3.25.2005
Great Line:
"President Bush believes in an "ownership" society, which means that except for the wealthy, you're on your own."
"The president's budget would cut funding for Medicaid, food stamps, education, transportation, health care for veterans, law enforcement, medical research and safety inspections for food and drugs. And, of course, it contains big new tax cuts for the wealthy."
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/25/opinion/herbert25.1.html?th&emc=th
"The president's budget would cut funding for Medicaid, food stamps, education, transportation, health care for veterans, law enforcement, medical research and safety inspections for food and drugs. And, of course, it contains big new tax cuts for the wealthy."
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/25/opinion/herbert25.1.html?th&emc=th
3.24.2005
Esslinger on Unions...
In the last contract negotiations with the unions, there were some positive developments. The unions agreed to pay 5% of their premiums where they previously paid 3%. We also had savings by having two health plans, an EPO, and a PPO. The EPO limits the amount the doctors for the employees but saves the city money because the doctors involved agree to discounts. We saved money on the PPO by increasing the out of network payments by employees. We also agreed to a 2.25%, 2.50%, and a 2.75% increase in the employees' salaries over three years respectively. This is the first time that the union employees received less that a 3% increase in their salary in a long time.
The thing that will need to be taken into consideration in the next contract negotiations is that the comparables (contracts that have been signed in communities around us) are over 3.0%. This is important because we must be close to what we offer our employees or the unions can go to court and claim that the city is not bargaining in good faith.
So, to sum it up, are hands are somewhat tied when it comes to salaries and benefits, however, we may have some leverage with more insurance concessions.
http://www.oshkoshnews.org/OshkoshMayor/index.html
He is proud of the fact that the lowest legal increase in wages was negotiated.
The thing that will need to be taken into consideration in the next contract negotiations is that the comparables (contracts that have been signed in communities around us) are over 3.0%. This is important because we must be close to what we offer our employees or the unions can go to court and claim that the city is not bargaining in good faith.
So, to sum it up, are hands are somewhat tied when it comes to salaries and benefits, however, we may have some leverage with more insurance concessions.
http://www.oshkoshnews.org/OshkoshMayor/index.html
He is proud of the fact that the lowest legal increase in wages was negotiated.
Harris answers critics...
As to the speculation over friction between Harris and his employer, Dempsey said Associated Bank is “very, very community minded” and took no umbrage to their vice president’s county bid or his several years of city council service.
“We’re proud to be involved in the community, and Mark did it in a big way,” he said.
http://www.wisinfo.com/northwestern/news/local/stories/local_20338201.shtml
“We’re proud to be involved in the community, and Mark did it in a big way,” he said.
http://www.wisinfo.com/northwestern/news/local/stories/local_20338201.shtml
We are winning the social security debate!
A new Badger poll shows support for President Bush's Social Security plan may be eroding.The phone survey of about 500 Wisconsinites shows 44 percent support the plan to allow workers to invest a portion of their Social Security taxes in private investment accounts.
That support was 49 percent when the proposal was unveiled in January.
Opposition to the plan among those surveyed increased from 47 percent to 53 percent.
The poll is sponsored by The Capital Times and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and has a margin of error of about four percentage points.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7281058/
That support was 49 percent when the proposal was unveiled in January.
Opposition to the plan among those surveyed increased from 47 percent to 53 percent.
The poll is sponsored by The Capital Times and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and has a margin of error of about four percentage points.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7281058/
In the words of Paul Esslinger....
Candidate for Mayor, City of Oshkosh, or 'Reasons Not to Vote For Esslinger'
On government social assistance:
In regards to people being dependent, I agree, however, I think the dependence comes from another source. Too many people are dependent on the government, or should I say, entitlements. Some people say, "why should I work when the government will pay me to stay at home." Or, "Why work and get health benefits from my employer and help pay for them myself when the government can provide them for me." Of course the "government" here means TAXPAYERS. The majority of workers want to work and earn what they have, however, there are too many that want the "government" to provide for them.
On abortion and prayer and contraception at school:
“We have abortions being legal, prayer taken out of schools, nativity scenes being outlawed but other non Christian symbols allowed, and contraceptives being hand out like candy to children. Does this really sound like something the religious right is stumping for?”
“You think handing out condoms to kids is a great idea? There's a great message to send kids, schools handing out condoms. HMMM, maybe the kids will think because they are being handed out by the schools, that it's OK to have sex????”
On religious invocations before council meetings:
“Every religion may profess to have their own God. The first amendment to the constitution reads; "Congress shall make no law respecting on establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." By having an invocation at the beginning of a Council meeting, we don't even come close to violating the first amendment, and the Supreme Court upholds that fact.”
On corporate responsibility:
“Companies are in business to produce products and to make money. They are not in business to employ people. The sooner you realize this the better. Could companies do a better job treating their employees? YOU BET!Companies employ as many people as it takes to make their operation run efficiently; no more, no less! Would it be wise for a business to employ too many people and lose money? If they did, everyone in that company would be out of a job eventually!”
