POLITICAL: Gooferment pensions are a future disaster

Friday, December 5, 2014

http://online.wsj.com/articles/andrew-g-biggs-public-pensions-need-gamblers-anonymous-1417563447

OPINION
Public Pensions Need Gamblers Anonymous
Retirement funds for Illinois and California hold 75% risky investments. The Texas teachers’ plan: 81%.

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Managers of government pension plans counter that they have longer investment horizons and can take greater risks. But most financial economists believe that the risks of stock investments grow, not shrink, with time. Moreover, while governments may exist forever, pensions cannot take forever to pay off their losses: New accounting rules promulgated by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) and taking effect this year will push plans to amortize unfunded liabilities over roughly 15 years. Even without these rules, volatile pension investments translate into volatile contribution requirements that can and have destabilized government budgets.

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FROM FACEBOOK by O’Connell, Bill (MC1976)

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The real solution is to do away with defined benefit pension plans and replace them with defined contribution plans. That way when the individual leaves an organization, he takes with him all that has been contributed on his behalf and the relationship with the organization ends. No more actuarial headaches calculating how long someone will live, how to invest pension contributions to match that, no more shorting the contributions this year with the intent of making it up in the future. Every year should stand on its own. You work, you get a contribution to your retirement; done.

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Agree.

And, at least in New Jersey, there are many added political scams.

Like part-time jobs that get pension credit. Rightly or wrongly.

Like politicians who get pensions for their “public service”.

Like politicians and bureaucrats who “retire” and go back to work to earn more “pension credits”.

Like politicians and bureaucrats who double dip.

Time to end Gooferment pensions, period.

Try finding a non-Gooferment job with a defined benefit pension plan today.

Argh!

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he real solution is to do away with defined benefit pension plans and replace them with defined contribution plans. That way when the individual leaves an organization, he takes with him all that has been contributed on his behalf and the relationship with the organization ends. No more actuarial headaches calculating how long someone will live, how to invest pension contributions to match that, no more shorting the contributions this year with the intent of making it up in the future. Every year should stand on it’s own. You work, you get a contribution to your retirement; done.

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Posted by reinkefj

EVLYNN: Thanks, NJ MVC

Thursday, December 4, 2014

You’ve heard me rant that the Gooferment is immoral, ineffective, and inefficient!

Here’s another classic.

Thanks NJ MVC for sending me the renewal for Evelyn’s handicapped placard. 

Now, I know, since there was no money involved, you could care less. (Her social security payment was recaptured within 12 hours of her passing.)

And, there was a NJ estate tax return filed with a copy of the Death Certificate. 

And, there was a NJ Jury Duty notice returned with a copy of the Death Certificate.

And, there was car registration retitled with a copy of the Death Certificate.

And, there was her NJ Drivers’ License renewal returned with a copy of the Death Certificate.

So, I guess you felt it necessary to send me yet another reminder!

Argh!

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Posted by reinkefj

RANT: “Rent Control” is the Gooferment using force and fraud on the Free Market

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

https://www.quora.com/Real-Estate-in-New-York-City/Without-rent-control-would-anyone-outside-of-the-top-1-be-left-in-Manhattan

Real Estate in New York City: Without rent control, would anyone outside of the top 1% be left in Manhattan?

Trey Clark
Trey Clark, Founder, http://www.RealtyShares.com

Rent Control actually increases market rents by removing at-market rental stock from a given city/area.

I live in San Francisco, where roughly 80% of the rental units are subject to rent control. Rents here have spiked approximately 15% in the last 18 months.

Here’s the dynamic: people with below market rents stay in those apartments, because they don’t want to pay market rates. Thus those units tend to stay out off the market. When demand increases, as has happened here in the last 18 months due to increased start-up hiring, there is a reduced inventory of units to absorb that demand. Market rents spike.

The same holds for Manhattan, though I’m not sure as large a share of the apartment stock is rent controlled/regulated. If rent control was removed, market rents would drop, though average rent paid would likely go up (no more renters paying below rents far below market).

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Like most Gooferment actions, it has intended and Unintended Consequences!

The use of force or fraud is always immoral, as well as ineffective and inefficient.

It enriches the politicians and bureaucrats who can extract “tribute” and must be “kowtowed” to. Graft, kickbacks, corruption, bribery, and extortion are all the direct observable effects of “rent control”!

It’s ineffective because it actually raises the rents that poor people must pay. 

It’s inefficient because it incentivizes the wrong behavior. Old pensioners “lock up” large apartments that they don’t “need” and have to heat ’n’ cool the larger space 

Anytime the Gooferment institutes “price controls”, the Free Market is distorted. 

The Free Market’s “invisible hand” allows the maximum happiness and minimum unhappiness without the use of force or fraud. 

The Free Market allows peaceful exchanges that benefit everyone.

Argh!

Seems so simple.

