[Link in title]
"MOSCOW (Reuters) - In a slip of the tongue, U.S. President Barack Obama described Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on Monday as president, echoing the widely held view that he remains Russia's most powerful man."
Jesus, this guy is an IDIOT! First off, had GWB done something like this the WORLD MEDIA would have eaten him alive. But, George Bush was not and IDIOT. In fact, GWB was always informed in the ways of international politics far beyond Obama could dream. When you take a guy like Obama who surrounds himself with amateurs in international politics, would you expect anything less then this blunder?
But, it gets even BETTER: "July 7 (Bloomberg) -- U.S. President Barack Obama lauded Prime Minister Vladimir Putin for his service to Russia, continuing a three-day push to overcome the animosities of the George W. Bush era."
Animosities? I guess the Obama Administration wasn't aware of this telegram written by Putin to George Walker Bush on July, 6th -- GWB's 63rd birthday: "With special warmth I recall your hospitality in the Crawford ranch and your family estate in Kennebunkport," Putin wrote, referring to their 2007 meeting at the Bush family vacation home when the two leaders went fishing and ate lobster." According to Reuters, the telegram was written just a few hours before the arrival of the Great O to Russia. Also, from the same Reuters article, "Bush had said he "was able to get a sense of his soul" when he first met Putin and since then their warm rapport has helped limit the damage from a series of rows that returned ties between their administrations to chilly Cold War lows."
Reuters is Europe based while Bloomberg is US based. How could Bloomberg have a different take on the Bush/Putin relationship over that of Reuters? Could it be that in the eye's of the U.S. media Obama can do no wrong? Draw your own conclusions. I will say this, So far the American media hasn't said a peep about Obama's SNAFU in regards to calling Putin President.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Honduran Constitution in Check
[link in title]
"Hugo Chávez's coalition-building efforts suffered a setback yesterday when the Honduran military sent its president packing for abusing the nation's constitution.
It seems that President Mel Zelaya miscalculated when he tried to emulate the success of his good friend Hugo in reshaping the Honduran Constitution to his liking.
But Honduras is not out of the Venezuelan woods yet. Yesterday the Central American country was being pressured to restore the authoritarian Mr. Zelaya by the likes of Fidel Castro, Daniel Ortega, Hillary Clinton and, of course, Hugo himself. The Organization of American States, having ignored Mr. Zelaya's abuses, also wants him back in power. It will be a miracle if Honduran patriots can hold their ground." [emphasis added by me.]
Not to be out done by his true leftest buddies, the O Himself has added that he was, "deeply concerned" that the people of Honduras would actually depose their president because he tried to impose law from the office, which the Honduran Constitution does not allow.
Officially, both Hugo Chavez and Barack Obama have called for the reinstatement of Manuel Zelaya, who was legally removed by the courts and Congress for violating Honduras' constitution—allegedly to extend his rule. The Honduran constitution limits presidents to a single four-year term and forbids any modification of that limit. Zelaya's opponents feared the referendum was part of an attempt to try to run again, just as other Latin American leaders have removed constitutional clauses designed to prevent strongmen from extending their rule.
The further you read into what Zelaya was trying to do, the more proof you see that he was indeed trying to extend his rule in the same fashion of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Hugo Chavez. Best of all (tongue in cheek), Obama and Clinton support the deposed Zelaya. It's obvious that our adminastration is more interested in not offending the worlds socialist elite and leaders, then they are in preserving freedom through out the free world.
"Hugo Chávez's coalition-building efforts suffered a setback yesterday when the Honduran military sent its president packing for abusing the nation's constitution.
It seems that President Mel Zelaya miscalculated when he tried to emulate the success of his good friend Hugo in reshaping the Honduran Constitution to his liking.
But Honduras is not out of the Venezuelan woods yet. Yesterday the Central American country was being pressured to restore the authoritarian Mr. Zelaya by the likes of Fidel Castro, Daniel Ortega, Hillary Clinton and, of course, Hugo himself. The Organization of American States, having ignored Mr. Zelaya's abuses, also wants him back in power. It will be a miracle if Honduran patriots can hold their ground." [emphasis added by me.]
Not to be out done by his true leftest buddies, the O Himself has added that he was, "deeply concerned" that the people of Honduras would actually depose their president because he tried to impose law from the office, which the Honduran Constitution does not allow.
Officially, both Hugo Chavez and Barack Obama have called for the reinstatement of Manuel Zelaya, who was legally removed by the courts and Congress for violating Honduras' constitution—allegedly to extend his rule. The Honduran constitution limits presidents to a single four-year term and forbids any modification of that limit. Zelaya's opponents feared the referendum was part of an attempt to try to run again, just as other Latin American leaders have removed constitutional clauses designed to prevent strongmen from extending their rule.
The further you read into what Zelaya was trying to do, the more proof you see that he was indeed trying to extend his rule in the same fashion of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Hugo Chavez. Best of all (tongue in cheek), Obama and Clinton support the deposed Zelaya. It's obvious that our adminastration is more interested in not offending the worlds socialist elite and leaders, then they are in preserving freedom through out the free world.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
2nd Weakest 20 Metro Area
[link to Brookings Institute study in title]
Overall Performance
The map below classifies the 100 largest metro areas into 5 categories (quintiles), based on their average rank across a series of four indicators: employment change from peak; unemployment rate change from one year ago; gross metropolitan product change from peak; and housing price index change from one year ago.
Of course our local rag decides to look solely at the economic indicators (61 of 100) with the following rosy headline: "Twin Cities are No. 61 in measure of recession's toll". While somewhat misleading, the headline is true -- IF you take the housing market out of the equation. To me thats kinda like getting a $1000.00 check and then depositing into the bank, which in turn takes $500.00 out of the deposit to pay down your overdraft fee's. True you got a $1000.00 check, but that's not what you ended up with.
Take a look at the several interactive maps in the study. You'll find some interesting information. The Twin Cities is going backwards but we're not the only metro area heading backwards. The entire "rust belt" is going backwards, with the exception of Madison, Des Moines and Omaha-Council Bluffs. I'm sure that had Sioux Falls been ranked in the top 100 metro areas, they would have ranked better then average. Of course California is in the shitter but Texas ranks in the top 20% in nearly every aspect tested.
Here are a few highlights:
"The recession has had highly varied impacts on different metropolitan areas, even within the same broad regions of the country." In March 2009 the unemployment rate ranged from 5.1 percent in Provo to 17.5 percent in Modesto. From the beginning of 2008 through the beginning of 2009, home prices fell by 30.6 percent in Stockton but rose by 4.7 percent in Houston.
