Just sayin'.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
An Illustration of the Stimulus
From Suitably Flip (in inflation-adjusted dollars):
Better pic here.
Flip says:
So how big is the resulting $1.2 trillion spending package? Big enough to dwarf any government program in history, even after adjusting for inflation. It's bigger than the New Deal and the Iraq War combined. The interest alone will be costlier than the Louisiana Purchase or going to the moon.
A Suggestion For Jack Markell on the Budget Crisis
Our new Governor has been going to the people to explain the dire straits of the budget, a good synopsis of which can be found here at The Mourning Constitution. As Brian says, tax increases are surely inevitable.
I have a suggestion, and it comes from none other than a little state like us: Connecticut.
If another small state, Massachusetts can save $30 million a year, imagine the savings for Delaware?
I don’t partake of the weed myself, but just think how many resources the decriminalization of small amounts of marijuana could save by freeing up some of the budgets of the police, judicial, legal, and corrections departments.
What do you say, Jack? Worth thinking about? Might help put a little dent in that $600 million we need. It's a start.
I have a suggestion, and it comes from none other than a little state like us: Connecticut.
Delaware’s laws can be found here.
Two prominent lawmakers pushing for reform of the state's marijuana laws have a potent new ally: the budget deficit.
Sen. Toni Harp, chairwoman of the powerful appropriations committee, and Senate Majority Leader Martin Looney hope economics will succeed where other arguments have failed in convincing their colleagues that the costs of prosecuting and punishing pot smokers is an expense Connecticut can no longer afford.
"We've got to take a strong look at what we want to pay for as a state," said Harp, D- New Haven, who with Looney is co-sponsoring a bill that would punish low-level marijuana users with a fine, not a criminal charge.
"To waste our resources on this small problem is not a good use of the people's money."
No one is proposing that marijuana be legalized, but Harp and Looney want to see possession of small amounts — 1 ounce or less — decriminalized, just as it was in Massachusetts in November. If the bill is approved, offenders would be given tickets and assessed fines instead of facing criminal penalties. Getting caught with a joint would be akin to getting nabbed for speeding.
"The experience in Massachusetts is indicative that the public may be ahead of elected officials in this one," said Looney, D-New Haven.
A Harvard study found that Massachusetts police spend about $30 million a year on arresting and investigating low-level marijuana users.
Connecticut legislators also will consider a measure that would reduce the size of drug-free school zones. Under state law, any drug activity is subject to harsher criminal penalties if it takes place within 1,500 feet of a school, housing project or day-care center. Critics say such laws unfairly discriminate against residents of cities and densely populated suburbs.
If another small state, Massachusetts can save $30 million a year, imagine the savings for Delaware?
I don’t partake of the weed myself, but just think how many resources the decriminalization of small amounts of marijuana could save by freeing up some of the budgets of the police, judicial, legal, and corrections departments.
What do you say, Jack? Worth thinking about? Might help put a little dent in that $600 million we need. It's a start.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
The Rangel Rule - HR 735
Leave to the Republicans to be innovative. Texas Republican John Carter has introduced new legislation which he calls "The Rangel Rule."
Heh. It has my support.
It has been referred to the House Ways and Means Committee, of which Charlie Rangel is Chairman.
All U.S. taxpayers would enjoy the same immunity from IRS penalties and interest as House Ways and Means Chairman Charles Rangel (D-NY) and Obama Administration Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, if a bill introduced today by Congressman John Carter (R-TX) becomes law.
Carter, a former longtime Texas judge, today introduced the Rangel Rule Act of 2009, HR 735, which would prohibit the Internal Revenue Service from charging penalties and interest on back taxes against U.S. citizens. Under the proposed law, any taxpayer who wrote “Rangel Rule” on their return when paying back taxes would be immune from penalties and interest.
Heh. It has my support.
Truth is Stranger than Fiction
Last week I wrote a snarky post about a news headline that suggested that there was millions in the budget for STD treatment:
Watermen to get $10 million for crab relief.
A commentor remarks, “Tee Hee ! You had me going there for a sec !”.
Well, good commentor, it turns out that my snarky post was sadly prescient:
Watermen to get $10 million for crab relief.
A commentor remarks, “Tee Hee ! You had me going there for a sec !”.
Well, good commentor, it turns out that my snarky post was sadly prescient:
Now that’s what I call stimulus, baby !
The two sides of Capitol Hill appear to be engaging in a bidding war to see who can put more money toward the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases in its version of the economic stimulus bill.
The House included $335 million in its package. But the Senate, not to be outdone, provided $400 million in STD spending in its bill.
When the Drudge Report noted the House funds Wednesday morning, it set off a round of criticism from Republicans who said the money made no sense in a $819 billion bill designed to get the economy back on track.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Fiscal Note is Lame, But HB 1 is Still Not a Good Bill
Under HB 1, the Delaware General Assembly (excluding caucases) would no longer be exempt from the Freedom of Information Act. A recent fiscal note attached to the bill is bogus and should be dispatched as quickly as possible so that a real debate on the merits of HB 1 can ensue.
In fact, it is my opinion is that the only reason the fiscal note mysteriously appeared was because those who oppose HB 1 were concerned that an actual discussion would take place. I hope that both sides are prepared to be visible with their arguments in either support or opposition of the measure, and can work to a conclusion favorable to the rights of the citizens of Delaware.
Proponents shout with fervent glee: OOGA ! (Open Our General Assembly !). They wave signs, yap about “open government”, and yadda yadda without really considering the bill itself.
You can rah-rah the OOGA mantra all you want, but HB 1 is not a good bill.
HB 1 is basically a one-liner. There is nothing wrong with that, but one has to look at what this one line does: it simply no longer exempts the General Assembly from FOIA. To understand this, one must look at Delaware’s FOIA (Title 29, Chapter 100). I see a number of slipper slopes, and to advocate open government one must be careful for what one wishes for.
One legislator expressed the concern that e-mails from constituents that may contain personal information would be considered “public records” and would be subject to release in a request for information under FOIA.
If you read Title 29, it appears that this may be true. I see nothing in the wording of the Title that would preclude the release of constituent e-mails no matter what their content. The wording excludes official “public records” such as personnel, medical and pupil files, yet makes no specific mention of e-mails. Since, by the very definition of “public record” in the act e-mails would be included as such, there is no protection whatsoever in that regard.
This is a concern.
The General Assembly and the sponsors of this bill need to take this seriously. What I think is needed is not necessarily amendments to HB 1, but rather revisions to Title 29 itself.
There are precedents for these types of situations. New Jersey’s Open Public Records Act exempts the following:
New York excludes any communication which:
I trust that those in the General Assembly who have a genuine interest in open government will work hard to correct the deficiencies in HB 1 by amending Title 29 to accommodate any exigencies.
This is the public trust. We must be careful here. We must enact legislation that opens our government, but has the appropriate language to close any loopholes and prohibit any abuse.
In fact, it is my opinion is that the only reason the fiscal note mysteriously appeared was because those who oppose HB 1 were concerned that an actual discussion would take place. I hope that both sides are prepared to be visible with their arguments in either support or opposition of the measure, and can work to a conclusion favorable to the rights of the citizens of Delaware.
Proponents shout with fervent glee: OOGA ! (Open Our General Assembly !). They wave signs, yap about “open government”, and yadda yadda without really considering the bill itself.
