http://www.huffingtonpost.com/richar..._b_406655.html
Humanity first and foremost over all.
An 85-year-old Holocaust survivor entered the second day of her hunger strike on Tuesday, in protest over the Egyptian government's refusal to allow an international Palestinian solidarity march to enter the Gaza Strip.
American peace activist Hedy Epstein came to Cairo as part of an international delegation with participants from 43 countries. The delegation had planned to join Palestinians in a non-violent march from Northern Gaza toward the Erez border with Israel, calling for the end of the blockade on Gaza on the anniversary of the Israeli invasion last December. Egyptian authorities have refused to allow any of the 1,300 protesters entry into Gaza, prompting Epstein and many others to go on hunger strike.
"There comes a time in one's life when one has to step up and risk one's own body," she said. "We're in a desperate situation here, but not as desperate as the people in Gaza."
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Total State Tax Collections
http://s.wsj.net/public/resources/documents/st_TAXES1229_20091230.html
Check out the third quarter differences from this year as opposed to last.
The question is: What has Barney Frank done for YOU lately?
State revenues fell 11% in the third quarter of 2009 versus the same period a year ago with big drops in sales and income taxes, according to a report released by the Census Tuesday. The report shows state and local governments are only now catching the full brunt of the recession. See total state tax collections for the third quarter of 2008 and the third quarter of 2009.
Check out the third quarter differences from this year as opposed to last.
The question is: What has Barney Frank done for YOU lately?
State revenues fell 11% in the third quarter of 2009 versus the same period a year ago with big drops in sales and income taxes, according to a report released by the Census Tuesday. The report shows state and local governments are only now catching the full brunt of the recession. See total state tax collections for the third quarter of 2008 and the third quarter of 2009.
State, Local Tax Revenues Decline 7%
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB126212283240009387.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_sections_news#articleTabs%3Dcomments
State and local tax revenues fell 7% in the third quarter of 2009 from a year ago, the Census Bureau said in a report underscoring how the economic downturn is stressing government collections.
Sales taxes declined 9% to $70 billion in the third quarter compared with the year-ago period, the Census Bureau said. Income taxes plunged 12% to about $58 billion. Together, sales and income taxes make up roughly half of state and local tax revenue.
"We expect continued weakness well into 2010 if not further," said Lucy Dadayan, an analyst at the Rockefeller Institute of Government at the State University of New York.
Property taxes increased 3.6% in the third quarter compared with a year ago. But as property assessments catch up with falling residential and commercial real-estate values, property-tax revenues are expected to be weak. That will have a particularly severe impact on local governments, which fund much of their operations from property taxes.
"At minimum, cities will be working through the catastrophic drops in revenue for the next 18 months to two years," said Mark Muro of the Brookings Institution's Metropolitan Policy Program.
State and local tax revenues fell 7% in the third quarter of 2009 from a year ago, the Census Bureau said in a report underscoring how the economic downturn is stressing government collections.
Sales taxes declined 9% to $70 billion in the third quarter compared with the year-ago period, the Census Bureau said. Income taxes plunged 12% to about $58 billion. Together, sales and income taxes make up roughly half of state and local tax revenue.
"We expect continued weakness well into 2010 if not further," said Lucy Dadayan, an analyst at the Rockefeller Institute of Government at the State University of New York.
Property taxes increased 3.6% in the third quarter compared with a year ago. But as property assessments catch up with falling residential and commercial real-estate values, property-tax revenues are expected to be weak. That will have a particularly severe impact on local governments, which fund much of their operations from property taxes.
"At minimum, cities will be working through the catastrophic drops in revenue for the next 18 months to two years," said Mark Muro of the Brookings Institution's Metropolitan Policy Program.
Bankers Get $4 Trillion Gift From Barney Frank
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601039&sid=a48c8UpUMxKQ
No fix to the bankers bust just the continuation of financial life support, because Congress believes they deserve it so much more than you.
-- To close out 2009, I decided to do something I bet no member of Congress has done -- actually read from cover to cover one of the pieces of sweeping legislation bouncing around Capitol Hill.
Hunkering down by the fire, I snuggled up with H.R. 4173, the financial-reform legislation passed earlier this month by the House of Representatives. The Senate has yet to pass its own reform plan. The baby of Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank, the House bill is meant to address everything from too-big-to-fail banks to asleep-at-the-switch credit-ratings companies to the protection of consumers from greedy lenders.
I quickly discovered why members of Congress rarely read legislation like this. At 1,279 pages, the “Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act” is a real slog. And yes, I plowed through all those pages. (Memo to Chairman Frank: “ystem” at line 14, page 258 is missing the first “s”.)
The reading was especially painful since this reform sausage is stuffed with more gristle than meat. At least, that is, if you are a taxpayer hoping the bailout train is coming to a halt.
If you’re a banker, the bill is tastier. While banks opposed the legislation, they should cheer for its passage by the full Congress in the New Year: There are huge giveaways insuring the government will again rescue banks and Wall Street if the need arises.
Nuggets Gleaned
No fix to the bankers bust just the continuation of financial life support, because Congress believes they deserve it so much more than you.
-- To close out 2009, I decided to do something I bet no member of Congress has done -- actually read from cover to cover one of the pieces of sweeping legislation bouncing around Capitol Hill.
Hunkering down by the fire, I snuggled up with H.R. 4173, the financial-reform legislation passed earlier this month by the House of Representatives. The Senate has yet to pass its own reform plan. The baby of Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank, the House bill is meant to address everything from too-big-to-fail banks to asleep-at-the-switch credit-ratings companies to the protection of consumers from greedy lenders.
I quickly discovered why members of Congress rarely read legislation like this. At 1,279 pages, the “Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act” is a real slog. And yes, I plowed through all those pages. (Memo to Chairman Frank: “ystem” at line 14, page 258 is missing the first “s”.)
The reading was especially painful since this reform sausage is stuffed with more gristle than meat. At least, that is, if you are a taxpayer hoping the bailout train is coming to a halt.
If you’re a banker, the bill is tastier. While banks opposed the legislation, they should cheer for its passage by the full Congress in the New Year: There are huge giveaways insuring the government will again rescue banks and Wall Street if the need arises.
Nuggets Gleaned
GMAC to get $3.5 billion more in government aid
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/GMAC-to-get-35-billion-in-rb-407807649.html?x=0&sec=topStories&pos=3&asset=&ccode=
How long will the taxpayer be demanded to keep these failing companies alive by artificial means?......Forever?...... It would seem so.
GMAC Financial Services is expected to get about $3.5 billion in additional government aid to help the troubled lender absorb losses related to its mortgage operations, a financial industry source familiar with the matter said on Wednesday
How long will the taxpayer be demanded to keep these failing companies alive by artificial means?......Forever?...... It would seem so.
GMAC Financial Services is expected to get about $3.5 billion in additional government aid to help the troubled lender absorb losses related to its mortgage operations, a financial industry source familiar with the matter said on Wednesday
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Investors seen jumping the gun on airport security
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Investors-seen-jumping-the-rb-1173135211.html?x=0&sec=topStories&pos=3&asset=&ccode=
The feed frenzy, no coincidence here, it's a sure bet or should I say secure bet.
Investors' optimism surrounding the shares of airport security systems makers could be premature as interest in the companies' products after the Christmas Day plane scare is not expected to translate into immediate orders.
Shares of explosive-detection equipment makers OSI Systems (NasdaqGM:OSIS - News), American Science and Engineering (NasdaqGS:ASEI - News) and ICx Technologies Inc (NasdaqGM:ICXT - News) rallied for a second day on Tuesday as investors bet on swift government action to improve airport security.
Analysts believe the failed December 25 attempt to blow up a Detroit-bound airliner will accelerate the process of testing new equipment, but any laws requiring its use will depend on Congressional action.
"If this was a successful terrorist attack, the orders would be coming down in January," Brian Ruttenbur of Morgan, Keegan Securities said. "Because it wasn't a successful attack, the government will hold hearings about what broke down."
The feed frenzy, no coincidence here, it's a sure bet or should I say secure bet.
Investors' optimism surrounding the shares of airport security systems makers could be premature as interest in the companies' products after the Christmas Day plane scare is not expected to translate into immediate orders.
Shares of explosive-detection equipment makers OSI Systems (NasdaqGM:OSIS - News), American Science and Engineering (NasdaqGS:ASEI - News) and ICx Technologies Inc (NasdaqGM:ICXT - News) rallied for a second day on Tuesday as investors bet on swift government action to improve airport security.
Analysts believe the failed December 25 attempt to blow up a Detroit-bound airliner will accelerate the process of testing new equipment, but any laws requiring its use will depend on Congressional action.
"If this was a successful terrorist attack, the orders would be coming down in January," Brian Ruttenbur of Morgan, Keegan Securities said. "Because it wasn't a successful attack, the government will hold hearings about what broke down."
Financial sector ups lobbying effort over new regulation plan
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2009-12-28-financial-sector-lobbying_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip
How much does it cost to sway a decision or water the intended version down and who's paying to do it.
Main Street doesn't stand a chance because money can buy anything, even the financial destruction of whats left of our country
WASHINGTON — Wall Street, commercial banks and an array of other business interests are undertaking an all-out lobbying effort to shape legislation that imposes sweeping government oversight of the financial services industry
How much does it cost to sway a decision or water the intended version down and who's paying to do it.
Main Street doesn't stand a chance because money can buy anything, even the financial destruction of whats left of our country
WASHINGTON — Wall Street, commercial banks and an array of other business interests are undertaking an all-out lobbying effort to shape legislation that imposes sweeping government oversight of the financial services industry
Northwest Bomb Plot 'Oddities'
http://www.legitgov.org/northwest_bomb_plot_oddities.html
Have you ever noticed oil and al Qaeda go hand in hand?
Uncanny isn't it!
Got it? Write a book critical of the CIA -- you cannot fly. Carry explosives (allegedly from Yemen) on board when the US is trolling for an excuse to invade and occupy Yemen for its oil -- yes you can! The US needs false flags to provide cover for illegal invasions and occupations. The 9/11 terrorist attacks (aka inside job, six ways to Sunday) worked well for the US government; the security-industrial complex made billions and US corporaterrorists were able to negotiate the wholesale theft of Iraq's oil.
According to CNN, the terror suspect's father tried to warn authorities. CNN reported: The father of a man suspected in a botched terror attack aboard a Northwest Airlines flight contacted the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria recently with concerns his son was planning something, a senior U.S. administration official said Saturday. The father -- identified by a family source as Umaru Abdul Mutallab -- contacted the U.S. Embassy "a few weeks ago" saying his son, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, had "become radicalized," the senior administration official, who is familiar with the case, told CNN.
And yet, Abdulmutallab was not obliged to undergo any additional airport screening layers, prior to boarding for the last leg of his journey to Detroit.
Also, lest we forget: Three key provisions of the Patriot Act are scheduled to expire 31 December 2009. Hmm. I wonder if post-Abdulmutallab they will get renewed?
Abdulmutallab was thwarted by a quote, unquote vacationing movie producer, Jasper Schuringa, who, within seconds, asserted that he not only tackled the suspect and put him in a headlock but also tried 'to search his body for any explosives' (CNN). Unless one was a bona-fide law enforcement professional or a military agent, who on earth would think of searching a man who had just set himself on fire, in a matter of seconds, for more explosives?
The goal is Yemeni oil. Hence the reason for the destabilization and the purported need for the US to stop al-Qaeda (literally, 'the database'). The Yemeni national security chief has declared that the country is receiving assistance from the US in the crackdown on what he called 'al-Qaeda operatives' in southern Yemen (Press TV). Translation: US corporaterrorists want Yemen's oil and they want it NOW.
Have you ever noticed oil and al Qaeda go hand in hand?
Uncanny isn't it!
Got it? Write a book critical of the CIA -- you cannot fly. Carry explosives (allegedly from Yemen) on board when the US is trolling for an excuse to invade and occupy Yemen for its oil -- yes you can! The US needs false flags to provide cover for illegal invasions and occupations. The 9/11 terrorist attacks (aka inside job, six ways to Sunday) worked well for the US government; the security-industrial complex made billions and US corporaterrorists were able to negotiate the wholesale theft of Iraq's oil.
According to CNN, the terror suspect's father tried to warn authorities. CNN reported: The father of a man suspected in a botched terror attack aboard a Northwest Airlines flight contacted the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria recently with concerns his son was planning something, a senior U.S. administration official said Saturday. The father -- identified by a family source as Umaru Abdul Mutallab -- contacted the U.S. Embassy "a few weeks ago" saying his son, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, had "become radicalized," the senior administration official, who is familiar with the case, told CNN.
And yet, Abdulmutallab was not obliged to undergo any additional airport screening layers, prior to boarding for the last leg of his journey to Detroit.
Also, lest we forget: Three key provisions of the Patriot Act are scheduled to expire 31 December 2009. Hmm. I wonder if post-Abdulmutallab they will get renewed?
Abdulmutallab was thwarted by a quote, unquote vacationing movie producer, Jasper Schuringa, who, within seconds, asserted that he not only tackled the suspect and put him in a headlock but also tried 'to search his body for any explosives' (CNN). Unless one was a bona-fide law enforcement professional or a military agent, who on earth would think of searching a man who had just set himself on fire, in a matter of seconds, for more explosives?
The goal is Yemeni oil. Hence the reason for the destabilization and the purported need for the US to stop al-Qaeda (literally, 'the database'). The Yemeni national security chief has declared that the country is receiving assistance from the US in the crackdown on what he called 'al-Qaeda operatives' in southern Yemen (Press TV). Translation: US corporaterrorists want Yemen's oil and they want it NOW.
States debt
http://freedomarizona.org/2009/01/30/46-of-50-states-could-file-bankruptcy-in-2009-2010/
46 Of 50 States Could File Bankruptcy In 2009-2010
Scary little map isn't it.
The state census bureau for your individual needs and curiosities.
http://www.census.gov/govs/state/
46 Of 50 States Could File Bankruptcy In 2009-2010
Scary little map isn't it.
The state census bureau for your individual needs and curiosities.
http://www.census.gov/govs/state/
Monday, December 28, 2009
Suspect's Privileged Existence Took a Radical Turn
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB126187511080506063.html?mod=WSJ_hp_mostpop_read#articleTabs%3Dcomments
Profiling is an interesting thought, but I think it would be more useful to profile the universities rather than a religion. By the way security didn't work, the bomb failed.
Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab's life until mid-2008 reflected his lofty status as the son of a prominent Nigerian banker, with a prestigious education and luxury apartment in London. After graduating from a prominent London university that June, however, Mr. Abdulmutallab soon began showing signs of trouble.
.
.After a stopover in Dubai to continue his education, he defied his family's wishes and went to Yemen, vowing to study Arabic and Shariah law. An attempt to re-enter the U.K. in May was denied by border officials who said the college at which he was applying to study was of questionable legitimacy. Authorities haven't named the college.
Profiling is an interesting thought, but I think it would be more useful to profile the universities rather than a religion. By the way security didn't work, the bomb failed.
Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab's life until mid-2008 reflected his lofty status as the son of a prominent Nigerian banker, with a prestigious education and luxury apartment in London. After graduating from a prominent London university that June, however, Mr. Abdulmutallab soon began showing signs of trouble.
.
.After a stopover in Dubai to continue his education, he defied his family's wishes and went to Yemen, vowing to study Arabic and Shariah law. An attempt to re-enter the U.K. in May was denied by border officials who said the college at which he was applying to study was of questionable legitimacy. Authorities haven't named the college.
Foreclosure Challenges Raise Questions About Judicial Role
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB126161279914403525.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_sections_realestate#articleTabs%3Dcomments
A group of state and federal judges presiding over foreclosures are wiping away borrowers' mortgage debt, invalidating foreclosure sales and even barring some foreclosures outright.
The decisions in recent months by a handful of judges in states including Massachusetts, New York and Texas mark a new phase in the judiciary's battle to stem the rising tide of foreclosures by punishing mortgage companies for paperwork mistakes and alleged mistreatment of borrowers.
The number of judges taking such action remains small, and most foreclosures go through without a challenge.
But the growing number of rulings against lenders' claims is raising questions among some legal experts about judges' impartiality.
"The question is whether judges are changing the rules in the middle of the game...just because there is a financial crisis," says Todd Zywicki, a law professor at George Mason University and a critic of policy initiatives aimed at curtailing lenders' ability to foreclose.
As early as 18 months ago, several judges in California, New York, Ohio and elsewhere would dismiss foreclosure cases if they could find reason to do so. But those judges often allowed the mortgage companies to refile their foreclosure claims after attesting to their ownership of the mortgage in the county in which the homeowner lives.
Now, after the country has been mired in a housing crisis for more than two years, more judges are calling these companies on their paperwork glitches, and in some cases going much further in their efforts to help homeowners
A group of state and federal judges presiding over foreclosures are wiping away borrowers' mortgage debt, invalidating foreclosure sales and even barring some foreclosures outright.
The decisions in recent months by a handful of judges in states including Massachusetts, New York and Texas mark a new phase in the judiciary's battle to stem the rising tide of foreclosures by punishing mortgage companies for paperwork mistakes and alleged mistreatment of borrowers.
The number of judges taking such action remains small, and most foreclosures go through without a challenge.
But the growing number of rulings against lenders' claims is raising questions among some legal experts about judges' impartiality.
"The question is whether judges are changing the rules in the middle of the game...just because there is a financial crisis," says Todd Zywicki, a law professor at George Mason University and a critic of policy initiatives aimed at curtailing lenders' ability to foreclose.
As early as 18 months ago, several judges in California, New York, Ohio and elsewhere would dismiss foreclosure cases if they could find reason to do so. But those judges often allowed the mortgage companies to refile their foreclosure claims after attesting to their ownership of the mortgage in the county in which the homeowner lives.
Now, after the country has been mired in a housing crisis for more than two years, more judges are calling these companies on their paperwork glitches, and in some cases going much further in their efforts to help homeowners
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Pentagon Spending For War Exceeds That Of All State Governments Combined
http://www.blacklistednews.com/news-6802-0-22-22--.html
California is going down, New York is to, but Defence spending rolls on.
The U.S. spends more for war annually than all state governments combined spend for the health, education, welfare, and safety of 308 million Americans.
Joseph Henchman, director of state projects for the Tax Foundation of Washington, D.C., says the states collected a total of $781 billion in taxes in 2008.
For a rough comparison, according to Wikipedia data, the total budget for what the Pentagon calls "defense" in fiscal year 2010 will be at least $880 billion and could possibly top $1 trillion. That’s more than all the state governments collect.
Henchman says all American local governments combined (cities, counties, etc.) collect about $500 billion in taxes. Add that to total state tax take and you get over $1.3 trillion. This means Uncle Sam’s Pentagon is sopping up nearly as much money as all state, county, city, and other governmental units spend to run the country.
