Saturday, July 30, 2011

Perry Watch: Rick Perry amends his stance on states’ rights and gay marriage | Texas on the Potomac | a Chron.com blog


Perry Watch: Rick Perry amends his stance on states’ rights and gay marriage | Texas on the Potomac | a Chron.com blog: "“Right and that is the reason that the federal marriage amendment is being offered, it’s that small group of activist judges, and frankly a small handful, if you will, of states, and liberal special interests groups that intend on a redefinition of, if you will, marriage on the nation, for all of us, which I adamantly oppose,” he said to Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council."

Debt Crisis Was Long In Coming, Ex-Reagan Aide Says–Audio

Debt Crisis Was Long In Coming, Ex-Reagan Aide Says

What impact will the debt ceiling turmoil have on the financial markets? Host Scott Simon talks with former Reagan budget director David Stockman, who predicts some panic ahead.

Study Shows Racial Wealth Gap Grows Wider : NPR


Study Shows Racial Wealth Gap Grows Wider : NPR: "There's long been a big gap between the wealth of white families and the wealth of African-Americans and Hispanics. But the Great Recession has made it much worse — the divide is almost twice what it used to be.

That's according to a new study by the Pew Research Center, which says that the decline in the housing market is the main cause."

Even After Proposed Hike, Reagan Increased Debt Ceiling Twice As Fast As Obama | ThinkProgress



Even After Proposed Hike, Reagan Increased Debt Ceiling Twice As Fast As Obama | ThinkProgress: "Despite recent rhetoric from GOP lawmakers, Republican presidents have raised the statutory limit on U.S. debt by a much greater percentage than either of the two Democrats elected since 1981. According an analysis of historical data compiled on the statutory limit by the Office of Management and Budget, former President Ronald Reagan outstrips all other executives to date, increasing the debt ceiling by 199.5 percent during his eight years in office. He is followed by President George W. Bush, Jr. at a 90.2 percent increase over eight years and by President George H. Bush, Sr. at a 48.0 percent increase over only four years in office."

Friday, July 29, 2011

To cut, cap, and balance the Federal budget.

To cut, cap, and balance the Federal budget.

The Recession : About 50% Worse than We Thought - BusinessWeek


The Recession : About 50% Worse than We Thought - BusinessWeek: "The BEA just came out with its revised GDP numbers for the past few years. And not really a surprise, the recession now looks a lot worse than the data previously showed. From the fourth quarter of 2007, when the recession officially started, to the first quarter of 2009, the previous data shows real GDP declining by 2.2%, compared to a 3.5% drop in the new numbers. So the recession, measured by the drop in real GDP, is about 50% worse than we thought."

How the U.S. Got $14 Trillion in Debt and Who Are the Creditors

How the U.S. Got $14 Trillion in Debt and Who Are the Creditors

How the U.S. Got $14 Trillion in Debt and Who Are the Creditors

Infographic: U.S. National Debt

America has a long history of raising the debt limit to accommodate spending. Below, a look at some of the issues in the debate over the nation’s debt.

 

Infographic: U.S. National Debt | The White House

Infographic: U.S. National Debt | The White House

Dominion Virginia's EV Charge Pilot Program Gets Ready to Launch


Dominion Virginia's EV Charge Pilot Program Gets Ready to Launch: "A subsidiary of energy giant Dominion (NYSE:D), Dominion Virginia proposed the pilot program to Virginia State Corporation Commission in February. With the SCC approval in hand the company will offer up to 750 participants two rate options as part of its pilot program. Participants can choose either the Electric Vehicle only option or the Whole House option.

Under the EV only option Dominion would install a separate meter dedicated to measuring the electricity used to charge the EV. With the special pilot program pricing customers would pay an estimated 43 cents to charge their EV overnight."