"A few metropolitan areas are beginning to showing signs of economic recovery, although none has completely recovered." McAllen (TX) is the only metropolitan area that saw growth in both employment and output during the first quarter of 2009. Employment also rose in New Haven and Baton Rouge, while output also increased in Seattle, Austin, Virginia Beach, Washington, Richmond, San Jose, and Riverside.
"There are two distinct "Manufacturing Belts." Economic pain is widespread in Midwestern metro areas that depend heavily on the auto industry and its supply chain. Most metro areas in Michigan and Ohio have experienced employment and output declines exceeding national averages. Several, including Dayton, Detroit, and Youngstown, began losing jobs two to three years earlier than the U.S. economy as a whole. At the same time, job losses have been more modest, and housing prices have risen slightly, in many Northeastern metro areas that have less auto-oriented manufacturing sectors[.]
"There are also two distinct Sun Belts." Large swaths of the South and West, particularly metropolitan areas in Florida, Arizona, Nevada, and inland California, have suffered severe employment, output, and home value declines over the past year due to the broader housing fallout. Wages in those metro areas have risen rapidly, most likely due to a slowdown in less-skilled migration to those areas, and to disproportionate losses of lower-paying jobs. Yet parts of the Southwest and Deep South—including metro areas in New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana—have performed relatively well, experiencing less severe job losses, relatively large wage gains, and modest home price increases. Specializations in energy and government, large amounts of federal hurricane recovery funding for the Gulf Coast, and smaller increases in housing prices during the early and mid-2000s may all help to account for their better performance.
"Concentrations of jobs in "eds and meds" and government seem to have shielded some metro areas from dramatic job losses." ompared to a national employment decline of 3.7 percent from the fourth quarter of 2007 through the first quarter of 2009, metro areas with specializations in education and health care saw employment drop by an average of only 2.0 percent, and those specialized in government/military employment saw average job losses of 1.3 percent.
"Tourism-specialized metro areas suffered relatively large employment declines." Metro areas with job concentrations in arts, entertainment, and recreation, such as Orlando, Las Vegas, and Bradenton, experienced 4.0 percent employment declines on average[.]
"A few banking centers have been hard hit, but metro areas specializing in insurance have suffered less." The New York and Charlotte metro areas, the nation’s two foremost banking centers, have suffered in different ways during the recession. Charlotte has suffered deep recent employment losses and its unemployment rate rose dramatically since early 2008, while New York has actually shed jobs at a lower rate than the national average but has experienced steeper declines in output and housing prices. Meanwhile, metro areas specialized in the less-affected insurance industry, such as Des Moines, Hartford, and Omaha, have experienced very modest job losses and have performed relatively well on most other economic indicators.
"38 of the top 100 metro areas avoided declines in home prices over the past year, even as prices nationwide dipped 6 percent." Most of these metro areas also experienced below-average employment declines, and lie in the less-affected parts of the "Manufacturing Belt" (Pennsylvania and upstate New York) and Sun Belt (Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana). They also exhibit below-average shares of properties in REO (real estate-owned) status due to bank foreclosure.
Notice how those with most generous welfare, high personal and corporate taxes and liberal policies are heading backwards?
Overall Performance
The map below classifies the 100 largest metro areas into 5 categories (quintiles), based on their average rank across a series of four indicators: employment change from peak; unemployment rate change from one year ago; gross metropolitan product change from peak; and housing price index change from one year ago.
Of course our local rag decides to look solely at the economic indicators (61 of 100) with the following rosy headline: "Twin Cities are No. 61 in measure of recession's toll". While somewhat misleading, the headline is true -- IF you take the housing market out of the equation. To me thats kinda like getting a $1000.00 check and then depositing into the bank, which in turn takes $500.00 out of the deposit to pay down your overdraft fee's. True you got a $1000.00 check, but that's not what you ended up with.
Take a look at the several interactive maps in the study. You'll find some interesting information. The Twin Cities is going backwards but we're not the only metro area heading backwards. The entire "rust belt" is going backwards, with the exception of Madison, Des Moines and Omaha-Council Bluffs. I'm sure that had Sioux Falls been ranked in the top 100 metro areas, they would have ranked better then average. Of course California is in the shitter but Texas ranks in the top 20% in nearly every aspect tested.
Here are a few highlights:
"The recession has had highly varied impacts on different metropolitan areas, even within the same broad regions of the country." In March 2009 the unemployment rate ranged from 5.1 percent in Provo to 17.5 percent in Modesto. From the beginning of 2008 through the beginning of 2009, home prices fell by 30.6 percent in Stockton but rose by 4.7 percent in Houston.
"A few metropolitan areas are beginning to showing signs of economic recovery, although none has completely recovered." McAllen (TX) is the only metropolitan area that saw growth in both employment and output during the first quarter of 2009. Employment also rose in New Haven and Baton Rouge, while output also increased in Seattle, Austin, Virginia Beach, Washington, Richmond, San Jose, and Riverside.
"There are two distinct "Manufacturing Belts." Economic pain is widespread in Midwestern metro areas that depend heavily on the auto industry and its supply chain. Most metro areas in Michigan and Ohio have experienced employment and output declines exceeding national averages. Several, including Dayton, Detroit, and Youngstown, began losing jobs two to three years earlier than the U.S. economy as a whole. At the same time, job losses have been more modest, and housing prices have risen slightly, in many Northeastern metro areas that have less auto-oriented manufacturing sectors[.]
"There are also two distinct Sun Belts." Large swaths of the South and West, particularly metropolitan areas in Florida, Arizona, Nevada, and inland California, have suffered severe employment, output, and home value declines over the past year due to the broader housing fallout. Wages in those metro areas have risen rapidly, most likely due to a slowdown in less-skilled migration to those areas, and to disproportionate losses of lower-paying jobs. Yet parts of the Southwest and Deep South—including metro areas in New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana—have performed relatively well, experiencing less severe job losses, relatively large wage gains, and modest home price increases. Specializations in energy and government, large amounts of federal hurricane recovery funding for the Gulf Coast, and smaller increases in housing prices during the early and mid-2000s may all help to account for their better performance.
"Concentrations of jobs in "eds and meds" and government seem to have shielded some metro areas from dramatic job losses." ompared to a national employment decline of 3.7 percent from the fourth quarter of 2007 through the first quarter of 2009, metro areas with specializations in education and health care saw employment drop by an average of only 2.0 percent, and those specialized in government/military employment saw average job losses of 1.3 percent.
"Tourism-specialized metro areas suffered relatively large employment declines." Metro areas with job concentrations in arts, entertainment, and recreation, such as Orlando, Las Vegas, and Bradenton, experienced 4.0 percent employment declines on average[.]
