300 electric cars destroyed by Hurricane Sandy… Natural disaster or insurance fraud?

Yuliyua Chernova  Nov 7, 2012 Wall Street Journal

“Fisker Suffers Hurricane Loss”

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204755404578103180617949610.html

Electric car maker Fisker Automotive Inc. lost more than 300 of its Karma plug-in hybrids and other car makers lost thousands of new cars as a result of flooding last week at a New Jersey port due to superstorm Sandy.  As a result of flooding, 16 of its Fisker Karmas caught fire and were burned at the port.  Fisker issued a statement on Tuesday saying the fire was caused by sea-water short-circuiting a 12-volt car battery

"[The cars] are completely done," said Roger Ormisher, spokesman for the Anaheim, Calif.-based Fisker. 

He said the luxury sports cars, which sell for about $100,000 each, were insured and company doesn't expect the loss to have a material impact on its business.

But the incident adds to a string of bad news for Anaheim, Calif.-based Fisker. It is currently dealing with the bankruptcy of a key supplier, A123 Systems Inc., which builds the battery used to power Fisker's plug-in hybrid cars, and has been hurt by recalls and incidents of its cars catching fire.

The loss of 300 vehicles is significant for the startup. Fisker so far has sold some 2,000 vehicles to wholesalers and dealers as of September.

The company has raised about $1.2 billion in equity to date, from investors such as Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, New Enterprise Associates, and wealthy individuals. It had used $190 million from a 2009 federal Advanced Technologies Vehicle Manufacturing Loan before the loan was frozen last year.

Common Sense Review

Why do I feel an Obama loan in their future? 

First, 300 electric car insured for $100,000 each and the company are a partner in a bankruptcy with a electric batteries…. Hhhmm.. Can you say insurance fraud?... Why would you allow the cars to sit at port if you knew there was an impending superstorm? 

Well then why out of the 300 cars destroyed did 16 cars catch fire?  The article said the sea water  short-circuited the 12-volt car battery.  But only in 16 cars?!?!

There are so many iffy issues with this company.  When you have so many high dollar cars wouldn’t you do everything in your power to protect it.   As well as technology gave us an advance warning of the impending superstorm, so you have time to redirect the ship delivering the cars or making sure that your investment is protected. 

Or you can beg for an Obama loan….

GR Encourages Legislation to allow Neighborhood Ass. to assess property taxes on the people..

Mlive.com  08/01/12  Matt Vande Bunte

“Grand Rapids wants neighborhood funding option that Mackinac Center for Public Policy labels a tax”

http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2012/08/grand_rapids_wants_neighborhoo.html

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The city is pushing for passage of a state bill that would allow neighborhoods in Grand Rapids and across Michigan to self-assess property owners for what a critic described as “faddish projects such as pavilions, amphitheaters, snow-melt systems and surveillance equipment.”

The Midland-based Mackinac Center for Public Policy has panned the proposed Neighborhood Enhancement Act as a tax increase. But supporters see the bill as a way for neighborhoods to invest in their own future at a time when public resources are limited.

“We must have done something right because the Mackinac Center already doesn’t like it,” said Eric DeLong, deputy city manager. “This has got support of many neighborhood associations here. If they want to do (a special assessment), they can. This is totally self-determination."

The bill would allow a neighborhood improvement district to form and levy a special assessment on property owners for several purposes. Among the permitted uses of the money: buy property for a park or improve an existing park, operate recreational programs or facilities, upgrade sidewalks and install improvements such as street lighting and snow-melt systems, build or improve public spaces such as plazas and pavilions, fund crime prevention and surveillance, enforce property maintenance code, demolish blighted buildings, pay for community planning and promotional activities, add and maintain public parking.

The bill’s primary sponsor, state Rep. Joe Haveman, R-Holland, was not immediately available for comment. State Rep. Brandon Dillon, D-Grand Rapids, a co-sponsor, said the law would permit people “to pool their resources in a particular neighborhood to have a little more control” over their own destiny.

Common Sense Review

Ah it must be great to the right hand of the devil than to be in his path.  Neighborhood Association at 501(c)3 Tax –exempt corp. like Goodwill and the Planned Parenthood.  I live in Midtown Neighborhood Ass. and  have been banned due my disagreement with the crime prevention coordinator.  We were informed we were not allowed to participate in any Midtown activities.  When my husband complaint via email to Midtown,  they sent the police to our house on Friday of Polaski Weekend. 

Now Rep. Brandon Dillion and Grand Rapids Deputy City Manager Eric DeLong wants to give these same neighborhood ass. authority over property taxes and power to use the funds for whatever they want.

The dictatorship of Grand Rapids has maxed out income tax and property now they are encourage passing legislation allowing Neighborhood Ass. to tax the people…

Repeal Obamacare Legislation

HR 6079 IH

112th CONGRESS

2d Session

H. R. 6079

To repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and health care-related provisions in the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

July 9, 2012

Mr. CANTOR (for himself, Mr. CAMP, Mr. KLINE, Mr. UPTON, Mr. SMITH of Texas, Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin, Mr. GRAVES of Missouri, Mr. HERGER, Mr. PITTS, Mr. ROE of Tennessee, Mr. MCCARTHY of California, Mr. ROSKAM, Mr. HENSARLING, Mr. SESSIONS, Mr. PRICE of Georgia, Mrs. MCMORRIS RODGERS, Mr. CARTER, and Mr. DREIER) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, Education and the Workforce, Natural Resources, the Judiciary, House Administration, Rules, Appropriations, and the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

---

A BILL

To repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and health care-related provisions in the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ‘Repeal of Obamacare Act’.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