You can rah-rah the OOGA mantra all you want, but HB 1 is not a good bill.
HB 1 is basically a one-liner. There is nothing wrong with that, but one has to look at what this one line does: it simply no longer exempts the General Assembly from FOIA. To understand this, one must look at Delaware’s FOIA (Title 29, Chapter 100). I see a number of slipper slopes, and to advocate open government one must be careful for what one wishes for.
One legislator expressed the concern that e-mails from constituents that may contain personal information would be considered “public records” and would be subject to release in a request for information under FOIA.
If you read Title 29, it appears that this may be true. I see nothing in the wording of the Title that would preclude the release of constituent e-mails no matter what their content. The wording excludes official “public records” such as personnel, medical and pupil files, yet makes no specific mention of e-mails. Since, by the very definition of “public record” in the act e-mails would be included as such, there is no protection whatsoever in that regard.
This is a concern.
The General Assembly and the sponsors of this bill need to take this seriously. What I think is needed is not necessarily amendments to HB 1, but rather revisions to Title 29 itself.
There are precedents for these types of situations. New Jersey’s Open Public Records Act exempts the following:
Pretty simple, huh?
….information received by a member of the Legislature from a constituent or information held by a member of the Legislature concerning a constituent, including but not limited to information in written form or contained in any e-mail or computer data base, or in any telephone record whatsoever, unless it is information the constituent is required by law to transmit;
New York excludes any communication which:
So, HB 1 needs some work. General Assembly records also need to be integrated into the current FOIA policies and procedures for other agencies. There may be other anomalies, yet undiscovered, which need to be addressed.
(b) if disclosed would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy under the provisions of subdivision two of section eighty-nine of this article;
I trust that those in the General Assembly who have a genuine interest in open government will work hard to correct the deficiencies in HB 1 by amending Title 29 to accommodate any exigencies.
This is the public trust. We must be careful here. We must enact legislation that opens our government, but has the appropriate language to close any loopholes and prohibit any abuse.
Write/Call Your Representative on Senate Bill 7 !!!
The Eminent Domain bill passed the Senate, and now faces the House.
This is a "must pass". It is so simple it is almost ridiculous.
The e-mail to my Representative is as follows:
This is a "must pass". It is so simple it is almost ridiculous.
The e-mail to my Representative is as follows:
RE: S.B. 7 - "An Act to Amend Titles 10 and 29 of the Delaware Code Relating to Real Property Acquisition and Eminent Domain"
Dear Representative Short,
I was encouraged to see that SB 7 passed the Senate yesterday. I am writing to strongly urge a "YES" vote when it comes to the House for consideration.
There are powerful forces that wish to dilute this legislation. Given the sorry state of our economy they use words and phrases such as "economic development" and "jobs" as scare tactics. In a News Journal article today, Mayor James Baker is quoted as saying that passage of the bill would bring riverfront development to "a screeching halt". I question this assessment.
I also submit that there is a force more powerful than the City of Wilmington. It is called the Constitution. The fundamental property rights of a citizen must not be infringed.
Due consideration has been given in SB 7 for the Departments of Natural Resources and Transportation. This is compromise enough. The pie-in-the-sky dreams of local governments for upscale condos and restaurants must not be a factor in determining the basic rights of the citizenry to their homes and businesses.
The Constitution must not be malleable to the whims of local circumstance and distorted interpretations of "public use". One of the scarier quotes in the News Journal article today came from a lobbyist for the Delaware League of Local Governments:
"It's very simple -- we will not support any legislation that takes away the rights of local government."
Local government does not have rights. It has duties. The rights are held by the citizens. I fear the day when governments assert their "rights" to the detriment of hard-working citizens who want nothing more than to raise their families and run their businesses with minimal intrusion from the pinstriped bureaucrats trying to determine what is best for them.
I understand that you abstained from voting on a similar bill in the last legislative session, citing a conflict of interest.
This baffles me. I can see no conflict of interest when it comes to the Constitution. One either adheres to the principles of the Constitution or they do not. It is not a matter of Democrat/Republican or liberal/ conservative. It is the Constitution, pure and simple.
Please vote YES on SB 7.
I thank you for your consideration of my opinion.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Rush Limbaugh Under Seige, LOL
I cannot stand Rush Limbaugh. He’s a large, bloviating, self-promoting media bigmouth. Most of what I know about him is from what other people have written, but I have actually heard him on the radio and from what I remember his tone was just such total anathema to me I couldn’t even bear to listen.
Rush Limbaugh just ain’t my style, but he has millions and millions of fans. To each their own.
Poor Rush now seems to be under siege from all fronts. President Obama certainly isn’t too fond of him, advising Republicans that they “…can’t just listen to Rush Limbaugh and get things done.”
Democrats now have launched an actual petition to express their displeasure:
But, in a weird intersection of the internet tubes, I came across a seemingly totally unrelated observation from Instapundit:
Makes you think, doesn’t it?
It may be true as that revered future Senator posits that Rush Limbaugh is a Big Fat Idiot.
But I will defend to the death his right to be one.
Rush Limbaugh just ain’t my style, but he has millions and millions of fans. To each their own.
Poor Rush now seems to be under siege from all fronts. President Obama certainly isn’t too fond of him, advising Republicans that they “…can’t just listen to Rush Limbaugh and get things done.”
Democrats now have launched an actual petition to express their displeasure:
Now, even the Republicans are telling Rush to cool it, primarily because his scathing criticism of the Republican leadership:
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has launched an online petition for readers to express their outrage at conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh for saying last week that he wanted President Barack Obama to fail.
Oh, dat Rush. He’s sure gettin’ it now. And I’m sure he loves it.
…Obama is “obviously more frightened of me than he is Mitch McConnell. He's more frightened of me, than he is of, say, John Boehner, which doesn't say much about our party."
But, in a weird intersection of the internet tubes, I came across a seemingly totally unrelated observation from Instapundit:
DOWN THE TUBES AT THE EUROPEAN UNION: “If you want to see just where the EU is going, then take a look at sections 1205-00 and 1206-00. Both of them say that it is a crime to ‘insult’ the State, the Nation, the symbols of the State or Nation, or representatives of the State/Nation. Does this mean that it is considered a crime if someone writes an op-ed that is disparaging of a politician? Sure sounds like it.” If challenged, they’ll say of course not. Then, in the right case, they’ll change their mind.
Makes you think, doesn’t it?
It may be true as that revered future Senator posits that Rush Limbaugh is a Big Fat Idiot.
But I will defend to the death his right to be one.
According to the Obama Team’s Own Criteria, This Stimulus Package is Doomed to Fail
Prior his appointment to be the head of the White House National Economic Council in the Obama administration, Larry Summers wrote a column in Financial Times on the characteristics of a fiscal stimulus:
But as David Brooks points out in an opinion piece for the New York Times, the current stimulus package has none of these qualities:
Poorly provided fiscal stimulus can have worse side effects than the disease that is to be cured. This suggests close attention to three issues:
First, to be effective, fiscal stimulus must be timely. To be worth undertaking, it must be legislated by the middle of the year and be based on changes in taxes and benefits that can be implemented almost immediately.
Second, fiscal stimulus only works if it is spent so it must be targeted . Targeting should favour those with low incomes and those whose incomes have recently fallen for whom spending is most urgent.
