The Wall Street Journal 3/30/12 Laura Meckler
“Obama Shifts View of Executive Power”
After being buffeted by Republican victories in the 2010 midterm elections, White House aides saw education as ripe for bipartisan cooperation. Both parties wanted to address complaints about the No Child Left Behind law. Congress seemed prepared to act.
But while the White House talked up cooperation in public, in private it was preparing Plan B. In December that year, Education Secretary Arne Duncan warned top Democrats that if Congress didn't act, the administration would use executive authority to essentially rewrite the law on its own.
Nine months later, the administration did just that. It soon began granting states waivers so they could avoid tough penalties for not meeting goals required by No Child Left Behind, substituting administration requirements for those written by Congress in 2002. The move prompted protest from lawmakers protecting their turf, conservatives worried about federal overreach and liberals concerned it would let states off the hook for helping disadvantaged kids.
The pledge was part of a broader pitch about Mr. Obama's governing style, which he said would focus on solving problems in a pragmatic, cooperative way.
"He's using executive orders as a political tool—'I can't work with this Congress so I'm going to do it myself,'" said Sen. Lindsey Graham (R., S.C.), who has worked with the White House on selective issues. "That's not the way he campaigned." He generally supports Mr. Obama's executive actions in national security but not on domestic affairs.
What's unusual about Mr. Obama is that he also has used executive power to press his domestic agenda.
Mr. Obama also has used executive power to undercut laws that he opposes. For instance, the president has long advocated repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act, which bars federal recognition for same-sex marriage. In early 2011, he declared his administration would no longer defend the statute in court, departing from the executive's traditional role of defending laws passed by Congress.
Common Sense Review
Finally the word is getting out how Pres. Obama is pressing forward his personal agenda by his authority to use Executive Order. This tool given to the leader of the United States to help get beyond the politics of Congress address issues of the people was not designed to usurp the process of the debate and authority of Congress to dictate personal beliefs of the President at hand.
Yet from the word go, Obama’s dictatorial attitude has shown through by pursuant pressure to pass and blanket the people of the US with his beliefs of “fairness” and “equality”.
Note to Pres. Obama… the United States is a land of opportunity to succeed in life, love and career by the sweat on ones brow and passion in one’s heart not by the legislation penned by men with agendas…
Friday, March 30, 2012
Union member support Michigan’s “Right-to-Work”
The Grand Rapids Press 03/30/12 Melissa Anders
“Union members take stand for right to work”
http://www.mlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/03/conservative_union_member_prot.html
Conservative union members on Thursday spoke out against a ballot drive to enshrine collective bargaining rights in the Michigan Constitution.
Terry Bowman, founder of Union Conservatives Inc., called the effort a “disastrous power grab by union officials.”
Groups of unionized workers from throughout the state launched the "Protect Our Jobs" campaign this month to collect 322,609 signatures needed to get the issue on the ballot. The proposal would prevent right-to-work legislation, along with some 80 bills that ballot proposal organizers say would curtail collective bargaining rights.
But not all union members support the movement.
“We think that this ballot petition drive is to guarantee union officials that they have that income stream continued,” Bowman said. “When you don’t have right-to-work, the union officials are not answerable or accountable to their union membership because we know that these people are forced as a condition of their employment to financially support them.”
Common Sense Review
When we hear about unions the normal thoughts are to the UAW or MEA. Yet Unions are not people. The common sense thinking of hard working people get squashed by the mob mentality.
Defining ourselves by the organization we are a part of which can steal our souls, so this group who are union but stand up and say “We are people who can think for ourselves”.
Right to work opens the door to say that we will not dictate that you have to join an organization to get a job. Giving the free will to decide your job, the effort you want to put forth at a job and being recognized for the effort of a good work ethic than protected due to time on the job s, encourage the human need for fulfillment.
“Union members take stand for right to work”
http://www.mlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/03/conservative_union_member_prot.html
Conservative union members on Thursday spoke out against a ballot drive to enshrine collective bargaining rights in the Michigan Constitution.
Terry Bowman, founder of Union Conservatives Inc., called the effort a “disastrous power grab by union officials.”
Groups of unionized workers from throughout the state launched the "Protect Our Jobs" campaign this month to collect 322,609 signatures needed to get the issue on the ballot. The proposal would prevent right-to-work legislation, along with some 80 bills that ballot proposal organizers say would curtail collective bargaining rights.
But not all union members support the movement.
“We think that this ballot petition drive is to guarantee union officials that they have that income stream continued,” Bowman said. “When you don’t have right-to-work, the union officials are not answerable or accountable to their union membership because we know that these people are forced as a condition of their employment to financially support them.”
Common Sense Review
When we hear about unions the normal thoughts are to the UAW or MEA. Yet Unions are not people. The common sense thinking of hard working people get squashed by the mob mentality.
Defining ourselves by the organization we are a part of which can steal our souls, so this group who are union but stand up and say “We are people who can think for ourselves”.
Right to work opens the door to say that we will not dictate that you have to join an organization to get a job. Giving the free will to decide your job, the effort you want to put forth at a job and being recognized for the effort of a good work ethic than protected due to time on the job s, encourage the human need for fulfillment.
Veteran takes out robber to stand up for the community
The Grand Rapids Press 03/30/12 John Agar
“Veteran ‘just went into attack mode’ : Former Iraq war Soldier Explains how reactions helped him Thwart Party Store Robbery”
http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2012/03/iraq_war_veteran_mixed-martial.html
The robber didn’t stand much of a chance with Zack Thome, an Iraq War veteran and mixed-martial arts fighter, behind him at Spike & Mike’s store.
Thome grabbed him by the neck, took him to the ground – and held the suspect for police.
“(I) just went into attack mode,” Thome, a Grand Valley State University student, told the Lanthorn, the student newspaper.
“I grabbed him, put one arm around his neck, and held one arm against his arm to keep his would-be gun in his pocket and took him down to the ground,” he said.
Brandon Slanger, 38, was arraigned in Grand Rapids District Court on a charge of assault with intent to rob while armed and being a habitual offender. He is jailed on $250,000 bond.
Common Sense Review
I wish there were more people like Zack that will stand up against crime and take back their neighborhoods. Now that people are aware that Zack lives in the neighborhood and shops at Spike and Mike criminals will not see that party store as a target anymore. Even though most of the populations don’t have the military training, standing up to crime shows that this isn’t where crime will not allowed.
These communities hold homes, families, and childhoods where crime should take over lives.
To Zack Thome, Thank you!
“Veteran ‘just went into attack mode’ : Former Iraq war Soldier Explains how reactions helped him Thwart Party Store Robbery”
http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2012/03/iraq_war_veteran_mixed-martial.html
The robber didn’t stand much of a chance with Zack Thome, an Iraq War veteran and mixed-martial arts fighter, behind him at Spike & Mike’s store.
Thome grabbed him by the neck, took him to the ground – and held the suspect for police.
“(I) just went into attack mode,” Thome, a Grand Valley State University student, told the Lanthorn, the student newspaper.
“I grabbed him, put one arm around his neck, and held one arm against his arm to keep his would-be gun in his pocket and took him down to the ground,” he said.
Brandon Slanger, 38, was arraigned in Grand Rapids District Court on a charge of assault with intent to rob while armed and being a habitual offender. He is jailed on $250,000 bond.
Common Sense Review
I wish there were more people like Zack that will stand up against crime and take back their neighborhoods. Now that people are aware that Zack lives in the neighborhood and shops at Spike and Mike criminals will not see that party store as a target anymore. Even though most of the populations don’t have the military training, standing up to crime shows that this isn’t where crime will not allowed.
These communities hold homes, families, and childhoods where crime should take over lives.
To Zack Thome, Thank you!
Thursday, March 29, 2012
US defense systems, not a priority for Pres. Obama
USAtoday 03/28/12 Amer Madhani
“Obama explains “flexibility” on missile defense”
http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/story/2012-03-27/obama-russia-missile-defense-nuclear-flexibility/53811682/1
President Obama attempted Tuesday to clarify his suggestion that he'll have "more flexibility" after the election in November to take on the controversial proposal to build a missile-defense system in Europe.
Obama took some criticism from Republicans over his flexibility remark to Russian President Dmitry Medvedev after it was caught on an open microphone Monday.
"I think everybody understands … that I want to reduce nuclear stockpiles," Obama said. "And one of the barriers to doing that is building trust and cooperation around missile-defense issues. And so this is not a matter of hiding the ball."
Obama reiterated Tuesday that he's committed to the missile-defense system. In the short term, Obama said, it's not possible to get it done soon because of the complexity of the issue, Russian resistance and the U.S. election season.
In a memo to reporters, Republican National Committee officials noted that Obama called for $9.3 billion in cuts to missile-defense programs in his 2010 budget. The RNC distributed a snippet of video from a Chicago interview in 2001 in which Obama said, "I … don't agree with a missile-defense system."
"Russia is not a friendly character on the world stage, and for this president to be looking for greater flexibility where he doesn't have to answer to the American people in his relations with Russia is very, very troubling, very alarming," Romney said in a CNN interview.
Common Sense Review
Gee, Pres Obama working on a diplomatic agreement with Russia’s President which limits our nuclear missile defense system. In the discussion, Obama whispers that he will have more “flexibility” after the election.
Is it me, or does it seems to me that the leader of the United States, really not into securing the people of the US. The defense of this nation is one of the most import tasks for the President yet Obama doesn’t get it. Our enemies want to kill us, not just some of us but all of us. So does he think he will not be a target, he is oblivious to reality.
Another reason, he is a one term president….
“Obama explains “flexibility” on missile defense”
http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/story/2012-03-27/obama-russia-missile-defense-nuclear-flexibility/53811682/1
President Obama attempted Tuesday to clarify his suggestion that he'll have "more flexibility" after the election in November to take on the controversial proposal to build a missile-defense system in Europe.
