Walmart, others make money on Oregon's energy tax credits
When Oregon started handing out jumbo tax subsidies for renewable energy projects two years ago, one of the biggest beneficiaries was also one of the world's richest corporations -- Walmart.
No, the retail giant hasn't branched to solar panels or wind turbines.
Instead, Walmart took advantage of a provision in Oregon's Business Energy Tax Credit that allows third parties with no ties to the green power industry to buy the credits at a discount and reduce their state income tax bills.
State records show Walmart paid $22.6 million in cash last year for the right to claim $33.6 million in energy tax credits. The cash went to seven projects, including two eastern Oregon wind farms and SolarWorld's manufacturing plant in Hillsboro. In return, Walmart profits $11 million on the deal because that's the difference between what it paid for the tax credit and the amount of its tax reduction.
This kind of accounting is the future of cap and trade. As much as liberals would like to eliminate free markets this kind of trading is the logical outcome of these silly social engineering policies.
The irony is that long before being "green" was trendy saving energy was something that people did because of self-interest. Who didn't grow up with a parent who remarked that "they weren't paying to heat the whole neighborhood" when you left the front door open in the winter?
Lawmakers and enviro-nuts act as if people wake up in the morning thinking of ways to burn fuel without getting any benefit for it and that if they just offer "free money" then energy consumption that would have happened will not and this will have no consequences.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
If they can give, they can take it away
Nanny State Gone Wild: Defining Dependency Up
The greatest gifts you can give your children can't be boxed and bowed. Consider the timeless gift of self-sufficiency -- a stubborn thirst to leave the nest, make it on your own and live as a free-willed adult. It's a concept that Big Nanny Democrats are sabotaging at every legislative turn.
I propose a new symbol for the Democrats. Out: donkey. In: a giant adult pacifier.
I was installing a new garbage disposal yesterday and on the outside of the box it mentioned that the warranty gave you certain "legal rights" but that your "rights" may vary depending on which state you live in.
That means that either states can either grant and withold "rights" or that these are not rights at all but they are simply laws.
During this debate we should all remember where our rights come from: God. They are human rights that we believe to be self-evident and our founding documents tell government that they can't infringe upon them.
Congress may pass a law regarding health care but that won't give you a right to it since a future congress can simply take it away again.
The greatest gifts you can give your children can't be boxed and bowed. Consider the timeless gift of self-sufficiency -- a stubborn thirst to leave the nest, make it on your own and live as a free-willed adult. It's a concept that Big Nanny Democrats are sabotaging at every legislative turn.
I propose a new symbol for the Democrats. Out: donkey. In: a giant adult pacifier.
I was installing a new garbage disposal yesterday and on the outside of the box it mentioned that the warranty gave you certain "legal rights" but that your "rights" may vary depending on which state you live in.
That means that either states can either grant and withold "rights" or that these are not rights at all but they are simply laws.
During this debate we should all remember where our rights come from: God. They are human rights that we believe to be self-evident and our founding documents tell government that they can't infringe upon them.
Congress may pass a law regarding health care but that won't give you a right to it since a future congress can simply take it away again.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Merry Christmas
It's almost the end of the year which means time is running out to use your political tax credit.
The Political Tax Credit allows a married couple to contribute up to $100 -- a single person can contribute up to $50 -- to a qualified political cause and receive the full amount of their contribution back as a credit on their Oregon tax return.
Please note, this is not a tax deduction like your home mortgage interest deduction or contributions to a charity. This is a dollar-for-dollar credit. In other words if your total state taxes for 2004 were $500 and you made a political contribution to a qualified political committee of $100, you would only pay $400 in taxes.
Give $100 to your favorite conservative group or give it to Ted Kulongoski to hire a diversity manager. Your choice.
Some suggestions for how Daniel uses his tax credit:
Oregon Firearms Federation (make sure you select Political Action Committee)
Oregonians for Immigration Reform
NOTE: Make your donation now and during Christmas dinner you can tell your liberal relatives how you are keeping $100 away from the public schools and the poor!
The Political Tax Credit allows a married couple to contribute up to $100 -- a single person can contribute up to $50 -- to a qualified political cause and receive the full amount of their contribution back as a credit on their Oregon tax return.
Please note, this is not a tax deduction like your home mortgage interest deduction or contributions to a charity. This is a dollar-for-dollar credit. In other words if your total state taxes for 2004 were $500 and you made a political contribution to a qualified political committee of $100, you would only pay $400 in taxes.
Give $100 to your favorite conservative group or give it to Ted Kulongoski to hire a diversity manager. Your choice.
Some suggestions for how Daniel uses his tax credit:
Oregon Firearms Federation (make sure you select Political Action Committee)
Oregonians for Immigration Reform
NOTE: Make your donation now and during Christmas dinner you can tell your liberal relatives how you are keeping $100 away from the public schools and the poor!
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Constitution? What's that?
Ensign, DeMint to Force Vote on Health Care Bill Unconstitutionality
Today, U.S. Senators Jim DeMint (R-South Carolina) and John Ensign (R-Nevada), raised a Constitutional Point of Order on the Senate floor against the Democrat health care takeover bill on behalf of the Steering Committee, a caucus of conservative senators. The Senate will vote tomorrow on the bill’s constitutionality.
“Forcing every American to purchase a product is absolutely inconsistent with our Constitution and the freedoms our Founding Fathers hoped to protect,” said Senator DeMint. “This is not at all like car insurance, you can choose not to drive but Americans will have no choice whether to buy government-approved insurance. This is nothing more than a bailout and takeover of insurance companies. We’re forcing Americans to buy insurance under penalty of law and then Washington bureaucrats will then dictate what these companies can sell to Americans. This is not liberty, it is tyranny of good intentions by elites in Washington who think they can plan our lives better than we can.”
Americans who fail to buy health insurance, according to the Democrats’ bill, would be subject to financial penalties. The senators believe the bill is unconstitutional because the insurance mandate is not authorized by any of the limited enumerated powers granted to the federal government. The individual mandate also likely violates the “takings” clause of the 5th Amendment.
I heard something on the radio today that should become our refrain: We will not consent to be governed. I'm not sure what that looks like right now but our government was created to SECURE our existing rights, not to create new ones.
There were suggestions as to ways to withold our consent called in to the talk show, I'm curious if anyone has any constructive ideas here.
Today, U.S. Senators Jim DeMint (R-South Carolina) and John Ensign (R-Nevada), raised a Constitutional Point of Order on the Senate floor against the Democrat health care takeover bill on behalf of the Steering Committee, a caucus of conservative senators. The Senate will vote tomorrow on the bill’s constitutionality.
“Forcing every American to purchase a product is absolutely inconsistent with our Constitution and the freedoms our Founding Fathers hoped to protect,” said Senator DeMint. “This is not at all like car insurance, you can choose not to drive but Americans will have no choice whether to buy government-approved insurance. This is nothing more than a bailout and takeover of insurance companies. We’re forcing Americans to buy insurance under penalty of law and then Washington bureaucrats will then dictate what these companies can sell to Americans. This is not liberty, it is tyranny of good intentions by elites in Washington who think they can plan our lives better than we can.”
Americans who fail to buy health insurance, according to the Democrats’ bill, would be subject to financial penalties. The senators believe the bill is unconstitutional because the insurance mandate is not authorized by any of the limited enumerated powers granted to the federal government. The individual mandate also likely violates the “takings” clause of the 5th Amendment.
I heard something on the radio today that should become our refrain: We will not consent to be governed. I'm not sure what that looks like right now but our government was created to SECURE our existing rights, not to create new ones.
There were suggestions as to ways to withold our consent called in to the talk show, I'm curious if anyone has any constructive ideas here.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Last chance
Ben Nelson has received his bribes. Government takeover of health care will pass unless we can get a Christmas miracle. Make those calls, send those emails and faxes.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Hurry up and die, it's for the planet
From an eco board game:
There is so much green indoctrination out there it's not hard to catch these people saying what they really mean: humans should just die.
There is so much green indoctrination out there it's not hard to catch these people saying what they really mean: humans should just die.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Ann Coulter > Doonesbury
Less Health Care for More Money
The New York Times' Nicholas Kristof recently wrote a column about John Brodniak of Oregon, who developed a cavernous hemangioma, causing him great pain as blood leaks into his brain.
According to Kristof, Brodniak can't get medical help because we don't have universal health care. Senators who vote against ObamaCare, Kristof said, are morally equivalent to someone who would walk past a man "writhing in pain on the sidewalk."
In another article in the Times, William Yardley wrote about Melvin Tsosies -- also of Oregon -- who ended up with $200,000 in medical bills after having a heart attack.
As of March 2008, Yardley reported, Tsosies was waiting to find out if he would win the Oregon lottery for health insurance. But with 600,000 uninsured state residents and a "universal" health care program with only enough money to pay for about 24,000 of them, Tsosies is more likely to win a Powerball lottery.
How can this be happening? Oregon already has "universal health care"! (Probably just a coincidence, but isn't Oregon also the only state with physician-assisted suicide?)
Once again forgetting about the existence of the Internet, the Times neglects to mention its own erstwhile enthusiasm for Oregon's universal health care plan, introduced back in 1990.
Go read the rest of the column and remember, Oregon passed a 1% surcharge on your health insurance this year... to make your health insurance more affordable!
The New York Times' Nicholas Kristof recently wrote a column about John Brodniak of Oregon, who developed a cavernous hemangioma, causing him great pain as blood leaks into his brain.
According to Kristof, Brodniak can't get medical help because we don't have universal health care. Senators who vote against ObamaCare, Kristof said, are morally equivalent to someone who would walk past a man "writhing in pain on the sidewalk."
In another article in the Times, William Yardley wrote about Melvin Tsosies -- also of Oregon -- who ended up with $200,000 in medical bills after having a heart attack.
As of March 2008, Yardley reported, Tsosies was waiting to find out if he would win the Oregon lottery for health insurance. But with 600,000 uninsured state residents and a "universal" health care program with only enough money to pay for about 24,000 of them, Tsosies is more likely to win a Powerball lottery.
How can this be happening? Oregon already has "universal health care"! (Probably just a coincidence, but isn't Oregon also the only state with physician-assisted suicide?)
Once again forgetting about the existence of the Internet, the Times neglects to mention its own erstwhile enthusiasm for Oregon's universal health care plan, introduced back in 1990.
Go read the rest of the column and remember, Oregon passed a 1% surcharge on your health insurance this year... to make your health insurance more affordable!
How do you spell irony: O-B-A-M-A
Did anyone else find it just a little amusing that yesterday Obama held a press conference at Home Depot, a place notorious for allowing day labor pick-up sites in their parking lot, to discuss jobs in the contruction industry, a field notorious for hiring illegal aliens, as he described putting "millions" of Americans back to work?
Monday, December 14, 2009
Can't we just dig our way out?
Time for an Immigration Moratorium
When Barack Obama completely ignored the problem of uncontrolled immigration during his Jobs Summit, my former colleague Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas) issued the following statement that was signed by 21 conservative Republican congressmen:
“With a 10 percent unemployment rate, now is the time for the Obama administration to stand up for citizens and legal immigrant workers. Now is the time for the President to enforce immigration laws. When the jobs stolen by illegal immigrants are recovered for citizens and legal workers, American workers will benefit. President Obama could create eight million jobs for citizens and legal workers simply by enforcing immigration laws.”
I applaud Rep. Smith for standing up against illegal immigration, but we need to go a step further to protect displaced American workers. The first priority of our government needs to be the interests of American citizens -- both native born and naturalized -- not “legal immigrant workers.” And the 25 million American citizens out of work are not only pushed out by illegal aliens, but also by certain legal immigrants.
Even if we completely stopped illegal immigration tomorrow, the government still issues 75,000 permanent work visas and approximately 50,000 temporary work visas every month. These 125,000 jobs should go to Americans first.
Much like the teacher's union not being able to say how much is "enough" per pupil funding the advocates of unfettered immigrantion will never give the "enough" amount of people that we should allow into the United States.
Their secret answer is "how much can we get away with?" In addition to keeping jobs for America citizens at some point we need to keep our American identity. With rapid and uncontrolled immigration we don't give new people a chance to assimilate.
Visas:
B-1 Business Visitor Visa
B-2 Tourist Visitor Visa
B-1/B-2 Visa Extension
E-1 Treaty Trader Visa
E-2 Treaty Investor Visa
E-3 Visa for Australians
F-1 Student Visa
H-1B Work Visa
H-2B Work Visa
H-3 Trainee Visa
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
K-1 Fiancee Visa
L-1 Intracompany Visa
P Visa Athlete/Entertainer
R-1 Religious Visa
TN Nafta Work Visa
Green Cards:
Green Card Lottery
Marriage to U.S. Citizen
Through Adoption
Through Employment
Through Investment
Through Relatives
As a Special Immigrant
Green Card Renewal
When Barack Obama completely ignored the problem of uncontrolled immigration during his Jobs Summit, my former colleague Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas) issued the following statement that was signed by 21 conservative Republican congressmen:
“With a 10 percent unemployment rate, now is the time for the Obama administration to stand up for citizens and legal immigrant workers. Now is the time for the President to enforce immigration laws. When the jobs stolen by illegal immigrants are recovered for citizens and legal workers, American workers will benefit. President Obama could create eight million jobs for citizens and legal workers simply by enforcing immigration laws.”
I applaud Rep. Smith for standing up against illegal immigration, but we need to go a step further to protect displaced American workers. The first priority of our government needs to be the interests of American citizens -- both native born and naturalized -- not “legal immigrant workers.” And the 25 million American citizens out of work are not only pushed out by illegal aliens, but also by certain legal immigrants.
Even if we completely stopped illegal immigration tomorrow, the government still issues 75,000 permanent work visas and approximately 50,000 temporary work visas every month. These 125,000 jobs should go to Americans first.
Much like the teacher's union not being able to say how much is "enough" per pupil funding the advocates of unfettered immigrantion will never give the "enough" amount of people that we should allow into the United States.
