“There was an insistence on the part of Republicans in Congress for there to be some automatic trigger,” Lew said while campaigning in Florida. It “was very much rooted in the Republican congressional insistence that there be an automatic measure.”Read the whole thing. Including this: “So when the president asks that a substitute for the sequester include not just spending cuts but also new revenue, he is moving the goal posts. His call for a balanced approach is reasonable, and he makes a strong case that those in the top income brackets could and should pay more. But that was not the deal he made.”
The president and Lew had this wrong. My extensive reporting for my book “The Price of Politics” shows that the automatic spending cuts were initiated by the White House and were the brainchild of Lew and White House congressional relations chief Rob Nabors — probably the foremost experts on budget issues in the senior ranks of the federal government.
Obama personally approved of the plan for Lew and Nabors to propose the sequester to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.). They did so at 2:30 p.m. July 27, 2011, according to interviews with two senior White House aides who were directly involved.
Nabors has told others that they checked with the president before going to see Reid. A mandatory sequester was the only action-forcing mechanism they could devise. Nabors has said, “We didn’t actually think it would be that hard to convince them” — Reid and the Republicans — to adopt the sequester. “It really was the only thing we had. There was not a lot of other options left on the table.” . . .
But then Burr asked about the president’s statement during the presidential debate, that the Republicans originated it. Lew, being a good lawyer and a loyal presidential adviser, then shifted to denial mode: “Senator, the demand for an enforcement mechanism was not something that the administration was pushing at that moment.”
That statement was not accurate.
Saturday, February 23, 2013
BOB WOODWARD: How Obama Has Moved The Goal Posts On The Sequester Deal
Instapundit » Blog Archive » BOB WOODWARD: How Obama Has Moved The Goal Posts On The Sequester Deal.
Friday, February 22, 2013
7TH CIRCUIT LETS POSNER RULING STAND; HUGE WIN FOR CCW, SAYS SAF
SAF Press Release :: 7TH CIRCUIT LETS POSNER RULING STAND; HUGE WIN FOR CCW, SAYS SAF:
"The Second Amendment Foundation today won a significant victory for concealed carry when the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals let stand a December ruling by a three-judge panel of the court that forces Illinois to adopt a concealed carry law, thus affirming that the right to bear arms exists outside the home."
"The Second Amendment Foundation today won a significant victory for concealed carry when the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals let stand a December ruling by a three-judge panel of the court that forces Illinois to adopt a concealed carry law, thus affirming that the right to bear arms exists outside the home."
*VIDEO* Where do criminals get their guns?
*VIDEO* Where do criminals get their guns? - The Libertarian Republic
" A survey of prison inmates found that 40% get them off the street, 40% from friends and family, 4% from Pawn shops and 1% from flea markets and gun shows."
" A survey of prison inmates found that 40% get them off the street, 40% from friends and family, 4% from Pawn shops and 1% from flea markets and gun shows."
New Jersey College Students Get Stung By ObamaCare
New Jersey College Students Get Stung By ObamaCare | Heartlander Magazine:
"Consider the situation in New Jersey, the only state that currently requires all college students to have healthcare coverage.
This has always been a bare-bones plan costing $100-$600 per year.
The new healthcare regulations will force these plans to be phased out, as the mandated coverage under ObamaCare will cause the premiums to rise from a few hundred dollars to $1,700 per year."
"Consider the situation in New Jersey, the only state that currently requires all college students to have healthcare coverage.
This has always been a bare-bones plan costing $100-$600 per year.
The new healthcare regulations will force these plans to be phased out, as the mandated coverage under ObamaCare will cause the premiums to rise from a few hundred dollars to $1,700 per year."
USDA employees recite past US discrimination in sensitivity class
USDA employees recite past US discrimination in sensitivity class | The Daily Caller
"In the additional clips, excerpted from the more than 3.5-hour “Cultural Sensitivity Training” session that was never intended to be publicized, diversity awareness trainer Samuel Betances of Souder, Betances and Associates advises further on the cultural sensitivity sins of America.