Elected as Cost-Cutters, Freshmen Push Spending for Home Districts - NYTimes.com


Elected as Cost-Cutters, Freshmen Push Spending for Home Districts - NYTimes.com: "Lawmakers like Representative Tim Scott, Republican of South Carolina, who advocated for the harbor dredging project with other members of the South Carolina delegation, insist their requests are neither earmarks nor wasteful. “This was a merit-based project that was open and transparent,” said Mr. Scott, who helped secure $150,000 for the first phase of a harbor-deepening project in Charleston, his hometown. The project is expected eventually to cost as much as $300 million. Mr. Scott, a favorite of the Tea Party movement, said he is opposed to earmarks and that dredging the port was in the national interest because it would accommodate bigger cargo ships and help create trade opportunities and jobs.

The Obama administration did not agree and did not include the project in the Army Corps of Engineers budget. As a result Mr. Scott and Senator Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican, who tried to earmark financing for the project last year, threatened in April at a news conference in Charleston to tie up the government unless the project was approved. Mr. Graham also pledged to hold up President Obama’s nominees in the Senate. After the threat by Mr. Graham and lobbying by Mr. Scott and other members of South Carolina’s Congressional delegation, the corps agreed to pay for the dredging."

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Texas Planned Parenthood Clinic Attacked With Molotov Cocktail


Texas Planned Parenthood Clinic Attacked With Molotov Cocktail: "A McKinney, Texas, Planned Parenthood clinic that does not provide abortions was attacked with a Molotov cocktail late Tuesday night, causing a small fire at the entrance of the building. The device, consisting of diesel fuel in a glass bottle with a lit rag fuse, did not cause any injuries, but a Planned Parenthood official said it did cause 'serious damage' to the facility."

Texas Gov. Rick Perry Recovering From Back Surgery - NYTimes.com




Texas Gov. Rick Perry Recovering From Back Surgery - NYTimes.com: "Mr. Perry underwent surgery early this month to correct what his aides describe as a recurring back ailment. The procedure had been planned for months, and involved a spinal fusion and a nerve decompression. Mr. Perry had the surgery on July 1, spent two nights in the hospital and went home on July 3.

His aides stressed that the procedure was minor, but as Mr. Perry weighs whether to join the Republican presidential race, even minor is major."

Harris Corporation Will Participate in Upgrading U.S. Department of Veterans... -- MELBOURNE, Fla. and WASHINGTON, July 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

Harris Corporation Will Participate in Upgrading U.S. Department of Veterans... -- MELBOURNE, Fla. and WASHINGTON, July 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --: "Highlights
Program will overhaul and streamline IT systems across all VA agencies.
Harris is among only 15 companies (1 of 8 in large business category) selected to compete for $12 billion in VA business.
Harris is already a leading provider of IT solutions for the VA."

Bachmann benefited from federal home loan program - The Washington Post


Bachmann benefited from federal home loan program - The Washington Post: "Just a few weeks before Bachmann called for dismantling the programs during a House Financial Services Committee hearing, she and her husband signed for a $417,000 home loan to help finance their move to a 5,200-square-foot golf-course home, public records show. Experts who examined the loan documents for The Washington Post say that they are confident the loan was backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac."

Herman Cain hosts meeting with Muslim leaders - Juana Summers - POLITICO.com


Herman Cain hosts meeting with Muslim leaders - Juana Summers - POLITICO.com: "Herman Cain hosted a quiet meeting with a small group of Muslim leaders on Wednesday in an effort to rebuild relations frayed by his comments about not wanting to appoint Muslims to government posts and blocking the construction of mosques.

Cain’s campaign announced plans to convene the outreach meetin"

The American Legion Slams Veteran-Unfriendly 'Coburn Proposal' to Cut VA and Military Spending -- WASHINGTON, July 20, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --

The American Legion Slams Veteran-Unfriendly 'Coburn Proposal' to Cut VA and Military Spending -- WASHINGTON, July 20, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --: "Sen. Coburn has introduced a proposed amendment to the fiscal year 2012 Military Construction Appropriations (MilCon/VA) Bill that would, in the Legion's opinion, possibly deny benefits to many deserving veterans who have been exposed to the notorious Vietnam-era 'Agent Orange' and other toxins.  The MilCon/VA bill is the legislation that funds not only military construction but the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as well."

