Monday, August 31, 2009

It's like a blue ribbon except he stole the money from us

Governor Kulongoski tours electric vehicle companies in southern Oregon
Governor Ted Kulongoski today toured two start-up electric vehicle companies in southern Oregon as part of his initiative to transition the state toward cleaner, more sustainable transportation options.

While visiting Brammo, Inc., an electric motorcycle company headquartered in Ashland, the Governor announced a $100,000 grant from his Strategic Reserve Fund for workforce training to assist the company in growing their workforce by more than 300 employees over the next two years.

The Strategic Reserve Fund was established by the Legislature to support economic and community development in Oregon. The fund awards are at the discretion of the Governor in consultation with the Director of the Oregon Business Development Department (Business Oregon).

Are you happy that you went to work today and had 9% taken out of your pay to so the governor can "award" it to favored industries? And if you pay taxes in Jackson and Josephine counties you got whacked again.

"The grant awarded by the Governor today builds upon local investments by Jackson and Josephine counties..."

When the government "invests" in something I assume that it is doomed to fail. Good ideas attract private capitol and investors who take the risk in return for possible reward. The difference is that they risk THEIR MONEY, not ours.

Sunday, August 30, 2009

When freakshows want to teach our kids

With the current story of the tranny teacher wanting to parade his/her mental disability in front of children I thought that I would examine what exactly our new Oregon law covers in this area. Behold the informal guild from the Bureau of Labor and Industries.

How to Create a Transgender Friendly Work Place
As of January 1, 2008, it is against the law for all Oregon employers to discriminate against an employee based on sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

Gender expression describes how a person communicates the person’s gender identity to the world through behavior, clothes, haircut, etc.

This is what seperates the "gay" stuff from actual biological traits. This discrimination law protects behavior rather than something innate.

What do I do if one of my employees says he or she is going to transition into the opposite sex?

You can start by asking the employee what the person needs from you, the employer, in order to make the workplace transition as smooth as possible.

You, the employer, should ask what you can do for your employee when it's suggested that they want to mutilate their genitals. What would I suggest you do? Move to a state where you don't have to put up with this nonsense.

What about the bathroom issue?
An Oregon employer must allow a transgendered person to use whichever bathroom is consistent with the person’s expressed gender. So, if one of your male employees comes to you one day and says he is going to transition into a female (M to F), expect that at some point this employee will begin to use the female bathroom. The transgendered employee is the best judge of when it is time to switch bathrooms.

Again, it's simply time to move when your state government tells you that you must let the men use the women's bathroom at their request.

What if my other employees are uncomfortable with sharing a bathroom or a workplace with a transgendered employee?
Explain to your other employees that you comply with Oregon law regarding the rights and protections of transgendered individuals and you expect the same from them.

Translation: too bad. It's probably a good time to explain to your employees that you are moving your company to a free state where you are allowed to hire/fire employees at will.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Ted Kennedy: another reason for term limits

To every slobbering reporter and politician who praised Kennedy today I have one question to ask: would you let him drive your wife home?





Note: I thought that I was going to have to wait until next week's Ann Coulter column to get some coverage that didn't treat Kennedy like threat to freedom that he was but thank you Lars for having her on first thing and not pulling punches.

Free money: turns out it's popular

State tax breaks for alternative energy will cost more than expected
So many businesses are getting tax subsidies under Oregon's effort to promote alternative energy that the state now estimates it will spend $167 million on them in 2009-11, up from $68 million it gave out in similar tax breaks in 2007-09.

The higher spending demonstrates the increasing popularity of Oregon's Business Energy Tax Credit. But it comes at time when other state programs face cutbacks, and that's giving some lawmakers heartburn.

"What this does is create a real dilemma," said Sen. Ginny Burdick, D-Portland. The state's two-year budget, approved last June, will now come up short by as much as $50 million.

I love how people describe with absolute incredulity the "success" of government programs that give tax dollars for goods/services in excess of what they are worth.

Whether it's giving someone $4,500 for a car that is worth $2,000 or paying someone to be "green" and save on their energy bill, government's success is always a loss for the taxpayers.

Work hard today, government needs to buy someone a new refrigerator.

Friday, August 21, 2009

Our friendly neighbor to the south

Mexico decriminalizes small-scale drug possession
Mexico decriminalized small amounts of marijuana, cocaine and heroin on Friday—a move that prosecutors say makes sense even in the midst of the government's grueling battle against drug traffickers.

The new law sets out maximum "personal use" amounts for drugs, also including LSD and methamphetamine. People detained with those quantities no longer face criminal prosecution.

We can look forward to this culture continuing to make it's way north. This "makes sense" in the same way it makes sense to encourage your kids to do their chores by not punishing them when they watch tv instead of taking out the garbage.

Say it with me now: build the fence high and wide!

Thursday, August 20, 2009

School: it's not for learning anymore

Free summer meals in Oregon
However, no application or proof of income is needed to participate, and all children are welcome!