On affirmative action:
“The following letter I’m sure will upset some people (liberals), but I wanted to touch on something that has been in the news lately, affirmative action, which I call politically correct racism. I’m sure I’ll even be labeled a racist, but that’s usually what happens when liberals don’t like what you say, it just defaults to “you’re a racist.”
On the Bush Administration’s lawsuit with the University of Michigan in regards to their affirmative action policy:
“I think the Chancellor (Wells) has fallen into the same trap many have fallen into, which is we need to give minorities special treatment to get them ahead in life. Now I thought that allowing someone to have an advantage because of the color of his or her skin, or sex was racism and sexism, isn’t it? Then why do we allow minorities to have preferential treatment when applying for jobs or college?”
On why we have affirmative action:
“I’m sure the liberals are going to say, “it’s because they have an unfair advantage growing up, and that they don’t have access to good schools, etc., etc., etc.” This argument is nonsense. The business and political world have several minorities doing a great job, and not because of some ridiculous affirmative action policy, or because of some other tax-loving government program.”
On successful minorities:
“In Oshkosh alone we have several minorities in prominent positions, or have served in prominent positions (Eileen Connely-Keesler: Executive Director or the Oshkosh Community Foundation, Ron Montgomery: former Winnebago County Board Supervisor, Carla Craig: former Chair of the Oshkosh Chamber Board of Directors, Melanie Bloechl: former Mayor of Oshkosh, Jane Van De Hey: Winnebago County Executive) The list goes on, but I think you get the point. I’m sure these people got where they are/were because they worked their butts off, and didn’t ask for any special help. In Wisconsin we now have a minority as the Attorney General, Peg Lautenschlager, and nationally we have several minorities in the Bush Administration.”
On the lack of need for affirmative action:
“With the global economy we have in the world, and the competition that the U.S. has, we cannot afford to ask, “what color skin do you have, or what sex are you” when applying for a job, or applying for college. Other industrialized countries don’t ask what color skin they have, or what sex they are, they find out whose the most qualified, and put them in the position.”
“There are some intelligent minorities that realize that affirmative is really an insult. I remember one African American on a talk show who said, and I’ll paraphrase; by having affirmative action, you’re telling me that I’m too stupid to get ahead in the world so you need to give me an advantage because of my skin color. I’ve been hearing other minorities saying the same thing.”
“Why can’t we just put everybody on the same playing field, and don’t give ANYONE any advantages? You should win by being the best at what you do, not because of your skin color, or sex. “
“If affirmative action is supposed to make things equal, then I guess some people will just be a little more equal than others are. “
Sources:
http://eyeonoshkosh.com/article.php?story=20040922171125708
http://www.wordexchange.net/eyeonoshkosh/racism.htm
On government social assistance:
In regards to people being dependent, I agree, however, I think the dependence comes from another source. Too many people are dependent on the government, or should I say, entitlements. Some people say, "why should I work when the government will pay me to stay at home." Or, "Why work and get health benefits from my employer and help pay for them myself when the government can provide them for me." Of course the "government" here means TAXPAYERS. The majority of workers want to work and earn what they have, however, there are too many that want the "government" to provide for them.
On abortion and prayer and contraception at school:
“We have abortions being legal, prayer taken out of schools, nativity scenes being outlawed but other non Christian symbols allowed, and contraceptives being hand out like candy to children. Does this really sound like something the religious right is stumping for?”
“You think handing out condoms to kids is a great idea? There's a great message to send kids, schools handing out condoms. HMMM, maybe the kids will think because they are being handed out by the schools, that it's OK to have sex????”
On religious invocations before council meetings:
“Every religion may profess to have their own God. The first amendment to the constitution reads; "Congress shall make no law respecting on establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." By having an invocation at the beginning of a Council meeting, we don't even come close to violating the first amendment, and the Supreme Court upholds that fact.”
On corporate responsibility:
“Companies are in business to produce products and to make money. They are not in business to employ people. The sooner you realize this the better. Could companies do a better job treating their employees? YOU BET!Companies employ as many people as it takes to make their operation run efficiently; no more, no less! Would it be wise for a business to employ too many people and lose money? If they did, everyone in that company would be out of a job eventually!”
On affirmative action:
“The following letter I’m sure will upset some people (liberals), but I wanted to touch on something that has been in the news lately, affirmative action, which I call politically correct racism. I’m sure I’ll even be labeled a racist, but that’s usually what happens when liberals don’t like what you say, it just defaults to “you’re a racist.”
On the Bush Administration’s lawsuit with the University of Michigan in regards to their affirmative action policy:
“I think the Chancellor (Wells) has fallen into the same trap many have fallen into, which is we need to give minorities special treatment to get them ahead in life. Now I thought that allowing someone to have an advantage because of the color of his or her skin, or sex was racism and sexism, isn’t it? Then why do we allow minorities to have preferential treatment when applying for jobs or college?”
