Sunday, May 12, 2013
What Benghazi reveals about our nation
What Benghazi reveals about our nation ... - Daily Inter Lake: Frank:
"The words of Thomas Jefferson stand as a warning to us all:
“...whenever the people are well-informed, they can be trusted with their own government; that, whenever things get so far wrong as to attract their notice, they may be relied on to set them right.”
The opposite goes without saying as well.
When the people are not well-informed, they cannot be relied upon to notice when things go wrong, nor can they set them right, nor —ultimately — can they be trusted with their own government.
Let us hope we have not reached that point.
Otherwise, like Rome and Julius Caesar, we may ultimately meet a tragic end."
"The words of Thomas Jefferson stand as a warning to us all:
“...whenever the people are well-informed, they can be trusted with their own government; that, whenever things get so far wrong as to attract their notice, they may be relied on to set them right.”
The opposite goes without saying as well.
When the people are not well-informed, they cannot be relied upon to notice when things go wrong, nor can they set them right, nor —ultimately — can they be trusted with their own government.
Let us hope we have not reached that point.
Otherwise, like Rome and Julius Caesar, we may ultimately meet a tragic end."
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Janitors claim lack of Spanish translations discriminatory
Janitors claim lack of Spanish translations discriminatory | The Daily Caller:
"A group of Spanish-speaking custodial workers in Colorado have filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission alleging that the Auraria Higher Education Center in Denver discriminated against them by failing to provide Spanish translations."
"A group of Spanish-speaking custodial workers in Colorado have filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission alleging that the Auraria Higher Education Center in Denver discriminated against them by failing to provide Spanish translations."
Smartphones driving violent crime across U.S.
Smartphones driving violent crime across U.S. - Computerworld:
"Incidents of cellphone theft have been rising for several years and are fast becoming an epidemic.
IDG News Service collected data on serious crimes in San Francisco from November to April and recorded 579 thefts of cellphones or tablets, accounting for 41 percent of all serious crime.
On several days, like Feb. 27, the only serious crimes reported in the daily police log were cellphone thefts."
"Incidents of cellphone theft have been rising for several years and are fast becoming an epidemic.
IDG News Service collected data on serious crimes in San Francisco from November to April and recorded 579 thefts of cellphones or tablets, accounting for 41 percent of all serious crime.
On several days, like Feb. 27, the only serious crimes reported in the daily police log were cellphone thefts."
Overqualified Yet Underprepared, Graduates Face 'Unique Paradox': Study
Overqualified Yet Underprepared, Graduates Face 'Unique Paradox': Study:
"It's unconscionable," said Amy Laitinen, deputy director for higher education at the New America Foundation, a Washington think tank.
"This is one of the biggest investments students are ever going to make, and they have little to no information about what the return on their investment will be."
"It's unconscionable," said Amy Laitinen, deputy director for higher education at the New America Foundation, a Washington think tank.
"This is one of the biggest investments students are ever going to make, and they have little to no information about what the return on their investment will be."
Former Ed Secretary: Only 4 Percent of Colleges Worth the Money
Former Ed Secretary: Only 4 Percent of Colleges Worth the Money:
"Nearly half of those who start a four-year college don't finish, he points out.
Of those who did graduate in 2011, half are unemployed or radically underemployed.
By his reckoning, only 150 of America's 3,500 colleges are worth it. "
"Nearly half of those who start a four-year college don't finish, he points out.
Of those who did graduate in 2011, half are unemployed or radically underemployed.
By his reckoning, only 150 of America's 3,500 colleges are worth it. "
Bush's fault!
Carney: I.R.S. Run By Bush Political Appointee | The Weekly Standard:
"I.R.S. is an independent enforcement agency," said Carney. "The -- which I believe, as I understand it, contains only two political appointees within it. The individual who is running the I.R.S. at the time was actually an appointee from the previous administration."
The previous administration was George W. Bush's administration."
"I.R.S. is an independent enforcement agency," said Carney. "The -- which I believe, as I understand it, contains only two political appointees within it. The individual who is running the I.R.S. at the time was actually an appointee from the previous administration."
The previous administration was George W. Bush's administration."