Their secret answer is "how much can we get away with?" In addition to keeping jobs for America citizens at some point we need to keep our American identity. With rapid and uncontrolled immigration we don't give new people a chance to assimilate.
Visas:
B-1 Business Visitor Visa
B-2 Tourist Visitor Visa
B-1/B-2 Visa Extension
E-1 Treaty Trader Visa
E-2 Treaty Investor Visa
E-3 Visa for Australians
F-1 Student Visa
H-1B Work Visa
H-2B Work Visa
H-3 Trainee Visa
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
K-1 Fiancee Visa
L-1 Intracompany Visa
P Visa Athlete/Entertainer
R-1 Religious Visa
TN Nafta Work Visa
Green Cards:
Green Card Lottery
Marriage to U.S. Citizen
Through Adoption
Through Employment
Through Investment
Through Relatives
As a Special Immigrant
Green Card Renewal
Next: keep a rock in your shoe
Households take up challenge to be chilly
In Laura Nichols' Maplewood, N.J., home, Poochie the dachshund is a hot commodity.
Nichols and her four teenage children vie for the use of the 30-pound dog as an overnight leg warmer to stave off the 50-degree chill in their home.
Once again, Nichols has entered a local Internet message board's "furnace abstinence" contest where bragging rights and an iceberg-shaped trophy are at stake for those who can go the longest without turning on their furnaces.
Run on an honor system, some challenges, such as the one in Maplewood, dare households to go cold turkey for as long as possible. Using space heaters and fireplaces is allowed.
The reward is knowing that participation in the challenge means helping the environment and saving on heating costs, Duke says.
This trend of "let's suffer for the planet" would be funny if there weren't people in government who believe that putting sterilants in drinking water might be necessary to lower the population.
Saving money on YOUR heating bill is a great idea if you so choose but don't use the power of government to turn down MY furnace.
In Laura Nichols' Maplewood, N.J., home, Poochie the dachshund is a hot commodity.
Nichols and her four teenage children vie for the use of the 30-pound dog as an overnight leg warmer to stave off the 50-degree chill in their home.
Once again, Nichols has entered a local Internet message board's "furnace abstinence" contest where bragging rights and an iceberg-shaped trophy are at stake for those who can go the longest without turning on their furnaces.
Run on an honor system, some challenges, such as the one in Maplewood, dare households to go cold turkey for as long as possible. Using space heaters and fireplaces is allowed.
The reward is knowing that participation in the challenge means helping the environment and saving on heating costs, Duke says.
This trend of "let's suffer for the planet" would be funny if there weren't people in government who believe that putting sterilants in drinking water might be necessary to lower the population.
Saving money on YOUR heating bill is a great idea if you so choose but don't use the power of government to turn down MY furnace.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
We're on the map
Senators blast Oregon for stimulus waste projects
On December 8th, U.S. Senator Tom Coburn and Senator John McCain released their Stimulus Checkup Report. The report lists 100 projects as part of the $700 billion stimulus program targeted as waste. Four Oregon projects made the list are listed below:
Recovering Crab Pots Lost At Sea ($700,000)
Renovations for Federal Building as Expensive as New Building ($133 million)
The money will go toward greening the Edith Green/Wendell Wyatt Federal Building in the hope of making it a model for energy efficient government offices in the Northwest
Removing Lead Paint from a Pedestrian Bridge ($3.5 million)
Wastewater Treatment Center with “Talking Water Gardens” ($8 million)
In order to spend the money as fast as possible, the city of Albany will issue a non-competitive contract for work on the project. According to the city‘s planning document, the waterfall component is expected to have an important acoustical impact that is the driver for the name "Talking Water Gardens." Local residents will also be facing an increase in sewer rates to pay for the new water treatment system.
At least one talking water garden saved or created! Who else can't wait to see what we get with Stimulus 3?
On December 8th, U.S. Senator Tom Coburn and Senator John McCain released their Stimulus Checkup Report. The report lists 100 projects as part of the $700 billion stimulus program targeted as waste. Four Oregon projects made the list are listed below:
Recovering Crab Pots Lost At Sea ($700,000)
Renovations for Federal Building as Expensive as New Building ($133 million)
The money will go toward greening the Edith Green/Wendell Wyatt Federal Building in the hope of making it a model for energy efficient government offices in the Northwest
Removing Lead Paint from a Pedestrian Bridge ($3.5 million)
Wastewater Treatment Center with “Talking Water Gardens” ($8 million)
In order to spend the money as fast as possible, the city of Albany will issue a non-competitive contract for work on the project. According to the city‘s planning document, the waterfall component is expected to have an important acoustical impact that is the driver for the name "Talking Water Gardens." Local residents will also be facing an increase in sewer rates to pay for the new water treatment system.
At least one talking water garden saved or created! Who else can't wait to see what we get with Stimulus 3?
Monday, December 07, 2009
I really missed them
Oregon state employee compensation
By Sen. Doug Whitsett (R-Distr. 28)
Oregon public employees are being paid more to work fewer hours according to calculations by the Oregon Department of Administrative Services.
Oregon has tens of thousands of state employees. Over the past several months, the news media has stated that these “dedicated” Oregon public servants are experiencing budgetary cuts that will result in lower pay and reduced hours. They suggest that the budgetary cuts must in turn reduce services to the public. As a member of both the Ways and Means Committee and the Emergency Board, I have first hand information regarding the cost of employee salaries and benefits. That knowledge leads me to question the accuracy of some of the news releases.
According to the DAS figures, in 2008 the average state employee was paid $47,724 in salary and $20,407 in benefits for a total compensation of $68,131. In 2009 the average state employee will be paid $48,459 in salary and $20,569 in benefits for a total of $69,028. The $897 increase in average compensation is after an average of $2,682 was subtracted for mandatory time off without pay called furlough days.
I am not sure how I made it through an entire day without a MULTI-CULTURAL EDUCATION TECHNICIAN ($3208 - $4476 MONTHLY).
By Sen. Doug Whitsett (R-Distr. 28)
Oregon public employees are being paid more to work fewer hours according to calculations by the Oregon Department of Administrative Services.
Oregon has tens of thousands of state employees. Over the past several months, the news media has stated that these “dedicated” Oregon public servants are experiencing budgetary cuts that will result in lower pay and reduced hours. They suggest that the budgetary cuts must in turn reduce services to the public. As a member of both the Ways and Means Committee and the Emergency Board, I have first hand information regarding the cost of employee salaries and benefits. That knowledge leads me to question the accuracy of some of the news releases.
According to the DAS figures, in 2008 the average state employee was paid $47,724 in salary and $20,407 in benefits for a total compensation of $68,131. In 2009 the average state employee will be paid $48,459 in salary and $20,569 in benefits for a total of $69,028. The $897 increase in average compensation is after an average of $2,682 was subtracted for mandatory time off without pay called furlough days.
I am not sure how I made it through an entire day without a MULTI-CULTURAL EDUCATION TECHNICIAN ($3208 - $4476 MONTHLY).
Saturday, December 05, 2009
Can you habla failure?
Oregon mulls native language diploma
Some Oregon high school students who possess only intermediate English skills but read and write well in their native language will be able to qualify for a diploma using those native language skills.
The Oregon Board of Education voted for the policy, which state officials estimate could apply to 300 to 400 high school seniors out of about 36,000 who graduate each year.
Oregon's new diploma will be just like Oregon's old drivers license: made easy for illegal aliens.
A child who is born here in America will be held to a higher standard for graduation than an illegal alien. And the legitimate students who can legally get a job after high school are set up for failure since they aren't taught the necessary skills to communicate verbally and on paper.
If the schools are failing with their current method of teaching ESL and "native language classes" perhaps they should try English immersion. Of course, if the schools are satisfied with lowering standards and setting kids up for failure then by all means, keep up the good work.
Some Oregon high school students who possess only intermediate English skills but read and write well in their native language will be able to qualify for a diploma using those native language skills.
The Oregon Board of Education voted for the policy, which state officials estimate could apply to 300 to 400 high school seniors out of about 36,000 who graduate each year.
Oregon's new diploma will be just like Oregon's old drivers license: made easy for illegal aliens.
A child who is born here in America will be held to a higher standard for graduation than an illegal alien. And the legitimate students who can legally get a job after high school are set up for failure since they aren't taught the necessary skills to communicate verbally and on paper.
If the schools are failing with their current method of teaching ESL and "native language classes" perhaps they should try English immersion. Of course, if the schools are satisfied with lowering standards and setting kids up for failure then by all means, keep up the good work.
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Another hot Ann Coulter column... get it?
Do Smoking Guns Cause Global Warming, Too?
As we now know (and by "we" I mean "everyone with access to the Internet"), the University of East Anglia's Climatic Research Unit (CRU) has just been caught ferociously manipulating the data about the Earth's temperature.
Recently leaked e-mails from the "scientists" at CRU show that, when talking among themselves, they forthrightly admit to using a "trick" to "hide the decline" in the Earth's temperature since 1960 -- as one e-mail says. Still another describes their manipulation of the data thus: "[W]e can have a proper result, but only by including a load of garbage!"
Having claimed to have collected the most complete data on the Earth's temperature for the last half century, the CRU's summary of that data was used by the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change for its 2007 report demanding that we adopt a few modest lifestyle changes, such as abolishing modern technology, reverting to hunter/gatherer status and taxing ourselves into servitude.
Go read the whole column. As for my title to this post, I'm trying out for the job of "clever lead in writer" for the local news.
As we now know (and by "we" I mean "everyone with access to the Internet"), the University of East Anglia's Climatic Research Unit (CRU) has just been caught ferociously manipulating the data about the Earth's temperature.
Recently leaked e-mails from the "scientists" at CRU show that, when talking among themselves, they forthrightly admit to using a "trick" to "hide the decline" in the Earth's temperature since 1960 -- as one e-mail says. Still another describes their manipulation of the data thus: "[W]e can have a proper result, but only by including a load of garbage!"
Having claimed to have collected the most complete data on the Earth's temperature for the last half century, the CRU's summary of that data was used by the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change for its 2007 report demanding that we adopt a few modest lifestyle changes, such as abolishing modern technology, reverting to hunter/gatherer status and taxing ourselves into servitude.
Go read the whole column. As for my title to this post, I'm trying out for the job of "clever lead in writer" for the local news.
Pay no attention to the emails behind the curtain
Ethics Key to Fighting Global Warming
Do Oregon residents, and Americans in general, have an obligation to reduce their carbon emissions, even at great economic costs, to minimize the impacts of global warming on others? Do we have a duty to pay poor nations for the damage our emissions cause for them?
Do we have an ethical and moral responsibility to remedy this situation?
Think of it this way. How would you feel if someone did something that severely disrupted your ability to live on your property now, and permanently degraded the value of the property you wanted to pass on to your children in the future? I'm sure most people would conclude that the activity was morally wrong.
Poor nations also believe that industrialized nations have a moral responsibility to provide them with the funding and new technologies needed to help them withstand and adapt to climate change.
These equity and social justice issues will be front-and-center at next month's COP 15 meeting. About 50 African nations recently boycotted climate talks in Barcelona to protest what they see as inadequate commitments from industrialized nations to cut emissions. Many are also demanding billions of dollars in reparations for the damage rich nations have caused them.
How to people keep printing these articles in light of climategate? Do they just hope that if they don't acknowledge it then it will go away?
So based on fraudulent data the USA is expected to provide "funding and new technologies" as well as "billions of dollars in reparations" to countries that keep themselves poor.
I want to leave my children a free country where they can choose to eat meat, choose their transportation, choose how they will recreate and choose how much to heat or cool their homes. To do otherwise would be morally wrong.
Do Oregon residents, and Americans in general, have an obligation to reduce their carbon emissions, even at great economic costs, to minimize the impacts of global warming on others? Do we have a duty to pay poor nations for the damage our emissions cause for them?
Do we have an ethical and moral responsibility to remedy this situation?
Think of it this way. How would you feel if someone did something that severely disrupted your ability to live on your property now, and permanently degraded the value of the property you wanted to pass on to your children in the future? I'm sure most people would conclude that the activity was morally wrong.
Poor nations also believe that industrialized nations have a moral responsibility to provide them with the funding and new technologies needed to help them withstand and adapt to climate change.
These equity and social justice issues will be front-and-center at next month's COP 15 meeting. About 50 African nations recently boycotted climate talks in Barcelona to protest what they see as inadequate commitments from industrialized nations to cut emissions. Many are also demanding billions of dollars in reparations for the damage rich nations have caused them.
How to people keep printing these articles in light of climategate? Do they just hope that if they don't acknowledge it then it will go away?
So based on fraudulent data the USA is expected to provide "funding and new technologies" as well as "billions of dollars in reparations" to countries that keep themselves poor.
I want to leave my children a free country where they can choose to eat meat, choose their transportation, choose how they will recreate and choose how much to heat or cool their homes. To do otherwise would be morally wrong.
Monday, November 30, 2009
The new prefered skin color: green
Welcome to the State of Oregon Jobs Page
We believe in Oregon and "Values at Work" by serving the citizens of this great state and carrying out Oregon's core values of strong communities, healthy kids, educational opportunities, a green lifestyle, economic vitality, and a sustainable future.
"Green" and "sustainable" have taken over as buzzwords for the state. I'm actually starting to miss the term "diversity."
But this wouldn't be complete without an actual reason to vote NO on 66 & 67:
Equity, Policy and Community Engagement Manager
$5,151 - $7,585 MONTHLY
The Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS)/Office of the Director (DO)/Office Multicultural Health and Services (OMDHS)/Equity, Policy and Community Engagement Unit is seeking a progressive and experienced professional to serve as the Equity, Policy and Community Engagement Unit Manager.
When the ad says that they are seeking a "progressive" does that mean conservatives need not apply?
This position leads a team that is responsible for developing, implementing, coordinating, monitoring and evaluating strategies that promote equity and eliminate racial and ethnic disparities in health and human services in Oregon.
From this statement I must conclude that the current system that DHS oversees is rife with racism. The state agency must be responsible for horrible racial disparities if they need to hire someone for $91K/year to correct it. Sorry, someone to lead an entire team to correct it.
