Hope you all enjoy the Easter Holidays. Be back soon.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Moving The Needle
It doesn't take a Harvard Ph.D to figure out why in the last 149 years, ever since Republican Abraham Lincoln was president, that America has trusted a Democrat to run the country only one third of that time; It's just too costly. 19 Republican presidents have sat in the White House for 91 of those 149 years. Only 10 Democrats have occupied the oval office in the remaining 58 years, and the multi-term duo of FDR and Harry Truman, whose combined 20 years in office skews even those numbers. Inch by inch, step by step, though the country moves ever closer to the progressives dream for the government to take care of everything, for everyone, cradle to grave.
Medicare and Social Security have become staples of American society. Even though they're close to insolvency. Job placement, and training, until the '60's, was handled mostly by the private sector. Now it's become an administrative nightmare of federal regulations, delivered mostly by the states, with horrible results. Same with k-12 education. Although American higher ed may be the best in the world, the typical four-year degree now takes five, six, or even seven years to complete. Why? Mostly due to federal involvement. When the feds started backing student loans, tuition began to skyrocket. It will get even worse now. With the passage of Obamacare, the federal government has taken over the student loan business entirely, pushing out the private sector, while removing most penalties and interest for non-payment.
Of course the latest government takeover is Obamacare. Believe what you wish, but the end result of nationalized medicine will lead to higher costs and more regulation, along with diminished and less effective care. For proof, look to the countries that have already passed it. I heard on the radio the other day a story about a women who makes a living arranging medical trips to the U. S. for wealthy foreigners. Business is booming. Medical care as an export. Wait until Obamacare is fully implemented. In another decade, wealthy Americans will be following their expatriated doctors to offshore facilities where they will be able to bypass the the byzantine medical monopoly run by Uncle Sam. Here at home, the less fortunate will face poor and rundown medical facilities with equally dismal results. But they'll learn to live with that disappointment. Just like they've learned to live with government run public schools, government run job training, government run automobile companies, government run banks, government run.........
Medicare and Social Security have become staples of American society. Even though they're close to insolvency. Job placement, and training, until the '60's, was handled mostly by the private sector. Now it's become an administrative nightmare of federal regulations, delivered mostly by the states, with horrible results. Same with k-12 education. Although American higher ed may be the best in the world, the typical four-year degree now takes five, six, or even seven years to complete. Why? Mostly due to federal involvement. When the feds started backing student loans, tuition began to skyrocket. It will get even worse now. With the passage of Obamacare, the federal government has taken over the student loan business entirely, pushing out the private sector, while removing most penalties and interest for non-payment.
Of course the latest government takeover is Obamacare. Believe what you wish, but the end result of nationalized medicine will lead to higher costs and more regulation, along with diminished and less effective care. For proof, look to the countries that have already passed it. I heard on the radio the other day a story about a women who makes a living arranging medical trips to the U. S. for wealthy foreigners. Business is booming. Medical care as an export. Wait until Obamacare is fully implemented. In another decade, wealthy Americans will be following their expatriated doctors to offshore facilities where they will be able to bypass the the byzantine medical monopoly run by Uncle Sam. Here at home, the less fortunate will face poor and rundown medical facilities with equally dismal results. But they'll learn to live with that disappointment. Just like they've learned to live with government run public schools, government run job training, government run automobile companies, government run banks, government run.........
Friday, March 26, 2010
Thank You Sir, May I Have Another
The Democrats are celebrating their passage (cramming down our throats) of Obamacare, while simultaneously thumbing their nose at the American people. With their "we know what's best for you" attitude, who knows what kind of crap they'll subject us to next. The conventional wisdom points to immigration reform where the Democrats will be able to nationalize tens of millions of illegal immigrants through amnesty thereby further increasing support for, and the expansion of, already runaway entitlement programs including Obamacare. Or maybe we'll get cap and trade that will send gas prices soaring. Or how about expanding the number and size of employee unions through card check. Don't forget climate warming. That is if you can find your car, buried under all that snow brought about by climate warming. Whatever they have planned, you can darn well be sure that it won't be helpful to our economy, won't stop the insanity of reckless and unabated spending, or create very many private sector jobs. What any of these things can and will do however is create more government bureaucracy, add further to our nations' soaring and suffocating deficits, and to cement the progressives stranglehold on American freedom and liberty.
Middle-East Side Story
Saif al Islam al Gadhafi, the second eldest son of Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi, just convinced his dad to let several hundred members of the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group out of prison in Libya. Why? So they can fight their rival jihadists who are members of al Qaeda. This Libyan Sharks vs. Jets remake is designed to thwart the growing popularity of al Qaeda and at the same time offer a Bronx cheer to Osama bin Laden. "This was a big event," says Noman Benotman, a former commander in the LIFG. "Al Qaeda leaders will not be happy about this."