Third, fiscal stimulus, to be maximally effective, must be clearly and credibly temporary – with no significant adverse impact on the deficit for more than a year or so after implementation. Otherwise it risks being counterproductive by raising the spectre of enlarged future deficits pushing up longer-term interest rates and undermining confidence and longer-term growth prospects.
But the stimulus bill emerging in the House of Representatives does neither of these things. The bill marked up Wednesday in the Appropriations Committee is a muddled mixture of short-term stimulus haste and long-term spending commitments. It is an unholy marriage that manages to combine the worst of each approach — rushed short-term planning with expensive long-term fiscal impact.
Steve Newton commented on an earlier post that he found it interesting that $11 billion for defense spending was slipped into the legislation. How is this economic stimulus?
The powers that be are using this opportunity for their own little playground. And while I disagree philosophically with the administration's premise, the Democrats are doing Obama a disservice by whoring his concept out for pet projects that do nothing to create jobs.
I hope that Obama's team is smart enough to see that, and call them out on it.
h/t The FoundryMonday, January 26, 2009
Yum ! Take a Bite of these Tasty Carbon Credits !
Here's where being green gets really serious.
h/t Moonbattery
Woman bites driver over non-hybrid bus
Going green was a cause she could really sink her teeth into.
The frantic passenger who bit a veteran driver's arm was upset that his bus wasn't a hybrid, he said Thursday.
"She came on the bus, and she said she waited more than an hour for a hybrid," said MTA driver Peter Williams, 42. "I said, 'I'm not in control of what bus is assigned to me.'"
Williams, a dad of two who is in the Navy Reserves, plans to take a little time off after Wednesday's bizarre attack on an uptown M104 bus.
The woman, Shelia Bolar, 49, started hollering at Williams soon after she boarded the Broadway bus on the upper West Side.
When her rant was done, she she grabbed his arm.
"Miss, don't touch me while I'm operating the bus," Williams warned Bolar.
At W. 79th St., Williams let passengers off and gestured to a dispatcher he called for help.
"That's when she bit me. ... I couldn't believe it."
Read the Stimulus !
At over 1,500 pages and by all accounts still growing, The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (H.B. 1) has been made available online (bill text as of 1/23/2009). You can also read the fascinating committee reports.
The size of this thing is enough to daunt even the most seasoned legislative observer, so having a searchable copy online is quite a service.
You can find it HERE.
Also included is a Google spreadsheet with breakdowns by Department and Agency.
The online version was put together by Rob Neppell at Truth Laid Bear and Kithbridge. Wow, what a service this guy has provided ! It enables mere peons to try to make sense of this boondoggle of a bill.
The first most interesting item to date? Section 1112:
If there is still one in business.
h/t Hot Air
The size of this thing is enough to daunt even the most seasoned legislative observer, so having a searchable copy online is quite a service.
You can find it HERE.
Also included is a Google spreadsheet with breakdowns by Department and Agency.
The online version was put together by Rob Neppell at Truth Laid Bear and Kithbridge. Wow, what a service this guy has provided ! It enables mere peons to try to make sense of this boondoggle of a bill.
The first most interesting item to date? Section 1112:
Heh. I haven't gotten through the entire bill yet, but something is telling me I should have invested in a company that makes green ink.
SEC. 1112. ADDITIONAL ASSURANCE OF APPROPRIATE USE OF FUNDS. None of the funds provided by this Act may be made available to the State of Illinois, or any agency of the State, unless (1) the use of such funds by the State is approved in legislation enacted by the State after the date of the enactment of this Act, or (2) Rod R. Blagojevich no longer holds the office of Governor of the State of Illinois.
If there is still one in business.
h/t Hot Air
Friday, January 23, 2009
Charlie Copeland Blogging on Delaware Policy
From the inbox:
"A quick scan of the Delaware blogosphere reveals that there are many more center-left and left leaning blogs commenting on Delaware politics and government than there are blogs from the right of the political spectrum. It is with this fact in mind that Resolute Determination was created to offer a center-right perspective on politics and policy in Delaware.
Taking its motivation from Abraham Lincoln who was driven by a passion for individual liberty, freedom, rule of law, and equality, Resolute Determination will provide a consistent voice from the center-right on issues affecting Delaware and the nation. Officially launched this past week, the blog will focus on issues facing Delaware; legislation proposed in the General Assembly or by Governor-elect Jack Markell; and other local and national topics.
Resolute Determination takes its name from a quotation by Abraham Lincoln which states, "You cannot fail if you resolutely determine that you will not."
The results of the national and local elections in 2008 and the general trend in Delaware show a clear need for a center-right voice to hold elected officials accountable while also offering alternatives to policy proposals.
Created by former State Senator Charlie Copeland and others, Resolute Determination will be resolute in its determination to ensure that our government is accountable and that a broad array of public policy initiatives and ideas are considered. Resolute Determination seeks not to be a "loyal opposition" to Delaware's Democrat controlled government, but a voice that expresses support for policies on the center-right of the political spectrum – supporting policy where appropriate while critiquing other policy where such criticism is due."
Resolute Determination....the new blog in town.
"A quick scan of the Delaware blogosphere reveals that there are many more center-left and left leaning blogs commenting on Delaware politics and government than there are blogs from the right of the political spectrum. It is with this fact in mind that Resolute Determination was created to offer a center-right perspective on politics and policy in Delaware.
Taking its motivation from Abraham Lincoln who was driven by a passion for individual liberty, freedom, rule of law, and equality, Resolute Determination will provide a consistent voice from the center-right on issues affecting Delaware and the nation. Officially launched this past week, the blog will focus on issues facing Delaware; legislation proposed in the General Assembly or by Governor-elect Jack Markell; and other local and national topics.
Resolute Determination takes its name from a quotation by Abraham Lincoln which states, "You cannot fail if you resolutely determine that you will not."
The results of the national and local elections in 2008 and the general trend in Delaware show a clear need for a center-right voice to hold elected officials accountable while also offering alternatives to policy proposals.
Created by former State Senator Charlie Copeland and others, Resolute Determination will be resolute in its determination to ensure that our government is accountable and that a broad array of public policy initiatives and ideas are considered. Resolute Determination seeks not to be a "loyal opposition" to Delaware's Democrat controlled government, but a voice that expresses support for policies on the center-right of the political spectrum – supporting policy where appropriate while critiquing other policy where such criticism is due."
Resolute Determination....the new blog in town.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
The Gitmo Shuffle
While it sounds good to say that the Guantanamo Bay detention center will be closed as promised, Eric Posner asks us to look at the actual draft executive order (PDF, 5 pages, emphasis added):
How about this one?
No, probably not, because as the draft executive order continues:
Errr….another detention facility?
Sec. 3. Closure of Detention Facilities at Guantánamo. The detention facilities at Guantánamo for individuals covered by this order shall be closed as soon as practicable, and no later than one year from the date of this order. If any individuals covered by this order remain in detention at Guantánamo at the time of closure of those detention facilities, they shall be returned to their home country, released, transferred to a third country, or transferred to another United States detention facility in a manner consistent with law and the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States.
How about this one?
Of course, we can always send them to Jack Murtha’s district. Heh.
The Bagram Theater Internment Facility is a controversial American detention facility located at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. It was formerly known as the Bagram Collection Point. While initially intended as a temporary location, this facility now has lasted longer and accumulated more detainees than the Guantanamo Bay detention camp.