I, Daniel, am willing to solve this right now and for a lot less money: Hey DHS, don't be racist.
We believe in Oregon and "Values at Work" by serving the citizens of this great state and carrying out Oregon's core values of strong communities, healthy kids, educational opportunities, a green lifestyle, economic vitality, and a sustainable future.
"Green" and "sustainable" have taken over as buzzwords for the state. I'm actually starting to miss the term "diversity."
But this wouldn't be complete without an actual reason to vote NO on 66 & 67:
Equity, Policy and Community Engagement Manager
$5,151 - $7,585 MONTHLY
The Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS)/Office of the Director (DO)/Office Multicultural Health and Services (OMDHS)/Equity, Policy and Community Engagement Unit is seeking a progressive and experienced professional to serve as the Equity, Policy and Community Engagement Unit Manager.
When the ad says that they are seeking a "progressive" does that mean conservatives need not apply?
This position leads a team that is responsible for developing, implementing, coordinating, monitoring and evaluating strategies that promote equity and eliminate racial and ethnic disparities in health and human services in Oregon.
From this statement I must conclude that the current system that DHS oversees is rife with racism. The state agency must be responsible for horrible racial disparities if they need to hire someone for $91K/year to correct it. Sorry, someone to lead an entire team to correct it.
I, Daniel, am willing to solve this right now and for a lot less money: Hey DHS, don't be racist.
You lie
Health bills fail to block illegals from coverage
Hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants could receive health care coverage from their employers under the bills winding their way through Congress, despite President Obama's explicit pledge that illegal immigrants would not benefit.
Democrats who wrote the House bill said that employer coverage for illegal immigrants is not intentional, but rather the outcome of people breaking the law.
How to deal with immigrants, both legal and illegal, remains one of the thorniest issues in the health care debate. In his address to a joint session of Congress in September, Mr. Obama specifically challenged Republicans who said his plans would extend coverage to illegal immigrants.
"This, too, is false -- the reforms I'm proposing would not apply to those who are here illegally," Mr. Obama said.
You know that we are on the winning side of this issue when Obama and Pelosi will publicly denounce the idea of intentionally giving health insurance to illegal aliens. You know that we have a problem with our Republic when the politicians privately scheme to contravene their public statements.
Hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants could receive health care coverage from their employers under the bills winding their way through Congress, despite President Obama's explicit pledge that illegal immigrants would not benefit.
Democrats who wrote the House bill said that employer coverage for illegal immigrants is not intentional, but rather the outcome of people breaking the law.
How to deal with immigrants, both legal and illegal, remains one of the thorniest issues in the health care debate. In his address to a joint session of Congress in September, Mr. Obama specifically challenged Republicans who said his plans would extend coverage to illegal immigrants.
"This, too, is false -- the reforms I'm proposing would not apply to those who are here illegally," Mr. Obama said.
You know that we are on the winning side of this issue when Obama and Pelosi will publicly denounce the idea of intentionally giving health insurance to illegal aliens. You know that we have a problem with our Republic when the politicians privately scheme to contravene their public statements.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
We are a nation of Americans
My only caveat would be that I wish Roy Beck wouldn't throw in the "nation of immigrants" platitude.
From Ann Coulter:
All nations are "nations of immigrants" — as Peter Brimelow pointed out brilliantly in his 1992 article in National Review on immigration, which left nothing for anyone else to say (Time to Rethink Immigration? ).
Of the "nation of immigrants" locution, Brimelow says:
"No discussion of U.S. immigration policy gets far without someone making this helpful remark. As an immigrant myself, I always pause respectfully. You never know. Maybe this is what they're taught to chant in schools nowadays, a sort of multicultural Pledge of Allegiance. ... Do they really think other nations sprouted up out of the ground?"
Saturday, November 28, 2009
They're coming for your freedom
Changes in the wind
So you think sorting out recyclables into yellow bins is a hassle, and biking to work instead of driving is a big sacrifice?
You haven’t seen anything yet.
Like it or not, our lives will change in myriad ways as humans scramble to avoid a catastrophic rise in global temperature. (do not read the emails) Nowhere is that clearer than in Portland and Multnomah County, which recently adopted one of the nation’s most aggressive and comprehensive plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that lead to global warming.
Looming lifestyle changes will affect how you heat and power your home, how you get around town, even the food you eat and the products you buy.
When I think "lifestyle change" I think about choosing to eat differently, choosing to eliminate stress, choosing to drink less (or more). But it is about choice. This is different, these will be government edicts that the subjects of Portland must follow.
Since us stupid Americans can't seem to accept central planning for our own good, our benefactors in government have come up with a new reason to establish this time tested method of running a country: save the planet.
We know the planet is dying because the scientists who get funding from the government say it is. Again, DO NOT READ THE EMAILS.
So you think sorting out recyclables into yellow bins is a hassle, and biking to work instead of driving is a big sacrifice?
You haven’t seen anything yet.
Like it or not, our lives will change in myriad ways as humans scramble to avoid a catastrophic rise in global temperature. (do not read the emails) Nowhere is that clearer than in Portland and Multnomah County, which recently adopted one of the nation’s most aggressive and comprehensive plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that lead to global warming.
Looming lifestyle changes will affect how you heat and power your home, how you get around town, even the food you eat and the products you buy.
When I think "lifestyle change" I think about choosing to eat differently, choosing to eliminate stress, choosing to drink less (or more). But it is about choice. This is different, these will be government edicts that the subjects of Portland must follow.
Since us stupid Americans can't seem to accept central planning for our own good, our benefactors in government have come up with a new reason to establish this time tested method of running a country: save the planet.
We know the planet is dying because the scientists who get funding from the government say it is. Again, DO NOT READ THE EMAILS.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Tuesday night randoms
Bill Sizemore for governor! I don't care if he vetoes every bill that comes his way, I just want to see someone with a personal axe to grind with the OEA have control of the executive branch in Oregon. But let's be honest, we're really going to get four more years of Tim Nesbitt as governor.
With regards to the Officer Humphreys situation, at what point did we start to feel sorry for people who fight with cops? You know the saying "people get the government they deserve?" At some point the cops should let the people of Portland get the law enforcement that they deserve. As a side benefit, all the criminals from the surrounding communities, where we actually like cops enforcing the law, will pour into the enforcement free cesspool known as Portland. Assuming that they are riding bikes of course.
With regards to the Officer Humphreys situation, at what point did we start to feel sorry for people who fight with cops? You know the saying "people get the government they deserve?" At some point the cops should let the people of Portland get the law enforcement that they deserve. As a side benefit, all the criminals from the surrounding communities, where we actually like cops enforcing the law, will pour into the enforcement free cesspool known as Portland. Assuming that they are riding bikes of course.
Regarding tax increases: Over at BlueOregon (where they hate black people, I keep saying it so it must be true) someone with the "YES on more government spending" campaign has put together a "what the state does" list by county.
Baker County:
Children in public schools: 2,208
People on the Oregon Health Plan: 1,983
Seniors and people with disabilities receiving long-term care (in-home, assisted living, nursing homes): 152
People who received an initial unemployment benefit check in 2009: 639
Released criminal offenders under supervision: 47
Tax filers who make $250,000 or more (households) or $125,000 or more (individual filers): 93
I think their point is that 93 people should pay for all that by themselves. You know, because they are successful. Much like treating the criminal as the victim in the Humphreys case, here we treat folks who are asking the rest of us to pay for their health insurance as a "good number" while the folks who are productive are the "evil number." Damn those 93 people for working so hard.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Some animals are more equal than others
Minority, women and emerging small business program
Metro’s MWESB policies are race and gender neutral. All contractors are welcome to compete in MWESB contracting processes regardless of race or gender, as long as they are certified by the State of Oregon as a minority-owned business enterprise (MBE), women-owned business enterprise (WBE), or emerging small business (ESB). Metro does not certify contracts, but rather relies on State of Oregon certification.
Metro aggressively seeks opportunities to do business with minority-owned, women-owned and emerging small businesses (MWESB).
Informal sheltered market
Construction opportunities under $25,000 are solicited from and bid among only qualified MWESB contractors. Competitive bidding requirements still apply, but it is within the sheltered market of MWESB firms. This requirement may be waived only when no qualified MWESB bidders respond.
Anyone can participate regardless of race or gender... as long as you are a woman or minority and THE STATE certifies you as such. Only THE STATE can tell you that you are equal enough to have exclusive rights to bid on all construction jobs under $25K.
No white males need apply.
Metro’s MWESB policies are race and gender neutral. All contractors are welcome to compete in MWESB contracting processes regardless of race or gender, as long as they are certified by the State of Oregon as a minority-owned business enterprise (MBE), women-owned business enterprise (WBE), or emerging small business (ESB). Metro does not certify contracts, but rather relies on State of Oregon certification.
Metro aggressively seeks opportunities to do business with minority-owned, women-owned and emerging small businesses (MWESB).
Informal sheltered market
Construction opportunities under $25,000 are solicited from and bid among only qualified MWESB contractors. Competitive bidding requirements still apply, but it is within the sheltered market of MWESB firms. This requirement may be waived only when no qualified MWESB bidders respond.
Anyone can participate regardless of race or gender... as long as you are a woman or minority and THE STATE certifies you as such. Only THE STATE can tell you that you are equal enough to have exclusive rights to bid on all construction jobs under $25K.
No white males need apply.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
They are all criminals
Criminal deportations spike in Pacific Northwest
New federal data shows that deportations of illegal immigrants with criminal records from Alaska, Oregon, and Washington this past year spiked by nearly 40 percent, while overall removals dropped slightly.
...removals of people with criminal records went from more than 3,100 to nearly 4,500 - a jump of 39.7 percent.
ICE spokeswoman Lorie Dankers says the agency its putting its resources into what it sees as the bigger threat to public safety, and that is illegal immigrants with criminal records.
A burglar who hasn't been caught yet doesn't have a criminal record yet we would think that it was ridiculous if law enforcement didn't pay attention to it.
The illegal alien who is using a false or stolen social security number to take a job that he can't legally have is a criminal just the same. It's not as high profile as the guy bringing in the trunkload of meth but I'm guessing that the person whose identity was stolen and the other person who was turned down for that job would appreciate it if our government would enforce it's laws.
New federal data shows that deportations of illegal immigrants with criminal records from Alaska, Oregon, and Washington this past year spiked by nearly 40 percent, while overall removals dropped slightly.
...removals of people with criminal records went from more than 3,100 to nearly 4,500 - a jump of 39.7 percent.
ICE spokeswoman Lorie Dankers says the agency its putting its resources into what it sees as the bigger threat to public safety, and that is illegal immigrants with criminal records.
A burglar who hasn't been caught yet doesn't have a criminal record yet we would think that it was ridiculous if law enforcement didn't pay attention to it.
The illegal alien who is using a false or stolen social security number to take a job that he can't legally have is a criminal just the same. It's not as high profile as the guy bringing in the trunkload of meth but I'm guessing that the person whose identity was stolen and the other person who was turned down for that job would appreciate it if our government would enforce it's laws.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Public safety is a dish best served cold
Serial arsonist tries his hand at early release
A serial arsonist was in court today, pitching his case for early release under Oregon's possibly-short-lived state bill 3508.
But is this prisoner deserving of less prison time for good behavior? That was the question in a Marion County court Wednesday as convicted arsonist Jerry Nicholson Jr. tried to take advantage of a new state "early release" law.
Ninety-year-old Cleathel Knox of Stayton, Ore., went before a Marion County judge asking the judge not to release the man convicted of trying to burn down her house - while she was inside.
Nicholson, meanwhile, speaking to the judge by phone, pitched his case: "I'd like to say that me, myself, I don't think I'm a threat to society if I get out early."
So a 90 year old women has to beg a judge to keep the guy in jail who tried to burn her house down. Thankfully when it comes to public safety we do still have Lily Caceres.
Her job?
Minority Services Hispanic/Latina Coordinator
Office of Minority Services
Oregon Youth Authority
I know what you are thinking, isn't public safety better served by keeping arsonists in jail rather than pandering to racial groups of juvenille delinquents?
I would have thought so to until I read this "thank you letter" that she got:
I want you to know how much I appreciate Lily Caceres’ assistance in navigating and setting up an appointment with the Mexican Consulate. It was wonderful to have Lily’s help to facilitate the meeting. Lily continues to work very hard at bridging gaps between systems like the consulate in Portland and OYA. She assisted my youth in obtaining his Oregon I.D. and Mexican I.D. I thought you should pass this information on to her supervisor to let her know she is very much appreciated.
I am willing to tolerate a few burned down houses if it means that juvenille criminals are getting help aquiring their foreign ID.
A serial arsonist was in court today, pitching his case for early release under Oregon's possibly-short-lived state bill 3508.
But is this prisoner deserving of less prison time for good behavior? That was the question in a Marion County court Wednesday as convicted arsonist Jerry Nicholson Jr. tried to take advantage of a new state "early release" law.
Ninety-year-old Cleathel Knox of Stayton, Ore., went before a Marion County judge asking the judge not to release the man convicted of trying to burn down her house - while she was inside.
Nicholson, meanwhile, speaking to the judge by phone, pitched his case: "I'd like to say that me, myself, I don't think I'm a threat to society if I get out early."
So a 90 year old women has to beg a judge to keep the guy in jail who tried to burn her house down. Thankfully when it comes to public safety we do still have Lily Caceres.
Her job?
Minority Services Hispanic/Latina Coordinator
Office of Minority Services
Oregon Youth Authority
I know what you are thinking, isn't public safety better served by keeping arsonists in jail rather than pandering to racial groups of juvenille delinquents?
I would have thought so to until I read this "thank you letter" that she got:
I want you to know how much I appreciate Lily Caceres’ assistance in navigating and setting up an appointment with the Mexican Consulate. It was wonderful to have Lily’s help to facilitate the meeting. Lily continues to work very hard at bridging gaps between systems like the consulate in Portland and OYA. She assisted my youth in obtaining his Oregon I.D. and Mexican I.D. I thought you should pass this information on to her supervisor to let her know she is very much appreciated.
