Write your Congressmen

Monday, June 29, 2009

What won't the White House Control?

WH announces new lighting standards - Washington Times:
"WASHINGTON (AP) -- Aiming to keep the focus on climate change legislation, President Barack Obama put a plug in for administration efforts to make lamps and lighting equipment use less energy."

Friday, June 26, 2009

"Transparency"

I was thinking about the Democrats claims to be making toward so-called Open government, and the promises made by Obama in particular. But then it hit me:

How many times does something happen in Congress, like a law passed or a tax raised or an official appointed or confirmed, that we didn't know about? For example, in the smoke concerning Michael Jackson's death, I missed the confirmation review of the new FCC Chairman.

I just wish the US government would spend as much time and money informing citizens about such important developments as they did on the digital TV switchover.

I guess it all depends on what one values.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

ObamaCare: Hypocrisy

Not only are Obama and the Dems trying to tax your current healthcare, he wants to reshape US healthcare for everyone - except himself and his family. The exchange below took place on June 24, 2009, at the ABC lovefest (AKA "Town Hall Meeting") designed to promote their ObamaCare agenda:

Obama Not Closing Door on Possible Health Tax - Political News - FOXNews.com:
"Dr. Orrin Devinsky, a neurologist at the New York University Langone Medical Center, challenged Obama: What if the president's wife and daughters got sick? Would Obama promise that they would get only the services allowed under a new government insurance plan he's proposing?

Obama wouldn't bite.

'If 'it's my family member, if it's my wife, if it's my children, if it's my grandmother, I always want them to get the very best care,' Obama said."
You gotta revel in the bald-faced shamelessness of this guy. Let's hope it backfires. If Americans have any brains - and I'm not saying we do - it should.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Five Reasons “Cash for Clunkers” is a Joke

Five Reasons “Cash for Clunkers” is a Joke - Car News/Latest News & Reviews/Car Shopping/Hot Lists/Reviews/Car and Driver - Car And Driver:
"5) Besides cleansing the U.S. of gas-guzzling pigs, the other supposed benefit of the CFC program is to provide a short-term boost to the starving auto business. However, we hope these legislators don’t expect it to meaningfully help the domestic automakers. Many of the automobiles with fuel-economy ratings high enough to qualify for the vouchers come from Japan and Korea.

On the bright side, the cost to taxpayers will be minimal when no one actually participates."

Banning the Whitting knife

I want to know what problem is being addressed by this law. Or are the liberals just "suspecting" that law abiding dudes might hurt themselves or others with such "dangerous weapons?"

There are always unintended consequences. One of which from the existing ban is that thugs no longer carry switchblades like those made illegal in 1958; they now carry guns. I expect the problem of illegal firearms to worsen if this goes into effect.

Maybe kids carrying guns is a better use of effort than banning a tool many of us use daily (I do).

Bid to expand knife ban doesn't cut it with critics - Washington Times:
"The Obama administration wants to expand the 50-year-old ban on importing "switchblades" to include folding knives that can be opened with one hand, stirring fears the government may on the path to outlawing most pocket knives.

Critics, including U.S. knife manufacturers and collectors, the National Rifle Association, sportsmen's groups and a bipartisan group of lawmakers on Capitol Hill, say the rule change proposed by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) would rewrite U.S. law defining what constitutes a switchblade and potentially make de facto criminals of the estimated 35 million Americans who use folding knives.

'Boy Scout knives, Swiss Army knives - the most basic of knives can be opened one-handed if you know what you are doing,' said Doug Ritter, executive director of Knife Rights, an advocacy group fighting to defeat the measure.

'The outrage is gaining steam,' he said."

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Defending the Democratic Health Reform?

I'm watching Joe Stesak (D PA) try to defend the Democratic plan to tax healthcare benefits so as to pay for the "uninsured." He explains that even though 47 million people are "uninsured," that they do in fact receive care. It's just who pays for it. Right now, he says, we all pay through increased insurance fees. But if the uninsured are poor and can't pay for their new, government-required health insurance, don't we pay anyway, through taxes? When questioned about the apparent cost parallel between what happens now and the Dem's plan, Stesak went on to say that this was about overtness; that rather than pay for the uninsured in a backhanded manner, that we should just pay upfront and in the open.