"A few banking centers have been hard hit, but metro areas specializing in insurance have suffered less." The New York and Charlotte metro areas, the nation’s two foremost banking centers, have suffered in different ways during the recession. Charlotte has suffered deep recent employment losses and its unemployment rate rose dramatically since early 2008, while New York has actually shed jobs at a lower rate than the national average but has experienced steeper declines in output and housing prices. Meanwhile, metro areas specialized in the less-affected insurance industry, such as Des Moines, Hartford, and Omaha, have experienced very modest job losses and have performed relatively well on most other economic indicators.
"38 of the top 100 metro areas avoided declines in home prices over the past year, even as prices nationwide dipped 6 percent." Most of these metro areas also experienced below-average employment declines, and lie in the less-affected parts of the "Manufacturing Belt" (Pennsylvania and upstate New York) and Sun Belt (Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana). They also exhibit below-average shares of properties in REO (real estate-owned) status due to bank foreclosure.
Notice how those with most generous welfare, high personal and corporate taxes and liberal policies are heading backwards?
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
We're all going to die, thanks to MMGW
[link in title]
Breaking news: "Obama's first global warming report most dire yet: Ill effects already here, will get worse[.]"
I love the first two paragraphs: "Harmful effects from global warming are already here and worsening, warns the first climate report from Barack Obama's presidency in the strongest language on climate change ever to come out of the White House.
Global warming has already caused more heavy downpours, the rise of temperatures and sea levels, rapidly retreating glaciers and altered river flows, according to the document released Tuesday by the White House science adviser and other top officials."
The full report can be downloaded HERE.
The timing of this report couldn't be worse. So far this year the Northern Hemisphere has experienced much colder then normal weather this year. In fact, the cold snap has been happening since 2007(or as some say, earlier). Here are a few reminders of the unusually cold or record cold and unusual weather we have experienced in 2008:
On December 20th, 2008 this map was built showing close to Nearly 1500 cold temp records & 770 snow records set in U.S. in past week! [source: INFO MAP] Just this month here in the Twin Cities: Historic cold in Twin Cities - Minnesota’s State Climatology Office says the temperatures in St. Paul and Minneapolis stayed below for 60 for three straight days, something that hasn't happened in June since June 1-3, 1951.
The only other years with three days in a row of high temperatures below 60 in June were 1917, 1935, and 1937.
The high temperature of 52 degrees on Saturday (06/06/2009) set a record as the lowest high temperature for that date.
www.iceagenow.com has compiled a list of record cold and snow fall total since 2000. It is a must read!
Breaking news: "Obama's first global warming report most dire yet: Ill effects already here, will get worse[.]"
I love the first two paragraphs: "Harmful effects from global warming are already here and worsening, warns the first climate report from Barack Obama's presidency in the strongest language on climate change ever to come out of the White House.
Global warming has already caused more heavy downpours, the rise of temperatures and sea levels, rapidly retreating glaciers and altered river flows, according to the document released Tuesday by the White House science adviser and other top officials."
The full report can be downloaded HERE.
The timing of this report couldn't be worse. So far this year the Northern Hemisphere has experienced much colder then normal weather this year. In fact, the cold snap has been happening since 2007(or as some say, earlier). Here are a few reminders of the unusually cold or record cold and unusual weather we have experienced in 2008:
On December 20th, 2008 this map was built showing close to Nearly 1500 cold temp records & 770 snow records set in U.S. in past week! [source: INFO MAP] Just this month here in the Twin Cities: Historic cold in Twin Cities - Minnesota’s State Climatology Office says the temperatures in St. Paul and Minneapolis stayed below for 60 for three straight days, something that hasn't happened in June since June 1-3, 1951.
The only other years with three days in a row of high temperatures below 60 in June were 1917, 1935, and 1937.
The high temperature of 52 degrees on Saturday (06/06/2009) set a record as the lowest high temperature for that date.
www.iceagenow.com has compiled a list of record cold and snow fall total since 2000. It is a must read!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
BUT
[link in title]
WASHINGTON (AP) -- "The Obama administration says executive compensation must be better managed to prevent the sort of risk-taking that jeopardizes the economy.
Gene Sperling, who advises Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, said Thursday the administration does not want to impose caps on executive pay. But he also laid out for the House Financial Services Committee a list of guidelines calling on publicly-held companies to link compensation to long-term performance, not short-term gains." [emphasis added]
HOLY SHIT! The Obama adminsitration now want's to suggest a list of guidelines on on executive pay. Slippery Slope, meet the Obama adminsitration. Oh, you two already know each other? Oh yeah, Citi Group, Chrysler, GM, TARP. Great circle of friends.
WASHINGTON (AP) -- "The Obama administration says executive compensation must be better managed to prevent the sort of risk-taking that jeopardizes the economy.
Gene Sperling, who advises Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, said Thursday the administration does not want to impose caps on executive pay. But he also laid out for the House Financial Services Committee a list of guidelines calling on publicly-held companies to link compensation to long-term performance, not short-term gains." [emphasis added]
HOLY SHIT! The Obama adminsitration now want's to suggest a list of guidelines on on executive pay. Slippery Slope, meet the Obama adminsitration. Oh, you two already know each other? Oh yeah, Citi Group, Chrysler, GM, TARP. Great circle of friends.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
The government, after all, can create jobs by hiring people to dig holes and fill them in.
Milton Friedman.
I read the following Wall Street Journal Opinion and this piece managed to capture my thoughts.
The opinion piece puts a square focus on the job term, 'saved or created'. And, what I find interesting, there is no government office that tracks and counts jobs saved. According to Tony Fratto, Deputy Assistant and Deputy Press Secretary to former United States President George W. Bush, "We would never have used a formula like 'save or create[.] To begin with, the number is pure fiction -- the administration has no way to measure how many jobs are actually being 'saved.' And if we had tried to use something this flimsy, the press would never have let us get away with it." Is Tony Fratto calling bullshit on the BIG O?
Politico sure paints a rosy picture of Obama's big "Saved or Created" speech from June 7th: "President Barack Obama announced Monday that he is ramping up stimulus spending exponentially in the next three months, allowing the administration to “save or create” 600,000 jobs — four times as many as during the first 100 days since he signed the bill.
“We’re in a position to really accelerate,” Obama said, unveiling plans to boost spending on national parks, summer youth jobs, veterans medical centers, police and teachers. [Great, more government jobs]
Hmmm, lemme see: 600,000 / 4 = 150,000. So, according to Obama, he has "saved or created" 150,000 jobs in his first 100 days in office which is about 46,000 per month. BUT, the numbers don't lie, according Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 787,000 jobs were purged from the rolls. I guess, according to Obama and his figures, the actual numbers for may would have been 833,000.