On why we have affirmative action:
“I’m sure the liberals are going to say, “it’s because they have an unfair advantage growing up, and that they don’t have access to good schools, etc., etc., etc.” This argument is nonsense. The business and political world have several minorities doing a great job, and not because of some ridiculous affirmative action policy, or because of some other tax-loving government program.”
On successful minorities:
“In Oshkosh alone we have several minorities in prominent positions, or have served in prominent positions (Eileen Connely-Keesler: Executive Director or the Oshkosh Community Foundation, Ron Montgomery: former Winnebago County Board Supervisor, Carla Craig: former Chair of the Oshkosh Chamber Board of Directors, Melanie Bloechl: former Mayor of Oshkosh, Jane Van De Hey: Winnebago County Executive) The list goes on, but I think you get the point. I’m sure these people got where they are/were because they worked their butts off, and didn’t ask for any special help. In Wisconsin we now have a minority as the Attorney General, Peg Lautenschlager, and nationally we have several minorities in the Bush Administration.”
On the lack of need for affirmative action:
“With the global economy we have in the world, and the competition that the U.S. has, we cannot afford to ask, “what color skin do you have, or what sex are you” when applying for a job, or applying for college. Other industrialized countries don’t ask what color skin they have, or what sex they are, they find out whose the most qualified, and put them in the position.”
“There are some intelligent minorities that realize that affirmative is really an insult. I remember one African American on a talk show who said, and I’ll paraphrase; by having affirmative action, you’re telling me that I’m too stupid to get ahead in the world so you need to give me an advantage because of my skin color. I’ve been hearing other minorities saying the same thing.”
“Why can’t we just put everybody on the same playing field, and don’t give ANYONE any advantages? You should win by being the best at what you do, not because of your skin color, or sex. “
“If affirmative action is supposed to make things equal, then I guess some people will just be a little more equal than others are. “
Sources:
http://eyeonoshkosh.com/article.php?story=20040922171125708
http://www.wordexchange.net/eyeonoshkosh/racism.htm
3.23.2005
A good point...
As Republican leaders in Congress move to trim billions of dollars from the Medicaid health program, they are simultaneously intervening to save the life of possibly the highest-profile Medicaid patient: Terri Schiavo.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A58069-2005Mar22.html
What they are doing it the worst hypocracy - read the article, it states it better than I ever could.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A58069-2005Mar22.html
What they are doing it the worst hypocracy - read the article, it states it better than I ever could.
3.21.2005
All Politics is Local...
Here is a great editorial about Sistani in Iraq deserving a Nobel Prize, which I agree.
But, in it there was this paragraph that meade me thing of our own local elections here in peaceful Oshkosh....
"Sistani did not build his politics on negating someone else." Saddam Hussein built his politics around negating America, Iran and Israel. Arafat built his whole life around negating Zionism - rarely, if ever, speaking about Palestinian economic development or education. The politics of negation has a deep and rich history in the Middle East, because so many leaders there are illegitimate and need to negate someone to justify their rule. What Mr. Sistani, the late Lebanese Sunni leader Rafik Hariri and the new Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas all have in common is that they rose to power by focusing on a positive agenda for their own people, not negating another.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/20/opinion/20friedman.html?th=&pagewanted=print&position=
But, in it there was this paragraph that meade me thing of our own local elections here in peaceful Oshkosh....
"Sistani did not build his politics on negating someone else." Saddam Hussein built his politics around negating America, Iran and Israel. Arafat built his whole life around negating Zionism - rarely, if ever, speaking about Palestinian economic development or education. The politics of negation has a deep and rich history in the Middle East, because so many leaders there are illegitimate and need to negate someone to justify their rule. What Mr. Sistani, the late Lebanese Sunni leader Rafik Hariri and the new Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas all have in common is that they rose to power by focusing on a positive agenda for their own people, not negating another.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/20/opinion/20friedman.html?th=&pagewanted=print&position=
3.15.2005
Out of the box thinking....
from a contributor to Altercation (altercation.msnbc.com - great blog!):
3. The Afghan poppy crop is leading to a global heroin problem. What would it cost to buy the ENTIRE Afghan poppy crop before it is sold to heroin smugglers? If one is to believe a 2004 US gov't report, only $50 million.
"The $10 billion U.S. annual retail heroin market thus generates about $1 billion in imports, of which roughly $50 million goes to poppy growers."
Why not send U.S. agents into the ripening fields to out-bid the terrorists? Moralistic congressmen who feel it's better to spend $473 million on "eradication" rather than simply buying the crop and destroying it for a fraction of the cost.
Cut off terrorist funding (much of the drug funds go to these goups) and give the local farmers an incentive to grow a more constructive product, all while saving the taxpayers money.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7180898/#050315
3. The Afghan poppy crop is leading to a global heroin problem. What would it cost to buy the ENTIRE Afghan poppy crop before it is sold to heroin smugglers? If one is to believe a 2004 US gov't report, only $50 million.