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VETERANS: Burial delays by VA?

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

[TIP ‘o’ the HAT to: Bugle Blasts December 2014 Vienna VA 22181 Volume 6 Number 7]

Burial delays prompt push for VA oversight in Congress names of the entities that are responsible for the bodies, including local medical examiners, funeral directors, and A bill aimed at decreasing recent delays in veteran burials by giving Congress new VA oversight got a push forward from lawmakers recently. A Senate version requires VA to report any burial delays longer than 30 days. Reports have sprung up around the country that deceased vets are waiting months to be interred in the Department of Veterans Affairs’ system of national cemeteries.

Under the bill, the VA would be required to track and record any burials not completed within a month as well as the county service groups. Data on the burial delays would be collected in an annual report and given to the House and Senate veterans’ affairs committees, according to the bill language.

VA oversees a system of 131 cemeteries and burial rights for veterans. Over the past year, there have been media reports of long delays for deceased veterans at facilities in California and elsewhere.

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Argh!

Goo ferment is immoral, ineffective, and inefficient!

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POLITICAL: “An armed society is a Riotless Society”

Monday, December 1, 2014

http://www.lewrockwell.com/2014/11/jack-perry/an-armed-society/

An Armed Society is a Riotless Society
By Jack Perry
November 28, 2014

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So, when Ferguson got the grand jury ruling they didn’t like, they showed how interested they were in justice by burning down the businesses of people that had nothing at all to do with it. Meanwhile, in the State of Arizona, people showed their solidarity with Ferguson by going to bed. While other major cities held protests, some of which ended up with minor looting, Arizona just did what Arizona does: Conducted business as usual. There was one small protest of about 60 people down in Tempe, close to Phoenix. They argued among themselves, broke into two groups, but then gave up and went home. The next day, businesses were fearlessly open as usual, people were buying early Christmas presents, people were getting ready for Thanksgiving and getting their turkeys. Hmmm…weren’t Phoenix and Tucson two of the major cities that all the Ferguson “direct action” groups listed as scenes of protest? Yet, both these cities pretty much ignored the call to action, as did the entire state. What happened?

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It’s the individual armed citizen. People here work hard to build businesses. They put their lives into them and they’re not going to step aside and let someone torch their dreams in an agitator-sponsored temper tantrum and looting-fest masquerading as “outrage”. People here defend themselves, have the weapons to do so, and laws that make it possible. Rioters might make it past the Warlord of Phoenix, if they’re lucky. They might defy the Shogun of Arizona. But they will not make it past the armed citizens defending their homes and businesses. Everyone here knows this. They know a huge riot would become a mass suicide mission for the rioters. Protests happen and everyone is fine with that. But everyone knows there is a line that cannot be crossed—or else. Because it will not be tolerated and people won’t cower and wait for the government to save them. They will save themselves.

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Question asked and answered.

“An armed society is a polite society. Manners are good when one may have to back up his acts with his life.” — Robert A. Heinlein

Now I’ll add:

“An armed society is a Riotless Society” — Jack Perry 

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POLITICAL: Amnesty = higher black unemployment

Sunday, November 30, 2014

http://www.conservativeblog.org/amyridenour/2014/11/21/black-activists-speak-out-against-obama-amnesty-agenda.html

Amy Ridenour’s National Center Blog
a conservative blog

Main | Obama’s Amnesty Plan Incremental, True to Leftist Strategy »
Black Activists Speak Out against Obama Amnesty Agenda
by AuthorDavid W. Almasi | DateNov 21, 2014 at 1:16 PM

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Stacy Washington, talk radio host:

Well, black liberals, sorry — but I have to put you on blast.

Every time this country has pardoned illegal immigrants, crime and black unemployment have gone through the roof.  Don’t believe me?  Check the statistics from Reagan’s congressionally-approved amnesty package.  Not only did three times as many illegal immigrants as were promised become legal through the undiscovered intricacies of chain immigration, but the crime rate soared and black unemployment went through the roof.

Sorry again, black liberals.  You just got dumped!

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I am shocked — in the sense of “I’m shocked, shocked to find that gambling is going on in here!” Captain Renault in Casablanca — that there hasn’t been more outrage from Black Americans.

Never mind Ferguson — which is a national disaster — the minimum wage laws and encouraging illegal immigration are what should put protestors in the streets.

It’s another national disgrace.

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POLITICAL: Toss out ALL criminal Undocumented Immigrants — no excuses, no delays!