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Impasses lead to shutdown of FAA - Boston.com

Impasses lead to shutdown of FAA - Boston.com: "Efforts to avert a shutdown of the Federal Aviation Administration failed yesterday amid a disagreement over a $16.5 million cut in subsidies to 13 rural communities, ensuring that at midnight nearly 4,000 people will be temporarily out of work and federal airline ticket taxes will be suspended."

In Senate, Republicans Block Spending Measure

Senate Republicans blocked a $410 billion omnibus spending measure on Thursday night, forcing Congressional Democrats to prepare a stopgap budget resolution to keep the federal government from shutting down.

Senate Republican aides said they expected the bill to be approved next week after Republican lawmakers were allowed to offer additional amendments.

Although Republicans were glad to needle the Democrats by delaying the bill, there are reasons not to scuttle it. Doing so would result in a $8.4 million budget cut for Senate Republican committees, forcing staff layoffs.

Also, Republicans, like Democrats, would lose the home-state projects, or earmarks, totaling more than $7 billion in the bill.

In all, the bill would provide about $19 billion more than if a stopgap measure were used through the end of the fiscal year.

The Obama administration had called the bill “last year’s business” because it represented the balance of President George W. Bush’s final budget. White House officials said President Obama would sign the measure despite criticism from Mr. McCain and others that he was not doing enough to curb the wasteful ways of Washington. And the delay will only further highlight Mr. Obama’s support.

Bush Tries to Block Senate Push to Cut Tax Plan in Half

Moderate senators from both parties are using a budget debate this week to try to slice [Bush]'s 10-year $726 billion proposal to $350 billion. Each party accused the other of trying to get its way under the cover of war, when little attention is focused on the Capitol.

Bush's aides find the struggle somewhat frustrating, since his party controls both houses of Congress. But the moderates' salvo reflects the power that just a few lawmakers can exercise in a Senate where Bush's party has a two-vote majority.

 

http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/washingtonpost/access/310650901.html?dids=310650901:310650901&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Mar+20%2C+2003&author=Mike+Allen&pub=The+Washington+Post&desc=Bush+Tries+to+Block+Senate+Push+to+Cut+Tax+Plan+in+Half&pqatl=google

The Appalling Hypocrisy Of The Republican Party Exposed In Three Simple Charts

To listen to Congressional Republicans tell it, you'd think the US's colossal budget and debt problem was caused by one simple thing: The Democrats.

And although the Republicans do deserve significant credit for finally focusing the country and Washington on the magnitude of the problem--really--their hypocrisy on this issue is almost unbearable.

Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/republican-budget-hypocrisy-2011-7#ixzz1TJU5vVB2

Monday, July 25, 2011

Tom Coburn’s cuts: Military’s Tricare Prime health care program targeted - The Washington Post


Tom Coburn’s cuts: Military’s Tricare Prime health care program targeted - The Washington Post: "Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) wants to cut taxpayer funding for non-military elements of the Defense Department, starting with making retired, uninjured service members pay more for what he described as “extremely low-cost health care for life” for themselves, their spouses and dependents under the Tricare Prime system."

Saturday, July 23, 2011

China Vies to Be Leader in Electric Vehicles - NYTimes.com

China Vies to Be Leader in Electric Vehicles - NYTimes.com: "Japan is the market leader in hybrids today, which run on both electricity and gasoline, with cars like the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight. The United States has been a laggard in alternative vehicles. G.M.’s plug-in hybrid Chevrolet Volt is scheduled to go on sale next year, and will be assembled in Michigan using rechargeable batteries imported from LG in South Korea."

