I never really understood the PETA folks and their desire to place animals above humans in the food chain. I can agree with the most basic tenet of their organization, the "Ethical Treatment" of animals. However, I have never been blind to their more radical agenda. After reading portions of Ingrid Newkirk's will (courtesy wnd.com), I realize this woman is literally insane. She wants "meat" from her body to literally be used for a barbecue!
Her funding of eco-terrorist Rod Conrado and many other whack jobs runs under the public radar. Many people think they are joining an organization that just seeks to "protect" animals without knowing what they are actually funding. It is not difficult at all to do a little research to find out the truly sinister activities of this organization.
Additional reading:
Eminent Domain blog
February 28, 2009
February 27, 2009
February 25, 2009
Since Dunce Hats Are Outdated
I figured we could keep one of these handy for the person who isn't pulling their weight at work. They could wear it all day and the rest of us would be justified in calling them a $#@&head.
San Francisco Chronicle In Trouble
Nothing new here. They have been bleeding red ink for years but when there is an Associated Press story that reads "San Francisco Chronicle May Close" you know things are near the bottom of the toilet tank for them. There is a remote possibility that the company that owns the San Jose Mercury News could be a potential buyer. The only way that could happen would be if no buyers stepped forward to purchase the paper and the alternative option of shutting down was the only other choice. Then MediaNews could step in and buy the ailing paper in order to keep the presses running. Maybe even pick it up at a firesale price.
MediaNews, the parent company of the San Jose Mercury news, borrowed $300 million dollars from the Hearst Corporation, which owns the Chronicle, to purchase the bay area newspapers that were put up for sale after the McClatchy company bought them from Kight Ridder. Follow that trail of bread crumbs!
I guess whatever the outcome may be could only bode well for the San Jose Mercury News. If the Chronicle shuts down that would be a tremendous opportunity to "poach" a subscriber base that no longer had a hometown newspaper. If they have a huge company restructuring with cutbacks/layoffs and downsizing it could affect the overall stability of their subscriber base and there could be some customer migration to the Mercury News.
Either way it will be interesting to watch and see the effects on the industry as a whole.
MediaNews, the parent company of the San Jose Mercury news, borrowed $300 million dollars from the Hearst Corporation, which owns the Chronicle, to purchase the bay area newspapers that were put up for sale after the McClatchy company bought them from Kight Ridder. Follow that trail of bread crumbs!
I guess whatever the outcome may be could only bode well for the San Jose Mercury News. If the Chronicle shuts down that would be a tremendous opportunity to "poach" a subscriber base that no longer had a hometown newspaper. If they have a huge company restructuring with cutbacks/layoffs and downsizing it could affect the overall stability of their subscriber base and there could be some customer migration to the Mercury News.
Either way it will be interesting to watch and see the effects on the industry as a whole.
February 14, 2009
Federal obligations exceed world GDP
Hey! Thanks for the "hopey changey" thing there! We have definitely "changed" the country forever. I don't say that in a good way. Click the post title to read the article. The US federal deficit exceeds the GDP (gross domestic product) of the entire world! Anyone feel a bit nervous about their future yet? Take a look at the citizens guide to the 2008 Financial Report of the United States Government. It's surely a depressing read so take your meds first!
We might hope to see the finances of the union as clear and intelligible as a merchant's books so that every member of Congress and every man of any mind in the union should be able to comprehend them, to investigate abuses and consequently to control them.
President Thomas Jefferson to Treasury Secretary Albert Gallatin - 1802
Sharing Some Wisdom
Today I'll not berate the sparse few who have meandered over to this diminutive corner of the series of tubes called the internets. I will take it upon myself to impart some wisdom. Unfortunately that wisdom is gleened from the minds of others. I know I have some but I think I misplaced it somewhere. A mind, that is.
I'll start with the quote below that is specifically intended to describe the current political atmosphere here in Amerika.
For my buddy, Joe
and...
Joe and I can probably agree on this one as well. Only we come from different perspectives.
I'll start with the quote below that is specifically intended to describe the current political atmosphere here in Amerika.
Of all tyrannies a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive.
C. S. Lewis
For my buddy, Joe
If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this.
C. S. Lewis
and...