I am willing to tolerate a few burned down houses if it means that juvenille criminals are getting help aquiring their foreign ID.
Monday, November 16, 2009
But they are so hardworking
GOOD NEWS... FOR PARENTS WITH IMMIGRANT CHILDREN!
You do not have to be a citizen to apply for your children or people in your home. Your income will be used to decide if your children can get food stamps.
You will not have to give the Social Security number or immigrant status of anyone who is not getting food stamps.
The food stamp office will not contact INS with any information from your child’s application.
Your family is not a “public charge” if you only get non-cash help. This includes food stamps, WIC, school meals and the Oregon Health Plan.
This is an oldie but goodie DHS flyer. Please keep in mind that when you are the victim of a criminal who got released early it was so that our state government could use your tax dollars to advertise services to illegal aliens and their anchor babies.
You do not have to be a citizen to apply for your children or people in your home. Your income will be used to decide if your children can get food stamps.
You will not have to give the Social Security number or immigrant status of anyone who is not getting food stamps.
The food stamp office will not contact INS with any information from your child’s application.
Your family is not a “public charge” if you only get non-cash help. This includes food stamps, WIC, school meals and the Oregon Health Plan.
This is an oldie but goodie DHS flyer. Please keep in mind that when you are the victim of a criminal who got released early it was so that our state government could use your tax dollars to advertise services to illegal aliens and their anchor babies.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Some parents thought that is what you wanted
What tired Oregon teachers say (when parents aren't listening)
Oregon teachers would like parents to set down their cell phones for five minutes and pay attention to their kids.
They'd also love more parents to act like parents, or at least allies, if teachers are going to make it through the school year.
"Most teachers accept the fact that yes, we are raising these children, and other people are raising ours," says Laura Shingleton, a middle school teacher in Salem. These kids need order and support, she says, more than their preoccupied parents and overwhelmed educators may realize.
Step 1: government tells parents that the school will feed their children breakfast and lunch, the school will provide clothes for their kids, the school will provide health care for their kids, the school "will assist in feeding and changing diapers" for their kids, (current job opening for that position, see link) and the school will provide classroom supplies for their kids.
Step 2: Lazy parents truly come to believe that the school will raise their kids.
Step 3: Good teachers who actually believe that their role is reading, writing and arithmatic get upset because parents don't want to do their job.
Step 4: We can hopefully rein in government. Take away the crutch that bad parents are using to avoid their responsibilities.
Oregon teachers would like parents to set down their cell phones for five minutes and pay attention to their kids.
They'd also love more parents to act like parents, or at least allies, if teachers are going to make it through the school year.
"Most teachers accept the fact that yes, we are raising these children, and other people are raising ours," says Laura Shingleton, a middle school teacher in Salem. These kids need order and support, she says, more than their preoccupied parents and overwhelmed educators may realize.
Step 1: government tells parents that the school will feed their children breakfast and lunch, the school will provide clothes for their kids, the school will provide health care for their kids, the school "will assist in feeding and changing diapers" for their kids, (current job opening for that position, see link) and the school will provide classroom supplies for their kids.
Step 2: Lazy parents truly come to believe that the school will raise their kids.
Step 3: Good teachers who actually believe that their role is reading, writing and arithmatic get upset because parents don't want to do their job.
Step 4: We can hopefully rein in government. Take away the crutch that bad parents are using to avoid their responsibilities.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
These are a few of my favorite things
Welcome to Dignity Village's website.
As we face the winter months, with the cold weather we rely on your support to see that we can offer a warm place for other homeless people out there,with over night stays and with your warm gift of giving we know that we will be here to provide this service to the homeless people outside the village. Please ask for Joe, if you would like to donate to help us along , or need info as to what we are looking for as for donations of items we can use.
Get the begging out of the way...
Now that all that was said , I want to let everyone know that we are having a Christmas Bazaar Dec 05-06 from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm in our Commons Buildings, We will have tables and tables of stuff. We will have Door prizes, and a grand prize, and a bake sale of Cookies, Cakes, and Coffee etc, just to let some of the fun out Come on out and support the Village . Have a tour , and view our Holiday Lights, yes lights, we are having a festive lighting and the viewing will be open to a Donation of your choice at the gate . a guided tour will walk you around the decorated houses.
Only in America can you get "door prizes" from the homeless. And since the taxpayers of Portland are funding their electric bill the lighting should be as spectacular as a Griswold family Christmas!
As we face the winter months, with the cold weather we rely on your support to see that we can offer a warm place for other homeless people out there,with over night stays and with your warm gift of giving we know that we will be here to provide this service to the homeless people outside the village. Please ask for Joe, if you would like to donate to help us along , or need info as to what we are looking for as for donations of items we can use.
Get the begging out of the way...
Now that all that was said , I want to let everyone know that we are having a Christmas Bazaar Dec 05-06 from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm in our Commons Buildings, We will have tables and tables of stuff. We will have Door prizes, and a grand prize, and a bake sale of Cookies, Cakes, and Coffee etc, just to let some of the fun out Come on out and support the Village . Have a tour , and view our Holiday Lights, yes lights, we are having a festive lighting and the viewing will be open to a Donation of your choice at the gate . a guided tour will walk you around the decorated houses.
Only in America can you get "door prizes" from the homeless. And since the taxpayers of Portland are funding their electric bill the lighting should be as spectacular as a Griswold family Christmas!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
My beer summit with Kaelri
Kaelri is a frequent commentor here and unlike most of my detractors he refrains from attacking me personally. Since I have a policy of not commenting on my own blog I am going to respond to his last couple of statements in this post. Kaelri comments in italics.
Incarceration has exactly one purpose: to prevent and deter people from endangering the community.
Wrong. Incarceration has two purposes: to prevent and deter future crime AND to punish.
Statistically, most of the released inmates will have been there for drug-related charges, which, since drug law enforcement doesn't work anyway, I'm not gonna lose any sleep over.
What part of "drug law enforcement doesn't work?" Is it because people still use drugs? People still murder but no one is claiming that "murder enforcement law doesn't work." When you make something illegal then fewer people do it.
But again, the only reason to keep him locked up - the only reason the government should do anything with other people's money, for that matter - is if it will do some good.
Demonstrating punishment does good. If people think that there is not a larger consequence for fleeing the scene of an accident and leaving someone to die then that is the more likely response. Why hang around if you are driving drunk when you can flee and have a the chance to escape?
Just curious: how much do you think an American citizen should pay in order to "earn" the police cruiser that comes when that burglar breaks into his house? Or the fire truck that comes to stop it from burning down?
So let's send you a bill every month - your full, equal share of the government services you not only have, but take for granted.
They do send me a bill. It's called property taxes. It's itemized to include both police and fire service. Law enforcement and criminal justice is actually a job of government. It's one of the few things that they must do since we are a country of laws.
A policy that lets a government-funded insurance company compete with private insurers in a free market? To spur innovation, destroy oligopolist practices and drive down costs, all while giving individual Americans the right to choose whatever insurance option they want? If any? A true communist would be apoplectic.
Government funded really means taxpayer funded. So I would be paying for a system to compete with the one that I currently use? And the company that currently supplies me with health insurance doesn't get to set regulations? Doesn't get to create mandates? Has to worry about a profit? This is not competition. And a government that can't come out and say they want socialism has to take baby steps and work under the guise of "fairness" and "helping the poor."
If you think George Washington would have put up with this preexisting condition shit, you're out of your mind.
The preexisting condition argument is the one that I find the most ridiculous. Of cours INSURANCE doesn't allow preexisting conditions... EXCEPT IN THE CASE OF GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE. You can't wreck your car then get insurance. But you can get a job that provides health insurance, which is how most people get their health insurance, and because it is a group plan then your preexisting condition is accepted.
Ahem. Forty years on, Medicare is one of the most popular and successful government-run programs of all time, and the senior population would pretty much lynch anyone who tried to take it away.
The "first in" on a ponzi scheme will always support the program. And if you define "success" as "out of money and rife with fraud" then I'm not sure what to say.
I like you Kaelri and I know you once said that you enjoyed reading Atlas Shrugged. I'd suggest re-reading it and remembering where Ayn Rand came from. I take the side of less government because that always means more freedom.
Incarceration has exactly one purpose: to prevent and deter people from endangering the community.
Wrong. Incarceration has two purposes: to prevent and deter future crime AND to punish.
Statistically, most of the released inmates will have been there for drug-related charges, which, since drug law enforcement doesn't work anyway, I'm not gonna lose any sleep over.
What part of "drug law enforcement doesn't work?" Is it because people still use drugs? People still murder but no one is claiming that "murder enforcement law doesn't work." When you make something illegal then fewer people do it.
But again, the only reason to keep him locked up - the only reason the government should do anything with other people's money, for that matter - is if it will do some good.
Demonstrating punishment does good. If people think that there is not a larger consequence for fleeing the scene of an accident and leaving someone to die then that is the more likely response. Why hang around if you are driving drunk when you can flee and have a the chance to escape?
Just curious: how much do you think an American citizen should pay in order to "earn" the police cruiser that comes when that burglar breaks into his house? Or the fire truck that comes to stop it from burning down?
So let's send you a bill every month - your full, equal share of the government services you not only have, but take for granted.
They do send me a bill. It's called property taxes. It's itemized to include both police and fire service. Law enforcement and criminal justice is actually a job of government. It's one of the few things that they must do since we are a country of laws.
A policy that lets a government-funded insurance company compete with private insurers in a free market? To spur innovation, destroy oligopolist practices and drive down costs, all while giving individual Americans the right to choose whatever insurance option they want? If any? A true communist would be apoplectic.
Government funded really means taxpayer funded. So I would be paying for a system to compete with the one that I currently use? And the company that currently supplies me with health insurance doesn't get to set regulations? Doesn't get to create mandates? Has to worry about a profit? This is not competition. And a government that can't come out and say they want socialism has to take baby steps and work under the guise of "fairness" and "helping the poor."
The preexisting condition argument is the one that I find the most ridiculous. Of cours INSURANCE doesn't allow preexisting conditions... EXCEPT IN THE CASE OF GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE. You can't wreck your car then get insurance. But you can get a job that provides health insurance, which is how most people get their health insurance, and because it is a group plan then your preexisting condition is accepted.
Ahem. Forty years on, Medicare is one of the most popular and successful government-run programs of all time, and the senior population would pretty much lynch anyone who tried to take it away.
The "first in" on a ponzi scheme will always support the program. And if you define "success" as "out of money and rife with fraud" then I'm not sure what to say.
I like you Kaelri and I know you once said that you enjoyed reading Atlas Shrugged. I'd suggest re-reading it and remembering where Ayn Rand came from. I take the side of less government because that always means more freedom.
Save a diversity manager: punish crime victims
Mom condemns 'good-behavior' law for inmates
Earlier this year, Oregon lawmakers found a way to save about $3 million annually by releasing thousands of well-behaved prisoners early.
But the emotional impact of that law hit home in a Portland courtroom Monday.
More than three years after a driver struck her 23-year-old daughter and left her to die, Janet Tremain pleaded with a Multnomah County judge not to lop 30 percent off the killer's sentence. A law that took effect in July increased the amount of time off inmates can receive for good behavior from 20 to 30 percent.
On July 14, 2006, McDaniel was jogging on the shoulder of a road near Interstate 84 and Dodson when Corona-Rosales, then 24, veered into her, which knocked her into blackberry bushes. She lay bleeding for nearly 30 minutes until two passers-by spotted her. She died in a hospital 30 hours later.
Doctors told her family that McDaniel might have had a 40 to 50 percent chance of survival if she had been flown to a hospital immediately after impact.
Corona-Rosales was convicted of criminally negligent homicide and hit-and-run driving. He received nearly five years in prison -- 20 months of that sentence was for hit-and-run. Under the new law, he is eligible for 30 percent off the 20 months.
Because he is an illegal immigrant, he will be deported when he is released.
Perhaps state legislators should be required to be present at these hearings. They should look into the eyes of parents who had a child killed by an illegal alien that now wants out of prison early.
When they walk out of the public courthouse they can look at whatever piece of crap sculpture that is outside required by Oregon's Percent for Public Art program. Do you think that the crying mother of a dead child will appreciate the piece as she passes by?
The legislature is saving $3 million by punishing crime victims and endagering public safety but they spent half a million dollars on WES commuter rail art.
Public Art on WES Commuter Rail
The project has allocated $500,000 to fund the WES Public Art Program based on 1.5 percent of eligible project costs.
But I'm sure that any legislator could explain to the parent of a murdered child why it's more important to preserve public art than keep a killer in prison.
Earlier this year, Oregon lawmakers found a way to save about $3 million annually by releasing thousands of well-behaved prisoners early.
But the emotional impact of that law hit home in a Portland courtroom Monday.
More than three years after a driver struck her 23-year-old daughter and left her to die, Janet Tremain pleaded with a Multnomah County judge not to lop 30 percent off the killer's sentence. A law that took effect in July increased the amount of time off inmates can receive for good behavior from 20 to 30 percent.
On July 14, 2006, McDaniel was jogging on the shoulder of a road near Interstate 84 and Dodson when Corona-Rosales, then 24, veered into her, which knocked her into blackberry bushes. She lay bleeding for nearly 30 minutes until two passers-by spotted her. She died in a hospital 30 hours later.
Doctors told her family that McDaniel might have had a 40 to 50 percent chance of survival if she had been flown to a hospital immediately after impact.
Corona-Rosales was convicted of criminally negligent homicide and hit-and-run driving. He received nearly five years in prison -- 20 months of that sentence was for hit-and-run. Under the new law, he is eligible for 30 percent off the 20 months.
Because he is an illegal immigrant, he will be deported when he is released.
Perhaps state legislators should be required to be present at these hearings. They should look into the eyes of parents who had a child killed by an illegal alien that now wants out of prison early.