Obama took some criticism from Republicans over his flexibility remark to Russian President Dmitry Medvedev after it was caught on an open microphone Monday.
"I think everybody understands … that I want to reduce nuclear stockpiles," Obama said. "And one of the barriers to doing that is building trust and cooperation around missile-defense issues. And so this is not a matter of hiding the ball."
Obama reiterated Tuesday that he's committed to the missile-defense system. In the short term, Obama said, it's not possible to get it done soon because of the complexity of the issue, Russian resistance and the U.S. election season.
In a memo to reporters, Republican National Committee officials noted that Obama called for $9.3 billion in cuts to missile-defense programs in his 2010 budget. The RNC distributed a snippet of video from a Chicago interview in 2001 in which Obama said, "I … don't agree with a missile-defense system."
"Russia is not a friendly character on the world stage, and for this president to be looking for greater flexibility where he doesn't have to answer to the American people in his relations with Russia is very, very troubling, very alarming," Romney said in a CNN interview.
Common Sense Review
Gee, Pres Obama working on a diplomatic agreement with Russia’s President which limits our nuclear missile defense system. In the discussion, Obama whispers that he will have more “flexibility” after the election.
Is it me, or does it seems to me that the leader of the United States, really not into securing the people of the US. The defense of this nation is one of the most import tasks for the President yet Obama doesn’t get it. Our enemies want to kill us, not just some of us but all of us. So does he think he will not be a target, he is oblivious to reality.
Another reason, he is a one term president….
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
The New Black Panther party puts out a bounty for Trayvon’s killer yet the child is still dead…. So what is the purpose…
The New York Daily News 03/24/12 Tina Moore
“Group offers $10,000 to ‘capture’ Trayvon Martin’s killer”
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/black-panther-rage-10g-capture-trayvon-killer-article-1.1050370
The new Black Panther Party offered a bounty of $10,000 Saturday for the “capture” of a Florida neighborhood watch captain who killed unarmed teen Trayvon Martin.
“An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth,” leader Mikhail Muhammad said after announcing the reward for George Zimmerman at a protest in Sanford, Fla.
“If the government won’t do the job, we’ll do it,” Muhammad said, leading chants that included “freedom or death” and “justice for Trayvon.”
Muhammad said New Black Panther’s chairman, Malik Zulu Shabaz of Washington, was taking donations from black entertainers and athletes.
Common Sense Review
Through this horrific event, do we or the Martin family need the gang of old grump black people who live off the reputation of the Black Panter’s of the 60s and 70s. Yet they are nothing but thugs who intimidate citizens because they can. .. and as we all know the DOJ’s Eric Holder will turn his head from the crimes of intimidation like someone was cupping his testicles waiting for him to cough…
Yet a child is still dead. While the fed dept of justice has taken over the investigation into the killing… the fueled tension in Florida, is being doused by the kerosene of the New Black Panther Party… in the form of $10,000 to kill the killer of Trayvon.
Why do I see another killing in the future? Not the death of Zimmerman, but an innocent person… Sunday The Blaze reported that Spike Lee tweeted “Zimmerman’s address”… Not knowing if the address is correct or how Lee got the address….
And still this child is still dead….
Exploiting a child’s death should be a crime in itself…
“Group offers $10,000 to ‘capture’ Trayvon Martin’s killer”
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/black-panther-rage-10g-capture-trayvon-killer-article-1.1050370
The new Black Panther Party offered a bounty of $10,000 Saturday for the “capture” of a Florida neighborhood watch captain who killed unarmed teen Trayvon Martin.
“An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth,” leader Mikhail Muhammad said after announcing the reward for George Zimmerman at a protest in Sanford, Fla.
“If the government won’t do the job, we’ll do it,” Muhammad said, leading chants that included “freedom or death” and “justice for Trayvon.”
Muhammad said New Black Panther’s chairman, Malik Zulu Shabaz of Washington, was taking donations from black entertainers and athletes.
Common Sense Review
Through this horrific event, do we or the Martin family need the gang of old grump black people who live off the reputation of the Black Panter’s of the 60s and 70s. Yet they are nothing but thugs who intimidate citizens because they can. .. and as we all know the DOJ’s Eric Holder will turn his head from the crimes of intimidation like someone was cupping his testicles waiting for him to cough…
Yet a child is still dead. While the fed dept of justice has taken over the investigation into the killing… the fueled tension in Florida, is being doused by the kerosene of the New Black Panther Party… in the form of $10,000 to kill the killer of Trayvon.
Why do I see another killing in the future? Not the death of Zimmerman, but an innocent person… Sunday The Blaze reported that Spike Lee tweeted “Zimmerman’s address”… Not knowing if the address is correct or how Lee got the address….
And still this child is still dead….
Exploiting a child’s death should be a crime in itself…
What is the price to put airline passenger’s life at risk? Apparently $100 per person…..
The Wall Street Journal 03/19/12 Scott McCartney
“$100 to Fly Through the Airport”
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303863404577281483630937016.html
Hate the full-body scans, pat-downs and slow going at TSA airport security screening checkpoints? For $100, you can now bypass the hassle.
The Transportation Security Administration is rolling out expedited screening at big airports called "Precheck." It has special lanes for background-checked travelers, who can keep their shoes, belt and jacket on, leave laptops and liquids in carry-on bags and walk through a metal detector rather than a full-body scan. The process, now at two airlines and nine airports, is much like how screenings worked before the Sept. 11 attacks.
To qualify, frequent fliers must meet undisclosed TSA criteria and get invited in by the airlines. There is also a backdoor in. Approved travelers who are in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's "Global Entry" program can transfer into Precheck using their Global Entry number.
Global Entry has been extremely popular with frequent international travelers. Approved travelers get to use a kiosk to enter the country rather than waiting in often-long lines to get their passports stamped and go through Customs inspection.
Consider that in January at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, the average wait in line was 35 minutes between 4 and 5 p.m., and the longest wait was 137 minutes. The wait at Terminal 1 at New York's Kennedy International Airport averaged 44 minutes in January for people arriving between 10 and 11 a.m. Enrolling requires a $100 application fee for a background check, plus a brief interview with a Customs officer.
For domestic travel, Global Entry pays off because it gets you into Precheck. Once TSA announced in the fall that enrollment in Global Entry and CBP's other "trusted travel" programs (Nexus for frequent travel across the Canadian border and Sentri for frequent travel across the Mexican border) would get you into Precheck, applications for Global Entry took off.
In February, for example, 26,602 people applied, more than triple the number of applications in February 2011, according to CBP. And February applications were up 42% from January as more and more travelers catch on.
TSA says it also wants as many people as possible in Precheck, which is still in pilot-testing phase. Both agencies say the programs can enhance screening of people they know nothing about if they can move low-risk people who submit to background checks out of the main queues.
Common Sense Review
So when Pres Obama is looking at cutting the airline budget to cut airline flight safety, now TSA is implementing a program to pay to skip security. Is it me or does this sound like a plan for another attack.
Let me see… If you pay $100 you get a background check and then skip security… So this is based on the premise that Al-Qaeda is a band of poor terrorist.. They buy their semi-automatic weapons at Kmart… (Well there is an available lay-away).
Gee, I believe they are quite funded that they can afford the $100 security fee. So how safe am I going to feel on air plane where it is full of impatience people who may have a bomb in the skivvies.
I hate lines but when it comes to safety in the air, I will in line with my shoes off and ready to make security easy and feel secure at 20,000 feet.
“$100 to Fly Through the Airport”
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303863404577281483630937016.html
Hate the full-body scans, pat-downs and slow going at TSA airport security screening checkpoints? For $100, you can now bypass the hassle.
The Transportation Security Administration is rolling out expedited screening at big airports called "Precheck." It has special lanes for background-checked travelers, who can keep their shoes, belt and jacket on, leave laptops and liquids in carry-on bags and walk through a metal detector rather than a full-body scan. The process, now at two airlines and nine airports, is much like how screenings worked before the Sept. 11 attacks.
To qualify, frequent fliers must meet undisclosed TSA criteria and get invited in by the airlines. There is also a backdoor in. Approved travelers who are in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's "Global Entry" program can transfer into Precheck using their Global Entry number.
Global Entry has been extremely popular with frequent international travelers. Approved travelers get to use a kiosk to enter the country rather than waiting in often-long lines to get their passports stamped and go through Customs inspection.
Consider that in January at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, the average wait in line was 35 minutes between 4 and 5 p.m., and the longest wait was 137 minutes. The wait at Terminal 1 at New York's Kennedy International Airport averaged 44 minutes in January for people arriving between 10 and 11 a.m. Enrolling requires a $100 application fee for a background check, plus a brief interview with a Customs officer.
For domestic travel, Global Entry pays off because it gets you into Precheck. Once TSA announced in the fall that enrollment in Global Entry and CBP's other "trusted travel" programs (Nexus for frequent travel across the Canadian border and Sentri for frequent travel across the Mexican border) would get you into Precheck, applications for Global Entry took off.
In February, for example, 26,602 people applied, more than triple the number of applications in February 2011, according to CBP. And February applications were up 42% from January as more and more travelers catch on.
TSA says it also wants as many people as possible in Precheck, which is still in pilot-testing phase. Both agencies say the programs can enhance screening of people they know nothing about if they can move low-risk people who submit to background checks out of the main queues.
Common Sense Review
So when Pres Obama is looking at cutting the airline budget to cut airline flight safety, now TSA is implementing a program to pay to skip security. Is it me or does this sound like a plan for another attack.
Let me see… If you pay $100 you get a background check and then skip security… So this is based on the premise that Al-Qaeda is a band of poor terrorist.. They buy their semi-automatic weapons at Kmart… (Well there is an available lay-away).
Gee, I believe they are quite funded that they can afford the $100 security fee. So how safe am I going to feel on air plane where it is full of impatience people who may have a bomb in the skivvies.
