Muskegon County Board of Commissioners:
MEETING NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE MUSKEGON COUNTY BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS ON THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012, 3:30 P.M., BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ROOM, 4TH FLOOR, MICHAEL E. KOBZA HALL OF JUSTICE, 990 TERRACE STREET, MUSKEGON, MI 49442.
MARVIN ENGLE, CHAIRMAN
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
POSTED: 7-9-12, 10:00 A.M.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Steps in the double-talk direction
Steps in the double-talk direction - NYPOST.com
Our president has a funny way with words when it comes to describing the lousy economy.
Even for an election year, some of his whoppers would be laughable — if they weren’t coming from a man who wants to remain in charge of the country and its floundering economy for another four years
Our president has a funny way with words when it comes to describing the lousy economy.
Even for an election year, some of his whoppers would be laughable — if they weren’t coming from a man who wants to remain in charge of the country and its floundering economy for another four years
Santelli: 'Euro Titanic' Hits the Iceberg
Santelli: 'Euro Titanic' Hits the Iceberg
Nigel Farage, UK Independence Party leader, discusses Europe's looming fiscal crisis, and the problems with bailouts, with CNBC's Rick Santelli.
Nigel Farage, UK Independence Party leader, discusses Europe's looming fiscal crisis, and the problems with bailouts, with CNBC's Rick Santelli.
Monday, July 09, 2012
UN Report Pushes Global Taxes to Fight Poverty
UN Report Pushes Global Taxes to Fight Poverty
The United Nations continues to reveal itself as the main advocate and vehicle for global government, this time by pushing for a global tax on the wealthy to finance development and other needs worldwide, including so-called climate change.
The “billionaires' tax,” as its been dubbed, has been proposed by the UN's World Economic Social Survey (WESS), which asserts that it will raise nearly $400 billion a year. UN officials claim that such a tax is necessary to push the global body’s agenda “in the midst of difficult financial times.” Survey author Rob Vos, director of the UN's Development Policy and Analysis Division of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, declared in a statement,
CNS News provides some background:
The United Nations continues to reveal itself as the main advocate and vehicle for global government, this time by pushing for a global tax on the wealthy to finance development and other needs worldwide, including so-called climate change.
The “billionaires' tax,” as its been dubbed, has been proposed by the UN's World Economic Social Survey (WESS), which asserts that it will raise nearly $400 billion a year. UN officials claim that such a tax is necessary to push the global body’s agenda “in the midst of difficult financial times.” Survey author Rob Vos, director of the UN's Development Policy and Analysis Division of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, declared in a statement,
Donor countries have fallen well short of their aid commitments and development assistance declined last year because of budget cuts, increasing the shortfall to $167 billion.
Although donors must meet their commitments, it is time to look for other ways to find resources to finance development needs and address growing global challenges, such as combating climate change.
We are suggesting various ways to tap resources through international mechanisms, such as coordinated taxes on carbon emissions, air traffic, and financial and currency transactions.
This year’s WESS includes provisions for a currency transaction tax of .005 percent, to be imposed on all trading of the U.S. dollar, the euro, the yen, and the pound sterling. CNS News provides some background:
The European Union’s executive Commission has proposed the introduction of such a tax — 0.1 percent for shares and bonds and 0.01 percent for derivatives — in the 27-member union with effect from January 1, 2014, an initiative expected to raise just over $70 billion a year. The WESS says a portion of that could be earmarked for international cooperation.
HIGHER EDUCATION BUBBLE UPDATE: Scott Walker Prepares To Reform Higher Education
Instapundit » Blog Archive » HIGHER EDUCATION BUBBLE UPDATE
Scott Walker Prepares To Reform Higher Education. Walter Russell Mead comments:
Change has to come.
After World War Two the United States built its modern university system by extending a model that was originally intended to groom the sons of a social elite to succeed their fathers as government and business leaders to manage the preparation of tens of millions of people for the business of life.
The template doesn’t work in many cases, and the result increasingly is that training and job preparation takes too long and costs too much.
The problem isn’t that America has “too much” education.
The problem is that a 21st century society needs to be able to teach more skills to more people at a much lower cost and in much less time than our 20th century institutions can manage.
It’s really that simple.
The most urgent business of a state university system at this point must be to reform and improve the kind of education (in many cases, training) that can enable the state’s citizens of any and every age to acquire skills and prepare themselves to flourish in a rapidly changing economy.
