to build a second span using no taxpayer funds.
But the state has sued to stop construction so they can build the Detroit River International Crossing (DRIC) – using taxpayer money only.
Building the DRIC would cost American taxpayers billions of dollars, forcibly relocate hundreds of families and businesses, and be another example of Michigan’s fiscal failure."
Butler bummer!
Butler bummer!
"Butler coach Brad Stevens finally got the answer he needed Friday, even if it was bad news.
Star forward Gordon Hayward is heading to the NBA, and Stevens can now turn his full attention toward next season."
"Butler coach Brad Stevens finally got the answer he needed Friday, even if it was bad news.
Star forward Gordon Hayward is heading to the NBA, and Stevens can now turn his full attention toward next season."
Broader U-6 Unemployment Rate Increases to 17.1% in April
Broader U-6 Unemployment Rate Increases to 17.1% in April
The U.S. jobless rate rose to 9.9% in April, the first increase in three months, but the government’s broader measure of unemployment ticked up for the third month in a row, rising 0.2 percentage point to 17.1%.
The hopey changey thing is really workin'...doncah think?
The U.S. jobless rate rose to 9.9% in April, the first increase in three months, but the government’s broader measure of unemployment ticked up for the third month in a row, rising 0.2 percentage point to 17.1%.
The hopey changey thing is really workin'...doncah think?
L.A. Times Declines to Endorse Sen. Boxer in California Primary
L.A. Times Declines to Endorse Sen. Boxer in California Primary
"The editors at the biggest newspaper on the West Coast, who were expected to endorse Sen. Barbara Boxer in her primary campaign against token opposition, have decided to remain neutral, saying the California Democrat doesn't display enough intellectual firepower."
That's gotta hurt....if she knew what "intellectual firepower" meant.
"The editors at the biggest newspaper on the West Coast, who were expected to endorse Sen. Barbara Boxer in her primary campaign against token opposition, have decided to remain neutral, saying the California Democrat doesn't display enough intellectual firepower."
That's gotta hurt....if she knew what "intellectual firepower" meant.
Two People Who Deserve to be Fired
Two People Who Deserve to be Fired - WSJ This Morning
"There are two people who should be out of work for their poor decisions lately."
"There are two people who should be out of work for their poor decisions lately."
Retired Park Township surgeon charged with stealing hotel furniture in Florida
Retired Park Township surgeon charged with stealing hotel furniture in Florida
"A retired surgeon with stately homes in Park Township, Michigan, and affluent East Naples is charged with walking off with about $7,000 worth of furniture and wall art from a hotel."
Interesting story of a fruitcake doctor who has his anger control issues ready as an excuse.
"A retired surgeon with stately homes in Park Township, Michigan, and affluent East Naples is charged with walking off with about $7,000 worth of furniture and wall art from a hotel."
Interesting story of a fruitcake doctor who has his anger control issues ready as an excuse.
JAPAN ACTIVATES the Monju Fast-Breeder Reactor. If we’d started building these in the 1970s, the wo…
JAPAN ACTIVATES the Monju Fast-Breeder Reactor.
If we’d started building these in the 1970s, the world’s energy probems would be largely solved, and carbon emissions would be much lower.
But environmentalists blocked them.
Thanks for nothin’, guys"
If we’d started building these in the 1970s, the world’s energy probems would be largely solved, and carbon emissions would be much lower.
But environmentalists blocked them.
Thanks for nothin’, guys"
......The Clunk in Clunkers
......The Clunk in Clunkers - Counts Consulting, Ltd.
"Ok, on to the issue at hand.
If you run a full service recycling business, did you get in on the Clunker rage last fall?
You know that deal where taxpayers subsidized people who were willing to get rid of a paid-for asset and go in debt for something they already had, which was a running vehicle.
You know that program that cost the U.S. tax payers over $40,000 per vehicle.
If you run a full service recycling business and wonder if you missed out by not jumping in on this deal, be at peace, you made the right decision.
If metal had not gone up recently, it would have put a lot of recyclers out of business and it still may be the beginning of the whirlpool for others.
If you are wondering why I'm writing about something that has already happened, then be advised that the administration is thinking about doing this again!
Therefore, I would like to see recyclers have a plan if this comes our way in the future."
Read this excellent article!
(HT ClunkerKing)
"Ok, on to the issue at hand.
If you run a full service recycling business, did you get in on the Clunker rage last fall?
You know that deal where taxpayers subsidized people who were willing to get rid of a paid-for asset and go in debt for something they already had, which was a running vehicle.
You know that program that cost the U.S. tax payers over $40,000 per vehicle.
If you run a full service recycling business and wonder if you missed out by not jumping in on this deal, be at peace, you made the right decision.
