http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/71520770-4a2c-11de-8e7e-00144feabdc0.html
Excellent critique of Obama's remarks justifying the high debt in his budget. It definitely makes you question his stated reasons for doing things and makes you wonder if there are ulterior motives.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
UK Government Advisers Developing Menus that cut out “High Carbon” Foods
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article6350237.ece
Great, this is what we have to look forward to.
Great, this is what we have to look forward to.
Obama Ducks Promise to Delay Bill Signings for 5 Days
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/may/26/obama-vow-to-delay-signing-is-subject-to-interpret/
C'mon guys, Obama only said this to get elected, you didn't actually think he would follow through on it did you?
C'mon guys, Obama only said this to get elected, you didn't actually think he would follow through on it did you?
Obama picks Sotomayor for Supreme Court
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/15/us/15judge.html
...background
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfC99LrrM2Q
She's on camera yet says it anyways.
...background
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfC99LrrM2Q
She's on camera yet says it anyways.
Monday, May 25, 2009
British banks revolt against Obama tax plan
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/banksandfinance/5374095/British-banks-revolt-against-Obama-tax-plan.html
Once again the Law of Unintended consequences. Apparently, Obama isn't satisfied with just putting under American companies, he has to go for the foreign ones too.
Once again the Law of Unintended consequences. Apparently, Obama isn't satisfied with just putting under American companies, he has to go for the foreign ones too.
North Korea declares it conducted nuclear test
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20090525/D98D7MT80.html 
"President Barack Obama said a nuclear test would constitute an act of "blatant defiance" of the U.N. Security Council and a violation of international law, and only further isolate North Korea."
I'm pretty sure North Korea doesn't give a damn about isolation. They are already one of the most isolated nations in the world. The last two presidents have failed with North Korea because they though they could bribe them. In the end North Korea took the bride and continued its nuclear program. When will our presidents learn that talk is idle when dealing with these nations?
Saturday, May 23, 2009
The Negative Effect of Unionization
http://www.ibdeditorials.com/IBDArticles.aspx?id=327889406590024
http://www.princeton.edu/~davidlee/wp/w14709.pdf
So while unionization may benefit the union workers in the short term, the net effect is a less profitable company. What's wrong with that if the workers are being paid more? Well, if the company is less profitable, they will be less attractive to investors and have a more difficult time raising capital. This means less growth. Further, the less profitable a company, the less it wants to spend. There is now downward pressure on costs, including wages. There is also less expenditures on future innovations, thus making the company potentially less competitive in the future. This all adds up to a company that is less likely to hold its own against its competitors. This could potentially result in the closing of the company and the laying off of the workers. While this is obviously a worse case scenario, workers should see that unionization is not the way to go. What isn't good for business is not good for the worker.
http://www.princeton.edu/~davidlee/wp/w14709.pdf
So while unionization may benefit the union workers in the short term, the net effect is a less profitable company. What's wrong with that if the workers are being paid more? Well, if the company is less profitable, they will be less attractive to investors and have a more difficult time raising capital. This means less growth. Further, the less profitable a company, the less it wants to spend. There is now downward pressure on costs, including wages. There is also less expenditures on future innovations, thus making the company potentially less competitive in the future. This all adds up to a company that is less likely to hold its own against its competitors. This could potentially result in the closing of the company and the laying off of the workers. While this is obviously a worse case scenario, workers should see that unionization is not the way to go. What isn't good for business is not good for the worker.
The Jihadi Virus in our Jails
http://michellemalkin.com/2009/05/22/the-jihadi-virus-in-our-jails/
Yet another reason why relocating Gitmo terrorists to our civilian prisons.
Yet another reason why relocating Gitmo terrorists to our civilian prisons.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Obama's Deeds Vindicate Bush's Alleged War Crimes
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2009/05/22/obama_vindicates_bush.html
Apparently, standing for change doesn't mean you actually change anything.
Apparently, standing for change doesn't mean you actually change anything.
US May Lose Its 'AAA' Rating
http://www.cnbc.com/id/27641538/
For those of you who took finance classes, what happens when a company gets knocked down a rating? Well, it means that the company is now riskier or less likely to be able to pay back debt. Therefore, in order to entice people to continue buying the debt, the company must offer a higher rate of return. In the case of the US, they will have to raise the interest rate at which we pay those who hold government bonds. That means that we will be paying more and more money in interest payments on our borrowed debt. All this equals further deficits unless spending in Washington is curbed. Otherwise, future generations will be saddled with the burden of paying off wasteful government spending.