I hate lines but when it comes to safety in the air, I will in line with my shoes off and ready to make security easy and feel secure at 20,000 feet.
Pres. Obama clash with GOP over Airline safety
The Hill 03/25/12 Alexander Bolton
“Obama set to clash with House GOP over program for training armed airline pilots”
http://thehill.com/blogs/defcon-hill/homeland-and-coast-guard/217953-obama-set-to-clash-with-house-gop-over-program-training-armed-airline-pilots-
President Obama and House Republicans are set to clash over the administration’s proposal to slash money for training pilots on how to handle firearms in the cockpit.
Obama’s budget proposed a 52-percent cut in the federal flight deck officer program, which certifies pilots to carry handguns while flying commercial planes.
Congress authorized the program after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 and its backers argue it is a cost-effective way to defend against future hijackings.
The administration, however, wants to focus resources on “risk-based operational initiatives”, such as the Federal Air Marshall Service, which can be deployed to defend against specific threats.
Freshman Rep. Chip Cravaack (R-Minn.), a former pilot for Northwest Airlines, and a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, is ready to battle Obama over the cuts.
Commons Sense Review
This is a double edge sword. First I don’t think it is the taxpayers responsibility to pay for gun training for pilot to which the govt wouldn’t have the authority to regulate or dictate what training the airline staff can do. Why isn’t the airlines independently decide what kind of training their staff should take.
Second, if the govt uses tax dollars to fund the airlines then passage safety must be require as an essential skill for all airline staff. When you are responsible for the lives of many people, I think if the pilots want the extra responsible of carrying a weapon, let them.
“Obama set to clash with House GOP over program for training armed airline pilots”
http://thehill.com/blogs/defcon-hill/homeland-and-coast-guard/217953-obama-set-to-clash-with-house-gop-over-program-training-armed-airline-pilots-
President Obama and House Republicans are set to clash over the administration’s proposal to slash money for training pilots on how to handle firearms in the cockpit.
Obama’s budget proposed a 52-percent cut in the federal flight deck officer program, which certifies pilots to carry handguns while flying commercial planes.
Congress authorized the program after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 and its backers argue it is a cost-effective way to defend against future hijackings.
The administration, however, wants to focus resources on “risk-based operational initiatives”, such as the Federal Air Marshall Service, which can be deployed to defend against specific threats.
Freshman Rep. Chip Cravaack (R-Minn.), a former pilot for Northwest Airlines, and a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, is ready to battle Obama over the cuts.
Commons Sense Review
This is a double edge sword. First I don’t think it is the taxpayers responsibility to pay for gun training for pilot to which the govt wouldn’t have the authority to regulate or dictate what training the airline staff can do. Why isn’t the airlines independently decide what kind of training their staff should take.
Second, if the govt uses tax dollars to fund the airlines then passage safety must be require as an essential skill for all airline staff. When you are responsible for the lives of many people, I think if the pilots want the extra responsible of carrying a weapon, let them.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Detroit Mayor follows Pres. Obama Strong Cities, which will weaken Detroit…
The Detroit Free Press 03/15/12 Todd Spangler
“Bing to meet with Obama staff on Strong Cities initiative:
http://www.freep.com/article/20120315/NEWS15/120315034/Dave-Bing-Barack-Obama-Strong-Cities-Strong-Communities
Detroit Mayor Dave Bing is at the White House today meeting with Obama administration staff on the Strong Cities, Strong Communities initiative to coordinate efforts between federal agencies and cities.
President Barack Obama signed an executive order today that establishes a White House Council on Strong Cities, Strong Communities, building on a pilot project developed with officials in Detroit and five other metropolitan areas last year. The council is expected to recommend policies that would result in better coordination between federal policies and programs and local officials to address problems.
It was also not clear whether Bing would have the opportunity – or desire – to discuss with White House officials the city’s financial condition and the looming consent order that would hand over authority for solving Detroit’s fiscal problems to a city-state board.
Bing and other mayors were expected to meet with reporters outside the White House later today.
COMMON SENSE REVIEW
Ok so Mayor Bing went to Washington DC to discuss the implementation of Strong Cities, Strong Communities. Interesting enough, his trip is after he and city counsel members emphatically denounce Gov. Snyder’s consent agreement.
Is Mayor Bing don’t like the answer from the state so he runs to the fed? Like a child who prods one parent against another, Mayor Bing goes crying to the Obama Admin that the State is not FAIR!
Wait a minute! Detroit financial failure is a local issue that is under the umbrella of States rights, not Federal law.
Yet in July 11, 2011, a HUD press release:
The Detroit mayor stated:
"Strong Cities, Strong Communities is a program that will help us make Detroit a city that works," said Mayor Dave Bing. "The support of the Obama Administration is critical as we continue to strengthen neighborhoods, put Detroiters back to work and improve essential services such as transportation."
• Providing assistance and support – working with local communities to find ground up, not top down solutions ( Richard Trumpka’s Union philosophy)
• Partnering for growth (Spreading the Wealth)
• Improving the way federal government does business with communities, (this is a state’s issue)
The Obama Administration is misleading the people with promises of success when the programs do calculation goals or outcomes. The fact that leaders are agreeing to this promises will harm the people of the Communities and then we will see their strength.
“Bing to meet with Obama staff on Strong Cities initiative:
http://www.freep.com/article/20120315/NEWS15/120315034/Dave-Bing-Barack-Obama-Strong-Cities-Strong-Communities
Detroit Mayor Dave Bing is at the White House today meeting with Obama administration staff on the Strong Cities, Strong Communities initiative to coordinate efforts between federal agencies and cities.
President Barack Obama signed an executive order today that establishes a White House Council on Strong Cities, Strong Communities, building on a pilot project developed with officials in Detroit and five other metropolitan areas last year. The council is expected to recommend policies that would result in better coordination between federal policies and programs and local officials to address problems.
It was also not clear whether Bing would have the opportunity – or desire – to discuss with White House officials the city’s financial condition and the looming consent order that would hand over authority for solving Detroit’s fiscal problems to a city-state board.
Bing and other mayors were expected to meet with reporters outside the White House later today.
COMMON SENSE REVIEW
Ok so Mayor Bing went to Washington DC to discuss the implementation of Strong Cities, Strong Communities. Interesting enough, his trip is after he and city counsel members emphatically denounce Gov. Snyder’s consent agreement.
Is Mayor Bing don’t like the answer from the state so he runs to the fed? Like a child who prods one parent against another, Mayor Bing goes crying to the Obama Admin that the State is not FAIR!
Wait a minute! Detroit financial failure is a local issue that is under the umbrella of States rights, not Federal law.
Yet in July 11, 2011, a HUD press release:
The Detroit mayor stated:
"Strong Cities, Strong Communities is a program that will help us make Detroit a city that works," said Mayor Dave Bing. "The support of the Obama Administration is critical as we continue to strengthen neighborhoods, put Detroiters back to work and improve essential services such as transportation."
• Providing assistance and support – working with local communities to find ground up, not top down solutions ( Richard Trumpka’s Union philosophy)
• Partnering for growth (Spreading the Wealth)
• Improving the way federal government does business with communities, (this is a state’s issue)
The Obama Administration is misleading the people with promises of success when the programs do calculation goals or outcomes. The fact that leaders are agreeing to this promises will harm the people of the Communities and then we will see their strength.
Presidential Executive Order, spreads the wealth to failing cities
Presidential Executive Order 03/15/12
Establishing a White House Council on Strong Cities, Strong Communities
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/03/15/executive-order-establishing-white-house-council-strong-cities-strong-co
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and in order to forge a partnership with local communities to provide them with comprehensive technical assistance to use and compete for Federal resources more effectively and efficiently, which will enable them to develop and implement economic strategies to become more competitive, sustainable, and inclusive.
Sec. 3. Mission and Function of the Council. The Council shall, to the extent permitted by law, work across agencies and offices to:
(a) coordinate the development and implementation of the various components of the SC2, as determined by the Co Chairs.
(b) coordinate agency efforts to ensure communities have access to comprehensive, localized technical assistance and planning resources to develop and execute their economic vision and strategies (including, where appropriate, efforts of existing committees or task forces related to providing technical assistance to local governments and improving their capacity to address economic issues);
(c) ensure that members of the Council incorporate SC2 implementation efforts into their agency annual performance plans and those efforts' outcomes into their annual performance results;
(d) provide recommendations to the President, through the Co Chairs on:
(i) policies for building local expertise in strengthening local economies;
(ii) changes to Federal policies and programs to address issues of special importance to cities and local governments that pertain to local capacity and economic growth;
(iii) implementing best practices from the SC2 initiative Government-wide to better support cities and local governments; and
(iv) opportunities to increase the flexible utilization of existing Federal program resources across agencies to enable more performance and outcome-based funding;
(e) encourage the development of technical assistance, planning, and financing tools and implementation strategies that can be coordinated or aligned across agencies to assist communities in building local capacity to address economic issues, engaging in comprehensive planning, and advancing regional collaboration; and
(f) facilitate the exchange of ideas and strategies to help communities address economic challenges and create sustained economic opportunity.
COMMON SENSE REVIEW
This executive order came down yesterday but they have been working on it since July 2011. Detroit’s Mayor Bing last year, met with Obama official to have Detroit be one of the cities under this directive..
However as Detroit is floundering to keep it together their leader agrees to a program that give do direction and seeks no outcomes. So what does the program offer?
Taxpayer money!
I know to many this statement is not surprising. When I was reading this order, I saw a pattern of words that show action but don’t describe outcome.
To create “Strong cities, Strong Communities”, there needs to be a goal and sound structure to obtain that goal…
However, let’s look at this Executive order for what it is…. Giving cities who are in considerable deficit free taxpayer money without changing anything…ie without correcting anything…
Good Luck Detroit, we will miss you!
