Spent some good time with the family, some range time (golf and gun), hit the lotto at Wal-Mart and scored the last 3 boxes of 9mm in the store, a bit of work around the house, paid $0.589 cents per gallon to fill up the family sedan (legitimately!) etc.. Good food and drink was enjoyed before I start my month-long effort to drop a few lbs. Polished off the scotch on Sat. so there will no temptation outside of the wedding and reception we'll be attending this weekend. Good luck to me there!
I made a point to try and avoid the news - TV, radio, internet - all weekend, but finally broke down this evening. Damn, it never lets up, does it? Tiller's murder today in KS is not a good thing for the country and obviously not for him and his family. Let the left-wing loonacy commence. GM is off to bankruptcy-land tomorrow - 6-7 months and tens of billions of dollars too late.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
A Great Article and My Ramblings
Below is the full text of today's article by Thomas Sowell on Townhall.com. I thought I'd save you an extra mouse click and just post it here. Mr. Sowell always makes intellegent and timely points; this is no exception.
---------------------------------
"Burke and Obama" by Thomas Sowell
The other day I sought a respite from current events by re-reading some of the writings of 18th century British statesman Edmund Burke. But it was not nearly as big an escape as I had thought it would be.
When Burke wrote of his apprehension about "new power in new persons," I could not help think of the new powers that have been created by which a new President of the United States -- a man with zero experience in business -- can fire the head of General Motors and tell banks how to run their businesses.
Not only is Barack Obama new to the presidency, he is new to running any organization. One of Burke's fears was that "we may place our confidence in the virtue of those who have never been tried."
Neither eloquence nor zeal was a substitute for experience, according to Burke. He said, "eloquence may exist without a proportionate degree of wisdom." As for zeal, Burke said: "It is no excuse for presumptuous ignorance that it is directed by insolent passion."
The Obama administration's going back and forth on the question whether American intelligence agents who forced information out of captured terrorist leaders will be subjected to legal jeopardy, even though they were told at the time that what they were doing was not only legal but a service to the nation, came to mind when reading Burke's warning about the dangers of continuing to change the rules and values by which people lived.
Burke asked how we could expect a sense of honor to exist when "no man could know what would be the test of honour in a nation, continually varying the standard of its coin?"
The current drive to take from "the rich" for the benefit of others came to mind when reading Burke's warning against creating a situation where "any one description of citizens should be brought to regard any of the others as their proper prey."
He also warned that "those who attempt to level, never equalise." What they end up doing is concentrating power in their own hands-- and Burke saw such new powers as dangerous, even if they were used only sparingly at first.
He said, "the true danger is, when liberty is nibbled away, for expedients and by parts." He also said: "It is by lying dormant a long time, or being at first very rarely exercised, that arbitrary power steals upon a people."
People who don't like "the rich" or "big business" or the banks may be happy that President Obama is sticking it to them. But such arbitrary powers can be turned on anybody. As Robert Burns said: "Send not to know for whom the bell tolls. It tolls for thee." There was a lot of wisdom in the 18th century.
The Constitution of the United States set out to limit the powers of the federal government but judges have greatly eroded those limitations over the years and the dispensing of bailout money has allowed the Obama administration to exercise powers that the Constitution never gave them.
Edmund Burke understood that, no matter what form of government you had, in the end the character of those who wielded the powers of government was crucial. He said: "Constitute government how you please, infinitely the greater part of it must depend upon the exercise of the powers which are left at large to the prudence and uprightness of ministers of state."
He also said, "of all things, we ought to be the most concerned who and what sort of men they are that hold the trust of everything that is dear to us." He feared particularly the kind of man "whose whole importance has begun with his office, and is sure to end with it"-- the kind of man "who before he comes into power has no friends, or who coming into power is obliged to desert his friends." Jeremiah Wright, Bill Ayers and others came to mind.
The biggest challenge to America -- and to the world -- today is the danger of Iran with nuclear weapons. President Obama is acting as if this is something he can finesse with talks or deals. Worse yet, he may think it is something we can live with.
Burke had something to say about things like that as well: "There is no safety for honest men, but by believing all possible evil of evil men, and by acting with promptitude, decision, and steadiness on that belief." Acting -- not talking.
-------------------------------------------------
Now my comments......
I am always amazed when I hear people today dismiss thinkers from history, saying that "they aren't relevant anymore" or "times have changed," or "we are more enlightened now." Alot of these comments are directed at the Constitution and anything that might be related to morals, ethics, honor, justice, etc. Activist judges, politicians and other "leaders" want us to "evolve" and see the Constitution as a "living document."
They have no problem taking rights away - from certain groups - as they see fit, and possibly turning over rights and our sovereignty to the U.N. It is incredible how far we've moved away from the original foundation of the country thus far, but there is still quite a bit they can do - and they are trying. The growth of government over the past few administrations is ridiculous (both Bush's and Clinton included). Look at all the departments and "czar" appointment positions that have been created. (I had this written out and then I saw Beck on a tape delay, and he counted 14 "czars" now! Absolutely, f--in' ridiculous.) The Fed government is amassing power to the -nth degree every year / week / day and there is no end in sight.