Legislation to address school emergency-drill failures found by MLive surprises state task force
Legislation to address school emergency-drill failures found by MLive surprises state task force | MLive.com:
"An MLive investigation in March found widespread disregard by schools for laws requiring drills for fires, severe weather or armed threats. "
"An MLive investigation in March found widespread disregard by schools for laws requiring drills for fires, severe weather or armed threats. "
Friday, May 10, 2013
Hillary Misled Congress--But Not Under Oath
Hillary Misled Congress--But Not Under Oath:
"In 2004, the 9/11 Commission insisted on hearing testimony from then-National Security Advisor Condoleeza Rice under oath, even after she had already spoken to the panel in a private interview, because of concerns about inconsistencies between her statements and those made by other witnesses.
The White House initially resisted, then relented, and on Apr. 8, 2004, she took the oath and testified before the Commission. "
"In 2004, the 9/11 Commission insisted on hearing testimony from then-National Security Advisor Condoleeza Rice under oath, even after she had already spoken to the panel in a private interview, because of concerns about inconsistencies between her statements and those made by other witnesses.
The White House initially resisted, then relented, and on Apr. 8, 2004, she took the oath and testified before the Commission. "
Sharp drop in gun violence, but most killings still involve firearms
Report: Sharp drop in gun violence, but most killings still involve firearms - The Washington Post:
"Less than 1 percent of state prison inmates who possessed a gun when they committed their offense obtained the firearm at a gun show, the report said.
...About 40 percent of state prison inmates obtained their firearms from illegal sources such as theft or through a drug deal, the report said, while 37 percent got their guns from a family member or friend. Those findings are based on data from 2004.
Overall, the Justice Department report said, firearm-related homicides dropped from 18,253 homicides in 1993 to 11,101 in 2011, while nonfatal firearm crimes declined from 1.5 million in 1993 to 467,300 in 2011. The drop extended to schools: Homicides at schools declined from an average of 29 per year in the 1990s to an average of 20 per year in the 2000s."
"Less than 1 percent of state prison inmates who possessed a gun when they committed their offense obtained the firearm at a gun show, the report said.
...About 40 percent of state prison inmates obtained their firearms from illegal sources such as theft or through a drug deal, the report said, while 37 percent got their guns from a family member or friend. Those findings are based on data from 2004.
Overall, the Justice Department report said, firearm-related homicides dropped from 18,253 homicides in 1993 to 11,101 in 2011, while nonfatal firearm crimes declined from 1.5 million in 1993 to 467,300 in 2011. The drop extended to schools: Homicides at schools declined from an average of 29 per year in the 1990s to an average of 20 per year in the 2000s."
Report: Muslim cleric invited to pray over fallen SEALs damns them during service
Report: Muslim cleric invited to pray over fallen SEALs damns them during service - Washington Times
"The families of Navy SEALs killed in an August 2011 shoot-down of a helicopter in Afghanistan spoke at a press conference Thursday morning, citing a number of grievances, including an allegation that the Pentagon invited a Muslim cleric who “disparaged in Arabic the memory of these servicemen.”
In addition to blasting the Obama administration for the mission and for an official investigation they deemed a cover-up, the families complained that “military brass, while prohibiting any mention of a Judeo-Christian God, invited a Muslim cleric to the funeral for the fallen Navy SEAL Team VI heroes who disparaged in Arabic the memory of these servicemen by damning them as infidels to Allah.”
During the news conference, attorney Larry Klayman who is representing the grieving parents showed a video with audio of the prayer and a translation that scrolled over the screen."
"The families of Navy SEALs killed in an August 2011 shoot-down of a helicopter in Afghanistan spoke at a press conference Thursday morning, citing a number of grievances, including an allegation that the Pentagon invited a Muslim cleric who “disparaged in Arabic the memory of these servicemen.”
In addition to blasting the Obama administration for the mission and for an official investigation they deemed a cover-up, the families complained that “military brass, while prohibiting any mention of a Judeo-Christian God, invited a Muslim cleric to the funeral for the fallen Navy SEAL Team VI heroes who disparaged in Arabic the memory of these servicemen by damning them as infidels to Allah.”
During the news conference, attorney Larry Klayman who is representing the grieving parents showed a video with audio of the prayer and a translation that scrolled over the screen."