For those of you who took finance classes, what happens when a company gets knocked down a rating? Well, it means that the company is now riskier or less likely to be able to pay back debt. Therefore, in order to entice people to continue buying the debt, the company must offer a higher rate of return. In the case of the US, they will have to raise the interest rate at which we pay those who hold government bonds. That means that we will be paying more and more money in interest payments on our borrowed debt. All this equals further deficits unless spending in Washington is curbed. Otherwise, future generations will be saddled with the burden of paying off wasteful government spending.
Speed Reader Takes Center Stage At Climate Change Hearing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_SB7g_Yb-0
They think it's a joke! The purpose of reading the bills is so that the people voting on them actually know what is in it. I have posted previous articles on the danger of this bill and the negative economic impact that it will have. Judging by this display, our legislators don't seem to care what is in the bill or about what impact it will have. They are laughing at us: we the people.
They think it's a joke! The purpose of reading the bills is so that the people voting on them actually know what is in it. I have posted previous articles on the danger of this bill and the negative economic impact that it will have. Judging by this display, our legislators don't seem to care what is in the bill or about what impact it will have. They are laughing at us: we the people.
More People Identify as Independents than Republicans or Democrats
http://pewresearch.org/pubs/1229/political-values-core-attitudes-trends-2009The 2 parties need to get their acts together. Both are out of touch with reality.
Indiana state pensions sue to stop Obama’s Chrysler deal
http://www.correntewire.com/indiana_pension_funds_sue_chrysler_bailouts_go_politically_wired_im_shocked http://www.lesjones.com/2009/05/20/indiana-pensions-sue-to-stop-obamas-chrysler-deal/
“The art of economics consists in looking not merely at the immediate but at the longer effects of any act or policy; it consists in tracing the consequences of that policy not merely for one group but for all groups.”
Apparently, Obama never took economics 101. Everyone hails the bailout as it will "save thousands of jobs," but fail to look at unintended consequences. By putting the politically favorable UAW ahead of Indiana pension fund holders in terms of debt payoff for chapter 11, you now have essentially taken away the retirement of a whole bunch of people. However, since the UAW probably garners more votes, Obama is unlikely to call for "change" that would benefit the pension holders. How about you get your fingers away from the economy and stop creating more problems!
“The art of economics consists in looking not merely at the immediate but at the longer effects of any act or policy; it consists in tracing the consequences of that policy not merely for one group but for all groups.”
Apparently, Obama never took economics 101. Everyone hails the bailout as it will "save thousands of jobs," but fail to look at unintended consequences. By putting the politically favorable UAW ahead of Indiana pension fund holders in terms of debt payoff for chapter 11, you now have essentially taken away the retirement of a whole bunch of people. However, since the UAW probably garners more votes, Obama is unlikely to call for "change" that would benefit the pension holders. How about you get your fingers away from the economy and stop creating more problems!
U.S. to Steer GM Toward Bankruptcy
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/21/AR2009052104467.html?hpid=topnews
"The government previously indicated that it planned to take at least 50 percent of the restructured company, and likely would take the right to name members to its board of directors, as it has at Chrysler, where the government will control four of nine seats. "
Nationalization anyone?
"The government previously indicated that it planned to take at least 50 percent of the restructured company, and likely would take the right to name members to its board of directors, as it has at Chrysler, where the government will control four of nine seats. "
Nationalization anyone?
The White House does its own Media!
http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2009/05/do-you-want-you.html
Now the public press isn't good enough for Obama, he has to make has own version of the news? Mark my words, while this report is on something barely significant, I wouldn't be surprised if the White House was testing out the format for use in the future. The free press is a cornerstone of our country, without it we are at the whim of tyrants.
Now the public press isn't good enough for Obama, he has to make has own version of the news? Mark my words, while this report is on something barely significant, I wouldn't be surprised if the White House was testing out the format for use in the future. The free press is a cornerstone of our country, without it we are at the whim of tyrants.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Inside the Financial Meltdown
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/meltdown/view/
Fairly unbias factual account on what occured during the financial meltdown beginning in the spring of 2008.
Fairly unbias factual account on what occured during the financial meltdown beginning in the spring of 2008.
Cap-and-trade global warming bill will increase U.S. economic losses by $2 trillion.
http://www.ibdeditorials.com/IBDArticles.aspx?id=327541284530872
"The White House itself, through the Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy, concedes that restricting carbon emissions 'is likely to have serious economic consequences for regulated entities throughout the U.S. economy.' "
"The White House itself, through the Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy, concedes that restricting carbon emissions 'is likely to have serious economic consequences for regulated entities throughout the U.S. economy.' "
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Soak the Rich, Lose the Rich
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124260067214828295.html
"Over the period 2002-2005, in each of these states the "soak the rich" tax hike was followed by a significant reduction in the number of rich people paying taxes in these states relative to the national average. Amazingly, these three states ranked 46th, 49th and 50th among all states in the percentage increase in wealthy tax filers in the years after they tried to soak the rich."
