The Delaware Curmudgeon

Bopping Around the Tubes

2009-09-21T16:45:00.023-05:00

Blogging has been light lately; a bit under the weather for about a week, and feeling a basic ennui about the news being reported. But I can comment on a few things.

Who could possibly have predicted that this would happen? (emphasis added)

Edmunds.com reports that “September’s light-vehicle sales rate will fall to 8.8 million units . . . the lowest rate in nearly 28 years, tying the worst demand on record. After the cash-for-clunkers program boosted August sales to their first year-over-year increase since October 2007, demand has plunged. In at least the last 33 years, the U.S. seasonally adjusted annual rate has only dropped as low as 8.8 million units once — in December 1981 — with records stretching back to January 1976.”

“Many people regard February as the darkest month of the recession, but even then (sales were) higher, at 9.1 million units,” adds Edmunds.com statistician Zhenwei Zhou.

So....a faux demand instituted a faux jump in sales and then the hangover begins. I predict that sales slump will last at least through the end of this year, which bodes a couple of cold months for bloggers like Alphecca.

I would liken the whole scheme to running out of Viagra at the most inopportune time.

Like many others, I have been following the recent scandals involving less-than shall we say kosher goings on a various ACORN offices across the country. The story unfolded at Big Government. Delaware Libertarian has opined on the predictability of the responses in the local blogosphere, and I generally agree with him. I don't know what my response would have been predicted to have been, but I'll tell you my true and honest reaction as the stories unfolded:

Pure, unadulterated, practically guffaw-inducing, stomach-hurting laughter.

I mean, did you see the "pimp's" outfit? C'mon, R operatives. You can do better than that. I am sure that in a Democratic "sting" in a similar vein would have had a much better pimp outfit than that. Geez, it's embarassing.

And for liberals to decry "Gotcha Journalism"? Guess what? Gotcha.

No better or worse than any liberal exposes. Except for the pimp outfit. C'mon, no self-respecting pimp would wear that. Worst.....pimp.......evah !

After I recovered from my uncontrollable laughter, I started thinking on it a bit. I am sure that ACORN in many areas does some good work, and it is kind of unfair to paint an entire organization with a broad brush based on the actions of a couple of jerks. But you also have to wonder how these jerks could be a part of the organization. Sure, there's always bad apples, but they have to work in an environment that either encourages or tacitly turns a blind eye.

When one sucks off of the government teat long enough without accountability, well, this shit is gonna happen. I've seen it happen. Often, people think they are doing a good thing. One wonders how they would get that idea.

Delaware Libertarian throws a bone to the ACORN defenders. While I have no reason to believe that ACORN of Delaware is anything but above board (at least in its handling of foreclosure issues), just as one bad example doesn't prove anything, neither does one good one.

As with most situations, there is no right or wrong. It's a little bit of this and a little bit of that. Those who are dogmatic on either side need to take a breath.

I do, however, support a full audit of all of ACORN's operations. It appears as though they self-report, but nothing from an independent source. It is a matter of course that agencies that receive government largesse are audited not only for finances but also for procedures. I don't see how anyone could oppose that.

Errr, enough about ACORN. It appears as though Obama has already thrown them under the bus. Let's move on.

The 9-12 march in Washington occurred. People are bantering about the size of the crowd. Twenty? Twenty million? I can't believe the energy that is expended on the discussion. I say, Who Cares?

Random thought: If someone is a Teabagger, what does that make someone who disagrees with them...a Teabaggee ? Naw, I doubt if they could hold their breath long enough.

I was feeling better by Saturday, and we rode down to Seaford Harley Davidson for some Delmarva Bike Week festivities. It was a beautiful day and we had a good time, but unfortunately we have a friend in Seaford who happens to have a 14-year-old-son who happens to have Guitar Hero (with accompanying drumset and karaoke). Chainsaw played the drums to Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, and also did a duet with another friend to Lynrd Sknyrd's Simple Man.

Another problem: I haven't figured out how to get video off of my Blackberry yet. It's good, though. One of these days I'll get into it.

So, we head off into another week of the Congress critters doing their mischief.

Just another week, but I will leave you with this quote from Daniel Webster in 1837 which came to me via an e-mail from Jim Rash, Delaware State Chair of the Libertarian Party:

“I apprehend no danger to our country from a foreign foe … Our destruction, should it come at all, will be from another quarter. From the inattention of the people to the concerns of their government, from their carelessness and negligence, I must confess that I do apprehend some danger. I fear that they may place too implicit a confidence in their public servants, and fail properly to scrutinize their conduct; that in this way they may be made the dupes of designing men, and become the instruments of their own undoing. Make them intelligent, and they will be vigilant; give them the means of detecting the wrong, and they will apply the remedy.”

That is all.

