Washington D.C. - In a letter to the Federal Communications Commission and Fed Chief Timothy Geithner, the minority broadcasters group asked the government for a bailout.
The letter was written by Congressmen James Clyburn-D-SC, Charlie Rangel-D-NY and Barney Frank-D-MA requesting funds for the struggling industry.
Clyburn is a ranking congressman and civil rights leader often credited for getting President Barrack Obama into the White House.
However, the letter comes at a time when Clyburn’s daughter, Mignon Clyburn, is being nominated to be a member of the FCC that regulates these very broadcasters asking for a bailout. This letter and the nomination certainly make strange bedfellows.
It is not clear if the minority broadcasters will get the bailout, but they could find it easier to receive funds for alternative programming, according to Fox News.
For more stories; www.examiner.com/x-10317-San-Diego-County-Political-Buzz-Examiner
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Right-wing extremists beware- no military for you
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 includes some language that could prevent right-wing extremists from entering the military and serving their country.
The meat of the bill is to authorize appropriations for 2010 military activities of the Department of Defense.
While, much of the bill refers to construction, prescribing military personnel strengths, special pay and allowances to certain members of the Armed Forces, including benefits for disabled military retirees.
The brouhaha over HR 2647 is the language stemming from the first Department of Homeland Security report on right-wing extremists.
The DHS list included border patrol groups who don’t believe in open borders or religious groups that don’t believe in abortion as well as other perceived-anti government organizations.
The vague language contained in the bill gives authority to the Attorney General to determine what groups are seen as ‘extremist,’ however, tea party groups and border patrol groups feel this is directly targeted at them.
“Think of anything you or someone you know may have said in an email or online that may be construed to support, encourage or affirm a government idea that you could have agreed with an extremist’s views and goals, they or their children could be prohibited from joining the military,” said one Patriot group who wished to remain anonymous.
They also insisted that if you believe in the Constitution of the United States and stand up for it you may not be able to serve in the military, however if you belong to any far-left group, you’ll be fine.
All patriot groups encourage voters to check out this bill as it heads to the Senate for the final vote and contact their Senators with questions and concerns.
For more stories;www.examiner.com/x-10317-San-Diego-County-Political-Buzz-Examiner~y2009m7d7-Congress-Bilbray-supports-California-Anchor-Baby-reform
The meat of the bill is to authorize appropriations for 2010 military activities of the Department of Defense.
While, much of the bill refers to construction, prescribing military personnel strengths, special pay and allowances to certain members of the Armed Forces, including benefits for disabled military retirees.
The brouhaha over HR 2647 is the language stemming from the first Department of Homeland Security report on right-wing extremists.
The DHS list included border patrol groups who don’t believe in open borders or religious groups that don’t believe in abortion as well as other perceived-anti government organizations.
The vague language contained in the bill gives authority to the Attorney General to determine what groups are seen as ‘extremist,’ however, tea party groups and border patrol groups feel this is directly targeted at them.
“Think of anything you or someone you know may have said in an email or online that may be construed to support, encourage or affirm a government idea that you could have agreed with an extremist’s views and goals, they or their children could be prohibited from joining the military,” said one Patriot group who wished to remain anonymous.
They also insisted that if you believe in the Constitution of the United States and stand up for it you may not be able to serve in the military, however if you belong to any far-left group, you’ll be fine.
All patriot groups encourage voters to check out this bill as it heads to the Senate for the final vote and contact their Senators with questions and concerns.
For more stories;www.examiner.com/x-10317-San-Diego-County-Political-Buzz-Examiner~y2009m7d7-Congress-Bilbray-supports-California-Anchor-Baby-reform
Monday, July 13, 2009
Health Care Obama-style
San Diego- Now that cap-and-trade has been shelved; the Obama administration still can’t let the crisis go to waste, so here's Obamacare.
While the trillion (yes trillion) dollar price tag doesn’t seem to worry the White House, Americans took to the streets this weekend to make their voices heard. The monstrosity legislation has cleverly added a new kinder, gentler word, revenue or in layman’s terms-TAX increase.
Democratic leaders are considering a slew of new progressive taxes. Included in the recent proposals would be a soda, beer, employee payroll, flat-tax on insurance, VAT (value added tax on everything) and employer mandate taxes, according to the Heritage Foundation.