Scott Walker Prepares To Reform Higher Education. Walter Russell Mead comments:
Change has to come.
After World War Two the United States built its modern university system by extending a model that was originally intended to groom the sons of a social elite to succeed their fathers as government and business leaders to manage the preparation of tens of millions of people for the business of life.
The template doesn’t work in many cases, and the result increasingly is that training and job preparation takes too long and costs too much.
The problem isn’t that America has “too much” education.
The problem is that a 21st century society needs to be able to teach more skills to more people at a much lower cost and in much less time than our 20th century institutions can manage.
It’s really that simple.
The most urgent business of a state university system at this point must be to reform and improve the kind of education (in many cases, training) that can enable the state’s citizens of any and every age to acquire skills and prepare themselves to flourish in a rapidly changing economy.
Sunday, July 08, 2012
Unemployment Rate Dropped In Every State That Elected A Republican Gov. In 2010
Unemployment Rate Dropped In Every State That Elected A Republican Gov. In 2010
In 2010, influenced by the Tea Party and its focus on fiscal issues, 17 states elected Republican governors. And, according to an Examiner.com analysis, every one of those states saw a drop in their unemployment rates since January of 2011. Furthermore, the average drop in the unemployment rate in these states was 1.35%, compared to the national decline of .9%, which means, according to the analysis, that the job market in these Republican states is improving 50% faster than the national rate.
Since January of 2011, here is how much the unemployment rate declined in each of the 17 states that elected Republican governors in 2010, according to the Examiner:
Kansas - 6.9% to 6.1% = a decline of 0.8%Maine - 8.0% to 7.4% = a decline of 0.6%Michigan - 10.9% to 8.5% = a decline of 2.4%New Mexico - 7.7% to 6.7% = a decline of 1.0%Oklahoma - 6.2% to 4.8% = a decline of 1.4%Pennsylvania - 8.0% to 7.4% = a decline of 0.6%Tennessee - 9.5% to 7.9% = a decline of 1.6%Wisconsin - 7.7% to 6.8% = a decline of 0.9%Wyoming - 6.3% to 5.2% = a decline of 1.1%Alabama - 9.3% to 7.4% = a decline of 1.9%Georgia - 10.1% to 8.9% = a decline of 1.2%South Carolina - 10.6% to 9.1% = a decline of 1.5%South Dakota - 5.0% to 4.3% = a decline of 0.7%Florida - 10.9% to 8.6% = a decline of 2.3%Nevada - 13.8% to 11.6% = a decline of 2.2%Iowa - 6.1% to 5.1% = a decline of 1.0%Ohio - 9.0% to 7.3% = a decline of 1.7%
On the other hand, the unemployment rate in states that elected Democrats in 2010 dropped, on average, as much as the national rate decline and, in some states such as New York, the unemployment rate has risen since January of 2011.
This is yet another example of how the so-called “blue state” model is not working.
EyeOnMuskegon-Today 8:30-10:00am!
EyeOnMuskegon Sunday morning 8:30!
Learn or burn!
The Aug 7 primary election is already under way with absentee ballots being submitted every day.
If you want your vote to count for county sheriff, prosecutor or 3 of the 9 county commissioners, Aug 7 is it baby cuz the primary victors have no Nov. challengers.
Winner takes all in August!
And 6 fine folks want to become our next circuit court judge with only 2 going on after Aug. 7.
We'll have a round table discussion about these big elections with democrat up and comer Sean Mullally and Muskegon GOP vice-chairman Andy Fink.
And me Jim Riley.
So learn about which candidate deserves your important vote Sunday morning 8:30-10 at EyeOnMuskegon.
Listen on WKBZ 1090AM or check us out online at http://www.newstalk1090.com/main.html
Or catch us later in the day on the internet at EyeOnMuskegon.com
Learn or burn!
The Aug 7 primary election is already under way with absentee ballots being submitted every day.
If you want your vote to count for county sheriff, prosecutor or 3 of the 9 county commissioners, Aug 7 is it baby cuz the primary victors have no Nov. challengers.
Winner takes all in August!
And 6 fine folks want to become our next circuit court judge with only 2 going on after Aug. 7.
We'll have a round table discussion about these big elections with democrat up and comer Sean Mullally and Muskegon GOP vice-chairman Andy Fink.