"Over the period 2002-2005, in each of these states the "soak the rich" tax hike was followed by a significant reduction in the number of rich people paying taxes in these states relative to the national average. Amazingly, these three states ranked 46th, 49th and 50th among all states in the percentage increase in wealthy tax filers in the years after they tried to soak the rich."
Scrap The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act
http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/16/cpsia-safety-toys-oped-cx_wo_0116olson.html
A group in my MBA class did a consulting project on a local hat making company. While this law has a stay from one year from its February implementation date, the hat makers would have to pay $2000 per type of hat they make to have it tested. The company is already $70k in debt and is barely staying afloat.
This bill was past with much hoopla after the Chinese lead-in-toys incidents last year. However, this bill doesn't apply to toys, but mostly to "clothing, fabric, and textile goods." There are hundreds of small-town crafters that make these types of products. By having such strict rules and high cost of testing, the government is essentially putting these small businesses out of business. There needs to be a medium between child safety and free enterprise. This bill is not it.
A group in my MBA class did a consulting project on a local hat making company. While this law has a stay from one year from its February implementation date, the hat makers would have to pay $2000 per type of hat they make to have it tested. The company is already $70k in debt and is barely staying afloat.
This bill was past with much hoopla after the Chinese lead-in-toys incidents last year. However, this bill doesn't apply to toys, but mostly to "clothing, fabric, and textile goods." There are hundreds of small-town crafters that make these types of products. By having such strict rules and high cost of testing, the government is essentially putting these small businesses out of business. There needs to be a medium between child safety and free enterprise. This bill is not it.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Sweden rules 'gender-based' abortion legal
http://www.thelocal.se/19392.html
Once you start splicing up when life becomes a life, you have interpretations such as this. Pro-abortion people wonder why those that want no abortion could be so rigid given the so many events in life. The reason is the second you don't believe life starts at conception is the second a politician or judge gets to decide when it becomes life. And this power precipitates actions such as this. Now, we have a country that can murder its unborn children simply because they are the "wrong" sex. How disgusting a race we have become.
Once you start splicing up when life becomes a life, you have interpretations such as this. Pro-abortion people wonder why those that want no abortion could be so rigid given the so many events in life. The reason is the second you don't believe life starts at conception is the second a politician or judge gets to decide when it becomes life. And this power precipitates actions such as this. Now, we have a country that can murder its unborn children simply because they are the "wrong" sex. How disgusting a race we have become.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
2016: The Year Social Security Begins to Spend More Than it Takes In
http://www.heritage.org/Research/SocialSecurity/wm2439.cfm
"In net present value terms, Social Security owes $7.7 trillion more in benefits than it will receive in taxes."
"In other words, Congress would have to invest $7.7 trillion today in order to have enough money to pay all of Social Security's promised benefits between 2016 and 2083."
"Any worker born after 1970 will reach full retirement age after the trust fund is exhausted."
"In net present value terms, Social Security owes $7.7 trillion more in benefits than it will receive in taxes."
"In other words, Congress would have to invest $7.7 trillion today in order to have enough money to pay all of Social Security's promised benefits between 2016 and 2083."
"Any worker born after 1970 will reach full retirement age after the trust fund is exhausted."
Bush Tax Cuts Helped Lower-Income Earners Most
http://www.heritage.org/Research/Taxes/wm2420.cfm
How often have we heard that Bush's tax cuts favored the rich? Apparently, facts don't matter.
"The bottom 40 percent of income earners actually paid a negative share of federal income taxes in 2006. In other words, these taxpayers are actually paid money through the tax code."
How often have we heard that Bush's tax cuts favored the rich? Apparently, facts don't matter.
"The bottom 40 percent of income earners actually paid a negative share of federal income taxes in 2006. In other words, these taxpayers are actually paid money through the tax code."
Red Tape Rising: Regulatory Trends in the Bush Years
http://www.heritage.org/research/regulation/bg2116.cfm
"Over 50 agencies ranging from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection have a hand in federal regulatory policy. Together, they enforce over 145,000 pages of rules."
"The federal government alone enforces thousands of pages of regulations that impose a burden of some $1.1 trillion—an amount that is comparable to total federal income tax receipts."
Obviously, some of these regulations are necessary, but one way to cut government spending and increase economic activity is to remove the unnecessary red tape.
"Over 50 agencies ranging from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection have a hand in federal regulatory policy. Together, they enforce over 145,000 pages of rules."
"The federal government alone enforces thousands of pages of regulations that impose a burden of some $1.1 trillion—an amount that is comparable to total federal income tax receipts."