No, probably not, because as the draft executive order continues:
4(c)(5) Consideration of Issues Relating to Transfer to United States. The Review shall identify and consider legal, logistical, and security issues relating to the potential transfer of individuals currently detained at Guantánamo to facilities within the United States and the review participants shall work with Congress on any legislation that may be appropriate.
Sorry, Murtha, the logistics of getting that cash for beefed up detention facilities ain't looking too good.
In government, as in hopeandchange, there is always an out. The headlines look good, but it’s only the Gitmo Shuffle.
Good on ya, Obama.
h/t Volokh
Millions in Federal Budget for STD Treatment? WTF?
Having spent some time in Rock Hall over the years, I’ve know a few watermen and I know they are hard drinking and hard loving bunch, and I’m sure they’ve contracted a few little inconvenient STDs along the way. But as much as I care about the watermen, this is simply pushing the pork fork too far.
From the News Journal headlines:
Watermen to get $10 million for crab relief
This is where the Nanny State goes too far. Enough of this paternalism and spending our hard-earned tax dollars on those who get a little jock itch from a one night stand. What are we, your mommy?
Now, I’ve never suffered from crabs but from what I’ve been told all you need is a little Blue Star Ointment. You can get it at Walgreens for $7.99. That’s enough to treat over 1.2 million people, and I doubt there are even that many watermen in the entire world, much less the Chesapeake Bay region.
This is getting me hopping mad. Again, our government has decided to inject their noses into what is nobody’s business and make the world safe for watermen. And while I’m at it, there’s another thing…..oh……..wait:
Dang the News Journal with their headlines that get me riled up.
But now that I think about it, where did they come up with exactly $10 millions (which will be used until expended). How do they know whatever remedy they are seeking will only cost $2 million? Or some other dang figure they pull out of their hat?
Maybe STD relief would be a better idea.
From the News Journal headlines:
Watermen to get $10 million for crab relief
This is where the Nanny State goes too far. Enough of this paternalism and spending our hard-earned tax dollars on those who get a little jock itch from a one night stand. What are we, your mommy?
Now, I’ve never suffered from crabs but from what I’ve been told all you need is a little Blue Star Ointment. You can get it at Walgreens for $7.99. That’s enough to treat over 1.2 million people, and I doubt there are even that many watermen in the entire world, much less the Chesapeake Bay region.
This is getting me hopping mad. Again, our government has decided to inject their noses into what is nobody’s business and make the world safe for watermen. And while I’m at it, there’s another thing…..oh……..wait:
Heh. Never mind.
NOAA announced in November that Maryland and Virginia would each be eligible for $10 million because of the failure of the Chesapeake Bay’s soft shell and peeler blue crab fishery.
Dang the News Journal with their headlines that get me riled up.
But now that I think about it, where did they come up with exactly $10 millions (which will be used until expended). How do they know whatever remedy they are seeking will only cost $2 million? Or some other dang figure they pull out of their hat?
Maybe STD relief would be a better idea.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
This Year I'm Going to Have Some Money !
Delinquent car payment? No problem (just click on "stay until the end" at this link...about 90 seconds and well worth the wait).
Heh. Thanks to Ace of Spades for this gem.
Heh. Thanks to Ace of Spades for this gem.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
Life Sucks, Then You Get Over It
Over at The Mourning Constitution, my friend Brian seems to be between the proverbial rock and a hard place. He is struggling with his life situation, getting more aggravated by the minute, but has times of resolve where his libertarian spirit kicks in and we are all waiting with bated breath to see if the leftovers get tossed out.
I was trying to think of moments of my own where life seemed to kick me in the ass and how I handled it. It may not be the best way, but it was my way, right or wrong, smart or dumb.
I’ve always been pretty independent, living on my own most of my life. I started out my early adulthood full of piss and vinegar, with an aim towards a degree in Philosophy at U of D. Then life and living sort of got in the way. Wherever I worked, I kept getting promoted and transferred to different places here and there. Everywhere I went I took at least one college course to keep working towards my degree.
Through a series of life experiences, I finally ended up getting married at the age of 35 and settled in with a wonderful husband in Philadelphia. I always had this gnawing in the back of my head though that I wanted to finish my degree. I was a manager of a 20-person Customer Service Department for a whole floor-covering distributor in Port Richmond, then went on to be a Customer Service Supervisor for an insurance company in Center City. None of it was what I really wanted to do, but it helped pay the bills at the time.
My husband had a good union job as a truck driver, and we were not rich but we were comfortable enough. I went to my insurance job every day, but every day I saw the horizon closing where I could do what was in my heart. Not that I was sure what that was, but I knew insurance wasn’t my lifestyle of choice.
I talked with my husband about quitting my middle-management job and finishing my education.
Now, mind you, I graduated from high school in 1972. I had accumulated a bunch of credits from U of D and other places along the way. At this point in time, it was 1990 and I was 36 years old. Too late? Naw, I got a bug up my ass, did all the paperwork with Temple University (and was able to transfer quite a few credits), and just up and quit my job.
We didn’t have any big-ass mortgage or any huge debts; it could be done. I had it all planned out.
Then, the shit hit the fan.
My husband got laid off a week later. LOL.
Holy shit, we thought. Heh.
Well, the old man went to the Union Hall every day and was able to get work, albeit not as steady as we were used to. He worked for a really shit place where he got paid by the mile and once got stuck on a mountain in the snow in New York for five hours, not moving, getting paid 45 cents per mile. Later, he was able to get on the set as a driver for the latest Rocky movie. Dang, that was a trip and is a whole ‘nother story.
But times were definitely not what they were. I remember I always used to like to bring home a bouquet of flowers every now and then when I was gainfully employed. But at this point, I couldn’t spare a single penny, and to this day I don’t buy flowers; I just think they are pretty much of a waste.
So, I went to my classes, but I knew I wasn’t contributing to the household so I got a shit job at a bank at 8th and Market, working the Dracula shift for $7.00/hour. My husband would drive me in at 10 PM and I usually took public transportation either straight to home or to my first class.
Heh, I remember that A.M. class: C++ programming. I skipped a couple of those when I was just too tired to go. I skipped a lot of them, but managed to pass partly because I think the hippie-dude-professor felt sorry for me. Mebbee not. Maybe I just studied my ass off and got whatever grade I could (I think I got a C on that one).
Finally, in 1992, I graduated from Temple with a degree in Business Administration, majoring in Computer and Information Science (magna, missed the summa by some ridiculously miniscule number of percentage points, dangit).
So, 20 years after I graduated from highschool, I got my college degree. I was on the 20-year plan, I guess.
I don’t think it will take Brian that long.
Despite the hard times while I was going to school, both my husband and I having to take any job that came along and working and studying and still trying to have a life….well, it finally worked out.
And, on top of that, I developed a total distaste for SPAM and even now cannot stand the sight of it.
The moral of the story is this: yeah, life throws you a ringer sometimes. And yeah, it can suck, but let it suck while you’re still young and take the actions to move yourself to your goals. You might be an HVAC tech for a few years to pay the bills, but who knows what other opportunities might present themselves along the way?
The most important thing is that you and your wife need to be a team. And you need to understand that everything is bullshit now, but as long as you’re in it together you will survive.
