Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Monday, July 23, 2012
Another Solar Boondoggle?
Ex-Im Bank Approves Loan to Another Greendoggle with Obama Connections
By Bryan Preston
As a candidate for the presidency, Barack Obama criticized the Export-Import bank, but as president he has praised it and reauthorized it to continue loaning taxpayer money to private enterprises. Late last week, the Ex-Im loaned about $57 million to First Solar, ostensibly so the solar panel manufacturer could boost exports of its product to India. The Ex-Im’s press release says that the loan will help create 200 jobs at First Solar’s factory in Tempe, AZ. A quick calculation finds that the Ex-Im loan amounts to $285,000 per job.
First Solar is a curious choice for the Ex-Im to consider worthy of a huge loan. It was the worst performing firm on the SPX in 2011. It has also been linked with several junk bond firms. In March 2012,First Solar was found using government subsidies to “export” solar panels to itself.
But First Solar has connections, similar to the connections that won Solyndra its taxpayer-backed loans.According to Townhall columnist Marita Noon, several Obama campaign bundlers are investors in First Solar. Bruce Heyman, David Heller, and Jennifer Scully are all Obama bundlers who have investments in First Solar. First Solar CEO Michael Ahearn “gives generously (and exclusively) to Democrats.” Other First Solar investors include Goldman Sachs, whose former officials now infest the Obama administration, leftwing billionaire Ted Turner, Paul Tudor Jones, Whitney Tilson, and through Generation Investment Management, former Vice President Al Gore.
First Solar posted a $450 million loss in Q1 of 2012, and its stock has nosedived from $130 per share a year ago to less than $20 per share now. Its salesdropped 25% during the quarter. It’s this company that the Ex-Im is standing behind with $57 million of our money.
When President Obama talks about businesses not getting to where they are on their own, perhaps First Solar and Solyndra are the kinds of businesses he has in mind. They certainly didn’t waste millions in taxpayer dollars on their own. They had help, and as long as Obama and his crony socialists are in power, they will continue to have help.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Great Depression 11
If we think a healthy wall street is the answer, try the unemployment lines. The distance of the Wall street economy and the Main street economy is growing in leaps and bounds.
It is a simple situation. With Wall street, it is profit, loss and growth.
With Main street, it is jobs, unemployment, underemployment and starvation. Here in Northern Idaho we have people, a large group of folks here are geared for survival. Still, families are living in cars, abandoned vans and moldering old barns. Forest service campgrounds are no longer seasonal campgrounds for the family outings. They are now, lifeline's for the homeless.
The cause is simple. Back in the day, protective terrifies were an isolationist way to keep us from the follies of European and eastern messes, while allowing our economy to grow within.
That lasted until the powerful unions decided that their blue collar workers belonged in the middle class, whatever that was. Welders,machinists and such demanded wages that were non-competitive in the international marketplace.
The next step was for manufacturers, who answerable to their stockholders, found cheaper labor in the orient, Mexico and India. OK, one problem solved. Consumer products such as TVs, computers, steel beams, ET AL, were being produced by countries that hired labor at slavery wages, thence shipping out the U.S. work force.
We are now into the 5th year of great depression two. Not double dip, but a continuation of the original. Wall street is starting to slow down. Why? The law of unintended consequences. With all of this cheaper stuff produced in China,someone overlooked that without jobs, the thriving U.S. market could not survive without consumers. of which many had no longer any purchasing power. Free trade, turned out to be anything but free.
It is a simple situation. With Wall street, it is profit, loss and growth.
With Main street, it is jobs, unemployment, underemployment and starvation. Here in Northern Idaho we have people, a large group of folks here are geared for survival. Still, families are living in cars, abandoned vans and moldering old barns. Forest service campgrounds are no longer seasonal campgrounds for the family outings. They are now, lifeline's for the homeless.
The cause is simple. Back in the day, protective terrifies were an isolationist way to keep us from the follies of European and eastern messes, while allowing our economy to grow within.
That lasted until the powerful unions decided that their blue collar workers belonged in the middle class, whatever that was. Welders,machinists and such demanded wages that were non-competitive in the international marketplace.
The next step was for manufacturers, who answerable to their stockholders, found cheaper labor in the orient, Mexico and India. OK, one problem solved. Consumer products such as TVs, computers, steel beams, ET AL, were being produced by countries that hired labor at slavery wages, thence shipping out the U.S. work force.
We are now into the 5th year of great depression two. Not double dip, but a continuation of the original. Wall street is starting to slow down. Why? The law of unintended consequences. With all of this cheaper stuff produced in China,someone overlooked that without jobs, the thriving U.S. market could not survive without consumers. of which many had no longer any purchasing power. Free trade, turned out to be anything but free.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Changing Directions. Full speed behind.
A couple of days ago, the white house released a statement suggesting that the Premier of Israel and our president had a frank discussion. In political terms that means they didn't bring guns to the table with them. Netanyahu then publicly called out the president on national TV. It turns out that while nation building seems to be part of the agenda, Israel isn't willing to do that by emasculation of their country.
By declaring the pre-1967 boundaries as the only legitimate borders, Obama overlooked a great deal of history. First, the 1948 borders were not set by any international body. It was an armistice line. both sides had run out of gas at that point. At no time did Israel agree to 1948 as permanent. There is no realistic way, short of annihilating Israel, that they would live without Jeruselem. When they were attacked, and you must remember, none of the wars from 1948 through today were started by Israel. One of the natural misfortunes of war, is that when you lose, sometimes you lose territory as well. That the Moslem community built their temple on top of the ruins of the Jewish temple was an act of deliberate blasphemy toward their cousins.
There is ample historic precedence for losing land. After world war 1, Turkey, through the Ottoman Empire, lost huge amounts of land, which was divvied up by Britain into the modern day middle east countries. Some glaring error of judgement happened in that act. For one, they eliminated Kurdistan, dividing it up between Syria, Turkey, Iran and Iraq. Following WW11, both Japan and Germany lost land. I could extend this thread out to infinity and I would have written a history book. I think the former examples will suffice.
Then we come to the historical Palestine, which was not a defined country at all. The west bank was part of Jordan, (awarded by the British) and Egypt who owned the Sinai as well as Gaza. The future borders of Israel were not when awarded statehood, clearly defined. Israel shouldn't have to give away a damned thing until all of the other conquered lands are given back, including the potion of Russia that used to be Poland. Of course in that case we may have to give the south back as well, but perhaps since it was part of the union to begin with, we'll get a pass on that one.
Given that when the Hebrews left Egypt, they found the ten commandments which serves today in most of the civilized world as a basis for common law, and they were awarded the "Promised land, which they held until Rome kicked them out. Jesus was baptised in the Jordan River. West Bank) All over the world every year, the chant, "Jerusalem, next year," is heard. (I don't think I got that exactly right. Perhaps someone can give me that quote accurately.)
So then. To sum up, our president, after sixty-three years of support as part of our foreign policy, has indeed kicked Israel under the bus. But Wait! There's more! Two days later, realizing that he had defecated in his own mess kit he reversed himself, stating that everyone were friends and he was misquoted and misunderstood. Well Mr. president, thais has happened wa too many times for you to retain any semblance of credibility. I sincerely hope you enjoy your retirement party.
By declaring the pre-1967 boundaries as the only legitimate borders, Obama overlooked a great deal of history. First, the 1948 borders were not set by any international body. It was an armistice line. both sides had run out of gas at that point. At no time did Israel agree to 1948 as permanent. There is no realistic way, short of annihilating Israel, that they would live without Jeruselem. When they were attacked, and you must remember, none of the wars from 1948 through today were started by Israel. One of the natural misfortunes of war, is that when you lose, sometimes you lose territory as well. That the Moslem community built their temple on top of the ruins of the Jewish temple was an act of deliberate blasphemy toward their cousins.
There is ample historic precedence for losing land. After world war 1, Turkey, through the Ottoman Empire, lost huge amounts of land, which was divvied up by Britain into the modern day middle east countries. Some glaring error of judgement happened in that act. For one, they eliminated Kurdistan, dividing it up between Syria, Turkey, Iran and Iraq. Following WW11, both Japan and Germany lost land. I could extend this thread out to infinity and I would have written a history book. I think the former examples will suffice.
Then we come to the historical Palestine, which was not a defined country at all. The west bank was part of Jordan, (awarded by the British) and Egypt who owned the Sinai as well as Gaza. The future borders of Israel were not when awarded statehood, clearly defined. Israel shouldn't have to give away a damned thing until all of the other conquered lands are given back, including the potion of Russia that used to be Poland. Of course in that case we may have to give the south back as well, but perhaps since it was part of the union to begin with, we'll get a pass on that one.