These proposed taxes would most certainly hit those making less than $250,000 per year, a promise Obama made to the American people and has already broken by raising taxes on tobacco products.
And let’s not forget the wealthy; those who make over the $250,000 per year would get an extra special tax around 3 percent to make up the costs and provide “free” health care to all. If you ask the upper-echelon taxpayers how they feel about free care, they might say something about the free part.
Last week the Congressional Budget Office (CBO the non-partisan gold standard) Director Douglas Elmendorf told the Senate, nothing in their current health care plan reduces health care costs.
Furthermore, Elmendorf explained, the Democrat’s health care plan only “puts an additional long-term burden on top of an already unsustainable path.” He went on to suggest Medicare reform would be a better route for the White House to tackle.
Obama said in Italy last week that he didn’t want a timeline or anything, “but I really want to get it done by the August recess.” The reason is the longer the plan is out there, more pork hidden in the bill is destined to get out to the public.
One such money-grabber was pointed out by Dawn Wildman, of So-Cal Tax Revolt Coalition, she found at least $16 billion in pork spending.
“The fact that they claim Americans will be able to keep their private insurance when the bill clearly makes it illegal to buy or sell private insurance. ‘It is unlawful for a private health insurer to sell health insurance coverage that duplicates the benefits provided under the Act’ (title I sec. 104a, of HR 676),” Wildman said.
She continues to voice her concerns about who will be offered health care. “They say all residents, not citizens, will be offered care. It's a kind of medical tourism.”
Wildman also explains the government will set up migrant health centers and she wants to know what exactly that looks like.
The bill even includes a ghastly “duty to die” that would hit senior citizens who have worked their whole life and paid all their taxes. Obama even danced around this topic at townhall meeting. “We need to think about costly testing and surgery for older patients.”
Taxes, taxes and more taxes, “The bill states they will increase taxes on the top-5 percent of income earners, modest progressive excise tax on payroll and self-employed as well as a tax on stock bond transactions,” Wildman said.
The National Coalition on Benefits which represents major business groups like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and AT&T told House leaders this plan would hurt their businesses. “The proposal in its current form needs serious revision,” the letter stated.
Another group put out an open invitation to all lawmakers. The Let Freedom Ring organization called on every Congressperson and Senator to pledge to the voters that they won’t sign a health care bill unless they (not staffers or lobbyist) have read the entire 1,300-plus bill and have posted it on the internet for 72 hours.
House Minority Whip, Eric Cantor-R-VA said where do I sign?
***
At the So-Cal Tax Revolt Coalition’s Tea Party this weekend Wildman and her coalition partner Leslie Eastman were able to raise awareness about the mammoth health care bill.
“We did this old school. The main reason was to get everyone up to speed on the latest legislation,” Wildman said. “We can’t rely on politicians across the board, most aren’t honest.”
San Diego resident Bob Morey agreed with Wildman. “We need to show up and have our voice heard, otherwise there will be no opposition and the bills will just roll through.”
The group also claimed their first victory against Washington D.C.’s political machine. “Our constant phone calling, emailing and faxing paid off when the Senate chose to shelf the cap-and-trade bill,” Eastman said.
Wildman said, now it was up to them to get the blue-dog democrats to slow down and read the 1,300-page health care bill, something other organizations are trying to do as well.
The coalition hopes to get more stories out there to Americans and politicians like Claudia Busath’s. She spent four years in Canada in the 1990s.
“What the politicians don’t tell you is Canada nearly went bankrupt providing national health care. They had to make deep cuts across the board to pay for an unsustainable health care system,” she said.
That meant health-care rationing. “I’m in a wheel chair and am fighting cancer, if I stayed in Canada I’d be dead,” Busath explained. “They put doctors, nurses and specialists on strict salaries and as a result they left Canada and went to countries so they could earn a living – like America.”
During Busath’s time in Canada, she paid 55 percent in taxes to the government; she was middleclass and that was gross income that was levied.
Next on deck was Eastman herself. “I’m a registered Democrat, most people think I’m with the other party. I’m mad at politicians who don’t represent me.”
Responding to the 10 counter-protestors across the street, Eastman said “we must be doing something right.” She also told the crowd those fake protestors are paid by George Soros of MoveOn.org.
Last on the podium was Mason Weaver, motivational speaker and radio host. “Want to see a black man speak without a teleprompter? When you speak the truth, it’s not hard,” the crowd erupted with laughter.
