Raising minimum wage may prolong recession, some economists say � Evansville Courier & Press:
ATLANTA (AP) — A federal minimum wage increase that takes effect Friday could prolong the recession, some economists say, by forcing small businesses to lay off the same workers that the pay hike passed in better times was meant to help.
The increase to $7.25 means 70 cents more an hour for the lowest-paid workers in the 30 states that have lower minimums or no minimum wage. It also means higher costs for employers who feel they’ve already trimmed all their operating fat.
“How will they absorb the increase?” said Rajeev Dhawan, director of Georgia State University’s Economic Forecasting Center. “They will either hire less people or they will do less business.”"
Friday, July 24, 2009
China holds key to climate change deal: UN's Ban
China holds key to climate change deal: UN's Ban: "The US Congress is considering legislation that would reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 17 percent from 2005 levels by 2020. But China has said such cuts are not enough.
When the US special envoy for climate change, Todd Envoy, visited Beijing last month, China reiterated that developing countries should be held to a different standard on emissions.
China and the United States are the two biggest emitters of greenhouse gases."
When the US special envoy for climate change, Todd Envoy, visited Beijing last month, China reiterated that developing countries should be held to a different standard on emissions.
China and the United States are the two biggest emitters of greenhouse gases."
Obama eyes $4-bln education plan
Obama eyes $4-bln education plan: "President Barack Obama was to unveil a scheme to boost US education standards on Friday, luring states toward controversial reforms with four-billion-dollars worth of grants, the Washington Post reported.
In an interview published in Friday's paper, Obama outlined plans to help support semi-private charter schools and performance related pay for teachers, both strongly opposed by some in the country's highly decentralized education sector."
In an interview published in Friday's paper, Obama outlined plans to help support semi-private charter schools and performance related pay for teachers, both strongly opposed by some in the country's highly decentralized education sector."
Obama’s Health Care ‘Money Pit’
Breitbart | Obama’s Health Care ‘Money Pit’: "Electing a president is like buying a house, we want to know what we’re getting into before taking the plunge — conservative Texas rambler or meterosexual Chicago condo with a view? Is the house going to be practical in 1 year, 2 years — how long do we want to stay in this house anyway? God forbid, we move in and the house starts sucking up all of our money. When the checkbook balance is in the red, savings dried up and credit cards maxed-out… what do we do? If you are President Obama, you decide to splurge on a major renovation. Namely, a pricey soup-to-nuts overhaul of America’s health care system."
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Kerry panel looks at climate change and national security - National Politics Blog - Political Intelligence - Boston.com
OMG!!!! Run for the hills - there is NO HOPE according to the leaders in Washington! NO HOPE....!!!!
We have a Economic CRISIS, Health CRISIS, Global Warming ( Woops - sorry....Climate Control - yeah....right!?) CRISIS, Education CRISIS, Military CRISIS.....Heck- a CRISIS CRISIS!!!!!!
Why even get up in the morning????
However...me thinks this is Cap and Trade sneaking in the back door while they think we aren't watching!!!!
Kerry panel looks at climate change and national security - National Politics Blog - Political Intelligence - Boston.com:
WASHINGTON -- Massive crop devastation, melting glaciers, water shortages, millions of displaced people -- all of these will drag the US military into conflict if global climate change goes unchecked, a Senate panel was warned today.
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, convened by Senator John F. Kerry of Massachusetts, focused on what so far has received only modest attention in the climate change debate: the effect it is bound to have on national defense."
We have a Economic CRISIS, Health CRISIS, Global Warming ( Woops - sorry....Climate Control - yeah....right!?) CRISIS, Education CRISIS, Military CRISIS.....Heck- a CRISIS CRISIS!!!!!!
Why even get up in the morning????
However...me thinks this is Cap and Trade sneaking in the back door while they think we aren't watching!!!!
Kerry panel looks at climate change and national security - National Politics Blog - Political Intelligence - Boston.com:
WASHINGTON -- Massive crop devastation, melting glaciers, water shortages, millions of displaced people -- all of these will drag the US military into conflict if global climate change goes unchecked, a Senate panel was warned today.
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, convened by Senator John F. Kerry of Massachusetts, focused on what so far has received only modest attention in the climate change debate: the effect it is bound to have on national defense."
American Thinker: Healthcare Policy, Social Justice and Thugs
DROP unfunded "mandates"......initiate REAL Tort Reform to hold down malpractice costs, create "pick and choose" insurance offerings, improve HSA's ( Health Savings Accounts ) and give the power BACK to the free market. Obamacare is not just an economy killer - it's an innovation killer....and that worries me most.....
American Thinker: Healthcare Policy, Social Justice and Thugs:
Policy Makers say the only way to achieve social justice is to deliver an equal and adequate amount of health care, directed by a well motivated government central plan. No more crude private system, flawed, uneven, and unfair."
American Thinker: Healthcare Policy, Social Justice and Thugs:
Policy Makers say the only way to achieve social justice is to deliver an equal and adequate amount of health care, directed by a well motivated government central plan. No more crude private system, flawed, uneven, and unfair."
Leading Blue Dog Democrat: Pelosi Does Not Have the Votes for Health Care Reform - Political Punch
PLEASE keep on top of our elected Officials! Health Insurance started with approx. 300 government unfunded mandates - items that had to be covered in every plan. Now it borders on 2000 mandates!!! 2000!
I asked my Insurance Rep if we could "pick and choose" coverage, to hopefully keep our group costs down.
Some of us needed family, some just a married couple, some none ( BY CHOICE ) and some just catastrophic. Nope....Government already has stepped in over the years and wrecked health insurance....Between Government and the Trial Lawyers.....we have to take a plan that covers all 2000 mandates whether we want ANY of them or not.
If they are in charge....how many more mandates will be imposed on these insurance companies???
And THEN...after we're done soaking the rich ( as though they are going to allow that )....who's gonna PAY then???? Look in a mirror...
Leading Blue Dog Democrat: Pelosi Does Not Have the Votes for Health Care Reform - Political Punch:
How is health care reform progressing on Capitol Hill?
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., today insisted everything is smooth sailing with the House bill that would require every American to have health insurance or pay a fine; create a government run health plan to compete with private insurers to drive costs down; and impose an up to 5.4% new tax on top wage-earners.
“I have no question that we have the votes on the floor of the House to pass this legislation,” Pelosi told reporters.
But a leading conservative “Blue Dog” Democrat told ABC News that claim is questionable."
I asked my Insurance Rep if we could "pick and choose" coverage, to hopefully keep our group costs down.
Some of us needed family, some just a married couple, some none ( BY CHOICE ) and some just catastrophic. Nope....Government already has stepped in over the years and wrecked health insurance....Between Government and the Trial Lawyers.....we have to take a plan that covers all 2000 mandates whether we want ANY of them or not.
If they are in charge....how many more mandates will be imposed on these insurance companies???
And THEN...after we're done soaking the rich ( as though they are going to allow that )....who's gonna PAY then???? Look in a mirror...
Leading Blue Dog Democrat: Pelosi Does Not Have the Votes for Health Care Reform - Political Punch:
How is health care reform progressing on Capitol Hill?
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., today insisted everything is smooth sailing with the House bill that would require every American to have health insurance or pay a fine; create a government run health plan to compete with private insurers to drive costs down; and impose an up to 5.4% new tax on top wage-earners.
“I have no question that we have the votes on the floor of the House to pass this legislation,” Pelosi told reporters.
But a leading conservative “Blue Dog” Democrat told ABC News that claim is questionable."
Obama - 'stars are aligned' for healthcare reform | Reuters
And perhaps they are - for Health Care "Insurance" Reform....NOT Obamacare....
Obamacare doesn't even EXIST yet!!!! The bill is apparently changing as fast as they can amend this part to get that vote and amend that part to get this vote. Hell of a way to conduct business!? Slow down!!!...we all want this system fixed.....However, Obamacare will not bring aligning stars in the sky....it will bring a total and complete eclipse of the sun!
Obama - 'stars are aligned' for healthcare reform | Reuters:
WASHINGTON, July 22 (Reuters) - President Barack Obama said on Wednesday that the 'stars are aligned' to pass healthcare reform legislation and Congress should take advantage of that opportunity.
Obama told reporters at a televised White House news conference that he supports creating a special commission of doctors and experts to come up with ways on how to reduce healthcare costs. (Writing by Tom Doggett)"
Obamacare doesn't even EXIST yet!!!! The bill is apparently changing as fast as they can amend this part to get that vote and amend that part to get this vote. Hell of a way to conduct business!? Slow down!!!...we all want this system fixed.....However, Obamacare will not bring aligning stars in the sky....it will bring a total and complete eclipse of the sun!
Obama - 'stars are aligned' for healthcare reform | Reuters:
WASHINGTON, July 22 (Reuters) - President Barack Obama said on Wednesday that the 'stars are aligned' to pass healthcare reform legislation and Congress should take advantage of that opportunity.