The whole thing is a mockery, a travesty, a sham, etc. The circus that was the "Climate Change Hearing" where Chairman Waxman hired a damn speed reader to read the BS 900+ page bill. The arrogance is amazing. I'm starting to believe we need to wipe the whole lot of them out of Washington. I could possibly think of 10-15 Reps and Senators who I trusted to stay around passed their current term.
Senators......Demint(CS), Kyl(AZ), and Sessions(AL)? Maybe....
Reps.....Flake(AZ), Hunter(CA), Pence(IN), Bachmann(MN), Shuler(NC), Paul(TX), Poe(TX), Chaffetz(UT), and Ryan(WI). For some reason I guess I trust Reps more? Or is it just that there are so many more of them? I'll have to think about this list, but at first blush, it seems to be it. The only way I think it would change is by subtraction. Pretty sad state of affairs.
One last thing that pissed me off this week, and it is related. When you talk about government taking more and more control, anyone who tries to argue this, I believe, is either completely ignorant, a total idiot, or has a job in government. "Global warming" is a prime example. They claim that the science is settled and refuse to debate the facts and data with anyone who has real knowledge on the topic. Waxman said he relied on the UN scientists to write the climate bill. What about the 30,000+ scientists who disagree w/ the UN findings and reports???
So, Crazy-eyes Pelosi ran over to China to talk about "climate change." (And of course you've noticed that they don't call it global warming anymore, since the Left using the old trick of changing the name of things to distract and divert attention and change the topic when they see they are losing. ) And for clarification, Nancy rode her private government jet to China. Did Al Gore say anything about her "carbon footprint" on this one? Did he say anything when Barry flew AF1 to Colorado to sign his bill with the solar panel folks? Not very green, guys.......
Again, I digress. Nancy said "I do see this opportunity for climate change to be ... a game-changer. It's a place where human rights — looking out for the needs of the poor in terms of climate change and healthy environment — are a human right." Then she said, "Every aspect of our lives must be subjected to an inventory ... of how we are taking responsibility." Whoa, whoa, whoa! Hold on there Big Nance. Back it up. People don't want government controlling their thermostat, regulating what days you can drive, how far, what you'll eat, etc. Contrary to what Colin Powell said recently, Americans don't want more government. The GM and Chrysler take over / bankruptcies are a way to dictate what cars are made available for sale - and of course give back to the unions for all of their election support - but I've gone through that whole thing already.
---------------------------------
"Burke and Obama" by Thomas Sowell
The other day I sought a respite from current events by re-reading some of the writings of 18th century British statesman Edmund Burke. But it was not nearly as big an escape as I had thought it would be.
When Burke wrote of his apprehension about "new power in new persons," I could not help think of the new powers that have been created by which a new President of the United States -- a man with zero experience in business -- can fire the head of General Motors and tell banks how to run their businesses.
Not only is Barack Obama new to the presidency, he is new to running any organization. One of Burke's fears was that "we may place our confidence in the virtue of those who have never been tried."
Neither eloquence nor zeal was a substitute for experience, according to Burke. He said, "eloquence may exist without a proportionate degree of wisdom." As for zeal, Burke said: "It is no excuse for presumptuous ignorance that it is directed by insolent passion."
The Obama administration's going back and forth on the question whether American intelligence agents who forced information out of captured terrorist leaders will be subjected to legal jeopardy, even though they were told at the time that what they were doing was not only legal but a service to the nation, came to mind when reading Burke's warning about the dangers of continuing to change the rules and values by which people lived.
Burke asked how we could expect a sense of honor to exist when "no man could know what would be the test of honour in a nation, continually varying the standard of its coin?"
The current drive to take from "the rich" for the benefit of others came to mind when reading Burke's warning against creating a situation where "any one description of citizens should be brought to regard any of the others as their proper prey."
He also warned that "those who attempt to level, never equalise." What they end up doing is concentrating power in their own hands-- and Burke saw such new powers as dangerous, even if they were used only sparingly at first.
He said, "the true danger is, when liberty is nibbled away, for expedients and by parts." He also said: "It is by lying dormant a long time, or being at first very rarely exercised, that arbitrary power steals upon a people."
People who don't like "the rich" or "big business" or the banks may be happy that President Obama is sticking it to them. But such arbitrary powers can be turned on anybody. As Robert Burns said: "Send not to know for whom the bell tolls. It tolls for thee." There was a lot of wisdom in the 18th century.
The Constitution of the United States set out to limit the powers of the federal government but judges have greatly eroded those limitations over the years and the dispensing of bailout money has allowed the Obama administration to exercise powers that the Constitution never gave them.
Edmund Burke understood that, no matter what form of government you had, in the end the character of those who wielded the powers of government was crucial. He said: "Constitute government how you please, infinitely the greater part of it must depend upon the exercise of the powers which are left at large to the prudence and uprightness of ministers of state."
He also said, "of all things, we ought to be the most concerned who and what sort of men they are that hold the trust of everything that is dear to us." He feared particularly the kind of man "whose whole importance has begun with his office, and is sure to end with it"-- the kind of man "who before he comes into power has no friends, or who coming into power is obliged to desert his friends." Jeremiah Wright, Bill Ayers and others came to mind.
