Tag: politics
Dick Durbin Is Stealing Your Free Checking!
Obama’s energy secretary squeals.
Steven Chu, Obama’s energy secretary, gave us his own version of a pig’s squeal yesterday.
Steven Chu, Obama’s energy secretary, gave us his own version of a pig’s squeal yesterday.
He should get rid of as many of them as possible.
Democrats campaign to save funding for public television
The squealing of puppets! The Muppets (and Democrats) lobbied today in DC to save funding for public television.
The squealing of puppets! The Muppets (and Democrats) lobbied today in DC to save funding for public television.
House votes to move money from NASA to local law enforcement
The House votes to shift $298 million from NASA to local law enforcement.
What idiocy. I can accept the idea of cutting NASA considering the state of the deficit. However, for Congress to instead spend the money for local police work, something that is definitely not the responsibility of the federal government, is plain foolishness. The need now is to cut, cut, cut, until the budget is under control. Only then can we reasonably consider spending money on these programs.
The House votes to shift $298 million from NASA to local law enforcement.
What idiocy. I can accept the idea of cutting NASA considering the state of the deficit. However, for Congress to instead spend the money for local police work, something that is definitely not the responsibility of the federal government, is plain foolishness. The need now is to cut, cut, cut, until the budget is under control. Only then can we reasonably consider spending money on these programs.
The federal government shuts down 83,990 websites by mistake
Freedom of speech alert: The federal government shut down 83,990 innocent websites this past weekend, mistakenly labeling them as child porn traffickers.
It was a mistake, I know, but think about how this power can so easily be misused.
Freedom of speech alert: The federal government shut down 83,990 innocent websites this past weekend, mistakenly labeling them as child porn traffickers.
It was a mistake, I know, but think about how this power can so easily be misused.
Why more railroad subsidies make no sense
Why high-speed rail makes no sense. Key quote:
High-speed rail would transform Amtrak’s small drain [on the government] into a much larger drain. Once built, high-speed rail systems would face a dilemma. To recoup initial capital costs — construction and train purchases — ticket prices would have to be set so high that few people would choose rail. But lower prices, even with favorable passenger loads, might not cover costs. Government would be stuck with huge subsidies. Even without recovering capital costs, high-speed rail systems would probably run in the red. Most mass-transit systems, despite high ridership, routinely have deficits.
Why high-speed rail makes no sense. Key quote:
High-speed rail would transform Amtrak’s small drain [on the government] into a much larger drain. Once built, high-speed rail systems would face a dilemma. To recoup initial capital costs — construction and train purchases — ticket prices would have to be set so high that few people would choose rail. But lower prices, even with favorable passenger loads, might not cover costs. Government would be stuck with huge subsidies. Even without recovering capital costs, high-speed rail systems would probably run in the red. Most mass-transit systems, despite high ridership, routinely have deficits.
Democratic Congressman says Republicans want kids to get asthma
This is how we rationally debate the budget? Democratic Congressman Jay Inslee (D-Washington) today accused Republicans of wanting kids to get asthma by their effort to trim the budget.
This is how we rationally debate the budget? Democratic Congressman Jay Inslee (D-Washington) today accused Republicans of wanting kids to get asthma by their effort to trim the budget.
The great wind scam
The great wind scam. Key quote:
“With demand for power at record levels because of the freezing weather, there have been days when the contribution of our forests of wind turbines has been precisely nothing,” wrote Richard Littlejohn in the Daily Mail Dec. 27. “It gets better,” Mr. Littlejohn continued. “As the temperature has plummeted, the turbines have had to be heated to prevent them from seizing up. Consequently, they have been consuming more electricity than they generate.”
The great wind scam. Key quote:
“With demand for power at record levels because of the freezing weather, there have been days when the contribution of our forests of wind turbines has been precisely nothing,” wrote Richard Littlejohn in the Daily Mail Dec. 27. “It gets better,” Mr. Littlejohn continued. “As the temperature has plummeted, the turbines have had to be heated to prevent them from seizing up. Consequently, they have been consuming more electricity than they generate.”
New Jersey Governor Christie slams Democrats and Republicans over spending
Right on! New Jersey Governor Chris Christie slammed both Democrats and Republicans yesterday over out-of-control spending.
Right on! New Jersey Governor Chris Christie slammed both Democrats and Republicans yesterday over out-of-control spending.