Saturday, November 29, 2014

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/after-obama-action-dhs-sets-new-immigration-rules-drunk-drivers-sex-abusers-drug-dealers-gun-offenders-not-top-deportation-priorities/article/2556517

BELTWAY CONFIDENTIAL: LAW
New DHS immigration rules: Drunk drivers, sex abusers, drug dealers, gun offenders not top deportation priorities
BY BYRON YORK | NOVEMBER 22, 2014 | 8:49 AM

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The Department of Homeland Security has just released new “Policies for the Apprehension, Detention, and Removal of Undocumented Immigrants.” Designed to fill in the details after President Obama’s announcement that at least four million currently illegal immigrants will be given work permits, Social Security numbers and protection from deportation, the DHS guidelines are instructions for the nation’s immigration and border security officers as they administer the president’s directive.

The new priorities are striking. On the tough side, the president wants U.S. immigration authorities to go after terrorists, felons, and new illegal border crossers. On the not-so-tough side, the administration views convicted drunk drivers, sex abusers, drug dealers, and gun offenders as second-level enforcement priorities. An illegal immigrant could spend up to a year in prison for a violent crime and still not be a top removal priority for the Obama administration.

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Surely they are kidding!

As I always say Gooferment is immoral, ineffective, and inefficient! And in this case, STUPID!

Sorry, but “prioritizing” should be if you don’t follow the law, you’re GONE!

In 30 minutes of less.

And, the southern border is a joke to be called a border.

Instead of looking for new ways to poke “We, The Sheeple” — and yes, that’s a euphamism — they should be asking for the resources to do the job right!

Instead of the IRS investigating and harassing Tea Party groups, they should be aimed at this current and present danger!

Argh!

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ECONOMICS: Dietary Supplements are cheap insurance

Friday, November 28, 2014

http://www.worldhealth.net/news/dietary-supplements-may-reduce-healthcare-costs/

Dietary Supplements May Reduce Healthcare Costs
Posted on Nov. 10, 2014, 6 a.m. in Healthcare and Public Policy Dietary Supplementation 

Dietary Supplements May Reduce Healthcare Costs

Hospitalizations for all U.S. adults over the age of 55 with coronary heart disease (CHD) cost the United States in excess of $64 billion in 2012. However, new research suggests that regularly taking certain dietary supplements may help to cut the number of hospitilizations for CHD, and thus also cut expenditure.

Christopher Shanahan and Robert de Lorimier, PhD, examined peer-reviewed, published studies that looked separately at relationships between omega-3 supplement intake and the risk of a CHD-attributed event, and B vitamins intake and the risk of a CHD-attributed event. The researchers then projected the rates of CHD-attributed medical events across U.S. men and women over the age of 55 with CHD and applied a cost benefit analysis to determine the cost savings if people in this targeted population took omega-3 supplements or B vitamin supplements at preventive intake levels.

Results showed that if every high-risk person (U.S. adults over 55 with CHD) in the target population were to take omega-3 supplements at preventive intake levels daily, there would be an average of $2.1 billion in avoided expenditures per year and a cumulative of $16.5 billion in avoided expenditures between 2013 and 2020.

Whilst if every high-risk person in the target population were to take B vitamins at preventive intake levels daily, there would be an average of $1.5 billion in avoided expenditures per year and a cumulative of $12.1 billion in avoided expenditures between 2013 and 2020.

“Many dietary supplement products are available in the market today that have been shown to have positive effects on heart health through associated clinical studies…Thus, the potential decrease of total health care expenditures in the United States is a strong argument for the daily use of dietary supplements,” the authors said. “This is a relatively low-technology, yet smart, approach that can be used by consumers, physicians, employers, and policymakers as a means to reduce personal and societal health care costs.”

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BUT of course, there’s no opportunity for Big Pharma to make big profits. And then be able to make big “campaign contributions”.

The big winnerw would be the poor victims of disease and the Taxpayer.

And we know where that ranks in the priority scheme.

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VETERANS: Bears #69 Jared Allen does homes for wounded warriors

Thursday, November 27, 2014

http://www.homesforwoundedwarriors.com/

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Today’s first football game highlighted Bears #69 Jared Allen doing homes for wounded warriors.

Admirable.

 

BUT, (and there is always a BIG butt), why are the girls and boys in harm’s way in the first place. Did we learn nothing from Viet Nam?

 

Celebrate the Troops … …

… …  by bringing them all home now!

Dona Nobis Pacem

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SOFTWARE: 19 Year Old Windows bug!

Thursday, November 27, 2014

http://www.networkworld.com/article/2849288/microsoft-subnet/how-does-a-windows-bug-go-undetected-for-19-years.html#tk.NWWNLE_nlt_microsoft_2014-11-20

MICROSOFT EXPLORER
By Andy Patrizio
How does a Windows bug go undetected for 19 years?

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By now you have likely heard of the 19-year-old Windows bug found by IBM late last week. If not, here’s the tl;dr version of it: IBM found a vulnerability in VBScript, Microsoft’s alternative to JavaScript which was introduced in Internet Explorer 3.0 and ran on Windows 95. Even today, the bug is impervious to the sandboxing features in Internet Explorer 11

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“New” isn’t completely “new”?

Argh!

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