Establishing a White House Council on Strong Cities, Strong Communities
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/03/15/executive-order-establishing-white-house-council-strong-cities-strong-co
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and in order to forge a partnership with local communities to provide them with comprehensive technical assistance to use and compete for Federal resources more effectively and efficiently, which will enable them to develop and implement economic strategies to become more competitive, sustainable, and inclusive.
Sec. 3. Mission and Function of the Council. The Council shall, to the extent permitted by law, work across agencies and offices to:
(a) coordinate the development and implementation of the various components of the SC2, as determined by the Co Chairs.
(b) coordinate agency efforts to ensure communities have access to comprehensive, localized technical assistance and planning resources to develop and execute their economic vision and strategies (including, where appropriate, efforts of existing committees or task forces related to providing technical assistance to local governments and improving their capacity to address economic issues);
(c) ensure that members of the Council incorporate SC2 implementation efforts into their agency annual performance plans and those efforts' outcomes into their annual performance results;
(d) provide recommendations to the President, through the Co Chairs on:
(i) policies for building local expertise in strengthening local economies;
(ii) changes to Federal policies and programs to address issues of special importance to cities and local governments that pertain to local capacity and economic growth;
(iii) implementing best practices from the SC2 initiative Government-wide to better support cities and local governments; and
(iv) opportunities to increase the flexible utilization of existing Federal program resources across agencies to enable more performance and outcome-based funding;
(e) encourage the development of technical assistance, planning, and financing tools and implementation strategies that can be coordinated or aligned across agencies to assist communities in building local capacity to address economic issues, engaging in comprehensive planning, and advancing regional collaboration; and
(f) facilitate the exchange of ideas and strategies to help communities address economic challenges and create sustained economic opportunity.
COMMON SENSE REVIEW
This executive order came down yesterday but they have been working on it since July 2011. Detroit’s Mayor Bing last year, met with Obama official to have Detroit be one of the cities under this directive..
However as Detroit is floundering to keep it together their leader agrees to a program that give do direction and seeks no outcomes. So what does the program offer?
Taxpayer money!
I know to many this statement is not surprising. When I was reading this order, I saw a pattern of words that show action but don’t describe outcome.
To create “Strong cities, Strong Communities”, there needs to be a goal and sound structure to obtain that goal…
However, let’s look at this Executive order for what it is…. Giving cities who are in considerable deficit free taxpayer money without changing anything…ie without correcting anything…
Good Luck Detroit, we will miss you!
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Dems Use Domestic Violence as a pawn…. Until you sit with a victim DO NOT DICTATE YOUR IGNORANCE!
The New York Times 03/15/12 Jonathan Weisman
“Women Figure Anew in Senate’s Latest Battle”
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/15/us/politics/violence-against-women-act-divides-senate.html?pagewanted=all
With emotions still raw from the fight over President Obama’s contraception mandate, Senate Democrats are beginning a push to renew the Violence Against Women Act, the once broadly bipartisan 1994 legislation that now faces fierce opposition from conservatives.
The fight over the law, which would expand financing for and broaden the reach of domestic violence programs, will be joined Thursday when Senate Democratic women plan to march to the Senate floor to demand quick action on its extension. Senator Harry Reid of Nevada, the majority leader, has suggested he will push for a vote by the end of March.
Democrats, confident they have the political upper hand with women, insist that Republican opposition falls into a larger picture of insensitivity toward women that has progressed from abortion fights to contraception to preventive health care coverage — and now to domestic violence.
“I am furious,” said Senator Maria Cantwell, Democrat of Washington. “We’re mad, and we’re tired of it.”
The legislation would continue existing grant programs to local law enforcement and battered women shelters, but would expand efforts to reach Indian tribes and rural areas. It would increase the availability of free legal assistance to victims of domestic violence, extend the definition of violence against women to include stalking, and provide training for civil and criminal court personnel to deal with families with a history of violence. It would also allow more battered illegal immigrants to claim temporary visas, and would include same-sex couples in programs for domestic violence.
As suggested by Mr. Sessions, Republicans detect a whiff of politics in the Democrats’ timing. The party just went through a bruising fight over efforts to replace the Obama administration’s contraception-coverage mandate with legislation allowing some employers to opt out of coverage for medical procedures they object to on religious or moral grounds.
Common Sense Review
As a volunteer at the Domestic Assault Response Team here in Grand Rapids MI, this irritates me. Domestic Violence is not a new crime yet suddenly this year (coincidently an election year) the issue needs to be addressed.
I called Sen. Cantwell’s office and told the aid how until Sen Cantwell goes on a call of a woman having her face smashed in to the point she needs plastic surgery or a women hit by a car driven by her drunk boyfriend after a fight, do not use this issue as a platform that the govt cares.. That crap doesn’t fly!
The Dems want the programs to reach the Indian reservations and rural areas. Many of these areas are being serviced by programs funded by private grant or funding directed by the tribe…
So once again, the Dems want ignorance to guide the elections…
“Women Figure Anew in Senate’s Latest Battle”
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/15/us/politics/violence-against-women-act-divides-senate.html?pagewanted=all
With emotions still raw from the fight over President Obama’s contraception mandate, Senate Democrats are beginning a push to renew the Violence Against Women Act, the once broadly bipartisan 1994 legislation that now faces fierce opposition from conservatives.
The fight over the law, which would expand financing for and broaden the reach of domestic violence programs, will be joined Thursday when Senate Democratic women plan to march to the Senate floor to demand quick action on its extension. Senator Harry Reid of Nevada, the majority leader, has suggested he will push for a vote by the end of March.
Democrats, confident they have the political upper hand with women, insist that Republican opposition falls into a larger picture of insensitivity toward women that has progressed from abortion fights to contraception to preventive health care coverage — and now to domestic violence.
“I am furious,” said Senator Maria Cantwell, Democrat of Washington. “We’re mad, and we’re tired of it.”
The legislation would continue existing grant programs to local law enforcement and battered women shelters, but would expand efforts to reach Indian tribes and rural areas. It would increase the availability of free legal assistance to victims of domestic violence, extend the definition of violence against women to include stalking, and provide training for civil and criminal court personnel to deal with families with a history of violence. It would also allow more battered illegal immigrants to claim temporary visas, and would include same-sex couples in programs for domestic violence.
As suggested by Mr. Sessions, Republicans detect a whiff of politics in the Democrats’ timing. The party just went through a bruising fight over efforts to replace the Obama administration’s contraception-coverage mandate with legislation allowing some employers to opt out of coverage for medical procedures they object to on religious or moral grounds.
Common Sense Review
As a volunteer at the Domestic Assault Response Team here in Grand Rapids MI, this irritates me. Domestic Violence is not a new crime yet suddenly this year (coincidently an election year) the issue needs to be addressed.
I called Sen. Cantwell’s office and told the aid how until Sen Cantwell goes on a call of a woman having her face smashed in to the point she needs plastic surgery or a women hit by a car driven by her drunk boyfriend after a fight, do not use this issue as a platform that the govt cares.. That crap doesn’t fly!
The Dems want the programs to reach the Indian reservations and rural areas. Many of these areas are being serviced by programs funded by private grant or funding directed by the tribe…
So once again, the Dems want ignorance to guide the elections…
The War against women continues target Pap Smears….
The New York Times 03/15/12 Tara Parker-Pope
“New Pap Smear Guidelines Advise Less Frequent Tests”
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/14/new-guidelines-advise-less-frequent-pap-smears/
The annual Pap smear, a cornerstone of women’s health for at least 60 years, is now officially a thing of the past, as new national guidelines recommend cervical cancer screening no more often than every three years.
In recent years, some doctors and medical groups, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in 2009, began urging less frequent screening for cervical cancer. Even so, annual Pap smear testing is still common because many women are reluctant to give up frequent screening for cervical cancer.
“We achieve essentially the same effectiveness in the reduction of cancer deaths, but we reduce potential harm of false positive tests,” said Dr. Wanda Nicholson, a task force member and an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. “It’s a win-win for women.”
Cost is not a factor in the task force recommendations.
The new guidelines focus on four key areas, including frequency of screening, age at which women should begin screening, age at which women should stop screening, and testing for human papillomavirus, or HPV, which can cause cervical cancer.
In addition, women now are advised to begin screening at age 21 regardless of sexual history, and the task force specifically recommends against screening women younger than 21. In 2003, the advice to women was to start screening within three years of sexual activity, but no later than 21.
The task force also recommends against screening women over the age of 65, as long as they have had adequate prior screening and are not otherwise at high risk for cervical cancer. That advice has not changed since 2003.
Finally, the group also recommends against regular HPV screening for anyone under 30.
The task force recommendations apply only to healthy women.
Common Sense Review
Once again govt official focus the attention on educating us meek, uneducated women when it comes to preventative attention to cervical cancer.... Get the Hell away from me!
Since I was a teenager (before I had sex), getting checked with physical and pap smear was advised by doctor as preventative medicine. Now this group of Obamacare 16, now advise… Oh you don’t need a pap smear every year but every three years.. then in the next breath “Cost is not a factor” but to “reduce potential harm of false positive tests”….
The group of the Obamacare 16 really think we are idiots…. When I wake every morning my main concern is a false positive test (insert sarcasm here) … Really! REALLY!!!
Back in 2005, the US was all hysterical about preventing HPV that many young girls were getting the Gardasil shot. Yet the shot prevent 1 type out of the 100 different types of HPV… Now the govt is say oh cervical cancer isn’t a big deal….
I love the last paragraph of the article… “The task force recommendations apply only to healthy women”. What!?!?!?! Healthy people have a tendency of becoming seriously ill if not tested on a regular basis. Who has the authority to define “regular basis”? The woman…
This kind of propaganda at the expense of misinforming people is negligent.