Congress finds the following with respect to the impact of Public Law 111-148 and related provisions of Public Law 111-152 (collectively referred to in this section as ‘the law’):
(1) President Obama promised the American people that if they liked their current health coverage, they could keep it. But even the Obama Administration admits that tens of millions of Americans are at risk of losing their health care coverage, including as many as 8 in 10 plans offered by small businesses.
(2) Despite projected spending of more than two trillion dollars over the next 10 years, cutting Medicare by more than one-half trillion dollars over that period, and increasing taxes by over $800 billion dollars over that period, the law does not lower health care costs. In fact, the law actually makes coverage more expensive for millions of Americans. The average American family already paid a premium increase of approximately $1,200 in the year following passage of the law. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) predicts that health insurance premiums for individuals buying private health coverage on their own will increase by $2,100 in 2016 compared to what the premiums would have been in 2016 if the law had not passed.
(3) The law cuts more than one-half trillion dollars in Medicare and uses the funds to create a new entitlement program rather than to protect and strengthen the Medicare program. Actuaries at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) warn that the Medicare cuts contained in the law are so drastic that ‘providers might end their participation in the program (possibly jeopardizing access to care for beneficiaries)’. CBO cautioned that the Medicare cuts ‘might be difficult to sustain over a long period of time’. According to the CMS actuaries, 7.4 million Medicare beneficiaries who would have been enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan in 2017 will lose access to their plan because the law cuts $206 billion in payments to Medicare Advantage plans. The Trustees of the Medicare Trust Funds predict that the law will result in a substantial decline in employer-sponsored retiree drug coverage, and 90 percent of seniors will no longer have access to retiree drug coverage by 2016 as a result of the law.
(4) The law creates a 15-member, unelected Independent Payment Advisory Board that is empowered to make binding decisions regarding what treatments Medicare will cover and how much Medicare will pay for treatments solely to cut spending, restricting access to health care for seniors.
(5) The law and the more than 13,000 pages of related regulations issued before July 11, 2012, are causing great uncertainty, slowing economic growth, and limiting hiring opportunities for the approximately 13 million Americans searching for work. Imposing higher costs on businesses will lead to lower wages, fewer workers, or both.
(6) The law imposes 21 new or higher taxes on American families and businesses, including 12 taxes on families making less than $250,000 a year.
(7) While President Obama promised that nothing in the law would fund elective abortion, the law expands the role of the Federal Government in funding and facilitating abortion and plans that cover abortion. The law appropriates billions of dollars in new funding without explicitly prohibiting the use of these funds for abortion, and it provides Federal subsidies for health plans covering elective abortions. Moreover, the law effectively forces millions of individuals to personally pay a separate abortion premium in violation of their sincerely held religious, ethical, or moral beliefs.
(8) Until enactment of the law, the Federal Government has not sought to impose specific coverage or care requirements that infringe on the rights of conscience of insurers, purchasers of insurance, plan sponsors, beneficiaries, and other stakeholders, such as individual or institutional health care providers. The law creates a new nationwide requirement for health plans to cover ‘essential health benefits’ and ‘preventive services’, but does not allow stakeholders to opt out of covering items or services to which they have a religious or moral objection, in violation of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (Public Law 103-141). By creating new barriers to health insurance and causing the loss of existing insurance arrangements, these inflexible mandates jeopardize the ability of institutions and individuals to exercise their rights of conscience and their ability to freely participate in the health insurance and health care marketplace.
(9) The law expands Government control over health care, adds trillions of dollars to existing liabilities, drives costs up even further, and too often puts Federal bureaucrats, instead of doctors and patients, in charge of health care decisionmaking.
(10) The path to patient-centered care and lower costs for all Americans must begin with a full repeal of the law.

SEC. 3. REPEAL OF OBAMACARE.

(a) PPACA- Effective as of the enactment of Public Law 111-148, such Act (other than subsection (d) of section 1899A of the Social Security Act, as added and amended by sections 3403 and 10320 of such Public Law) is repealed, and the provisions of law amended or repealed by such Act (other than such subsection (d)) are restored or revived as if such Act had not been enacted.
(b) Health Care-Related Provisions in the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010- Effective as of the enactment of the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-152), title I and subtitle B of title II of such Act are repealed, and the provisions of law amended or repealed by such title or subtitle, respectively, are restored or revived as if such title and subtitle had not been enacted.

SEC. 4. BUDGETARY EFFECTS OF THIS ACT.

The budgetary effects of this Act, for the purpose of complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall be determined by reference to the latest statement titled ‘Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation’ for this Act, submitted for printing in the Congressional Record by the Chairman of the Committee on the Budget of the House of Representatives, as long as such statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage of this Act.

Anti- Terrorist act shuts down wiring funds to Somali… Yet it is not fair…

The Wall Street Journal  06/22/12 Miriam Jordan & Erica E. Phillips

“ Bank Moves Hinder Immigrants:  Service That Many Somalis Use to Send Money Home are Curtailed by Anit-Terrorism Regulations”

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304441404577478853067322944.html

Efforts by U.S. banks to avoid violating antiterrorism financing laws are crimping the ability of Somalis in the U.S. to send money home, prompting calls for Congress to revisit bank regulations on money transfers.

Somalis in the U.S. use money-transfer merchants, informally known as "hawalas," to send about $100 million annually to Somalia, according to the U.S. Treasury Department. The East African country, where there is no formal banking system, has been without a functioning government since 1991, when civil war erupted and forced tens of thousands to flee.

In Minnesota, home to 32,000 Somalis, a crisis erupted for these immigrants when Sunrise Community Banks, a local bank that facilitated most transfers for three years, stopped doing so last Dec. 30. It acted after two local Somali-American women were convicted last year of routing money to al-Shabaab, a Somali terrorist group. The women used hawalas, according to evidence presented in court.

“The community is concerned that their loved ones back home will be severely impacted if this problem isn't solved," said Sadik Warfa, a Somali community leader in Minneapolis.

Concern over money transfers has risen since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The federal government has tightened banking regulations to prevent money from the U.S. ending up in the hands of terrorist groups in the Middle East, Africa and other parts of the world.

Somalis have held several demonstrations in Minneapolis to demand a solution. Last month, they marched from the Wells Fargo Center to U.S. Bancorp with signs that blamed the institutions for "starving" their families. Many Somalis closed their accounts with the banks, according to community leaders.

"War on terror has nothing to do with this business," said Imam Hassan Mohamud of the Islamic Da'wah Center in St. Paul. "The money we send goes to 80-year-old grandpa and grandma."

Common Sense Review

Should I be surprised that once agains another group of people have come to the US shores and when the govt or industry doesn’t bend to its will, the answer is to protest. 

A population from a country that has had no formal govt or banking system sends funds home via “Hawalas” (an organization in Africa that receives the wire and delivers the funds to the families) yet when the concern the some are funding terrorist groups from American dollars and the system must shut down, the concern is not for their new countrymen but the irritant of finding a new way of getting funds to relatives who still live in the country you left.

The Imam Hassan Mohamud from St. Paul MN, says the war on Terror has nothing to do with this business yet the aggressive Somali pirates have proven that this band of people will harm or kill for money, which puts all new Americans from Somali likely to fund terrorist. 

Note to all who come to our shores should understand that terrorism against America will not be tolerated and to be here this must be understood…/.

Grand Rapids gorges itself in tax dollars to forward their “Climate Protection” agenda…

The Grand Rapids Press 06/21/212 Matt Vande Bunte

“See which Groups will split $25,000 ‘climate protection’ prize for Grand Rapids”

http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2012/06/see_which_groups_will_split_25.html

On Arbor Day in April, Mayor George Heartwell named his inaugural Tree of the Year in Grand Rapids. A city budget approved this week includes funding to supplement a grant for planting trees in street right-of-ways.