“I want you to say: ‘If we work for a federal agency.’ Say that. [Audience repeats] ‘We have discriminated in the past.’ [Audience repeats] Say: ‘Every federal agency,’ [Audience repeats] ‘has discriminated against African Americans,’ [Audience repeats] ‘Hispanics,’ [Audience repeats] ‘Native American Indians,’ [Audience repeats] ‘and other groups’ [Audience repeats],” Betances coaches.
“See, if you work for a federal agency, it doesn’t matter if it’s DOD, Commerce, Labor, Education, Housing, every agency has discriminated, because every agency reflects the values of the generation in charge,” he adds."
"In the additional clips, excerpted from the more than 3.5-hour “Cultural Sensitivity Training” session that was never intended to be publicized, diversity awareness trainer Samuel Betances of Souder, Betances and Associates advises further on the cultural sensitivity sins of America.
“I want you to say: ‘If we work for a federal agency.’ Say that. [Audience repeats] ‘We have discriminated in the past.’ [Audience repeats] Say: ‘Every federal agency,’ [Audience repeats] ‘has discriminated against African Americans,’ [Audience repeats] ‘Hispanics,’ [Audience repeats] ‘Native American Indians,’ [Audience repeats] ‘and other groups’ [Audience repeats],” Betances coaches.
“See, if you work for a federal agency, it doesn’t matter if it’s DOD, Commerce, Labor, Education, Housing, every agency has discriminated, because every agency reflects the values of the generation in charge,” he adds."
While We Argue Gun Statistics, OFA Is Tugging Heartstrings With A Video
The PJ Tatler » While We Argue Gun Statistics, OFA Is Tugging Heartstrings With A Video
"This is the thing that our side still doesn’t get. Pictures and video tell a more compelling story than just text and math.
The other thing many don’t understand is that Democrats are working this stuff 24/7.
OFA sent this video out today.
It’s a sad story about about a boy losing his father in a mass shooting.
It’s also being used to bolster support for an abrogation of the Constitutional rights of legal, sane gun owners who would never commit such a heinous crime.
I’ve read numerous stories in the past several months about people who have protected themselves and saved lives because they were armed.
Read.
Gun rights advocates should be making videos using the people telling those stories.
The money is there (NRA, Gun Owners of America, etc) and so is the distribution (conservative new media, politicians’ email lists, etc).
It’s time to take advantage of that.
Here is a link to the video, for those interested in watching:"
"This is the thing that our side still doesn’t get. Pictures and video tell a more compelling story than just text and math.
The other thing many don’t understand is that Democrats are working this stuff 24/7.
OFA sent this video out today.
It’s a sad story about about a boy losing his father in a mass shooting.
It’s also being used to bolster support for an abrogation of the Constitutional rights of legal, sane gun owners who would never commit such a heinous crime.
I’ve read numerous stories in the past several months about people who have protected themselves and saved lives because they were armed.
Read.
Gun rights advocates should be making videos using the people telling those stories.
The money is there (NRA, Gun Owners of America, etc) and so is the distribution (conservative new media, politicians’ email lists, etc).
It’s time to take advantage of that.
Here is a link to the video, for those interested in watching:"
Washington State Lawmakers Propose Bicycle Tax
Washington State Lawmakers Propose Bicycle Tax | News from the Field | OutsideOnline.com
"Washington State Democrats rolled out a new $10 billion transportation package Wednesday that could raise taxes on gas, cars, and even bicycles.
According to the Seattle Times, the package would place a $25 sales fee on bikes worth $500 or more, a move projected to raise $1 million over 10 years.
The state gas tax would also increase by 10 cents over five years and cars would be taxed 0.7 percent of their value."
"Washington State Democrats rolled out a new $10 billion transportation package Wednesday that could raise taxes on gas, cars, and even bicycles.
According to the Seattle Times, the package would place a $25 sales fee on bikes worth $500 or more, a move projected to raise $1 million over 10 years.
The state gas tax would also increase by 10 cents over five years and cars would be taxed 0.7 percent of their value."
How an 18 Year Old Can Be Better Off Than Most 40 Year Olds Today
Captain Capitalism: How an 18 Year Old Can Be Better Off Than Most 40 Year Olds Today
"So how can an 18 year old avoid this fate?
Simple. You just don't go into debt."
"So how can an 18 year old avoid this fate?
