Stabenow, White House official disagree over separation of waterways to prevent spread of Asian carp into the Great Lakes MLive.com
U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow renewed a call to close the Chicago shipping locks and create a permanent ecological separation of the Mississippi River basin and the Great Lakes to prevent an invasion of giant Asian carp.
But a White House official rebuffed the plea, saying more study must happen to prevent unintended consequences.
Debbie who?
She's been sittin' on the union bosses laps so long she doesn't even know where Michigan is.
It sure is great she's "on" the carp trail....right?
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Federal Loans Fund Big-Ticket Energy Projects At Firms Outside Of U.S.
Federal Loans Fund Big-Ticket Energy Projects At Firms Outside Of U.S. Fox News
Among the biggest recipients on the Department of Energy's controversial list of loans to renewable energy companies like the failed Solyndra Inc. are a number of non-U.S. firms whose big-ticket energy projects will cost taxpayers billions of dollars -- but will generate no more than a few hundred permanent U.S. jobs.
Among the biggest recipients on the Department of Energy's controversial list of loans to renewable energy companies like the failed Solyndra Inc. are a number of non-U.S. firms whose big-ticket energy projects will cost taxpayers billions of dollars -- but will generate no more than a few hundred permanent U.S. jobs.
The Latest Ugly Truth About Pakistan
The Latest Ugly Truth About Pakistan - NYTimes.com
Inter-Services Intelligence — played a direct role in supporting insurgents who attacked the American Embassy in Kabul last week, killing 16 people.
He also said that with ISI support, the Haqqani network of terrorists planned and conducted an earlier truck bombing on a NATO outpost that killed 5 people and wounded 77 coalition troops, and other recent attacks.
Inter-Services Intelligence — played a direct role in supporting insurgents who attacked the American Embassy in Kabul last week, killing 16 people.
He also said that with ISI support, the Haqqani network of terrorists planned and conducted an earlier truck bombing on a NATO outpost that killed 5 people and wounded 77 coalition troops, and other recent attacks.
Top 10 Green Job Fiascoes
Top 10 Green Job Fiascoes - HUMAN EVENTS
Of course, when the government tries to intrude in the marketplace, bad things happen.
Such as these: the Top 10 Green Job Fiascoes.
Of course, when the government tries to intrude in the marketplace, bad things happen.
Such as these: the Top 10 Green Job Fiascoes.
Teachers unions, school groups give mixed reviews to Obama No Child Left behind waivers | MLive.com
Teachers unions, school groups give mixed reviews to Obama No Child Left behind waivers MLive.com: The union approves of offering more options to improve failing schools and the move to college- and career-ready standards.
Kollege redi!
That sure beats teechin' reedin ritin ritmatik.
Don't it?
Kollege redi!
That sure beats teechin' reedin ritin ritmatik.
Don't it?
How Cain won Florida
York: How Cain won Florida Campaign 2012
Once the delegates got over the can't-get-elected hurdle, a close contest became a landslide for Herman Cain.
Once the delegates got over the can't-get-elected hurdle, a close contest became a landslide for Herman Cain.
Churchill, chance and the 'black dog'
BBC News - A Point of View: Churchill, chance and the 'black dog'
If Bracken hadn't left Australia to reinvent himself as an Englishman and appointed himself as Churchill's faithful protector;
if Beaverbrook and Bracken hadn't found Churchill brooding in his club;
if Bracken hadn't succeeded in persuading Churchill to remain silent;
and if Churchill hadn't been prepared for the desperate struggle that followed by the visits of the black dog, history would have been very different and the world darker than anything we can easily imagine.
If Bracken hadn't left Australia to reinvent himself as an Englishman and appointed himself as Churchill's faithful protector;
if Beaverbrook and Bracken hadn't found Churchill brooding in his club;
if Bracken hadn't succeeded in persuading Churchill to remain silent;
and if Churchill hadn't been prepared for the desperate struggle that followed by the visits of the black dog, history would have been very different and the world darker than anything we can easily imagine.
Stephen Colbert: 'Let's pray satellite lands in Detroit'
Stephen Colbert: 'Let's pray satellite lands in Detroit' MLive.com
"As we speak a defunct satellite is hurtling toward the Earth where it will destroy everything in it's path. Let's just pray it lands somewhere where it can't do any damage -- like Detroit," Colbert said.
