Monday, October 31, 2011

Another Energy Company Goes Belly-Up

Beacon Power Corporation, which received $39 million in government loans through the same program that Solyndra used, has file Chapter 11 bankruptcy. This company was developing energy storage using "flywheels".

According to the company's CEO, the "capital intensive" business did not attract enough in investments or make enough to sustain business.

For more information, click here.

Cain's Former Secretary Talks about Cain and the Allegation of Sexual Harassment

In a recent article in "The Weekly Standard", Herman Cain's former executive assistant, Sibby Wolfson, speaks out against the allegation of sexual misconduct made by two female employees when Cain was head of the National Restaurant Association.

Wolfson, when asked if Cain ever acted in a way that could be construed as sexual misconduct, said, "No, God, no."

Those who know Cain have said that it would be completely out of character for him to do anything that would remotely look like sexual harassment.

For the full article, click here.

2 Women Accused Cain of Inappropriate Behavior

According a recent article in Politico, 2 women accused Herman Cain of inappropriate behavior during his tenure as the head of the National Restaurant Association in the 1990s. The 2 women had complained to colleagues and senior officials about his behavior. Finally, they left their positions with the trade association.

Over the past 10 days, Cain and his campaign repeatedly declined to answer these allegations.

For more details, click here.

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Eric Holder to Testify on Fast and Furious

In a recent CBS article, Eric Holder will be appearing before the House Judiciary Committee on December 8th, to answer questions about the gunrunning program, "Fast and Furious".

Judiciary Committee member and head of the House Oversight Committee Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) had requested that Holder appear, in part to dig deeper into when-he-knew-what about ATF's so-called "gunwalking" operation Fast and Furious.

For more information including the memos, click here.

Plans for Troop Buildup in the Persian Gulf

The Obama Administration is now looking at plans to increase troop buildups in the Persian Gulf to respond to Iraq's security needs or the need of military confrontation with Iran.

Since the announcement of troop withdrawals from Iraq by President Obama, this plan has moved up in priority.

Since the Obama administration and Iraq will not allow any US troops to remain the country, the Pentagon needs to consider alternatives should a military need arise to quickly deploy troops in response to aggression.

It is thought that the troops would be station in Kuwait.

For more information, click here.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

The Continuing Gang Threat


Gangs are expanding, evolving, and posing an increasing threat to U.S. communities.

That’s the bottom line of the just-released 2011 National Gang Threat Assessment, and it probably doesn’t come as a great surprise to anyone who follows the news or is active in their community.

This latest assessment—prepared by the National Gang Intelligence Center—builds on the gang-related trends and criminal threats identified in the 2009 assessment. The findings in the 2011 report are based on data from federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and corrections agencies as well as open source information.

The key findings from the 2011 assessment:
  • There are approximately 1.4 million active street, prison, and outlaw motorcycle gang members in more than 33,000 gangs operating in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. (Those numbers reflect an increase from 2009 figures, due primarily to more comprehensive reporting from law enforcement and enhanced gang recruiting efforts.)
  • Gangs are responsible for an average of 48 percent of violent crime in most jurisdictions and up to 90 percent in several others.
  • Gangs are increasingly engaging in non-traditional gang-related crimes like alien smuggling, human trafficking, and prostitution, as well as white-collar crimes like counterfeiting, identity theft, and mortgage fraud….primarily due to the high profitability and much lower visibility and risk of detection and punishment than drug and weapons trafficking.
  • Gang members are acquiring high-powered, military-style weapons and equipment, which poses a significant threat because of the potential to engage in lethal encounters with law enforcement and citizens alike.
  • Gangs are becoming increasingly adaptable and sophisticated, employing new and advanced technology—including social networking websites—to carry out criminal activity discreetly and connect with other gang members, criminal organizations, and potential recruits around the country and around the world.

Millionaire Filmmaker Michael Moore Speaks to "Occupy Wall Street" protesters in Oakland, CA

On Friday, millionaire filmmaker Michael Moore visited and spoke to the protesters after the mayor, Jean Quan, had fielded questions from reporters on the clashes between the police and protesters.

Moore flew in to speak with the "Occupy Oakland" protesters. He spoke near 30 tents that have gone up after the police on Tuesday had removed protesters.

Moore said, "I’m looking at the mosaic of the country right here in Oakland."

He went on further and said, "This weekend in Oakland will stand out as a watershed moment. Something good will come out of this movement.”

For more information, click here.

Nancy Pelosi Stands by Her 1,800 Obamacare Waivers

In a recent interview with CNBC, Representative Nancy Pelosi defends her position on granting 1,800 waivers to Obamacare. She points out that they are small businesses. One of the waivers went to McDonald's.

Click here for the full interview.

Friday, October 28, 2011

Health Tracking Poll Finds Over Half of Americans Unhappy with Obamacare

In a recent Kaiser Health Tracking poll, 51% of Americans have an unfavorable view of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), while 34 percent have a favorable view, a low point in Kaiser polls since the law was passed.

For more information, click here.

Chicago May Decriminalize Marijuana

Several Chicago councilmen are considering a new law that would decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana.

The Chicago police department arrests 23,000 people each year for possession. The thought is that if marijuana is decriminalized, the police would be free to handle more serious crimes.

According to the pro-marijuana group, NORML, the US spends $10 billion dollars each year to arrest and prosecute 523,000 people.

For more information, click here.

China to Support EU Rescue

The Chinese could play a significant role in the bailout of the Euro zone by contributing to its economic rescue fund. The question is to what extent will they play.

There, of course, will be conditions that will need to be met prior to the Chinese providing money to the bailout fund. The Chinese may elect to contribute to the fund using their own currency and expect repayment in their own currency which would increase its value.

For an in depth analysis of this, click here.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Hillary Rodham Clinton Beats GOP Presidential Candidates According to Poll

In a recent Time magazine poll, Hillary Rodham Clinton beats all of the GOP presidential candidates and has bigger margins than Obama.