Well talk about backhanded. While listening to Slesak, it occurred to me: this has nothing to do with insuring the uninsured. Stesak himself says that the uninsured do get care when they wander into a hospital. In fact, federal law says that no hospital can turn away a sick individual for any reason. This really has to do with government expansion and control. If the government, particularly the Democrats, can get their hands on the wheel of this, think what they can direct. Just like every government plan that came out of a Democratic congress.

Most import in this debate is the revelation that the Democrats not only want forced health insurance provided by employers, but they want that taxed, too. That's right: expand the base of people with required health insurance, and then tax that, thereby expanding the tax base and the tax rate.

I have to hand it to the Dems; they're slick. But in the interests of "transparency and "overtness," should they just say, "We want all your money so we can decide what's proper for you to do. Don't be alarmed. This will be good for you. We promise."

Sunday, June 21, 2009

The thing about economic downturns...


It's all about perception driving reality. If we perceive that things will get bad, then we take steps to ensure that it does.

There's no question that the economic troubles are real, but for example, look at the banking industry:

An economist tells them to be careful, because an economic downturn is coming. They are then very careful, and slow giving out credit that is needed by both consumers and businesses; in turn, the machine slows down. The news media picks up news of "the coming" recession, consumers freak out and stop buying things, and the whole economy locks up.

It was all caused by someone thinking that things were so good, they had to get bad. Remember all the talk about the "bubble?" Quite an irony in that.

No one has yet explained why there can't just be sustained growth.

Perhaps we should let control of economies be handled the cold and ruthless. No, not the Democrats, but rather by computers. Like Democrats, they have no heart, but but unlike the Dems, they use cold, hard logic. Especially, they have no fear for reelection . We should program the computers for growth and wealth, and then lock them down and let them do their thing. Congress can become the sideshow that it really is. We'd never have another recession. Just growth.

Humans are always the problem, especially to ourselves. It seems we'll never learn that lesson.

Sci Fi movies like The Terminator always show a bleak picture of humanity dominated by robots bent on quashing human existence, but I'm not so sure. I'd bet anything The Terminator could run the economy a hell of a lot better than Obama, Geithner and the rest have done.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Do as I say, Not as I do

It turns out that about a third of the thousands of cars purchased by the federal government are made outside of the USA. Additionally, most them have pretty bad mileage numbers, too. Read below:

TTAC FOIA Request Reveals Fuel Efficient Fleet Buy Breakdown | The Truth About Cars:
"After the GSA and Nancy Pelosi’s office turned down TTAC’s request for a breakdown of the vehicles purchased under the Recovery Act’s Energy-Efficient Federal Motor Vehicle Fleet Procurement program, we went all FOIA. The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has now released the info to us (as it should, transparency for the program is promised here). We’ve published the list after the jump, formatting the data by model, number purchased, country of assembly and fuel economy. Exactly 11,319 of the 17,205 vehicles purchased were assembled in the USA. [NB: I've provided fuel economy numbers for base versions with automatic transmissions, as per typical fleet practice.]


Make/Model

Number Purchased

Country Of Assembly

Fuel Economy (City/Hwy)










Ford Focus

4186

USA

24/33










Chevrolet HHR

2067

Mexico

19/29










Dodge Caravan

1658

Canada

16/23










Jeep Patriot

1275

USA

23/27










Chevrolet Impala

1211

Canada

18/29










Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid

1150

USA

26/34










Ford Escape Hybrid

1000

USA

34/31










Ford F150

930

USA

14/19










Pontiac G6

917

USA

22/30










Ford Ranger

908

USA

19/24










Ford Fusion Hybrid

900

Mexico

41/36










Chevrolet Silverado

600

USA

15/20










Chevrolet Colorado

353

USA

18/24










Saturn Vue Hybrid

50

Mexico

25/32





















































































































































































Friday, June 19, 2009

Obama 'Very Concerned' About Iran Leader's Threat to Crack Down on Protesters - Political News - FOXNews.com

Obama 'Very Concerned' About Iran Leader's Threat to Crack Down on Protesters - Political News - FOXNews.com:
"'This is a debate among Iranians about Iran,' a senior [White House] official said."

