MONEY: Pensions are a promise that will be reneged on

Monday, July 12, 2010

http://www.ricedelman.com/cs/pressroom/pressroom_detail?pressrelease.id=1397

Is Your Pension Threatened?
For Immediate Release
July 09, 2010

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WASHINGTON D.C., July 8, 2010 — Controversy hit The Ric Edelman Show this week, when award-winning talk show host Ric Edelman ignited a debate on the future of public pensions in America.

A caller to Edelman’s nationally syndicated radio program sparked the debate. Mary Ellen, a 51-year-old, has little money in savings. But because she works for a city government, she can retire immediately thanks to a pension that will pay her $46,000 for life annually plus provide full health care benefits for the rest of her life. While she wondered if she could afford to retire, many of the show’s listeners wondered how our society could pay for her and millions of other public employees like her.

*** end quote ***

Interesting?

I’m more concerned about the trial balloon that urges the Gooferment to “save” old people from poor returns in the Stock Market by seizing all IRA / 401Ks from the custodians in exchange for an as yet undetermined “enhanced Social Security benefit”!

Wish Ric would opine on that.

We can all be in the same boat as the poor people in Zimbabwe!

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PINKY: If I Could Relive Any Day of My Life … Shoulda, coulda, and woulda!

Monday, July 12, 2010

I've learned the hard way that idle speculation on what might have been is counter productive and a waste of time.

Probably the day I decided which College to attend.

I had been accepted to: Stamford, Notre Dame, Fordham, and Manhattan. I chose Manhattan because it was easiest and cheapest. It's hard to imagine one day in my life that was so pivotal. That decision determined so much of my future. It was the choice that cut off three other branches.

In my novel, I'd have the ability to see "… the Eternal Possibilities Machine, which generates all the possibilities for use in creating the alternative worlds. In all those probability lines …" CHURCH 10●19●62 (Vol 1) 978-0-557-08387-9 page 45.

That would tell me how things would have been different. Unfortunately, unlike the Bill Murray movie "GROUNDHOGS DAY", you don't get the benefit of do overs.

So, I'll never know what could have happened.

Shoulda, coulda, and woulda! They'll kill you.

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POLITICAL: It’s the “effete”; not the “elite”

Monday, July 12, 2010

http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2010/07/reclaiming_language_on_the_rig.html

July 05, 2010
Reclaiming language on the right
Harry Beadle

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At any rate, I would argue there are many other words which better describe the true nature of our liberal friends. One I would propose is “effete.” The same online American Heritage Dictionary defines the word this way: “marked by self-indulgence, triviality or decadence; as in an effete group of self-professed intellectuals.” I am sure you see the relevance. Another definition from the same online source is: “unable to produce, sterile.” Liberals surely do not produce original ideas; as for sterility, we can but hope.

*** end quote ***

I agree.

From hence forth and forever more, I will refer to the Progressive ex-Liberal self-annointed Socialist “elite” as “The Effete”.

It fits them so much better.

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POLITICAL: The Police need an “enhancement”

Sunday, July 11, 2010

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE66763A20100709

California transit cop verdict sparks looting
By Steve Gorman and Peter Henderson
  LOS ANGELES/OAKLAND | Fri Jul 9, 2010 4:52am EDT

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LOS ANGELES/OAKLAND California (Reuters) – A white former transit police officer was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in a videotaped shooting death of an unarmed black man last year in Oakland, California, sparking a wave of looting and destruction in the city on Thursday.

*** and ***

Jurors can render an involuntary manslaughter conviction if they believe the defendant lacked an intent to kill but engaged in conduct so grossly negligent that it amounts to a crime.

*** end quote ***

Obviously, California juries are “interesting”. They may have gotten this one right. But shouldn’t there be an “enhancement” for police who are supposed to be “professional”. And the video akes this look like an execution.

The looting is probably opportunists rather than upset citizens.

Makes one wonder what’s going to happen in the next “Greatest Depression” which is right around the corner. When folks are really hungry, scared, and pissed off?