If the Pentagon figure of $1 trillion is somewhat less than all other taxing authorities, keep in mind the FBI, the various intelligence agencies, the VA, the National Institutes of Health (biological warfare) are also spending on war-related activities.
A question that describes the above and answers itself is: In what area can the Federal government operate where states and cities cannot tread? The answer is: foreign affairs---raising armies, fighting wars, conducting diplomacy, etc. And so Uncle Sam keeps enlarging this area. His emphasis is not on diplomacy, either.
For every buck spent by the State Department, which gets some $50 billion a year, the Pentagon spends $20. As for the Peace Corps, its budget is a paltry $375 million---hardly enough
California is going down, New York is to, but Defence spending rolls on.
The U.S. spends more for war annually than all state governments combined spend for the health, education, welfare, and safety of 308 million Americans.
Joseph Henchman, director of state projects for the Tax Foundation of Washington, D.C., says the states collected a total of $781 billion in taxes in 2008.
For a rough comparison, according to Wikipedia data, the total budget for what the Pentagon calls "defense" in fiscal year 2010 will be at least $880 billion and could possibly top $1 trillion. That’s more than all the state governments collect.
Henchman says all American local governments combined (cities, counties, etc.) collect about $500 billion in taxes. Add that to total state tax take and you get over $1.3 trillion. This means Uncle Sam’s Pentagon is sopping up nearly as much money as all state, county, city, and other governmental units spend to run the country.
If the Pentagon figure of $1 trillion is somewhat less than all other taxing authorities, keep in mind the FBI, the various intelligence agencies, the VA, the National Institutes of Health (biological warfare) are also spending on war-related activities.
A question that describes the above and answers itself is: In what area can the Federal government operate where states and cities cannot tread? The answer is: foreign affairs---raising armies, fighting wars, conducting diplomacy, etc. And so Uncle Sam keeps enlarging this area. His emphasis is not on diplomacy, either.
For every buck spent by the State Department, which gets some $50 billion a year, the Pentagon spends $20. As for the Peace Corps, its budget is a paltry $375 million---hardly enough
ShadowStats.com founder John Williams explains the risk of hyperinflation. Worst-case scenario?
http://www.fairfieldweekly.com/article.cfm?aid=16014
Do you believe everything the government tells you? Economist and statistician John Williams sure doesn't. Williams, who has consulted for individuals and Fortune 500 companies, now uncovers the truth behind the U.S. government's economic numbers on his Web site at ShadowStats.com. Williams says, over the last several decades, the feds have been infusing their data with optimistic biases to make the economy seem far rosier than it really is. His site reruns the numbers using the original methodology. What he found was not good.
Maymin: So we are technically bankrupt?
Williams: Yes, and when countries are in that state, what they usually do is rev up the printing presses and print the money they need to meet their obligations. And that creates inflation, hyperinflation, and makes the currency
Do you believe everything the government tells you? Economist and statistician John Williams sure doesn't. Williams, who has consulted for individuals and Fortune 500 companies, now uncovers the truth behind the U.S. government's economic numbers on his Web site at ShadowStats.com. Williams says, over the last several decades, the feds have been infusing their data with optimistic biases to make the economy seem far rosier than it really is. His site reruns the numbers using the original methodology. What he found was not good.
Maymin: So we are technically bankrupt?
Williams: Yes, and when countries are in that state, what they usually do is rev up the printing presses and print the money they need to meet their obligations. And that creates inflation, hyperinflation, and makes the currency
Study Proves Three Monsanto Corn Varieties' Noxiousness to the Organism
http://www.blacklistednews.com/news-6817-0-6-6--.html
It's easier to list what's not made with GMO corn than what is.
90% of the world's seed comes from Monsanto. We've been eating it for years and it's toxic.
Do you wonder if Monsanto actually didn't know this and it's just a coincidence that it now has it's own personal representative heading up the FDA?
Can you smell the stench of corruption?
A study published in the International Journal of Biological Sciences demonstrates the toxicity of three genetically modified corn varieties from the American seed company Monsanto, the Committee for Independent Research and Information on Genetic Engineering (Criigen, based in Caen), which participated in that study, announced Friday, December 11.
"For the first time in the world, we've proven that GMO are neither sufficiently healthy nor proper to be commercialized. [...] Each time, for all three GMOs, the kidneys and liver, which are the main organs that react to a chemical food poisoning, had problems," indicated Gilles-Eric Séralini, an expert member of the Commission for Biotechnology Reevaluation, created by the EU in 2008.
Caen and Rouen University researchers, as well as Criigen researchers, based their analyses on the data supplied by Monsanto to health authorities to obtain the green light for commercialization, but they draw different conclusions after new statistical calculations. According to Professor Séralini, the health authorities based themselves on a reading of the conclusions Monsanto has presented and not on conclusions drawn from the totality of the data. The researchers were able to obtain complete documentation following a legal decision.
"Monsanto's tests, effected over 90 days, are
A Comparison of the Effects of Three GM Corn Varieties on Mammalian Health
http://www.biolsci.org/v05p0706.htm
It's easier to list what's not made with GMO corn than what is.
90% of the world's seed comes from Monsanto. We've been eating it for years and it's toxic.
Do you wonder if Monsanto actually didn't know this and it's just a coincidence that it now has it's own personal representative heading up the FDA?
Can you smell the stench of corruption?
A study published in the International Journal of Biological Sciences demonstrates the toxicity of three genetically modified corn varieties from the American seed company Monsanto, the Committee for Independent Research and Information on Genetic Engineering (Criigen, based in Caen), which participated in that study, announced Friday, December 11.
"For the first time in the world, we've proven that GMO are neither sufficiently healthy nor proper to be commercialized. [...] Each time, for all three GMOs, the kidneys and liver, which are the main organs that react to a chemical food poisoning, had problems," indicated Gilles-Eric Séralini, an expert member of the Commission for Biotechnology Reevaluation, created by the EU in 2008.
Caen and Rouen University researchers, as well as Criigen researchers, based their analyses on the data supplied by Monsanto to health authorities to obtain the green light for commercialization, but they draw different conclusions after new statistical calculations. According to Professor Séralini, the health authorities based themselves on a reading of the conclusions Monsanto has presented and not on conclusions drawn from the totality of the data. The researchers were able to obtain complete documentation following a legal decision.
"Monsanto's tests, effected over 90 days, are
A Comparison of the Effects of Three GM Corn Varieties on Mammalian Health
http://www.biolsci.org/v05p0706.htm
Arrow trucking collapses
http://cryptogon.com/?p=12787
More bad news kids. It seems as if it was on the spur of the moment kind of decision the way they cut off their drivers fuel cards and left them stranded.
More bad news kids. It seems as if it was on the spur of the moment kind of decision the way they cut off their drivers fuel cards and left them stranded.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Banks Bundled Bad Debt, Bet Against It and Won
http://finance.yahoo.com/banking-budgeting/article/108476/banks-bundled-bad-debt-bet-against-it-and-won
"The simultaneous selling of securities to customers and shorting them because they believed they were going to default is the most cynical use of credit information that I have ever seen," said Sylvain R. Raynes, an expert in structured finance at R & R Consulting in New York. "When you buy protection against an event that you have a hand in causing, you are buying fire insurance on someone else's house and then committing arson."
"The simultaneous selling of securities to customers and shorting them because they believed they were going to default is the most cynical use of credit information that I have ever seen," said Sylvain R. Raynes, an expert in structured finance at R & R Consulting in New York. "When you buy protection against an event that you have a hand in causing, you are buying fire insurance on someone else's house and then committing arson."
U.S. Move to Cover Fannie, Freddie Losses Stirs Controversy
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB126168307200704747.html?mod=rss_Today's_Most_Popular
How many more miles can they get off of the excuse that it's for the continued strength and stability of one of the subcategories of the financial recovery?
How much money can they print and who's left to buy the debt so that they can do it?
strong><"necessary for preserving the continued strength and stability of the mortgage market," the Treasury said. /strong
The Obama administration's decision to cover an unlimited amount of losses at the mortgage-finance giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac over the next three years stirred controversy over the holiday.
The Treasury announced Thursday it was removing the caps that limited the amount of available capital to the companies to $200 billion each.
Unlimited access to bailout funds through 2012 was "necessary for preserving the continued strength and stability of the mortgage market," the Treasury said. Fannie and Freddie purchase or guarantee most U.S. home mortgages and have run up huge losses stemming from the worst wave of defaults since the 1930s.
"The timing of this executive order giving Fannie and Freddie a blank check is no coincidence," said Rep. Spencer Bachus of Alabama, the ranking Republican on the House Financial Services Committee. He said the Christmas Eve announcement was designed "to prevent the general public from taking note."
Treasury officials couldn't be reached for comment Friday.
How many more miles can they get off of the excuse that it's for the continued strength and stability of one of the subcategories of the financial recovery?
How much money can they print and who's left to buy the debt so that they can do it?
strong><"necessary for preserving the continued strength and stability of the mortgage market," the Treasury said. /strong
The Obama administration's decision to cover an unlimited amount of losses at the mortgage-finance giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac over the next three years stirred controversy over the holiday.
The Treasury announced Thursday it was removing the caps that limited the amount of available capital to the companies to $200 billion each.
Unlimited access to bailout funds through 2012 was "necessary for preserving the continued strength and stability of the mortgage market," the Treasury said. Fannie and Freddie purchase or guarantee most U.S. home mortgages and have run up huge losses stemming from the worst wave of defaults since the 1930s.
"The timing of this executive order giving Fannie and Freddie a blank check is no coincidence," said Rep. Spencer Bachus of Alabama, the ranking Republican on the House Financial Services Committee. He said the Christmas Eve announcement was designed "to prevent the general public from taking note."
Treasury officials couldn't be reached for comment Friday.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
The war machine
http://www.blacklistednews.com/news-6802-0-22-22--.html
The U.S. spends more for war annually than all state governments combined spend for the health, education, welfare, and safety of 308 million Americans.
Joseph Henchman, director of state projects for the Tax Foundation of Washington, D.C., says the states collected a total of $781 billion in taxes in 2008.
For a rough comparison, according to Wikipedia data, the total budget for what the Pentagon calls "defense" in fiscal year 2010 will be at least $880 billion and could possibly top $1 trillion. That’s more than all the state governments collect.
Henchman says all American local governments combined (cities, counties, etc.) collect about $500 billion in taxes. Add that to total state tax take and you get over $1.3 trillion. This means Uncle Sam’s Pentagon is sopping up nearly as much money as all state, county, city, and other governmental units spend to run the country.
If the Pentagon figure of $1 trillion is somewhat less than all other taxing authorities, keep in mind the FBI, the various intelligence agencies, the VA, the National Institutes of Health (biological warfare) are also spending on war-related activities.
A question that describes the above and answers itself is: In what area can the Federal government operate where states and cities cannot tread? The answer is: foreign affairs---raising armies, fighting wars, conducting diplomacy, etc. And so Uncle Sam keeps enlarging this area. His emphasis is not on diplomacy, either.
For every buck spent by the State Department, which gets some $50 billion a year, the Pentagon spends $20. As for the Peace Corps, its budget is a paltry $375 million---hardly enough to keep the Pentagon elephant in peanuts.
Nobel Prize economist Joseph Stiglitz and finance authority Linda Bilmes write in their “The Three Trillion Dollar War”(W.W. Norton), “defense spending has been growing as a percentage of discretionary funding (money that is not required to be spent on entitlements like Social Security), from 48 percent in 2000 to 51 percent today. That means that our defense needs are gobbling up a larger share of taxpayers’ money than ever before.”
The U.S. spends more for war annually than all state governments combined spend for the health, education, welfare, and safety of 308 million Americans.
Joseph Henchman, director of state projects for the Tax Foundation of Washington, D.C., says the states collected a total of $781 billion in taxes in 2008.
For a rough comparison, according to Wikipedia data, the total budget for what the Pentagon calls "defense" in fiscal year 2010 will be at least $880 billion and could possibly top $1 trillion. That’s more than all the state governments collect.
Henchman says all American local governments combined (cities, counties, etc.) collect about $500 billion in taxes. Add that to total state tax take and you get over $1.3 trillion. This means Uncle Sam’s Pentagon is sopping up nearly as much money as all state, county, city, and other governmental units spend to run the country.
If the Pentagon figure of $1 trillion is somewhat less than all other taxing authorities, keep in mind the FBI, the various intelligence agencies, the VA, the National Institutes of Health (biological warfare) are also spending on war-related activities.
A question that describes the above and answers itself is: In what area can the Federal government operate where states and cities cannot tread? The answer is: foreign affairs---raising armies, fighting wars, conducting diplomacy, etc. And so Uncle Sam keeps enlarging this area. His emphasis is not on diplomacy, either.
For every buck spent by the State Department, which gets some $50 billion a year, the Pentagon spends $20. As for the Peace Corps, its budget is a paltry $375 million---hardly enough to keep the Pentagon elephant in peanuts.
Nobel Prize economist Joseph Stiglitz and finance authority Linda Bilmes write in their “The Three Trillion Dollar War”(W.W. Norton), “defense spending has been growing as a percentage of discretionary funding (money that is not required to be spent on entitlements like Social Security), from 48 percent in 2000 to 51 percent today. That means that our defense needs are gobbling up a larger share of taxpayers’ money than ever before.”
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Stunning Statistics About the War That Everyone Should Know
http://www.counterpunch.org/scahill12182009.html
A contractor to oversee the the contracts. That fact in itself proves
that the government has no idea how much money it's handing out or what the purpose is for it.
The war can only be seen now as nothing more than job security for the privately employed.
A hearing in Sen. Claire McCaskill’s Contract Oversightsubcommittee on contracting in Afghanistan has highlighted some important statistics that provide a window into the extent to which the Obama administration has picked up the Bush-era war privatization baton and sprinted with it. Overall, contractors now comprise a whopping 69% of the Department of Defense’s total workforce, “the highest ratio of contractors to military personnel in US history.” That’s not in one war zone—that’s the Pentagon in its entirety.
In Afghanistan, the Obama administration blows the Bush administration out of the privatized water. According to a memo[PDF] released by McCaskill’s staff,
“From June 2009 to September 2009, there was a 40% increase in Defense Department contractors in Afghanistan. During the same period, the number of armed private security contractors working for the Defense Department in Afghanistan doubled, increasing from approximately 5,000 to more than 10,000.”
At present, there are 104,000 Department of Defense contractors in Afghanistan. According to a report this week from the Congressional Research Service, as a result of the coming surge of 30,000 troops in Afghanistan, there may be up to 56,000 additional contractors deployed. But here is another group of contractors that often goes unmentioned: 3,600 State Department contractors and 14,000 USAID contractors. That means that the current total US force in Afghanistan is approximately 189,000 personnel (68,000 US troops and 121,000 contractors). And remember, that’s right now.
A contractor to oversee the the contracts. That fact in itself proves
that the government has no idea how much money it's handing out or what the purpose is for it.
The war can only be seen now as nothing more than job security for the privately employed.
A hearing in Sen. Claire McCaskill’s Contract Oversightsubcommittee on contracting in Afghanistan has highlighted some important statistics that provide a window into the extent to which the Obama administration has picked up the Bush-era war privatization baton and sprinted with it. Overall, contractors now comprise a whopping 69% of the Department of Defense’s total workforce, “the highest ratio of contractors to military personnel in US history.” That’s not in one war zone—that’s the Pentagon in its entirety.
In Afghanistan, the Obama administration blows the Bush administration out of the privatized water. According to a memo[PDF] released by McCaskill’s staff,
“From June 2009 to September 2009, there was a 40% increase in Defense Department contractors in Afghanistan. During the same period, the number of armed private security contractors working for the Defense Department in Afghanistan doubled, increasing from approximately 5,000 to more than 10,000.”
At present, there are 104,000 Department of Defense contractors in Afghanistan. According to a report this week from the Congressional Research Service, as a result of the coming surge of 30,000 troops in Afghanistan, there may be up to 56,000 additional contractors deployed. But here is another group of contractors that often goes unmentioned: 3,600 State Department contractors and 14,000 USAID contractors. That means that the current total US force in Afghanistan is approximately 189,000 personnel (68,000 US troops and 121,000 contractors). And remember, that’s right now.
From 50 to 5
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB126153388406402389.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_MIDDLENexttoWhatsNewsTop#articleTabs%3Dcomments
Senate Provision Riles the Construction Industry
Another revision
A last-minute addition to the Senate health-care bill that requires small construction companies to offer health coverage or pay a fine touched off a battle Tuesday with some industry groups demanding its removal.
The change, offered by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D., Ore.), says construction companies should offer coverage if they have five or more employees and a payroll of $250,000 or more, or face fines of up to $750 per employee per year if the employees receive tax credits. The threshold for other types of companies is 50.
.Construction-related industries say it is unfair to single them out, as the recession has hit them particularly hard. Recent data show that unemployment in construction is 19.4%, nearly twice the national average of 10%.
Senate Provision Riles the Construction Industry
Another revision
A last-minute addition to the Senate health-care bill that requires small construction companies to offer health coverage or pay a fine touched off a battle Tuesday with some industry groups demanding its removal.
The change, offered by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D., Ore.), says construction companies should offer coverage if they have five or more employees and a payroll of $250,000 or more, or face fines of up to $750 per employee per year if the employees receive tax credits. The threshold for other types of companies is 50.
.Construction-related industries say it is unfair to single them out, as the recession has hit them particularly hard. Recent data show that unemployment in construction is 19.4%, nearly twice the national average of 10%.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
#rd quarter revision
http://market-ticker.denninger.net/archives/1786-Hmmm...-3Q-GDP...-Goebbels-Truth-Leaks.html
Check it out Karl said the "R" word that's right revision.
From the beginning all the way until the end the this year the "Revisions" have been real eye openers on the trail for truth.
Not just in stocks, but also in political positioning to remain in favor with those who count (The corporate campaign funders)
Reality is that if you wanted to pump the market there would be few better ways than to "accidentally" make initial reports "better", then revise it away later when "higher quality" numbers show up.
The ugly reality, however, is that with the government being 30% of the economy and up 8%, the government's "pump" was responsible for 2.4% GDP "growth" - or more than the entire claimed increase.
That is, with this revision we now have proof that we're exactly where I said we were in October: The economy is not expanding at all in the private sector, rather, other than explicitly government spending, even with so-called "rebates" and "special deals" - IT IS STILL CONTRACTING!
Check it out Karl said the "R" word that's right revision.
From the beginning all the way until the end the this year the "Revisions" have been real eye openers on the trail for truth.
Not just in stocks, but also in political positioning to remain in favor with those who count (The corporate campaign funders)
Reality is that if you wanted to pump the market there would be few better ways than to "accidentally" make initial reports "better", then revise it away later when "higher quality" numbers show up.