White House Ignores Interest Payments in Claiming to Control Debt
This is beyond belief: The White House has decided to make believe the interest payments required to pay back the federal debt do not exist in their claim that their budget is reducing that debt. Key quote from Senate hearings yesterday:
To justify the administration claim, [White House Budget Director Jack] Lew said the administration was merely referring to “primary balance” — or federal spending minus interest payments. Lew sought to forgive the public for their confusion. “The terminology that we use in Washington of primary balance is a little confusing,” Lew said.
“It’s because I believe it’s dishonest,” [Senator John] Ensign (R-Nevada) shot back.
This is beyond belief: The White House has decided to make believe the interest payments required to pay back the federal debt do not exist in their claim that their budget is reducing that debt. Key quote from Senate hearings yesterday:
To justify the administration claim, [White House Budget Director Jack] Lew said the administration was merely referring to “primary balance” — or federal spending minus interest payments. Lew sought to forgive the public for their confusion. “The terminology that we use in Washington of primary balance is a little confusing,” Lew said.
“It’s because I believe it’s dishonest,” [Senator John] Ensign (R-Nevada) shot back.
“All of you are white. Go to hell!”
Democrats join GOP criticism of Obama’s budget proposal
Holy moley! Do pigs fly? Yesterday Senate Democrats joined Republicans in attacking the timidity of Obama’s budget cuts.
Holy moley! Do pigs fly? Yesterday Senate Democrats joined Republicans in attacking the timidity of Obama’s budget cuts.
Liberal journalist trashes raped CBS reporter because he doesn’t like her politics
Another liberal shows how he tones down the rhetoric: NYU fellow and leftwing journalist Nir Rosen appears to justify the rape of CBS reporter Lara Logan because he doesn’t like her politics. Key quotes:
- “At this moment when she is going to become a martyr and glorified, we should at least remember her role as a major war monger.”
- “Lara Logan had to outdo Anderson (Cooper)…but it would have been funny if it happened to Anderson, too.”
- Rosen went on the say that he even doubted she was assaulted saying she “was probably groped like thousands of other women.”
Another liberal shows how he tones down the rhetoric: NYU fellow and leftwing journalist Nir Rosen appears to justify the rape of CBS reporter Lara Logan because he doesn’t like her politics. Key quotes:
- “At this moment when she is going to become a martyr and glorified, we should at least remember her role as a major war monger.”
- “Lara Logan had to outdo Anderson (Cooper)…but it would have been funny if it happened to Anderson, too.”
- Rosen went on the say that he even doubted she was assaulted saying she “was probably groped like thousands of other women.”
2 Repubican Utah state lawmakers get threat letter
The left once again shows how it avoids harsh rhetoric: Two Republican Utah state lawmakers get a letter threatening violence for their support of an Arizona-style immigration law.
The left once again shows how it avoids harsh rhetoric: Two Republican Utah state lawmakers get a letter threatening violence for their support of an Arizona-style immigration law.
GOP bill zeroes out programs, puts curbs on Obama initiatives
Another look at the GOP budget cuts: Republican proposal will zero out programs and puts serious limits on many Obama initiatives. Key quote:
“In the last two years, under President Obama, the federal government has added 200,000 new federal jobs,” said [House Speaker John A. Boehner (R-Ohio)]. “If some of those jobs are lost, so be it. We’re broke.”
Not surprisingly, Democrats are squealing.
Democrats challenged the 200,000 job number and said he showed a callous attitude toward those who would be out of work. “Maybe ‘so be it’ for him, but not ‘so be it’ for people who are losing their jobs,” said House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, California Democrat. Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Daniel K. Inouye, Hawaii Democrat, said Republicans’ cuts amounted to a “meat cleaver” approach.
Another look at the GOP budget cuts: Republican proposal will zero out programs and puts serious limits on many Obama initiatives. Key quote:
“In the last two years, under President Obama, the federal government has added 200,000 new federal jobs,” said [House Speaker John A. Boehner (R-Ohio)]. “If some of those jobs are lost, so be it. We’re broke.”
Not surprisingly, Democrats are squealing.
Democrats challenged the 200,000 job number and said he showed a callous attitude toward those who would be out of work. “Maybe ‘so be it’ for him, but not ‘so be it’ for people who are losing their jobs,” said House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, California Democrat. Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Daniel K. Inouye, Hawaii Democrat, said Republicans’ cuts amounted to a “meat cleaver” approach.
The squealing of Wall Street regulators
Now its Wall Street regulators and their Democratic friends in Congress who are squealing over the Republican budget proposals.
Now its Wall Street regulators and their Democratic friends in Congress who are squealing over the Republican budget proposals.