The only problem with that approach is that it determines with whom Obama will "discourse."

If you recall, Obama said he wanted to open dialog with Iran. But should he still talk with the head of a government that is not of the people; one that, in fact, suppressed their will, stole their "free" election, and installed a president that they do not want, but suits the needs of a radical few in Iran?

I think the answer is clear. And if Obama goes ahead with his "talks," then he validates the stealing of the election and the rogue government. And we can expect nothing but bad news from that.

We deserve a bad outcome from that, because we're supposed to support freedom in the world, but we don't. Reap what you sow, baby.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Sound fair? You decide.

Jury orders music swapper to pay $1.92M:
"IDG News Service - A woman who won a retrial after a $220,000 verdict against her for sharing music files has now been ordered to pay $1.92 million by a jury in Minnesota.

In 2007, when she lost the original suit, Jammie Thomas-Rasset was one of the first people to receive a guilty verdict in a case backed by the Recording Industry Association of America, which has filed more than 20,000 lawsuits against people in a bid to stop online music trading and copyright infringement.

On Thursday, a jury ordered her to pay $80,000 for each of the 24 songs she is accused of illegally trading over the Kazaa Internet service. The jury could have ordered her to pay between $750 and $150,000 per song"

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Here's a must-read!

Below is a letter written to Glenn Beck by a viewer. The writer is a grandmother, and this letter is really a pip. Right up there with Ben Franklin, et.al. If it stirs you, you can sign your name in agreement at glennbeck.com. FYI: As of this writing, there are so many people trying to sign the petition that the servers have shut down. But keep trying.

» An Open Letter to Our Nation’s Leadership The Glenn Beck Blog « FOXNews.com:

I am Janet Contreras, a concerned, home-grown American citizen. I am 53, and I have been a registered Democrat all of my adult life. Before the last Presidential election, I registered Republican because I no longer feel the Democratic Party represents my views or works to pursue issues important to me. I now no longer feel the Republican Party represents my views or works to pursue issues important to me. The fact is I no longer feel any political party or representative in Washington represents my views or works to pursue issues important to me.

There must be someone, please tell me who you are. Please stand up and tell me you are there and are willing to fight for our Constitution as it was written. Please do it now.

You might ask yourselves what my views and issues are that I would feel so horribly disenfranchised by both major political parties. What kind of nut job am I? Will you please tell me? These are briefly my views and issues for which I seek representation:

* Illegal Immigration—I want you to stop coddling illegal immigrants and secure our borders. Close the underground tunnels. Stop the violence and trafficking in drugs and people. No amnesty, not again. Been there, done that, no resolution. P.S. I am not a racist. This not to be confused with legal immigration.

* TARP Bill—I want it repealed and no further funding supplied to it. We told you “NO!” but you did it anyway. I want the remaining unfunded 95% repealed. Freeze! Repeal!

* Czars—I want the circumvention of our checks and balances stopped immediately. Fire the Czars. No more Czars. Government officials answer to the process not the President. Stop trampling on our Constitution and honor it.

* Cap & Trade—the debate on global warming is NOT over, there IS more to say.

* Universal Health Care—I will not be rushed into another expensive decision. Don’t you dare pass this in the middle of the night and then go on break. Slow down!

* Growing Government Control—I want states rights and sovereignty fully restored. I want less government in my life, not more. Shrink it down. Please mind your own business; you have enough to do with your REAL obligations. Let’s start there.

* ACORN—I do not want ACORN or its affiliates in charge of our 2010 census. I want them investigated. I also do not want mandatory escrow fees contributed to them on every real estate deal that closes. Stop all funding to ACORN and its affiliates pending impartial audit and investigation. I do not trust them with the taking of the census or with taxpayer money. Face up to the allegations against them and get it resolved before the taxpayers get any further involved with them. It walks like a duck and talks like a duck—hello… stop protecting political buddies. You work for the people. Investigate.

* Redistribution of Wealth—No. If I work for it, it is mine. I have always worked for people with more money than I have because they gave me jobs. That is the only redistribution of wealth I support. I never got a job from a poor person. Why do want me to hate my employers? What do your have against shareholders making a profit?