Remember, PORKulus is to "save or create" jobs, mostly in the 'green' industry. Yet Suzlon Rotor Corp. in Pipestone will cut its workforce in half because of weak demand for its wind turbine blades -- even as state and federal officials are still pushing renewable energy sources.
I read the following Wall Street Journal Opinion and this piece managed to capture my thoughts.
The opinion piece puts a square focus on the job term, 'saved or created'. And, what I find interesting, there is no government office that tracks and counts jobs saved. According to Tony Fratto, Deputy Assistant and Deputy Press Secretary to former United States President George W. Bush, "We would never have used a formula like 'save or create[.] To begin with, the number is pure fiction -- the administration has no way to measure how many jobs are actually being 'saved.' And if we had tried to use something this flimsy, the press would never have let us get away with it." Is Tony Fratto calling bullshit on the BIG O?
Politico sure paints a rosy picture of Obama's big "Saved or Created" speech from June 7th: "President Barack Obama announced Monday that he is ramping up stimulus spending exponentially in the next three months, allowing the administration to “save or create” 600,000 jobs — four times as many as during the first 100 days since he signed the bill.
“We’re in a position to really accelerate,” Obama said, unveiling plans to boost spending on national parks, summer youth jobs, veterans medical centers, police and teachers. [Great, more government jobs]
Hmmm, lemme see: 600,000 / 4 = 150,000. So, according to Obama, he has "saved or created" 150,000 jobs in his first 100 days in office which is about 46,000 per month. BUT, the numbers don't lie, according Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 787,000 jobs were purged from the rolls. I guess, according to Obama and his figures, the actual numbers for may would have been 833,000.
Remember, PORKulus is to "save or create" jobs, mostly in the 'green' industry. Yet Suzlon Rotor Corp. in Pipestone will cut its workforce in half because of weak demand for its wind turbine blades -- even as state and federal officials are still pushing renewable energy sources.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
President Apology
[Full Egypt speech linked to Huffington Post in title]
"I am also proud to carry with me the goodwill of the American people, and a greeting of peace from Muslim communities in my country: assalaamu alaykum."
"We meet at a time of tension between the United States and Muslims around the world - tension rooted in historical forces that go beyond any current policy debate. The relationship between Islam and the West includes centuries of co-existence and cooperation, but also conflict and religious wars. More recently, tension has been fed by colonialism that denied rights and opportunities to many Muslims, and a Cold War in which Muslim-majority countries were too often treated as proxies without regard to their own aspirations. Moreover, the sweeping change brought by modernity and globalization led many Muslims to view the West as hostile to the traditions of Islam. [emphasis added by me]
There must be a sustained effort to listen to each other; to learn from each other; to respect one another; and to seek common ground. As the Holy Koran tells us, "Be conscious of God and speak always the truth." That is what I will try to do - to speak the truth as best I can, humbled by the task before us, and firm in my belief that the interests we share as human beings are far more powerful than the forces that drive us apart.
Part of this conviction is rooted in my own experience. I am a Christian, but my father came from a Kenyan family that includes generations of Muslims. As a boy, I spent several years in Indonesia and heard the call of the azaan at the break of dawn and the fall of dusk.
I know, too, that Islam has always been a part of America's story[.].. And when the first Muslim-American was recently elected to Congress, he took the oath to defend our Constitution using the same Holy Koran that one of our Founding Fathers - Thomas Jefferson - kept in his personal library.
...
So I have known Islam on three continents before coming to the region where it was first revealed. That experience guides my conviction that partnership between America and Islam must be based on what Islam is, not what it isn't." [emphasis added by me]
I do not care that Obama has all but stated he is/was a Muslim. I have Muslim friends, I own a beautiful leather bound copy of the Koran that was given to me as a gift from a good friend who is a convert. What bothers me is both the tone of almost contempt displayed by Obama towards America and his glowing representaion of how the "West" has treated Muslim majority countries.
While we're at it, why during the campaign, were people labeled "racist" for asking if Obama is/was Muslim. If he's going to run around the middle-east on an apology tour touting his Muslim roots, why were his Muslim roots hushed during the campaign?
"I am also proud to carry with me the goodwill of the American people, and a greeting of peace from Muslim communities in my country: assalaamu alaykum."
"We meet at a time of tension between the United States and Muslims around the world - tension rooted in historical forces that go beyond any current policy debate. The relationship between Islam and the West includes centuries of co-existence and cooperation, but also conflict and religious wars. More recently, tension has been fed by colonialism that denied rights and opportunities to many Muslims, and a Cold War in which Muslim-majority countries were too often treated as proxies without regard to their own aspirations. Moreover, the sweeping change brought by modernity and globalization led many Muslims to view the West as hostile to the traditions of Islam. [emphasis added by me]
There must be a sustained effort to listen to each other; to learn from each other; to respect one another; and to seek common ground. As the Holy Koran tells us, "Be conscious of God and speak always the truth." That is what I will try to do - to speak the truth as best I can, humbled by the task before us, and firm in my belief that the interests we share as human beings are far more powerful than the forces that drive us apart.
Part of this conviction is rooted in my own experience. I am a Christian, but my father came from a Kenyan family that includes generations of Muslims. As a boy, I spent several years in Indonesia and heard the call of the azaan at the break of dawn and the fall of dusk.
I know, too, that Islam has always been a part of America's story[.].. And when the first Muslim-American was recently elected to Congress, he took the oath to defend our Constitution using the same Holy Koran that one of our Founding Fathers - Thomas Jefferson - kept in his personal library.
...
So I have known Islam on three continents before coming to the region where it was first revealed. That experience guides my conviction that partnership between America and Islam must be based on what Islam is, not what it isn't." [emphasis added by me]
I do not care that Obama has all but stated he is/was a Muslim. I have Muslim friends, I own a beautiful leather bound copy of the Koran that was given to me as a gift from a good friend who is a convert. What bothers me is both the tone of almost contempt displayed by Obama towards America and his glowing representaion of how the "West" has treated Muslim majority countries.
While we're at it, why during the campaign, were people labeled "racist" for asking if Obama is/was Muslim. If he's going to run around the middle-east on an apology tour touting his Muslim roots, why were his Muslim roots hushed during the campaign?
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Why Prove You're an American to Vote in the U.S.?
[Link in title]
By SHANNON McCAFFREY, The Associated Press
"The Justice Department has rejected Georgia's system of using Social Security numbers and driver's license data to check whether prospective voters are citizens, a process that was a subject of a federal lawsuit in the weeks leading up to November's election."
...