Weaver spoke to the crowd, very clearly telling them that Washington was trying to divide America. “Where are ‘we the people’ of the constitution, Obama is treating you like you are 4-years-old.”
“Freedom or Slavery, you have to choose today. It’s time to take back our country,” Weaver fanned the flames by telling the 10 counter protestors across the street “get a job.”
Weaver also explained that the African-American phrase is something we need to get over. “I’m a principled black American.”
For more stories;www.examiner.com/x-10317-San-Diego-County-Political-Buzz-Examiner~y2009m6d18-Health-care-reform-is-proving-to-be-much-more-difficult
While the trillion (yes trillion) dollar price tag doesn’t seem to worry the White House, Americans took to the streets this weekend to make their voices heard. The monstrosity legislation has cleverly added a new kinder, gentler word, revenue or in layman’s terms-TAX increase.
Democratic leaders are considering a slew of new progressive taxes. Included in the recent proposals would be a soda, beer, employee payroll, flat-tax on insurance, VAT (value added tax on everything) and employer mandate taxes, according to the Heritage Foundation.
These proposed taxes would most certainly hit those making less than $250,000 per year, a promise Obama made to the American people and has already broken by raising taxes on tobacco products.
And let’s not forget the wealthy; those who make over the $250,000 per year would get an extra special tax around 3 percent to make up the costs and provide “free” health care to all. If you ask the upper-echelon taxpayers how they feel about free care, they might say something about the free part.
Last week the Congressional Budget Office (CBO the non-partisan gold standard) Director Douglas Elmendorf told the Senate, nothing in their current health care plan reduces health care costs.
Furthermore, Elmendorf explained, the Democrat’s health care plan only “puts an additional long-term burden on top of an already unsustainable path.” He went on to suggest Medicare reform would be a better route for the White House to tackle.
Obama said in Italy last week that he didn’t want a timeline or anything, “but I really want to get it done by the August recess.” The reason is the longer the plan is out there, more pork hidden in the bill is destined to get out to the public.
One such money-grabber was pointed out by Dawn Wildman, of So-Cal Tax Revolt Coalition, she found at least $16 billion in pork spending.
“The fact that they claim Americans will be able to keep their private insurance when the bill clearly makes it illegal to buy or sell private insurance. ‘It is unlawful for a private health insurer to sell health insurance coverage that duplicates the benefits provided under the Act’ (title I sec. 104a, of HR 676),” Wildman said.
She continues to voice her concerns about who will be offered health care. “They say all residents, not citizens, will be offered care. It's a kind of medical tourism.”
Wildman also explains the government will set up migrant health centers and she wants to know what exactly that looks like.
The bill even includes a ghastly “duty to die” that would hit senior citizens who have worked their whole life and paid all their taxes. Obama even danced around this topic at townhall meeting. “We need to think about costly testing and surgery for older patients.”
Taxes, taxes and more taxes, “The bill states they will increase taxes on the top-5 percent of income earners, modest progressive excise tax on payroll and self-employed as well as a tax on stock bond transactions,” Wildman said.
The National Coalition on Benefits which represents major business groups like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and AT&T told House leaders this plan would hurt their businesses. “The proposal in its current form needs serious revision,” the letter stated.
Another group put out an open invitation to all lawmakers. The Let Freedom Ring organization called on every Congressperson and Senator to pledge to the voters that they won’t sign a health care bill unless they (not staffers or lobbyist) have read the entire 1,300-plus bill and have posted it on the internet for 72 hours.
House Minority Whip, Eric Cantor-R-VA said where do I sign?
***
At the So-Cal Tax Revolt Coalition’s Tea Party this weekend Wildman and her coalition partner Leslie Eastman were able to raise awareness about the mammoth health care bill.
“We did this old school. The main reason was to get everyone up to speed on the latest legislation,” Wildman said. “We can’t rely on politicians across the board, most aren’t honest.”
San Diego resident Bob Morey agreed with Wildman. “We need to show up and have our voice heard, otherwise there will be no opposition and the bills will just roll through.”
The group also claimed their first victory against Washington D.C.’s political machine. “Our constant phone calling, emailing and faxing paid off when the Senate chose to shelf the cap-and-trade bill,” Eastman said.