Healthcare Reform Law Requires New IRS Army Of 1,054
Repeal the damn bill! The IRS announced today that it will require over a thousand new agents and $359 million more money to implement Obamacare in 2012. Key quote:
The detailed IRS budget documents spell out exactly what most of the new workforce will be doing. For example, some 81 will be tasked just to handle the tax reporting of 25,000 tanning salons. They face a new 10 percent excise tax on indoor tanning services. Another 76 will be assigned to make sure businesses engaged in making and imported drugs pay their new fee which is expected to deliver $2.8 billion to the Treasury in 2012 and 2013. The new healthcare corps will also require new facilities and computers.
Repeal the damn bill! The IRS announced today that it will require over a thousand new agents and $359 million more money to implement Obamacare in 2012. Key quote:
The detailed IRS budget documents spell out exactly what most of the new workforce will be doing. For example, some 81 will be tasked just to handle the tax reporting of 25,000 tanning salons. They face a new 10 percent excise tax on indoor tanning services. Another 76 will be assigned to make sure businesses engaged in making and imported drugs pay their new fee which is expected to deliver $2.8 billion to the Treasury in 2012 and 2013. The new healthcare corps will also require new facilities and computers.
Left livid over Obama budget cuts
Oink! As lame or as timid as Obama’s budget proposals might be, the left is still livid over them.
It’s really terrible when you aren’t allowed to spend other people’s money!
Oink! As lame or as timid as Obama’s budget proposals might be, the left is still livid over them.
It’s really terrible when you aren’t allowed to spend other people’s money!
Senate Democrats reject amendment that would prevent TSA workers from unionizing
A bipartisan abuse of freedom! Senate Democrats rejected an amendment today that would have prevented TSA workers from unionizing. Meanwhile, the Republicans in the House have extended the provisions of the Patriot Act that allow for the surveillance of ordinary citizens, without explanation.
A bipartisan abuse of freedom! Senate Democrats rejected an amendment today that would have prevented TSA workers from unionizing. Meanwhile, the Republicans in the House have extended the provisions of the Patriot Act that allow for the surveillance of ordinary citizens, without explanation.
Pelosi says that GOP budget puts ‘women and children last’
The head squealer goes oink! Nancy Pelosi (D-California) said yesterday that the proposed GOP budget would put “women and children last.”
Meanwhile, her assistant squealer, Steny Hoyer, insisted that a government shutdown could only be the fault of the Republicans. According to Hoyer, the Democrats in the Senate are mere bystanders, having nothing to do with any of this at all.
What incompetent idiots.
The head squealer goes oink! Nancy Pelosi (D-California) said yesterday that the proposed GOP budget would put “women and children last.”
Meanwhile, her assistant squealer, Steny Hoyer, insisted that a government shutdown could only be the fault of the Republicans. According to Hoyer, the Democrats in the Senate are mere bystanders, having nothing to do with any of this at all.
What incompetent idiots.
Congressman condemns Obama’s NASA budget for not sticking to authorization
The war over NASA pork begins: Congressman Bill Posey (R-Florida) condemned Obama’s NASA budget today for not giving the program-formerly-called-Constellation more money.
The war over NASA pork begins: Congressman Bill Posey (R-Florida) condemned Obama’s NASA budget today for not giving the program-formerly-called-Constellation more money.
USA Today calls Obama’s budget cuts lame
USA Today calls Obama’s budget cuts lame.
That a mainstream newspaper like USA Today is calling for more cuts than Obama suggests strongly that the Republicans in Congress have all the momentum and should push hard for every cut they can.
USA Today calls Obama’s budget cuts lame.
That a mainstream newspaper like USA Today is calling for more cuts than Obama suggests strongly that the Republicans in Congress have all the momentum and should push hard for every cut they can.
The chances of a government shutdown increase
The chances of a government shutdown increase. This is good news, as far as I’m concerned.
The chances of a government shutdown increase. This is good news, as far as I’m concerned.
Tough-talking Chris Christie plans D.C. rollout
This should be fun: Tough-talking Chris Christie to speak in D.C. tomorrow. Key quote:
Like Christie himself, the message he’ll deliver Wednesday at the conservative American Enterprise Institute is unorthodox and straightforward: he accuses both parties, Democrats and Republicans alike, of “timidity” in the face of the coming fiscal calamity.
This should be fun: Tough-talking Chris Christie to speak in D.C. tomorrow. Key quote:
Like Christie himself, the message he’ll deliver Wednesday at the conservative American Enterprise Institute is unorthodox and straightforward: he accuses both parties, Democrats and Republicans alike, of “timidity” in the face of the coming fiscal calamity.