"The $10 billion U.S. annual retail heroin market thus generates about $1 billion in imports, of which roughly $50 million goes to poppy growers."
Why not send U.S. agents into the ripening fields to out-bid the terrorists? Moralistic congressmen who feel it's better to spend $473 million on "eradication" rather than simply buying the crop and destroying it for a fraction of the cost.
Cut off terrorist funding (much of the drug funds go to these goups) and give the local farmers an incentive to grow a more constructive product, all while saving the taxpayers money.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7180898/#050315
3.14.2005
Wow - I missed this in the news....
A.G. Lautenschlager: Six Month Crack Investigation Nets Four Outagamie County Arrests
http://wispolitics.com/index.iml?Article=33247
"It is alleged this crack cocaine distribution organization was responsible for selling roughly $10,000 of crack cocaine per week in the greater Appleton area," said Attorney General Peg Lautenschlager. "These arrests represent a significant step in the reduction of crack dealing in the Appleton area."
Way to go, Peg!
http://wispolitics.com/index.iml?Article=33247
"It is alleged this crack cocaine distribution organization was responsible for selling roughly $10,000 of crack cocaine per week in the greater Appleton area," said Attorney General Peg Lautenschlager. "These arrests represent a significant step in the reduction of crack dealing in the Appleton area."
Way to go, Peg!
3.12.2005
Tom Petri Encourages Corruption In Road Building...
During yesterday's debate, the House passed by voice vote an amendment -- sponsored by Reps. William Pascrell (D-8th Dist.), Frank LoBiondo (R-2nd Dist.) and Robert Menendez (D-13th Dist.) -- that would allow states to ban companies that have donated to political candidates or parties from participating in federal contracts.
New Jersey has enacted legislation prohibiting the state from awarding contracts worth more than $17,500 to those who have donated to state or county political parties in the previous 18 months. But acting Gov. Richard Codey vetoed parts of the bill pertaining to federal highway contractors because the Federal Highway Administration said the ban would tread upon the constitutional rights of campaign contributors. The vetoes have not yet been acted upon by the Legislature, and could be unnecessary if the House amendment becomes law.
Who thought that this was a bad idea?
There was little opposition offered to the amendment on the House floor, with only Rep. Thomas Petri (R-Wis.) speaking against it. Petri said the measure will waste money and time by forcing the federal government to police the political giving of contractors, many of whom operate nationally.
"It's eventually going to add to paperwork and end up resulting in higher costs," Petri said. He said New Jersey's corruption problems might require a federal fix, "but not at the expense of weakening the system for competitive bidding nationwide."
http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/index.ssf?/base/news-20/111052167462640.xml
It reminds me of something else he has said (In regards to Rep. DeLay's ethics violations - not to mention that large amount of contributions he recieves from road-building interests).....
http://jef4wi.com/6thCDDebate-Trafficinfraction.wmv
And never forget the classic....
http://jef4wi.com/6thCDDebate-Walgreens.wmv
New Jersey has enacted legislation prohibiting the state from awarding contracts worth more than $17,500 to those who have donated to state or county political parties in the previous 18 months. But acting Gov. Richard Codey vetoed parts of the bill pertaining to federal highway contractors because the Federal Highway Administration said the ban would tread upon the constitutional rights of campaign contributors. The vetoes have not yet been acted upon by the Legislature, and could be unnecessary if the House amendment becomes law.
Who thought that this was a bad idea?
There was little opposition offered to the amendment on the House floor, with only Rep. Thomas Petri (R-Wis.) speaking against it. Petri said the measure will waste money and time by forcing the federal government to police the political giving of contractors, many of whom operate nationally.
"It's eventually going to add to paperwork and end up resulting in higher costs," Petri said. He said New Jersey's corruption problems might require a federal fix, "but not at the expense of weakening the system for competitive bidding nationwide."
http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/index.ssf?/base/news-20/111052167462640.xml
It reminds me of something else he has said (In regards to Rep. DeLay's ethics violations - not to mention that large amount of contributions he recieves from road-building interests).....
http://jef4wi.com/6thCDDebate-Trafficinfraction.wmv
And never forget the classic....
http://jef4wi.com/6thCDDebate-Walgreens.wmv
3.11.2005
Some Local Election News
...from the last few days.
Jane VanDeHey finally caught in a lie:
http://www.wisinfo.com/postcrescent/news/archive/local_20172792.shtml
In a rebuttal format near the end, Harris challenged Van De Hey for claiming to have a master’s degree in public administration in both a newspaper story and again in listing her credentials at the outset in her opening statement.
“You have not in fact completed that program have you?” Harris asked.
Van De Hey acknowledged right away that she stopped just short of earning her master’s and because of the job responsibilities “I simply haven’t had the time to finish it.”