Matthew Flocco and Robert Fangman

2009-09-10T05:16:00.001-05:00

Never heard of them? Pity.

In a state as small as Delaware, it’s a wonder that you never ran into Matthew or Robert.

Matthew Flocco hailed from Newark, a graduate of Newark High School, class of 1998. After graduation, Matthew joined the Navy and eventually became an Aerographer’s Mate 2nd Class. He was an avid runner and all-round athlete and loved meteorology. He was teaching himself to play the guitar.

Robert Fangman hailed from Claymont. He graduated from Claymont High School and attended the University of Delaware. He worked for Verizon Wireless for a while, but his love of travel led him to a job as a flight attendant for United Airlines.

Never heard of them? They both sound like interesting fellows.

Matthew Flocco, age 21, was in the Pentagon on the morning of 9/11/2001.

Robert Fangman, age 33, was on board United Airlines Flight 175 on the morning of 9/11/2001.

Both Delaware natives had lives full of promise. Both are gone.

Please remember them and say and prayer for their families who are still dealing with their loss.

Riddle Me This

2009-09-09T17:07:00.023-05:00

In the current version of H.R. 3200 as written, low-income families may be eligible for insurance premium subsidies in order to purchase health insurance. Interestingly, though, this subsidy is only available to those who purchase said insurance from a government-established “insurance exchange”, but not if the person wants to purchase said insurance from their employer:

The House health-care bill gives a large subsidy to millions of families with incomes up to three times the poverty level (i.e., up to $66,000 now for a family of four) if they buy their insurance through one of the newly created "insurance exchanges," but not if they get their insurance from their employer.

Why would that be? It seems to be that in order to offer individuals the maximum number of options for selecting their health insurance that all forms should be on the table. Aren’t freedom, choice, and affordability primary goals of this legislation? And if one of the tenets is to subsidize those that need it most, why are their options being limited?

What if someone meets the income criteria for eligibility for an insurance premium subsidy and determines for whatever reason that they would prefer their employer’s plan. Assuming one agrees with such a subsidy in the first place, why would it not apply?

Sounds to me like it is because the government knows best what is good for us. This isn’t choice at all. This is a “come hither” whispered into the ears of the working poor to come to the comfort of the government’s arms. What better way to solidify their constituency for generations than to hold them hostage through a government “exchange” service? They did it with welfare; they will do it with health care.

If the working poor are forced to go through an insurance “exchange service” for coverage and do so, what incentive does the employer have for offering any plan at all? Slowly but surely, insurance coverage, especially for small-to-medium-sized businesses, would disappear.

Instead of expanding options, the insurance exchange will eventually have control over all of them.

Another riddle in the current debate (of which there are many, but are too mind-numbing to deal with all at once) is, “What is the rush”? The MSM political beat and bloggers are characterizing the President’s speech tonight as a “game changer” and a “pivotal test”, and that if a compromise bill is in place this fall it will be a “big victory”.

Why this fall? What is the rush? The majority of the provisions of the current legislation do not take effect for years: isn’t there time to do it right instead of ramming it down the throat of an increasingly-wary country? The portrayal of any kind of legislation as being some kind of imminent emergency is suspicious. And the fact that the Democratic version attacks the entire system (uh, except perhaps tort reform or uh, the ability to purchase insurance across state lines) instead of incrementally instituting improvements is enough to make one shudder.

If General Motors was too big too fail, the House health care legislation is too big too succeed.

Sorry to be such a pain, but I have another inconvenient question: Why does Congress exempt itself from the “public option”?

Predictably, however, the Heller amendment was defeated, with all 21 committee Democrats voting against it. That vote is indicative of the reality that any bill requiring Congress to be covered by the same health care as the public has the proverbial snow ball in Hades' chances of being enacted.

Oh, and even though it is said by bill supporters that it does not cover the estimated 11 million illegal aliens in this country, a report by Congressional Research Service (prepared for members and committees of Congress) not only states that there are no enforcement measures to guarantee such a claim, but also makes the astounding conclusion that unauthorized aliens would be required to have health insurance (see page 4) ! Not that they would, as people who are here illegally by the very nature of their status would tend to stay under the radar, but it shows how the devil is in the details, and that the writers of this bill have no idea what slippery slopes they are entering upon (and have only a cursory knowledge of tax and immigration laws and the varying definitions between the two).

So many questions. Geez, I’m really sorry about that. I hate to be throwing bad mojo at all this hope and change, but peon that I am I think my questions are warranted and should not be scoffed at.

The knee-jerk reaction to these honest questions would be to dismiss me as a “tea-bagger” or some other equally jingoistic term. As Obama supporter Camille Paglia notes:

“…..is in fact just a style of rote regurgitation of hackneyed approved terms ("racism, sexism, homophobia") when confronted with any social issue. The Democratic brain has been marinating so long in those clichés that it's positively pickled.”