Obviously, some of these regulations are necessary, but one way to cut government spending and increase economic activity is to remove the unnecessary red tape.
Obama Administration Proposes New Federal Education Spending Increases
http://www.heritage.org/Research/Education/wm2363.cfm
"For starters, in 2008, the Bush Administration's Program Assessment Rating Tool evaluation identified 47 DOE programs that 'achieved their purpose, duplicate other programs, are narrowly focused, or unable to demonstrate effectiveness.' Eliminating these programs would have saved an estimated $3.8 billion."
That is 38 times more savings than the $100 million that Obama asked to be cut out of the budget: http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/04/20/obama.cabinet.cuts/
"For starters, in 2008, the Bush Administration's Program Assessment Rating Tool evaluation identified 47 DOE programs that 'achieved their purpose, duplicate other programs, are narrowly focused, or unable to demonstrate effectiveness.' Eliminating these programs would have saved an estimated $3.8 billion."
That is 38 times more savings than the $100 million that Obama asked to be cut out of the budget: http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/04/20/obama.cabinet.cuts/
D.C. Opportunity Scholarships Boost Reading Scores, Family Satisfaction
http://www.heritage.org/Research/Education/wm2391.cfm
"The third-year evaluation reports that the weighted mean tuition of participating private schools was $6,620. But even if private schools charged the full $7,500, that amount is still less than half of the $15,315 that D.C. taxpayers spent per pupil in the 2004–05 school year."
Ahh, the power of the free market: increased quality for less money.
"The third-year evaluation reports that the weighted mean tuition of participating private schools was $6,620. But even if private schools charged the full $7,500, that amount is still less than half of the $15,315 that D.C. taxpayers spent per pupil in the 2004–05 school year."
Ahh, the power of the free market: increased quality for less money.
Obama Considers Detaining Terror Suspects Indefinitely
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124223286506515765.html
I'll be waiting for the uproar from the ACLU. Why do I get the feeling that it's not okay when Bush does it, but it is when Obama does it?
I'll be waiting for the uproar from the ACLU. Why do I get the feeling that it's not okay when Bush does it, but it is when Obama does it?
Administration in Early Talks on Ways to Curb Compensation Across Finance
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124215896684211987.html
"Government officials said their effort, which is just beginning, isn't aimed at setting pay or establishing detailed rules. 'This is not going to be about capping compensation or micro-management,' said an administration official. 'It will be about understanding what is the best way to align compensation with sound risk management and long-term value creation.' "
So now the government knows how to run banks? I didn't know we elected them based on that criteria.
"Government officials said their effort, which is just beginning, isn't aimed at setting pay or establishing detailed rules. 'This is not going to be about capping compensation or micro-management,' said an administration official. 'It will be about understanding what is the best way to align compensation with sound risk management and long-term value creation.' "
So now the government knows how to run banks? I didn't know we elected them based on that criteria.
Obama's Overreaching Economic Policies
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/13/AR2009051303014_pf.html
"For the first time, neither sales nor property nor income taxes are the largest source of money for state and local governments. The federal government is."
"For the first time, neither sales nor property nor income taxes are the largest source of money for state and local governments. The federal government is."
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
FDA Blasts General Mills Over Cheerios Claim
http://wcbstv.com/health/cheerios.general.mills.2.1007986.html
I wonder how much money we the taxpayers are wasting paying for the salaries in the FDA to come up with this one. Seriously guys, grow up.
I wonder how much money we the taxpayers are wasting paying for the salaries in the FDA to come up with this one. Seriously guys, grow up.
Hedge Fund Manager Strikes Back at Obama
http://dealbook.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/05/a-hedge-fund-manager-strikes-back-at-obama/
"The managers have a fiduciary obligation to look after their clients’ money as best they can, not to support the President, nor to oppose him, nor otherwise advance their personal political views."
'Thought Crimes' Bill Advances
http://www.cato.org/pub_display.php?pub_id=10188
Allowing the government to determine what someone was or was not thinking at the time of a crime is a scary scenario.
Allowing the government to determine what someone was or was not thinking at the time of a crime is a scary scenario.
Health-Status Insurance
http://www.cato.org/pubs/pas/pa-633.pdf
Fascinating article on what health status insurance is. Yet another way free-market health care would be far superior to more government control.
Fascinating article on what health status insurance is. Yet another way free-market health care would be far superior to more government control.