If she doesn’t get that, well, screw her and your father-in-law. You can either ignore the losers, or let them drag you down with them.
I have a feeling you won’t let them drag you down.
In fact, I’m counting on it.
I was trying to think of moments of my own where life seemed to kick me in the ass and how I handled it. It may not be the best way, but it was my way, right or wrong, smart or dumb.
I’ve always been pretty independent, living on my own most of my life. I started out my early adulthood full of piss and vinegar, with an aim towards a degree in Philosophy at U of D. Then life and living sort of got in the way. Wherever I worked, I kept getting promoted and transferred to different places here and there. Everywhere I went I took at least one college course to keep working towards my degree.
Through a series of life experiences, I finally ended up getting married at the age of 35 and settled in with a wonderful husband in Philadelphia. I always had this gnawing in the back of my head though that I wanted to finish my degree. I was a manager of a 20-person Customer Service Department for a whole floor-covering distributor in Port Richmond, then went on to be a Customer Service Supervisor for an insurance company in Center City. None of it was what I really wanted to do, but it helped pay the bills at the time.
My husband had a good union job as a truck driver, and we were not rich but we were comfortable enough. I went to my insurance job every day, but every day I saw the horizon closing where I could do what was in my heart. Not that I was sure what that was, but I knew insurance wasn’t my lifestyle of choice.
I talked with my husband about quitting my middle-management job and finishing my education.
Now, mind you, I graduated from high school in 1972. I had accumulated a bunch of credits from U of D and other places along the way. At this point in time, it was 1990 and I was 36 years old. Too late? Naw, I got a bug up my ass, did all the paperwork with Temple University (and was able to transfer quite a few credits), and just up and quit my job.
We didn’t have any big-ass mortgage or any huge debts; it could be done. I had it all planned out.
Then, the shit hit the fan.
My husband got laid off a week later. LOL.
Holy shit, we thought. Heh.
Well, the old man went to the Union Hall every day and was able to get work, albeit not as steady as we were used to. He worked for a really shit place where he got paid by the mile and once got stuck on a mountain in the snow in New York for five hours, not moving, getting paid 45 cents per mile. Later, he was able to get on the set as a driver for the latest Rocky movie. Dang, that was a trip and is a whole ‘nother story.
But times were definitely not what they were. I remember I always used to like to bring home a bouquet of flowers every now and then when I was gainfully employed. But at this point, I couldn’t spare a single penny, and to this day I don’t buy flowers; I just think they are pretty much of a waste.
So, I went to my classes, but I knew I wasn’t contributing to the household so I got a shit job at a bank at 8th and Market, working the Dracula shift for $7.00/hour. My husband would drive me in at 10 PM and I usually took public transportation either straight to home or to my first class.
Heh, I remember that A.M. class: C++ programming. I skipped a couple of those when I was just too tired to go. I skipped a lot of them, but managed to pass partly because I think the hippie-dude-professor felt sorry for me. Mebbee not. Maybe I just studied my ass off and got whatever grade I could (I think I got a C on that one).
Finally, in 1992, I graduated from Temple with a degree in Business Administration, majoring in Computer and Information Science (magna, missed the summa by some ridiculously miniscule number of percentage points, dangit).
So, 20 years after I graduated from highschool, I got my college degree. I was on the 20-year plan, I guess.
I don’t think it will take Brian that long.
Despite the hard times while I was going to school, both my husband and I having to take any job that came along and working and studying and still trying to have a life….well, it finally worked out.
And, on top of that, I developed a total distaste for SPAM and even now cannot stand the sight of it.
The moral of the story is this: yeah, life throws you a ringer sometimes. And yeah, it can suck, but let it suck while you’re still young and take the actions to move yourself to your goals. You might be an HVAC tech for a few years to pay the bills, but who knows what other opportunities might present themselves along the way?
The most important thing is that you and your wife need to be a team. And you need to understand that everything is bullshit now, but as long as you’re in it together you will survive.
If she doesn’t get that, well, screw her and your father-in-law. You can either ignore the losers, or let them drag you down with them.
I have a feeling you won’t let them drag you down.
In fact, I’m counting on it.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Debate Over: It's Freezing
One of my favorite columnists is David Harsanyi of the Denver Post. He is also the author of Nanny State (of which I have a copy in my personal library).
But today, he has a major scoop. The touchstone of his career ! We can all stop pissin' and moaning about global warmining, because let's face it: it's friggin freezing.
But today, he has a major scoop. The touchstone of his career ! We can all stop pissin' and moaning about global warmining, because let's face it: it's friggin freezing.
The carbon footprint of Barack Obama's inauguration could exceed 575 million pounds of CO2. According to the Institute for Liberty, it would take the average U.S. household nearly 60,000 years of naughty ecological behavior to produce a carbon footprint equal to the largest self-congratulatory event in the history of humankind.
The same congressfolk who are now handing out thousands of tickets to this ecological disaster only last year mandated the phased elimination of the incandescent light bulb — a mere carbon tiptoe, if you will. The whole thing seems a bit unfair.
And, on the day millions of Americans were freezing their collective backsides off, new Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman announced that Congress would fast-track climate change legislation. Waxman claimed "inaction on the climate issue is causing uncertainties that make it more difficult to emerge from the recession," according to The Associated Press.
Methinks that Al Gore might want to step aside and let David Harsanyi claim the prize for the revelation of the century.
Do yourself a favor and read the whole thing.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
It Ain't Easy Being Green
Just ask the family of Dorothy Hacking:
In the similar vein of slippery-slopiness, Alphecca tells us of a program to remove feral cats in order to protect the birds on the Australian island of Macquarie. They got rid of the mean old cats, alright but that in turn caused the rabbit population to go out of control, and rabbits being leafy-loving creatures, caused the destruction of the very vegetation that the birds depended on for cover.
Be careful what you wish for. And beyond that, just be careful.
Now, I'm all for cleaning up the environment and conservation and all of that, but one has to make sure that the governmental tyrants in charge of these green programs have a little common sense.
A family have expressed their fury after the death of their disabled 91-year-old mother who 'was forced to take out a second mortgage to foot an unnecessary £16,000 council bill' .
The family of bed-ridden grandmother Dorothy Hacking blame Thanet Council for 'disgusting treatment' after the pensioner became overstretched trying to pay for work to meet government regulations to reduce CO2 emissions.
They say she was beset by stress and health problems after being left with no option but to take out a second mortgage for the stone-cladding repairs to make her home compliant with the Home Energy Conservation Act in Ramsgate, Kent.
In the similar vein of slippery-slopiness, Alphecca tells us of a program to remove feral cats in order to protect the birds on the Australian island of Macquarie. They got rid of the mean old cats, alright but that in turn caused the rabbit population to go out of control, and rabbits being leafy-loving creatures, caused the destruction of the very vegetation that the birds depended on for cover.
Bad Kitty !
Removing the cats from Macquarie “caused environmental devastation” that will cost authorities 24 million Australian dollars ($16.2 million) to remedy, Dana Bergstrom of the Australian Antarctic Division and her colleagues wrote in the British Ecological Society’s Journal of Applied Ecology.
“Our study shows that between 2000 and 2007, there has been widespread ecosystem devastation and decades of conservation effort compromised,” Bergstrom said in a statement
Be careful what you wish for. And beyond that, just be careful.