"In a letter released on Monday, the Justice Department said the state's voter verification program is frequently inaccurate and has a "discriminatory effect" on minority voters..."This flawed system frequently subjects a disproportionate number of African-American, Asian and/or Hispanic voters to additional, and more importantly, erroneous burdens on the right to register to vote," Loretta King, acting assistant attorney general of the Justice Department's civil rights division, said."
First off, according to information I found [link], in Georgia there were 50,000 "voters" that were flagged due to citizenship questions. Of the 50,000 that were purged, 4,500 have yet been able to prove their citizenship.
Second, what exactly is wrong with having to verify you are indeed a citizen before you cast a vote in an election? Put it this way; A few weeks ago my friends co-op was holding a building election. This was an important election, up for grabs this year was both the HOA President and Treasury. As a non-resident in the building, I can't just vote in their HOA election. For obvious reasons I should not be able to vote in the HOA election. Though my single vote could sway the outcome, there is no reason for me to be involved in the politics of this co-op. If the implications of a non-resident voting in an HOA election could lead to long term harm in a co-op, what could illegal votes in a federal or local government election lead to?
By SHANNON McCAFFREY, The Associated Press
"The Justice Department has rejected Georgia's system of using Social Security numbers and driver's license data to check whether prospective voters are citizens, a process that was a subject of a federal lawsuit in the weeks leading up to November's election."
...
"In a letter released on Monday, the Justice Department said the state's voter verification program is frequently inaccurate and has a "discriminatory effect" on minority voters..."This flawed system frequently subjects a disproportionate number of African-American, Asian and/or Hispanic voters to additional, and more importantly, erroneous burdens on the right to register to vote," Loretta King, acting assistant attorney general of the Justice Department's civil rights division, said."
First off, according to information I found [link], in Georgia there were 50,000 "voters" that were flagged due to citizenship questions. Of the 50,000 that were purged, 4,500 have yet been able to prove their citizenship.
Second, what exactly is wrong with having to verify you are indeed a citizen before you cast a vote in an election? Put it this way; A few weeks ago my friends co-op was holding a building election. This was an important election, up for grabs this year was both the HOA President and Treasury. As a non-resident in the building, I can't just vote in their HOA election. For obvious reasons I should not be able to vote in the HOA election. Though my single vote could sway the outcome, there is no reason for me to be involved in the politics of this co-op. If the implications of a non-resident voting in an HOA election could lead to long term harm in a co-op, what could illegal votes in a federal or local government election lead to?
Monday, June 1, 2009
Michael Moore and Obama - birds of a feather
[Link in title]
Although I hate to generate web traffic to Michale Moore's web site (thankfully, no one reads this so no one will actually click the link), Michael Moore has proven himself to be, in my opinion, a genuine Marxist.
In a post dated today, Moore writes of the "joy" of the fall of G.M. Of course, Moore has a long hate-filled history with G.M. starting with "Roger and Me".
Moore tries to lay out an argument for all sorts of "for the people" type stuff for G.M:
"1. Just as President Roosevelt did after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the President must tell the nation that we are at war and we must immediately convert our auto factories to factories that build mass transit vehicles and alternative energy devices." [...]President Obama, now that he has taken control of GM, needs to convert the factories to new and needed uses immediately."
"2. Don't put another $30 billion into the coffers of GM to build cars. Instead, use that money to keep the current workforce -- and most of those who have been laid off -- employed so that they can build the new modes of 21st century transportation."
"3. Announce that we will have bullet trains criss-crossing this country in the next five years." [...] Let's hire the unemployed to build the new high speed lines all over the country."
[...]
"9. To help pay for this, impose a two-dollar tax on every gallon of gasoline. This will get people to switch to more energy saving cars or to use the new rail lines and rail cars the former autoworkers have built for them."
The list goes one. But, Moore is advocating changing the the way free American's behave -- all under the government controlled G.M.
Meanwhile, Obama says that He said the government would refrain from playing a management role in all but the most critical areas. [source: Wall Street Journal http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124385428627671889.html] WTF is a critical area? I take this to mean the old board is out and an Obama friendly board will be put in place, where they can be "put in their place".
G.M., long the leader in pick-up's and SUV's (the most profitable vehicles G.M. ever produced), will be reduced to making cars and light trucks that will offer no utility and reduced on the road safety. With G.M. out of the SUV/truck market there will be a long lasting "trickle down effect" through other industries, such as: boat makers, trailer camper producers and a myriad of other industries.
Although I hate to generate web traffic to Michale Moore's web site (thankfully, no one reads this so no one will actually click the link), Michael Moore has proven himself to be, in my opinion, a genuine Marxist.
In a post dated today, Moore writes of the "joy" of the fall of G.M. Of course, Moore has a long hate-filled history with G.M. starting with "Roger and Me".
Moore tries to lay out an argument for all sorts of "for the people" type stuff for G.M:
"1. Just as President Roosevelt did after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the President must tell the nation that we are at war and we must immediately convert our auto factories to factories that build mass transit vehicles and alternative energy devices." [...]President Obama, now that he has taken control of GM, needs to convert the factories to new and needed uses immediately."
"2. Don't put another $30 billion into the coffers of GM to build cars. Instead, use that money to keep the current workforce -- and most of those who have been laid off -- employed so that they can build the new modes of 21st century transportation."
"3. Announce that we will have bullet trains criss-crossing this country in the next five years." [...] Let's hire the unemployed to build the new high speed lines all over the country."
[...]
"9. To help pay for this, impose a two-dollar tax on every gallon of gasoline. This will get people to switch to more energy saving cars or to use the new rail lines and rail cars the former autoworkers have built for them."
The list goes one. But, Moore is advocating changing the the way free American's behave -- all under the government controlled G.M.
Meanwhile, Obama says that He said the government would refrain from playing a management role in all but the most critical areas. [source: Wall Street Journal http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124385428627671889.html] WTF is a critical area? I take this to mean the old board is out and an Obama friendly board will be put in place, where they can be "put in their place".
G.M., long the leader in pick-up's and SUV's (the most profitable vehicles G.M. ever produced), will be reduced to making cars and light trucks that will offer no utility and reduced on the road safety. With G.M. out of the SUV/truck market there will be a long lasting "trickle down effect" through other industries, such as: boat makers, trailer camper producers and a myriad of other industries.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Imam Thinks the U.S. is Hell?
I have met Omar Jamal a few times, he at this time seems to take the right stance against an Imam who has made some troubling statements.
This is from March.
Who Gives a Shit if She's Latina?
