Saturday, April 30, 2011
Mind Blowing Facts About Wal-Mart
Phil from Wisconsin sent me these mind-blowing stats about Walmart. It's incredible just how much business Walmart does.
1. Americans spend $36,000,000 at Wal-Mart
Every hour of every day.
2. This works out to $20,928 profit every minute!
3. Wal-Mart will sell more from January 1 to St. Patrick's Day (March 17th) than
Target sells all year.
4. Wal-Mart is bigger than Home Depot + Kroger + Target +Sears + Costco + K-Mart combined.
5. Wal-Mart employs 1..6 million people, is the world's largest private employer,
and most speak English.
6. Wal-Mart is the largest company in the
history of the world.
7. Wal-Mart now sells more food than
Kroger and Safeway combined, and keep
in mind they did this in only fifteen years.
8. During this same period, 31 big supermarket chains sought bankruptcy.
9. Wal-Mart now sells more food than any
other store in the world.
10. Wal-Mart has approx 3,900 stores in the
USA of which 1,906 are Super Centers;
this is 1,000 more than it had five years ago.
11. This year 7.2 billion different purchasing experiences will occur at Wal-Mart stores.
(Earth's population is approximately 6.5 Billion.)
12. 90% of all Americans live within fifteen
miles of a Wal-Mart.
Now let's compare that to some facts about the United States Federal Government.
A. The U..S. Postal Service was established
in 1775. You have had 235 years to get it right
and it is broke.
B. Social Security was established in 1935.
You have had 75 years to get it right
and it is broke.
C. Fannie Mae was established in 1938.
You have had 72 years to get it right
and it is broke.
D. War on Poverty started in 1964.
You have had 46 years to get it right;
$1 trillion of our money is confiscated
each year and transferred to "the poor"
and they only want more.
E. Medicare and Medicaid were established
in 1965. You have had 45 years to get it right
and they are broke.
F. Freddie Mac was established in 1970.
You have had 40 years to get it right
and it is broke.
G. The Department of Energy was created in
1977 to lessen our dependence on foreign oil.
It has ballooned to 16,000 employees with
a budget of $24 billion a year and we
import more oil than ever before.
You had 33 years to get it right
and it is an abysmal failure.
Sounds like we are sending the wrong people to run the federal government. Of course, when you are the brains driving Walmart, why would you want to bother with the ceiling placed on federal employees.
1. Americans spend $36,000,000 at Wal-Mart
Every hour of every day.
2. This works out to $20,928 profit every minute!
3. Wal-Mart will sell more from January 1 to St. Patrick's Day (March 17th) than
Target sells all year.
4. Wal-Mart is bigger than Home Depot + Kroger + Target +Sears + Costco + K-Mart combined.
5. Wal-Mart employs 1..6 million people, is the world's largest private employer,
and most speak English.
6. Wal-Mart is the largest company in the
history of the world.
7. Wal-Mart now sells more food than
Kroger and Safeway combined, and keep
in mind they did this in only fifteen years.
8. During this same period, 31 big supermarket chains sought bankruptcy.
9. Wal-Mart now sells more food than any
other store in the world.
10. Wal-Mart has approx 3,900 stores in the
USA of which 1,906 are Super Centers;
this is 1,000 more than it had five years ago.
11. This year 7.2 billion different purchasing experiences will occur at Wal-Mart stores.
(Earth's population is approximately 6.5 Billion.)
12. 90% of all Americans live within fifteen
miles of a Wal-Mart.
Now let's compare that to some facts about the United States Federal Government.
A. The U..S. Postal Service was established
in 1775. You have had 235 years to get it right
and it is broke.
B. Social Security was established in 1935.
You have had 75 years to get it right
and it is broke.
C. Fannie Mae was established in 1938.
You have had 72 years to get it right
and it is broke.
D. War on Poverty started in 1964.
You have had 46 years to get it right;
$1 trillion of our money is confiscated
each year and transferred to "the poor"
and they only want more.
E. Medicare and Medicaid were established
in 1965. You have had 45 years to get it right
and they are broke.
F. Freddie Mac was established in 1970.
You have had 40 years to get it right
and it is broke.
G. The Department of Energy was created in
1977 to lessen our dependence on foreign oil.
It has ballooned to 16,000 employees with
a budget of $24 billion a year and we
import more oil than ever before.
You had 33 years to get it right
and it is an abysmal failure.
Sounds like we are sending the wrong people to run the federal government. Of course, when you are the brains driving Walmart, why would you want to bother with the ceiling placed on federal employees.
Mitt Romney's Morning Routine for Metrosexual Republicans: Order Your Mitt Romney Skin and Hair Products Today
Left Coast Rebel is having fun at Mitt for Brains Romney's expense today, so to carry on what they started, here is Mitt for Brains Romney's morning metrosexual routine for pretty boy Republicans. Yes, you can have Mitt's hair and soft skin too, and Mitt is going to tell you how he does it. Just push play, and you can place an order for the full line of Mitt Romney skin and hair products through this Web site.
Congressman Billy Long: Time, Manicures, and the Tea Party Caucus
Then I got to thinking. This excuse of not having time. Well, that's an excuse Billy Long has used before. If you remember, during his bid for Congress, Billy Long went out of his way to avoid real debates with his challenger Scott Eckersley.
Long explained to Nick Reed on KSGF that he had been too busy working to work on coming to terms on debates last year as the general election approached. All the while Long had attended the Missouri State Fair, managed get a gambling trip to Las Vegas in, and even was seen by one local getting a manicure. My what pretty hands you have Congressman Long!
Perhaps its manicures and trips to casinos near the DC area that prevents Long from caucusing with the Tea Party, even though he never misses a chance to remind you he is Tea Party--something that is highly debatable.
If Billy Long was truly Tea Party, he would make time. Just like he should have made time to attend the reading of the Constitution on the House floor. Instead, Billy Long met with a lobbyist.
Is Obama Losing a Friend in the San Francisco Chronicle?
The San Francisco Chronicle is accusing Obama of lying about the paper. The Chronicle's editor released the following statement after the Obama administration punished one of their reporters to not complying with Dear Leader's demands.
Sadly, we expected the White House to respond in this manner based on our experiences yesterday. It is not a truthful response. It follows a day of off-the-record exchanges with key people in the White House communications office who told us they would remove our reporter, then threatened retaliation to Chronicle and Hearst reporters if we reported on the ban, and then recanted to say our reporter might not be removed after all.
The Chronicle's report is accurate.
If the White House has indeed decided not to ban our reporter, we would like an on-the-record notice that she will remain the San Francisco print pool reporter.
The Obama administration is denying they issued threats to reporter Carla Marinucci.
From SF Gate:
The Chronicle's Carla Marinucci - who, like many contemporary reporters, has a phone with video capabilities on her at all times -shot some protesters interrupting an Obama fundraiser at the St. Regis Hotel.
She was part of a "print pool" - a limited number of journalists at an event who represent their bigger hoard colleagues - which White House press officials still refer to quaintly as "pen and pad" reporting.
But that's a pretty Flintstones concept of journalism for an administration that presents itself as the Jetsons. Video is every bit a part of any journalist's tool kit these days as a functioning pen that doesn't leak through your pocket.
In fact, Carla and her reporting colleague, Joe Garofoli, founded something called "Shaky Hand Productions" - the semi-pro, sometimes vertiginous use of a Flip or phone camera by Hearst reporters to catch more impromptu or urgent moments during last year's California gubernatorial race that might otherwise be missed by TV.
The name has become its own brand; often politicians even ask if anyone from Shaky Hand will show at their event. For Carla, Joe and reporters at other Hearst newsrooms where Shaky Hand has taken hold, this was an appropriate dive into use of other media by traditional journalists catering to audiences who expect their news delivered in all modes and manners.
That's the world we live in and the President of the United States claims to be one of its biggest advocates.
Just the day before Carla's Stone Age infraction, Mr. Obama was at Facebook seated next to its founder, Mark Zuckerberg, and may as well have been wearing an "I'm With Mark" t-shirt for all the mutual admiration going back and forth.
"The main reason we wanted to do this is," Obama said of his appearance, "first of all, because more and more people, especially young people, are getting their information through different media. And historically, part of what makes for a healthy democracy, what is good politics, is when you've got citizens who are informed, who are engaged."
Informed, in other words, through social and other digital media where videos of news are posted.
The President and his staffers deftly used social media like Twitter and Facebook in his election campaign and continue to extol the virtues and value. Except, apparently, when it comes to the press.
So what's up with the White House? We can't say because neither Press Secretary Jay Carney nor anyone from his staff would speak on the record.
Other sources confirmed that Carla was vanquished, including Chronicle editor Ward Bushee, who said he was "informed that Carla was removed as a pool reporter." Which shouldn't be a secret in any case because it's a fact that affects the newsgathering of our largest regional paper (and sfgate)and how local citizens get their information.
What's worse: more than a few journalists familiar with this story are aware of some implied threats from the White House of additional and wider punishment if Carla's spanking became public. Really? That's a heavy hand usually reserved for places other than the land of the free.
Here's a video the Obama administration is upset the Chronicle reporter released:
Sadly, we expected the White House to respond in this manner based on our experiences yesterday. It is not a truthful response. It follows a day of off-the-record exchanges with key people in the White House communications office who told us they would remove our reporter, then threatened retaliation to Chronicle and Hearst reporters if we reported on the ban, and then recanted to say our reporter might not be removed after all.
The Chronicle's report is accurate.
If the White House has indeed decided not to ban our reporter, we would like an on-the-record notice that she will remain the San Francisco print pool reporter.
The Obama administration is denying they issued threats to reporter Carla Marinucci.
From SF Gate:
The Chronicle's Carla Marinucci - who, like many contemporary reporters, has a phone with video capabilities on her at all times -shot some protesters interrupting an Obama fundraiser at the St. Regis Hotel.
She was part of a "print pool" - a limited number of journalists at an event who represent their bigger hoard colleagues - which White House press officials still refer to quaintly as "pen and pad" reporting.
But that's a pretty Flintstones concept of journalism for an administration that presents itself as the Jetsons. Video is every bit a part of any journalist's tool kit these days as a functioning pen that doesn't leak through your pocket.
In fact, Carla and her reporting colleague, Joe Garofoli, founded something called "Shaky Hand Productions" - the semi-pro, sometimes vertiginous use of a Flip or phone camera by Hearst reporters to catch more impromptu or urgent moments during last year's California gubernatorial race that might otherwise be missed by TV.
The name has become its own brand; often politicians even ask if anyone from Shaky Hand will show at their event. For Carla, Joe and reporters at other Hearst newsrooms where Shaky Hand has taken hold, this was an appropriate dive into use of other media by traditional journalists catering to audiences who expect their news delivered in all modes and manners.
That's the world we live in and the President of the United States claims to be one of its biggest advocates.
Just the day before Carla's Stone Age infraction, Mr. Obama was at Facebook seated next to its founder, Mark Zuckerberg, and may as well have been wearing an "I'm With Mark" t-shirt for all the mutual admiration going back and forth.