Welcome to Another Installment Of.......
While I kind of like the Governor of PA, Ed "Fast Eddie" Rendell (D) as a personality, and he would be great to watch and Eagles game with, I'm wondering if he has been in government just a tad too long.The state of Pennsylvania, like most other states and many cities, is in deep budgetary shit. The state instituted a hiring freeze last fall in anticipating of even deeper shit to come.
But for some reason, Fast Eddie made an exception in order to make a political payback. It just shows me how complete out of touch he is:
Note that this job was created for Surra. I guess that's one way to create jobs. I'm just thinking that this salary could create two half-decent jobs for regular folk who actually produce something.
In other news, the the city of Gary, Indiana is operating under a $36 million deficit. What better time for Mayor Rudy Clay (D) to buy a 2009 Hummer H3 with city funds. Clay was nonplussed when defending the purchase:
The politicians are even worse than the private-plane-riding auto executives and disgraced financiers, because they are supposed to be one of us. They are supposed to be working for us. And these types of shenanigans don't even cause them to bat an eye. It's all part of it.
"What do you want me to do, walk around here? I've got to have a car."
There is a revolution coming. It won't be between the fatcats and the working stiffs, it won't be between the races....it won't even be between the civilian and the military.
It will be between the government-class and the non-government class. We will one day wake up to find ourselves like Gregor Samsa, transformed into a giant insect and wondering how it happened:
Mark my words.
The weight on Gregor’s life is that he is the financial head of the household; nobody else apparently works in his family (or is able to work); their whole present and comfortable existence relies upon Gregor’s employment at the "firm." Most of the weight is the debt which his father owes to the employer for whom Gregor now works.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Some Things Just Stick in Your Brain....
One of my favorite Libertarians (well, maybe he’s tied with Brian) is Steve Newton. Yeah, I know he gets a little wordy, but it’s all good stuff and sometimes something will stick to my brain.
Whether this is an original statement or not I don’t know, but Steve pointed out recently in a post titled “A tribute to intellectual inconsistency in nanny-state thinking”:
As one Alphecca commentor says,
Or a nanny ?
Whether this is an original statement or not I don’t know, but Steve pointed out recently in a post titled “A tribute to intellectual inconsistency in nanny-state thinking”:
Freedom: It’s a tough sell, unless it’s your own.
Nothing proves this more than a recent Alphecca post where he exposes the hypocrisy of Senator-elect (LOL!) Roland Burris of Illinois on the issue of gun control:
Like Steve says, if it’s your own freedom being protected it sure seems a lot easier.
A longtime advocate of a national handgun ban, Burris organized Chicago’s first Gun Turn-In Day in 1993,” the Tribune’s Steve Chapman recalls. “But when he ran for governor the following year, he admitted that he owned a handgun (‘for protection’) and did not hand it over to police as he urged others to do.
The incident gave ammunition - no pun intended - to gun control detractors and, as Jim Geraghty points out at the National Review Online, made its way into a 1996 book called Politically Correct Guns:
Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris was a major promoter of the 1993 Gun Turn-In Day in Chicago.
He was also a candidate for nomination as Governor of Illinois in 1994.
Then the Chicago Tribune caught him with his handgun still at home.
The Trib ran a story noting that while Attorney General Burris persuaded others to turn in their guns, he had somehow failed to persuade himself to do likewise.
When asked why he didn’t turn in his own gun, Burris told members of the Tribune’s editorial board: ‘I just didn’t get around to doing it’.”
As one Alphecca commentor says,
Kind of like a parent, isn’t it?
“Pretty typical, actually…..Don’t do what I DO….do what I SAY to do…..”.
Or a nanny ?
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Approaching A Big Birthday With Great Trepidation....Yet....
I have a big one coming up on the 24th. I'm kinda weirdly nervous about it. Like I'm on the last leg of a race. Like I wonder what I want to be when I grow up. But still......but still......
.....still, I feel like this:
And to all you guys out there, yup, it's true. That's all we really want.
.....still, I feel like this:
And to all you guys out there, yup, it's true. That's all we really want.
Ya Gotta BELIEVE
I admit that I am in the tank for the Eagles. It started back in the early 70's, and I've been losing my voice ever since, alternately in euphoria and anguish.
It's silly, I know. What is it with sports teams that we get so crazy? I just love football, and I love/hate my Eagles.
I love the working-man sturdiness of Westbrook. the quiet thuggery of Runyan, the Zen-like patience of Akers, the cooly-coiffed Samuel, and the in-yo-face enthusiasm of the rookie Jackson.
Tomorrow's game will be tough, for sure. There is no way we should be where we are. Honestly, we didn't deserve it. But we're here, and we had better show up.
Whether for good or ill, I've turned my significant other into a true Eagles fanatic. He "wants to have a talk" with Andy Reid about a few things, LOL. On game days, he outfits himself in his Eagles gear. We have Baby Swoop in the living room with us for good luck. We're locked and loaded.
Good luck, Eagles. We'll be watching, yelling, screaming, and crying. There also might be a bit of cursing.
My favorite Eagles fan:
It's silly, I know. What is it with sports teams that we get so crazy? I just love football, and I love/hate my Eagles.
I prefer a defensive game rather than a pretty-boy quarterback game. The best games are outside in the elements, in the mud and the snow. The hardened grunts of man-against-man in a battle of wills and stamina. That's what football is about. And none of those sissy-ass holding calls: that's what you're supposed to do in football: hold 'em.
I have to say my favorite player is Brian Dawkins. Number 20. What a friggin' dude he is, epitomizing the passion and the whole Rocky-ness of it all. Dawkins is nearing the end of his career. He needs it. He wants it. He can taste it in every sore bone of his body.I love the working-man sturdiness of Westbrook. the quiet thuggery of Runyan, the Zen-like patience of Akers, the cooly-coiffed Samuel, and the in-yo-face enthusiasm of the rookie Jackson.
Tomorrow's game will be tough, for sure. There is no way we should be where we are. Honestly, we didn't deserve it. But we're here, and we had better show up.
Whether for good or ill, I've turned my significant other into a true Eagles fanatic. He "wants to have a talk" with Andy Reid about a few things, LOL. On game days, he outfits himself in his Eagles gear. We have Baby Swoop in the living room with us for good luck. We're locked and loaded.
Good luck, Eagles. We'll be watching, yelling, screaming, and crying. There also might be a bit of cursing.
My favorite Eagles fan:
Best Blogpost Title ... EVAH !
The Agitator tells us that Florida State Government is Creating Libertarians One At a Time:
A Florida man spent $23 at the local hardware store, but noticed on his way home that the store forgot to charge him the state’s sales tax. So when he got home, he (somewhat oddly) wrote a check to the state Department of Revenue to cover the tax.
Big mistake:
It took an inquiry from an Orlando news station to get the matter corrected.
He sent a check to the state for a dollar and 50 cents—with a full explanation. But the very next month—the agency demanded Scott pay a 50 dollar fine —because it thought he was a business—that failed to file tax returns.
Scott sent another letter to Tallahassee clearly stating that he was paying sales tax as a customer after a minor mistake. He thought that was the end of it.
But far from it—the next month the revenue department insisted Scott was a business that had to pay a 650 dollar fine—or face collections —AND criminal charges.”And possibly prosecute me under a third degree felony for stealing money from the state,” said Scott.