Re: Nuclear Power's Safety
What are spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste:
http://www.ocrwm.doe.gov/factsheets/doeymp0338.shtml
Yucca Mountain Underground Repository:
http://www.ocrwm.doe.gov/ym_repository/index.shtml
How it would be transported:
http://www.ocrwm.doe.gov/factsheets/doeymp0500.shtml
New Hampshire's electrical generation mix is 46.3% nuclear:
http://www.ocrwm.doe.gov/info_library/newsroom/photos/pdf/newhampshire.pdf
http://www.ocrwm.doe.gov/factsheets/doeymp0338.shtml
Yucca Mountain Underground Repository:
http://www.ocrwm.doe.gov/ym_repository/index.shtml
How it would be transported:
http://www.ocrwm.doe.gov/factsheets/doeymp0500.shtml
New Hampshire's electrical generation mix is 46.3% nuclear:
http://www.ocrwm.doe.gov/info_library/newsroom/photos/pdf/newhampshire.pdf
Federal Employee Health Benefits Program
http://www.opm.gov/insure/health/planinfo/2009/states/nh.asp
This is what federal employees have for health benefits. It took me 2 seconds to find this site for New Hampshire federal employes. The most startling fact is the vast array of choices. I have health insurance through my employer, but the choices are minimal. Laid out here are all the different plans with explanations of each. You can choose the one the fits your needs and budget the best. It's like a Walmart for health care, what a novel idea! How about you politicians extend this same kind of plan to everyone?
This is what federal employees have for health benefits. It took me 2 seconds to find this site for New Hampshire federal employes. The most startling fact is the vast array of choices. I have health insurance through my employer, but the choices are minimal. Laid out here are all the different plans with explanations of each. You can choose the one the fits your needs and budget the best. It's like a Walmart for health care, what a novel idea! How about you politicians extend this same kind of plan to everyone?
Guidelines for Structuring Health Insurance
http://www.heritage.org/Research/HealthCare/tst061908a.cfm
Fascinating. Politicians always talk about listening to good ideas. Why is it that the best ideas don't seem to be heard?
Fascinating. Politicians always talk about listening to good ideas. Why is it that the best ideas don't seem to be heard?
Employee “No” Choice Act: Increasing the Fed’s Role, Again
http://www.heritage.org/Research/Labor/wm2334.cfm
http://blog.heritage.org/2009/03/10/employee-no-choice-act-increasing-the-feds-role-again/
Non-secret ballots and government imposed contracts, sounds like hammer and sickle to me.
I love this:
"Liberals Opposed It … in Mexico: In 2001, labor-friendly Members of Congress, including EFCA sponsors, pressed Mexico in a letter to increase its use of the secret ballot, saying it was 'absolutely necessary in order to ensure that workers are not intimidated into voting for a union they might not otherwise choose.' "
http://blog.heritage.org/2009/03/10/employee-no-choice-act-increasing-the-feds-role-again/
Non-secret ballots and government imposed contracts, sounds like hammer and sickle to me.
I love this:
"Liberals Opposed It … in Mexico: In 2001, labor-friendly Members of Congress, including EFCA sponsors, pressed Mexico in a letter to increase its use of the secret ballot, saying it was 'absolutely necessary in order to ensure that workers are not intimidated into voting for a union they might not otherwise choose.' "
The Obama Health Care Plan: A Closer Look at Cost and Coverage
http://www.heritage.org/Research/HealthCare/wm2114.cfm
"Cost-savings would not come from fundamentally realigning economic incentives but would rely on dubious "if only' propositions related to changes in health care delivery."
"The main problem is that these [popular, common methods] are "if only' savings, which can be achieved "if only' certain events would occur, such as physicians' being willing to adopt health IT, consumers being willing to accept changes in diet and exercise. … There is little evidence that there are known methods to cause the "if only' behavior to occur, and to occur quickly on a large enough scale to matter."
"Cost-savings would not come from fundamentally realigning economic incentives but would rely on dubious "if only' propositions related to changes in health care delivery."
"The main problem is that these [popular, common methods] are "if only' savings, which can be achieved "if only' certain events would occur, such as physicians' being willing to adopt health IT, consumers being willing to accept changes in diet and exercise. … There is little evidence that there are known methods to cause the "if only' behavior to occur, and to occur quickly on a large enough scale to matter."
It's A Good Time To Work For Uncle Sam
http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/05/12/business/econwatch/entry5007862.shtml
"There's little belt-tightening in evidence in Washington, D.C.: Counting benefits, the average pay per federal worker will leap from $72,800 in 2008 to $75,419 next year."
Your welcome!
"There's little belt-tightening in evidence in Washington, D.C.: Counting benefits, the average pay per federal worker will leap from $72,800 in 2008 to $75,419 next year."