"The main reason we wanted to do this is," Obama said of his appearance, "first of all, because more and more people, especially young people, are getting their information through different media. And historically, part of what makes for a healthy democracy, what is good politics, is when you've got citizens who are informed, who are engaged."
Informed, in other words, through social and other digital media where videos of news are posted.
The President and his staffers deftly used social media like Twitter and Facebook in his election campaign and continue to extol the virtues and value. Except, apparently, when it comes to the press.
So what's up with the White House? We can't say because neither Press Secretary Jay Carney nor anyone from his staff would speak on the record.
Other sources confirmed that Carla was vanquished, including Chronicle editor Ward Bushee, who said he was "informed that Carla was removed as a pool reporter." Which shouldn't be a secret in any case because it's a fact that affects the newsgathering of our largest regional paper (and sfgate)and how local citizens get their information.
What's worse: more than a few journalists familiar with this story are aware of some implied threats from the White House of additional and wider punishment if Carla's spanking became public. Really? That's a heavy hand usually reserved for places other than the land of the free.
Here's a video the Obama administration is upset the Chronicle reporter released:
Jay Nixon Vetoes the Russ Carnahan Congressional Death Plan
Russ Carnahan's political career is on life support, thanks to Missouri Governor Jay Nixon. The St. Louis Congressman who was nearly beat by Ed Martin, may have a shot of keeping his district. However, that is very unlikely. You may remember Carnahan after the incident where his SIEU thugs began beating up healthcare opponents at one of his town hall meetings.
Nixon vetoed the Republicans redistricting plan. The plan put Carnahan out in the cold deleting his Congressional district.
Nixon, a Democrat, said in his veto letter that the U.S. House map approved by the Republican-controlled Legislature last week "does not adequately protect the interests of all Missourians." He said he quickly made the decision to allow lawmakers time to try again before the legislative session ends May 13.
The redistricting legislation would have merged two Democratic congressmen into the same St. Louis district to help consolidate Missouri's nine current congressional districts into eight. Missouri lost a U.S. House seat after the 2010 census because the state's population growth failed to keep pace with the rest of the nation.
In other words, Nixon the Democrat is going to veto any plan as long as he can that doesn't merge two Republican seats together. We will watch carefully to see if his veto is overridden.
Too bad he can't veto Billy Long.
Nixon vetoed the Republicans redistricting plan. The plan put Carnahan out in the cold deleting his Congressional district.
Nixon, a Democrat, said in his veto letter that the U.S. House map approved by the Republican-controlled Legislature last week "does not adequately protect the interests of all Missourians." He said he quickly made the decision to allow lawmakers time to try again before the legislative session ends May 13.
The redistricting legislation would have merged two Democratic congressmen into the same St. Louis district to help consolidate Missouri's nine current congressional districts into eight. Missouri lost a U.S. House seat after the 2010 census because the state's population growth failed to keep pace with the rest of the nation.
In other words, Nixon the Democrat is going to veto any plan as long as he can that doesn't merge two Republican seats together. We will watch carefully to see if his veto is overridden.
Too bad he can't veto Billy Long.
Celebrating the One Year Anniversary of Billy Long and the iPrompter: Long Cheats During Congressional Candidate Forum with iPhone
Democrat Tim Davis sat next to Billy Long Friday night at the Ozark Chamber of Commerce Congressional forum. I just got off with Mr. Davis who contacted me to set up an interview, and he shared with me he enjoyed reading my articles and told me I was spot on with Billy Long.
I asked Mr. Davis to explain, and he shared with me he watched Billy Long received answer after answer on his iPhone for almost every question asked on Friday night. The only question Curtis Trent did not text message an answer to Billy Long was on Barack Obama’s education initiatives, which Long was required to answer first. Long explained he did not have an answer for the question and was unfamiliar with Obama’s education plans. In layman’s terms, Curtis Trent didn’t have fast enough fingers to get Billy’s cheat notes to him to answer the questions.
This reminds me of the now infamous conversation at Pizza by Stout in Joplin, Missouri, which Long offered a campaign job to remove the Long is Wrong Web site. Long admitted he hired Curtis Trent because he isn’t the smartest man in this race, and he needs to refer to Trent for information. Perhaps, the next forum Billy Long participates in should require candidates to check in their smart phones at the door.
Now many may say, oh Mr. Davis is just trying to attack Billy Long because he is a Democrat. Well, it wasn’t just Democrats who noted Billy’s attention to his iPhone. I also think Southwest Missouri will soon discover Tim Davis is a man of strong character with roots deep in his faith. In my few conversations with Mr. Davis, which include some tough questions that we agreed were off the record, I believe Mr. Davis is a democrat who will stand behind his moral convictions rather than compromise to party loyalty.
Billy Long's 2012 Campaign Slogan Revealed: "Heck Yup!"
Those who followed the Congressional district race in Missouri 7 may remember Billy Long avoiding debates claiming he hadn't had time to come up with debate plans. About that same time Billy Long was seen at a local salon getting his nails done--real pretty. The funny folks at Fair City News remembered the Billy Long manicure. They have some insight to what two word phrase Billy Long will use in 2012 for relection. Heck Yup!
New slogan revealed in the nails
Long’s Pedicurist Leaks Reelection Slogan
New slogan revealed in the nails
Springfield, MO—In the wake of the November 2 election, Billy Long’s camp has wasted no time in putting together a plan for his reelection campaign. According to a woman who identifies herself as Long’s pedicurist, Long will abandon his extremely popular “Fed Up?” slogan in 2012. The pedicurist, who would like to remain nameless, claims that Long was alerted of the need for a different slogan by a stripper who was feeding him steaks from her cleavage one night at Metropolitan Grill.
The stripper is believed to have laid out a very rational argument regarding the absurdities of having a slogan solely focused on disgust with Washington once Long himself becomes one of the multitude of congressional “cronies” that his campaign decried.
This message was not easy for Long to understand as his ears (along with every other orifice) were being stuffed with money from his many campaign donors at the time. But, according to the pedicurist, once the message sunk in, Long wasted no time in thinking about the future.
Long considered many options that would shift the focus away from being fed up to being extremely pleased. The initial concept was to be “Go, Go, Status Quo,” but it was quickly noted that “status quo” was not a term that most of Long’s supporters would understand. After that, the slogans began to carry on the same vague, dim-witted tone as his immensely successful “Fed Up?” Options such as, “Yessiree,” “That’s the Good Stuff,” and “Love Me Long Time” were considered. Eventually, Long and his staff settled on “Heck Yup!” thus keeping the familiar two-word-plus-punctuation form to communicate a vague, yet evocative, message.
The question remains as to why Long would divulge such information to a pedicurist. However, she claims that Long has been a frequent client who utilizes her services in order to remain a Washington outsider. According to the pedicurist, Long determined that congressmen do not paint their toenails, and this small feat of rebellion would allow him to remain steadfastly unique even when he appears to behave exactly like every other congressperson of the past 50 years. When told that congresswomen might have their toenails painted too, Long responded by asking, “But will they also be going commando?”
Celebrate Cinco De Mayo By Sending an Illegal Mexican Back to Mexico for Fiesta: Mexico Threatening the Second Amendment
As an American, I am getting sick and tired of illegal activities from Mexico interfering with my freedoms and liberties. I am also sick of this idea that Americans must celebrate Cinco De Mayo, which is really nothing more than another day designated for American amateurs to go out and get drunk. Most Americans who go out drinking donning sombreros while slurring the word amigo probably couldn't even tell you why they are celebrating May 5.
Bob McCarty gives the Readers Digest version on his blog, which he says Americans shouldn't celebrate Cinco De Mayo.
Cinco de Mayo celebrates the legendary Battle of Puebla May 5, 1862, in which a Mexican force of 4,500 men faced 6,000 well-trained French soldiers. The battle lasted four hours and ended in a victory for the Mexican army under Gen. Ignacio Zaragoza. Along with Mexican Independence Day on Sept. 16, Cinco de Mayo has become a time to celebrate Mexican heritage and culture.
So basically you are celebrating a bunch of Mexicans killing a bunch of French people. Is that worth a few cheers and a shot of taquila? Absolutely not.
I differ with my friend Bob. I say Americans should celebrate Cinco De Mayo by launching their own war against the evils that Mexico is infringing upon our own society in America, and I am not just talking about illegal immigration. Personally, I have nothing against Mexicans. I have many friends of Mexican descent. I just want them to come here legally. As well, there is a serious problem that has developed in Mexico that is being set up to infringe upon American rights. I think we should use Cinco De Mayo to raise awareness of the problem.
So let's celebrate Cinco De Mayo as a day of awareness. We could have a march an illegal back across the border festivities. We could set booby traps in the peoples' back yards that have become illegal immigration highways where illegals are vandalizing, robbing, and on occasion killing Americans whose property they trespass on. Most importantly, we could raise awareness of a problem that is growing more serious by the day, a problem the Obama administration wants to politicize in order to rob more Americans of their gun rights.
During a recent meeting with gun control activist Sarah Brady, Obama promised he was working on gun control "under the radar." Let me tell you what this means based on another news story that came out earlier this month.
What is even scarier is the Obama administration is reported to be shipping weapons to Mexico in a program called Operation Gunrunner. From the Daily Caller:
In Project Gunrunner, ATF allowed American guns – including AK-47 assault rifles and military-grade, .50 caliber sniper rifles – to be smuggled into Mexico and sold to drug cartels, with the goal of tracking the weapons after they’ve been used.
The project began during the Bush administration in Laredo, Texas, in 2005 as a trial, morphing into a national program in 2006. The guns were sold and tracked electronically, giving law enforcement agents valuable intelligence on where the weapons went and who had them.
During the Bush years, no guns were allowed to cross the border into Mexico. When President Obama took office in 2009, things changed. Obama’s ATF continued Project Gunrunner, but made a crucial decision to allow guns to be “walked” into Mexico, eventually ending up in the hands of Mexican drug cartels.
The results, in at least one instance, were tragic. Two AK-47s ATF officials were tracking were found at the scene of U.S. border agent Brian Terry’s murder.
It appear to me under the radar could mean blaming Mexican violence on US gun manufacturers and distributors in order to push justification for further restrictions on firearms. This my amigo is why Mexico continues to be a thorn in our side. We already know the federal government isn't doing enough to secure our borders to end the drug trafficking that is coming across, but now they are shipping weapons to Mexico to intentionally sell to the drug cartels as Obama works under the radar on more gun control.
All I have to say when more gun restrictions take place thanks to all of this going on in Mexico is Happy F'ing Cinco de Mayo to you. There is no reason to celebrate Mexico, when Mexico is a threat to our way of life and our freedoms and liberties. If we are going to celebrate it, let's celebrate it right. Secure our borders and march an illegal back across the border.
So Who Paid for the Royal Wedding Security?: Did the US Invest in Counter Terrorism Efforts?
The cost of the Royal Wedding probably spread across the pond. Obviously, considering the war on global terrorism, the English worked with the United States to ensure the event was unscathed by threats from Al Qaeda. As well, there is the normal security that must be met for an event like this, despite these people really are more figure heads of a tired worn out idea.