“New Pap Smear Guidelines Advise Less Frequent Tests”
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/14/new-guidelines-advise-less-frequent-pap-smears/
The annual Pap smear, a cornerstone of women’s health for at least 60 years, is now officially a thing of the past, as new national guidelines recommend cervical cancer screening no more often than every three years.
In recent years, some doctors and medical groups, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in 2009, began urging less frequent screening for cervical cancer. Even so, annual Pap smear testing is still common because many women are reluctant to give up frequent screening for cervical cancer.
“We achieve essentially the same effectiveness in the reduction of cancer deaths, but we reduce potential harm of false positive tests,” said Dr. Wanda Nicholson, a task force member and an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. “It’s a win-win for women.”
Cost is not a factor in the task force recommendations.
The new guidelines focus on four key areas, including frequency of screening, age at which women should begin screening, age at which women should stop screening, and testing for human papillomavirus, or HPV, which can cause cervical cancer.
In addition, women now are advised to begin screening at age 21 regardless of sexual history, and the task force specifically recommends against screening women younger than 21. In 2003, the advice to women was to start screening within three years of sexual activity, but no later than 21.
The task force also recommends against screening women over the age of 65, as long as they have had adequate prior screening and are not otherwise at high risk for cervical cancer. That advice has not changed since 2003.
Finally, the group also recommends against regular HPV screening for anyone under 30.
The task force recommendations apply only to healthy women.
Common Sense Review
Once again govt official focus the attention on educating us meek, uneducated women when it comes to preventative attention to cervical cancer.... Get the Hell away from me!
Since I was a teenager (before I had sex), getting checked with physical and pap smear was advised by doctor as preventative medicine. Now this group of Obamacare 16, now advise… Oh you don’t need a pap smear every year but every three years.. then in the next breath “Cost is not a factor” but to “reduce potential harm of false positive tests”….
The group of the Obamacare 16 really think we are idiots…. When I wake every morning my main concern is a false positive test (insert sarcasm here) … Really! REALLY!!!
Back in 2005, the US was all hysterical about preventing HPV that many young girls were getting the Gardasil shot. Yet the shot prevent 1 type out of the 100 different types of HPV… Now the govt is say oh cervical cancer isn’t a big deal….
I love the last paragraph of the article… “The task force recommendations apply only to healthy women”. What!?!?!?! Healthy people have a tendency of becoming seriously ill if not tested on a regular basis. Who has the authority to define “regular basis”? The woman…
This kind of propaganda at the expense of misinforming people is negligent.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Women’s health is not an issue unless you allow the Dems convince you it is…
The New York Times 03/11/12 Susan Saulny
“Centrist Women Tell of Disenchantment With GOP”
As baby showers go, the party Mary Russell attended to celebrate her niece’s first child was sweet, with about a dozen women offering congratulations over ice cream and cake.
“We all agreed that this seemed like a throwback to 40 years ago,” said Ms. Russell, 57, a retired teacher from Iowa City who describes herself as an evangelical Christian and “old school” Republican of the moderate mold.
The sudden return of the “culture wars” over the rights of women and their place in society has resulted, the women said, in a distinct change in mood in the past several weeks. That shift adds yet another element of uncertainty to a race that has been defined by unpredictability, at least for Republicans.
“Everybody is so busy telling us how we should act in the bedroom, they’re letting the country fall through the cracks,” said Fran Kelley, a retired public school worker in Seattle who voted for Senator John McCain over Mr. Obama in the 2008 election. Of the Republican candidates this year, she added, “They’re nothing but hatemongers trying to control everyone, saying, ‘Live as I live.’ ”
Last week Joyce Kimball, a retired secretary in Greenville, Ill., who voted for Mr. McCain in 2008, said she had recently become “fed up,” adding that it was not out of the question for her to vote for a Democrat in November. “I’m looking to hear how the candidates propose to put people back to work, not what they think about contraception,” she said. “I hope to God they stop talking about this.”
A rally for women’s rights in San Diego on Thursday drew Jessica Lopez, 27, a registered independent who said she voted for President George W. Bush in 2004. Ms. Lopez said her choice this year became clear amid the Republican debate on contraception and abortion. “This has really energized me, that I need to get more involved with the Obama campaign,” she said.
Ms. Lopez added: “The G.O.P. has never been so clear about their agenda for women. I’m afraid if we get a Republican president, my health will be up to their personal discretion.”
Common Sense Review
So it begins! In the grand distraction, there are women who are falling in line, believing that the Republican candidates want to deny women health care. This is a ridiculous idea. I question whether these women were republican in the first place.
Women’s health care has no political affiliation. Unless you make it one…
The Obama campaign plans on using women as a tool to win re-election….
The New York Times 03/11/12 Jackie Calmes
“Obama Campaign plans big effort to court Women: OutReach to Millions, Capitalizing on Partisan fights over Abortion and Birth control”
President Obama’s re-election campaign is beginning an intensified effort this week to build support among women, using the debate over the new health care law to amplify an appeal that already appears to be benefiting from partisan clashes over birth control and abortion.
An effort called “Nurses for Obama” will begin on Wednesday, with nurses nationwide enlisted to be advocates for the health care law in their communities. And a new Web site will include links to video testimonials about the health care overhaul signed by Mr. Obama in 2010, including from a former critic who subsequently was found to have breast cancer.
The campaign is trying to use the political climate to regain the traditional Democratic advantage among women, even as moderate Republican and independent women voice disenchantment with the Republican focus on social issues.
In Virginia, another battleground, Barbara Kanninen volunteered a month ago to help lead a “Women for Obama” network and said “it’s growing fast” thanks to the debates in Washington and Richmond. “The conversations at these house parties are very much dominated by women concerned about all this,” said Ms. Kanninen, a freelance economist and mother of two teenage boys. Her own house party drew women that she did not know and three members of her choral group with whom she had never discussed politics, Ms. Kanninen said, and each day brings at least one new message of interest on her Facebook page from some woman who has heard of the group.
“Women 30 to 55 are always the most important target in health care,” said Bill McInturff, a Republican pollster who helps conduct the Journal/NBC poll. “They’re caregivers, taking care of children and parents, and are more engaged and active in the health care system, more than any other age and gender. It’s not surprising they’d be a target of the Obama administration and campaign on this issue.”
Common Sense Review
Women stand up and not be a pawn for politicians. In this time in the US history where economics, personal liberty, and civil strife issues at hand, yet the Obama campaign wants to show that they are for the women.
Where do Citizens of Detroit look to for leadership when the Mayor begs to be saved by the state of Michigan?
The Grand Rapids Press 03/10/12 Associated Press
“Bing could ask for $125M - $150M state loan”
Detroit Mayor Dave Bing has indicated he could ask the state of Michigan for a $125 million to $150 million loan to shore up Detroit's finances and avoid a state-appointed emergency manager, a spokeswoman confirmed Friday.
However, "the mayor has no such specific plans" to seek help from Republican Gov. Rick Snyder, Bing spokeswoman Naomi Patton said in an email to The Associated Press.
Bing said it was "possible" he could ask for a loan in that range, Patton said
If there is a consent agreement, it's too soon to say what the terms might be or if such a loan could be part of a deal, Lasher said. Snyder wants to make sure both Detroit's short- and long-term financial situations are addressed, she said.
While a consent agreement could allow Detroit to save public face by preserving local authority, it also allows for a state takeover if the city fails to comply with provisions that include timely reporting of finances and following operations and recovery plans.
Common Sense Review
Detroit is in a $45 million hole, cutting back on services, as well as trying to sell public landmarks while the city and county of Wayne are in a bog of corruption scandals, what do they offer as collateral to the citizens of Michigan to guarantee the loan will be paid in full with interest. NOTHING!
Strength and character are built on how people react during adversity not begging. I am not seeing leadership from the Officials of Detroit. How do you expect citizens of Detroit to be strong during the turnaround time when the city leaders are not?
GRPS State of the School Speech… Same ol’, Same ol’…
The Grand Rapids Press 03/10/12 Brian McVicar
\
“‘Quality teaching… learning in every classroom: Grand Rapids Superintendent pledges to focus on academic achievement”
When parents and residents watch Grand Rapids interim Superintendent Teresa Weatherall Neal deliver her first State of our Schools address Saturday, it won’t take long to see how her leadership differs from that of her predecessors.
Accompanying her on stage will be representatives of the district’s seven employee unions – a symbol of what Neal describes as her mission to strengthen the culture of the district and show stakeholders that improving it will take the effort of all its employees.
“We want everything to focus around academic achievement – consistent, quality teaching and learning in every classroom,” said Neal, a longtime administrator at the district who took the reins of GRPS in January, after the school board placed Taylor on academic leave.
Michigan Educational Assessment Program test scores released last month highlight the challenges the district faces. Of its seventh grade students, only 12.9 percent were proficient in math, 37 percent in reading and 26.6 percent in writing.
“We have been lax in following our own rules and we haven’t sent a very clear message to students about what those expectations are,” she said.
Common Sense Review
The Superintendent is starting off on the wrong foot, standing on stage with seven employee unions who represent the teachers not the children. From the stats that were given shows there are a bigger problem and that they still are going to pander to everyone by stating they need to focus on teaching and learning…
The proof is in the pudding..In 2010 Graduation / Drop Out rate report, Detroit public is doing better that GRPS…When the children are not graduation or obtaining skills to make them quality adults, the school systems are setting them up to fail in life..
Sunday, March 11, 2012
House bill to subsidize China or Conspiracy of Money Laundering in Diplomatic clothes….
The New York Times 03/07/12
“House Passes Bill to Address China Subsidy”
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/07/business/house-approves-bill-that-would-impose-duties-on-imported-goods.html?_r=1
The House voted on Tuesday to ensure that the United States could impose duties on subsidized goods from China and Vietnam, overwhelmingly rejecting a conservative group’s attempt to portray it as a tax increase.
The bill, which was passed 370 to 39 and addresses a court ruling, now goes to President Obama, who is expected to sign it into law. The Senate passed the bill on Monday.