The ugly reality, however, is that with the government being 30% of the economy and up 8%, the government's "pump" was responsible for 2.4% GDP "growth" - or more than the entire claimed increase.
That is, with this revision we now have proof that we're exactly where I said we were in October: The economy is not expanding at all in the private sector, rather, other than explicitly government spending, even with so-called "rebates" and "special deals" - IT IS STILL CONTRACTING!
Sending holiday greetings not in the cards for many this year
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2010564056_xmascards22.html
Normally I'd have a pretty full basket by now, at least 15 or 20 cards. I'm trying not to take it too personally."
She shouldn't. This season is shaping up as a ho-ho-hum year for holiday cards, at least the kind you can collect in a little red basket. Even the post office has noticed a significant thinning of the usual torrent of festive envelopes.
For the first two weeks of December, said Postal Service spokesman Michael Woods, "we are seeing about an 11 percent decrease in first-class cancellations from last year, which is a good proxy for the number of cards and letters coming through the system."
Normally I'd have a pretty full basket by now, at least 15 or 20 cards. I'm trying not to take it too personally."
She shouldn't. This season is shaping up as a ho-ho-hum year for holiday cards, at least the kind you can collect in a little red basket. Even the post office has noticed a significant thinning of the usual torrent of festive envelopes.
For the first two weeks of December, said Postal Service spokesman Michael Woods, "we are seeing about an 11 percent decrease in first-class cancellations from last year, which is a good proxy for the number of cards and letters coming through the system."
Senate rejects sleight of hand that would add to federal deficit
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/opinion/2010125825_broder25.html?prmid=obnetwork
How to create an illusion 101, in the course of "Your Senate works for You"
For those majoring in "Bullshit" politics
Economic recovery is job one, but budgetary responsibility is job two, writes David S. Broder. A Senate floor vote to kill some budgetary sleight of hand makes it clear the issue of the federal debt won't wait.
How to create an illusion 101, in the course of "Your Senate works for You"
For those majoring in "Bullshit" politics
Economic recovery is job one, but budgetary responsibility is job two, writes David S. Broder. A Senate floor vote to kill some budgetary sleight of hand makes it clear the issue of the federal debt won't wait.
Guantanamo 'hell on Earth', says Somali detainee
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iRDDKxWMoO8EtwpdcH99Z_tSEVAQ
This could very easily be YOU
Bare, 44, was among a dozen Guantanamo detainees from Afghanistan, Yemen and the breakaway Somalia region who were sent home at the weekend, bringing the number of detainees at the "war on terror" prison in Cuba to below 200.
He and another Somali, 45-year-old Osmail Mohamed Arale, were handed over to their relatives in Hargeisa by the International Representative Committee of the Red Cross in the presence of Somaliland authorities.
"Some of my colleagues in the prison lost their sight, some lost their limbs and others ended up mentally disturbed. I'm OK compared to them," he said.
http://www.rense.com/general88/supreme.htm
Supreme Court Guts Due Process Protection
This could very easily be YOU
Bare, 44, was among a dozen Guantanamo detainees from Afghanistan, Yemen and the breakaway Somalia region who were sent home at the weekend, bringing the number of detainees at the "war on terror" prison in Cuba to below 200.
He and another Somali, 45-year-old Osmail Mohamed Arale, were handed over to their relatives in Hargeisa by the International Representative Committee of the Red Cross in the presence of Somaliland authorities.
"Some of my colleagues in the prison lost their sight, some lost their limbs and others ended up mentally disturbed. I'm OK compared to them," he said.
http://www.rense.com/general88/supreme.htm
Supreme Court Guts Due Process Protection
Trillions Of Troubles Ahead
http://www.forbes.com/2009/12/18/government-budget-deficit-personal-finance-financial-advisor-network-treasury-debt.html
This is the view of the "Whole Picture"
It's not very pretty is it.
Can you see any type of recovery in it? Coz this is what spending money you don't have does.
If the government stays on the course it's been on for the past forty years without a radical change, the federal government will soon have a $10 trillion budget.
In other words, the federal budget deficit will be $1.4 trillion. Just to make the size more visible, that's $1,400 billion.
Our colleague Rob Arnott, who always does terrific research, wrote in his recent report that "at all levels, federal, state, local and GSEs, the total public debt is now at 141% of GDP. That puts the United States in some elite company--only Japan, Lebanon and Zimbabwe are higher. That's only the start. Add household debt (highest in the world at 99% of GDP) and corporate debt (highest in the world at 317% of GDP, not even counting off-balance-sheet swaps and derivatives) and our total debt is 557% of GDP. Less than three years ago our total indebtedness crossed 500% of GDP for the first time."
Add the unfunded portion of entitlement programs and we're at 840% of GDP
This is the view of the "Whole Picture"
It's not very pretty is it.
Can you see any type of recovery in it? Coz this is what spending money you don't have does.
If the government stays on the course it's been on for the past forty years without a radical change, the federal government will soon have a $10 trillion budget.
In other words, the federal budget deficit will be $1.4 trillion. Just to make the size more visible, that's $1,400 billion.
Our colleague Rob Arnott, who always does terrific research, wrote in his recent report that "at all levels, federal, state, local and GSEs, the total public debt is now at 141% of GDP. That puts the United States in some elite company--only Japan, Lebanon and Zimbabwe are higher. That's only the start. Add household debt (highest in the world at 99% of GDP) and corporate debt (highest in the world at 317% of GDP, not even counting off-balance-sheet swaps and derivatives) and our total debt is 557% of GDP. Less than three years ago our total indebtedness crossed 500% of GDP for the first time."
Add the unfunded portion of entitlement programs and we're at 840% of GDP
Landmines: Obama's ultimate betrayal
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/dec/21/obama-landmine-ban-betrayal
My personal breaking point, after months of jaw-dropping astonishment at Obama's betrayals, was his refusal almost alone of the world's leaders to ban child-killing landmines and cluster bombs. His state department announced this shameful policy on Thanksgiving eve, as if to hide it from public notice. Obama is continuing Bush's policy of refusing to honour an international antipersonnel landmine ban – the Ottawa treaty – signed by 158 nations.
It's so cruel and pointless. Mostly the victims are the rural poor, many of them children of the same age as the president's two daughters. They die from shock or blood loss far from any hospital; and the survivors suffer amputations and blinding.
My personal breaking point, after months of jaw-dropping astonishment at Obama's betrayals, was his refusal almost alone of the world's leaders to ban child-killing landmines and cluster bombs. His state department announced this shameful policy on Thanksgiving eve, as if to hide it from public notice. Obama is continuing Bush's policy of refusing to honour an international antipersonnel landmine ban – the Ottawa treaty – signed by 158 nations.
It's so cruel and pointless. Mostly the victims are the rural poor, many of them children of the same age as the president's two daughters. They die from shock or blood loss far from any hospital; and the survivors suffer amputations and blinding.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Top Censored Stories of 2009/2010
http://www.projectcensored.org/top-stories/category/two-thousand-and-ten-book/
"Project censored is one of the organizations that we should listen to, to be assured that our newspapers and our broadcast outlets are practicing thorough and ethical journalism."
— Walter Cronkite
"Project censored is one of the organizations that we should listen to, to be assured that our newspapers and our broadcast outlets are practicing thorough and ethical journalism."
— Walter Cronkite
Senate sends big Pentagon budget bill to Obama
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20091219/D9CME1M80.html
Senators worked through a December blizzard Saturday to pass legislation ensuring that U.S. troops are armed and the jobless don't lose their benefits - and take one more step toward a Christmas week showdown over health care.
The 88-10 early morning vote on the $626 billion defense spending bill and other must-pass items cleared Congress' plate of a major item of unfinished business and meant lawmakers immediately could resume their acrimonious debate on health care.
Senators worked through a December blizzard Saturday to pass legislation ensuring that U.S. troops are armed and the jobless don't lose their benefits - and take one more step toward a Christmas week showdown over health care.
The 88-10 early morning vote on the $626 billion defense spending bill and other must-pass items cleared Congress' plate of a major item of unfinished business and meant lawmakers immediately could resume their acrimonious debate on health care.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Looking Behind The Curtain - The "Real" Conspiracy
http://www.silverbearcafe.com/private/12.09/curtain.html
This story will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Martin Armstrong takes a break from his usual cyclical talk to give us his description of what he has seen "behind the curtain". With nothing left to lose, sitting in prison, Martin is one who claims to have glimpsed behind the curtain, and who is able to talk about it.You will likely find some of the things Martin says to be shocking. But I have noticed a consistency in his recollections that flows through his various articles. He often mentions different parts of the same stories from his past in his many articles. This makes me think that at least he is not making these things up. They are true recollections. I believe that to Martin, this may be his most important article written while in prison. It is his "tell all". Sincerely, FOFOA
Many people have written asking about Goldman Sachs and its conspiracy to control the Financial Markets. I have even been asked whether I believe that the attempt to assassinate me of May 10th, 2007, was connected to Goldman Sachs? Let me explain this subject very carefully. I realize that there is a storm cloud brewing with conspiracy stories with Goldman Sachs at the center. These theories are not perhaps absolutely correct, but they are not far off either.
The February edition of Portfolio Magazine ran an outline of the Goldman Sachs' "conspiracy" written by Matthew Malone. It reported eight (8) essential core elements to why people are beginning to suspect something is going on. Where I differ, what I was investigating was a group of houses and individuals who were banding together to manipulate markets. Goldman Sachs perhaps is the leader, no doubt, for they control what others cannot - politics! But the core element that is at issue is that we do not live in a world that we think we do. I have been behind the curtain. I was invited to join this "club" expecting me to bring billions of dollars from Japan. I was asked to bring $10 billion back in 1998. That meeting was with Dov Schlein, President of Republic National Bank. To put this in perspective, Republic National Bank was sold to Hong Kong Shanghai Bank Corp ("HSBC") for about $10 billion. So these were the days when a billion really was a lot of money - the old days when the prime residential street in London by the Park was still known as millionaire's row, compared to today it is Billionaire's Row. So in modern terms, I was asked to bring over nearly a $100 billion in today's money that the bankers could have fun with, offering only a AAA guarantee from a consortium. I declined. I explained that I would have to personally guarantee such a project by my word, and I would not do that. They wanted to grab the commodities of Russia, and they as a group, did not believe in analysis - They believed in absolute control.
I must praise Portfolio Magazine and Matthew Malone for having the courage to even run this story. You will never see this even hinted at in the major Newspapers. You have no idea that behind the curtain, there is also no free press, for the US Attorney will call and ask for favors. It is like trying to negotiate with a criminal pointing a shotgun in your face. He who has the power, makes the rules. The Executive will not tolerate a free press that would ever expose them. Look at the case of the New York Times journalist Judith Miller thrown into contempt and held in prison until she was willing to testify and turnover the whistle blowers against the Government. Do you really think there can be any remaining free press after that? who will now reveal the truth to the media? If they do, the journalist can be tortured until they testify against you. what that case did, was turn out the light on American liberty forever. We will never know the truth, because anyone who prints it can now be imprisoned.
This story will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Martin Armstrong takes a break from his usual cyclical talk to give us his description of what he has seen "behind the curtain". With nothing left to lose, sitting in prison, Martin is one who claims to have glimpsed behind the curtain, and who is able to talk about it.You will likely find some of the things Martin says to be shocking. But I have noticed a consistency in his recollections that flows through his various articles. He often mentions different parts of the same stories from his past in his many articles. This makes me think that at least he is not making these things up. They are true recollections. I believe that to Martin, this may be his most important article written while in prison. It is his "tell all". Sincerely, FOFOA
Many people have written asking about Goldman Sachs and its conspiracy to control the Financial Markets. I have even been asked whether I believe that the attempt to assassinate me of May 10th, 2007, was connected to Goldman Sachs? Let me explain this subject very carefully. I realize that there is a storm cloud brewing with conspiracy stories with Goldman Sachs at the center. These theories are not perhaps absolutely correct, but they are not far off either.
The February edition of Portfolio Magazine ran an outline of the Goldman Sachs' "conspiracy" written by Matthew Malone. It reported eight (8) essential core elements to why people are beginning to suspect something is going on. Where I differ, what I was investigating was a group of houses and individuals who were banding together to manipulate markets. Goldman Sachs perhaps is the leader, no doubt, for they control what others cannot - politics! But the core element that is at issue is that we do not live in a world that we think we do. I have been behind the curtain. I was invited to join this "club" expecting me to bring billions of dollars from Japan. I was asked to bring $10 billion back in 1998. That meeting was with Dov Schlein, President of Republic National Bank. To put this in perspective, Republic National Bank was sold to Hong Kong Shanghai Bank Corp ("HSBC") for about $10 billion. So these were the days when a billion really was a lot of money - the old days when the prime residential street in London by the Park was still known as millionaire's row, compared to today it is Billionaire's Row. So in modern terms, I was asked to bring over nearly a $100 billion in today's money that the bankers could have fun with, offering only a AAA guarantee from a consortium. I declined. I explained that I would have to personally guarantee such a project by my word, and I would not do that. They wanted to grab the commodities of Russia, and they as a group, did not believe in analysis - They believed in absolute control.
I must praise Portfolio Magazine and Matthew Malone for having the courage to even run this story. You will never see this even hinted at in the major Newspapers. You have no idea that behind the curtain, there is also no free press, for the US Attorney will call and ask for favors. It is like trying to negotiate with a criminal pointing a shotgun in your face. He who has the power, makes the rules. The Executive will not tolerate a free press that would ever expose them. Look at the case of the New York Times journalist Judith Miller thrown into contempt and held in prison until she was willing to testify and turnover the whistle blowers against the Government. Do you really think there can be any remaining free press after that? who will now reveal the truth to the media? If they do, the journalist can be tortured until they testify against you. what that case did, was turn out the light on American liberty forever. We will never know the truth, because anyone who prints it can now be imprisoned.
UFO pyramid reported over Kremlin
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/news...r-Kremlin.html
The object has been compared to an Imperial Cruiser in the Star Wars films and witnesses estimated it could be up to a mile wide.
Two film clips exist which appear to show the same object and footage has been repeatedly playing on Russian television news channels.
The shots, one taken at night from a car and one during the day, were both filmed by amateurs.
The 'craft' was said to have hovered for hours over Red Square in the Russian capital.
The clips of the 'invasion' have gone to the top of the country's version of YouTube.
The object has been compared to an Imperial Cruiser in the Star Wars films and witnesses estimated it could be up to a mile wide.
Two film clips exist which appear to show the same object and footage has been repeatedly playing on Russian television news channels.
The shots, one taken at night from a car and one during the day, were both filmed by amateurs.
The 'craft' was said to have hovered for hours over Red Square in the Russian capital.
The clips of the 'invasion' have gone to the top of the country's version of YouTube.
Vatican nativity does away with the manger
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/1572569/Vatican-nativity-does-away-with-the-manger.html
I think I'm speechless, this is Pope approved.
I find it foreign to think that Jesus lived next door to a bar. My mind just refuses to wrap around that concept.
Jesus will lie in Joseph's shop, complete with "the typical work tools of a carpenter".
On one side, the shop will be flanked with a "covered patio", while on the other there will be the "inside of a pub, with its hearth".
The news came in an official statement from the State Department of the Vatican, which organises and builds the giant presepe, or Nativity scene.
I think I'm speechless, this is Pope approved.
I find it foreign to think that Jesus lived next door to a bar. My mind just refuses to wrap around that concept.
Jesus will lie in Joseph's shop, complete with "the typical work tools of a carpenter".
On one side, the shop will be flanked with a "covered patio", while on the other there will be the "inside of a pub, with its hearth".
The news came in an official statement from the State Department of the Vatican, which organises and builds the giant presepe, or Nativity scene.
Obama approves aid to Israel, PA
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0%2...1976%2C00.html
I have to laugh about how rich we are. We can't afford ourselves but we still pay for everybody else.
US President Barack Obama this week signed the 2010 foreign aid budget law which includes $2.775 billion in security aid to Israel. This is the second year the budget is transferred to the Jewish state as part of understandings that the American assistance to Israel in the coming decade will total $30 billion.
The approved budget comprises, for the first time, $500 million in aid to the Palestinian Authority, including $100 million for the training of Palestinian security forces by American general Keith Dayton.
The aid will be handed over to the Palestinians under the condition that the American taxpayers' money will only be transferred to a Palestinian government whose members accept the conditions of the international Quartet – the United States, Russia, the European Union and the United Nations. The conditions include recognizing Israel, renouncing violence and accepting past agreements signed with the Jewish state.
For the first time, the American foreign aid budget law includes a clause forbidding American export and import banks to use the aid funds for providing guarantees, insurance or credit to companies sullying refined oil to Iran.
In addition to the regular annual security aid, President Obama and the American Congress approve special additions to the Israeli defense industries for the development of technologies, particularly in the missile defense field.
The US has helped and continues to help Israel with the production line of the Arrow 2 missile defense project, which is jointly developed by the Boeing company and the Israel Aerospace Industries. For the past two years, the US has been funding the development of the Arrow 3 multilevel defense system against Iranian ballistic missile.
I have to laugh about how rich we are. We can't afford ourselves but we still pay for everybody else.
US President Barack Obama this week signed the 2010 foreign aid budget law which includes $2.775 billion in security aid to Israel. This is the second year the budget is transferred to the Jewish state as part of understandings that the American assistance to Israel in the coming decade will total $30 billion.
The approved budget comprises, for the first time, $500 million in aid to the Palestinian Authority, including $100 million for the training of Palestinian security forces by American general Keith Dayton.
The aid will be handed over to the Palestinians under the condition that the American taxpayers' money will only be transferred to a Palestinian government whose members accept the conditions of the international Quartet – the United States, Russia, the European Union and the United Nations. The conditions include recognizing Israel, renouncing violence and accepting past agreements signed with the Jewish state.
For the first time, the American foreign aid budget law includes a clause forbidding American export and import banks to use the aid funds for providing guarantees, insurance or credit to companies sullying refined oil to Iran.
In addition to the regular annual security aid, President Obama and the American Congress approve special additions to the Israeli defense industries for the development of technologies, particularly in the missile defense field.
The US has helped and continues to help Israel with the production line of the Arrow 2 missile defense project, which is jointly developed by the Boeing company and the Israel Aerospace Industries. For the past two years, the US has been funding the development of the Arrow 3 multilevel defense system against Iranian ballistic missile.
Karl's take on Greenspan
http://market-ticker.denninger.net/archives/1751-Greedspan-Stick-A-Sock-In-It.html
Check out the bold. How much a month does go out to social security?
And how many months will 50 billion take it?
In answer to a question about why rising debt is a concern, Greenspan said: “The critical issue that economists worry about” is the spiral that occurs with ever-rising debt and debt service, often followed by higher interest rate. As a consequence of that, “the debt service becomes explosive and that moves directly into the budget deficit,” he added.
