Smitty1037

Public employees are GOP's scapegoats...according to a public employee

2011-01-16T19:57:00.000-08:00

Robert Reich's latest column needs interpretation. From the heart of Nancy Pelosi's district comes the disingenuous defense of public employees.

...Public servants are convenient scapegoats. Republicans would rather deflect attention from corporate executive pay that continues to rise as corporate profits soar even as corporations refuse to hire more workers....

I read comments like this and wonder how this man has any credibility. It's pretty self-explanatory for one to establish that public employee pensions are one of the major contributors to states' fiscal woes. I look to Reich to establish a similar argument with regard to executive pay. He makes the claim. No facts to back it up. He goes on to say...

The Republican trick is to compare apples to oranges....

Ironically.... Reich needs to find a big mirror. Reich continues...

After a career with annual pay averaging less than $45,000, the typical newly retired public employee receives a pension of $19,000 a year.

Apparently Mr. Reich's definition of typical is not typical.

Public employees are our (my) friends and neighbors. Typically great people. Great people being led astray by visions of entitlements.

And remember, Reich has a vested interest. When and where liberals thrive, you'll find Reich with his six-figure plus salary....

Rock and Roll Yemen

2010-11-02T10:23:00.000-07:00

Noteworthy.

Who saved the day in Yemen bomb plot? Once again, a Muslim.

A key tip-off in the Yemen bomb plot reportedly came from Saudi national Jabr al-Faifi, an ex-Guantánamo detainee with links to Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula.

I owe this guy a beer....

Funny and creative blog

2010-09-15T15:28:00.000-07:00

http://shutking.blogspot.com/

I stumbled on this.... made me laugh out loud....

The Choice Before Tomorrow | e21 - Economic Policies for the 21st Century

2010-09-15T15:23:00.000-07:00

The Choice Before Tomorrow | e21 - Economic Policies for the 21st Century

Paul Ryan's continuing intellectual debate against Socialism.....

That doesn’t mean we believe every action by the Federal government is wrong or unwise or even counterproductive. But we do argue – with considerable evidence on our side – that the Federal government has added layer upon layer to its core functions; that it is now on a path that everyone agrees is fiscally unsustainable; and that it is therefore in urgent need of fundamental reform.

Hanson Brothers National Anthem

2010-09-10T20:00:00.000-07:00

Seriously.... if you haven't seen Slapshot, watch it !!!

10 Questions for Russ Feingold

2010-09-09T19:04:00.000-07:00

New York Times

...

Are there a lot of undecided voters out there on issues like health care?

“Here in Wisconsin, there’s 40 percent who are locked in on one side, 40 percent on the other and roughly 20 percent independents, they’re not locked in at all. They are holding back and as you calmly and rationally explain, most people say, ‘No, we don’t really want to repeal that.’”

...

Notwithstanding that this statement is innacurate... it's disturbing that Russ feels he was doing the right thing in appealing to a minority of his constituency.

Disturbing

2010-09-09T18:34:00.000-07:00

Disturbing.

FBI agents visited Thursday with a minister of a small Florida church that plans to burn the Quran on Sept. 11, as public safety became a paramount concern and President Barack Obama added his voice to the chorus of opposition....

Ryan: 'Plenty of room' to cut $700B from budget to extend high-end tax cuts - The Hill's Blog Briefing Room

2010-09-03T18:02:00.000-07:00

Ryan: 'Plenty of room' to cut $700B from budget to extend high-end tax cuts - The Hill's Blog Briefing Room

Keep pounding the pavement...

Nothing to say?

2010-09-01T19:08:00.000-07:00

I actually have a lot to say, just haven't had a lot of time lately:

I got a ticket Friday night (northbound) at the intersection of 164/167. Ticket was for scooting past a couple cars to turn right (illegal passing on the right). Deputy said he had never seen anyone doubled up in the northbound part of that intersection. I take that route home from work daily and have seen a hundred cars do it. To be continued...
Iraq, economy, stimulus, global warming, taxes... I'm a bit politicked out for the time being. Good thing for football.
Been thinking about following a couple companies closely (on my blog) for the purposes of stock picking. Harley, Joy Global, & M&I come to mind... we'll see...
Peace...