A short time later, when Van De Hey indicated she had earlier referred to “studies in public administration,” Harris challenged her again that “you certainly implied that you had (a master’s degree) when you didn’t.”
“I’m sorry. I have two credits left and I’ll die (and) I won’t have it,” she said, trying to make light of the situation. “It will be on my tombstone and you can all read it.”
During her opening, Van De Hey said she had earned an associate degree, a bachelor’s degree and “completed studies on a master’s degree in public administration.”
I have seen this happen often. I was at a parade in Menasha where Van De Hey declared that she is a Democrat, and at meetings in Oshkosh where she has said "What we do in the Republican Party..."
At the Rotary forum, she declared that she has attanded all of the Soccer/Rugby fee meetings of the park board. I have attended every single one, she has been at 2 of the 9 or 10 meetings we have had.
Labor Council Announces Endorsements:
http://www.oshkoshnews.org/oshblog/2005/03/labor-council-endorses-bain.html
For Oshkosh Common Council: Bryan Bain & Meredith Schuermann
For Winnebago County Executive: Mark Harris
For Oshkosh School Board: Lee Wilson
For Circuit Court Branch 2: Scott Woldt
For Oshkosh Mayor: No Endorsement
I think this really is interesting. The candidates that seem to get hit as the 'Council Candidates' were just endorsed by the Unions.
I think it is obvious who really has the best plans for ALL of Oshkosh.
Jane VanDeHey finally caught in a lie:
http://www.wisinfo.com/postcrescent/news/archive/local_20172792.shtml
In a rebuttal format near the end, Harris challenged Van De Hey for claiming to have a master’s degree in public administration in both a newspaper story and again in listing her credentials at the outset in her opening statement.
“You have not in fact completed that program have you?” Harris asked.
Van De Hey acknowledged right away that she stopped just short of earning her master’s and because of the job responsibilities “I simply haven’t had the time to finish it.”
A short time later, when Van De Hey indicated she had earlier referred to “studies in public administration,” Harris challenged her again that “you certainly implied that you had (a master’s degree) when you didn’t.”
“I’m sorry. I have two credits left and I’ll die (and) I won’t have it,” she said, trying to make light of the situation. “It will be on my tombstone and you can all read it.”
During her opening, Van De Hey said she had earned an associate degree, a bachelor’s degree and “completed studies on a master’s degree in public administration.”
I have seen this happen often. I was at a parade in Menasha where Van De Hey declared that she is a Democrat, and at meetings in Oshkosh where she has said "What we do in the Republican Party..."
At the Rotary forum, she declared that she has attanded all of the Soccer/Rugby fee meetings of the park board. I have attended every single one, she has been at 2 of the 9 or 10 meetings we have had.
Labor Council Announces Endorsements:
http://www.oshkoshnews.org/oshblog/2005/03/labor-council-endorses-bain.html
For Oshkosh Common Council: Bryan Bain & Meredith Schuermann
For Winnebago County Executive: Mark Harris
For Oshkosh School Board: Lee Wilson
For Circuit Court Branch 2: Scott Woldt
For Oshkosh Mayor: No Endorsement
I think this really is interesting. The candidates that seem to get hit as the 'Council Candidates' were just endorsed by the Unions.
I think it is obvious who really has the best plans for ALL of Oshkosh.
3.10.2005
3.08.2005
Watch the bankrupcy bill....
Krugman agrees that it is bad for America...
Warren Buffett recently made headlines by saying America is more likely to turn into a "sharecroppers' society" than an "ownership society." But I think the right term is a "debt peonage" society - after the system, prevalent in the post-Civil War South, in which debtors were forced to work for their creditors. The bankruptcy bill won't get us back to those bad old days all by itself, but it's a significant step in that direction.
And any senator who votes for the bill should be ashamed.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/08/opinion/08krugman.html?th
Warren Buffett recently made headlines by saying America is more likely to turn into a "sharecroppers' society" than an "ownership society." But I think the right term is a "debt peonage" society - after the system, prevalent in the post-Civil War South, in which debtors were forced to work for their creditors. The bankruptcy bill won't get us back to those bad old days all by itself, but it's a significant step in that direction.
And any senator who votes for the bill should be ashamed.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/08/opinion/08krugman.html?th
3.07.2005
3.03.2005
Republican Disenfranchisement Continues...
UW-Eau Claire College Democrats: Voter ID Bill Hurts Students
“Many students already have two forms of identification, their student ID and a driver’s license from their hometown. Forcing them to find transportation to get to an out-of-the way DMV to now acquire a third form of ID for an address that will likely change in the coming months, will reduce the number of students who vote,” Caruso stated. “Republicans know this, and are throwing around the term –“fraud”- in a shameless attempt to keep students from voting.”
http://wispolitics.com/index.iml?Article=32728
“Many students already have two forms of identification, their student ID and a driver’s license from their hometown. Forcing them to find transportation to get to an out-of-the way DMV to now acquire a third form of ID for an address that will likely change in the coming months, will reduce the number of students who vote,” Caruso stated. “Republicans know this, and are throwing around the term –“fraud”- in a shameless attempt to keep students from voting.”
http://wispolitics.com/index.iml?Article=32728
Here's a great way to get rid of Wal-Mart...
and maybe get back some of our good union grocery stores!