Obama told reporters at a televised White House news conference that he supports creating a special commission of doctors and experts to come up with ways on how to reduce healthcare costs. (Writing by Tom Doggett)"
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Barney Frank Can't Find a Villain!
Barney Frank Can't Find a Villain!:
RUSH: This is amazing. 'As the watchdog of the government's massive bailout of the financial sector,' TARP, 'Neil Barofsky had a simple question: What had the nation's banks done with all their bailout money? Can't be answered, said the Treasury Department, because of the way banks move money internally. The department declined to put the question to the banks. And so Barofsky started asking financial institutions himself, getting answers from more than 300 that had received federal bailout money and learning to what extent they had used the money to increase their lending,' and so forth."
RUSH: This is amazing. 'As the watchdog of the government's massive bailout of the financial sector,' TARP, 'Neil Barofsky had a simple question: What had the nation's banks done with all their bailout money? Can't be answered, said the Treasury Department, because of the way banks move money internally. The department declined to put the question to the banks. And so Barofsky started asking financial institutions himself, getting answers from more than 300 that had received federal bailout money and learning to what extent they had used the money to increase their lending,' and so forth."
Glenn Beck - Current Events & Politics - Glenn Beck: Global Warming...55 million years ago?
Glenn Beck - Current Events & Politics - Glenn Beck: Global Warming...55 million years ago?:
VOICE: The Glenn Beck program presents Spotlight on Science.
PRESIDENT OBAMA: We will restore science to its rightful place.
VOICE: A series dedicated to President Obama's passion for everything science.
GLENN: Well, we live in a world where it's crazy to think that maybe some of the science isn't so settled."
VOICE: The Glenn Beck program presents Spotlight on Science.
PRESIDENT OBAMA: We will restore science to its rightful place.
VOICE: A series dedicated to President Obama's passion for everything science.
GLENN: Well, we live in a world where it's crazy to think that maybe some of the science isn't so settled."
Glenn Beck - Current Events & Politics - Glenn Beck: Dancing with the Czars!
Glenn Beck - Current Events & Politics - Glenn Beck: Dancing with the Czars!:
GLENN: And here's my favorite. Let's get to can we dance with the czars for just a second, please?
(Music playing).
GLENN: I love the fact that we can get to know them. They're fantastic. Stu, do you like the czars that we've met so far?
STU: They are fantastic.
GLENN: And they are wonderful dancers so far. Who is your favorite dancer?
STU: Van Jones.
GLENN: Why do you like him so much?"
GLENN: And here's my favorite. Let's get to can we dance with the czars for just a second, please?
(Music playing).
GLENN: I love the fact that we can get to know them. They're fantastic. Stu, do you like the czars that we've met so far?
STU: They are fantastic.
GLENN: And they are wonderful dancers so far. Who is your favorite dancer?
STU: Van Jones.
GLENN: Why do you like him so much?"
The Medicare Monster: A Cautionary Tale
The Medicare Monster: A Cautionary Tale - Reason Magazine: "The two primary lessons of Medicare are the chronic problem of woefully underestimating program costs and the impossibility of genuine cost control. A closer look at Medicare shows why these two problems are certain to plague a government-administered universal health-care plan.
The cost of Medicare is a good place to begin. At its start, in 1966, Medicare cost $3 billion. The House Ways and Means Committee estimated that Medicare would cost only about $ 12 billion by 1990 (a figure that included an allowance for inflation). This was a supposedly 'conservative' estimate. But in 1990 Medicare actually cost $107 billion."
The cost of Medicare is a good place to begin. At its start, in 1966, Medicare cost $3 billion. The House Ways and Means Committee estimated that Medicare would cost only about $ 12 billion by 1990 (a figure that included an allowance for inflation). This was a supposedly 'conservative' estimate. But in 1990 Medicare actually cost $107 billion."
This is a Very Dangerous Time: Socialized Health Care is Not Dead
Slow down! You move too fast, ya gotta make the mornin' last.....STOP....just STOP......keep the peddle to the metal! This bill is being RUSHED in two weeks - and yet, doesn't become law for four years???? WHAT is the rush....? The devil is in the details.......alas, if ONLY there were DETAILS!!!!!!!!!!
This is a Very Dangerous Time: Socialized Health Care is Not Dead:
RUSH: Ladies and gentlemen, I want you to temper your enthusiasm. Those of you who have heard that Henry Waxman pulled the health care bill from the Energy and Commerce markup today, this is a very, very dangerous time right now. What this means is that Nancy Pelosi has pulled the bill, the Energy and Commerce Committee Democrats are going up to the White House this afternoon to be lobbied by Obama. They're going to be working with the White House to make another run at health care. It is not dead. We need to be on our toes. They're going to regroup. They are going to pretend to be addressing the public's concerns. They'll up the lies, they will up the rhetoric."
This is a Very Dangerous Time: Socialized Health Care is Not Dead:
RUSH: Ladies and gentlemen, I want you to temper your enthusiasm. Those of you who have heard that Henry Waxman pulled the health care bill from the Energy and Commerce markup today, this is a very, very dangerous time right now. What this means is that Nancy Pelosi has pulled the bill, the Energy and Commerce Committee Democrats are going up to the White House this afternoon to be lobbied by Obama. They're going to be working with the White House to make another run at health care. It is not dead. We need to be on our toes. They're going to regroup. They are going to pretend to be addressing the public's concerns. They'll up the lies, they will up the rhetoric."
Clinton stirs Israeli fears US will accept nuclear Iran
Oh, Swell!...?....why not, we don't have ENOUGH to worry about!?
Clinton stirs Israeli fears US will accept nuclear Iran:
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Wednesday stirred Israeli fears that Washington would accept a nuclear armed Iran when she raised the idea of a US 'defence umbrella' for Gulf allies.
However, Clinton, during a visit to Thailand for an Asian security conference, said later that she was not announcing a new policy and simply wanted to turn Iran away from pursuing a nuclear weapon."
Clinton stirs Israeli fears US will accept nuclear Iran:
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Wednesday stirred Israeli fears that Washington would accept a nuclear armed Iran when she raised the idea of a US 'defence umbrella' for Gulf allies.
However, Clinton, during a visit to Thailand for an Asian security conference, said later that she was not announcing a new policy and simply wanted to turn Iran away from pursuing a nuclear weapon."
A PATRIOTIC NURSE (Opinion)
A PATRIOTIC NURSE: "According to his plan people that suffer from certain diseases such as cancer, alzheimer’s or osteoporosis to name a few would be subject to a review, or an evaluation if you may, to see if treating these illnesses would be in the best interest of the patient. Since when do we need the Federal Government dictating to us how to treat our parents or someday ourselves?
This should set off an alarm throughout this nation that what he is proposing is nothing more than genocide. Betsy McCaughey, who served as Lieutenant Governor of New York from 1995-1998 has been an out spoken critic of this health care reform. It is time to take notice and listen and understand what is being proposed and attempted to be passed in such a short time. Please get involved, fax, call, write letters, attend protest to your represenatives that we cannot let this happen in our lifetime or for those of the future."
This should set off an alarm throughout this nation that what he is proposing is nothing more than genocide. Betsy McCaughey, who served as Lieutenant Governor of New York from 1995-1998 has been an out spoken critic of this health care reform. It is time to take notice and listen and understand what is being proposed and attempted to be passed in such a short time. Please get involved, fax, call, write letters, attend protest to your represenatives that we cannot let this happen in our lifetime or for those of the future."
The Weekly Standard
The Weekly Standard: Kristol: Shut Up, Obama Explained
'The time for talk is through.' -- President Obama, talking to liberal bloggers on a conference call Monday night.
The Democratic bills in the House and Senate are a thousand pages long. They're still changing as committees try to mark them up, or as they mark up other versions of health insurance legislation. There's huge uncertainty about how lots of provisions in the bills and under consideration would work--OMB Director Orzsag and HHS Secretary Sibelius couldn't answer straightforward questions on Fox News Sunday and Meet the Press. Nothing goes into effect in any case until 2013--except the tax provisions, which would begin in 2011. Yet President Obama wants everyone to stop debating and deliberating, and act now--because he and he alone has decided 'now is the time to go ahead and act.'
Congress should assert itself, stand up for the deliberative and democratic process, and defy this presumptuous presidential diktat.
The time to debate is now. There's plenty of time to act later."
'The time for talk is through.' -- President Obama, talking to liberal bloggers on a conference call Monday night.
The Democratic bills in the House and Senate are a thousand pages long. They're still changing as committees try to mark them up, or as they mark up other versions of health insurance legislation. There's huge uncertainty about how lots of provisions in the bills and under consideration would work--OMB Director Orzsag and HHS Secretary Sibelius couldn't answer straightforward questions on Fox News Sunday and Meet the Press. Nothing goes into effect in any case until 2013--except the tax provisions, which would begin in 2011. Yet President Obama wants everyone to stop debating and deliberating, and act now--because he and he alone has decided 'now is the time to go ahead and act.'
Congress should assert itself, stand up for the deliberative and democratic process, and defy this presumptuous presidential diktat.