So perhaps it's no surprise that half of the $25,000 prize Heartwell got last week from the U.S. Conference of Mayors will be allocated to Friends of Grand Rapids Parks...for tree planting.

The other half will go the West Michigan Environmental Action Council, a Grand Rapids non-profit whose executive director appeared in a video that showcased the city's energy initiatives to U.S. mayors in Orlando last week. See the video here.

WMEAC will use the money to create a community resiliency plan aimed at preparing Grand Rapids for climate changes and energy volatility. Some initiatives related to that broad plan will be introduced to donors at a fundraiser next week.

Common Sense Review

I find it questionable to award groups thousands of dollars in grants to forward the climate protect … but isn’t that why we pay the EPA and the DEQ.  So why is more of our tax dollars going to organization the is encourage a falsehood that the majority of the population of the earth do not believe.

The US Conference of Mayors awarded Mayor Heartwell  2012 Mayors' Climate Protection Award.  Isn’t  it interesting that King George gets an award paid by the taxpayers based on a false premise. 

The lie is steeped in the groups that function in this city.  WMEAC who won half of the $25,000 grant is also going before the Grand Rapids City Commission, June/July  to ask for that the citizens pay $3.7 million in paying to clean storm water runoff…  i.e. creating a “Rain Tax”.

Well..Gee, who paid WMEAC to study the storm water system and create a proposal… The City of Grand Rapids…  Correction the taxpayers of Grand Rapids…

So the taxpayers are paying WMEAC (then giving WMEAC a grant funded by tax dollars) to create a proposal to instill a new tax on the citizen so the mayor (King George) can get an award… 

Senate passes Farm Bill… Don’t you mean Food Stamp bill…

The Wall Street Journal  06/22/12  Damain Paletta & Janet Hook

“Senate Passes Farm Bill that Curtails Aid”

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304898704577480802726268554.html

The Senate passed a sweeping package of farm and nutrition-assistance programs that would reduce spending by billions of dollars partly by ending direct subsidies to farmers, setting up a showdown with House Republicans who have demanded steeper spending cuts in exchange for their support.

The legislation with a total cost of about $1 trillion over 10 years would end the two-decade-old program that sends $5 billion to farmland owners and investors each year-roughly one-third of total U.S. farm subsidies-regardless of whether they raise crops.  The also would expand the federal crop insurance programs, which offers subsidies to farmers and insurance companies, through lawmakers agreed this week to curtail assistance for larger farms.

The largest item in the Senate package is the projected $768 billion 10-year outlay for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Commonly Known as food stamps, which helps low-income families purchase food. The new law makes some minor changes to the program such as preventing lottery winner and certain college student from collecting benefits, shaving costs by $4.5 billion over 10 years.  But it largely leaves the structure of the program intact.

Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D., Mich) said the SNAP funding was necessary to help “families who have fallen on hard times”.

The number of Americans receiving SNAP aid has surged the past five years, in part because of the lingering impact of the recession and also because many states have eased eligibility rules.  The Congressional Budget Office said 45 million people received close to $80 billion of SNAP benefits in 2011, up 70% from 2007.  House lawmakers have voted to cut SNAP spending by an additional $30billion over 10 years, mostly by limiting eligibility and some have called for giving control of the program to the states.

Common Sense Review

Where to begin… First when the majority of the funding in a Farm Bill goes to food stamps, it is not a Farm Bill it is  Food stamp bill. It is ridiculous that lawmakers think the citizens don’t get it. 

Now you have giving 75% of the funding to the Food Stamp program, if there is a weather issue that damages crop, food prices go up.  I am glad the poor are covered while the rest of us pay the increased price. 

Yet the most interesting part of the article is Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow statement regarding the necessity to increase in the SNAP program is to help “Families who have fallen on hard times”… Debbie don’t you mean the hard times that have fallen on the people.  This is followed by the CBO’s note that 45 million people received close to $80 billion of SNAP benefits in 2011, up 70% from 2007. 

Gee, Debbie (the great savior of Michigan) did you vote for the bills that slammed this “Hard Times” on to the people?…  

Bloomberg support the police practice of “Stop and Frisk” and not a citizen’s right to personal liberty

The New York Times  06/11/12  Kate Taylor

“At Black Church, Mayor Says Stop-and-Frisk Policy ‘Saves Lives’”

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/11/nyregion/at-black-church-in-brooklyn-bloomberg-defends-stop-and-frisk-policy.html

As criticism of the Police Department’s so-called stop-and-frisk policy grows louder, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg took to the pulpit before a black congregation in Brooklyn on Sunday to make his most forceful and nuanced defense of the practice yet, arguing that it had helped make New York the safest big city in the country, while acknowledging that the police needed to treat those whom they stopped wi In the city as a whole, the police stopped people and questioned them 684,330 times last year, a 600 percent increase from Mr. Bloomberg’s first year in office. Eighty-seven percent of those stopped were black or Latino, and the vast majority were young men, which has led some minority leaders to denounce the policy as a form of racial profiling.

Mr. Bloomberg said Sunday that racial profiling was banned by the Police Department, and that “we will not tolerate it.” He added, however, that the city would not “deny reality” in order to stop different groups according to their relative proportions in the population. (He used the examples of men versus women and young versus old people, rather than white versus black or Hispanic.)

Some critics have pointed out that, as the number of stops increased, the percentage in which guns were found diminished. Last year, the police seized 780 guns, suggesting that guns were recovered in roughly one in 1,000 stops.

Common Sense Review

This is another power grab of personal liberty under the veil of societal safety. 

The article focuses on the aspect of racial profiling yet it is greater than that.  It is pushing the Constitutional right against illegal search and seizure. The police cannot just stop you and frisk without probable cause which infringe on personal liberty.

Yet Bloomberg is not concerned with personal liberties.

Bloomberg says the police have to do this to secure public safety. However, out of the 684,330 they have found 780 guns last year.  Those are not good odds.  There are reasons for the Constitution is so the govt doesn’t overreach their authority in people’s lives. 

87% of those searchs were of black and Hispanic people, yet all were Americans (my assumption).  The Constitution overrides any societal theory of unethical police practice.  So New York citizens should protest on racial profiling but on the unconstitutionality of the practice.

Florida Educators focus on Test score process instead of the failure in educating the Children

The New York Times 06/11/12 Michael Winerip

“Backtracking on Florida Exams Flunked by Many, Even an Educator”

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/11/education/florida-backtracks-on-standardized-state-tests.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all

Bill Vogel, the superintendent of schools in this suburb of Orlando, has always been vigilant about preparing his district for the state tests.

All students take practice tests in math, reading and writing in September and December. Heather Flay’s fourth graders at Crystal Lake Elementary keep folders with their test results so they can chart which scores need improving.