You know, you can't even get angry at these type of sentiments anymore.
Can you imagine what Al Sharpton and the Detroit extorters would demand from US taxpayers if a chunk of space junk flattened a hovel in Dead Town?
"As we speak a defunct satellite is hurtling toward the Earth where it will destroy everything in it's path. Let's just pray it lands somewhere where it can't do any damage -- like Detroit," Colbert said.
You know, you can't even get angry at these type of sentiments anymore.
Can you imagine what Al Sharpton and the Detroit extorters would demand from US taxpayers if a chunk of space junk flattened a hovel in Dead Town?
Renewable Energy Subsidies Are a Waste of Money
Renewable Energy Subsidies Are a Waste of Money
Last month solar companies Spectra Watt in New York, Evergreen Solar in Massachusetts, and Solyndra Solar in California went bankrupt.
All companies had extensive subsidies from state and federal governments.
Taxpayer losses most likely exceeded $1 billion.
All three states have high electricity costs due to banning coal use and mandating renewable energy sources for electricity production.
Last month solar companies Spectra Watt in New York, Evergreen Solar in Massachusetts, and Solyndra Solar in California went bankrupt.
All companies had extensive subsidies from state and federal governments.
Taxpayer losses most likely exceeded $1 billion.
All three states have high electricity costs due to banning coal use and mandating renewable energy sources for electricity production.
Meet Olga Stefou, a Perfect Symbol of Greece’s Downfall
Meet Olga Stefou, a Perfect Symbol of Greece’s Downfall « International Liberty
The Los Angeles Times has a story that provides an inside look at the attitudes that have contributed to Greece’s fiscal collapse.
Let’s start with Olga Stefou, who is a good (or bad) symbol for her nation’s downfall.
She protests in favor of bigger government, naively asserting that the budget shortfall can be solved by pulling 122 troops out of Afghanistan and taxing the Orthodox Church.
Olga’s entitlement mentality is not unusual.
The story also notes that young Greek women think a government job is the most desirable thing in a potential mate. At the risk of being politically incorrect, the people of Greece (at least the ones in the moocher class) deserve a miserable future.
The Los Angeles Times has a story that provides an inside look at the attitudes that have contributed to Greece’s fiscal collapse.
Let’s start with Olga Stefou, who is a good (or bad) symbol for her nation’s downfall.
She protests in favor of bigger government, naively asserting that the budget shortfall can be solved by pulling 122 troops out of Afghanistan and taxing the Orthodox Church.
Olga’s entitlement mentality is not unusual.
The story also notes that young Greek women think a government job is the most desirable thing in a potential mate. At the risk of being politically incorrect, the people of Greece (at least the ones in the moocher class) deserve a miserable future.
Organizers raising money for 'Snurfer' statue expected to go in downtown Muskegon next spring
Organizers raising money for 'Snurfer' statue expected to go in downtown Muskegon next spring MLive.com: The piece has a price tag of about $50,000, with $35,000 already committed by local individuals, businesses and organizations.
Organizers hope to have the remaining $15,000 raised by mid-October.
That's enough to cover the cost of raw materials, contracting with the artist and mounting and shipping the sculpture.
Contributors giving $1,000 or more will get a commemorative plaque on the statue's platform.
Wow!
A nifty new statue from the deep pockets of our betters!
Waaay better for our city than ....say....a functioning school system.
Wait til the unwashed see the Snurfer........land rush to Muskegon!
Organizers hope to have the remaining $15,000 raised by mid-October.
That's enough to cover the cost of raw materials, contracting with the artist and mounting and shipping the sculpture.
Contributors giving $1,000 or more will get a commemorative plaque on the statue's platform.
Wow!
A nifty new statue from the deep pockets of our betters!
Waaay better for our city than ....say....a functioning school system.
Wait til the unwashed see the Snurfer........land rush to Muskegon!
EPA To Shut Down 20% of Coal Plants in 2012
EPA To Shut Down 20% of Coal Plants in 2012 - Helen Whalen Cohen
"Obama's EPA Cues 130 Billion Race to Cut Pollution By 2015", she reports that the EPA will shut down 20 percent of coal plants through the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule.