‘What the Frack!’: Colorado School Kids Made to Participate in Anti-Fracking Rap During Assembly
‘What the Frack!’: Colorado School Kids Made to Participate in Anti-Fracking Rap During Assembly | Video | TheBlaze.com:
"Students at a Colorado middle school were serenaded and sang along to an anti-fracking rap from a group of young environmental activists last week.
The “Earth Guardians” posted video of the performance, titled “What the Frack,” from Evergreen Middle School, about 20 miles west of Denver.
In it, students rap along after the line, “When we say ‘what the,’ you say ‘frack’!”
By Thursday afternoon, the video had been made private.
The rap demonized the process of hydraulic fracturing — “fracking” — to extract natural gas from rock, saying it “poisoned the water, poisoned the air, poisoned the people, do you think that’s fair?”
"Students at a Colorado middle school were serenaded and sang along to an anti-fracking rap from a group of young environmental activists last week.
The “Earth Guardians” posted video of the performance, titled “What the Frack,” from Evergreen Middle School, about 20 miles west of Denver.
In it, students rap along after the line, “When we say ‘what the,’ you say ‘frack’!”
By Thursday afternoon, the video had been made private.
The rap demonized the process of hydraulic fracturing — “fracking” — to extract natural gas from rock, saying it “poisoned the water, poisoned the air, poisoned the people, do you think that’s fair?”
1-day fast-food worker strike comes to Detroit
1-day fast-food worker strike comes to Detroit | Detroit Free Press | freep.com:
"Workers at a fast-food restaurant on Detroit's east side have walked off the job as part of an effort to push for higher wages.
Detroit pastor Charles Williams II says workers want $15 an hour, better working conditions and the right to unionize. "
"Workers at a fast-food restaurant on Detroit's east side have walked off the job as part of an effort to push for higher wages.
Detroit pastor Charles Williams II says workers want $15 an hour, better working conditions and the right to unionize. "
Hooters targets women with free food on Mother's Day
Hooters targets women with free food on Mother's Day | Detroit Free Press | freep.com:
"Hooters may have finally figured out a way to lure Mom in the door: Give her the grub.
For one day, at least.
The chain famous for its waitresses in sexy uniforms has long struggled to attract female customers — particularly mothers.
But this Mother's Day, it hopes to lure others nationwide by offering free entrees — worth up to $10 — for mothers who bring a kid along and buy any drink."
"Hooters may have finally figured out a way to lure Mom in the door: Give her the grub.
For one day, at least.
The chain famous for its waitresses in sexy uniforms has long struggled to attract female customers — particularly mothers.
But this Mother's Day, it hopes to lure others nationwide by offering free entrees — worth up to $10 — for mothers who bring a kid along and buy any drink."
Pontiac schools in danger of missing payroll, state warns
Pontiac schools in danger of missing payroll, state warns | Detroit Free Press | freep.com:
"The district’s original five-year deficit-elimination plan was supposed to end next year.
Officials went back to the drawing board after the district was hit in January with a more than $7-million court judgment, Dougherty said. "
"The district’s original five-year deficit-elimination plan was supposed to end next year.
Officials went back to the drawing board after the district was hit in January with a more than $7-million court judgment, Dougherty said. "
Colorado Lawmakers Set Taxes And Rules For Marijuana Sales
Colorado Lawmakers Set Taxes And Rules For Marijuana Sales : The Two-Way : NPR:
"Colorado is set to become the first U.S. state to regulate and tax sales of recreational marijuana, after lawmakers approved several bills that set business standards and rules. Legislators expect enforcement of the rules to be paid for by two taxes on marijuana — a 15 percent excise tax, and a 10 percent sales tax."
"Colorado is set to become the first U.S. state to regulate and tax sales of recreational marijuana, after lawmakers approved several bills that set business standards and rules. Legislators expect enforcement of the rules to be paid for by two taxes on marijuana — a 15 percent excise tax, and a 10 percent sales tax."
Playing defense: Muskegon County's much-maligned indigent legal defense system headed for scrap heap
Playing defense: Muskegon County's much-maligned indigent legal defense system headed for scrap heap | MLive.com:
"The new model will launch Jan. 1. It’s budgeted at $1.3 million for the first year.
That’s $160,000 more than the current system costs, according to County Administrator Bonnie Hammersley.
The plan calls for 13 staff attorneys and three support staff plus $150,000 to contract for outside attorneys for appeals and cases where there’s a conflict of interest."