Quote of the Week
From Colleen Carroll Campbell:
Given how poorly many of our national political leaders handle the perks and purse strings they already control, we should think twice before giving them free rein to exponentially expand government and manage even more of our money. At a time when a $1 trillion stimulus package barely raises eyebrows inside the Beltway, it's worth remembering that no political party or leader is immune from the temptations that accompany absolute power. And no populace is as vulnerable to granting that absolute power as one racked by fear and seeking a savior.
via Instapundits
Friday, January 9, 2009
Well Played, Mr. Obama ... Well Played
When John Brennan was rumored to be nominated as the Obama administration’s pick for Director of the CIA, the left was outraged:
Scott Horton at Harper’s called him morally unfit.
Andrew Sullivan felt betrayed:
Oh, Obama listened alright. Then he threw that surprise screen pass into the end zone and those who don’t like it can whine and fret all they want. Obama got his man.
And we can rest assured that another Bush leftover, Stephen “Jack Bauer” Kappes will keep his job:
Scott Horton at Harper’s called him morally unfit.
Andrew Sullivan felt betrayed:
We haven't fought for decency and reform and a return to American values for so long to be turned back now. We didn't work our butts off to elect Obama only to get Bush another four years at CIA. If Brennan emerges as the pick, those of us against the continuation of war crimes and the prosecution of war criminals will have to oppose him strenuously in the nomination process. We will, in fact, have to go to war with Obama before he even takes office.
And if Obama doubts our seriousness, I have three words for him. Yes we can.
As did Glenn Greenwald:
To appoint someone as CIA Director or Director of National Intelligence who was one of George Tenet's closest aides when The Dark Side of the last eight years was conceived and implemented, and who, to this day, continues to defend and support policies such as "enhanced interrogation techniques" and rendition (to say nothing of telecom immunity and warrantless eavesdropping), is to cross multiple lines that no Obama supporter should sanction. Truly turning a page on the grotesque abuses of the last eight years requires both symbolism (closing Guantanamo) and substantive policy changes (compelling adherence to the Army Field Manual, ensuring due process rights for all detainees, ending rendition, restoring safeguards on surveillance powers). Appointing John Brennan to a position of high authority would be to affirm and embrace, not repudiate, the darkest aspects of the last eight years.
When Brennan removed his name from consideration for the post, there was much glee from the nutroots. Obama listened to us !
DailyKos was relieved:
Democratic Underground took some credit:
This is obviously great news, I would say that the criticism from the left played an instrumental role in preventing Brennan from having any position in an Obama administration. Brennan's position on torture is somewhat, well, tortured. He has come under quite a bit of scrutiny of course, given some of his statements on torture. His position on the issue isn't really clear (except the fact that he hasn't really taken a position), but the fact that he leaves himself open for question on the issue was of course a major problem. Unequivocal opposition of torture should be a prerequisite for any intelligence director, or any position in Intelligence or Justice for that matter.
We hear today that John Brennan has been named White House homeland security adviser and deputy national security adviser for counterterrorism. These posts do not require Senate confirmation. As White House homeland security adviser, he will report directly to the President. No middle men involved.
Obama DID listen to US!! John Brennan will NOT be the CIA Director because of the netroots….. Our outrage and our overwhelming flurry of anti-Brennan emails to the Obama Transition team helped win this one.
Oh, Obama listened alright. Then he threw that surprise screen pass into the end zone and those who don’t like it can whine and fret all they want. Obama got his man.
And we can rest assured that another Bush leftover, Stephen “Jack Bauer” Kappes will keep his job:
Indeed, in deciding to retain Stephen R. Kappes as the agency’s second-ranking official, Mr. Obama will keep in place an official who had direct oversight of the agency’s network of secret prisons when he held in succession the top two jobs in the C.I.A.’s clandestine service from 2002 to 2004.
As Allahpundit says, “Very well played”.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Justice Dept Suing "New Black Panther Party" for Voter Intimidation
Remember this little incident in Philly on Election Day? (1:21)
The U.S. Justice Department doesn't seem to think it was all that kosher:
h/t The Jawa Report
The U.S. Justice Department doesn't seem to think it was all that kosher:
I don't know if this is a good case or not. All I'm saying is that I am glad that was not my polling place. Just sayin'.
The lawsuit filed Wednesday in federal court in Philadelphia alleges that two men intimidated voters Nov. 4 by standing outside a polling place at 1221 Fairmount Avenue wearing party uniforms. A video of the men, one holding a police-style baton weapon, was widely distributed on the Internet.
The lawsuit seeks a court order barring party members from being deployed to, or displaying weapons at, polling place entrances.
h/t The Jawa Report
A Threat to Windmills that May Not Have Been Considered
I'm not sure if kavips thought of this one. Is insurance available for this lurking hazard to the windmill project in Delaware? We can hope that it only happens in England:
Does Bluewater Wind have UFO insurance? They might want to look into it.
ENGINEERS from Ecotricity are working to establish how a 20m blade mysteriously fell off a turbine at Conisholme wind farm - but residents have their own conclusions.
It is believed the a blade fell off the 89m turbine and another was left badly bent on Sunday January 4. Speculation has continued amongst residents in Conisholme and the surrounding villages with some saying they saw strange flashing tentacle shaped lights above the wind farm on the night before it happened.
John Harrison, Saltfleetby described how on Saturday night, January 3 he looked out of his landing window to see a 'massive ball of light' with 'tentacles going right down to the ground' over Conisholme wind farm.
"It was huge" he said "At first I thought it must have been a hole where the moon was shining through but then I saw the tentacles – it looked just like an octopus."It was an incredible site; I have never seen anything like it before. I have no idea what it was, all I can say is what I saw".
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Jakes Hamburgers Honors Firefighter Michelle Smith - You Can Help - Thursday, January 8th
There are many things that happen in this world over which we have no control. We are merely helpless human beings after all. There are things that happen that gnaw at us and put a soreness in our bellies and make us sit silently in a numb kind of wonder. We feel these things, but there is nothing we can do, and that feeling makes it even worse.
One of these was the death of Delaware City Fire Company Firefighter Michelle Smith. On December 20th, just days before Christmas, Firefighter Smith was killed in the performance of her duties. While attending to a fallen motorcyclist on North DuPont Highway, she was hit by a passing vehicle.
Thirty-year old Smith leaves behind a 12-year-old daughter. Days before Christmas. One cannot imagine.
Her services were this past Tuesday, January 6th. The News Journal story captures it well.
We watch and think and wonder. We grieve, even though we did not know her. We think about her daughter. We feel helpless again, and turn to our routines for some rote comfort, trying to make sense of it all, wishing we could do something ... anything.
Well, there is a little thing we can do. It might not be much, but if enough people in this little State of Delaware did it, well I imagine it could amount to something.
From the Inbox:
I immediately got my significant other on the case. I had questions. He rang up the Claymont location of Jake's Hamburgers and confirmed: yes, all locations are participating....yes, it includes delivery orders.
Just in time ! We have no food in the house for dinner tomorrow and Jake's Hamburgers are "the best under the bun !". What better way to keep your New Year's resolutions than a Big Jake Burger and an order of chili cheese fries ! (Oh yeah, they have salads as well).
Jake's has locations in Bear, Claymont, Dover, Kirkwood Highway, Newark, and New Castle.