The biggest challenge to America -- and to the world -- today is the danger of Iran with nuclear weapons. President Obama is acting as if this is something he can finesse with talks or deals. Worse yet, he may think it is something we can live with.
Burke had something to say about things like that as well: "There is no safety for honest men, but by believing all possible evil of evil men, and by acting with promptitude, decision, and steadiness on that belief." Acting -- not talking.
-------------------------------------------------
Now my comments......
I am always amazed when I hear people today dismiss thinkers from history, saying that "they aren't relevant anymore" or "times have changed," or "we are more enlightened now." Alot of these comments are directed at the Constitution and anything that might be related to morals, ethics, honor, justice, etc. Activist judges, politicians and other "leaders" want us to "evolve" and see the Constitution as a "living document."
They have no problem taking rights away - from certain groups - as they see fit, and possibly turning over rights and our sovereignty to the U.N. It is incredible how far we've moved away from the original foundation of the country thus far, but there is still quite a bit they can do - and they are trying. The growth of government over the past few administrations is ridiculous (both Bush's and Clinton included). Look at all the departments and "czar" appointment positions that have been created. (I had this written out and then I saw Beck on a tape delay, and he counted 14 "czars" now! Absolutely, f--in' ridiculous.) The Fed government is amassing power to the -nth degree every year / week / day and there is no end in sight.
The whole thing is a mockery, a travesty, a sham, etc. The circus that was the "Climate Change Hearing" where Chairman Waxman hired a damn speed reader to read the BS 900+ page bill. The arrogance is amazing. I'm starting to believe we need to wipe the whole lot of them out of Washington. I could possibly think of 10-15 Reps and Senators who I trusted to stay around passed their current term.
Senators......Demint(CS), Kyl(AZ), and Sessions(AL)? Maybe....
Reps.....Flake(AZ), Hunter(CA), Pence(IN), Bachmann(MN), Shuler(NC), Paul(TX), Poe(TX), Chaffetz(UT), and Ryan(WI). For some reason I guess I trust Reps more? Or is it just that there are so many more of them? I'll have to think about this list, but at first blush, it seems to be it. The only way I think it would change is by subtraction. Pretty sad state of affairs.
One last thing that pissed me off this week, and it is related. When you talk about government taking more and more control, anyone who tries to argue this, I believe, is either completely ignorant, a total idiot, or has a job in government. "Global warming" is a prime example. They claim that the science is settled and refuse to debate the facts and data with anyone who has real knowledge on the topic. Waxman said he relied on the UN scientists to write the climate bill. What about the 30,000+ scientists who disagree w/ the UN findings and reports???
So, Crazy-eyes Pelosi ran over to China to talk about "climate change." (And of course you've noticed that they don't call it global warming anymore, since the Left using the old trick of changing the name of things to distract and divert attention and change the topic when they see they are losing. ) And for clarification, Nancy rode her private government jet to China. Did Al Gore say anything about her "carbon footprint" on this one? Did he say anything when Barry flew AF1 to Colorado to sign his bill with the solar panel folks? Not very green, guys.......
Again, I digress. Nancy said "I do see this opportunity for climate change to be ... a game-changer. It's a place where human rights — looking out for the needs of the poor in terms of climate change and healthy environment — are a human right." Then she said, "Every aspect of our lives must be subjected to an inventory ... of how we are taking responsibility." Whoa, whoa, whoa! Hold on there Big Nance. Back it up. People don't want government controlling their thermostat, regulating what days you can drive, how far, what you'll eat, etc. Contrary to what Colin Powell said recently, Americans don't want more government. The GM and Chrysler take over / bankruptcies are a way to dictate what cars are made available for sale - and of course give back to the unions for all of their election support - but I've gone through that whole thing already.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Memorial Day Weekend
There is a busy weekend planned for the family this weekend. Between lunches and dinners with family and friends, there is a local food festival and some outdoor work planned. I am also hoping to get some range time in as it has been way too long since I made it out for some practice.
There is alot going on in the world these days that I wish I had time to write about. I guess it is always that way. Cheney ripping Barry's BS speech and all its faulty logic, Pelosi trying her damnedest to bury herself and her career (this woman is a trainwreck), the continuing saga of the government shutdown of GM and Chrysler- screwing those out of favor and rewarding the illegitimate, China pulling back from the Dollar and US securities (very scary stuff), State's Rights bills pending and passed across the country, the voters of Kaahlifornia giving Ahhnold and the corrupt politicians and big FU on several propositions..... and on and on and on...... I don't have the time or the energy.
I've been on a reading spree over the last 10 days. I just wrapped up Rule Number Two yesterday. It was an intense and emotional read; it really brought home the feelings of what Memorial Day is all about. I recommend it, which is why I added it to the reading list to the right, even if you think you can't handle a book set mostly in a US military hospital in Iraq. It is fairly short and easy to ready by the style it is written. The stories are moving.
So as you go through the weekend, keep in mind all those who gave everything (and those who are putting their lives on hold now to protect us) so we could indulge ourselves on bratwurst, burgers, etc.