For more information, click here.

Dow Surges on Euro Zone's Plan

The Dow Jones Industrial jumped more than 300 points with the news of Europe's plan to handle the sovereign debt crisis. The EU announced its plan to handle Greece's debt.

For more information, click here.

Italian Parliament Comes to Blows Over Reform

Two Italian deputies came to blows during a discussion regarding austerity measures that need to occur in their generous pension program.

Members of the Northern League, which are more center and right, are pushing for more than slight concessions on pensions programs.

For more information, click here.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Euro Zone Wants to Increase Rescue Fund to 1 Trillion Euros

European leaders want to increase the size of the rescue fund to 1 trillion euros and ask Greece's creditors to accept a 50% loss on their bondholdings.

Plans for handling the debt crisis have not been fully formed and still being discussed. Reuters managed to a get a copy of a draft with some details. The draft outlined options for using the 440 billion euro fund to help heavily indebted nations.

For more on this, click here.

Anti-Capitalist Group Calls for "Robin Hood" Tax

The anti-capitalist, Canadian-base group, Adbusters, is calling for a global protest this Saturday to demand that the G20 leaders impose a 1% tax on all financial transactions and currency trades. This so-called "Robin Hood Tax" would used, according to Adbusters, "to fund every social program and environmental initiative in the world."

This organization sparked the "Occupy Wall Street" movement and wants to "dethrone the greed that defines this new century."

For more information, click here.

State Department Spends $70K on Obama's Book

In a recent Washington Post article, the US State Department spent $70,000 to purchase copies of Obama's book, Dreams from My Father, to give as gifts to libraries around the world and individuals.

For the entire article, click here.

Government is #1 Problem for Small Businesses

In a recent poll, Small Business Index, conducted by Wells Fargo and Gallup, 22% of the small business owners surveyed identified government regulations and complying with them as their number one source of problems. Followed by lack of consumer confidence (15%) and lack of customer demands (12%).

The survey also found that small business owners believe that revenues will be done and that the availability of credit will also decrease.

For the full article, click here.

Greenspan: EU is Doomed to Fail

In a recent interview with MSNBC, former Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan, said, "At the outset of the creation of the euro in 1999, it was expected that the southern eurozone economies would behave like those in the north; the Italians would behave like Germans. They didn’t."

He later said, "Instead, northern Europe fell into subsidizing southern Europe’s excess consumption, that is, its current account deficits." 

Greenspan predicts that the fiscal problems for the southern portion of the EU will deepen and that the northern areas will no longer ship goods to it. The standard of living for the southern zone will be lowered.

For the full article, click here.

Eurozone Leadership Struggling to Come Up with a Plan

After struggling to come up with a plan to handle the economic problems and debt crisis, the leadership of the eurozone have canceled Wednesday's meeting to unveil their plan.

In the first draft, there was no mention of Greece and only a brief discussion regarding it possible bailout with no dates or timetables.

For more information, click here.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Students in Texas Illegally Eligible for State Aid

Illegal immigrants who do well in high school are not only eligible for lower-cost, in-state tuition rates at Texas universities and colleges. Thanks to legislation signed by Gov. Rick Perry in 2001, many are also receiving publicly funded grants to pay for their education.

For more information, click here.

Break Up of the EU?

In a stunning blow, England's Prime Minister, David Cameron, had 80 members of his own party rebel against their leadership and voted in favor of a referendum regarding England's membership in the EU.

Although the vote is not legally binding, it does signal a change with the people in England. The referendum seems to be gaining support.

Could this spell the end of the EU? Not really, but it is significant nevertheless.

For more on this, click here.

Monday, October 24, 2011

New York Public School Curriculum Racy

In a recent New York Post article, the New York Public School sex education curriculum has gotten a little racy for parents. This new curriculum will be taught starting next spring.

Middle school students will be given "risk cards" and asked to rate the safety of sexual activities from French kissing to oral sex.

The workbook for older students directed them to a web site run by Columbia University. The web site will cover topics on sexual positions, porn stars and bestiality. Students will also be directed to go to stores to find out what condom brands they sell and what their prices are.

For more information, click here.

Herman Cain and Newt Gingrich Set for Lincoln-Douglas Debate

The Texas Tea Party Patriots will be hosting a modified Lincoln-Douglas Debate between Herman Cain and Newt Gingrich.

According to Bill O'Sullivan, the treasurer for the group, told National Review Online that the recent debates have been "superficial" and "frustrating".

For more details, click here.

Perry to Roll Out Flat Tax Plan on Tuesday

Texas Governor Rick Perry will be unveiling his flat tax plan on Tuesday in South Carolina. Sources close to the campaign say that the flat tax will be 20% with an individual deduction of $12,500.

Perry has been consulting with Steve Forbes on this plan. It is also thought that Forbes will announce his endorsement of Perry after Perry announces his flat tax plan.

69% of US Voters Say that US is on the Decline

A recent "The Hill" poll found that 69% of the the US voters feel that the US is on the decline. 57% feel that the next generation will be worse off than this one.

Results suggest that voters see the economic and political problems as issues that will continue for many years.

For more on the poll, click here.

Libya to Use Sharia as Basis for Its Laws

According to Mustafa Abdul-Jalil, the chairman of the National Transitional Council and de facto president, Libya will use Sharia, the Islamic code, as its "basic source".

Although Egypt, under President Hosni Mubarak, used Sharia as its basis for its secular constitution, there are those who fear that Libya will become less western in its method for conducting business and trade.

Karzi Backs Pakistan over US

Afgan President Hamid Karzai announced that his country would back Pakistan should the US and Pakistan go to war. Pakistan has been harboring terrorists and continue to provide some level of support to them.

Although the likelihood of this situation is very low, Karzi's words are still difficult to deal with. When asked to clarify his points, the US Embassy in Kabul said that the Afgan government should be the one to clarify Karzai's statement.