The time to debate is now. There's plenty of time to act later."
Doctor’s Orders by Michael Warren on National Review Online
As Glenn Beck would say - FINALLY a dose of Common Sense!
Doctor’s Orders by Michael Warren on National Review Online:
One of the most important opponents of Barack Obama’s health-care agenda may be a relatively unknown senator from America’s least populous state. Republican John Barrasso of Wyoming, who entered the Senate only two years ago, had little name recognition outside his home state until a few weeks ago. Yet he is emerging as a GOP expert on a hot-button issue. Barrasso brings a special perspective to the health-care debate: He is one of only two MDs in the Senate, the other being his Republican colleague Tom Coburn of Oklahoma."
Doctor’s Orders by Michael Warren on National Review Online:
One of the most important opponents of Barack Obama’s health-care agenda may be a relatively unknown senator from America’s least populous state. Republican John Barrasso of Wyoming, who entered the Senate only two years ago, had little name recognition outside his home state until a few weeks ago. Yet he is emerging as a GOP expert on a hot-button issue. Barrasso brings a special perspective to the health-care debate: He is one of only two MDs in the Senate, the other being his Republican colleague Tom Coburn of Oklahoma."
Not Ready for the Big Leagues by Jeffrey H. Anderson on National Review Online
Not Ready for the Big Leagues by Jeffrey H. Anderson on National Review Online:
Ideally, our health-care system would remind one of a major-league fastball: crisp, efficient in its delivery, on-target, hitting the catcher’s mitt with a pop. Our current health-care system, burdened with too many middlemen and too little competition and choice, is more like a single-A fastball: It’s not bad, but it’s not quite good enough for the big time. President Obama’s proposed health-care system would look a lot like the pitch he threw at the Major League Baseball All-Star Game: unsightly, slow, and fat."
Ideally, our health-care system would remind one of a major-league fastball: crisp, efficient in its delivery, on-target, hitting the catcher’s mitt with a pop. Our current health-care system, burdened with too many middlemen and too little competition and choice, is more like a single-A fastball: It’s not bad, but it’s not quite good enough for the big time. President Obama’s proposed health-care system would look a lot like the pitch he threw at the Major League Baseball All-Star Game: unsightly, slow, and fat."
The American Spectator : What's Not Political About Health Care Reform?
This dog don't bark!!!! Do NOT let Obama make back door promises to sneak this through!!!
The American Spectator : What's Not Political About Health Care Reform?:
President Obama whined on 'The Today Show' yesterday that politics was getting in the way of his noble effort to reform health care on behalf of the American people. To her credit, Meredith Vieira didn't buy it. And if Meredith Vieira doesn't buy it, Obama's got big problems."
The American Spectator : What's Not Political About Health Care Reform?:
President Obama whined on 'The Today Show' yesterday that politics was getting in the way of his noble effort to reform health care on behalf of the American people. To her credit, Meredith Vieira didn't buy it. And if Meredith Vieira doesn't buy it, Obama's got big problems."
The American Spectator : Obama Is Delaying the Economic Recovery
The American Spectator : Obama Is Delaying the Economic Recovery:
Unemployment continued to rise in June to 9.5%, with the loss of almost another half million jobs in the month (467,000). Stretches of the country can be considered in a depression, with the unemployment rate for Michigan at 15.2%, California 11.6%, Nevada 12.0%, Oregon 12.2%, Ohio 11.1%, North Carolina 11.0%, South Carolina 12.1%, Kentucky 10.9%, Tennessee 10.8%, and Indiana 10.7%. Over 100 urban areas now have unemployment rates over 10%."
Unemployment continued to rise in June to 9.5%, with the loss of almost another half million jobs in the month (467,000). Stretches of the country can be considered in a depression, with the unemployment rate for Michigan at 15.2%, California 11.6%, Nevada 12.0%, Oregon 12.2%, Ohio 11.1%, North Carolina 11.0%, South Carolina 12.1%, Kentucky 10.9%, Tennessee 10.8%, and Indiana 10.7%. Over 100 urban areas now have unemployment rates over 10%."
CongressDaily - Dems Start To Push Back Hard To Prevent A 'Waterloo'
And yet, our President wants us to accept this Bill ( what Bill???) addressing this "crisis" (What crisis???) Hook, Line and sinker......
CongressDaily - Dems Start To Push Back Hard To Prevent A 'Waterloo':
A telling episode recounted by Senate Finance ranking member Charles Grassley reveals the Obama administration might be more worried than they are letting on that a Republican senator's comparison of the healthcare overhaul to Waterloo might be dangerously close to the truth."
CongressDaily - Dems Start To Push Back Hard To Prevent A 'Waterloo':
A telling episode recounted by Senate Finance ranking member Charles Grassley reveals the Obama administration might be more worried than they are letting on that a Republican senator's comparison of the healthcare overhaul to Waterloo might be dangerously close to the truth."
GM global sales fall 22 pct in first half of 2009
GM global sales fall 22 pct in first half of 2009:
DETROIT (Reuters) - General Motors posted Wednesday a 22 percent global sales drop from a year earlier for the first six months of 2009 amid the economic slowdown and the automaker's slide into bankruptcy."
DETROIT (Reuters) - General Motors posted Wednesday a 22 percent global sales drop from a year earlier for the first six months of 2009 amid the economic slowdown and the automaker's slide into bankruptcy."
Fiscal ruin of the Western world beckons - Telegraph
Fiscal ruin of the Western world beckons - Telegraph:
Events have already forced Premier Brian Cowen to carry out the harshest assault yet seen on the public services of a modern Western state. He has passed two emergency budgets to stop the deficit soaring to 15pc of GDP. They have not been enough. The expert An Bord Snip report said last week that Dublin must cut deeper, or risk a disastrous debt compound trap."
Events have already forced Premier Brian Cowen to carry out the harshest assault yet seen on the public services of a modern Western state. He has passed two emergency budgets to stop the deficit soaring to 15pc of GDP. They have not been enough. The expert An Bord Snip report said last week that Dublin must cut deeper, or risk a disastrous debt compound trap."
Van Jones, 'Green Jobs Czar', a self-described 'communist'
Van Jones, 'Green Jobs Czar', a self-described 'communist': "Van Jones is President Barack Obama's newly appointed 'Green Jobs Czar'
Jones' official title is Special Advisor on Green Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation for the White House Council on Environmental Quality."
Jones' official title is Special Advisor on Green Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation for the White House Council on Environmental Quality."
Today’s Boffo Quips on Obama, Moderates, and Socialized Health Care
Today’s Best Rush Limbaugh Quotes: Boffo Quips on Obama, Moderates, and Socialized Health Care | Frugal Cafe Blog Zone: "“Hey! You idiots who think Obama’s bill is going to solve your health problem immediately… guess what? It doesn’t start until 2013, and even then it’s not going to help you!”"
Senator: Democrats “baffled” by president’s health care stance � - Blogs from CNN.com
Good Lord! When CNN admits "in writing" that even the Democrats are as baffled by this health care proposal as the rest of us - it's time to run for the hills!!!!....????...or better yet, contact your Representative and say STOP!!! Just STOP - and THINK for a change! This isn't about "Party Lines"...it's about "We the People"....
CNN Political Ticker: Senator: Democrats “baffled” by president’s health care stance:
WASHINGTON (CNN) – As the prospects for passing health reform by the time Congress leaves for its August recess look bleaker, Democratic grumbling about President Obama is growing louder. One Democratic senator tells CNN congressional Democrats are “baffled,” and another senior Democratic source tells CNN members of the president’s own party are still “frustrated” that they’re not getting more specific direction from him on health care."
CNN Political Ticker: Senator: Democrats “baffled” by president’s health care stance:
WASHINGTON (CNN) – As the prospects for passing health reform by the time Congress leaves for its August recess look bleaker, Democratic grumbling about President Obama is growing louder. One Democratic senator tells CNN congressional Democrats are “baffled,” and another senior Democratic source tells CNN members of the president’s own party are still “frustrated” that they’re not getting more specific direction from him on health care."
Democrats irked by Obama signing statement
Democrats irked by Obama signing statement: "President Barack Obama has irked close allies in Congress by declaring he has the right to ignore legislation on constitutional grounds after having criticized George W. Bush for doing the same.
Four senior House Democrats on Tuesday said they were 'surprised' and 'chagrined' by Obama's declaration in June that he doesn't have to comply with provisions in a war spending bill that puts conditions on aid provided to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund."
Four senior House Democrats on Tuesday said they were 'surprised' and 'chagrined' by Obama's declaration in June that he doesn't have to comply with provisions in a war spending bill that puts conditions on aid provided to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund."
One Giant Leap: Come on America, Let’s Put a Congress on the Moon
One Giant Leap: Come on America, Let’s Put a Congress on the Moon: "If America wants to get back on the right track, scientific space mission-wise, we need to once again pick an inspiring, audacious goal, and man it with the kind of inspirational crew to make it happen. At long last, let us realize mankind’s most cherished dream — sending the entire United States Congress to the Moon by 2010...