There is alot going on in the world these days that I wish I had time to write about. I guess it is always that way. Cheney ripping Barry's BS speech and all its faulty logic, Pelosi trying her damnedest to bury herself and her career (this woman is a trainwreck), the continuing saga of the government shutdown of GM and Chrysler- screwing those out of favor and rewarding the illegitimate, China pulling back from the Dollar and US securities (very scary stuff), State's Rights bills pending and passed across the country, the voters of Kaahlifornia giving Ahhnold and the corrupt politicians and big FU on several propositions..... and on and on and on...... I don't have the time or the energy.
I've been on a reading spree over the last 10 days. I just wrapped up Rule Number Two yesterday. It was an intense and emotional read; it really brought home the feelings of what Memorial Day is all about. I recommend it, which is why I added it to the reading list to the right, even if you think you can't handle a book set mostly in a US military hospital in Iraq. It is fairly short and easy to ready by the style it is written. The stories are moving.
So as you go through the weekend, keep in mind all those who gave everything (and those who are putting their lives on hold now to protect us) so we could indulge ourselves on bratwurst, burgers, etc.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Free Help?
Good quote I heard this week on the Dennis Prager Show, in relation to the government: "Every helping hand is a controlling hand." I was already told this week that this was very cynical, and maybe it is, but I think it is more realistic than anything, especially since it came in the context of "government help." Ever heard or read the line, "Relax, I'm from the Government. I'm here to help?" They probably aren't going to help, and they almost always want something in return.
The government doesn't give anything for free. There are usually more than tax in place or coming to cover the cost. Education isn't free, whether it's grammar school where property is generally taxed, state/Federal loans come with interest and now Barry wants the gov. to take over the whole student loan market. If you want a loan for college, you're going to have to give a few years in "public service" (read "Youth Corps" or "Brown Shirts"). Welfare and government housing aren't totally free. The gov. wants something in return or wants to tell you how to live. In most areas, guns are prohibited in public housing complexes. Can anyone explain the rationale there, let along the legality? The NRA just settled a lawsuit in January of this year with the San Francisco Housing Authority which had a inserted a clause in their lease ducments that banned guns in the public housing residences. They have agreed to remove the provisions and admited that they are not lawful. Score one for the good guys.
Personally, I think this can apply to other areas of life as well. I do not like being in debt to others, especially financially. I believe the adage that "the borrower is slave to the lender."
The government doesn't give anything for free. There are usually more than tax in place or coming to cover the cost. Education isn't free, whether it's grammar school where property is generally taxed, state/Federal loans come with interest and now Barry wants the gov. to take over the whole student loan market. If you want a loan for college, you're going to have to give a few years in "public service" (read "Youth Corps" or "Brown Shirts"). Welfare and government housing aren't totally free. The gov. wants something in return or wants to tell you how to live. In most areas, guns are prohibited in public housing complexes. Can anyone explain the rationale there, let along the legality? The NRA just settled a lawsuit in January of this year with the San Francisco Housing Authority which had a inserted a clause in their lease ducments that banned guns in the public housing residences. They have agreed to remove the provisions and admited that they are not lawful. Score one for the good guys.
Personally, I think this can apply to other areas of life as well. I do not like being in debt to others, especially financially. I believe the adage that "the borrower is slave to the lender."
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Barry Loves Big Labor
"Craig Becker and Mark Pearce are President Barack Obama’s nominees to fill two of three vacancies on the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). .......Becker is associate general counsel to the Service Employees International Union and the AFL-CIO."
No shit, really? A lawyer for the SEIU and AFL-CIO? I said it before, it's all about payback now.
And how about this little piece of info that hasn't gotten much, if any reporting - Barry decided that the Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) in the U.S. Department of Labor can do without $4M of it's 2009 budget for 2010, a decrease from $45M to $41M. For anyone who doesn't know, this is the government agency that investigates fraud, embezzlement, etc. by union leaders and officials. It's a good thing that corruption is not a serious issue anymore in Big Labor. Did I miss that goernment report? It must have been released on a Friday afternoon.
Check out the link to this story over at Atlas Shrugs for a very solid rundown of the stories linking Barry w/ the SEIU and ACORN.
No shit, really? A lawyer for the SEIU and AFL-CIO? I said it before, it's all about payback now.
And how about this little piece of info that hasn't gotten much, if any reporting - Barry decided that the Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) in the U.S. Department of Labor can do without $4M of it's 2009 budget for 2010, a decrease from $45M to $41M. For anyone who doesn't know, this is the government agency that investigates fraud, embezzlement, etc. by union leaders and officials. It's a good thing that corruption is not a serious issue anymore in Big Labor. Did I miss that goernment report? It must have been released on a Friday afternoon.
Check out the link to this story over at Atlas Shrugs for a very solid rundown of the stories linking Barry w/ the SEIU and ACORN.
Lone Survivor - Marcus Luttrell
Earlier this week I had the honor of attending an event to hear Marcus Luttrell, fellow Texan, Navy SEAL, and author speak about his experiences that are documented in his book “Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10.”
I have never been one to seek out people to meet, talk to, listen to, gawk at, etc. This was the first book event I’ve ever attended and the first time I’ve waited in line just shake someone’s hand. I am glad I took advantage of the opportunity and honored to have traded a few words and a handshake with him. For those who say there aren’t American Heroes anymore (does anyone still say that?), I say they need to read this book and meet this man if they have the chance.