So how much will the Royal Wedding cost taxpayers in England? Estimates are an astonishing $163 million dollars. Considering the need to consider terrorist threats, I think Americans should know if we are getting any of that bill thanks to the possible involvement of Homeland Security, the FBI, or the CIA working with British officials.
The above video claims Kate Middleton's family is splitting part of the cost with the Royals of Windsor, but where to the Royals of Windsor get their money from? Isn't royalty subsidized these days in England.
Estimates of the failed marriage of Prince Charles and Lady Dianna were at about $49 million. That's a lot of money considering the tragedy of the marriage, especially if you believe the rumors the Royals of Windsor were behind the Mercedes crashing in the tunnel in Paris known Princess Dianna was preparing to marry a Muslim.
We will probably never know what the exact cost of this wedding was and how much of US money went to aid with security. I think if the United States provided any investment in counter terrorism, the Brits should be footing the bill.
Only 9% of Americans Approve of the Job of the New Congress: You Mean They Aren't Enjoying Billy Long's Silly Sound Bites?
Billy Long's silly sound bites and John Boehner's compromise with Democrats on the budget have done little to put a smile on voters' faces. The approval rating of Congress remains incredibly low, and why shouldn't it considering all the things the Republicans promised and quickly forgot--like the $100 billion in spending cuts, the end of Obamacare, just to name a few. (Been a while since you heard a Republican with fire in their belly slam Obamacare, right? I figure they got their vote in opposing it and are now enjoying the insurance lobby's benefits knowing they have their federal healthcare plan--which I predicted would eventually happen.)
From Rasmussen:
The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of Likely Voters shows that nine percent (9%) now say Congress is doing a good or excellent job. Fifty-six percent (56%) rate the Congressional performance as poor.
Positive grades for the legislators are down from 13% last month and are the lowest measured since December 2008. The number of voters who give Congress a poor grade is up seven points from last month and is the highest negative review since Republicans took control of the House in January.
Hey Billy, you have been there almost four months, and they are already "fed up" of you and the broken promises. One has to wonder if the Tea Party will begin looking at libertarian candidates if this trend continues. At this point, I would guess that has a lot to do with the debt ceiling vote coming up in a few days.
From Rasmussen:
The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of Likely Voters shows that nine percent (9%) now say Congress is doing a good or excellent job. Fifty-six percent (56%) rate the Congressional performance as poor.
Positive grades for the legislators are down from 13% last month and are the lowest measured since December 2008. The number of voters who give Congress a poor grade is up seven points from last month and is the highest negative review since Republicans took control of the House in January.
Hey Billy, you have been there almost four months, and they are already "fed up" of you and the broken promises. One has to wonder if the Tea Party will begin looking at libertarian candidates if this trend continues. At this point, I would guess that has a lot to do with the debt ceiling vote coming up in a few days.
Rhianna Loves the TSA's Naked Body Scanners
Rhianna had this to say about the experience, “I guess they shouldn’t exclude anyone, no matter who they are.”
Compliance, that's what the TSA loves, and they appear to have loved Rhianna; although we really don't want to know how and what was done with the naked body scan upon her leaving.
Rhianna complied with a smile and sexy grace saying it's okay. This is just something we have to get used to--forget about that Fourth Amendment.
After Overwhelmingly Voting for Obama, California Students Don't Want to Pay National Debt
Since Obama took office, the national debt has risen faster than under any other president. When Obama took office, the debt was a little over $10 trillion. Just over two years later the debt is over $14 trillion. Guess what, under certain conditions the same kids who voted for this hope and change want nothing to do with paying this national debt back. Surely you aren't surprised!
Would those college students sign a pledge vowing to pay their approximate $47,000 share? The answer?
Well, there was this: “I don’t contribute to the national debt.”
This: “I don’t have any debt.”
And this: “It’s not my debt.”
Oh, but they will probably vote more more of that hope and change crap ignoring the obvious cost, and you know they have their hands out for student loans and Pell Grants. Of course, it's not their debt.
Would those college students sign a pledge vowing to pay their approximate $47,000 share? The answer?
Well, there was this: “I don’t contribute to the national debt.”
This: “I don’t have any debt.”
And this: “It’s not my debt.”
Oh, but they will probably vote more more of that hope and change crap ignoring the obvious cost, and you know they have their hands out for student loans and Pell Grants. Of course, it's not their debt.
Put Me Out of My Missouri: Anyone But Billy Long 2012 T-Shirts
Are you fed up of Congressman Billy Long? Fed up of how he has already sold out to special interest an lobbyists?
Fed up of how he took campaign cash from the National Auctioneer Association PAC and then dropped the National Auctioneer Day bill as his first bill in Congress?
Fed up of how he promised to cut federal spending and then voted to fund NASCAR teams with your tax dollars?
Fed up of how Billy Long promised to follow the Constitution and then voted for illegal searches of Americans and their business records without a valid search warrant, which clearly violates the Fourth Amendment?
Fed up with his Bozo the Clown speeches?
Then make a statement with the all new Put Me Out of My Missouri: Anyone but Billy Long 2012 t-shirts.
Order yours today!
Where is the Westboro Baptist Church?
They said they would be there, but in the end, the Westboro Baptist Church's protest of Charlie Daniels in Branson, Missouri fizzled out. Of course, it did have something to do with Patriotic Americans showing up.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Dennis the Constitutional Peasant: My Brief Thoughts on the Royal Wedding
For all of you Americans left ogling over the English monarchy tonight, wishing America had a King and Queen--I know you are out there because I heard the mainstream media get close to saying it. Here's a lesson from Dennis the Constitutional Peasant.
Sarah Palin Puts Pressure on GOP for Financial Responsibility on the Debt Ceiling
Republican members in the House are probably wishing Sarah Palin would go away. Their compromise with Democrats almost assuredly means they will be passing a new debt ceiling in the next couple of weeks. Palin has spoken on the matter and her words will be ringing in the GOP establishment's ears for some time to come.
Palin told Fox News:
“Hells no. I would not vote to increase that debt ceiling,” she said.
“It turns my stomach to hear this assumption articulated that we have to [raise the debt limit], despite the fact that we are raking in the federal government $6 billion a day,” Palin added. “Take that money and service our debt first and pay down some of that debt. Make sure that we are showing the international financial markets and our lenders that we’re serious about getting our debt and our deficit problems under control.”
Palin told Fox News:
“Hells no. I would not vote to increase that debt ceiling,” she said.
“It turns my stomach to hear this assumption articulated that we have to [raise the debt limit], despite the fact that we are raking in the federal government $6 billion a day,” Palin added. “Take that money and service our debt first and pay down some of that debt. Make sure that we are showing the international financial markets and our lenders that we’re serious about getting our debt and our deficit problems under control.”
Busiek State Park, Christian County Missouri Flood Damage
The amazing power of water is evident at Busiek State Park. Flood waters destroyed the bridge to the rifle range on the western side of the state forest.
Danger for Prince William and Princess Kate Comes from Horse, Not Al Qaeda
The English has prepared for the boogey man known as Al Qaeda, but in the end it was a horse that threatened the happiness of the royal wedding. The horse bucked the soldier off and went running towards the newlyweds. At least something exciting came out of this fiasco.
Of course, there is this truth about all of this best explained by Monty Python.
Of course, there is this truth about all of this best explained by Monty Python.
ThinkProgress Blames Republicans and Not God for Recent Tornadoes
Why are liberals considered the intellectual elites in this country. The tornadoes that have swept through parts of the United States are now being blamed on conservative Congressmen who have rejected the doctored up global warming claims. Remember when Hadley CRU got caught cooking the books?
ThinkProgress writes, "The congressional delegations of these states — Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia, Virginia, and Kentucky — overwhelmingly voted to reject the science that polluting the climate is dangerous. They are deliberately ignoring the warnings from scientists."
Didn't Michigan get hit by a tornado too? I wonder what their excuse for that is considering the lunacy of the left in Michigan influenced heavily by the dying labor unions. Perhaps it was meant to hit neighboring Ohio and its Republican governor John Kasich. A miscalculation by Mother Nature probably caused by global warming too.
ThinkProgress writes, "The congressional delegations of these states — Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia, Virginia, and Kentucky — overwhelmingly voted to reject the science that polluting the climate is dangerous. They are deliberately ignoring the warnings from scientists."
Didn't Michigan get hit by a tornado too? I wonder what their excuse for that is considering the lunacy of the left in Michigan influenced heavily by the dying labor unions. Perhaps it was meant to hit neighboring Ohio and its Republican governor John Kasich. A miscalculation by Mother Nature probably caused by global warming too.
Obama Will Keep His Seal on his College Records for the Time Being
What is Obama hiding? Fresh from a victory in forcing Obama to release something resembling a birth certificate that is creating more controversy for Obama, Donald Trump demanded Obama release his college records. Well that isn't going to happen, and you have to wonder why? Especially if Obama is this gifted student like the media sold him to be.
Valerie Jerrett addressed Trump's latest demand on the the Joe Madison Show.
"He's almost 50 years old and he's president of the United States and I don't think anybody would debate his intelligence and so now we need to get serious … let's just get serious and get back to focusing on what's important."
Hey Valerie, I am willing to debate his intelligence. The man is a political nincompoop. And I have Donald Trump backing me up on that one.
What was that Trump said earlier today in Las Vegas.
“Our leaders are stupid, they are stupid people,” he said. “It’s just very, very sad.”
What were you saying about debating Obama's intelligence again, Ms. Jarrett?
Valerie Jerrett addressed Trump's latest demand on the the Joe Madison Show.
"He's almost 50 years old and he's president of the United States and I don't think anybody would debate his intelligence and so now we need to get serious … let's just get serious and get back to focusing on what's important."
Hey Valerie, I am willing to debate his intelligence. The man is a political nincompoop. And I have Donald Trump backing me up on that one.
What was that Trump said earlier today in Las Vegas.
“Our leaders are stupid, they are stupid people,” he said. “It’s just very, very sad.”
What were you saying about debating Obama's intelligence again, Ms. Jarrett?
Indiana Prepares to Cut Off All Funding to Planned Parenthood
Indiana Planned Parenthood may be about to take a big hit. The Indiana state house may block all funds to Planned Parenthood in Indiana.
The Indiana House voted 66-32 Wednesday to cut off the $3 million in federal money the state distributes to the organization for family planning and health programs. The Senate approved the measure earlier this month.
Kudos to the state of Indiana for taking up this battle.
The Indiana House voted 66-32 Wednesday to cut off the $3 million in federal money the state distributes to the organization for family planning and health programs. The Senate approved the measure earlier this month.
Kudos to the state of Indiana for taking up this battle.
Fake Scott Eckersley Quit MO-7 Congressional Race E-Mail Generates FBI Grand Jury Investigation
Congressman Billy Long may soon discover he doesn't like the FBI as much as he did during the first week of his new job. BBCW acquired e-mail evidence that Billy Long's Congressional campaign and a Chicago political strategy group run by Patrick Binning, a former Springfield, Missouri resident who attended Greenwood High School about the same time Long's daughters did, and who may have ties directly to Long considering social media evidence may be under a grand jury investigation according to the FBI.