"Atheism turns out to be too simple. If the whole universe has no meaning, we should never have found out that it has no meaning..."
--from "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis
Joe and I can probably agree on this one as well. Only we come from different perspectives.
"Of all bad men religious bad men are the worst."
--Reflections on the Psalms, C.S. Lewis
February 13, 2009
Assisting The Obama Administration With Their Promise Of "Transparency"
I purposefully put the word transparency in quotations. The Obama administration has been in office for less than a month and the campaign "promise" of transparency has been all but ignored. In order to help the administration live up to the transparency promise I will, at my leisure, begin posting the details from the all important "emergency" stimulus (read: pork) bill. Let me cut the banter and get right to the crux of the matter.
The text excerpted below can be acessed at this link. Keep in mind that the stimulus bill is intended to create jobs and stimulate the economy. Pay close attention to where the money is going. You'll notice that a large percentage of the money allocated is for the government to spend money on itself. These sections will be highlighted for your easy reading pleasure! I will provide you with an equivalent for the proposed funding amount. The Obama administration has been generous enough to provide you a $400 "tax rebate" that will be spread out over the course of one year. $800 for couples. Over the year an individual will realize a whopping $7.69 per week reduction in their income tax witholding. Couples will be swimming in their extra cash as they will notice a net reduction of $15.38 per week in taxes. Where will you spend all that extra money you ask? Well, you won't have any to spend if you live in California! "Why is that?", you say. The below list has the proposed reasons why that is -
1. A 5% surcharge on what the tax filer owes (great! a tax on taxes!). Incrediby, they are trying to put a positive spin on this by saying, "The state income tax is deductible on the federal tax return". Whoppee!!
2. Increase the annual fee on the value of vehicles from 0.65% to 1.15%. Translation - if your car is worth $15,000, your annual DMV renewal tax would increase from $97.50 to $172.50. Oh, but wait, it's deductable from your federal tax return. How simple is that!
3. Increase the state sales tax by one cent on the dollar. That increases the state sales tax rate to nine cents.
4. Increase the per-gallon gasoline excise tax by 12 cents!.
5. Reduce the dependent income tax credit by two thirds from $309 to $103.
California is not the issue, it's just my pain (maybe yours as well). The issue is the federal "porkulus" bill. Without further ado, please indulge yourself in this disgusting, fraudulent, wasteful bill.
TITLE I-AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION,
AND RELATED AGENCIES
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
AGRICULTURE BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES AND RENTAL PAYMENTS
For an additional amount for "Agriculture Buildings and Facilities and Rental Payments", $24,000,000, for necessary construction, repair, and improvement activities.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
For an additional amount for "Office of Inspector General", $22,500,000, to remain available until September 30, 2013, for oversight and audit of programs, grants, and activities funded by this Act and administered by the Department of Agriculture.
AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE
BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES
For an additional amount for "Buildings and Facilities", $176,000,000, for work on deferred maintenance at Agricultural Research Service facilities: Provided, That
priority in the use of such funds shall be given to critical deferred maintenance, to projects that can be completed, and to activities that can commence promptly following enactment of this Act.
FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS
For an additional amount for the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42
U.S.c. 1751 et. seq.), except section 21, and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et. seq.), except sections 17 and 21, $100,000,000, to carry out a grant program for National School Lunch Program equipment assistance: Provided, That such funds shall be provided to States administering a school lunch program in a manner proportional with each States' administrative expense allocation: Providedfurther, That the States shall provide competitive grants to school food authorities based upon the need for equipment assistance in participating schools with priority given to school in which not less than 50 percent ofthe students are eligible for free or
reduced price meals under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act.
Free school lunches create jobs and stimulate the economy?
GENERAL PROVISIONS-THIS TITLE
SEC. 101. TEMPORARY INCREASE IN BENEFITS UNDER THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE
PROGRAM. (a) :MAXIMUM BENEFIT INCREASE.-
(1) IN GENERAL.-Beginning the first month that begins not less than 25 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the value of benefits determined under section 8(a) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 and consolidated block grants for Puerto Rico and American Samoa determined under section 19(a) of such Act shall be calculated using 113.6 percent of the June 2008 value of the thrifty food plan as specified under section 3(0) of such Act.