“China distorts the free market by giving enormous subsidies to its producers and exporters, and our companies and workers should not be expected to compete against the deep pockets of the Chinese government,” Dave Camp, a Michigan Republican who is chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, said during debate.
The decision endangered countervailing duties on about two dozen goods from China and Vietnam worth more than $4 billion in trade, and potential new duties in cases involving solar panels and turbine towers from China.
Supporters say current duties protect 80,000 American jobs. They cover steel, aluminum, paper, chemicals, other products from China and plastic shopping bags from Vietnam.
Last year, United States imports from China totaled a record $399.3 billion.
Common Sense Review
Why are we borrowing billions from China then buy billions of their products? This idea makes zero sense to me. I haven’t read the bill discussed in the article but it sounds like a tool to keep this conveyor of money laundering continues to go around.
Anymore the transactions by the US govt can be seen as money laundering or weapon running under the cloak of diplomatic air. Let call a spade a spade. When we give China billions in sales and then borrow similar amount, what we are left with is the distraction of another so we don’t see the transactions at hand.
So to those who voted to pass the house bill, this would make you conspirators to a crime….
Obama criticizes GOP candidates for their lack of experience to be President as he sits on his 143 day as US Senator…
The Washington Post 03/07/12 Scott Wilson & David Nakamura
“’They are not Commander in Chief: Obama blasts GOP hopefuls on Iran Comments”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/obama-blasts-gop-hopefuls-over-comments-on-war-with-iran/2012/03/06/gIQAYiL7uR_story.html
President Obama used his first White House news conference in five months to grab some of the Super Tuesday campaign spotlight away from his GOP rivals, chiding them for their policies on Iran, women and contraception, and immigration, as well as the nation’s deteriorating political decorum.
“What is said on the campaign trail — those folks don’t have a lot of responsibilities,” he said. “They are not commander in chief. When I see the casualness with which those folks talk about war, I am reminded of the costs involved in war.”
Speaking hours after three of the Republican candidates addressed the American Israel Public Affairs Committee on the need to harden the U.S. posture toward Iran, Obama said that “those who are . . . beating the drums of war should explain clearly to the American people what they think the costs and benefits would be.”
Common Sense Review
With his vast experience before becoming president himself…..
Oh, I can’t even say that with a straight face. How arrogant of a person who was has 143 day of experience as a US Senator. Every Republican candidate has by themselves had more experience that you Mr. President.
With a weak foreign policy of apologizing for everything thing or throwing tax payer dollars as in the Egypt and Libya situation, Mr. President , people in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones… Your record is not impressive…
Grand Rapids data show people read their property tax bill, amazingly recycle increases…
The Grand Rapids Press 03/01/12 Matt Vande Bunte
“Grand Rapids data shows more recycling, less Trash Collected”
The city’s curbside recycling collections have risen 64 percent since last April, compared to previous years, according to data in a report issued today. Meanwhile, city trash collections have shrunk 10 percent.
“It’s an absolutely astonishing figure,” said James Hurt, the city’s public services director. “It’s reflective of our community and how supportive they’ve been about recycling.”
Since April 2011, when Grand Rapids began its myGRcitypoints program, which gives points for use at local businesses to residents who recycle, the monthly haul has averaged 798 tons – up 64.2 percent from pre-August 2010 numbers. More than 7,000 households participate in myGRcitypoints.
City trash collections, which averaged 2,514 tons per month from 2006 through July 2010, have averaged 2,248 tons since single-stream recycling began in August 2010 – a decline of 10.6 percent.
Grand Rapids officials say the changes are cutting the cost of trash collection. In an effort to become more efficient, the city aims by summer – within a few weeks of July 1 – to scrap its current trash-bag program in favor of plastic carts. City leaders recently agreed to spend $2.4 million in Transformation Fund money on trash carts.
Subscribers will be charged a fee every time they put their trash cart by the curb: $2 per tip for a 32-gallon cart, $4 per tip for a 64-gallon cart and $6 per tip for a 96-gallon cart.
Residents still will be able to use any existing trash bags and tags they already have. But the price of new bags will increase to $2.50, from the current $1.50. And “they’ll be available only at our offices,” Hurt said.
Hurt said Grand Rapids already has about 12,000 trash carts in the city, and those customers pay quarterly pickup fees ranging from $30 to $50, depending on cart size. Those customers, if they choose to subscribe to the new cart service, would pay a per-tip fee instead of a quarterly rate, he said.
Common Sense Review
This article makes it sound like the citizens have seen the “Green” light. However in the city of Grand Rapids recycling is not FREE, we pay it in our property tax. The trash we get billed quarterly if you get the carts.
I think people are wising up. The city of Grand Rapids spends money for the “warm fuzzy” green ideas yet it cost citizens so much money. The city is constantly saying “there is no money” as they are working on redesigning Michigan and College with” Round Abouts” to lower auto emissions to make the city eligible for more fed grants.
With the city it isn’t about the people but qualifying for the Federal grant…
State gives $2.5 million for fruit /vegetables to offer to students….
The Grand Rapids Press 03/06/12 Monica Scott
“State spending $2.5 milllion to meeting growing demand for fruit and vegetables in school meals”
Michigan school districts are using more fresh produce in their school meals, the state Department of Education reported today, assessing how demand has grown.
“Schools are clamoring for fresh produce to serve to their students,” said state Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan. “This program helps provide the means to bring fresh food into our school breakfast and lunch programs.”
The state is utilizing $2.5 million in federal funds this school year to purchase fresh produce, compared to $1.8 million allocated in previous years.
The Fresh Produce program, funded through the U.S. Department of Defense in coordination with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Foods program, offers schools a wider variety of fresh produce than would normally be available through USDA purchases.
Common Sense Review
$2.5 million to purchase produce for kid’s lunches? When I was in school there always fruit/vegetables available, I remember very few students ate them. So is the $2.5 million spent to offer produce or are the kids actually eat the fruit?
It is frustrating to read about Fed, state and local govt throwing money at a problem to show they care but “don’t understand” why it doesn’t work. Throwing money at an issue doesn’t solve the problem, it masks it.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Iran snows UN Council with promise of Nuclear talks….. Really?!?!
The Washington Times 03/06/12 Alisha Dumar Sen
“Iran Oks Talks on nuclear program”
Crippling economic sanctions and tough talk of military strikes on its nuclear sites likely have prodded Iran to resume talks with the international community over its secretive nuclear program.
The five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council — the U.S., Britain, Russia, France and China — and Germany, which are collaborating in an effort to persuade Iran to freeze all uranium enrichment, accepted Tehran’s offer Tuesday to restart talks.
Meanwhile, Iran agreed to grant U.N. inspectors access to its Parchin military facility southeast of Tehran, Iran’s semiofficial ISNA news agency reported.
“Iran is clearly feeling the pressure from the sanctions and from the escalating rhetoric coming from the region,” said Daniel Brumberg, an associate government professor at Georgetown University.
“The best we can do is to delay them,” Marine CorpsGen. James Mattis, commander of U.S. Central Command, testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee. “Only the Iranian people can stop this program.”
U.S. and European sanctions, a severe EU oil embargo and last week’s parliamentary elections, which showed weakening support for Iran’s president, have contributed to Tehran’s decision to resume nuclear talks, said Kenneth Katzman, a specialist in Middle Eastern affairs at the Congressional Research Service.
Common Sense Review
Iran has no intention on halting their nuclear programs. This is another tactic to keep us at bay…Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Is not going to allow anyone to come into Iran and tell him what to do… Prof. Brumberg of Georgetown University is so wrong. Sanction and rhetoric don’t scare Iran….
You might as well ask for a hug to make it all good….
Green Firms, even with Tax dollar,Fail… Duh!
ABCnew.com 03/07/12 Ronnie Greene & Matthew Moskiwatch
“Green Firms get Fed Cash, Give Execs Bonuses, Fail”
President Obama's Department of Energy helped finance several green energy companies that later fell into bankruptcy -- but not before the firms doled out six-figure bonuses and payouts to top executives, a Center for Public Integrity and ABC News investigation found.
Take, for instance, Beacon Power Corp., the second recipient of an Energy Department loan guarantee in 2009. In March 2010, the Massachusetts energy storage company paid cash bonuses of $259,285 to three executives in part due to progress made on the $43 million energy loan, Securities and Exchange Commission records show. Last October, Beacon Power filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
EnerDel, maker of lithium-ion battery systems, landed a $118.5 million energy grant in August 2009. About one-and-a-half years later, Vice President Joe Biden toured a company plant in Indiana and heralded its taxpayer-supported expansion as one of the "100 Recovery Act Projects That Are Changing America."
Two months after Biden's visit, EnerDel corporate parent Ener1 paid $725,000 in bonuses to three executives -- including $450,000 to then-CEO Charles Gassenheimer, who led Biden on the tour. This January, Ener1 filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
The bonuses and bankruptcies come against a growing wave of trouble for companies financed with Energy Department dollars. Of the first 12 loan guarantees the department announced, for instance, two firms filed for bankruptcy, a third has faced layoffs and a fourth deal never closed.
The nonprofit Citizens Against Government Waste counts nearly 20 energy companies that have gotten federal loan guarantees or grants that have run into financial trouble ranging from layoffs to losses to bankruptcies. An outside consultant hired by the White House said the Energy Department's loan pool includes $2.7 billion in potentially risky loans and suggests the agency hire a "chief risk officer" to help minimize problems.
Solyndra, bankruptcy records show, was among the companies doling out thousands in executive payments -- in its case, just months prior to its late August collapse and early September bankruptcy. As a criminal investigation and House inquiry continue into the company's implosion, the government must navigate bankruptcy proceedings in hopes of recovering a piece of its $535 million investment.