Apparently, for years, ever since the two groups fought side-by-side (with American help) against the Russians in Afghanistan, the two groups have gone their separate ways. One turned their attention to us infidels in the U. S., while LIFG fought the Gadhafi regime in armed conflict. The leaders of both groups used to be very close. As a matter of fact, Al Saadi, the LIFG's religious guide, was a close confidant of both OBL and his second lieutenant Ayman al Zawahiri. Mullar Omar, the Taliban leader, once viewed Al Saadi, and not OBL, as "the emir of the Arabs."
Counterterrorism experts believe this new development could prove to be an extremely useful tool against al Qaeda. A 417 -page religious document, "Corrective Studies," issued by LIFG, repudiates al Qaeda's ideology. In essence a new code for jihad. It states, "Jihad has ethics and morals because it is for God. That means it is forbidden to kill women, children, elderly people, priests, messengers, traders and the like. Betrayal is prohibited, and it is vital to keep promises and treat prisoners of war in a good way. Standing by those ethics is what distinguishes Muslims' jihad from the war of other nations." Indeed. Take that al Qaeda.
Apparently, for years, ever since the two groups fought side-by-side (with American help) against the Russians in Afghanistan, the two groups have gone their separate ways. One turned their attention to us infidels in the U. S., while LIFG fought the Gadhafi regime in armed conflict. The leaders of both groups used to be very close. As a matter of fact, Al Saadi, the LIFG's religious guide, was a close confidant of both OBL and his second lieutenant Ayman al Zawahiri. Mullar Omar, the Taliban leader, once viewed Al Saadi, and not OBL, as "the emir of the Arabs."
Counterterrorism experts believe this new development could prove to be an extremely useful tool against al Qaeda. A 417 -page religious document, "Corrective Studies," issued by LIFG, repudiates al Qaeda's ideology. In essence a new code for jihad. It states, "Jihad has ethics and morals because it is for God. That means it is forbidden to kill women, children, elderly people, priests, messengers, traders and the like. Betrayal is prohibited, and it is vital to keep promises and treat prisoners of war in a good way. Standing by those ethics is what distinguishes Muslims' jihad from the war of other nations." Indeed. Take that al Qaeda.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Preserving Stupidity
This house is one of hundreds that the City of Saginaw wants to clear away with the help of $17.4 million in Obamacash. Trouble is, this property is located within a formerly fashionable neighborhood which has long since fallen into ruin but still remains on a list of historic significance. 19th century homes have become 21st century crack houses. In 2004, the city first requested permission from the State Historic Preservation Office to demolish this structure along with 40 others. Six years later, this property and 30 more still pose a serious danger to area residents because the city cannot convince the preservationists that this house appeals to no one but druggies and prostitutes.
This story caught my eye not only for it's message of misaligned priorities and bumbling bureaucrats, but the inherent trouble that's always prevalent when dealing with government agencies and programs. Several years ago, well-meaning citizens in search of loose and unregulated government change, appealed to well-meaning government bureaucrats for some extra dough to fix up rundown neighborhoods. These places were special because rich people used to live there they claimed. But like everything else that the government subsidizes, after their money had replaced any private investment, and well-meaning people lose interest, the government takes ownership of the remains. I need the governments help and permission to fix my place up.....I need more government money, and again their permission, to tear my place down. The cycle continues.
I know I'm just whistling in the dark here, since the Democrats have just further exploded our nation's debt with Obamacare, but please let's stop the insanity. Let's turn things back around and make personal responsibility and homegrown solutions our path to progress. Let's end the practice of seeking permission and answers from outside our own communities. We know what's best for us so let's start demonstrating it.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Meathead
Michigan's governor Jennifer Granholm has proclaimed Saturday, March 20th, as "Michigan Meatout Day." The governor urges us all to eat a "plant-based" diet which would presumably be better for us and supposedly keep us safe from infectious pathogens like E. coli, salmonella, and something called campylobacter. Sounds pretty icky. Included in her proclamation is a plug for the "vegan" or vegetarian lifestyle which she promotes as superior to America's meat-based diet, proudly passed down to us from our knuckle-dragging forbearers. This would all be very PC and harmless if it weren't for the fact that encouraging residents to not eat meat is a direct rebuke to our state's many livestock and dairy farmers.