Honest issues raised in the debate on healthcare reform are not being raised by some odd minority. Instead, they are being made by the real majority that has been awakened by the sheer arrogance of those members of Congress who have decided that they know what is best for us. We are not railing at the unknown; we are railing at the known. The majority of those opposing the House plan are informed and thoughtful. However, the more informed one is, the more afraid one becomes.

We know what we’re going to hear in the President’s speech tonight. We have questions, and all we will get platitudes and falsehoods.

The sleeping giant has awoken. The usually quiet rubes (have) decided that they want to be heard.

Delaware's Own Larry Binger Starts Fundraising for the 2010 Veteran Wheelchair Games

2009-09-01T17:09:00.014-05:00

From his Rolling Sportsman website:

Dear Friends and Fellow Veterans,

By now, most of you know that I did fairly well at the 29th National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Spokane, Washington this year and that I brought home the Silver Medal for trapshooting. I was able to do this because of your generous sponsorship and support.

I will be representing the State of Delaware next July at the 30th National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Denver, Colorado July 4 – 9, 2010.

Normally I would start my fundraising campaign in late January and the first thing I would take care of is my airline ticket. However, with the economy being what is, the airlines have just reduced the price of tickets purchased in advance and I find I can get a round trip ticket for under $300.00 if I act fast and that’s why I am holding this fundraiser. Call it a bidding war if you like!!

This Photograph was taken during the 2006 National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Anchorage, Alaska.

This beautiful patriotic photograph is 16” X 32”, double matted – framed and signed by the award winning photographer Joseph Claice.

It has a retail value of $350.00. It will make a great addition to your home, office or club.

Please keep in mind when submitting your bid, I need to purchase my airfare for the 30th National Veterans Wheelchair Games as soon as possible.

The minimum acceptable bid is $100.00. I will accept the highest bid that reaches my E-Mail by September 30, 2009. Serious bidders only please. I will pay shipping cost if applicable.

I will post the highest current bid daily on this page until 12: noon September 30, 2009. I will then contact the winner and post the winning bid.

CLICK HERE TO BID FOR THE EAGLE !

The Vandever Death Panel

2009-08-28T16:54:00.015-05:00

It was nearing midnight on Friday, June 13th, 2003 when the Vandever Death Panel convened for deliberations.

It was an emergency meeting, unexpectedly held at a hospital in Salisbury, MD. There was no agenda, no rules of conduct, no taker of minutes, and no “action items” to follow up on.

The Vandever Death Panel came together in an odd way. A surprise party had been planned for “Dad” (also a member of the Panel) for Fathers Day. A distant member of the Panel from South Carolina had arrived with her family the night before, total unbeknownst to the intended honoree. There was a cake with a picture of the five children of the honoree at tender ages:

It was going to be a blast. The children of the honoree gathered at Indian River Inlet to await the surprise party the next day. Karaoke was played. Laughs were had. The Panel didn't know they were going to have a job to do in a mere matter of hours. Boy, were they yucking it up:

But then, the call came. The Vandever Death Panel had business to attend to.

The honoree (“Dad”) was vacationing with who would ultimately become the subject of the Death Panel: “Mom”. They were vacationing in Ocean City, when all of a sudden Mom dropped. She was sitting on the bed of the hotel, getting dressed, talking about this and that, when all of a sudden she kind of gurgled and fell back on the bed.

Dad followed the ambulance to the hospital in Salisbury. The rest of the member of the Death Panel somehow got there, not knowing what to think. We had little details. Mom was rushed to the hospital. That is all we knew.

The Vandever Death Panel convened in her room in the hospital. She was hooked up to a thing that made her breathe. An aneurism, we were told, had blown up in her brain.

Now one may have in one’s mind what a Death Panel would look like: a Kafkaesque group of muddling bureaucrats with grey suits and thin ties and wispy mustaches, with smoke swirling around while they look at their reports and pretend to consider what they should be considering so seriously, when in fact they know the decision they will make. It is so written.

But the Vandever Death Panel was nothing like that. The Panel stroked, kissed, and hugged Mom. They covered her feet because they knew she always thought her feet were ugly. They stood on both sides of the bed, watching the breathing machine go up and down, looking at each other with tear-stroked faces, talking rarely but quite nonsensically about weird things like how Mom could never grow anything and how much she loved the ring that Dad got her for their 50th wedding anniversary and how she never was into jewelry but boy did she love to flash that thing and how her wedding band which she had worn all her life had only cost $12.00 and how she and a daughter had gone to Paris on a whim and when the daughter was cavorting and drinking with some of the kitchen staff in the hotel restaurant how Mom had come down in her nightgown and curlers to find out what was going on and how on that cruise that we took she always looked upward and agape at things that fascinated her and how on a trip to London with a friend she swore the Queen waved directly at her and how when she retired and wanted to get on the internet the first question she asked was about how do you find that dirty stuff and how much her friends at her workplace of all ages loved her and how if she got on our nerves we would call her “Mommie Dearest”, LOL.