If metal had not gone up recently, it would have put a lot of recyclers out of business and it still may be the beginning of the whirlpool for others.
If you are wondering why I'm writing about something that has already happened, then be advised that the administration is thinking about doing this again!
Therefore, I would like to see recyclers have a plan if this comes our way in the future."
Read this excellent article!
(HT ClunkerKing)
MEA-owned insurance carrier using rate hikes to replenish coffers?
Hello Michigan: MEA-owned insurance carrier using rate hikes to replenish coffers?
"MEA-owned insurance carrier using rate hikes to replenish coffers?
WOW!!! What a deal for the Teachers Union.
Let me see, WE paid into their retirement fund and WE paid for their insurance, and WE pay their salaries.
Now because MESSA, the NEA Teachers Union lost money in the market, we get to cover their losses for them???"
"MEA-owned insurance carrier using rate hikes to replenish coffers?
WOW!!! What a deal for the Teachers Union.
Let me see, WE paid into their retirement fund and WE paid for their insurance, and WE pay their salaries.
Now because MESSA, the NEA Teachers Union lost money in the market, we get to cover their losses for them???"
Athens or Washington, It's the Size of Government
RealClearPolitics - Athens or Washington, It's the Size of Government
"This is more than a financial crisis.
This is a national meltdown.
And while facile comparisons to the U.S. must be avoided, there are nonetheless lessons for us --particularly in light of the direction the Democratic Party wants to travel."
"This is more than a financial crisis.
This is a national meltdown.
And while facile comparisons to the U.S. must be avoided, there are nonetheless lessons for us --particularly in light of the direction the Democratic Party wants to travel."
Field trip for black students sparks controversy at Ann Arbor elementary school - AnnArbor.com
Field trip for black students sparks controversy at Ann Arbor elementary school
"An Ann Arbor elementary school principal used a letter home to parents tonight to defend a field trip for black students as part of his school’s efforts to close the achievement gap between white and black students."
Imagine a school trip for white students only!
Imagine the mentality of the educators who think that a trip for black students ONLY is a great idea!
Someone needs a new job!
"An Ann Arbor elementary school principal used a letter home to parents tonight to defend a field trip for black students as part of his school’s efforts to close the achievement gap between white and black students."
Imagine a school trip for white students only!
Imagine the mentality of the educators who think that a trip for black students ONLY is a great idea!
Someone needs a new job!
Teachers unions fight “for the kids?” Not exactly.
The Free Enterprise Nation - Teachers unions fight “for the kids?” Not exactly.
"The National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers stood up alongside Senator Tom Harkin, asking Congress to pass the Keep Our Educators Working Act.
The bill provides $23 billion in federal funding to local school districts so they can avoid having to make job cuts for the 2011 school year.
Harken said “This bill is an investment in our kids, in our economy, and in our future.”
We agree that nobody wants to see students in overcrowded classes, which could happen if the predicted 300,000 teaching job cuts were to happen.
However, if we, the American taxpayers, are giving one select group of people $23 billion to save their jobs, it would only be fair if we were able to receive some concessions from the teachers unions in exchange for our generosity."
We've seen where the teacher's unions love points.
And it don't point to even one kid.
It is self-love at its worst.
"The National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers stood up alongside Senator Tom Harkin, asking Congress to pass the Keep Our Educators Working Act.
The bill provides $23 billion in federal funding to local school districts so they can avoid having to make job cuts for the 2011 school year.
Harken said “This bill is an investment in our kids, in our economy, and in our future.”
We agree that nobody wants to see students in overcrowded classes, which could happen if the predicted 300,000 teaching job cuts were to happen.
However, if we, the American taxpayers, are giving one select group of people $23 billion to save their jobs, it would only be fair if we were able to receive some concessions from the teachers unions in exchange for our generosity."
We've seen where the teacher's unions love points.
And it don't point to even one kid.
It is self-love at its worst.
Jobs up 290,000; jobless rate rises to 9.9 pct.
Jobs up 290,000; jobless rate rises to 9.9 pct.
"All told, 15.3 million people were out of work in April."
No amount of TV happy talk about 290,000 new jobs (many of which are government "jobs") will help the 15.3 million Americans.
Remember in November!
"All told, 15.3 million people were out of work in April."
No amount of TV happy talk about 290,000 new jobs (many of which are government "jobs") will help the 15.3 million Americans.
Remember in November!
FNC's Hume Chides Media Misinformation on AZ Immigration Law
FNC's Hume Chides Media Misinformation on AZ Immigration Law
"During Fox News Sunday's 'Roundtable' segment, regular panel member Brit Hume chided the news media for spreading misinformation about the new law in Arizona aimed at enforcing federal immigration laws, as he charged that 'It's turned out that a lot of the news stories simply flat had it wrong, and a lot of the critics of the bill itself have also got it wrong.'