Michigan's agriculture industry is $71 billion behemoth. Next to our anemic automobile manufacturing business, Michigan farmers are responsible for generating and maintaining our state's second largest purveyor of profits. So you better think twice before dissing a large portion of that economic engine of success. Even more disturbing then the proclamation itself, according to the Michigan Farm Bureau, "is the Governor's nerve to declare Michigan Meatout Day on the same day as National Agriculture Day." As Republican candidate for Saginaw County commissioner, farmer Ben Ritter said, "This is a nice way for the Democrats to end Michigan Agriculture Week." As Ben rightly points out, former governor John Engler proclaimed March 20th, 1998 as Farmer Appreciation Day. Governor Granholm uses the same date in history to boycott one of our biggest products.
In the spirit of good natured ribbing, and in response to green veggie Jenny, Saginaw County's own Ken Horn, who represents the 94th District in Lansing, has proclaimed tomorrow to be "Michigan Meat on the Grill Day." He urges all Michiganders to "grill, baby, grill."
Michigan's agriculture industry is $71 billion behemoth. Next to our anemic automobile manufacturing business, Michigan farmers are responsible for generating and maintaining our state's second largest purveyor of profits. So you better think twice before dissing a large portion of that economic engine of success. Even more disturbing then the proclamation itself, according to the Michigan Farm Bureau, "is the Governor's nerve to declare Michigan Meatout Day on the same day as National Agriculture Day." As Republican candidate for Saginaw County commissioner, farmer Ben Ritter said, "This is a nice way for the Democrats to end Michigan Agriculture Week." As Ben rightly points out, former governor John Engler proclaimed March 20th, 1998 as Farmer Appreciation Day. Governor Granholm uses the same date in history to boycott one of our biggest products.
In the spirit of good natured ribbing, and in response to green veggie Jenny, Saginaw County's own Ken Horn, who represents the 94th District in Lansing, has proclaimed tomorrow to be "Michigan Meat on the Grill Day." He urges all Michiganders to "grill, baby, grill."
Friday, March 12, 2010
Race for County Commissioner
I officially filed today to run for Saginaw County commissioner, along with 7 other fellow Republicans. Saginaw County Democrats have controlled the Board of Commissioners for the last 30 years and they currently hold an 11-4 majority on the 15 member board. We expect to run Republican candidates in all 15 districts, yet we used today to announce what would constitute the core of a new majority if all eight of us are successful. Out of these 8 individuals, 4 are incumbents, three are challengers (including myself) and one is currently an incumbent Democrat who has decided he's more conservative than the progressives who have hijacked his former party, and will run as a Republican.
If you read the press release from an earlier post, we are running to apply conservative principles to county government which will include shrinking the cost, size, and scope of county government at every level. Follow along with me on these pages as we go forward with the campaign.
If you read the press release from an earlier post, we are running to apply conservative principles to county government which will include shrinking the cost, size, and scope of county government at every level. Follow along with me on these pages as we go forward with the campaign.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Reckless
I read an article this morning that is extremely disturbing and at the same time very revealing of Barack Obama's zealotry in pushing his ideas for renewable energy and green jobs. It seems that despite his campaign promises to be more transparent and to ban lobbyists from his White House, both promises are being violated with absolute abandon.
Remember Spain? Remember how President Obama held them up as a shining example of green jobs and an economy flourishing under green empowerment? Turns out it's all hooey. Spanish academics and economists familiar with their country's green policies begged to differ, and offered up their own studies that showed just the opposite. An embarrassed Obama administration quickly substituted Denmark, for Spain, in all their propaganda and went after the Spanish reprobates for spilling the beans. When some in Congress got wind of all this, it was found that the attack was coordinated by members of the Obama administration's Energy Department, "Big Wind" lobbyists, and George Soros' Center for American Progress. Apparently a number of people are still giving congressional inquiries the runaround.
What I found most disturbing in the article in the Washington Post, by Chris Horner of the Competitive Enterprise Institute, is the fact that in just one year, from 2008 to 2009, the Obama administration increased the budget of just one program in the Department of Energy from $1.7 billion to over $18 billion! I don't care how much you adore unproven energy technologies, especially on this scale, but this is a perfect example of faulty priorities and out-of-control spending.
Remember Spain? Remember how President Obama held them up as a shining example of green jobs and an economy flourishing under green empowerment? Turns out it's all hooey. Spanish academics and economists familiar with their country's green policies begged to differ, and offered up their own studies that showed just the opposite. An embarrassed Obama administration quickly substituted Denmark, for Spain, in all their propaganda and went after the Spanish reprobates for spilling the beans. When some in Congress got wind of all this, it was found that the attack was coordinated by members of the Obama administration's Energy Department, "Big Wind" lobbyists, and George Soros' Center for American Progress. Apparently a number of people are still giving congressional inquiries the runaround.