After all of this blather the Vandever Death Panel had to get down to business. They talked. They knew she was gone. They took a vote. One member started to say……”But maybe…..”, but in the end the Panel knew. Mom was gone and there was nothing anyone could do about it.

So, harsh as it sounds, the plug was pulled. The Vandever Death Panel, with exception of the Senior Member, Dad, left the room. Dad stayed with her in her last moments. She was pronounced. Dad came out of the room, and the Vandever Death Panel huddled close together in tears in the hallway.

The Vandever Death Panel did not discuss the cost effectiveness of continued care. If there was someone somewhere who could have received one of her organs as a transplant recipient, we did not know if we had we would not have considered it. We did not weigh pros and cons of the value to society of her life if she had lived. The significance of her life could not be measured in her future earning potential or contribution to society, only in love for which there is no measurement.

The Vandever Death Panel made their decision because they knew it was the right thing to do. They knew Mom. They knew how she lived and how she would not want to live. So they made the decision to allow her to die.

This is how decisions are made, and always should be made.

Sure do miss you, Mom.

Howard Dean Gives an Honest Answer to an Honest Question !

2009-08-27T17:07:00.006-05:00

The questioner wanted to know why tort reform is not a part of any of the current healthcare reform bills. He got an honest answer from Howard Dean:

"And the reason why tort reform is not in the bill is because the people who wrote it did not want to take on the trial lawyers in addition to everybody else they were taking on, and that is the plain and simple truth. Now, that’s the truth.”

Arghhhhhhh !

h/t HotAir

Who Could Possibly Not Love This Lineup?

2009-08-26T17:22:00.002-05:00

On Saturday, September 5th, the 102 Arden Fair will commence ! We go to it every year to catch up with friends and family as a traditional end of summer.

It is always a great time. In addition to the crafts, folk dancing, and rides for kids there is the Beer Garden (aka "The Shady Grove). Each year they have all different kinds of music.

The lineup this year looks awesome ! Who could not love this? (from a e-mail from The Arden Club):

"Live music throughout the day in the "Beer Garden" from bands (in order of performance) Diamond State Concert Band, Strings of Prussia, Rubber Skunk with special guest Frankie V., the Scatologists, Kalai King & the Fractured Hearts, and the Porch Chops."

Gotta be there for the "Scatologists", LOL.

Seriously, it is a great time for young, old, and in-between.

H. Res. 216 - The Sunlight Rule

2009-08-24T17:01:00.004-05:00

Introduced by Congressman Ron Paul on 3/5/2009, H.R. 216 is just plain common sense to me:

Adds Rule XXIX (Time to Read Legislation Before Voting) to the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit voting by the House on legislation between the chambers unless: (1) the text of the measure has been available to all Members and their staffs in both printed and electronic format for at least 10 days; and (2) any manager's amendment or other amendment which makes substantive changes to the legislation has been made available in such format for at least 72 hours before such vote.

Exempts from such prohibition: (1) the intelligence authorization bill, appropriations, or other legislation containing classified information, or its conference report, if Members have at least seven days to study the measure's contents; and (2) congressional declarations of war or authorization of military force to respond to attacks on the United States.

Allows any citizen who is eligible to vote and who is not an employee of the federal executive or judicial branch to petition the board of the Office of Congressional Ethics to investigate allegations that a Member voted for any measure that violated this Rule. Amends Rule XIII (Calendars and Committee Reports) to prohibit the Committee on Rules from reporting a rule or order waiving Rule XXIX.

But, as the Congressman painfully points out, common sense does not often prevail in Washington.

On Wee-Wee's

2009-08-24T16:30:00.003-05:00

In recent remarks on healthcare reform, President Obama said,

"There's something about August going into September where everybody in Washington gets all wee-weed up. I don't know what it is. But that's what happens."

Really? People get “wee-weed up”? What does that even mean?

When Sarah Palin says, “You betcha !”, people react either in disdain for her alleged lack of sophistication or admiration for her folksiness. Either way, everyone knows what “You betcha !” means.

When former President Bush mispronounces the word nuclear as “nucular”, a whole cottage industry was formed. Still, everyone knew what he meant.

But wee-weed up? No one knows what that means. Is it a Chicago expression? Where does this come from?

When I was growing up I was one of four girls and one boy. The boy had a wee-wee. The girls did not. That is the only reference I have.

I’m just sayin’.

Could Obama be trying to say that with government-run healthcare we’ll all be pissing in the wind? Is he saying that town hall protestors should be pissed on rather than pissed off?