And me Jim Riley.
So learn about which candidate deserves your important vote Sunday morning 8:30-10 at EyeOnMuskegon.
Listen on WKBZ 1090AM or check us out online at http://www.newstalk1090.com/main.html
Or catch us later in the day on the internet at EyeOnMuskegon.com
U.S. pushes for more scientists, but the jobs aren’t there
U.S. pushes for more scientists, but the jobs aren’t there - The Washington Post
That reality runs counter to messages sent by President Obama and the National Science Foundation and other influential groups, who in recent years have called for U.S. universities to churn out more scientists.
That reality runs counter to messages sent by President Obama and the National Science Foundation and other influential groups, who in recent years have called for U.S. universities to churn out more scientists.
Montague to hold brainstorming session about the city's future
Montague to hold brainstorming session about the city's future | MLive.com
Think you know what would make Montague a better city?
The time to speak up is now.
A meeting to get public input on the city’s recreation and master plans is scheduled for 7 p.m. July 23, with a “meet and greet” starting at 6:30 p.m. at city hall, 8778 Ferry.
If there are enough participants, people will break into small groups to discuss their ideas for the city’s future, Montague Zoning Administrator Matt Miller said.
“Hopefully we’ll have a good attendance,” he said. “You never know, doing it at the end of July.”
Think you know what would make Montague a better city?
The time to speak up is now.
A meeting to get public input on the city’s recreation and master plans is scheduled for 7 p.m. July 23, with a “meet and greet” starting at 6:30 p.m. at city hall, 8778 Ferry.
If there are enough participants, people will break into small groups to discuss their ideas for the city’s future, Montague Zoning Administrator Matt Miller said.
“Hopefully we’ll have a good attendance,” he said. “You never know, doing it at the end of July.”
Big upset at cherry-pit spitting contest in Michigan
Big upset at cherry-pit spitting contest in Michigan | MLive.com
There was a big upset at the annual International Cherry Pit Spitting Championship in southwestern Michigan.
For the first time in 20 years, the winner was not named Krause or Lessard.
There was a big upset at the annual International Cherry Pit Spitting Championship in southwestern Michigan.
For the first time in 20 years, the winner was not named Krause or Lessard.
Saturday, July 07, 2012
Summit set to address “Politics of Race”
Summit set to address “Politics of Race” - Holland, MI - The Holland Sentinel
Is the tea party racist?
That’s one of the questions a panel will explore at next week’s “Politics of Race” summit — hosted by the Ottawa County Patriots themselves.
The group’s founder, Jim Chiodo, was inspired to organize the event, in part, because of the “racial divide” caused by the Trayvon Martin case and its subsequent media coverage, he said.
“I’ve noticed when somebody’s political opinion is different than yours, and they don’t have a logical argument, they fall back on name-calling,” including using terms such as “racist,” Chiodo said.
The panel discussion will be 7-9 p.m. Wednesday (July 11) at the Howard Miller Library, 14 S. Church St., in Zeeland. Doors open at 6:15.
Is the tea party racist?
That’s one of the questions a panel will explore at next week’s “Politics of Race” summit — hosted by the Ottawa County Patriots themselves.
The group’s founder, Jim Chiodo, was inspired to organize the event, in part, because of the “racial divide” caused by the Trayvon Martin case and its subsequent media coverage, he said.
“I’ve noticed when somebody’s political opinion is different than yours, and they don’t have a logical argument, they fall back on name-calling,” including using terms such as “racist,” Chiodo said.
The panel discussion will be 7-9 p.m. Wednesday (July 11) at the Howard Miller Library, 14 S. Church St., in Zeeland. Doors open at 6:15.
California high-speed rail gets green light
News from The Associated Press
Senate Republicans blasted the decision, citing the state's ongoing budget problems.
They said project would push California over a fiscal cliff. No GOP senators voted for the bill Friday.
The final cost of the completed project from Los Angeles to San Francisco is projected to be $68 billion.
Senate Republicans blasted the decision, citing the state's ongoing budget problems.
They said project would push California over a fiscal cliff. No GOP senators voted for the bill Friday.
The final cost of the completed project from Los Angeles to San Francisco is projected to be $68 billion.