The way I see it now, unionizing Wal-Mart is an even bigger win-win now.
Peeved Wal-Mart closing Quebec store
http://www.madison.com/tct/opinion/index.php?ntid=30503&ntpid=0
Last week, for instance, they announced that they're closing the Wal-Mart store they recently opened in Quebec, Canada, apparently because the workers there had the temerity to join a union.
The way I see it now, unionizing Wal-Mart is an even bigger win-win now.
Peeved Wal-Mart closing Quebec store
http://www.madison.com/tct/opinion/index.php?ntid=30503&ntpid=0
Last week, for instance, they announced that they're closing the Wal-Mart store they recently opened in Quebec, Canada, apparently because the workers there had the temerity to join a union.
3.01.2005
Another Great Reason to Recycle.....
I know I am not always the best at this when I am on the road, but I promise to get better...
The low water bottle recycling rate also impacts the overall recycling rate of all plastic, or PET, products. That's fallen from 53 percent in 1994 to 19 percent in 2003.
Plastics should be recycled so that less petroleum — a finite commodity — is consumed, Franklin says.
"The environmental impacts are in the drilling of the oil," she adds, noting that burning fossil fuel also releases gases that many scientists tie to global warming.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5279230/
The low water bottle recycling rate also impacts the overall recycling rate of all plastic, or PET, products. That's fallen from 53 percent in 1994 to 19 percent in 2003.
Plastics should be recycled so that less petroleum — a finite commodity — is consumed, Franklin says.
"The environmental impacts are in the drilling of the oil," she adds, noting that burning fossil fuel also releases gases that many scientists tie to global warming.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5279230/
2.28.2005
Imagine: 500 Miles Per Gallon
It is possible now, according to Newsweek's Fareed Zakaria:
Here's the math (thanks to Gal Luft, a tireless—and independent—advocate of energy security). The current crop of hybrid cars get around 50 miles per gallon. Make it a plug-in and you can get 75 miles. Replace the conventional fuel tank with a flexible-fuel tank that can run on a combination of 15 percent petroleum and 85 percent ethanol or methanol, and you get between 400 and 500 miles per gallon of gasoline. (You don't get 500 miles per gallon of fuel, but the crucial task is to lessen the use of petroleum. And ethanol and methanol are much cheaper than gasoline, so fuel costs would drop dramatically.)
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7037844/site/newsweek/page/2/
This is something to get behind - reduce our reliance on foreign oil and increase our demand for domestic farmer's crops.
Here's the math (thanks to Gal Luft, a tireless—and independent—advocate of energy security). The current crop of hybrid cars get around 50 miles per gallon. Make it a plug-in and you can get 75 miles. Replace the conventional fuel tank with a flexible-fuel tank that can run on a combination of 15 percent petroleum and 85 percent ethanol or methanol, and you get between 400 and 500 miles per gallon of gasoline. (You don't get 500 miles per gallon of fuel, but the crucial task is to lessen the use of petroleum. And ethanol and methanol are much cheaper than gasoline, so fuel costs would drop dramatically.)
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7037844/site/newsweek/page/2/
This is something to get behind - reduce our reliance on foreign oil and increase our demand for domestic farmer's crops.
Great blog post....
...Even though it is a made-up story, it is 100% right on:
http://www.thepoorman.net/archives/002789.html
http://www.thepoorman.net/archives/002789.html
Don't Blame Wal-Mart....
Robert Reich in the New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/28/opinion/28reich.html?th
Excerpts:
But isn't Wal-Mart really being punished for our sins? After all, it's not as if Wal-Mart's founder, Sam Walton, and his successors created the world's largest retailer by putting a gun to our heads and forcing us to shop there.
We can blame big corporations, but we're mostly making this bargain with ourselves. The easier it is for us to get great deals, the stronger the downward pressure on wages and benefits. Last year, the real wages of hourly workers, who make up about 80 percent of the work force, actually dropped for the first time in more than a decade; hourly workers' health and pension benefits are in free fall. The easier it is for us to find better professional services, the harder professionals have to hustle to attract and keep clients. The more efficiently we can summon products from anywhere on the globe, the more stress we put on our own communities.
The only way for the workers or citizens in us to trump the consumers in us is through laws and regulations that make our purchases a social choice as well as a personal one. A requirement that companies with more than 50 employees offer their workers affordable health insurance, for example, might increase slightly the price of their goods and services. My inner consumer won't like that very much, but the worker in me thinks it a fair price to pay. Same with an increase in the minimum wage or a change in labor laws making it easier for employees to organize and negotiate better terms.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/28/opinion/28reich.html?th
Excerpts:
But isn't Wal-Mart really being punished for our sins? After all, it's not as if Wal-Mart's founder, Sam Walton, and his successors created the world's largest retailer by putting a gun to our heads and forcing us to shop there.