Whu-what?
I really have to stop before I hurl on my laptop. This is a conglomeration of liberal pet projects probably collected over the last 10 to 15 years. More than likely none were ever able to get out of committee. Now we have this fiscal "emergency" and we must act "urgently" to pass this bill. Translation: pass it before anyone figures out what's in it!
Warning: individuals being treated for high blood pressure or other coronary disorders are advised against proceeding beyond this point. The author takes no responsibility for any adverse reactions to the information contained within.
The text excerpted below can be acessed at this link. Keep in mind that the stimulus bill is intended to create jobs and stimulate the economy. Pay close attention to where the money is going. You'll notice that a large percentage of the money allocated is for the government to spend money on itself. These sections will be highlighted for your easy reading pleasure! I will provide you with an equivalent for the proposed funding amount. The Obama administration has been generous enough to provide you a $400 "tax rebate" that will be spread out over the course of one year. $800 for couples. Over the year an individual will realize a whopping $7.69 per week reduction in their income tax witholding. Couples will be swimming in their extra cash as they will notice a net reduction of $15.38 per week in taxes. Where will you spend all that extra money you ask? Well, you won't have any to spend if you live in California! "Why is that?", you say. The below list has the proposed reasons why that is -
1. A 5% surcharge on what the tax filer owes (great! a tax on taxes!). Incrediby, they are trying to put a positive spin on this by saying, "The state income tax is deductible on the federal tax return". Whoppee!!
2. Increase the annual fee on the value of vehicles from 0.65% to 1.15%. Translation - if your car is worth $15,000, your annual DMV renewal tax would increase from $97.50 to $172.50. Oh, but wait, it's deductable from your federal tax return. How simple is that!
3. Increase the state sales tax by one cent on the dollar. That increases the state sales tax rate to nine cents.
4. Increase the per-gallon gasoline excise tax by 12 cents!.
5. Reduce the dependent income tax credit by two thirds from $309 to $103.
California is not the issue, it's just my pain (maybe yours as well). The issue is the federal "porkulus" bill. Without further ado, please indulge yourself in this disgusting, fraudulent, wasteful bill.
TITLE I-AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION,
AND RELATED AGENCIES
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
AGRICULTURE BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES AND RENTAL PAYMENTS
For an additional amount for "Agriculture Buildings and Facilities and Rental Payments", $24,000,000, for necessary construction, repair, and improvement activities.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
For an additional amount for "Office of Inspector General", $22,500,000, to remain available until September 30, 2013, for oversight and audit of programs, grants, and activities funded by this Act and administered by the Department of Agriculture.
AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE
BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES
For an additional amount for "Buildings and Facilities", $176,000,000, for work on deferred maintenance at Agricultural Research Service facilities: Provided, That
priority in the use of such funds shall be given to critical deferred maintenance, to projects that can be completed, and to activities that can commence promptly following enactment of this Act.
FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE
CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS
For an additional amount for the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42
U.S.c. 1751 et. seq.), except section 21, and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et. seq.), except sections 17 and 21, $100,000,000, to carry out a grant program for National School Lunch Program equipment assistance: Provided, That such funds shall be provided to States administering a school lunch program in a manner proportional with each States' administrative expense allocation: Providedfurther, That the States shall provide competitive grants to school food authorities based upon the need for equipment assistance in participating schools with priority given to school in which not less than 50 percent ofthe students are eligible for free or
reduced price meals under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act.
Free school lunches create jobs and stimulate the economy?
GENERAL PROVISIONS-THIS TITLE
SEC. 101. TEMPORARY INCREASE IN BENEFITS UNDER THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE
PROGRAM. (a) :MAXIMUM BENEFIT INCREASE.-
(1) IN GENERAL.-Beginning the first month that begins not less than 25 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the value of benefits determined under section 8(a) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 and consolidated block grants for Puerto Rico and American Samoa determined under section 19(a) of such Act shall be calculated using 113.6 percent of the June 2008 value of the thrifty food plan as specified under section 3(0) of such Act.
Whu-what?