“We have them show their folders to their parents,” Ms. Flay said. “They’ll say, ‘This is what my scores were in third grade, this is where I was in September and this is what I’m shooting for.’ ”

Then, last month, the state dropped a bomb. The 2012 scores on the writing test — given to 4th, 8th and 10th graders — plummeted in all districts. Only 27 percent of Florida’s fourth graders were rated proficient, compared with 81 percent the year before. In Seminole, 30 percent were proficient, down from 83 percent.

The numbers fell so drastically because, as announced last summer, state officials toughened the standards, paying more attention to grammar and spelling as well as to the factual accuracy of supporting details in essays.

But they did not change the scoring system, resulting in a public relations disaster.

What to do?

They could live with the results — that after 15 years of education reform, three-fourths of Florida children could not write.

The high failure rate was based on measuring proficiency as a score of at least 4.

First, the state considered lowering the cutoff to 3.5.

That would have resulted in a passage rate of about 50 percent. People would probably still be angry.

So on May 15, Florida’s education commissioner, Gerard Robinson, held an emergency conference call with State Education Board members, while 800 school administrators from all over Florida listened in. The board voted to lower the cutoff to 3.

Presto! Problem solved. The proficiency rate for fourth graders was now exactly what it had been in the 2010-11 school year, 81 percent.

Common Sense Review

Clearly this school systems effort is going in the wrong direction if they are vigilant about preparing for these tests and yet they are not passing them. 

A couple of things caught my eye when reading this article. 

First, the rules of grammar and writing haven’t changed.  So the school’s action poses the question, what are you teaching these children if you are not reviewing the principle of grammar and writing.

Second, societies understanding of the role of a teacher would bring back the focus of schools.  Teaching children the skills to be productive adults is the main purpose for teachers and if they are not accomplishing this task, then what are they spending the time in school doing?  I see test scores not just a way of seeing what a child need more needs help understanding certain subjects, but possibly the start of a bigger problem.   If the class as a whole didn’t do well then reviewing the teachers techniques need to be audited.  When the report shows a school or school system’s child population not achieving the levels of education, then a complete overhaul, yet if the education system is to teach the basic rules of grammar and writing this shouldn’t be a problem.

Finally, pointing the finger at the scoring system shows the children that in live if you don’t like the outcome of a situation blaming other factors is acceptable.  Yet failure in life will not change the situation with the accusation of others at fault. 

Ultimately, the children are pawn in this game, when educators are focus on scores and not aptitude of the education.  As well as the child’s ability to apply those skills into a viable job skill seems to be not even secondary concern. 

I feel it is well beyond the time to get back to the back foundation of an education.   Having the ability to run a computer is a moot point if the child can write out a simple sentence or solve a math problem with a pencil and paper.

Three Students shot dead due a man rejected by a woman… Is this a societal problem?

The New York Times  06/11/12  Kim Severson

“Three Killed in Shooting near Auburn University”

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/11/us/report-of-a-multiple-shooting-near-auburn-university.html

Three young men, two of them with ties to Auburn University’s football team, were killed and three others were wounded during a pool party on Saturday night at an apartment complex near the campus here.

Several law enforcement agencies were searching in Montgomery on Sunday for the man they suspected of firing the fatal shots, which were aimed at a few men at the party.

The suspect, whom the police identified as Desmonte D. Leonard, 22, of Montgomery, apparently had no connection to the university, officials said. He has been charged with three counts of capital murder. Court records show that he has a history of gun violence.

The police did not release many details of the shooting. But people who were at the party said the fight began in the apartments’ clubhouse area after Mr. Leonard saw a man dancing with a woman he had spent time with earlier.

“They started fussing over a girl, and the fussing escalated to a fight, and the fight escalated to a shooting,” said Richard Trammell, 21.

Common Sense Review

Have we a generation of people who don’t know how to cope.  A person goes on a shooting spree because another man was dancing with a woman he was previously talking to.  There was no sense of relationship, just a woman he just met.  How is this acceptable behavior over being rejected by a female? 

Are we teaching our children the skill to cope with life’s hurdles?  So many times we see that people on the news due to a poor reaction to a bad decision.   Last year in Grand Rapids, a lady caught her live in boyfriend in a bar with another woman.  She followed the couple in her car in a chase all over Grand Rapids in excessive speeds.  It ended with the boyfriend’s car crashed which caused his death. The girlfriend was convicted with his death and serving time in prison.

Why she didn’t go home, pack his stuff and kick him out?  Or go home and confront him on their relationship.  Both situations have a non violent reaction to the situation.

Now he is dead and she has lost her freedom over the inability to address his bad behavior. 

We try to protect our children from the harshness of life but are we creating a more serious situation in the future?

USDA throws $1 million dollars to feed 5,306 students in GRPS system… Govt Waste, you decide..

The Grand Rapids Press  06/06/12  Monica Scott

“Parent of 5,306 students to get funds for nutritious food:  Federal Program will provide $60 per child, per month”

http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2012/06/parents_of_5306_grand_rapids_s.html

On Saturday, the families of 5,306 students from Grand Rapids schools will begin receiving $60 per child, per month, to buy nutritious food.

More than 2,800 families recently received congratulations letters after being randomly selected for the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) for Children program funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The money is received on debit cards.

The $60 stipend will be given in June, July and August. Parents were not disqualified if they already receive food stamps or other state assistance. The families of the 2,500 students involved in the program last year were allowed to remain in the program as long as they completed the consent forms.

This program is separate from the longtime free summer meals program operated by Grand Rapids Public Schools for children in the area, regardless of what school district they are in. Beginning June 18, children 18 and younger can receive a free lunch this summer and at school and community sites.

There are rules regarding what and where food can be bought. All of the food items in the summer food package are approved by Women, Infants and Children. Families must shop at certain stores and buy certain brands and types of nutritious food and drink as part of the benefit.

Common Sense Review

There are a few problems with this....

So what are we getting for the $955,080… governmental waste!

I took the time to speak with the Food workers at the GRPS Nutrition dept.  I was informed that every child in the GRPS area get an application to take home for their parent to fill out and  the chosen are out of the application that were brought back received.  There is never a review of the household income, so families who make a good income or families already receive Bridge cards, so that the program make a positive effect on the households who truly need the assistance.

The program doesn’t look into the child (school attendance, grades, legal issues) so to make sure the children who work hard to better themselves may be over looked and the program benefits the children are not making an effort in life.

GRPS offers breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack for all students from the age of 18 and younger.  These meals are available in 30 locations. 

So even after the taxpayers pay for 2 square a day during the school year, we also pay for 2 squares during the summer as well as $ 1 million are given 2,800 families in the GRPS system.   How are the children starving?