Given that when the Hebrews left Egypt, they found the ten commandments which serves today in most of the civilized world as a basis for common law, and they were awarded the "Promised land, which they held until Rome kicked them out. Jesus was baptised in the Jordan River. West Bank) All over the world every year, the chant, "Jerusalem, next year," is heard. (I don't think I got that exactly right. Perhaps someone can give me that quote accurately.)
So then. To sum up, our president, after sixty-three years of support as part of our foreign policy, has indeed kicked Israel under the bus. But Wait! There's more! Two days later, realizing that he had defecated in his own mess kit he reversed himself, stating that everyone were friends and he was misquoted and misunderstood. Well Mr. president, thais has happened wa too many times for you to retain any semblance of credibility. I sincerely hope you enjoy your retirement party.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Economic Causes & Solutions
In order to fix a problem you have to understand what caused it. Our economic situation is now called the "Great Recession," to separate the dialogue from the original "Great Depression."
Originally, it is thought that rampant speculation in the stock market, along with low margin requirements started the whole thing. People were gambling on an out of control upswing in the stock market, but gambling with money they didn't own. When the market started to fall, margin calls went out to the investors. That meant they had to finish paying what they bought the stocks for in cash. The vast majority of stockholders couldn't do that, and the market plunged even further. Ergo, the crash of 1929. What most people today do not understand is that the depth of the depression didn't hit until 1932 and 1933. It wasn't until the U.S. started to crank up the industrial side to tool up for what loomed as the second world War that the depression was finally but slowly on it's way out.
Starting in 1929, it didn't really end until early 1939. Ten miserable years in which literally thousands of Americans starved. If it hadn't been for the fact that most in our country lived on either family farms, or at least acreage they could convert into food production, even more would have succumbed.
The post depression years were filled with two things. The first, World War two, the second many band aids were applied to regulate the economy so that this would never happen again. I'm not going to get blatantly into partisanship more than I have to here, but still, many will on both sides of the dogmatics crowd, think I have.
First, laws were passed so that Banks were limited to the state they were chartered in. Secondly, limitations were applied to percentages of stocks could be borrowed on margin. Another, and perhaps the most serious was the separation by law, of investment houses from commercial banks. Keep this paragraph in mind, as we revisit the subject again. These laws have all been overturned.
During the Forties and 50's, the era I grew up in, there weren't many safety nets, as they are popularly called. Old people were on county welfare, a system that kept starvation away, but didn't stop the roof from leaking. Social Security was introduced in 1937, started in January 1938, but payouts started in 1942, just four years after it's inception. By rushing into payments that hadn't accrued in this what was called an insurance program, negative cash flow started right from the beginning.
For those of you with computers, here is the short history of Social Security:
http://www.ssa.gov/history/briefhistory3.html.
Over the years, Politicians ran for office, generally promising a chicken in every pot and the government would provide the pot. Citizens ran for office, country, state, and federal, by promising to deliver things. Benefits, housing, jobs, etc. and they are still doing it today. Obviously, in a system whereby a politician is elected by what he or she can deliver, the ones that promised the most were usually elected. If they produced what they promised, they were usually re-elected as well. What the dumbed down populous didn't think about, was that when benefits ere delivered, they paid for them, not the "Government."
Taxes began to rise, as did the benefits. We have arrived to this, the second great depression because we wanted more from government than they could deliver, yet they continued to promise these things to the point over the years, and as new generations appeared, until we stopped paying attention to our history, or that history was altered to fit special interests.
While the industrial revolution was taking place, several social adjustments were as well. Unions organized, and sweat shops, child labor and such began to disappear. Wages went up and conditions improved, but like everything in life, the pendulum swings and with government, it usually swings hard past the original intents. Good old American know how and industrious workers managed through increased productivity. Manufacturers modernized their factories, and labor became more efficient.
We finally came to a point where the union movement had virtually taken over manufacturing in this country by pricing it's labor beyond what efficiency could absorb. When that happened, U.S productivity no longer could hold off the developing countries, some of which while we were not looking had become more developed than our selves, yet with economies that did not match ours. Their labor was less costly, mostly because their society had not gone the same route as we. People were living in sub-standard housing, even mud huts, but they were eating and educating their children who now are our scientist and engineers that were brought here because we weren't filling that gap through our own efforts.
We are in a declining civilization. We have all heard of "The Rise and Fall of Europe," but most assumed wrongly that it couldn't happen here. Over thousand of years civilisations have appeared, bloomed in wealth, then passed by by stronger countries, perished. We are a spoiled nation that demands that when tax revenues fall short, government support all of the programs that we have become accustomed to. Child care, Kindergarten, pre-school, none of which existed during my childhood.
Inflation took away the ability for most mothers to stay at home, and even with two incomes we aren't where we were when mom left home to work. During 1967-68 social security annual maximum payments stopped at $4400 per year. I passed that in the first quarter. Today social security is in trouble because it was mismanaged from the beginning. If private retirement funds were run the way our government runs it they would have been jailed long ago.
Our congress, when having to fund a war, borrows the money from Social Security trust fund. A trust fund that exists in name only, as it has been drained away. Most high tech jobs have gone elsewhere and will stay off shore until either the countries that have our business now, bring their economy up to ours, or wages in this country dip to the levels of theirs.
While wall street celebrates increasing profits those profits were obtained from goods and services produced by foreigners, not our over priced labor force. Some have indignantly asked me, "why can't our laborers become middle class too." The answer is they can't and still have our over all economy survive. As in other countries, many without a middle class, the rich get richer and the poor, poorer. Cheaper commodities won't cure anything if our average citizen can't afford to buy them at any price. Look for our illegal immigrant problem to solve itself. soon there will be an Exodus back to where they came from. Our day has passed, through greed and a history of lying office holders. Hire honest people and we'll maybe, just maybe get back to where we want to be.
Of all states, according to a study just published in the AARP newsletter and based on stats from the Center on Budget and policy priorities, the stats of interest are as follows. These are projected deficits by state, percentage wise for 2012:
Idaho at 3.9 billion, one of only three states with deficits less than 5%. Nevada, home of our senate leader, leads the deficit parade with 45.2 billion, followed by New Jersey at 37.4 billion. Texas with 31.5 billion top the front runners. Washington State is at 16.2 % and California at 29.3 as is Oregon at 25%. The winner on the low end is Indiana, led by former budget director in the Bush administration, Governor Mitch Daniels at an even 2%. Perhaps the Republican Party should be looking at Daniels instead of the glamour kings of the party. At least Daniels knows how to roll up his sleeves and do the business of governing without the demagoguery that plagues us all.
Originally, it is thought that rampant speculation in the stock market, along with low margin requirements started the whole thing. People were gambling on an out of control upswing in the stock market, but gambling with money they didn't own. When the market started to fall, margin calls went out to the investors. That meant they had to finish paying what they bought the stocks for in cash. The vast majority of stockholders couldn't do that, and the market plunged even further. Ergo, the crash of 1929. What most people today do not understand is that the depth of the depression didn't hit until 1932 and 1933. It wasn't until the U.S. started to crank up the industrial side to tool up for what loomed as the second world War that the depression was finally but slowly on it's way out.
Starting in 1929, it didn't really end until early 1939. Ten miserable years in which literally thousands of Americans starved. If it hadn't been for the fact that most in our country lived on either family farms, or at least acreage they could convert into food production, even more would have succumbed.
The post depression years were filled with two things. The first, World War two, the second many band aids were applied to regulate the economy so that this would never happen again. I'm not going to get blatantly into partisanship more than I have to here, but still, many will on both sides of the dogmatics crowd, think I have.
First, laws were passed so that Banks were limited to the state they were chartered in. Secondly, limitations were applied to percentages of stocks could be borrowed on margin. Another, and perhaps the most serious was the separation by law, of investment houses from commercial banks. Keep this paragraph in mind, as we revisit the subject again. These laws have all been overturned.
During the Forties and 50's, the era I grew up in, there weren't many safety nets, as they are popularly called. Old people were on county welfare, a system that kept starvation away, but didn't stop the roof from leaking. Social Security was introduced in 1937, started in January 1938, but payouts started in 1942, just four years after it's inception. By rushing into payments that hadn't accrued in this what was called an insurance program, negative cash flow started right from the beginning.
For those of you with computers, here is the short history of Social Security:
http://www.ssa.gov/history/briefhistory3.html.
Over the years, Politicians ran for office, generally promising a chicken in every pot and the government would provide the pot. Citizens ran for office, country, state, and federal, by promising to deliver things. Benefits, housing, jobs, etc. and they are still doing it today. Obviously, in a system whereby a politician is elected by what he or she can deliver, the ones that promised the most were usually elected. If they produced what they promised, they were usually re-elected as well. What the dumbed down populous didn't think about, was that when benefits ere delivered, they paid for them, not the "Government."
Taxes began to rise, as did the benefits. We have arrived to this, the second great depression because we wanted more from government than they could deliver, yet they continued to promise these things to the point over the years, and as new generations appeared, until we stopped paying attention to our history, or that history was altered to fit special interests.