Simple. You just don't go into debt."
'The Hugh Hefner of Muskegon' enjoys telling his story after $7,500 porn theft
'The Hugh Hefner of Muskegon' enjoys telling his story after $7,500 porn theft | MLive.com
“I’m the Hugh Hefner of Muskegon,” Johnson said proudly.
“I appreciate all beautiful women.
Ain’t no doubt.”
Like Hefner, the 43-year old Johnson considers himself to be a man of style who likes going out in fashionable clothes with a lady on his arm.
He enjoys the spotlight and said he likes to show off the expensive things he can afford when he goes out to the club.
“I’ve been a trendsetter in Muskegon since 1979.
That’s when I came into my own,” Johnson said.
“That’s when the girls started liking me and I started liking them.”
Johnson said he’s choosing to stay positive and not to let this setback get him down.
“Don’t give the haters of Muskegon no power,” Johnson said.
“Just live your life and have fun.
Do what you want to do.”"
No mention in the article of the aptly named Johnson's profession.......
“I’m the Hugh Hefner of Muskegon,” Johnson said proudly.
“I appreciate all beautiful women.
Ain’t no doubt.”
Like Hefner, the 43-year old Johnson considers himself to be a man of style who likes going out in fashionable clothes with a lady on his arm.
He enjoys the spotlight and said he likes to show off the expensive things he can afford when he goes out to the club.
“I’ve been a trendsetter in Muskegon since 1979.
That’s when I came into my own,” Johnson said.
“That’s when the girls started liking me and I started liking them.”
Johnson said he’s choosing to stay positive and not to let this setback get him down.
“Don’t give the haters of Muskegon no power,” Johnson said.
“Just live your life and have fun.
Do what you want to do.”"
No mention in the article of the aptly named Johnson's profession.......
Judge invalidates Muskegon's voters rezoning of the Sappi site which will remain industrially zoned
Judge invalidates Muskegon's voters rezoning of the Sappi site which will remain industrially zoned | MLive.com
"The property will remain industrially zoned as the judge based his decision on a 1972 Michigan Supreme Court case that did not allow voters to change zoning with a citizen petition."
"The property will remain industrially zoned as the judge based his decision on a 1972 Michigan Supreme Court case that did not allow voters to change zoning with a citizen petition."
$41 million proposal for new Muskegon County Jail and juvenile center heading to Board of Commissioners
$41 million proposal for new Muskegon County Jail and juvenile center heading to Board of Commissioners | MLive.com
"The county expects to save roughly the cost of the annual bond payments with efficiencies operating the new facility, which is expected to open in 2015.
The finished, improved jail would be operated with fewer staff, said Muskegon County Sheriff Dean Roesler"
"The county expects to save roughly the cost of the annual bond payments with efficiencies operating the new facility, which is expected to open in 2015.
The finished, improved jail would be operated with fewer staff, said Muskegon County Sheriff Dean Roesler"
Thursday, February 21, 2013
High-Priced Bus Drivers In Lansing
High-Priced Bus Drivers In Lansing [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
"The Lansing bus authority had 69 drivers who made $60,000 or more in 2012, including one who earned $104,411."
"The Lansing bus authority had 69 drivers who made $60,000 or more in 2012, including one who earned $104,411."
What is appropriate compensation for school superintendents?
Readers debate: What is appropriate compensation for school superintendents? | MLive.com
Clearly, if they were compensated like .... say an auto executive, on the quality of the service they provide (ie: educated students) the recall costs and lawsuits alone would send them to jail.
Clearly, if they were compensated like .... say an auto executive, on the quality of the service they provide (ie: educated students) the recall costs and lawsuits alone would send them to jail.
The Shaky Science Behind Obama’s Universal Pre-K
The Shaky Science Behind Obama’s Universal Pre-K - Bloomberg
"There are just two problems with his solution:
The evidence used to support the positive long-term effects of early childhood education is tenuous, even for the most intensive interventions.
And for the kind of intervention that can be implemented on a national scale, the evidence is zero."
"There are just two problems with his solution:
The evidence used to support the positive long-term effects of early childhood education is tenuous, even for the most intensive interventions.