Ok, $60/month… Really?!?!   In a 30 day per month cycle equals $2 a day.  Does this make or break a family?  Will the children starve if they don’t get the $60/mo?   

Ultimately this million dollar program, is throwing money at a school system and no more…

Clearly…GRCC Leaders didn’t take the Accounting classes offered by GRCC…

 The Grand Rapids Press 06/05/12  Brian McVicar

“GRCC votes to borrow $28.5M:  Divided Board of Trustees plans to sell bonds for campus repairs”

http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2012/06/a_divided_grcc_board_of_truste.html

A divided Grand Rapids Community Board of Trustees tonight approved a plan to sell $28.5 million in bonds to fund what administrators say are urgently needed campus repairs.

The move comes about a month after voters overwhelmingly defeated a request to raise GRCC’s millage rate. Had the measure been approved, the college would have sold bonds totaling $98.6 million to pay for campus repairs and renovations.

Revenue generated from the sale of the bonds will help the college buy new windows, update its sprinkler systems and fix its heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, among other repairs.

Ryskamp, who abstained from the vote, asked whether the college could pay for the repairs using revenue from the facilities fees instead of borrowing. The fee is expected to generate $2.8 million in its first year.

Administrators said such a route could be pursued. But they cautioned that under such an approach, the price of repairs would rise because of inflation and the college would fall further behind on maintenance projects.

Declining enrollment means the college will collect less money from its facilities fee, which is what the college will use to cover interest payments on the bond.

“We’re taking an ultra-conservative approach on enrollment,” Ender said. “When you’re building bond principal and interest payments off of a revenue stream that depends on student enrollment, you do not want to overestimate enrollment.”

Common Sense Review

Grand Rapids Community College is the epitome of hypocrisy.

In May they posed the question before the people to give them millions of dollars to repair their facilities and the people said….. NO!  So now sadly they have to increase enrollment fees to cover the expense and the trustees have agreed to borrow $28.5 million to address the issue.

I took a moment to review the GRCC academic class catalog, low and behold the offer a basic Accounting class… Wow!

The class description:

“This program prepares students for responsible positions in the accounting department of small businesses and for support positions in both financial and manufacturing accounting in larger firms”

Apparently, those who work at GRCC didn’t take the class.  

Educators needed to be educated on Bullying…. And they teach our children?!?!?

Wood Radio.com  06/04/12 

“Schools to Submit Anti-bullying Policies”

http://www.woodradio.com/cc-common/mainheadlines3.html?feed=125494&article=10172427

Officials in Michigan are working to submit anti-bullying policies that are required by Wednesday in public school districts and charter schools statewide.

Gov. Rick Snyder in December signed legislation giving schools six months to put such policies into place. Many school districts already had anti-bullying policies, but until the law passed, districts weren't required to spell out what steps would be taken to deal with bullying and discourage it.

The Detroit Free Press reports Monday that more than 400 of the state's districts and charter schools have submitted policies to the Michigan Department of Education. Hundreds more still must submit policies. School boards in several communities meet early this week about the policies.

The law is known as "Matt's Safe School Law."

Common Sense Review

If you are a school system who hasn’t had an anti bullying policy already in place before Gov. Snyder signing the bill in December, you lose all taxpayer dollars.  To the school system, we bring our children to you for an education and yet you haven’t had a child safety policy until the word “Bullying” has become a popular term that needs our care now!

How can you stand as educators on the forefront when you need to be told that you have to protect our children from those who wish them harm.   It is time to educate you:

Define:

Bullying – to affect by means of force or coercion

Terrorism – the systematic use of terror; especially as a means of coercion.

Is it me?  Should this be taught to those who teach our children?

Dictators make the best leaders of tourism according to the UN

The Daily Mail  06/01/12  Jason Groves

“Outrage as Zimbabwean dictator Robert Mugabe is honored by UN as a ‘leader for tourism’”

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2152101/Despot-Mugabe-UNs-envoy-tourism.html

DURING his three decades in power, Robert Mugabe has dragged once-wealthy Zimbabwe into the gutter.

His forced seizure of white-owned farms precipitated the collapse of the economy, leading to devastating poverty.

He has the blood of tens of  thousands of his people on his hands and is banned from travelling to most parts of the world because of his regime’s human  rights abuses.

Strange then that the United Nations has honored the tyrant as a tourism ‘ambassador’.

In a move prompting condemnation, the UN’s World Tourism Organization has invited Mugabe to join its prestigious ‘Leaders for Tourism’ group.

Labour MP Kate Hoey, who is chairman of the all-party group on Zimbabwe, described the move  as ‘an affront to the people  of Zimbabwe’.

She added: ‘For a man who has destroyed his country’s infrastructure and cynically engineered hunger to be an “ambassador” for tourism is disgraceful – particularly as he has been personally responsible for the downward spiral of the economy and destroyed the hotel, travel and tourism industry in the process.’

‘Mugabe has destroyed Zimbabwe’s economy and does not deserve any recognition, least of all for encouraging tourism.’

Kumbi Muchemwa, a spokesman for Zimbabwe’s Movement for Democratic Change, the main opposition party, said: ‘Robert Mugabe is under international sanctions, so how do you have an international tourism ambassador who can’t travel to other countries? The UN is losing credibility. Does it think people should go to a country where the law is not obeyed?’

Common Sense Review

This is so laughable and the UN credibility is question as if it wasn’t before.  However the UN give a dictator of an African county the title of “Leader for Tourism”. 

I know when I am think of vacation spot, Zimbabwe is at the top of my list.

In a continent where 75%  of the countries  are on the US Travel warning list due to civil unrest and threats to Americans, (which  17 African countries out of a total of 31 countries are on the Warning list).   How is this dictator the “leader of tourism”?  Great motto's:

“Zimbabwe where avoiding violent crowd is a part of the fun”

“Come be arrested for assisting in Humanitarian aid in Zimbabwe”

“Zimbabwe… Have you been assaulted today… Why YES!”

“Zimbabwe… Where you can commit a crime and not know it”

“Zimbabwe, where take photos of nature can get you detain”

“Zimbabwe, where eating is like being a participant in ‘Fear Factor’ “

Maybe I should be the leader of tourism for Zimbabwe….

Govt tells us what they see from the Stimulus manipulation of our economy….Key word “Manipulation”

The New York Times 05/20/12  Gretchen Morgenson

“Seeing Bailouts through Rose Colored Glasses”

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/20/business/a-bailout-analysis-thats-incomplete-fair-game.html?_r=1

THE multibillion-dollar trading loss at JPMorgan Chase has revived the idea of paring down banks that are too big to manage. That’s a good thing, if we ever hope to get off the boom-bust-bailout track

As the battles over financial regulation rage in Washington, it’s crucial that American taxpayers understand the costs associated with rescuing behemoth institutions. Getting a straight answer on this question can be tough, given the politics now surrounding the bailouts that occurred in 2008.