Smeety CANNONBALL !!!!!

2010-08-16T19:45:00.000-07:00

Let's lighten it up...

And the craziness continues...

2010-08-16T19:21:00.000-07:00

I see this chart today on the blog of a local lefty, and I gotta say... it's noteworthy. So... let's have a look. It's a chart from an Washington Post article from our favorite economic hobbit, Ezra Klein. In his editorial he writes:

"From December 2007 to July 2009 – the last year of the Bush second term and the first six months of the Obama presidency, before his policies could affect the economy – "

You just can't make this stuff up.

So let's see if we can get this straight:

Stimulus passed in February 2009.
According to Ezra, GWB is responsible for job losses that took place during the first four months after the stimulus...
Why knows? Maybe getting a six month pass is standard for gov't work.
Never mind that Obama said unemployment should be significantly down by now...
Chart appears to measure net job losses, not job losses. That should almost call for a retraction...
Doesn't this chart also infer that no (net) jobs have been created since the stimulus has passed?
Well, the real unemployment number is a staggering 22%...
I wish I had the same policy at work... a free pass for my first six months (not to mention all of the vacation time)...and blame the guy who had my position before me...

Alright, that chart is just embarrassing.... Ezra Klein should be embarrassed for his excuse making for Obama. Folkbum should be embarrassed for falling for such misleading drivel...

Paul Ryan's Roadmap versus Obamacare...

2010-08-16T18:49:00.000-07:00

Washington Post liberal writer Ezra Klein isn't the brightest bulb with regard to Washington economic pundits, but he is on to one thing ahead of his peers... Paul Ryan is a threat the Democratic Party's attempt to reconstruct America.

Every time I google Paul Ryan I find another shot from the cheap seats from Klein. Today's was Paul Ryan's would end Medicare as we know it. I did a search to see if Klein said the same thing about Obamacare. Surprisingly :-) he did not. Ezra did have a dimwitted response to Ryan's discussions with the President during the 'summit':

"a decade after the reforms kick in, we'd be providing health care to at least 30 million more people and spending no more than we would if we did nothing," which is to say, the curve-bending elements of the plan would've saved enough money to cancel out the new coverage expenses."

There is seriously nothing I believe less than that statement from his editorial. This is more accurate:

CMS concluded:

* Uninsured and those employers who don’t offer coverage will pay $120 billion in taxes.
* National health care expenditures will increase by $311 billion.
* Health care increases to 21 percent of GDP by 2019.
* ObamaCare spends more than $828 billion for health care coverage. (CMS didn’t analyze all the tax increases, such as HSAs, FSAs, increasing the AGI threshold, etc.)
* The government will spend $410 billion to expand Medicaid.
* Medicaid enrollment increases by 20 million new beneficiaries.
* 18 million people will be uninsured (excluding 5 million illegal immigrants).
* 50 percent of seniors will lose their Medicare Advantage plans.
* Some of the Medicare cost-control mechanisms may not be sustainable.
* Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) will run a deficit in 15 years.
* The $5 billion for High Risk Pools is not enough.
* Doctors may drop out of Medicare because of the changes in Medicare reimbursement rates.
* Medicare “savings” may be difficult to achieve.

Summary of CMS Report on ObamaCare

National Health Expenditures
* $311 billion increase in total health care spending
* Health care will be 21 percent of GDP in 2019 – up from 16 percent today and was projected to be 20.8 percent in 2019 pre-ObamaCare.

Cost for Coverage
* $828 billion total for health care coverage, including $410 billion for Medicaid and CHIP
* CMS did not score or analyze all the tax increases in H.R. 3590 and H.R. 4872.