Yeah yeah. If you read his testimony what you will find missing is any acknowledgment of exactly how it is that government gets the idea that it can run more than a trillion dollars in deficits in the first place!
I'll tell you how, since "Sir" Alan won't: You find a central banker that will kneel before Congress whenever the members drop their drawers by pumping so much liquidity into the system that real rates are in fact NEGATIVE, thereby LITERALLY paying people to borrow.
Of course the government has never met a free money handout it didn't like, and political will for restraint is ZERO when faced with such a circumstance.
The solution to this is really quite simple: Don't do that sort of stupid crap!
We continue to challenge Einstein's General Theory of Insanity - you know, one of my favorite definitions?
Doing the same thing over and over but expecting a different result.
The 900-lb Gorilla that stomped his first piece of china was found in the $290 billion debt limit increase - something that AP reported (perhaps accidentally):
Republicans - who helped supply votes to increase the debt ceiling just last year - unanimously opposed the legislation, which is required to issue new debt to pay for federal operations and deposit up to $50 billion into the Social Security trust funds.
Uh, Social Security wasn't supposed to go negative - that is, require actual general fund expenditures - for another 20 years!
But now it was - and that's a major problem. How much is Social Security and Medicare actually in the hole here? I don't know - but the fact that we're 20 years in front of where we should be in this regard is very ominous.
Check out the bold. How much a month does go out to social security?
And how many months will 50 billion take it?
In answer to a question about why rising debt is a concern, Greenspan said: “The critical issue that economists worry about” is the spiral that occurs with ever-rising debt and debt service, often followed by higher interest rate. As a consequence of that, “the debt service becomes explosive and that moves directly into the budget deficit,” he added.
Yeah yeah. If you read his testimony what you will find missing is any acknowledgment of exactly how it is that government gets the idea that it can run more than a trillion dollars in deficits in the first place!
I'll tell you how, since "Sir" Alan won't: You find a central banker that will kneel before Congress whenever the members drop their drawers by pumping so much liquidity into the system that real rates are in fact NEGATIVE, thereby LITERALLY paying people to borrow.
Of course the government has never met a free money handout it didn't like, and political will for restraint is ZERO when faced with such a circumstance.
The solution to this is really quite simple: Don't do that sort of stupid crap!
We continue to challenge Einstein's General Theory of Insanity - you know, one of my favorite definitions?
Doing the same thing over and over but expecting a different result.
The 900-lb Gorilla that stomped his first piece of china was found in the $290 billion debt limit increase - something that AP reported (perhaps accidentally):
Republicans - who helped supply votes to increase the debt ceiling just last year - unanimously opposed the legislation, which is required to issue new debt to pay for federal operations and deposit up to $50 billion into the Social Security trust funds.
Uh, Social Security wasn't supposed to go negative - that is, require actual general fund expenditures - for another 20 years!
But now it was - and that's a major problem. How much is Social Security and Medicare actually in the hole here? I don't know - but the fact that we're 20 years in front of where we should be in this regard is very ominous.
New jobless claims rise unexpectedly
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20091217/D9CL3AOG1.html
The war bill that has not passed as of yet will extend the unemployment benefits a person can collect to 99 weeks.
Just exactly how many people have fallen off it's rolls?
And why don't they keep track of that number? Is it because if they did you would actually realize just how many people are no longer working in this country?
Because that is the "Big Picture" that they are not allowing you to see.
The govenrment said that the number of people receiving regular benefits rose by 5,000 to 5.19 million for the week ending Dec. 5. That figure does not include millions of people who have used up the regular 26 weeks of benefits typically provided by the state and are now receiving extended benefits for up to 73 additional weeks, paid for by the federal government.
The people receiving extended benefits jumped to 4.73 million for the week ending Nov. 28, an increase of 143,759 from the previous week. That big rise reflected the fact that a total of 17 states are now processing claims for the extention of benefits that Congress approved last month.
The war bill that has not passed as of yet will extend the unemployment benefits a person can collect to 99 weeks.
Just exactly how many people have fallen off it's rolls?
And why don't they keep track of that number? Is it because if they did you would actually realize just how many people are no longer working in this country?
Because that is the "Big Picture" that they are not allowing you to see.
The govenrment said that the number of people receiving regular benefits rose by 5,000 to 5.19 million for the week ending Dec. 5. That figure does not include millions of people who have used up the regular 26 weeks of benefits typically provided by the state and are now receiving extended benefits for up to 73 additional weeks, paid for by the federal government.
The people receiving extended benefits jumped to 4.73 million for the week ending Nov. 28, an increase of 143,759 from the previous week. That big rise reflected the fact that a total of 17 states are now processing claims for the extention of benefits that Congress approved last month.
War bill survives poisonous vote
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1209/30778.html
Do you know what else is in this bill? The unemployment extention. If this bill is not passed today it will affect alot more people than just the men and women in the wars and these people are still playing "Political" games.
You have to wonder how many defence contractors some of this money is going to be allotted to to.
Paying for defence contractors in these economic times is like paying for the services of a maid, while your ass is drawing unemployment.
A $626 billion Pentagon budget narrowly advanced in the Senate Friday morning, but not before Washington’s political battles seemed to eclipse the real wars of Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Senate scene, played out in a post-midnight session on a freezing night, dramatized how poisonous the atmosphere has become in the health care fight.
Defense Secretary Robert Gates had to weigh in for fear the military would be left with only stop-gap funding while fighting two wars overseas. And ailing 92-year-old Sen. Robert Byrd (D-W.V.) was wheeled in for the 1 a.m. vote while his old friend Sen. Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) deserted the bill under pressure from his own leadership to slow action.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) made no secret of the fact that he was looking for leverage over Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) to delay action on health care reform until after Christmas. The pressure on rank-and-file members was severe, and it was only after Democrats had secured the needed 60 votes that three Republicans broke ranks in support of cutting off debate.
“Not even the darkness outside can conceal the games being played inside this Senate chamber,” Reid said in closing remarks before the vote. “We are here in the middle of the night, but the reason is as clear as day.”
By contrast, the same
Do you know what else is in this bill? The unemployment extention. If this bill is not passed today it will affect alot more people than just the men and women in the wars and these people are still playing "Political" games.
You have to wonder how many defence contractors some of this money is going to be allotted to to.
Paying for defence contractors in these economic times is like paying for the services of a maid, while your ass is drawing unemployment.
A $626 billion Pentagon budget narrowly advanced in the Senate Friday morning, but not before Washington’s political battles seemed to eclipse the real wars of Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Senate scene, played out in a post-midnight session on a freezing night, dramatized how poisonous the atmosphere has become in the health care fight.
Defense Secretary Robert Gates had to weigh in for fear the military would be left with only stop-gap funding while fighting two wars overseas. And ailing 92-year-old Sen. Robert Byrd (D-W.V.) was wheeled in for the 1 a.m. vote while his old friend Sen. Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) deserted the bill under pressure from his own leadership to slow action.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) made no secret of the fact that he was looking for leverage over Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) to delay action on health care reform until after Christmas. The pressure on rank-and-file members was severe, and it was only after Democrats had secured the needed 60 votes that three Republicans broke ranks in support of cutting off debate.
“Not even the darkness outside can conceal the games being played inside this Senate chamber,” Reid said in closing remarks before the vote. “We are here in the middle of the night, but the reason is as clear as day.”
By contrast, the same
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Stoplights Freeze Over, Causing Accident
http://www.todaystmj4.com/news/local/79008352.html
Job creation?
– High efficiency traffic lights are being blamed for layer of ice and snow that completely covered stoplights across our area.
According to the West Bend Department of Public Works, ice built up over new high-efficiency LED fixtures installed in traffic lights. The LED traffic lights use substantially less electricity but do not give off enough heat to melt ice or snow.
That is a contrast to traditional traffic light bulbs that typically generated enough heat to melt ice and snow.
In West Bend, ice covered traffic lights were even blamed for an accident after a driver reported he could not see a red light that was obscured by snow. The victim of the accident, Barbara Wolf, said her car was rammed by a driver at the intersection of Washington and Wildwood after the oncoming driver said he didn’t see a red light. “He didn’t see it. And then after we realized the lights were covered with snow,” Wolf said.
Public Works employees spent part of Thursday afternoon scraping the ice and snow off the traffic signals. They improvised a tool made out of a pole and an automotive ice scraper. “It’s making a difficult time for drivers to see the lights,” said Jeff Watzlawick of the West Bend Department of Public Works.
Job creation?
– High efficiency traffic lights are being blamed for layer of ice and snow that completely covered stoplights across our area.
According to the West Bend Department of Public Works, ice built up over new high-efficiency LED fixtures installed in traffic lights. The LED traffic lights use substantially less electricity but do not give off enough heat to melt ice or snow.
That is a contrast to traditional traffic light bulbs that typically generated enough heat to melt ice and snow.
In West Bend, ice covered traffic lights were even blamed for an accident after a driver reported he could not see a red light that was obscured by snow. The victim of the accident, Barbara Wolf, said her car was rammed by a driver at the intersection of Washington and Wildwood after the oncoming driver said he didn’t see a red light. “He didn’t see it. And then after we realized the lights were covered with snow,” Wolf said.
Public Works employees spent part of Thursday afternoon scraping the ice and snow off the traffic signals. They improvised a tool made out of a pole and an automotive ice scraper. “It’s making a difficult time for drivers to see the lights,” said Jeff Watzlawick of the West Bend Department of Public Works.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Citi to suspend foreclosures for 30 days
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Citi-to-suspend-foreclosures-apf-548845306.html?x=0&sec=topStories&pos=1&asset=&ccode=
That's real white of them isn't it?
Citigroup Inc. will suspend foreclosures and evictions for 30 days in a temporary break for about 4,000 borrowers during the holiday season.
The New York-based bank said Thursday the suspension will run from Friday through Jan. 17. It applies only to borrowers whose loans are owned by Citi. Borrowers who make payments to Citi but whose loans are owned by other investors are out of luck.
"We want our borrowers to have a much less stressful time, to spend their time with their families during the holidays as opposed to worrying about their homes," Sanjiv Das, head of the company's mortgage division, said in an interview.
http://market-ticker.denninger.net/archives/1747-Citibank-Dissembling-Again-Foreclosures.html
Citigroup said the suspension will affect about 2,000 borrowers scheduled for foreclosure and another 2,000 that were to receive foreclosure notifications in the next 30 days.
"We hope that with this suspension we can make the holidays a little less stressful for our customers who are going through a very difficult time We are doing this so as to avoid having to recognize the loss on properties that are deeply underwater, thereby cooking our books until the quarter is reported so we don't have to declare insolvency," said Sanjiv Das, president and CEO of Citigroup's mortgage division, in a statement.
There - fixed it for 'ya.
That's real white of them isn't it?
Citigroup Inc. will suspend foreclosures and evictions for 30 days in a temporary break for about 4,000 borrowers during the holiday season.
The New York-based bank said Thursday the suspension will run from Friday through Jan. 17. It applies only to borrowers whose loans are owned by Citi. Borrowers who make payments to Citi but whose loans are owned by other investors are out of luck.
"We want our borrowers to have a much less stressful time, to spend their time with their families during the holidays as opposed to worrying about their homes," Sanjiv Das, head of the company's mortgage division, said in an interview.
http://market-ticker.denninger.net/archives/1747-Citibank-Dissembling-Again-Foreclosures.html
Citigroup said the suspension will affect about 2,000 borrowers scheduled for foreclosure and another 2,000 that were to receive foreclosure notifications in the next 30 days.
"We hope that with this suspension we can make the holidays a little less stressful for our customers who are going through a very difficult time We are doing this so as to avoid having to recognize the loss on properties that are deeply underwater, thereby cooking our books until the quarter is reported so we don't have to declare insolvency," said Sanjiv Das, president and CEO of Citigroup's mortgage division, in a statement.
There - fixed it for 'ya.
FOMC in english
http://market-ticker.denninger.net/archives/1741-FOMC-In-English-1216.html
For immediate release
Information received since the Federal Open Market Committee met in November suggests that economic activity has continued to pick up and that the deterioration in the labor market is abating.
Those of you without jobs are now rolling off the unemployment rolls, so you don't count any more. We in Washington DC and on Wall Street have our huge bonuses back, and thus the labor market - what we see of it anyway, is doing better.
The housing sector has shown some signs of improvement over recent months. Household spending appears to be expanding at a moderate rate, though it remains constrained by a weak labor market, modest income growth, lower housing wealth, and tight credit.
Credit continues to contract as shown by our most-recent Z.1 (below), but we're not going to tell you that:
This, of course, means that people are spending a higher percentage of their incomes. That in turn means that the squeeze - especially on the middle class - is getting acute.
Businesses are still cutting back on fixed investment, though at a slower pace, and remain reluctant to add to payrolls; they continue to make progress in bringing inventory stocks into better alignment with sales.
Walmart and others are laying off seasonal help ahead of Christmas because, surprise-surprise, sales suck!
For immediate release
Information received since the Federal Open Market Committee met in November suggests that economic activity has continued to pick up and that the deterioration in the labor market is abating.
Those of you without jobs are now rolling off the unemployment rolls, so you don't count any more. We in Washington DC and on Wall Street have our huge bonuses back, and thus the labor market - what we see of it anyway, is doing better.
The housing sector has shown some signs of improvement over recent months. Household spending appears to be expanding at a moderate rate, though it remains constrained by a weak labor market, modest income growth, lower housing wealth, and tight credit.
Credit continues to contract as shown by our most-recent Z.1 (below), but we're not going to tell you that:
This, of course, means that people are spending a higher percentage of their incomes. That in turn means that the squeeze - especially on the middle class - is getting acute.
Businesses are still cutting back on fixed investment, though at a slower pace, and remain reluctant to add to payrolls; they continue to make progress in bringing inventory stocks into better alignment with sales.
Walmart and others are laying off seasonal help ahead of Christmas because, surprise-surprise, sales suck!
New York Reels Over MTA Cuts
http://www.myfoxny.com/dpp/news/local_news/nyc/091216-mta-cuts
But it's ok if the kids got to pay right, as long as the MTA union get their 11% raise. With that raise it will be easy for them to afford the extra $1000.00 for their kids to ride to school, but you know what, the attitude of the hell with everybody else's kid smells to high heaven. It's all only about what's in it for me and not what's best for the kids.
The MTA board has approved its 2010 doomsday budget. It includes service cuts and could leave New York City children without free rides to their public schools if it is implemented.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the nation's largest transportation agency, is facing a $383 million budget shortfall.
"Because the MTA's transit system matters so much to New Yorkers, when $400 million is taken from the budget practically overnight you have to make the kinds of changes that have an enormous impact on people," said MTA Chairman and CEO Jay Walder. "We have a responsibility to assure our customers and taxpayers that every dollar they send to the MTA is used as effectively as possible. We can't say that today, and that is why we have to fundamentally change the way that we do business."
The MTA will hold public hearings and vote again. That leaves an opening for an 11th-hour rescue by the city or the state. The policy of free or discounted student rides has been in place since 1948. Ending it could cost half a million students nearly $1,000 per year in transportation fees.
But it's ok if the kids got to pay right, as long as the MTA union get their 11% raise. With that raise it will be easy for them to afford the extra $1000.00 for their kids to ride to school, but you know what, the attitude of the hell with everybody else's kid smells to high heaven. It's all only about what's in it for me and not what's best for the kids.
The MTA board has approved its 2010 doomsday budget. It includes service cuts and could leave New York City children without free rides to their public schools if it is implemented.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the nation's largest transportation agency, is facing a $383 million budget shortfall.
"Because the MTA's transit system matters so much to New Yorkers, when $400 million is taken from the budget practically overnight you have to make the kinds of changes that have an enormous impact on people," said MTA Chairman and CEO Jay Walder. "We have a responsibility to assure our customers and taxpayers that every dollar they send to the MTA is used as effectively as possible. We can't say that today, and that is why we have to fundamentally change the way that we do business."
The MTA will hold public hearings and vote again. That leaves an opening for an 11th-hour rescue by the city or the state. The policy of free or discounted student rides has been in place since 1948. Ending it could cost half a million students nearly $1,000 per year in transportation fees.
Pakistan's Supreme Court throws wrench into terror fight
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/251/story/80764.html
Very interesting to say the least
Pakistan's Supreme Court struck down a political amnesty law Wednesday and ordered corruption cases against the country's pro-Western President, Asif Ali Zardari, and thousands of other politicians reopened.
The decision throws Pakistan, a crucial ally in the U.S. war against Islamic extremists, into a political crisis that's likely to undermine Zardari, divert his government and strengthen the country's military leaders, who so far have disregarded the Obama administration's requests to move against al Qaida, Afghan militants based in Pakistan and Pakistani militant groups
Very interesting to say the least
Pakistan's Supreme Court struck down a political amnesty law Wednesday and ordered corruption cases against the country's pro-Western President, Asif Ali Zardari, and thousands of other politicians reopened.
The decision throws Pakistan, a crucial ally in the U.S. war against Islamic extremists, into a political crisis that's likely to undermine Zardari, divert his government and strengthen the country's military leaders, who so far have disregarded the Obama administration's requests to move against al Qaida, Afghan militants based in Pakistan and Pakistani militant groups
Pelosi: Obama's on his own to win money for Afghan buildup
Pelosi: Obama's on his own to win money for Afghan buildup
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/251/story/80769.html
And we all know Nancy wears the pants on the Hill.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Wednesday that it's up to President Barack Obama to persuade reluctant Democrats to fund his Afghanistan troop buildup — his most important foreign policy initiative — because she has no plans to do so herself.
Pelosi's reluctance to lobby for an Afghan surge appropriation reflects the deep divisions within the Democratic Party over Obama's decision to send more troops to Afghanistan.
That, coupled with lukewarm public support
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/251/story/80769.html
And we all know Nancy wears the pants on the Hill.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Wednesday that it's up to President Barack Obama to persuade reluctant Democrats to fund his Afghanistan troop buildup — his most important foreign policy initiative — because she has no plans to do so herself.
Pelosi's reluctance to lobby for an Afghan surge appropriation reflects the deep divisions within the Democratic Party over Obama's decision to send more troops to Afghanistan.
That, coupled with lukewarm public support
War bonds proposed to pay for Afghanistan, Iraq conflicts
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/251/story/80756.html
And we'll pay for it with war bonds because it's a great show of patriotism.
Hey people, I believe we're broke. Someone finally tallied the tab.
Lawmakers in both houses of Congress have introduced legislation to pay for the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq by using a method that's a throwback to prior U.S. conflicts: war bonds.
Saying that it would "promote national shared sacrifice and responsibility," Rep. Kendrick Meek, D-Fla., introduced a bill Wednesday in the House of Representatives that would authorize the treasury secretary to issue and sell war bonds to Americans to fund the wars.
Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., filed companion legislation in the Senate earlier this week.
"At a time of tremendous sacrifice for our military families, we need to promote shared sacrifice and shoulder collective responsibility as a nation as we fight two wars halfway across the globe," Meek said, calling war bonds a "cost-effective way" to reduce dependence on foreign creditors.
He also said the bonds would "create an outlet for Americans to express their patriotism and support for our service members as well as the security mission for which they are deployed."
And we'll pay for it with war bonds because it's a great show of patriotism.
Hey people, I believe we're broke. Someone finally tallied the tab.
Lawmakers in both houses of Congress have introduced legislation to pay for the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq by using a method that's a throwback to prior U.S. conflicts: war bonds.
Saying that it would "promote national shared sacrifice and responsibility," Rep. Kendrick Meek, D-Fla., introduced a bill Wednesday in the House of Representatives that would authorize the treasury secretary to issue and sell war bonds to Americans to fund the wars.
Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., filed companion legislation in the Senate earlier this week.
"At a time of tremendous sacrifice for our military families, we need to promote shared sacrifice and shoulder collective responsibility as a nation as we fight two wars halfway across the globe," Meek said, calling war bonds a "cost-effective way" to reduce dependence on foreign creditors.
He also said the bonds would "create an outlet for Americans to express their patriotism and support for our service members as well as the security mission for which they are deployed."
Senate rejects low-cost drug imports
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5i7pIgy2ugWrNRwWJXRsdLjuMiwwgD9CK294G6
Their Safety concerns are a laugh and a half considering they fast tracked the H1N1 flu vaccine and then gave immunity to the creators and producers for any damage that might incur from it's ingestion.
The Senate has narrowly rejected a plan to allow Americans to import low-cost prescription drugs from Canada and other countries.
The amendment by North Dakota Democrat Byron Dorgan failed on a 51-48 vote. Sixty votes were needed to prevail.
Importing prescription drugs for personal use is a violation of federal law. Dorgan's amendment would have lifted the ban, allowing access to low-cost medicines from developed countries where the government limits drug prices.
As a senator, President Barack Obama supported drug imports, but his administration now echoes the objections of the pharmaceutical industry that it would cause safety problems.
Their Safety concerns are a laugh and a half considering they fast tracked the H1N1 flu vaccine and then gave immunity to the creators and producers for any damage that might incur from it's ingestion.
The Senate has narrowly rejected a plan to allow Americans to import low-cost prescription drugs from Canada and other countries.
The amendment by North Dakota Democrat Byron Dorgan failed on a 51-48 vote. Sixty votes were needed to prevail.
Importing prescription drugs for personal use is a violation of federal law. Dorgan's amendment would have lifted the ban, allowing access to low-cost medicines from developed countries where the government limits drug prices.
As a senator, President Barack Obama supported drug imports, but his administration now echoes the objections of the pharmaceutical industry that it would cause safety problems.
Congress Travels More, Public Pays
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB126092430041092995.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_MIDDLTopStories#articleTabs%3Dcomments
It's time to cut off the bogus expenditures of a government gone wrong.
EDINBURGH -- The expenses racked up by U.S. lawmakers traveling here for a conference last month included one for the "control room."
Besides rooms for sleeping, the 12 members of the House of Representatives rented their hotel's fireplace-equipped presidential suite and two adjacent rooms. The hotel cleared out the beds and in their place set up a bar, a snack room and office space. The three extra rooms -- stocked with liquor, Coors beer, chips and salsa, sandwiches, Mrs. Fields cookies and York Peppermint Patties -- cost a total of about $1,500 a night. They were rented for five nights.
While in Scotland, the House members toured historic buildings. Some shopped for Scotch whisky and visited the hotel spa. They capped the trip with a dinner at one of the region's finest restaurants, paid for by the legislators, who got $118 daily stipends for meals and incidentals.
Eleven of the 12 legislators then left the five-day conference two days early.
The tour provides a glimpse of the mixture of business and pleasure involved in legislators' overseas trips, which are growing in number and mostly financed by the taxpayer. Lawmakers travel with military liaisons who carry luggage, help them through customs, escort them on sightseeing trips and stock their hotel rooms with food and liquor. Typically, spouses come along, flying free on jets operated by the Air Force. Legislative aides come too. On the ground, all travel in chauffeured vehicles.
It's time to cut off the bogus expenditures of a government gone wrong.
EDINBURGH -- The expenses racked up by U.S. lawmakers traveling here for a conference last month included one for the "control room."
Besides rooms for sleeping, the 12 members of the House of Representatives rented their hotel's fireplace-equipped presidential suite and two adjacent rooms. The hotel cleared out the beds and in their place set up a bar, a snack room and office space. The three extra rooms -- stocked with liquor, Coors beer, chips and salsa, sandwiches, Mrs. Fields cookies and York Peppermint Patties -- cost a total of about $1,500 a night. They were rented for five nights.
While in Scotland, the House members toured historic buildings. Some shopped for Scotch whisky and visited the hotel spa. They capped the trip with a dinner at one of the region's finest restaurants, paid for by the legislators, who got $118 daily stipends for meals and incidentals.
Eleven of the 12 legislators then left the five-day conference two days early.
The tour provides a glimpse of the mixture of business and pleasure involved in legislators' overseas trips, which are growing in number and mostly financed by the taxpayer. Lawmakers travel with military liaisons who carry luggage, help them through customs, escort them on sightseeing trips and stock their hotel rooms with food and liquor. Typically, spouses come along, flying free on jets operated by the Air Force. Legislative aides come too. On the ground, all travel in chauffeured vehicles.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
http://market-ticker.denninger.net/archives/1731-To-Congress-Your-Loan-Has-Been-Called.html
http://market-ticker.denninger.net/archives/1731-To-Congress-Your-Loan-Has-Been-Called.html
Can you say holy crap? Karl hit the bulls eye. I think we're very close to going over the falls. Our government never scales back unless they're forced to.
Leaders are considering a hike of roughly $300 billion to the nation's $12.1 trillion deficit, though the final figure has not been nailed down, congressional aides said on condition of anonymity.
Democratic leaders had previously hoped to raise the limit by at least $1.8 trillion, enough to take care of the government's debt needs through the November 2010 congressional elections.
What was your first hint the former $1.8 trillion increase attempt was a bad idea? Perhaps this?
Can you say holy crap? Karl hit the bulls eye. I think we're very close to going over the falls. Our government never scales back unless they're forced to.
Leaders are considering a hike of roughly $300 billion to the nation's $12.1 trillion deficit, though the final figure has not been nailed down, congressional aides said on condition of anonymity.
Democratic leaders had previously hoped to raise the limit by at least $1.8 trillion, enough to take care of the government's debt needs through the November 2010 congressional elections.
What was your first hint the former $1.8 trillion increase attempt was a bad idea? Perhaps this?
FDIC approves sharp increase in 2010 budget to $4B
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/FDIC-approves-sharp-increase-apf-1481433944.html?x=0&sec=topStories&pos=4&asset=&ccode=
No problem ain't that right Sheila, the taxpayer is bank rolling your ass.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. said Tuesday its 2010 budget will jump to $4 billion from $2.6 billion this year, and announced plans to hire more than 1,600 mostly temporary employees as it continues to grapple with a rising number of bank failures.
The FDIC's board voted at a public meeting to approve the 2010 budget, which includes $2.5 billion for resolving failed banks taken over by the agency. That's up from $1.3 billion in 2009. The hiring plans will bring the number of FDIC employees to 8,653.
So far this year, 133 U.S. banks have succumbed to the soured economy and a cascade of loan defaults -- the most in a year since 1992 at the height of the savings-and-loan crisis. They compare with 25 last year and three in 2007. The failures have cost the federal deposit insurance fund more than $30 billion so far this year.
FDIC Chairman Sheila Bair has said most banks continue to be profitable but others continue to be stressed, and that the number of failures could rise further next year. The agency expects the cost of bank failures to grow to about $100 billion over the next four years.
Bair said Tuesday the budget approved for 2010 "will ensure that we are prepared to handle an even larger number of bank failures next year, if that becomes necessary, and to provide regulatory oversight for an even larger number of troubled institutions."
The number of problem banks on the FDIC's confidential list as of Sept. 30 more than doubled to 552 -- the highest level in 16 years -- from 250 at the start of the year.
Depositors' money -- insured up to $250,000 per account -- is not at risk, with the FDIC backed by the government.
Besides the fund, the FDIC has about $21 billion in cash available in reserve to cover losses at failed banks. The agency could tap a $500 billion credit line at the Treasury Department, but Bair has said that is the least desirable option.
The FDIC's operating expenses -- about $1.5 billion in 2010 -- are covered by the insurance fund. The $2.5 billion for resolution costs is mostly funded by what the FDIC collects from selling assets of banks in its receivership.
No problem ain't that right Sheila, the taxpayer is bank rolling your ass.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. said Tuesday its 2010 budget will jump to $4 billion from $2.6 billion this year, and announced plans to hire more than 1,600 mostly temporary employees as it continues to grapple with a rising number of bank failures.
The FDIC's board voted at a public meeting to approve the 2010 budget, which includes $2.5 billion for resolving failed banks taken over by the agency. That's up from $1.3 billion in 2009. The hiring plans will bring the number of FDIC employees to 8,653.
So far this year, 133 U.S. banks have succumbed to the soured economy and a cascade of loan defaults -- the most in a year since 1992 at the height of the savings-and-loan crisis. They compare with 25 last year and three in 2007. The failures have cost the federal deposit insurance fund more than $30 billion so far this year.
FDIC Chairman Sheila Bair has said most banks continue to be profitable but others continue to be stressed, and that the number of failures could rise further next year. The agency expects the cost of bank failures to grow to about $100 billion over the next four years.
Bair said Tuesday the budget approved for 2010 "will ensure that we are prepared to handle an even larger number of bank failures next year, if that becomes necessary, and to provide regulatory oversight for an even larger number of troubled institutions."
The number of problem banks on the FDIC's confidential list as of Sept. 30 more than doubled to 552 -- the highest level in 16 years -- from 250 at the start of the year.
Depositors' money -- insured up to $250,000 per account -- is not at risk, with the FDIC backed by the government.
Besides the fund, the FDIC has about $21 billion in cash available in reserve to cover losses at failed banks. The agency could tap a $500 billion credit line at the Treasury Department, but Bair has said that is the least desirable option.
The FDIC's operating expenses -- about $1.5 billion in 2010 -- are covered by the insurance fund. The $2.5 billion for resolution costs is mostly funded by what the FDIC collects from selling assets of banks in its receivership.
U.S. gave up billions in tax money in deal for Citigroup's bailout repayment
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/15/AR2009121504534.html
And this helps the American public how?
"They are rolling the dice big time," said Christopher Whalen, a financial analyst with Institutional Risk Analytics. "My fear is that the banks will definitely have to raise a lot more capital next year. The question is from whom and on what terms."
The Citigroup repayment deal required significant sacrifices by both sides, underscoring the mutual determination to get it done. Citigroup was required to replace its federal aid with an equal amount of money from private investors, more than any other bank. The government concluded that Citigroup needed the IRS ruling because a reduction in the value of its tax breaks would have eroded its capital, forcing the company to raise more money, officials said.
Federal tax law lets companies reduce taxable income in a good year by the amount of losses in bad years. But the law limits the transfer of those benefits to new ownership as a way of preventing profitable companies from buying losers to avoid taxes. Under the law, the government's sale of its 34 percent stake in Citigroup, combined with the company's recent sales of stock to raise money, qualified as a change in ownership.
The IRS notice issued Friday saves Citigroup from the consequences by stipulating that the government's share sale does not count toward the definition of an ownership change. The company, which pushed for the ruling, did not return calls for comment
And this helps the American public how?
"They are rolling the dice big time," said Christopher Whalen, a financial analyst with Institutional Risk Analytics. "My fear is that the banks will definitely have to raise a lot more capital next year. The question is from whom and on what terms."
The Citigroup repayment deal required significant sacrifices by both sides, underscoring the mutual determination to get it done. Citigroup was required to replace its federal aid with an equal amount of money from private investors, more than any other bank. The government concluded that Citigroup needed the IRS ruling because a reduction in the value of its tax breaks would have eroded its capital, forcing the company to raise more money, officials said.
Federal tax law lets companies reduce taxable income in a good year by the amount of losses in bad years. But the law limits the transfer of those benefits to new ownership as a way of preventing profitable companies from buying losers to avoid taxes. Under the law, the government's sale of its 34 percent stake in Citigroup, combined with the company's recent sales of stock to raise money, qualified as a change in ownership.
The IRS notice issued Friday saves Citigroup from the consequences by stipulating that the government's share sale does not count toward the definition of an ownership change. The company, which pushed for the ruling, did not return calls for comment
Unwitting tourists attend White House breakfast
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iTgNraExOZK6yHVCC8nbxNNDDqCgD9CK1AAG1
How long will it be before something serious happens?
The White House is once again explaining how uninvited guests wound up shaking hands with President Barack Obama.
This time, a Georgia couple hoping to tour the White House ended up at an invitation-only Veterans Day breakfast.
How long will it be before something serious happens?
The White House is once again explaining how uninvited guests wound up shaking hands with President Barack Obama.
This time, a Georgia couple hoping to tour the White House ended up at an invitation-only Veterans Day breakfast.
Ratigan: House bill reform? You're lying!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPV3h_dpBwQ
House bill reform has so many loopholes in it that it's fraudulent reform. Dylan Ratigan discusses...or rather berates... Rep. Perlmutter over the recently passed bill.
House bill reform has so many loopholes in it that it's fraudulent reform. Dylan Ratigan discusses...or rather berates... Rep. Perlmutter over the recently passed bill.
US needs plan to tame debt soon, experts say
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN1419042320091214?type=marketsNews
Did Congress read the report? One can only wonder, because their actions sure don't say they have.
The 34-member commission published its report as Congress was poised to raise the debt limit from its current $12.1 trillion level to allow the government to continue operating.
Did Congress read the report? One can only wonder, because their actions sure don't say they have.
The 34-member commission published its report as Congress was poised to raise the debt limit from its current $12.1 trillion level to allow the government to continue operating.
TARNISHED GLORY: THE MYTH OF "SPECIAL OPERATIONS"
http://www.veteranstoday.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=9762
Can America afford to continue with our current special operations command, be it CIA or JSOC or whatever the flavor of the day, if even a single of the seemingly endless charges made are true?
Is blocking investigations meant to protect America or to facilitate our own "evil doers?"
WHEN DID "SPECIAL OPS" BECOME KIDNAPPING, DRUG DEALING, TORTURE and POLITICAL DIRTY TRICKS
By Gordon Duff STAFF WRITER/Senior Editor
What does "Special Ops' mean? Why would a special operations command, JSOC, be answerable to our Vice President, a mentally unstable draft dodging hack from the oil industry? Why would the CIA outsource its most secret projects to Blackwater, a GOP mercenary group with the worst reputation of any firm the US has ever done business with?
Years of kidnapping and torturing people based on mistaken identity, intelligence that is ALWAYS WRONG, chasing dead men, invading wrong countries and picking out allies that are gangsters, con men and drug dealers isn't an accident, its policy. Now we are told Blackwater, the CIA, MI-6, the Mossad and RAW work together, not only against Iran but in friendly nations also. The stories we are told are that some of what is done is contracting for commercial clients and foreign governments and not anything involving fighting terrorism or protecting anyone, in fact, much the opposite. When is a mercenary a gangster? Are these missions or are they capers or hits?
Blackwater has become the punching bag for the press of late. With accusations of close ties to the CIA and charges of murder and gangsterism floating around after years of more than empty accusations of massive incompetence, their name is abused most.
Are they the only ones? When "private contractors" are involved in terrorism against US allies, the real scandal few are talking about in the US, and Blackwater's name is brought up, is it really them or someone else? There are dozens of companies involved, not just "Blackwater."
We now know that Blackwater alone has an endless web of secret fronts making it impossible to trace what is done and for whom. Other companies are doing the same, all unaccountable to the United States or her allies.
Can America afford to continue with our current special operations command, be it CIA or JSOC or whatever the flavor of the day, if even a single of the seemingly endless charges made are true?
Is blocking investigations meant to protect America or to facilitate our own "evil doers?"
WHEN DID "SPECIAL OPS" BECOME KIDNAPPING, DRUG DEALING, TORTURE and POLITICAL DIRTY TRICKS
By Gordon Duff STAFF WRITER/Senior Editor
What does "Special Ops' mean? Why would a special operations command, JSOC, be answerable to our Vice President, a mentally unstable draft dodging hack from the oil industry? Why would the CIA outsource its most secret projects to Blackwater, a GOP mercenary group with the worst reputation of any firm the US has ever done business with?
Years of kidnapping and torturing people based on mistaken identity, intelligence that is ALWAYS WRONG, chasing dead men, invading wrong countries and picking out allies that are gangsters, con men and drug dealers isn't an accident, its policy. Now we are told Blackwater, the CIA, MI-6, the Mossad and RAW work together, not only against Iran but in friendly nations also. The stories we are told are that some of what is done is contracting for commercial clients and foreign governments and not anything involving fighting terrorism or protecting anyone, in fact, much the opposite. When is a mercenary a gangster? Are these missions or are they capers or hits?
Blackwater has become the punching bag for the press of late. With accusations of close ties to the CIA and charges of murder and gangsterism floating around after years of more than empty accusations of massive incompetence, their name is abused most.
Are they the only ones? When "private contractors" are involved in terrorism against US allies, the real scandal few are talking about in the US, and Blackwater's name is brought up, is it really them or someone else? There are dozens of companies involved, not just "Blackwater."
We now know that Blackwater alone has an endless web of secret fronts making it impossible to trace what is done and for whom. Other companies are doing the same, all unaccountable to the United States or her allies.
AP INVESTIGATION: Monsanto seed biz role revealed
http://www.ajc.com/business/ap-investigation-monsanto-seed-240072.html
Power is not "He who holds the money supply"
Power comes to those that hold the food supply!
You can live without money, but you can't live without food.
My question for the AP is, WHY NOW?
Where were you when all the power that Monsanto now has, was being accumulated?
An answer I really want to know
"We now believe that Monsanto has control over as much as 90 percent of (seed genetics). This level of control is almost unbelievable," said Neil Harl, agricultural economist at Iowa State University who has studied the seed industry for decades. "The upshot of that is that it's tightening Monsanto's control, and makes it possible for them to increase their prices long term. And we've seen this happening the last five years, and the end is not in sight."
At issue is how much power one company can have over seeds, the foundation of the world's food supply. Without stiff competition, Monsanto could raise its seed prices at will, which in turn could raise the cost of everything from animal feed to wheat bread and cookies.