Anders Behring Breivik: Oslo, Norway Bombing 'Necessary'



Terrorist!

Anders Behring Breivik: Oslo, Norway Bombing 'Necessary': "The man suspected of a gun and bomb attack in Norway has called his deeds atrocious yet necessary, his defense lawyer said on Saturday.

'He has said that he believed the actions were atrocious, but that in his head they were necessary,' defense lawyer Geir Lippestad told TV2 news."

Jon Stewart Mocks Pawlenty, Cain & Bachmann's Latest Campaign Snafus (VIDEO)



http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/22/jon-stewart-mocks-gop-front-runners-_n_906575.html

Friday, July 22, 2011

Ambush survivor up for Medal of Honor - Marine Corps News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Marine Corps Times




Ambush survivor up for Medal of Honor - Marine Corps News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Marine Corps Times: "Meyer was recommended for his actions on Sept. 8, 2009, near the village of Ganjgal in Kunar province. He charged into a kill zone on foot and alone to find three missing Marines and a Navy corpsman who had been pinned down under enemy fire for hours by about 150 well-armed insurgents. Already wounded by shrapnel before braving enemy fire, he found them dead and stripped of their gear and weapons, and carried them out of the kill zone with the help of Afghan soldiers, according to military documents obtained by Marine Corps Times."

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Bush Signs SCHIP Extension Act of 2007


Bush Signs SCHIP Extension Act of 2007: "President Bush today signed Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Extension Act of 2007, which besides providing other affordable health insurance coverage benefits(such as Medicare and Medicaid), extends State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) through March 31, 2009."

http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2007/09/20070928-9.html

Excerpt of President's Radio Address on SCHIP Legislation

White House News
Friday, September 28, 2007

I also appreciate the way this bill handles our disagreements over the State Children's Health Insurance Program. Congressional leaders have put forward an irresponsible plan that would dramatically expand this program beyond its original intent. And they know I will veto it. But it is good that they kept the program running while they try to work out a more responsible approach. : http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2007/09/20070928-9.html

Monday, July 18, 2011

Pentagon Will Help Families Travel to Dover - NYTimes.com


Pentagon Will Help Families Travel to Dover - NYTimes.com

Mr. Gates said that these were among the recommendations of a task force he had appointed in February, and that many of its recommendations would be put in place starting next month. Details of the other recommendations were not immediately available.

He was asked at the news conference if he could describe his feelings during a recent visit to Dover as he mulled the policy, which has been in place since 1991.

“Actually, no,” he replied. “I will tell you that it was very diffic

Sunday, July 17, 2011

DeMint May Filibuster McConnell Debt Ceiling Plan


DeMint May Filibuster McConnell Debt Ceiling Plan: "South Carolina Republican Sen. Jim DeMint says he will do everything in his power to prevent the 'last-ditch' debt limit increase plan floated by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY)."

Pray away the Gay - Video

Bachmann Quit Her Evangelical Church Just Before Her Campaign


Bachmann Quit Her Evangelical Church Just Before Her Campaign: "Here are some WELS beliefs voters might take issue with:
The Roman Catholic Pope is the Antichrist.
Creationism — the account of creation given in Genesis 1-3 is factual and historical. They reject evolution and any attempt to harmonize scripture with evolution.
Homosexuality is a choice and a sin.
The wife is a 'submissive helper,' who recognizes that God has made her husband the head of his family.
The church rejects any view that looks 'upon people as basically good in nature; that consider natural tendencies to be mere weaknesses, which are not sinful; or that fail to recognize their total spiritual depravity and their inability to please God.'"