Your welcome!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Obama Lawyers Defended Terrorists
http://www.newsmax.com/insidecover/obama_terrorists_lawyers/2009/05/10/212870.html
It's true, the Obama-appointed Attoney General Holder was a senior partner with Covington & Burling, a prestigious Washington, D.C. law firm. Here are some exerpts from summaries of the firm's activities for the past 2 years:
http://www.cov.com/files/upload/Public%20Service%20Activities%202008.pdf
Page 45:
"We represent sixteen men detained at the United States Naval Station at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba. Most of the men have been detained for approximately seven years."
"We have been involved in the Guantánamo related litigation for the last five years."
http://www.cov.com/files/upload/Public%20Service%20Activities%202007.pdf
Page 41:
"We represent fifteen Yemenis, one Pakistani, and one Algerian imprisoned at Guantanamo. Most of the men -- most of whom we have represented since July 2004 -- have been at the prison for more than five years."
In addition, Holder supported President Clinton's pardon of FALN terrorists in 1999:
http://articles.latimes.com/2009/jan/09/nation/na-holder9
http://online.wsj.com/public/article_print/SB120277819085260827.html
This is the guy we have running our justice department.
It's true, the Obama-appointed Attoney General Holder was a senior partner with Covington & Burling, a prestigious Washington, D.C. law firm. Here are some exerpts from summaries of the firm's activities for the past 2 years:
http://www.cov.com/files/upload/Public%20Service%20Activities%202008.pdf
Page 45:
"We represent sixteen men detained at the United States Naval Station at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba. Most of the men have been detained for approximately seven years."
"We have been involved in the Guantánamo related litigation for the last five years."
http://www.cov.com/files/upload/Public%20Service%20Activities%202007.pdf
Page 41:
"We represent fifteen Yemenis, one Pakistani, and one Algerian imprisoned at Guantanamo. Most of the men -- most of whom we have represented since July 2004 -- have been at the prison for more than five years."
In addition, Holder supported President Clinton's pardon of FALN terrorists in 1999:
http://articles.latimes.com/2009/jan/09/nation/na-holder9
http://online.wsj.com/public/article_print/SB120277819085260827.html
This is the guy we have running our justice department.
Not funny: Barack Obama laughs at Wanda Sykes "joke" about wanting Rush Limbaugh dead
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/toby_harnden/blog/2009/05/10/not_funny_barack_obama_laughs_at_wanda_sykes_joke_about_wanting_rush_limbaugh_dead http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2009/05/11/2009-05-11_a_red_herring_called_wanda.html
"But when the 'joke' comes from a liberal, Obama-supporting comedienne and the target is a right-winger then the likes of Hilary Rosen and Donna Brazile are on CNN saying it's just comedy and Limbaugh is 'fair game.'
"But when the 'joke' comes from a liberal, Obama-supporting comedienne and the target is a right-winger then the likes of Hilary Rosen and Donna Brazile are on CNN saying it's just comedy and Limbaugh is 'fair game.'
STIMULUS WATCH: Early road aid leaves out neediest
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5guNAb2By3sueeeMXl9bWidVIwh1wD983T6D00
"States can lose money, however, if they don't spend fast enough." With something like that, of course state's will be able to properly evaluate projects and put the money where it really needs to go.
"The analysis also found that counties with the highest unemployment are most likely to have been passed over completely in the early spending."
"Federal auditors acknowledge they can't yet track the transportation money that is leaving Washington and there is no single list of the thousands of projects planned in each state."
"States can lose money, however, if they don't spend fast enough." With something like that, of course state's will be able to properly evaluate projects and put the money where it really needs to go.
"The analysis also found that counties with the highest unemployment are most likely to have been passed over completely in the early spending."
"Federal auditors acknowledge they can't yet track the transportation money that is leaving Washington and there is no single list of the thousands of projects planned in each state."
Social Security Reform
Slovakian Social Security Reform:
http://www.coin.dk/default.asp?aid=467
http://www.heartland.org/policybot/results/14327/Slovakia_Adopts_Personal_Retirement_Accounts.html
"Like the American pay-as-you-go retirement scheme, the pre-reform Slovak public pension system faced adverse demographic trends and long-term financial shortfalls. In 2003, Martin Chren, a Slovak economist, estimated there were only 132 workers per 100 pensioners in Slovakia. Projections showed that pensioners would outnumber workers by 2040, at which point each worker would have to pay for the retirement benefits of more than one elderly person."
Chilean Social Security Reform:
http://www.cato.org/pub_display.php?pub_id=5981
http://www.cato.org/testimony/ct-jr040518.html
"There have been enormous external benefits: the savings rate of Chile was 10% of gross national product traditionally. It has gone up to 27% of GNP. The payroll tax in Chile is zero. Of course we have an estate tax and an income tax, but not a payroll tax. With full employment and a 27% savings rate, the rate of growth of the Chilean economy has doubled."