Secretary Steven Chu declined an interview request. The department has long defended the green energy movement as a way for government to help spur development of cutting-edge products that aid the environment and economy. Sometimes, they say, investments in potential game-changing technologies simply don't work. The potential default rate, they say, is within the parameters set by Congress.
Common Sense Review
The Obama admin spends money like drunken sailors (no offense to drunken sailors). I am constantly amazed on the “buddy system” of govt we have. How as taxpayers can we have trust and faith in a govt who misspends tax dollars on the nirvana idea that if we live in this concept of “Green” that the world will be at peace and tranquility?
Wake up! Those with power fuel this falsehood to keep us in a daze while they usurp the means to keep themselves in charge of the masses..
The last line tells the tale… “The default rate is within the parameters set by Congress.”
Friday, March 9, 2012
US policy.. Foreign Terrorist get released from Gitmo… Domestic Terrorist die…
The New York Times 03/06/12 Charlie Savage
“US law may allow killings, Holder says”
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/06/us/politics/holder-explains-threat-that-would-call-for-killing-without-trial.html
Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. asserted on Monday that it is lawful for the government to kill American citizens if officials deem them to be operational leaders of Al Qaeda who are planning attacks on the United States and if capturing them alive is not feasible.
“Given the nature of how terrorists act and where they tend to hide, it may not always be feasible to capture a United States citizen terrorist who presents an imminent threat of violent attack,” Mr. Holder said in a speech at Northwestern University’s law school. “In that case, our government has the clear authority to defend the United States with lethal force.”
“Some have argued that the president is required to get permission from a federal court before taking action against a United States citizen who is a senior operational leader of Al Qaeda or associated forces,” Mr. Holder said. “This is simply not accurate. ‘Due process’ and ‘judicial process’ are not one and the same, particularly when it comes to national security. The Constitution guarantees due process, not judicial process.”
Mr. Holder’s speech has been planned since last fall, when questions were first raised about the Obama administration’s legal justification for the targeted killing of Anwar al-Awlaki, a New Mexico-born radical Muslim cleric who died in an American drone strike last September. The administration has rejected bipartisan calls to release a secret memorandum by the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel, which signed off on killing Mr. Awlaki. Mr. Holder’s speech was designed to offer the public some explanation of the government’s reasoning.
The administration has declined to confirm that the memo exists, and late last year, The Times filed a lawsuit under the Freedom of Information Act asking a judge to order the Justice Department to make it public. In February, the American Civil Liberties Union filed a broader lawsuit, seeking both the memo and the evidence against Mr. Awlaki.
He focused on one situation in which someone could be killed without a trial: when a citizen who is believed to be an operational leader of Al Qaeda or its allies and who is plotting attacks; who is located in a country that either granted the United States permission to strike or that is unable or unwilling to suppress the threat on its own; and whose capture is not feasible.
Common Sense Review
The hard part about this is that we here in America are a target by all terrorist foreign and domestic. The point I have issues: We kill our own but release those who have vowed our demise.
In previous posting:
Pres. Obama advises to release Gitmo Detainees
Presidential Memoranda 01/27/12
“Presidential Memorandum – Delegation of Certain Function under Section 308(a) of the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 (for the Secretary of State)
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/01/27/presidential-memorandum-delegation-certain-function-under-section-308a-i
By the authority vested in me as President by the Consittution and the law of the United States of American including section 301 of title 3, US Code, I hereby delegate to you, in consutltion with the Secretary of Defense, the function to provide to Congress the information specified in section 308(a) of the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012
Barack Obama
NDAA
Sec 308(a) Requirement for Notification – the {resident shall submit to Congress, in classified form, at least 30 days prior to the transfer or release of an individual detained at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay Cuba.
Common Sense Review
It looks like Pres Obama plans on releasing some Gitmo detainees.. let’s refresh our memories:
The Washington Post 01/09/12
“Don’t let These Taliban leaders loose”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/dont-let-these-taliban-leaders-loose/2012/01/09/gIQAeLIWlP_story.html
President Obama is reportedly considering releasing several senior Taliban leader from Guantanamo Bay as an enticement to get the Taliban to the peace table. With the opening of the Taliban political office in Qatar, Obama officials see the move a step to peace talks.
Among several individuals the White House is considering releasing include the four Taliban leaders :
• Mullah Mohammned Fazi, deputy defense minister:
O Implicated in the murder of thousands of Shiites in northern Afghanistan
o “operational associations with significant al-Qaida and other extremist personnel
o Involved in Taliban narcotics trafficking
• Abdul Haq Wasiq, deputy minister of intelligence:
o Arranged for al-Qaida personnel to train Taliban intelligence staff in intelligence methods.
o Assigned al-Qaida members to the Taliban Ministry of Intelligence
• Mullah Norullah Noori, governor-general of Afghanistan’s northern zone:
o Was directly subordinate to Taliban Supreme Leader Mullah Omar
o Associated with members of al-Qaida
o Assessed “to be a hardliner in his support of the Taliban philosophy”
• Mullah Khairullah Khairkhwa, Herat governor and acting interior minister
o “directly associated to Usama Bin Laden (aka Osama bin Laden) and Taliban Supreme Commander Mullah Muhammad Omar. He was “trusted and respected by both”
o “ represented the Taliban during meetings with Iranian officials seeking to support hostilities against the US and Coalition forces
o “one of the premier opium drug lords in Western Afghanistan.
It seems we treat terrorist differently….
Egyptian Lawmaker’s Ethical dilemma: get plastic surgery and lie or …..
The New York Times 03/06/12 David D. Kirkpatrick
“Egyptian Lawmaker Forced to Resign Over a Nose Job”
The first political scandal of Egypt’s fledgling electoral democracy erupted Monday after an Islamist lawmaker was expelled from his ultraconservative party, accused of fabricating a story that he was viciously beaten by masked gunmen.
Doctors said that the bandages on his face in fact covered up plastic surgery on his nose.
The lawmaker, Anwar el-Balkimy, had belonged to Al Nour, part of the ultraconservative Salafi movement — Egypt’s religious right — whose members typically condemn plastic surgery as sinful, along with most music and other popular entertainment.
Nader Bakar, a spokesman for Al Nour, said that in expelling Mr. Balkimy the party was establishing the principle of accountability, requiring public officials whose wrongdoing interferes with their duties to apologize and bear the responsibility — something he said was common around the world, but still new in Egypt.
“We forced him, or more pushed him, to resign from the Parliament, and he kindly agreed,” Mr. Bakar said in an interview. “He signed an official apology to the general public; this is the official position. He acknowledged that his story wasn’t true.”
Common Sense Review
City of Grand Rapids: We can find funds to pave streets if it is a Green Project
The Grand Rapids Press 03/05/12 Zane McMillin
“Creston area going green along Plainfield”
http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2012/03/bioretention_islands_plainfiel.html
In a time of economic strife, Creston Neighborhood residents and businesses dug deep into their wallets for beauty’s sake.
The neighborhood, in partnership with the city and community groups, has rallied over the years to raise $152,000 for a unique, green technology aimed at reducing pollutants and enhancing quality of life.
The so-called bioretention islands will be built in the center of Plainfield Avenue between Leonard and Ann streets, coinciding with a city project to resurface the thoroughfare in coming months.
The $300,000 project, funded largely by community donations and a federal transportation enhancement grant, almost never was.
City Commissioner Ruth Kelly, who represents an area that includes Plainfield, jumped into discussion about possible plans to beautify Plainfield with city leaders.
Her queries were met with news that years of dwindling federal and state support left little money for such projects.
But, to Kelly’s surprise, Grand Rapids City Manager Greg Sundstrom mentioned a storm water purification component that would make a beautification project cost even more.
Kelly struck a deal with the city that allowed people to pay under a deferred plan, say, $100 per year for 10 years or some variation.
Some $152,000 later, city leaders worked to leverage Creston’s contribution further, scoring a $147,000 federal grant for the project through the Michigan Department of Transportation.
The city's contribution will be about $30,000.
In the event of flooding, there are below-ground mechanisms to send the cleaned storm water into sewer drains.
Common Sense Review
A few months ago, the City of Grand Rapids came forward and said there is no money to fix streets, yet they have the time to apply for Fed grants to pave Plainfield for a Bio project.
I find it interesting that city Officials are concerned about clean storm water flowing into sewer drains… Apparently they don’t know what flows through sewer drains..
Women sues College for not coddling her
MSNBC.com 03/02/12
“Woman’s lawsuit against Roman Catholic College says roommate had too much sex”
A New York woman has filed a lawsuit against her former Roman Catholic college in Boston, claiming administrators didn't do enough to help her when she complained that her roommate was having too much sex in their dorm room.
Lindsay Blankmeyer said in a federal lawsuit that she suffered from depression and attention deficit disorder before she enrolled at Stonehill College, but was driven into a suicidal depression after school officials wouldn't give her reasonable housing alternatives to get her away from her roommate at the school in Easton, Mass.
Stonehill spokeswoman Kristen Magda said the college responded "swiftly and professionally" to Blackmeyer's complaints about her roommate, first trying to resolve the dispute through mediation with a residence director, then by giving Blankmeyer "multiple options" for campus housing, including a private room.
In the lawsuit, Blankmeyer says the college offered her two options, one was moving to another dorm where she would live in a room that was previously used as a study lounge and was a "small cubicle-like space." The other option was to move to a dorm with a reputation as a "party dorm" to live with a girl Blankmeyer did not know.
Common Sense Review
So how do you resolve an adult situation, you sue the school?
Ms. Blankmeyer has fed into societies “it is all about me” mentality. Thousands of student around the world have roommates they don’t like, yet don’t sue the school. Interesting enough the article never mentions a direct confrontation between the two roommates, instead mediation.
The school offers her, a private room but because it isn’t a suite at the Plaza, it isn’t good enough. They offer her a dorm room in a “party dorm”. It is a Catholic College, “woohoo, let’s party 7 AD!”..