It will be important that our marooned Moon Congress gets the press coverage it needs, so we should begin working immediately for a follow-up launch of the one-way Moon Media Shuttle by mid-2010. This will result in improved chloroform technology that will help us in planning the 2011 Executive Branch on Mars mission, and the 2012 Supreme Court Venus probe. By 2013, we will be ready for our most audacious space goal yet — sending the entire Internal Revenue Service rocketing to the Black Hole of Antaraes."
It will be important that our marooned Moon Congress gets the press coverage it needs, so we should begin working immediately for a follow-up launch of the one-way Moon Media Shuttle by mid-2010. This will result in improved chloroform technology that will help us in planning the 2011 Executive Branch on Mars mission, and the 2012 Supreme Court Venus probe. By 2013, we will be ready for our most audacious space goal yet — sending the entire Internal Revenue Service rocketing to the Black Hole of Antaraes."
Anger follows California budget crisis deal
Anger follows California budget crisis deal: "Anger over proposals to solve California's budget crisis are mounting as reports said the plan would see thousands of prisoners released and billions slashed from education spending.
The Los Angeles Times reported on its website that the budget deal, announced by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and bipartisan lawmakers on Monday, would involve the early release of thousands of inmates."
The Los Angeles Times reported on its website that the budget deal, announced by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and bipartisan lawmakers on Monday, would involve the early release of thousands of inmates."
Budget chief: Docs fees not paid for in Obama bill
Budget chief: Docs fees not paid for in Obama bill: "...administration always assumed the money would be spent to prevent a cut of more than 20 percent in doctor fees.
The Congressional Budget Office said last Friday the higher payments cost $245 billion over 10 years. It said including the money in the overall bill would result in deficits totaling $239 billion.
On Friday, a few hours earlier, the president declared: 'I've said that health-insurance reform cannot add to our deficit over the next decade. And I mean it.'"
The Congressional Budget Office said last Friday the higher payments cost $245 billion over 10 years. It said including the money in the overall bill would result in deficits totaling $239 billion.
On Friday, a few hours earlier, the president declared: 'I've said that health-insurance reform cannot add to our deficit over the next decade. And I mean it.'"
PROMISES, PROMISES: Do Obama deals break pledge?
PROMISES, PROMISES: Do Obama deals break pledge?: "just over two months before the 2008 election, Obama promised before an audience in Chester, Va., to hash out a health care overhaul in public. 'We'll have the negotiations televised on C-SPAN, so that people can see who is making arguments on behalf of their constituents, and who are making arguments on behalf of the drug companies or the insurance companies,' he said then.
That didn't happen."
That didn't happen."
Tax increases make House healthcare bill a lightning rod for opposition
FT.com | Tax increases make House healthcare bill a lightning rod for opposition: "The House of Representatives introduced a healthcare bill yesterday that incorporates a significant tax increase for the wealthy as Barack Obama tries to steer his most cherished reform into law.
The bill would partly fund the cost of expanding coverage to the 45m uninsured - pegged at about $100bn a year - by levying new taxes on wealthy citizens. Senior Democrats said they would aim to pass the bill before Congress breaks for recess on August 3."
The bill would partly fund the cost of expanding coverage to the 45m uninsured - pegged at about $100bn a year - by levying new taxes on wealthy citizens. Senior Democrats said they would aim to pass the bill before Congress breaks for recess on August 3."
Obama hits at healthcare ‘scare’ tactics
FT.com / US / Politics & Foreign policy - Obama hits at healthcare ‘scare’ tactics: "Barack Obama on Tuesday accused opponents of trying to scare the public about healthcare reform.
The US president is facing diminishing prospects of meeting an August deadline for action on the issue."
The US president is facing diminishing prospects of meeting an August deadline for action on the issue."
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Democrats irked by Obama signing statement
Just another example of that hope and CHANGE we can believe in!...?....!!!
Democrats irked by Obama signing statement:
President Barack Obama has irked close allies in Congress by declaring he has the right to ignore legislation on constitutional grounds after having criticized George W. Bush for doing the same.
Four senior House Democrats on Tuesday said they were 'surprised' and 'chagrined' by Obama's declaration in June that he doesn't have to comply with provisions in a war spending bill that puts conditions on aid provided to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund."
Democrats irked by Obama signing statement:
President Barack Obama has irked close allies in Congress by declaring he has the right to ignore legislation on constitutional grounds after having criticized George W. Bush for doing the same.
Four senior House Democrats on Tuesday said they were 'surprised' and 'chagrined' by Obama's declaration in June that he doesn't have to comply with provisions in a war spending bill that puts conditions on aid provided to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund."
American Thinker Blog: Dems running into irate constituents over ObamaCare
Ya know, This would be funny if it weren't so damned serious...
American Thinker Blog: Dems running into irate constituents over ObamaCare:
I am busy laughing at an e-mail from the local TEA party people. There should be some first rate political theater in the offing. After what happened to HHS Secretary Sebelius, MD SenatorCardin and Mo Rep Russ Carnahan when they each were confronted by taxpayers who seemed to know more about the pending health care bill than they did, I suspect that some members of Congress may not be so eager to go back to their districts during the upcoming recess."
American Thinker Blog: Dems running into irate constituents over ObamaCare:
I am busy laughing at an e-mail from the local TEA party people. There should be some first rate political theater in the offing. After what happened to HHS Secretary Sebelius, MD SenatorCardin and Mo Rep Russ Carnahan when they each were confronted by taxpayers who seemed to know more about the pending health care bill than they did, I suspect that some members of Congress may not be so eager to go back to their districts during the upcoming recess."
Budget chief: Docs fees not paid for in Obama bill
Budget chief: Docs fees not paid for in Obama bill:
A senior administration official says billions of dollars to raise fees for doctors treating Medicare patients are not covered by President Barack Obama's pledge to pay for health care legislation.
Budget Director Peter Orszag said Tuesday that's because the administration always assumed the money would be spent to prevent a cut of more than 20 percent in doctor fees.
The Congressional Budget Office said last Friday the higher payments cost $245 billion over 10 years. It said including the money in the overall bill would result in deficits totaling $239 billion."
A senior administration official says billions of dollars to raise fees for doctors treating Medicare patients are not covered by President Barack Obama's pledge to pay for health care legislation.
Budget Director Peter Orszag said Tuesday that's because the administration always assumed the money would be spent to prevent a cut of more than 20 percent in doctor fees.
The Congressional Budget Office said last Friday the higher payments cost $245 billion over 10 years. It said including the money in the overall bill would result in deficits totaling $239 billion."
Morning Bell: Obama Admits He’s “Not Familiar” With House Bill - The Foundry
But he wants us to believe it's the best thing since sliced bread.....don't THINK so.....
Morning Bell: Obama Admits He’s “Not Familiar” With House Bill - The Foundry:
With the public’s trust in his handling of health care tanking (50%-44% of Americans disapprove), the White House has launched a new phase of its strategy designed to pass Obamacare: all Obama, all the time. As part of that effort, Obama hosted a conference call with leftist bloggers urging them to pressure Congress to pass his health plan as soon as possible."
Morning Bell: Obama Admits He’s “Not Familiar” With House Bill - The Foundry:
With the public’s trust in his handling of health care tanking (50%-44% of Americans disapprove), the White House has launched a new phase of its strategy designed to pass Obamacare: all Obama, all the time. As part of that effort, Obama hosted a conference call with leftist bloggers urging them to pressure Congress to pass his health plan as soon as possible."
Obama to Press 'Blue Dog' Dems on Health Care - Political News - FOXNews.com
Don't let him go behind closed doors! These Blue Dogs are listed below with contact info - please take a moment and tell them NO to this proposed Health Care "Reform" Bill!!!
Obama to Press 'Blue Dog' Dems on Health Care - Political News - FOXNews.com:
President Obama has invited a small group of fiscally-conscious House Democrats -- known as the 'Blue Dogs' -- to the White House Tuesday morning in an effort to win their support."
Obama to Press 'Blue Dog' Dems on Health Care - Political News - FOXNews.com:
President Obama has invited a small group of fiscally-conscious House Democrats -- known as the 'Blue Dogs' -- to the White House Tuesday morning in an effort to win their support."
Glenn Beck - Current Events & Politics - What system are we?
Glenn Beck - Current Events & Politics - What system are we?:
GLENN: The question in USA Today, is child obesity child abuse. Courts increasingly wrestle with questions of parental fitness. Well, of course they are going to wrestle with if we could just have something, you know, like some sort of rights of the child. Oh, my goodness, we have one of those. That's fantastic. We can get that from the United Nations. They have been pressuring us to sign that for a while. And then we'll know that parents only have certain rights with their children and the courts will have to wrestle with those questions of parental fitness."