Wildman said, now it was up to them to get the blue-dog democrats to slow down and read the 1,300-page health care bill, something other organizations are trying to do as well.
The coalition hopes to get more stories out there to Americans and politicians like Claudia Busath’s. She spent four years in Canada in the 1990s.
“What the politicians don’t tell you is Canada nearly went bankrupt providing national health care. They had to make deep cuts across the board to pay for an unsustainable health care system,” she said.
That meant health-care rationing. “I’m in a wheel chair and am fighting cancer, if I stayed in Canada I’d be dead,” Busath explained. “They put doctors, nurses and specialists on strict salaries and as a result they left Canada and went to countries so they could earn a living – like America.”
During Busath’s time in Canada, she paid 55 percent in taxes to the government; she was middleclass and that was gross income that was levied.
Next on deck was Eastman herself. “I’m a registered Democrat, most people think I’m with the other party. I’m mad at politicians who don’t represent me.”
Responding to the 10 counter-protestors across the street, Eastman said “we must be doing something right.” She also told the crowd those fake protestors are paid by George Soros of MoveOn.org.
Last on the podium was Mason Weaver, motivational speaker and radio host. “Want to see a black man speak without a teleprompter? When you speak the truth, it’s not hard,” the crowd erupted with laughter.
Weaver spoke to the crowd, very clearly telling them that Washington was trying to divide America. “Where are ‘we the people’ of the constitution, Obama is treating you like you are 4-years-old.”
“Freedom or Slavery, you have to choose today. It’s time to take back our country,” Weaver fanned the flames by telling the 10 counter protestors across the street “get a job.”
Weaver also explained that the African-American phrase is something we need to get over. “I’m a principled black American.”
For more stories;www.examiner.com/x-10317-San-Diego-County-Political-Buzz-Examiner~y2009m6d18-Health-care-reform-is-proving-to-be-much-more-difficult
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Vans Warped Tour provides skateboarding, music and people watching
Pomona- Sprinkled amongst the musicians, punk music fans and Mohawks were a handful of skateboarding athletes. The kids were a part of the all-day Vans Warped Tour concert event held in Pomona, CA on June 26th.
Headlining bands included old-school punkers Bad Religion, NOFX, Thrice and Less Than Jake.
Littered across the infield of the race track were a number of stages that played many up-and-coming bands, booths selling various concert wares and plenty of junk-food stands.
The crowd was treated to both girls and boys skating on a metal mini-ramp that travels across the country to all the Vans tour events.
The skaters pulled airs, Ollies, kick flips during the 30 minute jam sessions. Up first were the girls. The All Girl Skate Jam skaters included 6-year-old Annika Vrklan who skated with a helmet complete with pink-bunny ears.
When asked about the skate jam she replied, “It’s loud, but really cool.”
All Girl Skate Jam is an organization dedicated to promoting girl skaters. The founder, Patty Segovia, started the company in 1990 and is a soul skater girl. “Our motto is all ages, all abilities and all girls.”
The boys revved up the heat factor and showed the concert fans that skating is all about self-expression, creativity and freedom of the flow. They carved-up the ramp with grinds, front-side airs, board grabs, 5os, front-side 360s, 50/50s, Indies and bonelesses
With punk-rock bands playing as a backdrop, nine-year-old Koby said, “Dropping in front of hundreds of rowdy people was so sick. Skating with my friends and watching the bands was a lot of fun.”
When he came off the ramp he said, “I think the lead singer of that band is drunk and I think he was drunk when he wrote the song. He sure cusses a lot.”
However, garnering attention was not a problem. Koby was definitely comfortable skating in front of the crowd, and the girls were especially loud as they cheered the young skater on.
Many of the skaters will skate at the Vans Warped tour in Chula Vista later in the summer.
Headlining bands included old-school punkers Bad Religion, NOFX, Thrice and Less Than Jake.
Littered across the infield of the race track were a number of stages that played many up-and-coming bands, booths selling various concert wares and plenty of junk-food stands.
The crowd was treated to both girls and boys skating on a metal mini-ramp that travels across the country to all the Vans tour events.
The skaters pulled airs, Ollies, kick flips during the 30 minute jam sessions. Up first were the girls. The All Girl Skate Jam skaters included 6-year-old Annika Vrklan who skated with a helmet complete with pink-bunny ears.