Fairview Oaks Apts
Site sponsor: Gresham-Barlow SD 10J

Aloha Park Apts.
Site sponsor: Beaverton SD 48J

Fairview Arms Apts.
Site sponsor: Centennial SD 28J

Learning Tree Daycare
Site sponsor: North Santiam SD 29
A for profit day care gets government funded "free" lunches?

The Terrace at Mt. Scott
Site sponsor: North Clackamas SD 12

If you are amazed at the "statistics" this program can boast about keep in mind that they will actually go to an apartment complex and advertise FREE FOOD FOR EVERYONE. How many "hungry" children are going to turn that down?

When governmet defines a "hungry child" as:

Anyone under the age of 18 who is willing to walk three steps out of his/her front door to accept free food we will have numbers that seem to show mass starvation in this country.

Please remember that the school districts that cry poor when it's time to vote down the tax increases are the same schools that think their role is no longer education but the free feeding of entire neighborhoods during summertime.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Derelict in their duty

Family of murdered teen sues county
The family of 15-year-old murder victim Dani Countryman is suing Clackamas County.

According to public records, the suit alleges authorities knew Countryman's killer was in the country illegally but failed to report him. Indeed, in November 2006 the person who plead guilty to Countryman's murder was convicted in Clackamas County of driving drunk.

This case reportedly prompted Clackamas County to define its policy on the handling of immigrant criminal cases. Two months after Countryman's death, Clackamas County authorities clarified county law giving police and prosecutors the ability to report non-documented individuals to immigration officials after they have been arrested on other charges.

When you have a culture of tolerance for criminal aliens you are going to end up with blood on your hands. If we can stop the tolerance for these lawbreakers we can save future lives.

Clackamas County didn't need a new law they just needed "clarification" meaning "let officers know that they can actually do their jobs" rather than try to "reach out to immigrant communities."

Let's make sure that all levels of government have this same clarification.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Me, Michael Vick and Irene

So notorious dogfighter Michael Vick has been picked up by the Philadelphia Eagles after serving almost two years in prison. The fans and various groups are fit to be tied.

We are talking about a game. You can watch or not watch, buy tickets or not buy tickets. But the grandstanding by groups who think this is armageddon is just too much.

I beg any reporter to ask the next PETA member they find whether or not they support minimum sentencing or the death penatly. Any local Vick haters vote yes on Measure 11? Or is it just dogfighting that bothers you?

Obviously I'm speaking as someone who made horrible choices in my past. My "second chance" is given by some and not by others and that's fine. At some point most people see me for who I am today and if you don't that's just fine.

With Michael Vick there is another thing that bothers me, is there more or less outrage over Dante Stallworth KILLING A HUMAN BEING and doing 30 days in jail? Are people going to cancel their season tickets when he plays again?

It seems to me that some people have their priorities very mixed up and put animals ahead of humans.

I support maximum punishment for people who do wrong. Giving a "second chance" without an initial consequence sends the wrong message. But once someone is ready to change it's trust but verify. I have no problem with someone having another chance to fly right if they are serious about it.

If Tony Dungy says that Vick is good enough then that's good enough for me and I'm willing to enjoy watching football without the circus. Go Colts. (even without Dungy)

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Working hard or hardly working?

From OFIR:

Currently there are 123 inmates with ICE holds at the Washington County Jail in Hillsboro. That is an amazing 21.50 % of the inmates in the jail!

If you consider the fact that the Pew Hispanic Research Center estimates that about 4 to 5 % of Oregon’s population consists of illegal aliens the number of inmates in the Washington County jail is 4 to 5 times what one should expect from their cohort!

The cost to Washington County for just incarceration alone is over $3 million annually. Washington County is just one of 35 Oregon counties.

One of the big lies that the pro-illegal alien lobby puts out is that illegal aliens do not commit crimes. With over 1200 inmates with ICE holds at the Oregon State penitentiary and 100’s more in Oregon county jails that lie should be put to bed.

A good example is ARELLANO-MARTINEZ, ADOLFO who is in for:

000.002 / HOLD
A95790804
ICE
2009-05-18
HBS

163.375 M11 / RAPE 1ST DEG
OR81497644
C081234CR
WCC
2009-05-17
HBS
$50371.00
163.425 FEL / SEXUAL ABUSE 2ND DEG
OR81497644
C081234CR
WCC
2009-05-17
HBS

163.425 FEL / SEXUAL ABUSE 2ND DEG
OR81497644
C081234CR
WCC
2009-05-17
HBS

163.375 M11 / RAPE 1ST DEG
OR81497644
C081234CR
WCC
2009-05-17
HBS

163.425 FEL / SEXUAL ABUSE 2ND DEG
OR81497644
C081234CR
WCC
2009-05-17
HBS

163.425 FEL / SEXUAL ABUSE 2ND DEG
OR81497644
C081234CR
WCC
2009-05-17
HBS

471.410 / GIVE LIQUOR-MINOR/IN
OR81497644
C081234CR
WCC
2009-05-17
HBS

If we hadn't stopped amnesty the last time around this sicko might be released back into our community instead of deported. Always remember that today's amnesty candidate might be tomorrow's rapist.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Thanks again Al Gore

For those of you with government jobs who are bored with solitaire there is no greater invention than the internet for passing the time until your union mandated break.