4th Annual POW/MIA Remembrance Day Run

2009-08-22T11:18:00.005-05:00

Saturday, August 29th.

All proceeds from the run will benefit POW/MIA of Delaware Monument.

Sign up point Dover AFB AMC Museum from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Breakfast sandwiches available at sign up from Harrington CKRT American Legion Post 7.

$20.00 per bike.

Ceremony starting at 10:30 AM at the AMC Museum to honor our POW/MIA's.

Escorted ride through the scenic countryside. Food from the grill, along with beverages and chips will be provided to participants following the run. There will also be music, 50/50 and door prizes. An event t-shirt will be provided for the first 200 participants.

For event information e-mail powmiarun@gmail.com.

See you there !

Lou and Betsy are What Make This Country Great: How Long Can They Last?

2009-08-18T17:41:00.005-05:00

Philadelphia is a city of food carts. They are on every street, of all different variations of cuisine from all over the world.

For over ten years, I have been getting my breakfast sandwich (ham, egg and cheese on a roll, large coffee/2 creams 1 sugar) at Lou’s Breakfast and Lunch at 16th and JFK Blvd. I don’t need to say a word as I approach the cart around 7:30 each morning; it’s already sizzling. I feel lost without my morning breakfast.

Lou and Betsy are there every day, no matter what the weather. They get up around 3 AM and get everything ready to make the drive into Philly from their home in Jersey. They are there in snowstorms, heat waves, sleet, and hurricanes. It is all about being dependable, because people in Philly are very particular about their sandwiches and Lou and Betsy know that they can’t be disappointed.

They tried to pass the business off a few years ago on some relatives while Lou tried a restaurant venture, but it didn’t work out. Their replacements just couldn’t cut the hours and the work, and apparently the hired help at the restaurant didn’t have Lou’s work ethic either. I’m glad they are back. They are a comforting part of my life.

Tomorrow afternoon, Lou and Betsy are going back to Greece to visit Lou’s father whom he hasn’t seen in a number of years. All of their customers, including me, are wondering what the heck we are going to do without our breakfast. Lou told me I should work from home so I won’t have to be too traumatized.

They’ll be back the day after Labor Day. I hope I can survive.

Lou and Betsy are the epitome of what makes this country great. They are hard-working people, take little nonsense, and know how to make a customer happy and keep them coming back for more. From what I can tell they are quite successful. It’s their own blood, sweat, and tears that make their business happen.

Lou once apoligized to me for having to raise the price of a sandwich by a nickel. It was the price of cheese that went up. He also stopped carrying doughnuts because there was no profit in them. While I used to have the urge for a doughnut now and then, I never stopped going to Lou's for my breakfast. I'm probably better off for it anyway.

Lou sometimes gets impatient with Betsy (his wife) when she doesn't move fast enough for him. I think he is cursing at her in Greek, but I'm not sure. He also has the uncanny ability at lunchtime to be able to take orders from ten people in line and remember them all. You have to take all of the orders so the people will stay and wait for their lunch; if you don't take the order they will move on. That's smart business.

Even though I admire Lou and Betsy, I am also reminded that this kind of entrepreneurship is not unusual. Many people do it (until they are regulated into oblivion). Lou often bemoans some of the idiotic cart regulations that the city imposes. He deals with the best he can. For example, the city came out with a new rule that cart vendors had to wear plastic gloves. That is so ridiculous! I have never heard of even one instance where anyone was harmed by cart food. It’s just another way to annoy the business owner and give patrons a false sense of security.

Lou and Betsy hang in there, dealing with the city bullshit through sheer determination.

I wonder how long they will put up with it until they decide to hang it up and relax back in Jersey. The way things are going, it may be soon. Lou and Betsy are examples of what makes this country great. Mess with them too much, and we will slide into the mediocrity of a paternalistic society that doesn’t recognize the value of Lou and Betsy.

I hope I am not alive to see that happen. I would sure miss my sandwich.

We're a Nation of Barney Fifes

2009-08-16T16:25:00.003-05:00

You Really Should Bookmark Keith Hennessey

2009-08-12T16:57:00.007-05:00

To stay informed on all things economic:

In the spirit of informed and vigorous debate, let’s look at what the President said about the pending legislation at yesterday’s Portsmouth town hall.

THE PRESIDENT: Now, let me just start by setting the record straight on a few things I’ve been hearing out here — (laughter) — about reform. Under the reform we’re proposing, if you like your doctor, you can keep your doctor. If you like your health care plan, you can keep your health care plan.