When asked about the skate jam she replied, “It’s loud, but really cool.”
All Girl Skate Jam is an organization dedicated to promoting girl skaters. The founder, Patty Segovia, started the company in 1990 and is a soul skater girl. “Our motto is all ages, all abilities and all girls.”
The boys revved up the heat factor and showed the concert fans that skating is all about self-expression, creativity and freedom of the flow. They carved-up the ramp with grinds, front-side airs, board grabs, 5os, front-side 360s, 50/50s, Indies and bonelesses
With punk-rock bands playing as a backdrop, nine-year-old Koby said, “Dropping in front of hundreds of rowdy people was so sick. Skating with my friends and watching the bands was a lot of fun.”
When he came off the ramp he said, “I think the lead singer of that band is drunk and I think he was drunk when he wrote the song. He sure cusses a lot.”
However, garnering attention was not a problem. Koby was definitely comfortable skating in front of the crowd, and the girls were especially loud as they cheered the young skater on.
Many of the skaters will skate at the Vans Warped tour in Chula Vista later in the summer.
Alternative skates equal fun for Freeline
San Diego – If you are looking for a new skateboard without the board – look no further than Freeline Sports Inc. This sideways skate sport was the brain child of Ryan Farrelly.
This new sport has recently taken off as seen at the Van’s Warp Tour. The company now sponsors riders and these riders as well as others get together at competitions around the country and world.
The jest of the Freeline competitions includes trick platforms, downhill, flat land and skate ramps and bowls.
Freeline Company hooked-up with the Vans Warp Tour three years ago. “We wanted inclusion and acceptance from the core community as we like to ride hard,” say company spokesman Mike Kelly.
“Vans has been great to us allowing our top riders to showcase their skills at the California tour dates,” Kelly says. He also said that this exposure shows kids and skate fans that there are other alternatives to traditional skateboarding.
Freeline sees themselves as an innovator. “Like Jack Burton with his snowboards and Sector 9 and long boards, Freeline promotes their sideways skates.”
Freeline would like to provide the “next ride” of the action sports community.
The company has sold more than 40,000 units through internet, retail stores and international distribution. The company has now added to its line and includes two new models with wood-top decks as well as t-shirts/sweatshirts.
“One of the best ways that we market our sideway skates is by utilizing riders. It’s not just a product, but the people that ride them,” Kelly said. “The lifestyle brand comes from the people.”
The average consumer is 12-21 years-old, both male and female. These riders are often accomplished at skateboarding, surfing, snowboarding, kite boarding, rollerblading and wave boardering.
Kelly points out that there are three levels of riders for these new sideway skates. “The Bad-ass ripper, a young teen that is first on the block to push the limits and be the first to shine; Campus-cruiser, this kid is not into it for the tricks, but wants to get from A to B with a backpack; Finally the beginner, someone who has never seen anything like this and likes the sideway movement.”
The Freeline Company motto ‘the next ride’ suits this up-and-coming sport perfectly.
If you are interested in Freeline sideway skates and can’t catch the next Warped Tour event, check them out online.
This new sport has recently taken off as seen at the Van’s Warp Tour. The company now sponsors riders and these riders as well as others get together at competitions around the country and world.
The jest of the Freeline competitions includes trick platforms, downhill, flat land and skate ramps and bowls.
Freeline Company hooked-up with the Vans Warp Tour three years ago. “We wanted inclusion and acceptance from the core community as we like to ride hard,” say company spokesman Mike Kelly.
“Vans has been great to us allowing our top riders to showcase their skills at the California tour dates,” Kelly says. He also said that this exposure shows kids and skate fans that there are other alternatives to traditional skateboarding.
Freeline sees themselves as an innovator. “Like Jack Burton with his snowboards and Sector 9 and long boards, Freeline promotes their sideways skates.”
Freeline would like to provide the “next ride” of the action sports community.
The company has sold more than 40,000 units through internet, retail stores and international distribution. The company has now added to its line and includes two new models with wood-top decks as well as t-shirts/sweatshirts.
“One of the best ways that we market our sideway skates is by utilizing riders. It’s not just a product, but the people that ride them,” Kelly said. “The lifestyle brand comes from the people.”
The average consumer is 12-21 years-old, both male and female. These riders are often accomplished at skateboarding, surfing, snowboarding, kite boarding, rollerblading and wave boardering.