[link in title]
Today Obama announced his choice for the Supreme Court, Judge Sonia Sotomayor. Sotomayor is a self described 'Newyorican' of Puerto Rican decent but raised in the burrough of Bronx, New York. She rose from poverty to attend the ivory halls of both Princeton and Yale Law School (for this I applaude her!). While attending Princeton it sounds like she developed a chip on her shoulder; "I have spent my years since Princeton, while at law school and in my various professional jobs, not feeling completely a part of the worlds I inhabit," she said, adding that that despite her accomplishments, “I am always looking over my shoulder wondering if I measure up.” [source: New York Times] In 1992 then President George Herbert Walker Bush appointed Sotomayor to district court. In 1997 President William Jefferson Clinton appointed Sotomayer to the U.S. appeals court which the Republican's blocked for close to a year before finally giving in to seat her on the appeals court.
Her most high-profile case involved New Haven’s decision to toss out tests used to evaluate candidates for promotion in the fire department because there were no minority candidates at the top of the list.
She was part of a panel that rejected the challenge brought by white firefighters who scored high but were denied promotion. Frank Ricci, the lead plaintiff, argued that it was unfair he was denied promotion after he had studied intensively for the exam and even paid for special coaching to overcome his dyslexia.
The case produced a heated split in the Circuit Court and is now before the Supreme Court. [source: New York Times] Great, she'll get to hear the case again, I wonder how she'll rule?
I'm sure we would all agree the job of a Justice is to hear cases brought before the Court and to decide the case not based on "feelings" but rather the rule of law. You CAN NOT make policy from the bench nor should you. However, Sotomayer seem's to have a different take: [the]"court of appeals is where policy is made. And I know — I know this is on tape, and I should never say that because we don’t make law. I know. O.K. I know. I’m not promoting it. I’m not advocating it. I’m — you know.” [emphasis added]
In fact, she has other interesting quotes that once again are based on "feelings" rather then logic. For example, “I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn’t lived that life...”
I don't care if she is the first latina nominated to the Supreme Court, she has a racist line of thinking and she has proven by her own actions and words that she is willing to make policy from the bench and decide cases based on feelings rather then logic and rule of law.
Today Obama announced his choice for the Supreme Court, Judge Sonia Sotomayor. Sotomayor is a self described 'Newyorican' of Puerto Rican decent but raised in the burrough of Bronx, New York. She rose from poverty to attend the ivory halls of both Princeton and Yale Law School (for this I applaude her!). While attending Princeton it sounds like she developed a chip on her shoulder; "I have spent my years since Princeton, while at law school and in my various professional jobs, not feeling completely a part of the worlds I inhabit," she said, adding that that despite her accomplishments, “I am always looking over my shoulder wondering if I measure up.” [source: New York Times] In 1992 then President George Herbert Walker Bush appointed Sotomayor to district court. In 1997 President William Jefferson Clinton appointed Sotomayer to the U.S. appeals court which the Republican's blocked for close to a year before finally giving in to seat her on the appeals court.
Her most high-profile case involved New Haven’s decision to toss out tests used to evaluate candidates for promotion in the fire department because there were no minority candidates at the top of the list.
She was part of a panel that rejected the challenge brought by white firefighters who scored high but were denied promotion. Frank Ricci, the lead plaintiff, argued that it was unfair he was denied promotion after he had studied intensively for the exam and even paid for special coaching to overcome his dyslexia.
The case produced a heated split in the Circuit Court and is now before the Supreme Court. [source: New York Times] Great, she'll get to hear the case again, I wonder how she'll rule?
I'm sure we would all agree the job of a Justice is to hear cases brought before the Court and to decide the case not based on "feelings" but rather the rule of law. You CAN NOT make policy from the bench nor should you. However, Sotomayer seem's to have a different take: [the]"court of appeals is where policy is made. And I know — I know this is on tape, and I should never say that because we don’t make law. I know. O.K. I know. I’m not promoting it. I’m not advocating it. I’m — you know.” [emphasis added]
In fact, she has other interesting quotes that once again are based on "feelings" rather then logic. For example, “I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn’t lived that life...”
I don't care if she is the first latina nominated to the Supreme Court, she has a racist line of thinking and she has proven by her own actions and words that she is willing to make policy from the bench and decide cases based on feelings rather then logic and rule of law.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Medical Mary Jane
Medical use of marijuana is out. Meanwhile, daily non-medical use is still accepted, legal or not. Tim Pawlenty feels, ...marijuana poses "serious public safety and health risks." Legalizing marijuana, even under limited conditions, "could serve to compound these problems..."
Does the use of pot serve as a public safety risk? I don't think so. In fact, marijuana is as much a gateway as french fries are to child obesity.
According to a study published at The American Journal of Psychiatry conducted by the University of Pittsburgh and several people with lots of letters after their names. The study says that environment and access to drugs contributes more to the "drug ladder" then the simple use of marijuana alone.
To back up the Pitt study, a 1999 study by the Division of Neuroscience and Behavioral Health at the Institute of Medicine entitled "Marijuana and Medicine: Assessing the Science Base," found no evidence of a link between cannabis use and the subsequent abuse of other illicit drugs on the basis of its particular physiological effect.
While I tend to be pretty conservative, I don't think we should police what people consume in their own home. If we as a society continue to keep alcohol legal we might as legalize pot use. In fact, I would rather be on the road with a bunch of pot heads over a bunch of drunks. Drunks speed and swerve all over the road. Pot heads just kinda go slow as they're never in a hurry. They will however rush to BK to get a Flaming Whopper and some cheesy tots.
T-Paw, let the fucking dying smoke some weed, what could it hurt?
Does the use of pot serve as a public safety risk? I don't think so. In fact, marijuana is as much a gateway as french fries are to child obesity.
According to a study published at The American Journal of Psychiatry conducted by the University of Pittsburgh and several people with lots of letters after their names. The study says that environment and access to drugs contributes more to the "drug ladder" then the simple use of marijuana alone.
To back up the Pitt study, a 1999 study by the Division of Neuroscience and Behavioral Health at the Institute of Medicine entitled "Marijuana and Medicine: Assessing the Science Base," found no evidence of a link between cannabis use and the subsequent abuse of other illicit drugs on the basis of its particular physiological effect.
While I tend to be pretty conservative, I don't think we should police what people consume in their own home. If we as a society continue to keep alcohol legal we might as legalize pot use. In fact, I would rather be on the road with a bunch of pot heads over a bunch of drunks. Drunks speed and swerve all over the road. Pot heads just kinda go slow as they're never in a hurry. They will however rush to BK to get a Flaming Whopper and some cheesy tots.
T-Paw, let the fucking dying smoke some weed, what could it hurt?
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Lakeville school board declines to ban Confederate flag decal
[link in title]
The school board was concerned that banning the rebel flag on campus would violate the Constitution. By SARAH LEMAGIE, Star Tribune
Bravo to the Lakeville school board! Here is a school board that understands the right to free speech.