The Friday before the election, a fictitious e-mail was sent to various media outlets in Southwest Missouri claiming Scott Eckersley had decided to quit the Congressional race. The e-mail wasn't sent by any representative of the Eckersley campaign, and Eckersley went scrambling to correct the story as the election went into the final weekend. The IP address was traced to a Chicagoland server in the vacinity of Lakefront Strategies, owned by Patrick J. Binning, who had been corresponding with Congressman Long through Social Media and began removing his social media presence when news broke the FBI was involved with the investigation.
Here is part of that e-mail exchange with the names removed to protect the FBI agents.
On Mon, Feb 14, 2011 at 12:39 PM, xxxxxxxxxxxx wrote:
Scott,
I received an e-mail from xxxxxx indicating that she had spoken with you. xxx is completing her reports, which will be forwarded to me for inclusion in my case file. xxx also forwarded additional information you provided subsequent to the interview and informed me you couldn't locate my email, so I wanted to send you a quick message with my contact information.
If you have questions, or have additional information to provide, please forward directly to me, as xxx involvement in this matter will be concluded upon completion of her reports.
Thanks,
xxxxxxx
Special Agent xxxxxxxxxxx
Federal Bureau of Investigation
From: Scott Eckersley
Sent: Friday, March 04, 2011 9:13 AM
To: xxxxx
Subject: Re: Contact information
xxxxx,
I ran across an article that talks about Billy Long's campaign manager James Harris and one of his former employees, Shawn Bell. Shawn Bell is the person who "re-tweeted" James Harris's original tweet that first declared I had dropped out of the race. Harris tried to delete this tweet, but it was captured by Shawn Bell's "re-tweet" of Harris's original tweet.
Subsequently, Bell phoned local bloggers and media asking them to take his name out of their story. He apparently was quoted saying he had parted ways w/ Harris b/c of the "illegal and shady" stuff Harris made him do.
Here is the link with audio:
http://www.firedupmissouri.com/content/engler-and-nieves-rip-harris-senate-floor
Have you spoken with Patrick Binning? Any updates or progress?
Thanks,
Scott
On Mar 4, 2011, at 8:23 AM, xxxxxx wrote:
Scott,
I appreciate the additional information, and encourage you to provide any further information you may come across which sheds light on this matter.
Unfortunately, because we are using the Grand Jury process in the investigation of this matter, I am prohibited by Grand Jury secrecy rules from discussing specifics of the investigation.
I can tell you that I am coordinating the investigation with the local U.S. Attorney's office, as well as with a trial attorney from the U.S. Department of Justice, Public Integrity Section, Criminal Division. Rest assured, our investigation will be thorough and exhaustive in an attempt to prove who sent the fictitious email, the reason for sending it, and under whose direction it was sent.
If you have additional questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.
Thanks,
xxxxxxxxx
The Friday before the election, a fictitious e-mail was sent to various media outlets in Southwest Missouri claiming Scott Eckersley had decided to quit the Congressional race. The e-mail wasn't sent by any representative of the Eckersley campaign, and Eckersley went scrambling to correct the story as the election went into the final weekend. The IP address was traced to a Chicagoland server in the vacinity of Lakefront Strategies, owned by Patrick J. Binning, who had been corresponding with Congressman Long through Social Media and began removing his social media presence when news broke the FBI was involved with the investigation.
Here is part of that e-mail exchange with the names removed to protect the FBI agents.
On Mon, Feb 14, 2011 at 12:39 PM, xxxxxxxxxxxx wrote:
Scott,
I received an e-mail from xxxxxx indicating that she had spoken with you. xxx is completing her reports, which will be forwarded to me for inclusion in my case file. xxx also forwarded additional information you provided subsequent to the interview and informed me you couldn't locate my email, so I wanted to send you a quick message with my contact information.
If you have questions, or have additional information to provide, please forward directly to me, as xxx involvement in this matter will be concluded upon completion of her reports.
Thanks,
xxxxxxx
Special Agent xxxxxxxxxxx
Federal Bureau of Investigation
From: Scott Eckersley
Sent: Friday, March 04, 2011 9:13 AM
To: xxxxx
Subject: Re: Contact information
xxxxx,
I ran across an article that talks about Billy Long's campaign manager James Harris and one of his former employees, Shawn Bell. Shawn Bell is the person who "re-tweeted" James Harris's original tweet that first declared I had dropped out of the race. Harris tried to delete this tweet, but it was captured by Shawn Bell's "re-tweet" of Harris's original tweet.
Subsequently, Bell phoned local bloggers and media asking them to take his name out of their story. He apparently was quoted saying he had parted ways w/ Harris b/c of the "illegal and shady" stuff Harris made him do.
Here is the link with audio:
http://www.firedupmissouri.com/content/engler-and-nieves-rip-harris-senate-floor
Have you spoken with Patrick Binning? Any updates or progress?
Thanks,
Scott
On Mar 4, 2011, at 8:23 AM, xxxxxx wrote:
Scott,
I appreciate the additional information, and encourage you to provide any further information you may come across which sheds light on this matter.
Unfortunately, because we are using the Grand Jury process in the investigation of this matter, I am prohibited by Grand Jury secrecy rules from discussing specifics of the investigation.
I can tell you that I am coordinating the investigation with the local U.S. Attorney's office, as well as with a trial attorney from the U.S. Department of Justice, Public Integrity Section, Criminal Division. Rest assured, our investigation will be thorough and exhaustive in an attempt to prove who sent the fictitious email, the reason for sending it, and under whose direction it was sent.
If you have additional questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.
Thanks,
xxxxxxxxx
Finally Some Good News: The Federal Government is Protecting us from Raw Milk
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| Don't be fooled by the Abraham Lincoln look, this is the most dangerous man in America according to the Federal Government. |
They have acquired enough evidence against the Pennsylvanian farmer to begin their court case against him. For the time being, Rainbow Acres Farm will no longer be able to sell their raw, unpasteurized milk.
Thank God for the federal government keeping us safe. Perhaps, they will start strip searches at airports and feeling old lady's boobies up to protect us from radical Islamic terrorists or some scary guys wearing camouflage who shoot guns on their own private property. Oh, wait, the federal government is already doing that too.
Vote for Billy Long? Are You Embarrassed Yet?
Southwest Missouri sent the "fed up" with Washington candidate to Washington. In return they got this:
Of course that came after Billy Long received a $5000 campaign donation from the National Auctioneer Association PAC. On the same day Billy Long proposed National Auctioneer Day, he met with the national golf lobby. A few hours later he was seen on the House floor again delivering another speech.
Did you vote for Billy Long? Are you embarrassed yet?
The Trump Doctrine
Donald Trump has new rhetoric. It's called the Trump Doctrine. The goal of the Trump Doctrine should be a goal for America period. In fact, it's a shame we have strayed from it because despite ownership, it's really not a fresh idea.
The Trump Doctrine states America will not fall behind China. It calls for a return of American manufacturing to create American jobs. That's a novel idea, and one Obama's stimulus failed miserably at. Trump states he will not let China surpass us economically if elected president.
Donald Trump Claims he is an Old Fashioned Warrior: Trump is an F-Bomb Dropping Politician
Donald Trump calls himself an old fashioned warrior. He is sick of America entering wars and not winning. He has some radical, unconstitutional ideas to go along with his beliefs--like the confiscation of sovereign countries natural resources. In case Trump doesn't understand, this is called imperialism. We are not an empire. We are a Republic ruled by law, and it appears Trump wouldn't be willing to live within the restrictions of his Constitutional limits.
Trump is also a new kind of politician, one the American people may not be ready to stomach as he drops profanities left in right between his own self-promotion of businesses and television shows (wow this sounds like another politician I know). I know I am not ready for more American imperialism, and I know I am not ready for the POTUS to call people "mother f@(kers" in public either.
Trump is a self-promoting bozo that is going to make the American electoral process more of a joke despite him making some great points. His other unconstitutional points drown the good parts out.
The US Credit Rating Slips Below Mexicos: Watch Those Gas Prices Rise
The American dollar is nearly worthless, and the news doesn't get much better. The American credit rating has now slipped below Mexicos. Of course, this may not be all bad. When you have a bad credit rating, you usually don't have the opportunity to borrow money. That has got to be good for the national debt. Ah hell, what am I saying. We know Washington isn't going to stop spending. They will just tax us more.
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) — The U.S. got a sovereign credit rating of C on Thursday, in line with ratings for such smaller economies as Mexico, Estonia and Colombia.
Weiss Ratings, based in Jupiter, Fla., has rated the creditworthiness of financial institutions for several years, but the firm launched sovereign- debt ratings of 47 countries on Thursday. The U.S. rating of C (Fair) ranks it 33rd, Weiss noted in a statement.
A C from Weiss is roughly equivalent to a BBB rating from the big rating agencies like Moody’s Investors Service, Standard & Poor’s and Fitch. That’s about two notches above non-investment grade, or junk, status.
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) — The U.S. got a sovereign credit rating of C on Thursday, in line with ratings for such smaller economies as Mexico, Estonia and Colombia.
Weiss Ratings, based in Jupiter, Fla., has rated the creditworthiness of financial institutions for several years, but the firm launched sovereign- debt ratings of 47 countries on Thursday. The U.S. rating of C (Fair) ranks it 33rd, Weiss noted in a statement.
A C from Weiss is roughly equivalent to a BBB rating from the big rating agencies like Moody’s Investors Service, Standard & Poor’s and Fitch. That’s about two notches above non-investment grade, or junk, status.
Governor John Kasich Puts Obama in His Place on SB 5 and Balancing the Budget
John Kasich, the tough Ohio Republican governor had some tough words for Barack Obama. Listen to Kasich put Dear Leader Obama in his place.
I don't think Governor Kasich was joking. This is what we need from the Republican party--not compromising John Boehner. Interesting they are both from Ohio. Such a dichotomy. Boehner could learn a thing or two from Kasich.
I don't think Governor Kasich was joking. This is what we need from the Republican party--not compromising John Boehner. Interesting they are both from Ohio. Such a dichotomy. Boehner could learn a thing or two from Kasich.
God Bless Brandon, Mississippi for their Holy War Against the Westboro Baptist Chruch
WBC had gathered in Brandon to protest another soldiers funeral. Their protest led some interesting events both from the towns people and local law enforcement.
From The Hayride:
A couple of days before, one of them (Westboro protestors) ran his mouth at a Brandon gas station and got his arse waxed. Police were called and the beaten man could not give much of a description of who beat him. When they canvassed the station and spoke to the large crowd that had gathered around, no one seemed to remember anything about what had happened.
Rankin County handled this thing perfectly. There were many things that were put into place that most will never know about and at great expense to the county.
Most of the morons never made it out of their hotel parking lot. It seems that certain Rankin county pickup trucks were parked directly behind any car that had Kansas plates in the hotel parking lot and the drivers mysteriously disappeared until after the funeral was over. Police were called but their wrecker service was running behind and it was going to be a few hours before they could tow the trucks so the Kansas plated cars could get out.
A few made it to the funeral but were ushered away to be questioned about a crime they might have possibly been involved in. Turns out, after a few hours of questioning, that they were not involved and they were allowed to go on about their business.