Karzai further stated that no one including the US will dictate his country's actions.

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Analyst at Bank of America Predicting US Debt Downgrade

In an analyst note, Ethan S. Harris, an analyst at Bank of America, is predicting the continue slowing of the US economy this will lead to 2 things, the tightening on spending and a debt downgrade for the US.

According to him, the Super Committee responsible for cutting spending will deadlock and not accomplish anything. Since most of the Republicans signed the Norquist "No Taxes" pledge and Democrats are unwilling to cut entitlement programs, the committee will do nothing. The automatic spending cuts to defense will simply occur.

It is Mr. Harris' opinion that next year will be very difficult. Given the rate of inflation and the clueless attitude of this administration, Mr. Harris' findings are correct. It will be tough next year.

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Perry to Reveal His Tax Plan Next Week

In order to give his campaign a shot in the arm, Texas Governor Rick Perry will be revealing his flat tax plan next week. According to Perry, he wants to simply the federal tax code.

Although no details have been supplied yet, advisers to Perry have said that the plan will be "flatter and fairer" than Herman Cain's "9-9-9" plan. The concept of a flat tax is not a new one. Steve Forbes has been a big proponent of the flat tax and had been advising the campaign.

Sarah Palin has also endorsed the plan and has said that it is "going to gain momentum".

Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee Discusses US Loan to Fisker Automotive

The Department of Energy loaned $529 million to a Finland's Fisker to build an electric sport car that costs $97,000 that can go only 32 miles on its electrical system before switching over to its turbo-charged GAS engine. The car, Karma, only gets 19 miles to the gallon. That is worse than most SUVs.

The American public was told that American jobs would be created. It did not happen. Hundreds of jobs were created in Finland. According Fisker Automotive, they could not find an American manufacturer for the vehicle. A vehicle that costs more than three SUVs and get worse gas mileage.

Also, one more important point that seems to go unnoticed. Fisker Automotive is backed by Al Gore.

White House Blasts GOP After Job Bill Fails in the Senate

White House blames the GOP for not passing the Jobs Bill in the Senate. But, wait! The Democrats have the majority in the US Senate.

Herman Cain Tops Nevada GOP Straw Poll

Once again, Herman Cain proves that he is a force to be reckoned with in the GOP race to 2012. He topped the Nevada straw poll with 31% of the votes with Mitt Romney trailing behind at 29%. Newt Gingrich came in with a solid block of 20%.

Ron Paul came in with 10% with Rick Perry carrying 4% and Michelle Bachmann last with 1%.

Friday, October 21, 2011

"Occupy Wall Street" Protesters Defecating and Urinating on Private Property

Manhattan residents near Zuccotti Park, a privately-owned park, were expressing their frustrations during a Community Board 1 meeting. They are tired of the constant noise which includes cowbells at 4AM and drumming after 10PM every day. Residents are also reporting that people are defecating and urinating on their doorsteps. They are also concerned for the safety of their children. Each morning, residents of the area are insulted and harassed as they go to work.

Despite the complaints, the board members voted unanimously to allow the protesters to stay, but asked that there be a crackdown on the noise, public urination and defecation and harassment.

Occupy Toronto: "This Man Was in my Tent Sniffing my Girlfriend's Feet"

A man and his girlfriend claims that man got into their tent and began to sniff the woman's feet and trying to get people to drink urine.

Rape Attack Reported in Occupy Cleveland Tent City

19-year old woman reports that she was sexually assaulted at the "Occupy Cleveland" movement.

Jobs Warns Obama of an "One-Term Presidency"

According to the official biography of Apple's late co-founder, Steve Jobs had told President Obama that if he did not adopt more "business-friendly" policies, Obama would be heading for an one-term presidency.

This is from the Huffington Post, which obtained an advance copy of Jobs' biography.

Michelle Bachmann's New Hampshire Paid Staff Quit

According to news sources, Michelle Bachmann's New Hampshire paid staff has reportedly quit. In fact, one of the five members who is leaving, Caroline Gilger, is moving Rick Perry's election organization and will be starting on Monday.

According to news sources, the departing members of Bachmann's New Hampshire team have cited the lack of commitment to New Hampshire by the campaign.

President Obama Announces Withdrawal of US Troops in Iraq

President Obama, at a press conference, announced that all US troops in Iraq will be withdrawn by end of the year. In fact, he said that they "will definitely be home for the holidays."

The president made it clear that the withdrawal is making good on his promise to bring home US troops.

US "Misery Index" Highest Since 1983

Although it is the unofficial gauge of human misery in the US, the "misery index" has reached a 28-year high.

The index is calculated by using the rate of inflation and unemployment. The index is now resting at 13.0. This information underscores the continuing problems in the economy with high unemployment and increasing inflation.

Consumer prices rose 3.9% in the year ending in September. In this year alone, the index has risen by more than 2 points.

Pared-Down Jobs Bill Voted Down in the Senate

After the president's bus tour and campaigning for this jobs bill, the senate still voted down the pared-down jobs bill that would have provide $35 billion to hire new teachers and fund salary increases police and firefighters.

According to the bill, $30 billion would be used to hire new teachers and other school administrators while $5 billion would be used to help pay the salaries of police officers, firefighters and other first responders.

The Senate is also working to get the surcharge on the wealthy pushed through. An AP-GfK poll taken Oct. 13-17 found 62 percent of respondents favoring the surcharge as a way to pay for jobs initiatives. Just 26 percent opposed the idea.

Cost for Qaddafi

According to the Pentagon, the cost of this campaign to kill or capture Qaddafi is $1.1 billion just for the Americans.

VP Joe Biden in a speech said the the US "spent $2 billion total and didn’t lose a single life." This figure may be closer to reality when adding in all of the resources of the CIA, the State Department and other agencies.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

White House Attempts to Clarify Biden's Rape Comments

During a press conference, Jay Carney, White House Press Secretary, tries to clarify Vice President Joe Biden's rape comments used to get support for the President's jobs bill.