However, in reading the story I found some troubling statements and quotes: " Amundson's decal led to several complaints and a petition - signed by roughly 50 Lakeville school employees -- calling for the school board to ban the Confederate flag from school grounds." The board's stance disappointed some at Lakeville South, including teacher Peter Woollen, who worried the district could be heading down a slippery slope and said several students have told him the symbol offends them. [Teacher, Peter] Woollen said he's not accusing the student of being racist, but perhaps "naive." At least two parents complained to school officials, and [teacher, Peter] Woollen filed a formal objection with the district last month.
WTF? First off, Peter Woollen sounds like a complete asshole! Peter, you have proven yourself to be the "naive" one. These kids are in highschool and they have a life time of being offended ahead of them. You know what offends me? That stuipid "coexist" bumpersticker or a Che Guevera tee-shirt.
Several students and two parents complained? While I couldn't find total student enrollment numbers for Lakeville South H.S., there are 11500 students in the Lakeville district. Assuming there are 1000 students and each student lives with one and a half parent, thats 1500 parents. Two complaints equals just 0.001333% of the parent population. If less then 1% of the parents are concerned and "several" (ambiguous to say the least) students complained I would say this is a non-factor.
Peter, you can't protect these kids from stuff that offend's them. I would guess that more students are offended by the fact that you Peter, are trying to remove the right of free speech from the high school campus. As for the other 49 Lakeville school employees who signed the petition - how does it feel to be on the wrong side of the U.S. Constitution?
UPDATE: I just found a letter that Peter Woollen wrote to the StarTribune in regards to some sort of advertising done by the American Voter Fund. He's complaining to the Strib about "red shirts" the GOP used after the Civil War to gain votes. Sounds to me like Peter Woollen would rather everone wore brown shirts. I don't know the specifics of the ad mentioned, but the link can be found here: http://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2006/02/012953.php?format=print
The school board was concerned that banning the rebel flag on campus would violate the Constitution. By SARAH LEMAGIE, Star Tribune
Bravo to the Lakeville school board! Here is a school board that understands the right to free speech.
However, in reading the story I found some troubling statements and quotes: " Amundson's decal led to several complaints and a petition - signed by roughly 50 Lakeville school employees -- calling for the school board to ban the Confederate flag from school grounds." The board's stance disappointed some at Lakeville South, including teacher Peter Woollen, who worried the district could be heading down a slippery slope and said several students have told him the symbol offends them. [Teacher, Peter] Woollen said he's not accusing the student of being racist, but perhaps "naive." At least two parents complained to school officials, and [teacher, Peter] Woollen filed a formal objection with the district last month.
WTF? First off, Peter Woollen sounds like a complete asshole! Peter, you have proven yourself to be the "naive" one. These kids are in highschool and they have a life time of being offended ahead of them. You know what offends me? That stuipid "coexist" bumpersticker or a Che Guevera tee-shirt.
Several students and two parents complained? While I couldn't find total student enrollment numbers for Lakeville South H.S., there are 11500 students in the Lakeville district. Assuming there are 1000 students and each student lives with one and a half parent, thats 1500 parents. Two complaints equals just 0.001333% of the parent population. If less then 1% of the parents are concerned and "several" (ambiguous to say the least) students complained I would say this is a non-factor.
Peter, you can't protect these kids from stuff that offend's them. I would guess that more students are offended by the fact that you Peter, are trying to remove the right of free speech from the high school campus. As for the other 49 Lakeville school employees who signed the petition - how does it feel to be on the wrong side of the U.S. Constitution?
UPDATE: I just found a letter that Peter Woollen wrote to the StarTribune in regards to some sort of advertising done by the American Voter Fund. He's complaining to the Strib about "red shirts" the GOP used after the Civil War to gain votes. Sounds to me like Peter Woollen would rather everone wore brown shirts. I don't know the specifics of the ad mentioned, but the link can be found here: http://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2006/02/012953.php?format=print
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Commuting by Bike May Kill You
Startibune.com link in title
"An adult male bicyclist was killed early this morning near downtown Minneapolis when a truck driver turned into the cycling lane on Park Avenue, crushing the rider."
One thing about the opening paragraph that stikes me, "...a truck driver turned into the cycling lane on Park Avenue..." Was the truck driver turing left or right?
A quick search of Google Street View shows that when on Park Ave heading north (the only direction you can travel) shows that the bike lane in on the left side of the street. To the left you can turn onto Grant and to the right is E. 14th. This intersection is controlled by a light. If the driver of the truck did indeed turn into the bike lane I would guess he was making a left onto Grant. I would also guess he had a green light to do so (since you cant turn left on a red). So how does the biker get hit by the rear wheels of the trailer? Simple: the biker was not paying attention!
UPDATE: According to Channel 5 the truck was indeed turning left onto Grant. Also, investigators said the [truck] driver will not be issued a citation. He was hit by the rear wheels, which to me seems the biker caused his own death.
"An adult male bicyclist was killed early this morning near downtown Minneapolis when a truck driver turned into the cycling lane on Park Avenue, crushing the rider."
One thing about the opening paragraph that stikes me, "...a truck driver turned into the cycling lane on Park Avenue..." Was the truck driver turing left or right?
A quick search of Google Street View shows that when on Park Ave heading north (the only direction you can travel) shows that the bike lane in on the left side of the street. To the left you can turn onto Grant and to the right is E. 14th. This intersection is controlled by a light. If the driver of the truck did indeed turn into the bike lane I would guess he was making a left onto Grant. I would also guess he had a green light to do so (since you cant turn left on a red). So how does the biker get hit by the rear wheels of the trailer? Simple: the biker was not paying attention!
UPDATE: According to Channel 5 the truck was indeed turning left onto Grant. Also, investigators said the [truck] driver will not be issued a citation. He was hit by the rear wheels, which to me seems the biker caused his own death.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Does Hamas Know Something About Obama?
[Link to Jerusalem Post in title]
Hamas reacted with pessimism on Tuesday to the meeting between Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and US President Barack Obama, saying that while the comments made by the two leaders professed hope, they were really just meant to deceive the world.
"Obama's remarks and expressions of hope were intended to deceive the international community regarding everything connected to the continuing behavior and existence of the racist and radical Zionist entity," a spokesperson for the group said in a statement published early Tuesday morning."
Hold up, wait a minute. Is this spokesman for Hamas saying that President Obama is just glad handing with Israel with no intention of support? I have read and re-read this several times and all I can conclude is Hamas thinks all Obama is doing is insincere with Our relationship with Israel. Obama will bend Binyamin Netanyahu's ear until Israel backs-off, thus giving a moral victory to Hamas which some think will only embolden further attacks against Israel.