Donald Trump Calls American Leaders "Stupid" in Las Vegas Stump Speech
“Our leaders are stupid, they are stupid people,” he said. “It’s just very, very sad.”
Of course I have two words to prove he is correct: Billy Long. It's been just over a year since Congressman Long asked me to join him for coffee at Pizza by Stout, a Joplin, Missouri pizza joint, which Long clearly explained he wasn't the smartest man running for Congress, and then went on to explain that's why he paid his fresh law school graduate monkey Curtic Trent a couple thousand dollars a month to keep him looking good. Of course Trent now sucks off the taxpayers for his income as one of Long's faithful servants in Washington. You may recall the interview where Long was asked about this incident a few months later.
You have to ask a question here regarding Trump's comment. If American leaders are stupid, which they are, what does that say about the voters. Let's ask my favorite comedian George Carlin this question and get his brilliant insight.
Garbage in, garbage out, which is exactly how we wound up with a whole slew of undesirable characters from George W. Bush, to Barack Obama, back to Jimmy Carter, to even the auctioneer Billy Long as an example of idiots in Congress. We get stupid leaders because we have stupid voters who don't pay attention. This is the truest statement of the great American experiment in 2011 that I know of.
It hurts to say it. I hate saying it. Thanks to American Idol and other distractions, Americans spend little time thinking about the quality of their leaders, and they are easily swayed by two-word catch phrases like "hope & change" or "fed up." It's just pathetic when you consider our Constitution is a bit more complicated considering the Federalist Papers that define it than a two-word catch phrase. Garbage in, garbage out.
Trump made another excellent point. “There is a really good chance that I won’t win because of one of these blood-sucking politicians.”
This is another truth that I discovered thanks to Congressman Billy Long. Politicians will violate the very Constitution to protect their political careers, right Mr. Long?
I fear, if the great electorate of voters, don't get out of their trance and start focusing on what is more important, we may lose this great Republic. Because stupid voters are electing the very same stupid leaders, both Republican and Democrat, that Trump is calling out.
Of course, when you look at Trump's own rhetoric, which includes confiscation of oil fields from a sovereign state like Libya, you understand too he is just as stupid as the leaders in Washington who have forgotten the ways of the Founding Fathers.
Representative Justin Amash Calls for the End of the Federal Reserve
Congressman Justin Amash just gained some points with me. He has called for the end of the Federal Reserve. He says the Fed must be audited and eventually abolished. Of course, the sooner the better, right Justin?
For those Americans who believe the Federal Reserve is a valid function of the American government, let this video open your eyes about the evil of the PRIVATE bank known as the Federal Reserve.
And of course, we Jeffersonians known as the anti-federalists are well aware of Thomas Jefferson's warnings about a powerful central bank.
For those Americans who believe the Federal Reserve is a valid function of the American government, let this video open your eyes about the evil of the PRIVATE bank known as the Federal Reserve.
And of course, we Jeffersonians known as the anti-federalists are well aware of Thomas Jefferson's warnings about a powerful central bank.
Westboro Baptist Church Responds to Negative Press from BBCW
Congressman Billy Long was seen a few minutes later asking where he could get one of those signs.
Is This What We Want from the Local Tea Party?: Self Promotion?
Overheard at the Westboro Baptist Church counter protest last night: Tea Party Patriot HQ founder Tera Sukman bragging to a couple about all the things she does for Branson as she promoted $15 tickets to the Charlie Daniels show. I am always most skeptical of the people who have to tell you all the things they do for good will.
Many of these people like Sukman should look to the Founding Fathers for humility and end this self promotion that resembles the same kind of leadership of one Barack Obama--"it's about me." There is no room in the Tea Party for self promotion. Rather, the focus should always be on promoting the founding documents and not themselves. The problem with the Tea Party Patriot HQ is it is and always has been about Tera Suckman. Look no further than the front page of her Web site which she feels the need to show skin in order to gain attention for her neocon Tea Party movement.
Would someone please tell me why the Star of David is imposed over our Constitution?
Many of these people like Sukman should look to the Founding Fathers for humility and end this self promotion that resembles the same kind of leadership of one Barack Obama--"it's about me." There is no room in the Tea Party for self promotion. Rather, the focus should always be on promoting the founding documents and not themselves. The problem with the Tea Party Patriot HQ is it is and always has been about Tera Suckman. Look no further than the front page of her Web site which she feels the need to show skin in order to gain attention for her neocon Tea Party movement.
Would someone please tell me why the Star of David is imposed over our Constitution?
Obama Working "Under the Radar" to Kill the Second Amendment
Obama's meeting with Sarah Brady produced a quote that someone went unnoticed. According to sources, Obama pleased Sarah Brady, wife of Jim Brady and gun control advocate, that he was working hard to push gun control legislation. How Obama is pushing for more gun control should awaken all Americans who realize the importance of the Second Amendment goes far beyond hunting and target shooting.
A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.
So what did Obama tell Sarah Brady?
During a March 30 meeting between Jim and Sarah Brady and White House Press Secretary Jay Carney, at which Obama “dropped in,” the president reportedly told Brady, “I just want you to know that we are working on it (gun control)….We have to go through a few processes, but under the radar.”
The quote appeared in an April 11 Washington Post story about Obama’s gun control czar Steve Croley.
Of course, most of us gun owners are perfectly aware that Obama is using Mexican violence centered around drug trafficking as justification for his push for more gun control. Obama blames the United States for weapons entering Mexico that increase the violence. There is just one problem. The Obama administration is ensuring these weapons are successfully making it to Mexico. Is this what he means by "under the radar?"
From BBCW a few days ago discussing Project Gunrunner:
A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.
So what did Obama tell Sarah Brady?
During a March 30 meeting between Jim and Sarah Brady and White House Press Secretary Jay Carney, at which Obama “dropped in,” the president reportedly told Brady, “I just want you to know that we are working on it (gun control)….We have to go through a few processes, but under the radar.”
The quote appeared in an April 11 Washington Post story about Obama’s gun control czar Steve Croley.
Of course, most of us gun owners are perfectly aware that Obama is using Mexican violence centered around drug trafficking as justification for his push for more gun control. Obama blames the United States for weapons entering Mexico that increase the violence. There is just one problem. The Obama administration is ensuring these weapons are successfully making it to Mexico. Is this what he means by "under the radar?"
From BBCW a few days ago discussing Project Gunrunner:
Project Gunrunner and Operation Fast and Furious: Obama is Accommodating Guns into Mexico
I have warned you. Obama and gun grabbing Democrats are going to use the gun violence in Mexico to place further restrictions on firearms ownership in the United States. They are going to push the blame on small businesses that operate gun stores that operated around the border, but it appears that it may be Obama and the federal government that are really pushing the guns into Mexico to escalate the crisis.
Project Gunrunner and Operation Fast and Furious may be the vehicle Obama is using for more gun control Consider this chilling information from the Daily Caller:
In Project Gunrunner, ATF allowed American guns – including AK-47 assault rifles and military-grade, .50 caliber sniper rifles – to be smuggled into Mexico and sold to drug cartels, with the goal of tracking the weapons after they’ve been used.
The project began during the Bush administration in Laredo, Texas, in 2005 as a trial, morphing into a national program in 2006. The guns were sold and tracked electronically, giving law enforcement agents valuable intelligence on where the weapons went and who had them.
During the Bush years, no guns were allowed to cross the border into Mexico. When President Obama took office in 2009, things changed. Obama’s ATF continued Project Gunrunner, but made a crucial decision to allow guns to be “walked” into Mexico, eventually ending up in the hands of Mexican drug cartels.
The results, in at least one instance, were tragic. Two AK-47s ATF officials were tracking were found at the scene of U.S. border agent Brian Terry’s murder.
So it's the federal government allowing firearms, firearms like an AK47 that can't be purchased at Mom and Pop gun stores, to cross the border, all the while the Obama administration and gun grabbers are blaming the little guy. It's shameful!
Project Gunrunner and Operation Fast and Furious may be the vehicle Obama is using for more gun control Consider this chilling information from the Daily Caller:
In Project Gunrunner, ATF allowed American guns – including AK-47 assault rifles and military-grade, .50 caliber sniper rifles – to be smuggled into Mexico and sold to drug cartels, with the goal of tracking the weapons after they’ve been used.
The project began during the Bush administration in Laredo, Texas, in 2005 as a trial, morphing into a national program in 2006. The guns were sold and tracked electronically, giving law enforcement agents valuable intelligence on where the weapons went and who had them.
During the Bush years, no guns were allowed to cross the border into Mexico. When President Obama took office in 2009, things changed. Obama’s ATF continued Project Gunrunner, but made a crucial decision to allow guns to be “walked” into Mexico, eventually ending up in the hands of Mexican drug cartels.
The results, in at least one instance, were tragic. Two AK-47s ATF officials were tracking were found at the scene of U.S. border agent Brian Terry’s murder.
So it's the federal government allowing firearms, firearms like an AK47 that can't be purchased at Mom and Pop gun stores, to cross the border, all the while the Obama administration and gun grabbers are blaming the little guy. It's shameful!
Unemployment on the Rise Again in America: Obama's Recovery is a Sham
The Obama administration continues to claim success after nearly a trillion dollars of stimulus spending. However, unemployment numbers continue to prove Obama's stimulus is a complete failure that pushed this country into more debt.
The AP reports:
WASHINGTON (AP) — More people sought unemployment benefits last week, the second rise in three weeks, a sign of the slow and uneven jobs recovery.
Applications for unemployment benefits jumped 25,000 to a seasonally adjusted 429,000 for the week ending April 23, the Labor Department said Thursday. That’s the highest total since late January.
January is to be expected coming off Christmas, which makes this news even more significant.
The AP reports:
WASHINGTON (AP) — More people sought unemployment benefits last week, the second rise in three weeks, a sign of the slow and uneven jobs recovery.
Applications for unemployment benefits jumped 25,000 to a seasonally adjusted 429,000 for the week ending April 23, the Labor Department said Thursday. That’s the highest total since late January.
January is to be expected coming off Christmas, which makes this news even more significant.
Billy Long Auctions Appears Closed: What About Congressman Long's 1/3 Share in Murney Associates?
The status of Billy Long Auctions and Murney Associates has been a hot topic lately--so hot the investigation of the status of Congressman Long's fiduciary business appeared on Breitbart's Big Government. There appears to be some hint of Long parting with Billy Long Auctions, but there is still conflicting evidence.
The controversy began more than a year ago when candidate Long went on Joplin radio talking about the sacrifice he was having to make to go to Congress. Long told Josh Marsh he was being forced to sell his businesses; although Long could put them in a blind trust.
Of course, in typical journalist fashion, Marsh has given Long a pass on this and refused to bring it up even when Breitbart brought it up. After Long was elected, it was well documented that Long continued to complain about selling these businesses, despite his promise to voters. Well there is an update as of today. Billy Long Auctions office off the corner of Glenstone and Seminole in Springfield has been closed.
However, while the Springfield News-Leader reported Billy Long told them he dissolved the auction company, it doesn't appear to be that simple despite the offices being closed. Was the auction company dissolved or was it placed in a blind trust for Bob Kollmeier to run. One would expect if Billy Long Auctions was totally dissolved the Secretary of State's Web site would show some kind of evidence of that. It does not.