After recounting that the law requires 'that there be a legitimate law enforcement incident, a stop, a detention, or arrest,' and 'reasonable suspicion,' he concluded that 'all the hysteria about it is grossly overdone, in my judgment.'"
Sadly, all the hysteria was done for a specific purpose.
Votes for democrats.
"During Fox News Sunday's 'Roundtable' segment, regular panel member Brit Hume chided the news media for spreading misinformation about the new law in Arizona aimed at enforcing federal immigration laws, as he charged that 'It's turned out that a lot of the news stories simply flat had it wrong, and a lot of the critics of the bill itself have also got it wrong.'
After recounting that the law requires 'that there be a legitimate law enforcement incident, a stop, a detention, or arrest,' and 'reasonable suspicion,' he concluded that 'all the hysteria about it is grossly overdone, in my judgment.'"
Sadly, all the hysteria was done for a specific purpose.
Votes for democrats.
NUGENT: Is the kettle black enough?
NUGENT: Is the kettle black enough? - Washington Times
"The truth is that the federal government, as always, has overtly wasted, lost and blown far more of our hard-earned tax dollars than Wall Street crooks could have ripped off in their wildest Bernie Madoff imaginations.
Our politicians are the real bandits and culprits of our economic calamity."
"The truth is that the federal government, as always, has overtly wasted, lost and blown far more of our hard-earned tax dollars than Wall Street crooks could have ripped off in their wildest Bernie Madoff imaginations.
Our politicians are the real bandits and culprits of our economic calamity."
State Government Loses Nearly 10,000 Workers in 9 Years
State Government Loses Nearly 10,000 Workers in 9 Years
"Leaders in the Republican-led Senate fell a few votes short of the two-thirds majority needed to repeal a 3 percent pay raise scheduled to take effect Oct. 1 for most state workers.
The proposal never came up for a vote in the Democrat-led House.
The increase will cost the state an estimated $45 million.
That could come back to bite some state workers.
Lawmakers don't appear likely to raise taxes, so layoffs or furlough days are a distinct possibility as the battle continues over balancing the budget.
Rep. Chuck Moss of Birmingham, the highest-ranking Republican on the House Appropriations Committee, would like to see state employee compensation decreased so the state can keep more workers to deal with citizens' needs.
He's frustrated by the failure of efforts to trim workers' pay and benefits, saying the state's ongoing budget woes will require more sacrifice.
'We have more government than we can afford right now,' Moss said."
We have 10,000 less workers but are spending more on workers now than we did before.
Anyone smell something fishy here?
"Leaders in the Republican-led Senate fell a few votes short of the two-thirds majority needed to repeal a 3 percent pay raise scheduled to take effect Oct. 1 for most state workers.
The proposal never came up for a vote in the Democrat-led House.
The increase will cost the state an estimated $45 million.
That could come back to bite some state workers.
Lawmakers don't appear likely to raise taxes, so layoffs or furlough days are a distinct possibility as the battle continues over balancing the budget.
Rep. Chuck Moss of Birmingham, the highest-ranking Republican on the House Appropriations Committee, would like to see state employee compensation decreased so the state can keep more workers to deal with citizens' needs.
He's frustrated by the failure of efforts to trim workers' pay and benefits, saying the state's ongoing budget woes will require more sacrifice.
'We have more government than we can afford right now,' Moss said."
We have 10,000 less workers but are spending more on workers now than we did before.
Anyone smell something fishy here?
New light shed on Kent State killings - Washington Times
New light shed on Kent State killings - Washington Times
"'We did it,' one man exulted, according to the inquiry.
'We got the riot started.'
The second man expressed disappointment at being excluded from the riot's planning.
'Wait until tomorrow night,' the leader replied excitedly.
'We just got the word.
We're going to burn the ROTC building.'"
A worthy read with the SEIU and other Obama thug bands running around.
"'We did it,' one man exulted, according to the inquiry.
'We got the riot started.'
The second man expressed disappointment at being excluded from the riot's planning.
'Wait until tomorrow night,' the leader replied excitedly.
'We just got the word.
We're going to burn the ROTC building.'"
A worthy read with the SEIU and other Obama thug bands running around.
Can Michigan afford generous tax exemptions for retirees?
Can Michigan afford generous tax exemptions for retirees?
"As Michigan grapples with yet another budget deficit, some say it’s time to eliminate generous tax exemptions for retirees."
Watch out you democrat geezer retirees!
You may well be voting for democrats to increase your taxes to pay for state employee pay and benefit increases.
Bummer dumbocrats.