"The new model will launch Jan. 1. It’s budgeted at $1.3 million for the first year.
That’s $160,000 more than the current system costs, according to County Administrator Bonnie Hammersley.
The plan calls for 13 staff attorneys and three support staff plus $150,000 to contract for outside attorneys for appeals and cases where there’s a conflict of interest."
Thursday, May 09, 2013
Mona Shores reducing administrators, facing $1 million shortfall next year
Mona Shores reducing administrators, facing $1 million shortfall next year | MLive.com:
"The district continues to seek ways to close an anticipated $1 million shortfall next year.
Peden said part of the plan is to attract 50 additional schools of choice students, who would bring in another $350,000. In addition, the district is negotiating with its employee union groups.
“We are negotiating with all our groups and 85 percent of our money goes to people, so it’s going to come from people," Peden said. "
"The district continues to seek ways to close an anticipated $1 million shortfall next year.
Peden said part of the plan is to attract 50 additional schools of choice students, who would bring in another $350,000. In addition, the district is negotiating with its employee union groups.
“We are negotiating with all our groups and 85 percent of our money goes to people, so it’s going to come from people," Peden said. "
Green energy triumph: $11,000,000.00 spent per job created
Green energy triumph: $11,000,000.00 spent per job created | Human Events:
“Without much fanfare, the Department of Energy (DOE) recently updated the list of loan guarantee projects on its website,” the Institute for Energy Research noticed on Wednesday.
”Unlike in 2008, when Barack Obama pledged to create 5 million jobs over 10 years by directing taxpayer funds toward renewable energy projects, there were no press conferences or stump speeches.”
Uh-oh.
Why weren’t there any celebrations?
President Obama loves a good celebration.
Why, we just found out about the super-secret star-studded bash he held after his inauguration.
Maybe it’s because the IER divided the $26 billion spent on “green jobs” by the Energy Department since 2009, divided it by the 2,298 permanent jobs created, and came up with a cost of $11.45 million per job."
“Without much fanfare, the Department of Energy (DOE) recently updated the list of loan guarantee projects on its website,” the Institute for Energy Research noticed on Wednesday.
”Unlike in 2008, when Barack Obama pledged to create 5 million jobs over 10 years by directing taxpayer funds toward renewable energy projects, there were no press conferences or stump speeches.”
Uh-oh.
Why weren’t there any celebrations?
President Obama loves a good celebration.
Why, we just found out about the super-secret star-studded bash he held after his inauguration.
Maybe it’s because the IER divided the $26 billion spent on “green jobs” by the Energy Department since 2009, divided it by the 2,298 permanent jobs created, and came up with a cost of $11.45 million per job."
Education Dept. eliminates 'father,' 'mother' from student aid forms
Education Dept. eliminates 'father,' 'mother' from student aid forms - Washington Times:
"The new FAFSA form will use terms like “Parent 1” and “Parent 2” instead of gender-specific terms like “mother” and “father.”"
"The new FAFSA form will use terms like “Parent 1” and “Parent 2” instead of gender-specific terms like “mother” and “father.”"
Latino student group says eating tacos is offensive to Mexicans
Latino student group says eating tacos is offensive to Mexicans | The Daily Caller:
"Northwestern University continued to stumble over diversity issues this week as Mexican students voiced disagreement with a campuswide letter that advised students not to celebrate Cinco de Mayo by engaging in racially-offensive activities, such as eating tacos and drinking tequila."
"Northwestern University continued to stumble over diversity issues this week as Mexican students voiced disagreement with a campuswide letter that advised students not to celebrate Cinco de Mayo by engaging in racially-offensive activities, such as eating tacos and drinking tequila."
Student Suspended For Insulting His School In Tweet
HARDOCP - Student Suspended For Insulting His School In Tweet:
Raise your hand if you knew you could be suspended for the rest of the year for insulting your school on Twitter.
The senior class president at Heights High School has been suspended for the rest of the school year and barred from most graduation activities for posting a tweet that school officials say insulted athletes at the school.
Raise your hand if you knew you could be suspended for the rest of the year for insulting your school on Twitter.
The senior class president at Heights High School has been suspended for the rest of the school year and barred from most graduation activities for posting a tweet that school officials say insulted athletes at the school.
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