I have never been one to seek out people to meet, talk to, listen to, gawk at, etc. This was the first book event I’ve ever attended and the first time I’ve waited in line just shake someone’s hand. I am glad I took advantage of the opportunity and honored to have traded a few words and a handshake with him. For those who say there aren’t American Heroes anymore (does anyone still say that?), I say they need to read this book and meet this man if they have the chance.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Barry's Disdain for America
I have not read such a complete and well documented article detailing the numerous acts of disdain and harming America as I have here. I don't know that I would go so far as to say Barry "hates" America, but he certainly doesn't love it as much as an American President should.
You could see it during the campaign when he repeatedly stated that he wanted to fundamentally "transform" and "change" America. Anyone who loves their country does not want to see it transformed. Improved upon, sure, but not transformed. Dennis Prager has written some great pieces on this issue, and honestly, is who I read to form this opinion. Mr. Prager has the best political and social commentary on American radio today. If he's not on in your market, you can stream his show online (12-3p) or join his site and get podcasts.
Back to Barry. I believe he is an amalgamation of left and radical left figures from throughout history. I do not think he has a single core belief or principle, but only acts as the social and political zealot playbook tells him he should act. He is not a religious man with a strong foundation of character as W. had (like him or not). This was obvious during the campaign and in reviewing his life history and voting record in Illinois and the US Senate. But look at how much he pressed that he was an avid church-goer, albeit not to a church most would recognize as one, but in the fact that he never joined a church or attended more than maybe one service in his first several months in office. He was in DC the whole time and never made it? I don't mind that he didn't go (I wish I could say I attended church more often), but why did he profess so strongly that he had a great church attendance record? It's all part of the facade; the illusion; the mask.
Glenn Beck asked this week if anyone had given much thought to what the country will look like later this year, or at the end of Barry's first term, given all the legislation he's passed and spending he's pledged - not to mention what he still wants to do. I fear we will not recognize the America of 2008 in 2012.
You could see it during the campaign when he repeatedly stated that he wanted to fundamentally "transform" and "change" America. Anyone who loves their country does not want to see it transformed. Improved upon, sure, but not transformed. Dennis Prager has written some great pieces on this issue, and honestly, is who I read to form this opinion. Mr. Prager has the best political and social commentary on American radio today. If he's not on in your market, you can stream his show online (12-3p) or join his site and get podcasts.
Back to Barry. I believe he is an amalgamation of left and radical left figures from throughout history. I do not think he has a single core belief or principle, but only acts as the social and political zealot playbook tells him he should act. He is not a religious man with a strong foundation of character as W. had (like him or not). This was obvious during the campaign and in reviewing his life history and voting record in Illinois and the US Senate. But look at how much he pressed that he was an avid church-goer, albeit not to a church most would recognize as one, but in the fact that he never joined a church or attended more than maybe one service in his first several months in office. He was in DC the whole time and never made it? I don't mind that he didn't go (I wish I could say I attended church more often), but why did he profess so strongly that he had a great church attendance record? It's all part of the facade; the illusion; the mask.
Glenn Beck asked this week if anyone had given much thought to what the country will look like later this year, or at the end of Barry's first term, given all the legislation he's passed and spending he's pledged - not to mention what he still wants to do. I fear we will not recognize the America of 2008 in 2012.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Feel Good Story of the Day
College Student Shoots, Kills Home Invader
I love the way the one POS dirtbag started yelling for someone to call the police to come and help him. One less bad guy in the world. Too bad one girl was injured, but I'm sure she's glad to be alive.
The student who acted and ended the situation is a friggin' hero. Buy that man a drink.
I love the way the one POS dirtbag started yelling for someone to call the police to come and help him. One less bad guy in the world. Too bad one girl was injured, but I'm sure she's glad to be alive.
The student who acted and ended the situation is a friggin' hero. Buy that man a drink.
EFCA = "Barry and The Gang Screw the Country and American Business in Order to Pay Back Big Labor for all the Campaign Contributions....Act
The Employee Free Choice Act. Another proposed bill that is not what it says it is and doesn't do what it says it will do. It isn't about Employees; it's about unions and power. It isn't about free choice; it's about a forced choice, or no choice. It is the Grand Prize for the labor unions who donated millions of dollars from member dues to the Democrats in the past elections. And now it's time for Barry and The Gang to pay up on their part of the deal. You know what they say about payback.... but this time it’s the American Taxpayer and American businesses that will be hurt. Here is the first payment …
And the next payments are being drafted with the royal screwing of the primary stakeholders / creditors along with the American taxpayers in the proposed auto bankruptcy deals. O'bama is calling the creditors and tier 1 stakeholders "speculators" and is giving the UAW BILLIONS in cash, a major equity stake, the right to appoint a Board member, etc. It is good to have friends in high places.