And yet here is what CBO said about the House bill:

In addition, CBO and the JCT staff estimate that nearly 6 million other people who would be covered by an employment-based plan under current law would not have such coverage under the proposal. That figure includes part-time employees, who could receive subsidies via an exchange even though they have an employer’s offer of coverage, and about 3 million people who would not have an employer’s offer of coverage under the proposal. Firms that would choose not to offer coverage as a result of the proposal would tend to be smaller employers and those that predominantly employ lower-wage workers—people who would be eligible for subsidies through the exchanges—although some workers who were not eligible for subsidies through the exchanges also would not have coverage available through their employers. Whether those changes in coverage would represent the dropping of existing coverage or a lack of offers of new coverage is difficult to determine. (p. 5)

Hennessey is even wonkier than Delaware Libertarian, if that's possible. But if you want details as opposed to banners, Keith Hennessey should be on your list as a must-read.

Oh, For the Good Old Days When Protestors Had Some Real Class !

2009-08-09T09:22:00.004-05:00

h/t Michelle Malkin

New Castle Resident Mark Hedrick, US Army, Is Coming Home from Iraq Today

2009-08-09T08:20:00.006-05:00

And Warriors’ Watch will be meeting him at the airport to give him an escort home.

Welcome Home rides are the best. You just feel so happy not just for the service man or woman returning from duty, but their family as well. I don’t always get to meet these returnees personally. Sometimes we forget that they are not only serving our country, but they are also a regular 22-year-old kid who sometimes likes to goof around like the rest of us.

Here’s a video from Mark’s MySpace page to remind us of that very thing:
Hedrick doing his thang

Heh, maybe I’ll get a chance to do a little moonwalk with him when he gets off the plane, but probably not as he’ll be surrounded by friends and family to be sure.

And speaking of Warriors’ Watch, founder Wayne Lutz recently reported on an event to honor the men and women of the Philadelphia Airport Police Department. They help us make sure all of these events go smoothly:

Without the cooperation and aid of the police there, our work would be much more difficult if not downright impossible. We ride in to the airport and the PD there treats us like VIPs, or I should actually say that they treat our TROOPS like VIPs. They know what we are doing there, and they themselves have such appreciation for our troops that helping us in our mission seems just natural to them. So they treat us well, and we wanted to give back a little.

Welcome home, Mark ! See you in a few hours…..

Watchyoo Talkin About, Willis?

2009-08-08T13:47:00.017-05:00

It is amazing to me that many of those in the health care debate appear to not realize that there are at least five versions of so-called “reform”, and that even the most discussed, H.R. 3200, has been referred to five committees and has been marked up to the extent that what is in the bill now is just a shadow of the original.

H.R. 3200 was introduced by Representative John Dingell (D-MI) on Tuesday, 7-14. It consists of 1,017 pages and has eight co-sponsors.

The Budget Committee had this bill referred to them, but what if anything they did with it is anybody’s guess. The status on Thomas Dot Gov still shows it as being “referred”, with no markups. The same goes for the House Oversight Committee.

The House Ways and Means Committee was afforded their chance to mark up the bill, and offered their own substitute bill. This is where it is really getting murky. The “Chairman’s Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute” (released Thursday, 7-16) is 794 pages, yet the “Ways and Means Staff description of the changes to be included in the Chairman’s Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute” describes the substsitute as consisting of additions and clarifications. Seems to me this would add to the size of the original bill, not detract from it. But heck, I’m new at this, and after all, I’m a just a part of the angry well-dressed mob. I’m sure all of our Representatives are on top of it.

The bill was also dealt with quite expeditiously in the House Committee of Education and Labor, where 42 amendments were introduced, most of which passed. It was reported favorably out of the committee, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Not only was there an amendment in the nature of a substitute, there was also an amendment to the amendment in the nature of a substitute ! The substitute consisted of 1,040 pages. If you add in the amendment to the amendment (3 pages), that makes the bill a total of 1,043 pages.The final vote was 26 to 22 on Friday, July 17th..

The House Committee on Energy and Commerce and a full five days of markups on H.R. 3200. Day One consisted of testimony. On Day Two, 5 amendments were introduced. On Day Three, 17 amendments were introduced. On Day Four, 45 amendments were introduced. On Day Five, 39 amendments were introduced. All of these various amendments were either agreed to, not agreed to, withdrawn, or ruled non-germane.

Heh. I think that ruling an amendment as being “non-germane” is kind of like saying this, only in politico-speak:

It is interesting on this last day that some veterans’ concerns were addressed. The Committee Press office states that:

“The Energy and Commerce Committee also accepted amendments by Rep. Steve Buyer (R-IN) during the markup of the legislation to further clarify that those who participate in the VA system will be exempt from the requirements of the legislation.”

Veterans appear to be off the hook.

The House Energy Committee offered its own amendment in the nature of a substitute on Friday, 7-31 which consisted of 1,026 pages.