Medicare
* $ 575.1 billion in Medicare changes, including:
o $145 billion in Medicare Advantage plan changes

Medicaid Expansion
* $410 billion in new Medicaid spending
* 20 million total new Medicaid and CHIP dependents:
o 18 million new dependents
o 2 million will supplement their employer plan with Medicaid coverage

Insurance Coverage
* 18 million people still uninsured
* $120 billion tax increase on the uninsured:
o $33 billion on individuals
o $87 billion on employers under “play or pay” penalties
* 14 million people would lose their employer coverage
* 13 million people will get coverage from their employer
* Net total of 1 million fewer people covered under employer-provided insurance by 2019

Seniors Dropping Coverage
* 50 percent would lose their Medicare Advantage plans
* Only 7.4 million seniors covered in 2017 (first full year of MA implementation)

Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS)
* No benefits during a five-year vesting period
* After 2025: benefits paid out exceed revenue paid in.

High Risk pools
* Only 375,000 people covered
* $5 billion will run out within two years

Obamacare is not going away, unless we vote Obama out in 2012. It's coming, and hell is coming with it...

Delusion, the Hindenburg, and Pink Floyd

2010-08-15T12:14:00.000-07:00

I'm on board for believing this 'double dip' is coming. I obviously don't know it's coming, but my indicators are pointing this direction. We've followed up the housing bubble (perpetuated by Wall Street greed and poor government policy) with a government spending bubble. Government has done nothing to give private business reason to 'believe'.

The sad part of this is I believe this second dip can be avoided even yet today. Confidence needs to be given to business. I was reading a blog the other day and some Obama-defender wrote that low demand is the problem. Demand is low... tell me about it. And it is extremely low on the high end. Let's say you want to address low demand.... how are you going to do it? Establish root cause, maybe? Why is demand low, specifically on the high end (for people that have the money)?--> Low consumer confidence. Why do we have low consumer confidence? --> Government policy. Southern states with good business climate provide proof that government policy is the root cause of this 'low demand'.

But I digress... pending doom via market patterns:

" exists...market voodoo that "the logic behind this ominous-sounding indicator is this: When there are internal inconsistencies in the market that are causing a simultaneously high level of new highs and new lows, a greater risk that the resulting confusion and uncertainty will cause market players to exit... When the herd is confused and moving in two different directions, internally that is going to cause some problems."

The article references ZeroHedge.com. The blog has an interesting guest post called Mass Delusion - American Style. I'm on board with a lot of this article:

"It appears that mass delusion has replaced baseball as the national past-time in America. In the space of the last 15 years the American public have fallen for the three whopper delusions:

Buy stocks for the long run
Homes are always a great investment
Globalization will benefit all Americans"

-------------

And you run and you run to catch up with the sun, but it’s sinking
Racing around to come up behind you again
The sun is the same in a relative way, but you’re older
Shorter of breath and one day closer to death

Pink Floyd – Time

Sincerely one of the best blog entries I've read regarding the economy recently. I recommend.

Alright, it's Sunday afternoon... I'm golfing in a couple hours....

Wisconsin property values dropped $16 billion in 2009...

2010-08-13T11:06:00.000-07:00

... and yet my property tax assessment went up almost 10%.

Omissisons from White House blog...

2010-08-12T18:40:00.000-07:00

Why does the White House have to bend the truth with regard to the Bush Tax Cuts?

"Republicans are arguing that for the wealthiest Americans—those making more than $250,000 per year— it is not enough that they receive a $6,300 tax cut relative to what they paid in the 1990s, they need to maintain the entire bush tax cut. But at a pivotal time in economic recovery, they are refusing to provide necessary assistance to small businesses including zero capital gains, bonus depreciation and a small business lending facility that will help small businesses get the access to credit they need. "

I find this comment frustrating for a couple reasons:
- These tax cuts also to go small businesses. Omitting this is fraudulent.
- These cuts also went to plenty of people making less than their dreaded $250,000. The Atlantic has had some great articles regarding the Bush Tax Cuts. Here is a highlight:

"What we now call the "Bush Tax Cuts" were two separate bills. One passed with bipartisan Senate support in the mild downturn of 2001. The second scraped only with the tie-breaking vote of Vice President Dick Cheney in 2003.

The laws made deep changes to the U.S. tax code. Most commentators focus on how they helped the "rich" -- by slashing the rate on income and capital gains, and by "patching" the Alternative Minimum Tax to spare upper middle class families from paying more under a parallel tax code.