"Obama's EPA Cues 130 Billion Race to Cut Pollution By 2015", she reports that the EPA will shut down 20 percent of coal plants through the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule.
Problems For The President: Americans Give Him Lowest Approval Rating Ever
Problems For The President: Americans Give Him Lowest Approval Rating Ever YouGov US Opinion Center
57% believes most of what he says is what he wants people to hear, and not what he really believes.
That is one point short of the highest percentage recorded on this question in this poll.
57% believes most of what he says is what he wants people to hear, and not what he really believes.
That is one point short of the highest percentage recorded on this question in this poll.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
The Latest Ugly Truth About Pakistan
The Latest Ugly Truth About Pakistan - NYTimes.com
Pakistan’s spy agency — Inter-Services Intelligence — played a direct role in supporting insurgents who attacked the American Embassy in Kabul last week, killing 16 people.
He also said that with ISI support, the Haqqani network of terrorists planned and conducted an earlier truck bombing on a NATO outpost that killed 5 people and wounded 77 coalition troops, and other recent attacks.
Pakistan’s spy agency — Inter-Services Intelligence — played a direct role in supporting insurgents who attacked the American Embassy in Kabul last week, killing 16 people.
He also said that with ISI support, the Haqqani network of terrorists planned and conducted an earlier truck bombing on a NATO outpost that killed 5 people and wounded 77 coalition troops, and other recent attacks.
Mrs. Warren’s profession, cont’d
Mrs. Warren’s profession, cont’d Power Line
President Obama operates on a different philosophy of government from that of the Founders.
His credo is reflected in the proposition: “I think at some point you have made enough money.”
The Founders thought that at some point the government had enough power.
Obama, however, is a devout believer in unlimited government.
President Obama operates on a different philosophy of government from that of the Founders.
His credo is reflected in the proposition: “I think at some point you have made enough money.”
The Founders thought that at some point the government had enough power.
Obama, however, is a devout believer in unlimited government.
Five Myths About Millionaires
Instapundit » Blog Archive »
WASHINGTON POST:
Five Myths About Millionaires.
Including this one: “In a speech on Monday, Obama said raising taxes on millionaires isn’t class warfare, but ‘math.’
His math may be off: According to the IRS, those with adjusted gross incomes of more than $1 million paid an average of 23.3 percent in federal income taxes in 2008; those earning between $100,000 and $200,000 paid 12.7 percent; and those earning between $50,000 and $100,000 paid 8.9 percent.
Half of American families don’t make enough money to pay income taxes at all.”
And that’s the real problem.
Everyone should have skin in the game.
UPDATE: A couple of readers suggest that payroll taxes provide the necessary skin.
Well, yes and no.
On the one hand, payroll taxes for Social Security, etc., are allegedly more like insurance premiums — and they’re not paid by those who aren’t working, or who are working under the table.
On the other hand, the fact that we’re currently enjoying a payroll-tax reduction that will be politically hard to eliminate suggests that where more people have a stake, there’s more pressure for lower taxes.
Want to bet that if everyone paid income taxes, and if, as I’ve suggested before, the amount always went up when federal spending went up, we’d see a lot more resistance to increased federal spending?
WASHINGTON POST:
Five Myths About Millionaires.
Including this one: “In a speech on Monday, Obama said raising taxes on millionaires isn’t class warfare, but ‘math.’
His math may be off: According to the IRS, those with adjusted gross incomes of more than $1 million paid an average of 23.3 percent in federal income taxes in 2008; those earning between $100,000 and $200,000 paid 12.7 percent; and those earning between $50,000 and $100,000 paid 8.9 percent.
Half of American families don’t make enough money to pay income taxes at all.”
And that’s the real problem.
Everyone should have skin in the game.
UPDATE: A couple of readers suggest that payroll taxes provide the necessary skin.
Well, yes and no.
On the one hand, payroll taxes for Social Security, etc., are allegedly more like insurance premiums — and they’re not paid by those who aren’t working, or who are working under the table.