While the industrial revolution was taking place, several social adjustments were as well. Unions organized, and sweat shops, child labor and such began to disappear. Wages went up and conditions improved, but like everything in life, the pendulum swings and with government, it usually swings hard past the original intents. Good old American know how and industrious workers managed through increased productivity. Manufacturers modernized their factories, and labor became more efficient.
We finally came to a point where the union movement had virtually taken over manufacturing in this country by pricing it's labor beyond what efficiency could absorb. When that happened, U.S productivity no longer could hold off the developing countries, some of which while we were not looking had become more developed than our selves, yet with economies that did not match ours. Their labor was less costly, mostly because their society had not gone the same route as we. People were living in sub-standard housing, even mud huts, but they were eating and educating their children who now are our scientist and engineers that were brought here because we weren't filling that gap through our own efforts.
We are in a declining civilization. We have all heard of "The Rise and Fall of Europe," but most assumed wrongly that it couldn't happen here. Over thousand of years civilisations have appeared, bloomed in wealth, then passed by by stronger countries, perished. We are a spoiled nation that demands that when tax revenues fall short, government support all of the programs that we have become accustomed to. Child care, Kindergarten, pre-school, none of which existed during my childhood.
Inflation took away the ability for most mothers to stay at home, and even with two incomes we aren't where we were when mom left home to work. During 1967-68 social security annual maximum payments stopped at $4400 per year. I passed that in the first quarter. Today social security is in trouble because it was mismanaged from the beginning. If private retirement funds were run the way our government runs it they would have been jailed long ago.
Our congress, when having to fund a war, borrows the money from Social Security trust fund. A trust fund that exists in name only, as it has been drained away. Most high tech jobs have gone elsewhere and will stay off shore until either the countries that have our business now, bring their economy up to ours, or wages in this country dip to the levels of theirs.
While wall street celebrates increasing profits those profits were obtained from goods and services produced by foreigners, not our over priced labor force. Some have indignantly asked me, "why can't our laborers become middle class too." The answer is they can't and still have our over all economy survive. As in other countries, many without a middle class, the rich get richer and the poor, poorer. Cheaper commodities won't cure anything if our average citizen can't afford to buy them at any price. Look for our illegal immigrant problem to solve itself. soon there will be an Exodus back to where they came from. Our day has passed, through greed and a history of lying office holders. Hire honest people and we'll maybe, just maybe get back to where we want to be.
Of all states, according to a study just published in the AARP newsletter and based on stats from the Center on Budget and policy priorities, the stats of interest are as follows. These are projected deficits by state, percentage wise for 2012:
Idaho at 3.9 billion, one of only three states with deficits less than 5%. Nevada, home of our senate leader, leads the deficit parade with 45.2 billion, followed by New Jersey at 37.4 billion. Texas with 31.5 billion top the front runners. Washington State is at 16.2 % and California at 29.3 as is Oregon at 25%. The winner on the low end is Indiana, led by former budget director in the Bush administration, Governor Mitch Daniels at an even 2%. Perhaps the Republican Party should be looking at Daniels instead of the glamour kings of the party. At least Daniels knows how to roll up his sleeves and do the business of governing without the demagoguery that plagues us all.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
I have worried and preached against our industries going off shore for quite some time. In the case that currently is going to bite the consumers on the butt, is auto parts. Most Japanese cars, such as Toyota, Honda, Subaru,Mazda and Nissan assembly lines have either been shut down for lack of parts, or severely curtailed. Even American cars get many electronic and other parts from Japan. Soon the aircraft industry will be similarly hit, since Boeing gets many assemblies from Japan.
Years ago, in the interest of saving money, manufacturers in the United States began shipping electronic components off shore. It has been years since any television sets have been manufactured here. All but a few electronic components, such as micro-chips are gone. Sent to Japan and other oriental places like Taiwan or Singapore.
This and other manufacturing areas is known as putting all of your eggs in one basket, to coin an old phrase. This is a wake-up call to the US government as well as the industries affected. When trees can be shipped to Japan, and milled there cheaper than here, something is wrong. When iron ore can be shipped to Japan, processed into steel, then shipped back to the US market and sold cheaper than our own steel mills, something is wrong.
Currently, according the the Philadelphia Inquirer, and published in the Spokesman-Review, car dealers of many makes are not bargaining with buyers. It's full price or walk.
If we ever get into another war in the Orient, and some fear with China, our supply lines will be compromised in a way that defeated Japan in World War 11. Even without war, a country can blackmail us with the withholding of strategic materials, which could strangle our economy. We had better tool backup for these many items or float through the world at the mercy of others. We used to use Tariffs to even the playing fields until free market became a religious mantra. We are not supporting jobs for Americans with high wages, we are just eliminating their jobs when their labor no longer is competitive.
Practically every consumer item purchased in this country is made in China. Our national debt, for the most part is owned by China. We, in fact have become a third world country by skipping what made us great. In the quest to bring everyone into at least middle income classes, we have eliminated our ability to compete with lower incomes in other countries. We need to use this example of a natural disaster, to rethink how we do business with the rest of the world. My definition of "third world," is that country or area that sells their raw materials to an industrial country for manufacturing. We fit that model.
Ask yourself how many steel workers are employed today compared to 30 years ago. How about the aforementioned electronic industry, here where most were invented. We need to control imports and live within our own economy like we used to when times were much brighter. Are we to be lemmings, heading for the inevitable cliff? Or are we going to fight for REAL change.
Years ago, in the interest of saving money, manufacturers in the United States began shipping electronic components off shore. It has been years since any television sets have been manufactured here. All but a few electronic components, such as micro-chips are gone. Sent to Japan and other oriental places like Taiwan or Singapore.
This and other manufacturing areas is known as putting all of your eggs in one basket, to coin an old phrase. This is a wake-up call to the US government as well as the industries affected. When trees can be shipped to Japan, and milled there cheaper than here, something is wrong. When iron ore can be shipped to Japan, processed into steel, then shipped back to the US market and sold cheaper than our own steel mills, something is wrong.
Currently, according the the Philadelphia Inquirer, and published in the Spokesman-Review, car dealers of many makes are not bargaining with buyers. It's full price or walk.
If we ever get into another war in the Orient, and some fear with China, our supply lines will be compromised in a way that defeated Japan in World War 11. Even without war, a country can blackmail us with the withholding of strategic materials, which could strangle our economy. We had better tool backup for these many items or float through the world at the mercy of others. We used to use Tariffs to even the playing fields until free market became a religious mantra. We are not supporting jobs for Americans with high wages, we are just eliminating their jobs when their labor no longer is competitive.
Practically every consumer item purchased in this country is made in China. Our national debt, for the most part is owned by China. We, in fact have become a third world country by skipping what made us great. In the quest to bring everyone into at least middle income classes, we have eliminated our ability to compete with lower incomes in other countries. We need to use this example of a natural disaster, to rethink how we do business with the rest of the world. My definition of "third world," is that country or area that sells their raw materials to an industrial country for manufacturing. We fit that model.
Ask yourself how many steel workers are employed today compared to 30 years ago. How about the aforementioned electronic industry, here where most were invented. We need to control imports and live within our own economy like we used to when times were much brighter. Are we to be lemmings, heading for the inevitable cliff? Or are we going to fight for REAL change.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Unintended Consequences
If you are naive enough to believe that our people in Congress and the Senate know hat they are doing, get over it. Many, if not most laws that are passed for what looks like the public good, merely takes a problem from here and puts it there. It doesn't go away.
For instance probably the most egregious error our lawmakers have made recently,is to promote the use of Ethanol in our gasoline supplies. This was to solve two problems. One, lower dependence on oil and the other to benefit the environment. Neither have been accomplished. Gas is still at the $3.00 level and we merely passed the pollution baton to the Chinese. Now, instead of making our own, it drifts across the Pacific to our shore where no amount of amelioration will affect the outcome.
But by far, what corn subsidies have done to us is to raise almost double, the price of meat. Whether beef, pork or chickens, corn is a principal feed source. With energy companies competing for the same grain that formerly was mostly an animal feed crop. I for one, resent paying $3 per pound for ground beef, or $9 for a steak that was $5 just two or three years ago.
We need to urge our congressmen and senators to repeal the ethanol subsidy before they inadvertently create starvation in this country in addition to the screwed up economy. If obesity is a problem now, just wait until protein is eliminated from our diet.
For instance probably the most egregious error our lawmakers have made recently,is to promote the use of Ethanol in our gasoline supplies. This was to solve two problems. One, lower dependence on oil and the other to benefit the environment. Neither have been accomplished. Gas is still at the $3.00 level and we merely passed the pollution baton to the Chinese. Now, instead of making our own, it drifts across the Pacific to our shore where no amount of amelioration will affect the outcome.