So what, exactly, is the “health care reform bill”. And what is in it? Is it the original bill, or one of the bills offered as substitutes by the various committees involved? What was put in and what was taken out and what language was modified in each version? And I am only talking about this one bill; there are numerous others floating out there, including the Senate version(s) which add even more complexity to this boondoggle of a debate.

What the hell are we talking about here? Does anybody know? And why are some pushing for a “vote” on something that does not have a final shape or form? It is like voting for a ghost.

For example, is Section 401 of H.R. 3200 still intact as introduced ? This section deals with taxes on individuals without “acceptable” health coverage. If it is still in its original form, Hot Air blogger kbanaian has a few questions:

If my adult child is a dependent of mine, am I required under HR 3200 to buy insurance for her or him?
If I become unemployed at any time during a year, am I required to get a qualified plan or enter a government plan to avoid this tax? (It appears this proration clause I ended on does impose that requirement. If someone can find a place where it says you’re not taxed, please point me in the right direction.)
If I am a millionaire and I choose to self-insure, am I required to pay both the 2.5% tax (which, you will note, is capped at average insurance premiums as determined by your Health Choice Commissioner) and the 5.4% surcharge in Sec. 441? Do you have an estimate of the amount of legal tax avoidance that will occur if you raise taxes by that amount?
Who is required to document that I have the appropriate coverage? (This will be a test of whether they read 401. It’s up to the Treasury Secretary. Follow the link for the exact language.) Doesn’t this increase in paperwork defeat the purposes of cost control?

Hey, watchyoo talkin' about, Willis? Does anyone really know?

Joe Biden Said That?

2009-08-05T17:59:00.001-05:00

Heh.

It was bound to happen.

h/t The Whited Sepulchre

People Can Fool You Sometimes

2009-08-05T17:56:00.001-05:00

On our recent camping trip to the Skyline Drive, we encountered quite a few bikers. In fact, I could almost say there were just as many motorcyclists as there were cars.

As it happens, people with a common interest often end up talking to each other about this and that. After loading the bike (and my lap) up with firewood and ice on Saturday afternoon, we met a young man and his girlfriend who were there for the weekend. They happened to be camping at the same place we were.

Later that evening, the young man (I’ll call him Mike) stopped by our campsite for a few beers. He was 27 years old, and lived and worked as a federal employee in D.C.

Oh, good Lord, I thought. Here’s this young guy, smart, engaging, and probably one of those goo-goo liberals in love with the Democratic agenda and all that hopey-changey stuff.

We ventured into some politics, and Mike told us he had been at the inauguration and how he thought it was an exciting cultural change in the political landscape. Oh boy, here we go, I thought.

We bandied about different political figures and he said,

“Actually, I supported Ron Paul.”

Wh-a-a-a-a-t? So did we ! Mike was quite involved in the Ron Paul movement from what I gather.

How dare he ! How dare he dash my preconceived notions and stereotyping assumptions ! How dare he throw me this curve ball and show me to my face how presumptuous it was of me to write him off so easily ! I said as much to him in so many words, and he replied.

“There’s more of us in D.C. than you would think.”

There is hope.

New Castle 100 Archers Benefit Raffle

2009-07-28T13:44:00.001-05:00

New Castle 100 Archers is holding a benefit raffle to help support Youth Archery programs and the indoor archery range.

The drawing will be held Sunday, October 25th at 1:00 P.M.at New Castle 100 Archers, Sunset Lake Rd., Newark, DE.

The lucky winner need not be present to win. The grand prize is $500 cash or a $500 gift card to Black Bear Archery !

Archery is a great sport for kids and young adults to get into. Check out their site to see all of the activities they have going on, as well as to read about the history of the club.

Tickets for the raffle are $5.00/each, three for $10.00, or seven for $20.00. For a chance at $500 cash, it sounds worth it.

For tickets, contact Bill Sterling at 302-834-8113.

At Long Last, An Honest Politician !

2009-07-28T12:34:00.005-05:00

Representative John Conyers (D-MI), seems a little bit overwhelmed by the 1,000-plus House health bill.

Sure thing, we should pass this and pass it fast:

“What good is reading the bill if it’s a thousand pages and you don’t have two days and two lawyers to find out what it means after you read the bill?”

Hey, at least he was being honest. Here’s the video from his speech at the National Press Club luncheon yesterday (0:36):

via CNS News

A Little Getaway Planned

2009-07-28T10:23:00.003-05:00

We’re getting ready for our camping trip on the Skyline Drive/Blue Ridge Parkway.

I’ve always loved to camp. As a young family, my Mom and Dad would haul us five kids all over the place in Virginia and West Virginia. Sometimes we got a cabin, other times we roughed it. One thing I will always remember is an expression that my Dad used that we all still use to this day. With five kids in the car (four girls and a boy), we had to time our pit stops. It was Dad and only Dad who decided when we stopped, so you had better be good at “holding it”. When Dad finally decided that it was time, he would pull the car off to the side somewhere and we would all scurry out to the closest tree to do our business.l Dad’s words to us as we left the car:

“Ok, everybody drain their lilies !”