"Since the Chilean system was implemented, labor force participation, pension fund assets, and benefits have all grown. Today, more than 95 percent of Chilean workers have joined the system; the pension funds have accumulated over $50 billion in assets, a sum that is equivalent to about 67 percent of Chilean gross domestic product; and the average real rate of return has been over 10 percent per year."
http://www.coin.dk/default.asp?aid=467
http://www.heartland.org/policybot/results/14327/Slovakia_Adopts_Personal_Retirement_Accounts.html
"Like the American pay-as-you-go retirement scheme, the pre-reform Slovak public pension system faced adverse demographic trends and long-term financial shortfalls. In 2003, Martin Chren, a Slovak economist, estimated there were only 132 workers per 100 pensioners in Slovakia. Projections showed that pensioners would outnumber workers by 2040, at which point each worker would have to pay for the retirement benefits of more than one elderly person."
Chilean Social Security Reform:
http://www.cato.org/pub_display.php?pub_id=5981
http://www.cato.org/testimony/ct-jr040518.html
"There have been enormous external benefits: the savings rate of Chile was 10% of gross national product traditionally. It has gone up to 27% of GNP. The payroll tax in Chile is zero. Of course we have an estate tax and an income tax, but not a payroll tax. With full employment and a 27% savings rate, the rate of growth of the Chilean economy has doubled."
"Since the Chilean system was implemented, labor force participation, pension fund assets, and benefits have all grown. Today, more than 95 percent of Chilean workers have joined the system; the pension funds have accumulated over $50 billion in assets, a sum that is equivalent to about 67 percent of Chilean gross domestic product; and the average real rate of return has been over 10 percent per year."
The Impact of Government Spending on Economic Growth
http://www.heritage.org/research/budget/bg1831.cfm
The best empirical argument I have seen on the benefits of a smaller government. Pay special attention to the references to other countries and how much media attention associated with each. European countries are often looked upon more fondly in the media, however have inferior grow to that of the United States. However, countries such as Ireland, New Zealand, and Slovakia who have decreased government spending and have benefited, receive hardly any media coverage.
The best empirical argument I have seen on the benefits of a smaller government. Pay special attention to the references to other countries and how much media attention associated with each. European countries are often looked upon more fondly in the media, however have inferior grow to that of the United States. However, countries such as Ireland, New Zealand, and Slovakia who have decreased government spending and have benefited, receive hardly any media coverage.
White House forecasts higher U.S. budget deficit
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/White-House-forecasts-higher-rb-15199206.html?.v=3
What's a mere $89 billion increase?
What's a mere $89 billion increase?
Friday, May 8, 2009
Obama Kills Well-Liked Program to Jail Illegals
http://www.newsmax.com/insidecover/budget_immigration/2009/05/07/212064.html
This is because Obama considers illegial aliens equal to US citizens.
This is because Obama considers illegial aliens equal to US citizens.
U.S. threatens to rescind stimulus money over wage cuts
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-health-cuts8-2009may08,0,4592200.story
What happened to state's rights? They cuts wages through their state's legislative process and now the government can come in and say they will take away money if they don't reverse it. Granted California accepted the bailout money in the first place, but it is scary that there were conditions in it such as this in the first place.
What happened to state's rights? They cuts wages through their state's legislative process and now the government can come in and say they will take away money if they don't reverse it. Granted California accepted the bailout money in the first place, but it is scary that there were conditions in it such as this in the first place.
Under Restructuring, GM To Build More Cars Overseas
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/07/AR2009050704336.html
This is what happens when the government meddles:
"Essentially in control of the company, the president's autos task force faces an awkward choice: It can either require General Motors to keep more jobs at home, potentially raising labor costs at a company already beset with financial woes, or it can risk political fury by allowing the automaker to expand operations at lower-cost manufacturing locations."
I would be hard pressed to believe that Obama would allow jobs to go overseas, that would be political suicide. Therefore, we are probably going to see increased labor costs and more money needed to bailout this company that should have gone under already.
This is what happens when the government meddles:
"Essentially in control of the company, the president's autos task force faces an awkward choice: It can either require General Motors to keep more jobs at home, potentially raising labor costs at a company already beset with financial woes, or it can risk political fury by allowing the automaker to expand operations at lower-cost manufacturing locations."
I would be hard pressed to believe that Obama would allow jobs to go overseas, that would be political suicide. Therefore, we are probably going to see increased labor costs and more money needed to bailout this company that should have gone under already.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
CIA Says Pelosi Was Briefed on Use of 'Enhanced Interrogations'
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/capitol-briefing/2009/05/cia_says_pelosi_was_briefed_on.html
Of course she knew, but being politically incorrect to admit so, she lies about it.