But by far, what corn subsidies have done to us is to raise almost double, the price of meat. Whether beef, pork or chickens, corn is a principal feed source. With energy companies competing for the same grain that formerly was mostly an animal feed crop. I for one, resent paying $3 per pound for ground beef, or $9 for a steak that was $5 just two or three years ago.
We need to urge our congressmen and senators to repeal the ethanol subsidy before they inadvertently create starvation in this country in addition to the screwed up economy. If obesity is a problem now, just wait until protein is eliminated from our diet.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Power Play destroys Bayview Chamber
This has been an interesting week for the Bayview Chamber of Commerce. (Ain't) Elections were held for officers and board members. In the long history of the chamber, these elections were staggered so that only two out of the six board members were up for election each year. This was for the purpose of keeping continuity. That and other bylaws were changed at an ill attended meeting two years ago.
Many in the community felt like the DAC, or Developmental Analysis Committee had grown into something not originally intended. Somewhat radicalized, more power had been concentrated in the committee which then showed a solid front, thereby obtaining total control of the body. Or as an E-Mail circulated by "George," was titled, "DAC Rules." That pretty much defines what went down. Able to split off and become an independent pressure or influence group, they chose to take over and dominate the chamber, rather than go it alone.
Such an action, though I'm sure gave a "team" victory sense to the proponents of the DAC, instead has finished off the chamber as the voice of the community. Shunning others that did not agree with their party line,refusing to let diverse opinions prevail, the so called chamber has been reduced to as they say, "preaching to the choir." While perhaps the other extreme of making the chamber an all business venture was fine for the business owners, it too was perhaps a bit tipped to the other extreme. What could have saved the chamber, sans the power play, was to redefine the group with a more inclusive attitude toward businesses in town.
This leaves business out in the cold from an organization that has the word "commerce" in it, which now is a gross misrepresentation. Perhaps it is time for the marinas and other businesses to form a new group dedicated to furthering growth within the community, rather than the dead on arrival look on the streets these days. Certainly, there is the temptation for some of the business owners to retaliate in kind, since they are the victims of anti-business themes.
I, myself, saw this coming for a while now and divorced myself from the group. I firmly believe I did the right thing as have most others that became fed up with the few that want to control the many. We enter the next year with the chamber losing the one thing they couldn't afford to lose. Their identity as the voice of the entire community.
Many in the community felt like the DAC, or Developmental Analysis Committee had grown into something not originally intended. Somewhat radicalized, more power had been concentrated in the committee which then showed a solid front, thereby obtaining total control of the body. Or as an E-Mail circulated by "George," was titled, "DAC Rules." That pretty much defines what went down. Able to split off and become an independent pressure or influence group, they chose to take over and dominate the chamber, rather than go it alone.
Such an action, though I'm sure gave a "team" victory sense to the proponents of the DAC, instead has finished off the chamber as the voice of the community. Shunning others that did not agree with their party line,refusing to let diverse opinions prevail, the so called chamber has been reduced to as they say, "preaching to the choir." While perhaps the other extreme of making the chamber an all business venture was fine for the business owners, it too was perhaps a bit tipped to the other extreme. What could have saved the chamber, sans the power play, was to redefine the group with a more inclusive attitude toward businesses in town.
This leaves business out in the cold from an organization that has the word "commerce" in it, which now is a gross misrepresentation. Perhaps it is time for the marinas and other businesses to form a new group dedicated to furthering growth within the community, rather than the dead on arrival look on the streets these days. Certainly, there is the temptation for some of the business owners to retaliate in kind, since they are the victims of anti-business themes.
I, myself, saw this coming for a while now and divorced myself from the group. I firmly believe I did the right thing as have most others that became fed up with the few that want to control the many. We enter the next year with the chamber losing the one thing they couldn't afford to lose. Their identity as the voice of the entire community.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Nothing Is Forever
I have been writing for the Spokesman-Review since The beginning of the Prairie Voice and subsequently, the Handle Extra. That, if I remember correctly, was the spring of 2007. April to be precise. In the beginning, I wrote news and features for Bayview, then included Athol as well as a few stories from Spirit Lake. At the time, I was writing at least two and sometimes more stories per week.
Then the paper started cutting back. First, I was down to two to three stories a month, then the Prairie Voice was discontinued. I then started covering a little more territory and was published in the "Handle Extra." At the end of December, the Handle Extra will cease publication, and me with it. It has been a great run. I've thoroughly enjoyed every minute of every story. Sometime in the next two weeks, my last story will publish. It will be an overview of the four part history of Bayview which published last summer. It will be the 171st story that I have written for the paper.
I sincerely hope that during this period, you enjoyed reading about your friends and neighbors and sometimes even yourself. I did the best I could, but print journalism is on it's lips and while it may survive in some form, advertising revenue has shifted to the Internet. One great success story though, is Huckleberries On Line, the S/R's Idaho blog with blogmeister Dave Oliveria. His blog will hit 2.5 million page views for the year 2010, sometime Wednesday or Thursday. That, my friends, is success. For access to any of the stories I've written, you can go online to spokesman.com. Then click on "times" then enter herb huseland in the search box and shazzam, every story I've written is there in chronological order.
I don't know what is lurking around the corner, but I definitely caught the bug and will search out other opportunities as I find them. For a start, I'm going to sell advertising for this blog. I normally get from 60 to 120 visits per day from all over the area and even some other countries. The cost will be very inexpensive and your ad will be exposed to many potential customers. I can be reached at: bayviewherb@gmail.com or by phone 208-683-9107.
Then the paper started cutting back. First, I was down to two to three stories a month, then the Prairie Voice was discontinued. I then started covering a little more territory and was published in the "Handle Extra." At the end of December, the Handle Extra will cease publication, and me with it. It has been a great run. I've thoroughly enjoyed every minute of every story. Sometime in the next two weeks, my last story will publish. It will be an overview of the four part history of Bayview which published last summer. It will be the 171st story that I have written for the paper.
I sincerely hope that during this period, you enjoyed reading about your friends and neighbors and sometimes even yourself. I did the best I could, but print journalism is on it's lips and while it may survive in some form, advertising revenue has shifted to the Internet. One great success story though, is Huckleberries On Line, the S/R's Idaho blog with blogmeister Dave Oliveria. His blog will hit 2.5 million page views for the year 2010, sometime Wednesday or Thursday. That, my friends, is success. For access to any of the stories I've written, you can go online to spokesman.com. Then click on "times" then enter herb huseland in the search box and shazzam, every story I've written is there in chronological order.
I don't know what is lurking around the corner, but I definitely caught the bug and will search out other opportunities as I find them. For a start, I'm going to sell advertising for this blog. I normally get from 60 to 120 visits per day from all over the area and even some other countries. The cost will be very inexpensive and your ad will be exposed to many potential customers. I can be reached at: bayviewherb@gmail.com or by phone 208-683-9107.
Monday, November 8, 2010
New Feathered Friend
I just got a heads up from Chuck Murray about a rare find in his back yard. A Western Scrub Jay showed up October 24 and appears to be settling in for a long sty. Non-migratory, their habitat stretches from Southern Washington State to Texas, preferring the dry areas south of us. The last sighting of this specie in North Idaho was in 1977 around the Priest Lake area.
When Chuck notified the Audubon Society of this bird, requesting information on it, the society lit up like a Christmas tree with excitement over the find. Large numbers of bird watchers have descended on the Murray homestead, hoping for a peek at this rare bird. While they normally travel and feed in pairs, Chuck has only observed the one.
When the bird first arrived, Chuck didn't know what it was, so he took a picture of it and sent it to the Audubon people. About a week later, there were more bird watchers in his yard than birds.
Murray has been feeding birds at his home on Cape Horn Road for 20 years and has befriended a covey of California Quail that have lived in the area for a long time. Gradually they stopped spooking when the Murrays were around, until finally in the present time, they wait under a bush in his yard for the afternoon feeding around 3:30 pm. As far as the Jay is concerned, he hit pay dirt, since a hungry bird will find a smorgasbord at this location
Friday, October 29, 2010
Pay It Forward
"On October 30th 2010 at 6:pm, the American Legion Auxiliary will host its annual
“Pay It Forward” dinner. The dinner was started as a means of collecting food items for the ABC Food Bank located in Athol and in remembrance of Ellie, who believed the way to return a favor is to “Pay It Forward.” All of the supplies to cook the meal are donated from local merchants. The price of admission to the dinner is a donation of food or cash to the Food Bank.
This dinner was started in remembrance of a dear friend. Ellie taught me to return a favor by paying the favor forward. The last year that Ellie was in Germany she left her fully decorated Christmas Tree, households goods, and bedding with Norma Jean and her family. Her only request was to pass the gift on to someone else in need.
As we move into the fall and winter season, the economy is very slowly improving. There are friends and neighbors who are in need. Pay It Forward by donating what you can."