But in reality, they did much more. They cut every income tax rate by three percent. They carved out a new bottom bracket at 10 percent. They cut, and cut, and finally killed (for one year only) the estate tax. They doubled the child credit, reduced the marriage penalty, and expanded tax incentives for education. If the tax cuts expired in December, average tax rates would rise across the board, costing the median tax payer more than $1,000. "

$1,000 to the median taxpayer? It's fair to say the median taxpayer doesn't make $250,000 per year.

Can we stop using the term 'wealthiest Americans' yet?

The Atlantic has another good article about the all of the small business owners that will be accosted by the repeal of the cuts....

Washington vs. Paul Ryan

2010-08-11T18:28:00.000-07:00

"Mr. Ryan's roadmap is much broader than health care and ambitious enough that it would require a Presidential-level debate to have any chance of passing. We'd need to inspect the details before endorsing them ourselves. But its immediate virtue is that it gives leaders in both parties heartburn because it applies the fiscal honesty that everyone claims to favor. Taxpayers need someone like Mr. Ryan to expose the emperor's naked budget."

When I hear Democrats say no ideas are coming from conservatives, I remind them that Paul Ryan has plenty.

Steve Wynn Takes On Washington

2010-08-11T10:28:00.000-07:00

Steve Wynn Takes On Washington

I love Steve Wynn's take on business and politics.

Victory?

2010-08-11T10:07:00.000-07:00

" President Barack Obama and the Democratic Party, who have been starved for good news through much of 2010, finally received a generous helping Tuesday night.
Republicans, meanwhile, were left with several new reasons to wonder whether all the favorable national trends showing in the polls are enough to overcome local candidates who are inspiring little confidence about their readiness for the general election 12 weeks from now.

... "

I really fail to see how an Obama-backed candidate win in a Democratic primary in a Democratic state is viewed as good news.

Unless you want to embelish the best news available....

I still like the conservatives changes in November...

Kudlow: A Democratic Panic Attack? — CNBC Stock Market and Economy News - CNBC

2010-08-09T10:54:00.000-07:00

Kudlow: A Democratic Panic Attack? — CNBC Stock Market and Economy News - CNBC

More money on America's credit card.....

Unfounded Foundation

2010-08-08T07:22:00.000-07:00

If one has been involved in the health care debate, you've heard time and time again about how the U.S. 'pays more per capita' than the rest of the world. This has never passed my smell test. My employer's (and former employer's) health insurance doesn't cost anywhere near $7500 per person. These insurance plans have a model that works profitably for tens of thousands of participants.

So.... I contacted Nina Owcharenko, Health Care Expert at the Heritage Foundation. Guess what? If you work for private industry, your health insurance is part of the most efficient heath care system in the history of the galaxy.

At $13,375 for an average American family of 2.5 kids, you and your employer are paying roughly a total of $3,000 per participant (in 2009)

So.... why the disparity in numbers? Well, government employees and government programs. Government (federal, state, city, school district, county) health care plans are double the cost of private health care plans, and Medicare/Medicaid are inefficient by comparison.

So... next time someone tells you that America, as an entire nation, pays more per capita than any other country in the world for health care... please remind them that the hundred million plus of Americans in private industry should not be included in that statement.

Small Business

2010-08-07T05:59:00.000-07:00

I follow (but typically don't comment on) several local left-leaning blogs. Why do these bloggers refuse to engage the fact that small businesses (and their employees) are such huge benefactors of the Bush Tax Cuts?

Rodney Dangerfield Dylan Thomas Do not go gentle into that good night Ba...

2010-08-05T20:49:00.000-07:00

Thorton Mellon..... Rage....

My take on immigration.....

2010-08-05T20:27:00.000-07:00

My Analysis:

I have nothing against these Mexicans that come up here to earn money and support their families. With exceptions, that is what they do....
These Mexicans want to be here. This is prosperity to them.
Mexicans need to realize that in many cases with the current system, they are stealing from Americans...it is immoral at it's core...

So what needs to be done:

Make the immigration process easier. The current system is ridiculous. Give these people the ability to become Americans and pay into our tax system. We have a great country and they want to be a part of it.
Fine, build the damn wall; but it won't be as necessary if we simplify the immigration process...
Eliminate the 'anchor baby' deal... again, it won't be necessary if we make the immigration process easier.