Power is not "He who holds the money supply"
Power comes to those that hold the food supply!
You can live without money, but you can't live without food.
My question for the AP is, WHY NOW?
Where were you when all the power that Monsanto now has, was being accumulated?
An answer I really want to know
"We now believe that Monsanto has control over as much as 90 percent of (seed genetics). This level of control is almost unbelievable," said Neil Harl, agricultural economist at Iowa State University who has studied the seed industry for decades. "The upshot of that is that it's tightening Monsanto's control, and makes it possible for them to increase their prices long term. And we've seen this happening the last five years, and the end is not in sight."
At issue is how much power one company can have over seeds, the foundation of the world's food supply. Without stiff competition, Monsanto could raise its seed prices at will, which in turn could raise the cost of everything from animal feed to wheat bread and cookies.
Obama's Safe Schools Czar Tied to Lewd Readings for 7th Graders
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/12/14/obamas-safe-schools-czar-tied-lewd-readings/
This is just rediculus.
President Obama's "Safe Schools Czar," already a target of social conservatives for his past drug abuse and what they say is his promotion of homosexuality in schools, is under fresh attack after it was revealed that the pro-gay group he formerly headed recommends books his critics say are pornographic.
The group under fire is the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), which Kevin Jennings, now the assistant deputy secretary for safe and drug-free schools in the Department of Education, founded and ran from 1990 to 2008.
GLSEN says it works to create a welcoming atmosphere for homosexual students in schools, and that effort includes recommending books for students of all ages.
This is just rediculus.
President Obama's "Safe Schools Czar," already a target of social conservatives for his past drug abuse and what they say is his promotion of homosexuality in schools, is under fresh attack after it was revealed that the pro-gay group he formerly headed recommends books his critics say are pornographic.
The group under fire is the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), which Kevin Jennings, now the assistant deputy secretary for safe and drug-free schools in the Department of Education, founded and ran from 1990 to 2008.
GLSEN says it works to create a welcoming atmosphere for homosexual students in schools, and that effort includes recommending books for students of all ages.
D.C. hands out $15M in bonuses despite recession, budget gaps
http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/local/D_C_-hands-out-_15M-in-bonuses-despite-recession_-budget-gaps-8651125-79169767.html
It should be very obvious to all that this country is being run by those who only posess half a brain, and that half only thinks about lining it's own pocket!
The economy has been in the dumps for years, but the good times keep on rolling for some favored D.C. employees.
City officials have doled out nearly $15 million in bonuses and awards since Mayor Adrian Fenty took office in January 2007, records obtained by The Examiner under the Freedom of Information Act show.
Among the big winners were Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee, who was handed $41,250 in August 2007 after barely two months on the job; Department of Health Director Pierre Vigilance, who was given $15,000 in 2008; and city property manager Robin-Eve Jasper, handed $18,000 over two years.
More than 5,700 city employees have been given $14.9 million in bonuses since January 2007. Among the big winners:
» Michelle Rhee, schools chancellor, $41,250 in 2007
» Mary Clegg, schools superintendent executive, $25,000 in 2009
» Karen Griffin, schools special education executive, $25,000 in 2008
» Eric Stanchfield, D.C. Retirement Board, $21,997 in 2009
» Anthony Pompa, finance office executive, $21,796 in 2008
» Robin-Eve Jasper, city property manager, $18,000 from 2008-09
» Pierre Vigilance, Department of Health director, $15,000 in 2008
The bonuses were ladled out even as the city was facing nine-figure budget shortfalls and officials -- including Rhee -- were firing employees by the busload, claiming they could no longer afford them
It should be very obvious to all that this country is being run by those who only posess half a brain, and that half only thinks about lining it's own pocket!
The economy has been in the dumps for years, but the good times keep on rolling for some favored D.C. employees.
City officials have doled out nearly $15 million in bonuses and awards since Mayor Adrian Fenty took office in January 2007, records obtained by The Examiner under the Freedom of Information Act show.
Among the big winners were Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee, who was handed $41,250 in August 2007 after barely two months on the job; Department of Health Director Pierre Vigilance, who was given $15,000 in 2008; and city property manager Robin-Eve Jasper, handed $18,000 over two years.
More than 5,700 city employees have been given $14.9 million in bonuses since January 2007. Among the big winners:
» Michelle Rhee, schools chancellor, $41,250 in 2007
» Mary Clegg, schools superintendent executive, $25,000 in 2009
» Karen Griffin, schools special education executive, $25,000 in 2008
» Eric Stanchfield, D.C. Retirement Board, $21,997 in 2009
» Anthony Pompa, finance office executive, $21,796 in 2008
» Robin-Eve Jasper, city property manager, $18,000 from 2008-09
» Pierre Vigilance, Department of Health director, $15,000 in 2008
The bonuses were ladled out even as the city was facing nine-figure budget shortfalls and officials -- including Rhee -- were firing employees by the busload, claiming they could no longer afford them
Monday, December 14, 2009
Disaster’ Health Plan Breaks Obama Cost-Cut Vow
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601109&sid=aSjM45t8G5_0
Which part has to do with cost? The part that says every American hass to have it or face a penalty. In these economic times, is that really the right thing to be so worried about? Placing another burden on an already over strapped taxpayer.
President Barack Obama’s $1 trillion health-care overhaul won’t buy corporate America relief from medical costs that more than doubled in the last decade, chief executive officers of more than a dozen U.S. companies said.
Private companies, providers of benefits to 132 million Americans, will see little savings from legislation under debate in Congress, CEOs at United Parcel Service Inc., Safeway Inc. and Verizon Communications Inc. said in interviews over the past two weeks. The measures are more likely to add expenses, through taxes and fees on employers who don’t offer affordable coverage, said Ellen Kullman, chief of Wilmington, Delaware-based DuPont Co., the world’s third-largest chemical maker.
“They’re disasters,” said John Riccitiello, CEO of Electronic Arts Inc., of Redwood City, California, the second- largest video-game maker with 8,000 employees. “What part of either the House or Senate bill is going to do anything with cost? I don’t see anything.”
Which part has to do with cost? The part that says every American hass to have it or face a penalty. In these economic times, is that really the right thing to be so worried about? Placing another burden on an already over strapped taxpayer.
President Barack Obama’s $1 trillion health-care overhaul won’t buy corporate America relief from medical costs that more than doubled in the last decade, chief executive officers of more than a dozen U.S. companies said.
Private companies, providers of benefits to 132 million Americans, will see little savings from legislation under debate in Congress, CEOs at United Parcel Service Inc., Safeway Inc. and Verizon Communications Inc. said in interviews over the past two weeks. The measures are more likely to add expenses, through taxes and fees on employers who don’t offer affordable coverage, said Ellen Kullman, chief of Wilmington, Delaware-based DuPont Co., the world’s third-largest chemical maker.
“They’re disasters,” said John Riccitiello, CEO of Electronic Arts Inc., of Redwood City, California, the second- largest video-game maker with 8,000 employees. “What part of either the House or Senate bill is going to do anything with cost? I don’t see anything.”
CIA cancels Blackwater drone missile-loading contract
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8409358.stm
Lol me thinks Prince got a little to cocky. And why isn't the Air Force loading the drones?
The CIA has cancelled a contract with US private security firm Blackwater for its operatives to load bombs onto drone aircraft in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
CIA Director Leon Panetta wanted such work to be done by the organisation's own employees only, officials said.
The New York Times revealed the existence of the secret contract with Blackwater, renamed Xe, in August.
On Thursday, the paper also reported that Xe employees had been involved in "snatch-and-grab operations" in Iraq.
Lol me thinks Prince got a little to cocky. And why isn't the Air Force loading the drones?
The CIA has cancelled a contract with US private security firm Blackwater for its operatives to load bombs onto drone aircraft in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
CIA Director Leon Panetta wanted such work to be done by the organisation's own employees only, officials said.
The New York Times revealed the existence of the secret contract with Blackwater, renamed Xe, in August.
On Thursday, the paper also reported that Xe employees had been involved in "snatch-and-grab operations" in Iraq.
Ukraine wants $2bn loan from IMF
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8408741.stm
The "D" word was mentioned. Default...and another one bites the dust
Ukraine has made an urgent appeal to the International Monetary Fund for about $2bn in emergency loans.
It says it needs the money to meet external obligations and avoid the danger of a "spill-over effect" on other economically vulnerable states.
Ukraine says it desperately needs the money. It has hinted that if it does not get extra funds soon, the consequences could be serious.
At risk could be its ability to pay salaries, foreign debt and, crucially for its neighbours, its gas bill - notoriously supplied by Gazprom.
The "D" word was mentioned. Default...and another one bites the dust
Ukraine has made an urgent appeal to the International Monetary Fund for about $2bn in emergency loans.
It says it needs the money to meet external obligations and avoid the danger of a "spill-over effect" on other economically vulnerable states.
Ukraine says it desperately needs the money. It has hinted that if it does not get extra funds soon, the consequences could be serious.
At risk could be its ability to pay salaries, foreign debt and, crucially for its neighbours, its gas bill - notoriously supplied by Gazprom.
Greece's government unveils major spending cuts
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8411749.stm
The same thing America should be doing.
The Greek prime minister has unveiled a series of spending cuts, warning that the country is at risk of "sinking under its debts".
George Papandreou said the planned cuts would include a 10% cut in both social security spending, and overall government operating expenditures.
Calling for national unity, he vowed to reduce Greece's public deficit from the current 12% to under 3% by 2013.
He also announced a 90% tax on the bonuses of senior bank workers.
Mr Papandreou said there were certain moments in the history of a nation when the choices made defined the time to come.
Today was such a moment he said. Then he announced what the government described as sweeping structural reforms.
These included a 10% reduction in both government operating expenditures and social security expenditure.
Mr Papandreou's Socialist government will try to convince the unions and opposition political parties that the cuts he has proposed are in the national interest.
The Conservatives are likely to concur, but left-wing groupings have already indicated that they will fight the government.
Other proposals include a cut in defence spending, pay and hiring freezes for public sector workers, and the closure of a third of Greece's overseas tourism offices.
"We must change or sink," said Mr Papandreou, in a speech to business and union leaders.
He added that Greece had "lost every trace of credibility" and the country had to "move immediately to a new social deal".
Indicating that some spending cuts would be painful, he said that "we must all lose our comfort".
The same thing America should be doing.
The Greek prime minister has unveiled a series of spending cuts, warning that the country is at risk of "sinking under its debts".
George Papandreou said the planned cuts would include a 10% cut in both social security spending, and overall government operating expenditures.
Calling for national unity, he vowed to reduce Greece's public deficit from the current 12% to under 3% by 2013.
He also announced a 90% tax on the bonuses of senior bank workers.
Mr Papandreou said there were certain moments in the history of a nation when the choices made defined the time to come.
Today was such a moment he said. Then he announced what the government described as sweeping structural reforms.
These included a 10% reduction in both government operating expenditures and social security expenditure.
Mr Papandreou's Socialist government will try to convince the unions and opposition political parties that the cuts he has proposed are in the national interest.
The Conservatives are likely to concur, but left-wing groupings have already indicated that they will fight the government.
Other proposals include a cut in defence spending, pay and hiring freezes for public sector workers, and the closure of a third of Greece's overseas tourism offices.
"We must change or sink," said Mr Papandreou, in a speech to business and union leaders.
He added that Greece had "lost every trace of credibility" and the country had to "move immediately to a new social deal".
Indicating that some spending cuts would be painful, he said that "we must all lose our comfort".
Irish lawmaker unloads on Parliament
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/12/11/paul-gogarty-irish-lawmak_n_389385.html
Sometimes you just have to get a little unparliamentary to get your point across.
Or so goes the thinking of Paul Gogarty, a member of Ireland's Green Party, who unloaded some fairly colorful language on Labour Party member Emmet Stagg during a debate about cuts to social welfare Friday.
Sometimes you just have to get a little unparliamentary to get your point across.
Or so goes the thinking of Paul Gogarty, a member of Ireland's Green Party, who unloaded some fairly colorful language on Labour Party member Emmet Stagg during a debate about cuts to social welfare Friday.
OK's need for revenue advancement "Big Brother" style
http://www.newsok.com/oklahoma-could-keep-an-eye-on-uninsured-motorists/article/3420697
State officials are looking at beefing up the state’s electronic insurance verification system by setting up cameras across the state to randomly record vehicle tags.
Cameras set up at about 200 locations along selected highways would focus in on a tag’s bar code — found at the bottom of each tag — and record it. Bar code scanners would match the tag numbers with a national database containing real-time vehicle insurance information.
Vehicle owners without valid insurance would be mailed a ticket.
"That’s a horrible idea,” said Rep. Mike Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City. "It’s Big Brother at its finest.”
The proposed automated enforcement would expand Oklahoma’s existing system, which went online in July. The system now checks only Oklahoma vehicles; checks are made only when a vehicle owner has an encounter with a law enforcement officer, such as a traffic stop or being in an accident
Read more: http://www.newsok.com/oklahoma-could-keep-an-eye-on-uninsured-motorists/article/3420697#ixzz0Zgd6T8gR
State officials are looking at beefing up the state’s electronic insurance verification system by setting up cameras across the state to randomly record vehicle tags.
Cameras set up at about 200 locations along selected highways would focus in on a tag’s bar code — found at the bottom of each tag — and record it. Bar code scanners would match the tag numbers with a national database containing real-time vehicle insurance information.
Vehicle owners without valid insurance would be mailed a ticket.
"That’s a horrible idea,” said Rep. Mike Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City. "It’s Big Brother at its finest.”
The proposed automated enforcement would expand Oklahoma’s existing system, which went online in July. The system now checks only Oklahoma vehicles; checks are made only when a vehicle owner has an encounter with a law enforcement officer, such as a traffic stop or being in an accident
Read more: http://www.newsok.com/oklahoma-could-keep-an-eye-on-uninsured-motorists/article/3420697#ixzz0Zgd6T8gR
Carlyle, Kissinger,SAIC, and Halliburton: a 9/11 convergence
http://www.infowars.com/carlyle-kissinger-saic-and-halliburton-a-911-convergence/
coincidence....NO..... Collision.....of course
Careful investigation leads one to notice that a number of intriguing groups of people and organizations converged on the events of September 11th, 2001. An example is the group of men who were members of Cornell University’s Quill & Dagger society. This included Paul Wolfowitz, National Security Advisors Sandy Berger and Stephen Hadley, Marsh & McLennan executive Stephen Friedman, and the founder of Kroll Associates, Jules Kroll. Another interconnected group of organizations is linked to these Cornell comrades, and is even more interesting in terms of its members being integral to the events of 9/11, and having benefited from those events.
After the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center (WTC), a company called Stratesec (or Securacom) was responsible for the overall integration of the new security system designed by Kroll Asoociates. Stratesec had a small board of directors that included retired Air Force General James Abrahamson, Marvin Bush (the brother of George W. Bush) and Wirt Walker III, a cousin of the Bush brothers. Other directors included Charles Archer, former Assistant Director in charge of the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services Division, and Yousef Saud Al Sabah, a member of the Kuwaiti royal family.[1]
coincidence....NO..... Collision.....of course
Careful investigation leads one to notice that a number of intriguing groups of people and organizations converged on the events of September 11th, 2001. An example is the group of men who were members of Cornell University’s Quill & Dagger society. This included Paul Wolfowitz, National Security Advisors Sandy Berger and Stephen Hadley, Marsh & McLennan executive Stephen Friedman, and the founder of Kroll Associates, Jules Kroll. Another interconnected group of organizations is linked to these Cornell comrades, and is even more interesting in terms of its members being integral to the events of 9/11, and having benefited from those events.
After the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center (WTC), a company called Stratesec (or Securacom) was responsible for the overall integration of the new security system designed by Kroll Asoociates. Stratesec had a small board of directors that included retired Air Force General James Abrahamson, Marvin Bush (the brother of George W. Bush) and Wirt Walker III, a cousin of the Bush brothers. Other directors included Charles Archer, former Assistant Director in charge of the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services Division, and Yousef Saud Al Sabah, a member of the Kuwaiti royal family.[1]
10 of the most magnificent trees of the world
http://www.neatorama.com/2007/03/21/10-most-magnificent-trees-in-the-world/
Enjoy my friends, a brake from the view of the daily grind
"A tree is a wonderful living organism which gives shelter, food,
warmth and protection to all living things. It even gives shade to
those who wield an axe to cut it down" – Buddha.
Enjoy my friends, a brake from the view of the daily grind
"A tree is a wonderful living organism which gives shelter, food,
warmth and protection to all living things. It even gives shade to
those who wield an axe to cut it down" – Buddha.
Karl Denninger
http://market-ticker.denninger.net/
Karl is on a roll today and I couldn't decide on my favorite article, so I brought them all and will leave you to decide your own preference.
Karl is on a roll today and I couldn't decide on my favorite article, so I brought them all and will leave you to decide your own preference.
For U.S. Troops in Afghanistan, Supplies Are Another Battle
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB126075201256889955.html#articleTabs%3Dcomments
The White House has settled on sending additional troops to Afghanistan, and now the Pentagon must grapple with another thorny problem: how to support them once they get there.
For Ashton Carter, the top Pentagon official in charge of weapons purchases, that has meant focusing on the concrete -- literally. Basic materials for building bases are in short supply or nonexistent in Afghanistan, so U.S. officials must search for staples like concrete next door in Pakistan.
View Full Image
Associated Press
Ashton Carter, center, the top Defense Department official in charge of weapons purchases, with a new mine-resistant all-terrain vehicle at the Pentagon in November.
.Another priority: Getting thousands of blast-resistant trucks from Oshkosh Corp.'s factory in Oshkosh, Wis., to U.S. forces in the Afghan hinterlands.
"At this phase, Afghanistan is a logistics war as much as any other kind of war," said Mr. Carter, whose formal title is under secretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, in a recent interview.
Unlike Iraq, Afghanistan has no modern infrastructure. Critical supplies such as fuel must be imported. The country is landlocked and has just three major overland routes. Enormous distances separate bases and outposts. High mountains and valleys, as well as extreme weather, make air travel difficult.
The White House has settled on sending additional troops to Afghanistan, and now the Pentagon must grapple with another thorny problem: how to support them once they get there.
For Ashton Carter, the top Pentagon official in charge of weapons purchases, that has meant focusing on the concrete -- literally. Basic materials for building bases are in short supply or nonexistent in Afghanistan, so U.S. officials must search for staples like concrete next door in Pakistan.
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Associated Press
Ashton Carter, center, the top Defense Department official in charge of weapons purchases, with a new mine-resistant all-terrain vehicle at the Pentagon in November.
.Another priority: Getting thousands of blast-resistant trucks from Oshkosh Corp.'s factory in Oshkosh, Wis., to U.S. forces in the Afghan hinterlands.