“Pay It Forward” dinner. The dinner was started as a means of collecting food items for the ABC Food Bank located in Athol and in remembrance of Ellie, who believed the way to return a favor is to “Pay It Forward.” All of the supplies to cook the meal are donated from local merchants. The price of admission to the dinner is a donation of food or cash to the Food Bank.
This dinner was started in remembrance of a dear friend. Ellie taught me to return a favor by paying the favor forward. The last year that Ellie was in Germany she left her fully decorated Christmas Tree, households goods, and bedding with Norma Jean and her family. Her only request was to pass the gift on to someone else in need.
As we move into the fall and winter season, the economy is very slowly improving. There are friends and neighbors who are in need. Pay It Forward by donating what you can."
Thursday, October 28, 2010
An Open Letter to the Timberlake Community
Oct 22, 2010
I am not personally involved in the recall efforts against commissioners Rudebaugh and Fish,however, I was a direct witness to their behaviors (both public and behind closed doors) and completely support and understand why the petitioners want them removed from office.
Rudebaugh and Fish are currently circulating a flyer that falsely states that “the only real reason the petitioners want a recall is because of a strong personal attachment to the former fire chief,a desire to have the former management structure returned, and a $500,000 permanent levy” on the citizens." These claims are false and simply represent more of the scare tactics these two men used to get elected in the first place. It is a well known fact that I am not returning and there are no plans for a levy or the return of the previous management structure.
The fire district is in very poor shape both in terms of equipment and personnel, and its future should be seriously discussed and decided by the citizens, in the form of town hall meetings supported by a community survey, which was the original plan crafted on December 16, 2009 in a work session of the entire board, including these two new commissioners. That meeting gave me unanimous direction to send out a newsletter and survey, to schedule town halls, and proceed with the commissioner supported plan to test public support for some form of levy to address the problems posed by a dilapidated fleet of vehicles. However the newsletter was halted by these two commissioners one day before it was to be mailed.
The August 2010 Timberlake Fire newsletter stated “In mid February, the chief acting on his own without Board approval, removed many pieces of equipment from service.” The board was informed that removing the apparatus was an option one week prior, and none of them objected. In fact, Rudebaugh gave specific direction to do it. Soon after that happened, he put a gag order in place, and then violated his own gag order by leaking information to a friend who called the press, and then acted surprised and strongly objected when the information appeared in the paper. I couldn’t believe it.
I would also like to confirm statements that the management contract was my idea. In March, I researched this as an option and discussed it with other chiefs since I was privately considering another employment opportunity and wanted to ensure that the district would have continuity of professional management in the interim. I brought up the idea of a “management contract” to the commissioners as one of several “short term” alternatives to help the district survive within its current funding, even though the district's long term problems would not be fixed unless we either decreased service or increased funding.
It was understood by all that this was one of several alternatives, and that what was needed was for the board of commissioners to discuss all options in a public forum and obtain feedback to gauge which options the public would support. Unfortunately, commissioners Rudebaugh,Fish and outgoing commissioner Quillin chose instead to move forward with a management contract by acting behind closed doors. All of the planning and options were supposed to be transparent and open, but it was not. It was very dirty politics and it upset a lot of people. In closing, I would just like to thank the citizens of the Timberlake Fire Protection District for two
wonderful years in which it was my honor to serve as your fire chief.
Jack Krill
Former Fire Chief, Timberlake Fire Protection District
I am not personally involved in the recall efforts against commissioners Rudebaugh and Fish,however, I was a direct witness to their behaviors (both public and behind closed doors) and completely support and understand why the petitioners want them removed from office.
Rudebaugh and Fish are currently circulating a flyer that falsely states that “the only real reason the petitioners want a recall is because of a strong personal attachment to the former fire chief,a desire to have the former management structure returned, and a $500,000 permanent levy” on the citizens." These claims are false and simply represent more of the scare tactics these two men used to get elected in the first place. It is a well known fact that I am not returning and there are no plans for a levy or the return of the previous management structure.
The fire district is in very poor shape both in terms of equipment and personnel, and its future should be seriously discussed and decided by the citizens, in the form of town hall meetings supported by a community survey, which was the original plan crafted on December 16, 2009 in a work session of the entire board, including these two new commissioners. That meeting gave me unanimous direction to send out a newsletter and survey, to schedule town halls, and proceed with the commissioner supported plan to test public support for some form of levy to address the problems posed by a dilapidated fleet of vehicles. However the newsletter was halted by these two commissioners one day before it was to be mailed.
The August 2010 Timberlake Fire newsletter stated “In mid February, the chief acting on his own without Board approval, removed many pieces of equipment from service.” The board was informed that removing the apparatus was an option one week prior, and none of them objected. In fact, Rudebaugh gave specific direction to do it. Soon after that happened, he put a gag order in place, and then violated his own gag order by leaking information to a friend who called the press, and then acted surprised and strongly objected when the information appeared in the paper. I couldn’t believe it.
I would also like to confirm statements that the management contract was my idea. In March, I researched this as an option and discussed it with other chiefs since I was privately considering another employment opportunity and wanted to ensure that the district would have continuity of professional management in the interim. I brought up the idea of a “management contract” to the commissioners as one of several “short term” alternatives to help the district survive within its current funding, even though the district's long term problems would not be fixed unless we either decreased service or increased funding.
It was understood by all that this was one of several alternatives, and that what was needed was for the board of commissioners to discuss all options in a public forum and obtain feedback to gauge which options the public would support. Unfortunately, commissioners Rudebaugh,Fish and outgoing commissioner Quillin chose instead to move forward with a management contract by acting behind closed doors. All of the planning and options were supposed to be transparent and open, but it was not. It was very dirty politics and it upset a lot of people. In closing, I would just like to thank the citizens of the Timberlake Fire Protection District for two
wonderful years in which it was my honor to serve as your fire chief.
Jack Krill
Former Fire Chief, Timberlake Fire Protection District
Monday, October 25, 2010
Bayview In The Rain
Today was/is a wet dreary day with light rain and lowering clouds obscuring the hills that surround Scenic Bay. Wisps of gray stream like gigantic spider webs, contesting the upcoming Halloween decor. Driving past the mercantile and JD's not a single patron was in evidence. Bayview appeared deserted.
Perhaps the only creatures in the bay that are happy, are the teaming Kokanee (Bluebacks) heading shoreward for a one-time only sex orgy. By the first of November, the shore spawning cycle will begin and the lives of these fish will end. It is hoped that this year's run will be as good or better than last. Many old time fishermen and women are wondering if they will ever be able to catch these tasty buggers. Dust covers the smokers that sit unattended in the corner of area garages, in hopes that Fish & Game will relent and allow at least a small catch next year. With the end of these fishy lives, the arrival of many bald Eagles will show up, decorating the sky with their majestic beauty.
Probably the most active employee in town quit her job Saturday. Norma Jean Knowles hung it up voluntarily. One of the few that has survived this long at Scenic Bay/JD's marinas decided she just didn't want to do it anymore. She should be proud of her many accomplishments.
Perhaps the only creatures in the bay that are happy, are the teaming Kokanee (Bluebacks) heading shoreward for a one-time only sex orgy. By the first of November, the shore spawning cycle will begin and the lives of these fish will end. It is hoped that this year's run will be as good or better than last. Many old time fishermen and women are wondering if they will ever be able to catch these tasty buggers. Dust covers the smokers that sit unattended in the corner of area garages, in hopes that Fish & Game will relent and allow at least a small catch next year. With the end of these fishy lives, the arrival of many bald Eagles will show up, decorating the sky with their majestic beauty.
Probably the most active employee in town quit her job Saturday. Norma Jean Knowles hung it up voluntarily. One of the few that has survived this long at Scenic Bay/JD's marinas decided she just didn't want to do it anymore. She should be proud of her many accomplishments.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Even In Idaho, This Election Year Is Unbelievable
This year might possibly go down as one of the wackiest ones in recent history. We have a congressman, Walt Minnick, democrat, dissing Obama. OK, not so unusual in this the avoid Obama year for dems.
Then we have two write-in campaigns in local races, both which actually have a chance to succeed. Jai Nelson, Darling of the Libertarian right polled just barely more than Curry and Filios in a three way primary race, causing Filios and Currie to team up in a write-in for Currie. None of the candidates polled more than 37%.
Then the bizarre candidacy of Phil Hart, late of the Constitution Party. Serving on the taxation committee in the state legislature. He owes a bunch to the federal government, and his own state, for which he legislates tax laws... AND, he passes the litmus test in the investigation of his conflict of interest. Plus, it is discovered that he allegedly stole enough logs from state lands to build his rustic mansion in Athol. Howard Griffiths, a man that we here in Bayview know and respect, couldn't stomach this travesty, as a republican himself, and starts a write-in, too.