Qaddafi Dead

 According to a spokesman for the National Transitional Council, former Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi is dead. From reports provided, Qaddafi may have died from wounds that he received. Some reports said that Qaddafi was shot in each leg and once in the head.

Picture of the dead dictator have been shown on Libyan television and shared with other news outlets. His body is being taken to Misrata.

For more information, click here. (Warning: The news article is very descriptive about the wounds and includes a picture. It is very graphic.)

Qaddafi Reportedly Captured!

According a Reuters's story, deposed Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi was captured and wounded near his hometown of Sirte at dawn on Thursday as he tried to flee in a convoy which NATO warplanes attacked, National Transitional Council official Abdel Majid said on Thursday.

Click here for more information.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

VP Biden Uses Scare Tactics to Get Jobs Bill Passed

In Flint, Michigan, Vice President Biden warned residents that if the "American Jobs Act" isn't passed that there will probably be more rapes and murders in the city and across the nation.

Representative Barney Frank May Sympathize with "Occupy Wall Street" Protesters, but He Loves Wall Street Cash

Even though Representative Barney Frank sympathizes with the "Occupy Wall Street" protesters and the movement, it does not stop him from picking up some cash to fill his reelection coffers.

Representative Frank is not going to New York to stand with the protesters. He is going there to attend a fundraiser hosted at the home of Charles Myers, a senior investment banking advisor at Evercore Partners. Representative Frank is looking to get $2,500 out of each of the invitees to the fundraiser.

If you remember, Frank blamed Wall Street and the financial industry in general for the problems in the American economy.

Additionally, Senator Harry Reid was in New York for a fundraiser last month.

Things Not to Say on an Airplane

Federal authorities arrested Ali Reza Shahsavari, 29, of Indialantic, FL. who was aboard Southwest Airlines flight 3683 bound for Kansas City from Los Angeles. The flight was forced to make an emergency landing in Amarillo, TX at the Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport on October 18th.

Shahsavari, according to witnesses on board, began to scream, "You’re all going to die. You’re all going to hell. Allahu Akbar." Allahu Akbar is Arabic for "God is great".

For the article in the Amarillo Globe-News, click here.

Bickering Is Not Going to Work for the GOP

Doug Schoen, Democratic campaign consultant and pollster, argued during the post-GOP presidential debate in Las Vegas that the real winner of the debate was President Obama.

Many people that I have talked to this morning felt the same way. Gingrich hit the nail squarely on the head when he said that the GOP candidates and the bickering amongst themselves. Sarah Palin even admitted that the bickering proved to be a disappointment.

Each candidate needs to remember and practice the 11th Commandment.

"Thou shalt not speak ill of any fellow Republican."

Each needs to tell the American voter what they will do to stimulate the economy and let the electorate make the decision on who will be the best to defeat Obama. Given the unemployment and poor economy, the real goal for each GOP presidential candidate should be unseating President Obama rather than eviscerating each other.

GOP Presidential Debate: It's Not You, Herman. It's the Plan

In the latest round of GOP Presidential debates, the candidates basically told Herman Cain that it's not you, but it's the plan.

Santorum, Bachmann, Perry, Gingrich and Paul all took there turn at striking Herman Cain, but they did it in a very "friendly" way.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Obama Attacks Cain's 9-9-9 Plan

President Obama says that Herman Cain's 9-9-9 plan would be a burden on the middle-class and walking families.

According the president, the plan would make sure that the wealthiest would pay less in taxes while increasing taxes on the middle and working classes. The national sales would hit those who could not afford it the most.

President Obama says that this not new and it is the same plan that republicans continue to push.

These were comments made by President Obama in an ABC interview.

The President's Teleprompter Stolen

A NBC affiliate in Richmond, Virginia, has reported that President Obama's teleprompter has been stolen along with the portable sound system, several podiums and presidential seals. The equipment totalling $200,000 was stolen along with the truck that was transporting the equipment.

The truck was recovered; however, the equipment was missing.

Ron Paul Plan To Restore America Press Conference

The Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign announced the release of Dr. Paul's "Plan to Restore America," an ambitious federal government spending, tax and reform blueprint that as President he will implement.

The plan, authored by Paul's campaign staff at his direction, promises to restore the federal government to its former Constitutionally-limited, smaller-government and less-burdensome place. The plan cuts $1 trillion in federal spending during the first year of a Paul Presidency and delivers a balanced budget in year three of a Paul Presidency.

"Ron Paul's plan is the only one that seriously addresses the economic and budgetary problems our nation faces. It cuts $1 trillion in one year, and slashes regulations and taxes so our economy can grow and create jobs," said Ron Paul 2012 National Campaign Chairman Jesse Benton, a plan co-author.

"It's the only plan offered by a presidential candidate that actually balances the budget and begins to pay down the debt. And it's the only plan being offered that tries to reign in the Federal Reserve and get inflation under control."

Cuts totaling $1 trillion during the first year of a Paul Presidency would be achieved by eliminating five federal cabinet departments -- the Departments of Energy, Housing and Urban Development, Commerce, Interior and Education. Cuts of this scale will also be accomplished by a Paul Presidency abolishing the Transportation Security Administration and returning responsibility for security to private property owners, abolishing corporate subsidies, stopping foreign aid, ending foreign wars, and returning most other spending to 2006 levels.

Chavez's Former Doctor Gives Him Two More Years

Hugo Chavez, Venezuelan president, is being treated for cancer in Cuba and has undergone four rounds of chemotherapy since revealing that he had a cancerous tumor in June. Although the exact type is unknown, all that most know is that it is located in pelvic region.

Salvador Navarrete, his former personal surgeon, told Mexican newspaper Milenio Semanal on Sunday that the leader's condition likely was worse than publicly admitted. Chavez, according to his former doctor has about 2 years left to live.