The total cost of those salvage efforts isn’t yet known. The problems at the mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have not been resolved, and the taxpayers’ current $151 billion bill will undoubtedly shift in size.

Nevertheless, an accurate accounting of the 2008 rescues should include the value of the bailout subsidy provided by the taxpayers, as well as a hard-nosed cost-benefit analysis. Unfortunately, neither was included in a recent United States Treasury analysis of the various rescue programs, including TARP.

AN even larger problem with the Treasury analysis, Mr. Kane said, is its failure to calculate the value of the subsidy that taxpayers provided to rescue recipients. “You would not pass Economics 101,” he said, “if you didn’t understand the opportunity costs involved in providing the subsidy.”

Timothy G. Massad, assistant Treasury secretary for financial stability, said: “We believe the fact that we took strong, forceful action resulted in us preventing significant economic costs, including the risk of a second Great Depression. But a specific counterfactual analysis is something that can be done in a variety of ways, and for the government to endorse one particular approach is not something we think is appropriate in this case.”

Charles W. Calomiris, is a professor at Columbia Business School, as well as Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs, and a research associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research. He worked with Mr. Kane on the critique of the Treasury’s analysis and said in an interview last week: “Pretending that when providing these subsidies all you have to do is get your money back and not get an adequate return accounting for risk — that is not a good accounting for cost.”

Another problem with the Treasury’s presentation is that it does not give taxpayers a cost-benefit analysis. “We are not saying that the benefits weren’t there,” Mr. Calomiris said. “We’re not saying that it wasn’t worthwhile to create these programs. Maybe it was, maybe it wasn’t. But it requires a fuller analysis of what the benefits were.”

Common Sense Review

As the govt review the need for regulation of the free market risk for financial institution, they are not taking responsibility for their own financial fiasco.  Anyone… “Pot/Kettle”?

Arg! Once again the govt , in their infinite wisdom, think the citizens are ignorant.  This idea that govt has the ultimate knowledge over all thing financial is seen in Mr. Kane’s comment “opportunity costs involved in providing the subsidy.”   Wow, Mr. Kane we are not in a bar and you are not trying to pick me up… quit lying..

Opportunity to provide subsidy is sideways talk of wealth distribution.  Due to the fact that the American’s who work hard and provide for their families can (in govt eyes) provide for all….

If the govt would quit being the Mrs Kravits (Bewitch’d reference) of the financial world, the economy (after a rocky time) will settle itself out.  

PPPSSSSHHHH… Rest easy Kim, we are not in your country…..(wink,wink)

The Washington Post  05/29/12 Chico Harlan

“U.S. denies N. Korea Commando operation”

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/us-denies-n-korea-commando-operation/2012/05/29/gJQA4viVyU_story.html

The U.S. military on Tuesday denied a report that it has been sending commandos into North Korea to spy on underground military facilities, a mission that would violate the armistice agreement that ended the Korean War.

“Quotes have been made up and attributed to him,” the U.S. statement said. “No U.S. or [South Korean] forces have parachuted into North Korea.”

But analysts warned that North Korea, despite the U.S. denial, could seize the initial report as evidence of American belligerence, a central theme of its propaganda and a key rationale for its military spending and provocations. Last week, Pyongyang vowed to bolster its “nuclear deterrence” if the United States continued a hostile policy toward the North.

“Anything like this, it just plays right into the hands of North Korea,” said Daniel Pinkston, a Seoul-based security expert at the International Crisis Group. “It proves their narrative that America just wants to topple the regime. They can pick up the original story and just run with that.”

The United States runs spy missions in numerous dangerous countries, security experts note, but few present the kind of challenges posed by North Korea, which has near-sealed borders and redundant layers of surveillance agencies. In recent years, U.S. intelligence officials have learned of important events in the North — such as the development of a uranium-enrichment facility and the death of leader Kim Jong Il — only when the Pyongyang government announced them.

Common Sense Review

This is an absolutely ridiculous article.  North Korea who supposed to have Nuclear missile (yet can’t launch a long range missile successfully) as well as their tyrannical attitude to their own people, is not on the radar for the US govt to send in any military tool to acquire information on what the North Korean intentions.  Sometimes the US govt thinks we are idiots.

Of course they sent in some form of intelligence agent into North Korea.  Whether it is the commando forces, CIA specialist in North Korea, Local spies or drones, the US is going to get intel on this secretive country. 

I just glad the US govt isn’t just lying to its citizens by to the rest of the world…

Taxpayers force to support Blind Chinese activist…. Why?!?

The Wall Street Journal  05/21/12  Josh Chin & Laura Kusisto

“Blind Activist Starts New Life In US:  Chen Will Study Law in New York but the Fate of His Backers and His Influence in China are Unclear”

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304019404577416051310772214.html

Blind Chinese activist Chen Guangcheng's departure from China raises difficult questions ranging from the fate of his extended family and allies to his ability to spur change at home, even as he enjoyed his first taste of freedom in seven years following his arrival in the U.S. over the weekend.

Mr. Chen, his wife and their two children touched down in the U.S. on Saturday evening after a sudden rush to Beijing International Airport that ended weeks of speculation over his fate and concluded one of the tensest episodes in U.S.-China relations in several years.

Jerome Cohen, co-director of New York University's U.S.-Asia Law Institute, where Mr. Chen will study, said on Sunday that Mr. Chen was in good spirits and planned to spend his first full day in America resting.

"He's much less tired. He's, I think, in admirable shape considering he hasn't been here 24 hours," Mr. Cohen aid.

Mr. Chen is going to study comparative law and hoped to improve his English, Mr. Cohen said. "He's very smart and he is a quick learner. He'll start in a week or two, whenever he's ready."

NYU spokesman John Beckman said the university was forbidden from discussing the finances of any student under federal law. "However, I don't think it will come as a surprise to anyone that there have been significant offers of philanthropy regarding Mr. Chen," he said.

Common Sense Review

Why is this guy so different from the thousands of other activist around the world fighting against tyrannical govts?  I find this situation quite unusual.  Many activists in countries that are under the tyrannical, oppressive govts tend to have their lives threatened.  The monks in Tibet are an excellent example of this forceful police state upon its citizens.  Are the monks seeking asylum in the US? Not to my knowledge.

Now that this Chen guy is in the US, how can he lead his followers in fighting his govt?  What hypocrisy when a leader sits in his cushy New York apartment sending commands to his followers who are under the veil threat of death, and struggle day to day to survive? 