We can blame big corporations, but we're mostly making this bargain with ourselves. The easier it is for us to get great deals, the stronger the downward pressure on wages and benefits. Last year, the real wages of hourly workers, who make up about 80 percent of the work force, actually dropped for the first time in more than a decade; hourly workers' health and pension benefits are in free fall. The easier it is for us to find better professional services, the harder professionals have to hustle to attract and keep clients. The more efficiently we can summon products from anywhere on the globe, the more stress we put on our own communities.
The only way for the workers or citizens in us to trump the consumers in us is through laws and regulations that make our purchases a social choice as well as a personal one. A requirement that companies with more than 50 employees offer their workers affordable health insurance, for example, might increase slightly the price of their goods and services. My inner consumer won't like that very much, but the worker in me thinks it a fair price to pay. Same with an increase in the minimum wage or a change in labor laws making it easier for employees to organize and negotiate better terms.
2.25.2005
Long time no blog....
Sorry! Just a few quick links and a sentance that I thought I'd never say....
Bob Hebert on the continuing saga of "Extrordinary Rendition" - yet anothe policy that makes me ashamed of my government:
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/25/opinion/25herbert.html?th
The great Paul Krugman on "What's the Matter With Kansas" (great book!) and the debate on Social Security:
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/25/opinion/25krugman.html?th
We have to keep fighting this!
And last of all - a sentance you may have never thought you's hear, but is 100% true:
"The new Willian Shatner CD is AWESOME." I picked it up last night and have been enjoying it since.
Bob Hebert on the continuing saga of "Extrordinary Rendition" - yet anothe policy that makes me ashamed of my government:
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/25/opinion/25herbert.html?th
The great Paul Krugman on "What's the Matter With Kansas" (great book!) and the debate on Social Security:
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/25/opinion/25krugman.html?th
We have to keep fighting this!
And last of all - a sentance you may have never thought you's hear, but is 100% true:
"The new Willian Shatner CD is AWESOME." I picked it up last night and have been enjoying it since.
2.17.2005
A horrible choice...
I cannot believe the audacity of the Bush administration (I am further amazed by this daily) nominating Negroponte for head of Intelligence. Here we have a person who looked past evidence of massacres in Central America - will he be place in charge of looking past the next WMD claims?
Write your Senators - I will be writing mine.
Here's some background:
http://thinkprogress.org/index.php?p=263
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6968346/#050217
Write your Senators - I will be writing mine.
Here's some background:
http://thinkprogress.org/index.php?p=263
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6968346/#050217
2.16.2005
I just finished...
"The Pleasure of My Company" by Steve Martin.
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?userid=ba6xKxLAO7&isbn=0786869216&itm=4
It is amazing.
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?userid=ba6xKxLAO7&isbn=0786869216&itm=4
It is amazing.
A little adult, but really funny....
This Gannon thing is crazy....
Some Democratic Senators Are Now Reluctant to Push for "Jeff Gannon" Investigation
http://www.buzzflash.com/peyser/05/02/pey05042.html
Now, it is a little easier for Boxer to be a bulldog, because she did get the 3rd most votes in November of any American.
She is a safe Senator from A depply blue state. That said, I am glad she is there!
Some Democratic Senators Are Now Reluctant to Push for "Jeff Gannon" Investigation
http://www.buzzflash.com/peyser/05/02/pey05042.html
Now, it is a little easier for Boxer to be a bulldog, because she did get the 3rd most votes in November of any American.
She is a safe Senator from A depply blue state. That said, I am glad she is there!
Too cool not to mention....
A pair of paintings from the famed series depicting dogs playing poker fetched nearly $600,000 at auction Tuesday.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6976660/
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6976660/
2.15.2005
Krugman gets it...
...the Democratic Party is not dead and Dean is not a radical.
In fact, by taking on Social Security, Mr. Bush gave the Democrats a chance to remember what they stand for, and why. Here's my favorite version, from another fighting moderate, Eliot Spitzer: "As President Bush embraces the ownership society and tries to claim that he is the one that is making it possible for the middle class to succeed and save and invest - well, I say to myself, no, that's not right; it is the Democratic Party historically that created the middle class."
For a while, Mr. Dean will be the public face of the Democrats, and the Republicans will try to portray him as the leftist he isn't. But Deanism isn't about turning to the left: it's about making a stand.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/15/opinion/15krugman.html?th=&pagewanted=print&position=
In fact, by taking on Social Security, Mr. Bush gave the Democrats a chance to remember what they stand for, and why. Here's my favorite version, from another fighting moderate, Eliot Spitzer: "As President Bush embraces the ownership society and tries to claim that he is the one that is making it possible for the middle class to succeed and save and invest - well, I say to myself, no, that's not right; it is the Democratic Party historically that created the middle class."