Kelly points out that there are three levels of riders for these new sideway skates. “The Bad-ass ripper, a young teen that is first on the block to push the limits and be the first to shine; Campus-cruiser, this kid is not into it for the tricks, but wants to get from A to B with a backpack; Finally the beginner, someone who has never seen anything like this and likes the sideway movement.”
The Freeline Company motto ‘the next ride’ suits this up-and-coming sport perfectly.
If you are interested in Freeline sideway skates and can’t catch the next Warped Tour event, check them out online.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
The election of President Obama seen through an 8th graders eyes
San Diego- As we reflect on the recent elections, one student, Shannon O’Donnell, wanted to have her voice heard. Although her guy didn’t win, she had a say in the election process at her middle school. Here is a sampling of what she thought.
***
I assume that everyone in America or at least most Americans have been involved with the 2008 Presidential Election. Though it had a big impact on the adults, it also influenced middle schoolers.
As the Presidential election drew near, 7th and 8th graders started to discuss their beliefs about who was the better choice. Though most people leaned to Barack Obama, many felt strongly that Senator McCain was the right man for the job.
My school, (Diegueno, in the San Diego Union High School District) set up a mock election for all of the schools in the district to participate. All the History teachers set out to discuss with their classes both candidates in the election as well as the propositions.
All my classmates had different views and reasons for their views. It didn’t take long for everyone to be really excited about U.S. History. Though there was chaos in almost every class room, fighting through words to get their point across to other people, a few students seemed concerned about what some of certain candidates beliefs were and what one proposition really meant
The only problem with that was that the people who weren't agog on these subjects were teetering on either side because of so many differing facts. But eventually, everyone found what they believed in time for the big vote.
As the day after Election Day inched closer, everyone grew anxious and agitated. When the day after the election finally came, their new President was Barack Obama, some kids at Diegueno were sad that their promising patron had lost. Later that day, it was announced that President Obama had won the SDUHSD Mock Presidential Election as well.
You could tell that teachers were practically walking on air because Obama had won, though they would never admit to their excitement and joviality. When the teachers talked about him, it was like they were talking about their Lord and Love. McCain supporters were absolutely nauseated.
As people move on into different aspects of their lives, they will most likely remember this election forever. It was the first serious election that they had to think about, where they had to learn the facts and not just say, "I want Obama because my Mommy thinks he's the best!" The students got to state their own opinions and they were able to learn what their true beliefs on these subjects were. I’m glad I was able to participate.
Shannon will be moving on to eighth grade next month and aspires to study journalism once she heads to college.
For more stories; www.examiner.com/x-10317-San-Diego-County-Political-Buzz-Examiner~y2009m6d24-Obama-grilled-on-health-care-at-latest-press-conference
***
I assume that everyone in America or at least most Americans have been involved with the 2008 Presidential Election. Though it had a big impact on the adults, it also influenced middle schoolers.
As the Presidential election drew near, 7th and 8th graders started to discuss their beliefs about who was the better choice. Though most people leaned to Barack Obama, many felt strongly that Senator McCain was the right man for the job.
My school, (Diegueno, in the San Diego Union High School District) set up a mock election for all of the schools in the district to participate. All the History teachers set out to discuss with their classes both candidates in the election as well as the propositions.
All my classmates had different views and reasons for their views. It didn’t take long for everyone to be really excited about U.S. History. Though there was chaos in almost every class room, fighting through words to get their point across to other people, a few students seemed concerned about what some of certain candidates beliefs were and what one proposition really meant
The only problem with that was that the people who weren't agog on these subjects were teetering on either side because of so many differing facts. But eventually, everyone found what they believed in time for the big vote.
As the day after Election Day inched closer, everyone grew anxious and agitated. When the day after the election finally came, their new President was Barack Obama, some kids at Diegueno were sad that their promising patron had lost. Later that day, it was announced that President Obama had won the SDUHSD Mock Presidential Election as well.
You could tell that teachers were practically walking on air because Obama had won, though they would never admit to their excitement and joviality. When the teachers talked about him, it was like they were talking about their Lord and Love. McCain supporters were absolutely nauseated.
As people move on into different aspects of their lives, they will most likely remember this election forever. It was the first serious election that they had to think about, where they had to learn the facts and not just say, "I want Obama because my Mommy thinks he's the best!" The students got to state their own opinions and they were able to learn what their true beliefs on these subjects were. I’m glad I was able to participate.