Kootenai county clerk, Dan English, a thoroughly respected administrator, suddenly becomes a cause celeb from the same libertarian right that Jai Nelson springs from. As if the 15 year veteran wasn't there all along, the wackos eventually became enraged at the heresy of an admitted democrat that could actually hold office in this county. Of course many of his detractors don't even live in Kootenai county, but then that is why the term Carpet Baggers was coined, wasn't it.
For those of us in northern Kootenai County, the recall election in the Timberlake Fire Protection District. Two commissioners, most recent electees, Rudebaugh and Fish, enraged many in the district for firing a popular chief, then contracting for management with an adjoining district, ignoring that folks around here like to manage there own affairs. Local control is the foundation of conservative politics and the transfer of responsibility to Northern Lakes appears to have engendered widespread resentment.
Even local volunteer organizations are not exempt from the craziness that pervades our region. Here in Bayview, the so called Chamber of Commerce disses local businesses and caters to a special interest group that is anti-expansionist. This roiled up group appears to be spinning out of control. We hear that the coming election of officers in November,is in trouble. they can't find anyone that wants to hold these offices and many of the current board members can't wait to escape.
All in all, if in the firing line, duck, then go vote. Staying at home this year not only would be a travesty of monumental proportions, it would suggest that you just don't give a damn. That of course won't stop the non-voters from bitching, once the dust settles.
Then we have two write-in campaigns in local races, both which actually have a chance to succeed. Jai Nelson, Darling of the Libertarian right polled just barely more than Curry and Filios in a three way primary race, causing Filios and Currie to team up in a write-in for Currie. None of the candidates polled more than 37%.
Then the bizarre candidacy of Phil Hart, late of the Constitution Party. Serving on the taxation committee in the state legislature. He owes a bunch to the federal government, and his own state, for which he legislates tax laws... AND, he passes the litmus test in the investigation of his conflict of interest. Plus, it is discovered that he allegedly stole enough logs from state lands to build his rustic mansion in Athol. Howard Griffiths, a man that we here in Bayview know and respect, couldn't stomach this travesty, as a republican himself, and starts a write-in, too.
Kootenai county clerk, Dan English, a thoroughly respected administrator, suddenly becomes a cause celeb from the same libertarian right that Jai Nelson springs from. As if the 15 year veteran wasn't there all along, the wackos eventually became enraged at the heresy of an admitted democrat that could actually hold office in this county. Of course many of his detractors don't even live in Kootenai county, but then that is why the term Carpet Baggers was coined, wasn't it.
For those of us in northern Kootenai County, the recall election in the Timberlake Fire Protection District. Two commissioners, most recent electees, Rudebaugh and Fish, enraged many in the district for firing a popular chief, then contracting for management with an adjoining district, ignoring that folks around here like to manage there own affairs. Local control is the foundation of conservative politics and the transfer of responsibility to Northern Lakes appears to have engendered widespread resentment.
Even local volunteer organizations are not exempt from the craziness that pervades our region. Here in Bayview, the so called Chamber of Commerce disses local businesses and caters to a special interest group that is anti-expansionist. This roiled up group appears to be spinning out of control. We hear that the coming election of officers in November,is in trouble. they can't find anyone that wants to hold these offices and many of the current board members can't wait to escape.
All in all, if in the firing line, duck, then go vote. Staying at home this year not only would be a travesty of monumental proportions, it would suggest that you just don't give a damn. That of course won't stop the non-voters from bitching, once the dust settles.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Heavy Lifters-Not Trucks
There have been hundreds of trees cut down to tell the story of the boondoggle in shipping 175 ton half coker drums up highway 12, thence to and through Montana, which hasn't given permission yet either. Blocking off hwy 12, both lanes so that these monster loads can travel through Idaho to their final destination, the oil sands area of Calgary, Canada.
I have an off the wall suggestion that may actually work. It has been announced that many more over sized and over weight loads are planned for the future. Has anyone thought about flying over these routes rather than trucking them? No, I don't mean in a standard airliner. How about a rigid dirigible? I had read something about a new German built airship called the CL160. I even think there is one already here on the west coast.
The CL 160 as it's name implies, can carry a payload of 160 tons from point A to the end destination without touching the ground anywhere en route. True, 160 tons won't lift 175 tons, but those figures are so close, one wonders if the engineers that designed this machine hd a tolerance built in that would handle the additional weight. The airships use helium, not the hydrogen that the ill fated Hindenburg burned up with.
I urge the powers that be to look into this method of transporting extra heavy or extra large loads. How about we think outside the box just this once. Below is the source of the statistical information on these air machines.
http://www.aerospace-technology.com/projects/cargolifter/
I have an off the wall suggestion that may actually work. It has been announced that many more over sized and over weight loads are planned for the future. Has anyone thought about flying over these routes rather than trucking them? No, I don't mean in a standard airliner. How about a rigid dirigible? I had read something about a new German built airship called the CL160. I even think there is one already here on the west coast.
The CL 160 as it's name implies, can carry a payload of 160 tons from point A to the end destination without touching the ground anywhere en route. True, 160 tons won't lift 175 tons, but those figures are so close, one wonders if the engineers that designed this machine hd a tolerance built in that would handle the additional weight. The airships use helium, not the hydrogen that the ill fated Hindenburg burned up with.
I urge the powers that be to look into this method of transporting extra heavy or extra large loads. How about we think outside the box just this once. Below is the source of the statistical information on these air machines.
http://www.aerospace-technology.com/projects/cargolifter/
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
My Take
When a sitting Democrat in this one of the most conservative states in the union runs for re-election, it gets interesting. Add a little spin and it goes off the chart. Fact: Minnick is a conservative, a Blue Dog Democrat. Fact: The speaker of the house of Representatives is Pelosi, a San Francisco ultra-liberal. Fact: The Republican party needs to regain the majority in the house.
These are the facts that face voters, many moderate republicans and conservative democrats. I like Congressman Minnick. I like the way he talks straight. I like the way he votes, and I like the way that he tries to turn his party toward the center.
The Republican party seems to have only one major objection to his re-election. Well, two. They want Labrador, a Puerto Rican born citizen that makes a living as an attorney specializing in immigration issues. To me, that means he supports wetbacks. Note: (I don't feel it necessary to use politically correct terms that were invented on the left.) For the record, my first wife was born in Mexico and three of my children are half Mexican. This is not a bigot issue, it is whether our laws protecting against illegal immigration should be prostituted, in the ever lasting quest for new liberal voters. ... But I digress.
Illegal immigration isn't just about peasant farmers, their wives and five children. If this example can walk across the border, so can terrorists. In fact the terrorists could infiltrate English speaking Caucasians, or those that would pass for one, along with weapons as well.
The major issue with Minnick, according to pretty much every right wing conservative I've talked to, is that he is a vote for Pelosi. He has stated that he has made no decision on that matter. I expect that if it were a very close election that he would bolt the Pelosi gang. Last time up he was a congressional freshman. They are nominally told to shut up, sit down and learn the ropes.
To abandon a good man, a sound thinker for purely partisan politics, in my view, is wrong. Labrador is not half the man that Minnick is. I am crossing over to vote for Minnick, despite the fear factor. First, I believe that the one seat is not going to be a factor. This election is going to sweep many mistakes out of the House that were made in the coat tail election of Obama. Congressman Minnick should not fall victim to the throw the bastards out syndrome. It is sad that because the republican party activists control the primaries that a moderate can be elected in the general election but not by one's own party. I have a hunch that if that were not true, Minnick would run as the conservative that he is, and under the Republican party banner
These are the facts that face voters, many moderate republicans and conservative democrats. I like Congressman Minnick. I like the way he talks straight. I like the way he votes, and I like the way that he tries to turn his party toward the center.
The Republican party seems to have only one major objection to his re-election. Well, two. They want Labrador, a Puerto Rican born citizen that makes a living as an attorney specializing in immigration issues. To me, that means he supports wetbacks. Note: (I don't feel it necessary to use politically correct terms that were invented on the left.) For the record, my first wife was born in Mexico and three of my children are half Mexican. This is not a bigot issue, it is whether our laws protecting against illegal immigration should be prostituted, in the ever lasting quest for new liberal voters. ... But I digress.
Illegal immigration isn't just about peasant farmers, their wives and five children. If this example can walk across the border, so can terrorists. In fact the terrorists could infiltrate English speaking Caucasians, or those that would pass for one, along with weapons as well.
The major issue with Minnick, according to pretty much every right wing conservative I've talked to, is that he is a vote for Pelosi. He has stated that he has made no decision on that matter. I expect that if it were a very close election that he would bolt the Pelosi gang. Last time up he was a congressional freshman. They are nominally told to shut up, sit down and learn the ropes.