For a while, Mr. Dean will be the public face of the Democrats, and the Republicans will try to portray him as the leftist he isn't. But Deanism isn't about turning to the left: it's about making a stand.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/15/opinion/15krugman.html?th=&pagewanted=print&position=
2.14.2005
When will we stop calling these "isolated incidents"
and call them what they are, systematic torture encouraged and condoned from the top?
Judge advocates - uniformed legal advisers known as JAGs who were assigned to a secret war crimes task force - repeatedly objected to aggressive interrogations by a separate intelligence unit at Camp Delta, where Taliban and al-Qaida suspects have been jailed since January 2002.
But Pentagon officials "didn't think this was a big deal, so they just ignored the JAGs," a senior military source said.
The military lawyers' actions had never been disclosed and are the first known cases of lower-level officers resisting interrogations at the Cuban camp that might constitute torture. Some officials called them "unsung heroes" for risking their careers by crossing senior officials who approved the techniques.
http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/politics/10889627.htm?template=contentModules/printstory.jsp
We find the same behavior towords prisoners in Afganistan, Iraq and Cuba. It goes back as far as when they stripped the 'American Taliban' and took pictures of him taped to a gurney.
Hoods and leashes do not just 'appear' in these prisons - someone had to requisition and bring them in.
This is a disgrace.
Judge advocates - uniformed legal advisers known as JAGs who were assigned to a secret war crimes task force - repeatedly objected to aggressive interrogations by a separate intelligence unit at Camp Delta, where Taliban and al-Qaida suspects have been jailed since January 2002.
But Pentagon officials "didn't think this was a big deal, so they just ignored the JAGs," a senior military source said.
The military lawyers' actions had never been disclosed and are the first known cases of lower-level officers resisting interrogations at the Cuban camp that might constitute torture. Some officials called them "unsung heroes" for risking their careers by crossing senior officials who approved the techniques.
http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/politics/10889627.htm?template=contentModules/printstory.jsp
We find the same behavior towords prisoners in Afganistan, Iraq and Cuba. It goes back as far as when they stripped the 'American Taliban' and took pictures of him taped to a gurney.
Hoods and leashes do not just 'appear' in these prisons - someone had to requisition and bring them in.
This is a disgrace.
2.13.2005
This is a great point.....
Most important, making energy independence our generation's moon shot could help inspire more young people to go into science and engineering, which we desperately need.
Sadly, the Bush team won't even consider this. It prefers cruise missiles to cruise controls. We need a grass-roots movement. Where are college kids these days? I would like to see every campus in America demand that its board of trustees disinvest from every U.S. auto company until they improve their mileage standards. Every college town needs to declare itself a "Hummer-free zone." You want to drive a gas-guzzling Humvee? Go to Iraq, not our campus. And an idea from my wife, Ann: free parking anywhere in America for anyone driving a hybrid car.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/13/opinion/13friedman.html?th
Sadly, the Bush team won't even consider this. It prefers cruise missiles to cruise controls. We need a grass-roots movement. Where are college kids these days? I would like to see every campus in America demand that its board of trustees disinvest from every U.S. auto company until they improve their mileage standards. Every college town needs to declare itself a "Hummer-free zone." You want to drive a gas-guzzling Humvee? Go to Iraq, not our campus. And an idea from my wife, Ann: free parking anywhere in America for anyone driving a hybrid car.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/13/opinion/13friedman.html?th
Stewart Rieckman makes some good points about the worst of our Oshkosh Blogs...
here:
http://www.wisinfo.com/northwestern/news/columns/stories/columns_19802842.shtml
However, I would like to point out that in my participation in these blogs, I have always used my own name. I have always provided links to the information I was referencing. And I backed up anything I said about someone with their acual words.
I agree with Mr. Reikman that there is a problem with nameless bomb-throwing, and I have had several lobbed at me.
I, however, am proud of, and stand by the questions I posted, the stands I took and the information I have provided.
All done in my own name and with the ability to contact me either publicly on the blog or privately via email.
When blogging is done in this matter, I believe it is a very usefull tool. When it is not, Mr. Reichman is right to call it "intellectual trash."
http://www.wisinfo.com/northwestern/news/columns/stories/columns_19802842.shtml
However, I would like to point out that in my participation in these blogs, I have always used my own name. I have always provided links to the information I was referencing. And I backed up anything I said about someone with their acual words.
I agree with Mr. Reikman that there is a problem with nameless bomb-throwing, and I have had several lobbed at me.
I, however, am proud of, and stand by the questions I posted, the stands I took and the information I have provided.
All done in my own name and with the ability to contact me either publicly on the blog or privately via email.
When blogging is done in this matter, I believe it is a very usefull tool. When it is not, Mr. Reichman is right to call it "intellectual trash."
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