Of course she knew, but being politically incorrect to admit so, she lies about it.
Green Stimulus Money Costs More Jobs Than It Creates, Study Shows
http://cnsnews.com/public/content/article.aspx?RsrcID=46453
"President Obama, in fact, has used Spain’s green initiative as a blueprint for how the United States should use federal funds to stimulate the economy."
Joy...
"President Obama, in fact, has used Spain’s green initiative as a blueprint for how the United States should use federal funds to stimulate the economy."
Joy...
Free cars for poor fuel road rage
http://news.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view/2009_05_07_Free_cars_for_poor_fuel_road_rage/srvc=home&position=also
So, i have to pay $300 a month on my car loan because I have a job and can afford it, but these people get a free car because they don't have a job and can't afford it?
So, i have to pay $300 a month on my car loan because I have a job and can afford it, but these people get a free car because they don't have a job and can't afford it?
U.S. senators consider options for ailing newspapers
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090506/media_nm/us_media_newspapers_congress
So let me get this straight...I don't buy newspapers because I can get the same information and more online, but now I potentially have to pay to get an antiquated business afloat? Seriously.
So let me get this straight...I don't buy newspapers because I can get the same information and more online, but now I potentially have to pay to get an antiquated business afloat? Seriously.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Monday, May 4, 2009
Friday, May 1, 2009
Cap and Trade a ‘Declaration of War,’ Say Republicans
http://www.cnsnews.com/public/content/article.aspx?RsrcID=47472
Do the people making up these idiotic pieces of legislation ever consider any consequences? It's almost as if simply passing a bill in the name of some lofty goal, regardless of its contents, is enough. Even if it isn't $3000, or even $2000, why the Hell in this economy would you start making people pay more money for something that doesn't even have definitive science around it?
Do the people making up these idiotic pieces of legislation ever consider any consequences? It's almost as if simply passing a bill in the name of some lofty goal, regardless of its contents, is enough. Even if it isn't $3000, or even $2000, why the Hell in this economy would you start making people pay more money for something that doesn't even have definitive science around it?
Dem Congresswoman Admits Obama Health Care Plan Will Destroy Private Health Insurance Industry
http://www.breitbart.tv/html/330913.html
This is what we are dealing with. A public health care system would destroy America as the great health care provider and innovator it is today. When government controls, incentive is lost to be more productive, to cut cost, and to provide better quality. The government is only adherent to we the people, but apparently we the people couldn't care less. We would rather vote for someone to give us something for free (read: take from someone else) than vote these socialists out of office. Maybe when the lines are months long for heart transplants, or ambulances sit outside hospitals for 6 hours, or when you can't get treated because you are too overweight will be realize that the government won't provide better health care, it will ruin it. It's as easy as looking to Canada and Great Britain to see the failure of socialize health care. Why is it that these failures don't resound in the media? Why hasn't anyone said, hey, listen, this is already been tried. Why aren't their politicians saying, look out, you continue voting for these socialists and you will great the piss poor quality of health care that these other countries have? But of course, the only way we will learn not to touch the stove when it's hot, is to touch it. Well, we may soon have our chance to burn our hand.
This is what we are dealing with. A public health care system would destroy America as the great health care provider and innovator it is today. When government controls, incentive is lost to be more productive, to cut cost, and to provide better quality. The government is only adherent to we the people, but apparently we the people couldn't care less. We would rather vote for someone to give us something for free (read: take from someone else) than vote these socialists out of office. Maybe when the lines are months long for heart transplants, or ambulances sit outside hospitals for 6 hours, or when you can't get treated because you are too overweight will be realize that the government won't provide better health care, it will ruin it. It's as easy as looking to Canada and Great Britain to see the failure of socialize health care. Why is it that these failures don't resound in the media? Why hasn't anyone said, hey, listen, this is already been tried. Why aren't their politicians saying, look out, you continue voting for these socialists and you will great the piss poor quality of health care that these other countries have? But of course, the only way we will learn not to touch the stove when it's hot, is to touch it. Well, we may soon have our chance to burn our hand.
Millions of couples, retirees may have to repay some of Obama tax credit
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/INSIDE-WASHINGTON-Rude-apf-15091434.html?.v=1
Wait, so 90% of Americans won't have their taxes raised and will get a tax stimulus amounting to, for me at least, $400 a year, but then we have to pay it back in taxes come March 2010? How is this change that we needed? It's all smoke and mirrors people.
Wait, so 90% of Americans won't have their taxes raised and will get a tax stimulus amounting to, for me at least, $400 a year, but then we have to pay it back in taxes come March 2010? How is this change that we needed? It's all smoke and mirrors people.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)