When they walk out of the public courthouse they can look at whatever piece of crap sculpture that is outside required by Oregon's Percent for Public Art program. Do you think that the crying mother of a dead child will appreciate the piece as she passes by?
The legislature is saving $3 million by punishing crime victims and endagering public safety but they spent half a million dollars on WES commuter rail art.
Public Art on WES Commuter Rail
The project has allocated $500,000 to fund the WES Public Art Program based on 1.5 percent of eligible project costs.
But I'm sure that any legislator could explain to the parent of a murdered child why it's more important to preserve public art than keep a killer in prison.
Monday, November 09, 2009
Are we doomed to repeat it?
Stable farm labor seems elusive in global economy
In 1986, immigration reform tried to legalize undocumented farmworkers and offer farmers a stable, legal work force. But it failed to deter illegal immigration.
The Immigration Reform and Control Act granted legal status to more than a million agricultural workers. It also introduced sanctions for employers who knowingly hire undocumented workers and increased border enforcement.
But as the unauthorized work force turned legal and gained job mobility, there was substantial "leakage" of legal workers from agriculture to better-paying or more stable employment, the National Agricultural Workers Survey shows. Ten years after the immigration act, half of all farmworkers were again illegal, the survey shows.
This was one small part of the story in The Oregonian that asked how local farmers can compete in the global marketplace.
The proponents of using illegal aliens as their labor make the same arguments that proponents of slavery made. But after abolition the industry adjusted. Mechanization and efficiencies actually made farming BETTER in America.
Illegal aliens are a crutch that keep us from innovation and improvement in food production. If we legalize the current bunch they will quite their jobs and more criminals will flow across the border to take their place.
In 1986, immigration reform tried to legalize undocumented farmworkers and offer farmers a stable, legal work force. But it failed to deter illegal immigration.
The Immigration Reform and Control Act granted legal status to more than a million agricultural workers. It also introduced sanctions for employers who knowingly hire undocumented workers and increased border enforcement.
But as the unauthorized work force turned legal and gained job mobility, there was substantial "leakage" of legal workers from agriculture to better-paying or more stable employment, the National Agricultural Workers Survey shows. Ten years after the immigration act, half of all farmworkers were again illegal, the survey shows.
This was one small part of the story in The Oregonian that asked how local farmers can compete in the global marketplace.
The proponents of using illegal aliens as their labor make the same arguments that proponents of slavery made. But after abolition the industry adjusted. Mechanization and efficiencies actually made farming BETTER in America.
Illegal aliens are a crutch that keep us from innovation and improvement in food production. If we legalize the current bunch they will quite their jobs and more criminals will flow across the border to take their place.
Saturday, November 07, 2009
Watching CSPAN on a rainy Saturday
Some congressman just read a letter from a constituent who said that they were "embarrassed to tell people that they didn't have health care." They ended the letter by asking for those same people to pay for their health care.
When did it not become embarrassing to take something from others that you did not earn? A burglar at least has the decency to break into your house himself. Liberals want to take your money through the power of government.
When did it not become embarrassing to take something from others that you did not earn? A burglar at least has the decency to break into your house himself. Liberals want to take your money through the power of government.
Friday, November 06, 2009
Comprehensive criminal health care
Illegal immigration may threaten health vote
The illegal immigration issue is emerging as the biggest threat to passing healthcare reform in the House.
Congressional Hispanics have threatened to vote against the bill because of a last-minute threat from within the Democratic Caucus to bolster the House bill’s immigration restrictions to match those included in the Senate Finance bill.
And they’re also fighting President Barack Obama, the original sponsor of the language prohibiting illegal immigrants from accessing the public health insurance exchange.
Vulnerable Democrats may push for language that would match the Senate provision on preventing illegal immigrants from accessing a public exchange.
CAUSA, you can put away your false poll data concerning American's positions on illegal aliens. The fact that democrats who are worried about re-election (and Obama himself) are scared silly to do anything that would look like helping illegals tells us all we need to know.
My question for congressional hispanics is this: doesn't Mexico already have wonderful government run health care?
Call your representative and tell them NO coverage for illegal aliens! Actually, all you libs who read this blog can call and insist that the bill DO cover illegals because that will doom the bill just as fast.
The illegal immigration issue is emerging as the biggest threat to passing healthcare reform in the House.
Congressional Hispanics have threatened to vote against the bill because of a last-minute threat from within the Democratic Caucus to bolster the House bill’s immigration restrictions to match those included in the Senate Finance bill.
And they’re also fighting President Barack Obama, the original sponsor of the language prohibiting illegal immigrants from accessing the public health insurance exchange.
Vulnerable Democrats may push for language that would match the Senate provision on preventing illegal immigrants from accessing a public exchange.
CAUSA, you can put away your false poll data concerning American's positions on illegal aliens. The fact that democrats who are worried about re-election (and Obama himself) are scared silly to do anything that would look like helping illegals tells us all we need to know.
My question for congressional hispanics is this: doesn't Mexico already have wonderful government run health care?
Call your representative and tell them NO coverage for illegal aliens! Actually, all you libs who read this blog can call and insist that the bill DO cover illegals because that will doom the bill just as fast.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Have they tried looking in Mexico?
IRS: $1.4 million in refunds unclaimed in Oregon
The Internal Revenue Service has 1,310 refund checks worth $1,443,545 for Oregon taxpayers that were returned by the U.S. Post Office due to mailing address errors.
Across the country, 107.8 million refund checks worth a combined $123.5 million are waiting for taxpayers to claim them.
All a taxpayer has to do is update his or her address once with the U.S. Post Office. The IRS will then send out all checks due. Undeliverable refund checks average $1,104 per Oregonian this year, compared to $930 last year. Some taxpayers are due more than one check.
I would love to see further analysis of this. How many of these checks are going to people who used an ITIN? How many used an ITIN or SSN that was a duplicate? Are there six checks that are all using the same address?
Either there are a lot of illegal aliens who are missing their "refund" check or I really don't want the same people who are in charge of the IRS to control my health care.
The Internal Revenue Service has 1,310 refund checks worth $1,443,545 for Oregon taxpayers that were returned by the U.S. Post Office due to mailing address errors.
Across the country, 107.8 million refund checks worth a combined $123.5 million are waiting for taxpayers to claim them.
All a taxpayer has to do is update his or her address once with the U.S. Post Office. The IRS will then send out all checks due. Undeliverable refund checks average $1,104 per Oregonian this year, compared to $930 last year. Some taxpayers are due more than one check.
I would love to see further analysis of this. How many of these checks are going to people who used an ITIN? How many used an ITIN or SSN that was a duplicate? Are there six checks that are all using the same address?
Either there are a lot of illegal aliens who are missing their "refund" check or I really don't want the same people who are in charge of the IRS to control my health care.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
The people still don't want gay marriage
Dejection fills ballroom after gay marriage vote
Cecelia Burnett and Ann Swanson had already set their wedding date. When they joined about 1,000 other gay marriage supporters for an election night party in a Holiday Inn ballroom, they hoped to celebrate the vote that would make it possible.
Instead, they went home at midnight, dejected and near tears after a failed bid to make Maine the first state to approve same-sex marriage at the ballot box.
With 87 percent of precincts reporting, gay-marriage foes had 53 percent of the vote in a referendum that asked Maine voters whether they wanted to repeal a law allowing same-sex marriage that had passed the Legislature and was signed by Democratic Gov. John
Special Rights Oregon has just announced that they will push for a ballot measure in Oregon to repeal our preservation of marriage law but chalk up another state where voters, when asked, reject the idea of gay marriage.
It's hard to argue with the undeniable fact that whenever THE PEOPLE, as opposed to the folks who are in theory representing the people, are asked, they say no same-sex marriage.
We have marriage equality: everyone can marry someone of the opposite sex.
Cecelia Burnett and Ann Swanson had already set their wedding date. When they joined about 1,000 other gay marriage supporters for an election night party in a Holiday Inn ballroom, they hoped to celebrate the vote that would make it possible.
Instead, they went home at midnight, dejected and near tears after a failed bid to make Maine the first state to approve same-sex marriage at the ballot box.
With 87 percent of precincts reporting, gay-marriage foes had 53 percent of the vote in a referendum that asked Maine voters whether they wanted to repeal a law allowing same-sex marriage that had passed the Legislature and was signed by Democratic Gov. John
Special Rights Oregon has just announced that they will push for a ballot measure in Oregon to repeal our preservation of marriage law but chalk up another state where voters, when asked, reject the idea of gay marriage.
It's hard to argue with the undeniable fact that whenever THE PEOPLE, as opposed to the folks who are in theory representing the people, are asked, they say no same-sex marriage.
We have marriage equality: everyone can marry someone of the opposite sex.
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
It's not generous to give away someone else's money
Oregonians ask, 'Where's my subsidy?'
You've given up those nose-bleed seats in the Rose Garden and you're buying your wine at Trader Joe's. You run in the rain because you can no longer afford the gym. Even though you've taken a pay cut, the last time you remember taking an afternoon off was a furlough day.
Yet every time you turn around, the state of Oregon -- while taxing you to the breaking point -- is dishing out another public subsidy to your neighborhood tavern or green energy pipedream.
You better believe you're steamed. As you should be.
The governor and the Legislature have yet to figure out you can't plead poverty, and pitch tax increases, while freeing state agencies to indulge in this misbegotten generosity.
Our job as conservatives is to now point to the underlying principle that government picking winners and losers is ALWAYS misbegotten generosity, not just in a recession and not just with "green" energy.
It is misbegotten generosity to take money from one person or one group and give it to another who has not earned it.
You've given up those nose-bleed seats in the Rose Garden and you're buying your wine at Trader Joe's. You run in the rain because you can no longer afford the gym. Even though you've taken a pay cut, the last time you remember taking an afternoon off was a furlough day.
Yet every time you turn around, the state of Oregon -- while taxing you to the breaking point -- is dishing out another public subsidy to your neighborhood tavern or green energy pipedream.
You better believe you're steamed. As you should be.
The governor and the Legislature have yet to figure out you can't plead poverty, and pitch tax increases, while freeing state agencies to indulge in this misbegotten generosity.
Our job as conservatives is to now point to the underlying principle that government picking winners and losers is ALWAYS misbegotten generosity, not just in a recession and not just with "green" energy.
It is misbegotten generosity to take money from one person or one group and give it to another who has not earned it.
Sunday, November 01, 2009
What do we do when the government ignores it's own laws?
NRA Sues Seattle Over Illegal Gun Ban
On October 28, NRA filed a complaint in the Superior Court of Washington State against the City of Seattle, asking the court to enjoin and declare invalid a recently enacted parks and recreation administrative policy that prohibits firearms in parks, community centers and other city-owned buildings. Other plaintiffs in the case include state correctional officers and private citizens.
The city is in violation of Washington's preemption statute, which forbids localities from enacting this type of ban. In October 2008, Attorney General Rob McKenna issued an opinion, which put the City of Seattle and Mayor Nickels on further notice that Washington cities may not enact local laws prohibiting possession of firearms on city property or in city-owned facilities.
One of our greatest protections is the fact that we are a nation of laws. But government is rapidly eroding that principle by picking and choosing enforcement or politicians flat out ignoring laws that stand in the way of their personal goals.
Who is in the wrong if there is a state preemption law (both Oregon and Washington have this) saying that a locality cannot enact local firearm restrictions and a city/county/school decides to do so anyways but the public ignores it?
Unfortunately it seems that law enforcement, answering to political masters, would choose to enforce an unlawful directive. We saw this in New Orleans, we saw this with the Oregon University system and I think that we are going to continue to see it.
A government that does not follow it's own laws is not a legitimate body to represent the people.
http://oathkeepers.org/oath/
On October 28, NRA filed a complaint in the Superior Court of Washington State against the City of Seattle, asking the court to enjoin and declare invalid a recently enacted parks and recreation administrative policy that prohibits firearms in parks, community centers and other city-owned buildings. Other plaintiffs in the case include state correctional officers and private citizens.
The city is in violation of Washington's preemption statute, which forbids localities from enacting this type of ban. In October 2008, Attorney General Rob McKenna issued an opinion, which put the City of Seattle and Mayor Nickels on further notice that Washington cities may not enact local laws prohibiting possession of firearms on city property or in city-owned facilities.
One of our greatest protections is the fact that we are a nation of laws. But government is rapidly eroding that principle by picking and choosing enforcement or politicians flat out ignoring laws that stand in the way of their personal goals.
Who is in the wrong if there is a state preemption law (both Oregon and Washington have this) saying that a locality cannot enact local firearm restrictions and a city/county/school decides to do so anyways but the public ignores it?
Unfortunately it seems that law enforcement, answering to political masters, would choose to enforce an unlawful directive. We saw this in New Orleans, we saw this with the Oregon University system and I think that we are going to continue to see it.
A government that does not follow it's own laws is not a legitimate body to represent the people.
http://oathkeepers.org/oath/
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Not your typical Portland protest
Hundreds rally for lower taxes as part of Tea Party Express
Hundreds rallied for lower taxes and an end to what they said was a socialist agenda in the Obama White House in a parking lot on Sandy Boulevard Friday.
Leaders of the Tea Party Express came to Portland aboard two coaches and found a huge crowd eager to participate.
“No more taxes! No more taxes! No more taxes!” protesters chanted during the rally.
The only local news that shows up from Google is KATU. Props to them. In fairness to the other news outlets perhaps they didn't realize it was a protest since there was no nudity, pot smoke or arrests. Very out of place for Portland.
How much of each dollar earned should we be able to keep? Please keep in mind I'm not just talking about income taxes. There are taxes on your phone (six of them)
Federal Excise tax
OR Universal Serivce Surcharge
E911 Emergency tax
Service Assistance Program
City tax
Federal Universal Service Fee
taxes on your electricity, on your gas, on your vehicle, on your property, on your cigarettes, on your beer, on your health insurance (to make it more affordable you see)
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.
taxes on your water, your guns and on and on. How much is enough?