Not perfect, but it's a start.....

Regroup ...

2010-08-05T20:11:00.000-07:00

Gonna try to keep up on the posting, been a while... General notes from Smeety:

Excited about college football starting...
Pessimistic about the stock market... I'm pretty much out for now
Going to the tea party in Washington County this weekend
bought one of those blu-ray players that streams Pandora and Netflix.... love it
love my wife.... God, she is awesome
miss my buddies.... Buck, Roland, Greg/Letty, Hans, etc...

Wow ... so many angles to take this from...

2009-10-23T08:49:00.001-07:00

When you act like Hugo Chavez, you get treated as he should be treated (at least here in America)

Hugo Chavez goes after the press in Venezuela as well...

2009-10-18T18:24:00.000-07:00

I've been curious to what Obama is trying to accomplish here. It may involve the fairness doctrine. I'm not sure. Nice to see FNS getting under their skin, especially after the punishment GW took, much of which was unjustified.

The fact that Obama is such an amateur, has such a big ego, and is used to getting what he wants leads me to believe he doesn't know what his end game is. Who knows.... enjoy the show...

And where was Obama when Letterman was going after Palin's daughter?

White House goes after FOX News...

2009-10-12T12:03:00.000-07:00

Interesting. I don't see any reference to MSNBC or Keith Olberman.

Oh, the perks of being a wallflower....

2009-10-07T16:25:00.000-07:00

West Bend Library allows this pornography to be checked out by 12 year olds.

Teachers calling for less work days...

2009-10-06T15:09:00.000-07:00

I'm not kidding.

Gitmo not closing any time soon....

2009-10-06T14:24:00.000-07:00

Told you so...

Where are all the radical lefties? I swear they must've climbed a redwood on January 20th and are yet to come down....

Whole Foods CEO interview.

2009-10-05T12:23:00.000-07:00

Love this guy.

' Yet his now famous op-ed incited a boycott of Whole Foods by some of his left-wing customers. His piece advised that "the last thing our country needs is a massive new health-care entitlement that will create hundreds of billions of dollars of new unfunded deficits and move us closer to a complete government takeover of our health-care system." Free-market groups retaliated with a "buy-cott," encouraging people to purchase more groceries at Whole Foods.

Why did he write the piece in the first place?

"President Obama called for constructive suggestions for health-care reform," he explains. "I took him at his word." Mr. Mackey continues: "It just seems to me there are some fundamental reforms that we've adopted at Whole Foods that would make health care much more affordable for the uninsured."

What Mr. Mackey is proposing is more or less what he has already implemented at his company—a plan that would allow more health savings accounts (HSAs), more low-premium, high-deductible plans, more incentives for wellness, and medical malpractice reform. None of these initiatives are in any of the Democratic bills winding their way through Congress. In fact, the Democrats want to kill HSAs and high-deductible plans and mandate coverage options that would inflate health insurance costs.

The Whole Foods health-care story has been largely ignored by proponents of a government-run system. But it could be a template for those in Washington who want to drive down costs and insure the uninsured. '

Obama says passing health care overhaul the key to reducing unemployment

2009-10-03T16:00:00.000-07:00

Harvard educated, you say?

This is why fewer and fewer people listen to him each day. For the love of God, CUT TAXES !!!!!

Extension of benefits--

2009-10-03T06:17:00.000-07:00

Obama wants to extend COBRA, unemployment benefits, and housing tax deductions due to the weak economy, as shown by jobless rate report Thurs/Fri.

I'm not in favor of this:

Housing tax deduction extension isn't going to make an impact versus not doing this.

I feel extending unemployment will give people less reason to pursue work.

COBRA is typically very expensive and cheaper options are definitely better options. If Obama were to pay the cheaper options (with a cap) for the unemployed I would likely be in favor.

When is the big O going to realize he needs to significantly reduce corporate and personal taxes? Obviously a hard pill to swallow for a Socialist.