* Charitable Contributions—although I never got a job from a poor person, I have helped many in need. Charity belongs in our local communities where we know our needs best and can use local talent and resources. Butt out, please. We want to do this ourselves.

* Corporate Bail Outs—knock it off! Sink or swim like the rest of us. If there are hard times ahead, we will be better off just getting to it and letting the strong survive. Quick and painful, like ripping off a band aid. We will pull together. Great things happen in America under great hardship. Give us a chance to innovate. We cannot disappoint you more than you have disappointed us.

* Transparency and Accountability—how about it? No really, let’s have it. Let’s say we give the “buzz” words a rest and have some straight, honest talk. Please stop trying to manipulate and appease me with cleaver wording. I am not the idiot you obviously take me for. Stop sneaking around meeting in back rooms making deals with your friends. It will only be a prelude to your criminal investigation. Stop hiding things from me.

* Unprecedented Quick Spending—stop it, now. Take a breath. Listen to “The People.”

Let’s just slow down and get some more input from some “non-politicians” on the subject. Stop making everything an emergency. Stop speed reading our bills into law.

I am not an activist. I am not a community organizer. Nor am I a terrorist, a militant nor a violent person. I am a mother and grandmother. I am a working woman. I am busy, busy, busy and tired, tired, tired. I thought we elected competent people to take care of the business of government so that we could work, raise our families, pay our bills, have a little recreation, complain about taxes, endure our hardships, pursue our personal goals, cut our lawns and wash our cars on weekends, and be responsible, contributing members of society and teach our children to be the same, all the while living in the home of the free and land of the brave.

I entrusted you with upholding our Constitution and believed in the checks and balances to keep you from getting too far off course. What happened? You are very far off course. Do you really think that I find humor in hiring a speed reader to unintelligibly ramble through a bill you signed into law without knowing what it contained? I do not! It is a mockery of the responsibility I have entrusted to you. It is a slap in the face! I am not laughing—the arrogance!

Why is it that I feel as if you would not trust me to make a single decision about my own life and how I would live it, but you expect that I should trust you with the debt that you have laid on all of us and our children? We did not want that TARP bill. We said “NO!” We would repeal it if we could. I am not sure that we still cannot. There is such urgency and recklessness in all the recent spending. From my perspective, it seems that you have all gone insane.

I also know that I am far from alone in these feelings. Do you honestly feel that your current pursuits have merit to patriotic Americans? We want it to stop. We want to put the brakes on everything that is being rushed by us and forced upon us. We want our voice back!

You have forced us to put our lives on hold to straighten out the mess you are making. We will have to give up our vacations, our time spent with our children, any relaxation time we may have had and money we cannot afford to spend on you to bring our concerns to Washington.



McCain Faults Obama for Cautious Response to Disputed Outcome of Iran's Election

McCain Faults Obama for Cautious Response to Disputed Outcome of Iran's Election - Political News - FOXNews.com:
McCain also reacted to Obama's assertion Tuesday that there wasn't much difference between Mousavi and President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

"So let's not take the side necessarily of the protesters, " McCain said. "...the fact is we should be on the side of a free and fair election, and not be in favor of an oppressive brutal government.'"

Obama to give benefits to gay feds' partners

Obama to give benefits to gay feds' partners - Washington Times:
"President Obama will sign an executive order Wednesday extending health care and other benefits to the partners of gay federal workers."
So, if the Feds extend benefits to unmarried partners, don't they have to do that with heterosexuals, too? Anything less would be discrimination. Oh, how this president can open a can of worms, because you know he'll now get the government sued over it.

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Throwing out the baby...

We have a president and congress hell-bent on remaking the entire American health care system. But is that necessary? Do they know what's broken? Is the system even in need of overhaul?

America has the best physicians and medicine the world has ever known. Sick people are treated rapidly (much faster than in other countries with socialized medicine), with medicines and cures that are the best available. So why should we monkey with that?

Because the lower classes - from where the Democrats get their votes - think so.

Taking out the argument that the lower classes are notorious for not taking care of themselves, thereby requiring much more expensive procedures to fix the worsening diseases that ail them, Who should pay?