To abandon a good man, a sound thinker for purely partisan politics, in my view, is wrong. Labrador is not half the man that Minnick is. I am crossing over to vote for Minnick, despite the fear factor. First, I believe that the one seat is not going to be a factor. This election is going to sweep many mistakes out of the House that were made in the coat tail election of Obama. Congressman Minnick should not fall victim to the throw the bastards out syndrome. It is sad that because the republican party activists control the primaries that a moderate can be elected in the general election but not by one's own party. I have a hunch that if that were not true, Minnick would run as the conservative that he is, and under the Republican party banner
Thursday, September 16, 2010
I'm A Member Of The Party Of No!
I belong to the party of no. No, I'm not a right wing fanatic, nor a extremist libertarian. Just a little right of center. I believe in the following:
No, to federal courts legislating social justice from the bench. First of all, one must define social justice. None of us have the right to anything other than the right of Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Pursuit, not the realization as defined by the welfare state Obama is trying to bring about. Realization is when one fights and wins in the economic battle to succeed. That is referred to as ambition. I am a member of the party of no. I do not believe in supporting those that have no desire to further their economic future, but rely on people like Rangel and his ilk to do it for them.
No, to legislators and the executive trying to convince us that the constitution is out of date and that we need to liberally interpret it's meaning to fit the 21st century. I hear every day on line from young ignorant University Students, that having just been weaned, think that we need to fix what is broken in our governmental bible. This, the constitution that enabled a country just barely past puberty, to become the most powerful, productive and yes, progressive country in the world. Notice I used the word progressive in a positive way. The left has hijacked that word to suggest that every far left thought is progress. No it's not. What it is, is revisionist. Progress in this country, less the last five or six years, is rampant in a free economy.
What stopped progress, was the union movement in which politicians kowtowed to them. This over a period of time, caused the cost of manufacturing to be priced out of the market. This in turn, caused companies to go off shore for cheaper labor, since our products were no longer competitive. This condition still exists and will for a few years. Actually, many years if we don't reajust our priorities. We are not living in the 20'as anymore and don't have sweatshops employing children for 12 hours a day. That day is long gone and we need to adjust to a modern reality. We are not world leaders anymore. We ship raw materials off shore to the orient where steel beams are manufactured and shipped back to us to be sold cheaper that we can produce them ourselves. Folks, that makes us a third world country. A simple truth in politics is that there are more have nots than haves. Ergo, if you can get the have nots to vote for the party of giveth, they win the sad contest. Pride. Pride in ones self and in one's country is the principle that counts.
In situations where beyond ones ability to survive without help, obviously an advance society has to step forward and assist. When "progressive" politicians decide that cradle to the grave support for multiple generations of families used to being supported have no incentive to improve their own lives, you then have a liberal majority. You also have the beginning of the end of our republic as we know it.
No, to the corruption of the institution of marriage, by allowing those of the same sex to marry. Since they cannot produce children naturally from these unions, perhaps just the civil rights of contractual consent to share, to inherit, etc. is warrented. There is not any need to overturn centuries of tradition, not just Christian, but also every other recognized religion. Civilization is a delicate institution. It must be protected and nurtured. Suddenly, after centuries of tradition, the ultra liberals want to overturn everything in sight. Actually, rather than liberal, perhaps the term, anti-social or anti-family or anti-society should apply.
Gays and lesbians should not be shunned, nor should they be subjected to humiliation. They are what they are, and have no control over that. Having said that, they also do not have any right that any other American doesn't have. Hate crimes are an over reaction to the Gay issue and the race issue. You punch someone in the nose, you are guilty of third degree assault. To preface the attack by calling that person a name related to ethnic, racial or sexual persuasion, you are guilty of a felony. That is wrong. Every state in the union has laws against assault. There is no need to create a special category for those whose feeling were hurt just prior to having their nose punched.
No, to shutting down our public lands to harvesting a renewable resource, trees. Trees that are a part of every Eco-nazi's home. We need more care in protecting our air, water and earth. We do not, however need a bunch of fanatics shutting down our economy for the sake of returning the earth to a state that existed before man. We got rid the wolves a century ago. Why? because we couldn't co-exist with them. They were reintroduced by the grandchildren of those that pruned the predators. Now, we are having to spend time thinning out the packs because of the ill-advised laws protecting everything but us.
Yes, I belong to the party of no. No more prostituting our country for weird new rules redefining our very successful republic. We are no longer "On nation indivisible." We are a country of cranks and misfits trying to redesign society to fit their immature needs.
No, to federal courts legislating social justice from the bench. First of all, one must define social justice. None of us have the right to anything other than the right of Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Pursuit, not the realization as defined by the welfare state Obama is trying to bring about. Realization is when one fights and wins in the economic battle to succeed. That is referred to as ambition. I am a member of the party of no. I do not believe in supporting those that have no desire to further their economic future, but rely on people like Rangel and his ilk to do it for them.
No, to legislators and the executive trying to convince us that the constitution is out of date and that we need to liberally interpret it's meaning to fit the 21st century. I hear every day on line from young ignorant University Students, that having just been weaned, think that we need to fix what is broken in our governmental bible. This, the constitution that enabled a country just barely past puberty, to become the most powerful, productive and yes, progressive country in the world. Notice I used the word progressive in a positive way. The left has hijacked that word to suggest that every far left thought is progress. No it's not. What it is, is revisionist. Progress in this country, less the last five or six years, is rampant in a free economy.
What stopped progress, was the union movement in which politicians kowtowed to them. This over a period of time, caused the cost of manufacturing to be priced out of the market. This in turn, caused companies to go off shore for cheaper labor, since our products were no longer competitive. This condition still exists and will for a few years. Actually, many years if we don't reajust our priorities. We are not living in the 20'as anymore and don't have sweatshops employing children for 12 hours a day. That day is long gone and we need to adjust to a modern reality. We are not world leaders anymore. We ship raw materials off shore to the orient where steel beams are manufactured and shipped back to us to be sold cheaper that we can produce them ourselves. Folks, that makes us a third world country. A simple truth in politics is that there are more have nots than haves. Ergo, if you can get the have nots to vote for the party of giveth, they win the sad contest. Pride. Pride in ones self and in one's country is the principle that counts.
In situations where beyond ones ability to survive without help, obviously an advance society has to step forward and assist. When "progressive" politicians decide that cradle to the grave support for multiple generations of families used to being supported have no incentive to improve their own lives, you then have a liberal majority. You also have the beginning of the end of our republic as we know it.
No, to the corruption of the institution of marriage, by allowing those of the same sex to marry. Since they cannot produce children naturally from these unions, perhaps just the civil rights of contractual consent to share, to inherit, etc. is warrented. There is not any need to overturn centuries of tradition, not just Christian, but also every other recognized religion. Civilization is a delicate institution. It must be protected and nurtured. Suddenly, after centuries of tradition, the ultra liberals want to overturn everything in sight. Actually, rather than liberal, perhaps the term, anti-social or anti-family or anti-society should apply.
Gays and lesbians should not be shunned, nor should they be subjected to humiliation. They are what they are, and have no control over that. Having said that, they also do not have any right that any other American doesn't have. Hate crimes are an over reaction to the Gay issue and the race issue. You punch someone in the nose, you are guilty of third degree assault. To preface the attack by calling that person a name related to ethnic, racial or sexual persuasion, you are guilty of a felony. That is wrong. Every state in the union has laws against assault. There is no need to create a special category for those whose feeling were hurt just prior to having their nose punched.
No, to shutting down our public lands to harvesting a renewable resource, trees. Trees that are a part of every Eco-nazi's home. We need more care in protecting our air, water and earth. We do not, however need a bunch of fanatics shutting down our economy for the sake of returning the earth to a state that existed before man. We got rid the wolves a century ago. Why? because we couldn't co-exist with them. They were reintroduced by the grandchildren of those that pruned the predators. Now, we are having to spend time thinning out the packs because of the ill-advised laws protecting everything but us.
Yes, I belong to the party of no. No more prostituting our country for weird new rules redefining our very successful republic. We are no longer "On nation indivisible." We are a country of cranks and misfits trying to redesign society to fit their immature needs.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Vicious Cycles
Law enforcement is stymied these days. I can only speak for my local area, Kootenai County, Idaho. Currently, Sheriff Rocky Watson is suing the County for additional funding to support an ever growing crime rate. Fines that accrue from arrests, both criminal and traffic, go to the state, not the county that collects them. This gives responsibility without the funding to go with it. Sounds like government, doesn't it?
Several factors are creating this logjam. First and most obviously, we are in a deep recession, perhaps even a depression. The idea that the fed fears a double dip is ludicrous. There was never a recovery from the first one. Just an artificial period whereby the federal government threw billions of dollars into the economy. They called it "Stimulus." It worked. It artificially stimulated the economy for a while, then the money was all used up and employment was still high.