Hundreds rallied for lower taxes and an end to what they said was a socialist agenda in the Obama White House in a parking lot on Sandy Boulevard Friday.
Leaders of the Tea Party Express came to Portland aboard two coaches and found a huge crowd eager to participate.
“No more taxes! No more taxes! No more taxes!” protesters chanted during the rally.
The only local news that shows up from Google is KATU. Props to them. In fairness to the other news outlets perhaps they didn't realize it was a protest since there was no nudity, pot smoke or arrests. Very out of place for Portland.
How much of each dollar earned should we be able to keep? Please keep in mind I'm not just talking about income taxes. There are taxes on your phone (six of them)
Federal Excise tax
OR Universal Serivce Surcharge
E911 Emergency tax
Service Assistance Program
City tax
Federal Universal Service Fee
taxes on your electricity, on your gas, on your vehicle, on your property, on your cigarettes, on your beer, on your health insurance (to make it more affordable you see)
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.
taxes on your water, your guns and on and on. How much is enough?
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Obama cured my flu
Back in the saddle after a bout with the flu. Luckily federal workers stood at my bedside the entire time making sure I had enough rest and fluids and my fever did not get too high.
Serious updates will resume tomorrow, for now I'm watching the NY/Philly game. You can't really go wrong with Philadephia in the postseason because their fans will riot whether they win or lose.
Serious updates will resume tomorrow, for now I'm watching the NY/Philly game. You can't really go wrong with Philadephia in the postseason because their fans will riot whether they win or lose.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Wrong way, right way, who cares what it says
Dallas police ticketed 39 drivers in 3 years for not speaking English
Editor's note: Comments have been disabled on this story.
Daniel's note: While the newspapers (and CAUSAblog) may disable comments on stories that would overwhelmingly go against their editorial position, I won't.
Dallas police wrongly ticketed at least 39 drivers for not speaking English over the last three years, Police Chief David Kunkle announced Friday while promising to investigate all officers involved in the cases for dereliction of duty.
"I was surprised and stunned that that would happen, particularly in the city of Dallas," Kunkle said. "In my world, you would never tell someone not to speak Spanish."
Apparently Kunkle's world does not involve being able to read English for safety reasons. In the "real world" where people are driving 2 ton vehicles at 55 mph I'm hoping that people can understand what the traffic control devices are actually saying.
"It sounds like a policy," Martinez said. "Discrimination on the basis of language ability, and that's targeting Latinos, and so that sounds pretty serious to me."
Beyond potential legal problems, some said the tickets send a troubling message to Hispanics.
Kunkle, who apologized repeatedly, said he recognized the incidents probably would damage the department's relationship with the Hispanic community.
"When we deal with crime victims ... our interest is not their immigration status," Kunkle said. "It's not something that we concern ourselves about. We want to serve all people."
Let's go over this again, if you were born and raised here there is no possible way that you could reach driving age without being able to speak English. Kunkle, while making excuses for illegal aliens, is also insulting all the Hispanics who are American citizens.
The vocal advocacy groups want everyone to believe that if you have brown skin you must speak Spanish and you must support illegal aliens. And since the advocacy groups real agenda is political power, government officials pick this up and make policy around it.
I'm firmly convinced that if rapists got together and formed a voting bloc we would have politicians actively courting them. Law enforcement would be worrying about sensitivity towards the "sex offender community" and reporters would seek out "experts" to comment on their stories who worry about the stigma of having sex offender registration.
Editor's note: Comments have been disabled on this story.
Daniel's note: While the newspapers (and CAUSAblog) may disable comments on stories that would overwhelmingly go against their editorial position, I won't.
Dallas police wrongly ticketed at least 39 drivers for not speaking English over the last three years, Police Chief David Kunkle announced Friday while promising to investigate all officers involved in the cases for dereliction of duty.
"I was surprised and stunned that that would happen, particularly in the city of Dallas," Kunkle said. "In my world, you would never tell someone not to speak Spanish."
Apparently Kunkle's world does not involve being able to read English for safety reasons. In the "real world" where people are driving 2 ton vehicles at 55 mph I'm hoping that people can understand what the traffic control devices are actually saying.
"It sounds like a policy," Martinez said. "Discrimination on the basis of language ability, and that's targeting Latinos, and so that sounds pretty serious to me."
Beyond potential legal problems, some said the tickets send a troubling message to Hispanics.
Kunkle, who apologized repeatedly, said he recognized the incidents probably would damage the department's relationship with the Hispanic community.
"When we deal with crime victims ... our interest is not their immigration status," Kunkle said. "It's not something that we concern ourselves about. We want to serve all people."
Let's go over this again, if you were born and raised here there is no possible way that you could reach driving age without being able to speak English. Kunkle, while making excuses for illegal aliens, is also insulting all the Hispanics who are American citizens.
The vocal advocacy groups want everyone to believe that if you have brown skin you must speak Spanish and you must support illegal aliens. And since the advocacy groups real agenda is political power, government officials pick this up and make policy around it.
I'm firmly convinced that if rapists got together and formed a voting bloc we would have politicians actively courting them. Law enforcement would be worrying about sensitivity towards the "sex offender community" and reporters would seek out "experts" to comment on their stories who worry about the stigma of having sex offender registration.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
It's like creative accounting
Pew Report: Oregon Lawmakers Stand Out for Innovative Use of Stimulus for Early Education
In addition to approving a 6 percent funding increase for high-quality pre-kindergarten this year, Oregon state leaders put resources from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act toward bolstering early education programs, according to a state-by-state analysis by Pre-K Now, a campaign of the Pew Center on the States. The ARRA funding will help improve teacher quality in community-based early childhood programs.
Congress spent money they didn't have so that more illegal aliens can have day care for their young children. This is somehow stimulating the economy.
In addition to approving a 6 percent funding increase for high-quality pre-kindergarten this year, Oregon state leaders put resources from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act toward bolstering early education programs, according to a state-by-state analysis by Pre-K Now, a campaign of the Pew Center on the States. The ARRA funding will help improve teacher quality in community-based early childhood programs.
Congress spent money they didn't have so that more illegal aliens can have day care for their young children. This is somehow stimulating the economy.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Political correctness is the real scare
"Illegal Alien" Halloween Costume Debated
A Halloween costume that depicts a space creature in orange prison garb emblazoned with the words "illegal alien" is reigniting debate over a long-used term based on the U.S. government's designation of all foreigners as aliens.
The dispute has immigrant advocates calling on retailers to pull the costume from its shelves, while a group that supports strict immigration laws says it's all a to-do over nothing, with freedom of speech being turned upside down by political correctness.
Jorge-Mario Cabrera, a spokesman for the immigrant coalition, said the costume "perpetuates this idea we have about undocumented immigrants as alien foreigners, strangers, scary."
Several retailers and eBay have sucumbed to the PC terrorists. We can teach fisting in middle school but a costume that makes fun of criminals is "offensive" and must be purged.
Political correctness is the book burning of our time.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
It comes back to the Sheriffs
Ariz. sheriff launches immigration sweep
An Arizona sheriff known for cracking down on people who are in the country illegally launched a crime and immigration sweep in northwestern metro Phoenix on Friday, a half day after officials in Washington limited his powers to make federal immigration arrests.
Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, whose sweeps have led to allegations of racial profiling, said the rebuff from Washington won't stop him. He said he can still arrest immigrants under a state smuggling law and a federal law that gives all local police agencies more limited power to detain suspected illegal immigrants.
"It doesn't bother me, because we are going to do the same thing," said Arpaio, whose deputies had arrested 16 people by Friday evening on unspecified charges. "I am the elected sheriff. I don't take orders from the federal government."
If arresting criminals leads to "allegations of racial profiling" then from now on I'm going to allege that tax increases lead to arson. Congratulations to Sheriff Arpaio who realizes that the federal government is not acting constitutionally.
An Arizona sheriff known for cracking down on people who are in the country illegally launched a crime and immigration sweep in northwestern metro Phoenix on Friday, a half day after officials in Washington limited his powers to make federal immigration arrests.
Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, whose sweeps have led to allegations of racial profiling, said the rebuff from Washington won't stop him. He said he can still arrest immigrants under a state smuggling law and a federal law that gives all local police agencies more limited power to detain suspected illegal immigrants.
"It doesn't bother me, because we are going to do the same thing," said Arpaio, whose deputies had arrested 16 people by Friday evening on unspecified charges. "I am the elected sheriff. I don't take orders from the federal government."
If arresting criminals leads to "allegations of racial profiling" then from now on I'm going to allege that tax increases lead to arson. Congratulations to Sheriff Arpaio who realizes that the federal government is not acting constitutionally.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
State of La Raza
Oregon part of national trend: 2 of every 3 stimulus jobs is in education
As The Oregonian's Harry Esteve reported today, nearly two of every three jobs in Oregon paid for with federal stimulus money are in education.Of the 8,200 stimulus-funded jobs in Oregon, about 4,000 are teachers or other public school employees (read bureaucrats) and another 1,200 are professors and other faculty members at the state's seven public universities.
In completely UNRELATED news...
COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON
2008 - 2014 COMMUNITY COMPREHENSIVE PLANFOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
In Columbia County, the Hispanic population has had the largest increase since 2003, from 4.51% to 5%.
To meet this increased need, supports to our Hispanic population have been enhanced with an increasing number of bi-lingual and bi-cultural staff throughout the education system and in all human service organizations. For instance, St. Helens School District, the largest of the 5 local Districts, have full time teachers specifically to support Hispanic students at all grade levels as well as education and supports specifically for Hispanic parents. The drop out rate for Hispanic students (2%) is well belowthat of other students (8%).
Representatives of Columbia County’s Latino population identified community strengths: strong support within the Latino population, strong family relationships, availability and willingness to work, and increasing participation in broader community events. Barriers to healthy family development included deportation and one family member not working.
Allow me to rewrite the last sentence: Barriers to healthy family development include criminal activity by parents and one... family... member... not... working... which completely contradicts the statement of the last sentence about the whole "willingness to work" thing. Unless we are still talking about people who can't legally work in which case we go back to the criminal activity barrier.
The St. Helens school district, instead of serving children, wants to serve racial groups. Except in the eyes of government, a hispanic child born in America to legal parents has the same great opportunities as anyone else, there is no need for special teachers.
8 X 8 = 64 no matter what color your skin is.
The community that it Columbia County appears to be serving is the illegal alien community. The "hispanic community" (I am loathe to use that term) doesn't view deportation as a barrier to anything since you can't deport an American citizen.
Government agencies continue to aid criminal aliens and insult American citizens by lumping them in together.
As The Oregonian's Harry Esteve reported today, nearly two of every three jobs in Oregon paid for with federal stimulus money are in education.Of the 8,200 stimulus-funded jobs in Oregon, about 4,000 are teachers or other public school employees (read bureaucrats) and another 1,200 are professors and other faculty members at the state's seven public universities.
In completely UNRELATED news...
COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON
2008 - 2014 COMMUNITY COMPREHENSIVE PLANFOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
In Columbia County, the Hispanic population has had the largest increase since 2003, from 4.51% to 5%.
To meet this increased need, supports to our Hispanic population have been enhanced with an increasing number of bi-lingual and bi-cultural staff throughout the education system and in all human service organizations. For instance, St. Helens School District, the largest of the 5 local Districts, have full time teachers specifically to support Hispanic students at all grade levels as well as education and supports specifically for Hispanic parents. The drop out rate for Hispanic students (2%) is well belowthat of other students (8%).
Representatives of Columbia County’s Latino population identified community strengths: strong support within the Latino population, strong family relationships, availability and willingness to work, and increasing participation in broader community events. Barriers to healthy family development included deportation and one family member not working.
Allow me to rewrite the last sentence: Barriers to healthy family development include criminal activity by parents and one... family... member... not... working... which completely contradicts the statement of the last sentence about the whole "willingness to work" thing. Unless we are still talking about people who can't legally work in which case we go back to the criminal activity barrier.
The St. Helens school district, instead of serving children, wants to serve racial groups. Except in the eyes of government, a hispanic child born in America to legal parents has the same great opportunities as anyone else, there is no need for special teachers.
8 X 8 = 64 no matter what color your skin is.
The community that it Columbia County appears to be serving is the illegal alien community. The "hispanic community" (I am loathe to use that term) doesn't view deportation as a barrier to anything since you can't deport an American citizen.
Government agencies continue to aid criminal aliens and insult American citizens by lumping them in together.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Maybe he will pimp Pepsi next
The President of the United States of America, the most powerful man in the world, is doing a tv promo for George Lopez. It's not on YouTube yet but I will post it once I see it.
I'm not sure what else to say. I guess if you endorse Obama he will appear in commercials for you later on.
I'm not sure what else to say. I guess if you endorse Obama he will appear in commercials for you later on.
Monday, October 12, 2009
True environmentalists, not statist wackos
Why I support Ducks Unlimited (and you should too)
DU typically purchases, from willing sellers, properties that have the potential to be quality nesting habitat but are in need of restoration, or that provide excellent habitat but are threatened by development or conversion.
Landowners who donate or sell easements to DU customarily pay for the associated on-going costs (such as annual monitoring) by donating an endowment to DU.
The non-adversarial nature of the conservation easement transaction ensures that both Ducks Unlimited / Wetlands America Trust and the landowner are satisfied with all of the easement's terms and confident that the protection of the natural resources are established in perpetuity.
The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act that addresses climate change. Ducks Unlimited did not lobby for passage of that climate bill. Nor does Ducks Unlimited endorse the "cap and trade" component of the legislation. Also, we have not asked our members to call their representatives in Washington, D.C., to support it.
Their emphasis.
Right now, 564 landowners in North and South Dakota have offered to sell DU and the USFWS perpetual easements that would permanently protect the remaining acres towards our goal. Landowner demand for easements currently exceeds available funding, but DU is dedicated to closing the funding gap and protecting this vital waterfowl habitat forever.
By "closing the funding gap" they do not mean "take money from people who aren't willing, they mean "accept donations."