Payment is at the heart of the argument. It's not whether we have a good health care system or not. We do. It's who will pay for people who either can't or won't.

There are apparently a lot of people unaware that America already has a version of socialized medicine; we actually have two of them. To review, the system is designed to pay for medical treatment of the sick who can't pay. It's called MedicAid. There's a like system for the elderly and those on Social Security; it's called MediCare. So what's the beef? The problem is that these government-run systems are a mess, don't work all the time, and never pay for the entirety of the treatment.

So there is the problem: the US government-run systems. But in keeping with the things that Congress likes to do, they want to fix the aspect of the healthcare system that's not broken, maybe to keep it inline with the disaster that is the government-run systems now. If we make the entire system government-run, expect the entire US health care system to function like MediCare, namely, that Michael Moore gets his wish, and the Cuban healthcare system will then actually be better than that in the US.

So the solution is rather quite a bit smaller than that attempted by the Democrats: Let's fix the government-run systems like MedicAid and MediCare, and leave private medicine alone.

A Commment from the Health care Debate

Health plan would tax medical benefits - Washington Times:
"ENOUGH ALREADY! All concerned Americans must become proactive immediately to avoid what is fast becoming irreparable damage to our great country. We cannot and must not wait until November of 2010 to correct this rapid slide into big Government socialism and bankruptcy. What can be done about this? One solution that could be initiated now is to create a nationwide grass roots movement to start recall petitions for those Senators and Congressman that are in lockstep with the insane policy decisions of this administration. This may not be as difficult as it sounds. Consider the fact that many Senators and Congressmen are from states/districts where their constituents are very unhappy with the paths being taken by Obama. Many of these constituents were moderate independent voters that got “taken in” by Obama’s teleprompter speeches and are now completely disillusioned and dismayed by the rapid pace with which he is dismantling and bankrupting the country. I urge all of the hundreds of thousands of concerned and patriotic Americans who attended and supported the nationwide tea parties to go one step further and initiate recall petitions for the Senators and Congressmen in their state/districts that are blindly following and supporting Obama in this path to destruction. This can be done if everyone works together. We cannot wait until November 2010 because that may be too late. Readers, please pass this idea along to all who share the same concerns in every state."

Health plan would tax medical benefits

Health plan would tax medical benefits - Washington Times:
"Congressional leaders searching for ways to fund an overhaul of the nation's health care system are prepared to tax for the first time employer-provided medical benefits, an idea once opposed by President Obama that is now getting support from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle."

Friday, June 12, 2009

in principle

"When a man says he approves of something in principle, it means he hasn't the slightest intention of putting it into practice."
- Otto von Bismarck

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Is Letterman Guilty of Child Abuse?

Whether or not one thinks that Palin is good or bad, whether or not one thinks that Letterman is funny, all have to agree that minor children of politicians are out-of-bounds when it comes to political sarcasm and commentary. David Letterman apparently missed that memo.

My thought is whether or not his comments are actionable - criminally or civilly - to make such public comments about any minor child. What will Willow think? What will she have to endure now after she gets home and has to deal with any backlash from her friends? She has now been defamed in the most offensive of ways.

So I think that in the absence of any comment and apology from Letterman, the State of New York should look at criminal charges against him for possible damage to this minor.

What a lousy excuse for a human is Letterman.

David Letterman Slammed For Sex Jokes About Palin's Teen Daughter - Celebrity Gossip | Entertainment News | Arts And Entertainment - FOXNews.com

Letterman, in his monologue Tuesday night, noted that the 2008 Republican vice presidential candidate attended a Yankees game during a trip to New York City, where she was honored by a special needs group. Letterman referred to Palin, Alaska's governor, as having the style of a "slutty flight attendant."

The "Late Show" host also took a shot Palin's daughter, while poking fun at the Yankees' third baseman.

"One awkward moment for Sarah Palin at the Yankee game," Letterman said, "during the seventh inning, her daughter was knocked up by Alex Rodriguez."

The backlash was almost immediate, with Palin's supporters denouncing the CBS host for making jokes that many said were sexist and for what they called an unfair attack on the governor and her family.