Here and now, in the second phase of financial breakdown, we find ourselves fighting increasing crime brought on by people being broke. Many people are shop lifting, burglarizing homes and businesses and then there are the hard drug users that can't keep up financially with their addictions. Sheriff Watson is faced with increasing need for enforcement, while his budget is being reduced. There are only two untouchables in government funding. Law enforcement and fire protection. Everything after that is luxury, with the possible exception of education. The problem with education is once a two or three year reduction in educational productivity happens, those students going through the pipeline at that time will never get the missed wisdom back.
For starters, it is time for the state of Idaho to return the bulk of fines to the counties earmarked specifically for law enforcement and jail maintenance. This will take legislation that should have been presented many years ago. It is understandable to an extent that direct retention of fines tend to mirror the legendary cagle sheriffs in the deep South with their speed traps and other revenue producing scams.
These can be regulated by one, not returning all of the monies, and two, by carefully watching cause and effect. The other proactive thing the state legislators could do is to modify misdemeanor penalties that do not need incarceration. Arrests for driving without a valid drivers licence is not a violent crime and the perpetrators need not be separated from the general populous. Other such crimes are; arrests for small portions of Marijuana and or the paraphernalia that goes with it. Suspending drivers licences for those driving without a licence perpetuates the crime, since in our rural area, if you want to work and still have the opportunity to do so, you have to drive. Closer enforcement at the source of drunk driving starts at the bar that is overserving their obviously drunk clientele. Start fining bartenders and bar owners. People that drink at home don't get caught driving under the influence, nor do they go out and kill other, innocent motorists.
We need to tie serving the public to those at the fringes of society that most need help staying out of trouble. Our judges are not accomplishing that. Perhaps because of unfunded mandates from the legislature, but never the less, Idaho public records show a continuous list of 180 day sentences for failure to purchase a drivers license. The term of imprisonment for that is overkill and cruel and unusual punishment.
There are men that beat their wives that don't get six months.This whole scenario needs to be revisited, and soon. I don't believe we are coming out of this recession any time soon and when we do, inflation from the money thrown at the economy will be rampant, causing another downturn. This next decade is not looking good and we will have to either fund law enforcement or barricade ourselves in our homes, triple locked much like New York City.
Several factors are creating this logjam. First and most obviously, we are in a deep recession, perhaps even a depression. The idea that the fed fears a double dip is ludicrous. There was never a recovery from the first one. Just an artificial period whereby the federal government threw billions of dollars into the economy. They called it "Stimulus." It worked. It artificially stimulated the economy for a while, then the money was all used up and employment was still high.
Here and now, in the second phase of financial breakdown, we find ourselves fighting increasing crime brought on by people being broke. Many people are shop lifting, burglarizing homes and businesses and then there are the hard drug users that can't keep up financially with their addictions. Sheriff Watson is faced with increasing need for enforcement, while his budget is being reduced. There are only two untouchables in government funding. Law enforcement and fire protection. Everything after that is luxury, with the possible exception of education. The problem with education is once a two or three year reduction in educational productivity happens, those students going through the pipeline at that time will never get the missed wisdom back.
For starters, it is time for the state of Idaho to return the bulk of fines to the counties earmarked specifically for law enforcement and jail maintenance. This will take legislation that should have been presented many years ago. It is understandable to an extent that direct retention of fines tend to mirror the legendary cagle sheriffs in the deep South with their speed traps and other revenue producing scams.
These can be regulated by one, not returning all of the monies, and two, by carefully watching cause and effect. The other proactive thing the state legislators could do is to modify misdemeanor penalties that do not need incarceration. Arrests for driving without a valid drivers licence is not a violent crime and the perpetrators need not be separated from the general populous. Other such crimes are; arrests for small portions of Marijuana and or the paraphernalia that goes with it. Suspending drivers licences for those driving without a licence perpetuates the crime, since in our rural area, if you want to work and still have the opportunity to do so, you have to drive. Closer enforcement at the source of drunk driving starts at the bar that is overserving their obviously drunk clientele. Start fining bartenders and bar owners. People that drink at home don't get caught driving under the influence, nor do they go out and kill other, innocent motorists.
We need to tie serving the public to those at the fringes of society that most need help staying out of trouble. Our judges are not accomplishing that. Perhaps because of unfunded mandates from the legislature, but never the less, Idaho public records show a continuous list of 180 day sentences for failure to purchase a drivers license. The term of imprisonment for that is overkill and cruel and unusual punishment.
There are men that beat their wives that don't get six months.This whole scenario needs to be revisited, and soon. I don't believe we are coming out of this recession any time soon and when we do, inflation from the money thrown at the economy will be rampant, causing another downturn. This next decade is not looking good and we will have to either fund law enforcement or barricade ourselves in our homes, triple locked much like New York City.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Off The Wall
If you are a drinker and feel adventuresome, then head for the Buttonhook Sunday after noon. Heidi, the Sunday bartender has issued a challenge. An invent your own drink bash. This is kind of off the wall, but then so is Heidi. Patrons are reminded that they should at all times be conscious of driving while intoxicated. If you should feel the tug of this challenge, we suggest you either walk to the 'Hook or get a designated driver.
We at Rusty's Buttonhook realize that past management has featured expensive food at the expense of the locals. Not true anymore. We are an any person restaurant that strives to serve a broad spectrum of guests. Come on down for either the great chow, or ... Heidi's party, Sunday.
We at Rusty's Buttonhook realize that past management has featured expensive food at the expense of the locals. Not true anymore. We are an any person restaurant that strives to serve a broad spectrum of guests. Come on down for either the great chow, or ... Heidi's party, Sunday.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Montana Plane Crash
I was saddened by news that the Piper Cherokee Arrow crashed after being observed at altitudes below 500 feet. I have many hours in a Cherokee Arrow 200, which I assume is the accurate description of the plane. I once rented such a plane at the Kalispell airport to fly some friends to Westport for a fishing expedition. It was in 1971 or 2 and could well have been that same plane.
I have two important points to make that non-flying reporters might have missed. One, there isn't much more dangerous than a pilot with one year's experience. At that point, they and I back when, think they have all of the knowledge and experience to navigate anywhere. Unfortunately, many flight instructors nowadays don't have much more maturity than their students. I was fortunate, since my instruction occurred in the late 50's. My primary instructor flew the hump between India and China during WW11.
That brings me to the second point. Well actually a second and third point. One, you never fly low and slow in mountainous terrain. The up and down drafts can kill even experienced pilots. I won't get you involved in the variables. Those of you that are pilots know exactly what I'm talking about. Those that aren't ... well you probably wouldn't understand. Suffice it to say that if you are near the wrong side of a steep slope when hot air is flowing down slope, and at a low altitude, you are dead. Mountain flying is not for the inexperienced. These down drafts can thrust you down many hundreds of feet under the wrong circumstances. At three hundred feet he and those that trusted him were doomed.
The Piper Cherokee Arrow 200 is my favorite airplane. It cruises at around 143 or so in level flight and is a dream to fly. Unfortunately, with a full load of four, It climbs like a pig.You just can't ask it to do something that it hasn't the ability to do. I once came close to killing myself and passengers when I took off on a hot day in Omak from a short runway. I had 1200 plus hours and used bad judgement. We survived. This young man, indubitably more impressed with his ability and that of the aircraft than deserved, died. It is unfortunate that he took three other fine young people with him.
Every student pilot learns early in his or her training one simple rule. "There are old pilots and bold pilots, but damn few old, bold pilots."
I have two important points to make that non-flying reporters might have missed. One, there isn't much more dangerous than a pilot with one year's experience. At that point, they and I back when, think they have all of the knowledge and experience to navigate anywhere. Unfortunately, many flight instructors nowadays don't have much more maturity than their students. I was fortunate, since my instruction occurred in the late 50's. My primary instructor flew the hump between India and China during WW11.
That brings me to the second point. Well actually a second and third point. One, you never fly low and slow in mountainous terrain. The up and down drafts can kill even experienced pilots. I won't get you involved in the variables. Those of you that are pilots know exactly what I'm talking about. Those that aren't ... well you probably wouldn't understand. Suffice it to say that if you are near the wrong side of a steep slope when hot air is flowing down slope, and at a low altitude, you are dead. Mountain flying is not for the inexperienced. These down drafts can thrust you down many hundreds of feet under the wrong circumstances. At three hundred feet he and those that trusted him were doomed.
The Piper Cherokee Arrow 200 is my favorite airplane. It cruises at around 143 or so in level flight and is a dream to fly. Unfortunately, with a full load of four, It climbs like a pig.You just can't ask it to do something that it hasn't the ability to do. I once came close to killing myself and passengers when I took off on a hot day in Omak from a short runway. I had 1200 plus hours and used bad judgement. We survived. This young man, indubitably more impressed with his ability and that of the aircraft than deserved, died. It is unfortunate that he took three other fine young people with him.
Every student pilot learns early in his or her training one simple rule. "There are old pilots and bold pilots, but damn few old, bold pilots."
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