1. Ducks Unlimited does not use the power of the state to force people to sell/use their land in ways that the private property owner are not willing to do. Rather, DU will purchase the land or enter into a willing agreement with a landowner to protect wetlands and waterfowl.
2. DU recognizes that if you want to protect nature, find a use for it. (One of Mac Johnson's principles for Earth Day) Waterfowl hunters who want their children to enjoy the sport are partners with DU to keep waterfowl hunting opportunities as plentiful as the birds.
3. DU is a BBB recognized charity. 88% of your dollars go to conservation and waterfowl/wetlands education. Not legal fees used to sue private property owners.
4. I'm the guy who picks up other people's empty shotgun shells. I teach my kids the same thing. Have a good, ethical hunt today and you will enjoy many more year after year. I give money to Ducks Unlimited. Even if you don't plan on waking up at 4am and sitting quietly by a cold pond this Saturday while waiting for shooting light, you can help conserve waterfowl habitat and hunting opportunities in a way that conservatives can appreciate: donate to Ducks Unlimited!
NOTE: I don't get a thing for the donations that can be made at the DU icon in my sidebar other than the satisfaction of knowing that someone gave who might otherwise not.
DU typically purchases, from willing sellers, properties that have the potential to be quality nesting habitat but are in need of restoration, or that provide excellent habitat but are threatened by development or conversion.
Landowners who donate or sell easements to DU customarily pay for the associated on-going costs (such as annual monitoring) by donating an endowment to DU.
The non-adversarial nature of the conservation easement transaction ensures that both Ducks Unlimited / Wetlands America Trust and the landowner are satisfied with all of the easement's terms and confident that the protection of the natural resources are established in perpetuity.
The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act that addresses climate change. Ducks Unlimited did not lobby for passage of that climate bill. Nor does Ducks Unlimited endorse the "cap and trade" component of the legislation. Also, we have not asked our members to call their representatives in Washington, D.C., to support it.
Their emphasis.
Right now, 564 landowners in North and South Dakota have offered to sell DU and the USFWS perpetual easements that would permanently protect the remaining acres towards our goal. Landowner demand for easements currently exceeds available funding, but DU is dedicated to closing the funding gap and protecting this vital waterfowl habitat forever.
By "closing the funding gap" they do not mean "take money from people who aren't willing, they mean "accept donations."
1. Ducks Unlimited does not use the power of the state to force people to sell/use their land in ways that the private property owner are not willing to do. Rather, DU will purchase the land or enter into a willing agreement with a landowner to protect wetlands and waterfowl.
2. DU recognizes that if you want to protect nature, find a use for it. (One of Mac Johnson's principles for Earth Day) Waterfowl hunters who want their children to enjoy the sport are partners with DU to keep waterfowl hunting opportunities as plentiful as the birds.
3. DU is a BBB recognized charity. 88% of your dollars go to conservation and waterfowl/wetlands education. Not legal fees used to sue private property owners.
4. I'm the guy who picks up other people's empty shotgun shells. I teach my kids the same thing. Have a good, ethical hunt today and you will enjoy many more year after year. I give money to Ducks Unlimited. Even if you don't plan on waking up at 4am and sitting quietly by a cold pond this Saturday while waiting for shooting light, you can help conserve waterfowl habitat and hunting opportunities in a way that conservatives can appreciate: donate to Ducks Unlimited!
NOTE: I don't get a thing for the donations that can be made at the DU icon in my sidebar other than the satisfaction of knowing that someone gave who might otherwise not.
The real story is the ACLU's support
Apartment bans U.S. flags
Jim Clausen was shocked when the new on-site manager of the Oaks Apartments in Albany told him he could face eviction if he did not remove the American flags that fly from his Jeep and motorcycle in the parking lot.
Clausen learned on Wednesday that American flags and others such as Mexican flags and college team flags were no longer allowed on vehicles parked at the complex.
He was told the rule applies to flag decals as well.
Jann Carson, the associate director of the ACLU of Oregon, said that Clausen and other tenants' civil rights are not being violated with the anti-flag rule.
It's always fun to watch the ACLU's selective outrage. They fight to turn back laws that punish illegal aliens in Columbia County but if a guy is in trouble for having an American flag decal on his car it's perfectly legit.
Jim Clausen was shocked when the new on-site manager of the Oaks Apartments in Albany told him he could face eviction if he did not remove the American flags that fly from his Jeep and motorcycle in the parking lot.
Clausen learned on Wednesday that American flags and others such as Mexican flags and college team flags were no longer allowed on vehicles parked at the complex.
He was told the rule applies to flag decals as well.
Jann Carson, the associate director of the ACLU of Oregon, said that Clausen and other tenants' civil rights are not being violated with the anti-flag rule.
It's always fun to watch the ACLU's selective outrage. They fight to turn back laws that punish illegal aliens in Columbia County but if a guy is in trouble for having an American flag decal on his car it's perfectly legit.
Friday, October 09, 2009
It's his year
Make your Heisman vote count!
As the presenting sponsor for the Heisman Trophy, Nissan has the unique privilege of casting one official vote for the winner of the Heisman Trophy. This Nissan vote represents you, the college football fan, and we invite you to make your voice heard.
The athlete with the most votes will receive one official vote in the Heisman Trophy selection process. Heisman Trophy Winners are determined by votes from 924 electors representing sportswriters and broadcasters.
Check out the nominees below before you cast your vote for the next Heisman Trophy winner and you could be a winner too!
Fill in name: Barack Obama! Let's get him one vote, he deserves it!
As the presenting sponsor for the Heisman Trophy, Nissan has the unique privilege of casting one official vote for the winner of the Heisman Trophy. This Nissan vote represents you, the college football fan, and we invite you to make your voice heard.
The athlete with the most votes will receive one official vote in the Heisman Trophy selection process. Heisman Trophy Winners are determined by votes from 924 electors representing sportswriters and broadcasters.
Check out the nominees below before you cast your vote for the next Heisman Trophy winner and you could be a winner too!
Fill in name: Barack Obama! Let's get him one vote, he deserves it!
Thursday, October 08, 2009
It's not mystery why illegal aliens get taxpayer funded housing in Oregon
Oregon State Housing Council
The State Housing Council consists of seven members appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Senate under ORS 171.562 and 171.565. The term of office of each member is four years, but a member serves at the pleasure of the Governor.
Member:
Francisco Lopez
Francisco López is a Salvadoran-American that came to the United States in 1985 as a refugee from the war in El Salvador. He is a member of Queen of Peace Catholic Church in South Salem. Mr. López is the Director of CAUSA (Oregon's immigrant Rights Coalition), which is the largest Hispanic/Latino civil and human rights and advocacy organization in the Pacific Northwest. In 2008 he was the Field Director with Voz Hispana Vote Project in Oregon.
He has 30 years of experience in community organizing, leadership development, and social service program design in the United States and Latin America.
The inmates are in charge of the asylum. Actually, the criminal supporters are in charge of our tax dollars and communities. When CAUSA has a voice on the state housing council you know that illegal aliens have yet another friend in government who is making decisions that are not in the best interest of Oregonians but of people who should not be here at all.
The State Housing Council consists of seven members appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Senate under ORS 171.562 and 171.565. The term of office of each member is four years, but a member serves at the pleasure of the Governor.
Member:
Francisco Lopez
Francisco López is a Salvadoran-American that came to the United States in 1985 as a refugee from the war in El Salvador. He is a member of Queen of Peace Catholic Church in South Salem. Mr. López is the Director of CAUSA (Oregon's immigrant Rights Coalition), which is the largest Hispanic/Latino civil and human rights and advocacy organization in the Pacific Northwest. In 2008 he was the Field Director with Voz Hispana Vote Project in Oregon.
He has 30 years of experience in community organizing, leadership development, and social service program design in the United States and Latin America.
The inmates are in charge of the asylum. Actually, the criminal supporters are in charge of our tax dollars and communities. When CAUSA has a voice on the state housing council you know that illegal aliens have yet another friend in government who is making decisions that are not in the best interest of Oregonians but of people who should not be here at all.
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
The future of Portland
Note: As I'm reading this I keep copy and pasting and then finding something much much worse and having to start over. This is very discombobulating. It's an Orwellian read but Portland really is going to force you to ride a bike... for your own good.
Here is the main page with links to the entire bike plan 2030
This image, the Green transportation hierarchy, pretty much sums it up:
A vision for Portland in the year 2030 (page 21)
It is the year 2030, and Portland looks much diff erent than it did a generation ago. In 2030, bicycling is a fundamental pillar of Portland’s fully integrated transportation system.
It is the year 2030, and Portland looks muchdiff erent than it did a generation ago. In 2030, bicycling is a fundamental pillar of Portland’sfully integrated transportation system.
Portland’s thriving economy derives from its fit, healthy employee base. Every business encourages employees and visitors to bicycle and off ers high quality, plentiful bicycle parking. With more money in their pockets and circulating in the local economy due to reduced transportation costs, the business community has come to embrace bicycling as a hallmark of the Portland region.
The rise in bicycle use has been accompanied by a sharp increase in safety for all residents due to the use of international best practices in bikeway design, cyclist and motorist safety campaigns, enforcement of high-risk traffic behaviors and evolution of laws and attitudes. Improved safety is tied to the increasing numbers of cyclists, many of whom have reduced their driving trips and come to appreciate the lower stress experience of pedaling for daily transportation. Related to the decline in driving-related stress has been a burgeoning civic commitment to mutual courtesy.
This vision did not just happen as a result of geography, climate or historical happenstance.
It was carefully planned and fully funded by citizens determined to set a threshold for
sustainable urban living in the 21st century. The vision came about because Portland’s leaders recognized that bicycling could be a significant and incredibly positive means of transportation for tens of thousands of residents...
It reads like a high school thesis paper but is written by people who control hundreds of millions of your tax dollars and have the ability to force behavior on you through social engineering.
One of the reasons that Portland wants to force you into biking is that it's just not fair that poor people can't afford cars:
(Page 5)
Equity in access to transportation is an important measure in creating a sustainable city. With the annual average cost of owning and operating a car now estimated at more than $7,000 bicycling offers a more affordable transportation option that still provides ‘doorto- door’ service.
As inner-city neighborhoods experience continued gentrification, minorities and low income residents are increasingly pushed to the fringes of Portland, where transportation options are often more limited. The relative affordability of bicycle infrastructure and programs can help provide transportation equity to neighborhoods that may not yet have sufficient access to transit service or where walking is impractical.
Some notable sections worth reading:
2.1.4 Putting green transportation first (Page 20)
Specific strategies that could support a green transportation hierarchy include designating car free or car-limited zones, reforming system performance standards to favor the movement of people over the movement of vehicles, and further developing the 20-minute neighborhood concept.
3.2.2 Principles for bikeway design (Page 61)
Attractiveness: Good design and a ‘sense of place’ should enhance the look and feel of the bicycling environment
Portland is actually wants to tell companies how to design bikes...
4.2.3 Road safety (Page 97)
By law, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is responsible for establishing speed zones on all Oregon highways. Oregon cities and counties are not allowed to set or change speed limits but may appeal speed-related zoning recommendations to the State of Oregon’s Speed Zone Review Panel. This system significantly limits Portland’s ability to control speed limits to
make streets safer and more attractive for bicycling.
When have pesky laws ever gotten in the way of totalitarian governments...
The City of Portland’s TSP calls for reducing local traffic speeds through enforcement and design in designated high-density Main Streets, Regional Centers, and Town Centers to levels that are safe and comfortable for bicyclists and pedestrians. With more control over speed limits, the City of Portland will better achieve regional and local objectives while creating improved bicycling conditions.
So ODOT may set the speed limit but Portland will design the street to make traffic go slower.
Throughout this huge document are quotes from Portland notables such as Jeff Mapes:
“Driving a mile to the store for a quart of milk seems to me as much overkill as using a highpowered nail gun to hang a picture.” - Jeff Mapes
I'm so glad that Jeff buys a quart of milk at a time. What about the rest of us who buy two gallons when we go grocery shopping? The answer: move out of Portland. This is scary stuff.
Here is the main page with links to the entire bike plan 2030
This image, the Green transportation hierarchy, pretty much sums it up:
A vision for Portland in the year 2030 (page 21)
It is the year 2030, and Portland looks much diff erent than it did a generation ago. In 2030, bicycling is a fundamental pillar of Portland’s fully integrated transportation system.
It is the year 2030, and Portland looks muchdiff erent than it did a generation ago. In 2030, bicycling is a fundamental pillar of Portland’sfully integrated transportation system.
Portland’s thriving economy derives from its fit, healthy employee base. Every business encourages employees and visitors to bicycle and off ers high quality, plentiful bicycle parking. With more money in their pockets and circulating in the local economy due to reduced transportation costs, the business community has come to embrace bicycling as a hallmark of the Portland region.
The rise in bicycle use has been accompanied by a sharp increase in safety for all residents due to the use of international best practices in bikeway design, cyclist and motorist safety campaigns, enforcement of high-risk traffic behaviors and evolution of laws and attitudes. Improved safety is tied to the increasing numbers of cyclists, many of whom have reduced their driving trips and come to appreciate the lower stress experience of pedaling for daily transportation. Related to the decline in driving-related stress has been a burgeoning civic commitment to mutual courtesy.
This vision did not just happen as a result of geography, climate or historical happenstance.
It was carefully planned and fully funded by citizens determined to set a threshold for
sustainable urban living in the 21st century. The vision came about because Portland’s leaders recognized that bicycling could be a significant and incredibly positive means of transportation for tens of thousands of residents...
It reads like a high school thesis paper but is written by people who control hundreds of millions of your tax dollars and have the ability to force behavior on you through social engineering.
One of the reasons that Portland wants to force you into biking is that it's just not fair that poor people can't afford cars:
(Page 5)
Equity in access to transportation is an important measure in creating a sustainable city. With the annual average cost of owning and operating a car now estimated at more than $7,000 bicycling offers a more affordable transportation option that still provides ‘doorto- door’ service.