"I think that calling the former vice presidential candidate a slut or saying that her daughter was knocked up by Alex Rodriguez, I think everyone can agree that’s over the line," Washington Examiner correspondent Byron York told FOX News’ Greta Von Susteren.

But an even more disturbing fact... was that the daughter who accompanied Palin on her trip to New York was 14-year-old Willow — not 18-year-old Bristol, the unwed mother of Palin's first grandchild.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

'Them Jews' Won't Let Obama Talk to Him

Rev. Wright Says 'Them Jews' Won't Let Obama Talk to Him - Political News - FOXNews.com:
"'Them Jews aren't going to let him talk to me. I told my baby daughter, that he'll talk to me in five years when he's a lame duck, or in eight years when he's out of office,' Wright said, according to Virginia's Daily Press. 'They will not let him ... talk to somebody who calls a spade what it is.'"

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Supreme Court Asked To Block Chrysler Sale - CBS News

Supreme Court Asked To Block Chrysler Sale - CBS News:
"The Indiana State Police Pension Fund, the Indiana Teacher's Retirement Fund and the state's Major Moves Construction Fund claim the deal unfairly favors the interests of the company's unsecured stakeholders ahead of those of secured debtholders such as themselves.

The funds also challenged the constitutionality of the Treasury Department's use of Troubled Asset Relief Program, or TARP, funds to supply Chrysler's bankruptcy protection financing. They say the Treasury did so without congressional authority.

The government-sponsored reorganization of the U.S. auto industry, including the Chrysler bankruptcy proceedings, 'is a matter of incredibly high profile and importance,' the funds said in their request to the high court. 'The public is watching and needs to see that, particularly when the system is under stress, the rule of law will be honored and an independent judiciary will properly scrutinize the actions of the massively powerful executive branch.'"

U.S. Pushed Fiat Deal on Chrysler - WSJ.com

U.S. Pushed Fiat Deal on Chrysler - WSJ.com:
"WASHINGTON -- The Obama administration rushed an alliance between Chrysler LLC and Fiat SpA despite Chrysler's worries about Fiat's financial health and its willingness to share technology, according to internal company emails.

The emails show Fiat ignoring requests for documents and trying to change contract terms late in the talks. A Chrysler adviser at one point said the deal risked looking as if the U.S. auto maker and the Treasury Department, which helped broker the pact, were 'in bed with a shady partner.' In another note, an official referred to the Treasury Department as 'God.'"

Friday, June 5, 2009

Microsoft vs Obama, For the People and Jobs

Microsoft: Obama's tax plan may hurt U.S. jobs | Politics and Law - CNET News:
"Ballmer said Wednesday that if Congress enacts President Obama's plans to impose higher corporate taxes, a sensible thing for Microsoft to do would be to move jobs offshore.

'It makes U.S. jobs more expensive,' Ballmer said, according to Bloomberg News. 'We're better off taking lots of people and moving them out of the U.S. as opposed to keeping them inside the U.S.'

Last month, the president announced a plan to rewrite tax law by preventing U.S.-based multinational companies from 'deferring' and keeping profits offshore, which can lower their tax bills.

The current U.S. corporate tax system is unusual because it taxes income that Microsoft and other companies make in other countries, even if they already paid foreign taxes on that income. That makes U.S.-based companies less competitive than, say, Irish firms that don't pay taxes on foreign income and aren't hit by double taxation; deferred taxation is a way to lessen the sting.

If deferred taxation is eliminated, it becomes more tempting for a company to move its headquarters from Seattle to Dublin. That's voting with your feet.

That's why business groups have opposed the president's plan. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce says it will "impede growth in the U.S. economy, (and) cause the loss of jobs." The National Foreign Trade Council called it "counterproductive."

Microsoft says it employs about 95,000 people worldwide, and about 56,500 in the United States.

Thursday, June 4, 2009

The Federal Funding Tree

Explore Howard: $40 million in earmarks sought for county:
"These federal funds take the burden off local taxpayers."
- Barbara Mikulski, US Senator, Maryland.
But aren't those funds from all the taxpayers, including the local ones?

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

The dream of democracy

The whole dream of democracy is to raise the proletarian to the level of stupidity attained by the bourgeois.
- Gustave Flaubert