On the other hand, the fact that we’re currently enjoying a payroll-tax reduction that will be politically hard to eliminate suggests that where more people have a stake, there’s more pressure for lower taxes.
Want to bet that if everyone paid income taxes, and if, as I’ve suggested before, the amount always went up when federal spending went up, we’d see a lot more resistance to increased federal spending?
Why not pay back taxpayers first?
Why not pay back taxpayers first? « » Print The Daily Caller
The $15 billion aside, if GM is so profitable it can afford to give its new hires a raise and all its UAW workers plush health benefits and a big bonus, that’s great.
But why do I fear the economic assumptions underlying these numbers will prove to be unrealistic?
......Plus the whole new car market may be shrinking as the economy stalls.
The $15 billion aside, if GM is so profitable it can afford to give its new hires a raise and all its UAW workers plush health benefits and a big bonus, that’s great.
But why do I fear the economic assumptions underlying these numbers will prove to be unrealistic?
......Plus the whole new car market may be shrinking as the economy stalls.
Chart of the Day: 15-Yr. Fixed Rates at Record Low
CARPE DIEM: Chart of the Day: 15-Yr. Fixed Rates at Record Low
The 15-year fixed mortgage rate fell to a new all-time low this week of 3.29%, according to Freddie Mac.
Imagine what housing sales would be without these record setting low mortgage rates.
The situation is worse than it seems.
The 15-year fixed mortgage rate fell to a new all-time low this week of 3.29%, according to Freddie Mac.
Imagine what housing sales would be without these record setting low mortgage rates.
The situation is worse than it seems.
Global Warming: the Guilty Men
Global Warming: the Guilty Men – Telegraph Blogs
They foresaw with lucid, prophetic accuracy exactly how and why the euro would bring with it financial devastation and social collapse.
They foresaw with lucid, prophetic accuracy exactly how and why the euro would bring with it financial devastation and social collapse.
» The AFL-CIO Defends Union Violence As A ‘Legitimate’ Union Activity
» The AFL-CIO Defends Union Violence As A ‘Legitimate’ Union Activity… - Big Government
Forget for a moment that a man was stabbed in the throat, hot coffee thrown on non-union workers, sand put into gas tanks and a woman threatened with sexual assault.
Forget the fact that the judge presiding over the federal racketeering case against Operating Engineers, Local 22, in Buffalo, NY ultimately rejected the AFL-CIO’s attempt to file a amicus brief, the sheer fact that the national AFL-CIO even attempted to intervene speaks volumes:
“We’re not condoning the allegations or arguing that union officials are completely immune from prosecution,” said Jonathan D. Newman, a lawyer for the AFL-CIO.
“Instead, we simply want to make sure that the [federal law] is not interpreted in a way that could have a chilling effect on legitimate union activity.”
Forget for a moment that a man was stabbed in the throat, hot coffee thrown on non-union workers, sand put into gas tanks and a woman threatened with sexual assault.
Forget the fact that the judge presiding over the federal racketeering case against Operating Engineers, Local 22, in Buffalo, NY ultimately rejected the AFL-CIO’s attempt to file a amicus brief, the sheer fact that the national AFL-CIO even attempted to intervene speaks volumes:
“We’re not condoning the allegations or arguing that union officials are completely immune from prosecution,” said Jonathan D. Newman, a lawyer for the AFL-CIO.
“Instead, we simply want to make sure that the [federal law] is not interpreted in a way that could have a chilling effect on legitimate union activity.”
Investing in a Downturn: A History Lesson
Investing in a Downturn: A History Lesson
If plans continue to anticipate a blended return of 7 or 8 percent but receive far less in the coming decade, their funding ratios will deteriorate even further, and employer costs will continue to skyrocket
A damn expensive skyrocket for the taxpayers, their kids and generations of unborn children.
Disgusting!
If plans continue to anticipate a blended return of 7 or 8 percent but receive far less in the coming decade, their funding ratios will deteriorate even further, and employer costs will continue to skyrocket
A damn expensive skyrocket for the taxpayers, their kids and generations of unborn children.
Disgusting!
Government Loans to Nowhere
Michelle Malkin » Government Loans to Nowhere
Little noticed in the White House jobs-for-cronies proposal is a provision creating yet another corruption-friendly “government corporation” that would dole out public infrastructure loans and loan guarantees.