As inner-city neighborhoods experience continued gentrification, minorities and low income residents are increasingly pushed to the fringes of Portland, where transportation options are often more limited. The relative affordability of bicycle infrastructure and programs can help provide transportation equity to neighborhoods that may not yet have sufficient access to transit service or where walking is impractical.
Some notable sections worth reading:
2.1.4 Putting green transportation first (Page 20)
Specific strategies that could support a green transportation hierarchy include designating car free or car-limited zones, reforming system performance standards to favor the movement of people over the movement of vehicles, and further developing the 20-minute neighborhood concept.
3.2.2 Principles for bikeway design (Page 61)
Attractiveness: Good design and a ‘sense of place’ should enhance the look and feel of the bicycling environment
Portland is actually wants to tell companies how to design bikes...
4.2.3 Road safety (Page 97)
By law, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is responsible for establishing speed zones on all Oregon highways. Oregon cities and counties are not allowed to set or change speed limits but may appeal speed-related zoning recommendations to the State of Oregon’s Speed Zone Review Panel. This system significantly limits Portland’s ability to control speed limits to
make streets safer and more attractive for bicycling.
When have pesky laws ever gotten in the way of totalitarian governments...
The City of Portland’s TSP calls for reducing local traffic speeds through enforcement and design in designated high-density Main Streets, Regional Centers, and Town Centers to levels that are safe and comfortable for bicyclists and pedestrians. With more control over speed limits, the City of Portland will better achieve regional and local objectives while creating improved bicycling conditions.
So ODOT may set the speed limit but Portland will design the street to make traffic go slower.
Throughout this huge document are quotes from Portland notables such as Jeff Mapes:
“Driving a mile to the store for a quart of milk seems to me as much overkill as using a highpowered nail gun to hang a picture.” - Jeff Mapes
I'm so glad that Jeff buys a quart of milk at a time. What about the rest of us who buy two gallons when we go grocery shopping? The answer: move out of Portland. This is scary stuff.
Monday, October 05, 2009
Makes me want to gamble
I showed this to someone who lives out of state and their response was "Is that a real commercial?"
They are running this during Monday Night Football. Oregon must have an in-house marketing team since no one outside of government could be this warped.
They are running this during Monday Night Football. Oregon must have an in-house marketing team since no one outside of government could be this warped.
How stimulating
Oregon and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
Once the money starts to go out to build new roads, modernize schools, and create new jobs, we’ll be able to give you the details on spending. Through Oregon’s recovery website, you'll be able to see how, when, and where your taxpayer dollars are going.
Once the money starts to go out to build new roads, modernize schools, and create new jobs, we’ll be able to give you the details on spending. Through Oregon’s recovery website, you'll be able to see how, when, and where your taxpayer dollars are going.
So by giving $1,196,900,000 to Health and Human Services they are building roads and creating new jobs? Why does DHS get 16 times as much money as "Employment and Workforce Training?"
From the FAQ:
Q: How many jobs will the funding create or save?
A: Generally speaking, any federal funds will help the state continue to provide essential services, which means jobs will be preserved, but we will also be able to create jobs. Whether it is education operational dollars to sustain jobs and keep kids in the classroom, providing health care to low-income families or transportation dollars that create jobs, Oregon is ready to receive and to put these dollars to work.
The stimulus went to government workers and welfare. Transportation came in a distant third according to the graph.
Sunday, October 04, 2009
It's all about them
The Obamas Violated First Three Rules of Selling
Of course Barack and Michelle Obama failed in Copenhagen. Their strategy could not possibly succeed. In their academic arrogance, they thought they could sell a product they clearly do not believe in (the United States) and moreover, they could do so by stressing the benefits to the seller (Chicago) and not the buyer (the IOC). And to top it off, they committed the faux pas of talking too much about the sales force (themselves) and not about the product or the buyer.
He and the First Lady did not even pretend to be proud of us. They went on an unseemly, surreal begging campaign that mixed in uncomfortable bits and pieces of their personal histories with platitudes about what the Olympic Games could do for the children of Chicago. Oh, BTW, the Obama family would personally find it kind of a cool thing for the neighborhood.
When you consider these words in light of what Obama said about the United States last week at the U.N and the G20, it is clear to see that this is a man who really does think history started when he was born and America's greatness started when he was elected. These thoughts dominate any sober analysis of the written words of his speeches.
"The Ego has landed" sums it up perfectly. Go read the whole article.
Of course Barack and Michelle Obama failed in Copenhagen. Their strategy could not possibly succeed. In their academic arrogance, they thought they could sell a product they clearly do not believe in (the United States) and moreover, they could do so by stressing the benefits to the seller (Chicago) and not the buyer (the IOC). And to top it off, they committed the faux pas of talking too much about the sales force (themselves) and not about the product or the buyer.
He and the First Lady did not even pretend to be proud of us. They went on an unseemly, surreal begging campaign that mixed in uncomfortable bits and pieces of their personal histories with platitudes about what the Olympic Games could do for the children of Chicago. Oh, BTW, the Obama family would personally find it kind of a cool thing for the neighborhood.
When you consider these words in light of what Obama said about the United States last week at the U.N and the G20, it is clear to see that this is a man who really does think history started when he was born and America's greatness started when he was elected. These thoughts dominate any sober analysis of the written words of his speeches.
"The Ego has landed" sums it up perfectly. Go read the whole article.
Thursday, October 01, 2009
College newspaper does fair reporting
Oregon University System sued over campus handgun policy
A pro-Second Amendment foundation has filed a lawsuit challenging the Oregon University System’s ban on handguns, specifically for those with concealed handgun licenses.
The suit was brought forth last month by the Oregon Firearms Educational Foundation and filed by Salem lawyer and former chairman of the Oregon Republican Party Vance Day. Rather than a traditional lawsuit seeking damages, the suit petitions the court to determine the validity of the rule.
According to the Oregon Revised Statutes, carrying a firearm into a public building is a Class C felony, punishable by up to five years and up to $100,000 fine, but an exception is “a person who is licensed under ORS 166.291 and 166.292 to carry a concealed handgun.”
Those statutes allow license holders to legally carry a firearm into any public building in the state, with the exception of airport terminals, courthouses and federal buildings. The statutes also grant sole power to regulate firearms to the state legislature.
The OUS responded in a letter, writing that it had “multiple and lengthy discussions with the Oregon Department of Justice, legislators and campus officials.” The letter continued, “Fundamentally, though, OUS and the State Board of Higher Education believe that our campuses are safer without firearms.”
The OUS response to being told that they are not in compliance with the law is to tell us their feelings and beliefs. Since they can't even site any facts or statistics to back up their irrational fears I'm just going to go out on a limb and assume that their mothers breast-fed them too long.
Good job to the Daily Emerald for doing factual reporting rather than fear mongering in this story. They report, you decide.
EDIT: A video worth more than $0.02...
"I'm the only one in this room proffesional enough, that I know of, to carry this Glock 40... bang!"
A pro-Second Amendment foundation has filed a lawsuit challenging the Oregon University System’s ban on handguns, specifically for those with concealed handgun licenses.
The suit was brought forth last month by the Oregon Firearms Educational Foundation and filed by Salem lawyer and former chairman of the Oregon Republican Party Vance Day. Rather than a traditional lawsuit seeking damages, the suit petitions the court to determine the validity of the rule.
According to the Oregon Revised Statutes, carrying a firearm into a public building is a Class C felony, punishable by up to five years and up to $100,000 fine, but an exception is “a person who is licensed under ORS 166.291 and 166.292 to carry a concealed handgun.”
Those statutes allow license holders to legally carry a firearm into any public building in the state, with the exception of airport terminals, courthouses and federal buildings. The statutes also grant sole power to regulate firearms to the state legislature.
The OUS responded in a letter, writing that it had “multiple and lengthy discussions with the Oregon Department of Justice, legislators and campus officials.” The letter continued, “Fundamentally, though, OUS and the State Board of Higher Education believe that our campuses are safer without firearms.”
The OUS response to being told that they are not in compliance with the law is to tell us their feelings and beliefs. Since they can't even site any facts or statistics to back up their irrational fears I'm just going to go out on a limb and assume that their mothers breast-fed them too long.
Good job to the Daily Emerald for doing factual reporting rather than fear mongering in this story. They report, you decide.
EDIT: A video worth more than $0.02...
"I'm the only one in this room proffesional enough, that I know of, to carry this Glock 40... bang!"
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
So go home
Pew Hispanic Center Releases Report on Health Insurance of Hispanics by Immigration Status
The Pew Hispanic Center, a project of the Pew Research Center, has released a report on health insurance coverage and access to health care among Hispanics by immigration status. Six-in-ten Hispanic adults in the U.S. who are neither citizens nor legal permanent residents* lack health insurance. In contrast, 28% of Hispanic adults who are citizens or legal permanent residents and 17% of the overall U.S. adult population lack health insurance.
* The Center estimates that 98% of Hispanic immigrants who are neither citizens nor legal permanent residents are undocumented.
In Mexico, health care is guaranteed via Article 4 of the their Constitution. Go home and get it. A poll on illegal aliens and their health care is like a survey of care thieves and auto insurance.
The Pew Hispanic Center, a project of the Pew Research Center, has released a report on health insurance coverage and access to health care among Hispanics by immigration status. Six-in-ten Hispanic adults in the U.S. who are neither citizens nor legal permanent residents* lack health insurance. In contrast, 28% of Hispanic adults who are citizens or legal permanent residents and 17% of the overall U.S. adult population lack health insurance.
* The Center estimates that 98% of Hispanic immigrants who are neither citizens nor legal permanent residents are undocumented.
In Mexico, health care is guaranteed via Article 4 of the their Constitution. Go home and get it. A poll on illegal aliens and their health care is like a survey of care thieves and auto insurance.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Whatever they tell us the cost is, it will only be the down payment
Government run health care locally: The predictions on cost, illegal aliens and government takeover.
School Based Health Centers: Funding and Operations
Oregon’s School-Based Health Center (SBHC) program has benefited from over 20 years of support by the Oregon Department of Human Services and the Oregon Legislature. What began with an initial commitment of $212,000 to partially fund five SBHCs grew to a commitment of $5,839,000 to support 55 certified SBHCs and up to 12 planning sites in the 2009-2011 biennium.
It went from $212K to almost $6 million.
Services are available to students regardless of their ability to pay, insurance status, race, color, national origin, religion, immigration status, sexual orientation, handicap, or gender. Reasonable accommodations are made to provide confidential services to non-English speaking students.
It serves illegal aliens.
The SBHCs are located on school grounds and are open and operating when the kids are in school. As a result, students are back in class faster than had they sought health care in a non-SBHC setting. Additionally, parents do not need to take time off work in order to transport the sick student to a doctor.
The school health care program takes the place of parents. Your children are kept in a government setting, see government doctors and you are not involved. You don't even get to take your child to see the doctor.
School Based Health Centers: Funding and Operations
Oregon’s School-Based Health Center (SBHC) program has benefited from over 20 years of support by the Oregon Department of Human Services and the Oregon Legislature. What began with an initial commitment of $212,000 to partially fund five SBHCs grew to a commitment of $5,839,000 to support 55 certified SBHCs and up to 12 planning sites in the 2009-2011 biennium.
It went from $212K to almost $6 million.
Services are available to students regardless of their ability to pay, insurance status, race, color, national origin, religion, immigration status, sexual orientation, handicap, or gender. Reasonable accommodations are made to provide confidential services to non-English speaking students.
It serves illegal aliens.
The SBHCs are located on school grounds and are open and operating when the kids are in school. As a result, students are back in class faster than had they sought health care in a non-SBHC setting. Additionally, parents do not need to take time off work in order to transport the sick student to a doctor.
The school health care program takes the place of parents. Your children are kept in a government setting, see government doctors and you are not involved. You don't even get to take your child to see the doctor.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Rumored to be Sam Adams new car
Can anyone confirm or deny if this is the Mayor's new official vehicle?
Thursday, September 24, 2009
The zoo
A collection of videos from today's G20 protest. It's an interesting case study.
Hippies choking on tear gas:
Trash rolling trash dumpsters:
Leaving the park:
Hippies choking on tear gas:
Trash rolling trash dumpsters:
Leaving the park:
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
The real meaning of "shovel ready"
Federal stimulus money turns into jobs aiding Oregon's needy
Pruett was offered a job as a state caseworker helping other people get food stamps.
His new job comes, in part, thanks to the money Oregon is getting from the federal stimulus to preserve social service programs at a time of record demand. More than $1 billion will flow through the Department of Human Services over the next 15 months
To handle the workload, the agency is drawing upon other state and federal accounts to hire hundreds of employees even as Oregon's state budget troubles require public workers to take unpaid furlough days.
These are permanent positions, Kelley-Siel says. Once the recession ends and demand eases, she says the staff will be reduced through attrition or workers may be redeployed to other programs.
Due to "budget cuts" there are employees taking unpaid days off. To do their work while they are off we will hire new employees.
These employees are going to stimulate the economy by giving money to people who aren't working.
When the work for these employees dries up they will not be laid off.
... here I am wishing that we could skip all this mumbo jumbo and go right to the government paying half the population to dig holes and the other half to fill them back up. Full employment!
Pruett was offered a job as a state caseworker helping other people get food stamps.
His new job comes, in part, thanks to the money Oregon is getting from the federal stimulus to preserve social service programs at a time of record demand. More than $1 billion will flow through the Department of Human Services over the next 15 months
To handle the workload, the agency is drawing upon other state and federal accounts to hire hundreds of employees even as Oregon's state budget troubles require public workers to take unpaid furlough days.
These are permanent positions, Kelley-Siel says. Once the recession ends and demand eases, she says the staff will be reduced through attrition or workers may be redeployed to other programs.
Due to "budget cuts" there are employees taking unpaid days off. To do their work while they are off we will hire new employees.
These employees are going to stimulate the economy by giving money to people who aren't working.
When the work for these employees dries up they will not be laid off.
... here I am wishing that we could skip all this mumbo jumbo and go right to the government paying half the population to dig holes and the other half to fill them back up. Full employment!
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