GLENN: The question in USA Today, is child obesity child abuse. Courts increasingly wrestle with questions of parental fitness. Well, of course they are going to wrestle with if we could just have something, you know, like some sort of rights of the child. Oh, my goodness, we have one of those. That's fantastic. We can get that from the United Nations. They have been pressuring us to sign that for a while. And then we'll know that parents only have certain rights with their children and the courts will have to wrestle with those questions of parental fitness."
TheHill.com - Boehner on healthcare: 'Mr. President, scrap this bill'
TheHill.com - Boehner on healthcare: 'Mr. President, scrap this bill':
Noting disagreements among Democratic lawmakers over the president's landmark healthcare reform measure, House GOP leader John Boehner (Ohio) said on Tuesday, 'Mr. President, scrap this bill.'
Boehner and House GOP leaders told reporters that it is apparent the bill is in trouble given the dissension voiced by the Democratic rank and file."
Noting disagreements among Democratic lawmakers over the president's landmark healthcare reform measure, House GOP leader John Boehner (Ohio) said on Tuesday, 'Mr. President, scrap this bill.'
Boehner and House GOP leaders told reporters that it is apparent the bill is in trouble given the dissension voiced by the Democratic rank and file."
TheHill.com - Obama to lobby Energy and Commerce Dems
They ARE hearing you - "We the People"!!!! Keep the pressure on! We CAN and will stop this insanity! They'd of let this sail through unless they were starting to hear from the folks that put them in Office. They must be getting scared as page after page of this bill become public knowledge! KEEP PUSHING!!! Blue Dog Dem contact info is on this site - they can kill it by themselves......
TheHill.com - Obama to lobby Energy and Commerce Dems:
Democrats on the House Energy and Commerce panel are headed to the White House, not their committee room, on Tuesday.
Instead of continuing their markup, Energy and Commerce Democrats will be lobbied by President Obama at the White House. Tuesday’s continuing markup was canceled, but the panel is scheduled to meet again on Wednesday."
TheHill.com - Obama to lobby Energy and Commerce Dems:
Democrats on the House Energy and Commerce panel are headed to the White House, not their committee room, on Tuesday.
Instead of continuing their markup, Energy and Commerce Democrats will be lobbied by President Obama at the White House. Tuesday’s continuing markup was canceled, but the panel is scheduled to meet again on Wednesday."
Polls can affect president's hold on party - USATODAY.com
Polls can affect president's hold on party - USATODAY.com:
The Gallup organization first started asking Americans how they approved of the job the president was doing in the 1940s. See how each president since then has fared in the approval poll, look at some news events that influenced public opinion and compare how approval ratings evolved for each president."
The Gallup organization first started asking Americans how they approved of the job the president was doing in the 1940s. See how each president since then has fared in the approval poll, look at some news events that influenced public opinion and compare how approval ratings evolved for each president."
Blue Dog Democrats Can Kill Obama Health Care Reform
Blue Dog Democrats Can Kill Obama Health Care Reform
These 8 "Blue Dog Democrats" sit on the Energy and Commerce Committee - if they don't support the legislation, passage will be unlikely.
It is CRITICAL to contact them TODAY and make your voice heard
John Barrow (GA-12) p: (202) 225-2823, f: (202) 225-3377, email.
Bart Gordon (TN-06) p: (202) 225-4231, f: (202) 225-6887, email.
Baron Hill (IN-09) p: (202) 225-5315, f: (202) 226-6866, email.
Jane Harman (CA-36) p: (202) 225-8220, f: (202) 226-7290, email.
Jim Matheson (UT-02) p: (202) 225-3011, f: (202) 225-5638, email.
Charlie Melancon (LA-03) p: (202) 225-4031, f: (202) 226-3944, email.
Mike Ross (AR-04) p: (202) 225-3772, f: (202) 225-1314, email.
Zack Space (OH-18) p: (202) 225-6265, f: (202) 225-3394, email.
John Barrow (GA-12) p: (202) 225-2823, f: (202) 225-3377, email.
Bart Gordon (TN-06) p: (202) 225-4231, f: (202) 225-6887, email.
Baron Hill (IN-09) p: (202) 225-5315, f: (202) 226-6866, email.
Jane Harman (CA-36) p: (202) 225-8220, f: (202) 226-7290, email.
Jim Matheson (UT-02) p: (202) 225-3011, f: (202) 225-5638, email.
Charlie Melancon (LA-03) p: (202) 225-4031, f: (202) 226-3944, email.
Mike Ross (AR-04) p: (202) 225-3772, f: (202) 225-1314, email.
Zack Space (OH-18) p: (202) 225-6265, f: (202) 225-3394, email.
Representative Pete Hoekstra
Listen, Read, Wake Up! PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!
Representative Pete Hoekstra: Lawmakers Warned About Health care Costs
Washington, Jul 17 - By Lori Montgomery and Shailagh Murray
Washington Post Staff Writers
Friday, July 17, 2009
Congress's chief budget analyst delivered a devastating assessment yesterday of the health-care proposals drafted by congressional Democrats, fueling an insurrection among fiscal conservatives in the House and pushing negotiators in the Senate to redouble efforts to draw up a new plan that more effectively restrains federal spending."
Representative Pete Hoekstra: Lawmakers Warned About Health care Costs
Washington, Jul 17 - By Lori Montgomery and Shailagh Murray
Washington Post Staff Writers
Friday, July 17, 2009
Congress's chief budget analyst delivered a devastating assessment yesterday of the health-care proposals drafted by congressional Democrats, fueling an insurrection among fiscal conservatives in the House and pushing negotiators in the Senate to redouble efforts to draw up a new plan that more effectively restrains federal spending."
Representative Pete Hoekstra
Representative Pete Hoekstra: Intelligence Community under Seige
Washington, Jul 17 - U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Mich., the top Republican on the House Intelligence Committee, issued the following statement on an inquiry by the committee into an effort considered by the CIA:
'Republicans on this committee believe that the best way forward is an inquiry agreement that would set out a common understanding of the purpose and scope of any committee review and ensure that it is conducted in a thorough, serious and bipartisan manner. Unfortunately, it comes as no surprise that the day after Chairman Reyes and I discussed bipartisan collaboration, the Democrats, likely under pressure to defend Speaker Pelosi, backed away from the effort, instead offering a partisan plan and ignoring our previous discussions."
Washington, Jul 17 - U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Mich., the top Republican on the House Intelligence Committee, issued the following statement on an inquiry by the committee into an effort considered by the CIA:
'Republicans on this committee believe that the best way forward is an inquiry agreement that would set out a common understanding of the purpose and scope of any committee review and ensure that it is conducted in a thorough, serious and bipartisan manner. Unfortunately, it comes as no surprise that the day after Chairman Reyes and I discussed bipartisan collaboration, the Democrats, likely under pressure to defend Speaker Pelosi, backed away from the effort, instead offering a partisan plan and ignoring our previous discussions."
A future for public unions? - The Boston Globe
A future for public unions? - The Boston Globe: "Teachers unions refuse to make changes in work practices that could help improve the chances of children succeeding in school. Police unions fight against lowering the cost of details at construction sites. The MBTA union and others representing transport workers lobby vociferously against reforming the state’s transportation system. Municipal unions refuse to permit their local communities to join the Group Insurance Commission that would save their towns millions without compromising the quality of their members’ medical care."
The American Spectator : The Matter With Myths
The American Spectator : The Matter With Myths:
With the fight over the future of the United States health care system now upon us, conservatives find themselves at a tremendous disadvantage. The Democrats are in control of the White House and Congress and they now count as allies many of the same special interest groups, such as insurers, who opposed the push for HillaryCare in 1993 and 1994. But the biggest obstacle conservatives face is that for decades they have allowed many myths and misleading facts about health care to permeate the national consciousness and rig the debate in the favor of those who want to expand the role of government."
With the fight over the future of the United States health care system now upon us, conservatives find themselves at a tremendous disadvantage. The Democrats are in control of the White House and Congress and they now count as allies many of the same special interest groups, such as insurers, who opposed the push for HillaryCare in 1993 and 1994. But the biggest obstacle conservatives face is that for decades they have allowed many myths and misleading facts about health care to permeate the national consciousness and rig the debate in the favor of those who want to expand the role of government."
Gilt-Edged Pensions - Forbes.com
Gilt-Edged Pensions - Forbes.com:
Your 401(k) isn't doing too well, is it? But you're footing the bill for some lucky stiffs who don't have to worry about market crashes, medical costs or inflation."
Your 401(k) isn't doing too well, is it? But you're footing the bill for some lucky stiffs who don't have to worry about market crashes, medical costs or inflation."
American Thinker: Taxpayers: Eat your hearts out, suckers
American Thinker: Taxpayers: Eat your hearts out, suckers:
A looming problem has received far too little coverage from a liberal-dominated media: the power of public pensions to destroy our nation's finances and ransack our wallets.
For many years, government workers have enjoyed munificent benefits: relatively high salaries for lenient work demands; gold-plated retirement benefits that allow most of them to 'retire' at a young age with very high pensions and generous health care benefits. Days off for holidays that few of us would even recognize."