For more information, click here.

Monday, October 17, 2011

Geraldo Calls Glenn Beck "Delusional" and "Paranoid"

Glenn Beck believes that the "Occupy Wall Street" movement is backed by communists.

Geraldo Rivera commented that Beck's views are "delusional" and "paranoid".
While Geraldo Rivera was visiting with some of the "Occupy Wall Street" protesters. He is attacked by one of the protesters. The protester dumps some sort of powder on him.

"Occupy Wall Street" Protesters Make Outrageous Comments

One protester, a young University of Colorado student in Denver, said, "“If you get the thirteen families that own the world, including George Bush and his administration, get them in front of the White House and hang them and shoot them, because they deserve that.”

A LA "Occupy Wall Street" protester, who identifies herself as Patricia McAllister and as an employee of Los Angeles Unified School District said,"I think that the Zionist Jews, who are running these big banks and our Federal Reserve, which is not run by the federal government... they need to be run out of this country."

Cain Leads Obama According to a Recent Rasmussen Report

In a hypothetical presidential matchup between Herman Cain and President Obama, Cain leads Obama by 2% according a Rasmussen report released today.

The question that is on the minds of most is whether or not this is a temporary bounce for Cain. Or, is the Cain Train gaining more steam and momentum?

After talking with retired individuals, they like what Cain is saying and support his 9-9-9 plan.

For more information, click here.

Alcohol Consumption Cost the U.S. $224 billion in 2006

The cost of excessive alcohol consumption in the United States in 2006 reached $223.5 billion or about $1.90 per drink, according to a new study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Almost three–quarters of these costs were due to binge drinking, consuming four or more alcoholic beverages per occasion for women or five or more drinks per occasion for men, the report said.

Excessive alcohol consumption, or heavy drinking, is defined as consuming an average of more than one alcoholic beverage per day for women, and an average of more than two alcoholic beverages per day for men, and any drinking by pregnant women or underage youth.

Click here for more information.

Department of Labor Offering $13 Million Grant to Combat Child Labor in Peru?

The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of International Labor Affairs has announced a $13 million competitive solicitation for cooperative agreements to combat exploitative child labor in Peru, including supporting efforts to address poverty and promote social inclusion.

Funded projects will target exploitative child labor in agriculture, mining and other hazardous work in Peru's Huancavelica and Huánuco regions, which have some of Peru's highest rates of poverty and work by children, and some of the country's lowest rates of primary and secondary school completion. Innovative, effective and integrated approaches will be used to increase children's access to quality education, promote sustainable livelihoods for households and increase beneficiaries' access to national social protection programs that help households eliminate dependence on child labor to meet basic needs.

For more details, click here.

Shift in Opinion About the "Occupy Wall Street" Movement

Both parties are beginning to change their opinions or move close to embracing the "Occupy Wall Street" movement.

In his dedication speech for the Martin Luther King memorial located in Washington, D. C., President Obama said, "Dr. King would want us to challenge the excesses of Wall Street without demonizing those who work there." This statement clearly referring to the "Occupy Wall Street" protesters.

In an interview with Chris Wallace on Fox News, House Majority Leader, Eric Cantor, said, "More important than my use of the word [‘mobs’] is that there is a growing frustration out there across the country and it is warranted. Too many people are out of work." Mr. Cantor, prior to the interview, had called the "Occupy Wall Street" protesters an "angry mob".

For Eric Cantor's remarks on Fox News, click here.
For more information on President Obama's speech and the shift in opinion of the "Occupy Wall Street" movement and the other demonstrations, click here.

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Europe Has 8 Days to Fix Its Financial Problems

The G20 on Saturday has told Europe to decisively resolve its sovereign debt crisis within 8 days. By not doing so, Europe continues to endanger the world economy.

Europe must come up with a comprehensive plan to resolve their financial problems and reduce the fear of contagion throughout the region and ultimately the world.

According to the Canadian Finance Minister, Jim Flaherty, if Europe does not resolve its issues by next Sunday's European summit, the risk of a global recession goes higher.

Germany and France are working to put together a plan before the European summit to address the two-year old crisis.

"Occupy Wall Street" Movement Goes Global

London and Rome now have their own version of the US' "Occupy Wall Street".

In London, the event began in front of St. Paul's Cathedral and began to make its way to Paternoster Square, where the London's Stock Exchange is located.The protesters in London call their movement "Occupy the Stock Exchange".
London Police, prior to their arrival had restricted access to Paternoster Square and notified protesters that the area is private property.

In Rome, hundreds of hooded and masked protesters rampaged through Rome as part of their "day of rage" against bankers and politicians while other chose to protest peacefully against the rich who are being blamed for the economic problems of the nation.

Cars were torched and windows smashed as police responded to the violent activities of the hooded protesters.

Saturday, October 15, 2011

White House Visitor Logs Are Top Secret

The Obama Administration is appealing a judge's ruling that the visitor logs kept by the Secret Service can be disclosed to the public under the Freedom of Information Act.

The Justice Department filed a formal notice of appeal Friday afternoon regarding U.S. District Court Judge Beryl Howell's August ruling rejecting arguments that the so-called WAVES records belong to the White House even though they are maintained and used by the Secret Service.

Although not every visit could be disclosed as provisioned by the Freedom of Information Act, Judge Howell saw no reason why other visits could not be disclosed.

White Houses Refuses to Release Information on Solyndra

As part of the the House's investigation into Solyndra, House Republicans requested all emails including those received or sent by the President using his Blackberry.

On Friday the White House Counsel sent a letter to the House Energy and Commerce Committee explaining they won't comply with the request because it "implicates longstanding and significant institutional Executive Branch confidentiality interests."

This should not come as a surprise considering that the White House has refused to comply with similar Congressional requests.