Further, the Billy Long Auctions phone number, (417) 882-LONG and the Billy Long Web site, weren't dissolved. They transfer to Long's auction partner Bob Kollmeir. A search of the Missouri Secretary of State's business database shows nothing listed for Bob Kollmeir. It does still show that Billy Long Auctions is still an active business. Is the illusion of sacrifice on Congressman Long's part still alive?
It's been many months now since the Billy Long Auctions phone number and Web site has redirected to Bob Kollmeir. Why isn't the Secretary of State's listing reflecting this? Besides dissolving a business is far different than transferring ownership, which is what the phone number and Web site suggests.
Another question that still remains is what about the bigger prize--Long's 1/3 share of Murney Associates. Long also promised voters he was going to sell his 1/3 share. What is the status of this ownership? Why didn't Billy Long mention it to the News-Leader, or better yet, why didn't the News-Leader confront Long about the other half of the promise?
The controversy began more than a year ago when candidate Long went on Joplin radio talking about the sacrifice he was having to make to go to Congress. Long told Josh Marsh he was being forced to sell his businesses; although Long could put them in a blind trust.
Of course, in typical journalist fashion, Marsh has given Long a pass on this and refused to bring it up even when Breitbart brought it up. After Long was elected, it was well documented that Long continued to complain about selling these businesses, despite his promise to voters. Well there is an update as of today. Billy Long Auctions office off the corner of Glenstone and Seminole in Springfield has been closed.
 |
| The former offices of Billy Long Auctions |
Further, the Billy Long Auctions phone number, (417) 882-LONG and the Billy Long Web site, weren't dissolved. They transfer to Long's auction partner Bob Kollmeir. A search of the Missouri Secretary of State's business database shows nothing listed for Bob Kollmeir. It does still show that Billy Long Auctions is still an active business. Is the illusion of sacrifice on Congressman Long's part still alive?
It's been many months now since the Billy Long Auctions phone number and Web site has redirected to Bob Kollmeir. Why isn't the Secretary of State's listing reflecting this? Besides dissolving a business is far different than transferring ownership, which is what the phone number and Web site suggests.
Another question that still remains is what about the bigger prize--Long's 1/3 share of Murney Associates. Long also promised voters he was going to sell his 1/3 share. What is the status of this ownership? Why didn't Billy Long mention it to the News-Leader, or better yet, why didn't the News-Leader confront Long about the other half of the promise?
ABC News Reporter Sad Queen Elizabeth Visits Canada More than US
I swear, listening to ABC ogle over the Royal Windsors, they sound sad American won the Revolutionary War against oppressive King George who put a tax on our Founder's cheer. One reporter was talking about all the other places beyond England that Queen Elizabeth is recognized as Queen and pointed to Canada. The reporter then said it's a shame the Queen visits Canada more than she does the United States. Really? It is?
I would hate to know a world where Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, George Washington, and the other founders failed in their efforts. If Queen Elizabeth was still visiting the colonies in the frequency she visits Canada in 2011, that would mean we were still under royal influence. What a sad thing to think about!
Once again, the video every one should watch today from Monty Python.
I would hate to know a world where Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, George Washington, and the other founders failed in their efforts. If Queen Elizabeth was still visiting the colonies in the frequency she visits Canada in 2011, that would mean we were still under royal influence. What a sad thing to think about!
Once again, the video every one should watch today from Monty Python.
NASCAR like Flyover at the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Princess Kate
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| Prince William parties naked. |
 |
| Prince Harry dressed as a Nazi. |
So it's only fitting, just like on any Sunday at a NASCAR track, the Royals of Windsor celebrate the marriage of Prince William and Princess Kate with a flyover. Yup, can't you see the parallels?
Prince William and Princess Kate Kiss on the Balcony: Royal Wedding Update
Breaking news: This news is more important than any other news today. Prince William and Princess Kate kiss on the balcony and millions of oppressed Brits robbed of their tax dollars to support these Jerry Springer show feature wannabes cheer. Once Kate embarrasses the royals, Charles will soon begin consider the order to end her life.
Watch the following video:
Watch the following video:
US Treasury Could Liquidate Assets Rather Raise the Debt Ceiling
When Congress returns from recess, more than likely compromising John Boehner will make a deal with the Democrats that raise the debt ceiling. Boehner and the Republicans will be promised future spending cut considerations, but of course, the American people should know by now we can't count on those. As quick as spending cuts are realized, something else in government seems to gobble up any savings.
Republicans don't have to raise the debt ceiling according to the National Review. They source to a list of assets the United States government could liquefy to avoid another debt ceiling increase that will ensure more debt. Liquefying these assets will also help the United States avoid default, but more importantly it will keep the federal government from spending another dime and force them to start living within their means--that is as long as they don't frivolously spend the liquefied assets.
The following assets are identified by Veronique de Rugy and Jason Fichtner:
Liquidating Existing Assets ($2.395 Trillion)
The Department of the Treasury has financial measures at its disposal to fund government operations temporarily without having to issue new debt. These include:
1) Non-restricted cash on hand: $113.495 billion (The total operating balance of the United States Treasury as of April 19, 2011).
2) Suspension of the daily reinvestment of Treasury securities held by the Exchange Stabilization Fund: $23 billion.
3) Restricted cash and other monetary assets (gold, international monetary assets, foreign currency): $315.1 billion.
4) TARP assets: $179.2 billion in gross outstanding direct loans; $142.5 billion in equity investments (As of September 30, 2010).
5) The Federal Reserve: Unknown, but estimated by Secretary Geithner to be insignificant.
(Special programs at the Treasury may borrow money on the behalf of the Federal Reserve, and this borrowing would not count toward the debt ceiling.)
6) Determination of a “debt issuance suspension period.” (This determination would permit the
redemption of existing, and the suspension of new, investments of the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund (CSRDF).): $766.615 billion (intergovernmental holdings in the Civil Service
Retirement and Disability Fund).
7) Redemption of existing investments in other trust funds
DOD, Military Retirement Fund: $332.9 billion
DOD, Medicare-Eligible Retiree Health Care Fund: $159.9 billion
Department of Energy, Nuclear Waste Disposal: $48.0 billion
FDIC Funds: $38.3 billion
OPM, Postal Service Retiree Health Benefits Fund: $42.9 billion
OPM, Employees Life Insurance Fund: $38.6 billion
DOT, Highway Trust Fund: $23.8 billion
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation Fund: $14.9 billion
DOL, Unemployment Trust Fund: $12.1 billion
OPM, Employees Health: $17.3 billion
Department of State, Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Fund: $16.1 billion
HUD, Federal Housing Authority Liquidating Account: $7.3 billion
All other programs and funds: $102.7 billion
8) Suspend investments of any federal government account surpluses in Treasury securities as required by law: $0 (but conserves headroom by not adding to the debt further).
9) Suspend the issuance of State and Local Government Series Treasury securities: $0 (but conserves headroom by not adding to the debt further).
Republicans don't have to raise the debt ceiling according to the National Review. They source to a list of assets the United States government could liquefy to avoid another debt ceiling increase that will ensure more debt. Liquefying these assets will also help the United States avoid default, but more importantly it will keep the federal government from spending another dime and force them to start living within their means--that is as long as they don't frivolously spend the liquefied assets.
The following assets are identified by Veronique de Rugy and Jason Fichtner:
Liquidating Existing Assets ($2.395 Trillion)
The Department of the Treasury has financial measures at its disposal to fund government operations temporarily without having to issue new debt. These include:
1) Non-restricted cash on hand: $113.495 billion (The total operating balance of the United States Treasury as of April 19, 2011).
2) Suspension of the daily reinvestment of Treasury securities held by the Exchange Stabilization Fund: $23 billion.
3) Restricted cash and other monetary assets (gold, international monetary assets, foreign currency): $315.1 billion.
4) TARP assets: $179.2 billion in gross outstanding direct loans; $142.5 billion in equity investments (As of September 30, 2010).
5) The Federal Reserve: Unknown, but estimated by Secretary Geithner to be insignificant.
(Special programs at the Treasury may borrow money on the behalf of the Federal Reserve, and this borrowing would not count toward the debt ceiling.)
6) Determination of a “debt issuance suspension period.” (This determination would permit the
redemption of existing, and the suspension of new, investments of the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund (CSRDF).): $766.615 billion (intergovernmental holdings in the Civil Service
Retirement and Disability Fund).
7) Redemption of existing investments in other trust funds
DOD, Military Retirement Fund: $332.9 billion
DOD, Medicare-Eligible Retiree Health Care Fund: $159.9 billion
Department of Energy, Nuclear Waste Disposal: $48.0 billion
FDIC Funds: $38.3 billion
OPM, Postal Service Retiree Health Benefits Fund: $42.9 billion
OPM, Employees Life Insurance Fund: $38.6 billion
DOT, Highway Trust Fund: $23.8 billion
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation Fund: $14.9 billion
DOL, Unemployment Trust Fund: $12.1 billion
OPM, Employees Health: $17.3 billion
Department of State, Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Fund: $16.1 billion
HUD, Federal Housing Authority Liquidating Account: $7.3 billion
All other programs and funds: $102.7 billion
8) Suspend investments of any federal government account surpluses in Treasury securities as required by law: $0 (but conserves headroom by not adding to the debt further).
9) Suspend the issuance of State and Local Government Series Treasury securities: $0 (but conserves headroom by not adding to the debt further).
The Prince William and Princess Kate Pre Wedding Video
Rather than ogle over the Royal family and their little shindig, that seems to have captured the imagination of American women everywhere, I think back to the colonies who fought a war against these royals from long ago to win our freedom and liberty. Therefore, this is the royal wedding video that kept me from wasting my time on the royal wedding of Prince William and now Princess Kate.
McDonald's Sends Out Nearly One Million Job Rejection Letters After National Hiring Day
Want another sign Obama isn't growing the economy. Consider the latest hiring spree by McDonald's, which liberals are attacking as hurting the economy ignoring the obvious--the economy is hurting.
McDonald's announced they were going to be hiring for 50,000 new jobs. This led to more than one million applicants pursuing these jobs according to Bloomberg. Chicagoland's McDonald's corporation says McDonalds hired 62,000, 12,000 more than projected. This of course means McDonald rejected one million people in need of jobs during the National Hiring Day that took place on April 19.
If you want to know how competitive the job market is due to lack of jobs--after a failed trillion dollars in stimulus spending I might ad--look no further than this McDonald's story. Obama has a lot of explaining to do as his administration keeps selling the idea it's getting better in America.
McDonald's announced they were going to be hiring for 50,000 new jobs. This led to more than one million applicants pursuing these jobs according to Bloomberg. Chicagoland's McDonald's corporation says McDonalds hired 62,000, 12,000 more than projected. This of course means McDonald rejected one million people in need of jobs during the National Hiring Day that took place on April 19.
If you want to know how competitive the job market is due to lack of jobs--after a failed trillion dollars in stimulus spending I might ad--look no further than this McDonald's story. Obama has a lot of explaining to do as his administration keeps selling the idea it's getting better in America.