I suggest going in person. There will be super-hot firefighters at each location to accept donations. I'm just sayin'.
In the end, it's just a little thing we can do. As Delawareans. For one of our own. Yeah, I get a little schmaltzy on this stuff. She was doing her job. She was tragically killed in the line of duty.
A young girl is without her mother.
From the eulogy spoken by Delaware County Fire Chief Jamie Rosseel:
It's the right thing, and the only thing we can do.
One of these was the death of Delaware City Fire Company Firefighter Michelle Smith. On December 20th, just days before Christmas, Firefighter Smith was killed in the performance of her duties. While attending to a fallen motorcyclist on North DuPont Highway, she was hit by a passing vehicle.
Thirty-year old Smith leaves behind a 12-year-old daughter. Days before Christmas. One cannot imagine.
Her services were this past Tuesday, January 6th. The News Journal story captures it well.
We watch and think and wonder. We grieve, even though we did not know her. We think about her daughter. We feel helpless again, and turn to our routines for some rote comfort, trying to make sense of it all, wishing we could do something ... anything.
Well, there is a little thing we can do. It might not be much, but if enough people in this little State of Delaware did it, well I imagine it could amount to something.
From the Inbox:
Jake’s Hamburgers in Delaware announced today that they will be holding a fundraising event on behalf of the family of Delaware City / Volunteer Hose (Middletown) Firefighter Michelle Smith
The event will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2009 from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at all Jake’s Hamburger locations in Delaware.
Jake’s will donate 20% of all sales that day to the trust fund that has been established for the benefit of Michelle’s daughter, “The Emily A. Burge Trust Fund,” c/o the Delaware City Fire Company.
In addition, Firefighters will be on hand at each location throughout the day to accept donations on behalf of Michelle’s family.
Please join us in supporting this very worthy cause, and in honoring Michelle’s service to our community. For more information on this event, please contact Jeff Smith by email at jsmith@vhc27.com.
I immediately got my significant other on the case. I had questions. He rang up the Claymont location of Jake's Hamburgers and confirmed: yes, all locations are participating....yes, it includes delivery orders.
Just in time ! We have no food in the house for dinner tomorrow and Jake's Hamburgers are "the best under the bun !". What better way to keep your New Year's resolutions than a Big Jake Burger and an order of chili cheese fries ! (Oh yeah, they have salads as well).
Jake's has locations in Bear, Claymont, Dover, Kirkwood Highway, Newark, and New Castle.
I suggest going in person. There will be super-hot firefighters at each location to accept donations. I'm just sayin'.
In the end, it's just a little thing we can do. As Delawareans. For one of our own. Yeah, I get a little schmaltzy on this stuff. She was doing her job. She was tragically killed in the line of duty.
A young girl is without her mother.
From the eulogy spoken by Delaware County Fire Chief Jamie Rosseel:
Buy a burger or two or three from Jake's tomorrow, Thursday, January 8th.
".... what I say today is only an inadequate expression of what we, Michelle’s fire department family, carry in our hearts. Words pale in comparison in the shadow of grief, they seem insufficient to even measure the brave sacrifice of those who we loved and we so admired.
Michelle’s truest testimony will not be the words we speak, but in the way she led her life and the way she lost her life -- with courage, dedication, honor and her unquenchable desire to help others in a time of need."
It's the right thing, and the only thing we can do.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Where Are My 44-D's ?
Somewhere in Indiana, I expect:
Oh yeah, brother....I'll BET those tapes are still being "reviewed". Just a bunch of little girls needing an uplift, that's all.
Evansville police are investigating the theft of more than 300 bras from a Victoria's Secret store.
The bras taken from display drawers at the store at Eastland Mall were worth $45 each. That means the 320 stolen bras are valued at more than $14,000.
A police report said store employees noticed the bras missing on Dec. 20, but the theft wasn't reported to police until Monday.
The Evansville Courier & Press reported that police said the store's surveillance tapes were still being reviewed for possible suspects.
ACORN: Say It Ain't So !
Missouri is the Show Me State. I guess some ACORN employees said "Show Me The Money and I'll Get You Some Voters !"
h/t Gateway Pundit
I guess she wasn't making her quota.
ST. LOUIS — A voter registration worker with the group ACORN has been indicted on two felony counts of voter registration fraud. Deidra Humphrey, 44, of East St. Louis, is expected to appear in U.S. District Court in St. Louis this week after a grand jury indicted her on the charges Dec. 31, according to the U.S. attorney's office.
Humphrey is accused of submitting forged and false voter registration cards for the Nov. 8 general election — including forging cards for nursing home residents — U.S. Attorney Catherine Hanaway said Monday.
Humphrey worked for the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) and the Missouri Progressive Vote Coalition (ProVote), not-for-profit organizations active during campaign seasons in registering low-income and minority voters.
h/t Gateway Pundit
Sounds Like Something I Would Say
Thanks to Bailout Sleuth, we are informed that Sun Trust Banks is signing on for another $1.35 billion from the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). This is on top of the $3.5 billion they got last November.
Sun Trust chairman James M. Wells III reasons it this way:
Sun Trust chairman James M. Wells III reasons it this way:
Well, geez, this sounds like something I said to the old man just the other night:
"Given the increasingly uncertain economic outlook, we have concluded that further augmenting our capital at this point is a prudent step, especially if the current recession proves to be longer and more severe than previously expected.."
Now, Mr. Wells The Third says it a bit fancier than I do, but we're saying the same thing. I just misplaced that TARP application. Silly me.
"Dude, since there is an increasingly uncertain economic outlookthe country is going down the shitter, I have concluded that we need tofurther augment our capitalget some more dinero into this here househould. Yep, I think it would beprudenta pretty damn fine idea if one of us get one or two more jobs. Yanno, just to keep a roof over our heads like the saying goes."
Monday, January 5, 2009
"We Are Not Amused"
Apparently the chairwoman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence was not properly consulted on the nomination of Clinton alumni Leon Panetta as CIA Director:
Besides, if she wishes to have her amusements satisfied, all she needs to do is look down the halls of the Senate. There is no telling what she might see.
And, if that's not enough, we still have the promise of fisticuffs when Blago-Buddy Burris attempts to take his seat. The Senate is full of opportunities for amusement.
Pass the popcorn, this is getting better than a biker rally !
I am not sure why Ms. Feinstein would feel that there was an obligation on anyone's part for her to be consulted. Hasn't she ever heard of the separation of powers?
“I was not informed about the selection of Leon Panetta to be the CIA Director. I know nothing about this, other than what I’ve read,” Feinstein said in a statement.
“My position has consistently been that I believe the Agency is best-served by having an intelligence professional in charge at this time.”
Besides, if she wishes to have her amusements satisfied, all she needs to do is look down the halls of the Senate. There is no telling what she might see.
With the usual hapless Democrats failing to generate much outrage, Franken is in line for an even more prestigious honor: the right wing's favorite punching bag"Al Franken is a very tempting target because he is so outrageous," said Republican strategist Brad Blakeman.
"It's similar to Joe Biden—we hope that Al Franken is the gift that keeps on giving."
And, if that's not enough, we still have the promise of fisticuffs when Blago-Buddy Burris attempts to take his seat. The Senate is full of opportunities for amusement.
Pass the popcorn, this is getting better than a biker rally !
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