More than a half-dozen proposals in the hunt for Michigan statewide ballot
More than a half-dozen proposals in the hunt for Michigan statewide ballot | MLive.com
Organizations trying to qualify ballot proposals for the November statewide election have until Monday afternoon to submit petitions to Michigan election officials
Organizations trying to qualify ballot proposals for the November statewide election have until Monday afternoon to submit petitions to Michigan election officials
Friday, July 06, 2012
Obamacare Will Crush Small Businesses
Obamacare Will Crush Small Businesses -- Opinion - TheStreet
Businesses with 50 or more people will face a $2,000 non-tax-deductible penalty for every employee over 30 if employers don't offer approved insurance.
Businesses with 50 or more people will face a $2,000 non-tax-deductible penalty for every employee over 30 if employers don't offer approved insurance.
Republican teachers heckled, harassed at NEA convention
Republican teachers heckled, harassed at NEA convention - EAGnews.org :: Education Research, Reporting, Analysis and Commentary
The AP interviewed roughly a dozen Republican teachers, many of whom said they felt harassed into supporting Obama, and marginalized by their fellow union members when they refused.
Some of the Republican teachers “were so worried about retribution from their colleagues” that they refused to allow the AP to publish their names.
The AP interviewed roughly a dozen Republican teachers, many of whom said they felt harassed into supporting Obama, and marginalized by their fellow union members when they refused.
Some of the Republican teachers “were so worried about retribution from their colleagues” that they refused to allow the AP to publish their names.
‘I,’ ‘Me’—Obama Uses First-Person Pronoun 117 Times in 1 Speech
‘I,’ ‘Me’—Obama Uses First-Person Pronoun 117 Times in 1 Speech | CNSNews.com
During this speech, Obama used “I” or “me” approximately once every 13.09 seconds.
During this speech, Obama used “I” or “me” approximately once every 13.09 seconds.
Disease or choice? Alcoholic ex-Genesee County Road Commission worker suing for discrimination
Disease or choice? Alcoholic ex-Genesee County Road Commission worker suing for discrimination | MLive.com
Elbert Butler III says his alcoholism isn't a chosen behavior -- it's a disability -- and he's suing the county Road Commission, claiming he was passed over for promotions then fired because of it.
Elbert Butler III says his alcoholism isn't a chosen behavior -- it's a disability -- and he's suing the county Road Commission, claiming he was passed over for promotions then fired because of it.
Republicans warn union campaign in Michigan could roll back reforms
Republicans warn union campaign in Michigan could roll back reforms | Fox News
The seemingly straightforward measure would call for a constitutional amendment creating a right to collective bargaining.
But critics warn it could short-circuit and roll back, respectively, dozens of legislative proposals and existing laws -- as well as prevent the state from ever passing a "right-to-work" law barring unions from demanding dues from employees.
The seemingly straightforward measure would call for a constitutional amendment creating a right to collective bargaining.
But critics warn it could short-circuit and roll back, respectively, dozens of legislative proposals and existing laws -- as well as prevent the state from ever passing a "right-to-work" law barring unions from demanding dues from employees.
Atlas Still Shrugging . . .
Atlas Still Shrugging . . . - By Victor Davis Hanson - The Corner - National Review Online#more#more#more#more
After sharp recessions, we usually get more robust than average recoveries, but since June 2009, things have not recovered at all really, and we are in a sort of permanent European-style slowdown — sort of a recession, sort of a weak recovery.
If one wanted to ensure permanent 8 percent to 9 percent unemployment, one might try the following:
Read it!
After sharp recessions, we usually get more robust than average recoveries, but since June 2009, things have not recovered at all really, and we are in a sort of permanent European-style slowdown — sort of a recession, sort of a weak recovery.
If one wanted to ensure permanent 8 percent to 9 percent unemployment, one might try the following:
Read it!
Chicago schools planning 2 percent pay raises, big dip into reserves
Chicago schools planning 2 percent pay raises, big dip into reserves - Chicago Sun-Times
Facing a $665 million deficit, Chicago school officials released a budget plan Friday for the coming year that relies on the school system’s most drastic raid on its reserve funds in 17 years and includes 2 percent raises for everyone from teachers to central office workers.
The $5.162 billion spending plan draws down a “rainy day” fund to zero, while raising property taxes for schools to the maximum $62 million allowed by law — costing the average homeowner $28.