Friday, October 14, 2011

Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr.'s Jobs Plan

Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. has proposed his own jobs plan. It will cost $804 billion and will employ all unemployed people. According to the plan, the government will employ all unemployed people and pay them $40,000 each. Additionally, state and local governments will also receive money to deal with budget shortfalls.

Jackson points out that the plan will be a 5-year plan and use $600 billion for the unemployed. $104 billion will be used to bail out the states while another $100 billion to bail out the cities.

San Diego Police Move in on "Occupy SD" Protester

San Diego Police, at noon on Friday, began moving the "Occupy SD" protesters out of the San Diego Civic Center Plaza. 5 protesters were pepper-sprayed while another one was arrested.

The police department had issued a warning to the protesters to leave by midnight; however, they moved the deadline to 7AM Friday.

When the protesters refused to leave, the SD police responded.


View more videos at: http://nbcsandiego.com.

Could Solyndra Be Only the Tip of the Iceberg?

With yesterday's resignation of Solyndra's CEO, Brian Harrison, and discussions about other "green" loans, Congress is looking at the recipients of all of this money.

The company, SunPower, received its $1.2 billion loan guarantee in September, immediately before the program’s deadline. SunPower also carries $820 million in debt, which is $20 million more than its market capitalization. In short, it looks like the American taxpayer may get stuck with another huge loan to pay.

Take a look at the government's own press release on the loan.

April 12, 2011 - 12:00am

Washington D.C. --- U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced the offer of a conditional commitment for a $1.187 billion loan guarantee to support the California Valley Solar Ranch project, sponsored by SunPower Corporation. The project, which is being built in San Luis Obispo County, CA, includes the construction of a 250 megawatt alternating current photovoltaic (PV) solar generating facility and associated infrastructure. California Valley Solar Ranch is expected to create 350 jobs during construction and 10-15 permanent jobs. The project is also expected to avoid over 430,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually and produce enough to power for nearly 60,000 homes.

Another interesting story is Tonopah Solar Energy, a subsidiary of SolarReserve, which started building Crescent Dunes, a massive solar-thermal plant in the Nevada desert in early September.

One of SolarReserve’s major financial backers is the PCG Clean Energy & Technology Fund (East), whose second-in-command is Ronald Pelosi, the brother of the House Minority leader’s husband, Paul. Another investor is Argonaut Private Equity, a company that lost heavily in the Solyndra debacle.

As each day passes, more and more scandals are coming to light.

"Occupy Wall Street" Protesters Clash With Police in New York and Denver

So far, in New York, 10 protesters have been arrested after the protesters clashed with police in New York. Protesters began marching near privately-owned Zuccotti Park in Manhattan.

In Denver, dozens of police officers in riot gear marched on protesters near the state's capital. Most of the protesters retreated peacefully while others were arrested.

"Occupy Wall Street" Movement Protesters Urinating on Austin City Hall

I was listening to KLBJ 590AM in Austin, TX and heard that the City of Austin has to send in cleanup crews between 2AM and 4AM to pressure wash the sidewalks and the walls of city hall. "Occupy Wall Street" protesters are urinating on the walls of city hall and sidewalks. There were also stories about paint on the sidewalks and graffiti.

Taxpayers of already cash-strapped cities are now have to spend more money in providing cleanup crews and police protection.

In an article by Rob Port dated October 7, 2011, he points out that Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said that it has cost the NYPD $2 million in overtime to police the events.

Showdown in New York's Zuccotti Park Postponed

Yesterday, Brookfield Office Management employees began serving notice to the protesters camped out for 26 days that having tarps and sleeping bags were prohibited and that they were also creating an interference for others.

Last night, the protesters prepared to move from Zuccotti Park which served as their base of operations to Tompkins Square Park in the East Village. In order to stop Mayor Michael Bloomberg from sending in NYPD and the cleaning crews, the protesters marched on city hall to deliver thousands of petition to stop the cities actions.

In response to the new regulations, the Occupy Wall Street protesters asked for support on their website. They asked supporters to come to Zuccotti Park at 6AM this morning to stop the enforcement of the notice. They further stated on their website that if Mayor Bloomberg truly worried about the sanitation and trash, he should have "portopans and dumpsters" brought in. They also wanted their supporters to call 311 demanding that the action be stopped.

In a turn of events this morning, the planned cleanup was postponed. It is also reported that the protesters spent the night cleaning up the area.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

4 Occupy Wall Street Protesters in Austin, TX Arrested


4 Occupy Wall Street protesters were arrested in Austin, TX early Thursday morning.

The city posted a notice at City Hall to the protesters about a scheduled clean up planned between 2AM and 6AM. Protesters were told that they needed to leave the premises during this period. However, the protesters did not comply.


 

Hospitals Report Drug Shortages

Hospitals are reporting that they get little to no warning on shortages. Some report that everyday is a juggling act just to keep up with the demand and what they have in inventory.

President Obama Raises $70 Million

President Obama along with the Democratic party raised more than $70 million over the summer. They surpassed their original target of $55 million. However, it was down by $16 million when compared to the previous quarter.

Given the his declining numbers in the polls and the less than stellar economy, this may have caused the drop in campaign contributions. Average contributions to the Obama re-election campaign is about $56.

Buffett Made $62,855,038 Last Year

Republican Rep. Tim Huelskamp asked Warren Buffett for his tax returns. Mr. Buffett points out that he is not paying enough in taxes. Buffett further challenges other ultra-wealthy individuals to publish their tax returns.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Chicago Union Boss Could Get $500,000 Pension

While people are screaming at corporate CEOs about their bonuses, a Chicago union boss could be receiving a $500,000 pension.

According to the findings of a joint investigation by the Chicago Times and WGN-TV, at least 8 union leaders stand to receive massive pensions. One would receive $500,000 while another could receive $438,000. These individuals are benefitting from "the charitable interpretation" of the pension programs.