Obama's Depression: More Americans Believe the Economy is Worse than Obama is Telling Us
We already know Obama has cooked the books. As unemployment was hitting over ten percent, Obama's Department of Labor changed the formula that calculates unemployment. Fortunately Americans haven't fallen for it. Unfortunately Americans are feeling the pain. It is the pain that has led more Americans to believe we are living in Obama's depression.
From Reuters:
More than half of Americans say the U.S. economy is in a recession or a depression despite official data that show a moderate recovery, according to a poll released on Thursday.
The April 20-23 Gallup survey of 1,013 U.S. adults found that only 27 percent said the economy is growing. Twenty-nine percent said the economy is in a depression and 26 percent said it is in a recession, with another 16 percent saying it is "slowing down," Gallup said.
The poll findings have a 4 percentage point margin of error, according to Gallup.
The health of the U.S. economy is expected to be a major issue as President Barack Obama, a Democrat, seeks re-election in 2012.
From Reuters:
More than half of Americans say the U.S. economy is in a recession or a depression despite official data that show a moderate recovery, according to a poll released on Thursday.
The April 20-23 Gallup survey of 1,013 U.S. adults found that only 27 percent said the economy is growing. Twenty-nine percent said the economy is in a depression and 26 percent said it is in a recession, with another 16 percent saying it is "slowing down," Gallup said.
The poll findings have a 4 percentage point margin of error, according to Gallup.
The health of the U.S. economy is expected to be a major issue as President Barack Obama, a Democrat, seeks re-election in 2012.
Wall Street Journal Reports One Million Unable to Find Jobs As Unemployment Benefits End
The Obama administration is painting a rosy picture of the economy. Of course, next year is an election year. What did you expect?
Gas prices are rising because the dollar is weak--a result of the cooperation between the Obama administrations Timothy Geithner and the Federal Reserve flooding the economy with currency. Unemployment, despite claims hasn't decreased. More Americans are finding their benefits have expired and there still isn't work for them. The Wall Street Journal reports:
Roughly one million people were unable to find work after exhausting their unemployment benefits over the past year, new data released Thursday by the Labor Department suggests.
The back-of-the-envelope datapoint is yet another sign that the labor market remains weak, economists said.
About 8.2 million idled workers were receiving unemployment benefits as of the week ended April 9, the Labor Department said in its weekly jobless claims report. That compares to about 10.5 million individuals at the same time last year, a decline of roughly 2.3 million people.
Since the federal government estimates that the economy created 1.3 million jobs during the 12 months ended in March, economists said that slightly less people probably fell through the cracks and couldn’t find employment.
“That leaves, roughly speaking, about one million people who have exhausted their unemployment benefits and have very likely not yet found a job,” said Joshua Shapiro, chief U.S. economist at MFR Inc. in New York.
Obama Has 19 Days in Libya Left Before Seeking Authorization From Congress
When Obama launched America's third war, Congress wasn't informed. Members of Congress threw their support at Obama's war despite knowing little about it, like Congressman Billy Long jumped on both sides of the fence to play it safe as Obama's war began.
The United States cannot support regimes which brutally repress their people and lack legitimacy. It is simply unacceptable for dictators to slaughter their own people who desire freedom and opportunity. I condemn the violent actions of the Qaddafi government as they cling to power, and I do support the no-fly zone over Libya.
It is important we that know exactly what kind of conflict we are getting ourselves into, what the scope of the involvement may be, and for what purpose. I am frustrated that President Obama carried out these military actions without properly consulting Congress. We should not enter into armed conflict with another country in such a troubled region without a clear mission.
Billy Long and many members of Congress who have supported removing Qaddafi haven't come to terms with the fact they are supporting Al Qaeda connections in Libya. All this should make interesting debate in Congress if it ever comes to light. I am sure Congressman Ron Paul and Senator Rand Paul will have something to say.
Obama has only 19 days left before he must report to Congress about his war intentions. Despite promising a quick pull out, American war planes are still engaged in fighting in Libya in defense of the rebels with ties to Al Qaeda. It's no wonder Superman decided he no longer wants any part of this.
Obama has 60 days of free war fighting privileges, which is not Constitutional but this crazy view of presidential powers that simply shouldn't exist. Obama's war in after all, unconstitutional because the United States was never at threat and the Constitution clearly states the military is to be used for common defense. The fact Obama is aiding members of Al Qaeda make this even a stickier situation, not to mention TARP money provided the central bank of Libya $26 billion.
America needs answers, and its not very likely we are going to get them from the most nontransparent transparent president of all.
The United States cannot support regimes which brutally repress their people and lack legitimacy. It is simply unacceptable for dictators to slaughter their own people who desire freedom and opportunity. I condemn the violent actions of the Qaddafi government as they cling to power, and I do support the no-fly zone over Libya.
It is important we that know exactly what kind of conflict we are getting ourselves into, what the scope of the involvement may be, and for what purpose. I am frustrated that President Obama carried out these military actions without properly consulting Congress. We should not enter into armed conflict with another country in such a troubled region without a clear mission.
Billy Long and many members of Congress who have supported removing Qaddafi haven't come to terms with the fact they are supporting Al Qaeda connections in Libya. All this should make interesting debate in Congress if it ever comes to light. I am sure Congressman Ron Paul and Senator Rand Paul will have something to say.
Obama has only 19 days left before he must report to Congress about his war intentions. Despite promising a quick pull out, American war planes are still engaged in fighting in Libya in defense of the rebels with ties to Al Qaeda. It's no wonder Superman decided he no longer wants any part of this.
Obama has 60 days of free war fighting privileges, which is not Constitutional but this crazy view of presidential powers that simply shouldn't exist. Obama's war in after all, unconstitutional because the United States was never at threat and the Constitution clearly states the military is to be used for common defense. The fact Obama is aiding members of Al Qaeda make this even a stickier situation, not to mention TARP money provided the central bank of Libya $26 billion.
America needs answers, and its not very likely we are going to get them from the most nontransparent transparent president of all.
Dr. Ed Schmitt Goes Galt Describing the Current and Coming State of Healthcare in America
From Mish's Global Economic Trend Analysis, Dr. Ed Schmitt goes Galt:
Hello Mish
I am a shrugging surgeon, having left practice in disgust that the medical system has no concept of value. Instead of seeking results of therapy, the system focuses on how to pay for the inefficiencies.
The general government mantra is simple: If are you for the kids, the poor, the teachers, the police, the military, the farmers, etc., then it is necessary to keep throwing money at targeted programs without questioning whether the increased spending ever does any good.
While it is obvious to anyone paying attention that most of this spending is a waste, it is unpatriotic to point it out. Yet until there is some accounting for what we get, and a genuine incentive to control costs and add value, we will just keep spending more and more while getting less and less.
I tried to introduce sanity in the form of global fees for operations and outpatient centers that could provide operations for a fraction of the prevailing cost at the local hospitals.
Unfortunately, such programs are feared, even banned by government bureaucrats (and other beneficiaries of governmental bureaucratic waste) who fear genuine competition. I was harassed every step of the way in my efforts to provide value to patients.
Thanks, Ed Schmitt
Mish asked the following questions.
What did you do that was so threatening to the system?
How did you attempt to provide value?
What kinds of harassment are we talking about?
He received a response from Dr. Schmitt:
Hello Mish
It is a long story but I believe I can summarize it for you.
I am a surgeon. I am not practicing now, but once one has invested as much as is needed to become a surgeon, the surgical personality is ingrained into my life. Thus I am still a surgeon.
The early part of my career was consumed by learning the trade, when to operate and how to operate. Once I was in practice it was clear that excellence in practicing medicine was not enough.
Many doctors are not aware of the financial implications of what they do. The thinking is "if insurance pays, then who cares what it costs?"
However, I was too observant of what was really going on around in the hospitals and for my patients. There were huge financial implications for anyone who touched the medical system whether or not they had insurance.
I hate waste and respect value. I saw lots of waste and little value in my daily practice. It became clear that common sense issues regarding a diagnosis were important but overlooked.
For example, when facing a patient's medical problem, the thinking should be along the lines of "What is the most effective way to treat this problem, that causes the least disability, quickest recovery, and is a reasonable in cost"?
While most people lump all medical costs into the category "doctors' bills", it is actually the facility fees and extras that cost far more than I billed.
Since I controlled everything that went on in the operating room, it was up to me to decide what instruments and supplies I needed. In this respect there were huge differences in the cost and functionality of the different options.
I had to have total control over these things to make an impact. The myth is that hospitals control these things for everyone. That is false. They have a contract with huge companies to provide whatever the company offers without a true understanding of what really works.
I had an eye toward getting the job done perfectly for the least cost. I was one of the first general surgeons to put an operating room in my office. I was able to realize great savings on drapes, equipment, and supplies. I love to operate so I could quote a very reasonable price to patients for something that was satisfying and fun to do.
Unfortunately, I couldn't put these global fee packages together for insured patients because the insurance companies didn't have a mechanism to deal with any creative new ideas.
I was even on the boards of some insurance companies. The conversations were extremely frustrating. I was constantly asking questions like "You will let me do these procedures in a facility of lesser quality, a facility that costs five times as much as my office, when my office is fully licensed and inspected, and I will do the operation itself for less than half of what you are used to paying, and you won't let me?"
Mish, I could offer these global fees for patients that didn't have insurance. For example, I charged $750 for a hernia repair, ($1250 for both sides), and this included everything associated with the repair of the hernia and came with a guarantee.
It was obvious to me that the usual way of doing medicine was absurd from the patients point of view. They had a problem they wanted solved and were interested in how much it would cost and how long they would be laid up.
Business as usual would have them see multiple doctors prior to the procedure with lots of lab work that was unnecessary, then have an operation with no warranty and prolonged follow up, with every encounter ringing the cash register.
As long as someone else paid it was just frustrating and wasteful, but when the patient had to pay out of their pocket, it was intolerable. That was what I was trying to address.
Unfortunately, hospitals immediately targeted me. Hospital executives told family doctors not to refer patients to me, anesthesiologists on the staff were forbidden to work in my office, and I was increasingly harassed by the administration.
One hospital threw me off their insurance panels and tried to sanction my medical license. I continued in the outpatient and hospital setting.
An independent surgery center opened in town and rather than continue the fight to have the one in my office, I started using them. That lead to increasing distance from the hospital and my practice becoming almost exclusively outpatient. I started to resent my affiliation with the hospitals. Eventually I let all my hospital privileges go to the least level of involvement.
To make matters worse, credentialing laws require doctors to have some hospital privileges even to had an outpatient surgical practice. Since credentials have to do with how competent one is, you might think that economic affiliation with a surgery center would not have any bearing on hospital credentials.
You would be wrong.
Colorado made it acceptable for a hospital to deny privileges for economic reasons. One city hospital offered me privileges as long as I would sign a document that said I would never in any way criticize the hospital and that if anyone ever thought they heard me doing so, I would surrender my medical license.
This was from a hospital that wouldn't let me have any say in the gloves I wore, bandages I applied, or sutures I used. I figured it was a good time to shrug.