And for the kind of intervention that can be implemented on a national scale, the evidence is zero."
Majority of U.S. citizens say illegal immigrants should be deported
Majority of U.S. citizens say illegal immigrants should be deported | Reuters
"More than half of U.S. citizens believe that most or all of the country's 11 million illegal immigrants should be deported, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Wednesday"
So that means "a majority" of Americans are wrong?
"More than half of U.S. citizens believe that most or all of the country's 11 million illegal immigrants should be deported, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Wednesday"
So that means "a majority" of Americans are wrong?
Former Tholstrup Cheese plant in Norton Shores closes, eliminating 20 jobs
Former Tholstrup Cheese plant in Norton Shores closes, eliminating 20 jobs | MLive.com
from the comments:
".....I was hired there in 1986 and worked there for 12 years, it was a great place to work, high pay, good benefits etc, its a shame to see it leave, had alot of great memories with alot of great people.
For Tholstrups 100 year anniversary they paid for every employee at the Muskegon plant to go to Denmark for a huge celebration, its a memory I will never forget."
Maybe that's why the company can't afford to remain in our town?
from the comments:
".....I was hired there in 1986 and worked there for 12 years, it was a great place to work, high pay, good benefits etc, its a shame to see it leave, had alot of great memories with alot of great people.
For Tholstrups 100 year anniversary they paid for every employee at the Muskegon plant to go to Denmark for a huge celebration, its a memory I will never forget."
Maybe that's why the company can't afford to remain in our town?
Michigan will spend for better state
Guest column: Michigan will spend for better state | MLive.com
"The report released today shares what we learned:
* Michigan Citizens believe ‘public good” investment matters.
Sixty-four percent of Michigan citizens believe the most important thing state government can do for job creation is not tax cuts, but “provide quality education, good roads and transportation, good public services like safety, water, fire, parks and libraries that create an environment in which people want to live, work and run a business."
We are screwed!
Hey kids, where do you think we're gonna get the moolah for all those nifty "environment" stuff?
"The report released today shares what we learned:
* Michigan Citizens believe ‘public good” investment matters.
Sixty-four percent of Michigan citizens believe the most important thing state government can do for job creation is not tax cuts, but “provide quality education, good roads and transportation, good public services like safety, water, fire, parks and libraries that create an environment in which people want to live, work and run a business."
We are screwed!
Hey kids, where do you think we're gonna get the moolah for all those nifty "environment" stuff?
California Bill Could Outlaw Driving for up to a Week After Smoking Pot
California Bill Could Outlaw Driving for up to a Week After Smoking Pot | Mother Jones
"If you smoke marijuana in California, there's a chance you may have to wait a week or more before you can drive legally.
A bill introduced last week by state Senator Lou Correa, a Democrat from Anaheim, would make it illegal to get behind the wheel if your blood contains "any detectable amount" of cannabis"
"If you smoke marijuana in California, there's a chance you may have to wait a week or more before you can drive legally.
A bill introduced last week by state Senator Lou Correa, a Democrat from Anaheim, would make it illegal to get behind the wheel if your blood contains "any detectable amount" of cannabis"
College Hosts Sex, Masturbation Tutorial – Inside A Church
College Hosts Sex, Masturbation Tutorial – Inside A Church
"Allegheny College’s Ford Memorial Chapel was transformed into a boudoir of sorts Wednesday night, as professional sex educators advised students in attendance how best to touch themselves and their partners to reach orgasm in what was billed as an educational seminar.
The chapel, built and dedicated in 1902, is where Catholic mass and non-denominational services are conducted every week at the private liberal arts college in northwestern Pennsylvania.
But all that took a back pew to Wednesday’s festivities, dubbed “I Heart the Female Orgasm” and hosted by a variety of student groups on campus.
The two sex educators, Marshall Miller and Kate Weinberg, talked students through a variety of masturbation techniques during the event."
"Allegheny College’s Ford Memorial Chapel was transformed into a boudoir of sorts Wednesday night, as professional sex educators advised students in attendance how best to touch themselves and their partners to reach orgasm in what was billed as an educational seminar.
The chapel, built and dedicated in 1902, is where Catholic mass and non-denominational services are conducted every week at the private liberal arts college in northwestern Pennsylvania.