Nine Things You Didn't Know About Michele Bachmann's First Man


Nine Things You Didn't Know About Michele Bachmann's First Man: "Although he tends to stay out of the spotlight, Marcus Bachmann, Michele Bachmann's husband of 32 years, has wholeheartedly embraced his wife's White House bid, abandoning his Christian counseling clinics in Minnesota to join her on the campaign trail.
By most accounts, Dr. Bachmann's campaign role is unique — he describes himself as his wife's political 'strategist' but also doubles as a personal assistant, press secretary, and confidante. And his political and religious ideologies are reportedly completely in sync with his wife's take-no-prisoners brand of Tea Party conservatism."

Solar power for 2,000 Oahu military homes - San Antonio Express-News

Solar power for 2,000 Oahu military homes - San Antonio Express-News: "More than 2,000 military family homes on Oahu are going to be powered with solar energy and will be one of the largest solar-powered communities in the country."

Thursday, July 14, 2011

General Dynamics Wins DHS IT Contract | Defense Procurement News

General Dynamics Wins DHS IT Contract | Defense Procurement News: "After a lengthy protest and a new contest General Dynamics (GD) was able to win an IT support contract with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The company will support the building of the agency’s new headquarters and the move and integration of its employees into the facility."

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Afghanistan war vet given highest honor

Afghanistan war vet given highest honor  | ajc.com</a>: "'This is the stuff of which heroes are made,' the president declared, before reaching out and shaking Petry's gray, robotic hand, which helped the soldier to remain active in the military and even redeploy to Afghanistan despite his serious injury."

Friday, July 8, 2011

Michele Bachmann vote contradicts her debt ceiling stance - Political Hotsheet - CBS News


Michele Bachmann vote contradicts her debt ceiling stance - Political Hotsheet - CBS News: "Yet back in April, Bachmann voted in favor of the House GOP's budget plan, drafted by Rep. Paul Ryan. While that plan promised to cut the deficit by trillions over a decade, it did not eliminate budget deficits; indeed, the plan, if implemented, would mean $6 trillion in added debt over a decade. "

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

State layoffs of 1,300 employees hitting home - St. Petersburg Times


State layoffs of 1,300 employees hitting home - St. Petersburg Times: "After 19 years, Wilson finds himself unemployed, fired from his job as a data clerk at the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

His job, Fiscal Assistant II, paid $24,670 a year — after 19 years.

A 58-year-old disabled Army veteran, Wilson wonders why that wasn't considered."

Monday, July 4, 2011

Editorial: Eight myths to chill an old-school Republican soul

Editorial: Eight myths to chill an old-school Republican soul: "Consider the mythology that makes up GOP orthodoxy today. Imagine the contortions that cramp the brains and souls of men and women of intelligence and compassion who seek state and national office under the Republican banner."

Florida state workers get pink slips, more cuts ahead | Reuters


Florida state workers get pink slips, more cuts ahead | Reuters: "The 1,600 are a very small fraction of the state's overall government workforce, but additional layoffs and cuts are expected as state agencies and local governments respond to a series of belt-tightening measures approved by lawmakers at the request of Republican Governor Rick Scott"

Romney: OK, Maybe Obama Didn't Make The Recession 'Worse' | TPMDC


Romney: OK, Maybe Obama Didn't Make The Recession 'Worse' | TPMDC: "Mitt Romney walked back his oft-repeated claim that President Obama made the recession worse, telling reporters in Pennsylvania on Thursday that he never meant to suggest any such thing.

Asked by NBC how he squared his claim that Obama worsened the lousy economy he inherited given that the stock market has surged, unemployment is down from its peak, and the economy is no longer shrinking, Romney demurred."

Emergency funds available | POLITICO 44


Emergency funds available | POLITICO 44: "President Obama on Friday declared a state of emergency in Texas, coming after months of pressure from officials and residents of the Lone Star State and its governor, Rick Perry, who questioned the political reasons as to why federal funds were not being made available to a red-hued state."

50 U.S. Health Care Statistics That Will Absolutely Astonish You

50 U.S. Health Care Statistics That Will Absolutely Astonish You: "The U.S. health care system has become one gigantic money making scam, and you are about to see the statistics that prove it. "