Facing a $665 million deficit, Chicago school officials released a budget plan Friday for the coming year that relies on the school system’s most drastic raid on its reserve funds in 17 years and includes 2 percent raises for everyone from teachers to central office workers.
The $5.162 billion spending plan draws down a “rainy day” fund to zero, while raising property taxes for schools to the maximum $62 million allowed by law — costing the average homeowner $28.
Indiana Congressman claims U.S. schools will never be innovative unless modelled on Islamic education system
Indiana Congressman claims U.S. schools will never be innovative unless modelled on Islamic education system | Mail Online
An Indiana Congressman has caused controversy after saying American schools should be modelled on Madrassas - Islamic schools with religious teachings founded on the Quran.
André Carson, the U.S. Representative for Indiana's 7th Congressional District, made the remarks during a May 26 presentation at an Islamic Circle of North America convention.
A video taken of his speech shows the Muslim 37-year-old democrat argue that America will never achieve ‘educational innovation and ingenuity’ unless they look to madrassas for inspiration
An Indiana Congressman has caused controversy after saying American schools should be modelled on Madrassas - Islamic schools with religious teachings founded on the Quran.
André Carson, the U.S. Representative for Indiana's 7th Congressional District, made the remarks during a May 26 presentation at an Islamic Circle of North America convention.
A video taken of his speech shows the Muslim 37-year-old democrat argue that America will never achieve ‘educational innovation and ingenuity’ unless they look to madrassas for inspiration
3.1 Million Workers Join Disability Ranks Vs. 2.6 Million That Got Jobs In Obama Recovery
3.1 Million Workers Join Disability Ranks Vs. 2.6 Million That Got Jobs In Obama Recovery - Investors.com
More workers joined the federal government's disability program in June than got new jobs, according to two new government reports, a clear indicator of how bleak the nation's jobs picture is after three full years of economic recovery.
The economy created just 80,000 jobs in June, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Friday.
But that same month, 85,000 workers left the workforce entirely to enroll in the Social Security Disability Insurance program, according to the Social Security Administration.
More workers joined the federal government's disability program in June than got new jobs, according to two new government reports, a clear indicator of how bleak the nation's jobs picture is after three full years of economic recovery.
The economy created just 80,000 jobs in June, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Friday.
But that same month, 85,000 workers left the workforce entirely to enroll in the Social Security Disability Insurance program, according to the Social Security Administration.
Running Out of Options, Euro Zone May Face a Stark Choice
Running Out of Options, Euro Zone May Face a Stark Choice - Europe Business News - CNBC
By cutting its main interest rate by a 1/4 point to a record low 0.75 percent on Thursday and reducing the rate it pays on overnight deposits to zero, the ECB has almost exhausted its normal ammunition.
By cutting its main interest rate by a 1/4 point to a record low 0.75 percent on Thursday and reducing the rate it pays on overnight deposits to zero, the ECB has almost exhausted its normal ammunition.
Roll-your-own cigarette stores going up in smoke
Roll-your-own cigarette stores going up in smoke - Chicago Sun-Times
On Friday, President Barack Obama is expected to sign into law a federal highway bill with a section that redefines tobacco manufacturers to include any business with a roll-your-own cigarette machine and taxes those products at the same rate as packaged smokes.
On Friday, President Barack Obama is expected to sign into law a federal highway bill with a section that redefines tobacco manufacturers to include any business with a roll-your-own cigarette machine and taxes those products at the same rate as packaged smokes.
Lights out for U.S.-style Big Government | system, obamacare, way
Mark Steyn: Lights out for U.S.-style Big Government | system, obamacare, way - Opinion - The Orange County Register
Obituaries for the late Andy Griffith generally glossed over his career finale as a pitchman for Obamacare.
But he was a canny choice to sell the unsellable, for is not "health" "care" "reform" the communitarian virtues of beloved small-town Mayberry writ large?
The problem is, you can't write Mayberry large.
And, if you attempt it, it leads not to Mayberry but to Stockton, California, and to a corrupt, dysfunctional swamp.
Obituaries for the late Andy Griffith generally glossed over his career finale as a pitchman for Obamacare.
But he was a canny choice to sell the unsellable, for is not "health" "care" "reform" the communitarian virtues of beloved small-town Mayberry writ large?
The problem is, you can't write Mayberry large.
And, if you attempt it, it leads not to Mayberry but to Stockton, California, and to a corrupt, dysfunctional swamp.
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