On Tuesday, state Sen. Mark Kirk released a report on Illinois' debt that said it had the worst credit rating of any state and that its debt was rising. With outrageous pension program interpretations, it is no wonder the state is facing massive financial problems.

While analyzing the pension payments for 59-year-old union official, Liberato "Al" Naimoli, it was discovered that he would get a total of about $9 million if he lived to his expected lifespan.

Why is the "Occupy Wall Street" movement protesting in Chicago? I guess if I was being paid to protest by the unions, I would not bite the hand that feeds me.

Eric Holder Leaves Press Conference Abruptly

While holding a press conference on the alleged Iranian-backed plot against the Israeli and Saudi embassies in Washington, Eric Holder is asked questions about the subpoena by special investigators regarding the "Fast and Furious" gunrunning operations.

Mr. Holder, I hope, will realize that the American public wants answers to this. Before it blows up even further, he needs to disclose everything. The tactics being used by the Justice Department is causing more harm and good.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Eric Holder on the Hot Seat

Congressional investigators will be sending a subpoena to Eric Holder regarding the "Fast and Furious" gunrunning operation. They will be asking for communications from about a dozen top Justice Department officials, including Holder; his chief of staff, Gary Grindler; and the head of the department's criminal division, Lanny Breuer, Fox News has learned.
In addition to those communications, the subpoena will also be seeking any communications between the Justice Department and the White House.

Occupy Wall Street Co-opted by Unions

Several news agencies and blog sites are reporting more and more union involvement in the disorganized "Occupy Wall Street" protests. One report pointed out that people were being hired by the unions and transported to locations to join the protesters. One reported that these "professional" grassroots protesters were being paid $600 per week.

It was so easy for the unions to take over this movement and use it to shift attention from the real problems. When these demonstrations started, there was no leader or list of proposed changes that everyone agreed to. The movement became nothing more than a mob of people with each member having their own agenda or list of items.

One reporter asked one of the protesters about why he was there. He said that this movement would be the awakening of the global consciousness. What that has to do with a 9.1% unemployment rate and a votility stock market is beyond me.

Given the disorganization and no clear message or leader, the unions see a perfect opportunity to use the mobs to their benefit and push their agenda. Even the leadership inside the Democrats are praising the protesters. They are working to curry favor with them to get them to vote.

Each protester talks about sticking it to the man. People, wake up. There are certain men who are sticking it to you and want to use you like a shill.

Monday, October 10, 2011

Egypt's Coptic Christians Upset with Army

In an article by Reuters, Egypt's Coptic Christians turned their fury against the army on Monday after at least 25 people were killed when troops broke up a protest, deepening public doubts about the military's ability to steer the country peacefully toward democracy.

Senator Dick Durbin Warns Republicans Over the Job Bills

Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) spoke with Al Hunt on Bloomberg about the Republicans and their position on the President's jobs bill. He said, "I hope there will be. And I'll tell you, if the Republicans take the current position and hold it, that they'll do nothing, I think they'll pay a price for it."

For the full video of this interview, click here.

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Commerce Department's Dirty Little Funding Secret

There is a little known organization called the Economic Development Administration which is inside the Commerce Department and it funds programs of significant value to the public.

Here's a list of some of those great EDA projects that the US taxpayers are funding.

1. $2 million for the Harry Reid Research and Technology Park. Yes, a monument to Senator Harry Reid.
2. $52 million for Cedar Rapids, Iowa for a convention center with the EDA covering most of the cost.
3. $2 million for a “culinary amphitheater” and wine tasting room in Richland, Washington.
4. $1.4 million for a new plant for Essar Steel Minnesota

Who needs a legislative bill with pork when you have little known organization just ready to throw cash at any pet project.

Darrell Issa Talks Fast and Furious Fallout

Chris Wallace talks with Representative Darrell Issa talks about "Fast and Furious".
The administration believes that they have nothing to explain to the American people. Since it is our tax dollars that pay their salaries and that there is no possibility of compromising national security, Eric Holder and the Obama administration owe us an explanation. They need to provide ALL of the emails and memos. Whatever happened to transparency that we were told during the election.

Friday, October 7, 2011

Huckabee: Democrats Are Vulnerable in 2012

Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee discusses the vulnerability of Democrats in 2012.

If the economy continues its downward trend, President Obama will be in a world of hurt.

Mitt Romney Discusses the Job Rates

Mitt Romney appeared on "Fox and Friends" this morning to the job rates and the President's pressure on Congressional Republicans. The President, once again, is singing the same old song about how we need to pass this bill to create jobs. The last bill didn't create anything other than more debt.

McConnell vs. Obama on the Jobs Bill

Senate Minority Leader discusses the chess match over the president's jobs bill, being called out directly during his press conference and more.

Greta Van Susteren of Fox News sits down with Senator Mitch McConnell to discuss the President's jobs bill. He points out that he wanted to bring the bill out to the floor for a vote. Senator Harry Reid stopped the vote. So, the President saying that the Republicans are stopping the vote is absolutely wrong.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Administration, House speaker spar over leadership of President Obama.

I think Boehner is absolutely correct about Obama's leadership. He has given up governing. Obama started campaigning for his second term the minute finished his oath.

Jay Carney sends out a tweet about the House not doing their job. That's a joke. NO democrat has sponsored the President's job bill. When Senator Mitch McConnell said that the President's bill needs to be brought to the Senate floor for a vote, Senator Harry Reid stopped it. Democrats are not even supporting the President's bill. This new jobs bill is joke.

The Obama administration has single-handly destroyed business by regulating it to death. For example, in a couple of weeks, new EPA regulations will be in effect. The EPA says it will need 230,000 new bureaucrats to enforce the new regulations. That will cost the American taxpayer a whopping $12 billion.

I guess we just employed more people. Nothing like growing the government and destroying business.