So back to EFCA, aka "card check." Here's how it currently works - the short version:
A union decides to target a business. They can "Salt" the job with paid union organizers to get inside, or just hang out on the outside and get access to employees during non-working hours. The union gets enough employees to sign these cards in order to ask for recognition by the company or take a petition to the NLRB. This isn't the worst thing in the world because, as an employer, you are able to launch an information campaign to combat the lies and half-truths told by the union reps. It goes to an election WITH SECRET BALLOTS and if the union gets the votes, there is still no mandate to reach an agreement through negotiations.
Now, if/when card check is passed the unions only need to get 50% + 1 of the workforce or bargaining unit to sign the cards; and there are no expiration date on the cards. Cards signed before EFCA passes could theoretically be saved for use later on down the road. The union reps will be able to say whatever they want, or do whatever they want, to get the targeted employees to sign cards indicating that they are interested in being represented by the union. They can use intimidation, coercion, at lunch, after work, in the parking lot, at the bar, the grocery store, church, your kid's little league game, your house. Employees may sign for any reason - bad day, family problems, lies, fear, to be part of the crowd, don't want to get left out, or to get the harassment of them and their family to stop, etc. You don’t think harassment will take place? You don’t think fraud will take place?
Once the union gets the 50% +1, the game is over. No election, No Secret Ballots. No counter-campaign, no election, you are off to bargaining. Isn’t the right of casting your vote in privacy something we hold sacred in this country? Do Barry, his henchmen and all the Big Labor bosses want the poll workers to start going door to door to “ask” you to fill out your local and state ballots while a couple thugs stand behind them. The intimidation factor on this is huge! But whatever they can do to help the unions and screw business is just fine with them.
After the union gets the 50% + 1 you have 90-120 days to bargain. That might as well be a day. Nothing ever gets done that fast. If no deal is reached, both sides are subject to binding arbitration. So really, what the hell is the motivation for the union to bargain, at least with any semblance of good faith? They know Barry and his boys are waiting to set the deal in their favor! So they sit on their hands, or thumbs, and wait for the Federally mandated - and selected - arbitrator to swoop in, feign listening, and lay out the deal that will be in force for 2 YEARS! Some lawyer, or worthless bureaucrat, who has no idea about your industry, your company, your competitors, yours costs, your business hurdles, etc. will have final say on how you do business, what you pay, what you offer in benefits, time off, discipline process, etc. The companies that get hit with this first, will be at a serious disadvantage in the marketplace. Their only hope will be to hold on for dear life long enough to see all their competitors placed under the same disadvantages by this cluster of a process.
But here is the kicker – many union members don’t agree with EFCA. It is mostly the government and union leaders. Even some national politicians like Diane Feinstein and Arlen Specter have said they don’t support EFCA…. “in it’s current form.” Of course a few wording adjustments and they’ll fall right in line and claim it was changed or that it’s a new version, or even the old favorite, that it was a bi-partisan effort. Let’s all get ready to take it up the ….. again.
And the next payments are being drafted with the royal screwing of the primary stakeholders / creditors along with the American taxpayers in the proposed auto bankruptcy deals. O'bama is calling the creditors and tier 1 stakeholders "speculators" and is giving the UAW BILLIONS in cash, a major equity stake, the right to appoint a Board member, etc. It is good to have friends in high places.
So back to EFCA, aka "card check." Here's how it currently works - the short version:
A union decides to target a business. They can "Salt" the job with paid union organizers to get inside, or just hang out on the outside and get access to employees during non-working hours. The union gets enough employees to sign these cards in order to ask for recognition by the company or take a petition to the NLRB. This isn't the worst thing in the world because, as an employer, you are able to launch an information campaign to combat the lies and half-truths told by the union reps. It goes to an election WITH SECRET BALLOTS and if the union gets the votes, there is still no mandate to reach an agreement through negotiations.
Now, if/when card check is passed the unions only need to get 50% + 1 of the workforce or bargaining unit to sign the cards; and there are no expiration date on the cards. Cards signed before EFCA passes could theoretically be saved for use later on down the road. The union reps will be able to say whatever they want, or do whatever they want, to get the targeted employees to sign cards indicating that they are interested in being represented by the union. They can use intimidation, coercion, at lunch, after work, in the parking lot, at the bar, the grocery store, church, your kid's little league game, your house. Employees may sign for any reason - bad day, family problems, lies, fear, to be part of the crowd, don't want to get left out, or to get the harassment of them and their family to stop, etc. You don’t think harassment will take place? You don’t think fraud will take place?
Once the union gets the 50% +1, the game is over. No election, No Secret Ballots. No counter-campaign, no election, you are off to bargaining. Isn’t the right of casting your vote in privacy something we hold sacred in this country? Do Barry, his henchmen and all the Big Labor bosses want the poll workers to start going door to door to “ask” you to fill out your local and state ballots while a couple thugs stand behind them. The intimidation factor on this is huge! But whatever they can do to help the unions and screw business is just fine with them.