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NEWJERSEY: Kyleigh’s Law a big mistake

Sunday, July 11, 2010

http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20100710/OPINION02/7100313/Kyleigh-s-Law-a-big-mistake

Kyleigh’s Law a big mistake
July 10, 2010
JAKE NIEMAN
Kendall Park

*** begin quote ***

The law is much too strict, with the costs far outweighing benefits. Our legislators have spent considerable time and manpower on passing this bill. The law was passed in hopes of reducing teen driving fatalities, an admirable goal. There are approximately 5,000 teenage driving deaths per year, a large number alone but when in comparison to the total numbers not as bad.

*** end quote ***

I agree, Jake. But see you’ll learn that three things motivate politicians: rewarding their friends, punishing their enemies, and feathering their own nests. And, I’m not sure as to the correct order. In this case, the politicians and bureaucrats “win”. You can’t vote, and usually don’t, so who cares if your rights are infringed. The costumed thugs, masquerading as police, get to steal more wealth. And, obviously, we need more bureaucrats to support this diktat, who turn around and vote religiously for their patron sainted politician. My biggest fear is that the Gooferment has put a huge bullseye on young drivers. If I’m a criminal, who should I target. Reminds me of when the (imaginary) State of Florida removed all rental car identification and aggressive tourist-injuring “hot” car thefts dropped dramatically. So, if I had a child, I wouldn’t permit them to put this modern day “Star of David” on any car they drove.

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GOVEROTRAGEOUS: “Unemployment insurance” ain’t insurace; it’s gooferment welfare?

Sunday, July 11, 2010

http://www.9news.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=141537&catid=188

Man loses unemployment benefits after dipping into 401k
Lori Obert written by: Anastasiya Bolton   

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LONGMONT – After 32 years at IBM, in August of 2009, Bob Jackson was laid off and looking for a job.

“I never dreamed I’d have to have unemployment some day,” he said.

Jackson has been looking everywhere, including retail and home improvement stores, for more than a year. He hasn’t gotten anywhere.

“We’re lucky to get half way through the month before we’re completely out of money. It’s been rough,” Jackson said. “It’s a hard market right now to find a job, especially at my age.”

In November, Jackson filed for unemployment and received two checks.

As part of the rules for receiving benefits, every two weeks, Jackson had to call into what is called a CUBLine (The Colorado Unemployment Benefits Line.) The automated line goes through a series of questions unemployment benefit recipients answer. During one of the calls, Jackson was asked if he’d taken out a distribution from his 401k. He said he did, $10,000 to pay for his son’s college.

*** and ***

“Under our unemployment insurance program we’re following state law, which is if you touch even $5 dollars for your 401k it will impact your benefits,” said Cher Haavind, spokeswoman for the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. “It’s an employer-funded program, whether it’s severance, pension or distribution of 401k, all those things, any other money you have received from the employer will play into your benefit amount.”

Haavind added, “The program is there to meet one’s needs again when they’re transitioning from job to job. Perhaps the perception is if you have other resources available to you that you should look at those first before receiving unemployment insurance benefits.”

*** end quote ***

Perhaps, the perception is that it’s “unemployment insurance”.

Argh!

Gooferment, and its bureaucrats, really drive me off the deep end.

So it’s not insurance; it’s welfare.

It’s “employer funded”. Sure it is. If they put it in your paycheck, you could save for your own “unemployment”! Argh!

So the politicians justifiy messing with people’s lives and money on the basis that they are too stupid to manage their own money?

Argh!

This is welfare for the lucky few and for the goofermetn bureaucrats who run the program.

Argh!

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GOVERNACIDE: Six more die in Afghan

Sunday, July 11, 2010

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20100710/D9GS7K7O0.html

NATO: 6 US troops killed in Afghanistan
Jul 10, 9:48 AM (ET)
By RAHIM FAIEZ

*** begin quote ***

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) – Six American service members and at least a dozen civilians died in attacks Saturday in Afghanistan’s volatile east and south, adding to a summer of escalating violence as Taliban militants push back against stepped-up operations by international and Afghan forces.

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_positions_of_Ron_Paul#Nonintervention

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Paul’s stance on foreign policy is one of consistent nonintervention,which opposes war of aggression and entangling alliances with other nations. Paul advocates bringing troops home from U.S. military bases in Korea, Japan, and Europe, among others. He also proposes that the U.S. stop sending massive, unaccountable foreign aid.