Shannon will be moving on to eighth grade next month and aspires to study journalism once she heads to college.
For more stories; www.examiner.com/x-10317-San-Diego-County-Political-Buzz-Examiner~y2009m6d24-Obama-grilled-on-health-care-at-latest-press-conference
Friday, July 10, 2009
Obama, Gingrich talk cap-and-trade
While President Obama is in Europe making his sales pitch to the G-8 leaders on cap-and-trade, politicians at home are out in full force trying to cement the largest tax increase in American history.
Confronting the globe’s environmental health problems is going to be a tough sell, when unemployment approaches double digits nationally and America’s inner-gears are in need of a tune-up.
To make matters worse the president needs China and India on board to make any impact on the reduction of CO2 and temperatures. Neither country signed up for any short-term changes, in fact China’s President Hu Jintao left the meetings that Obama had chaired. Ending any hopes of meaningful environmental resolutions.
China made it especially clear at the G8 meeting that they view carbon tariffs in the Waxman-Markey bill as a violation of World Trade Organization rules
The Senate was due to take up the cap-and-trade bill next week, however, due to constituent push back and the tremendous tax increased to be levied on all Americans, the Democrats have put off the vote.
The longer this bill sits out in the open, the more vulnerable it becomes. This is great news for the Republican minority. It gives them a chance to regroup and slow-down the super-majority Democrats.
This is exactly in tune with how local tax advocacy group So-Cal Tax Revolt Coalition feels. “The government wants to audit every aspect of your home life. The bill states every home owner will receive an energy audit,” Leslie Eastman points out.
“It is likely to be conducted by government inspectors who will examine and provide detailed reports on the ways American citizens live directly to RESNET (Residential Energy Services Network).
Eastman contends that many San Diego residents are having a hard time selling their homes; however, cap-and-trade may make that process impossible.
That being said, Newt Gingrich of American Solutions hosted an open line townhall from Washington D.C. to get some facts straight on the cap-and-trade legislation. “My position is real clear, I don’t believe in any energy tax.”
He cites that not only will jobs be driven to China, but it will rob the American people of prosperity and national security. “Americans can be productive with energy; we don’t need to bow down to the dictators in Saudi Arabia or Venezuela.”
Of course, you can’t listen in on Gingrich without “Drill Here, Drill Now.” This townhall was no different. Gingrich however did bring up some interesting points on that topic. He stated that there is more of a chance of an oil spill with oil tankers transporting oil to this country than leaks from oil platforms.
For proof he points to last years’ tremendous hurricane season in the Gulf and there were virtually no breaches in the oil rigs. “Technology is such, that we can safely drill down or slant drill in shale. The bottom line is Americans need to be proactive in producing energy.”
Many of the questions centered on the money that could be generated with proactively searching and capturing American energy resources. Many also felt the country could pull itself out of this economic calamity, by harnessing our resources.
This is great news for California who is an energy rich and out of money. Wait a minute, California sits under the toughest environmental regulations and there will be no energy harnessing to solve the $26 billion budget deficit problem.
Speaking of the Golden State, President Obama made some interesting comments regarding the strength of California’s economy and the state’s success saving energy and creating jobs.
“In the late 1970s, the state of California enacted tougher energy-efficiency policies. Over the next three decades, those policies helped create almost 1.5 million jobs. And today, Californians consume 40 percent less energy per person than the national average- which over time has prevented the need to build at least 24 new power plants. Think about that. California producing jobs, their economy keeping pace with the rest of the country and yet they’ve been able to maintain their energy usage in a much lower level than the rest of the country,” Obama eloquently said.
That statement couldn’t be further from the truth. California is not Disneyland. The state is issuing IOUs, unemployment is higher than the national average, nearly 12 percent, the state imports nearly 50 percent of their crude from foreign nations (even though they enough off the California coast line), and energy costs have risen more than 34 percent since 1990, according to the Energy Information Agency.
Hardly prosperous and hardly something the nation should aspire to.
One last point, Environmental Protection Agency spokesperson, Lisa Jackson said at a cap-and-trade legislation meeting last year that the carbon reductions would be nil. “I believe that essential parts of the chart are that the U.S. action alone will not impact CO2 levels.”