After the union gets the 50% + 1 you have 90-120 days to bargain. That might as well be a day. Nothing ever gets done that fast. If no deal is reached, both sides are subject to binding arbitration. So really, what the hell is the motivation for the union to bargain, at least with any semblance of good faith? They know Barry and his boys are waiting to set the deal in their favor! So they sit on their hands, or thumbs, and wait for the Federally mandated - and selected - arbitrator to swoop in, feign listening, and lay out the deal that will be in force for 2 YEARS! Some lawyer, or worthless bureaucrat, who has no idea about your industry, your company, your competitors, yours costs, your business hurdles, etc. will have final say on how you do business, what you pay, what you offer in benefits, time off, discipline process, etc. The companies that get hit with this first, will be at a serious disadvantage in the marketplace. Their only hope will be to hold on for dear life long enough to see all their competitors placed under the same disadvantages by this cluster of a process.
But here is the kicker – many union members don’t agree with EFCA. It is mostly the government and union leaders. Even some national politicians like Diane Feinstein and Arlen Specter have said they don’t support EFCA…. “in it’s current form.” Of course a few wording adjustments and they’ll fall right in line and claim it was changed or that it’s a new version, or even the old favorite, that it was a bi-partisan effort. Let’s all get ready to take it up the ….. again.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Arlen, Arlen, Arlen......
I have to admit I haven't followed the career of Arlen very much, up until last fall, so I've been doing some reading on the guy. What a creep. Weasel. Worm. Spineless. What else? First he was a Democrat, but ran with a Republican. Then switched to the GOP. Lost an election, won, lost, won, etc.
Just days before the switch, he said he would not leave the GOP because he thought he "played an important role" in maintaining a balance between the parties in the Senate. I guess a few promises from the Donkeys and/or the fear of having to enter private life again can make a weak man jettison his principles and character. Maybe this is his character, he already switched once in his career. Maybe he doesn't have any principles. Specter claimed the Republicans moved too far to the right for him to stay in the party. Who is he kidding? Who believes that? The Republicans have moved left in the last 20 years in an attempt to "expand the party" and increase membership. Our friggin' Presidential nominee wrote a pro-amnesty bill for illegal immigrants, wrote and passed a campaign finance "reform" bill that ended up hurting him and hurts the country in general, in pro-cap-n-trade / global warming "fix" and wouldn't take the fight to his political opponent on real and legitimate issues due to fears of not being politically correct or insensitve or whatever his lame excuse was. Specter was just making shit up to try to cover his butt and blame others for his lack of will and courage.
Arlen said in his presser announcing his latest switch, "I am not prepared to have my 29 year record in the United States Senate decided by the Pennsylvania Republican primary electorate." Wow! Honesty! Too bad he is proclaiming that this move isn't about issues, but is really about saving his own political ass.
So now he gives the Dems 59 votes. After the Minnesota disgrace, Stuart Smalley, gets into the Senate, they Dems will, for all intents and purposes, have the necessary 60 votes to push through any piece of crap legislation they want. EFCA - get ready. Socialized medicine - start taking your vitamins now and pray you don't get sick. Taxes, Federal debts, gun control, more welfare, anti-business legislations of all kind, the most liberal Supreme Court in decades coming into being and presiding for the next several decades to come, etc. etc. But Arlen says he's not going to be the automatic 60th vote. He doesn't have to be. He has Maine Senators Snowe and Collins to pick up the vote for him.
On the not-so-dark side, now everything that passes through the Senate that royally screws up the country will almost entirely have to be owned by the Dems. I doubt there are any clear thinkers outside the MSM who think Snowe and Collins will really count as republican votes or make any bill "bi-partisan."
It really is amazing what people will do to save themselves. He never was a Conservative and rarely voted like one. Specter had the balls this weekend to claim that the GOP is somehow to blame for Jack Kemp's death by not funding medical research. But in the next breath says that he has benefited from such research. The National Cancer Institute had a $4.8 billion budget in fiscal 2008 and has had in excess of $80 Bn since the early 1970's. This guy's a joke. The Dems are going to use him and then sabbotage him in the 2010 Democratic Primary. Who in their right mind is going to vote for him?
Just days before the switch, he said he would not leave the GOP because he thought he "played an important role" in maintaining a balance between the parties in the Senate. I guess a few promises from the Donkeys and/or the fear of having to enter private life again can make a weak man jettison his principles and character. Maybe this is his character, he already switched once in his career. Maybe he doesn't have any principles. Specter claimed the Republicans moved too far to the right for him to stay in the party. Who is he kidding? Who believes that? The Republicans have moved left in the last 20 years in an attempt to "expand the party" and increase membership. Our friggin' Presidential nominee wrote a pro-amnesty bill for illegal immigrants, wrote and passed a campaign finance "reform" bill that ended up hurting him and hurts the country in general, in pro-cap-n-trade / global warming "fix" and wouldn't take the fight to his political opponent on real and legitimate issues due to fears of not being politically correct or insensitve or whatever his lame excuse was. Specter was just making shit up to try to cover his butt and blame others for his lack of will and courage.
Arlen said in his presser announcing his latest switch, "I am not prepared to have my 29 year record in the United States Senate decided by the Pennsylvania Republican primary electorate." Wow! Honesty! Too bad he is proclaiming that this move isn't about issues, but is really about saving his own political ass.