*** end quote ***

I distinctly remember in the debates Ron Paul saying “the first thing coming this way”. So why didn’t we elect the only true anti-war candidate? BHO44 was a fraud; he had no intention of ending the wars.

And, now six more are lost.

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POLITICAL: Who’s pulling the ball out from whose kick?

Saturday, July 10, 2010

http://jewishworldreview.com/cols/sowell070610.php3

Jewish World Review July 6, 2010 / 25 Tamuz 5770
Santa and Frank
By Thomas Sowell

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People who remember the old comic strip “Peanuts” will recall an often repeated situation where Lucy offers to hold a football for Charlie Brown to kick. Then, as Charlie coming running up to kick it, Lucy snatches away the ball and Charlie Brown loses his balance and goes crashing on his backside.

The reason this same scene remained funny, despite how often it was repeated, is that in the later repetitions Charlie Brown would express suspicion at Lucy, recalling how she had tricked him before. She would then come up with some claim that she wasn’t going to do that any more— and of course she did.

There is a similar routine that has been repeated many times in Washington, over the years, with the Democrats playing Lucy and Republicans playing Charlie Brown.

*** end quote ***

I hate to disagree with the learned Thomas. (The number two of the few economists I respect; behind Walter Williams.)

In his little “morality play”, I’d cast the Taxpayer as Charlie Brown and the politicians and bureaucrats in the District of Corruption as Lucy.

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QUOTE: The objection ofthe defense has been heard and overruled.

Saturday, July 10, 2010

http://www.subzin.com/s/Objection!+-+Overruled

A Few Good Men (1992)

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01:17:07 The defense strenuously objects and requests an 802 conference so that His Honor might have a chance to hear discussion before ruling.

01:17:15 The objection of the defense has been heard and overruled.

01:17:19 – Move to reconsider. – Your objection is noted.

01:17:22 The witness is an expert, and the court will hear his opinion!

*** end quote ***

For some reason, I like this quote. It’s not used frequently enough. Peole just repeat and repeat themselves. Argh!

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RANT: MP4B, mp4b … why should you even care?

Saturday, July 10, 2010

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-plaschke-lebron-james-20100709,0,5931688.column

On an ESPN show, the King shows up a supportive community.
By Bill Plaschke
July 8, 2010 | 11:27 p.m

*** begin quote ***

If you are going to leave the team where you’ve spent all seven seasons, leave the area where you’ve spent all 25 years, doesn’t decorum dictate that you do it quietly, gently, gracefully? Given that this town hasn’t enjoyed a major sports championship in 46 years, and given that your departure could keep them from winning anything for many more years, don’t you think of them first? Did no part of last season’s $15.8-million salary mandate, you know, manners?

You want to leave this place where you are so beloved, fine. Leave it like a man. Issue a news release announcing your decision and thanking Cleveland for its support. Hold a local news conference with the Cleveland media to reiterate those thanks. Then, and only then, do you appear on a national ESPN show to talk about your decision.

But no, years of coddling have filled James with such narcissism that he no longer sees anyone but himself. While reaping financial rewards as this country’s most successful basketball prodigy, James has paid the price in a failure to develop integrity or character. Hey, if you can dunk on someone, why do you have to be sensitive to them?

*** end quote ***

MP4B = “Millionaires Playing For Billionaires”

This is “entertainment”.

It has nothing to do with humanity (i.e., think the USA 1980 Hockey team), the struggle to attain something (i.e., think the movie RUDY), overcome adversity (i.e., that fellow who without arms or legs swims the English Channel), or the nobility of sport (i.e., Little Leaguers line up to congratulate the winning team; Japanese baseball players salute the umpire, not revile him).

It’s all about the benjamins and extracting them from the booboisie. (1).

There’s something elegant about truly amateur sports. Before the money got into it, women’s college basketball was like that. Young women busting butt for its own sake.

There is no longer “nobility” in Sports. LeBron is just following in the footsteps of Tiger, Kobe, McGwire, Pete Rose, … right down to Marion Jones lying about steroids. Even children, Danny Almonte in Little League; a baseball scandal without the big buxs.

So why should I care?

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(1) booboisie (boob’wa-ze) n. The class of the population composed of the stupid and gullible.

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