She end up finishing her last semester at her parent’s home with a bachelor’s degree in the arts.. Sound like someone didn’t learn to be an adult…
Once again another child/adult without a clue on life and the issues she will run into in the real world. Sometimes I feel we are going to have a generation of mentally challenged adults who will have a problem coping due to mommy, daddy and school not teaching skill on how to handle adversity in life.
I see another SSI-disability category… I need a govt check because I can’t cope…
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Detroit Citizens seeking help from dept. get no help; funds returned or misspent…
The Detroit Free Press 03/02/12 Steve Neavling
“State tries to ensure money is used to help poor people in Detroit”
Citing mismanagement and reports of corruption, state officials are trying to stop paying the City of Detroit more than $15 million a year intended to help lower-income residents.
Officials from the Michigan Department of Human Services plan to urge the Detroit City Council this afternoon to approve transfer of the funds to a nonprofit agency, a move designed to improve the delivery of services in one of the nation's most impoverished cities.
The Human Services Department is under an FBI investigation following Free Press reports last year that agency officials misused tax dollars on family and friends. That was followed by newspaper reports that showed the city had returned $9.2 million in funding for weatherization of homes over the last year because officials couldn't spend it in time.
As a result, more than 1,000 lower-income Detroiters missed out on weatherization funds, which are intended to upgrade furnaces and windows and make other improvements to help lower energy costs.
Robert Oliver shivers inside his house on the east side because of a failing furnace. The city pledged to fix the furnace last year, he said, but backed out after running out of money.
"The city has shown over and over again that it doesn't have the capacity to handle these grants," Brown said. "It's absolutely essential to get this funding to people who really need it."
But Brown and others are bothered by news that the money may go to the Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency in Wyandotte, which handles weatherization in most of Wayne County, but not in Detroit.
While acknowledging problems at the Human Services Department, some city officials said they are opposed to transferring funds because the problem could be alleviated with new management.
The department, for example, has been forced to return $7 million in federal funds intended for the Head Start program over the last six years while waiting lists grew and the number of children served dropped.
Unable to spend $210,000 from grants designed to help feed and clothe poor people, the Human Services Department instead used the money on furniture for its offices.
Some employees in the department also used gift cards to buy high-end washers, dryers, refrigerators and freezers for family members and friends, who were ineligible for the funding, an earlier Free Press investigation found.
Common Sense Review
I do not want to hear that Detroit or Wayne County needs state funds. Municipality staff seems to not care about their mission and purpose that they cannot meet deadlines for service to the citizens.
The excuse that they are now under new management is the “Obama Excuse” which doesn’t fly for support for their lack of support to the citizen of Wayne Co.
No more funds until you get yourself straight… the party is over..
Ficano, Wayne Co. Executive explains action and need for political clout…
The Detroit Free Press 03/02/12 John Wisely
“Ficano Defends Need for ‘Political Muscle: He says he has always worked in public’s interest”
In a nearly two-hour interview Thursday with the Free Press, embattled Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano talked unapologetically about why he needs "political muscle" at times to protect the interests of Wayne County.
With his administration the target of a federal investigation since last fall and several county commissioners calling on him to resign, Ficano stood his ground, saying of the various revelations and federal charges: "Nothing reflects on me personally."
Ficano's meeting with the Free Press was his first lengthy interview since a scandal erupted in September over a $200,000 severance payment he gave to former chief development officer Turkia Awada Mullin.
The scandal prompted an internal review, a County Commission task force and a federal investigation that already has prompted criminal charges against two men who worked in the county's information technology department. Ficano also has fired or demoted several other high-ranking appointees.
Ficano said the money that he raises politically is used to push an agenda of public policy that's good for the region. His political action committee has raised more than $900,000 in recent years, much of it spent to help friendly legislators and county commissioners.
Common Sense Review
I think it is time to clean house in Wayne County, from the top down, is it me? Every article coming out of Detroit is about fraud and misuse of funds. No more coddling..
Chevy Volt wins warm fuzzy awards yet sales are down… Americans don’t want this car…
The Grand Rapids Press 03/06/12 Michael Wayland
“Chevrolet Volt named Car of the Year in Europe”
The Chevrolet Volt, which sells as the Opel Ampera in Europe, is the European 2012 “Car of the Year," according to judges at the Geneva International Motor Show.
The vehicles emerged as the joint overall winner in a field of seven finalists
The selection criteria applied by the judges were based on attributes such as design, comfort, performance and especially innovative technologies as well as efficiency.
The European award comes days after GM said it would halt production of the Volt at its Detroit-Hamtramck plant for five weeks due to lack of demand; and just over a month after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration closed an investigation into the vehicles’ batteries catching fire during testing.
The Volt previously has won numerous other international awards, including the “World Green Car of the Year 2011” and the “North American Car of the Year 2011” award.
Common Sense Review
This news of the Chevy Volt winning European award as sale fail, fall right in line with the rest of the news of the day. The great civil European countries bail each other out from failed national programs to keep the appearance of civility. Yet the bailouts are failing, to which countries beg for more.
The idea that perception is reality is a falsehood. This is as ignorant as Pres. Obama winning the Nobel Peace Prize within the first few months of his presidency …
Consumer Energy want $ 32.6 Million for “Cash for Clunker” appliance program, as CMS reports $415 million profit
The Grand Rapids Press 03/06/12 Tarryl Jackson
“Consumer Energy requests recovery of $32.6 million in revenue”
Consumers Energy’s request to recover $32.6 million in electric revenue is a way to reward the Jackson-based utility for promoting energy efficiency to its customers.
Consumers filed an application with the Michigan Public Service Commission last week to recover the money for the period of December 2010 through November 2011 as a result of a pilot revenue decoupling mechanism.
In this case, the decoupling mechanism allows Consumers to recover some of the lost revenue associated with promoting energy-efficiency programs, MPSC spokeswoman Judy Palnau said.
The utility launched its energy-efficiency programs in July 2009 in accordance with the state’s energy-reform law, which mandates that 10 percent of Consumers’ energy come from Michigan-based renewable sources by 2015.
Consumers Energy reported that it provided $6.3 million to commercial and industrial customers through its Business Solutions program, which is part of Consumers Energy’s energy-efficiency program.
Since the programs were launched, an average residential customer participating in the programs has saved about $160.
Here is an article on the Programs:
The Grand Rapids Press 07/16/09 Sven Gustafson
“New energy efficiency programs in Michigan offer rebates, incentives to entice customers”
DTE Energy Co. and Consumers are rolling out their energy optimization programs and enlisting contractors through a series of trade fairs with the Michigan Public Service Commission, including one today in Grand Rapids and another July 23 in Lansing.
The initiatives are the result of a package of energy reform bills signed last fall by Gov. Jennifer Granholm. Under the law, electric utilities must demonstrate lower electricity sales to customers, starting with 0.3 percent this year and rising each year through 2015.
DTE and Consumers, the state's largest electric utilities, began implementing surcharges last month to customers to cover the costs of the programs. Each utility is also offering rebates and incentives to customers who elect to install weatherization technology; DTE is offering a maximum $1,500 for residential customers who also get heat through its MichCon subsidiary.
Terry Mierzwa, manager of marketing, energy efficiency and research for Jackson-based Consumers said, he estimates the utility's rebates can reduce the premium of purchasing more efficient HVAC, compact fluorescent lights or other equipment by as much as 50 percent. Federal and state tax credits can help further cushion the financial blow.
Gee… Lookie
The Grand Rapids Press 07/28/09 Jeff Kart
“Consumers Energy puts a bounty on old refrigerators, introduces efficiency measures”
The incentives include a $30 bounty on and free pick-up for old refrigerators.
With other federal incentives, including "Rebates for Refrigerators" it may be time to upgrade.
The Consumers program, funded by a surcharge on rates, also includes discounts on compact fluorescent light bulbs at participating retailers and rebates for buying high-efficiency appliances, such as air conditioners, furnaces and water heaters.
Common Sense Review
So the “Cash for Clunker” the appliance version is not paying off. Gee, who didn’t see this coming?
However, the program was supposed to be paid by the surcharge on rates, Fed & state grants and now Consumers Energy says they need $32.6 million to pay for promoting the program.
Feb 23, 2012, the Grand Rapids Press reported that CMS, Consumers Energy mother corp. had a profit of $ 415 million for the year 2011. What is Consumers Energy now the little orphan Oliver begging for more?
I think the tax payers have paid enough…
Court: CPS not responsible for death of child by the hand of father under review of Dept…
The Grand Rapids Press 03/03/12 John Agar
“Court: State not responsible for Stanton boy’s death”
Despite ignoring warnings that Nicholas “Elmer” Braman was in danger, the state isn’t responsible for his death at the hands of his father, the state Court of Appeals said.
The 9-year-old died in October 2007 in a murder-suicide involving his father, Oliver Braman, and step-mother, Elaine Kaczor-Braman, in their Montcalm County home.
A state Court of Claims judge earlier rejected a claim by the boy’s mother, Rebecca Jasinski, who said that the Department of Human Services, and its workers, were derelict in their duties to protect the boy from an abusive father who used cattle prods to discipline his older boys.
“However, it was the fire and decedents’ negligent parents, not the state, who deprived them of these rights. Plaintiffs acknowledge that the Constitution does not require the government to protect its citizens from harm imposed by third parties in order to comport with due process requirements,” justices wrote.
Common Sense Review
The comments by the judge are ridiculous; this was a child who seeks safety in adults. If his own parents or adults in the home were not going to keep him safe, then who must keep the child from dying at the hand of his father?
I am not for the govt putting the nose in everyone business. However, an older brother was removed from the home a couple years earlier due to torture by cattle prod by the father. Yet the Dept of Child Protective services left the younger boy in the home… Who didn’t see this coming?
The child didn’t need to die. Apparently it was more important for the State to keep the child with the parent… in death.
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