A looming problem has received far too little coverage from a liberal-dominated media: the power of public pensions to destroy our nation's finances and ransack our wallets.
For many years, government workers have enjoyed munificent benefits: relatively high salaries for lenient work demands; gold-plated retirement benefits that allow most of them to 'retire' at a young age with very high pensions and generous health care benefits. Days off for holidays that few of us would even recognize."
Obama health plan would repeal Erisa - WSJ.com
Obama health plan would repeal Erisa - WSJ.com: "Erisa allows employers that self-insure—that is, those large enough to build their own risk pools and pay benefits directly—to offer uniform plans across state lines. This lets thousands of businesses avoid, for the most part, the costly federal and state regulations on covered treatments, pricing, rate setting and so on. It also gives them flexibility to design insurance to recruit and retain workers in a competitive labor market. Roughly 75% of employer-based coverage is governed by Erisa’s “freedom of purchase” rules.
Goodbye to all that... Read more
Goodbye to all that... Read more
Poll: Public losing trust in President Obama - Andy Barr - POLITICO.com
Poll: Public losing trust in President Obama - Andy Barr - POLITICO.com: "Along with Obama’s declining personal numbers, there were other signs in the poll of potential problems for his administration and agenda. Only 44 percent of those polled said the federal government is headed on the right track. In March, only a few months into Obama’s presidency, 54 percent said the federal government was on the right track, up 19 percentage points from the closing days of the Bush administration in December. Meanwhile, trust in the federal government has dropped from 63 percent to 58 percent since March, while trust that it will manage its finances responsibly has fallen from 40 percent to 32 percent during that time."
Administration Delaying Release of Key Economic Report
Administration Delaying Release of Key Economic Report: "The Obama administration is delaying release of a congressionally mandated report on the nation's economic conditions, spawning speculation that it is trying to tamp down bad economic news to avoid further complicating the already fraught legislative debate over health care reform."
Healthcare battle 'isn't about me': Obama
Like Hell....you state that current health care costs are "breaking small businesses"...
However, you will impose an 8% payroll tax on us to "pay our fair share" as well as clobber the "rich" the very people who help finance small business....
Of course it's about YOU!!! - because it isn't going to help anyone else!?
And... are YOU and YOURS going on this plan - HELL NO!
You and all the politicians have their OWN care...because they wouldn't want to be stuck in Obamacare!
You will all have your excellent coverage while the rest of us stand on lines - get rationed - or get denied....but that's OK - because you are all SO much smarter than us - just the unwashed masses.....
WE WILL REMEMBER IN NOVEMBER!!!!!!!!!!
Healthcare battle 'isn't about me': Obama: "
President Barack Obama on Monday shot back at Republicans who have suggested they can win political ground by opposing his healthcare reform proposals.
'This isn't about me. This isn't about politics. This is about a health care system that is breaking America's families, breaking America's businesses, and breaking America's economy,' Obama said on a visit to a Washington hospital.
The president went on the offensive after opposition appeared to be rising among lawmakers unhappy with the massive healthcare reform plan proposed by his administration."
However, you will impose an 8% payroll tax on us to "pay our fair share" as well as clobber the "rich" the very people who help finance small business....
Of course it's about YOU!!! - because it isn't going to help anyone else!?
And... are YOU and YOURS going on this plan - HELL NO!
You and all the politicians have their OWN care...because they wouldn't want to be stuck in Obamacare!
You will all have your excellent coverage while the rest of us stand on lines - get rationed - or get denied....but that's OK - because you are all SO much smarter than us - just the unwashed masses.....
WE WILL REMEMBER IN NOVEMBER!!!!!!!!!!
Healthcare battle 'isn't about me': Obama: "
President Barack Obama on Monday shot back at Republicans who have suggested they can win political ground by opposing his healthcare reform proposals.
'This isn't about me. This isn't about politics. This is about a health care system that is breaking America's families, breaking America's businesses, and breaking America's economy,' Obama said on a visit to a Washington hospital.
The president went on the offensive after opposition appeared to be rising among lawmakers unhappy with the massive healthcare reform plan proposed by his administration."
Bailouts could cost U.S. $23 trillion
Bailouts could cost U.S. $23 trillion - Eamon Javers - POLITICO.com: "A series of bailouts, bank rescues and other economic lifelines could end up costing the federal government as much as $23 trillion, the U.S. government’s watchdog over the effort says – a staggering amount that is nearly double the nation’s entire economic output for a year."
A Soldier Comes Home
My nephew, Brian Bradshaw, was killed by an explosive device in Afghanistan on June 25, the same day that Michael Jackson died. Mr. Jackson received days of wall-to-wall coverage in the media. Where was the coverage of my nephew or the other soldiers who died that week?
Among the responses was the following letter, written July 9 by an Air National Guard pilot and a fellow member of the crew that flew Lt. Bradshaw's body from a forward base in Afghanistan to Bagram Air Base. Capt. James Adair, one of the plane's pilots, asked the editorial page staff to forward the letter to the Bradshaw family. He and Brian Bradshaw's parents then agreed to publication of these excerpts.
Dear Bradshaw Family,
We were crew members on the C-130 that flew in to pick up Lt. Brian Bradshaw after he was killed. We are Georgia Air National Guardsmen deployed to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom. We support the front-line troops by flying them food, water, fuel, ammunition and just about anything they need to fight. On occasion we have the privilege to begin the final journey home for our fallen troops. Below are the details to the best of our memory about what happened after Brian's death.
We landed using night-vision goggles. Because of the blackout conditions, it seemed as if it was the darkest part of the night. As we turned off the runway to position our plane, we saw what appeared to be hundreds of soldiers from Brian's company standing in formation in the darkness. Once we were parked, members of his unit asked us to shut down our engines. This is not normal operating procedure for that location. We are to keep the aircraft's power on in case of maintenance or concerns about the hostile environment. The plane has an extremely loud self-contained power unit. Again, we were asked whether there was any way to turn that off for the ceremony that was going to take place. We readily complied after one of our crew members was able to find a power cart nearby. Another aircraft that landed after us was asked to do the same. We were able to shut down and keep lighting in the back of the aircraft, which was the only light in the surrounding area. We configured the back of the plane to receive Brian and hurried off to stand in the formation as he was carried aboard.
Monday, July 20, 2009
FT.com: US state budgets hit by shrinking tax take
FT.com / US / Economy & Fed - US state budgets hit by shrinking tax take:
Sharply falling tax revenues across the US have left states facing fresh budget shortfalls and threatening further painful spending and service cuts following previous multiple rounds of belt-tightening.
In the first quarter of the calendar year, tax collections dropped by 11.7 per cent, the largest fall on record, according to the Rockefeller Institute of Government. Of 50 states, some 45 reported declines."
Sharply falling tax revenues across the US have left states facing fresh budget shortfalls and threatening further painful spending and service cuts following previous multiple rounds of belt-tightening.
In the first quarter of the calendar year, tax collections dropped by 11.7 per cent, the largest fall on record, according to the Rockefeller Institute of Government. Of 50 states, some 45 reported declines."
Glenn Beck: What if 'progressive tax' became 'progressive pricing'?
Glenn Beck - Current Events & Politics - Glenn Beck: What if 'progressive tax' became 'progressive pricing'?:
GLENN: I did a lot of thinking on this and I have a new proposal because once we take care of healthcare, we can get right to progressive pricing on everything. And here's my simple proposal. When you get to the movies, you just hand the movie theater guy your new Real ID Social Security number electronic medical records, work history, DNA record card. It's another great policy that I'm pushing for but we'll talk about that later."
GLENN: I did a lot of thinking on this and I have a new proposal because once we take care of healthcare, we can get right to progressive pricing on everything. And here's my simple proposal. When you get to the movies, you just hand the movie theater guy your new Real ID Social Security number electronic medical records, work history, DNA record card. It's another great policy that I'm pushing for but we'll talk about that later."
Glenn Beck - Obama advisors evidence economy is saved
Glenn Beck - Current Events & Politics - Obama advisors evidence economy is saved:
VOICE: The Glenn Beck program presents more truth behind America's March to Socialism.
GLENN: All righty then. President Obama, his top economic advisor has some good news, America. The economic freefall has ended. Yes, yes. According to Larry Summers, it's all over. Nothing to see here, people. I guess maybe we could slow down on universal healthcare because everything's looking up. We can take our time."
VOICE: The Glenn Beck program presents more truth behind America's March to Socialism.
GLENN: All righty then. President Obama, his top economic advisor has some good news, America. The economic freefall has ended. Yes, yes. According to Larry Summers, it's all over. Nothing to see here, people. I guess maybe we could slow down on universal healthcare because everything's looking up. We can take our time."
AP: Sec. Clinton visits India, urges help vs. terror
Does anyone in this administration even LIKE America? It is beyond me why they even ran for Office???