"At this phase, Afghanistan is a logistics war as much as any other kind of war," said Mr. Carter, whose formal title is under secretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, in a recent interview.
Unlike Iraq, Afghanistan has no modern infrastructure. Critical supplies such as fuel must be imported. The country is landlocked and has just three major overland routes. Enormous distances separate bases and outposts. High mountains and valleys, as well as extreme weather, make air travel difficult.
Venture Capitol: New VC Force
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB126074549073889853.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_MIDDLETopStories
When tiny Fisker Automotive Inc. hit a financing glitch last year, threatening its plan to build a fancy gasoline-electric hybrid car in Finland, it turned to the U.S. Department of Energy.
The DOE had a bolder idea. Why not also step up the company's plans to develop a less-expensive model, and assemble it in a closed U.S. auto plant?
Though its first model, the Karma, won't be available for test drives for months, Fisker says more than 1,500 potential buyers have put down refundable deposits on the car, expected to sell for $88,000
When tiny Fisker Automotive Inc. hit a financing glitch last year, threatening its plan to build a fancy gasoline-electric hybrid car in Finland, it turned to the U.S. Department of Energy.
The DOE had a bolder idea. Why not also step up the company's plans to develop a less-expensive model, and assemble it in a closed U.S. auto plant?
Though its first model, the Karma, won't be available for test drives for months, Fisker says more than 1,500 potential buyers have put down refundable deposits on the car, expected to sell for $88,000
Benefits backlog stalls millions in need
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-12-13-backlog_N.htm
Millions of Americans are waiting longer for unemployment checks, disability payments and food stamps as states furlough workers who process the benefits.
States in financial crises are cutting staff while people in need flood agencies with applications, says Margaret Simms of the Urban Institute, which studies social and economic issues. "The length of the recession clearly has put a strain on the resources that states can bring to bear," Simms says.
Backlogs are growing:
Millions of Americans are waiting longer for unemployment checks, disability payments and food stamps as states furlough workers who process the benefits.
States in financial crises are cutting staff while people in need flood agencies with applications, says Margaret Simms of the Urban Institute, which studies social and economic issues. "The length of the recession clearly has put a strain on the resources that states can bring to bear," Simms says.
Backlogs are growing:
Drug money saved banks in global crisis, claims UN advisor
http://www.guardian.co.uk/global/2009/dec/13/drug-money-banks-saved-un-cfief-claims
Did we call off the war on drugs? Or is it just a problem of common convenience when it's needed to be?
How much money have "WE" spent fighting the war on drugs?
Drugs money worth billions of dollars kept the financial system afloat at the height of the global crisis, the United Nations' drugs and crime tsar has told the Observer.
Antonio Maria Costa, head of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, said he has seen evidence that the proceeds of organised crime were "the only liquid investment capital" available to some banks on the brink of collapse last year. He said that a majority of the $352bn (£216bn) of drugs profits was absorbed into the economic system as a result.
This will raise questions about crime's influence on the economic system at times of crisis. It will also prompt further examination of the banking sector as world leaders, including Barack Obama and Gordon Brown, call for new International Monetary Fund regulations. Speaking from his office in Vienna, Costa said evidence that illegal money was being absorbed into the financial system was first drawn to his attention by intelligence agencies and prosecutors around 18 months ago. "In many instances, the money from drugs was the only liquid investment capital. In the second half of 2008, liquidity was the banking system's main problem and hence liquid capital became an important factor,"
Did we call off the war on drugs? Or is it just a problem of common convenience when it's needed to be?
How much money have "WE" spent fighting the war on drugs?
Drugs money worth billions of dollars kept the financial system afloat at the height of the global crisis, the United Nations' drugs and crime tsar has told the Observer.
Antonio Maria Costa, head of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, said he has seen evidence that the proceeds of organised crime were "the only liquid investment capital" available to some banks on the brink of collapse last year. He said that a majority of the $352bn (£216bn) of drugs profits was absorbed into the economic system as a result.
This will raise questions about crime's influence on the economic system at times of crisis. It will also prompt further examination of the banking sector as world leaders, including Barack Obama and Gordon Brown, call for new International Monetary Fund regulations. Speaking from his office in Vienna, Costa said evidence that illegal money was being absorbed into the financial system was first drawn to his attention by intelligence agencies and prosecutors around 18 months ago. "In many instances, the money from drugs was the only liquid investment capital. In the second half of 2008, liquidity was the banking system's main problem and hence liquid capital became an important factor,"
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Get Ready, Get Set, Point Fingers
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/13/business/13gret.html?_r=1
A little taste of Goldman god syndrome and the card tricks they use to produce those stunning special effects
DURING the lending mania, as Wall Street’s mortgage machinery hummed and the money poured in, millions of loans were bought and sold, zipping across town or around the world.
Now that this giant factory is pretty much shuttered, details are emerging about how its assembly lines actually operated. And as a dispute between two European banks and Bank of America indicates, the revelations aren’t pretty.
Starting in late 2007, Deutsche Bank invested $1.2 billion in a mortgage financing vehicle known as Ocala Funding; alongside it was BNP Paribas, a French bank that put $481 million into the same vehicle
A little taste of Goldman god syndrome and the card tricks they use to produce those stunning special effects
DURING the lending mania, as Wall Street’s mortgage machinery hummed and the money poured in, millions of loans were bought and sold, zipping across town or around the world.
Now that this giant factory is pretty much shuttered, details are emerging about how its assembly lines actually operated. And as a dispute between two European banks and Bank of America indicates, the revelations aren’t pretty.
Starting in late 2007, Deutsche Bank invested $1.2 billion in a mortgage financing vehicle known as Ocala Funding; alongside it was BNP Paribas, a French bank that put $481 million into the same vehicle
Study: 2nd drug to treat cattle deadly to vultures
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iUmwprGNxqyi-XSCP2PYBHB2MqXgD9CFM8T02
If it's killing the vultures what exactly is it doing to man?
A second drug used to treat cattle for pain could be deadly to endangered vultures and should be prohibited as part of a campaign to prevent their extinction, according to a study released Wednesday.
Millions of long-billed, slender-billed and oriental white-backed vultures have died in South Asia — mostly in India — after eating cattle carcasses tainted with diclofenac, an anti-inflammatory painkiller given to sick cows.
Now, researchers writing in the Royal Society journal Biology Letters have found that a second drug, ketoprofen, has proven toxic to vultures and should no longer be used to treat livestock in Asia.
"Surveys of livestock carcasses in India indicate that toxic levels of residual ketoprofen are already present in vulture food supplies
If it's killing the vultures what exactly is it doing to man?
A second drug used to treat cattle for pain could be deadly to endangered vultures and should be prohibited as part of a campaign to prevent their extinction, according to a study released Wednesday.
Millions of long-billed, slender-billed and oriental white-backed vultures have died in South Asia — mostly in India — after eating cattle carcasses tainted with diclofenac, an anti-inflammatory painkiller given to sick cows.
Now, researchers writing in the Royal Society journal Biology Letters have found that a second drug, ketoprofen, has proven toxic to vultures and should no longer be used to treat livestock in Asia.
"Surveys of livestock carcasses in India indicate that toxic levels of residual ketoprofen are already present in vulture food supplies
O'Reilly slams 'Law & Order,' calls Wolf 'despicable'
http://www.thrfeed.com/2009/12/oreil...cable-vid.html
This just made my day lol. Bill O with his panties in a wad.
Bill O'Reilly went after "Law & Order" franchise creator Dick Wolf on Thursday night's "O'Reilly Factor" telecast, calling the producer a "despicable human being" whose veteran TV drama is "out of control."
O'Reilly can certainly say that "L&O" threw the first punch.
This week's episode of "Law & Order: SVU" featured a character played by John Larroquette talking to a detective and saying, "Limbaugh, Beck, O'Reilly, all of 'em, they are like a cancer spreading ignorance and hate...They've convinced folks that immigrants are the problem, not corporations that fail to pay a living wage or a broken health care system..."
O'Reilly said the clip was "defamatory and outrageous
This just made my day lol. Bill O with his panties in a wad.
Bill O'Reilly went after "Law & Order" franchise creator Dick Wolf on Thursday night's "O'Reilly Factor" telecast, calling the producer a "despicable human being" whose veteran TV drama is "out of control."
O'Reilly can certainly say that "L&O" threw the first punch.
This week's episode of "Law & Order: SVU" featured a character played by John Larroquette talking to a detective and saying, "Limbaugh, Beck, O'Reilly, all of 'em, they are like a cancer spreading ignorance and hate...They've convinced folks that immigrants are the problem, not corporations that fail to pay a living wage or a broken health care system..."
O'Reilly said the clip was "defamatory and outrageous
Friday, December 11, 2009
Bayer Admits GMO Contamination is Out of Control
http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_19777.cfm
Interesting finding, here's hoping it's the crack needed to break Monsanto's reign
Bayer has admitted it has been unable to control the spread of its genetically-engineered organisms despite 'the best practices [to stop contamination]'(1). It shows that all outdoors field trials or commercial growing of GE crops must be stopped before our crops are irreversibly contaminated.
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$2 million US dollar verdict against Bayer confirms company's liability for an uncontrollable technology
Greenpeace welcomes the United States federal jury ruling on 4 December 2009 that Bayer CropScience LP must pay $2 million US dollars to two Missouri farmers after their rice crop was contaminated with an experimental variety of rice that the company was testing in 2006.
This verdict confirms that the responsibility for the consequences of GE (genetic engineering) contamination rests with the company that releases GE crops.
Bayer has admitted it has been unable to control the spread of its genetically-engineered organisms despite 'the best practices [to stop contamination]'(1). It shows that all outdoors field trials or commercial growing of GE crops must be stopped before our crops are irreversibly contaminated
Interesting finding, here's hoping it's the crack needed to break Monsanto's reign
Bayer has admitted it has been unable to control the spread of its genetically-engineered organisms despite 'the best practices [to stop contamination]'(1). It shows that all outdoors field trials or commercial growing of GE crops must be stopped before our crops are irreversibly contaminated.
---
---
$2 million US dollar verdict against Bayer confirms company's liability for an uncontrollable technology
Greenpeace welcomes the United States federal jury ruling on 4 December 2009 that Bayer CropScience LP must pay $2 million US dollars to two Missouri farmers after their rice crop was contaminated with an experimental variety of rice that the company was testing in 2006.
This verdict confirms that the responsibility for the consequences of GE (genetic engineering) contamination rests with the company that releases GE crops.
Bayer has admitted it has been unable to control the spread of its genetically-engineered organisms despite 'the best practices [to stop contamination]'(1). It shows that all outdoors field trials or commercial growing of GE crops must be stopped before our crops are irreversibly contaminated
White House wants suit against Yoo dismissed
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2009/12/08/MN061AVC89.DTL
What change would this be? It looks to me like it's more a case of
"Getting by with a little help from my friends"
Obama is just as morally corrupt as the rest of them.
The Obama administration has asked an appeals court to dismiss a lawsuit accusing former Bush administration attorney John Yoo of authorizing the torture of a terrorism suspect, saying federal law does not allow damage claims against lawyers who advise the president on national security issues.
Such lawsuits ask courts to second-guess presidential decisions and pose "the risk of deterring full and frank advice regarding the military's detention and treatment of those determined to be enemies during an armed conflict," Justice Department lawyers said Thursday in arguments to the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco.
Other sanctions are available for government lawyers who commit misconduct, the department said. It noted that its Office of Professional Responsibility has been investigating Yoo's advice to former President George W. Bush since 2004 and has the power to recommend professional discipline or even criminal prosecution.
The office has not made its conclusions public. However, The Chronicle and other media reported in May that the office will recommend that Yoo be referred to the bar association for possible discipline, but that he not be prosecuted.
Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2009/12/08/MN061AVC89.DTL#ixzz0ZP2wvFTt
What change would this be? It looks to me like it's more a case of
"Getting by with a little help from my friends"
Obama is just as morally corrupt as the rest of them.
The Obama administration has asked an appeals court to dismiss a lawsuit accusing former Bush administration attorney John Yoo of authorizing the torture of a terrorism suspect, saying federal law does not allow damage claims against lawyers who advise the president on national security issues.
Such lawsuits ask courts to second-guess presidential decisions and pose "the risk of deterring full and frank advice regarding the military's detention and treatment of those determined to be enemies during an armed conflict," Justice Department lawyers said Thursday in arguments to the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco.
Other sanctions are available for government lawyers who commit misconduct, the department said. It noted that its Office of Professional Responsibility has been investigating Yoo's advice to former President George W. Bush since 2004 and has the power to recommend professional discipline or even criminal prosecution.
The office has not made its conclusions public. However, The Chronicle and other media reported in May that the office will recommend that Yoo be referred to the bar association for possible discipline, but that he not be prosecuted.
Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2009/12/08/MN061AVC89.DTL#ixzz0ZP2wvFTt
RAND Corporation Blueprint for Militarized “Stability Police Force”
http://www.blacklistednews.com/news-6649-0-8-8--.html
The things they think about and why
The RAND Corporation, one of the most fecund research arms of the Military-Industrial-Homeland Security Complex, has released a study entitled A Stability Police Force for the United States: Justification and Creating U.S. Capabilities.
The SPFOR (to use the inevitable acronym) would be a “hybrid” military/law enforcement unit created within the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) for use “in a range of tasks such as crowd and riot control, special weapons and tactics (SWAT), and investigations of organized criminal groups” — both abroad, in UN-directed multilateral military operations, and at home, as dictated by the needs of the Regime.
Initially as small as 2–6,000 personnel, the SPFOR’s size “could be increased by augmenting it with additional federal, state, or local police from the United States” as necessary.
The RAND study, which was conducted for the U.S. Army’s Peacekeeping and Stability Operations Institute, recommended using the Marshals Service rather than the US Army’s Military Police as host for the SPFOR in order to avoid conflicts with the Posse Comitatus Act, which forbids (albeit in principle more than in practice) the domestic use of the military as a law enforcement body.
“The USMS hybrid option … provides an important nondeployed mission for the force: augmenting state and local agencies, many of which currently suffer from severe personnel shortages,” states the report without explaining how the SPFOR could at once “augment” those under-manned agencies while at the same time being “augmented” by them if necessary.
That little lapse in logic is one of several indications that the report’s authors weren’t so much addressing a “problem” as making a case for a preordained “solution” — in this case, creating the vanguard of a militarized internal security force
The things they think about and why
The RAND Corporation, one of the most fecund research arms of the Military-Industrial-Homeland Security Complex, has released a study entitled A Stability Police Force for the United States: Justification and Creating U.S. Capabilities.
The SPFOR (to use the inevitable acronym) would be a “hybrid” military/law enforcement unit created within the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) for use “in a range of tasks such as crowd and riot control, special weapons and tactics (SWAT), and investigations of organized criminal groups” — both abroad, in UN-directed multilateral military operations, and at home, as dictated by the needs of the Regime.
Initially as small as 2–6,000 personnel, the SPFOR’s size “could be increased by augmenting it with additional federal, state, or local police from the United States” as necessary.
The RAND study, which was conducted for the U.S. Army’s Peacekeeping and Stability Operations Institute, recommended using the Marshals Service rather than the US Army’s Military Police as host for the SPFOR in order to avoid conflicts with the Posse Comitatus Act, which forbids (albeit in principle more than in practice) the domestic use of the military as a law enforcement body.
“The USMS hybrid option … provides an important nondeployed mission for the force: augmenting state and local agencies, many of which currently suffer from severe personnel shortages,” states the report without explaining how the SPFOR could at once “augment” those under-manned agencies while at the same time being “augmented” by them if necessary.
That little lapse in logic is one of several indications that the report’s authors weren’t so much addressing a “problem” as making a case for a preordained “solution” — in this case, creating the vanguard of a militarized internal security force
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Geithner: bailout program extended to October
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Geithner-bailout-program-apf-3043495812.html?x=0&sec=topStories&pos=main&asset=&ccode=
How has the bailout program helped American families? It's helped the banks and Wall Street but all the average person has gained from it is a larger portion of that pie to pay for. (that the rich have exclusively been invited to eat)
Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner told Congress Wednesday that the administration will extend the government's financial bailout program until next fall, saying it's needed to protect against fresh economic shocks.
In a letter to House and Senate leaders, Geithner said the extension is "necessary to assist American families and stabilize financial markets
How has the bailout program helped American families? It's helped the banks and Wall Street but all the average person has gained from it is a larger portion of that pie to pay for. (that the rich have exclusively been invited to eat)
Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner told Congress Wednesday that the administration will extend the government's financial bailout program until next fall, saying it's needed to protect against fresh economic shocks.
In a letter to House and Senate leaders, Geithner said the extension is "necessary to assist American families and stabilize financial markets
2% federal raise
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/federal-eye/2009/12/federal_employees_earn_2_pay_r.html
Mark Penn's two firms got $6 million from stimulus for PR campaign
http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/71353-mark-penn-got-6-million-from-stimulus
No your not in Kansas any more, but then again it never even came close did it?
Stimulus money's primary purpose was to support "the lying rich" and their friends that help promote the theory of their constant self serving lies.
Nearly $6 million in stimulus money was paid to two firms run by Mark Penn, Hillary Clinton’s pollster in 2008.
Federal records show that $5.97 million from the $787 billion stimulus helped preserve three jobs at Burson-Marsteller, the global public-relations and communications firm headed by Penn.
The need for additional measures has raised questions over the efficacy of the stimulus package passed earlier this year.
No your not in Kansas any more, but then again it never even came close did it?
Stimulus money's primary purpose was to support "the lying rich" and their friends that help promote the theory of their constant self serving lies.
Nearly $6 million in stimulus money was paid to two firms run by Mark Penn, Hillary Clinton’s pollster in 2008.
Federal records show that $5.97 million from the $787 billion stimulus helped preserve three jobs at Burson-Marsteller, the global public-relations and communications firm headed by Penn.
The need for additional measures has raised questions over the efficacy of the stimulus package passed earlier this year.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Economy 101: Long-Term Unemployment Worsens
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/12/04/us/AP-US-Economy-101-Unemployment-by-the-Numbers.html?_r=2
Within the vast pool of 15.4 million unemployed workers, a split is emerging: The number of long-term jobless -- those out of work six months or longer -- is growing, while the number of short-term unemployed is declining.
The trend highlights a considerable challenge for the economy and policymakers: finding a way for the millions of Americans laid off last fall and early this year to get back to work.
The data, buried in Friday's unemployment report, are stark: The number of Americans out of work for 27 weeks or more reached 5.9 million last month, the most on records dating from 1948. That's 18 percent more than just three months ago, when the total was just below 5 million.
The tally of those out of work for 14 weeks or less, however, has dropped to 6.3 million from 7.1 million in August, a decline of about 11 percent.