So now he gives the Dems 59 votes. After the Minnesota disgrace, Stuart Smalley, gets into the Senate, they Dems will, for all intents and purposes, have the necessary 60 votes to push through any piece of crap legislation they want. EFCA - get ready. Socialized medicine - start taking your vitamins now and pray you don't get sick. Taxes, Federal debts, gun control, more welfare, anti-business legislations of all kind, the most liberal Supreme Court in decades coming into being and presiding for the next several decades to come, etc. etc. But Arlen says he's not going to be the automatic 60th vote. He doesn't have to be. He has Maine Senators Snowe and Collins to pick up the vote for him.
On the not-so-dark side, now everything that passes through the Senate that royally screws up the country will almost entirely have to be owned by the Dems. I doubt there are any clear thinkers outside the MSM who think Snowe and Collins will really count as republican votes or make any bill "bi-partisan."
It really is amazing what people will do to save themselves. He never was a Conservative and rarely voted like one. Specter had the balls this weekend to claim that the GOP is somehow to blame for Jack Kemp's death by not funding medical research. But in the next breath says that he has benefited from such research. The National Cancer Institute had a $4.8 billion budget in fiscal 2008 and has had in excess of $80 Bn since the early 1970's. This guy's a joke. The Dems are going to use him and then sabbotage him in the 2010 Democratic Primary. Who in their right mind is going to vote for him?
Finally Recovering from the Dreaded Swine Flu......
HYSTERIA. What a bunch of BS perpetrated and hyped by the pathetic and shameless major media outlets. The number of confirmed cases and deaths of Swine Flu keeps jumping around every day or two. How many people have died in Mexico - 150 or 60? In the U.S. ..... 100? No. 1. This poor kid was a Mexican national who was brought across the border, likely for better medical care.
From the CDC's own website, we lose 63,001 people each year to influenza & pneumonia in the U.S. Hell 34,136 Americans die every year from Septicemia. Do you know what this is? Even the detestable CNN reported that "Since January, more than 13,000 have died of complications from seasonal flu."
Now, I was out of pocket all last week on vacation back in my home state of Texas (gasp!) - right next to Mexico! The morning after I arrived, I turned on the TV immediately to the Swine Flu story on FoxNews. Not exactly the best news to start the day, but hey, what are you gonna do? Schools and businesses were shutting down and people were changing their daily habits and routines out of fear and a fraction of the data. I went to malls, restaurants, a business conference and other public places. I shook hands, gave hugs, stood in elevators without reservation. Gaffe Machine Biden then showed his face on a national TV show and told the nation he was telling family not to ride buses, subways, trains, planes, etc. (What a great way to help kick the economy while it's down, Joey! I'm sensing a pattern w/ this administration.) I then got on two more planes at the end of my vacation (because Delta screwed us out of our direct flight, but that is par for the course w/ them) and nearly 3 days later - no swine flu at my house.
Now I am reading that this virus is not as strong as our seasonal flu....no kidding! Why did Mexico get hit with dozens of deaths from this virus last month? Lack of healthcare, poor overall health of the victims, lack of education on how to treat the flu? All of the above. My guess is that they didn't die from the virus, they likely died from dehydration, pnuemonia, or some other complication from a weakened immune system. In the U.S. we have a fairly education popluce (contrary to logical deductions from recent elections), a very good healthcare system that some people want to deamonize and destroy, overall better diets than those in the slums of Mexico City and the rural areas in Oaxaca and we've been administering the annual flu vaccine for years.
Add it all up and I think it's time to move on to our nation's more critical issues. I think I'll go pick up some pork chops for dinner tomorrow.
From the CDC's own website, we lose 63,001 people each year to influenza & pneumonia in the U.S. Hell 34,136 Americans die every year from Septicemia. Do you know what this is? Even the detestable CNN reported that "Since January, more than 13,000 have died of complications from seasonal flu."
Now, I was out of pocket all last week on vacation back in my home state of Texas (gasp!) - right next to Mexico! The morning after I arrived, I turned on the TV immediately to the Swine Flu story on FoxNews. Not exactly the best news to start the day, but hey, what are you gonna do? Schools and businesses were shutting down and people were changing their daily habits and routines out of fear and a fraction of the data. I went to malls, restaurants, a business conference and other public places. I shook hands, gave hugs, stood in elevators without reservation. Gaffe Machine Biden then showed his face on a national TV show and told the nation he was telling family not to ride buses, subways, trains, planes, etc. (What a great way to help kick the economy while it's down, Joey! I'm sensing a pattern w/ this administration.) I then got on two more planes at the end of my vacation (because Delta screwed us out of our direct flight, but that is par for the course w/ them) and nearly 3 days later - no swine flu at my house.
Now I am reading that this virus is not as strong as our seasonal flu....no kidding! Why did Mexico get hit with dozens of deaths from this virus last month? Lack of healthcare, poor overall health of the victims, lack of education on how to treat the flu? All of the above. My guess is that they didn't die from the virus, they likely died from dehydration, pnuemonia, or some other complication from a weakened immune system. In the U.S. we have a fairly education popluce (contrary to logical deductions from recent elections), a very good healthcare system that some people want to deamonize and destroy, overall better diets than those in the slums of Mexico City and the rural areas in Oaxaca and we've been administering the annual flu vaccine for years.
Add it all up and I think it's time to move on to our nation's more critical issues. I think I'll go pick up some pork chops for dinner tomorrow.
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