The Associated Press: Sec. Clinton visits India, urges help vs. terror: Sec. Clinton visits India, urges help vs. terror
By ROBERT BURNS (AP) – 2 days ago
MUMBAI, India — U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton opened a three-day visit to India on Saturday by urging India not to repeat American mistakes in contributing to global pollution, and she passionately defended U.S. demands for help in fighting terrorism.
'We acknowledge now with President Obama that we have made mistakes in the United States, and we along with other developed countries have contributed most significantly to the problem that we face with climate change,' she said. 'We are hoping a great country like India will not make the same mistakes.'"
The Associated Press: Sec. Clinton visits India, urges help vs. terror: Sec. Clinton visits India, urges help vs. terror
By ROBERT BURNS (AP) – 2 days ago
MUMBAI, India — U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton opened a three-day visit to India on Saturday by urging India not to repeat American mistakes in contributing to global pollution, and she passionately defended U.S. demands for help in fighting terrorism.
'We acknowledge now with President Obama that we have made mistakes in the United States, and we along with other developed countries have contributed most significantly to the problem that we face with climate change,' she said. 'We are hoping a great country like India will not make the same mistakes.'"
Release No. 0322.09 "Porkulas"
Contrary to popular opinion in Washington - we aren't morons out there. We can surmise this wasn't for a 2lb. ham....but why is this stuff being paid for out of the Stimulus Bill? Sounds more like a Porkulas Bill...how exactly does this help stimulate the economy???
The "cost neutral" Government paid $1.50 lb....Food Lion posts cost at .79 Cents a LB......
Release No. 0322.09: "Response to Drudge Item on Recovery Act Funding
Statement from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack
'Through the Recovery Act, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has made $100 million available to the states for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), which acquires food that is distributed to local organizations that assist the needy – including food banks, food pantries, and soup kitchens."
The "cost neutral" Government paid $1.50 lb....Food Lion posts cost at .79 Cents a LB......
Release No. 0322.09: "Response to Drudge Item on Recovery Act Funding
Statement from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack
'Through the Recovery Act, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has made $100 million available to the states for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), which acquires food that is distributed to local organizations that assist the needy – including food banks, food pantries, and soup kitchens."
Liberal Lion in Winter
The American Spectator : Liberal Lion in Winter:
Forty years ago today, the world fixated upon Apollo 11's lunar landing. But in Massachusetts, an incident highlighting humanity's depths rather than its heights relegated one of the biggest stories of the 20th century to below the fold. 'Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, the only surviving brother in a family pursued by tragedy, narrowly escaped death early yesterday when his car plunged into a pond on a sparsely populated island off the coast of Martha's Vinyard,' read the lede in the July 20, 1969 Boston Globe."
Forty years ago today, the world fixated upon Apollo 11's lunar landing. But in Massachusetts, an incident highlighting humanity's depths rather than its heights relegated one of the biggest stories of the 20th century to below the fold. 'Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, the only surviving brother in a family pursued by tragedy, narrowly escaped death early yesterday when his car plunged into a pond on a sparsely populated island off the coast of Martha's Vinyard,' read the lede in the July 20, 1969 Boston Globe."
One-Way Free Speech
American Thinker: One-Way Free Speech:
On July 19th, a conference entitled 'The Fall of Capitalism and the Rise of Islam' took place as scheduled at the Hilton Hotel in Oak Lawn, Illinois, a Chicago suburb. There, in the heartland of a post 9/11 America, Hizb-ut Tahrir, an international organization outlawed as a terrorist group in several European and Middle East countries, sponsored sessions focusing on strategies to end free enterprise and replace it with Shari'ah law."
On July 19th, a conference entitled 'The Fall of Capitalism and the Rise of Islam' took place as scheduled at the Hilton Hotel in Oak Lawn, Illinois, a Chicago suburb. There, in the heartland of a post 9/11 America, Hizb-ut Tahrir, an international organization outlawed as a terrorist group in several European and Middle East countries, sponsored sessions focusing on strategies to end free enterprise and replace it with Shari'ah law."
Governors fear unfunded mandates in health care bill
American Thinker Blog: Governors fear unfunded mandates in health care bill:
Governors fear unfunded mandates in health care bill
The nation's governors, both Democratic and Republican, do not like what they see coming out of Washington in the health care bill.
One way the Democrats are going to pay for the monstrosity is by changing rules to shift costs of Medicaid to the states. As Kevin Sack and Robert Pear of the New York Times explain, this has engendered bi-partisan anger at the Democrat's attempt to place new burdens on states in the midst of a deep recession:"
Governors fear unfunded mandates in health care bill
The nation's governors, both Democratic and Republican, do not like what they see coming out of Washington in the health care bill.
One way the Democrats are going to pay for the monstrosity is by changing rules to shift costs of Medicaid to the states. As Kevin Sack and Robert Pear of the New York Times explain, this has engendered bi-partisan anger at the Democrat's attempt to place new burdens on states in the midst of a deep recession:"
Contracts - Recipient Summary | Recovery.gov
RECOVERY.ORG - Example #7 - $1,444,100 to "repair door'....I am not going to comment further....if this doesn't catch your attention...you DESERVE what you get....
Contracts - Recipient Summary | Recovery.gov: "Contracts - Recipient Summary
AFCO TECHNOLOGIES, INC
Clarification of Codes
Award Overview
Agency Name 57 Project Location DYESS AFB
Contract Number 0006 Project Location - State TX
Funding Amount $1,444,100 Project Location - Zip Code 79607-1581
Completion Date 2010-01-26 Congressional District TX-19
Recipient Information (Award)
Recipient Name AFCO TECHNOLOGIES, INC Recipient Address 1535 BRADY BLVD
Recipient City SAN ANTONIO Recipient State TEXAS
Recipient Zip Code 78237 Congressional District TEXAS-20
Description of Work/Service performed
REPAIR DOOR BLDG 5112"
Contracts - Recipient Summary | Recovery.gov: "Contracts - Recipient Summary
AFCO TECHNOLOGIES, INC
Clarification of Codes
Award Overview
Agency Name 57 Project Location DYESS AFB
Contract Number 0006 Project Location - State TX
Funding Amount $1,444,100 Project Location - Zip Code 79607-1581
Completion Date 2010-01-26 Congressional District TX-19
Recipient Information (Award)
Recipient Name AFCO TECHNOLOGIES, INC Recipient Address 1535 BRADY BLVD
Recipient City SAN ANTONIO Recipient State TEXAS
Recipient Zip Code 78237 Congressional District TEXAS-20
Description of Work/Service performed
REPAIR DOOR BLDG 5112"
Contracts - Recipient Summary | Recovery.gov
RECOVERY.ORG - Example #6 - well, at least give this company credit for calling it what it is....$16,784,272.00 for "canned pork"!!!!!
Contracts - Recipient Summary | Recovery.gov: "Contracts - Recipient Summary
LAKESIDE FOODS INC
Clarification of Codes
Award Overview
Agency Name Department of Agriculture Project Location PLAINVIEW
Contract Number AG3J14120297195 Project Location - State MN
Funding Amount $16,784,272 Project Location - Zip Code 55964-1059
Completion Date 2009-06-30 Congressional District MN-01
Recipient Information (Award)
Recipient Name LAKESIDE FOODS INC Recipient Address 808 HAMILTON ST
Recipient City MANITOWOC Recipient State WISCONSIN
Recipient Zip Code 54220-5326 Congressional District WISCONSIN-06
Description of Work/Service performed
CANNED PORK"
Contracts - Recipient Summary | Recovery.gov: "Contracts - Recipient Summary
LAKESIDE FOODS INC
Clarification of Codes
Award Overview
Agency Name Department of Agriculture Project Location PLAINVIEW
Contract Number AG3J14120297195 Project Location - State MN
Funding Amount $16,784,272 Project Location - Zip Code 55964-1059
Completion Date 2009-06-30 Congressional District MN-01
Recipient Information (Award)
Recipient Name LAKESIDE FOODS INC Recipient Address 808 HAMILTON ST
Recipient City MANITOWOC Recipient State WISCONSIN
Recipient Zip Code 54220-5326 Congressional District WISCONSIN-06
Description of Work/Service performed
CANNED PORK"
Contracts - Recipient Summary | Recovery.gov
RECOVERY.ORG - Example #5 - and remember - these are the same people who want YOU to do YOUR fair share....$5,708,260.00 for Processed cheese...