I really have to stop before I hurl on my laptop. This is a conglomeration of liberal pet projects probably collected over the last 10 to 15 years. More than likely none were ever able to get out of committee. Now we have this fiscal "emergency" and we must act "urgently" to pass this bill. Translation: pass it before anyone figures out what's in it!
February 12, 2009
My Brain Itches!!
If you can figure this out, let me in on it! I was tricked into visiting this blackhole of a time consuming, brain draining, blood pressure raising puzzle of a site by Vulgar Wizard.
February 10, 2009
Again I ask, "What Happened To My Country?"
This is incredible that the parents in this article are being interrogated for sincerity in regards to their religious beliefs. The topper is that it was instigated by a school district! These people earn their living taking OUR hard earned MONEY!!
Bastards!
Bastards!
February 07, 2009
Some Tidbits From The Porkulus Bill
The post title is a link to the text of the Porkulus Bill. I'll include some wonderful snippets here for your enjoyment. If you are taking blood pressure or heart medication, have your pills close at hand.
If you look at each article of the bill in the Department of the Interior section, for example, you will see that each expenditure is for "critical deferred maintenaince" projects. Isn't that an oxymoron? If it's critical it would not have been deferred. What were their budget expenditures that were more critical than critical?
I really have to quit digging into this because I am becoming more disillusioned and pissed off by the minute. These crooks are stealing your money and my money to give to their lobbyist buddies and anyone with their hand outstretched waiting for a "free" dollar.
Bastards!
"special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children (wic)
For an additional amount for the special supplemental nutrition program as authorized by section 17 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786), $100,000,000, for the purposes specified in section 17(h)(10)(B)(ii) for the Secretary of Agriculture to provide assistance to State agencies to implement new management information systems or improve existing management information systems for the program." - One Hundred Million Dollars! That equals twenty million Little Caesar's $5 pizza's. That's just for information management!
"periodic censuses and programs
For an additional amount for ‘Periodic Censuses and Programs’, $1,000,000,000: Provided, That section 1106 of this Act shall not apply to funds provided under this heading." - One Billion Dollars! That's equal to one million consumers buying a one thousand dollar flat screen TV. But the Census Bureau and programs create jobs!...? Well, technically yes, once every ten years!
"National Telecommunications and Information Administration
salaries and expenses
For an additional amount for ‘Salaries and Expenses’, $350,000,000, to remain available until September 30, 2011: Provided, That funds shall be available to establish the State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program, as authorized by Public Law 110-385, for the development and implementation of statewide initiatives to identify and track the availability and adoption of broadband services within each State, and to develop and maintain a nationwide broadband inventory map, as authorized by section 6001 of division B of this Act." - This one speaks for itself. I shouldn't have to explain anything here for it to piss you off.
"National Institute of Standards and Technology
scientific and technical research and services
For an additional amount for ‘Scientific and Technical Research and Services’, $100,000,000." - Can we be any more vague than that?
"industrial technology services
For an additional amount for ‘Industrial Technology Services’, $100,000,000, of which $70,000,000 shall be available for the necessary expenses of the Technology Innovation Program and $30,000,000 shall be available for the necessary expenses of the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership." - How is this not pork when specific recipients are named? Why is it we are funding every agencies "necessary expenses"?
"$6,200,000,000 shall be for the Weatherization Assistance Program under part A of title IV of the Energy Conservation and Production Act (42 U.S.C. 6861 et seq.)." - Yes, that's six billion two hundred million dollars to give away to folks to weatherize their homes. Number of jobs created? (enter amount here____). That amount is about equal to one billion thirty three million McDonald's value meals or forty nine million six hundred thousand trips to the grocery store to spend $125 dollars.