An amusing waste of time can be found at Probably Bad News.

On a serious note I'd like to point you guys towards the Drudge of the northwest Orbusmax. He's recently done some great things to his site and it's worth a daily check of the headlines.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Hypocrit

Can't Make It Up: Dem Rep Who Opposes Photo ID To Vote Requiring Photo ID For Town Halls

Bottom line: this democrat from Texas consistently votes against requiring photo ID to vote but is requiring it of folks trying to get in to voice their opinion to him about health care.

Just more evidence that our political system breeds scumbags not statesmen.

Sunday, August 09, 2009

And here I thought the homeless were lazy

I check on the Dignity Village website from time to time (America: the only country were the homeless have their own website) and am excited to report that we have a current August update:

"We have added 20 new raised garden beds, full of all kind of plants . We have had over 600, Students come out to the village since Jan.2009 from all over the Northwest.They helped build planter boxes, and painted a few buildings."

"We are also going to build new Bathrooms some time in Aug. 2009. They will be a combo of shower and toilets, plus a meeting room for guess that come out to visit and want talk, for a bit on bad weather days."

"We are also having a 2010 Dignity Village calender printed which many of you folks may have heard about in the last few months. They will be for sale Next month if all goes on track. Ask Joe ( the tour guide person ) for more info on getting one for your self."

I don't know about you but when bad weather comes about my first thought is: "I think I'll go sit and hang out with the taxpayer subsidized homeless." I mean, if they have a tour guide and a meeting room then I might as well avail myself of the service.

I can't wait for the calendar either, I'm assuming that it will include such wonderful dates like when the needle exchange wagon rolls around and the free lunch* programs offered through the public schools.

*There is no such thing as a free lunch. You paid for it. They eat it.

Wednesday, August 05, 2009

Stop spending money

If you haven't had a chance to sign the petition to refer the legislatures tax increases to the ballot you can print a copy for yourself HERE.

Please note that there are two petitions, one regarding the income tax increase and the second one is the corporate tax increase. Both need to be printed and signed.

Q: But don't we need these taxes for the children?

A: No, we need them for public art. It's vital.

Current Public Art Opportunities
Artists and artist teams who live, work or exhibit their artwork within Portland’s Central Eastside Urban Renewal Area (map attached) are invited to submit qualifications for a two phase temporary public art fence project at the corner of NE Burnside and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. The total project budget is $30,000. The goal of this fence project is to reflect and highlight the creativity and industry of the Central Eastside Urban Renewal Area by making this a dynamic corner.

Q: But what will happen to Marita Baragli, Diversity Manager for DHS if the taxes don't pass?

A: Hopefully she gets fired and has to find a real job. She'll probably end up being an "artist."

Tuesday, August 04, 2009

Health care for anchor babies

Governor signs state law extending medical care coverage
“We will, at long last, bring health care to every Oregon child,” Kulongoski said at a gathering of lobbyists, health care bureaucrats, politicians and even a young patient at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital on the campus of Oregon Health & Science University in Portland.

Through a combination of increased “provider taxes” on most Oregon hospitals and a new 1 percent tax on health insurance premiums, Oregon is adding 200,000 uninsured children and poor adults to the ranks of the insured.

So who can apply? Here is the application.

Social Security numbers (SSNs) – If you don’t have a SSN, write in “none.” Required only if you are applying for benefits for this member of your household.

This is another instance of anchor babies getting welfare while the rest of us pick up the tab. Let's see if I can do the math: an illegal aliens can't legally have an income. With no income their dependents can qualify for welfare.

It's like asking a drug dealer to report his earnings, it just won't happen.

So our politicians say they will make health care "more affordable" by taxing health care providers and health insurance premiums. For those of you who went to one of the 71 Oregon public schools rated as inadequate this makes health care more expensive for those of us who pay for it.

But the anchor babies and their criminal alien parents have one more reason to come to Oregon.

Sunday, August 02, 2009

Say it ain't so

2 Obama officials: No guarantee taxes won't go up
President Barack Obama's treasury secretary said Sunday he cannot rule out higher taxes to help tame an exploding budget deficit, and his chief economic adviser would not dismiss raising them on middle-class Americans as part of a health care overhaul.

Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and National Economic Council Director Larry Summers both sidestepped questions on Obama's intentions about taxes. Geithner said the White House was not ready to rule out a tax hike to lower the federal deficit; Summers said Obama's proposed health care overhaul needs funding from somewhere.

And keep in mind this is just income tax we are talking about. Obama can raise your tobacco tax, energy tax, gas tax, etc and the media won't report it as a "middle class tax" even thought it is.

The media will however glorify taxes on those greedy corporations... who promptly pass on the bill to us the consumer. We need to stop looking at the segmentation of taxation and instead look at the overall spending.

Politicians are constantly babbling about finding "another funding source" when there is only one source of revenue and that is the productive private sector.