Now let’s get down to brass tacks, how much is this going to cost the US tax payers?  Mr. Chen could have gone to any other country until his papers were in line to get a visa under the pretense of political asylum without the fanfare or financial support?  Now if a private citizen wants to financial support Chen, so be it but the taxpayers shouldn’t be flipping the bill for this person.

Govt says Prostate Cancer Screening test more harmful than the Cancer….

The New York Times  05/22/12  Tra Parker-Pope

“Panel Issue Final Guidance Against Prostate Screening”

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/05/21/new-data-on-harms-of-prostate-cancer-testing/

In a controversial finding that will affect at least 44 million American men, a government task force published its final recommendations against regular prostate cancer screening, concluding that the harms of the simple blood test far outweigh any potential benefit.

The recommendations, from the United States Preventive Services Task Force, offer the most detailed breakdown to date of the potential risks and benefits of the prostate specific antigen blood test, commonly known as the P.S.A. test. Most important, the task force found that, at best, one man in every 1,000 given the P.S.A. test may avoid death as a result of the screening, while another man for every 3,000 tested will die prematurely as a result of complications from prostate cancer treatment and dozens more will be seriously harmed.

Last fall, the task force shocked the men’s health community when it issued a draft recommendation against routine use of the P.S.A. test. The recommendations apply only to the routine screening of healthy men and do not affect men who seek medical advice about cancer symptoms. Currently, many men in their 40s, 50s and older receive annual P.S.A. screenings in hopes of detecting prostate cancer before symptoms appear. A high P.S.A. score, or a rising score over time, typically leads to a potentially painful biopsy in which a dozen or so tissue samples are taken to determine if cancer has begun to grow in a man’s prostate.

Common Sense Review

Many would like to blame this on Obamacare, unfortunately this review board was created in 1984. However, how does a group of 16 people are given the power and authority to dictate care given to US citizens.  Just like Obamacare’s review board, the insurance companies take the opinions of this board in deciding to which procedure is cover and to what extent is the procedure covered. 

If a prostate screening helps detect prostate cancer for, at least, one person than it is worth the procedure.  How does the govt entity decide whether is helpful to the masses?  In my eyes, anything that detects cancer so that early treatment can begin to encourage a higher success rate is worth the support of a screening test.  

Which brings the question, what is the purpose of publishing the opinions that prostate screening more harmful than prostate cancer? 

Shortage of meds is in the hands of FDA… until they get paid by Pharm Companies…

The Wall Street Journal  05/19-20/12 Thomas M.Burton

“Lawmakers To Vote On FDA Clout”

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303879604577412511803108548.html

The Senate could vote as soon as next week on whether to give the Food and Drug Administration broader regulatory authority, including new powers to prevent prescription-drug shortages, inspect overseas drug facilities and more closely track medical devices for safety flaws.

Brand-name drug companies are expected to pay about $4 billion in user fees over the five-year law, an increase of about 6% from the current law. Medical-device companies would pay about $600 million over the same period, which is about double the current rate

Under the proposed legislation, the generic drug industry would, for the first time, pitch in about $1.5 billion in user fees to pay for faster product reviews. Also new are proposed user fees for companies making "biosimilar" drugs, or knock-offs that could mimic complex drugs such as erythropoietin for anemia, Remicade for rheumatoid arthritis and Herceptin for cancer.

Both the House and Senate bills would give the agency power to block products' entry into the U.S. if the FDA were refused admission to fully inspect facilities, and put the burden on companies to ensure the integrity of their supply chains. Also, the FDA would get the authority to fix a huge disparity: that U.S. plants are inspected about every two years, and ones overseas every nine years. The legislation would give the FDA broad discretion to focus on the most risky products, anywhere in the world.

The FDA has struggled to avert shortages of prescription drugs such as injectable drugs for cancer. The agency often doesn't know of production shutdowns that can lead to shortages until too late. The Senate and House bills would require manufacturers to notify the agency early on if they believe a shortage is about to happen.

Common Sense Review

So what I understand here is the pharmaceutical companies pay the gov’t for faster review of current products and the FDA says it is trying to prevent drugs shortages.

Sounds about right.. The simplified view is the govt is the pimp that gets paid and controls getting the product on the street.  

It is continually frustrating that the price and accessibility of drugs are dictated to the people when the govt in its infinite wisdom get tax dollars on the front and paid by drug companies on the back. 

When are the people going to wake up… the accessibility to drugs are not the pharm companies but the govt.   Our health in left in the hands of the govt official who will not allow a drug hit the market until they are paid… So when is our govt supposed to be for the people…

Detroit Citizens left to survive Crime infested complex amidst killings…

The Detroit Press  05/07/12 George Hunter

“Crime fears rattle fed-up resident”

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120507/METRO01/205070331

Detroit— In an apartment complex named for a man who stood for peace and freedom, residents say rampant violence has made them prisoners in their own homes.

The Martin Luther King Apartments on Lafayette near Chene, less than a mile from downtown, is a sprawling 481-unit compound that's been taken over by drug dealers and other criminals, residents say.

"We're the forgotten people of Detroit," said Sharonda Hawkins, 48, whose husband, Brandon Johnson, was gunned down in August, a few doors down from her apartment. Faded bloodstains, which Hawkins said won't wash away, still mar the doorway where the murder took place.

Detroit Police Deputy Chief Benjamin Lee said police are aware of the crime problem at the apartment complex, and are "doing some things" to address it, although he declined to be specific about tactics. An official with Independent Management Services, the Fenton-based company that owns the apartments, declined to comment.

Hawkins, who has attended recent meetings of the Board of Police Commissioners to complain, said residents are skeptical of promises from police.

"Like many Detroiters, Ms. Hawkins is fed up, and has become active in trying to seek a solution," White said. "That's what needs to happen; occupying a neighborhood with officers isn't going to solve the problem. Residents and police working together is the solution."

Lee said police recently arrested suspects they believed were responsible for several break-ins in the complex, only to find residents reluctant to cooperate.

"The problem is, nobody wanted to press charges," he said. "It's frustrating."

"Nobody wants to say anything because they're afraid of what these (criminals) will do to them," she said. "It's worse now than it ever was. It was bad when I moved in, but now, it's just terrible."

Common Senses Review

When I write about Detroit I talk about the corruption of the city officials but this is unacceptable.  People, American People don’t deserve to live in fear of death due to the lack of security for their safety due to where they live. 

This woman’s husband was killed in front of their apartment and 9 months later she is still fighting with the police to secure the complex.  This is what happens to good people in a town with no leadership.  What about the elderly? Being poor doesn’t mean you have to live in crime filled neighborhood. 

Would you accept living in these conditions?  