"As Michigan grapples with yet another budget deficit, some say it’s time to eliminate generous tax exemptions for retirees."
Watch out you democrat geezer retirees!
You may well be voting for democrats to increase your taxes to pay for state employee pay and benefit increases.
Bummer dumbocrats.
Confidence Improves, But Trust Hurts Obama
Confidence Improves, But Trust Hurts Obama - Hotline On Call
"Only 39% of voters said they would vote to re-elect Pres."
Good news but can we survive three more years?
"Only 39% of voters said they would vote to re-elect Pres."
Good news but can we survive three more years?
Flying with the Dragon Lady
Op-Ed Contributor - Flying with the Dragon Lady - NYTimes.com
"I flew the U-2 during the 1990s, and I received this news as if I had learned that an old friend was dying.
It may seem odd to grieve for a machine.
But the U-2 is no ordinary vehicle.
Some in my world call flying the plane a religion, others a calling.
For me it was a gift."
Interesting farewell from a lady U2 pilot.
(HT Itazuke)
"I flew the U-2 during the 1990s, and I received this news as if I had learned that an old friend was dying.
It may seem odd to grieve for a machine.
But the U-2 is no ordinary vehicle.
Some in my world call flying the plane a religion, others a calling.
For me it was a gift."
Interesting farewell from a lady U2 pilot.
(HT Itazuke)
Thursday, May 06, 2010
Obama/Media vs. Arizona/America
American Thinker: Obama/Media vs. Arizona/America
"I can only conclude that Obama willfully and knowingly distorted/lied about the plight of Hispanic-Americans in Arizona and the state's immigration law when he said, '...but now suddenly if you don't have your papers, and you took your kid out to get ice cream, you're gonna be harassed, ...'
Obama's statement simply is not true."
When our president is such a blatant liar, we all suffer.
"I can only conclude that Obama willfully and knowingly distorted/lied about the plight of Hispanic-Americans in Arizona and the state's immigration law when he said, '...but now suddenly if you don't have your papers, and you took your kid out to get ice cream, you're gonna be harassed, ...'
Obama's statement simply is not true."
When our president is such a blatant liar, we all suffer.
Steve Gunn: Columnist realizes his dream: his own hate club | - MLive.com
Steve Gunn: Columnist realizes his dream: his own hate club
"Wow.
This is cool.
My own hate club.
It’s every columnist’s dream."
You haven't arrived until the leftist hate rises up!
Though their hate usually doesn't take much more than any disagreement with anyone over anything.
You go Gunn!
"Wow.
This is cool.
My own hate club.
It’s every columnist’s dream."
You haven't arrived until the leftist hate rises up!
Though their hate usually doesn't take much more than any disagreement with anyone over anything.
You go Gunn!
Whitewater II
Le·gal In·sur·rec·tion: Whitewater II
"Jake reports, I repeat:
Though his agency was charged with coordinating the federal response to the major oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, Department of the Interior chief of staff Tom Strickland was in the Grand Canyon with his wife last week participating in activities that included white-water rafting, ABC News has learned."
"Jake reports, I repeat:
Though his agency was charged with coordinating the federal response to the major oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, Department of the Interior chief of staff Tom Strickland was in the Grand Canyon with his wife last week participating in activities that included white-water rafting, ABC News has learned."
Democrat Obey to leave House after 4 decades
Democrat Obey to leave House after 4 decades - Washington Times
"Mr. Obey was first elected in a special election in 1969 at age 30.
He is the third most senior member of the House, behind only Reps. John D. Dingell, who came to Congress in 1955, and John Conyers Jr., who arrived in 1965. Both are Michigan Democrats."
America is about to become a better country!
"Mr. Obey was first elected in a special election in 1969 at age 30.
He is the third most senior member of the House, behind only Reps. John D. Dingell, who came to Congress in 1955, and John Conyers Jr., who arrived in 1965. Both are Michigan Democrats."
America is about to become a better country!
Norton Shores OKs firefighter layoffs; city officials may seek millage | - MLive.com
Norton Shores OKs firefighter layoffs; city officials may seek millage
"'We've cut enough,' said Councilman Don Martines.
'We need to raise revenue.
The citizens are getting quite a bargain.'"
Not even a mention of the union contracts and their automatic pay increases.
Not a mention of the retirement benefits and costs.
You can't fix a problem if you refuse to acknowledge the cause of the problem.
"'We've cut enough,' said Councilman Don Martines.
'We need to raise revenue.
The citizens are getting quite a bargain.'"
Not even a mention of the union contracts and their automatic pay increases.
Not a mention of the retirement benefits and costs.
You can't fix a problem if you refuse to acknowledge the cause of the problem.
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