Again, Obama’s Energy Secretary Steven Chu said he did not agree with the chart either and concurred without international cooperation nothing would change.
Begging the question, cap and Tax?
For more stories; www.examiner.com/x-10317-San-Diego-County-Political-Buzz-Examiner~y2009m7d3-Capandtrade-madness-heads-to-Senate
Confronting the globe’s environmental health problems is going to be a tough sell, when unemployment approaches double digits nationally and America’s inner-gears are in need of a tune-up.
To make matters worse the president needs China and India on board to make any impact on the reduction of CO2 and temperatures. Neither country signed up for any short-term changes, in fact China’s President Hu Jintao left the meetings that Obama had chaired. Ending any hopes of meaningful environmental resolutions.
China made it especially clear at the G8 meeting that they view carbon tariffs in the Waxman-Markey bill as a violation of World Trade Organization rules
The Senate was due to take up the cap-and-trade bill next week, however, due to constituent push back and the tremendous tax increased to be levied on all Americans, the Democrats have put off the vote.
The longer this bill sits out in the open, the more vulnerable it becomes. This is great news for the Republican minority. It gives them a chance to regroup and slow-down the super-majority Democrats.
This is exactly in tune with how local tax advocacy group So-Cal Tax Revolt Coalition feels. “The government wants to audit every aspect of your home life. The bill states every home owner will receive an energy audit,” Leslie Eastman points out.
“It is likely to be conducted by government inspectors who will examine and provide detailed reports on the ways American citizens live directly to RESNET (Residential Energy Services Network).
Eastman contends that many San Diego residents are having a hard time selling their homes; however, cap-and-trade may make that process impossible.
That being said, Newt Gingrich of American Solutions hosted an open line townhall from Washington D.C. to get some facts straight on the cap-and-trade legislation. “My position is real clear, I don’t believe in any energy tax.”
He cites that not only will jobs be driven to China, but it will rob the American people of prosperity and national security. “Americans can be productive with energy; we don’t need to bow down to the dictators in Saudi Arabia or Venezuela.”
Of course, you can’t listen in on Gingrich without “Drill Here, Drill Now.” This townhall was no different. Gingrich however did bring up some interesting points on that topic. He stated that there is more of a chance of an oil spill with oil tankers transporting oil to this country than leaks from oil platforms.
For proof he points to last years’ tremendous hurricane season in the Gulf and there were virtually no breaches in the oil rigs. “Technology is such, that we can safely drill down or slant drill in shale. The bottom line is Americans need to be proactive in producing energy.”
Many of the questions centered on the money that could be generated with proactively searching and capturing American energy resources. Many also felt the country could pull itself out of this economic calamity, by harnessing our resources.
This is great news for California who is an energy rich and out of money. Wait a minute, California sits under the toughest environmental regulations and there will be no energy harnessing to solve the $26 billion budget deficit problem.
Speaking of the Golden State, President Obama made some interesting comments regarding the strength of California’s economy and the state’s success saving energy and creating jobs.
“In the late 1970s, the state of California enacted tougher energy-efficiency policies. Over the next three decades, those policies helped create almost 1.5 million jobs. And today, Californians consume 40 percent less energy per person than the national average- which over time has prevented the need to build at least 24 new power plants. Think about that. California producing jobs, their economy keeping pace with the rest of the country and yet they’ve been able to maintain their energy usage in a much lower level than the rest of the country,” Obama eloquently said.
That statement couldn’t be further from the truth. California is not Disneyland. The state is issuing IOUs, unemployment is higher than the national average, nearly 12 percent, the state imports nearly 50 percent of their crude from foreign nations (even though they enough off the California coast line), and energy costs have risen more than 34 percent since 1990, according to the Energy Information Agency.
Hardly prosperous and hardly something the nation should aspire to.
One last point, Environmental Protection Agency spokesperson, Lisa Jackson said at a cap-and-trade legislation meeting last year that the carbon reductions would be nil. “I believe that essential parts of the chart are that the U.S. action alone will not impact CO2 levels.”
Again, Obama’s Energy Secretary Steven Chu said he did not agree with the chart either and concurred without international cooperation nothing would change.
Begging the question, cap and Tax?
For more stories; www.examiner.com/x-10317-San-Diego-County-Political-Buzz-Examiner~y2009m7d3-Capandtrade-madness-heads-to-Senate
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