Because, you know, the government-chartered, political hack-stacked Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac “public-private partnerships” — which have incurred an estimated $400 billion in losses while enriching bipartisan Beltway operatives — worked out so well for American taxpayers.
The new monstrosity, dubbed the “American Infrastructure Financing Authority” (AIFA), would “provide direct loans and loan guarantees to facilitate investment in economically viable infrastructure projects of regional or national significance,” according to the White House plan.
President Obama would have the power to appoint AIFA’s chief executive officer and a seven-member board of directors.
No doubt the nominees would include the likes of AFL-CIO Chief Richard Trumka on the left and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on the right — strange Obama bedfellows who have formed a Big Labor-Big Business-Big Government alliance supporting Obama’s infrastructure slush fund.
Little noticed in the White House jobs-for-cronies proposal is a provision creating yet another corruption-friendly “government corporation” that would dole out public infrastructure loans and loan guarantees.
Because, you know, the government-chartered, political hack-stacked Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac “public-private partnerships” — which have incurred an estimated $400 billion in losses while enriching bipartisan Beltway operatives — worked out so well for American taxpayers.
The new monstrosity, dubbed the “American Infrastructure Financing Authority” (AIFA), would “provide direct loans and loan guarantees to facilitate investment in economically viable infrastructure projects of regional or national significance,” according to the White House plan.
President Obama would have the power to appoint AIFA’s chief executive officer and a seven-member board of directors.
No doubt the nominees would include the likes of AFL-CIO Chief Richard Trumka on the left and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on the right — strange Obama bedfellows who have formed a Big Labor-Big Business-Big Government alliance supporting Obama’s infrastructure slush fund.
The Power of Flat Out Lie
The Power of Flat Out Lies Mother Jones
Not to put too fine a point on it, but this is a real problem for liberals.
Sure, we cherry-pick evidence, we spin world events, and we impose our worldview when we talk about policy.
Everyone does that.
But generally speaking, our opinion leaders don't go on national TV, look straight into the camera, and just outright lie about stuff.
A scary look into the mind of the madness of the left....
Not to put too fine a point on it, but this is a real problem for liberals.
Sure, we cherry-pick evidence, we spin world events, and we impose our worldview when we talk about policy.
Everyone does that.
But generally speaking, our opinion leaders don't go on national TV, look straight into the camera, and just outright lie about stuff.
A scary look into the mind of the madness of the left....
State Lawmakers Pump Up Pensions in ways YOU Can't
State Lawmakers Pump Up Pensions in ways YOU Can't
Most pensions for state legislators are based on three numbers
This is really sick.
And they get away with it because we don't seem to care enough to call them out on it.
Let's get moving folks!
Most pensions for state legislators are based on three numbers
This is really sick.
And they get away with it because we don't seem to care enough to call them out on it.
Let's get moving folks!
Money for Nothing: Phoenix taxpayers foot the bill for union work
Money for Nothing: Phoenix taxpayers foot the bill for union work Goldwater Institute
Phoenix taxpayers spend millions of dollars to pay full salary and benefits for city employees to work exclusively for labor unions, a Goldwater Institute investigation found.
Collective bargaining agreements with seven labor organizations require the city to pay union officers and provide members with thousands of additional hours to conduct union business instead of doing their government jobs.
The total cost to Phoenix taxpayers is about $3.7 million per year, based on payroll records supplied by the city. In all, more than 73,000 hours of annual release time for city workers to conduct union business at taxpayers’ expense are permitted in the agreements.
This is incredible!
Phoenix taxpayers spend millions of dollars to pay full salary and benefits for city employees to work exclusively for labor unions, a Goldwater Institute investigation found.
Collective bargaining agreements with seven labor organizations require the city to pay union officers and provide members with thousands of additional hours to conduct union business instead of doing their government jobs.
The total cost to Phoenix taxpayers is about $3.7 million per year, based on payroll records supplied by the city. In all, more than 73,000 hours of annual release time for city workers to conduct union business at taxpayers’ expense are permitted in the agreements.
This is incredible!