Obamas Fail in Personal Pitch to Bring 2016 Olympics to Chicago - Political News - FOXNews.com

2009-10-02T13:21:00.001-07:00

Obamas Fail in Personal Pitch to Bring 2016 Olympics to Chicago - Political News - FOXNews.com

Posted using ShareThis

This is the wife of the leader of the free world...

2009-10-02T06:52:00.000-07:00

Keep talking Michelle ....

Bills to Defund ACORN Face Legal Hurdles, Experts Say - Political News - FOXNews.com

2009-10-01T16:58:00.001-07:00

Bills to Defund ACORN Face Legal Hurdles, Experts Say - Political News - FOXNews.com

Posted using ShareThis

Nobody wants to buy...

2009-10-01T13:08:00.000-07:00

a Gov't Motors car...

I feel bad for the people I know who have had no control over this, yet are harshly affected...

Keith Olberman

2009-09-30T20:16:00.000-07:00

About every month or so, I'll turn on KO for about five minutes. When I listen, something strikes me as 'not right', and tonight I finally figured out what it is...

Earlier in the week, I saw Glen Beck attack Obama for going to bat for Chicago. I'll throw out there, I have no issue with Obama doing this, none whatsoever. GB explain why Vancouver will lose money with next year's Olympics. I'll say the argument can be made for both sides of the argument, but let's just say a city does not necessarily host the Olympics to make a f*ckton of money. It's a pride thing.

Tonight KO took a three second blurb of GB completely out of context. I know this because I saw the original quote and the conversation that accompanied. Then he did the same thing with John Boehner (sp?) and Michael Steele, just three second blurbs.

Conservatives always explain their thought process. KO's show is one bumper sticker line after another. There is no well-thought out, common sense explained. It's just one attack after another after another. Even Rush Limbaugh, who is quite the attack dog himself, explains his thought process as he gives his point of view.

And it's no wonder his ratings are so bad ... with his lack of common sense and explanation, he ONLY gets the die-hard lefties who agree with him.

I believe we've come to a time in our political system where boycotting sponsors, etc. is appropriate. I won't watch a Matt Damon movie. I won't turn on MSNBC if not for but a few minutes out of morbid curiosity, and I will never under any circumstances watch KO on Sunday Night Football... always turn it off...

Health Care Mandate...

2009-09-29T18:41:00.000-07:00

unconstitutional?

My wife, my life

2009-09-28T16:25:00.000-07:00

My wife is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I thank God for her every day.

Harley-Davidson, Toyota and Porsche Brands Lose Value - Pravda.Ru

2009-09-23T11:16:00.001-07:00

Harley-Davidson, Toyota and Porsche Brands Lose Value - Pravda.Ru

Posted using ShareThis

Reid Threatens 'Nuclear Option' to Pass Health Care Reform as Panel Starts Work - Political News - FOXNews.com

2009-09-22T12:55:00.001-07:00

Reid Threatens 'Nuclear Option' to Pass Health Care Reform as Panel Starts Work - Political News - FOXNews.com

Posted using ShareThis

Does Obama Lie?

2009-09-19T07:18:00.000-07:00

Yes, he does. And he knows better...

Poll: Public Disapproval of 'Obamacare' Jumps to 52 Percent - Political News - FOXNews.com

2009-09-09T15:04:00.001-07:00

Poll: Public Disapproval of 'Obamacare' Jumps to 52 Percent - Political News - FOXNews.com

Posted using ShareThis

President Obama's speech to kids...

2009-09-07T10:13:00.000-07:00

I don't have an issue with it.

The speech Wednesday by the Dear Leader will be more interesting, I'm sure...

Smeety Redux

2009-09-07T06:56:00.000-07:00

Well, I have started over with the blog. I removed all of the old content, except for the Roland fire picture...let's run with it...

Idealism is for the naive

2009-09-07T06:53:00.000-07:00

I'm not a huge fan of Peggy Noonan, but... this is not too bad...Obama administration young and inexperienced?

My biggest concern is the spending. I understand the idealism. I don't agree with it, and I feel it is naive, but I understand it. It's easy to be generous with someone else's money. It's much harder to buckle down and manage finances for the long term. Obama reminds me of the nineteen year old college student with his first credit card.