What I found most disturbing in the article in the Washington Post, by Chris Horner of the Competitive Enterprise Institute, is the fact that in just one year, from 2008 to 2009, the Obama administration increased the budget of just one program in the Department of Energy from $1.7 billion to over $18 billion! I don't care how much you adore unproven energy technologies, especially on this scale, but this is a perfect example of faulty priorities and out-of-control spending.
Ouch!
This one has really got to hurt. A majority of Americans, by a wide margin, now feel that the U.S. is less respected worldwide under Barack Obama than while George W. Bush was president. Wow! A major theme of Obama's campaign in '08 was that he would restore America's respect around the world. A respect that he alleged was ruined by W's insistence on bullying global despots. Interestingly, this poll was conducted by Big D pollsters James Carville and Stan Greenberg. The poll also concludes that President Obama and the Democrats cannot be trusted on national security or keeping us safe from terrorists.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Governor Bonehead
How's this for really bonehead thinking; Empty your own state prisons, and refill them with out-of-state prisoners. Even dumber, charge them less than what it costs to keep the ones you just let out. Welcome to Michigan's world under Governor Bonehead. Sorry, I mean Governor Failure. Either way it's spelled G-R-A-N-H-O-L-M.
If you have followed this blog at all, you know that I am not a fan of Michigan's Democrat governor Jennifer Granholm. For the last eight years she has been at the helm of a ship of state, that if it were a real boat, would be at the bottom of one of our beautiful Great Lakes. She has witnessed no net job growth in either of her two terms. None, zero, nahdah. Only southbound moving vans. Now she wants to release 7,500 of Michigan's best to make room for someone else's troublemakers. Brilliant.
Last month, Pennsylvania began populating some previously shuttered Michigan prisons with the first installment of 1,300 prisoners. But Tim, if the governor is opening previously closed prisons to make way for new ones, doesn't that mean jobs and new money for Michigan? One would think, but Michigan doesn't do prisons well at all. In fact we stink at it. According to the National Institute of Corrections, Michigan pays 70% more than the national average to run our prisons. We spend 22% of our state budget, one fifth, whereas other states spend only 6%.
Critics of her plan, and there will be plenty, suspect Granholm is only shifting the cost from the state to local law enforcement. Republican candidate for governor and current Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard, as well as Republican candidate for attorney general Bill Schuette, both agree that letting criminals out on the streets before they have completed their full sentences could be extremely dangerous. According to a study by the Council of State Governments Justice Center, Michigan already has the highest crime rate among the Great Lakes states, but the fewest local law enforcement personnel per capita. That's a real recipe for disaster.
If you have followed this blog at all, you know that I am not a fan of Michigan's Democrat governor Jennifer Granholm. For the last eight years she has been at the helm of a ship of state, that if it were a real boat, would be at the bottom of one of our beautiful Great Lakes. She has witnessed no net job growth in either of her two terms. None, zero, nahdah. Only southbound moving vans. Now she wants to release 7,500 of Michigan's best to make room for someone else's troublemakers. Brilliant.
Last month, Pennsylvania began populating some previously shuttered Michigan prisons with the first installment of 1,300 prisoners. But Tim, if the governor is opening previously closed prisons to make way for new ones, doesn't that mean jobs and new money for Michigan? One would think, but Michigan doesn't do prisons well at all. In fact we stink at it. According to the National Institute of Corrections, Michigan pays 70% more than the national average to run our prisons. We spend 22% of our state budget, one fifth, whereas other states spend only 6%.
Critics of her plan, and there will be plenty, suspect Granholm is only shifting the cost from the state to local law enforcement. Republican candidate for governor and current Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard, as well as Republican candidate for attorney general Bill Schuette, both agree that letting criminals out on the streets before they have completed their full sentences could be extremely dangerous. According to a study by the Council of State Governments Justice Center, Michigan already has the highest crime rate among the Great Lakes states, but the fewest local law enforcement personnel per capita. That's a real recipe for disaster.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Talk Is Cheap
The other morning, Obama's Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, in rolling out a new $900 million initiative to fight the horrendous drop out rate in urban high schools, said President Obama is "committed to do the right thing by children." He went on to say that "drop-out factories in low-income communities" are "morally unacceptable" and that Obama continues to show "tremendous courage" in standing up to intransigent forces like the teacher's union who have opposed similar efforts to force low performing schools to close. Sighting high performance inner city schools like the Harlem Village Academy, that have narrowed the achievement gap between black and white students, Sec. Duncan said that "these are the projects we want to invest in." I'm sure those are comforting words to the children and families living in the slums of Washington DC who's private school vouchers were just taken away by President Obama and his Democrat allies in Congress.