NPR thanks Obama for budget ‘vote of confidence’
Squealing from government-financed “journalists:” NPR thanks Obama for proposing an increase in their budget.
Squealing from government-financed “journalists:” NPR thanks Obama for proposing an increase in their budget.
A retraction
Concerning Obama’s proposals for NASA’s 2012 budget, a closer look by me since yesterday has caused me to reconsider my earlier post. I think I spoke too soon, before I had time to review the Obama budget proposal entirely.
Though the Obama administration has pulled back somewhat from its initial 2011 budget proposals for commercial space, it does appear that they are not abandoning that effort as I had thought at first. Their 2012 proposal ($850 million per year) is still significantly higher than what Congress had authorized ($500 million), which suggests a willingness to fight for this program.
As for the program-formerly-called-Constellation, however, it does appear that this pork program is going forward. Instead of trying to cancel it like last year, the administration now appears to have become resigned to its existence, and this year includes significant funds for its construction.
Regardless, considering the insane state of the federal deficit, it seems to me both unrealistic and foolish to fund either of these programs at this time. Pork politics unfortunately will probably help keep alive the funding for the program-formerly-called-Constellation, while the lack of a powerful constituency for commercial space leaves these subsidizes very vulnerable to Congressional trimming.
Science an Early Budget Winner … But Fight Has Just Begun
Await the squeals from scientists: The journal Science notes the differences between the budget proposals coming from the House Republicans (cutting funds to science) and Obama (increasing funds to science) and hopes for the best. (You can also get a good idea about the increases to science that Obama proposes by going to this ScienceInsider story and scanning down the various articles.) Key quote:
Both conservatives and liberals agree: the main pressure pushing the federal deficit is entitlements; the discretionary budget is dwarfed by mandatory Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security spending. And yet neither the House of Representatives Republican appropriators’ proposal to tackle the deficit starting in 2011 nor Obama’s new budget for next year tackles the real challenge of entitlements. Instead, both pick and choose the discretionary cuts they want to start with.
From my mind, we should accept the cuts from both sides, then go after the entitlements.
Await the squeals from scientists: The journal Science notes the differences between the budget proposals coming from the House Republicans (cutting funds to science) and Obama (increasing funds to science) and hopes for the best. (You can also get a good idea about the increases to science that Obama proposes by going to this ScienceInsider story and scanning down the various articles.) Key quote:
Both conservatives and liberals agree: the main pressure pushing the federal deficit is entitlements; the discretionary budget is dwarfed by mandatory Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security spending. And yet neither the House of Representatives Republican appropriators’ proposal to tackle the deficit starting in 2011 nor Obama’s new budget for next year tackles the real challenge of entitlements. Instead, both pick and choose the discretionary cuts they want to start with.
From my mind, we should accept the cuts from both sides, then go after the entitlements.
In his new budget, Obama kicks the can one more time
Another critical look at Obama’s budget proposal, this time from liberal Dana Milbank at the Washington Post! Key quote:
Obama’s budget proposal is a remarkably weak and timid document. He proposes to cut only $1.1 trillion from federal deficits over the next decade – a pittance when you consider that the deficit this year alone is in the neighborhood of $1.5 trillion. The president makes no serious attempt at cutting entitlement programs that threaten to drive the government into insolvency.
And here’s another: “Steep cuts?” Even the left Is starting to notice.
Another critical look at Obama’s budget proposal, this time from liberal Dana Milbank at the Washington Post! Key quote:
Obama’s budget proposal is a remarkably weak and timid document. He proposes to cut only $1.1 trillion from federal deficits over the next decade – a pittance when you consider that the deficit this year alone is in the neighborhood of $1.5 trillion. The president makes no serious attempt at cutting entitlement programs that threaten to drive the government into insolvency.
And here’s another: “Steep cuts?” Even the left Is starting to notice.
A clarification of the Obama NASA manned space budget
To avoid confusion, I want to clarify why I consider Obama’s commercial space budget proposal today to be a decrease, not an increase, from past budget proposals. The history of this budget goes like this:
- In February 2010 Obama proposed to spend $1 billion per year on new commercial space.
- Congress responded by reducing that budget to $312 million for 2011 and $500 million per year thereafter.
- The new Obama budget for 2012 proposes to spend $850 million per year for commercial space, more than presently authorized by Congress but less than proposed by Obama only last year.
It is almost certain that Congress will trim these numbers. Meanwhile, the amount of money to the program-formerly-called-Constellation goes up.