What is next for Obama? Is he a tool of the people behind the curtain or worse yet, does he have a grand plan that he has begun to unfold in the internation community?
Hamas reacted with pessimism on Tuesday to the meeting between Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and US President Barack Obama, saying that while the comments made by the two leaders professed hope, they were really just meant to deceive the world.
"Obama's remarks and expressions of hope were intended to deceive the international community regarding everything connected to the continuing behavior and existence of the racist and radical Zionist entity," a spokesperson for the group said in a statement published early Tuesday morning."
Hold up, wait a minute. Is this spokesman for Hamas saying that President Obama is just glad handing with Israel with no intention of support? I have read and re-read this several times and all I can conclude is Hamas thinks all Obama is doing is insincere with Our relationship with Israel. Obama will bend Binyamin Netanyahu's ear until Israel backs-off, thus giving a moral victory to Hamas which some think will only embolden further attacks against Israel.
What is next for Obama? Is he a tool of the people behind the curtain or worse yet, does he have a grand plan that he has begun to unfold in the internation community?
Obama says he wants progress with Iran by year's end
By Ross Colvin
WASHINGTON (Reuters)[link in title]
"U.S. President Barack Obama set a rough timetable for his diplomatic outreach to arch-foe Iran for the first time on Monday, saying he wanted to see serious progress by the end of the year.
He also held out the prospect of tougher sanctions against Tehran "to ensure that Iran understands we are serious."
Whoa! That sounds serious! Damnit, if we dont have progress by years end... well I'm gonna have to extend your timeline another six months or so.
The majority of the people who live in Israel already feel that Obama is less a friend and more a foe of Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has regained power in Israel simply because he isn't afraid to defend his country and his people. The people of Israel understand that there are countries in thier backyard who, once given the technology, will stop at nothing to elimanate Israel.
Do we have a leader who is willing to protect his country and people? The jury may still be out on that but, based on the the first 100+ days, I don't think so.
WASHINGTON (Reuters)[link in title]
"U.S. President Barack Obama set a rough timetable for his diplomatic outreach to arch-foe Iran for the first time on Monday, saying he wanted to see serious progress by the end of the year.
He also held out the prospect of tougher sanctions against Tehran "to ensure that Iran understands we are serious."
Whoa! That sounds serious! Damnit, if we dont have progress by years end... well I'm gonna have to extend your timeline another six months or so.
The majority of the people who live in Israel already feel that Obama is less a friend and more a foe of Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has regained power in Israel simply because he isn't afraid to defend his country and his people. The people of Israel understand that there are countries in thier backyard who, once given the technology, will stop at nothing to elimanate Israel.
Do we have a leader who is willing to protect his country and people? The jury may still be out on that but, based on the the first 100+ days, I don't think so.
Obama to announce auto mileage, emissions standards
By KEN THOMAS and PHILIP ELLIOTT, Associated Press Writers [link in title]
WASHINGTON – "President Barack Obama's new fuel and emission standards for cars and trucks will save billions of barrels of oil but are expected to cost consumers an extra $1,300 per vehicle by the time the plan is complete in 2016."
According to my research the average cost of a new car is $28715.00. Add just over 4.5%, or $1300.00 and you're looking at a new car cost of $30015.00! Here in Minnesota the sales tax on a new car purchase is 6.5%, there is an additional $20.00 "Transit Tax" for a total of $31985.98. Don't forget license and registration which, based on the DMV base value book would be about $485.00. Each dealer in Minnesota charges a $75.00 delaer documentation fee of $75.00. Now, your total new car investment is $32545.98! How many people can afford to put 10 - 20% down?
For arguments sake lets say you do put 20% of the total cost down; $6509.20. You finance the balance of $26036.78 for 60 months at 5.24% offered by either the dealer or your local credit union. You would have monthly payment of $494.21 for the next FIVE YEARS! Is it any wonder that both GM and Chrysler are failing?
In what world does Obama live where the average family of four can swing not only $6500.00 down and then pay an additional $494.21 per month? According to the U.S. Census, the median family income here in Minnesota is $59583.00.
And if you have a boat or a couple of sleds, good luck towing them with your new Honda Civic.
WASHINGTON – "President Barack Obama's new fuel and emission standards for cars and trucks will save billions of barrels of oil but are expected to cost consumers an extra $1,300 per vehicle by the time the plan is complete in 2016."
According to my research the average cost of a new car is $28715.00. Add just over 4.5%, or $1300.00 and you're looking at a new car cost of $30015.00! Here in Minnesota the sales tax on a new car purchase is 6.5%, there is an additional $20.00 "Transit Tax" for a total of $31985.98. Don't forget license and registration which, based on the DMV base value book would be about $485.00. Each dealer in Minnesota charges a $75.00 delaer documentation fee of $75.00. Now, your total new car investment is $32545.98! How many people can afford to put 10 - 20% down?
For arguments sake lets say you do put 20% of the total cost down; $6509.20. You finance the balance of $26036.78 for 60 months at 5.24% offered by either the dealer or your local credit union. You would have monthly payment of $494.21 for the next FIVE YEARS! Is it any wonder that both GM and Chrysler are failing?
In what world does Obama live where the average family of four can swing not only $6500.00 down and then pay an additional $494.21 per month? According to the U.S. Census, the median family income here in Minnesota is $59583.00.
And if you have a boat or a couple of sleds, good luck towing them with your new Honda Civic.
The End of Anti-Strib?
All this week there has been some buzz over at Anti-Strib about the end being near.
On the one hand I understand why they're shutting down; time consumption, number of good posts and comments that have spun out of control. On the other hand, damn I enjoyed the blog!
Perhaps now is a time to offer fresh perspective? Take the Anti-Strib concept and turn it back to it's roots. With a closer look at local midwest news with a small focus on national and world events.
Anyone interested in contributing, please email me at tgwrh@yahoo.com. I can't do it alone but I think that as this grows we can do it right, with a balance of freedom matched with a dose of respect... No pissing matches allowed from either side of the opinion.
On the one hand I understand why they're shutting down; time consumption, number of good posts and comments that have spun out of control. On the other hand, damn I enjoyed the blog!
Perhaps now is a time to offer fresh perspective? Take the Anti-Strib concept and turn it back to it's roots. With a closer look at local midwest news with a small focus on national and world events.
Anyone interested in contributing, please email me at tgwrh@yahoo.com. I can't do it alone but I think that as this grows we can do it right, with a balance of freedom matched with a dose of respect... No pissing matches allowed from either side of the opinion.
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