The Criminal entity of Detroit plagues city hall…

The Detroit News  05/10/12  Robert Snell & Christine MacDonald

“SEC says Kilpatrick took favors for pension deals”

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120510/METRO01/205100409

Detroit— Former Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick and his fraternity brother were part of a scheme to strong-arm a city pension fund businessman for $125,000 worth of private jet flights, Prince concert tickets, steakhouse dinners, golf trips and VIP hotel rooms in Las Vegas, according to a lawsuit filed by federal regulators Wednesday.

In return, Kilpatrick and indicted city Treasurer Jeff Beasley approved deals pitched by Detroit businessman Chauncey Mayfield, whose firm reaped millions in fees, according to the lawsuit filed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

The lawsuit is the latest controversy involving the Detroit Police and Fire pension funds and Kilpatrick and comes seven days after Mayfield's firm was fired over its handling of a $3.1 million pension deal.

"What they've done in the past is finally catching up with them," Detroit Police and Fire Pension fund Trustee Mark Diaz said. "Hopefully now, we can get a couple of indictments. This is great news."

The lawsuit also alleges how Detroit-based MayfieldGentry Realty Advisors LLC bought its way into managing part of a $300 million real-estate portfolio.

Kilpatrick and Beasley received the trips and perks while Mayfield was recommending the city's pension funds invest approximately $117 million in a real estate investment trust, according to the complaint.

"It is a disappointing day when pension fund trustees such as ex-Mayor Kilpatrick and others corrupt the investment process by selling out hardworking police officers, firefighters and other municipal employees for the price of a few vacations and paltry extras like concert tickets and rounds of golf,"said Robert Khuzami, director of the SEC's enforcement division.

The civil complaint alleges Kilpatrick and the others violated the Securities Exchange Act.

Common Sense Review

I continually amazes me that the citizens of Detroit are not outraged by the blatant corruption that ultimately they will have to pay for in one form or another.  Whether in higher taxes or the lack of city services, the citizen will pay for the lack of leadership that has plagued Detroit for decades.

 

What will it take to stop the criminal enterprise of the Motor city and I am not even talking about the drugs, prostitution or terrorist entity…

Grand Rapids Staffer Reimburse for Meals & Training…. Taxpayers pay to have staffer take Math classes….I would cry if it wasn’t too funny!

Grand Rapids City Commission Minutes  05/15/12  pages 101-103

http://grcity.us/city-clerk/CityCommission/051512epsec.pdf

Grand Rapids City Official Reimbursement Report for Lunches and Training

Lunches

Planning Dept.

·         Planning Board ate lunches in the amount of $90.69 on March 7,2012

So the board gets together before the planning meetings and has lunch on the tax payers… We pay $1,080/yr so they can have lunch….

Executive Dept.

·          Mayor Heartwell ate lunch in the amount of $64.33.. In a meeting.

Maybe the Mayor needs to rethink were he holds his meetings…

Training (This is great!)

Designing, Dev., & Enterprise

·          Environment Protect Dept.

o   Basic Math I & II (2 classes) @ $200/each (9 staffers)

o   Math I Course @ $100/each  (2 staffers)

Let me help our Environment Protect Dept.  You spent $2, 000 for Basic Math & Math classes for your staff.  I’m not one to judge but shouldn’t that be a part of the hiring process.

“Mr. Smith can you do math?”  And if they say no, don’t hire them…Is it me?

City of Grand Rapids Reimburse Questionable Expenses in April…. Clearly they don’t have to watch their pennies…

Grand Rapids City Commission Minutes  05/15/12  pages 98-100

http://grcity.us/city-clerk/CityCommission/051512epsec.pdf

In reviewing Grand Rapids City Commission minutes, I came across the April 2012 reimbursement report and found something’s questionable:

In – State Travel

Community Services

·          Neighborhood Improvement (1 staffer)   $413.55

o   (3 day) Plumbing Inspectors Conference in Mt. Pleasant

Being from Mt.Pleasant, the 2 hour trip is travelable, so why would they need to pay for hotel or why don’t they share a room.  There is a Motel 6 in Mt. Pleasant were I can see $150 for 2 nights…

Design, Dev., & Enterprise

·          Water Systems (4 staffers)   $  725.00

o   (1 day) Midwest Supply Chain Mgmt Conference in Grand Rapids

Ok, This one makes no sense.  Four staffer need to be reimbursed for a conference in Grand Rapids where they work.  What additional expense did they incur?

Fiscal Services

·         Purchasing  (2 staffers)  $354.00

o   (2 day) Reverse Trade Fair in Detroit

What the heck is a “Reverse Trade Fair”? 

Borrowed Pension funds bought houses given to Drug Dealer… Only in Detroit

The Detroit News  05/03/12  Robert Snell

“Drug Link cited in pension loan:  Fund borrower bought houses, gave some to allege dealer”

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120503/METRO01/205030402/

A businessman who borrowed $10 million from a Detroit pension fund to buy foreclosed homes had transferred some of the properties to an alleged international heroin dealer's company, The Detroit News has learned.

Agents found property records indicating a company headed by Detroit businessman Abner McWhorter had transferred two dozen houses to a firm headed by Macomb County resident Carlos Powell, who was indicted in January and accused of heading a large-scale drug ring.

The link is the latest fallout from a failed deal that led to McWhorter's suicide, an international manhunt and a search for $5 million in missing pension fund money.

The search warrant describes a connection between one of the largest drug busts in Metro Detroit history and a failed pension fund deal involving McWhorter and his company, Paramount Land Holdings.

The size, scope and profits of Powell's alleged drug ring would rank him among the most prolific drug dealers in recent Metro Detroit history, according to federal investigators.

During the drug probe, federal agents have raided multiple locations in Michigan and Florida and seized more than $21 million in cash, 66 pounds of heroin, 26 pounds of cocaine, 1,000 pounds of marijuana and a fleet of exotic vehicles.

During a November 2010 raid of Powell's home in Washington Township, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents found copies of property records transferring approximately 26 Detroit houses to an Eastpointe company, Grand Towers Inc., according to the search warrant.

The property records were quitclaim deeds transferring Paramount's title to the homes to Grand Towers, according to the federal search warrant application.

The quitclaim deeds found by drug agents were never recorded with the Wayne County Register of Deeds. The deeds were dated Jan. 11, 2008.

Common Sense Review

When the people of Detroit are stand up against a corrupt local govt.  The union workers pension is loaned to a land holder who buys property then transfers two dozen of them to a known drug dealer.  What?!?!

What kinds of investment research did the pension controllers do?  The properties were supposed to be a part of a foreclosure program, but they sit blight.  

When are the people of Detroit going to wake up?  Is there no oversight in Detroit?  Unfortunately this story is not shocking and yet it is shocking that it is not shocking for Detroit.