Alan Greenspan: It's the Gen-Xers Fault They're Out of Work

Here are his [Greenspan’s] words, in an interview with The Globalist:
"Baby boomers are being replaced by groups of young workers who have regrettably scored rather poorly in international educational match-ups over the last two decades. The average income of U.S. households headed by 25-year-olds and younger has been declining relative to the average income of the baby boomer population. This is a reasonably good indication that the productivity of the younger part of our workforce is declining relative to the level of productivity achieved by the retiring baby boomers. This raises some major concerns about the productive skills of our future U.S. labor force."

Click here for the entire article.

Herman Cain to the "Occupy Wall Street" Protesters: "Blame Yourselves"

Herman Cain is reaching the conservative base and showing that he has what it takes to be a no nonsense president. Many are like his directness and candor. I have to admit that I, too, like what I hear.

In a recent interview with the Wall Street Journal, Herman Cain said, "Don't blame Wall Street, don't blame the big banks, if you don't have a job and you're not rich, blame yourself!"

He further went on to say, "It is not a person's fault because they succeeded, it is a person's fault if they failed. And so this is why I don't understand these demonstrations and what is it that they're looking for."

You tell them, Mr. Cain!

Palin: Why I'm Not Running

Former Alaska governor, Sarah Palin, explains why she is not to running for president in 2012.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Herman Cain Soars in Polls

In a recent CBS news poll, Herman Cain soars and ties with GOP frontrunner, Mitt Romney. A lot of people are listening to him and they like what they hear.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Proposed List of Demands for the Occupy Wall Street Movement

While I was quietly eating my lunch and surfing the Internet, I ran across the proposed list of demands for the Occupy Wall Street Movement. It is very scary and very troubling. I find it very ironic that the protesters want to tear down the very system that provided them with an education, food, clothing, iPhones and the like. Each acts like a spoiled child who throws a fit in a supermarket and threatens to hold his breath.


This list of proposed demands can be viewed by clicking here.


For your convenience, I have listed a brief description of each.


1. Restoration of the living wage. Mr. Hart is asking that the minimum wage be increased to $20/hour and that "free-trade" should be ended. A trade tariff would be imposed on ALL imported goods.

If you think the prices of goods are high now, just think what they would be if this went into effect. OUCH!

2. Institute a universal single payer health care system. Health care insurance companies would be shut down.

In my opinion and from my experience, health care costs would skyrocket. Take a look at what happens when industries are owned and operated by the government. Service goes down hill. Prices go up. If prices do not go up, you can rest assured that rationing will be the result.

3. Guaranteed living wage income regardless of employment.

This is another good one. If you guarantee a wage regarding of employment, why bother working. You do not need to. The government will just hand you a check. If no one works, where does the money to pay the guaranteed living wage come from? Oh, dopey me. What am I thinking? The government will just print more.

4. Free college education.

Once again, why would you need a college education when you are guaranteed a living wage regardless of employment. If my needs are being met, I do not need to worry about advancing myself.

5. Begin a fast track process to bring the fossil fuel economy to an end while at the same bringing the alternative energy economy up to energy demand.

Energy costs will skyrocket. Since there is no good way of storing energy from solar or wind, what happens on windless, cloudy days? Since there is no incentive to improve oneself, I guess we will never come up with the solutions needed.

6. One trillion dollars in infrastructure (Water, Sewer, Rail, Roads and Bridges and Electrical Grid) spending now.

How do we fund this? Do we tax the living wages to the tune of 50-60% or more? If we tax more, then our wages are no longer living wages. Then, we raise the wages again. Then, we tax more. The image that comes to mind is a dog chasing his tail.

7. One trillion dollars in ecological restoration planting forests, reestablishing wetlands and the natural flow of river systems and decommissioning of all of America's nuclear power plants.

Where do we get the money for this? See demand 6.

8. Racial and gender equal rights amendment.

It is not enough to already have laws for this, but we now need an amendment to the Constitution. More laws and regulations. Just what we needed.

9. Open borders migration. anyone can travel anywhere to work and live.

With everyone running across the borders, what will happen to the infrastructure, health care and forests? They will need to drive on roads. They will need to see doctors. They will need a place to live. The answer is more taxes.

10. Bring American elections up to international standards of a paper ballot precinct counted and recounted in front of an independent and party observers system.

This is a good one. Have you seen the standards in other nations? Most of them are corrupt and do not work. Additionally, when the standards are adhered to, people challenge the results in court. Our legal system is now being tasked with electing our officials.

11. Immediate across the board debt forgiveness for all.

This proposed demands talks about ALL debt being erased. If debt is going to be erased and I get a wage regardless of employment, I should be really happy. I guess I need to tell my mortgage company about this one. It should be really excited about this one especially when they lay people off. Oh, I forgot, they get living wages regardless of employment and free education and health care.

12. Outlaw all credit reporting agencies.

This makes sense. If all debt is forgiven, there is no need for credit. No need for credit reporting agencies. What about the folks that work in the industry? Once again, they get free money, education and health care.

13. Allow all workers to sign a ballot at any time during a union organizing campaign or at any time that represents their yeah or nay to having a union represent them in collective bargaining or to form a union.

You have to put something in for the unions. Why? All of the employees would be getting a living wage and health care. Why do you even need unions if there will be a racial and gender equality amendment to the Constitution.

What a list!

New White House Solyndra E-mails Revealed

Sen. James Inhofe weighs in on what the administration knew and when.

Rep. Issa Talks Solyndra, Fast and Furious Scandals

Representative Issa talks about Solyndra and Fast and Furious scandals.

ATF Fast and Furious: New documents show Attorney General Eric Holder was briefed in July 2010

New documents show that Eric Holder was briefed about "Fast and Furious" in July, 2010. The new documents, obtained by CBS, show that Holder was provided memos almost 10 months earlier than he told Congress on May 3, 2011.

What will be Holder's defense? The "I Don't Read my Memos" defense may be the only one he has.