I love fly fishing and have had a lot in Alaska on the best river in the world so I built a house and live up north fishing, skiing, kayaking, and reading. It is sad because most doctors know the system doesn't work and are very frustrated. They don't dare do anything to try to fix it because of the things that have happened to me and many other creative docs who are also shrugging.
You are very welcome to quote me, I wish there was some creative way to help move the medical system toward value.
Thanks, Ed
Hello Mish
I am a shrugging surgeon, having left practice in disgust that the medical system has no concept of value. Instead of seeking results of therapy, the system focuses on how to pay for the inefficiencies.
The general government mantra is simple: If are you for the kids, the poor, the teachers, the police, the military, the farmers, etc., then it is necessary to keep throwing money at targeted programs without questioning whether the increased spending ever does any good.
While it is obvious to anyone paying attention that most of this spending is a waste, it is unpatriotic to point it out. Yet until there is some accounting for what we get, and a genuine incentive to control costs and add value, we will just keep spending more and more while getting less and less.
I tried to introduce sanity in the form of global fees for operations and outpatient centers that could provide operations for a fraction of the prevailing cost at the local hospitals.
Unfortunately, such programs are feared, even banned by government bureaucrats (and other beneficiaries of governmental bureaucratic waste) who fear genuine competition. I was harassed every step of the way in my efforts to provide value to patients.
Thanks, Ed Schmitt
Mish asked the following questions.
What did you do that was so threatening to the system?
How did you attempt to provide value?
What kinds of harassment are we talking about?
He received a response from Dr. Schmitt:
Hello Mish
It is a long story but I believe I can summarize it for you.
I am a surgeon. I am not practicing now, but once one has invested as much as is needed to become a surgeon, the surgical personality is ingrained into my life. Thus I am still a surgeon.
The early part of my career was consumed by learning the trade, when to operate and how to operate. Once I was in practice it was clear that excellence in practicing medicine was not enough.
Many doctors are not aware of the financial implications of what they do. The thinking is "if insurance pays, then who cares what it costs?"
However, I was too observant of what was really going on around in the hospitals and for my patients. There were huge financial implications for anyone who touched the medical system whether or not they had insurance.
I hate waste and respect value. I saw lots of waste and little value in my daily practice. It became clear that common sense issues regarding a diagnosis were important but overlooked.
For example, when facing a patient's medical problem, the thinking should be along the lines of "What is the most effective way to treat this problem, that causes the least disability, quickest recovery, and is a reasonable in cost"?
While most people lump all medical costs into the category "doctors' bills", it is actually the facility fees and extras that cost far more than I billed.
Since I controlled everything that went on in the operating room, it was up to me to decide what instruments and supplies I needed. In this respect there were huge differences in the cost and functionality of the different options.
I had to have total control over these things to make an impact. The myth is that hospitals control these things for everyone. That is false. They have a contract with huge companies to provide whatever the company offers without a true understanding of what really works.
I had an eye toward getting the job done perfectly for the least cost. I was one of the first general surgeons to put an operating room in my office. I was able to realize great savings on drapes, equipment, and supplies. I love to operate so I could quote a very reasonable price to patients for something that was satisfying and fun to do.
Unfortunately, I couldn't put these global fee packages together for insured patients because the insurance companies didn't have a mechanism to deal with any creative new ideas.
I was even on the boards of some insurance companies. The conversations were extremely frustrating. I was constantly asking questions like "You will let me do these procedures in a facility of lesser quality, a facility that costs five times as much as my office, when my office is fully licensed and inspected, and I will do the operation itself for less than half of what you are used to paying, and you won't let me?"
Mish, I could offer these global fees for patients that didn't have insurance. For example, I charged $750 for a hernia repair, ($1250 for both sides), and this included everything associated with the repair of the hernia and came with a guarantee.
It was obvious to me that the usual way of doing medicine was absurd from the patients point of view. They had a problem they wanted solved and were interested in how much it would cost and how long they would be laid up.
Business as usual would have them see multiple doctors prior to the procedure with lots of lab work that was unnecessary, then have an operation with no warranty and prolonged follow up, with every encounter ringing the cash register.
As long as someone else paid it was just frustrating and wasteful, but when the patient had to pay out of their pocket, it was intolerable. That was what I was trying to address.
Unfortunately, hospitals immediately targeted me. Hospital executives told family doctors not to refer patients to me, anesthesiologists on the staff were forbidden to work in my office, and I was increasingly harassed by the administration.
One hospital threw me off their insurance panels and tried to sanction my medical license. I continued in the outpatient and hospital setting.
An independent surgery center opened in town and rather than continue the fight to have the one in my office, I started using them. That lead to increasing distance from the hospital and my practice becoming almost exclusively outpatient. I started to resent my affiliation with the hospitals. Eventually I let all my hospital privileges go to the least level of involvement.
To make matters worse, credentialing laws require doctors to have some hospital privileges even to had an outpatient surgical practice. Since credentials have to do with how competent one is, you might think that economic affiliation with a surgery center would not have any bearing on hospital credentials.
You would be wrong.
Colorado made it acceptable for a hospital to deny privileges for economic reasons. One city hospital offered me privileges as long as I would sign a document that said I would never in any way criticize the hospital and that if anyone ever thought they heard me doing so, I would surrender my medical license.
This was from a hospital that wouldn't let me have any say in the gloves I wore, bandages I applied, or sutures I used. I figured it was a good time to shrug.
I love fly fishing and have had a lot in Alaska on the best river in the world so I built a house and live up north fishing, skiing, kayaking, and reading. It is sad because most doctors know the system doesn't work and are very frustrated. They don't dare do anything to try to fix it because of the things that have happened to me and many other creative docs who are also shrugging.
You are very welcome to quote me, I wish there was some creative way to help move the medical system toward value.
Thanks, Ed
Rand Paul Attacks Donald Trump: Prove You're a Republican
Most of the Republican party should be worried. Rand Paul is now challenging republican credentials--which have been lowered thanks to deceptiCONS and neocons (like Billy Long) who have come to office in the three decades since Reagan took office. Senator Paul started with the most obvious deceptiCON--Donald Trump.
"I want to see the original long form certificate, with embossed seal, of Donald Trump's Republican registration."
After laughter subsided, he went on.
"Seriously."
Paul, a "tea party" favorite, mentioned the thousands of dollars that Trump donated to Democrats Harry Reid and Charlie Rangel, and questions whether Trump is really a Republican.
"I'm going to believe it when I see the embossed seal on his Republican registration," he said.
There is hope the Republican party can reverse its direction and be returned to the conservative right.
"I want to see the original long form certificate, with embossed seal, of Donald Trump's Republican registration."
After laughter subsided, he went on.
"Seriously."
Paul, a "tea party" favorite, mentioned the thousands of dollars that Trump donated to Democrats Harry Reid and Charlie Rangel, and questions whether Trump is really a Republican.
"I'm going to believe it when I see the embossed seal on his Republican registration," he said.
There is hope the Republican party can reverse its direction and be returned to the conservative right.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Jackie and Dunlap Interview the Westboro Baptist Chruch
The Westboro Baptist Church quickly ran once they saw the counter protesters in Branson tonight. The Branson crowd was ready to correct the hate of the Westboro Church; although, they really weren't given the chance since they turned around once they got there. We can imagine what might have taken place tonight as a rowdy Branson crowd was ready to counter protest Westboro's planned protest of the Charlie Daniels concert this evening at the Mansion Theater.
Since WBC didn't give the protesters that opportunity, here's Jackie and Dunlap from Red State's run in with the WBC.
Since WBC didn't give the protesters that opportunity, here's Jackie and Dunlap from Red State's run in with the WBC.
Has Billy Long Examined Flood Damage in Southwest Missouri?: Congressman is MIA During Southwest Missouri Floods
The rain that hit Southwest Missouri earlier this week has resulted in damaging floods. Here in my hometown of Ozark, the floods caused some minor damage including lifting the pavement off of McCracken Road, but in other parts of the Seventh District the flooding has wreaked far more havoc.
I guess what I find most ironic in all of this, is even though Billy Long is on a two week recess from Congress, I can't find a tweet or news story that shows that he has gone out and examined the floods and the damage it's caused. I just find it odd that a new politician that told voters that we could count on them hasn't been touring the flood areas in the district. The Congressman is MIA.
While I don't agree with federal aid and FEMA, most Ozarkers realize that Billy Long is their line of communication to the federal government when it comes to clean up and aid. It just seems strange that Long doesn't seem interested in the flood damage in Southwest Missouri. Long hasn't even tweeted about the flooding in his district.
Long once again appears out of touch and too ready to please special interest than his constituents. Remember after the National Auctioneer Association PAC donated $5000 to Long, they told how to jump and Long responded how high. If you want to see where Congressman Long's priorities are, just push play.
I guess what I find most ironic in all of this, is even though Billy Long is on a two week recess from Congress, I can't find a tweet or news story that shows that he has gone out and examined the floods and the damage it's caused. I just find it odd that a new politician that told voters that we could count on them hasn't been touring the flood areas in the district. The Congressman is MIA.
While I don't agree with federal aid and FEMA, most Ozarkers realize that Billy Long is their line of communication to the federal government when it comes to clean up and aid. It just seems strange that Long doesn't seem interested in the flood damage in Southwest Missouri. Long hasn't even tweeted about the flooding in his district.
Long once again appears out of touch and too ready to please special interest than his constituents. Remember after the National Auctioneer Association PAC donated $5000 to Long, they told how to jump and Long responded how high. If you want to see where Congressman Long's priorities are, just push play.
Westboro Baptist Church Fails to Show Ugly Heads at Charlie Daniels Concert in Branson
 |
| Lines of counter protesters were ready to put the WBC in their place. |
The Westboro Baptist Church billed it as the protest against the Devil's fiddler. They had planned to protest the Charlie Daniels concert in Branson, Missouri, tonight, but as of 7:30, when I left the mansion theater, the controversial cult of attorneys had not shown up.
Westboro Baptist Church to Protest Charlie Daniels
However, a mix of Tea Party, veterans, patriotic Americans, members of the gay community, and neocon Tera Sukman of the Branson Tea Party Patriot HQ had formed a line on both sides of the street in protest to the ugly actions of the Westboro Church, a church that preaches hate and intolerance and does Christianity a disservice. The church is infamous for its God Hates Fags Web site and protesting soldiers funerals.
Eric Farris of the Branson Tea Party, not to be confused with the neocon Branson Tea Party Patriot HQ, says "the Branson Tea Party supported counter-protest of the Westboro Baptist Church was a huge success!"
Farris notes WBC showed up as well, although I didn't see them by the time I left Branson. Farris writes, "WBC showed up, saw all the people, and turned around and left. Thank you so much to everyone who came out to support our nation's troops and to say no the WBC's hate."
The Mansion Theater had made sure the WBC would feel welcome by posting American flags, the POW/MIA flag, and a flag representing each branch of the service. As well, many businesses in Branson put "we support our troops" on their signs.
Here are a couple videos of tonight's protest of the Westboro Baptist Church:
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I Took the Founders Red Pill!
What's Right
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Prayers For The Victims1 day ago
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An Honest Scientist!1 day ago
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Another program gone while2 days ago
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What the Hell America2 days ago
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When Will The SHTF In The USA9 months ago
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