Looking at it another way, the long-term jobless now make up 38.3 percent of the unemployed population, not that far from the 41.1 percent accounted for by those out of work for 14 weeks or less. (The rest are in the 15-to-26 weeks bracket.)
That's a sharp change from August, when the short-term unemployed made up nearly half the total, while the longer-term jobless were only a third.
In some ways, the dichotomy is good news, in that it reflects a slowdown in layoffs. The Labor Department said Friday that employers cut a net total of 11,000 jobs in November, down from 111,000 the previous month. The unemployment rate dropped
Within the vast pool of 15.4 million unemployed workers, a split is emerging: The number of long-term jobless -- those out of work six months or longer -- is growing, while the number of short-term unemployed is declining.
The trend highlights a considerable challenge for the economy and policymakers: finding a way for the millions of Americans laid off last fall and early this year to get back to work.
The data, buried in Friday's unemployment report, are stark: The number of Americans out of work for 27 weeks or more reached 5.9 million last month, the most on records dating from 1948. That's 18 percent more than just three months ago, when the total was just below 5 million.
The tally of those out of work for 14 weeks or less, however, has dropped to 6.3 million from 7.1 million in August, a decline of about 11 percent.
Looking at it another way, the long-term jobless now make up 38.3 percent of the unemployed population, not that far from the 41.1 percent accounted for by those out of work for 14 weeks or less. (The rest are in the 15-to-26 weeks bracket.)
That's a sharp change from August, when the short-term unemployed made up nearly half the total, while the longer-term jobless were only a third.
In some ways, the dichotomy is good news, in that it reflects a slowdown in layoffs. The Labor Department said Friday that employers cut a net total of 11,000 jobs in November, down from 111,000 the previous month. The unemployment rate dropped
Saturday, December 5, 2009
U.S. Adding Contractors at Fast Pace .
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125971465513072063.html
This is definitely not your Daddy's war. I can't help but wonder how the Vets of WWI and WWII or the Korean war or even Vietnam actually think about paid contractors.
I mean crap who did their laundry, rumor has it they actually did it themselves. Not like today where a paid contractor does it for them. I often wonder now how they could have managed transportation and base security all on their own. The job just must have been overwhelming.
The question is ladies and gentleman, who really has the most to gain from this contract arrangements? And how much does Congress gain from the deal, whether through
stock price enhancement or political contributions.
Even before the Obama administration decided to send tens of thousands of additional U.S. forces to Afghanistan, battlefield contractors there had seen a surge of their own.
Contractors already outnumber U.S. forces in Afghanistan, and their numbers have been rising all year, as the Obama administration increases troop levels. Defense Department officials want U.S. troops focused on combating insurgents, not on the nuts and bolts of sustaining what will be the largest fighting force the Pentagon has sent to the nation.
The Defense Department's latest census shows that the number of contractors increased about 40% between the end of June and the end of September, for a total of 104,101. That compares with 113,731 in Iraq, down 5% in the same period, as the U.S. seeks to reduce the number of contractors there. Most of the contractors in Afghanistan are locals, accounting for 78,430 of the total.
A Defense Department official said contractors in Afghanistan and Iraq "will continue to provide a wide range of tasks essential for operations including maintenance, construction, transportation, security and base support
This is definitely not your Daddy's war. I can't help but wonder how the Vets of WWI and WWII or the Korean war or even Vietnam actually think about paid contractors.
I mean crap who did their laundry, rumor has it they actually did it themselves. Not like today where a paid contractor does it for them. I often wonder now how they could have managed transportation and base security all on their own. The job just must have been overwhelming.
The question is ladies and gentleman, who really has the most to gain from this contract arrangements? And how much does Congress gain from the deal, whether through
stock price enhancement or political contributions.
Even before the Obama administration decided to send tens of thousands of additional U.S. forces to Afghanistan, battlefield contractors there had seen a surge of their own.
Contractors already outnumber U.S. forces in Afghanistan, and their numbers have been rising all year, as the Obama administration increases troop levels. Defense Department officials want U.S. troops focused on combating insurgents, not on the nuts and bolts of sustaining what will be the largest fighting force the Pentagon has sent to the nation.
The Defense Department's latest census shows that the number of contractors increased about 40% between the end of June and the end of September, for a total of 104,101. That compares with 113,731 in Iraq, down 5% in the same period, as the U.S. seeks to reduce the number of contractors there. Most of the contractors in Afghanistan are locals, accounting for 78,430 of the total.
A Defense Department official said contractors in Afghanistan and Iraq "will continue to provide a wide range of tasks essential for operations including maintenance, construction, transportation, security and base support
Friday, December 4, 2009
Drugmakers' Payments Draw Heat
http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/content/nov2009/db2009114_700374.htm
What exactly is the point of the probe? The collection of payoff fees to the coffer?
Because it sure wasn't to hold someone criminally responsible for medicaid fraud.
Big boys never go to prision for crimes committed against "the system" or "The People"
A $112 million settlement involving alleged drug kickbacks that the Justice Dept. announced with the nation's largest nursing home pharmacy and a generic drug manufacturer on Nov. 3 is part of a wide-ranging investigation of suspected Medicaid fraud by the pharmaceutical industry. Critics say the continuing probe, which involves Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) and other major drugmakers, highlights what they describe as an industry practice of paying money to outfits that provide drugs to consumers, in return for preferential treatment.
Because those alleged payoffs have the effect of compromising patient care and driving up costs for government and private health insurers, cases like the settlement unsealed with Omnicare (OCR) in Covington, Ky., and IVAX Pharmaceuticals in Weston, Fla., could bolster opposition to the controversial deal the Obama Administration reached with the pharmaceutical industry to win its support for health-reform legislation
No Admission of Wrongdoing
Omnicare and IVAX entered "corporate integrity agreements" to establish new training and policies to prevent future problems. Neither company admitted any wrongdoing. An Omnicare spokesman said the company agreed to settle the matter "to avoid expensive and time-consuming litigation" and "to focus on its mission of providing high-quality pharmaceutical care for the frail elderly
What exactly is the point of the probe? The collection of payoff fees to the coffer?
Because it sure wasn't to hold someone criminally responsible for medicaid fraud.
Big boys never go to prision for crimes committed against "the system" or "The People"
A $112 million settlement involving alleged drug kickbacks that the Justice Dept. announced with the nation's largest nursing home pharmacy and a generic drug manufacturer on Nov. 3 is part of a wide-ranging investigation of suspected Medicaid fraud by the pharmaceutical industry. Critics say the continuing probe, which involves Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) and other major drugmakers, highlights what they describe as an industry practice of paying money to outfits that provide drugs to consumers, in return for preferential treatment.
Because those alleged payoffs have the effect of compromising patient care and driving up costs for government and private health insurers, cases like the settlement unsealed with Omnicare (OCR) in Covington, Ky., and IVAX Pharmaceuticals in Weston, Fla., could bolster opposition to the controversial deal the Obama Administration reached with the pharmaceutical industry to win its support for health-reform legislation
No Admission of Wrongdoing
Omnicare and IVAX entered "corporate integrity agreements" to establish new training and policies to prevent future problems. Neither company admitted any wrongdoing. An Omnicare spokesman said the company agreed to settle the matter "to avoid expensive and time-consuming litigation" and "to focus on its mission of providing high-quality pharmaceutical care for the frail elderly
Thursday, December 3, 2009
FED approval
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/12/03/bernanke-channels-willie_n_378963.html
Did Ben just actually say that?
Bernanke reminded Congress that it has the power to repeal Social Security and Medicare.
"It's only mandatory until Congress says it's not mandatory. And we have no option but to address those costs at some point or else we will have an unsustainable situation," said Bernanke.
Did Ben just actually say that?
Bernanke reminded Congress that it has the power to repeal Social Security and Medicare.
"It's only mandatory until Congress says it's not mandatory. And we have no option but to address those costs at some point or else we will have an unsustainable situation," said Bernanke.
North Koreans in misery as cash is culled
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article6940482.ece#comment-have-your-say
Shops and markets in North Korea have been closed and all cash transactions frozen after the Government’s shock announcement of a devaluation of its currency in an effort to crack down on the country’s burgeoning free-market economy.
In the capital, Pyongyang, yesterday only the few shops and restaurants permitted to trade in foreign currencies — patronised by the privileged elite and the city’s small foreign population — were open for business. All other enterprises and services based on cash, including markets, long-distance bus services, barbers’ shops, saunas and bath houses, were suspended until the revaluation of the won is completed next week.
There were reports of public outrage and confusion after the announcement of the measure, which requires North Koreans to swap existing won notes for new ones at an exchange rate of one to 100 — effectively knocking two zeroes off their value. Because of a cap of 100,000 won per family (£475 at the official exchange rate), anyone with significant holdings of cash will have their savings wiped out.
“Loud sounds of weeping in every house have not ceased since the news was released,” a South Korean website quoted an inhabitant of Sinuiju, a city on the border with China, as saying. “Weeping and fighting between couples has not stopped anywhere. The atmosphere of the city is terrible now.”
Shops and markets in North Korea have been closed and all cash transactions frozen after the Government’s shock announcement of a devaluation of its currency in an effort to crack down on the country’s burgeoning free-market economy.
In the capital, Pyongyang, yesterday only the few shops and restaurants permitted to trade in foreign currencies — patronised by the privileged elite and the city’s small foreign population — were open for business. All other enterprises and services based on cash, including markets, long-distance bus services, barbers’ shops, saunas and bath houses, were suspended until the revaluation of the won is completed next week.
There were reports of public outrage and confusion after the announcement of the measure, which requires North Koreans to swap existing won notes for new ones at an exchange rate of one to 100 — effectively knocking two zeroes off their value. Because of a cap of 100,000 won per family (£475 at the official exchange rate), anyone with significant holdings of cash will have their savings wiped out.
“Loud sounds of weeping in every house have not ceased since the news was released,” a South Korean website quoted an inhabitant of Sinuiju, a city on the border with China, as saying. “Weeping and fighting between couples has not stopped anywhere. The atmosphere of the city is terrible now.”
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
President Obama's Secret: Only 100 al Qaeda Now in Afghanistan
http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/presid...ory?id=9227861
A slightly unbalanced picture I'd say. I think it's the prelude to Pakistan, because they moved.
As he justified sending 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan at a cost of $30 billion a year, President Barack Obama's description Tuesday of the al Qaeda "cancer" in that country left out one key fact: U.S. intelligence officials have concluded there are only about 100 al Qaeda fighters in the entire country.
A senior U.S. intelligence official told ABCNews.com the approximate estimate of 100 al Qaeda members left in Afghanistan reflects the conclusion of American intelligence agencies and the Defense Department. The relatively small number was part of the intelligence passed on to the White House as President Obama conducted his deliberations.
President Obama made only a vague reference to the size of the al Qaeda presence in his speech at West Point, when he said, "al Qaeda has not reemerged in Afghanistan in the same number as before 9/11, but they retain their safe havens along the border."
A slightly unbalanced picture I'd say. I think it's the prelude to Pakistan, because they moved.
As he justified sending 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan at a cost of $30 billion a year, President Barack Obama's description Tuesday of the al Qaeda "cancer" in that country left out one key fact: U.S. intelligence officials have concluded there are only about 100 al Qaeda fighters in the entire country.
A senior U.S. intelligence official told ABCNews.com the approximate estimate of 100 al Qaeda members left in Afghanistan reflects the conclusion of American intelligence agencies and the Defense Department. The relatively small number was part of the intelligence passed on to the White House as President Obama conducted his deliberations.
President Obama made only a vague reference to the size of the al Qaeda presence in his speech at West Point, when he said, "al Qaeda has not reemerged in Afghanistan in the same number as before 9/11, but they retain their safe havens along the border."
Germany still paying off £50million in reparations following World War One
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1232625/Germany-paying-50million-reparations-following-World-War-One--90-years-on.html
Germany is still paying off £50million of the 'reparations' demanded from it after the end of First World War.
The German Finance Agency, its authority on debt management, said tens of millions of euros are still being transferred to private individuals holding debenture bonds as agreed under the Treaty of Versailles signed on June 28, 1919.
The bonds were issued at the time to investors
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1232625/Germany-paying-50million-reparations-following-World-War-One--90-years-on.html#ixzz0Yato2MQK
Germany is still paying off £50million of the 'reparations' demanded from it after the end of First World War.
The German Finance Agency, its authority on debt management, said tens of millions of euros are still being transferred to private individuals holding debenture bonds as agreed under the Treaty of Versailles signed on June 28, 1919.
The bonds were issued at the time to investors
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1232625/Germany-paying-50million-reparations-following-World-War-One--90-years-on.html#ixzz0Yato2MQK
The state of the States
http://www.minyanville.com/articles/unemployment-benfits-north-carolina-borrowing-full-part-time-hours-minyanville/index/a/25713
Unemployment Is Taking the Rest of Us Down With It
Fifteen states have collectively borrowed more than $15 billion and another nine states are in the red over unemployment benefits. Please consider Jobless claims put state in debt.
North Carolina's high unemployment rate has stuck the state with $1.4 billion in debt -- money that officials don't know how they'll pay back.
It gets worse. The debt is still rising. The problem is that with about 500,000 people out of work, the state has more unemployment claims than it can pay. So it has been borrowing from the federal government since February, sometimes as much as $20 million a day.
The tally will rise to at least $2 billion by the end of the year, said David Clegg, deputy chairman and chief operating officer of the NC Employment Security Commission. Next year, depending on the economy, could add another $2 billion to the tab, he said.
For purposes of comparison
Unemployment Is Taking the Rest of Us Down With It
Fifteen states have collectively borrowed more than $15 billion and another nine states are in the red over unemployment benefits. Please consider Jobless claims put state in debt.
North Carolina's high unemployment rate has stuck the state with $1.4 billion in debt -- money that officials don't know how they'll pay back.
It gets worse. The debt is still rising. The problem is that with about 500,000 people out of work, the state has more unemployment claims than it can pay. So it has been borrowing from the federal government since February, sometimes as much as $20 million a day.
The tally will rise to at least $2 billion by the end of the year, said David Clegg, deputy chairman and chief operating officer of the NC Employment Security Commission. Next year, depending on the economy, could add another $2 billion to the tab, he said.
For purposes of comparison
Where's the breaking point?
http://market-ticker.denninger.net/archives/1683-Wheres-The-Breaking-Point.html
I truly believe in the phrase "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you"
But I have hit my personal breaking point, We as a "People" are not dealing with other human entities during this financial crisis. We are dealing with corporations and government authority that have all the human compassion of a cyborg.....in other words, they possess NONE.
These machines that we are forced to deal with are rated so highly above the average human that they are not held responsible, nor prosecuted for their crimes of treason against our countries, and yes I say countries because "WE" all have been victimized and forced into poverty for the sake of their actions world wide, While they continue to be rewarded for the very actions that has allowed this calamity to occur and are held in such high esteem by all of our prevailing governments, that they are now allowed to lead and make policy for all of our countries.
It's time to tilt their game people and end this scourge of com passionless cyborg policy upon mankind.
This is a serious question to all readers of The Market Ticker.
Where is your personal breaking point?
No, I'm not asking how far you have to be pushed before you "go postal" and commit random acts of violence. That's not a question to ask in polite company, even though for virtually everyone, there is such a point.
No, I'm asking how much abuse you have to have personally served upon you by the banksters and other scam artists in this country before you have had enough, and start doing unto the other guy - because he has done you.
As an example:
Banks no longer even pretend
The one silver lining is that the public is finally seeing how devious and untrustworthy credit card lenders truly are. When issuers limited themselves to beating up on folks with bad credit, it was too easy for the rest of us to dismiss their foul tactics as business as usual. Now that the schoolyard bullies are going after everyone, the need for putting restraints on the industry is ever more obvious.
Really?
We tried asking the government - that is, the law - to intervene. The Fed was supposed to be the guardian of the system, remember? The government and Fed both refused, bowing instead to the den of vipers and thieves.
It is therefore up to us as citizens to make a decision on our own as to whether we will allow such conduct to stand.
How many of you will, in response to "rate jack" letter announcing your credit card now carries a 29.9% interest rate, when you are not a deadbeat, choose to intentionally charge that card up to the rafters and then mail the bank a picture of your middle finger instead of a check?
How many of you will, when given a "trial" modification on your mortgage that the bank refuses to convert in good faith to a REAL modification plan, will simply stop paying entirely, but NOT leave the house - force 'em to file the foreclosure and eviction notice, and live for free in your home until they do? You will probably be able to stay in your house FOR A YEAR OR MORE, since the bank doesn't want to ADMIT to the extent of THEIR loss!
How many?
I truly believe in the phrase "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you"
But I have hit my personal breaking point, We as a "People" are not dealing with other human entities during this financial crisis. We are dealing with corporations and government authority that have all the human compassion of a cyborg.....in other words, they possess NONE.
These machines that we are forced to deal with are rated so highly above the average human that they are not held responsible, nor prosecuted for their crimes of treason against our countries, and yes I say countries because "WE" all have been victimized and forced into poverty for the sake of their actions world wide, While they continue to be rewarded for the very actions that has allowed this calamity to occur and are held in such high esteem by all of our prevailing governments, that they are now allowed to lead and make policy for all of our countries.
It's time to tilt their game people and end this scourge of com passionless cyborg policy upon mankind.
This is a serious question to all readers of The Market Ticker.
Where is your personal breaking point?
No, I'm not asking how far you have to be pushed before you "go postal" and commit random acts of violence. That's not a question to ask in polite company, even though for virtually everyone, there is such a point.
No, I'm asking how much abuse you have to have personally served upon you by the banksters and other scam artists in this country before you have had enough, and start doing unto the other guy - because he has done you.
As an example:
Banks no longer even pretend
The one silver lining is that the public is finally seeing how devious and untrustworthy credit card lenders truly are. When issuers limited themselves to beating up on folks with bad credit, it was too easy for the rest of us to dismiss their foul tactics as business as usual. Now that the schoolyard bullies are going after everyone, the need for putting restraints on the industry is ever more obvious.
Really?
We tried asking the government - that is, the law - to intervene. The Fed was supposed to be the guardian of the system, remember? The government and Fed both refused, bowing instead to the den of vipers and thieves.
It is therefore up to us as citizens to make a decision on our own as to whether we will allow such conduct to stand.
How many of you will, in response to "rate jack" letter announcing your credit card now carries a 29.9% interest rate, when you are not a deadbeat, choose to intentionally charge that card up to the rafters and then mail the bank a picture of your middle finger instead of a check?
How many of you will, when given a "trial" modification on your mortgage that the bank refuses to convert in good faith to a REAL modification plan, will simply stop paying entirely, but NOT leave the house - force 'em to file the foreclosure and eviction notice, and live for free in your home until they do? You will probably be able to stay in your house FOR A YEAR OR MORE, since the bank doesn't want to ADMIT to the extent of THEIR loss!
How many?
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