Contracts - Recipient Summary | Recovery.gov: "Contracts - Recipient Summary
BONGARDS' CREAMERIES
Clarification of Codes
Award Overview
Agency Name Department of Agriculture Project Location NORWOOD YOUNG AMERICA
Contract Number AGDPDVVDOC02502 Project Location - State MN
Funding Amount $5,708,260 Project Location - Zip Code 55368-9525
Completion Date 2009-08-31 Congressional District MN-02
Recipient Information (Award)
Recipient Name BONGARDS' CREAMERIES Recipient Address 13200 COUNTY RD 51
Recipient City NORWOOD Recipient State MINNESOTA
Recipient Zip Code 55368-9525 Congressional District MINNESOTA-02
Description of Work/Service performed
PROCESS CHEESE"
Contracts - Recipient Summary | Recovery.gov: "Contracts - Recipient Summary
BONGARDS' CREAMERIES
Clarification of Codes
Award Overview
Agency Name Department of Agriculture Project Location NORWOOD YOUNG AMERICA
Contract Number AGDPDVVDOC02502 Project Location - State MN
Funding Amount $5,708,260 Project Location - Zip Code 55368-9525
Completion Date 2009-08-31 Congressional District MN-02
Recipient Information (Award)
Recipient Name BONGARDS' CREAMERIES Recipient Address 13200 COUNTY RD 51
Recipient City NORWOOD Recipient State MINNESOTA
Recipient Zip Code 55368-9525 Congressional District MINNESOTA-02
Description of Work/Service performed
PROCESS CHEESE"
Contracts - Recipient Summary | Recovery.gov
RECOVERY.ORG - Example #4 - $1,562,568 for m0zzarella cheese!!!! Remember - these are the same people who say Cap and Trade won't hurt manufacturing in the US - but then go and create a new welfare bureau IN the Cap and Trade bill for all those in manufacturing DESTROYED by it's idiocy!
Contracts - Recipient Summary | Recovery.gov: "Contracts - Recipient Summary
MICELI DAIRY PRODUCTS COMPANY
Clarification of Codes
Award Overview
Agency Name Department of Agriculture Project Location CLEVELAND
Contract Number AGDPDVVDOC02503 Project Location - State OH
Funding Amount $1,562,568 Project Location - Zip Code 44101-3301
Completion Date 2009-08-31 Congressional District OH-11
Recipient Information (Award)
Recipient Name MICELI DAIRY PRODUCTS COMPANY Recipient Address 2721 E 90TH ST
Recipient City CLEVELAND Recipient State OHIO
Recipient Zip Code 44104-3301 Congressional District OHIO-11
Description of Work/Service performed
MOZZARELLA CHEESE"
Contracts - Recipient Summary | Recovery.gov: "Contracts - Recipient Summary
MICELI DAIRY PRODUCTS COMPANY
Clarification of Codes
Award Overview
Agency Name Department of Agriculture Project Location CLEVELAND
Contract Number AGDPDVVDOC02503 Project Location - State OH
Funding Amount $1,562,568 Project Location - Zip Code 44101-3301
Completion Date 2009-08-31 Congressional District OH-11
Recipient Information (Award)
Recipient Name MICELI DAIRY PRODUCTS COMPANY Recipient Address 2721 E 90TH ST
Recipient City CLEVELAND Recipient State OHIO
Recipient Zip Code 44104-3301 Congressional District OHIO-11
Description of Work/Service performed
MOZZARELLA CHEESE"
Contracts - Recipient Summary | Recovery.gov
RECOVERY.ORG - Example #3 - and remember - these are the same people who say Cap and Trade won't hurt us and Universal health Care will be cost neutral....HA!
Contracts - Recipient Summary | Recovery.gov: "Contracts - Recipient Summary
VETERANS CONTRACTING GROUP, INC.
Clarification of Codes
Award Overview
Agency Name Department of Veterans Affairs Project Location BROOKLYN
Contract Number VA243RA0565 Project Location - State NY
Funding Amount $351,807 Project Location - Zip Code 11209-1503
Completion Date 2010-03-25 Congressional District NY-08
Recipient Information (Award)
Recipient Name VETERANS CONTRACTING GROUP, INC. Recipient Address 526 FAYETTE AVE
Recipient City MAMARONECK Recipient State NEW YORK
Recipient Zip Code 10543-2212 Congressional District NEW YORK-18
Description of Work/Service performed
RECOVERY ACT-PROJECT 630A4-08-406, REPLACE AND UPGRADE THE DUMBWAITER"
Contracts - Recipient Summary | Recovery.gov: "Contracts - Recipient Summary
VETERANS CONTRACTING GROUP, INC.
Clarification of Codes
Award Overview
Agency Name Department of Veterans Affairs Project Location BROOKLYN
Contract Number VA243RA0565 Project Location - State NY
Funding Amount $351,807 Project Location - Zip Code 11209-1503
Completion Date 2010-03-25 Congressional District NY-08
Recipient Information (Award)
Recipient Name VETERANS CONTRACTING GROUP, INC. Recipient Address 526 FAYETTE AVE
Recipient City MAMARONECK Recipient State NEW YORK
Recipient Zip Code 10543-2212 Congressional District NEW YORK-18
Description of Work/Service performed
RECOVERY ACT-PROJECT 630A4-08-406, REPLACE AND UPGRADE THE DUMBWAITER"
Contracts - Recipient Summary | Recovery.gov
RECOVERY.ORG - Example #2 - and remember - these are the same people who say Cap and Trade won't hurt us and Universal health Care will be cost neutral....HA!
Contracts - Recipient Summary | Recovery.gov: "Contracts - Recipient Summary
CLOUGHERTY PACKING, LLC
Clarification of Codes
Award Overview
Agency Name Department of Agriculture Project Location LOS ANGELES
Contract Number AG3J14120297196 Project Location - State CA
Funding Amount $1,191,200 Project Location - Zip Code 90058-1800
Completion Date 2009-06-30 Congressional District CA-34
Recipient Information (Award)
Recipient Name CLOUGHERTY PACKING, LLC Recipient Address 3049 E VERNON AVE
Recipient City LOS ANGELES Recipient State CALIFORNIA
Recipient Zip Code 90058-1800 Congressional District CALIFORNIA-34
Description of Work/Service performed
2 POUND FROZEN HAM SLICED"
Contracts - Recipient Summary | Recovery.gov: "Contracts - Recipient Summary
CLOUGHERTY PACKING, LLC
Clarification of Codes
Award Overview
Agency Name Department of Agriculture Project Location LOS ANGELES
Contract Number AG3J14120297196 Project Location - State CA
Funding Amount $1,191,200 Project Location - Zip Code 90058-1800
Completion Date 2009-06-30 Congressional District CA-34
Recipient Information (Award)
Recipient Name CLOUGHERTY PACKING, LLC Recipient Address 3049 E VERNON AVE
Recipient City LOS ANGELES Recipient State CALIFORNIA
Recipient Zip Code 90058-1800 Congressional District CALIFORNIA-34
Description of Work/Service performed
2 POUND FROZEN HAM SLICED"
Contracts - Recipient Summary | Recovery.gov
RECOVERY.ORG - Example #1 - and remember - these are the same people who say Cap and Trade won't hurt us and Universal health Care will be cost neutral....HA!
Contracts - Recipient Summary | Recovery.gov: "Contracts - Recipient Summary
CLOUGHERTY PACKING, LLC
Clarification of Codes
Award Overview
Agency Name Department of Agriculture Project Location LOS ANGELES
Contract Number AG3J14120297210 Project Location - State CA
Funding Amount $2,531,600 Project Location - Zip Code 90058-1800
Completion Date 2009-09-30 Congressional District CA-34
Recipient Information (Award)
Recipient Name CLOUGHERTY PACKING, LLC Recipient Address 3049 E VERNON AVE
Recipient City LOS ANGELES Recipient State CALIFORNIA
Recipient Zip Code 90058-1800 Congressional District CALIFORNIA-34
Description of Work/Service performed
HAM, WATER ADDED, COOKED, FROZEN, SLICED, 2-LB"
Contracts - Recipient Summary | Recovery.gov: "Contracts - Recipient Summary
CLOUGHERTY PACKING, LLC
Clarification of Codes
Award Overview
Agency Name Department of Agriculture Project Location LOS ANGELES
Contract Number AG3J14120297210 Project Location - State CA
Funding Amount $2,531,600 Project Location - Zip Code 90058-1800
Completion Date 2009-09-30 Congressional District CA-34
Recipient Information (Award)
Recipient Name CLOUGHERTY PACKING, LLC Recipient Address 3049 E VERNON AVE
Recipient City LOS ANGELES Recipient State CALIFORNIA
Recipient Zip Code 90058-1800 Congressional District CALIFORNIA-34
Description of Work/Service performed
HAM, WATER ADDED, COOKED, FROZEN, SLICED, 2-LB"
Sotomayor on self-defense
Sotomayor on self-defense: "The most interesting exchange thus far occurred when Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., asked Sotomayor about a 2004 opinion, which she signed, that found that 'the right to possess a gun is clearly not a fundamental right.'
Coburn wondered how courts cannot see the explicitly stated Second Amendment 'right to keep and bear arms' as fundamental, yet can hold as fundamental the unexpressed right to privacy. Sotomayor answered: 'Is there a constitutional right to self-defense? And I can't think of one. I could be wrong, but I can't think of one.'"
Coburn wondered how courts cannot see the explicitly stated Second Amendment 'right to keep and bear arms' as fundamental, yet can hold as fundamental the unexpressed right to privacy. Sotomayor answered: 'Is there a constitutional right to self-defense? And I can't think of one. I could be wrong, but I can't think of one.'"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