But all that took a back pew to Wednesday’s festivities, dubbed “I Heart the Female Orgasm” and hosted by a variety of student groups on campus.
The two sex educators, Marshall Miller and Kate Weinberg, talked students through a variety of masturbation techniques during the event."
Just doesn't compute.....
Below, some posts on FB about a nifty looking bus shelter.
Initially seeming to invite "Thoughts":
Lea xxxxxx Wouldn't that be a great use of street art in Muskegon! Bus shelters?? We really dont have any. Hmmm. Thoughts?
Initially seeming to invite "Thoughts":
Lea xxxxxx Wouldn't that be a great use of street art in Muskegon! Bus shelters?? We really dont have any. Hmmm. Thoughts?
10 hours ago via mobile · Like · 1
Dylan xxxxx Fun stuff!
10 hours ago · Like
Jim Riley Well, the county just gave its 2nd $million bonus
to county employees in 13 months. Imagine what could have been done with $2
million.
10 hours ago · Like · 1
Lea xxxxxx I have no intention to start an argument here,
but I would contend that good employees deserve raises on occasion, and they
were given smaller lump sums in lieu thereof. No one got rich that I am aware
of.
10 hours ago via mobile · Like · 1
Jim Riley The $2million was in ADDITION to step, COL and
other raises.
10 hours ago · Like
Lea xxxxxxx Well sir, this discussion does not help me
work towards encouraging creative thinking and promoting transportation at this
time. I understand where you are coming from, and do not have information to
affirm or deny your accusations. Clearly we need another option than county
funding.
10 hours ago via mobile · Like
What we learned at the Sierra Club protest in Washington D.C.
What we learned at the Sierra Club protest in Washington D.C. | NetRight Daily
"Check out the things we learned at the Sierra Club protest against the Keystone XL pipeline in Washington D.C.
For instance, people should be allowed to have only 1 or maybe 2 children.
And the weather is being manipulated for advantages in war.
Watch the video to see who is arguing against the creation of 600,000 American jobs."
"Check out the things we learned at the Sierra Club protest against the Keystone XL pipeline in Washington D.C.
For instance, people should be allowed to have only 1 or maybe 2 children.
And the weather is being manipulated for advantages in war.
Watch the video to see who is arguing against the creation of 600,000 American jobs."
'Why not' grow hops near Beer City USA? | WOOD TV8
'Why not' grow hops near Beer City USA? | WOOD TV8
"The Right Place, a Grand Rapids economic development agency, was recently granted $20,000 from the State of Michigan to study the potential of growing more hops in Michigan.
One local brewery and local hop farmers say more hops could mean more money and jobs for the state.
Bonnie and Jeff Steinman grow hops at their Hickory Corners farm in Barry County.
The Steinmans put in a hop yard on a plot that used to grow soy beans.
They started selling the hops three years ago.
They said their farm -- Hop Head Farms -- is already growing.
In the last year, they have added about 30 acres of hops and doubled their workforce.
"We felt like it was worthwhile because everything we had was sold," Bonnie explained to 24 Hour News 8.
Hep me!
This reporter buys the concept that the state needs to give taxpayer's hard earned money to some no-nothing non-profit morons so they can study the potential of growing hops yet the same article glows as they report the current farmers are already selling all they can produce.
Just how dumb are these idiots?!!
"The Right Place, a Grand Rapids economic development agency, was recently granted $20,000 from the State of Michigan to study the potential of growing more hops in Michigan.
One local brewery and local hop farmers say more hops could mean more money and jobs for the state.
Bonnie and Jeff Steinman grow hops at their Hickory Corners farm in Barry County.
The Steinmans put in a hop yard on a plot that used to grow soy beans.
They started selling the hops three years ago.
They said their farm -- Hop Head Farms -- is already growing.
In the last year, they have added about 30 acres of hops and doubled their workforce.
"We felt like it was worthwhile because everything we had was sold," Bonnie explained to 24 Hour News 8.
Hep me!
This reporter buys the concept that the state needs to give taxpayer's hard earned money to some no-nothing non-profit morons so they can study the potential of growing hops yet the same article glows as they report the current farmers are already selling all they can produce.