Hallmark unveils "layoff cards" for the unemployed
Hallmark unveils "layoff cards" for the unemployed - 13 WTHR
Now, there's "hope and change" you really can believe in!
Now, there's "hope and change" you really can believe in!
'Canceling all liberty': Michigan LST Association says farewell aboard LST 393 in Muskegon
'Canceling all liberty': Michigan LST Association says farewell aboard LST 393 in Muskegon MLive.com
The organization - which once boasted 300 members, all of whom served aboard LSTs like the old warship, USS LST 393, docked in Muskegon - is preparing to disband.
Farewell and God speed you American heroes.
The organization - which once boasted 300 members, all of whom served aboard LSTs like the old warship, USS LST 393, docked in Muskegon - is preparing to disband.
Farewell and God speed you American heroes.
The Gaffe that Time Forgot: Lincoln’s Intercontinental Railroad
The Gaffe that Time Forgot: Lincoln’s Intercontinental Railroad Verum Serum
Is this a big deal?
Of course not.
It’s obvious the President stumbled, probably thinking of our modern interstate road system and transposed that onto the transcontinental railroad. But if Sarah Palin or Michele Bachmann had said this, you can bet there would be lots of people pointing out what an embarrassing historical gaffe it was.
Paul Revere’s ride and John Quincy Adams are the most recent examples of this trend.
Those gaffes were national news.
The intercontinental railroad was not.
People misspeak.
Sometimes they say things that are wrong.
The difference is, the right doesn’t capitalize on every one of these and try to form a narrative around them about the stupidity of, say Barack Obama.
The left can’t seem to help itself, especially when it comes to conservative women.
Addendum: Thanks to Instapundit for the link.
Just wanted to point out he’s made this same gaffe quite a few times http://www.verumserum.com/?p=26824 .
Is this a big deal?
Of course not.
It’s obvious the President stumbled, probably thinking of our modern interstate road system and transposed that onto the transcontinental railroad. But if Sarah Palin or Michele Bachmann had said this, you can bet there would be lots of people pointing out what an embarrassing historical gaffe it was.
Paul Revere’s ride and John Quincy Adams are the most recent examples of this trend.
Those gaffes were national news.
The intercontinental railroad was not.
People misspeak.
Sometimes they say things that are wrong.
The difference is, the right doesn’t capitalize on every one of these and try to form a narrative around them about the stupidity of, say Barack Obama.
The left can’t seem to help itself, especially when it comes to conservative women.
Addendum: Thanks to Instapundit for the link.
Just wanted to point out he’s made this same gaffe quite a few times http://www.verumserum.com/?p=26824 .
Elizabeth Warren's campaign revises pay from TARP panel
Elizabeth Warren's campaign revises pay from TARP panel - Scott Wong and John Bresnahan - POLITICO.com
The campaign for Democratic Senate hopeful Elizabeth Warren said Friday she had been paid $192,722 for serving as chairman of a congressional committee that monitored the 2008 federal bank bailout, three times as much as had originally been acknowledged.
Same gal who thinks no one gets rich on her own.
No liberals, that is.
The campaign for Democratic Senate hopeful Elizabeth Warren said Friday she had been paid $192,722 for serving as chairman of a congressional committee that monitored the 2008 federal bank bailout, three times as much as had originally been acknowledged.
Same gal who thinks no one gets rich on her own.
No liberals, that is.
Elizabeth Warren: "There Is Nobody In This Country Who Got Rich On His Own"
Elizabeth Warren: "There Is Nobody In This Country Who Got Rich On His Own" RealClearPolitics
“I hear all this, you know, ‘Well, this is class warfare, this is whatever.
No.
There is nobody in this country who got rich on his own — nobody," Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts) said.
Warren is running for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in Massachusetts.
Warren hopes to face off with Sen. Scott Brown (R-MA) in the general election.
This is exactly what most liberal believe.
Sad.
Frightening!
“I hear all this, you know, ‘Well, this is class warfare, this is whatever.
No.
There is nobody in this country who got rich on his own — nobody," Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts) said.
Warren is running for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in Massachusetts.
Warren hopes to face off with Sen. Scott Brown (R-MA) in the general election.
This is exactly what most liberal believe.
Sad.
Frightening!
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