LOL, we still refer to going to the bathroom as “draining our lilies”, though my little brother might not be able to relate. He probably had his own term, just not sure what it was.

So, I’ve always been a camper. It’s cheap and you don’t have to look good. A few years back when we had money, Chainsaw and I did a week of fishing in Lake Okeechobee, and went a couple of times to Camp Suwannee. Some girlfriends at work one day were talking about their vacations to Cancun, Aruba, etc., and one turned to me and said,

“And where was it you went, Shirley? A swamp ?”

I tell you I’d much rather be sitting around a campfire with Chainsaw than on a fancy cruise. And I can pee anywhere, it doesn’t bother me none. In fact, I’d rather go behind a tree then in one of those gnarly bathrooms they have at some campsites. You just have to watch out for poison ivy.

So, we’re leaving Thursday, heading towards Front Royal, VA. We’ll be staying at Mathews Arm Campground which is at Mile Marker 22. We’ve been there before, and it’s pretty primitive. Chainsaw wants to do a hike from the campground to Overall Run Falls. Not sure I’m ready for that, but I’ll give it a try. We’ve been reading the trail notes and it is considered to be a “moderately difficult” trek, but that turns into “very difficult” for two middle-aged smokers.

We splurged and got a stainless steel camping stove a few weeks ago. It retailed for $75, but we got it off of E-bay for $55 with free shipping. I had always thought that Coleman was the best, but Chainsaw tells me that Coleman makes their real money in selling parts, and people have to keep replacing things. So, this stainless steel stove was a little more expensive, but it should last us a good long time.

Another good thing about camping? Four nights at $15/night = $60.00. Not bad.

I’m taking these few days to wash all the equipment and get things together. Sounds like it’s going to be muggy and we may be rained on here and there, but that’s OK. The bike trailer will probably be packed to the gills with stuff that we won’t even use. We keep telling ourselves to minimize, but it always tempting to throw one more t-shirt in, even if you don’t wear it.

I’m looking forward to our adventure, and hope to have some good pictures and video when we get back !

4th Annual Cpl. Brandon M. Hardy Memorial Ride - Video

2009-07-24T17:43:00.002-05:00

I wrote earlier about the 4th annual Brandon M. Hardy Memorial Scholarship ride that we did last weekend.

Here’s a video of the ride…part still-pics, part video, with some familiar background music.

We will never forget Brandon Hardy. Ever.

When the Chips are Down, Even California Sez:

2009-07-23T17:45:00.005-05:00

Drill, baby, drill !

The most interesting part of the agreement was the reopening of Santa Barbara’s coastline to off-shore drilling. That will raise $100 million a year, which the Drill Here - Drill Now contingent has insisted would help the state balance its budget while lowering the cost of energy and providing jobs. The state has finally agreed, albeit very reluctantly.

I am wondering what has happened to all of their high-fallutin' green principles. I guess when you're broke, they go out the window.

Know Any Lesbian Alcoholics?

2009-07-22T17:51:00.005-05:00

Well, take heart ! Our friends at the National Institute of Health are here to help:

The UIC College of Nursing has received a $3 million federal grant to continue research to identify risk factors for excessive drinking among lesbians.

Three million dollars? Sounds like some researchers extending their own shelf-life.

Your tax dollars at work.

James Brown Comes Back from the Dead to File Ethics Complaint Against Sarah Palin

2009-07-21T18:18:00.010-05:00

Even the King of Soul is getting into the act.
Alaskan Ray Ward, a James Brown fan and impersonator (who once actually sued James Brown) filed an ethics complaint against Sarah Palin, claiming she has been paid for radio and television interviews dating back to just after she lost her vice-presidential bid.

The suit was dismissed six days later. The Governor’s attorney said in his statement

“The only saving grace in this recent episode is that it proves beyond any doubt the significance of the problem Alaska faces in the ‘new normal’ of political discourse. I hope this will be a wake-up call – to legislators, to commentators and to citizens generally – that we need a much more civil and respectful dialogue that focuses on the best interests of the state, rather than the petty resentments of a few.”

To show what a fine man Raymond Alvin Ward is, here is a list of his court cases, both as plaintiff and defendant (PDF, 8 pages). A real gem Mr. Ward is. He just loves to go to court.

Funny how you didn’t hear about this in the mainstream media, huh?

When you have people like this harassing you, you know people are getting worried.

What is Sarah Palin about? I don’t know yet. But I don’t think we’ve heard the last from her. Or her haters.

Let the games begin.