"National Park Service
construction
(including transfer of funds)
For an additional amount for ‘Construction’, $1,700,000,000, for projects to address critical deferred maintenance needs within the National Park System, including roads, bridges and trails, and for other critical infrastructure projects: Provided, That funds may be transferred to ‘Operation of the National Park System’: Provided further, That $200,000,000 of these funds shall be for projects related to the preservation and repair of historical and cultural resources within the National Park System: Provided further, That $15,000,000 of these funds shall be transferred to the ‘Historic Preservation Fund’ for historic preservation projects at historically black colleges and universities as authorized by the Historic Preservation Fund Act of 1996 and the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Act of 1996, except that any matching requirements otherwise required for such projects are waived: Provided further, That the amount set aside from this appropriation pursuant to section 1106 of this Act shall be not more than 5 percent instead of the percentage specified in such section" - What the heck? You tell me! One billion seven hundred million dollars! That would buy 425 million gallons of milk or 850 million loaves of bread or how about 68,000 Chevy Malibu Hybrids? At least they got really specific when describing the spending on "other critical infrastructure projects". That makes me feel much better. I also like how all of these articles allow for the transfer of funds to the "Operations of...". Dump it into their general funds and do whatever you want with it would be a more specific description. Porkulus, Porkulus, Porkulus!!
If you look at each article of the bill in the Department of the Interior section, for example, you will see that each expenditure is for "critical deferred maintenaince" projects. Isn't that an oxymoron? If it's critical it would not have been deferred. What were their budget expenditures that were more critical than critical?
I really have to quit digging into this because I am becoming more disillusioned and pissed off by the minute. These crooks are stealing your money and my money to give to their lobbyist buddies and anyone with their hand outstretched waiting for a "free" dollar.
Bastards!
You Hard Earned Tax Dollars Promoting Discrimination
The soon-to-be-passed Congressional "Porkulus" Bill is an economic nightmare waiting to happen. Not only for the tiny clause that is cited in this article, but for it's entire socialist agenda. Have any of you paid attention to where the Bastards are planning on spending YOUR money? Maybe I can help you see what they are trying to do by ramming this through because it's so urgent.
These are just a few snippets from the nearly 700 pages of pork they are trying to sell to us. This is a crock and the Bastards know it. It's all of their pet projects rolled into a "porkulus" bill spurred by an "emergency" with an urgent request for action from the president. Did anyone happen to mention that this bill would increase your taxes by nearly $3,400 on average. Hmm, I guess we forgot to mention that.
I would urge everyone to at least skim through this monstrosity and see what the Bastards have been hard at work doing. They certainly have some stones. Unfortunately they believe we are all very stupid people. Well, we ARE stupid people for not voting them all out of office!
Bastards!
$600 million dollars for more energy efficient government vehicles! - If you assume that the average car they are purchasing is around $25,000 dollars, that is a purchase of 24,000 cars. Government spending money on itself does not stimulate the economy.
It prohibits the use of funds for..."a project for the construction, alteration, maintenance, or repair of a public building or public work unless all of the iron and steel used in the project is domestic, except in certain circumstances." - Well that should ensure that we get the biggest bang for the buck!
"Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to invest in the infrastructure necessary to allow for and promote the electronic exchange and use of health information for each individual in the United States, consistent with the goals outlined in the Strategic Plan developed by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology." - Nope, not Big Brother. Really! All your information will be secure and encrypted so there is no way for there to be a security breach. I promise!
Requires the application of certain federal labor standards to projects financed with clean renewable energy and conservation bonds, zone academy bonds, school construction bonds, and recovery zone economic development bonds." - read: special favor to lobbyists.
"Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act or the HITECH Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology. Sets forth provisions governing the development and adoption of a nationwide health information technology infrastructure that allows for the electronic use and exchange of information. Amends SSA title XVIII (Medicare) to establish incentive payments for certain eligible physicians and hospitals that adopt and use certified electronic health record (EHR) technology meaningfully, beginning in FY2011." - Ok, so 2011 is two years away. This will help the economy right now, HOW? It creates a massive new bueracracy that will never go away! Oh, that must be how. New government agencies employing new government workers using your hard earned money. Bastards!
These are just a few snippets from the nearly 700 pages of pork they are trying to sell to us. This is a crock and the Bastards know it. It's all of their pet projects rolled into a "porkulus" bill spurred by an "emergency" with an urgent request for action from the president. Did anyone happen to mention that this bill would increase your taxes by nearly $3,400 on average. Hmm, I guess we forgot to mention that.
I would urge everyone to at least skim through this monstrosity and see what the Bastards have been hard at work doing. They certainly have some stones. Unfortunately they believe we are all very stupid people. Well, we ARE stupid people for not voting them all out of office!
Bastards!
February 06, 2009
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