Just how dumb are these idiots?!!
Half of Detroit property owners don't pay taxes
Half of Detroit property owners don't pay taxes | The Detroit News | detroitnews.com
"Nearly half of the owners of Detroit's 305,000 properties failed to pay their tax bills last year, exacerbating a punishing cycle of declining revenues and diminished services for a city in a financial crisis, according to a Detroit News analysis of government records."
"Nearly half of the owners of Detroit's 305,000 properties failed to pay their tax bills last year, exacerbating a punishing cycle of declining revenues and diminished services for a city in a financial crisis, according to a Detroit News analysis of government records."
Alleged smart meter dangers to be outlined at Feb. 21 presentation at Muskegon Community College
Alleged smart meter dangers to be outlined at Feb. 21 presentation at Muskegon Community College | MLive.com
"The advocacy group Michigan Stop Smart Meters has a free presentation entitled “Smart Meters – Are They Really All That Smart?”
Thursday, Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. in the Blue & Gold Room at MCC, 221 W. Quarterline Road."
(Right inside the main entrance)
Hey, come on down tonight, it's free.
And you might just learn something.
Or even meet someone interesting!
See ya there!
Jim Riley
"The advocacy group Michigan Stop Smart Meters has a free presentation entitled “Smart Meters – Are They Really All That Smart?”
Thursday, Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. in the Blue & Gold Room at MCC, 221 W. Quarterline Road."
(Right inside the main entrance)
Hey, come on down tonight, it's free.
And you might just learn something.
Or even meet someone interesting!
See ya there!
Jim Riley
GM boosting sales through failing subprime auto loans
GM boosting sales through failing subprime auto loans | Washington Free Beacon
“You have the government trying to sell the bailout and this recovery and they’ve allowed, encouraged GM to revive itself off the back of subprime lending,” said Ed Niedermeyer, auto industry consultant.
GM Financial (GMF), the company’s in-house financing arm, reported that delinquencies grew by about $200 million to $933 million in 2012, according to GM’s annual SEC filing.
Delinquent contracts at GM now represent 8.5 percent of all auto loans—higher than delinquencies at Ford, Toyota, and Honda combined."
“You have the government trying to sell the bailout and this recovery and they’ve allowed, encouraged GM to revive itself off the back of subprime lending,” said Ed Niedermeyer, auto industry consultant.
GM Financial (GMF), the company’s in-house financing arm, reported that delinquencies grew by about $200 million to $933 million in 2012, according to GM’s annual SEC filing.
Delinquent contracts at GM now represent 8.5 percent of all auto loans—higher than delinquencies at Ford, Toyota, and Honda combined."
Carbon tax hallucinations
Carbon tax hallucinations | NetRight Daily
"Average planetary temperatures haven’t budged in 16 years.
Hurricanes and strong tornadoes are at or near their lowest ebb in decades.
Global sea ice is back to normal, Arctic ice is nearly normal, and the Antarctic icepack continues to grow.
The rate of sea level rise remains what it was in 1900.
And yet, President Obama and many politicians, newscasters and alarmist scientists continue to insist that carbon dioxide emissions are changing Earth’s climate, and we need to take immediate action to prevent storms like Hurricane Sandy and avert catastrophes predicted by IPCC computer models and alleged “scientific consensus.”
Not surprisingly, polls show public support for controlling CO2 output and taxing hydrocarbon use — to “ensure climate security” and “save vital federal programs” from budgetary axes."
"Average planetary temperatures haven’t budged in 16 years.
Hurricanes and strong tornadoes are at or near their lowest ebb in decades.
Global sea ice is back to normal, Arctic ice is nearly normal, and the Antarctic icepack continues to grow.
The rate of sea level rise remains what it was in 1900.
And yet, President Obama and many politicians, newscasters and alarmist scientists continue to insist that carbon dioxide emissions are changing Earth’s climate, and we need to take immediate action to prevent storms like Hurricane Sandy and avert catastrophes predicted by IPCC computer models and alleged “scientific consensus.”
Not surprisingly, polls show public support for controlling CO2 output and taxing hydrocarbon use — to “ensure climate security” and “save vital federal programs” from budgetary axes."
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