Once again the president's actions don't match his rhetoric. What he says, or what anyone of his spokespersons attributes to him for saying, should have a longer shelf life than the time it takes the words to leave their mouths. Take this montage from Breitbart.tv » Obama ‘American Agenda’ Flashback: Dems Should Not Pass Healthcare With a 50-Plus-1 Strategy where Obama's own words contradict his latest attempt to pass healthcare over the objections of a majority of Americans. Speaking of healthcare, again, I thought jobs were supposed to be his number one focus. Again, ever since we learned that his administration would focus laser-like on jobs and the economy, all we've heard from the White House is that Congress must pass Obamacare. Huh?
I am reminded of Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech, wherein he hopes that one day black boys and girls "will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character." Likewise, the content of Obama's words and speeches should be judged on the sincerity and commitment behind them, rather than the articulation and eloquence of their delivery. If all we are looking for in our leaders is intelligibility, then let's elect James Earl Jones...."This is CNN."
Once again the president's actions don't match his rhetoric. What he says, or what anyone of his spokespersons attributes to him for saying, should have a longer shelf life than the time it takes the words to leave their mouths. Take this montage from Breitbart.tv » Obama ‘American Agenda’ Flashback: Dems Should Not Pass Healthcare With a 50-Plus-1 Strategy where Obama's own words contradict his latest attempt to pass healthcare over the objections of a majority of Americans. Speaking of healthcare, again, I thought jobs were supposed to be his number one focus. Again, ever since we learned that his administration would focus laser-like on jobs and the economy, all we've heard from the White House is that Congress must pass Obamacare. Huh?
I am reminded of Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech, wherein he hopes that one day black boys and girls "will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character." Likewise, the content of Obama's words and speeches should be judged on the sincerity and commitment behind them, rather than the articulation and eloquence of their delivery. If all we are looking for in our leaders is intelligibility, then let's elect James Earl Jones...."This is CNN."
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy
As part of his 100 Jobs/1000 Miles bike ride across the State of Michigan, he's picked asparagus in Hart, shook cherry trees in Traverse City, replaced worn out sewer pipes in Detroit, and helped skiers onto the high-speed chair lift in Boyne Falls. Last night he tossed pizzas in Midland. For the last twenty years, Pete Hoekstra has represented the 2nd District on the west side of the state in Congress, but what he really wants to do is become our state's next governor. And judging by his work ethic, should he be fortunate enough to win, he'll not only have earned it, he'd probably do an outstanding job.
Full disclosure; I've had my doubts about Pete Hoekstra's gubernatorial campaign. Still do in some respects, but I no longer count him out as a bona fide candidate in a strong field of Republican candidates. In fact, according to the latest EPIC-MRA poll conducted between 2/22-2/25, Pete's currently running first in the field of five. What has changed my mind about giving him a second look, is his continued presence and strong performance in the polls, along with the recent endorsement by presidential hopeful Mitt Romney. I am also proud of the fact that he follows this blog, but please don't hold that against him.
Pete Hoekstra brings a solid background in business, as well as his many years in Congress to the table. As the ranking member on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Pete helped restore our nation's intelligence network after 9/11 and remains an unapologetic and vigilant advocate against Islamic jihadists. He has long defended states' rights and hopes to restore Michigan as an economic powerhouse. If you were like me, and had previously overlooked Mr. Hoekstra, I urge you to take another look. You can find out more about Pete Hoekstra by visiting his website at hoekstraforgovernor.com.
Full disclosure; I've had my doubts about Pete Hoekstra's gubernatorial campaign. Still do in some respects, but I no longer count him out as a bona fide candidate in a strong field of Republican candidates. In fact, according to the latest EPIC-MRA poll conducted between 2/22-2/25, Pete's currently running first in the field of five. What has changed my mind about giving him a second look, is his continued presence and strong performance in the polls, along with the recent endorsement by presidential hopeful Mitt Romney. I am also proud of the fact that he follows this blog, but please don't hold that against him.
Pete Hoekstra brings a solid background in business, as well as his many years in Congress to the table. As the ranking member on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Pete helped restore our nation's intelligence network after 9/11 and remains an unapologetic and vigilant advocate against Islamic jihadists. He has long defended states' rights and hopes to restore Michigan as an economic powerhouse. If you were like me, and had previously overlooked Mr. Hoekstra, I urge you to take another look. You can find out more about Pete Hoekstra by visiting his website at hoekstraforgovernor.com.
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